Abstract:
A hands-free fluid application system for retaining a fluid supply close to the body of an operator of the present inventive system. A fluid supply hose may attach to a belt component at a connecting means. The connecting means serves to communicate the fluid to a dispensing hose that then conducts the fluid to a spray applicator for dispersal. The connecting means secured to the belt allows for the fluid supply hose to be dragged along by the operator&#39;s body thereby leaving their hands free to operate the spray applicator and direct the stream of fluid issuing therefrom. A spray applicator holder may serve to secure the spray applicator to the belt and allow an operator free use of both hands when manipulation of the spray applicator is not required. The present invention eliminates the repetitive crouching and bending commonly associated with use of a conventional fluid supply hose.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention generally relates to a fluid application system, more specifically, the present invention relates to a fluid application system allowing for unencumbered movement of an operator wherein the fluid application system is secured close to the operator&#39;s body. 
         [0006]    2. Background Art 
         [0007]    Fluid application is critical to a wide variety of functions including car washing, landscaping, gardening, gutter cleaning, patio cleaning, the cleaning of industrial and manufacturing facilities, and the like. As an operator and the attached conventional fluid spray device move around the work area, the fluid supply hose from a source (e.g. a garden hose) may become entangled with the operator or with other objects in the work area. The operator may often lose sight of the fluid supply hose and then must expend a great deal of energy in continually locating the hose and bending down to retrieve the hose and spray nozzle from the ground. These occurrences create aggravating time delays and result in a great deal of fatigue for the operator. A need exists for a fluid application system that prevents the supply hose from becoming either continually placed on the ground or entangled with the operator or other objects in the work area. 
         [0008]    In such situations, it is highly beneficial to maintain a fluid dispersal device on the body of a user to eliminate work stoppages, such as the locating and retrieving of a garden hose placed on the ground, which may be very time consuming, physically arduous, and costly in terms of labor. 
         [0009]    Reduction of both labor time and the overall exertion level required by a user in such situations is very beneficial. From routine yard maintenance to elderly individuals that still enjoy gardening, the reduction of physical exertion such as the repetitive bending to grab a garden hose nozzle or the awkward dragging of the garden hose about the yard may be a crucial and determinative factor as to the strenuousness and/or feasibility of performing the task. The present invention is also very beneficial in commercial and/or industrial settings where repetitive cleaning of the surrounding environment or object therein may be a continuous daily activity. 
         [0010]    Safety and the ability to multitask may also be relevant issues if free use of one&#39;s hands is essential to the situation. For example, a person cleaning gutters may be required to continuously climb up and down a ladder to retrieve and use the garden hose during the cleaning process. Using a ladder or scaffolding is inherently dangerous, and the task becomes all the more perilous when at least one of the user&#39;s hands must be used to carry the garden hose while climbing up and down the ladder or scaffolding. In such a situation, a system is required for efficiently and effectively securing the hose to the user&#39;s body while at the same time freeing both hands to reduce the risk of danger, such as injury from a fall. Additionally, the freeing of both hands allows the operator to perform other tasks while still having quick and convenient access to a fluid supply source. 
         [0011]    Elimination of repetitive movements may further serve to drastically reduce the overall work time. By making steps incorporating the continuous application of fluid more efficient, workers may become much more productive and thereby finish projects in a timelier manner. 
         [0012]    Therefore, there is a need felt in the art for a fluid application system that permits a fluid supply hose to be secured to a belt of an operator. Such a system would assist in reducing the physical burden imposed on an operator having to continuously bend down to retrieve and thereafter drag a fluid supply hose to the operator&#39;s ever-changing position. 
         [0013]    Such a system further promotes safety by preventing falls that may result from an operator having to repeatedly go up and down ladders or scaffolding with a fluid supply hose and/or other tools in his or her hand; the operator may now dispose the fluid supply hose and all other tools on the belt of the present inventive system. 
         [0014]    It is an objective of the present invention to provide a fluid application system that serves to free a user&#39;s hands for other tasks and/or safety concerns. The system may provide for securing of a fluid supply hose as well as other commonly used items about the waist of the operator, thereby keeping the operator&#39;s hands free while moving about a work area, up and/or down ladders or scaffolding, and the like. The present inventive system further enhances the safety of the operator during activities benefiting from easy access to a fluid supply source while reducing wasted time, labor costs, and effort. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    In accordance with the present invention, a fluid application system wherein a fluid is delivered to the fluid application system by a fluid supply hose, the fluid application system comprising a belt sized to secure the fluid application system around the waist or hip of an operator, a connecting means secured to the belt, wherein the connecting means is in communication with and releasably secured to the fluid supply hose, a dispensing hose having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the dispensing hose communicates with the connecting means, and a spray applicator in communication with the second end of the dispensing hose. 
         [0016]    The present invention provides a fluid application system wherein the operator does not carry or bear the weight of a supply reservoir during the fluid dispersal process. More particularly, the invention provides a connecting means attachment point for the end of a fluid supply hose, the fluid supply hose may be removably attached to an operator&#39;s body to permit the fluid supply hose to be dragged along by the operator&#39;s body thereby leaving their hands free to operate the spray applicator and direct the stream of fluid issuing therefrom. 
         [0017]    The present invention also provides a fluid application system comprising a belt, a connecting means, a dispensing hose, and a spray applicator that may all be quickly and easily coupled together, by the operator in the field, in preparation for immediate fluid application for a multitude of tasks. A quick release connections disposed at each component junction may further assist in this expedited process. 
         [0018]    The present invention further provides a spray applicator that may be formed in a variety of shapes to furnish an easy to grip applicator that is available for a variety of uses. A nozzle tip having a multi-positional head may provide for a variety of fluid dispersal configurations including streaming, spraying, misting, and the like. The spray applicator may provide a means of controlling the fluid flow (e,g. on/off control) issuing forth from the present inventive system. Such capability may provide for painless use by individuals with arthritic conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome, and the like. Lack of such functionality may preclude such individuals from participating in any tasks that require fluid application. 
         [0019]    It is an important aspect of the present invention to provide a simple and inexpensive fluid supply hose attachment permitting the fluid supply hose to be pulled along by a person&#39;s body while the spray applicator may be secured to the belt of the present invention leaving an operator&#39;s hands free to perform any other task(s) without separating themselves from the fluid supply. 
         [0020]    These and other benefits and advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the summary of this invention, and upon undertaking a study of the description of its preferred embodiments in view of the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the present inventive system. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  depicts an exploded view of another embodiment of the present inventive system. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the present inventive system further comprising at least one attachment means. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the present inventive system further comprising suspenders. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the present inventive system having components disposed with the belt. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    In referring to the Figures, and in particular  FIG. 1 , there is disclosed a fluid application system  10  for delivering a fluid originating from a fluid supply hose  15  (shown as a ghost image). An operator may have a fluid application system  10  of the present invention attached about their waist or hip. The system  10  may generally comprise a belt  20 , a connecting means  25 , a dispensing hose  30 , and a spray applicator  35 . As can be seen from  FIG. 1 , the fluid supply hose  15  may communicate with the connecting means  25  disposed on the belt  20 . The connecting means  25  may then also be in communication with a first end  31  of the dispensing hose  30  which may also have the spray applicator  35  disposed at the second end  32  of the dispensing hose  30 . 
         [0027]    The fluid supply hose  15  that interacts with the present invention may comprise any form of fluid supply known within the art. The fluid supply hose  15  may originate from a variety of fluid sources including but not limited to a city water supply, a well water supply, a fluid-filled tanker truck, industrial fluid containers, and the like. 
         [0028]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 1-4 , the present system  10  is secured about the waist or hip of an operator by means of the belt  20 . Most people are accustomed to wearing a belt  20  and thus most operators may find such a configuration comfortable to wear. In addition, the belt  20  may be secured firmly so that movement of the present inventive system  10  is minimal. Simple belts  20  may be suitably made from a webbing material, but other functional or hard wearing materials may be easily substituted. The belt  20  may comprise any material known within the arts including but not limited to nylon, leather, rubber, and the like. As depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the belt  20  may include a fastening means including but not limited to any fastening means known within the art, belt buckles (see  FIG. 3 ), hook and loop fasteners (see  FIG. 4 ), buttons, snap fasteners, zippers, tie off ends, clasps, clamps, side release buckles, slide fasteners, roller buckles, cam buckles, ladder locks, D-rings, O-rings, and the like. The preferred fastening means comprised hook and loop fasteners as depicted in  FIG. 4 . The belt  20  may be fully adjustable to fit operators of various sizes via an adjustment bracket or any other means of belt adjustment known within the art. 
         [0029]    As depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  4 , the connecting means  25  may preferably be disposed at the approximate midpoint of the belt  20  such that the connecting means  25  may be adjacent the lower back region of the operator. Such a configuration allows the operator to walk, climb or perform other activities while the fluid supply hose  15  is both supported by the belt  20  and dragged along behind the operator&#39;s body. This configuration maintains the path of the fluid supply hose  15  close to and behind the operator&#39;s body, thereby preventing the fluid supply hose  15  from entering the working path of the operator. In this manner, the operator&#39;s arms and hands are free to use the spray applicator  35 , grip a ladder or scaffolding, or perform any other necessary duties in the work area. The present inventive system  10  distributes the weight and drag force of the fluid supply hose  15  over the operator&#39;s entire body, especially his or her legs, greatly reducing fatigue. In addition, any risk of dropping the fluid supply hose  15  is eliminated. Within the scope of the present invention, alternate embodiments may include the connecting means  25  disposed at any point about the circumference of the belt  20 . 
         [0030]    Should the fluid supply hose  15  need to be disengaged rapidly, its point of communication with the connecting means  25  may comprise a quick release mechanism or any other rapidly removable connection known within the art. Any and all other connection points of the system  10 , including the connecting means  25  to the dispersing hose  30 , and the dispersing hose  30  to the spray applicator  35  may also comprise a quick release mechanism or any other rapidly removable connection known within the art. Such removable connections may include but are not limited to threaded surfaces, quick release mechanisms, or any other engagement configurations known within the art. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting means  25  comprises a male quick release structure disposed thereon and the associated fluid supply hose  15  comprises a complimentary female quick release structure disposed thereon. In this manner, fluid flow from the fluid supply hose  15  is stopped once the system  10  of the present invention is disconnected from the fluid supply hose  15 . The complimentary engagement surfaces, including quick release mechanisms, threaded surfaces, and the like, may all be reversed, if desired, within the scope of the present invention. As depicted in  FIGS. 1-4 , in a preferred embodiment the body of the connecting means  25  may be provided for in a 90 degree configuration. However, the body of the connecting means  25  may be provided for in a variety of embodiments including but not limited to bodies having any structural angle between and including 0 to 180 degrees. Such connecting means  25  may be secured to the belt in any orientation possible. The present invention further includes a fluid conduit channel disposed within the belt  20  for providing passage of fluid between the fluid supply hose  15  and the first end  31  of the dispensing hose  30 . 
         [0031]    While  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  4  each depict the connecting means  25  disposed in the approximate midpoint of the belt  20 , the connecting means  25  (and connection site for the fluid supply tube  15 ) may be disposed at any point along the length of the belt  20 . In certain work environments, the preferred location of the connecting means  25  may be adjacent the left or right hip of the operator. One embodiment of the present inventive system  10  may comprise a fixed location of the connecting means  25  in regards to the belt  20 . The scope of the present invention system  10  also encompasses a connecting means  25  having a releasable attachment to the belt  20  and thereby providing for one or more adjustable points of releasable attachment to the belt  20 . Points of attachment may include but are not limited to clips, straps, brackets, one or more apertures through the belt  20 , and the like. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention the connecting means  25  may be disposed within the material comprising the belt  20  and thereby providing a more aesthetic and streamlined appearance. In such an embodiment, the connecting surfaces of the connecting means  25  may protrude from the surface of the belt  20  providing for attachment thereto. 
         [0032]    As depicted in  FIGS. 1-4 , a dispensing hose  30  connects the connecting means  25  to the spray applicator  35 . A first end  31  of the dispensing hose  30  may be releasably secured to the connecting means  25  while a second end  32  of the dispensing hose  30  may be releasably secured to the spray applicator  35 . The connections at both ends  31 , 32  of the dispensing hose  30  may comprise any form of connection known within the art including but not limited to complimentary threaded surfaces and quick release mechanisms. The dispensing hose  30  provides a means for allowing easy manipulation of the spray applicator  35  while maintaining the weight and drag of the fluid supply hose  15  on the operator&#39;s torso. Such a dispensing hose  30  may comprise any form of hose or tubing known within the art. 
         [0033]    The use of a flexible coiled dispensing hose, as depicted in  FIGS. 1-4 , may significantly reduce the risk of the dispensing hose  30  either tangling or getting caught up in either the operator or any other object in the work area. Preferably, a flexible coiled dispensing hose  30  of the present invention may be sufficiently flexible to extend when in use but may also have sufficient resilience or rigidity to return automatically to its condensed, compact form when not in use by the operator. Such a flexible dispensing hose  30  may be suitably made of a nylon or similar material with “memory” characteristics (i.e. it has the property of returning to its former shape after flexing). This characteristic may provide for a springy, recoiling action of the flexible coiled dispensing hose  30 . 
         [0034]    A further advantage of using such a flexible coiled dispensing hose  30  is that if a suitable length of coil is employed, it may prevent the spray applicator  35  from falling to the ground if it is dropped or otherwise accidentally knocked from the operator&#39;s hand. If the dispensing hose  30  is of a short enough length, the spray applicator  35  may be left to hang from the belt  20  via the dispensing hose  30  when not in use by the operator. A coiled spring hose orienting member at each end  31 , 32  of the coiled dispensing hose  30  may be used to maintain the dispensing hose  30  in a helical position and to prevent the dispensing hose  30  from being bent too frequently at the location of its connections, in order to prevent accelerated or untimely fracturing of the dispensing hose  30  at these locations. 
         [0035]    The spray applicator  35  may be used to control the flow of fluid issuing from the present inventive system  10 . The spray applicator  35  may be constructed in a variety of shapes, including but not limited to a pistol-style spray applicator  35 , as depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 . The scope of the present invention does not require the use of any one particular spray applicator  35  configuration. For example,  FIG. 4  depicts a cylindrical spray applicator  35  configuration having an internal nozzle tip  36 . All varieties of spray applicator  35  configurations known within the art are within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, the spray applicator  35  may be comprised of a durable, scratch-resistant material. Additionally, the surface of the spray applicator  35  may be textured or contoured to provide the operator with a more ergonomic and/or easy-grip surface. For example, the outer surface of the spray applicator  35  may be knurled to facilitate grasping in the hand of the operator. 
         [0036]    As depicted in  FIGS. 1-4 , the spray applicator may further comprise a nozzle tip  36 . The nozzle tip  36  may provide the aperture from which fluid contained within the system  10  issues forth. Preferably, the nozzle tip  36  may have a plurality of adjustable positions, with each position providing for a different configuration of fluid dispersal such as a stream, a spray, a mist, and the like. 
         [0037]    The spray applicator  35  may further comprise a variety of activation means.  FIGS. 2-4  depict a push button  40  fluid activation means. The scope of the present invention is not limited to only such an embodiment, and may further include but is not limited to any activation means known within the art such as a button, lever, trigger handle, twist nozzle, and the like. Such capability may provide for painless use by individuals with arthritic conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome, and the like. Lack of such functionality may preclude such individuals from participating in any tasks requiring fluid application. 
         [0038]    The system  10  of the present invention may further comprise a spray applicator holder  45  disposed on the belt  20 . The shape of the holder  45  may be readily adapted to accommodate the particular spray applicator  35  employed. Suitable holders  45  may include but are not limited to clips, hooks, holsters, complimentary fasteners, and the like attached to the belt  20 .  FIG. 3  depicts a holster-type holder  45   a  attached to the belt  20 . Such a holder  45  may be secured to the belt  20  in any means known within the art including but not limited to clips, rivets, fasteners, sliding the belt  20  through slots disposed within the holder  45 , and the like.  FIG. 4  depicts a complimentary fastener-type holder  45 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the complimentary fastener-type holder  45  may comprise embodiments such as a hook  45   b  secured to the belt  20  from which a ring element  45   c  secured on the spray applicator  35  may be hung. 
         [0039]    The spray applicator holder  45  may be made from any material which has sufficient strength to retain the spray applicator  35  within the spray applicator holder  45 . Such materials include but are not limited to nylon, plastic, vinyl, metal, rubber, and any combinations thereof. The spray application holder  45  may be permanently fixed to the belt  20  at a specific location or the holder  45  may be freely movable to any desired location on the belt  20 . The ability to move the spray applicator holder  45  is highly beneficial so as to allow both right and left-handed operators to comfortably use the system  10  of the present invention. In accordance with each operator&#39;s unique preferences, the spray applicator holder  45  may be moved and secured to any position about the belt  20  desired by the operator. 
         [0040]    As depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the system  10  of the present invention may further comprise at least one attachment  50  means disposed about the belt  20 . The at least one attachment means  50  may include but is not limited to an enclosed pouch  50   a,  a strap  50   b,  a loop  50   c,  a pocket, and the like. By using at least one attachment means  50 , an operator may keep additional items  55  (such as gardening tools  55   a,  construction tools  55   b,  and the like) close to their body while performing their work duties. Another example may include an enclosed pouch  50   a  for holding and protecting items such as a cell phone while an operator is using the fluid application system  10  of the present invention. The at least one attachment means  50 , such as a strap  50   b  or loop  50   c,  may additionally be used as a point from which to hang and store the fluid application system  10  when not in use. 
         [0041]    As depicted in  FIG. 4 , the present inventive fluid application system  10  may further comprise suspenders  60 . The suspenders  60  may be utilized to further assist in securing the belt  20  about the waist or hips of the operator. Preferably the suspenders  60  may be adjustable and have a plurality of attachment points about the perimeter of the belt  20 . Any configuration of suspenders  60  known within the art may be utilized to further assist in securing the present inventive system  10  about the torso of the operator. The suspenders  60  may be either permanently attached to the belt  20  or removably attached to the belt so that each operator may choose if additional suspender  60  support is required. 
         [0042]    In use, one embodiment of the system  10  of the present invention may be attached to a conventional garden hose (fluid supply hose  15 ). A female threaded end of the fluid supply hose  15  may directly communicate with a threaded male connection on the connecting means  25 . Alternatively, a quick release hose connection may releasably attach the connecting means  25  of the present system  10  to the fluid supply hose  15 . The body of the connecting means  25  may comprise a  90  degree configuration with the connecting means  25  passing through an aperture disposed at the approximate midpoint of the belt  20  of the present invention. The connecting means  25  may further be secured to the belt  20  to prevent any further movement of the connecting means  25 . The first end  31  of the coiled dispensing hose  30  may threadingly engage the connecting means  25  or, alternatively, have a quick release connection thereto. The second end  32  of the coiled dispensing hose  30  may threadingly engage the spray applicator  35  or, alternatively, have a quick release connection thereto. The spray applicator  35  may comprises a trigger-handle for actuating the release of fluid from the system  10 . Additionally, a ring element  45   c  may be secured to the spray applicator  35  with the ring element  45   c  capable of being displaced over a hook  45   b  secured to the belt  20  when the spray applicator  35  of the system  10  is not in use by the operator. 
         [0043]    As depicted in  FIG. 5 , another embodiment of the system  10  of the present invention may comprise a plurality of components and connections disposed within the belt  20  to provide a more aesthetic and streamlined appearance. The connecting means  25  and the first end  31  of the dispensing hose  30  may be disposed within a space defined by the belt  20  and thus may be inaccessible to the operator. As shown in  FIG. 5 , a quick release mechanism attached to the connecting means  25  may protrude from the belt via a first aperture  65  and be capable of communicating with a complimentary quick release mechanism disposed about the end of the fluid supply hose  15 . Additionally, the first end  31  of the dispensing hose may engage the connecting means  25  within the space defined by the belt  20 . A portion of the dispensing hose  30  may exit from within the belt via a second aperture  66  to thereafter connect the second end  32  of the dispensing hose  30  to the spray applicator  35  (not shown). 
         [0044]    As is readily apparent from the above description, the present invention provides a fluid application system  10  that allows an operator to conveniently transport a fluid supply hose  15  without the need to occupy their hands. Furthermore, the uniquely designed system  10  allows the operator to maintain both the fluid supply hose  15  and the spray applicator  35  close to their side while performing any other work related duties. When the operator moves about, the fluid supply hose  15  is dragged or pulled along by the operator&#39;s body, leaving their hands and arms free to direct the spray applicator  35 , climb ladders, and the like. This arrangement is very convenient in elevated and/or mobile work environments where an operator may otherwise frequently become separated from the spray applicator  35  and/or continuously perform duties requiring the use of two free hands. 
         [0045]    While the above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but as exemplifications of the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. 
         [0046]    Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.