Single valve ready to use hose end sprayer

Abstract

The present invention relates to a chemical sprayer that includes a sprayer head assembly and a container. The container defines a cavity for storing a chemical to be sprayed. The sprayer head assembly includes a chemical passage, a carrier fluid passage, a vent passage, a valve chamber and a valve. The chemical passage is communication with the cavity. The carrier fluid passage is in communication with a carrier fluid source. Both the carrier fluid and chemical passages are in communication with the valve chamber. The valve is moveably positioned within the valve chamber and defines at least partially a first passage and a second passage. The first passage is configured so as to be in communication with the chemical passage when the valve is in an open position. The second passage is configured so as to be in communication with the carrier fluid passage when the valve is in the open position. The first and second passages are also configured so as to not be in communication with the chemical and carrier fluid passages when said valve is in a closed position. The valve also includes one or more seal portions positioned on the valve so as to block both the chemical and the carrier fluid passages when said valve is in the closed position. The sealing portions also preferably blocks a vent passage when the valve in the closed position. The second passage also preferably forms at least in part an outlet of the sprayer head assembly. A suction generating surface is also preferably defined by the valve.

1 - 132 . (canceled)  
   
   
       133 . A chemical sprayer comprising a sprayer head assembly and a container that defines a cavity for storing a chemical to be sprayed; said sprayer head assembly comprising: 
 a chemical passage that is in communication with said cavity;    a carrier fluid passage that is in communication with a carrier fluid source;    a bore that is in communication with said chemical and carrier fluid passages;    a vent passage that is in communication with said cavity and an atmospheric pressure source;    a valve moveably positioned within said bore such that said valve rotates about a substantially horizontal axis, said valve at least partially defining a first passage and a second passage that are in communication with each other, said first passage is configured to be in communication with said chemical passage when said valve is in an open position, said second passage is configured to be in communication with said carrier fluid passage when said valve is in said open position, said first and second passages are also configured to not be in communication with said chemical and carrier fluid passages when said valve is in a closed position;    said valve further comprising one or more sealing portions positioned so as to block both the chemical and the carrier fluid passages when said valve is in said closed position.    wherein said valve is configured such that, as said valve is rotated about said substantially horizontal axis from said open condition to said closed position, said valve closes said vent passage such that it is no longer in communication with the atmospheric pressure source.    
   
   
       134 . A chemical sprayer as in  claim 133 , wherein said valve includes a sealing wall that extends across said carrier fluid passage, said one or more sealing portions are located at least in part on said sealing wall and said valve further includes a bracing wall that is coupled to said sealing wall at least two points that are on opposite sides of said carrier fluid passage.  
   
   
       135 . A chemical sprayer as in  claim 133 , wherein said one or more sealing portions do not form a single piece with said valve.  
   
   
       136 . A chemical sprayer as in  claim 135 , wherein said valve includes one or more recesses and said one or more sealing portions are positioned within said one or more recesses.  
   
   
       137 . A chemical sprayer as in  claim 133 , wherein said one or more sealing portions are formed from a single sealing member.  
   
   
       138 . A chemical sprayer as in  claim 133 , wherein said one or more sealing portions consists of an elastomer.  
   
   
       139 . A chemical sprayer as in  claim 133 , wherein said one or more sealing portions forms an annular seal around said chemical passage.  
   
   
       140 . A chemical sprayer as in  claim 133 , wherein said one or more sealing portions are formed from a single sealing member that includes a transition passage that is in communication with said chemical passage and said first passage when said valve is in said open position.  
   
   
       141 . A chemical sprayer comprising a sprayer head assembly and a container that defines a cavity for storing a chemical to be sprayed; said sprayer head assembly comprising: 
 a chemical passage that is in communication with said cavity;    a carrier fluid passage that is in communication with a carrier fluid source;    a bore that is in communication with said chemical and carrier fluid passages;    a vent passage that is in communication with said cavity and an atmospheric pressure source, said vent passage not being connected to said chemical passage within said sprayer head assembly; and    a valve moveably positioned within said bore such that said valve rotates about a substantially horizontal axis, said valve at least partially defining a first passage and a second passage that are in communication with each other, said first passage is configured to be in communication with said chemical passage when said valve is in an open position, said second passage is configured to be in communication with said carrier fluid passage when said valve is in said open position, said first and second passages are also configured to not be in communication with said chemical and carrier fluid passages when said valve is in a closed position;    wherein said valve further comprises one or more sealing portions positioned so as to block both the chemical and the carrier fluid passages when said valve is in said closed position.    
   
   
       142 . A chemical sprayer as in  claim 141 , wherein said valve includes a sealing wall that extends across said carrier fluid passage, said one or more sealing portions are located at least in part on said sealing wall and said valve further includes a bracing wall that is coupled to said sealing wall at least two points that are on opposite sides of said carrier fluid passage.  
   
   
       143 . A chemical sprayer as in  claim 141 , wherein said one or more sealing portions do not form a single piece with said valve.  
   
   
       144 . A chemical sprayer as in  claim 141 , wherein said valve includes one or more recesses and said one or more sealing portions are positioned within said one or more recesses.  
   
   
       145 . A chemical sprayer as in  claim 141 , wherein said one or more sealing portions are formed from a single sealing member.  
   
   
       146 . A chemical sprayer as in  claim 141 , wherein said one or more sealing portions consists of an elastomer.  
   
   
       147 . A chemical sprayer as in  claim 141 , wherein said one or more sealing portions forms an annular seal around said chemical passage.  
   
   
       148 . A chemical sprayer as in  claim 141 , wherein said one or more sealing portions are formed from a single sealing member that includes a transition passage that is in communication with said chemical passage and said first passage when said valve is in said open position.