Combination blower and herbicide spraying

Abstract

An apparatus for performing grounds maintenance functions and dispensing a fluid includes a grounds maintenance device and a fluid spraying device. The spraying device includes a container mounted on the grounds maintenance device for holding the fluid, and a spraying member in communication with the container for spraying the fluid. The spraying member is moveable from a carrying position in which the spraying member is carried on the grounds maintenance device to a spraying position in which the spraying member is moveable independent of the grounds maintenance device.

1 . A grounds maintenance apparatus comprising: 
 (a) a grounds maintenance device adapted for being carried by a user and performing a predetermined grounds maintenance function; and    (b) a spraying device for spraying a fluid comprising: 
 (i) a container mounted on the grounds maintenance device for holding the fluid,  
 (ii) and a spraying member in communication with the container for spraying the fluid, the spraying member moveable from a carrying position wherein the spraying member is carried on the grounds maintenance device to a spraying position wherein the spraying member is moveable independent of the grounds maintenance device.  
   
   
   
       2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the grounds maintenance device comprises a weed trimmer.  
   
   
       3 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the grounds maintenance device comprises an edger.  
   
   
       4 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the grounds maintenance device comprises a leaf blower.  
   
   
       5 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the spraying member comprises a wand, and further comprising an elongate holder mounted on the grounds maintenance device having at least one opening for receiving the wand, wherein the wand is positioned within the holder when in the carrying position.  
   
   
       6 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a motor for powering the grounds maintenance device.  
   
   
       7 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a handle attached to the grounds maintenance device for facilitating lifting and carrying of the apparatus by the user.  
   
   
       8 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the container is sized to hold approximately forty fluid ounces.  
   
   
       9 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the fluid comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of a herbicide, fungicide, pesticide and insecticide.  
   
   
       10 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising an air pump in communication with the container via a first fluid line, whereby the container is pressurized.  
   
   
       11 . An apparatus according to  claim 10 , further comprising: 
 (a) a second fluid line connecting the container and the spraying member; and    (b) a trigger operatively connected to a valve positioned in the second fluid line whereby pressing the trigger opens the valve to allow the fluid to pass through the second fluid line and into the spraying member.    
   
   
       12 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a strap attached to the grounds maintenance device for aiding the user in carrying the apparatus.  
   
   
       13 . A grounds maintenance apparatus comprising: 
 (a) a leaf blower unit having an elongate tube for dispensing a stream of air; and    (b) a spraying device for spraying a fluid comprising: 
 (i) a container mounted on the leaf blower unit for holding the fluid,  
 (ii) and a wand in communication with the container for spraying the fluid, the wand moveable from a carrying position wherein the wand is carried on the leaf blower unit, and a spraying position wherein the wand is moveable independent of the leaf blower unit.  
   
   
   
       14 . An apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the leaf blower unit includes a motor for being carried on a back of a user.  
   
   
       15 . A method of landscaping comprising: 
 (a) providing an apparatus comprising a grounds maintenance device for performing a predetermined grounds maintenance function and a spraying device for spraying a fluid, the spraying device including a container mounted on the grounds maintenance device for holding the fluid and a spraying member in communication with the container for spraying the fluid, the spraying member moveable from a carrying position wherein the spraying member is carried on the grounds maintenance device, and a spraying position wherein the spraying member is moveable independent of the grounds maintenance device;    (b) using the grounds maintenance device to perform the predetermined grounds maintenance function while the spraying member is maintained in the carrying position;    (c) removing the spraying member from the grounds maintenance device;    (d) pointing a terminal end of the spraying member at a desired location for spraying the fluid thereon; and    (e) spraying the fluid at the desired location.    
   
   
       16 . A method of lawn maintenance according to  claim 15 , further comprising the step of pressurizing the container, and wherein the container and the spraying member are connected by a fluid line and a trigger is operatively connected to a valve positioned in the fluid line.  
   
   
       17 . A method according to  claim 16 , wherein the step of spraying the fluid comprises engaging the trigger.  
   
   
       18 . A method according to  claim 15 , wherein the grounds maintenance device, comprises a leaf blower, and the step of using the grounds maintenance device comprises blowing leaves.  
   
   
       19 . A method according to  claim 15 , wherein the grounds maintenance device comprises a weed trimmer, and the step of using the grounds maintenance device comprises cutting away unwanted vegetation.  
   
   
       20 . A method according to  claim 15 , wherein the grounds maintenance device comprises an edger, and the step of using the grounds maintenance device comprises cutting sod.