Apparatus and method for distributing a fluid

Abstract

A backpack frame for a power blower and yard treatment sprayer system is provided in one embodiment of the present invention. The frame includes a first portion and a second portion extending outwardly from the first portion. The second portion is adapted for carrying the power blower thereon and has a hollowed out section. A cavity is further defined by the hollowed out section of the second portion and defined for holding a yard treatment mixture. A supply pipe is provided with a first end in communication with the cavity and a second inlet end positioned externally for filling the cavity with the yard treatment mixture. A tube is also provided with a first end in communication with the cavity and a second exit end positioned externally from the frame and terminating into a flow of air defined by power blower. Lastly, the frame includes straps for attaching the frame on the back of an operator.

1 . A backpack frame for a power blower comprising:
 a substantially vertical portion;   a substantially horizontal portion extending outwardly from the substantially vertical portion, the substantially horizontal portion supporting a conventional power blower and having a first cavity;   a reservoir for holding a fluid, the reservoir occupying at least a portion of the first cavity and having an inlet for filling the reservoir with the fluid; and   a first tube having a first end in communication with the reservoir and a second end positioned within the center of a nozzle, wherein the nozzle is connected to the power blower to direct airflow therefrom.   
   
   
       2 . The backpack frame of  claim 1 , wherein the substantially vertical portion of the backpack frame comprises a second cavity, the second cavity in communication with the first cavity. 
   
   
       3 . The backpack frame of  claim 2 , wherein the reservoir occupies at least a portion of both the first cavity and the second cavity. 
   
   
       4 . The backpack frame of  claim 1  further comprising a valve internal to the first tube for controlling flow of the fluid from the reservoir. 
   
   
       5 . The backpack frame of  claim 1  further comprising a central region on the substantially vertical portion defined with a plurality of apertures adapted for securing the power blower thereto. 
   
   
       6 . The backpack frame of  claim 1  wherein the fluid is a lawn treatment chemical. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the fluid is an insecticide. 
   
   
       8 . The backpack frame of  claim 1  further comprising a second tube having a first end connected to the power blower and a second end in communication with the reservoir, wherein the second tube feeds air from the power blower into the reservoir to pressurize the fluid, thereby forcing it into the first tube. 
   
   
       9 . A system for dispersing a fluid comprising:
 a frame adapted for wear by a human operator, the frame providing an internal reservoir capable of storing a liquid and an inlet port for introducing the liquid to the internal reservoir;   a conventional power blower supported by the frame, the conventional power blower having a nozzle assembly for directing airflow away from the power blower through a distal end;   a first tube connecting the reservoir to the distal end of the nozzle assembly for conveying the fluid from the reservoir into an airstream produced by the blower; and   a second tube connecting the power blower to the internal reservoir through which the power blower pressurizes the reservoir when the power blower is operating.   
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 9  further comprising a valve assembly internal to the first tube for controlling the flow of fluid from the reservoir to the nozzle assembly distal end. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the frame comprises a substantially vertical portion and a substantially horizontal portion. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the reservoir occupies at least a portion of both the substantially vertical portion and the substantially horizontal portion. 
   
   
       13 . A method for dispersing a fluid with a conventional power blower having a nozzle for directing air flow, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a fluid reservoir for receiving the fluid;   connecting a first tube from the reservoir to a distal end of the nozzle;   connecting a second tube from the power blower to the fluid reservoir;   pressurizing the fluid reservoir by operating the power blower to push air through the second tube; and   projecting the fluid through the first tube and out the distal end of the nozzle to the desired area of dispersion.   
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising the step of operating a valve internal to the first tube to control the flow of fluid from the reservoir. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the fluid is a lawn treatment chemical. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the fluid is an insecticide.