Technical Field

Embodiments relate to an adjustable applicator and, in particular, an adjustable applicator which may be used for the application of substances such as herbicides and other chemical compositions.

Background

Many industries such as agriculture require the application of a liquid to an area open to the elements which may have a variable environment. It is generally desirable to restrict the application of these chemicals to the desired target. This not only reduces waste, but many of these liquids can be harmful if misapplied.

In an open environment such as a field or garden, environmental factors such as wind can significantly affect the application. Where the substance is being applied as a liquid spray, wind can make it difficult to precisely target the application, particularly where if these environmental factors change unpredictable such as gusts of wind.

It has been found that a foam is an effective manner of applying such chemical compositions in certain situations. Due to the higher surface tension of foam compared to liquid, foam application is easier to target, adhering to the surface of the plant longer thereby increasing the efficacy of the chemical, and being foam is easier to see what plant surfaces have been treated, specifically in windy conditions. For the same reason however, foam does not have the same throw as spray, limiting the potential reach of application of the liquid in foam form.

Summary of the Disclosure

An embodiment comprises an adjustable applicator for application of a given substance either as a liquid or as a foam, the applicator comprising a first outlet for delivering a spray and a second outlet for delivering a foam, the applicator further comprising a selector for selecting either the first outlet or the second outlet as an output for the applicator.

The selector may be manually operable.

The selector may be manually operable through a twisting action. The selector may be moveable to direct a liquid either to the first outlet or the second outlet.

The applicator may further comprise a first outlet assembly and a second outlet assembly, the first outlet assembly comprising the first outlet and a first conduit, and the second outlet assembly comprising the second outlet and a second conduit, wherein the selector comprises a valve for selectively placing the first conduit or the second conduit in communication with an inlet.

The selector may comprise one or more selector conduits moveable between a first position where the first conduit is in communication with the inlet and a second position where the second conduit is in communication with the inlet. The selector may be moveable to a third position corresponding to a closed position. In the closed position, the selector conduits may be blocked.

The second outlet assembly may comprise an agitator for producing the foam.

The agitator may be a filamentous material. In some forms the agitator may comprise an abrasive material which in some aspects is in the form of steel wool or stainless steel wool or any other abrasive material wool or synthetic wool which may include polymeric wools, sponge wools, or combination of above. Alternatively, in some forms the agitator may comprise a foam open cell foam. In some forms the agitator may be a gas. In some forms the gas may be air.

The agitator may be located within the second conduit proximate the second outlet. The second conduit may comprise an agitation chamber located proximate the second conduit, the agitator conduit housing the agitator. In some forms the agitator material may be held inside the agitation chamber before the second outlet. The length of filamentous material may be less than 150mm. In some forms the length may be less than 120 mm.

The selector may be configured for rotation about a twist axis. The applicator may comprise an application axis wherein the foam or the spray is applied along the application axis. The twist axis may be substantially perpendicular to the application axis. The twist axis may be within 30 degrees of perpendicular to the application axis.

The applicator may comprise an inlet connected to an agitation chamber, the agitation chamber comprising an agitator to produce foam in a liquid entering the body through the inlet. In some forms the agitator may comprise a filamentous material. In some forms the outlet to the applicator includes an outlet assembly having an adjustable internal cavity. In some forms the internal cavity is defined by and positioned between two formations that are moveable with respect to one another to change the size, shape and pressure within the cavity. In some forms the formations are stepped. In some forms movement of the selector causes movement of a first formation relative to a second formation to thereby vary the size of the cavity.

The formations may have complementary cavity formations. The complementary formations may move relative to one another when the selector moves relative to the applicator to thereby form a cavity with a variable size in fluid communication with an outlet. The cavity with variable size may connect with both the spray outlet and the foam outlet.

The complementary aperture formations may comprise a stepped formation. At least one of the aperture formations may comprise a threaded portion. It has been found that an unmatched thread formation may help to induce a swirl or rotation to the liquid as it exits the outlet. In some forms a moveable selector with a stepped formation is attached to the cavity, wherein the operation of the selector adjusts the size of the cavity to selectively produce the substance as the spray or as the foam.

In some forms the selector may comprise a plurality of apertures of fixed size wherein a first aperture forms the first outlet and a second aperture forms the second outlet and wherein the selector is moveable to select the first aperture or the second aperture as an outlet to the body.

The selector may rotate relative to the body. The body may be cylindrical. The selector may rotate about a longitudinal axis of the body. The body may comprise a conduit located proximate the selector. The plurality of apertures may be provided at substantially equal radial distances from an axis of rotation of the selector. Movement of the selector about the axis of rotation may bring a selected aperture of said plurality of apertures into registration with the conduit of the body so that the selected aperture forms the outlet to the body.

Movement of the selector relative to the body may be indexed to provide registration of one or more apertures. The body may comprise a body index formation and the selector may comprise a selector index formation wherein the body index formation and the selector index formation co-operate to index movement of the selector relative to the body.

In some forms the selector may be changeable to give output as foam, liquid or mist. In some forms selector may be manually changeable.

An embodiment of the present invention discloses an adjustable applicator for application of a substance in liquid form or as a foam, the applicator comprising a body with an inlet for receiving the substance in liquid form; the body being formed with an agitation chamber housing comprising an filamentous material agitator for forming a foam from the substance in liquid form and an outlet through which the foam is expelled, wherein the outlet from the body is formed by an adjustable cavity and a moveable selector attached to the cavity, wherein the shape of the selector is configured to allow manual selection of path of the flow of liquid, wherein the movement of the selector changes the size, shape or pressure of the cavity and wherein, when the cavity is at a first size or shape, the substance is applied as a spray and when the cavity is at a second size or shape, the substance is applied as a foam.

An embodiment of the present invention discloses an adjustable applicator for application of a substance in liquid form or as a foam, the applicator comprising a body with an inlet for receiving the substance in liquid form; the body being formed with an agitation chamber housing an agitator for forming a foam from the substance in liquid form and an outlet through which the foam is expelled, wherein the outlet to the body is formed by an aperture, the applicator further comprising a selector moveable relative to the body, the selector having a plurality of selector apertures formed therein wherein movement of the selector aligns a chosen one of said selector aperture with the body outlet, movement of the selector relative to the body is indexed to provide registration of one or more apertures, wherein at least one of the selector apertures causes the substance to be applied as a spray and another of the selector apertures causes the substance to be applied as a foam.

An embodiment of the present invention discloses an adjustable applicator for application of a substance in liquid form or as a foam, the applicator comprising a body with an inlet for receiving the substance in liquid form; the body being formed with an agitation chamber housing an agitator for forming a foam from the substance in liquid form and an outlet through which the foam is expelled, wherein the outlet to the body is formed by an adjustable aperture and a moveable selector attached to the aperture so that movement of the selector changes the size of the aperture and wherein, when the aperture is at a first size, the substance is applied as a spray and when the aperture is at a second size, the substance is applied as a foam.

An embodiment of the present invention discloses an adjustable applicator for application of a substance in liquid form or as a foam, the applicator comprising a body with an inlet for receiving the substance in liquid form; the body further includes an adjustable aperture forming an outlet to the body wherein the aperture is adjustable in size; the body inlet is connected to an agitation chamber, wherein the agitation chamber includes an filamentous material agitator for forming a foam from the substance in liquid form, a moveable selector with a stepped formation is attached to the aperture, wherein the operation of the selector adjusts the size of the aperture to selectively produce the substance as a spray or as a foam.

In some forms the pressure with which the foam is selectively delivered either as a foam or as a liquid or as a mist when expelled from the first or second outlet (or first or second nozzles or other outlets or nozzles, as provided) is adjusted by adjusting the tip of the first outlet or second outlet (or first or second nozzles or other outlets or nozzles, as provided). In some forms changeable screw may be used to adjust the tip of the first outlet or second outlet (or first or second nozzles or other outlets or nozzles, as provided). The changeable screw on the tip may be tightened or loosened to adjust the pressure on the fluid to produce foam, liquid spray or fine mist. The screw adjustment controls the output as foam or reverts back to spray depending on the nozzle.

In some forms the first or second outlet (or first or second nozzles or other outlets or nozzles, as provided) may be replaceable with the outlets (or first or second nozzles or other outlets or nozzles, as provided) of different size and/or dimensions.

In some forms the outlet or outlets may comprise a cone nozzle or a fan nozzle. In some forms the nozzle may be a combination nozzle

A further embodiment extends to a method of applying a liquid as either a liquid or foam, the method comprising: providing a liquid; mixing the liquid with a gas such as air under pressure to provide a liquid/gas mixture; agitating the mixture to produce a foam; delivering the foam either as a foam or as a liquid by selecting a size of a cavity through which the foam is applied. The size of the cavity may effect pressure on the substance.

A first aperture may form the first outlet and a second aperture may form the second outlet, and the method may comprise selecting between the first aperture or the second aperture.

The method may comprise selecting between the first aperture and the second aperture by diverting a flow of the liquid or the foam.

The method may comprise selecting between the first aperture and the second aperture by moving the selected aperture into a path of flow of the foam.

The method may comprise varying the size of an aperture to selectively form the first outlet or the second outlet.

A further embodiment discloses a method of applying a liquid as either a liquid or foam, the method comprising: mixing the liquid with a gas such as air under pressure to provide a liquid/gas mixture; agitating the mixture with filamentous material to produce a foam; selectively delivering the foam either as a foam or as a liquid by selecting between a first aperture or a second aperture; wherein the first aperture forms the first outlet and the second aperture forms the second outlet.

It has been found that the aperture size at which a liquid is delivered, or which may deliver a user-desirable foam (taking into account throw and spluttering) depends on the pressure of the liquid/gas mixture which is agitated to form the foam, and the pressure with which the foam is then expelled from the first or second outlet (or first or second nozzles or other outlets or nozzles, as provided). Therefore, an applicator where the aperture size is variable may allow a user to use the same applicator with different compressors.

Description of the Drawings

Embodiments are herein described, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable applicator according to an embodiment;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a connector of the embodiment of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a front view of the selector of the embodiment of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the selector of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a cross-section along the line C-C of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a cross-section along the lineA-A of Figure 3;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of an adjustable applicator according to a further embodiment;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an assembly of the body and selector of the embodiment of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a front view of the assembly of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a cross-section of the assembly of Figure 9 along the line A-A in a first configuration;

Figure 11 is a cross-section of the assembly of Figure 9 along the line A-A in a second configuration;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the body of the embodiment of Figure 7;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the selector of the embodiment of Figure 7;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of an adjustable applicator according to a further embodiment;

Figure 15 is a front view of the body of the adjustable applicator of Figure 14;

Figure 16 is a cross-section along the line A-A of Figure 15;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the selector of the embodiment of Figure 14;

Figure 18 is a front view of the selector of Figure 17 ;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of an adjustable applicator according to a further embodiment;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of an adjustable applicator according to a further embodiment; and

Figure 21 is a schematic illustration of a compressor arrangement for use with embodiments.

Figure 22 is a cross-section view of a body of an adjustable applicator with manually adjustable screw on tip of nozzle.

Figure 23a is a perspective view of a compressor arrangement for use with embodiments.

Figure 23b is a cross-section view of a compressor arrangement of Figure 23a for use with embodiments.

Detailed Description of Specific Embodiment

Figure 1 illustrates an adjustable applicator 10 according to an embodiment. The applicator 10 includes a trigger handle 12 having a handle inlet 14 and a handle conduit 16 which joins the handle 12 to a connector 18. A selector 20 is attached to the conduit 18. Two outlet conduits 22 and 24 are further connected to the connector 18. An outlet barrel 26 is attached to the two outlet conduits 22 and 24.

The outlet barrel 26 comprises a foam nozzle 28 and a spray nozzle 30. The foam nozzle 28 is attached to, and forms an outlet to, barrel housing 32 which is attached to the conduit 24. Barrel housing 32 contains an agitator (in this embodiment provided by steel wool) housed within the barrel housing 32. Liquid entering the barrel housing 32 is pushed through the agitator which creates foam and the foam is then delivered through nozzle 28.

Spray nozzle 30 is connected to a barrel conduit 34 which is, in turn, connected to conduit 22.

Foam nozzle 28, barrel housing 32 and conduit 22 form a first nozzle assembly whereas spray nozzle 30, barrel conduit 34 and conduit 22 form a second nozzle assembly.

Figure 2 illustrates the connector 18 in more detail. The connector 18 is formed with two outlet apertures 40 and 42 which are connected to respective conduits 22 and 24. The connector 18 further comprises a third aperture (not shown in this Figure) which connects to the handle conduit 16 (Figure 1). The connector 18 is formed with a socket 44 which receives the selector 20. The socket has three apertures 46, 48 and 50. Aperture 46 is connected to aperture 42, aperture 50 is connected to aperture 40 and aperture 48 is connected to the inlet aperture through internal conduits (not shown).

The selector 20 shown in greater detail in Figures 3 to 6. As shown in Figure 4 the selector 20 comprises a handle 60 with a collar 62 and an axle 64. The collar 62 has four apertures 66, 68, 70 and 72 formed in the surface of the collar which abuts the connector 18 when the selector 20 is installed in the applicator 10. In addition, the connector has an inlet aperture (not shown) connected to the conduit 16.

When the selector 20 is installed in the applicator 18, the axle 64 and engages with central bearing 74 provided in the connector 18 (see Figure 2). By turning the handle 60 a user is able to turn the collar 62 relative to the connector 18 thereby moving the apertures 66, 68, 70 and 72 formed in the collar 62 relative to the apertures 46, 48 and 50 formed in the connector 18. As illustrated in Figure 6, apertures 68 and 70 are connected by a conduit 84 whereas apertures 66 and 72 are connected by conduit 80. Therefore, the user is able to selectively connect the inlet aperture 48 (which is connected to the conduit 16) in connector 18 to either the outlet aperture 50 or the outlet aperture 46 by rotating the handle 60.

It is to be realised that the selector 20 may be further twisted into so that the apertures in the selector 20 and the connector 18 are not in registration and, in this position, flow of both foam and liquid is prevented. This corresponds to a closed or off position.

In the embodiment shown, the handle twists about a twist axis (a longitudinal axis of the handle 60) and rotation about this twist axis allows the user to select between a foam application or a liquid application.

Therefore, the user is able to select whether the liquid which enters through the handle inlet 14 is delivered through the spray nozzle 30 or the foam nozzle 28 by rotating the handle 60 of the selector 20.

As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 the collar portion includes indent 82. As illustrated in Figure 2, indents 86, 88, 90 and 92 are formed in the portion of the collar interfacing with the collar 62 of the selector 20. A biased ball bearing (not shown) is located in indent 82 of the handle 60 and its interaction with the indents in the connector 18 provide an indexing to the movement of the handle 60 relative to the connector 18. In this manner, the user is provided with a tactile feedback informing them of the position of the handle 60 corresponding to registration between the various apertures in the handle 60 and the connector 18, and to the off or closed position.

Figure 7 illustrates an adjustable applicator 100 according to a further embodiment. The applicator 100 comprises a trigger handle 112 having a handle inlet 1 14. A conduit 1 16 connects the trigger handle 112 to a body 118. A selector 120 is connected to the body 118 as described in further detail below. It is to be noted that the applicator 100 of this embodiment comprises a single conduit, conduit 116, connecting the trigger handle to the outlet opening brackets which, in this case, is an aperture 122 provided in the selector 120).

The body 118 and selector 120 are illustrated in further detail in Figures 8 to 15. The selector 120 is mounted for rotational movement relative to the body 118. Body 118 comprises an inlet 128 and is formed with an agitation chamber 130. Although not shown in the accompanying Figures, the agitation chamber 130 contains an agitator in the form of steel wool which acts to create foam in the liquid which enters the body 118 through the inlet 128.

The body 118 comprises a nipple 132 (Figure 12) which has a trunk with four apertures 134, 136, 138 and 140. Above the nipple is a screw thread 142 and a protrusion 144 there is formed at the apex of the nipple 132. As illustrated, the protrusion 144 and the threaded portion 142 form a stepped formation, as best viewed in Figures 10 and 11.

In these forms the stepped formation may comprise an annular upper step centrally located in a circular lower step, the two steps being adapted to complement a second stepped formation such that movement moves the first stepped formation into the second stepped formation changing the shape and size of a cavity located between them.

The selector 120 has a central void 150 and an outlet 152. A stepped formation 154, abuts the threaded portion 142 of the nipple 132. Since the threaded portion 142 does not engage with a corresponding threaded portion in the stepped formation 154, the threaded portion 142 forms a helical path for the liquid.

Referring back to Figure 12, the body 118 has a receiving collar 160 with a helical groove 162 formed therein. The selector 120 has an internal stud (not illustrated) which engages with the helical groove 162. Therefore, as the selector 120 is rotated relative to the body 118, the selector 120 translates along the longitudinal axis of the body 118.

In a fully retracted position, when the selector 120 has been turned relative to the body 118 as far as possible in a clockwise direction (with reference to Figure 9), the step formation 154 of the selector 120 abuts the threaded portion 142 of the body 118. Similarly, the portion of the selector 120 forming the outlet 152 engages with the protrusion 144 of the body 118. In this position, the outlet 152 is sealed.

As the selector 120 is rotated in an anticlockwise direction, with reference to Figure 9, the selector 120 translates away from the body 118. In a first configuration, shown in Figure 10, the selector 120 has been rotated a relatively small distance providing a very small gap between the protrusion 144 of the body 118 and the portion of the body 120 forming the outlet 152.

As liquid is introduced through the inlet 128 into the body 118, the agitator located within the agitation chamber 130 creates a foam. The foam exits the body through the apertures 134, 136, 138 and 140 to enter the void 150 between the body 118 and the selector 120. In order to exit the void, the foam needs to negotiate any spaces between the threaded portion 142 of the body 118 and the stepped formation 154 of the selector 120 as well as the aperture which is formed between the protrusion 144 and the portion of the body defining the outlet 152. These gaps are relatively small in the configuration of Figure 10 and therefore, as the foam is pressurised, the foam is converted back to a liquid and is emitted as a spray.

The threaded portion 154 of the selector 120 serves to introduce turbulence to the flow. It has been found that this may assist in helping to produce a symmetrical and consistent spray.

In the configuration illustrated in Figure 11, the selector 120 has been rotated further anticlockwise (with reference to Figure 9) so that it has translated further along the longitudinal axis relative to the body 118. In this configuration, there is no engagement between the threaded portion 144 of body 118 and threaded portion 154 selector 120. Furthermore, protrusion 144 is clear of the outlet 152 allowing a relatively unimpeded passage for the foam formed within the agitation chamber 130. In this configuration, the applicator 100 delivers a foam.

Therefore, the user is able to select between a spray and a foam delivery depending on the adjustment of the selector 120 relative to the body 118. In the configuration illustrated in Figure 10, the gap between the selector 120 and the body 118 forms a spray nozzle whereas in the configuration illustrated in figure 11 , the gap between the selector 120 and the body 118 forms a foam nozzle. In this manner, the same aperture may be configured as either a spray nozzle or a foam nozzle depending on the size of the aperture.

It is to be realised that other embodiments are possible too. For example, any arrangement which selectively increases or decreases the size of an aperture through which the foam is delivered may be capable of being configured to deliver spray through appropriate adjustment. Furthermore, by changing the shape and configuration of a spray nozzle by changing the outlet aperture, different spray shapes and configurations may be provided.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of an adjustable applicator 200 according to a further embodiment. The applicator 200 comprises a trigger handle 212 having a liquid inlet 214. A conduit 216 joins body 218 to the trigger handle 212. A selector 220 is mounted to the body 218 and a user is able to adjust the applicator 200 by rotating the selector 220 relative to the body.

The body 218 and the selector 220 are illustrated in more detail in Figures 15 to 18. The body 218 is formed with an agitation chamber 230 in which is housed an agitator in the form of steel wool (not shown). The body 218 has an inlet 228 through which liquid is introduced into the agitation chamber 230. An outlet 242 is formed on the opposite side of the agitation chamber 230 to the inlet 228. The outlet is located at a radial distance R from the centre 244 at the longitudinal axis of the body 218.

The body 218 also includes a nipple 240 which extends along the longitudinal axis and which forms an axle on which the selector 220 rotates.

The selector 220 is formed with a central recess 250 which engages with the nipple 240. The selector is further formed with a large aperture 254, a medium aperture 252 and three small apertures 256 provided as a set. The apertures 254 and 252 are provided at a radial distance R from a centre of the selector 220, as is the centre of the three small apertures 256. Therefore, as the selector 220 rotates relative to the body 218, the apertures 252, 254 and 256 may selectively be brought into registration with the outlet 242.

The liquid entering the agitation chamber 230 of the body (via the inlet 214 and the conduit 216) is turned into foam by the action of the agitator and then exits the body 218 via the outlet 242. The small apertures 256 in the selector 220 are sufficiently small that the foam is converted back into a liquid. Therefore, when the small apertures 256 selected, the applicator delivers a liquid spray.

It has been found that the dimensions of the aperture sizes which deliver foam or spray depend on the pressure of the liquid coming into the applicator. This is discussed in more detail below, with reference to Table 1 .

Furthermore, the selector 220 may comprise additional apertures which vary the shape or configuration of the spray and/or foam delivered.

The body 218 includes an indent 244 formed on an outer circumference of the surface over which the selector 220 reciprocate as it turns. A lip 260 of the selector 220 is formed with indents 262, 264, 266 and 268. A biased ball bearing is located within the indent 244 and, as it interacts with the indents 262, 264, 266 and 268 provides an indexing, potentially allowing the user to easily select the required aperture. One of the indexed positions corresponds to a closed positions where the outlet 242 in the body 218 is closed. Where the selector comprises more than three apertures (e.g. to vary a shape or configuration of the spray and/or foam delivered), corresponding indexed positions may be provided).

Figure 19 is a perspective view of an adjustable applicator 300 according to a further embodiment. The adjustable applicator 300 is similar to the adjustable applicator 100 illustrated in Figure 7 with a difference that the applicator 300 further comprises a sleeve 302 which engages with an outer circumference of the selector 120. The sleeve 302 is provided with a grip 304. During use, a user is able to turn the selector 120 relative to the body 118 by turning the sleeve 302, either by gripping the sleeve 302 directly or via the grip 304. This may prevent the need for the user to reach down to the selector 120 and therefore may provide a more convenient and ergonomic operation.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of an adjustable applicator 400 according to a further embodiment. The adjustable applicator 400 is similar to the adjustable applicator 200 illustrated in Figure 14. The adjustable applicator 400 includes a sleeve 402 with a grip 404 which engages with the selector 220 and provides a potentially more ergonomic way for a user to rotate the selector 220 relative to the body 218.

Figure 21 is a schematic illustration of a compressor arrangement 500 for use with embodiments. The compressor arrangement 500 comprises a tank 502 storing a liquid 504. The liquid 504 is the liquid which the user wishes to apply as either a liquid spray or a foam, according to the above-described operation of the adjustable applicator.

It is to be realised that not all liquids suitable for such selected application. Generally, a surfactant is required in order to produce sufficient bubbles into a liquid to form foam. However, it has been found that, embodiments may find application to diverse materials such as herbicides, fertilisers and other chemical compositions.

The compressor arrangement 500 further comprises a pump 506 which is attached to an air inlet 508. When the pump is turned on air enters the tank 502 in the direction of arrows 510 from the outside (see arrow 512). A pressure sensor 514 is provided on the air inlet 508. The pump 506 and pressure sensor 514 connected via a PCB (not shown) so that a user is able to set the pressure and the pump is activated when it is detected that the pressure within the tank falls below the set limit.

A liquid outlet 520 conveys liquid out of the tank. A filter 522 is provided to filter the liquid before it enters the outlet 520. An aperture 524 is provided in the filter and it is through this aperture 524 that the liquid enters the outlet 520. An upper portion 530 of the outlet 520 is provided with a second aperture 532 to allow ingress of air from the tank. This ensures that air mixes with water, required for the formation of the foam.

A conduit 540 is connected to an adjustable applicator as described above.

In certain embodiments it has been found that the size of the aperture 524 allowing ingress of water and the size of the aperture 532 allowing ingress of air may affect the formation of foam in the liquid. In certain embodiments it has been found that an equal size for the two apertures may result in improved performance. Furthermore, depending on the strength of the pump 506, it has been found that an aperture size of 1 mm or of 2 mm may be preferred.

An embodiment of figure 22 illustrates a body 606 of adjustable applicator 600. A nozzle 601 is attached to, and forms an outlet to, body 606. The nozzle 601 is a manually adjustable which includes changeable screw 602 on tip to produce foam, liquid, spray or fine mist. The screw is manually tightened or loosened to adjust the outlet pressure to deliver the material as foam, liquid, spray or mist. The body 606 is formed with an agitation chamber 603 in which is housed an agitator (in this embodiment 8 grams of compressed agitating media). The body includes an inlet 604 through which air/ liquid is introduced into the agitation chamber 603. Air/ Liquid entering the body 606 is pushed through the compressed agitator, the screw on the tip of the nozzle is adjusted which creates foam, liquid, spray or mist which is then delivered through outlet 605.

An embodiment of figure 23 illustrates compressor arrangement 700 for use with embodiments. The compressor arrangement 700 comprises a tank 701 , an air pump 702, a check valve 703, a pressure switch 704, a sliding handle 705, the tank 701 stores a liquid 706.The liquid 706 is the liquid which the user wishes to apply as either a liquid spray or a foam, according to the above-described operation of the adjustable applicator. The air pump 702 which is attached to an air inlet 707. When the pump is turned on air enters the tank 701 . A check valve 703 is provided on the air inlet to prevent backflow. The pressure switch 704 measures pressure inside tank 701 and shuts off the compressor when the required air pressure is reached in the tank. The pressure switch 704 can turn on the compressor when tank air pressure levels drop and more air is required to fed into tank 701 through air outlet 708. In some forms, air is used as an agitator. A liquid outlet 709 conveys liquid out of the tank 701 . An upper portion of the outlet 709 is provided with an air/liquid mixture aperture 710, the aperture 710 allows ingress of air from the tank. This ensures that air mixes with liquid, required for the formation of the foam. A conduit 711 is connected to an adjustable applicator as described above. In some forms a USB charger port is attached to the compressor.

Example 1 : Table 1 lists results for different compressors and different aperture sizes. In this table, “fluid pickup hole” refers to the size of the aperture 524; “air vent in top of tube” refers to the size of the aperture 532; and “nozzle millimetres” refers to the size of the outlet aperture provided by the selector 20, 120 or 220 and the appropriate adjustable applicator.

TABLE 1

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Example 2: Table 2 discloses Best Nozzle Delivery Size based on 20% Gold Bio Weed using 12 V voltage. Table 2: Best Nozzle Delivery Size based on 20% Gold Bio Weed

Example 3: table 3 shown below discloses Best Nozzle Delivery Size based on 20% Gold Bio Weed using 6V - 15L/min air pump (5L bottle).

Table 3: Best Nozzle Delivery Size based on 20% Gold Bio Weed using 6V - 15L/min air pump (5L bottle)

In another Example 4, for 5 litres bottle the nominal voltage used is 3.7 V for the compressor, it has a flow rate of 10LPM, the pressure settings are 6-8PSI.

In another example 5, the “5L foamer” uses a variable pressure switch so it doesn't continuously cycle on and off, it has a range of 6-8 PSI. In another Example 6, 2.5 wool balls are packed in the agitation chamber, each ball has a volume approximately 143,793mm ³ . Details are mentioned in Table 4.

Table 4: Weight/mass, Volume, Density of 2.5 wool balls:

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments. Similarly, the word “device” is used in a broad sense and is intended to cover the constituent parts provided as an integral whole as well as an instantiation where one or more of the constituent parts are provided separate to one another.