Abstract:
An adjustable sprayer comprising a fitting that includes a connector portion, an elongate cylindrical portion extending from the connector portion, and a bore formed longitudinally through the fitting. The sprayer includes a nozzle having a sleeve portion configured to receive the fitting&#39;s cylindrical portion whereby the nozzle is moveable, longitudinally, along the cylindrical portion between first and second spray positions. Movement of the nozzle into the first position permits a full diameter spray pattern through a water breaker. In the second position, fluid flow is restricted to a reduced diameter spray pattern through the water breaker.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/339,054, titled “ADJUSTABLE SPRAYER”, filed Dec. 28, 2011, which is incorporated herein as if set out in full. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Watering nozzles, known as water breakers, are a favorite for gardening enthusiasts and professionals for quickly watering potted or bedded plants. Water breakers deliver a large amount of water in a soft shower pattern. The typical water breaker is adequate if the user is close enough to reach the plants. However, to water plants with the same soft shower pattern from a further distance, the user must get closer to the plant or change nozzles. In either case, it is inconvenient and an inefficient way to water a large area. Furthermore, nozzles designed to reach a further distance will disrupt the soil, especially if used up close, thereby defeating the purpose of a water breaker type sprayer. 
         [0003]    Accordingly, there is a need for an adjustable sprayer capable of delivering the same soft volume of water that a normal water breaker delivers yet can adjust to deliver that spray further to reach plants that would normally require repositioning or changing the nozzle to a different style. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Provided herein is an adjustable sprayer capable of delivering the same soft volume of water that a normal water breaker delivers yet can adjust to deliver that spray further to reach plants that would normally require repositioning or changing the nozzle to a different style. According to an embodiment, the adjustable sprayer includes a fitting having a connector portion, an elongate cylindrical portion extending from the connector portion, and a bore formed longitudinally through the fitting. The connector portion includes threads mateable with a garden hose. The sprayer includes a nozzle connected to the fitting. 
         [0005]    The nozzle includes a sleeve portion configured to receive the fitting&#39;s cylindrical portion whereby a sleeve portion of the nozzle is moveable, longitudinally, along the cylindrical portion between first and second spray positions. In an embodiment, the nozzle is rotatably disposed on the cylindrical portion. The sprayer includes an o-ring seal disposed inside the sleeve portion, which is operative to provide a seal between the cylindrical portion and the sleeve portion. The nozzle includes a primary outlet and at least one secondary outlet radially spaced from the primary outlet. The cylindrical portion is in fluid communication with only the primary outlet when the nozzle is in the first spray position, and the cylindrical portion is in fluid communication with both the primary and secondary outlets when the nozzle is in the second spray position. 
         [0006]    The cylindrical portion of the fitting is adapted to seal with the cylindrical ring when the nozzle is in the first spray position. An o-ring seal may be disposed inside the cylindrical ring. Alternatively, the cylindrical portion and the cylindrical ring include mating frustoconical sealing surfaces. 
         [0007]    In an embodiment, the primary outlet and the at least one secondary outlet is concentric with each other. The nozzle includes a surrounding sidewall extending from the sleeve portion defining an interior region. The surrounding sidewall may diverge from the sleeve portion. The primary outlet comprises a cylindrical ring supported in the interior region. In an embodiment, the cylindrical ring is supported in the interior region by a plurality of radially extending stanchions. The secondary outlet comprises the area between the surrounding sidewall and the cylindrical ring. The sprayer also includes a perforated screen disposed adjacent to the primary and secondary outlets. 
         [0008]    Embodiments of the adjustable sprayer may also include a retaining ring disposed in the sleeve portion, and wherein the cylindrical portion includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced detent grooves adapted to receive the retaining ring. The detent grooves are adapted to receive the retaining ring and correspond to the first and second spray positions respectively. 
         [0009]    In other embodiments, the adjustable sprayer includes an outlet insert, having a cylindrical ring and an output end portion that extends outwardly from the cylindrical ring. In some embodiments, a flange is disposed to extend inwardly from an end of the output end portion to define the shape of the outlet. The outlet insert is coupled with the end portion of the fitting so that it is disposed in the interior of the nozzle. In a first spray position, the cylindrical portion is fully retracted with respect to the nozzle so that the outlet insert contacts a rearward portion of the nozzle interior. In this position, fluid flows from the outlet of the outlet insert and floods the interior of the nozzle before exiting through a “full diameter” of the perforated screen. In the second spray position, the flange of the outlet insert is positioned against the perforated screen to define a “reduced diameter” of the perforated screen through which fluid is allowed to flow. The restrictive nature of the “reduced diameter” produces a more narrow fluid spray pattern that reaches a further distance than that afforded by the “full diameter” without altering the spray pattern. 
         [0010]    These and other aspects of the adjustable sprayer will be apparent after consideration of the Detailed Description and Figures herein. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the adjustable sprayer, including the preferred embodiment, are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an adjustable sprayer according to a first exemplary embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is an exploded cross-sectional view of the adjustable sprayer shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is an exploded side view of the adjustable sprayer shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional side view of the adjustable sprayer shown in  FIG. 1  in a first spray position; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional side view of the adjustable sprayer shown in  FIG. 1  in a second spray position; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a side view in elevation of the nozzle; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the nozzle as viewed from the front; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the nozzle as viewed from the back; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a side view in elevation of the fitting; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view as viewed from the front of the fitting shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the fitting as viewed from the back; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is an adjustable sprayer according to a second exemplary embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is an exploded cross-section in perspective of the adjustable sprayer shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13A  is a side view in cross-section of the adjustable sprayer shown in  FIG. 11  in a first spray position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 13B  is a cross-sectional side view of the adjustable sprayer shown in  FIG. 11  in a second spray position; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is a partial cross-section illustrating the assembly of the perforated screen and nozzle insert. 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an adjustable sprayer according to a third exemplary embodiment; 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  is an exploded cross-sectional view of the adjustable sprayer shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  is an exploded side view of the adjustable sprayer shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 18A  is a cross-sectional side view of the adjustable sprayer shown in  FIG. 15  in a first spray position; 
           [0032]      FIG. 18B  is a cross-sectional side view of the adjustable sprayer shown in  FIG. 15  in a second spray position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
         [0034]    The adjustable sprayer  5 , shown in  FIG. 1 , includes a fitting  10  with a nozzle  40  attached thereto. Nozzle  40  also includes a perforated screen  32 , which is sometimes referred to as a water breaker. With further reference to  FIG. 2 , the fitting  10  includes a connector portion  12  with an elongate cylindrical portion  14  extending therefrom. A bore  16  is formed longitudinally through the fitting. Connector portion  12  may receive a washer  28 . For instance, washer  28  may be comprised of rubber to provide a seal between a garden hose and the connector portion. Mating threads  18  enable threaded engagement with threaded connectors on garden hoses and the like. 
         [0035]    With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 6 , nozzle  40  includes a sleeve portion  42  that is configured to receive the cylindrical portion  14  whereby the nozzle  40  is movable longitudinally along the cylindrical portion between first and second spray positions. Nozzle  40  also includes a surrounding sidewall  44  and a cylindrical ring  52  supported in the interior  50  of the surrounding sidewall  44 . Surrounding sidewall  44  extends from sleeve portion  42 . In this case, surrounding sidewall  44  diverges away from the sleeve portion. In this embodiment, cylindrical ring  52  is supported in the interior  50  of surrounding sidewall  44  by a plurality of radially extending stanchions  74 . Thus, nozzle  40  includes a primary outlet  60  and at least one secondary outlet  62  radially spaced from the primary outlet. Primary outlet  60  is defined by the interior of ring  52 , whereas the secondary outlet is defined by the inner surface  70  of surrounding sidewall  44  and the outer surface  72  of cylindrical ring  52  (see  FIG. 6 ). 
         [0036]    Perforated screen  32  includes a plurality of holes  34  through which water is sprayed. With reference to  FIG. 3 , the perforated screen  32  snaps into groove  33  of nozzle  40 . Groove  33  also accommodates an O-ring  36  against which the perforated screen  32  seals. Perforated screen  32  also seals against O-ring  38  which is supported by cylindrical ring  52 . 
         [0037]    With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , sleeve portion  42  includes a retaining ring groove  46  in which resides a retaining ring  56 . In this case, retaining ring  56  may be a snap ring of metal construction. Sleeve portion  42  also includes an O-ring groove or seal groove  48  within which is disposed an O-ring  58 . Accordingly, the elongate cylindrical portion  14  of fitting  10  is sealed against the O-ring  58  when inserted into the sleeve portion  42 . Retaining ring  56  is operative to engage detent grooves  22 ,  24  formed around the outside of the elongate cylindrical portion. It should be understood that the nozzle  40  may rotate about the cylindrical portion  14 . 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the first and second spray positions may be more fully understood. In  FIG. 4A , the adjustable sprayer is shown in a first spray position in which the cylindrical portion  14  is in fluid communication with only the primary outlet  60 . When the nozzle is in the first spray position, O-ring  76  seals against an end portion  13  of fitting  10 . Accordingly, fluid flowing from the adjustable sprayer is directed through only the primary outlet  60  as indicated by arrows F1. As shown in  FIG. 4B , when the nozzle is in the second spray position, fluid is allowed to flow through both the primary outlet  60  and the secondary outlets  62 . Fluid flowing from the primary outlet  60  is indicated by arrows F1, and fluid flowing through the secondary outlets is indicated by arrows F2. It can also be appreciated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  that the nozzle is retained in the first and second spray positions when retaining ring  56  engages a respective detent groove  22  or  24 . 
         [0039]    The nozzle  40 , as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , includes a sleeve portion  42  from which extends a diverging surrounding sidewall  44 . The surrounding sidewall  44  defines an interior region  50  in which is supported a cylindrical ring  52 . Cylindrical ring  52  defines the primary outlet  60  while the secondary outlet (or outlets)  62  is defined as the region between the inner surface  70  of surrounding sidewall  44  and outer surface  72  of cylindrical ring  52 . In this embodiment, cylindrical ring  52  is supported in the interior region  50  by a plurality of stanchions  74 . 
         [0040]    The fitting  10 , as shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , includes connector portion  12  and an elongate cylindrical portion  14 , extending from the connector portion  12 . Elongate cylinder  14  has an end portion  13  and a bore  16  formed through the fitting. Cylindrical portion  14  also includes a plurality of detent grooves. In this case, the cylindrical portion  14  includes two detent grooves  22 ,  24  which correspond respectively to first and second spray positions. Cylindrical portion  14  also includes a barb  26  adjacent detent groove  24 . Barb  26  inhibits removal of nozzle  40  from fitting  10 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the connector portion  12  includes threads  18  configured for attachment to a garden hose, for instance. 
         [0041]    An adjustable sprayer  105  according to a second exemplary embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 11-14 . Adjustable sprayer  105  also includes a fitting  110  and a nozzle  140  disposed on the fitting. Nozzle  140  also includes a water breaker in the form of a perforated screen  132 . Perforated screen  132  includes a plurality of holes  134  through which water is sprayed. With reference to  FIG. 12 , it can be appreciated that adjustable sprayer  105  is similar to the embodiment described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-10 . However, in this case, the nozzle  140  also includes a cover  141  and an outlet insert  143 . As above, the nozzle  140  includes a sleeve portion  142  from which extends the surrounding sidewall  144  defining an interior  150 . Sleeve portion  142  includes a retaining ring groove  146  in which resides a retaining ring  156 . Retaining ring  156  may be a snap ring of metal construction. Sleeve portion  142  also includes an O-ring groove or seal groove  148  within which an O-ring  158  is disposed. Accordingly, the elongate cylindrical portion  114  of fitting  10  is sealed against the O-ring  158  when inserted into the sleeve portion  142 . Retaining ring  156  operates to engage detent grooves  122 ,  124  formed around the outside of the elongate cylindrical portion. It should be understood that the nozzle  140  may rotate about the cylindrical portion  114 . 
         [0042]    The outlet insert  143  is disposed in the interior  150  of the nozzle  140 . Outlet insert  143  includes an outer ring  151  and an inner ring  152 . The inner ring  152  is supported within the outer ring  151  by a plurality of stanchions  174 . In this case, the primary outlet  160  is defined by the interior of inner ring  152 . Secondary outlets  162  are defined by the region between the inner ring  152  and the outer ring  151 . 
         [0043]    With reference to  FIG. 12 , fitting  110  of adjustable sprayer  105  is similar to that as described above, in that it includes a connector portion  112  from which extends a cylindrical portion  114 . Cylindrical portion  114  includes a plurality of detent grooves. In the depicted embodiment, the cylindrical portion  114  includes two detent grooves  122 ,  124  which correspond respectively to first and second spray positions. Cylindrical portion  114  also includes a barb adjacent detent groove  24 , which inhibits removal of nozzle  140  from fitting  110 . As depicted, various embodiments of the connector portion  112  include mating threads  18  configured for attachment to reciprocally threaded fittings, such as those on garden hoses. A bore  116  is formed longitudinally through the fitting  110 . In this case, however, fitting  110  includes a frustoconical end portion  113  which is adapted to mate with a mating frustoconical surface  176  formed in inner ring  152 . 
         [0044]    With further reference to  FIG. 13A , it can be appreciated that when the nozzle is in the first spray position, frustoconical mating surfaces  113  and  176  provide a seal between the end portion  113  and inner ring  152 . Accordingly, when in the first spray position, fluid flows only through the primary outlet  160 . With reference to  FIG. 13B , when the nozzle is in the second spray position, fluid is allowed to flow through both primary outlet  160  indicated by arrows F1 as well as through secondary outlets  162  indicated by arrows F2. 
         [0045]      FIG. 14  illustrates the installation of outlet insert  143  into surrounding sidewall  144 . Outer ring  151  of the outlet insert  143  includes a flange  157  which is disposed in groove  133  formed around the interior of surrounding sidewall  144 . The outlet insert  143  is retained in groove  133  by perforated screen  132 . Perforated screen  132  includes a surrounding flange  137  which may be pressed into the groove  133  against flange  157  to engage an edge of groove  133 , thereby retaining both the perforated screen  132  and the outlet insert  143  in the nozzle  140 . 
         [0046]    With reference to  FIGS. 15-18B , an adjustable sprayer  205  includes a fitting  210  and nozzle  240 . Nozzle  240  includes a perforated screen  232 , through which water or other fluids exit the adjustable sprayer  205 . The fitting  210  includes a connector portion  212  with an elongate cylindrical portion  214  extending therefrom to an opposing end portion  213 . A bore  216  extends longitudinally through the fitting  210 . In various embodiments, connector portion  212  includes a washer  228  to provide a seal between a garden hose and the connector portion  212 . Mating threads  218  enable threaded engagement with threaded connectors on garden hoses and the like. 
         [0047]    With reference to  FIGS. 15-17 , nozzle  240  includes a sleeve portion  242  that is configured to receive the cylindrical portion  214 . In this manner, the nozzle  240  is movable longitudinally along, and may rotate about, the cylindrical portion  214  between first and second spray positions. In various embodiments, sleeve portion  242  includes an O-ring groove or seal groove  248  within which an O-ring  258  is disposed. Accordingly, the elongate cylindrical portion  214  of fitting  210  is sealed against the O-ring  258  when inserted into the sleeve portion  142 . Nozzle  240  also includes a surrounding sidewall  244 , which extends from sleeve portion  242  to define an interior  250  of the nozzle  240 . In various embodiments, surrounding sidewall  244  diverges away from the sleeve portion  242 . The perforated screen  232  at least partially encloses the distal, open end of the nozzle  240 . In some embodiments, the open end of the nozzle  240  includes an annular groove  233 , which also accommodates an O-ring  236  against which the perforated screen  32  seals. A retaining ring  238  may be positioned within annular groove  239  to retain the perforated screen  232  within the nozzle  240  and in sealing engagement with the O-ring  236 . 
         [0048]    With reference to  FIGS. 16-18B , the adjustable sprayer  205  includes an outlet insert  280 . In various embodiments, the outlet insert  280  includes a cylindrical ring  282  and an output end portion  284 , which extends outwardly from the cylindrical ring  282 . In at least some embodiments, the output end portion  284  may have a generally frustoconical shape that terminates in an outlet  286 . In some embodiments, a flange  288  is disposed to extend inwardly from an end of the output end portion  284  to define the shape of the outlet  286 . In particular, the flange  288  includes an inner diameter edge portion that defines the outlet  286 . In the depicted embodiment, the flange  288  extends generally perpendicular to a central axis of the cylindrical ring  282 . The outlet insert  280  is coupled with the end portion  213 . In some embodiments, the cylindrical ring includes an annular locking groove  290 . In such embodiments, the locking groove  290  is positioned to receive an annular locking barb  292  that extends from the end portion  213 , which is shaped to be press-fit within the locking groove  290 . In this position, the outlet insert is disposed in the interior  250  of the nozzle  240 . 
         [0049]    With reference to  FIGS. 18A and 18B , the first and second spray positions of the adjustable sprayer  205  may be more fully understood. In  FIG. 18A , the adjustable sprayer  205  is shown in a first spray position in which the cylindrical portion  214  is fully retracted with respect to the nozzle  240 . In this position, a shoulder  294  of the cylindrical ring  282  bottoms out within a recess  296  formed within a rearward end portion of the interior  250  of the nozzle  240 . In this manner, the shoulder  294  and recess  296  serve as a positive stop to prevent withdrawal of the fitting  210  from the sleeve portion  242 . A portion of an exterior surface of the output end portion  284  engages an interior surface of the surrounding sidewall  244  of the nozzle  240  when the nozzle is in the first position. Accordingly, when the nozzle  240  is in the first spray position, fluid flows from the outlet  286  of the outlet insert  280  and floods a forward portion of the interior  250  of the nozzle  240  before exiting through the perforated screen  232  as indicated by arrows F1. Specifically, fluid is allowed to flow through a first diameter or “full diameter” of the perforated screen  232 , as defined by the surrounding sidewall  244 , that retains the perforated screen  232  at its peripheral edge portion. 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 18B , when the nozzle  240  is in the second spray position, the flange  288  of the outlet insert  280  is positioned against the perforated screen  232 , creating a fluid pathway that extends from the outlet insert  280  and directly out the nozzle  240 . In some embodiments, the outlet insert  280 , or at least the flange  288 , may be formed from a material with sealing properties, such as a resilient deformability. Accordingly, the flange  288  defines a second diameter or “reduced diameter” of the perforated screen  232  through which fluid is allowed to flow, as indicated by arrows F2. As depicted by  FIGS. 18A and 18B , the “full diameter” of the perforated screen  232  is greater than the “reduced diameter” of the perforated screen  232 . For example, in some embodiments, the “full diameter” may be approximately 1.81 inches and the “reduced diameter” may be approximately 1.12 inches. In particular embodiments, a diameter of the outlet  286  of the outlet insert  280  approximates the “reduced diameter.” The restrictive nature of the “reduced diameter” will produce a more narrow fluid spray pattern that will reach a further distance than that afforded by the “full diameter” without altering the spray pattern. 
         [0051]    The adjustable sprayers described herein may be comprised of various materials as one of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate. For example, the fitting  10 ,  110 ,  210  may be comprised of metal such as brass, aluminum, or steel. Alternatively, fitting  10 ,  110 ,  210  may be comprised of molded plastic such as ABS. Nozzle  40 ,  140 ,  240  may be comprised of brass, aluminum, or steel such as in the case of the fitting. Also, the nozzle  40 ,  140 ,  240  may be comprised of plastic such as ABS. The nozzle cover  141  may be comprised of a suitable material which may be either molded onto nozzle  140  or forcibly installed over the nozzle. Accordingly, nozzle cover  141  may be comprised of a hard rubber or other suitably flexible material. The components described herein may be molded or machined, for example. 
         [0052]    Also contemplated herein are methods of varying the spray from a nozzle. The methods thus encompass the steps inherent in the above described structures and operation thereof. Although the technology and methods of using and/or applying the same have been described in language that is specific to certain structures, materials, and methodological steps, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures, materials, and/or steps described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term “approximately.” At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term “approximately” should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or any and all individual values subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or individual values that are between and/or inclusive of the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and so forth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so forth).