Abstract:
A fluid-dispensing nozzle assembly automatically pivotally adjusts within a defined range of motion, to consistently project a fluid toward a windshield for contact at a designated area thereof, regardless of the velocity of ambient air therepast. The nozzle assembly adjusts automatically without requiring electric motors or other energy input. The pivotally adjustable fluid-dispensing nozzle assembly includes a support member and a nozzle member which is pivotally attached to the support member. The nozzle member is provided with an air engaging surface, to enable air moving therepast to pivotally move the nozzle member, once the passing air achieves a predetermined flow rate.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to a nozzle assembly for dispensing a fluid onto a substrate. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pivotally adjustable nozzle assembly for consistently dispensing windshield washer fluid on to a designated portion of a vehicle windshield. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a nozzle assembly of the described type, which is constructed and arranged to be automatically angularly adjustable within a defined range of motion, relative to the velocity of passing ambient air.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Within the automotive field, fixed-orifice nozzles are commonly used to dispense windshield washer solvent on to a vehicle&#39;s windshield. It has been known to attach a nozzle assembly to the vehicle in a fixed manner in front of the vehicle&#39;s windshield, typically on the hood or engine cowl, and to orient the nozzle at a fixed angle to direct washer solvent to a predetermined contact area on the windshield. Some of the known nozzle assemblies may be manually pivotally adjusted while the vehicle is parked, or is otherwise sitting still. Examples of some of the known designs for manually adjustable windshield washer nozzles are given in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,898,036, 3,067,955, and 5,975,431.  
           [0003]    When a vehicle is stationary or is traveling at a relatively low speed, a conventional nozzle assembly will generally permit the nozzle to direct washer solvent to the correct predetermined location on the windshield.  
           [0004]    However, as the vehicle speed increases, there is a tendency for air to displace the washer fluid stream after it leaves the nozzle, so that the stream may not contact the preferred location on the windshield, but may be displaced to a lower, less beneficial location. At freeway speeds, it becomes difficult or virtually impossible to apply windshield washer fluid using the conventional system, because more often than not, the fluid spray will be redirected by passing air, and will fail to reach a useful area of the windshield. Most experienced drivers are familiar with this situation.  
           [0005]    In response to this problem, some attempts have been made to compensate for the displacement of windshield washer solvent from a nozzle assembly at higher speeds.  
           [0006]    Some examples of known devices that depict devices addressing this problem are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,403,859; 4,618,096; 5,820,026; 5,965,950; and, 6,082,636, which are discussed further below.  
           [0007]    Daansen, U.S. Pat. No. 3,403,859, entitled, “Venturi Washer,” discloses a washer system for dispensing fluid onto a predetermined area of a vehicle&#39;s windshield. The Daansen invention encloses a washer fluid nozzle within a venturi for dispensing washing fluid. The venturi is a funnel-like scoop on the vehicle hood that surrounds the nozzle. The venturi is designed to generate a protective channel of air when the vehicle is moving, to move with fluid expelled from the washer nozzle, and to facilitate contact of washer fluid on the vehicle&#39;s windshield at a predetermined area, regardless of the vehicle&#39;s speed.  
           [0008]    Kondo et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,168,096, entitled, “Window Washer for Vehicle,” discloses a windshield washer system for washing the windshield of a vehicle, which periodically alters the pressure at which the washer fluid is expelled from the spray nozzle. The Kondo et al. invention incorporates a pressurized means in combination with a fluidic oscillator to periodically increase the pressure at which washer fluid exits the washer spray nozzle, in an attempt to counter wind shear experienced when a vehicle is traveling at high speeds.  
           [0009]    Raghu, U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,026, entitled, “High-Speed Windshield Washer Nozzle System,” discloses a device which elevates the washer fluid as it travels toward the windshield when a vehicle is traveling at high speeds. The Raghu invention incorporates a concave incline or tab along the top of the nozzle housing to create a vortex between the nozzle and the windshield, which elevates washer fluid after exiting the spray nozzle when the vehicle is traveling at high speeds.  
           [0010]    Park, U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,950, entitled, “Device For Controlling The Injection Location Of Washer Solution,” discloses a washer system for dispensing washer fluid to a predetermined location on the windshield of a vehicle traveling at any rate of speed. The Park invention uses an electronic control unit to vary the pressure at which the system dispenses washer fluid, in connection with the rate at which the vehicle is traveling.  
           [0011]    Yoshida et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,636, entitled, “Window Washer Nozzle Assembly Having A Favorable Spray Pattern,” discloses a washer nozzle assembly for a vehicle, which dispenses washer liquid at all speed ranges. The Yoshida et al. invention utilizes a nozzle with an upper and lower lip, the upper lip extending further outward than the lower, wherein the upper lip facilitates placement of washer liquid on a predetermined location when the vehicle is traveling at high speeds.  
           [0012]    While each of the aforementioned patents provides an apparatus for dispensing washer fluid toward a predetermined location of a vehicle&#39;s windshield, a need still exists in the art for an improved fluid-dispensing nozzle assembly.  
           [0013]    Ideally, a fluid-dispensing nozzle apparatus would automatically adjust during vehicle operation to change the angle at which the fluid spray is directed, so as to compensate for a change in the surrounding air velocity. Such an adjustable nozzle would provide more consistent placement of washer fluid on the windshield of a vehicle than is available with conventional nozzles.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0014]    The present invention has been developed to overcome limitations and disadvantages of the prior art, and to fulfill a need in the art for an improved fluid-dispensing nozzle assembly.  
           [0015]    A nozzle assembly, in accordance with the present invention, automatically pivotally adjusts within a defined range of motion, to consistently project a fluid toward a windshield for contact at a designated area thereof, regardless of the velocity of the ambient air. The nozzle assembly hereof is preferred to be passively self-adjusting, that is, to adjust automatically without requiring electric motors or other energy input.  
           [0016]    A pivotally adjustable fluid-dispensing nozzle assembly, in accordance with the present invention, includes a support member and a nozzle member which is pivotally attached to the support member. The nozzle member is provided with an air engaging surface, to enable air moving therepast to pivotally move the nozzle member, once the passing air achieves a predetermined flow rate.  
           [0017]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a nozzle member for use with a fluid supply system in dispensing fluid onto the windshield of a vehicle.  
           [0018]    The nozzle member includes a housing having a hollow passage defined therein, the housing including a projection surface having a nozzle with an outlet formed therein, the outlet being in fluid communication with the passage. The passage serves as a fluid connection through which a fluid travels prior to leaving the housing via the nozzle. The nozzle dispenses washer fluid outwardly in a fluid stream, which is directed towards a predetermined area of the windshield.  
           [0019]    It is another object of the invention to provide a nozzle assembly which is passively pivotally adjustable during vehicle operation.  
           [0020]    It is still another object of the invention to provide a nozzle apparatus including a nozzle member pivotally attached to a support member. The pivotal relationship between the nozzle member and the support member permits the nozzle member to pivotally adjust the angle at which fluid is distributed from the projection surface to the substrate. Direct pivotal contact occurs through the operative engagement between the support arm or arms of the support member and the housing of the nozzle member.  
           [0021]    It is still another object of the invention to provide a nozzle member with a nozzle thereon, the nozzle member also including a wind-engaging surface for contacting passing air to allow for pivotal elevation thereof.  
           [0022]    Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description which, in conjunction with the annexed drawings, disclose the presently preferred embodiments of the invention. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of a vehicle front end, showing a fluid-dispensing apparatus thereon according to a first embodiment of the invention;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 2A is a side plan view of the fluid-dispensing apparatus of FIG. 1, with a nozzle member shown in a resting position thereof;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 2B is a side plan view of the fluid-dispensing apparatus of FIG. 1, with the nozzle member shown in an elevated position thereof;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the fluid-dispensing apparatus of FIGS. 1-2B;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 2D is a rear plan view of the fluid-dispensing apparatus of FIGS. 1-2C;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 3 is a is a perspective view of a vehicle front end, showing a fluid-dispensing apparatus thereon according to a second embodiment of the invention;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the fluid-dispensing apparatus of FIG. 3;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 5A is a side plan view of a fluid-dispensing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 5B is a front plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 5A;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 5C is a rear plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 5A;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 6 is a side plan view of a fluid-dispensing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; and  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 7 is a rear plan view of a fluid-dispensing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0035]    The present invention, in its broadest sense, includes a support member and a nozzle member pivotally attached to the support member, in which the nozzle member is passively pivotally movable by air moving therepast.  
         [0036]    Referring to FIGS. 1-2D of the drawings, a pivotally adjustable fluid-dispensing nozzle apparatus, according to a first illustrative embodiment of the invention, is shown generally at  10 , installed on a vehicle  100 . It will be understood that during operation thereof, the vehicle  100  moves forwardly through ambient air, which creates the subjective impression of wind passing the vehicle to a vehicle occupant.  
         [0037]    Reference will therefore be made herein to effective wind moving past the apparatus  10 , which is intended to mean relative subjective air speed, caused by forward movement of the vehicle  100 , and as experienced at the apparatus.  
         [0038]    Throughout the following description, the terms “front” and “rear” are used with reference to the orientation of the apparatus  10  in an installed position on a vehicle, as shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, the front and rear of the apparatus  10  correspond to the front and rear of the vehicle, and accordingly, it will be understood that the nozzle  30  will be located on a rearward-facing surface of the apparatus  10 , so as to be oriented facing toward the vehicle windshield  101 .  
         [0039]    The fluid-dispensing apparatus  10  is provided for dispensing windshield washer fluid outwardly therefrom, in a fluid stream, towards a vehicle&#39;s windshield  101 . The apparatus  10  generally includes a support member  12  for affixing to a vehicle  100 , and a nozzle member  15  which is pivotally attached to the support member  12 .  
         [0040]    Specifically referring to FIGS. 1-2D, the support member  12 , as shown according to the first embodiment, incorporates a fluid supply conduit  18  for connecting to a source of fluid, a base  20  for attaching to a vehicle surface, and a pair of spaced-apart upstanding support arms  22 ,  24  (FIG. 2C). The support member  12  is constructed of a lightweight, rigid material such as die-cast metal, aluminum, or a strong plastic.  
         [0041]    As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the fluid supply conduit  18  is a rigid or flexible tube, which is adapted to connect to a vehicle&#39;s windshield washer fluid supply assembly (not shown). It will be understood that in an installed configuration thereof, the fluid supply conduit  18  will be situated below the surface of the vehicle  100 , and therefore will not be visible to a causal observer.  
         [0042]    A fluid transfer conduit  19  is also provided, extending between the base  20  and the nozzle member  15 , to supply fluid to the nozzle member. The fluid transfer conduit  19  must be formed from flexible material, such as pressure-resistant tubing, because it is required to flexibly move when the nozzle member  15  moves, as will be further described.  
         [0043]    The base  20  may have a hole formed therethrough to allow fluid communication between the supply conduit and the transfer conduit.  
         [0044]    Alternatively, the fluid supply conduit  18  and the transfer conduit  19  may be combined into a single piece of tubing.  
         [0045]    As still another alternative structure, the fluid transfer conduit may be formed as an internal channel (not shown) incorporated within an area of the support member  12 , e.g. within a support arm such as the support arm shown at  22 .  
         [0046]    The support member  12  also includes the base  20 , which is used to secure the apparatus  10  to the body of a vehicle  100 . The base  20  operates as the floor of the support member  12 , and attaches to the vehicle surface through the use of conventional fasteners such as screws, rivets or nuts and bolts, or by adhesives such as epoxy or other known adhesives.  
         [0047]    The support arms  22 ,  24  are provided to pivotally support the nozzle member  15  thereon. The support arms  22 ,  24  are substantially parallel spaced-apart members which extend upwardly from the base  20 . In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2D, the support arms  22 ,  24  are oriented substantially vertically, and are integrally formed with the base  20 .  
         [0048]    As shown in FIG. 7, in an alternative embodiment of a nozzle assembly  80 , a modified support member  82  can be made with only a single support arm  84  extending upwardly from the base  83 , if desired. In this embodiment, a single pivot arm  87  interconnects the nozzle member  85  to the support member  82 .  
         [0049]    Optionally, the support member  12  may further incorporate one or more rest stops  25  extending inwardly within the support arms, which are provided to maintain the desired resting orientation of the nozzle member  15 . The resting orientation of the nozzle member  15 , shown in FIG. 2A, is selected for optimal fluid displacement when the vehicle is at rest or moving slowly, during low velocity or zero movement of ambient air around the vehicle  100 .  
         [0050]    Alternative embodiments of the apparatus may reduce the number of rest stops to one, or may replace it with a post (not shown), extending upwardly from the base  20 . Further alternative embodiments of the support arms may remove the rest stops entirely, and achieve the desired resting angle of the nozzle member by a different method, such as re-shaping a section of the nozzle member to rest on the base  20 , or using the fluid transfer conduit  19  to restrict downward movement of the nozzle member.  
         [0051]    As seen in FIGS. 2A-2B, the apparatus  10  hereof is preferred to include an upper limit stop member  34  to limit upward pivotal movement of the nozzle  30  with respect to the base. While some upward pivotal movement is important in the practice of the present invention, if the housing  17  pivots upwardly too far, the fluid stream issuing therefrom will be directed too high into the air, and may miss the windshield  101 , or may not impact the preferred area thereof. The upper limit stop member  34  may be located in any of a number of positions on the support member  12 , on the nozzle member  15 , or may include components on both of these.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIGS. 2A-2B further illustrate the spatial relationship between the support member  12  and the nozzle member  15 . The nozzle member  15  is spaced upwardly away from the base  20  of the support member  12 , to allow air flow therebetween.  
         [0053]    In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 -2D, the support member  12  and nozzle member  15  are related in a manner so as to create a duct  14  therebetween, through which air may travel. The duct  14  is the open space bounded by the base  20  at the bottom, the inner surfaces of the support arms  22 ,  24  on the sides, and the lower surface  26  of the nozzle housing  17 . The lower surface of the nozzle housing may also be referred to as the wind-engaging surface  26 .  
         [0054]    The nozzle member  15  is pivotally attached to the support member  12  by way of any appropriate pivotal connection between the support arms  22 ,  24  and the housing  17  of the nozzle member  15 . Non-limitative examples of suitable connections between the support arms  22 ,  24  and nozzle member  15  include pins  27  (FIG. 2D), rivets, hollow tubes, a solid axle passing through the nozzle member  15 , or other known pivotal mounting hardware. While the drawings show the pins  27  passing through holes formed in the support arms  22 ,  24 , one example of an equivalent structure would be for each of the support arms  22 ,  24  to have a concave depression or dimple formed in the inward-facing surface thereof, and the ends of the pins  27  could rest in the depressions.  
         [0055]    The nozzle member  15  is constructed of material in kind to that of the support member. Preferably, the nozzle member  15  is formed from metal or from a strong plastic. The nozzle member  15  includes a housing  17  having a lower, wind-engaging surface  26  and having a projection surface  31  at the rearward-facing end thereof to support a nozzle  30 . The housing  17  has a hollow passage  28  formed therethrough (FIG. 2A), to transmit fluid from the transfer conduit  19  to the nozzle  30 .  
         [0056]    The nozzle member also includes a nozzle  30 , attached to the housing  17  at the projection surface  31 , and having an outlet  32  formed therethrough. The nozzle outlet  32  is in fluid communication with the passage  28  of the housing  17 . The nozzle  30  may be made removable and replaceable, if desired.  
         [0057]    As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, in the first embodiment of the invention, the housing  17  is designed so that the upper exterior surface  29  and the lower, wind-engaging surface  26  maintain a proportional relationship to each other. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that the upper surface  29  provides a longer distance for air to travel over than the lower surface  26 , in compliance with Bernoulli&#39;s theorem, providing lift to the nozzle member. This phenomenon is believed to be similar to the lift on an airplane&#39;s wing.  
         [0058]    As the vehicle  100  moves forward through the air, an effective wind W is experienced moving towards the front of the apparatus  10  (corresponding to the front of the vehicle), as shown by the arrow in FIG. 2A. The effective wind W moves through the duct  14 , and a low pressure is created at the wind-engaging surface  26  at the bottom of the housing. The effective wind W therefore forces the nozzle member  15  to move pivotally upwardly, into the raised orientation shown in FIG. 2B.  
         [0059]    When the nozzle member is in the raised orientation of FIG. 2B, and fluid is fed therethrough, the fluid stream created thereby will be directed at a higher angle, relative to the base  20 , than it would be directed in the resting orientation of FIG. 2A. The raised orientation is selected such that even when traveling at highway speed, when fluid is expelled from the nozzle  30 , the fluid will make it to an advantageous location on the windshield where it will provide some cleaning ability to the driver, regardless of the vehicle speed.  
         [0060]    This is a clear improvement over a single, fixed orientation of the nozzle member  15 , even where such single fixed orientation is manually pivotally adjustable when the car is parked. Also, since the movement of the nozzle member is caused automatically by the air passing therepast, it can be described as a passive adjustment which does not require significant energy input.  
         [0061]    The projection surface  31 , as shown in FIG. 2B, displaces windshield washer fluid via the nozzle  30  onto a desired surface, typically a vehicle&#39;s windshield  101 . The projection surface  31  is situated on the housing&#39;s nozzle member in a manner to provide optimal fluid placement onto the desired surface when the vehicle is at rest or traveling at low speed. The projection surface  31  distributes a fluid in a continuous fluid stream; however, alternative embodiments of the projection surface may spray in an oscillating fashion, or may incorporate multiple projection surfaces at varying angles and directions.  
         [0062]    Referring now to FIGS. 3-4, a third embodiment of a fluid-dispensing apparatus is shown at  310 , installed on a vehicle  100  in FIG. 3. Fluid conduits and passageways have been eliminated from the drawing of FIG. 4 for illustrative purposes, but such fluid conduits are substantially identical with those described in connection with the apparatus  10  of the first embodiment. The apparatus  310  in this embodiment is substantially identical to the apparatus  10  of the first embodiment as previously described, with the addition of two wing members  302 ,  304  added to opposite sides of the housing  317 , to boost the lifting effect provided by the effective wind W passing thereover.  
         [0063]    Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5C, a fluid-dispensing apparatus in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention is shown generally at  410 . The apparatus  410  in this embodiment is substantially identical to the apparatus  10  of the first embodiment as previously described, except as specifically differentiated herein. Fluid conduits and passageways have been eliminated from the drawing of FIGS. 5A-5C for illustrative purposes, but such fluid conduits are substantially identical with those described in connection with the apparatus  10  of the first embodiment.  
         [0064]    The apparatus  410  of the fourth embodiment is modified from the apparatus  10  according to the first embodiment, in that the projection surface has been modified and enlarged to form an air dam  411 . The air dam  411  is wider than the rest of the housing  417  and is substantially concavely fan-shaped, as shown. The air dam  411  extends downwardly towards the base  420  at the rear of the apparatus  410 , and is added to the housing  417  to provide an enlarged surface to provide wind resistance, and thereby contribute to upward pivotal movement of the nozzle  430  when the effective wind W at the apparatus  410  exceeds a predetermined limit.  
         [0065]    Referring now to FIG. 6, a fluid-dispensing apparatus in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention is shown generally at  510 . The apparatus  510  in this embodiment is substantially identical to the apparatus  10  of the first embodiment as previously described, except as specifically differentiated herein. Fluid conduits and passageways have been eliminated from the drawing of FIG. 6 for illustrative purposes, but such fluid conduits are substantially identical with those described in connection with the apparatus  10  of the first embodiment.  
         [0066]    The apparatus  510  of the fifth embodiment is modified from the apparatus  10  according to the first embodiment, in that the forward-facing end of the housing  517  has been modified and enlarged to form an air dam  511  . The air dam  511  is wider than the rest of the housing  517  and is substantially concavely fan-shaped, as shown. The air dam  511  extends downwardly towards the base  520  at the front of the apparatus  510 , and is added to the housing  517  to provide an enlarged surface to provide increased wind resistance, and thereby contribute to the front end of the housing  517  moving downwardly when the effective wind W at the apparatus  510  exceeds a predetermined limit. Downward movement of the air dam  511 , at the front of the housing  517 , results in upward pivotal movement of the nozzle  530 . The apparatus  510  in this embodiment also includes a relatively weak spring  505  located between the tip of the air dam  511  and the base  520 , as shown. This spring  505  acts as in a manner similar to the rest stop of the first embodiment, in that it dictates the resting position of the housing  517 . When the effective wind W at the apparatus  510  exceeds a predetermined level, the downward force on the air dam  511  exerted by the wind exceeds the force of the spring  505 , and the spring is then compressed. The compressed spring  505  and the base  520  cooperate to define an upper limit stop member to limit upward pivotal movement of the nozzle  530 .  
         [0067]    Although the present invention has been described herein with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art will realize that many modifications of the preferred embodiment could be made which would be operable. For instance, the fluid feed conduit  18  and transfer conduit  19  could both be entirely eliminated from the structure of the first embodiment, and a thin-walled tubular metal sleeve could be pressed into the housing channel  28 , and used together with a fluid feed tube from a washer fluid supply system (not shown) to feed washer fluid to the apparatus. Many other modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. All such modifications, which are within the scope of the appended claims, are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention.