Patent Publication Number: US-2020290062-A1

Title: Adjustable nozzle

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part (and claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 120) of U.S. application No. 62/816,556 filed Mar. 11, 2019. The disclosure of the prior applications is considered part of (and is incorporated by reference in) the disclosure of this application. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to nozzle, and more particularly to an adjustable nozzle for creating a fluid flow that has continually adjustable velocity or intensity. 
     There have been various improvements relating to devices for taking showers and at the same time providing a massaging action which is imparted by the flow of water. One of these known devices for showering and massaging is a shower head that is mounted to a fixed outlet neck, the head being adjustable to various angles. The combination shower-and-massage shower head is well known for its ability to be adjusted to provide various angles of pulsating sprays that establish the massaging action. However, until the present invention, this type of shower head has been limited in its capabilities. 
     Many showerheads emit pulsating streams of water in a so-called “massage” mode. Typical massage modes are achieved by rotating a shutter in a circular manner that blocks or covers nozzle apertures as it spins. Due to the circular rotation path, nozzles are opened in a sequential manner and many times a first nozzle aperture will be partially closed as the shutter rotates to close a second nozzle aperture (which will be partially open until the rotation moves the shutter further). This distributes the water across multiple nozzle outlets, reducing the force experienced by the user in the massage mode. Additionally, many massage mode nozzle outlets are arranged in a center of the showerhead and are clustered tightly together. This means that the water exiting the nozzles impacts a small surface area on the user. As such, there is need for an improved massage mode for a showerhead that increases the force experienced by a user, expands the impact area on a user&#39;s body, or both. 
     Accordingly, as recognized by the present inventors, there is a need for a shower head that allows the user to adjust the flow rate to a user&#39;s preferred velocity and intensity and has a pulsation functionality to provide for a massaging or stimulating feature. 
     The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention is to be bound. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a nozzle, showerhead, or apparatus that provides the benefits of creating a fluid flow that has continually adjustable velocity and intensity and has the option of creating a pulsating flow so that the apparatus can provide a massaging or stimulating function. 
     In a first embodiment, the present invention is a nozzle comprising: a main body having a sidewall, a first end and, a second end, wherein the main body has a central channel extending from the first end to the second end and a set of slots extending through the sidewall distal to the second end and a retention means is positioned within the channel positioned between the second end and the slots; a collar having a lip disposed at a first end and a securement means disposed at a second end adjustably attached to the main body, wherein a cavity is formed between the main body and the collar and in a first position the lip creates a substantial fluid tight seal with the main body; a blocker having castellations and secured within the channel of the main body, wherein the blocker is freely rotating within the channel; and a stopper positioned within the channel and securing the blocker within the channel and not restricting the rotation of the blocker. 
     In a second embodiment the present invention is a nozzle comprising: a main body having a central channel with a primary exit orifice, wherein a plurality of slots are positioned at predetermined locations and predetermined tangential angles from a central axis; a collar rotatably connected to the main body, wherein a cavity is formed between the main body and the collar and the slots provide entry from the central channel of the main body into the cavity; and a blocker secured within the central channel, wherein the blocker is able to rotate freely about a central axis but secured in a set position. 
     A nozzle comprising: a main body having a central channel with a first end and a second end, wherein a plurality of slots are present distal to the first end and extend from a central axis at a predetermined angle; a hollow collar rotatably connected to the main body, wherein a cavity is formed between the main body and the hollow interior of the collar and wherein the slots provide an entry from the central channel of the main body into the cavity; and a blocker with an internal design to encourage rotation positioned within the central channel relative to the slots, and wherein the blocker is able to rotate freely about a central axis but is unable to reposition within the central channel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts an isometric view of a nozzle, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  depicts an isometric exploded view of the nozzle, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a section view of the nozzle, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a section view of the nozzle in a “closed” position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a section view of the nozzle in an “open” position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  depicts an isometric view of a collar, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a section view of the collar, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  depicts an isometric view of a main body, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a section view of the main body, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  depicts another section view of the main body, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  depicts an isometric view of a blocker, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  depicts an isometric split view of the blocker, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a nozzle, showerhead, or apparatus that provides the benefits of creating a fluid flow that has continually adjustable velocity and intensity and has the option of creating a pulsating flow so that the apparatus can provide a massaging or stimulating function. 
     As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. 
     All publications and patents cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed. 
     It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements or use of a “negative” limitation. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an isometric view of a nozzle  100 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The nozzle  100  is comprised of a collar  200  and a main body  300 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts an isometric exploded view of the nozzle  100 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The internal components of the nozzle  100  are shown. The stopper  400 , the blocker  500 , and the O-ring  600  are shown. The O-ring  600  is used to create a substantially water tight seal between the main body  300  and the collar  200 , and may be replaced by various components known to one skilled in the art to create the substantial water tight seal between the main body  300  and the collar  200 . In some embodiments, the O-ring  600  is integrated into either the main body  300  or the collar  200 . The blocker  500  is fitted within the interior of the main body  300  and in the direct path of the fluid flow. The blocker  500  has inclined or helical ribs such that the blocker  500  spins as the fluid flows through it. The blocker  500  is kept in place by the stopper  600  and the main body  300 . The stopper  600  is secured within the main body  300  to permit the blocker  500  to rotate in place but retain the blocker  500  from moving upwards or downwards. Various types of stoppers may be used to secure the blocker  500  in place, the depicted embodiment of the stopper  400  is only one embodiment of the stopper  400  design. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a section view of the nozzle  100 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The collar  200  is shown secured to the main body  300  by the mating threaded portions of each component. The O-ring  600  is positioned within a cavity in the main body  300  and in contact with the collar  200  to create a fluid tight seal between the two components to keep any fluid from exiting through the threaded portions. The blocker  500  is positioned within the internal channel of the main body, able to freely rotate in place, and the stopper  400  is positioned in close proximately to the blocker  500  to keep the blocker  500  from moving in a vertical direction, while permitting the blocker to rotate about a central axis. The stopper  400  and the blocker  500  has a slight gap between the two in the depicted embodiment so when fluid is flowing through the nozzle  100 , the blocker  500  is not in contact with the stopper  400  and able to freely rotate. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a section view of the nozzle  100  in a “closed” position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the present illustration, the collar  200  is shown secured to the main body  300 . With the O-ring  600  in place, the fluid passes through the main body  300  and is directed through the orifice  301  of the main body  300 . The fluid exits the orifice  301  as the primary jet. In this position, the total exit area of the nozzle  100  is at its lowest and therefore the velocity will be the highest. Through slots  312  (e.g. apertures, openings, gap, slit, passage, vent, or the like) of the main body  300 , the fluid is able to exit into the cavity  101  between the collar  200  and the main body  300 . In the depicted embodiment, two portions of the cavity  101  are shown, but encompasses the entire space between the collar  200  and the main body  300 . However, when the collar  200  is in the “closed” position, the lip  201  of the collar  200  created a substantially watertight seal with the exterior surface  311  of the main body  300  and the fluid is unable to exit from within the cavity  101 . The lip  201  of the collar, may have various coatings and features to improve the watertight seal formed in the “closed” position. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a section view of the nozzle  100  in an “open” position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The collar  200  is able to from the rearmost position (“closed”) to a foremost position (“open”). In the depicted embodiment, based on the threaded fastening securement means between the collar  200  and the main body  300 , there a theoretical infinite number of positioned which the collar  200  can be placed in. In other embodiments, where the securement means between the collar  200  and the main body  300  where there is limited to a set number of positions. As the collar is moved from the “closed” position to the “open” position a gap  102  is formed between the lip  201  and the exterior surface  311 , wherein the fluid is now able to exit the gap  102  and a secondary jet is formed. Based on the shape of the main body  300  and the collar  200  in the present embodiment, the secondary jet has an annulus shape to the fluid flow. The shape and direction of the secondary jet is based on the design of the lip  201  and the profile of the exterior surface  311 . In the depicted embodiment, the main body  300  has a taper like shape so that the gap  102  increases in size the further the collar  200  moves from the “closed” position to the “open” position. As the collar  200  is moved from the “closed” position to the “open” position, the gap  102  increases in size, thereby allowing more fluid to exit through the gap  102  and increased the total area of the flow of the fluid and thus decreasing the velocity of the fluid. This allows for the velocity of the exit flows to be adjusted without adjusting the supply flowrate in the system. In some embodiments, based on the flow rate of the fluid, the volume of the primary jet may not be affected as the collar  200  approaches the “open” position. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  depicts images of the collar  200 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The collar  200  has a mating securement portion  202  which mates with the securement means  305 . At an opposing end, an aperture  204  is formed and the aperture  204  has lip  201  wherein a channel  203  is formed. The channel  203  profile is dependent upon the desired volume and shape of the cavity  101 . In the present embodiment, the channel  203  is tapered as it approaches the aperture  204 . This taper assists with forming the cavity  101  and permitting the lip  201  to interface with the exterior surface  311  of the main body  300 . The overall shape and design of the collar  200  provides for an ergonomic design for the user to interact with the collar  200  when using the nozzle  100 . The collar  200  may have various coatings or covers to provide for varying degrees of comfort and grip. The overall profile of the exterior  205  may be altered to provide a more ergonomic of stylized design. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  depicts images of the main body  300 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The main body  300  consists of a central shaft  302  where the blocker  500  and the stopper  400  are positioned within. In the depicted embodiment the central shaft  302  has section  302 B to fit the stopper  400 . In other embodiments, based on the stopper  400  design, the shaft may have different contours or profiles. The stopper  400  may be integrated into the main body  300 . The stopper  400  is designed to reduce the axial movement of the blocker  500 . The central shaft  302  has a cross section and size to accommodate the blocker  500  and the stopper  400 , while also permitting the proper flow rate of the fluid. A fastening means  304  permits the main body  300  to be secured to a hose or shower pipe connector. A securement means  305  permits the collar  200  to be secured to the main body  300  with a mating securement means. In the depicted embodiment, the fastening means  304  and the securement means  305  is a threaded design. Base  313  provides a limit to the positions which the collar  200  can be positioned. In additional embodiments, various other fastening and securement means know to one skilled in the art may be implemented into the nozzle  100 . A channel  306  is positioned to receive the O-ring  600 . The channel  306  is sized and shaped to receive the O-ring  600  or the like. The main body  300  exterior surface  311  has a predetermined contour or profile to permit the channel  306  to house the O-ring  600  and provide a surface for the lip  201  of the collar  200  to come in contact with and create a fluid tight seal. The contour and profile of the exterior surface  311  is variable and based on the desired flow shape, flow rate, and flow velocity, of the fluid in the “open” positions. In the depicted embodiment, the exterior surface  311  has a tapered design as the exterior surface  311  approaches the orifice  301 . The channel  302 C exits at the orifice  301 . The orifice  301  may have various shapes and profiles based on the desired shape, velocity, and flow rate of the fluid through the orifice  301 . In the depicted embodiment, the orifice  301  has a reversed taper design (e.g. swell) to create a specific fluid exit shape. The shape of the orifice  301  is used to attenuate the velocity and increase the area of the fluid flow. 
     Positioned in the center of the channel  302  has a fixture  307  integrated into the channel  302  and which interfaces with the blocker  500  to assist in keeping the blocker  500  in the desired position and orientation, while also permitting the blocker  500  to rotate freely. The fixture has mounting point  308 , where the blocker  500  has a reciprocal dimple to receive the mounting point  308  and provide the support to maintain the desired orientation through use. Positioned distal to the fixture  307  is a series of slots  312 . In the depicted embodiment, the slots  312  are angled relative to the main body  300  (shown in  FIG. 10 ) such that the fluid flowing through the slots  312  is redirected off the slot walls and creates a flow which is tangential to the channel  302  within the cavity  101  where the fluid exits into. When the fluid exits via the secondary jet the tangential component of the flow will act to through the fluid in an outwards direction. This will help to keep the primary and secondary jets separate and also allows the secondary jet to cover a broader area. In the present invention two sets of two slots  312  are present in the main body  300  and are positioned opposite one another about a central plane of the main body  300 . In additional embodiments, additional helical ribs or slots could be added in order to further promote swirling on the fluid within the cavity  101 . Additionally, the positioning of the slots  312  may also be modified or adjusted. 
       FIG. 10  shows a section view of main body  300 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, the slots  312  are shown extending tangential to the channel  302  and mirrored about a center axis  315 . The slots  312  are apertures or varying quantity, shape, size, and position provided they permit the passage of fluid. In the depicted embodiment, the slots  312  have varying sizes. The positioning and quantity of the slots  312  may be altered based on the desired stream pulsation, intensity, direction, and shape of the secondary jet. 
       FIG. 9  depicts an isometric view of the blocker  500 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The blocker  500  is a substantially cylindrical design sized to fit within the channel  302 . At a first end a fixture point  502  is present which interfaces with the fixture point  308  to keep the blocker  500  in the proper orientation, but not limit the blocker  500  ability to rotate about the center axis  315 . The fixture point  308  may be a divot or a protrusion provided the mating fixture point  308  is the mating reciprocal. The blocker  500  has a double hexic design wherein two separate paths are formed within the blocker  500 . Due to the double hexic design, when the fluid passes through the blocker, the blocker spins about the central axis. In additional embodiments, various other types of features may be integrated into the blocker  500  which are non-parallel with the flow of the fluid to force the blocker  500  to rotate when the fluid passes through the blocker  500 . In various embodiments, the internal design of the blocker  500  may be altered provided the design encourages the blocker  500  to rotate. In some embodiments, a turbine like design with blades may be incorporated into the blocker  500 . In various embodiments, different blades or features may be integrated into the blocker  500  design to encourage rotation about the central axis. At the first end with the mating point  502  there are castellations  504  incorporated into the blocker  500  design. In the present embodiment, the castellations  504  are created by the contour of a top edge. In additional embodiments, the castellations  504  may be replaced with apertures or other features that permit a pulsating flow of fluid into the slots  312 . These castellations  504  are of a predetermined size and shape. As the blocker  500  spins or rotates, the castellations  504  align with the slots  312  and the fluid is able to enter the slots  312  and then into the cavity  101 . When the low point of a castellation  504  coincides with the slots  312 , the castellations  504  allow full fluid flow to the cavity  101 . When the high points  503  of the castellation  504  covers the slots  312 , the fluid flow is blocked (or partially blocked) restricting the flow of fluid to the cavity  101  and in turn the secondary jet. In this way the blocker will cyclically restrict flow to the cavity  101  causing the velocity of the primary and secondary jets to vary. Based on the size, positions, number, and contour of the castellations  504 , the varying of the secondary jet (and indirectly the primary jet) can be changed. In some embodiments, the blocker  500  is removable through the removal of the stopper  400  and the blocker  500  can be replaced to provide the user with varying fluid flow rates and pulsation settings. 
     The flow of the primary jet will generally be greatest when the slots  312  are at their most restricted. At their lest restricted the secondary flow will be at its greatest (and the primary flow at its least). The shape of the castellation  504  can be tuned and need not completely block or unblock the holes. In the depicted embodiment, it is envisaged that all slots  312  would be restricted at the same time, but a different flow effect could be achieved by alternately blocking the slots  312 . 
     The various components and parts of the invention may be made from, but not limited to polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, poly carbonate, polybutylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, acrylics, aluminum, steel, cooper, various other metals, a combination of plastics and metals, or the like. 
     While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.