Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for generating a small, maneuverable stream of filtered fluid without benefit of a pump or electrical power are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a spray nozzle apparatus for dispensing a maneuverable stream of fluid, that originates from a fluid source at a first pressure includes an adapter assembly, a nozzle subassembly, and a flexible tubing. The adapter assembly is mechanically coupled to the fluid source, and is arranged to allow the fluid to flow from the fluid source through the adapter assembly. The nozzle subassembly dispenses the fluid at a second pressure, and includes a fluid intake end and a fluid dispensing end. The fluid dispensing end allows the fluid to flow therethrough in a small, stream-like configuration at the second pressure, and is in fluid communication with the adapter assembly. The flexible tubing allows the fluid to flow through, and is coupled to the fluid intake end of the nozzle subassembly. In one embodiment, the spray nozzle apparatus includes a filter that is in fluid communication with the flexible tubing and the adapter assembly.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for use in cleaning objects using a fluid-based solution. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing a stream of water through the use of a filtering nozzle assembly that can be attached to a faucet. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In the area of personal care, as well as in many other areas including, but not limited to, the cleaning of small parts, the ability to provide and to maneuver a small jet of water is desirable. This ability to maneuver a small jet, or stream, of water generally enables the water to be accurately directed at a specific location. By way of example, a small, maneuverable jet of water may be readily directed at a specific target area, thereby enabling the target area to receive the water without wetting surrounding areas. 
     A maneuverable jet of water is the particularly useful in the area of personal care, e.g., as it pertains to dental hygiene. While personal care products which provide maneuverable jets of water are available, these products typically involve the use or either, or both, electricity and an associated mechanism arranged to pump water. One personal care product intended for dental use is the Water Pik® Personal Dental System, which is a dental appliance that is available commercially from Teledyne Water Pik of Fort Collins, Colo. The Water Pik® Personal Dental System is designed to enable a user to direct a jet of water at his or her teeth in order to dislodge any food particles which may have become lodged around or between his or her teeth. In order to use a Water Pik® Personal Dental System, or a similar system, a user is required add water to a reservoir, which is a part of the system, then provide power, i.e., electricity, to the system in order to activate a pump which pumps water from the reservoir through a hand-held nozzle mechanism. A stream of water is then discharged through the hand-held nozzle mechanism. 
     While a system such as the Water Pik® Personal Dental System provides a stream of water which a user can maneuver, the use such a system typically involves a large amount of set-up time and effort in order to ready the system for use. Among other set-up tasks, a user must locate an electrical outlet which may be used to power the system. The fact that an electrical outlet must be present in order for the system to be used serves to reduce the portability of the system, thereby limiting the use of the system. 
     Further, the user must transfer water to the system reservoir from a water source, e.g., a faucet. As the water in the reservoir is used, i.e., as the water in the reservoir empties, the user must add more water to the reservoir in order to continue using the system. Having a supply of water which must repeatedly be replenished increases the overall set-up time, and maintenance time, required to prepare the system for use. 
     Adjusting the temperature of water used in a system such as the Water Pik® Personal Dental System is also time-consuming. Such a system typically does not provide either a heating mechanism or a cooling mechanism which may be used to vary the temperature of water that is through a hand-held nozzle mechanism of the system. In other words, the system does not provide a user with the ability to vary the temperature of the water in the system. The temperature of water discharged through the hand-held nozzle mechanism is dependent upon the temperature of the water in the system reservoir. Typically, the temperature of the water discharged from the nozzle mechanism is approximately the same as the temperature of the water in the system reservoir. Due to the inability to vary the temperature of the water, it follows that if a user discovers that the temperature of the water in the system reservoir is unsatisfactory, e.g, too hot, in order to correct the situation, the user must either add water of a different temperature to the system reservoir to change the overall temperature of the water in the system reservoir, completely purge and replace the water in the reservoir, or wait until enough time elapses for the water in the system reservoir to be sufficiently cooled. Clearly, the process of achieving a satisfactory water temperature often proves to be rather inefficient. 
     Since most systems like the Water Pik® Personal Dental System include a pump, some fluids, e.g., salt water, may not be used in the systems due to reliability issues with the pump. Additionally, particulate matter that may be present in water or any other fluid made cause the pump to wear out or otherwise malfunction. 
     In addition to being useful in the area of personal hygiene, a maneuverable jet of water is also useful in applications involving the cleaning of small tools, as for example jewelry making tools, and small parts, as for example the delicate parts used in making watches. Being able to control a small jet of water provides a user with the ability to clean small tools and parts with some measure of precision. Small, maneuverable jets of water are also typically used in laboratory applications and horticultural applications, as well as many other applications. However, as small, maneuverable jets of water are typically generated by electrical appliances, the use of the small, maneuverable jets of water is somewhat limited in that they may only be used in the proximity of a power source. 
     In view of the foregoing, there are desired improved methods and apparatus for use in efficiently producing a maneuverable stream of water without requiring a power source or an associated mechanism for pumping water. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a filtering spray nozzle assembly which is suitable for coupling to a faucet. According to one aspect of the present invention, a spray nozzle apparatus for dispensing a maneuverable stream of fluid, that originates from a fluid source at a first pressure includes an adapter assembly, a nozzle subassembly, and a flexible tubing. The adapter assembly is mechanically coupled to the fluid source, and is arranged to allow the fluid to flow from the fluid source through the adapter assembly. The nozzle subassembly dispenses the fluid at a second pressure, and includes a fluid intake end and a fluid dispensing end. The fluid dispensing end allows the fluid to flow therethrough in a small, stream-like configuration at the second pressure, and is in fluid communication with the adapter assembly. The flexible tubing allows the fluid to flow through, and is coupled to the fluid intake end of the nozzle subassembly. 
     In one embodiment, the spray nozzle apparatus includes a filter that is in fluid communication with the flexible tubing and the adapter assembly. The filter allows the fluid to flow therethrough, and also filters particulate matter from the fluid when the fluid flows therethrough. In another embodiment, the adapter assembly includes an outlet coupler, the outlet coupler that is arranged to be coupled to the fluid source, an inlet that is in fluid communication with the nozzle subassembly, a bypass outlet being that permits the fluid to flow through, and a valve that controls the flow of the fluid through the inlet and through the bypass outlet. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for providing a small, maneuverable stream of fluid includes providing fluid originating from a fluid source, providing a nozzle assembly, and providing an adapter assembly. The nozzle assembly includes a body and a fluid dispensing extension that is coupled to the body. The nozzle assembly is arranged to dispense the stream of fluid through the fluid dispensing extension. The adapter assembly is arranged to mechanically couple the fluid source faucet with the nozzle assembly. In one embodiment, the method includes filtering the fluid removes at least some undesirable particles from the fluid. 
     These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed descriptions and studying the various figures of the drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention, together with further advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a filtering spray nozzle cleaning assembly coupled to a fluid supply faucet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a filtering assembly, i.e., filter  110  of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a sprayer, i.e., sprayer  170  of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a spray nozzle subassembly, i.e., spray nozzle subassembly  115  of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 a  is a diagrammatic representation of a first brush tip that is suitable for use as a part of a spray nozzle assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 b  is a diagrammatic representation of a second brush tip that is suitable for use as a part of a spray nozzle assembly in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 c  is a diagrammatic representation of a third brush tip that is suitable for use as a part of a spray nozzle assembly in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 d  is a diagrammatic representation of a fourth brush or polisher tip that is suitable for use as a part of a spray nozzle assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 e  is a diagrammatic representation of a fifth brush or polisher tip that is suitable for use as a part of a spray nozzle assembly in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional representation of a nozzle subassembly which is motorized in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few preferred embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known structures and steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
     A fluid jet dispensing apparatus, or a spray nozzle assembly, that may be coupled to a water faucet, or similar fluid supply outlet, enables a small, maneuverable stream of fluid to be generated from virtually any faucet, through the use of an adapter mechanism. Such an apparatus is portable in that the apparatus enables a maneuverable stream of the fluid to be dispensed from any faucet without requiring the use of a dedicated pumping mechanism or an electrical power source that is linked with the apparatus. A spray nozzle assembly that may be mechanically coupled to a water faucet, for example, enables the temperature of the stream of fluid that is expelled from the nozzle assembly to be readily varied to meet the requirements of a particular application without requiring any additional temperature adjustment mechanisms. The ability to vary the temperature of the fluid stems from the fact that faucets typically already provide sources of cold water and hot water that may be co-mingled in order to adjust the overall temperature of water flowing from a faucet. In addition, since faucets generally also already enable the pressure of out-flowing fluid to be altered, a nozzle assembly that can be coupled to a faucet may take advantage of this pressure-altering feature. Hence, the range of pressures of fluid that passes out of the nozzle assembly is relatively large, and may easily be varied. 
     A spray nozzle assembly that does not require the use of a dedicated pumping mechanism or an electrical power source also enables a greater number of different fluids to be used with the spray nozzle assembly. For example, due to reliability issues such as corrosion concerns, salt water generally may not be used with a pumping mechanism. A fluid such as salt water, however, may be used with the spray nozzle assembly that does not include a dedicated pumping mechanism. 
     Referring initially to FIG. 1, there is shown a filtering spray nozzle system with an adapter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Spray nozzle system  100  includes a nozzle subassembly  115 . Nozzle subassembly  115  includes a body  116 , e.g., a handle, and a fluid dispensing extension  118  that is coupled to body  116  through a coupler  120 . While coupler  120  is shown as being integral to fluid dispensing extension  118  such that coupler may either be press-fit, screwed into, or otherwise engaged with an end of body  116 , it should be appreciated that coupler  120  may not be integrated into fluid dispensing extension  118 . 
     Body  116  is sized such that it may be comfortably gripped in a hand, and optionally serves as an intermediate reservoir for holding fluid prior to passing fluid to fluid dispensing extension  118 . While any appropriate material may be used to form body  116 , materials which are robust, lightweight and water-resistant, as for example plastic, are preferred. 
     In the embodiment as shown, fluid dispensing extension  118  is a semi-rigid tube with a tip portion that may be tapered with respect to a base portion of fluid dispensing extension  118 . In other words, fluid dispensing extension  118  is configured as a nozzle. As such, fluid entering fluid dispensing extension  118  at its base will generally be at a lower pressure than fluid exiting its tip. Fluid dispensing extension  118  will be described in more detail below with respect to FIG.  4 . Other embodiments of a suitable fluid dispensing extension that may be used as a part of nozzle subassembly  115  will be discussed below with reference to FIGS. 5 a - 5   e.    
     When fluid, e.g., water, flows through nozzle subassembly  115  an actuator  160 , which is a part of a controller mechanism (not shown) that is internal to body  116 , may be “turned on,” or activated, to enable the fluid to flow through fluid dispensing extension  118  and to be expelled from the tip of fluid dispensing extension  118  in a stream-like configuration. Alternatively, actuator  160  may be “turned off,” or deactivated, to inhibit the flow of fluid through fluid dispensing extension  118 . In one embodiment, actuator  160  is a button or a switch, and the controller of which actuator  160  is a part may be composed of a hinge which alternately exposes and blocks off fluid dispensing extension  118  with respect to body  116 . It should be appreciated that in general, by varying the pressure or the force exerted on actuator  160  by a finger or thumb, the pressure of the fluid expelled from fluid dispensing extension  118  may be varied. 
     Spray nozzle system  100  is arranged such that the fluid which is expelled in a stream-like configuration from the tip of fluid dispensing extension  118  is provided by a fluid source such as a faucet. In other words, spray nozzle system  100  is coupled to a faucet  101  that supplies fluid, e.g., a water faucet which supplies water. The flow of fluid through faucet  101  is generally controlled by a handle or handles (not shown) which control, in one embodiment, the pressure of the flow and the temperature of the flow. As mentioned above, the pressure of the flow may further be controlled using actuator  160 . 
     An outlet coupling system  102 , referred to herein as an adapter assembly or an adapter, is sized to be engaged with faucet  101 . Adapter  102  includes a valve  134 , a post  150 , and a system inlet  136 , as shown. Valve  134  has a “closed” position and an “open” position. When valve  134  is in a closed position, then fluid flows substantially only from faucet  101  through to nozzle subassembly  115 . Alternatively, when valve  134  is in an open position, then fluid flows through post  150 . It should be appreciated that when actuator  160  is arranged to prevent flow of fluid through fluid dispensing extension  118 , i.e., when actuator  160  blocks off fluid dispensing extension  118  with respect to body  116 , then valve  134  may automatically open to enable fluid to flow through post  150 . In other words, valve  134  may be a “bypass” valve. Valve  134  also enables spray nozzle system  100  to remain coupled to faucet  101  without significantly affecting “normal” use of faucet  101 . That is, faucet  101  effectively does not have to be dedicated for use with spray nozzle system  100  even when spray nozzle system  100  is attached to faucet  101 . 
     Through system inlet  136 , fluid flows past a coupler  104  and through a hose  106 . Hose  106 , which is typically a flexible tube, may be made from any suitable material, as for example a rubber material or a malleable plastic material. Some rubber materials have been observed to shrink significantly, thereby causing problems with fluid flow through the tubing, whereas plastic materials, e.g. plastic cables, have generally been observed to be relatively immune from significant shrinkage. Therefore, hose  106  is generally formed from a plastic material. Coupler  104  is arranged to enable spray nozzle assembly  100  to be readily disassembled and assembled, e.g., coupler  104  may be a snap-lock. Through a coupler  108 , hose is coupled to a filter  110  that is arranged to filter fluid provided by faucet  101 . One suitable filter  110  will be described below with respect to FIG.  2 . 
     In the embodiment as shown, filter  110  is coupled to a sprayer  170  through a coupler  122 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the design of coupler  122 , coupler  104  and coupler  108  may vary widely. By way of example, coupler  108  may be a snap adapter which includes a valve that enables the flow of fluid through spray nozzle system  100  to be controlled. When such a valve is closed, the flow of fluid through spray nozzle system  100  may be stopped at coupler  108 . Such a valve, when open, may serve to prevent pressure from building within hose  106  when valve  134  is in an open position. 
     Generally, a coupler may include two portions. One portion may be a male portion that is arranged to engage a second portion that is a female portion. For example, hose  106  may be substantially fixed to a male end of coupler  104  and a male end of coupler  108 . The male end of coupler  104  may be engaged with, e.g., snapped into, a female end of coupler  104  which is substantially fixed to system inlet  136 . Likewise, the male end of coupler  108  may be engaged with a female end of coupler  108  which is substantially fixed to filter  110 . 
     Sprayer  170  holds a liquid such as, for example, a water-soluble solution or a cleaning solution, and is arranged to allow filtered fluid to mix with the liquid in sprayer  170 . Sprayer  170  will be discussed below with reference to FIG.  3 . Once fluid, i.e., the mixture of filtered fluid and the liquid held by sprayer  170 , passes through sprayer  170 , it then passes through hose  114  to nozzle subassembly  115 . Like hose  106 , hose  114  is typically formed from a malleable plastic material. 
     FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a filtering assembly, i.e., filter  110  of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Filter  110  is arranged to eliminate some particulate matter from fluid as the fluid flows through filter  110 . Eliminating particulate matter from fluid enables the fluid which is ejected from an overall spray nozzle system to be essentially “pure,” e.g., substantially free of particles. Providing substantially particle-free fluid prevents damage from occurring in cleaning applications, as particles may often scratch or otherwise damage objects which are being cleaned. Such particles, e.g., sand particles, or residue that is present in pipes such as water pipes are often present in fluid. 
     Filter  110  includes an inlet portion  202  which receives fluid provided by faucet  101  through adapter assembly  102  of FIG.  1 . It should be appreciated that various arrows have been shown in FIG. 2 to indicate the general flow of fluid, e.g., water, through filter . Fluid flows from inlet portion  202  through to a filtering cartridge  204 . In one embodiment, filtering cartridge  204  includes a mesh-like screen arrangement (not shown) which is arranged to trap particles. The size of the particles which a re trapped is dependent upon the size of the openings in the mesh-like screen arrangement. Once the fluid is filtered and passed through filtering cartridge  204 , the fluid then passes into a reservoir  206 , and, subsequently, through a delivery pathway  208  to an outlet portion  210 . Outlet portion  210  is arranged to be coupled to coupler  122 , as shown in FIG.  1 . 
     In the described embodiment, in order to facilitate the changing of filtering cartridge  204  once filtering cartridge  204  is full, i.e., contains a relatively large amount of particles, filter  110  may include a removable cap  212 . Cap  212  may be removed such that filtering cartridge  204  may be readily replaced with a new filtering cartridge as necessary. In alternate embodiments, however, it should be appreciated that rather than replacing filtering cartridge  204 , the entire filter  110  may be replaced. 
     As mentioned above with respect to FIG. 1, spray nozzle system  100  may include a sprayer  170  that contains a solution which is to be mixed with fluid provided by faucet  101 . When spray nozzle system  100  is to be used for a purpose such as cleaning laboratory instruments, the solution contained in sprayer  170  may be a cleaning solution, e.g. a soap solution, that is easily mixed with the fluid provided by faucet  101 . Alternatively, when spray nozzle system  100  is to be used for purposes of dental hygiene, then sprayer  170  may contain a fluoride or an antiseptic solution. 
     FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a sprayer, i.e., sprayer  170  of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the described embodiment, sprayer  170  includes an inlet  302  which is arranged to receive filtered fluid from filter  110  through coupler  122  of FIG.  1 . Sprayer  170  includes a reservoir section  304  that is arranged to hold substantially any liquid  306  which is intended to be mixed with the fluid that flows into inlet  302 . 
     By activating a button (not shown) in sprayer top  318 , a sprayer pump arrangement  312  pumps liquid  306  through a pump outlet  312  and into a mix hose  320  where liquid  306  is effectively mixed with the fluid passed from filter  110  of FIGS. 1 and 2. It should be understood that sprayer  170  or, more particularly, the button in sprayer top  318  and sprayer pump arrangement  312 , operates in substantially the same manner as a standard spray bottle. As shown, sprayer pump arrangement  312  is coupled through a pipe  310  to a filter  308  which filters particles from liquid  306 . Mix hose  320  includes an outlet  314  which may be attached or otherwise coupled to a tube or hose which is further coupled to a nozzle subassembly, e.g., nozzle subassembly  115  of FIG.  1 . Specifically, outlet  314  may be coupled to a portion of a coupler, e. a female portion of a snap adapter, that is arranged to engage a portion of a coupler which is substantially fixed to a tube or hose. 
     In one embodiment, sprayer top  318  may include a dial (not shown) which is arranged to control the amount of liquid  306  which is mixed with a fluid flowing through mix hose  320 . Such a dial may be coupled to a valve (not shown), for example, which controls the amount of fluid that flows through sprayer pump arrangement  312 . 
     Sprayer top  318  is typically arranged to be removed such that the supply of fluid  306  may be easily replenished or replaced. Sprayer top  318  may be arranged to be screwed and unscrewed with respect to reservoir  304 . Alternatively, sprayer top  318  may be arranged to be snapped into and unsnapped from reservoir  304 . 
     In general, the fluid dispensing extension of a nozzle subassembly used in ail overall spray nozzle system may tame on a variety of different configurations. Referring next to FIG. 4, one embodiment of a fluid dispensing extension, i.e., fluid dispensing extension  118  of FIG. 1, will be described. As mentioned above with respect to FIG. 1, fluid dispensing extension  118  is a semi-rigid tube. Fluid dispensing extension  118  includes a tip portion  402  that is tapered with respect to a base portion  404  of fluid dispensing extension  118 . Since fluid dispensing extension  118  is arranged in a nozzle-like configuration, fluid entering fluid dispensing extension  118  at base portion  404  will generally be at a lower pressure than fluid exiting tip portion  402 . 
     As shown, tip portion  402  is angled with respect to the rest of fluid dispensing extension  118 . It should be appreciated, however, that tip portion  402  is not necessarily angled with respect to the rest of fluid dispensing extension  118 . That is, fluid dispensing extension  118  may have a substantially straight configuration. Generally, fluid dispensing extension  118  may be formed from any appropriate material. Appropriate materials may include, but are not limited to, lightweight, water-resistant materials like plastic. In particular, in order to enable a user of nozzle subassembly  115  to view fluid passing through fluid dispensing extension  118 , fluid dispensing extension  118  may be formed from a translucent plastic material. 
     In general, a nozzle subassembly or, more particularly, the body of a nozzle subassembly, may be coupled to various fluid dispensing extensions. Since an overall spray nozzle system is often used for cleaning applications, suitable fluid dispensing extensions include brush and polishing arrangements. With reference to FIGS. 5 a - 5   e , various embodiments of brush and polishing arrangements will be described in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 5 a  is a diagrammatic representation of a nozzle subassembly  500  which includes a body  502  which is coupled to a toothbrush  504  through a coupler  506  that is integral to toothbrush  504 . Toothbrush  504  includes bristles  508  and an opening or openings (not shown) through which fluid may flow in a stream-like configuration. Bristles  508  are arranged to brush against teeth, for example, while a user manipulates toothbrush  504  by holding body  502 . The water that flows through openings brings the water into contact with the teeth. In one embodiment, each bristle group  508  is associated with a single opening through which water may flow. That is, each bristle group  508   a  may be positioned to at least partially overlap or be in proximity to an opening that is substantially dedicated to bristle group  508   a.    
     FIG. 5 b  is a diagrammatic representation of a nozzle subassembly  500 ′ which includes a polisher brush  514 . Polisher brush  514  is suitable for use as a tool for dental hygiene. Polisher brush  514  is coupled to body  502  through a coupler  506 ′, and includes bristles  518  that are mounted on a rotatable plate  520 . It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, rotatable plate  520  may rotate in response to a jet of water flowing through and against rotatable plate  520 . In another embodiment, rotatable plate  520  may rotate when a mechanical actuator is activated through battery power. In such an embodiment, an activator switch may be included on either polisher brush  514  or body  502 . One example of a nozzle subassembly that is capable of providing battery power to a polisher brush will be discussed below with reference to FIG.  6 . 
     Polisher brush  514  may be suitable for use in polishing teeth. A sprayer, e.g., sprayer  170  of FIG. 1, that is used with polisher brush  514  may contain a baking powder solution that is used to whiten teeth during a polishing process. The baking powder solution, which may be mixed with filtered water in the mix hose of the sprayer, may be expelled through an opening or openings that pass through rotatable plate  520 . 
     FIG. 5 c  is a diagrammatic representation of a nozzle subassembly  500 ″ with a brush  524  that is suitable for use in cleaning tools. Brush  524 , which is coupled to body  502  through a coupler  506 ″, includes bristles  528  and holes (not shown) which allows a fluid provided through body  502  to effectively flow between bristles  528 . Hence, while bristles  528  are brushed against an object to remove residue from the object, fluid is also provided to wash away the residue. 
     It should be appreciated that brush  524  may also be used for painting purposes. When brush  524  is used for painting purposes, fluid may be prevented from flowing through brush  524 , e.g., by keeping an associated faucet off, until it is desired to clean brush  524 . During cleaning of brush  524 , allowing fluid to flow through holes in brush  524  may facilitate the cleaning of brush  524 . 
     FIG. 5 d  is a diagrammatic representation of a nozzle subassembly  500 ′″ with a polisher  544  that is suitable for polishing objects such as teeth. Polisher  544 , which is arranged to be coupled to body  502  through a coupler  506 ′″, includes rubber protrusions  548  that are mounted on a rotatable plate  550 . Rubber protrusions  548  may surround an opening through which a jet of fluid may flow. Rotatable plate  550  may rotate in response to a jet of water flowing through and against rotatable plate  550 . Alternatively, rotatable plate  520  may rotate when a mechanical actuator is activated through battery power, as for example battery power provided by body  502 . 
     With reference to FIG. 5 e , a polisher which is arranged to allow fluid to be ejected from the polisher in a conical configuration will be described in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A polisher  564 , which may be coupled to body  502  through a coupler  506 ″″, is a part of a nozzle subassembly  500 ″″. As shown, polisher  564  may include a substantially conical rubber protrusion  568  that is mounted on a rotatable plate  570 . Rubber protrusion  568  may rotate to enable an article or object to be polished. In one embodiment, rubber protrusion  568  is seated in an opening through which fluid may flow such that rubber protrusion  568  serves as an obstacle to the fluid flow. In such an embodiment, fluid may effectively flow around rubber protrusion  568 , i.e., the stream of fluid flowing from an opening is “separated” to form a conical configuration  580 . 
     As mentioned above with respect to FIG. 5 b , a nozzle subassembly may provide battery power which allows a portion of a brush to rotate. It should be appreciated that the battery power does not affect the flow of fluid through a fluid dispensing extension. In other words, the flow of fluid through a nozzle subassembly is not dependent upon any battery power that is provided. FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional representation of a nozzle subassembly which includes a motor in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A nozzle subassembly  115 ′ includes a body  116 ′ and a fluid dispensing extension  118  that is coupled to body  116 ′ through a coupler  120 ′. 
     Body  116 ′ is sized such that it may be comfortably gripped in a hand, while accommodating the insertion of batteries  610 . It should be appreciated that the size of batteries  610  is at least partially dependent upon the power output required by nozzle subassembly  115 ′. In the embodiment as shown, batteries  610  are 1.5 Volt batteries, i.e., AA size batteries. Body  116 ′ also includes a cover  612  which may be removed to enable batteries  610  to be inserted into body  116 ′. Although any appropriate material may be used to form body  116 ′, materials which are robust, lightweight, heat-resistant, and water-resistant, as for example plastic, are preferred. 
     Batteries  610  are coupled to a motor  640 , e.g., a DC motor. Motor  640  is coupled to a switch  642  which is arranged to control power to motor  640 . In other words, switch  642  is arranged to turn motor  640  on and off. Motor  640  includes a motor coupler  644  which is arranged to be coupled to a brush, e.g., brush  514  of FIG. 5 b , which uses electrical power, as will be discussed below. 
     Nozzle subassembly  115 ′ has been shown as including fluid dispensing extension  118 , which is configured as a nozzle. As such, fluid dispensing extension  118  does not use power generated using batteries  610 . The flow of fluid through fluid dispensing extension  118  may be controlled by actuator  160 ′ which operates a valve closure  618  that at least partially controls the flow of fluid through a pipe  622 . It should be understood that actuator  160 ′ controls the flow of fluid, while switch  642  controls power to motor  640 . That is, the flow of fluid and power to motor  640  are controlled separately. In the described embodiment, body  116 ′ does not serve as a reservoir for fluid, due to the electronics included in body  116 ′. Instead, fluid flows through pipe  622  and into fluid dispensing extension  118 . 
     Pipe  622  is arranged to be coupled to fluid dispensing extension  118  through coupler  120 ′ such that fluid may flow through pipe  622 , through fluid dispensing extension  118 , and out of fluid dispensing extension  118 . As fluid dispensing extension  118  does not require a connection to motor  640 , coupler  120 ′ does not include a receptacle or receiving end for motor coupler  644 . 
     When a fluid dispensing extension such as brush  514  of FIG. 5 b  is coupled to body  116 ′, battery power generated using batteries  610  may serve to cause rotatable plate  520  to rotate. Specifically, motor  640  is arranged to cause rotatable plate  520  to rotate. Within brush  514 , there may be a conduit which contains wiring that effectively couples motor  640  to rotatable plate  520  through motor coupler  640 , as well as a tube which is arranged to be coupled to pipe  622 . The wiring in the conduit enables power to reach rotatable plate  520  to cause rotatable plate  520  to rotate. It should be appreciated that the coupling of brush  514  to body  116 ′ has not been shown purely for ease of illustration. 
     As shown in FIG. 6, nozzle subassembly  115 ′ is arranged to be coupled to hose  114  of an overall spray nozzle system, e.g., spray nozzle system  100  of FIG. 1, through an adapter  620 . It should be appreciated that hose  114  may, in one embodiment, be integrally coupled to body  116 ′. However, in the embodiment as shown, hose  114  is removably coupled to body  116 ′. Adapter  620  may generally take on a variety of different configurations. Such configurations include, but are not limited to, substantially fixably coupling a male adapter end  620   a  to hose  114  and substantially fixably coupling a female adapter end  620   b  to body  116 ′ such that ends  620   a ,  620   b  may be snapped together. For such a configuration, both male adapter end  620   a  and female adapter end  620   b  are arranged to allow fluid to flow through hose  114 , through male adapter end  620   a , through female adapter end  620   b , and into pipe  622 . 
     As can be appreciated from the foregoing, the present invention, in one embodiment, addresses the problem of easily providing a maneuverable stream of fluid for cleaning, or other purposes, by providing a spray nozzle assembly that may be mechanically coupled to a water faucet. Such a spray nozzle assembly, which may be coupled to a faucet through an adapter, enables the temperature and the pressure of fluid to be readily varied using the faucet, while eliminating the need for either, or both, a pumping mechanism and a power source to be supplied in order to produce a maneuverable stream of fluid. 
     Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that the present invention may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present invention. By way of example, although a spray nozzle has been described as being used with a filter and a sprayer, it should be appreciated that the spray nozzle may be used with only a filter or only a sprayer without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present invention. 
     The sprayer may generally either be specifically made for use as a part of a spray nozzle system, or the sprayer may be a standard spray bottle with a spray pumping mechanism, e.g., such as those that are commercially sold with many liquid cleaning products. In other words, a spray nozzle assembly may be adapted for use with a standard spray bottle for convenience. 
     Alternatively, a sprayer may be arranged to substantially automatically inject a solution contained within the sprayer into fluid provided by a faucet. For such a sprayer, it may become unnecessary for an individual to manually press a button or similar device to initiate a mixing of solutions. 
     In one embodiment, a spray nozzle may be used without either a water filter or a liquid sprayer. That is, the spray nozzle may be coupled substantially directly to a faucet using a handle, an adapter, and a hose or a tube. Such an assembly may be used when it is not necessary to filter the fluid flowing from the faucet. An adapter that is suitable for coupling a hose to faucet may, for example, be sized to accommodate faucets of various sizes. 
     While nozzle assembly has been described as including a body with a fluid dispensing extension that takes the shape of a nozzle, the fluid dispensing extension may have the configuration of a non-tapered tube, without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present invention. In addition, nozzle assembly may not necessarily include an actuator, as the controls provided with a water faucet may be sufficient to both start and stop the flow of water through the nozzle assembly. 
     It should be appreciated that although fluid dispensing extensions have been described as including tubes and various brushes, fluid dispensing extensions may also take on other configurations. By way of example, a fluid dispensing extension may have a pipe cleaner configuration that expels water in a stream from a tip of the pipe cleaner configuration. 
     Further, while the nozzle assembly and the adapter assembly have been described as being used for providing streams of water, the nozzle assembly and the adapter assembly may be used with numerous other fluid substances. These substances may include, but are not limited to, air, helium, and various liquid mixtures such as cleaning fluids or solvents. 
     A body of a nozzle subassembly has generally been described as including an actuator that controls the flow of fluid through the body and through a fluid dispensing extension. In one embodiment, the actuator may be a “two position” actuator which enables the flow of fluid to either be existent or non-existent. That is, the actuator may be an on-off switch. In another embodiment, the actuator may be further arranged to control the amount of fluid which flows through the body and the fluid dispensing extension, e. g., the actuator may be coupled to a graduated valve arrangement which allows for the partial opening of the valve. 
     An adapter assembly has been described as including a bypass valve that enables water to essentially bypass a fluid dispensing extension and flow substantially directly through the adapter assembly. In general, however, the adapter assembly may vary widely. For instance, a suitable adapter assembly may not include a bypass valve. When a bypass valve is not included in an adapter assembly that is coupled to a faucet, then a nozzle subassembly may be arranged such that a stream of fluid is substantially always expelled from the tip of a fluid dispensing extension unless fluid flow through the faucet is stopped, e.g., by turning a handle coupled to the faucet. 
     In an embodiment which does not include a dedicated filter, i.e., filter  110  of FIG. 1, the adapter assembly may include a filter. By way of example, the adapter assembly may include a mesh that filters particles from the fluid before the fluid passes out of the adapter assembly without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present invention. 
     Although a coupler that is suitable for coupling a fluid dispensing extension or a brush to a body of a nozzle subassembly has been described as being integral to the fluid dispensing extension or brush, it should be appreciated that the coupler may instead be integral to the body. Alternatively, the coupler may be separate from both the body and the fluid dispensing extension or brush, and may be arranged to couple to both the body and the fluid dispensing extension or brush. Therefore the described embodiments should be taken as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention should be defined by the following claims and their full scope of equivalents.