Patent ID: 12220720

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the present invention may be embodied in many different forms, the illustrative embodiments are described herein with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as providing examples of the principles of the invention and that such examples are not intended to limit the invention to preferred embodiments described herein and/or illustrated herein.

Introduction to the Preferred Embodiments

This technology pertains generally to a hand-held spray device (e.g., spray gun) for attachment to the end of a water supply (e.g., a flexible hose connected to a public utility water supply water) for dispensing water for various purposes, such as, e.g., for watering landscaping and vegetation (e.g., lawns, plants, gardens, etc.), cleaning objects or surfaces (e.g., buildings, patios, decks, cars, etc.) and other uses.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a novel angular adjustment mechanism that enables the spray device to be changed between a first straight configuration (e.g., in which water is sprayed substantially linearly along a substantially straight line through the device and through the discharge outlet similar to a common fireman's hose) and a second angled configuration (e.g., in which water is directed at an angle by the spray device to discharge water at an angle similar to a common hand-held spray gun).

In some preferred embodiments, the spray device includes two axially-aligned tubular members (i.e., a base member and a nozzle-containing member) that are mounted together in a manner to rotate relative to one another in an end-to-end relationship. In the preferred embodiment, the contact surface between both axially-aligned tubular members is at an angle other than 90 degrees from the center axes of the tubular members. Accordingly, upon relative rotation of the tube members, the tubular members are movable between a substantially straight position to an angled position. In the preferred embodiments, movement between these two positions involves a complete 180 degree rotation of the nozzle-containing member relative to the base member.

The preferred embodiments include a number of novel and advantageous features that enhance operation and usability of the device when the nozzle-containing member is rotated relative to the base member. In particular, such a rotation (which is, e.g., 180 degrees of rotation in some preferred embodiments) of the nozzle-containing member impacts the orientation of the device within a user's hand during normal operation and use. In the context of this changed orientation of the nozzle-containing member, some of the more preferred embodiments of the present provide novel and advantageous features that achieve one or more of the following advantageous results:1) In some embodiments, the positional location of discharge from the end face of the nozzle head is maintained despite a change in angular orientation of the nozzle-containing member. In particular, the discharge from the nozzle-containing member is preferably consistently directed from a common positional location from the end face of the nozzle head (e.g., in preferred embodiments, from a top side—e.g., from a 12 o'clock position—of the nozzle head) despite a changed orientation of the nozzle-containing member when angularly adjusted.2) In some embodiments, the type of discharge from the end face of the nozzle head is maintained despite a change in angular orientation of the nozzle-containing member. In particular, the discharge from the nozzle-containing member is preferably consistently directed through a like type outlet in the end face of the nozzle head (e.g., to impart a like type of discharge) despite a changed orientation of the nozzle-containing member when angularly adjusted.3) In some embodiments, the orientation of a display (such as, e.g., a display window) designating the type of discharge from the end face of the nozzle head is maintained despite a change in angular orientation of the nozzle-containing member. For example, in some embodiments, a display designating the type of discharge from the end face of the nozzle head is located at a top side of the nozzle-containing member to facilitate viewing by a user when held by hand during normal use of the device despite a changed orientation of the nozzle-containing member when angularly adjusted.

Illustrative Embodiments

The following paragraphs describe in detail illustrative embodiments of the present invention shown in the accompanying figures.

a. First Illustrative Embodiments

Towards that end,FIGS.1-6Eshow first illustrative embodiments of the invention,FIGS.7A-8Eshow a second illustrative embodiments of the invention, andFIGS.9A-9Hshow a third illustrative embodiment of the invention.FIGS.10A and10Bare explanatory diagrams showing illustrative positioning and orientation of a spraying device according to each these three illustrative embodiments held by a user within the user's hand during normal operation and use in the preferred embodiments.

Towards that end, as shown inFIG.10A, in normal use of the spraying device100, in some illustrative embodiments, the spraying device100is attached at the end of a conduit or hose H, such as, e.g., a common flexible garden hose having an elongated flexible body portion (e.g., made of a flexible rubber or synthetic material) and rigid end portions (e.g., made of metal, hard plastic or the like) having threads that can be threaded into the base of the spraying device. When held in the hand of a user U, as shown, the user generally holds the hose along the user's body below eye level as shown inFIG.10.

As shown inFIG.5E, which is a perspective top view of the spray device100according to the first embodiment of the invention, the spray device100has base section A and a head section B. The head section B is axially aligned with the base section A along the axis AX and is mounted such as to be axially rotatable with respect to the base section A around the axis AX. As discussed below, this relative rotation of the head section B results in changing of the angular position of the head section B with respect to the base section A.

In addition to the relative movement between the base section A and the head section B, the head section B also includes a front sub-section B2that is relatively movable with respect to the attaching sub-section B1of the head section. This relative movement enables a user to alter the relative positions of the front sub-section B2with respect to the attaching sub-section B1to alter a type of spray selected (as discussed further below).

In operation, the user U can, thus, grasp the base section A in one hand, and the head section B in the other hand and relatively rotate the sections around the axis AX to select a desired angular position. Additionally, the user U can manually rotate the front sub-section B2with respect to the attaching sub-section B1in order to select a desired spray type. Notably, as discussed below, the attaching sub-section B1is lockable to the base section A, facilitating manual rotation of the front sub-section B2even with one hand while holding the base section A with the other hand. As discussed further below, the front sub-section B2includes an indicia ring portion6that extends underneath a portion of the sleeve4such that a discharge selection identification that is located on the indicia ring is visible through the display window4C discussed below.

Components of the first illustrative embodiment shown inFIGS.1-6Ewill now be described in further detail. As shown in exploded view inFIG.1A, the spray device100includes a base handle1that is configured to be manually grasped by a user (such as, e.g., shown in the illustrative examples inFIGS.10A and10B). The base handle1is tubular in configuration and includes a passageway extending through its length from an inlet1A to an outlet1E. As shown in, e.g.,FIGS.1A and2, the inlet1A preferably includes internal threads for threadingly engaging the discharge end of a common hose H or the like as shown inFIGS.10A and10B. When grasped by a user U in a normal single hand use position as shown inFIGS.10A and10B, the user's palm extends over a top side of the hand region1B, the user's four digit fingers extend around the hand region1B and under the bottom of the hand region, and the user's thumb extends proximate the thumb lever10.

As shown in, e.g.,FIG.2, the thumb lever10includes a substantially U-shaped lever arm and two mounting rings10A. The thumb lever is mounted so as to straddle the thumb section1C of the base handle1as shown in, e.g.,FIG.5E. A valve member11is fixed to the lever arm by fixedly engaging a cap portion11A to one of the mounting rings10A, and a shaft11C extends through a cross-passageway1D extending entirely laterally through the handle1. The distal end of the shaft11C is attached to a cap member12that is fixedly mounted to the other mounting ring10A. The shaft11C supports a valve disc11B that is sized and shaped to occlude the passageway in the handle at a particular orientation and to not occlude the passageway at another orientation. In use, the lever arm10is fixed to the valve member, while movable as a unit on the thumb section1C of the base handle1. In this manner, a user U can simply push the lever with the user's thumb or the like to open or close the flow of water via the spray device100by movement of the valve disc11B between fully closed (i.e., occluded) and fully opened positions.

As shown inFIG.2, a diverter member2is fixedly mounted at the discharge outlet1E of the base handle1. As shown inFIG.3A, the diverter member2includes an insertion tube section2A that is configured to be received within the outlet1E and a diverter cup section2B having holes2C for receiving mounting screws SC as illustrated. During assembly, a sealing ring (e.g., an o-ring) OR is inserted into the outlet and the tube section2A is fully inserted into the outlet1E to a position as shown in, e.g.,FIG.5B. Then, the mounting screws are used to fixedly attach the diverter member2to the end of the base handle1.

The tube section2A of the diverter member2operates to receive water from the outlet1E of the base handle1. As shown inFIGS.3B and5B, the diverter cup section2B includes a central protrusion2CH that is providing for mounting purposes (as discussed below), and at least one radially-stepped tubular conduit (see, e.g.,2d1and2d2) that is in fluid communication with the tube section2A. In the embodiment shown inFIGS.1-6C, the tubular conduit2d1is in fluid communication with the insertion tube section2A via flow opening2BE shown inFIG.5B, while the tubular conduit2d2is blocked from fluid communication by the occluding wall2BW.

In some alternative embodiments, the tubular conduit2d2could be entirely eliminated, such that there is only one radially-stepped tubular conduit2d1. Alternatively, such as shown in the second embodiment shown inFIGS.7A-8E(discussed further below), in other embodiments both the tubular conduit2d1and the tubular conduit2d2can be in fluid communication with the tube section2A.

As shown inFIGS.1B and5B, the front face1FF of the base handle1is a planar surface set at an acute angle ø with respect to a line perpendicular to the center axis AX of the base handle1. Similarly, when fixedly mounted to the base handle1, the front end of the diverter cup section2B is also at a similar angle ø and extends along a plane that is parallel to the front face1FF of the base handle.

Together, the base handle1and the diverter2constitute part of the base section A described above, around which base section the head section B is relatively rotated.

As shown in, e.g.,FIG.3B, a first component of the head section B that is rotatably connected to the base section A is a multi-channel cap3that is rotatably mounted to the diverter member2. As shown in, e.g.,FIG.3A, the multi-channel cap3includes a generally circular plate member having a flat face3FF that is configured to rest along the plane of the front of the diverter cup2B of the diverter member2.

As shown, the multi-channel cap3includes two channels3B and3C that are located 180 degrees apart from one another around a center of the cap3. In order to rotatably mount the cap3upon the diverter member2, a forwardly projecting cup3CH of the cap3is fitted over the central protrusion2CH of the diverter member2, and a locking bolt LB is inserted through a through-hole in the center of the projecting cup3CH and screwed into a threaded central hole at the center of the central protrusion as shown in, e.g.,FIG.3B. When inserted, the head portion of the locking bolt LB extends across a larger diameter than the diameter of the through-hole in the center of the projecting cup3CH such that the multi-path cap3is retained on the diverter member2. However, the locking bolt LB is not tightly affixed to the cap3, but attached with minimal or no pressure applied to the cap3by the bolt LB such that the cap can freely rotate beneath the locking bolt LB. In this manner, the cap3can be rotatable fixed to the diverter member2. Note that while the locking bolt LB is omitted fromFIG.5Bfor illustrative purposes, when assembled the locking bolt LB would be visible within the cross-sectional view shown inFIG.5B(and would also be visible in cross-sectional views such as, e.g., inFIGS.6B,7B and8Bdiscussed infra).

However, prior to attaching the multi-path cap3to the diverter member2, sealing members (e.g., o-rings) OR are preferably inserted between the at least one tubular conduit2d1,2d2and the flat face3FF of the cap3. As best seen in, e.g.,FIG.5B, the at least one conduit2d1,2d2preferably includes a stepped front edge that is configured to receive such a sealing member or o-ring OR. In this manner, when the cap3can be rotated relative to the diverter member2such as to align different channels (e.g., flow paths) from a plurality of flow channels in the cap3with the at least one tubular conduit2d1,2d2of the diverter member2. In particular, in the embodiment shown inFIGS.1-6E, as indicated above, the cap3includes two channels3B and3C that are located 180 degrees apart from one another around a center of the cap3.

As shown in, e.g.,FIG.3B, the cap3also includes a plurality (e.g., four in the illustrated example) of screw mounting projections extending forwardly on a side opposite to the diverter member2. These mounting projections are used to fixedly attach a re-directing attachment5to the cap. In short, the re-direct attachment5includes a plurality of channels5B and5C that are aligned with the channels3B and3C of the cap when the re-direct attachment5is fixedly attached to the cap3. In this manner, the direction of the channels3B and3C is redirected such that water flows in an angled path through the combined cap and re-direct attachment5. Although the cap3and the re-direct attachment5could be formed as a single member in some embodiments, due to complexities in fabrication of such a unitary combined structure, the cap3and re-direct attachment are preferably fixed together as shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear side of the re-direct attachment preferably includes screw mounting portions SM that are essentially straight tubes that are sized to fit over the screw mounting portions extending from the front side of the cap3. To fix the members together, mounting screws (see, e.g., the four mounting screws SC at the left side ofFIG.3B) are inserted through the mounted portions SM of the re-direct attachment5and screwed into threaded holes in the ends of the screw mounting portions of the cap3. The heads of the screws SC are sized such as to abut a surface of the re-direct attachment5to fix it securely to the cap3.

As shown in, e.g.,FIGS.3B and5B, the combined cap3and re-direct attachment5are preferably located inside of a surrounding sleeve member4. The sleeve member4is fixedly attached to the combined cap3and re-direct attachment5, such as, e.g. via adhesive, welding and/or mechanical connection (e.g., employing other screws or bolts). When assembled, the combined cap3, re-direct attachment5and sleeve form the attaching sub-section B1of the head section B shown inFIG.5E.

As shown in, e.g.,FIGS.2and5B, the sleeve portion4(which is fixedly attached to the cap2and re-direct attachment3as discussed above) can be locked in position with respect to the base handle via the lock13. In this regard, the lock13preferably includes an index-finger trigger member13that is pivotably supported by two support rings13A and13B that are located so as to straddle a depending protrusion in the base handle1having a lateral through hole1zthrough which a support pin or screw SC is inserted and fixed at the other end with a bolt or the like. In this manner, the trigger is pivotably mounted to pivot around the support pin or screw SC. At the forward side of the support pin or screw is a latch projection13L and at a rearward side of the support pin or screw is a spring14which biases the trigger downward such as to bias the latch projection13L upward.

As shown inFIG.3A, the sleeve4includes two cut-out recesses4N1and4N2located 180 degrees on opposite sides from one another. These recesses are sized and positioned such as to receive the locking projection13L of the lock13when the sleeve is oriented around the axis AX (seeFIG.5E) with a respective recess aligned with the locking projection. In this manner, when the locking projection is located within one of the recesses4N1or4N2, the sleeve4is prevented from rotation around the axis AX with respect to the base handle1. Accordingly, the device can readily be retained in a desired angular orientation due to the operation of the lock13. In order to change the angular orientation of the sleeve4with respect to the base handle1, a user U can simply pull the trigger13(e.g., with the user's index finger) to raise the locking projection out of the corresponding recess4N1or4N2such that the sleeve can be rotated. Notably, once the locking projection is removed from the corresponding recess and the sleeve is rotated slightly, the trigger13can preferably be released and the projection will, thus, slide on the exterior of the sleeve as the sleeve is rotated relative to the base handle1until the locking projection reaches one of the recesses4N1and4N2and is caused to enter the recess due to the force of the spring14such as to again lock the relative position of the sleeve4with respect to the base handle1.

As indicated above, the sleeve4also includes at least one window4C in order to display a selected type of spray (as discussed further below).

As discussed above, the head section B shown inFIG.5Ealso includes a front sub-section B2that is further rotatable relative to the attaching sub-section B1in order to select desired spray types (as discussed below). More particularly, the front sub-section B2includes, as shown in, e.g.,FIGS.1A,4A and4B, the following components that are fixedly attached to one another: a front grommet ring9that includes finger-gripping recesses9B to facilitate manual rotation by a user a turret member7that is fixed inside the grommet ring9that has a plurality of selectable spray type port configurations, a turret cap8that is fixed to the turret to facilitate fluid flow into the turret, and an indicia ring6that is fixed to the perimeter of the turret7and includes indicia around the periphery thereof that is viewable through the window4C of the sleeve upon selection of a particular angular position between the front sub-section B2and the attaching sub-section B1.

As shown in the front view ofFIG.5D, the turret7includes a plurality of spray type port configurations. In particular, in the illustrative example, the turret includes eight illustrative selectable spray type port configurations. Specifically, each selectable spray type configuration involves a particular shape of a discharge outlet that causes water flowing there-through to take on a particular shape or characteristic. In the illustrated example shown inFIG.5D, the turret is shown to include the following illustrative and non-limiting examples of spray types: (1) a shower port configuration7shwhich includes an array of holes as shown configured to discharge water in droplets/streams from a plurality of locations in a manner similar to a common house-hold showerhead; (2) a flat or planar port configuration7f1that includes a narrow and wider slot as shown to create a wide and flat discharge; (3) a full port configuration7fuwhich includes a large opening for dispensing a larger volume of water, (4) a mist port configuration7miwhich includes a few small holes that are sized to create a mist water discharge; (5) an annular port configuration Tan that includes a ring shaped or annular discharge outlet configured to discharge water in an annular or cone-like manner; (6) a jet port configuration7je that includes a smaller discharge outlet adapted to provide a high-power narrow discharge; (7) another modified port configuration as shown at7y; and (8) another modified configuration as shown at7x.

As shown inFIG.4A, the rear side of the turret7includes eight tubular conduits7D each having through passages7E that lead to respective ones of said selectable spray type configurations. In use, a particular spray type is selected by a user by manually rotating the grommet ring9in relation to the position of the re-direct attachment5(discussed above) such as to align a desired spray type port with respect to the discharge from the re-direct attachment (as discussed further below).

As shown in, e.g.,FIG.3B, the front side of the re-direct attachment5(i.e., opposite to the cap3) includes conduits5d1and5d2that each are axially aligned with the respective channels5B and5C as shown. The conduits5d1and5d2have a wider diameter than the channels5B and5C, as shown inFIG.5Bsuch as to receive the seal members or o-rings OR which are depicted in, e.g.,FIGS.4A and4B. As should be appreciated, the seal members or o-rings OR are configured to extend past the ends of the conduits5d1and5d2such as to sealingly slide along and engage the flat face8FF of the turret cap8.

As also shown inFIG.3B, the re-direct attachment also include a mounting holder5PN for supporting a spring biased pin or projection PN shown in, e.g.,FIG.4Ain such a manner that a tip end of the spring biased projection is received within a corresponding recess PR when the front sub-section B2and the attaching sub-section B1are aligned such that the discharge paths are appropriately aligned. Preferably, the tip end of the pin or projection PN is curved such that the pin or projection PN will exit the respective recess PR upon the application of a rotational force. However, the device is preferably constructed such that the pin or projection PN creates some tactile resistance when rotating so as to remove the pin or projection from a recess and/or an audible clicking sound or sensation when rotating such that the pin or projection falls within such a recess.

As shown inFIGS.4A and4B, the turret cap8includes a plurality of through holes8E which are alignable with the conduits5d1and5d2such as to be in fluid communication therewith. As shown inFIG.4B, the front side of the turret cap8which faces the turret7when mounted thereto can include other structure in some embodiments to affect flow through a respective through hole8E.

As also shown inFIGS.4A and4B, the perimeter of the turret7preferably includes wider rear-end collar7A, a narrower mid-section7B and a widened front end7C. In this manner, the grommet ring9can be securely retained on the turret. For example, the grommet ring can, e.g., in some embodiments, be made with a rubber or other flexible material that is resiliently stretched and retained on the turret. The grommet ring9can alternatively be attached to the turret in a variety of other ways, such as, e.g., via adhesive, welding and/or mechanical means such as, e.g., screws or the like. Moreover, the grommet ring9can alternatively be made with a more rigid material such as, e.g., a plastic and/or metal material. Similarly, various parts such as, e.g., the base handle1, the diverter member2, the cap3, the sleeve4, the re-directing attachment5, the indicia ring6, the turret7, and the turret cap8can also be made with a variety of materials, such as, e.g., with rigid plastic materials and/or metal materials. On the other than, the sealing members or o-rings OR are preferably made with flexible materials such as, e.g., rubber, plastic or other synthetic flexible materials suitable for sealing purposes as is known in the art.

As also shown inFIG.4A, the turret7also preferably includes a center projection7CH having a screw-receiving through-hole that is also aligned with a center screw receiving through-hole8CH in the turret cap8. As shown inFIGS.4A and5B, the center projection7CH preferably includes an indented ridge around the distal end of the center projection that forms a smaller diameter tip portion that is snuggly received within the through-hole8CH in the turret cap8.

As shown inFIGS.4A and5B, the front sub-section B2is preferably attached to the attaching sub-section B1by inserting a screw SC into the center projection7CH such that a head of the screw abuts a ridge surrounding the through-hole within the center projection7CH and the shaft of the screw SC extends through the turret cap through-hole8CH and is screwed into a center projecting screw boss5CH extending from a front side of the re-directing attachment5as shown inFIG.3B. Similarly to the locking bolt LB described above, this latter screw SC is not tightly affixed to the turret7, but attached with minimal or no pressure applied to the turret7by the screw SC such that the turret can freely rotate beneath the screw SC. In this manner, the turret7can be rotatable fixed to the re-directing attachment5. Notably, the turret7, turret cap8, indicia ring and grommet ring9are preferably fixedly connected together such as to form a unitary turret assembly that is rotatable relative to the sleeve4for angular adjustment of the turret7for selection of a desired spray type. Although these elements of the turret assembly are connected together, in some embodiments, a plurality of these separate elements can be integrally formed together.

With respect to the indicia ring6, as shown inFIGS.1A and4A, in some embodiments the indicia ring6can include stickers or labels6A that are adhered to the perimeter of the ring at locations corresponding to respective spray types of the aligned turret. Towards that end, in the illustrated embodiment inFIGS.1-6E, as eight spray types are included, the indicia ring6can include eight corresponding stickers or labels6A around the periphery thereof. Alternatively, such indicia can be formed in any desired manner upon the periphery of the indicia ring6. In some preferred embodiments, the indicia would include short one-word descriptions, such as, e.g., “full” or “shower.” In other embodiments, indicia can alternatively or additionally include symbols, numbers, pictures or other forms of indicia identifying the spray type.

Accordingly, as set forth above, the spray device100of the first embodiment includes two axially-aligned tubular members (i.e., a base section A and a head section B) that are mounted together in a manner to rotate relative to one another in an end-to-end relationship. In the preferred embodiment, the contact surface between both axially-aligned tubular members is at an angle ø (shown, e.g., inFIG.5B) that is non-perpendicular to the center axes of the tubular members. Accordingly, upon relative rotation of the tube members, the tubular members are movable between a substantially straight position to an angled position as schematically shown inFIGS.10A and10B. In the embodiment shown inFIGS.1-6C, movement between these two positions involves a complete 180 degree rotation of head section B with respect to the base section A.

In the above description of the first embodiment, reference has been made substantially so far to the spray device100as oriented in a linear position. Here, the terminology linear position does not require an absolute straight line, but involves and orientation that is substantially straighter than a second orientation that is achieved upon rotation of the head section B relative to the base section A

As indicated above,FIGS.6A-6Cshow the first embodiment discussed above with the head section B rotated 180 degrees relative to the base section A from that shown in, e.g.,FIGS.5A-5C. As a result, as shown in the cross-sectional view ofFIG.6B, the head section B is oriented at a substantially more angled position in this second orientation. As should be appreciated, the degree of angular displacement between the linear position shown in, e.g.,FIGS.5A-5Cand the angular or rotated position shown inFIGS.6A-6Cdepends on the selected angle ø. In this regard, in various alternative embodiments the angle ø can be modified or altered depending on circumstances. In some illustrative embodiments, the angle ø can be selected, e.g., in a range of between about 5 and 45 degrees, or, more preferably, between about 15 and 35 degrees. By way of example,FIGS.9A-9Hshow another illustrative embodiment of the invention having a larger degree of angular adjustment between the linear position shown inFIGS.9A-9Dand the angular position shown inFIGS.9E-9H.

b. Illustrative Advantages of the First Embodiment

While the first embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS.1-6Chas many notable advantages over existing systems and devices, some of the noteworthy advantages include that the first embodiment of the invention provides an angularly adjustable spray device having a head section with a rotated turret combined with an angular adjustment mechanism that involves a 180 rotation of a head section with respect to a body section while the spray device is specially configured such that the discharge from the spray device always occurs from a like location from the face of the rotated turret. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the discharge is always directed from a top side of the turret when the spray device is in the normal use position as shown inFIGS.10A and10B, regardless of the angular orientation of the device being that shown in FIG.10A or rotated 180 degrees to that shown inFIG.10B. Towards that end, the flow paths shown in bothFIGS.5B and6Bdepict the water flow to an upper side of the device regardless of the positional orientation of the head section B with respect to the base section A.

c. Second Illustrative Embodiment

FIGS.7A-8Eshow another embodiment of the invention that is similar to the first embodiment, but with a number of modifications as discussed below. More particularly,FIGS.7A-7Eshow views of the assembled spray device in a linear position andFIGS.8A-8Eshow views of the assembled spray device in an angular position.

In contrast to the device shown in the first embodiment, as shown inFIG.7B, in this second embodiment the diverter member2is modified to include two flow path openings2BE1and2BE2so that water flows through both of the upper and lower flow paths concurrently as shown by the arrows inFIG.7B.

In this manner, as with the first embodiment, the location of the discharge of the water from the front face of the spray device will remain consistently the same regardless of the angular position of the head section B with respect to the base section A. However, in contrast to the first embodiment described above, the discharge in the second embodiment is from two locations.

In view of this discharge from two locations, in some preferred embodiments as shown inFIGS.7D,8C and8D, rather than including an array of different spray discharge ports around the entire periphery of the turret7, in this second embodiment, the turret different spray discharge ports around the entire periphery of the turret7, in this second embodiment, the turret7is modified so as to include like spray discharge ports situated 180 degrees apart from one another. In this manner, due to the dual discharge from the upper and lower regions of the turret7of the spray head, the sprays discharged from these upper and lower regions will be of the same type. Accordingly, this modification can be provided to avoid conflicting discharges from different spray types concurrently.

Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the turret7only includes four different spray types, which are arranged as opposing pairs on opposite sides of the turret as shown.

Commensurate therewith, the indicia ring6would be similarly modified to include corresponding indicia surrounding the indicia ring. Towards that end, the indicia ring can include eight labels or indicia, with opposite labels (i.e., 180 degrees around the perimeter of the indicia ring being the same). Notably, in this manner, the indicia displayed in both windows4C of the sleeve4will show an accurate spray type selection. In contrast, in the first embodiment having eight different spray types, if two display windows4C are employed as shown in, e.g.,FIGS.1B and3B, then only one of the display windows4C will display an accurate result at a given time. Accordingly, in some preferred embodiments, the first embodiment described above would include only a single display window that is provided with the accurate position displayed.

d. Other Illustrative Embodiments

In yet some other embodiments of the invention, a combination of the first and second embodiments can be employed. For example, rather than employing a dual flow as shown in the second embodiment, in some alternative embodiments a single flow is provided that is the same as shown in the first embodiment, such as, e.g., inFIG.5B. However, in this alternative embodiment, the turret7of the first embodiment is replaced with the turret7of the second embodiment. In addition, the indicia ring6would also be modified as set forth in the second embodiment. Accordingly, as shown inFIGS.7D,8C and8D, rather than including an array of different spray discharge ports around the entire periphery of the turret7, as in the second embodiment, the turret7is modified so as to include like spray discharge ports situated 180 degrees apart from one another. In this manner, regardless of the relative angular position of the spray device—e.g. regardless of whether in a linear position such as, e.g., shown inFIG.10Aor in a rotated or angular position such as, e.g., shown inFIG.10B, the discharge would always be directed from a top side of the turret similar to the first embodiment, and the type of spray would not alter upon changing of the angular orientation of the spray head between the linear or angular positions. In addition, in this latter embodiment, the display of the indicia through the two windows4C would always be accurate. And, furthermore, in this latter embodiment, the display window facing the user U while holding the device in the normal use position will always display the correct spray type indicia. Moreover, in this embodiment, there would be no concern of potential interference between dual discharges from the spray device as could possibly occur in some implementations of the second embodiment.

e. Additional Exemplary Embodiments

FIGS.11A to17show an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The embodiment shown in these figures includes a handle portion1000which is similar to the handle1discussed above, and a thumb lever110which is similar to the thumb lever10discussed above. As shown, the thumb lever110includes a substantially U-shaped lever arm and two mounting rings. The thumb lever is mounted so as to straddle a thumb section of the base handle as shown in, e.g.,FIG.11A. A valve member111is fixed to the lever arm by fixedly engaging a cap portion to one of the mounting rings, and a shaft extends through a cross-passageway extending entirely laterally through the handle1000. The distal end of the shaft is attached to another cap member that is fixedly mounted to the other mounting ring. The shaft supports a valve disc111V that is sized and shaped to occlude the passageway in the handle at a particular orientation and to not occlude the passageway at another orientation. In use, the lever arm110is fixed to the valve member, while movable as a unit on the thumb section of the base handle1000. In this manner, a user can simply push the lever110with the user's thumb or the like to open or close the flow of water via the spray device by movement of the valve disc111V between fully closed (i.e., occluded) and fully opened positions.

With reference toFIG.11A, the handle1000is formed, similarly to the prior-described embodiments, with a central passageway running lengthwise there-through. In use, the base end of the handle is connected to a hose (e.g., threaded to the hose) such that water can be directed through the handle. At a discharge port of the handle, a discharge tube200VT is located through which all water passing through the handle1000passes. An inlet to the discharge tube200VT is configured to be opened or closed by the valve111V.

The discharge tube200VT is fitted to an inlet of a tube member200which has a central channel aligned with the central passageway of the handle100. The tube member200is fixedly mounted to the handle, such as, e.g., employing bolts BT which pass through bolt holes BH in the handle1000and into bolt holes200BH in the tube member200. Although the tube member200, the discharge tube200VT and the handle1000are separate members that are affixed together in this exemplary construction, in other embodiments two or all these components can be unitarily formed as a single member. As shown inFIG.13, the tube member200is preferably constructed to provide a snap-fit connection to the rotary directing attachment member500(as discussed further below). Towards this end, the tube member preferably includes resilient spring members200SP which resiliently engage an annular flange500AF of the attachment member500as discussed below.

During assembly of the spray device, prior to connecting the attachment member500to the tube member200, the attachment member500is fitted within the sleeve400. In this regard, as shown inFIGS.11A,15,16, the sleeve preferably includes supporting ribs400RB, which abut an outer peripheral edge of a rear face of a cover plate portion500PL of the attachment member500.

After the attachment member500is mounted within the sleeve400, the directing tube500D of the attachment member is connected to the discharge end of the tube member200. In this manner, water entering the handle of the spray device will pass through the tube member200, and then through the directing tube500D of the attachment member500. In order to readily attach the attachment member500to the tube member200, in the preferred construction, as discussed above, a snap fit connection is formed between these members. Towards that end, in the preferred construction, a rear end of the directing tube500D of the attachment member500has an annular flange500AF that is configured to be received inside the tube member200from the discharge opening of the tube member200. As the annular flange500AF enters the tube member200, the annular flange500AF outwardly pushes two resilient spring members200SP formed on opposite sides of the tube member such that the spring members flare outwardly to allow the annular flange500AF to pass. Once the annular flange passes the ends of the resilient spring members200SP, the spring members snap inward by their resilient force and thereby lock the annular flange by the respective ends of the resilient spring members200SP. This locked state is shown inFIG.15which depicts the snap-fit connection between the attachment member500and the tube member200within the sleeve400. It should be appreciated thatFIG.15only shows a portion of the components (i.e., portions located within the sleeve) for explanatory purposes.

With the above-described snap-fit connection between the attachment member500and the tube member200, the attachment member500is configured to be rotationally supported within the tube member200. As a result, the attachment member500can be rotated to alter the angle of discharge of water from the directing tube500D of the attachment member500. In order to manually rotate the attachment member by a user during use, the sleeve400is fixed to the attachment member500so as to not independently rotate relative to the attachment member500. Towards that end, in some embodiments, one or more of the supporting ribs400RB inside the sleeve400can be configured to be received within receiving slits500SL formed in the cover plate portion500PL of the attachment member500. In this manner, when the attachment member500is received within the sleeve400and the combined structure is snap-fit to the tube member200, the sleeve400and the attachment member500will rotate around the tube member200as a single unit.

As with the previously-described embodiments, in this latter embodiment, the sleeve member400is preferably rotatable between a straight or linear configuration, like that shown inFIG.11B, and an angled configuration, like that shown inFIG.12B. In addition, as with the previously-described embodiments, in this latter embodiment, the sleeve member400is preferably rotated 180 degrees between the straight configuration and the angled configuration.

In the preferred construction of this latter embodiment, in order to surely set the sleeve member400in either the straight configuration or the angled configuration, a snap-fit mechanism is provided to fix the orientation of the spray device. Towards that end, in some embodiments, the attachment member500also includes a snap-fit projection500PR (seeFIG.14) that extends from a resilient arm protruding rearward from a rear side of the cover plate500PL. The snap-fit projection is configured to be received within the annular groove200G (seeFIG.14) of the tube member200when the attachment member is fully snap-fit connected to the tube member200. In this manner, as the attachment member500rotates relative to the tube member200, the snap-fit projection will rotate around the annular groove200G. However, as shown inFIG.13, the annular groove preferably includes two slot portions200SL at opposite sides of the tube member200which are configured to receive the snap-fit projection500PR, such as, e.g., shown in the state shown inFIG.16. In that manner, the sleeve400can be snap-fit or “snapped” into either an angled or straight configuration. The amount of rotational force needed to be applied to the sleeve to exit this snap-fit state can be adjusted to allow a user to readily move the sleeve400as needed while maintaining the desired orientation during use.

As also shown inFIGS.11A to16, in this latter exemplary embodiment, the spray device also advantageously includes a turret member700having a plurality of selectable spray type port configurations (similarly to previously-described embodiments). As shown in, e.g.,FIG.11A, the turret member700can include a grommet ring900that includes finger-gripping recesses to facilitate manual rotation by a user of the turret member700that is fixed inside the grommet ring900. As with the previously-described embodiments, in some embodiments, a turret cap800is fixed to the turret to facilitate fluid flow into the turret. The grommet ring900, turret700and turret cap800are preferably integrally fixed to one another such as to move together as an integral unit.

As shown inFIG.12A, when assembled as an integral unit, an exposed perimeter of the turret cap800preferably is provided with indicia that is viewable through at least one window400C of the sleeve upon selection of a particular angular position between the turret700and the attachment member500. More specifically, by setting the angular position between the turret and the attachment member, the directing tube500D can be specifically aligned with a desired selectable spray type port configurations (similarly to previously-described embodiments). For example, as shown inFIG.11B, the turret700preferably includes a plurality of spray type port configurations. As discussed above, each selectable spray type configuration involves a particular shape of a discharge outlet that causes water flowing there-through to take on a particular shape or characteristic. The particular number of selectable spray type port configurations can be selected as desired. For example, in some embodiments, eight or more configurations can be selected, in other embodiments, seven configurations can be selected, in other embodiments, six configurations can be selected, in other embodiments five configurations can be selected, in other embodiments four configurations can be selected, in other embodiments three configurations can be selected, and in other embodiments two configurations can be selected.

In some preferred embodiments, a discharge port of the attachment member500is fitted with an o-ring OR to help seal the flow of water between the exit of the discharge port and the entrance to the respective selectable spray type port of the turret cap800. In some embodiments, the turret member800can include different spray types around the periphery of the turret cap (e.g., similar to that shown in the embodiment ofFIG.6D), while in some other embodiments, the turret member800can include similar spray types at multiple locations around the periphery of the turret cap (e.g., similar to that shown in the embodiment ofFIG.7D).

With reference to the schematic diagram shown inFIG.17, in preferred implementations of the embodiment shown inFIGS.11A-16, the spray device includes two windows400C on opposite sides of the periphery of the sleeve400, and a plurality of labels800L located around the periphery of the turret cap800which are positionable aligned with the windows400C for observation there-through. In the illustrative example shown inFIG.17, eight labels800L are provided.

As with the previously-described embodiments, the number of and the angular positions of the labels800L correlates with the number of spray types and the angular positions of the respective spray types around the turret700. In some embodiments, the labels at opposite sides of the turret cap800represent the same spray type. In that manner, during use, when a user holds the spray device in a straight configuration in a manner similar to that shown inFIG.10A, the user can observe via a window400C (TOP) at the top side of the sleeve facing the user the label800L corresponding to the spray type setting; and, if the user rotates the sleeve (without rotating the turret700relative to the sleeve so as to maintain the same spray type) by 180 degrees so as to be in an angled configuration similar to that shown inFIG.10B, the window400C (BOTTOM) originally at the bottom side of the sleeve will be rotated to a top position facing the user with the respective label thereunder facing the user, such that the user can observe the spray type by readily looking downward in a similar manner through a window located at an upper side during use regardless of the straight or angled orientation of the spray device.

In some other embodiments, to facilitate operation in this manner, the spray types at opposite sides of the turret700can be the same types, such as similar to that shown inFIGS.7D and8D, whereby labels800L at opposite sides of the turret cap800can readily be made the same while aligning with the same spray types when the labels800L at opposite sides of the turret cap800represent the same spray types. In such embodiments, an even number of labels can be provided, such as, e.g., eight labels shown inFIG.17may correspond to four spray types being employed.

In some other embodiments, the orientations of the labels800L will not exactly correspond to the orientations of the inlets to the spray types in the turret cap800. For example, where an odd number of spray types are distributed around the turret700, then labels800L can be located on opposite sides of the turret cap800without interference between spray types. That is, in such an example differing spray types would not be situated 180 degrees opposite to one another, such that rotation of the sleeve by 180 degrees to bring the lower window400C into a top position for viewing would readily continue to display the same spray type. In such cases, the number of labels800L around the periphery of the turret cap would be double the number of inlets to the respective spray types around the turret cap.

For example, in the embodiment shown inFIG.11, seven spray types are shown as employed. As shown in the schematic diagram ofFIG.18, in some implementations, seven spray types can have respective inlets or through holes800E in the turret cap that can be respectively aligned with the outlet of the discharge tube500D depending on the relative rotational position of the turret700related to the attachment member500. As shown inFIG.18, in this example fourteen labels800L are provided around the periphery of the turret cap800, which are equally spaced around the periphery of the turret cap, and positionable such that labels on opposite sides of the turret cap800align with respective ones of the windows400C. As depicted by the dashed lines, in some examples each respective spray type has a corresponding inlet or through hole800E and two labels800L on opposite sides of the turret cap. In the schematic diagram shown inFIG.18, corresponding labels800L and inlets800E for each spray type are connected with respective dashed lines. In this manner, the angular orientation of the sleeve400can be readily rotated such that the spray device is alternated between straight and angled configurations to alternate the positioning of the windows400C (Top) and400C (Bottom) without altering the type displayed view an upper window400C when the relative angular positions of the turret cap800and the sleeve are not altered.

FIG.19is a schematic diagram that shows an alternative preferred construction of the window and labels of the sleeve400and turret cap800according to some preferred embodiments of the invention. In particular, in the embodiment shown inFIG.18, the labels800L and windows400C (Top) and400C (Bottom) are aligned at a common axial position (i.e., along an axis extending through a centerline of the turret cap), such that the labels pass under both of the windows400C (Top) and400C (Bottom) such as to be viewed thereunder when rotated to an aligned position with the respective window. In this latter embodiment, the arc length of the labels is more limited. In the embodiment shown inFIG.19, the arc length of the labels800L can be increased by arranging a plurality of rows of labels—e.g., rows R1and R2as shown inFIG.19. As shown inFIG.19, a top window400C (Top) in the sleeve400is aligned with the row R1, while the bottom window400C (Bottom) is aligned with the row R2. In the preferred embodiments, each of the rows R1and R2includes labels corresponding to each of the spray types employed (i.e., corresponding to the number of inlet holes into the turret cap800). In the preferred embodiments, the same specific labels in row R1are angularly offset around the turret cap from the labels in row R2by 180 degrees. In that manner, the same spray type will be displayed via the top window400C (top) and the bottom window400C (bottom). Thus, regardless of the orientation of the spray device in a straight configuration or in an angled configuration, the correct spray type will be visible at a top side of the spray device when in a normal use position similar to that shown inFIGS.10A and10B.

It should be appreciated thatFIG.19is an explanatory figure and not shown to scale. In some preferred embodiments, this type of structure shown inFIG.19is applied to any of the embodiments described herein-above. For example, with reference toFIGS.9A-9H, as illustrated in these figures the windows at opposite sides of the sleeve are offset in a similar manner. In such example, this offset enables the use of two parallel rows of labels similar to that shown inFIG.19. Similarly, a comparison of the windows shown inFIGS.11B and12Balso illustrate that in these figures the windows at opposite sides of the sleeve are offset in a similar manner. Once again, also in this example, this offset enables the use of two parallel rows of labels similar to that shown inFIG.19.

As shown inFIG.11A, the spray device can, thus, include a base section A, including, e.g., the base handle100and the tube member200which is fixedly mounted thereto, along with a head section B that is rotatable supported on the base section A. As shown, the head section can include, e.g., the sleeve400having the attachment member500fixed therein, as well as a turret assembly C that is rotatably mounted to the attachment member. In this embodiment, the turret assembly includes the turret700, the turret cap800and the grommet ring900which are fixedly connected together such as to rotate as a unitary member. In some embodiments, components of the turret assembly could be integrated together such as to be formed as a single unitary member.

During assembly of the device, the base section A is formed with the tube member200fixed to the handle100, and the head section is readily attached to the base section by means of a snap-fit connection between the annular flange500AF of the attachment member and the resilient spring members200SP of the tube member200of the base section A. In the illustrated embodiment, the turret assembly C is rotatably mounted to the attachment member500via a screw SC that extends through the turret700and turret cap800of the turret assembly and is screwed into a central receiving screw hole500SH in the attachment member500. Preferably, the screw is not tightened too tightly that the turret assembly does not rotate relative to the sleeve400and attachment member500, but such that frictional contact between the turret assembly and attachment member500maintains the orientation of the members until a user manually rotates the turret assembly C relative to the attachment member500. In the preferred embodiment, the frictional contact between the attachment member500and the turret assembly is maintained by means of a spring biased pin PN that is supported in the attachment member such as to be biased towards the turret cap800. In the preferred construction, the rear face of the turret cap800can include a plurality of recesses (not shown) which are arranged in similar manner to the recesses PR shown in the previously-described embodiments shown inFIG.4A, which correspond to locations of the respective spray types selectable with the turret assembly in order to both identify the particular angular orientations for respective spray types and to help retain the respective orientation of the turret assembly until the user manually forces the turret assembly to rotate so as to cause the pin PN to be released from the respective recess. Towards that end, the tip of the pin is preferably rounded or contoured as shown to facilitate entry and exiting of the respective recess PR during use.

Broad Scope of the Invention

In the accompanying figures, the relative sizes and dimensions of all of the component parts of the spray devices are shown to scale according to some illustrative and non-limiting examples. In some variations of these illustrative embodiments, corresponding relationships between parts can be varied plus or minus 10%, or plus or minus 20% in other embodiments, or plus or minus 30% in other embodiments. Moreover, various other embodiments can employ wholly different sizes and dimensions.

While illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described herein, the present invention is not limited to the various preferred embodiments described herein, but includes any and all embodiments having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across various embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would be appreciated by those in the art based on the present disclosure. The limitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. For example, in the present disclosure, the term “preferably” is non-exclusive and means “preferably, but not limited to.” In this disclosure and during the prosecution of this application, means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations will only be employed where for a specific claim limitation all of the following conditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or “step for” is expressly recited; b) a corresponding function is expressly recited; and c) structure, material or acts that support that structure are not recited. In this disclosure and during the prosecution of this application, the terminology “present invention” or “invention” may be used as a reference to one or more aspect within the present disclosure. The language present invention or invention should not be improperly interpreted as an identification of criticality, should not be improperly interpreted as applying across all aspects or embodiments (i.e., it should be understood that the present invention has a number of aspects and embodiments), and should not be improperly interpreted as limiting the scope of the application or claims. In this disclosure and during the prosecution of this application, the terminology “embodiment” can be used to describe any aspect, feature, process or step, any combination thereof, and/or any portion thereof, etc. In some examples, various embodiments may include overlapping features. In this disclosure, the following abbreviated terminology may be employed: “e.g.” which means “for example.”