CN115916419A - Sprinkler device - Google Patents

Abstract

A sprayer (100) includes a handle (116) and a valve (106) for on-off switching the flow of water relative to an outlet (104). The sprinkler (100) includes an inlet (102) for receiving water. The sprinkler (100) includes a trigger (110) configured to actuate the valve (106). The trigger (110) moves between a locked position and an unlocked position. A trigger (110) permits water flow when in a locked position and prevents water flow when in an unlocked position. The sprinkler (100) also includes a locking mechanism (114) that is activated by the trigger (110). The locking mechanism (114) includes a contoured portion (108). The locking mechanism (114) further includes a locking element (112) that is movable between a first state and a second state with the formation (108). In the second state, the locking element (112) engages the formation (108) in the locked position. The sprinkler (100) is characterized in that the locking element (112) is a linear spring.

Description

Sprinkler device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a sprinkler. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to sprinklers having a locking mechanism.

Background

A sprinkler is a device for spraying liquids, and its common uses include spraying water, herbicides, crop performance materials, pest control chemicals, and also for the manufacture and production of strands. In agriculture, sprinklers are equipment used to apply herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers to crops.

However, in some instances, applicators such as sprinklers or any other system including flow, jet, spray, etc., may require two hands to operate (i.e., one hand for holding the body of the sprinkler and the other hand for adjusting the applicator head). This makes the device (i.e. sprinkler) more cumbersome to operate and less attractive to the average user (e.g. a gardener).

An example of a sprinkler is provided in U.S. patent application No. US 20140,367,496a1 (hereinafter referred to as' 496 reference). A sprinkler is provided in the' 496 reference. The sprayer includes a handle. In addition, the sprinkler includes a nozzle and a stem. The lever portion is connected to the handle and is pivotable between a rest position and an active position. The sprinkler also includes a wand locking device for locking the wand in the active position. The rod locking device includes an anchor portion on the handle, a stopper formed on the handle, and a pawl attached to the rod. When the lever is pivoted toward the handle and released, the pawl moves over the anchor portion and is stopped by a stop that is caught on the anchor portion. When the lever is pivoted again towards the handle and released, the pawl is released from the anchor. However, the' 496 reference does not provide an ergonomic and user-friendly arrangement to selectively operate (i.e., lock/unlock) the sprinkler.

U.S. patent application US2016/375,453 discloses a fluid applicator. The fluid applicator includes an inlet and an outlet fluidly coupled by a fluid path. The fluid applicator further comprises a trigger. The trigger is configured to move between a closed position and an open position when actuated. The open position allows fluid to flow along the fluid path from the inlet to the outlet. However, the trigger of this reference includes a trigger detent mechanism having one or more trigger securing features that engage with the trigger receiver. This arrangement of the trigger may result in a fluid applicator that is cumbersome to operate and not attractive to the average user. Furthermore, triggers with attached trigger securing features appear to be susceptible to events such as wear, tear, or even failure during repeated engagement/disengagement of the trigger securing feature with the trigger receiver.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved sprinkler that locks easily and conveniently even at the level of general user application.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to solve or at least mitigate the above disadvantages. The object is at least partly achieved by a sprinkler. The sprinkler includes an inlet for receiving water. The sprinkler also includes an outlet for discharging water from the sprinkler. The sprayer includes a handle. The sprinkler includes a valve for on-off switching the flow of water relative to the outlet. In addition, the sprinkler includes a trigger configured to actuate the valve. The trigger moves between a locked position and an unlocked position. The trigger permits water flow when in the locked position and prevents water flow when in the unlocked position. The sprinkler also includes a locking mechanism configured to be activated by the trigger. The locking mechanism includes a contoured portion (contourr). The locking mechanism includes a locking element that moves within the profile between the second condition and the first condition. In the second state, the locking element engages the trigger in the locked position. The sprinkler is characterized in that the locking element is a linear spring. The present invention thus provides a simple, efficient and user-friendly locking mechanism for a sprinkler.

In the first state, the locking element is disengaged from the trigger. The valve remains closed when the trigger is in the unlocked position, thereby preventing the flow of water.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the locking element is a wire. The locking element is locked within the formation, which further restricts the flow of water by directly or indirectly controlling the valve.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the formation is a space or a groove in which the locking element moves. This allows for a desired locking effect of the profile and the locking element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the formation is integrally provided on the trigger. This will make the sprinkler more compact and light-weight with the advantages of other embodiments.

Other features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

The invention will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the interior of a sprinkler according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view around the locking mechanism of the sprinkler of fig. 1, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the interior of a sprinkler having a locking mechanism according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view around the locking mechanism of the sprinkler of fig. 3, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, the embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention may be used in other embodiments, and even other types of structures and/or methods. In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. For example, "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "side," "longitudinal," "lateral," "transverse," "upward," "downward," "forward," "rearward," "lateral," "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward," "interior," "exterior," "inward," "outward," "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "central," "mid-section," "intermediate," "between," "end," "adjacent," "proximal," "near," "distal," "remote," "radial," "circumferential," and the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise.

Fig. 1 shows a sprinkler 100. The sprinkler 100 of the present disclosure may be any device applied to outdoor or garden facilities to supply or spray water according to the requirements of the facilities. The sprinkler 100 has an inlet 102 that is connectable to a water source, such as, but not limited to, a hose, a faucet, or any other water source. The sprinkler 100 also includes an outlet 104. The outlet 104 allows water to be discharged from the sprinkler 100. The sprinkler 100 includes a handle 116 on its body that allows the sprinkler 100 to be held during operation of the sprinkler 100.

The sprinkler 100 also includes a valve 106. The valve 106 switch switches the flow of water from the inlet 102 to the outlet 104 and thereby controls the amount of water flowing from the outlet 104 of the sprinkler 100. In addition, sprinkler 100 includes a trigger 110 configured to actuate valve 106. In addition, the sprinkler 100 includes a locking mechanism 114. The locking mechanism 114 has a formation 108 and a locking element 112. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking element 112 is a linear spring, however different types of locking elements 112 have been contemplated and are included within the scope of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the locking element 112 may be one or more of a torsion spring, a constant pressure spring, a compression spring, an extension spring, a belleville spring, a spring clip, a natural spring, and the like.

In some embodiments, the locking element 112 is a wire. The locking element 112 may be one or more of a circular snap, a cantilever snap, a torsional snap, etc. In addition, different types of thread locking methods may be used to securely attach the locking element 112, such as bolts and nuts, screws and threaded nuts, threaded components, and the like.

Fig. 2 shows the sprinkler 100 around the locking mechanism 114. The locking mechanism 114 is configured to be actuated by the trigger 110 or by any other portion or component of the sprinkler 100. In particular, the trigger 110 may be provided with a specific protrusion formed to engage and disengage the locking mechanism 114, whereby this protrusion may be shaped in accordance with a protrusion well known in the art (e.g. EP 2 368 640b 1) which may lock and unlock the trigger. In addition, the locking mechanism 114 includes a contoured portion 108. From the position of the trigger 110, the sprinkler 100 is shown in the unlocked position. Here, the trigger 110 is in the unlocked position because the trigger 110 is held away from the locking mechanism 114. Further, during operation of the sprinkler 100, the trigger 110 is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position (as shown in fig. 3, 4) to accommodate the flow of water. In some embodiments, the sprinkler 100 can be used with the left hand, with the right hand, or in any other state.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 114 may be actuated by the action of the trigger 110, or in some embodiments, by the handle 104. Upon activation of the trigger 110 once, the locking element 112 may lock with either or both of the trigger 110 and the formation 108. And when the trigger 110 is actuated in the locked state, the locking element 112 may be unlocked from either or both of the trigger 110 and the formation 108. Here, the locking mechanism 114 may be configured to move the locking element 112 between the second state and the first state within the formation 108. In the second state of the locking element 112, the locking element 112 is engaged with the trigger 110 in the locked position, as shown in fig. 4. In the first state of the locking element 112, the trigger 110 is disengaged from the locking element 112 and the formation 108, as shown in figure 2.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 114 may include a bayonet coupling, a fine thread coupling, a coarse thread coupling, a push-pull coupling, a breakaway coupling, a push-release coupling, a screw-lock coupling, a double-push-lock coupling, or the like.

Referring again to fig. 2, the locking member 112 is in the unlocked position. Thus, no water is discharged from the outlet 104 (shown in fig. 1). This shows the trigger 110 blocking the flow of water when unlocked. It should be understood that in some embodiments of the invention, the valve 106 may be partially or fully opened by the trigger 110.

In some embodiments, the valve 106 may be actuated manually, mechanically, electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically, etc. In addition, a motorized brake may be provided in association with valve 106. The motorized actuator may cause the valve 106 to automatically open or close upon touching a button or the like. The motorized brake allows the valve 106 to operate at a desirable (e.g., greater or lesser frequency) condition.

In some embodiments, the locking element 112 may be one or more of copper wire, stainless steel wire, high strength alloy wire, copper-clad steel wire, bare copper wire, tin-plated copper wire, silver-plated copper wire, nickel-plated copper wire, aluminum wire, and the like.

Fig. 3 shows the sprinkler 100 with the locking mechanism 114 in the locked position. Upon actuation of the trigger 110, the locking element 112 moves from the first state to the second state within the formation 108. Furthermore, the trigger 110 (in the locked position) is locked with the locking element 112 (in the second state) to allow the flow of water. It will also be apparent that in this position of the trigger 110, which places it in the locked position, the valve 106 is opened or unlocked to prevent water from flowing from the outlet 104.

In some embodiments, the sprinkler 100 can be a boom sprinkler, a boom-less sprinkler nozzle, a sprayer, a three-point hanging sprinkler, a van, a drag sprinkler, a hanging sprinkler, a UTV sprinkler, an ATV sprinkler, a fixed point sprinkler, or a backpack sprinkler.

Fig. 4 shows another view of the locking mechanism 114 in a locked position. As can be appreciated from this figure, in some embodiments, the body of the sprinkler and the formation 108 are provided as one piece. Specifically, the contoured portion 108 may be integrally provided on the body of the sprinkler. Alternatively, the trigger 110 and the body of the sprinkler may be different or independent from each other. The present disclosure has contemplated different variations of the trigger 110 and the profile 108, and all such variations have been included within the scope of the present invention. This will provide a number of advantages to the sprinkler 100, such as being more compact and lighter.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

Component list

100: sprinkler device

102: inlet port

104: an outlet

106: valve with a valve body

108: structural part

110: flip-flop

112: locking element

114: locking mechanism

116: handle (CN)

Claims (4)

1. A sprinkler (100), comprising:

an inlet (102) for receiving water;

an outlet (104) for discharging water from the sprinkler (100);

a handle (116);

a valve (106) for on-off switching the flow of water relative to the outlet (104);

a trigger (110) configured to actuate the valve (106), wherein the trigger (110) moves between a locked position and an unlocked position, and wherein the trigger (110) allows the flow of water in the locked position and blocks the flow of water in the unlocked position;

the sprinkler (100) further comprises a locking mechanism (114) configured to be activated by the trigger (110), the locking mechanism (114) comprising:

a contoured portion (108); and

a locking element (112) that moves between a first state and a second state within the profile (108),

wherein in the second state the locking element (112) is engaged with the trigger (110) in the locked position,

the method is characterized in that:

the locking element (112) is a linear spring,

wherein in the first state the locking element (112) is disengaged from the trigger (110).

2. The sprinkler (100) according to claim 1, wherein the locking element (112) is a wire acting as the linear spring.

3. A sprinkler (100) according to claim 1, wherein the formation (108) is a space or groove in which the locking element (112) moves.

4. A sprinkler (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the formation (108) is integrally provided on the trigger (110).

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