EP3946749A1

EP3946749A1 - Adjustable spray nozzle assembly

Info

Publication number: EP3946749A1
Application number: EP20721971.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jeffrey Spooner; Mario Restive
Original assignee: Fountainhead Group Inc
Current assignee: Fountainhead Group Inc
Priority date: 2019-03-29
Filing date: 2020-03-30
Publication date: 2022-02-09
Also published as: WO2020205758A1

Abstract

An adjustable nozzle for a high-pressure sprayer that reduces the axial force acting on the nozzle threads, thus enabling the nozzle spray pattern to be easily adjusted manually when the sprayer is in operation.

Description

ADJUSTABLE SPRAY NOZZLE ASSEMBLY

Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/826,184 filed on March 29, 2019 the entire disclosure which is incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present disclosure is directed generally to nozzles for attachment to fluid sprayers for insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, and the like, and more particularly to such sprayers that include a nozzle that produces a fine mist spray pattern.

Background

[0003] A typical lawn and garden fogging-type sprayer requires high fluid pressure in order to produce a spray pattern in the form of a very fine mist (fog). If an adjustable nozzle is employed, the sprayer may additionally be capable of producing a fluid spray pattern that can vary from fog, to fine mist, to coarse spray, and to a straight stream. The adjustable spray pattern is typically provided for by turning a threaded nozzle body in order to vary the space and exit geometry available for fluid flow.

[0004] A disadvantage of a typical adjustable nozzle when employed on a fogging-type sprayer is that the high fluid pressure can impart an axial force on the adjustment threads such that the nozzle can be difficult to turn manually.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a manually adjustable spray nozzle capable of producing a fine mist spray pattern.

Summary

[0006] The present disclosure is directed to an adjustable nozzle for a high-pressure sprayer that reduces the axial force acting on the nozzle threads, thus enabling the nozzle spray pattern to be easily adjusted manually when the sprayer is in operation.

[0007] According to an aspect is adjustable spray nozzle assembly for a spray tank and spray wand, comprising: a nozzle having proximal and distal ends and an orifice formed through the distal end; a coupler to which the nozzle is selectively adjustably connected along a connection region and which is adapted for fluid connection to the sprayer; a valve positioned in fluid communication with the sprayer and positioned partially within both the coupler and the nozzle, and comprising a head region concentrically positioned with respect to the orifice and having a plurality of flutes formed on the exterior surface thereof; and wherein selective adjustment of the nozzle relative to the coupler adjusts the distance between the orifice and the head region a corresponding amount.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the valve comprises a fluid passageway with an inlet and an outlet and that extends along an axis and includes a terminal end positioned within the nozzle. The head region of the valve is positioned adjacent the terminal end of and extends co-axially with the passageway and comprises a conical shaped end surface in which the plurality of flutes are formed, a body that extends from the conical shaped end surface and in at least partially surrounding relation to the passageway, and an opening formed through the body in a region that is positioned between the passageway and the conical shaped end surface.

[0009] According to an embodiment, the assembly further comprises a retainer positioned within the coupler and extending into the wand.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the retainer comprises a shoulder that abuts a corresponding shoulder that is formed within the coupler, and a first seal sandwiched between the retainer shoulder and the wand to prevent fluid from leaking out from between wand and coupler.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the valve includes a pair of longitudinally spaced apart, radially extending flanges between which a second seal is positioned that prevents fluid from prevents fluid from flowing between the retainer and the exterior surface of the valve.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the nozzle includes a shoulder that extends radially outwardly therefrom and in abutting relation to a corresponding shoulder formed on the interior surface of the coupler, and further comprising a spring compressed between the nozzle’s shoulder and the retainer.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the valve includes a pair of longitudinally spaced flanges extending radially outwardly therefrom and between which a seal is positioned that prevents fluid from backflowing into the assembly.

[0014] According to an aspect an adjustable spray nozzle assembly for a spray tank and spray wand is provided, comprising: a nozzle extending along a longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal ends and an orifice formed through the distal end; a coupler having proximal and distal ends and to which the wand is attached at the proximal end and the nozzle is connected at the distal end along a connection region for selective movement along the longitudinal axis and which is adapted for fluid connection to the sprayer; a valve positioned in fluid communication with the sprayer and partially positioned within both the coupler and the nozzle, and comprising a head region concentrically positioned with respect to the orifice and having a plurality of flutes formed on the exterior surface thereof; and a plurality of seals abutting the valve and positioned to prevent fluid from entering the connection region; wherein selective adjustment of the nozzle relative to said coupler adjusts the distance between the orifice and said head region a corresponding amount.

[0015] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the embodiments described below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] FIG. l is a perspective view of an adjustable spray nozzle assembly, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 1A-1A of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view that is the same as FIG. 1 A showing the nozzle adjusted to provide a coarse spray pattern, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view that is the same as FIG. 1 A showing the nozzle adjusted to provide a fine mist spray pattern, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view that is the same as FIG. 1 A showing the nozzle adjusted to provide an increasingly fine mist spray pattern as compared to FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view that is the same as FIG. 1 A showing the nozzle adjusted to provide a coarse spray pattern and including flow arrows to illustrate the lack of axial force on the nozzle’s connection region, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an adjustable spray nozzle assembly, in accordance with an alternate embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 6A-6A of FIG. 6, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view that is the same as FIG. 6A, but illustrating the force imbalance, in accordance with an embodiment. [0026] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view that is the same as FIG. 6A, but showing the nozzle adjusted to provide a coarse spray pattern, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view that is the same as FIG. 6A, but showing the nozzle adjusted to provide a fine mist spray pattern, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view that is the same as FIG. 6A, but showing the nozzle adjusted to provide an increasingly fine mist spray pattern as compared to FIG. 9, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an adjustable spray nozzle assembly, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 11A-11A of FIG. 11, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view that is the same as FIG. 11A showing the nozzle assembly with its internal auto shutoff in normally-closed orientation, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view that is the same as FIG. 11 A showing the nozzle with its internal auto shutoff in its activated-open position, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view that is the same as FIG. 11A showing the nozzle adjusted to provide an increasingly fine mist or fog spray pattern, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view that is the same as FIG. 11A showing the nozzle adjusted to provide an increasingly fine mist pattern, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view to illustrate the spring’s isolation from fluid, in accordance with an embodiment.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0036] The present disclosure describes an adjustable nozzle for a high-pressure sprayer that reduces the axial force acting on the nozzle threads, thus enabling the nozzle spray pattern to be easily adjusted manually when the sprayer is in operation.

[0037] Referring to Fig. 1 - Fig. 5, in one embodiment, is an adjustable nozzle assembly, designated generally by reference numeral 10, generally comprising a nozzle 12, a coupler 14 to which nozzle 12 is selectively adjustably connected by a threaded connection, and a valve 16 extending longitudinally and securely positioned partially within each of nozzle 12 and coupler 14. As shown in Figs. 1-lA, coupler 14 is securely attached to a wand 18 that extends in fluid communication to a spray container (e.g., tank or bottle) 20 and transmits fluid from the container/bottle 20 through wand 18, valve 16 for ultimate dispensing through nozzle 12.

[0038] Mounted at the output end of the valve 16 is a conical seat 22 that includes a plurality of spinner flutes 24 formed in the exterior surface thereof, as shown in Fig. 1A. Seat 22 tapers conically inwardly from valve 16 towards the outlet orifice 26 formed in the end of nozzle 12 and through which fluid is ultimately dispensed from sprayer 10. As the fluid passes through valve 16 it exits through a cross-hole 28 formed in conical seat 22 and then is forced through spinner flutes 24 as fluid flow F in Fig. 3 and exits nozzle 12 through orifice 26.

[0039] To prevent back-flow of fluid within the assembly, there are a series of seals that prevent fluid from leaking to unintended spaces within the assembly. Fluid begins within spray tank 20 and exits the tank 20 through wand 18. Wand 18 is threaded onto the proximal end of coupler 14 and a retainer 30 firmly positioned within coupler 14 includes a shoulder 32 that abuts a corresponding shoulder 34 formed in the interior of coupler 14. A flat seal 36 is sandwiched between shoulder 32 and the end of wand 18 to prevent fluid from leaking out from between wand 18 and coupler 14. A retainer end cap 38 includes a series of slots 40 formed therethrough and is positioned in sealed relation to the proximal end of retainer 30 such that fluid from wand 18 can pass through the slots. A filter 42 is placed in covering relation over end cap 38 such that the fluid must first pass through filter 42 prior to passing through slots 40.

[0040] Once the fluid passes through slots 40 it enters the proximal end of the longitudinal bore 44 formed through valve 16. A series of radial flanges 46 that extend to the interior wall of retainer 30 with an O-ring 48 (Figs. 1 A and 5) sandwiched therebetween prevents fluid from flowing into the space between retainer 30 and the exterior surface of valve 16. Fluid will then flow through the longitudinal bore 44 until it exits through its distal end and through cross-hole 28 of conical seat 22. Any fluid that may leach from longitudinal bore 44 and not go through the cross-hole 28 is prevented from back flowing into the assembly 10 by a pair of radial flanges 50 that extend outwardly from valve 16 and into contacting relation with the interior surface of nozzle 12, and an O-ring 52 (Figs. 1 A and 5) that is sandwiched between the two flanges 50.

[0041] The axial location of the valve 16 and its orientation to the nozzle's 12 opposed mating conical seat 22 is established by a radially extending valve flange feature 54. Flange feature 54 is spring-loaded via spring 56 to stop against a shoulder 58 formed at an intermediate position in coupler 14. Spring 56 is installed against retainer 30 to provide the force that acts to load and stop the valve flange 54 against the shoulder 58 of the coupler 14. Thus, the spring-loaded flange 54 against shoulder 58 establishes the location of the valve 16.

[0042] Thus, in assembly, flat seal 36 provides a fluid seal between the retainer 30 and the end of the wand 18. O-Ring 48 provides a dynamic fluid seal between the retainer 30 and the valve 16, and O-Ring 52 provides a dynamic fluid seal between the valve 16 and the nozzle 12. The slot features 40 on the retainer 30 permit fluid to flow through filter 42 and into the valve 16, and the cross-hole feature 28 in the valve 16 enables fluid to exit the valve 16 and continue to flow through and out the nozzle orifice 26 in the form of a spray pattern. It is worth noting that the high-pressure fluid is not permitted to enter the chamber space of the coupler 14 between the two O-Rings 48 and 52, as the fluid transits that space via the internal bore 44 of the valve 16.

[0043] Figure 2 shows the nozzle 12 adjusted to produce a coarse spray or straight-stream pattern. The threaded nozzle 12 is adjusted via counterclockwise rotation away from the coupler 14, at a first distance A. In this first configuration, the spring 56 locates and aligns the valve 16 by positioning its flange 54 against the coupler shoulder 58. As the nozzle 12 is adjusted outward, a space C available for fluid flow between the spinner flutes 24 of the valve 16 and the nozzle orifice 26 is proportionally increased which results in a spray pattern that can vary from more-coarse to straight-stream.

[0044] Overall fluid flow through the nozzle 12 is illustrated with dashed arrows in Figure 2. High pressure fluid enters the nozzle assembly 10, via the wand 18 end, when the sprayer's shutoff valve (not shown) is opened. This fluid is directed through the filter 42 and slot openings 40 in the retainer 30 and then into and through the valve 12. Fluid exits the valve 12 via its cross hole 28 and travels through the space C formed between the external conical spinner seat feature 22 of the valve 16 and the mating seat for the internal conical orifice 26 of the nozzle 12. The pressurized fluid then exits the orifice 26 of the nozzle 12 in the form of a more-coarse spray pattern.

[0045] Figure 3 shows a second configuration in which the nozzle 12 is adjusted to produce an increasingly fine mist or fog spray pattern. The nozzle 12 is adjusted via clockwise rotation inward and closer to the coupler 14 and the valve 16, as indicated by the reduced second distance D. In this second configuration, the spring 56 continues to locate the valve 16 by positioning its flange B against the shoulder 58 of the coupler 14. As the nozzle 12 is adjusted in, the space E available for fluid flow between the spinner 24 of the valve 16 and the nozzle orifice 26 is proportionally decreased which results in a more fine or fogging spray pattern as the pressurized fluid F exits the nozzle 12.

[0046] Note, the ultimate finest spray pattern is obtained once nozzle 12 is adjusted inward to a position at which the internal conical seat face of the nozzle 12 directly contacts the external conical seat 22 face of the valve 16. At this point in the nozzle adjustment, the pressurized fluid F is confined to flow only through the three spinner flute 24 channels, and no additional inward adjustment of the nozzle 12 will further refine the pattern.

[0047] Figure 4 describes a unique protection that this design provides to the valve 16 as the nozzle 12 is adjusted inward to establish an increasingly fine mist pattern. Because the valve 16 is spring-loaded, and because both O-Rings 48, 52 can function as dynamic seals, continuing to adjust the nozzle 12 inward beyond its finest setting will not cause interference with and damage to the valve 16. As shown in Figure 4, the nozzle 12 has been turned inward to a full stop position, third configuration, against the coupler 14 to a third distance G. Third distance G is well beyond the finest available spray setting that was previously established at the second distance D in Figure 3. The resulting retraction distance H of the spring-loaded valve 16 is shown in Figure 4. Specifically, the valve 16 is safely retracted against the spring 56. The fine mist setting remains and the valve 16 remains in functional, flush contact with the nozzle 12 even as the nozzle 12 is over-adjusted inward by turning to its full-stop position (i.e., third configuration). In other words, the space J between the spinner 24 of the valve 16 and the nozzle orifice 26 is approximately zero. This protection to the valve 16 is present regardless of whether the sprayer is in use.

[0048] Referring to Figure 5, an important additional benefit of this design is the means by which the high fluid pressure is prevented from imparting correspondingly high axial load forces on the adjustment threads K of the nozzle 12. Without this reduction in axial load, the nozzle 12 would be difficult or even impossible to turn in order to make an adjustment to the spray pattern during operation. The reduction in axial load on the nozzle 12 is obtained by isolating the adjustment threads K of the nozzle 12 from the high-pressure fluid. This isolation is achieved via the dynamic seal provided by O-Rings 48 and 52. Between these O-Rings 48, 52 is chamber M, a“dry” unpressurized chamber formed within the coupler 14 such that the pressurized fluid cannot reach the adjustment threads K of the nozzle 12. Accordingly, the high-pressure fluid can only act on the surface area resulting from the relatively smaller inside diameter of the O-Ring bore L. The resulting reduction in axial load on the adjustment threads K of the nozzle 12 enables manual adjustment of the spray pattern during sprayer operation.

[0049] A second benefit of this design is that the spring 56 is isolated from immersive contact with the fluid being sprayed. As shown in Figure 5, spring 56 is located within a sealed dry chamber M that is established between the two O-Rings 48, 52 within the coupler 14. This isolation protects the material of the spring 56 from potential corrosion or degradation that might result from contact with the spray fluid.

[0050] Second Embodiment - Hydraulic Spring

[0051] A second embodiment of this adjustable nozzle 3 is shown in Figures 6-6A. Except for spring 56 (as shown in Figure 1), the same basic components are utilized in this configuration. Instead of using a spring to provide the force that acts to load valve flange feature 15 against coupler shoulder stop feature 14, a fluid force is employed. This fluid force is the resultant of an intentional imbalance of forces acting on the valve 4, due to the use of different diameter seals.

[0052] Referring to Figure 7, the force imbalance is created by fluid pressure acting simultaneously within the larger chamber Q diameter of the retainer 6 and the smaller chamber R diameter of the nozzle 3. Fluid pressure P acting on the large chamber Q results in larger force S. The larger chamber Q produces a proportionally large force S acting on the valve 4, ultimately acting to load the valve flange 15 against the shoulder 14 of the coupler 2. Fluid pressure N acting on the small chamber R results in small force T. The smaller chamber R produces a proportionally smaller force T acting in the opposite direction on the valve 4. The magnitude of resultant force U acting on the valve 4 is the difference of the imbalanced forces S, T and its direction acts to load and position the valve flange 15 against the shoulder 14 of the coupler 2 whenever the sprayer shutoff valve is opened and the nozzle 3 fills with pressurized fluid. As in the previous embodiment, a benefit of this design is that the adjustment threads of the nozzle 3 are isolated from the high-pressure fluid and, with only relatively small fluid force V acting on the nozzle 3, spray pattern adjustment is easily made by hand during sprayer operation.

[0053] Figure 8 shows the nozzle 3 adjusted, with means similar to the previous embodiment, to produce a coarse spray or straight-stream pattern. The threaded nozzle 3 is adjusted a first distance AA from the coupler 2 via counterclockwise rotation away from the coupler 2. In this first configuration, the resultant fluid force locates and aligns the valve 4 by positioning its flange BB against the shoulder 14 of the coupler 2. As the nozzle 3 is adjusted outward, the space CC available for fluid flow between the spinner/seat 12 of the valve 4 and the nozzle orifice (nozzle 3) is proportionally increased which results in a spray pattern that can vary from more-coarse to straight-stream.

[0054] Overall fluid flow through the nozzle 3 is similar to the previous embodiment and illustrated with dashed arrows in Figure 8. High pressure fluid enters the nozzle assembly 3, via the wand end 1, when the sprayer’s shutoff valve (not shown) is opened. This fluid is directed through the filter 7 and slot openings 16 in the retainer 6 and then into and through the valve 4. Fluid exits the valve 4 via its cross hole 13 and travels through the space CC formed between the external conical spinner seat feature 12 of the valve 4 and the mating internal conical orifice seat of the nozzle 3. The pressurized fluid then exits the nozzle orifice 11 in the form of a more-coarse spray pattern.

[0055] Figure 9 shows a configuration in which the nozzle 3 is adjusted, with means similar to the previous embodiment, to produce an increasingly fine mist or fog spray pattern. The nozzle 3 is adjusted via clockwise rotation inward and closer, a second distance DD, to the coupler 2 and the valve 4. In the second configuration, the fluid force locates the valve 4 by positioning its flange BB against the shoulder 14 of the coupler 2. As the nozzle 3 is adjusted in, the space EE available for fluid flow between the spinner/seat 12 of the valve 4 and the nozzle orifice (nozzle 3) is proportionally decreased which results in a more fine or fogging spray pattern as the pressurized fluid FF exits the nozzle 3.

[0056] As in the previous embodiment, the ultimate finest spray pattern is obtained once nozzle 3 is adjusted inward to a position, third configuration, at which the internal conical seat face of the nozzle 3 directly contacts the external conical seat 12 face of the valve 4. At this point in the nozzle 3 adjustment, the pressurized fluid is confined to flow FF only through the three spinner flute 12 channels, and no additional inward adjustment of the nozzle 3 will further refine the pattern.

[0057] Figure 10 describes a unique protection that this design provides to the valve 4 as the nozzle 3 is adjusted inward to establish an increasingly fine mist pattern. Because both O-Rings 9, 10 can function as dynamic seals, continuing to adjust the nozzle 3 inward beyond its finest setting will not cause interference with and damage to the valve 4. As shown, the nozzle 3 has been turned inward to a full stop position, third configuration, against the coupler 2 to a third distance GG. Third distance GG is well beyond the finest available spray setting that was previously established at second distance DD in Figure 9. The resulting retraction distance HH of the valve 4 is shown in Figure 10. The fine mist setting remains functional even as the nozzle 3 is over-adjusted inward by turning to its full-stop position against the coupler 2. In other words, the space JJ between the spinner/seat 12 of the valve 4 and the nozzle (orifice) 3 is approximately zero. This protection to the valve 4 is present regardless of whether the sprayer is in use.

[0058] Third Embodiment

[0059] Referring to Figures 11 and 11 A, the adjustable automatic shutoff nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle 100 that is adjustably threaded into coupler 102 which is itself threaded as an assembly to wand end 104. Within the coupler 102, seal stop 106 provides a fluid seal between the retainer 108 and the wand end 104. Spring 110 locates against the seal stop 106 and acts against valve 112 to close and seal O-Ring 114 against the retainer's seal feature 116. O-Ring 120 provides a dynamic fluid seal between the retainer 108 and the valve 112. O-Ring 116 provides a dynamic fluid seal between the valve 112 and nozzle 100. Note that the high-pressure fluid that enters the retainer 108 via slot features 118 is not permitted to enter the chamber space of the coupler 102 between O-Rings 116 and 120, as the fluid transits that space via axial hole 122 of valve 112. At its distal end, cross hole feature 124 directs fluid to exit the valve 112 and flow within a chamber created by the spinner flutes on conical seat 126 and the interior of nozzle 100. The high-pressure fluid exits the nozzle 100 via orifice feature 128 in the form of an atomized spray pattern.

[0060] Figure 12 shows the nozzle assembly 100 with its internal auto shutoff in normally- closed orientation. This configuration results when the user has closed the shutoff valve at the wand handle (not shown) in order to complete a spraying operation. With no pressurized fluid flow E from the wand, spring force (F_s) D acts on the valve 112 to establish seal C 112-114-108. Simultaneously, dynamic seal B 112-120-108 and static seal A 102-106-108 are provided. As a result, when the user closes the shutoff at the wand, the nozzle 100 simultaneously and automatically shuts off, as fluid from the wand is prevented from entering the valve 112.

[0061] Figure 13 shows the nozzle 100 with its internal auto shutoff in its activated-open position, and the resulting overall fluid flow F illustrated with red dashed arrows. This configuration results when the user opens the shutoff valve at the wand handle (not shown) in order to commence a spraying operation. With pressurized fluid flow F from the wand, fluid force (F_F) G acts on the valve 112, via O-Ring B 120 to open seal C 112-114-108. The diameter of O- Ring 120 is larger than C O-Ring 114 with a design diameter that enables fluid force (F_f) G to overcome the closing force (F_s) D provided by the spring 110. Simultaneously, dynamic seal B 112-120-108, static seal A 102-106-108, and dynamic seal H 100-116-112 are maintained. As a result, fluid F from the wand flows through the now-open seal C 112-114-108, and is directed into the valve 112 via its axial hole 122. The high-pressure fluid exits the valve 112 via its axial hole 122 and travels through a space formed between the external conical spinner seat feature 126 of the valve 112 and the mating internal conical orifice seat of the nozzle 100. The pressurized fluid then exits the nozzle orifice 128 in the form of an atomized spray pattern.

[0062] Note, the stroke M of the valve 112 (i.e., its full range of travel) is the total distance traveled between its closed limit position K and its open limit position L. More specifically, the closed limit position K of the valve 112 is established at seal C 112-114-108 (Fig. 12), and the open limit position L of the valve 112 is established once the flange feature 130 of the valve 112 contacts the shoulder stop feature 132 of the coupler 102 (Fig. 11 A).

[0063] In Fig. 13, the nozzle 100 is shown in an adjusted position, a first configuration, to produce a coarse spray or straight-stream pattern. During spray operation, the threaded nozzle 100 is adjusted to produce a more-coarse spray via counterclockwise rotation outward and away from the coupler 102 to a first distance N. In this configuration, the valve 112 is at its open limit position L, with the flange 130 against the shoulder stop 132 (Fig. 11 A), such that this counterclockwise rotation of the nozzle 100 increases the space J available for fluid flow between the spinner 126 of the valve 112 and the nozzle orifice 128. This outward adjustment results in a spray pattern that can vary from more-coarse to straight-stream.

[0064] Figure 14 shows a second configuration in which the nozzle 100 is adjusted to produce an increasingly fine mist or fog spray pattern. The nozzle 100 is adjusted via clockwise rotation inward and closer, a second distance O, to the coupler 102 and the valve 112. In this second configuration, fluid pressure F continues to locate the valve 112 by positioning its flange 130 against the shoulder 132 of the coupler 102 (Fig. 11 A) in the open limit position L. As the nozzle 100 is adjusted in, the space P available for fluid flow Q between the spinner 126 of the valve 112 and the nozzle orifice 128 is proportionally decreased which results in a more fine or fogging spray pattern as the pressurized fluid exits the nozzle 100.

[0065] Note, the ultimate finest spray pattern is obtained once nozzle 100 is adjusted inward to a position, third configuration, at which the internal conical seat face of the nozzle 100 directly contacts the external conical seat face 126 of the valve 112. At this point in the nozzle 100 adjustment, the pressurized fluid is confined to flow Q primarily through the three spinner flute 126 channels, and no additional inward adjustment of the nozzle 100 will further refine the pattern.

[0066] Figure 15 describes a unique protection that this design provides to the valve as the nozzle 100 is adjusted inward to establish an increasingly fine mist pattern. Because O-Rings 116 and 120 both function as dynamic seals, continuing to adjust the nozzle 100 inward beyond its finest setting will not cause interference and resulting damage to the valve, nor will it cause the shutoff seal at O-Ring 114 to inadvertently close. As shown, the nozzle has been turned inward to a full stop position, third configuration, against the coupler 102 to athird distance S. Third distance S is well beyond the finest available spray setting that was previously established (in Figure 14). The resulting safe retraction distance T of the valve 112 is shown in Figure 15. The fine mist setting remains functional even as the nozzle 100 is over-adjusted inward to its fully turned-in position (nozzle 100 stopped against coupler 102). In other words, space V between the spinner/seat 126 of the valve 112 and the nozzle 100 (orifice 128) is approximately zero. This protection to the valve 112 is present whether or not the sprayer is in use. In Figures 14 and 15, the auto shutoff remains in the open position R, U.

[0067] With reference to Figure 16, and as similarly described above, an important additional benefit of this design is the means by which the high fluid pressure is prevented from imparting correspondingly high axial load forces on the adjustment threads X of the nozzle 100. Without this reduction in axial load, the nozzle 100 would be difficult or even impossible to turn in order to make an adjustment to the spray pattern during operation. The reduction in axial load on the nozzle 100 is obtained by isolating the adjustment threads X of the nozzle 100 from the high-pressure fluid. This isolation is achieved via the dynamic seal provided by O-Rings 116, 120. Between these O-Rings 116, 120, a“dry” unpressurized chamber Y exists within the coupler 102 such that the pressurized fluid cannot reach the adjustment threads X of the nozzle 100. Accordingly, the high- pressure fluid can only act on the surface area resulting from the relatively smaller inside diameter of the O-Ring 116 bore W.

[0068] The resulting reduction in axial load on the adjustment threads X of the nozzle 100 enables the user to manually adjust the spray pattern during sprayer operation with significantly reduced effort.

[0069] Note, as the valve 112 moves during sprayer operation, an equalization of air pressure within the“dry” chamber Y is needed in order to prevent undesirable forces from acting on the valve 112 as a result of a build-up of pressure or vacuum that would otherwise result. This equalization of air pressure is obtained by means of a clearance fit on the adjustment threads X of the nozzle 100, which provides a path for air to either enter or be expelled from the chamber Y as the valve moves. An alternative means for air pressure equalization would be to provide a breather port (not shown) through the coupler 102 to the chamber Y.

[0070] A second benefit of this design is that the spring 110 is isolated from immersive contact with the fluid being sprayed. As shown in Figure 16, spring 110 is located within a sealed dry chamber Y that is established between the two O-Rings 116, 120 within the coupler 102. This isolation protects the material of the spring 110 from potential corrosion or degradation that might result from contact with the spray fluid.

[0071] While various embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1. An adjustable spray nozzle assembly for a spray tank and spray wand, comprising: a. a nozzle extending along a longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal ends and an orifice formed through said distal end;

b. a coupler having proximal and distal ends and to which the wand is attached at the proximal end and said nozzle is connected at said distal end along a connection region for selective movement along the longitudinal axis and which is adapted for fluid connection to the sprayer;

c. a valve positioned in fluid communication with the sprayer and partially positioned within both said coupler and said nozzle, and comprising a head region concentrically positioned with respect to said orifice and having a plurality of flutes formed on the exterior surface thereof; and d. wherein selective adjustment of said nozzle relative to said coupler adjusts the distance between said orifice and said head region a corresponding amount.

2. The adjustable spray nozzle assembly according to claim 1, wherein said valve comprises a fluid passageway that extends along an axis and includes a terminal end positioned within said nozzle.

3. The adjustable spray nozzle assembly according to claim 2, wherein said head region of said valve is positioned adjacent said terminal end of and extends co axially with said passageway and comprises a conical shaped end surface in which said plurality of flutes are formed, a body that extends from said conical shaped end surface and in at least partially surrounding relation to said passageway, and an opening formed through said body in a region that is positioned between said passageway and said conical shaped end surface.

4. The adjustable spray nozzle assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a wand releasably connected to the proximal end of the coupler.

5. The adjustable spray nozzle assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a retainer positioned within said coupler and extending into the wand.

6. The adjustable spray nozzle assembly according to claim 5, wherein the retainer comprises a shoulder that abuts a corresponding shoulder that is formed within the coupler, and a first seal sandwiched between the retainer shoulder and the wand to prevent fluid from leaking out from between wand and coupler.

7. The adjustable spray nozzle assembly according to claim 5, wherein the valve includes a pair of longitudinally spaced apart, radially extending flanges between which a second seal is positioned that prevents fluid from prevents fluid from flowing between the retainer and the exterior surface of the valve.

8. The adjustable spray nozzle assembly according to claim 5, wherein the nozzle includes a shoulder that extends radially outwardly therefrom and in abutting relation to a corresponding shoulder formed on the interior surface of the coupler, and further comprising a spring compressed between the nozzle’s shoulder and the retainer.

9. The adjustable spray nozzle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the valve includes a pair of longitudinally spaced flanges extending radially outwardly therefrom and between which a seal is positioned that prevents fluid from backflowing into the assembly.

10. An adjustable spray nozzle assembly for a spray tank and spray wand, comprising: a. a nozzle extending along a longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal ends and an orifice formed through said distal end;

c. a valve positioned in fluid communication with the sprayer and partially positioned within both said coupler and said nozzle, and comprising a head region concentrically positioned with respect to said orifice and having a plurality of flutes formed on the exterior surface thereof; and

d. a plurality of seals abutting said valve and positioned to prevent fluid from entering said connection region; e. wherein selective adjustment of said nozzle relative to said coupler adjusts the distance between said orifice and said head region a corresponding amount.