US20070125881A1

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Info

Publication number: US20070125881A1
Application number: US11/294,264
Authority: US
Inventors: Neil Gansebom
Original assignee: Briggs and Stratton Power Products Group LLC
Current assignee: Briggs and Stratton Power Products Group LLC
Priority date: 2005-12-05
Filing date: 2005-12-05
Publication date: 2007-06-07

Abstract

The present invention provides a foam-dispensing nozzle adapted to receive a pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid delivery apparatus. The foam-dispensing nozzle includes a one-piece molded body, having a quick-disconnect portion, a discharge portion extending from the quick-disconnect portion, a first passageway through the quick-disconnect portion, and a second passageway through the discharge portion in communication with the first passageway. The foam-dispensing nozzle also includes at least one aperture in the discharge portion communicating the second passageway with the exterior of the discharge portion, a diffuser positioned in the second passageway, and a retainer at least partially positioned within the second passageway adjacent the diffuser. Movement of the pressurized fluid through the first passageway and the second passageway draws air through the at least one aperture in the tubular portion to aerate the pressurized fluid.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to pressurized fluid delivery apparatus, and more particularly to foam-dispensing nozzles for pressurized fluid delivery apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Detergents are commonly used with pressure washers to provide a pressurized soap solution to be sprayed on a surface to be cleaned. To increase the cleaning effectiveness of the soap solution, foamer accessories are used in place of standard soap nozzles to aerate the soap solution, which causes the soap solution to foam. When sprayed onto a surface to be cleaned, the foam adheres to the surface, allowing the detergents in the soap solution to more thoroughly clean the surface. Such roamer accessories typically include many assembled components, and as a result are complex and often expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides, in one aspect, a foam-dispensing nozzle adapted to receive a pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid delivery apparatus. The foam-dispensing nozzle includes a one-piece molded body having a quick-disconnect portion, a discharge portion extending from the quick-disconnect portion, a first passageway through the quick-disconnect portion, and a second passageway through the discharge portion in communication with the first passageway. The foam-dispensing nozzle also includes at least one aperture in the discharge portion communicating the second passageway with the exterior of the discharge portion, a diffuser positioned in the second passageway, and a retainer at least partially positioned within the second passageway adjacent the diffuser. Movement of the pressurized fluid through the first passageway and the second passageway draws air through the at least one aperture in the tubular portion to aerate the pressurized fluid.

The present invention provides, in another aspect, a foam-dispensing nozzle including a body having an inlet, an outlet, a passageway fluidly communicating the inlet and the outlet, an interior wall at least partially defining the passageway, a step in the interior wall, and one of an outwardly-extending tab and a slot. The foam-dispensing nozzle also includes at least one aperture in the body communicating the passageway with the exterior of the body, a diffuser positioned in the passageway adjacent the step, and a tubular retainer at least partially positioned in the passageway adjacent the diffuser. The retainer includes the other of the outwardly-extending tab and the slot. The tab is engaged with the slot to secure the diffuser and the retainer in the body.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pressurized fluid delivery apparatus including a foam-dispensing nozzle of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an operator using the pressurized fluid delivery apparatus and foam-dispensing nozzle ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the foam-dispensing nozzle ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a reverse perspective view of the foam-dispensing nozzle ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an exploded, reverse perspective view of the foam-dispensing nozzle ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the foam-dispensing nozzle ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the foam-dispensing nozzle ofFIG. 1 along section7-7 inFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the foam-dispensing nozzle ofFIG. 7, illustrating a diffuser held in place by a retainer.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the foam-dispensing nozzle ofFIG. 1 along section9-9 inFIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the foam-dispensing nozzle ofFIG. 1, illustrating a male quick-disconnect fitting on the nozzle connected to a female quick-disconnect fitting on a wand.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the foam-dispensing nozzle ofFIG. 1, illustrating the male quick-disconnect fitting on the nozzle disconnected from the female quick-disconnect fitting on the wand.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates apressure washer assembly10 including apower unit14 to provide a pressurized liquid to a rigid conduit, orwand18. Thepower unit14 may include anengine22, an electric motor, orother power unit14. Apump26 is operatively coupled to the power unit to provide the pressurized liquid. As understood in the art, thepump26 may receive a supply of low-pressure fluid (e.g., water from a garden hose), pressurize the fluid, and discharge the pressurized fluid to thewand18. Thewand18 is coupled to agun assembly30 and acts as an extension to thegun assembly30. Thegun assembly30 includes ahand grip34 for a user to grasp with one hand, and thegun assembly30 orwand18 includes ahandle38 to grasp with the other hand (seeFIG. 2). Atrigger42 is located near thehand grip34 to allow the user to selectively operate thegun assembly30. Thegun assembly30 is fluidly connected with thepump26 by aflexible hose46, which allows thepower unit14 andpump26 to remain in one place while the user moves around and operates thegun assembly30. Any number of conventional fluid couplings may be used to fluidly connect and secure thehose46 to thepump26 and to thegun assembly30, respectively. Further, thepower unit14 andpump26 may be transportable by awheeled cart50. However, thecart50 is not an essential component of thepressure washer assembly10.

Although not shown inFIG. 1, thepressure washer assembly10 may include a detergent injection system that draws concentrated detergent or soap solution from a container for mixing with the pressurized fluid exiting thepump26. The resultant pressurized, diluted soap solution may then be used to clean a surface which requires cleaning.

With reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, a fluid accessory in the form of a foam-dispensingnozzle54 is shown coupled to thewand18 by a female quick-disconnect fitting58. As shown inFIGS. 3-7, the foam-dispensingnozzle54 includes a one-piece moldedbody62 having a quick-disconnect portion66 formed on one end of thebody62, and adischarge portion70 extending from the quick-disconnect portion66. Particularly, the quick-disconnect portion66 includes a male quick-disconnect fitting74 that is selectively engageable with the female quick-disconnect fitting58. Thebody62 may be made from a plastic material using an injection molding process. Alternatively, thebody62 may be made using any of a number of other molding processes.

With reference toFIG. 7, thebody62 generally includes aninlet78, anoutlet82, and apassageway86 communicating theinlet78 with theoutlet82. Particularly, thepassageway86 may be divided into a first portion or afirst passageway90 through the quick-disconnect portion66, and a second portion or asecond passageway94 through thedischarge portion70. As such, the pressurized, diluted soap solution may enter thefirst passageway90 via theinlet78 and be discharged from thefirst passageway90 into thesecond passageway94 via an outlet98 that coincides with an inlet102 of thesecond passageway94. As discussed in more detail below, foamed soap solution is discharged from thesecond passageway94 via theoutlet82.

In the illustrated construction of thenozzle54, a portion of thefirst passageway90 between theinlet78 and the outlet98 is tapered to increase the speed of the pressurized, diluted soap solution moving through thefirst passageway90. Alternatively, thefirst passageway90 may be substantially cylindrical. Also, In the illustrated construction of thenozzle54, a portion of thesecond passageway94 is flared from the outlet98 of thefirst passageway90. Specifically, the flared portion of thesecond passageway94 defines a draft angle D1 of about 2 degrees. Alternatively, thesecond passageway94 may be substantially cylindrical.

With reference toFIGS. 7 and 8, thesecond passageway94 is defined by aninterior wall106 having astep110 formed therein. Thesecond passageway94 also includes akeyway114 and a plurality ofslots118 formed in the interior wall106 (seeFIGS. 5 and 9). In the illustrated construction of thenozzle54, the portion of thesecond passageway94 upstream of the plurality ofslots118 is flared, while the portion of thesecond passageway94 downstream of the plurality ofslots118 is substantially cylindrical.

As shown inFIGS. 3-7, the foam-dispensingnozzle54 also includes two opposingapertures122 in thedischarge portion70 of thebody62. Theapertures122 communicate thesecond passageway94 with the exterior of thebody62. Alternatively, more or less than twoapertures122 may be used. The function of theapertures122 is discussed in more detail below.

With reference toFIG. 5, the foam-dispensingnozzle54 further includes adiffuser126 positioned in thesecond passageway94 and aretainer130 positioned in thesecond passageway94. In the illustrated construction, thediffuser126 includes astainless steel screen134 having an open area of about 50 percent. Alternatively, thescreen134 may be made from any of a number of corrosion-resistant materials, and thescreen134 may have an open area more or less than about 50 percent.

With reference toFIGS. 5 and 7, theretainer130 is substantially tubular, and includes anouter periphery138 and aninterior passageway142 having a draft angle D2 of about 1 degree. Sizing the draft angle D2 to be smaller than the draft angle D1 facilitates the insertion of theretainer130 into thesecond passageway94. In addition, the transition from the draft angle D1 to the draft angle D2 straightens the flow of foam moving from thesecond passageway94 to theinterior passageway142. A portion of theouter periphery138 of theretainer130 and a portion of theinterior passageway142, approximately along length dimension L, is substantially cylindrical or has draft angle of about zero degrees. The transition from the draft angle D2 to a zero degree draft angle further straightens the flow of foam as it is discharged from theoutlet82.

With reference toFIG. 5, theretainer130 also includes an outwardly-extendingkey146 configured to engage thekeyway114, and a plurality of outwardly-extendingtabs150 configured to engage the plurality ofslots118 in thebody62. In an alternate construction of thenozzle54, thebody62 may be formed with the key146, and theretainer130 formed with thekeyway114. In another alternate construction of thenozzle54, thebody62 may be formed with thetabs150 and theretainer130 may be formed with theslots118.

To assemble thenozzle54, thescreen134 is first positioned in thesecond passageway94 against thestep110 in the interior wall106 (see alsoFIGS. 7 and 8). Theretainer130 is then positioned in thesecond passageway94 such that thekeyway114 in theinterior wall106 of thebody62 slidably receives the key146 on theouter periphery138 of theretainer130. Because theretainer130 has asingle key146 and thebody62 has asingle keyway114, the engagement of the key146 andkeyway114 rotationally orients theretainer130 relative to thebody62, such that the plurality oftabs150 on theouter periphery138 of theretainer130 align with the plurality ofslots118 in theinterior wall106 of thebody62. Theretainer130 is inserted into thesecond passageway94 until the end of theretainer130 abuts thescreen134 and the plurality oftabs150 engage the plurality ofslots118. Thetabs150 are located along the length of theretainer130 such that when thetabs150 engage theslots118, thescreen134 is tightly secured between thestep110 and theretainer130, and no portion of theretainer130 extends outside thesecond passageway94. However, in alternate constructions of thenozzle54, theretainer130 may extend outside thesecond passageway94 and act as an extension.

With reference toFIGS. 3-7, thenozzle54 further includes anovermold154 covering a portion of thebody62. Specifically, with reference toFIG. 9, theovermold154 covers theslots118 in theinterior wall106 of thebody62 to substantially block access to thetabs150. As such, once thetabs150 engage theslots118, theretainer130 is substantially permanently connected to thebody62, and thescreen134 is substantially permanently secured between thestep110 and theretainer130. In the illustrated construction, theovermold154 is made from an elastomeric material. Alternatively, thenozzle54 may not include theovermold154.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate, respectively, the foam-dispensingnozzle54 connected to the female quick-disconnect fitting58 on thewand18, and the foam-dispensingnozzle54 disconnected from the female quick-disconnect fitting58. The female quick-disconnect fitting58 includes an internally-threadedportion158 that is threadably engageable with an externally-threadedportion162 of thewand18. The female quick-disconnect fitting58 has an opening166 shaped to receive the male quick-disconnect fitting74 therein, and a hexagonalouter surface170 to be grasped by a conventional wrench or socket to tighten the female quick-disconnect fitting58 onto thewand18.

With continued reference toFIGS. 10 and 11, the female quick-disconnect fitting58 also includes a locking assembly174 configured to lock the male quick-disconnect fitting74 to the female quick-disconnect fitting58. The locking assembly174 includes a plurality ofball bearings178, which may be actuated between a locked position (seeFIG. 10), in which theball bearings178 protrude radially inwardly to engage a recessedouter surface182 formed on the male quick-disconnect fitting74 to lock the

fittings

58,74, and an unlocked position (seeFIG. 11), in which theball bearings178 are allowed to move radially outwardly to disengage the recessedouter surface182 to allow the male quick-disconnect fitting74 to be released from the female quick-disconnect fitting58.

The female quick-disconnect fitting58 further includes asleeve186 to selectively actuate the locking assembly174 between the locked position and the unlocked position. Thesleeve186 includes a raisedinner surface190 that, in part, functions as a ramp to selectively actuate the locking assembly174 between the locked and unlocked positions. In the locked position (seeFIG. 10), the raisedinner surface190 is located over theball bearings178. As a result, the raisedinner surface190 substantially prevents theball bearings178 from moving radially outwardly, so that theball bearings178 are maintained in engagement with the recessedouter surface182 of the male quick-disconnect fitting74. Aspring194 is utilized to bias thesleeve186 toward the locked position.

In the unlocked position (seeFIG. 11), the raisedinner surface190 is located adjacent theball bearings178. As a result, theball bearings178 are no longer prevented from moving radially outwardly, thereby allowing the male quick-disconnect fitting74 to be disengaged or pulled from the female quick-disconnect fitting58.

As shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, the female quick-disconnect fitting58 includes acircumferential groove198 formed therein to receive aretaining clip202. The retainingclip202 substantially prevents thesleeve186 from being removed. In the locked position, the raisedinner surface190 abuts the retainingclip202 to substantially prevent movement of thesleeve186 past the retainingclip202.

During operation of thepressure washer assembly10 with the foam-dispensingnozzle54, the pressurized, diluted soap solution flows through thewand18 when the operator depresses thetrigger42 on thegun assembly30. From thewand18, the pressurized, diluted soap solution enters thefirst passageway90. The speed of the pressurized, diluted soap solution is increased as it moves through the tapered portion of thefirst passageway90. The pressurized, diluted soap solution is then discharged from the outlet98 of thefirst passageway90 into thesecond passageway94. Theapertures122 in thedischarge portion70 of thebody62 are positioned close enough to the outlet98 of thefirst passageway90 such that the spray of diluted soap solution discharged from the outlet98 impacts theinterior wall106 of thesecond passageway94 downstream of theapertures122.

The movement of the pressurized, diluted soap solution through thesecond passageway94 creates a pressure differential between thesecond passageway94 and the exterior of thebody62. The pressure differential draws air through theapertures122 to aerate the pressurized, diluted soap solution, which causes it to foam. The foam passes through thescreen134 and theinterior passageway142 of theretainer130, which together straighten the discharge of the foam, before it is discharged from theoutlet82 of thebody62.

The foam-dispensingnozzle54 of the present invention includes only three components: the one-piece moldedbody62, thediffuser126, and theretainer130. As a result, the present invention provides a simplified assembly process, which is facilitated by integrally molded features such as the key146,keyway114,tabs150,slots118, and thestep110. This stands in sharp contrast to conventional roamer accessories, which may include over ten different components that require just as many assembly steps and several tools with which to assemble the components. By reducing the number of components and assembly steps involved, the present invention also provides a foam-dispensingnozzle54 that can be manufactured at a reduced cost compared to conventional roamer accessories.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A foam-dispensing nozzle adapted to receive a pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid delivery apparatus, the foam-dispensing nozzle comprising:

a one-piece molded body, including

a quick-disconnect portion;

a discharge portion extending from the quick-disconnect portion;

a first passageway through the quick-disconnect portion;

a second passageway through the discharge portion in communication with the first passageway;

at least one aperture in the discharge portion communicating the second passageway with the exterior of the discharge portion;

a diffuser positioned in the second passageway; and

a retainer at least partially positioned within the second passageway adjacent the diffuser, wherein movement of the pressurized fluid through the first passageway and the second passageway draws air through the at least one aperture in the tubular portion to aerate the pressurized fluid.

2. The foam-dispensing nozzle ofclaim 1, wherein the quick-disconnect portion includes a male quick-disconnect fitting.

3. The foam-dispensing nozzle ofclaim 1, wherein the first passageway includes an inlet and an outlet, and wherein at least a portion of the first passageway between the inlet and the outlet is tapered to increase the speed of the pressurized fluid moving through the first passageway.

4. The foam-dispensing nozzle ofclaim 1, wherein the second passageway includes an inlet and an outlet, and wherein at least a portion of the second passageway between the inlet and the outlet is flared.

5. The foam-dispensing nozzle ofclaim 1, wherein the diffuser includes a screen.

6. The foam-dispensing nozzle ofclaim 1, wherein the body includes

an interior wall at least partially defining the second passageway;

a step in the interior wall against which the diffuser is positioned;

one of an outwardly-extending tab and a slot;

wherein the retainer includes the other of the outwardly-extending tab and the slot, and wherein the tab is engaged with the slot to secure the diffuser and the retainer in the body.

7. The foam-dispensing nozzle ofclaim 1, wherein the retainer is tubular, and wherein the pressurized fluid flows through the retainer.

8. The foam-dispensing nozzle ofclaim 1, wherein the body includes

an interior wall at least partially defining the second passageway;

one of a key and a keyway formed on the interior wall;

wherein the retainer includes the other of the key and the keyway, and wherein the key is engaged with the keyway to orient the retainer relative to the body.

9. The foam-dispensing nozzle ofclaim 1, further comprising an overmold covering at least a portion of the body.

10. A foam-dispensing nozzle adapted to receive a pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid delivery apparatus, the foam-dispensing nozzle comprising:

a body including

an inlet;

an outlet;

a passageway fluidly communicating the inlet and the outlet;

an interior wall at least partially defining the passageway;

a step in the interior wall;

one of an outwardly-extending tab and a slot;

at least one aperture in the body communicating the passageway with the exterior of the body;

a diffuser positioned in the passageway adjacent the step; and

a tubular retainer at least partially positioned in the passageway adjacent the diffuser, the retainer including the other of the outwardly-extending tab and the slot, wherein the tab is engaged with the slot to secure the diffuser and the retainer in the body.

11. The foam-dispensing nozzle ofclaim 10, wherein the body is a one-piece molded body including

a quick-disconnect portion; and

a discharge portion extending from the quick-disconnect portion.

12. The foam-dispensing nozzle ofclaim 11, wherein the passageway includes

a first portion through the quick-disconnect portion; and

a second portion through the discharge portion in communication with the first portion.

13. The foam-dispensing nozzle ofclaim 12, wherein the first portion is at least partially tapered to increase the speed of the pressurized fluid moving through the first portion of the passageway.

14. The foam-dispensing nozzle ofclaim 12, wherein the second portion is at least partially flared from the first portion.

15. The foam-dispensing nozzle ofclaim 10, wherein the diffuser includes a screen.

16. The foam-dispensing nozzle ofclaim 10, wherein the body includes one of a key and a keyway formed on the interior wall, wherein the retainer includes the other of the key and the keyway, and wherein the key is engaged with the keyway to orient the retainer relative to the body.

17. The foam-dispensing nozzle ofclaim 10, further comprising an overmold covering at least a portion of the body.