Fluid restriction nozzle for hand washing

Abstract

A flow restriction nozzle (100) comprising an interior surface, an exterior surface, an inlet (103) at a first portion of the nozzle (100) for connection to a fluid source, and an outlet (106) at a second portion of the nozzle (100) for providing a fluid flow, connecting the interior surface to the exterior surface, wherein a portion of the interior surface tapers radially inwardly towards the second portion and the outlet (106) comprises an elongated aperture (106) formed in the interior surface extending at least partially along the tapered surface such that a portion of the fluid flow through the outlet (106) is directed radially outwardly.

Claims

1. A flow restriction nozzle comprising: an interior surface; an exterior surface; an inlet, at a first portion of the flow restriction nozzle, for connection to a fluid source; and an outlet, at a second portion of the flow restriction nozzle for providing a fluid flow, connecting the interior surface of the flow restriction nozzle to the exterior surface of the flow restriction nozzle, wherein a portion of the interior surface is a tapered surface that tapers radially inwardly towards the outlet at the second portion, wherein the outlet comprises and extends between an elongated interior aperture formed in the interior surface and an elongated exterior aperture formed in the exterior surface, wherein the elongated interior aperture extends at least partially along the tapered surface in a length direction (L) along the tapered surface, whereby the elongated interior aperture is bent over the tapered surface, such that a portion of the fluid flow through the outlet is directed radially outwardly to provide fluid flow in a sheet of fluid that spreads out radially in the length direction (L), wherein the outlet has a width direction (W) between first and second walls that extend between the interior surface and the exterior surface in a depth direction (D) of the outlet, said width direction (W) transverse to said length direction (L), and wherein at least part of the outlet has a width (W) that varies in the depth direction (D) such that the width (W.sub.2) of the outlet at the exterior surface of the flow restriction nozzle is less than the width (W.sub.1) of the outlet at the interior surface of the flow restriction nozzle, whereby the separation of the first and second walls decreases through the depth of the outlet from the tapered surface to the exterior surface.

2. The flow restriction nozzle of claim 1, wherein the elongated interior aperture extends along a straight path along the tapered surface.

3. The flow restriction nozzle of claim 2, wherein the straight path is perpendicular to a central axis of the flow restriction nozzle at the second portion.

4. The flow restriction nozzle of claim 1, wherein the width (W.sub.1) of the outlet at the interior of the flow restriction nozzle varies along the length of the elongated interior aperture.

5. The flow restriction nozzle of claim 4, wherein the elongated interior aperture comprises longitudinal ends and the width (W.sub.1) of the outlet at the interior of the flow restriction nozzle is less at the longitudinal ends of the elongated interior aperture than at a midpoint positioned between the longitudinal ends of the elongated interior aperture.

6. The flow restriction nozzle of claim 4, wherein the elongated interior aperture comprises longitudinal ends and the width (W.sub.1) of the outlet at the interior of the flow restriction nozzle is greater at the longitudinal ends of the elongated interior aperture than at a midpoint positioned between the longitudinal ends of the elongated interior aperture.

7. The flow restriction nozzle of claim 1, further comprising a second outlet that comprises and extends between a second elongated interior aperture formed in the interior surface and a second elongated exterior aperture formed in the exterior surface.

8. The flow restriction nozzle of claim 7, wherein the second elongated interior aperture does not intersect the first elongated interior aperture.

9. The flow restriction nozzle of claim 7, wherein the second elongated interior aperture is parallel to the first elongated interior aperture.

10. The flow restriction nozzle of claim 7, wherein the first and second elongated interior apertures are spaced apart either side of an apex of the tapered surface by one of: the same distance; different distances.

11. The flow restriction nozzle of claim 7, wherein the first and second elongated interior apertures are in fluid communication with each other within the flow restriction nozzle.

12. The flow restriction nozzle of claim 7, wherein the flow restriction nozzle further comprises a dividing wall for defining first and second flow chambers within the flow restriction nozzle, a first flow channel extending between the inlet and the first elongated interior aperture through one of the first and second chambers and a second flow channel extending between the inlet and the second elongated interior aperture through the other of the first and second chambers, wherein the first and second flow channels are not in fluid communication with each other within the flow restriction nozzle.

13. The flow restriction nozzle of claim 1, wherein the interior surface tapers continuously to form a curved surface.

14. The flow restriction nozzle of claim 1, wherein the interior surface tapers symmetrically around an axis of the flow restriction nozzle at the second portion.

15. The flow restriction nozzle of claim 1, wherein the tapered surface comprises a section of a spherical surface.

16. The flow restriction nozzle of claim 1, wherein the tapered surface comprises a hemispherical surface.

17. The flow restriction nozzle of claim 1, wherein the elongated interior aperture extends beyond the tapered surface into an upstream non-tapered surface.

18. The flow restriction nozzle of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface is complementarily shaped to the interior surface.

19. A tap assembly, comprising: a tap; and a flow restriction nozzle comprising: an interior surface; an exterior surface; an inlet, at a first portion of the flow restriction nozzle, for connection to a fluid source; and an outlet, at a second portion of the flow restriction nozzle for providing a fluid flow, connecting the interior surface of the flow restriction nozzle to the exterior surface of the flow restriction nozzle, wherein a portion of the interior surface is a tapered surface that tapers radially inwardly towards the outlet at the second portion, wherein the outlet comprises and extends between an elongated interior aperture formed in the interior surface and an elongated exterior aperture formed in the exterior surface, wherein the elongated interior aperture extends at least partially along the tapered surface in a length direction (L) along the tapered surface, whereby the elongated interior aperture is bent over the tapered surface, such that a portion of the fluid flow through the outlet is directed radially outwardly to provide fluid flow in a sheet of fluid that spreads out radially in the length direction (L), wherein the outlet has a width direction (W) between first and second walls that extend between the interior surface and the exterior surface in a depth direction (D) of the outlet, said width direction (W) transverse to said length direction (L), and wherein at least part of the outlet has a width (W) that varies in the depth direction (D) such that the width (W.sub.2) of the outlet at the exterior surface of the flow restriction nozzle is less than the width (W.sub.1) of the outlet at the interior surface of the flow restriction nozzle, whereby the separation of the first and second walls decreases through the depth of the outlet from the tapered surface to the exterior surface.

20. A method of modifying a tap, the method comprising the step of fitting a fluid restriction nozzle to a tap such that fluid flow from the tap passes through an outlet of the fluid restriction nozzle; wherein the fluid restriction nozzle comprises: an interior surface; an exterior surface; an inlet, at a first portion of the flow restriction nozzle, for connection to a fluid source; and an outlet, at a second portion of the flow restriction nozzle, connecting the interior surface of the flow restriction nozzle to the exterior surface of the flow restriction nozzle, wherein a portion of the interior surface is a tapered surface that tapers radially inwardly towards the outlet at the second portion, wherein the outlet comprises and extends between an elongated interior aperture formed in the interior surface and an elongated exterior aperture formed in the exterior surface, wherein the elongated interior aperture extends at least partially along the tapered surface in a length direction (L) along the tapered surface, whereby the elongated interior aperture is bent over the tapered surface, such that a portion of the fluid flow through the outlet is directed radially outwardly to provide fluid flow in a sheet of fluid that spreads out radially in the length direction (L), wherein the outlet has a width direction (W) between first and second walls that extend between the interior surface and the exterior surface in a depth direction (D) of the outlet, said width direction (W) transverse to said length direction (L), and wherein at least part of the outlet has a width (W) that varies in the depth direction (D) such that the width (W.sub.2) of the outlet at the exterior surface of the flow restriction nozzle is less than the width (W.sub.1) of the outlet at the interior surface of the flow restriction nozzle, whereby the separation of the first and second walls decreases through the depth of the outlet from the tapered surface to the exterior surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a side view of a flow restriction nozzle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(2) FIG. 2 shows a top view of the nozzle of FIG. 1;

(3) FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the nozzle of FIGS. 1 and 2 along line A-A;

(4) FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of a possible configuration of an aperture for use with the nozzle of FIGS. 1 to 3;

(5) FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of an alternative configuration of an aperture for use with the nozzle of FIGS. 1 to 3;

(6) FIG. 6 shows a side-view of a flow restriction nozzle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 7 shows a top view of the nozzle of FIG. 6;

(8) FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the nozzle of FIGS. 6 and 7 along line B-B;

(9) FIG. 9 shows an alternative cross-sectional view of a nozzle of FIGS. 6 and 7 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(10) FIG. 10A shows a side view of a flow separation washer for use with the nozzle of FIGS. 6 to 8;

(11) FIG. 10B shows a top view of a flow separation washer for use with the nozzle of FIGS. 6 to 8;

(12) FIG. 11A shows a tap assembly including a nozzle in accordance with the present invention;

(13) FIG. 11B shows an enlarged view of a portion of the tap assembly;

(14) FIG. 11C shows an enlarged view of a portion of the tap assembly;

(15) FIG. 12A shows a cross-sectional view of a nozzle in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

(16) FIG. 12B shows a cross-sectional view of the nozzle of FIG. 12A taken along line C-C;

(17) FIG. 12C shows a front view of the nozzle of FIGS. 12A and B; and

(18) FIG. 12D shows a sectional view of the nozzle of FIGS. 12A, B and C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(19) In the below described embodiments, the interior and exterior elongated apertures of the flow restriction nozzle are formed on a hemispherical surface. However, it should be understood that the apertures can be formed on any tapered surface, such as the edge of a cylinder, provided that the aperture extends over the tapered surface, i.e. along the direction of curvature/tapering.

(20) FIGS. 1 to 3 show a flow restriction nozzle 100 having a single aperture 106. The nozzle 100 comprises a cylindrical portion 104 and a hemispherical portion 102. The nozzle 100 is hollow and is formed from injection moulded plastic. The walls 1 12 of the nozzle 100 are approximately 1 mm thick (in non-thinned regions). The cylindrical portion 104 and hemispherical portion 102 are arranged such that the circular end 107 of the hemispherical portion 102 abuts the distal circular end 105 of the cylindrical portion 04. Due to the differing radii, an optional flange 09 extends therebetween. The cylindrical portion further comprises a lip 110 proximal open end 103 of the cylindrical portion 104, the lip 110 having an outer diameter d.sub.L larger than the outer diameter d.sub.c of the cylindrical portion 104.

(21) Outlet 106 extends through the hemispherical portion 102 from an elongated interior aperture 106b to an elongated exterior aperture 106a. Each aperture 106a, 106b has a width W, a length L and a depth D, wherein the depth D corresponds to the thickness of the nozzle 100 adjacent the aperture 106a, 106b. The exterior aperture 106a has a width of about 0.25 to 0.3 mm. The width W may vary along the length L and/or the depth D of the exterior and interior apertures 106a, 106b.

(22) The hemispherical portion 102 comprises two depressions 108, one on each side of the outlet 106. These aid positioning of the nozzle 100 during installation. Preferably, the nozzle 00 will be oriented so as the maximise ease of use, maximise the size of the sheet of fluid (e.g. water) able to be accommodated by a basin beneath the tap and minimise splash and spray. Usually, this involves orienting the apertures 106a, 106b and, therefore, the sheet of fluid, such that it is parallel to the front edge of a basin beneath the tap. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the interior surface 107 of the hemispherical portion 102 is not interrupted by these depressions 108it still has a smooth hemispherical shape. However, it should be understood that the depressions 108 could also protrude into the interior of the nozzle 100.

(23) FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the nozzle 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2, taken along line A-A on FIG. 2. FIG. 3 shows the inlet 113 at the proximal open end 103 of the nozzle. As also shown in FIG. 3, the width W of the outlet 106 widens through its depth D such that it is wider on the interior of the nozzle 100. Thus, the outlet 106 has a funneled profile. In use, this produces a sheet of fluid that is more stable (i.e. wider and longer) for any given speed of flow. Such a wide, long sheet provides an improved flow for the purpose of, for example, cleaning hands. The aperture may be between about 1 and 3 mm at the interior surface of the nozzle, such as approximately 2 mm. The aperture may be between about 0.3 and 0.31 mm at the exterior surface of the nozzle.

(24) The funnel profile may be formed by tapering the walls 121, 123 extending between the interior and exterior surfaces of the nozzle 104 through the depth D of the outlet 106. FIGS. 4 and 5 show enlarged views of possible apertures 106. The outlets 106 have a varying width W along the depth D. The width W at the exterior of the nozzle W.sub.2 is less than the width at the interior of the nozzle W.sub.1. FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of the nozzle of FIG. 3, in which the two sides 121, 123 of the outlet 106 have different tapers, i.e. the tapering is asymmetrical. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, both sides 121, 123 of the outlet 106 have equal tapers, i.e. the tapering is symmetrical. The embodiment of FIG. 5 may provide a more predictable flow without detrimentally affecting the flow or the stability of the sheet. However, the embodiment of FIG. 4 may be easier to manufacture.

(25) FIGS. 6 and 7 show an alternative embodiment of a flow restriction nozzle 200. The nozzle 200 is similar in structure to that of the single aperture embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, being formed of a cylindrical portion 204 and a hemispherical portion 202. However, in this embodiment, there are two outlets 206 formed in the hemispherical portion 202. The two outlets 206 create two sheets of fluid and thus provide a greater cleaning power compared to one of the outlets 206 alone, without having to increase the speed of flow, which could create undesired spray. The outlets 206 are parallel to each other, although this is not essential. The exterior and interior apertures 206a, 206b may or may not have the same width W or the same funnel profile. The apertures 106a, 106b, taken separately, may have any of the length L, width W, depth D or funneling characteristics described previously.

(26) FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the flow restriction nozzle 200 of FIGS. 6 and 7 taken along line B-B in FIG. 7. The pressure of water behind both outlets 206 will be the same. However, the flow rate exiting the outlets 206 can be different, as the apertures 206a, 206b can each have a different depth profile, width or length, as in previously described embodiments.

(27) FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the flow restriction nozzle 200 of FIGS. 6 to 8 taken along line B-B in FIG. 7. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the nozzle 200 comprises an optional dividing wall 214. The dividing wall 214 bisects the nozzle 200 in the longitudinal direction, wherein the longitudinal direction extends in the axis direction of the cylinder, and forms two chambers 211, which are not in fluidic communication with each other within the nozzle 200. One outlet 206 (and apertures 206, 206b) is formed on each side of dividing wall 214. Thus, the outlets 206 are in fluidic communication (within the nozzle) with different chambers 211 and not with each other.

(28) FIGS. 10A and 10B show a flow separating washer 250 for use with the nozzle 200 of FIG. 9. The washer 250, in use, will fit sealingly into the proximal end 203 of the cylindrical portion 204, abutting the interior portion of the lip 210.

(29) FIG. 10A shows the washer 250 in side view. The washer 250 is flat, apart from a groove 252 running down the length of the centre of the washer. In use, the groove 252 engages the end 215 of the dividing wall 214.

(30) FIG. 10B shows a plan view of the washer 250. The washer 250 includes two apertures 254, one on each side of the groove 252. In use, therefore, one aperture 254 opens into each chamber 212 of the nozzle 200 either side of the dividing wall 214. The apertures 254 therefore restrict the flow of fluid into the chambers formed by the nozzle 200, the wall 214 and the washer 250. The apertures 254 are different sizes and are located substantially centrally in each side of the washer 250, although other locations may be suitable.

(31) FIG. 11A shows a tap assembly 171 fitted with a nozzle 100 of any of FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 11 B shows an enlarged view of a portion of the tap assembly 171 of FIG. 11 A. FIG. 110 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the tap assembly 171 of FIG. 11B.

(32) With reference to FIGS. 11A-C, tap assembly 171 includes a tap 170 having a flow channel 176 and a sink basin 190 having a plug hole 192. The flow reducing nozzle 100 is attached using a threaded retaining nut 178. The tap has a cylindrical outlet 172 including a threaded portion 174 and a threaded retaining nut 178 screwed into the outlet 172, extending the flow channel 176. The nut 178 has a threaded portion 180 at the first end 181 and a non-threaded portion 182 at the second end 183. The non-threaded portion 182 has a smaller internal diameter than the threaded portion 180, thus forming an interior lip 186. When the nut 178 is screwed into the outlet 172, the first end 181 of the nut 178 is proximate the outlet 172. A ring washer 184 may be located between the nut 178 and the outlet 172 to form a seal therebetween.

(33) To install the nozzle 100, a user unscrews the threaded retaining nut 178 from the tap assembly 171. The nozzle 100 is passed through the nut 178 so that the lip 110 of the nozzle 100 sits on the interior lip 186 of the nut 178. The lip 110 of the nozzle 100 has an exterior diameter that is greater than that of the rest of the nozzle 100 and the non-threaded portion 182 of the nut 178 but less than that of the threaded portion 180. The user may optionally then slot a flow separating washer 150 into the first end 181 of the nozzle 100 so that it abuts the interior of the lip 110 of the nozzle 100. The user may optionally then slot a standard ring washer 184 into the first end 181 of the threaded retaining nut 178. The user then screws the threaded retaining nut 178 back into the outlet 172. When the nut 178 is partially screwed in place, i.e. still loose, the user may rotate the nozzle 100 about the longitudinal axis 179 so as to orient the aperture 106 as desired, optionally using the depressions 108 (not shown in FIGS. 11A to 11 C) for additional grip. The threaded retaining nut 178 is then tightly screwed in place, such that the flow channel 176 is sealed until it reaches the outlet 106, and such that the nozzle 102 cannot rotate from the desired orientation.

(34) The tap 170 is used as normal, except that it will not need to be turned on to the usual extent, as less water is needed to provide a sheet.

(35) While FIGS. 11A to 110 show a nozzle 100 having a single aperture 106, it should be understood that a nozzle 200 having two apertures 106 (or more) can be attached to the tap assembly 171 in the same manner.

(36) It should also be understood that while a tap assembly 171 having a nut 178 with an external thread 180 is shown, some taps instead have a nut 178 that screws onto the outside of the tap 170, i.e. the nut has an internal thread and the tap 170 has an external thread. The nozzle 100, 200 of the present invention can equally be used with such an assembly 170.

(37) FIGS. 12A-D show an alternative embodiment of a flow restricting nozzle 300 having a single slit 306. The second portion of the nozzle 300 is shown. It will be understood that the second portion may be attached to a first portion (such as cylindrical portion 104), which is not shown.

(38) FIG. 12A shows a cross-sectional view of the nozzle showing the second end of the nozzle 300, comprising an aperture 306 having a width W. The interior surface of the second end of the nozzle 300 is hemispherical. The aperture 306 is formed in the hemispherical surface. The exterior surface of the nozzle 300 has a cubic shape.

(39) FIG. 12B shows a cross-sectional view of the nozzle of FIG. 12A taken along line C-C. As can be seen more clearly in FIGS. 12C and 12D, the aperture 306 extends between two aperture ends 317.

(40) FIG. 12C shows a front view of the nozzle of FIGS. 12A and 12B. The exterior of the aperture 306 has a squared profile whilst, as can be seen more clearly in FIG. 12D, the interior of the aperture 306 has a hemispherical profile.

(41) FIG. 12D shows a sectional front view of the nozzle of FIGS. 12A-C. showing the aperture 306 and ends 317.