System and method for suppressing fluid splash

Abstract

Systems and methods for suppressing splashing of a fluid include using a fluid stream that is separated from a container and / or a fluid surface to effectively capture substances resulting from the flow of the fluid flowing through the fluid stream. The fluid stream creates a splash shield with the fluid surface and / or the container, substantially preventing droplets of the fluid flow from exiting the container. The fluid stream is created by enabling a supply fluid to flow through a nozzle that is directed to throw a spray pattern into the container and / or against the fluid surface. The fluid stream can be selectively actuated and deactivated and / or automatically actuated and deactivated (e.g., by light or motion).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority and the benefit thereof to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 941,504, filed on November 27, 2019, entitled "Systems and Methods for Suppressing Fluid Splashing", and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 089,042, filed on November 4, 2020, entitled "Systems and Methods for Suppressing Fluid Splashing", and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 752,417, filed on May 24, 2022, entitled "Systems and Methods for Suppressing Fluid Splashing", all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Background Art

[0002] It can be difficult to suppress fluid splashing within a given area or space. Such suppression may be necessary or desirable in manufacturing operations, cleaning operations, or domestic settings such as the storage of waste liquids. Liquid splashing is likely to occur when the fluid flow is directed onto a substantially hydrostatic (generally calm) fluid surface or within it, or onto a solid surface, and the liquid continues to flow for some time, with various locations, velocities, and / or pressures.

[0003] In such situations, there are thought to be multiple causes of liquid splashing (e.g., urine flow entering the water in a toilet or other receptacle or container that was initially substantially hydrostatic). The first cause of liquid splashing is thought to be the liquid flow rebounding or escaping from the static water surface or the surface of the receptacle (e.g., a toilet or urinal). The second cause of liquid splashing can include the receiving fluid (e.g., the water in a toilet) reacting to the incoming liquid flow and splashing out from the point where the liquid flow hits. The third cause of liquid splashing is a combination of the above two causes, which may occur suddenly due to changes in the direction, flow rate, and / or pressure of the liquid flow.

[0004] Conventional methods have evolved under the effort to suppress fluid splashing. The first method is to treat the receiving-side fluid itself with, for example, a surfactant to lower the surface tension of the receiving-side fluid. In this way, when the exposed or stationary surface of the receiving-side fluid enters and continues to flow into the receiving-side fluid as the liquid flow, the liquid can form a foaming surface that confines the liquid splash. This method has been partially proven successful, but it is necessary to chemically treat the receiving-side water constantly (e.g., after the toilet is cleaned), and it may not sufficiently prevent the liquid splash that occurs when the liquid flow enters (i.e., splashes back or escapes) and before the foam layer is formed.

[0005] Another conventional method was to increase the amount of material of the physical structure of the fluid container so as to create a physical barrier or shield for physically capturing the liquid splash droplets. There are multiple problems with such attempts at solutions. First, the additional structure may be bulky and unappealing, and may even prevent a particular user from using the container. Second, the physical structure or shield needs to be cleaned frequently and thoroughly to be kept hygienic. Third, the physical structure barrier is not always effective in capturing the liquid splash droplets that can move substantially in the opposite direction to the direction of the liquid flow.

[0006] Therefore, the technology for suppressing fluid splashing will benefit from improved systems and methods to address at least some of the problems associated with conventional methods.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] Embodiments of the system and method according to the present invention generally relate to suppressing fluid splashing, and more particularly to a splash coating portion for receiving fluid flow.

[0009] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the nozzle includes an outer shell and an insert disposed substantially within the outer shell, and the outer shell and the insert are each manually or automatically selectively adjustable, defining a cavity therebetween. A liquid supply is operatively coupled to bring liquid into the cavity, and the liquid exits the cavity through a gap between the outer shell and the insert having a gap width, and the exiting liquid defines a substantially semi-dome-shaped droplet pattern.

[0010] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the outer shell may include a wall portion, the wall portion may define a cup-shaped inner surface that is substantially a semi-cylinder, the insert includes an S-shaped slope, and the cavity is disposed between the cup-shaped inner surface and the S-shaped slope.

[0011] According to yet another aspect of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the nozzle further includes a plate, and the insert is attached to the plate or integrally formed with the plate. The liquid supply line may be attached to the outer shell via an elbow joint, and the plate may include a notch that allows the elbow joint and the outer shell to slide relative to the plate.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the outer shell is movable relative to the insert and is fixed at a predetermined sliding position by a bracket that can be fixed to the plate, thereby defining the width of the gap. The width of the gap may be adjustable by loosening the bracket (or a fastener extending through the bracket) and adjusting the position of the wall portion of the outer shell relative to the slope of the insert.

[0013] According to yet another aspect of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the width of the gap may automatically change according to the pressure of the fluid. For example, a biasing spring may contact at least one of the outer shell and the insert and bias them towards each other.

[0014] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the system according to the present invention, the system includes a nozzle according to the present invention, and further includes a restrictor valve disposed between a liquid supply line and an elbow joint. The restrictor valve is preferably configured to allow liquid to flow (or be provided to the nozzle) at a predetermined pressure, and the predetermined pressure is preferably lower than the pressure of the liquid supplied by the liquid supply line.

[0015] According to one aspect of another embodiment of the system according to the present invention, the system includes a liquid container (e.g., a toilet or urinal) that holds liquid, and a nozzle configured to define a droplet coating portion between the liquid and a droplet pattern by directing the droplet pattern toward the exposed surface of the liquid. The droplet pattern is configured to prevent liquid droplets from the droplet coating portion from passing through the droplet pattern. The nozzle includes an outer shell and an insert body, and the supply liquid flows from the liquid supply line into a cavity defined between the outer shell and the insert body, and the droplet pattern is substantially formed in a semi-dome shape.

[0016] According to one aspect of such another embodiment of the system according to the present invention, the nozzle further includes a plate, the outer shell includes a wall portion, the insert body includes an inclined surface, and the distance between the wall portion and the inclined surface defines a gap. The gap has a width of the gap, and the width of the gap determines the flow rate of the supply liquid from the nozzle. The outer shell may be supported by a bracket, and the bracket and the insert body may be fixed to the plate. The width of the gap may be adjustable by loosening the bracket and adjusting the position of the wall portion of the outer shell relative to the inclined surface of the insert body. The system may further include one or more restrictor valves for adjusting the pressure of the supply liquid to the nozzle, and / or a spring for biasing one or more of the outer shell and the insert body toward each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]

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Figure 13a

Figure 13b

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Although the disclosure herein is detailed and accurate to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention, the specific embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative of the invention, and the invention can be practiced in other specific structures. Preferred embodiments have been described, but the details can be changed without departing from the present invention as defined by the claims.

[0019] Turning now to FIGS. 1 - 3, a first embodiment 100 of a system for suppressing fluid splashing according to the present invention can be described. System 100 generally includes an electrical circuit 120 that at least partially controls a liquid flow path 140. Although variations of system 100 are described throughout this specification, it should be understood that many of the elements of circuit 120 and flow path 140 can be used interchangeably in alternative embodiments. Electrical circuit 120 preferably includes a power source 122, such as a converted DC power source, that receives power from a converter that can be connected to a 9 - volt DC battery or a power main. Power source 122 is used to selectively activate (or deactivate) a solenoid control valve 124 to control the flow of liquid from a liquid supply line 142 into a feed line 144 and toward a nozzle 146 to create a desired fluid flow (e.g., a droplet pattern 150). Additionally, although a droplet pattern 150 is considered throughout the following description, the liquid flow can be less turbulent or substantially non - turbulent (a liquid flow with a lower Reynolds number) such that it is also provided in a laminar sheet - type liquid flow defined by a relatively flat laminar nozzle or a completely or partially domed laminar liquid flow. A laminar domed liquid flow nozzle can be found in U.S. Patent No. 7,775,457 to Schnuckle, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, and is more fully described below in relation to FIG. 10. Although shown as a substantially flat liquid flow in the figures, it should be understood that the liquid flow need not be perfectly flat. That is, the liquid flow can be a predetermined liquid flow that is flat, substantially flat, further or (e.g., influenced by gravity and / or other forces or design considerations) curved.

[0020] The selective actuation or stoppage of valve 124 is achieved by a single-pole single-throw switch 126, which may be a momentary switch that is normally open. Additionally or alternatively, the electrical circuit may comprise a control or additional part by a motion sensor (not shown) of switch 126. The motion sensor may be non-contact (e.g., infrared, light, etc.) or actuated by the movement of an object such as the position or movement of the toilet seat (not shown) (e.g., limit switch or capacitance sensing). Additionally or alternatively, the electrical circuit may comprise a timer combined with a sensor / switch to enable operation for a certain time after actuation (sensing or switching). Alternatively, valve 124 may not be fully electric and may be a manual fluid control valve operated by a momentary diaphragm valve or a twist valve.

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a system 100 installed in a conventional porcelain toilet 20 that generally establishes a liquid splash control system 10. As is known, the toilet 20 comprises a wash water supply tank 22 (supplied by a tank supply line 22a) for supplying water to the recess 24 of the toilet. Generally, when the toilet 20 is ready for use, the hydrostatic water surface 26 will be disposed generally horizontally (and at least substantially parallel) to the support surface 30 such as the floor and the upper edge 28 of the toilet bowl 29 surrounding the recess 24.

[0022] The system 100 can be installed in a receptacle (e.g., the toilet 20) in various ways, and the system 100 and its various parts may be integrally assembled as part of the toilet 20. Generally, the nozzle 146 is fixed to the toilet bowl 29 (or otherwise incorporated into the structure of the toilet 20) and is directed toward the opposite side of the bowl 29 at a desired droplet angle 152 with respect to the still water surface 26. Although shown at various separate positions in the disclosure of representative embodiments, it should be understood that the nozzle X46 can be placed at any one or more positions around the periphery of the inner surface of the receptacle. The preferred droplet angle 152 is from 15 degrees to about 90 degrees, more preferably greater than about 30 degrees, and most preferably about 65 degrees. The solenoid control valve 124 is installed in fluid communication with the supply line 142 and is electrically coupled to the power source 122 and the switch 126 (and / or other activation sensors or switches). When desired, an additional manual or electrically controlled flow valve 124 can be installed alongside as part of the supply line 142 to assist in adjusting the droplet pattern 150 of the nozzle. The supply line 142 may be an extension of the supply line 34 of a standard toilet or may be coupled thereto (e.g., via the valve 32), which is coupled to a water main such as a building water main. Alternatively, the supply line 142 may be gravity-fed from a storage tank or supplied from a pump to provide the desired pressure.

[0023] In this way, when activated, the droplet pattern 150 generally creates a droplet coating portion 154, which may be defined or at least partially surrounded by a part of a container such as the water surface 26 and / or the toilet bowl 29. The preferred droplet pattern is a flat fan-shaped pattern having a preferred spreading angle 156. The preferred spreading angle 156 is from about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees, with 80 degrees being most preferred. The droplet pattern 150 contacts the water surface 26 along the confluence intersection line 158, which may be to substantially linearly scatter droplets of the droplet pattern 150 (e.g., water) or the fluid (e.g., water or a water / urine mixture) forming the still water surface 26. The water surface 26 extends along the length 162 of the water surface, measured from a first point on the still water surface 26 that extends parallel to the support surface 30 and is closest to the nozzle 146, across the container 20 to a second point on the water surface 26 on the opposite side of the diameter from the first point. Parameters such as the droplet angle 152, the spreading angle 156, the pressure supplied via the supply line 142, etc. can be adjusted to place the confluence intersection line 158 along the length 162 of the water surface at a predetermined distance 164, such as less than or equal to half of the length 162 of the water surface. The adjustment can be made to achieve the desired droplet pattern 150 and to minimize excessive droplets outside the container 20 that may be generated by excessive pressure on the supply side.

[0024] In use, after being adjusted to the desired flow rate and droplet pattern 150, the fluid flow (e.g., urine flow) is passed through the droplet pattern 150 from the side of the droplet pattern 150 outside the droplet coating portion 154 (e.g., outside the recess 24) into the droplet coating portion 154 and contacts the fluid surface 26 and / or the surface of the bowl 29. In terms of any splashing generated within the droplet coating portion 154 when the fluid flow contacts the fluid surface 26 and / or the container 29, such splashing is substantially confined within the droplet coating portion 154, and at least substantially exiting from the recess 24 is avoided.

[0025] Figures 4-5 show another embodiment 11 of the liquid splash control system according to the present invention, and like reference numerals refer to the same or substantially similar structures or disclosures as the first embodiment 10. In this embodiment 11, a plurality of droplet patterns are provided by a plurality of nozzles. Similar to the first embodiment, installation can be achieved in various ways and the system may be incorporated as part of the toilet 20. Generally, the nozzles 246, 346 are fixed to the toilet bowl 29 and are each directed towards the opposite side of the bowl 29 at a desired droplet angle 252, 352 with respect to the still water surface 26. Both nozzles 246, 346 are arranged in a parallel relationship with respect to the liquid flow path and may both be replenished from the solenoid control valve 124 by the supply line 144. The solenoid control valve 124 is installed in fluid connection with the supply line 142 and is electrically coupled to the power source 122 and the switch 126. When desired, an additional manual or electrically controlled flow valve 124 may be installed side by side as part of the supply line 142 to assist in adjusting the droplet patterns 250, 350 of the nozzles. The supply line 142 may be an extension of the supply line 34 of a standard toilet or may be coupled thereto (such as via the valve 32), the latter being coupled to a horizontal water pipe such as the main water pipe of a building. Alternatively, the supply line 142 may be gravity replenished from a storage tank or supplied from a pump to provide the desired pressure.

[0026] In this way, when activated, the droplet patterns 250, 350 generally create a plurality of droplet covering portions 254, 354, which may be defined or at least partially surrounded by a part of a container such as the water surface 26 and / or the toilet bowl 29. A preferred droplet pattern is a flat fan-shaped pattern having a preferred spreading angle 156. The preferred spreading angles 256, 356 are from about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees, with 80 degrees being most preferred. The plurality of spreading angles 256, 356 may be substantially the same or identical, or may be substantially different but still within the preferred range. The droplet patterns 250, 350 contact the water surface 26 along respective confluence intersection lines 258, 358, which may be by substantially linearly scattering droplets of each droplet pattern 250, 350 (e.g., water) or the fluid (e.g., water or a water / urine mixture) forming the still water surface 26. The water surface 26 extends along the length 162 of the water surface, measured from a first point on the still water surface 26 closest to the first nozzle 246 and parallel to the support surface 30 to a second point on the still water surface 26 closest to the second nozzle 346. Parameters such as the droplet angles 252, 352, the spreading angles 256, 356, and the pressure supplied via the supply line 142 can be adjusted to place the confluence intersection lines 258, 358 at each predetermined distance 264, 364 along the length 162 of the water surface, such as less than half of the length 162 of the water surface. The adjustment can be made to achieve the desired droplet patterns 250, 350 and to minimize excessive droplets outside the container 20 that may be generated by excessive pressure on the supply side. In this Embodiment 11, when the confluence intersection lines 258, 358 are separate, they are placed at a predetermined distance to create a turbulent water channel 159 therebetween. This turbulent water channel 159 can assist in preventing liquid splashing together with the droplet covering portions 254, 354. Alternatively, parameters such as the droplet angles 252, 352, the spreading angles 256, 356, and the pressure supplied via the supply line 142 can be adjusted so that the overlapping droplet patterns 250, 350 create overlapping droplet covering portions 254, 354.

[0027] In use, after being adjusted to a desired flow rate and droplet pattern 250, 350, the fluid flow (e.g., urine flow) passes from the side of the droplet pattern 250 or 350 outside the droplet covering portion 254 or 354 (e.g., outside the recess 24) through the droplet pattern 250 or 350 into each of the droplet covering portions 254 or 354 and contacts the fluid surface 26 and / or the bowl 29. In that the fluid flow contacts the fluid surface 26 and / or the container 29 to generate any splashing within the droplet covering portion 254 or 354, such splashing is substantially confined within the droplet covering portion 254 or 354, and at least substantially exiting from the recess 24 is avoided. Alternatively or in addition, the fluid flow (e.g., urine flow) can be guided into the turbulent flow channel 159 and thereby suppressed.

[0028] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment 12 of the splash control system according to the present invention, and like reference numerals refer to the same or substantially similar structures or disclosures as the first embodiment 10. In this embodiment 12, a plurality of droplet patterns are provided by a plurality of nozzles. For example, two nozzles 246, 346 from the second embodiment 11 are combined with the nozzle 146 from the first embodiment, so that three (or more) droplet patterns overlap to form a splash prevention area 454 having a plurality of droplet covering portions 154, 254, 354 and possibly having a turbulent flow channel 159. The splash prevention area 454 preferably covers most of the surface 26 of the fluid. The three nozzles 146, 246, 346 are preferably arranged in a parallel relationship with respect to the liquid flow path and are all replenished from the solenoid control valve 124 by the supply line 144.

[0029] FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment 13 of the liquid splash control system according to the present invention, and like reference numerals refer to the same or substantially similar structures or disclosures as those of the first embodiment 10. In this embodiment, the nozzle is positioned to spray from in front of the toilet 20 toward the tank 22. Such an arrangement may prove beneficial as it helps to suppress liquid splash that may be generated by a user of the toilet 20 who sits on the toilet 20 rather than stands. This arrangement may be used alone or in combination with any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0030] FIGS. 8-9 show a fifth embodiment 14 of the liquid splash control system according to the present invention, and like reference numerals refer to the same or substantially similar structures or disclosures as those of the first embodiment 10. In this embodiment 14, the nozzle 646 is fixed to or integrally formed with the wall portion 49 of the urinal 40 and is directed at a desired droplet angle 652 toward the opposite side of the recess 44 with respect to the wall portion 49. Regarding the fluid flow path of the foregoing embodiments, the solenoid control valve 124 is installed in fluid communication with the supply line 142 and is electrically coupled to the power supply 122 and the switch 126. When desired, an additional manual or electrically controlled flow valve 124 may be installed alongside as part of the supply line 142 to help regulate the droplet pattern 650 of the nozzle. The supply line 142 may be an extension of a standard urinal supply line or may be coupled thereto (such as via valve 32), the latter being coupled to a horizontal water pipe such as a building main. Alternatively, the supply line 142 may be gravity-fed from a storage tank or supplied from a pump to provide the desired pressure.

[0031] In this way, when activated, the droplet pattern 650 generally creates a droplet coating 654, which may be defined or at least partially surrounded by a part of a receptacle such as the wall portion 49 of the urinal. A preferred droplet pattern is a flat fan-shaped pattern (or a partial conical pattern) having a preferred spreading angle 656. The preferred spreading angle 656 is from about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees, with 80 degrees being most preferred. The droplet pattern 650 preferably contacts the wall portion 49 of the urinal inside the recess 44 and below the front lip or edge 47 of the recess 44. Parameters such as the droplet angle 652, the spreading angle 656, and the pressure supplied via the supply line 142 can be adjusted to position the pattern 650 in such a way. The adjustment can be made to achieve the desired droplet pattern 650 and to minimize excessive droplets outside the container 40 that can be generated by excessive pressure on the supply side.

[0032] In use, once adjusted to the desired flow rate and droplet pattern 650, the fluid flow (e.g., urine flow) is passed through the droplet pattern 650 from the side of the droplet pattern 650 outside the droplet coating 654 (e.g., outside the recess 44) into the droplet coating 654 and contacts the wall portion 49. In terms of any splashing generated within the droplet coating 654 when the fluid flow contacts the container 40, such splashing is substantially contained within the droplet coating 654 and at least substantially prevented from exiting the recess 44.

[0033] Figure 10 shows a laminar dome-shaped fluid flow nozzle 746, similar to and described in Schnuckle (U.S. Patent No. 7,775,457), Figures 3 and 4. As shown in the figure, nozzle 746 receives water from supply line 144. The body of nozzle 746 is generally a hollow cylinder that directs the water flow from supply line 142 towards an opening at outlet end 770. In use, nozzle 746 is positioned such that it extends above water surface 26 or is spaced from the wall of the container, and its outlet 770 is fixed at a specific height, such as about 3 to 6 inches or more. The height of the outlet 770 of the nozzle above water surface 26 is selected to (at least approximately) correspond to the height of the bell-shaped or dome-shaped formed by nozzle 746.

[0034] Diverter or spray head component 772 moves from a closed or retracted position where it abuts or rides on outlet 770 to the flowing position shown in Figure 10. Diverter 772 has a distal end 774 attached to the body of nozzle 746, and this rigidly attached end 774 is connected to diverter 772 by a spring, coil, or other elastic member 776, which pulls in diverter 772 when there is little or no water flow, but at a certain level of water flow / water pressure, acts to allow the diverter to telescopically extend and open to the open or spraying position as shown in the figure. Diverter 772 is generally shaped to direct water outwardly in a manner that substantially crosses the longitudinal axis of the body of nozzle 746, such as being substantially perpendicular (or somewhat above or below a plane perpendicular to the axis of the nozzle). Also, in some embodiments, diverter 772 is configured to direct the water flow substantially equally or isometrically around the periphery of the outlet 770 of the nozzle to form a continuous water wall to form a dome shape or bell shape (however, in some embodiments, overlapping, adjacent dome shapes result in a partially formed dome shape that provides a closed cavity for mist and / or a flow path for flammable / explosive gases).

[0035] Water is discharged from the nozzle between the outlet 770 and the diverter 772 (e.g., directed outwardly by a spray head or diverter 772). As shown in the figure, the discharged water forms a bell-shaped or dome-shaped 750 such that the water wall extends from the outlet 770 of the nozzle to the water surface 26. The water wall 412 can have a variable thickness (such as from about 0.1 to about 0.5 inches or more), but preferably, the water flow rate is adapted to the nozzle 746 such that a relatively laminar or non-turbulent flow is achieved (e.g., the wall 750 is created by a water volume that is a substantially continuous water flow or laminar flow), with few or no voids. Also, in some embodiments, the wall 750 extends around the nozzle 746 by about 360 degrees (e.g., at a substantially constant radius from the central axis of the body of the nozzle 746), although it may be desirable to limit the wall 750 to less than 360 degrees around the nozzle 746. To limit the wall or control the shape of the wall 750, a fluid flow interrupter 780 may be inserted into or integrally formed with the nozzle 746. The interrupter 780 can cover the water flow and prevent water from flowing through the desired portion or angle of the outlet 770. As shown in the figure, approximately 180 degrees of the fluid flow is blocked, resulting in a substantially semi-dome shape 750. The interrupter 780 provides a guide surface 782 and a diverter movement limiting surface 784 that cooperates with the diverter 772. The guide surface 782 preferably maintains the rotational alignment of the diverter 772 within the nozzle 746. The diverter movement limiting surface 784 preferably provides a seating surface such that a portion of the diverter meshes to prevent the diverter 772 from extending too far under high water pressure conditions.

[0036] The dome-shaped wall portion 750 (or its inner surface) defines an internal empty space or hollow cavity 764. The size of the dome shape 750 and the cavity 764 inside it vary with the height (e.g., the height or size of the nozzle 770 extends above the water surface 26), or the height and angle at which the nozzle 746 is placed relative to the water surface 26, the design of the nozzle / diverter 772, and the radius R D determined by. The radius R of the dome shape 750 DDuring the assembly operation, it can be intentionally changed or set by changing the water flow rate (for example, by operating valves 32 and 148 in lines 142 and 144 to control the liquid flow), etc. In addition, the arrangement angle of the nozzle 146 can be selected to achieve the desired laminar flow dome-shaped liquid flow shape / pattern. The relationship of being relatively perpendicular to the water surface 26 can be selected to provide a dome shape 750 as shown in the figure. When rotated clockwise, gravity will act on the dome shape 750 according to the pattern G1 with respect to the nozzle 746, and the radius R D will become smaller, the dome shape 750 will become flatter, and when the nozzle 746 is rotated to a position substantially parallel to the water surface 26, a substantially vertical wall of the laminar flow will be formed. When the nozzle 146 is rotated clockwise by more than 90 degrees, the wall 750 will begin to fall away from the body of the nozzle 746 according to the gravity pattern G2 with respect to the nozzle 746. Regardless of the position of the nozzle 746 relative to the water surface 26 (or the surface of the container), the preferred laminar flow shape can be achieved by the change in the outlet 770 of the nozzle, the diverter 772, the interrupter 780, and the water pressure.

[0037] Figures 11 to 13 show an alternative embodiment of the nozzle 800 according to the present invention. The nozzle 800 generally includes an outer shell 810 suspended on an insert 802 by a bracket 830 attached to a plate 820, creating a void 818 through which liquid can flow. The liquid is then directed onto the hydrostatic liquid surface 26 by the curved surface 804 of the insert, as described in the previous embodiment, and can form a substantially dome-shaped droplet pattern.

[0038] The insert 802 preferably provides a semi-cylindrical fluid flow surface, which may be substantially provided by a solid bell-shaped portion divided vertically in half. The flat side of the insert 802 is attached to the plate 820 by fasteners (e.g., bolts and / or screws) or is integrally formed therewith. The insert 802 is preferably made of a durable synthetic polymer such as nylon 66 or, if a fixed position is desired, has high mechanical strength, is resistant to fatigue and wear, and is also made as part of the porcelain structure of a toilet or urinal having good sliding characteristics. The base 806 of the insert is preferably at least substantially coplanar with the bottom of the plate 820. The insert 802 is also preferably lower in height than the plate 820, as seen in FIG. 11.

[0039] Although the outer shell 810 does not contact the fluid flow surface very much, it is placed on top of the upper part of the insert 802 and preferably substantially has the shape of a hollow cup divided vertically in half like the insert 802. The flat side of the outer shell 810 leans against the plate 820, although it may not be held in place by fasteners itself. For example, the bracket 830 holds the outer shell 810 in place, and the bracket 830 is attached to the plate 820 by fasteners in the same way as the insert 802. The outer shell 810 includes an upper portion 812 of the outer shell joined to the wall portion 814 of the outer shell. The upper portion 812 of the outer shell further includes a connection portion such as a threaded hole 812a for coupling to a fluid injection portion such as the elbow joint 840 discussed below.

[0040] When the outer shell 810 is placed on the insert 802 and held in place by the bracket 830, the upper portion 812, the wall portion 814 of the outer shell, and the insert 802 define a hollow cavity 816 that is filled with liquid during use. The wall portion 814 of the outer shell also touches the curved surface 804 of the insert but is slightly spaced apart from the curved surface 804, defining a gap 818 with a gap width 818a. This width 818a controls the liquid flow from the nozzle 800. Loosen the bracket 830 and selectively adjust the outer shell 810 higher or lower (e.g., by sliding) on the plate 820 so that the wall portion 814 of the outer shell is farther or closer to the curved surface 804 of the insert, thereby changing the gap width 818a. In this way, the liquid flow can be adjusted according to the piping system in use (e.g., at the average system pressure), the user's preference, or both. The outer shell 810 is preferably made of the same material (e.g., synthetic polymer) as the insert 802.

[0041] The plate 820 is preferably a substantially rectangular part made of the same material (e.g., a durable synthetic polymer) as the insert 802 and the outer shell 810. The semi-circular notch 822 is preferably cut into the upper part of the plate 820 so that the elbow joint 840 (or other fluid source) may reach the outer shell 810. The plate 820 preferably also has several mounting openings 824 that can be screwed on and off so that various fasteners of the insert 802 and the bracket 830 can be attached to the plate 820. At least some of the openings 824 also allow the plate 820 to be attached to an intermediate mounting structure between the plate 820 and the container (e.g., the toilet 20) or directly to the container.

[0042] The elbow joint 840 is connected to the liquid supply line 142 or the feed line 144 to supply liquid to the nozzle 800. When installed, the elbow joint 840 has one end fitted into the semi-circular notch 822 in the plate 820 and the other end attached and placed in the threaded hole 812a in the upper part 812 of the outer shell. When the nozzle 800 is in use, the liquid from the liquid supply line 142 flows through the elbow joint 840 (at the pressure of the building supply line 142 or a reduced pressure) into the hollow cavity 816 formed by the outer shell 810 and the insert 802. Then the liquid flows down the curved surface 804 of the insert through the gap 818 and preferably forms a substantially semi-dome-shaped droplet pattern (which can be adjusted to include at least substantially laminar flow at the outlet 818 of the gap) before contacting the hydrostatic liquid level 26. Then the dome-shaped liquid flow performs a function substantially similar to the functions described in other embodiments of the above invention.

[0043] The nozzle 800 may optionally have other features for automatically adapting to different environments rather than allowing the user to adjust the outer shell 810. For example, a restrictor valve (e.g., 148) may be placed between the liquid supply line 142 and the elbow joint 840 that restricts the liquid flow. This restrictor valve 842 may be preset to a preferred pressure (less than the pressure of the building piping) at which the nozzle 800 with a predetermined gap width 818a operates optimally considering the pressure of the liquid system in use.

[0044] Alternatively, the nozzle may further include a biasing spring (not shown) that is displaced outwardly within the cavity 816, between the outer shell 810 and the insert 802, or (when the outer shell 810 is to be movable relative to the insert 802) between the outer shell 810 and an external spring flange, or (when the insert 802 is to be movable relative to the outer shell 810) between the insert 802 and a lower spring flange. Then, in any such spring configuration, as the liquid flow becomes stronger, the spring can become longer and the width 818a of the gap can increase, such that the insert / outer shell combination may be relatively spring-biased so that more liquid can flow through the gap 818. Conversely, if the liquid flow becomes weaker, the pressure generated between the insert 802 and the outer shell 810 can decrease, the spring 844 can contract, and the width 818a of the gap can be decreased, such that less liquid can flow through the gap 818. One or more of these optional components (the liquid flow restrictor and / or the biasing spring) can serve to more automatically adjust the liquid flow through the gap 818 so that the user does not need to adjust the width 818a of the gap to find the preferred or optimal nozzle flow rate for a given supply line 142 pressure.

[0045] The nozzle 800 has other applicable uses beyond piping components. For example, the nozzle 800 can be used in water spraying, animal products, landscaping and plant management, fire prevention, food development and display, and many other areas.

[0046] The foregoing is to be considered merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Further, since many modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desirable to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described in the specification. Preferred embodiments have been described, but the details may be changed without departing from the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A housing, An insert substantially disposed within the housing, wherein the housing and the insert are each selectively adjustable and define a cavity therebetween, A liquid supply operatively coupled to bring liquid into the cavity, A nozzle comprising: The liquid exits the cavity through a gap, The exiting liquid defines a substantially semi-dome-shaped droplet pattern Nozzle.

2. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a wall portion and the insert comprises an S-shaped slope.

3. The nozzle according to claim 2, wherein the gap has a width that defines the flow rate of the liquid from the nozzle.

4. The nozzle according to claim 3, further comprising a plate, wherein the insert is attached to the plate.

5. The nozzle according to claim 4, wherein the housing is fixed by a bracket, thereby defining the width of the gap.

6. The nozzle according to claim 5, wherein the bracket is fixed to the plate.

7. The nozzle according to claim 5, wherein the width of the gap is adjustable by loosening the bracket and adjusting the position of the wall portion of the housing relative to the slope of the insert.

8. The nozzle according to claim 4, wherein the liquid supply line is attached to the housing by an elbow joint.

9. The nozzle according to claim 8, wherein the plate has a notch and at least a portion of the elbow joint is placed within the notch.

10. The nozzle according to claim 3, wherein the width of the gap automatically changes according to the pressure of the fluid.

11. The nozzle according to claim 10, further comprising a biasing spring that contacts at least one of the housing and the insert and biases them towards each other.

12. A restrictor valve placed between the liquid supply line and the elbow joint The system comprising the nozzle according to claim 8.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the restrictor valve is configured to allow liquid to flow at a predetermined pressure.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the restrictor valve is configured to allow the liquid to flow at a pressure lower than the pressure of the liquid supplied by the liquid supply line.

15. A liquid container for holding liquid, A nozzle configured to define a droplet coating portion between the liquid and a droplet pattern by directing the droplet pattern toward an exposed surface of the liquid; A system comprising: The droplet pattern is configured to prevent liquid droplets from the droplet coating portion from passing through the droplet pattern; The nozzle includes an outer shell and an insert; The supply liquid flows from a liquid supply line into a cavity defined between the outer shell and the insert; The droplet pattern is substantially shaped like a semi-dome; System.

16. The nozzle further includes a plate, the outer shell includes a wall portion, the insert includes an inclined surface, a distance between the wall portion and the inclined surface defines a gap; The gap has a width of the gap, and the width of the gap determines the flow rate of the supply liquid from the nozzle; The system according to claim 15.

17. The outer shell is supported by a bracket, the bracket and the insert are fixed to the plate; The width of the gap is adjustable by loosening the bracket and adjusting the position of the wall portion of the outer shell relative to the inclined surface of the insert. The system according to claim 16.

18. The system according to claim 16, further comprising a restrictor valve for adjusting the pressure of the supply liquid to the nozzle.

19. The system according to claim 16, further comprising a spring for biasing the outer shell and the insert toward each other.

20. The container of the liquid is one of a toilet and a urinal. The system according to claim 16.

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