A controllable device that diverts the angle of the water flow from the fountains' nozzles

Abstract

Apparatus for producing ornamental water displays that deflect the angle of water flow from fountain nozzles, comprising a composite swivel joint with a flexible section, at least one lower water inlet, and one upper outlet, where the inlet is wider than the outlet. A control mechanism at the outlet includes a tension-and- slack system with at least one set of wires positioned between inlet and outlet, allowing directional bending of the flexible section and thus enabling the transformation of the primary water stream from the primary nozzles into a secondary stream in both horizontal and vertical directions.

Description

[0001] A controllable device that diverts the angle of the water flow from the fountains' nozzles

[0002] The invention relates to an apparatus for the creation of ornamental water displays, and more specifically to an apparatus for producing a deflection of primary water jets from nozzles into a secondary dispersed water stream.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Water displays of various types are well known in the art. Such displays are typically installed in pools, with the water used in the display being recirculated. These displays often use different types of nozzles to direct water in various patterns, forming spectacular effects for public viewing. Nozzles are usually turned on / off or rotated to create variation in character and form. The nozzle assembly can rotate 360 degrees horizontally and vertically. Modern fountains have evolved from simply spraying water to dynamic high-intensity nozzles that direct water as a form of art. Traditional designs limit the oscillation and rotation of the water flow to movement initiated at the nozzle's base.

[0005] US Patent 53932990 A discloses a dual-nozzle spray gun with side-by-side nozzles mounted on a rotatable table and a control unit for adjusting the angle between them. Each nozzle includes a deflector and a side shield to limit lateral spray. Nozzle angles and water pressure are adjusted to achieve optimal spray patterns.

[0006] US 2017014850 Al describes a system for creating a fluid display using a flexible fluid flow path that defines curves in non-parallel planes. Fluid from the downstream end is supplied to a nozzle for fluid ejection.

[0007] Chinese Patent CN 207204460 (U) discloses a dustproof nozzle.

[0008] US Patent 2086724 A describes a hydraulic deflector.

[0009] US Patent 1824518 A discloses a water display and illumination unit.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] This invention adds new capabilities to existing fountains and may be produced for both indoor and outdoor use.

[0012] The main nozzles generating the water stream are referred to as primary nozzles, and the flow they produce as the primary water stream. The stream exiting the outlet portion is referred to as the secondary water stream. The controllable part of the apparatus is designed as a swivel joint. The water intake side is called the inlet portion, while the adjustable and controllable side is called the outlet portion.

[0013] The invention provides an apparatus that solves the above problems and comprises a controllable mechanism allowing alteration of the water stream angle, using an assembly with openings at both ends. A lower end receives water from a primary nozzle, and the upper end emits the water stream.

[0014] The primary nozzles can be adapted to the support structure. A swivel joint is arranged between the inlet and outlet portions. This includes a ball joint in a spherical section for flexibility, typically a jointed tip controllable via wires or levers routed along the support structure to a control mechanism. The outlet unit includes a control mechanism for dynamic tilt and deflection, either via signal- responsive actuators or tension cables.

[0015] The deflection angle is set by selectively extending / retracting at least one cable / arm attached to the outlet end, enabling directional control. A position sensor provides orientation feedback.

[0016] The invention also provides for vertical movement of the apparatus to adjust the water stream's direction mid-air, creating the appearance of a consistent origin point The support structure is rotatable and allows complex shaping of water patterns by rotating or elevating the apparatus.

[0017] The device can be programmed and computer-controlled. It supports generation of complex shapes and synchronized water motion previously not feasible.

[0018] The support structure may be rectangular or cylindrical and can be designed to allow primary water streams to flow through or around it, while remaining minimally visible. Multiple devices maybe installed above different nozzles to divert water into coordinated patterns or angles. The structure can return excess water invisibly to preserve visual integrity.

[0019] The invention is further described in the following patent claims.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF 'THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a side elevation of the apparatus with its main components.

[0022] Fig. 1 illustrates apparatus (1) comprising a swivel joint (2) with at least one lower water inlet (3) and one upper water outlet (4), where the inlet is wider than the outlet. The outlet includes a control mechanism (5) with at least one tension-and- slack system (6), comprising at least one set of cables / levers (7) connecting the inlet (3) to the outlet (4).

[0023] The swivel joint includes a flexible section (19), allowing the control mechanism to bend and adjust it. This enables directional control of the primary stream (8) from primary nozzle (10) into a secondary stream (11) both horizontally and vertically. Apparatus (1) is mounted on a support structure (9), which may be a transparent tube encasing the primary nozzle (10), allowing rotation to align the apparatus with the stream's trajectory.

[0024] The support structure (9) is rotatable and enables further adjustment of the secondary water stream (11) via rotation or elevation. The structure includes a base-mounted rotating mechanism (13) and lifting mechanism (14), connected to an operational compartment (18). Air and water pressure is supplied through internal tubes.

[0025] Pressurized air / water (13) maybe used to amplify the secondary stream (11) when needed. Apparatus (1) can be submerged and adjusted vertically relative to the water level, and is designed for low visibility. Multiple devices can work in tandem over multiple nozzles to synchronize water patterns.

[0026] The primary nozzle (10) receives water via a pressure system (12). The secondary stream (11) can be redirected further through additional apparatus sections to complete complex shapes, depending on maintained pressure. When pressure drops, a new set of primary nozzles is activated.

[0027] The apparatus can be fully controlled via a programmable computer system (15), managing movement of the outlet (4), rotation unit (19), and support elevation. Control systems may include alternative mechanisms not detailed herein.

Claims

1. Apparatus (1) for producing ornamental water displays by deflecting the angle of water flow from fountain nozzles, characterized by a composite swivel joint (2) with a flexible section having at least one lower water inlet (3) and at least one upper water outlet (4), where the inlet is wider than the outlet, and with a control mechanism (5) arranged at the outlet comprising a tension-and-slack system (6) with at least one set of wires (7) connecting the inlet (3) and outlet (4), allowing directional control of a primary water stream (8) from primary nozzles (10) into a secondary stream (11) in both horizontal and vertical directions.

2. Apparatus (1) as in claim 1, wherein the apparatus (1) is mounted on a support structure (9) that positions and stabilizes the apparatus and enables it to align with the primary water stream (8), rotate, elevate, lower, or tilt sideways, granting at least four additional degrees of articulation.

3. Apparatus (1) as in claim 2, wherein the support structure (9) may be rectangular or cylindrical and arranged to allow the water stream from the primary nozzles to flow around and through it, reducing visual obstruction.

4. Apparatus (1) as in claim 3, wherein the support structure (9) is connected to an air and water pressure source (13), with piping routed through the structure to deliver pressurized fluid to increase the secondary stream (11) as needed.

5. Apparatus (1) as in preceding claims, wherein multiple such apparatuses (1) maybe positioned over multiple primary nozzles (10) to redirect primary water streams (8) into controlled secondary streams (11), each of which can also be independently adjusted.

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