CN106102928B

CN106102928B - Sprinkler with ergonomic deterrent button

Info

Publication number: CN106102928B
Application number: CN201480076994.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马西雅斯·穆勒-布朗; 莱恩·佛列; 班杰明·亚莎尔
Original assignee: Husqvarna AB
Current assignee: Husqvarna AB
Priority date: 2014-03-10
Filing date: 2014-03-10
Publication date: 2019-12-10
Anticipated expiration: 2034-03-10
Also published as: WO2015135568A1; EP3116656B1; EP3116656A1; TWI636831B; CN106102928A; PL3116656T3; TW201536417A

Abstract

A sprinkler (10, 100) comprising: a main body (20, 110) and an operating member (30, 140) for an operator to hold along a grip portion thereof. The body (20, 110) may house a water flow control assembly (50) configured to cause the device to perform a control function related to the flow of water through the device. An operating member (30, 140) is connected with the main body (20, 110) to interface with the flow control assembly (50) to alternately provide or stop flow depending on the position of the operating member (30, 140). The operation member (30, 140) has a length extending substantially in parallel with the axis of the grip portion. The operating member (30, 140) interfaces with a latch (144) disposed on a first surface of the operating member (30, 140), the first surface facing away from the main body (20, 110). The locking member (144) is configured to enable an operator to secure the operating member (30, 140) in the water flow providing state by positioning the locking member (144) in the locked state. The locking member (144) is movable between a locked state and an unlocked state by movement relative to the first surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis (118) of the handle portion (22, 119).

Description

Sprinkler with ergonomic deterrent button

Technical Field

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate generally to watering equipment and, more particularly, to a sprinkler for controlling water flow using an operating member having an improved ergonomic design.

Background

as with many other activities, gardening and yard maintenance work can also be made easier and more enjoyable for the gardener when the correct tools are used to handle the corresponding work. Every garden or yard needs a suitable and efficient watering pattern. When nature is uncooperative, or for covered areas, watering equipment must be relied upon to provide adequate water application.

Watering equipment includes such things as hoses, hose reels, spray guns, spray heads, spray bars, faucets (or outdoor water spray connections), and other similar equipment. These devices are typically used to apply water from a faucet to a garden, plant, or other target, and are typically used with a hose and some form of sprinkler (e.g., a sprinkler such as a spray gun, nozzle, or boom). However, in different specific situations, the horticulture engineer will often feel the need for different kinds of tools. Thus, there is a need for a sprinkler with different characteristics for horticulture practitioners.

One particularly popular feature for gardeners is the ability to lock the sprinkler in an "on" position so that the user does not need to maintain pressure on a trigger, lever or other operating member for activating the sprinkler. Many devices require the operator to use two hands to operate the device in order to allow the operator to control and lock the operating member in the open position. In this regard, the operator is typically required to hold the operating member in the desired position using one hand, and simultaneously snap the lock using the other hand. Therefore, the operation of such sprinkler becomes cumbersome and unpleasant for the gardener.

Disclosure of Invention

For the foregoing reasons, certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a sprinkler design with an improved locking assembly. Some embodiments can provide the locking member at a position that is ergonomically favorable for an operator to operate the operating member and for the operator to lock the operating member at a desired position with one hand. Some embodiments may also or alternatively activate the actuator's detent function (i.e., lock and unlock) by a simple depression of the actuator, so that the actuator can simply be engaged or disengaged. Thus, the ergonomic design and function of the sprinkler can be improved, and the user experience of the operator can be more enjoyed.

In the following, a sprinkler is provided according to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The sprinkler may include a body for an operator to hold along a handle portion thereof, and an operating member. The main body houses a flow control assembly configured to cause the device to perform a control function associated with the flow of water through the device. The operating member may be coupled to the main body to interface with the flow control assembly to alternately provide or stop flow depending on the position of the operating member. The operating member may have a length extending substantially parallel to an axis of the grip portion. The operating member interfaces with a locking member disposed on a first surface of the operating member, the first surface facing away from the main body. By positioning the locking member in a locking state, the locking member enables the operator to fix the operating member in a water flow providing state. The locking member may be configured to move between a locked state and an unlocked state via movement relative to the first surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the handle portion.

Drawings

Having thus described the invention in general terms, the following detailed description of the invention will be rendered by reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a sprinkler according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded side view showing a sprinkler according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a sprinkler according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4, which includes FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, shows a front view of a sprinkler according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged exploded view illustrating a locking assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an isolated view of a locking assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is an isolated view of a locking assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention from another perspective.

Detailed Description

Certain exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and reference numerals; the present invention has not been described in relation to all of the illustrative embodiments thereof. Indeed, the examples described and illustrated herein should not be construed as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention; rather, the present invention provides these exemplary embodiments primarily for the purpose of enabling the contents of this specification to comply with applicable legal requirements. In the present specification, the same reference numerals denote the same components. Furthermore, the term "or" as used herein should be interpreted as a logical operator to yield a result that holds true when any one or more operators to which it is connected holds true. Herein, operatively coupled is to be understood as a direct or indirect connection and, in both cases, allows for functional interconnection between components that are operatively coupled to one another.

Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention herein provide an improved design for a sprinkler. These exemplary embodiments allow an operator or user to lock a flow control assembly in an open position with the same hand used to hold the sprinkler. For example, the flow control assembly may be controlled by a locking member that is positioned at a convenient and ergonomically advantageous location above the trigger (or operator) of the sprinkler. The locking member can be activated or deactivated by a horizontal movement, which is convenient and can be performed naturally by the index finger of one hand holding the sprinkler. In addition, the locking piece can interact with a lock head through a unique structure, so that the trigger piece can be switched between the locking state and the unlocking state alternately along with each pressing when the locking piece is in the locking state.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a sprinkler 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The sprinkler 10 may include a body 20, an operating member 30, and a spray head 40. The body 20 may be held along a portion thereof by an operator. In some cases, the grippable portion may define a gripping portion 22 of the body 20, and the gripping portion 22 may be disposed between an outlet portion 24 and an inlet portion 26. The main body 20 may house a flow control assembly 50, the flow control assembly 50 being configured to cause the sprinkler 10 to perform a control function associated with the flow of water through the sprinkler 10 (e.g., from the inlet portion 26 to the outlet portion 24). In some embodiments, the flow control assembly 50 may include a switch control assembly 52 and a flow control assembly 54. The operating member 30 may be connected to the main body 20 to interface with the flow control assembly 50, thereby alternately activating and deactivating flow through the device 10 depending on the position of the operating member 30. Thus, in some instances, the operating member 30 may act as an operating member in the flow control assembly 50 to open or close (partially or fully) a valve body or other flow control assembly. The operating member 30 may interface with, among other things, a switch control assembly 52 in the flow control assembly 50. In some cases, the flow control assembly 50 may further include a flow control function to allow a degree of adjustment of the flow rate of water beyond the turning on and off of the flow, even under the control of an operator. The flow control assembly 54 may be one example of a structure that performs the functions described above. However, the flow control assembly 54 may also be omitted in some examples.

the spray head 40 may be coupled to the outlet portion 24 of the main body 20 to spray water flowing through the spray head 40 according to the spray characteristics of the spray head 40. In some cases, the spray head 40 may be a selected one of a number of different spray heads, each of which may have a different structure and/or configuration to address different spray needs or desires.

As described above, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may provide an improved ergonomic design such that an operator may control the spraying of water flow through operation of the operating member 30 and may lock the operating member 30 in an open position with the same hand (in other words, two-handed flow control may be eliminated). To achieve the above-mentioned features, the sprinkler of the present invention has a locking assembly 70, and the locking assembly 70 can selectively interact with the operating member 30 and the main body 20 to lock or unlock the operating member 30 at a position opposite to the main body 20. In some cases, the locking assembly 70 may provide the above-described functionality by providing a locking member on the operating member 30 itself, which is configured to move in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the locking member extends, and which is disposed in a portion of the position normally accessible to the index finger. Thus, the index finger can easily push the locking member to a desired position without sacrificing the grip of the sprinkler. Alternatively or additionally, the locking assembly 70 itself may be arranged to lock and unlock with each successive depression of the operating member.

Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, the operating member 30 may be pivotally coupled to the main body 20 and interface with the flow control assembly 50 to alternately provide flow when rotated to a compressed position and stop flow when rotated to an extended position. The operating member 30 may further have a length extending in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal centerline of the grip portion 22. Meanwhile, the operating member 30 may interface with the locking member of the locking assembly 70 such that the locking member is disposed on a surface of the operating member 30 in a direction facing away from the main body 20. In addition, the locking member may be configured such that an operator locks the operating member in a water flow providing state (i.e., an "on" state) by positioning the locking member in a locking state. The locking member is further movable between a locked state and an unlocked state by movement relative to the first surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal centerline of the grip portion (and a direction in which the operating member extends, or the longitudinal centerline of the operating member).

Alternatively or additionally, the locking member may be provided on either the operating member or the main body and the locking head may be provided on the other of the two. When the locking member is in the locking state (or the locking position), the compression of the operating member causes the operating member to alternately move between a locking state and an unlocking state with each compression. However, when the locking member is in the unlocked state (or the unlocked position), the operating member stays in the unlocked state regardless of how the operating member is compressed, and when the locking member is in the unlocked state, the locking member may not contact the lock cylinder. Hereinafter, an exemplary structure for achieving the above-described function will be described with reference to fig. 2 to 7.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the sprinkler 100, which is an example of the sprinkler 10 shown in FIG. 1. The sprinkler 100 includes a body 110, which is an example of the body 20 shown in fig. 1. Also, the body 110 has an outlet 112 and an inlet 114, which are examples of the outlet 24 and the inlet 26, respectively, shown in FIG. 1. The inlet portion 114 may have a threaded engagement portion that may engage a quick-coupling fitting 116. Alternatively, the outlet portion 112 may be configured to mate with a selected one of a plurality of spray heads. The spray head 120 is one specific example of the spray head 40 shown in FIG. 1 and is one of a variety of spray heads that may mate with the outlet portion 112.

the body 110 may be made of molded plastic, composite, metal, or any other suitable material having sufficient rigidity and may be formed to receive components, parts, and/or assemblies that define a flow path for water to flow from the inlet portion 114 to the outlet portion 112. The flow passage may extend along an axis 118 of a grip portion 119 of the body 110. However, in some embodiments, the outlet portion 112 may be disposed along an outlet portion axis 113 such that the outlet portion 112 is at an angle relative to the axis 118. Further, different body structures may be selected to define different angles between axis 118 and axis 113.

The connecting portion 132 may be disposed at the rear of the handle portion 119 to receive a cover assembly 150. In examples where the sprinkler 100 is configured to include flow control, a flow control rod 162 may be disposed in a receiving portion 160 of the cover assembly 150. However, in some embodiments, the cover assembly 150 may not have the receptacle 160 and, therefore, the flow control stem 162 (or any flow control assembly 54).

In an exemplary embodiment, the trigger 140 may be an example of the operating member 30 shown in FIG. 1. In some cases, trigger 140 may be pivotally coupled to body 110 between inlet portion 114 and the intersection of axis 118 and axis 113. In the example shown in fig. 2, the pivot point of the trigger 140 is located at an end of the trigger 140 corresponding to or near the inlet portion 114. It should be noted that, however, the pivot point may alternatively be disposed at the other end of the trigger (such that the pivot point is located near the intersection of the axis 118 and the axis 113). The end of the trigger 140 opposite the pivot point can be alternately compressed toward the body 110 and extended away from the body 110, thereby adjusting the switch control element 52 to turn the device 100 on and off, respectively.

In an exemplary embodiment, the trigger 140 has a locking member 144, and the locking member 144 can be configured to mate with a locking head 146 disposed on the body 110. The locking member 144 and the locking head 146 may be an example of the components that make up the locking assembly 70 shown in FIG. 1. It should be noted, however, that the locking member 144 may alternatively be disposed on the body 110 and the locking head 146 may also be disposed on the trigger 140.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the sprinkler 100 of fig. 2. Referring to fig. 2 and 3, when the trigger 140 is compressed toward the body 110 (as indicated by arrow 200), a button or other operator of the on-off control assembly 52 may be activated to provide water flow through the device 100. On the other hand, when the trigger 140 is released and extends away from the body 110 (as indicated by arrow 210), the on-off control assembly 52 stops the flow of water through the device 100.

As shown in fig. 3, when the locking member 144 is in the locking state (or the locking position), the locking member 144 and the locking head 146 are engaged with or released from each other. On the other hand, when the locking member 144 is in the unlocked state (or unlocked position), the locking member 144 and the locking head 146 do not engage with each other regardless of how the trigger 140 is compressed. When the trigger 140 is compressed from the extended state when the locking member 144 is in the locked state, the trigger 140 may be held in a position adjacent the body 110 and the on-off control assembly 52 may continue to cause water to flow through the sprinkler 100 at a flow rate determined by the flow control assembly 54. If the trigger 140 is pressed again (i.e., pressed from the pressed state and simultaneously secured via the engagement between the locking member 144 and the locking head 146), the locking member 144 is released from the locking head 146, thereby turning off the water flow control and stopping the water flow through the sprinkler 100.

FIG. 4, which includes FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, shows a front view of the sprinkler 100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 4, the longitudinal axis 118 (or centerline) of the grip portion is aligned with the direction in which the trigger 140 extends (and longitudinal axis). On the other hand, the locking member 144 moves in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 118, as indicated by arrow 220. Movement of the locking member 144 to one side positions the locking member 144 in an unlocked state or position, and movement of the locking member 144 to the other side positions the locking member 144 in a locked state or position. The position of the locking member 144 (i.e., the locked or unlocked state) may affect the interaction between the locking member 144 and the locking head 146 when the trigger 140 is compressed (i.e., into the page in fig. 4). In alternative embodiments, the locked state and the unlocked state may be provided on either side.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the operator holds the sprinkler 100, the index finger typically drops to the top of the trigger 140. Indeed, the position of the locking member 144 may be strategically located so that the locking member 144 is located where the index finger would normally be when the user is holding the device 100 in a comfortable and ergonomically advantageous manner. As such, when the operator decides to change the state of the locking member 144, the operator only needs to move the index finger from left to right (or vice versa) to apply a force to move the locking member 144 in a horizontal direction (i.e., the direction indicated by arrow 220) to change the state of the locking member 144. The operator can thus easily maintain the way of holding during operation.

In some embodiments, the front portion of trigger 140 may define a first surface 230 (which may be flat or curved). The first surface 230 may face away from the body 110 and may extend from an area proximate the pivot point (e.g., the bottom of the trigger 140) along the longitudinal length of the trigger 140 to a protrusion 235 disposed at an end of the trigger 140 opposite the pivot point. The tab 235 may act as a guide for the operator's index finger to naturally rest on the locking member 144 when the operator is comfortable holding the sprinkler 100.

the locking member 144 may be disposed in a receiving slot 240 formed in the first surface 230. The receiving slot 240 (or at least a portion thereof) may extend entirely through the trigger 140 to allow an operator to reach the locking member 144 at the first surface 230 and simultaneously enable the locking member 144 to engage the locking head 146. In some cases, the locking member 144 may have a second surface 244, and the second surface 244 may define a visible and accessible portion of the locking member 144. The second surface 244 may have embossing, texturing grooves, protrusions, and/or other features to provide a separation between the second surface 244 and the first surface 230. In addition, the second surface 244 may also extend in a direction substantially parallel to the first surface 230. Thus, the second surface 244 likewise can be a curved or flat surface to correspond to or somewhat resemble the contour of the first surface 230. The second surface 244 may be the surface that the operator's index finger actually contacts.

In some embodiments, the trigger 140 may be a unitary piece of molded plastic with only the receiving slot 240 formed therein (as shown in fig. 4A). However, in certain alternative embodiments, the trigger may have at least two pieces of molded plastic, with each piece of plastic having different characteristics such as color, texture, material, and/or the like. As shown in fig. 4B, the trigger 140 may have a first piece of plastic 141, the first piece of plastic 141 having an insertion window 143 for at least a second piece of plastic 145 to be inserted, such that the first piece of plastic 141 and the second piece of plastic 145 form the trigger 140.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged exploded view illustrating the locking member 144 and the locking head 146 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 5, a side of the locking member 144 opposite the second surface 244 may be provided with an engaging portion 300 configured to engage with the locking head 146. The engaging portion 300 may include a jaw assembly formed of a first member 310 and a second member 312. The first and second members 310, 312 may extend toward the inside of the body 110 and toward the locking head 146. The locking head 146 may be rigidly secured to the body 110 or to internal components of the device 100, such as components that form a flow passage of the device 100.

the first member 310 and the second member 312 may have a substantially L-shaped shape (or J-shape), and a short side of the L (or J) is formed as a remote of the first member 310 or the second member 312. In addition, the short sides of the L (or J) may be disposed toward one another to form the illustrated jaw assembly. Thus, for example, the short sides may be formed as protrusions extending toward each other to define a locking gap 314, the locking gap 314 being bounded by the first and second members 310, 312, the protrusions of the first and second members 310, 312, and the portion of the locking member 144 that is accessible to an operator to move the locking member 144 between the locked and unlocked positions. The first member 310 and the second member 312 can extend from a side opposite a back side of the locking member 144 (i.e., a side opposite the second surface 244), wherein the first member 310 extends from a top end of the locking member 144 and the second member 312 extends from a bottom end of the locking member 144. The first member 310 and the second member 312 may extend from positions aligned with each other along a line generally parallel with the longitudinal centerline of the grip portion 119 and the axis 118.

In an exemplary embodiment, the locking member 144 may also include a guide 320, such that the locking member 144 can be engaged with the receiving groove 240. The guide 320 also allows the locking member 144 to slide horizontally between the locked and unlocked positions. In some cases, the receiving slot 240 and/or the locking member 144 may have features (e.g., corresponding protrusions and recesses) that clearly define the unlocked position and the locked position when the two are aligned with each other. These features may simultaneously or alternatively create sufficient friction to hold the locking member 144 at a given position until the operator uses a finger input sufficient force to overcome the friction and move the locking member 144 to a different position.

When the locking member 144 is set in the unlocking position (or state), the engaging portion 300 may be horizontally misaligned with respect to the locking head 146 and may not be able to contact the locking head 146. Instead, the engaging portion 300 may move along the side of the locking head 146 without contacting the locking head 146. For example, when the locking member 144 slides in the direction of arrow 330 and the trigger 140 is pressed, the first member 310 and the second member 312 move along the side of the locking head 146 without contacting the locking head 146 and are spaced a distance from the locking head 146 in the same direction as indicated by arrow 330. However, when the locking head 144 is disposed in the locked position (or state), the engaging portion 300 may be horizontally aligned with respect to the locking head 146 such that each pressing of the trigger 140 moves the locking member 144 and at least some contact between the engaging portion 300 and the locking head 146 occurs. Thus, for example, when the locking member 144 is moved in the direction of arrow 332, the first member 310 and the second member 312 may engage the engagement surface 340 of the locking head 146 such that the first member 310 slides on a top surface of the engagement surface 340 and the second member 312 slides on a bottom surface of the engagement surface 340, thereby locking the engagement portion 300 to the locking head 146 (described in more detail below). Thus, when the trigger 140 is released, the trigger 140 is still held in place adjacent the body 110 and water flow is maintained while the trigger 140 is locked in the compressed state. However, if the trigger 140 is pressed again, the engaging portion 300 is forced to release the engagement with the lock head, and the trigger 140 is unlocked to allow the movement to the extended state.

Hereinafter, the locking and unlocking of the trigger will be described in detail with reference to fig. 6 and 7. Fig. 6 and 7 show separate views of the locking member 144 from different perspectives when the locking member 144 is in the locked state (or position) before the trigger 140 is compressed. In this regard, fig. 6 shows a view from above of the locking member 144 and locking head 146, while fig. 7 shows a view from the side of the locking member 144 and locking head 146. When the trigger 140 is pressed, the locking member 144 simultaneously advances in the direction indicated by the arrow 342, and the first member 310 and the second member 312 correspondingly advance in the direction indicated by the arrow 342. The distal ends of the first and second members 310, 312 move away from each other to engage opposite sides of the engagement surface 340 and slightly deflect in the direction of arrow 344 as they advance along the sides of the ramp member 345. The ramp member 345 may have a width in the direction of the axis 118 similar to the sum of the widths of the first member 310 and the second member 312 in the same direction. However, the engaging surfaces may have the same width, but the width gradually increases as indicated by arrow 342.

When the distal ends of the first and second members 310, 312 reach the platform 350 and pass over the catch 352, the distal ends of the first and second members 310, 312 move in the direction shown by arrow 354 (straightening after a slight offset caused by interaction with the ramp member 345) to move to the resting surface 360. The first member 310 and the second member 312 are retained at the stop surface 360 to maintain the trigger 140 in the locked position. In this position, the ramp member 345 is held between the locking gaps 314.

Dwell surface 360 may have a width in the direction of axis 118 (in a direction extending approximately into the paper in fig. 6 and outwardly from the paper) that is less than the width of platform 350. The width of the platform 350 may be narrower than the width of the ramp member and the widest point of the engagement surface 340. Since the land 350 is wider than the resting surface 360, an exit ramp 362 may be formed at the interface of the land 350 and the resting surface 360. In the locked position, the catch 352, ramp member 345, and ejection ramp 362 cooperate to hold the first member 310 and the second member 312 stationary on the rest surface 360 and lock them stationary relative to the body 110 (or other anchoring structure of the lock head 146). Thus, the distal ends of the first member 310 and the second member 312 rest on the resting surface 360 and are prevented from moving in the direction of arrow 364. In this manner, the trigger 140 is maintained locked in position adjacent to the body 110 such that the flow control assembly 50 continuously provides water flow through the sprinkler 100.

when the trigger 140 is compressed again while the locking member 144 remains in the locked state, and when the trigger 140 is initially locked in position adjacent to the body 110 as described above, the distal ends of the first and second members 310, 312 may be pushed again in the direction indicated by arrow 342. In response to the urging described above, the distal ends of the first and second members 310, 312 move along the ejection ramp 362, offset in the direction of arrow 354, until the distal ends of the first and second members 310, 312 exit the ejection ramp 362 and compress toward each other, stopping at the sides of the ramp member base 365. The distal ends of the first and second members 310, 312 are then allowed to move along the ramp member base 365 and the side of the ramp member 345 furthest in the direction of arrow 354 to return to the state shown in fig. 6 when the compressive force is released and the trigger 140 moves to the extended position. Thus, when the trigger unlock position is shifted to the trigger lock position and returned to the trigger unlock position again, the first and second members 310 and 312 pass by the sides of the ramp member 345.

when the locking member 144 is in the locked state (or position), as shown in fig. 6, the compression of the trigger 140 causes the distal ends of the first and second members 310 and 312 to move in the directions of the arrows 342 and 364 during the locking and unlocking of the distal ends of the first and second members 310 and 312, but the first and second members 310 and 312 are also biased in the directions of the arrows 344 and 354, as described above. When the locking member 144 is moved to the unlocked state (or position), the locking member 144 is moved generally in the direction of arrow 354. Compression of the trigger 140 then causes the first and second members 310, 312 to move distally in the directions indicated by arrows 342 and 364, but due to the displacement of the locking member 144 in the direction of arrow 354, the first and second members 310, 312 do not contact the locking head 146, and thus the trigger 140 is not locked relative to the body 110 by the compression of the trigger 140. Thus, when the locking member 144 is in the unlocked state, the trigger 140 is not subject to any wear or pressure on the first and second members 310, 312 even when compressed. It should be noted that if the locking member 144 is shifted from the unlocked state to the locked state, even if the trigger 140 is locked, there is no wear or stress on the first and second members 310 and 312 when the locking member 144 is released and returns to the rest state. In this regard, when the trigger 140 is locked, the distal ends of the first and second members 310, 312 are held on the rest surface 360, and the rest surface 360 is positioned between the distal ends of the first and second members 310, 312 to separate them. Movement of the locking member to the unlocked position moves the distal ends of the first and second members 310, 312 from the rest surface 360 in the direction of arrow 354, allowing the two to collapse together. Then, when the trigger 140 is released, the first member 310 and the second member 312 move in the direction of the arrow 364 without contacting the ramp member 345. Thus, the locking member 144 can be moved from the locked state of the trigger 140 to the unlocked position to release the trigger 140, and the first member 310 and the second member 312 of the locking member 144 are relieved of pressure and prevented from wearing in real time as the trigger 140 returns to the unlocked and extended position. The entire locking mechanism can therefore be subjected to less wear and pressure, so that the service life of the mechanism is extended.

accordingly, the ramp member 345 may serve as a first guide surface for interfacing with the locking member 144 when the trigger 140 transitions from the unlocked state to the locked state, while the ejection ramp 362 may serve as a second guide surface for interfacing with the locking member 144 when the trigger 140 transitions from the locked state to the unlocked state. In some cases, the first and second guide surfaces may be bisected by a support member (in other words, the engagement surface 340 for the ramp member 345 and the ramp member base 365 for the ejection ramp 362) that extends in a direction that is generally perpendicular to a plane of the axis of the grip portion 119 (and thus perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the trigger 140 and/or the grip portion 119).

The present invention provides, according to certain exemplary embodiments, a sprinkler. The sprinkler may include a body for an operator to hold along a handle portion thereof, and an operating member. The main body houses a flow control assembly configured to cause the sprinkler to perform a control function associated with the flow of water through the sprinkler. The operating member may be coupled to the main body to interface with the flow control assembly to alternately provide or stop flow depending on the position of the operating member. The operating member may have a length extending substantially parallel to an axis of the grip portion. The operating member may interface with a locking member disposed on a first surface of the operating member, the first surface facing away from the main body. By positioning the locking member in a locking state, the locking member can be configured to enable the operator to secure the operating member in a water flow providing state. The locking member may be configured to move between the locked state and an unlocked state via movement relative to the first surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the handle portion.

A sprinkler having the features of certain embodiments of the invention may have any of the following additional features, or may have a combination of the following features. For example, in some embodiments, (1) the operating member may be implemented as a trigger pivotally connected to the main body, and the trigger is turned toward the main body in the locked state and turned away from the main body in the unlocked state. In an exemplary embodiment, (2) the trigger may be pivotally connected to the body at a pivot point near an entrance of the body. In some cases, (3) the locking member may be disposed on the trigger member near an end opposite the pivot point. In some embodiments, the sprinkler may have any of the features (1) to (3), and include (4) the locking member may be disposed in a receiving slot formed in the operating member, the receiving slot extending completely through the operating member from the first surface such that a catch portion of the locking member contacts a locking head disposed on a portion of the main body depending on the position of the locking member.

In certain embodiments, the sprinkler may have any or all of the features of (1) through (4) in addition to the optional modifications or additional functions described below. For example, in some embodiments, the locking member may include a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface of the operating member, and the second surface may be configured to contact an index finger of the operator to reposition the locking member via the index finger while the operator holds the grip portion. Alternatively or additionally, the engaging portion may comprise a jaw assembly comprising a first member and a second member, the first member and the second member extending towards the main body and in a direction aligned with each other along a line substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the grip portion. Alternatively or additionally, the operating member may be a one-piece moulded plastics material. Alternatively or additionally, the operating member comprises at least two pieces of molded plastic, a first piece of plastic having an insertion window and at least a second piece of plastic inserted into the insertion window to form the operating member. Alternatively or additionally, the sprinkler may further include a spray head coupled to an outlet portion of the body to spray water flowing through the spray head according to a spray characteristic of the spray head. The spray head may be a selected one of a plurality of different spray heads each having different spray characteristics.

those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and other embodiments of the invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of the teachings herein. The scope of the invention is therefore not limited to the particular embodiments described in the specification, but various modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. Moreover, although the foregoing and accompanying figures describe exemplary embodiments of the invention in terms of particular exemplary combinations of components and/or functions, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various combinations of components and/or functions may be implemented as alternative embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, different combinations of components and/or functions than those mentioned above are also contemplated and described in certain sub-items. Advantages, benefits, and solutions to problems have been described herein, but may not be applicable to all exemplary embodiments. Therefore, any advantages, benefits, and solutions to problems that are described in this specification should not be construed as critical, required, or essential to all embodiments or claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A water application device (10/100), comprising:

A body (20/110) for an operator to hold along a handle portion (22/119), the body (20/110) housing a water flow control assembly (50), the water flow control assembly (50) being configured to cause the sprinkler (10/100) to perform a control function associated with water flow through the sprinkler (10/100); and

an operating member (30/140) connected to the main body (20/110) for interfacing with the flow control assembly (50) to alternately provide or stop flow of water depending on the position of the operating member (30/140), the operating member (30/140) having a length extending generally parallel to the axis (118) of the handle portion (22/119);

Wherein the operating member (30/140) interfaces with a lock member (144) disposed on a first surface (230) of the operating member (30/140), the first surface (230) facing away from the main body (20/110);

Wherein the locking member (144) is positioned in a locked state by engagement of an engagement portion (300) with a locking head (146), the locking member (144) being configured to enable the operator to secure the operating member (30/140) in a water flow providing state; and

Wherein the locking member (144) is configured to move between the locked state and an unlocked state via movement relative to the first surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis (118) of the handle portion (22/119);

Wherein the operating member (30/140) further comprises a trigger member (140) pivotally connected to the main body (20/110), the trigger member (140) being pivotally connected to the main body (20/110) at a pivot point proximate to an inlet (26/114) of the main body (20/110), the locking member (144) being disposed on the operating member (30/140) proximate to an end opposite the pivot point;

Wherein the front of the operating member (30/140) defines the first surface (230), the first surface (230) facing away from the main body (20/110) and extending from a region proximate the pivot point along the longitudinal length of the operating member (30/140) to a protrusion (235) disposed at a distal end of the operating member (30/140) relative to the pivot point; and

Wherein the locking member (144) is disposed in a receiving slot (240) formed in the operating member (30/140), the receiving slot (240) passing completely through the operating member (30/140) from the first surface (230) such that the engaging portion (300) of the locking member (144) contacts the locking head (146) in the locked state, the locking head (146) being disposed on a portion of the body (20/110) based on a position of the locking member (144).

2. The device (10/100) of claim 1, wherein the trigger (140) is angled toward the body (20/110) in the locked state and away from the body (20/110) in the unlocked state.

3. The device (10/100) of claim 1, wherein the locking element (144) includes a second surface (244) substantially parallel to the first surface (230) of the operating element (30/140), the second surface (244) configured to contact an index finger of the operator to allow the operator to reposition the locking element (144) via the index finger while holding the grip portion (22/119).

4. The device (10/100) of claim 1, wherein the engaging portion (300) comprises a jaw assembly including a first member (310) and a second member (312), the first member (310) and the second member (312) extending toward the body (20/110) and aligned with each other along a line substantially parallel to the axis (118) of the grip portion (22/119).

5. The device (10/100) of claim 2, wherein the engaging portion (300) comprises a jaw assembly including a first member (310) and a second member (312), the first member (310) and the second member (312) extending toward the body (20/110) and aligned with each other along a line substantially parallel to the axis (118) of the grip portion (22/119).

6. The device (10/100) of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the operating member (30/140) comprises a unitary piece of molded plastic.

7. the device (10/100) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the operating member (30/140) comprises at least two pieces of molded plastic, and wherein a first piece of plastic (141) has an insertion window (143) and at least a second piece of plastic (145) is inserted into the insertion window (143) to form the operating member (30/140).

8. The sprinkler (10/100) of claim 6, wherein the operating member (30/140) comprises at least two pieces of molded plastic, and wherein a first piece of plastic (141) has an insertion window (143) and at least a second piece of plastic (145) is inserted into the insertion window (143) to form the operating member (30/140).

9. the device (10/100) of any one of claims 1-5, further comprising a spray head (40/120), the spray head (40/120) being coupled to an outlet portion (24/112) of the body (20/110) to spray water flowing through the spray head (40/120) according to a spray characteristic of the spray head (40/120).

10. The water application device (10/100) of claim 6, further comprising a spray head (40/120), the spray head (40/120) being coupled to an outlet portion (24/112) of the body (20/110) to spray water flowing through the spray head (40/120) according to a spray characteristic of the spray head (40/120).

11. The water application device (10/100) of claim 7, further comprising a spray head (40/120), the spray head (40/120) being coupled to an outlet portion (24/112) of the body (20/110) to spray water flowing through the spray head (40/120) according to a spray characteristic of the spray head (40/120).

12. The water application device (10/100) of claim 8, further comprising a spray head (40/120), the spray head (40/120) being coupled to an outlet portion (24/112) of the body (20/110) to spray water flowing through the spray head (40/120) according to a spray characteristic of the spray head (40/120).

13. The sprinkler (10/100) of claim 9, characterized in that the nozzle (40/120) is a selected one of a plurality of different nozzles each having different spray characteristics.

14. The sprinkler (10/100) of claim 10, characterized in that the nozzle (40/120) is a selected one of a plurality of different nozzles each having different spray characteristics.

15. The sprinkler (10/100) of claim 11, characterized in that the nozzle (40/120) is a selected one of a plurality of different nozzles each having different spray characteristics.

16. The sprinkler (10/100) of claim 12, characterized in that the nozzle (40/120) is a selected one of a plurality of different nozzles each having different spray characteristics.