GB2558082A

GB2558082A - Nozzle

Info

Publication number: GB2558082A
Application number: GB1720698.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Crownshaw Darcey; Anthony Denney Paul; John Doliczny Symon; Colin Wilson Andrew
Original assignee: Snow Business International Ltd
Current assignee: Snow Business International Ltd
Priority date: 2017-12-12
Filing date: 2017-12-12
Publication date: 2018-07-04
Anticipated expiration: 2037-12-12
Also published as: GB2558082B; GB201720698D0

Abstract

A nozzle 10 for producing artificial snow, the nozzle comprising an inlet 14, an outlet 16, and a conduit 18 between the inlet and outlet. The inlet includes a liquid flow path, first and second air flow paths, and a gauze member 100 disposed in and at least partly enclosed by the conduit. The liquid flow path and the first air flow path lead into an interior of the gauze member for forming artificial snow on the gauze member. The second air flow path passes through a region in the conduit around the gauze member for stripping artificial snow away from the gauze member. The gauze member includes ramped surfaces (112 figure 4) which are spaced from the conduit and converge into a flattened end near the outlet. In an alternative embodiment, the spacing between the conduit and central areas of the ramped surfaces is constant. In a further embodiment, the gauze member includes a resilient connector. In a further embodiment, there are a plurality of apertures provided around a lower end of the outlet. In a further embodiment there is at least one protrusion extending partially across the outlet. Also claimed is a gauze member having a plurality flexible clips.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Nozzle

Abstract Title: Nozzle for producing artificial snow (57) A nozzle 10 for producing artificial snow, the nozzle comprising an inlet 14, an outlet 16, and a conduit 18 between the inlet and outlet. The inlet includes a liquid flow path, first and second air flow paths, and a gauze member 100 disposed in and at least partly enclosed by the conduit. The liquid flow path and the first air flow path lead into an interior of the gauze member for forming artificial snow on the gauze member. The second air flow path passes through a region in the conduit around the gauze member for stripping artificial snow away from the gauze member. The gauze member includes ramped surfaces (112 figure 4) which are spaced from the conduit and converge into a flattened end near the outlet. In an alternative embodiment, the spacing between the conduit and central areas of the ramped surfaces is constant. In a further embodiment, the gauze member includes a resilient connector. In a further embodiment, there are a plurality of apertures provided around a lower end of the outlet. In a further embodiment there is at least one protrusion extending partially across the outlet. Also claimed is a gauze member having a plurality flexible clips.

Figure 1

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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Figure 4

NOZZLE

The present invention relates to a nozzle for producing artificial snow.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The film, television and live event industries often have a need to create the effect of falling snow. One method of simulating snow fall is to mix surfactants, water and air together in a machine to create small particles of foam which resemble snowflakes. A typical snow machine uses a fan to blow air, a pump to pump a surfactant solution and a nozzle to combine the two to create foam. The fan propels the foam into the air where it drifts on the wind to give an effect similar to falling snow.

Current nozzles employ simple forms, for example an arrangement of circular apertures with a gauze stretched over some of the apertures.

This style of nozzle is found to have numerous drawbacks. Such nozzles may produce foam particles of non-uniform size, compromising the effect. This is particularly problematic when filming in high-definition (HD), because artificial snow with very large and very small flakes does not look realistic. No satisfactory means of ensuring uniform particle size has yet been found.

The gauze is typically held in place on the nozzle by a jubilee clip. This can provide a flow obstruction because jubilee clips are non-uniform in shape. Additionally, if the gauze becomes saturated or dirty and needs to be changed, the jubilee clip must be loosened. As the clip is often in a cramped location within the nozzle, this operation is fiddly and time consuming. This is particularly problematic in live events, where the gauze must be changed quickly in the event of a problem so as not to interrupt the performance.

Furthermore, these nozzles exhibit a propensity to form liquid droplets at the front of the nozzle, which can drop off and form a puddle on the floor in front of the nozzle. This creates a slip hazard, and can be particularly problematic at live events such as catwalk shows or musical performances, in which the nozzle may be located above a stage or catwalk and the performers may slip when moving under the nozzle.

It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a nozzle for producing artificial snow, the nozzle comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a conduit between the inlet and outlet, the inlet including a liquid flow path, and first and second air flow paths, and a gauze member disposed in and at least partly enclosed by the conduit, the liquid flow path and the first air flow path leading into an interior of the gauze member for forming artificial snow on the gauze member, and the second air flow path passing through a region in the conduit around the gauze member for stripping artificial snow away from the gauze member, the gauze member including ramped surfaces which are spaced from the conduit and converge into a flattened end near the outlet.

The ramped surfaces of the gauze member provide a wedge-like shape. This shape ensures that air flows smoothly over the whole surface of the gauze, and that there are no dead air zones or calm regions where large flakes of artificial snow can form. The wedge-like shape of the gauze member within the conduit gives rise to substantially smooth airflow and uniform air velocity over the whole gauze, optimising snow flake production on and dispersion from the gauze.

During operation with a snow machine, the nozzle converts fluid into artificial snow. The fluid used is a formulation for producing artificial snow. The term ‘fluid’ is used to refer to any substance suitable for producing artificial snow in combination with a snow machine and nozzle. Typically the fluid is a liquid. For example, the fluid may include a foam or an aqueous mixture of surfactant(s). If a plant-based surfactant is used, for example, it could be derived from olive oil. The liquid flow path in the nozzle is suitable for any fluid used for forming artificial snow.

Inlet areas of the first and second air flow paths may be provided in a ratio of substantially at least 1:2. The ratio may be substantially in the range 1:1.5 to 1:15 (first airflow path to second airflow path). The ratio may be selected to be substantially around one of the following: 1:2; 1:4.5; 1:5; 1:5.5; 1:13. The inlet may include an inner annulus for defining the first air flow path, and an outer annulus for defining the second air flow path.

Using a ratio of around 1:2 (airflow through an inner annulus relative to airflow through an outer annulus) ensures that artificial snow production is optimised across a range of air speeds. In other words, it ensures that the fluid and air are combined to create a dry snow effect, which floats in the air and evaporates quickly on pitching on the ground. Using a different ratio allows customisation of the snow flakes produced.

The spacing between the conduit and central areas of the ramped surfaces may be substantially constant. The central area is preferably a central length of each ramped surface. The cross-section of the gauze may transition from a substantially circular cross-section at the inlet to the flattened end. The cross-section of the conduit may transition from a substantially circular cross-section at the inlet to a substantially elliptical cross-section at the outlet. The flattened end of the gauze member may be arranged to lie substantially along a longer axis of the elliptical cross-section.

The internal shape of the nozzle and the external shape of the gauze member are matched to each other. By having the gauze close to the conduit wall, air flow velocity over the gauze member is relatively uniform, which ensures that air pressure is substantially even across the external surface of the gauze member. This ensures artificial snow accumulates evenly on and disperses evenly from across the whole gauze, giving uniform artificial snow flakes with a narrow range of sizes. The gradual transition in shape avoids introducing unnecessary disruption to airflow through the conduit, and helps to keep a relatively constant spacing between the gauze member and conduit wall.

A hub or gauze mounting may be provided within the conduit. The gauze member may include a connector (preferably resilient) which is configured for releasable connection to the hub. Preferably, the connector includes a plurality of flexible clips spaced around its periphery.

Using this type of connection allows removal of the gauze without needing to use any tools, e.g. bull-nose pliers. Instead, it is enough to grip the gauze member (e.g. at the flattened end) and disconnect the gauze member by hand. This makes removal and replacement quick and easy, where the gauze member is damaged or needs cleaning. In addition, rather than using a jubilee clip or cable tie to fix the gauze member in place, using a connector which is integral to the gauze member avoids disrupting airflow through the conduit. In other words, the airflow remains substantially uniform across the gauze, and this contributes to uniform snow flakes being formed.

The hub and connector may comprise co-operative connection means which together limit rotation of the gauze member within the conduit when engaged. The co-operative connection means may comprise a projection or key on the hub, and a receiving area for the projection on the connector.

Providing co-operating means on the gauze member and its mounting point, the gauze is always aligned correctly within the conduit to optimise snow production. This interlocking nature of the connection also limits inadvertent rotation of the gauze member during use, which could otherwise twist relative to the conduit.

A plurality of through apertures may be provided around a lower end of the outlet. The through apertures may be formed as slots. The through apertures are preferably configured to establish an air barrier (or dam) at or around a lower edge of the outlet.

The through apertures (or slots) give rise to a Venturi effect. At relatively high airflow speeds through the nozzle, the apertures entrain a further air flow in addition to air passing through the conduit. The entrained air draws away any fluid that begins to accumulate on the leading edge of the outlet. This prevents fluid from accumulating sufficiently to drip under gravity.

At least one protrusion may extend partially across the outlet. Preferably, two protrusions are provided. The or each protrusion may have the form of a tooth. The protrusions may be located at and spaced apart on a lower edge of the outlet. The protrusions may be positioned between two of the through apertures. Preferably, an inlet side of the or each protrusion has a sloped surface. Preferably, the sloped surface(s) are smooth.

At relatively low airflow speeds through the nozzle, the through apertures do not always entrain air sufficiently to disperse fluid which accumulates at the outlet edge. However, providing the protrusion(s) gives rise to a low pressure area or vacuum behind them as air flows past. This means that any fluid which does accumulate at low airflow speeds is drawn into that low pressure area. In the vicinity of a given protrusion, airflow is faster at the top of the protrusion than the base. This creates a pressure differential which draws the fluid to the top of the protrusion. The airflow then disperses the fluid, preventing dripping. Thus, providing both through apertures and protrusions at the outlet edge enables drip prevention at a range of airflow speeds.

The first airflow path may be disposed around the liquid flow path. The second airflow path may be disposed around the first airflow path. In other words, the airflow paths are arranged to be concentric or annular.

The first and/or second airflow paths may be segmented. One or more vanes may extend across either or both airflow paths. The vanes are preferably flat. The vanes may have tapered trailing edges. The vanes condition the airflow around the gauze member, helping to establish and maintain even pressure over the whole gauze. The vanes also serve as structural members, for maintaining the relative positions of the liquid flow path, first airflow path and second airflow path.

The outlet and part of the conduit may form part of a detachable unit.

Where the outlet end can be detached, the gauze member can be accessed more easily. This reduces the likelihood of damaging the gauze member during removal and replacement, since finger space is limited in the nozzle and the gauze is susceptible to deformation when force is applied to re-attach it. Any blockages or detritus within the conduit can also be accessed more readily.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a nozzle for producing artificial snow, the nozzle comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a conduit between the inlet and outlet, the inlet including a liquid flow path, and first and second airflow paths, and a gauze member disposed in and at least partly enclosed by the conduit, the liquid flow path and the first airflow path leading into an interior of the gauze member for forming artificial snow on the gauze member, and the second airflow path passing through a region in the conduit around the gauze member for stripping artificial snow away from the gauze member, the gauze member including ramped surfaces which are spaced from the conduit, the spacing between the conduit and central areas of the ramped surfaces being substantially constant.

The spacing between the nozzle and gauze member is kept substantially uniform by matching them to each other. By having the gauze as close as possible to the conduit wall, air flow velocity over the gauze member is relatively uniform, which ensures that air pressure is substantially even across the external surface of the gauze member. This ensures artificial snow accumulates and disperses evenly across the whole gauze, giving uniform artificial snow flakes with a narrow range of sizes. The gradual transition in shape avoids introducing unnecessary disruption to airflow through the conduit, and helps to keep a relatively constant spacing between the gauze member and conduit wall.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a nozzle for producing artificial snow, the nozzle comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a conduit between the inlet and outlet, the inlet including a liquid flow path, and first and second airflow paths, a gauze mounting disposed within the conduit, and a gauze member disposed in and at least partly enclosed by the conduit, the liquid flow path and the first airflow path leading into an interior of the gauze member for forming artificial snow on the gauze member, and the second airflow path passing through a region in the conduit around the gauze member for stripping artificial snow away from the gauze member, and the gauze member including a resilient connector which is configured for releasable connection to the hub.

The gauze member connector allows removal of the gauze without needing to use any tools, e.g. bull-nose pliers. Instead, it is enough to grip the gauze member (e.g. at the flattened end) and disconnect the gauze member by hand. This makes removal and replacement quick and easy, where the gauze member is damaged or needs cleaning. In addition, rather than using a jubilee clip or cable tie to fix the gauze member in place, using a connector which is part of the gauze member avoids disrupting airflow through the conduit. In other words, the airflow remains substantially uniform across the gauze, and this contributes to uniform snow flakes being formed.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a nozzle for producing artificial snow, the nozzle comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a conduit between the inlet and outlet, the inlet including a liquid flow path, and first and second airflow paths, and a gauze member disposed in and at least partly enclosed by the conduit, the liquid flow path and the first airflow path leading into an interior of the gauze member for forming artificial snow on the gauze member, and the second airflow path passing through a region in the conduit around the gauze member for stripping artificial snow away from the gauze member, and a plurality of through apertures being provided around a lower end of the outlet.

The through apertures (or slots) give rise to a Venturi effect. At relatively high airflow speeds through the nozzle, the apertures entrain a further air flow in addition to air passing through the conduit. The entrained air draws away any fluid that begins to accumulate on the leading edge of the outlet. This prevents fluid from accumulating sufficiently to drip under gravity at high airflow speeds.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a nozzle for producing artificial snow, the nozzle comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a conduit between the inlet and outlet, the inlet including a liquid flow path, and first and second airflow paths, and a gauze member disposed in and at least partly enclosed by the conduit, the liquid flow path and the first airflow path leading into an interior of the gauze member for forming artificial snow on the gauze member, and the second airflow path passing through a region in the conduit around the gauze member for stripping artificial snow away from the gauze member, and at least one protrusion extending partially across the outlet.

At relatively low airflow speeds through the nozzle, the protrusion(s) give rise to a low pressure area or vacuum behind them as air flows past. This means that any fluid which does accumulate at low airflow speeds is drawn into that low pressure area. In the vicinity of a given protrusion, airflow is faster at the top of the protrusion than the base. This creates a pressure differential which draws the fluid to the top of the protrusion. The airflow then disperses the fluid, preventing dripping at low airflow speeds.

Any of the second to fifth aspects of the invention may include any feature or combination of features described with respect to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gauze member for a nozzle for producing artificial snow, the gauze member comprising an elongate gauze including a circular inlet end and ramped surfaces which converge into a flattened end, and a resilient connector at the inlet end of the gauze, the resilient connector including a plurality of flexible clips spaced around its periphery for releasably mounting the gauze member to the nozzle.

The gauze member may include any of the features of the gauze member described with respect to the first aspect of the invention.

A snow machine comprising the nozzle of any aspect of the present invention may be provided.

A kit may be provided which comprises at least one nozzle according to any of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, in addition to at least one of the following: a snow-generating machine; one or more containers of fluid for producing artificial snow; one or more gauze members according to the sixth aspect of the invention. The additional gauze members are used to replace a damaged or dirty gauze member. The fluid is a consumable and needs to be replenished periodically for the nozzle to be able to produce artificial snow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a nozzle containing a gauze member, according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows another perspective view of the nozzle of Figure 1 without the gauze member connected;

Figure 3 shows a front end view of the nozzle of Figure 1 without the gauze member connected;

Figure 4 shows a rear perspective view of the gauze member of the nozzle of Figure 1.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3, an embodiment of a nozzle is indicated generally at 10. The nozzle 10 includes a housing 12. A flange 12a is provided on the housing 12. The flange 12a has apertures 12b. The housing 12 is manufactured by additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing) in this embodiment. This allows a very complex shape to be produced without compromising airflow through the nozzle 10.

The nozzle 10 includes an inlet end and an outlet end, indicated generally at 14 and 16 respectively. The inlet end 14 is substantially circular. The outlet end 16 is substantially elliptical. The inlet end 14 is adapted for connection to a snow-generating machine (not shown), to receive an airflow and starting materials for producing artificial snow.

The housing 12 defines a conduit 18 between the inlet and outlet ends 14, 16. A gauze member 100 is connected inside the nozzle 10, within the conduit 18. The gauze member 100 is effectively a single piece assembly. A jet or pipe 20 for supplying fluid for producing artificial snow extends through the inlet end 14. The pipe 18 is disposed substantially centrally in this embodiment and forms a liquid / fluid flow path. A distal end of the pipe 20 is conical. A hub or mounting 22 for the gauze member is provided, forming an annular body around the pipe 20.

The conduit 18 provides two different airflow paths. A first airflow path passes between the exterior of the pipe 20 and the interior of the hub 22. A second airflow path passes between the exterior of the hub 22 and the interior of the conduit 18. The first airflow path must pass through the gauze member 100 to exit the nozzle 10 via the outlet end

16. The interior of the conduit 18 is circular at the inlet end 16. The interior of the conduit 18 begins to transition from circular to elliptical cross-section after the end of the hub 22 in this embodiment. The region after the end of the hub 22 forms a chamber 23 which leads to the outlet end 16. Artificial snow can form on the gauze member 100 in the chamber 23. Control over the rate of fluid supply to the nozzle is one variable that affects snow flake formation.

With reference to Figure 4, the gauze member 100 is shown in more detail. The gauze member 100 includes a gauze 110. The gauze 110 is made of metal mesh. The mesh is finely woven. The gauze has upper and lower ramped surfaces 112. The surfaces 112 are relatively planar along their central sections. Edge sections of one of the ramped surfaces 112 curve around to meet the other of the ramped surfaces 112.

The gauze 110 is circular at one end, and terminates in a closed end at the other end. The gauze 110 transitions smoothly from the circular end to the closed end. The closed end is substantially flattened. The flattened end is disposed along a line which is coplanar to a diameter of the circular end. Consequently, as seen in Figure 1, the distance between the gauze member 100 remains substantially constant along the length of the gauze member 100 within the conduit 18. In practice the spacing may vary by a few millimetres as the inside of the conduit 18 is curved and the side of the gauze 110 is substantially straight. However, the spacing is constant enough to give rise to the desired effect.

Viewed end on from the far end in Figure 4, the gauze 110 is widened along one axis, whilst it is narrowed along another orthogonal axis, providing the ramped surfaces 112.

Viewed side on in Figure 4, the gauze 110 has a substantially trapezoidal profile (an isosceles trapezium in this embodiment). Viewed from above in Figure 4, the gauze 110 has a substantially triangular profile (an isosceles triangle in this embodiment). In other words, the shape of the gauze 110 is similar to the body of a toothpaste tube. The gauze 110 is effectively wedge-shaped.

An adapter or connector 114 is connected to the circular end of the gauze 110. In this embodiment, the gauze 110 is glued into the connector 114. The connector 114 has a body which is produced by additive manufacturing in this embodiment.

The connector 114 includes a receiving area for attachment of the gauze 110. The receiving area is an annular recess 115 in this embodiment (see Figure 1). At the other end, the body includes a plurality of clips 116. The clips 116 are spaced from each other around a periphery of the body. Each clip 116 is resilient and flexible. Each clip 116 ends in a detent 116a for releasably clipping into a corresponding recess on the hub 22. A suitable recess or undercut 22a in the hub is shown in Figure 1.

The connector 114 includes another receiving area or gap 118 between one pair of the clips 116. The gap 118 is located on the periphery of the connector, substantially in line with an axis of one of the ramped surfaces 112. The hub 22 has a corresponding projection or key 22b on its surface. The key 22b is positioned for interlocking with the gap 118 on the connector 114, in a way that enables the gauze member 100 to be fitted within the nozzle 10. When the gauze member 100 is connected to the nozzle 10, the flattened end of the gauze 110 should extend along the longer axis of the elliptical outlet end 16.

Referring again to Figures 1 to 3, the outlet end 16 includes a plurality of through apertures or slots 24. The apertures 24 are provided inset from the outlet end. The apertures 24 are arranged around about half of the periphery of the outlet end 16. The first and last apertures 24 in the sequence lie just above the mid-line of the outlet end 16. The apertures 24 are provided as a continuous band, separated from each other by interstitial vanes 24a. The apertures 24 positioned so that in use they are disposed on the lower end of the nozzle 10 (that is to say, the end that is closer to the ground). This is so that the apertures form an air barrier at the lower end of the nozzle 10 during use and prevent fluid dripping, particularly at high airflow speeds.

The outlet end 16 also includes two protrusions or teeth 26. Each tooth 26 extends in a direction across part of the outlet 16. Each tooth 26 points approximately towards the centre of the outlet end 16. Each tooth 26 is positioned across two of the apertures 24. That way, only half of each aperture spanned by a given tooth 26 is occluded, allowing those apertures to still contribute to establishing an air dam in use. The teeth 26 are spaced equidistantly on either side of a central plane of the outlet end 16. The teeth 26 are offset by approximately ±30° respectively from the central plane. Each tooth 26 ends in a rounded point.

Each tooth 26 includes an angled inward-facing surface 26a. The angle of that surface 26a is around 45° in this embodiment, but it will be appreciated that other angles could be used (ideally in the range 15° to 60°). The surfaces 26a are smooth to aid movement of fluid over the surface and minimise the tendency for the fluid to adhere to the teeth 26. Outward-facing surfaces 26b of the teeth are in line with the plane of the outlet end 16 in this embodiment.

The teeth 26 are positioned so that in use they are disposed on the lower end of the nozzle 10 (that is to say, the end that is closer to the ground). This is so that the teeth 26 lie at the lower end of the nozzle 10 during use, and allow pooling fluid to be drawn up and dispersed from the teeth 26, particularly at low airflow speeds.

Each of the through apertures 24 and teeth provides an aerofoil arrangement that prevents fluid from dripping from the nozzle at both high and low airflow speeds.

Referring in particular to Figure 3, the concentric arrangement of the pipe 20, hub 22, and conduit wall can be seen. Vanes 28 extend between the pipe 20 and hub 22. Additional vanes 30 extend between the hub 22 and conduit 18. In this embodiment, there are four pipe-hub vanes 28, dividing the first airflow path into equal quarter segments. In this embodiment, there are six hub-conduit vanes 30, dividing the second airflow path into equi-spaced arcs or slots. Each vane 28, 30 narrows from the inlet end 14 into the conduit 18.

The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the first airflow path to the cross-sectional area of the second airflow path is about 1:2 in this embodiment. This ratio was selected following iterative testing. The cross-sectional area of the vanes 28, 30 is minimal. This means that about twice as much air passes around the gauze 110 as through it, in use.

In use, the nozzle 10 is mounted on the front of a snow machine. Airflow through the nozzle 10 is generated by an electrical fan motor (from right to left in Figure 1). The airflow is divided into two portions. A first portion is sent via the first airflow path, and a second larger portion is sent via the second airflow path.

Fluid (e.g. a surfactant/water mixture) for producing artificial snow is supplied via the jet 20. The surfactant mixture injected via the jet 20 coats the inside of the gauze 110. The airflow from the first path enters the gauze 110 and combines with the surfactant mixture to create tiny bubbles on the gauze 110. The remainder of the air exits through holes in the weave of the gauze 110.

The bubbles build up on the outside of the gauze 110 in the form of foam. The foam is stripped away by the airflow from the second airflow path. The wedge shape of the gauze 110 ensures a smooth flow of air over its whole, and that that there are no dead air spots where bubbles can accumulate too much.

After use, it may be necessary to clean or replace the gauze 110. This is done by inserting your fingers into the outlet end 16, taking hold of the flattened end of the gauze 110 and pulling it out. The flexible clips 116 ensure that the gauze member 100 is released using only moderate force.

To replace the gauze member (or introduce a replacement gauze member), the gap 118 needs to be aligned with the key 22b. Once done, the gauze member 110 can be inserted via the outlet end 16 and connected by carefully pushing it into place. In some instances, it is preferable to apply force via the connector 114 rather than the gauze 110. This prevents accidental deformation of the gauze 110.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

In particular, it will be appreciated that different embodiments may only include a subset of the features presented with respect to the described embodiment, within the scope of the claims.

In some embodiments, a multi-part (e.g. two part) housing can be used. Alignment 10 apertures may be provided on each part of the housing to ensure connection at the correct relative orientations. This may also make it easier to replace the gauze member without causing damage to the shape of the gauze, as access to the gauze mounting point (the hub) is simpler.

Different ratios of airflow between the airflow paths can be used. For example, a much larger proportion of the air through the nozzle 10 may be provided around the gauze. In such a scenario, the ratio may be 1:5 or 1:13, for example. The ratio is controlled by changing the cross-sectional area of the second airflow path (or outer annulus, outside the hub 22) relative to that of the first airflow path (or inner annulus, within the hub

22). This can be advantageous depending on the desired snow flake characteristics.

Claims

1. A nozzle for producing artificial snow, the nozzle comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a conduit between the inlet and outlet, the inlet including a liquid flow path, and first and second air flow paths, and a gauze member disposed in and at least partly enclosed by the conduit, the liquid flow path and the first air flow path leading into an interior of the gauze member for forming artificial snow on the gauze member, and the second air flow path passing through a region in the conduit around the gauze member for stripping artificial snow away from the gauze member, the gauze member including ramped surfaces which are spaced from the conduit and converge into a flattened end near the outlet.

2. A nozzle as claimed in claim 1, in which inlet areas of the first and second airflow paths are provided in a ratio of substantially at least 1:2.

3. A nozzle as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the spacing between the conduit and central areas of the ramped surfaces is substantially constant.

4. A nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the conduit transitions from a substantially circular cross-section at the inlet to a substantially elliptical cross-section at the outlet.

5. A nozzle as claimed in claim 4, in which the flattened end of the gauze member is arranged to lie substantially along a longer axis of the elliptical cross-section.

6. A nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a hub is provided within the conduit, and the gauze member includes a resilient connector which is configured for releasable connection to the hub.

7. A nozzle as claimed in claim 6, in which the connector includes a plurality of flexible clips spaced around its periphery.

8. A nozzle as claimed in claim 6 or 7, in which the hub and connector comprise co-operative connection means which limit rotation of the gauze member within the conduit when engaged.

9. A nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a plurality of through apertures are provided around a lower end of the outlet.

10. A nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least one protrusion extends partially across the outlet.

11. A nozzle as claimed in claim 10, in which an inlet side of the or each protrusion has a sloped surface.

12. A nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first air flow path is disposed around the pipe, and the second air flow path is disposed around the first air flow path.

13. A nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first and/or second air flow paths are segmented.

14. A nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the outlet and part of the conduit form a detachable unit.

15. A nozzle for producing artificial snow, the nozzle comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a conduit between the inlet and outlet, the inlet including a liquid flow path, and first and second airflow paths, and a gauze member disposed in and at least partly enclosed by the conduit, the liquid flow path and the first airflow path leading into an interior of the gauze member for forming artificial snow on the gauze member, and the second airflow path passing through a region in the conduit around the gauze member for stripping artificial snow away from the gauze member, and the gauze member including ramped surfaces which are spaced from the conduit, the spacing between the conduit and central areas of the ramped surfaces being substantially constant.

16. A kit comprising at least one nozzle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14, and at least one of the following:

a snow-generating machine;

one or more containers of fluid for producing artificial snow;

30 one or more gauze members for a nozzle for producing artificial snow, the or each gauze member comprising an elongate gauze including a circular inlet end and ramped surfaces which converge into a flattened end, and a resilient connector at the inlet end of the gauze, the resilient connector including a plurality of flexible clips spaced around its periphery for releasably mounting

35 the gauze member to the nozzle.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1720698.8 Examiner: Mr Rhys J. Williams

16. A nozzle for producing artificial snow, the nozzle comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a conduit between the inlet and outlet, the inlet including a liquid flow path, and first and second airflow paths, a gauze mounting disposed within the conduit, and a gauze member disposed in and at least partly enclosed by the conduit, the liquid flow path and the first airflow path leading into an interior of the gauze member for forming artificial snow on the gauze member, and the second airflow path passing through a region in the conduit around the gauze member for stripping artificial snow away from the gauze member, and the gauze member including a resilient connector which is configured for releasable connection to the hub.

17. A nozzle for producing artificial snow, the nozzle comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a conduit between the inlet and outlet, the inlet including a liquid flow path, and first and second airflow paths, and a gauze member disposed in and at least partly enclosed by the conduit, the liquid flow path and the first airflow path leading into an interior of the gauze member for forming artificial snow on the gauze member, and the second airflow path passing through a region in the conduit around the gauze member for stripping artificial snow away from the gauze member, and a plurality of through apertures being provided around a lower end of the outlet.

18. A nozzle for producing artificial snow, the nozzle comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a conduit between the inlet and outlet, the inlet including a liquid flow path, and first and second airflow paths, and a gauze member disposed in and at least partly enclosed by the conduit, the liquid flow path and the first airflow path leading into an interior of the gauze member for forming artificial snow on the gauze member, and the second airflow path passing through a region in the conduit around the gauze member for stripping artificial snow away from the gauze member, and at least one protrusion extending partially across the outlet.

19. A gauze member for a nozzle for producing artificial snow, the gauze member comprising an elongate gauze including a circular inlet end and ramped surfaces which converge into a flattened end, and a resilient connector at the inlet end of the gauze, the resilient connector including a plurality of flexible clips spaced

5 around its periphery for releasably mounting the gauze member to the nozzle.

20. A snow machine comprising a nozzle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 18 or a gauze member as claimed in claim 19.

10 21. A kit comprising at least one nozzle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 18, and at least one of the following: a snow-generating machine; one or more containers of fluid for producing artificial snow; one or more gauze members as claimed in claim 19.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows:

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1. A nozzle for producing artificial snow, the nozzle comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a conduit between the inlet and outlet, the inlet 5 including a liquid flow path, and first and second air flow paths, and a gauze member disposed in and at least partly enclosed by the conduit, the liquid flow path and the first air flow path leading into an interior of the gauze member for forming artificial snow on the gauze member, and the second air flow path passing through a region in the conduit around the gauze

10 member for stripping artificial snow away from the gauze member, the gauze member including ramped surfaces which are spaced from the conduit and converge into a flattened end near the outlet.

2. A nozzle as claimed in claim 1, in which inlet areas of the first and second

15 airflow paths are provided in a ratio of substantially at least 1:2.

20 4. A nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the conduit transitions from a substantially circular cross-section at the inlet to a substantially elliptical cross-section at the outlet.

5. A nozzle as claimed in claim 4, in which the flattened end of the gauze member

25 is arranged to lie substantially along a longer axis of the elliptical cross-section.

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5 9. A nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a plurality of through apertures are provided around a lower end of the outlet.

12. A nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first air flow path is

15 disposed around the pipe, and the second air flow path is disposed around the first air flow path.

15. A snow machine comprising a nozzle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14.