TWI636831B - Water application device with ergonomic arrest button - Google Patents

Abstract

A sprinkler device includes a body and an operating member that can be held by an operator along a grip portion thereof. The body can house 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 is coupled to the body to interface with the water flow control assembly to alternately provide or stop the flow of water depending on the position of the operating member. The operating member has a length that extends substantially in a direction parallel to the axis of the grip portion. The operating member interfaces with a locking member disposed on the first surface of the operating member, the first surface facing away from the body. By positioning the lock in the locked state, the lock is configured to allow the operator to secure the operating member in the water flow providing state. The fastener moves between the locked state and the unlocked state by movement relative to the first surface in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of the grip.

Description

Sprinkler with ergonomic stop button

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

As with many other activities, gardening and yard maintenance can be made easier and more enjoyable for landscapers when using the right tools to handle the work. Every garden or yard needs a suitable and efficient watering method. When nature does not cooperate, or for covered areas, it must rely on watering equipment to provide sufficient water supply.

Watering equipment includes hoses, hose reels, spray guns, spray heads, booms, faucets (or outdoor sprinklers) and other similar equipment. These devices are typically used to apply water from faucets to gardens, plants or other objects, and are typically used with hoses and some form of sprinkler (for example, spray guns, nozzles or booms, etc.) Sprinklers). However, in different specific situations, the landscaper often feels the need for different kinds of tools. Therefore, the gardener needs a sprinkler with different characteristics.

A particularly popular feature for horticulturists is the ability to lock the sprinkler in an "on" state so that the user does not need to maintain pressure on the trigger, lever or other means for activating the sprinkler. On the operating part. In order for the gardener to control the operating member and lock it in the open position, many devices require the gardener to operate with both hands. In this respect, the operator usually needs to hold the operating member in the desired position with one hand and use the other hand at the same time. Lock and lock. Therefore, the operation of such a sprinkler device becomes cumbersome and unpleasant for the gardener.

For the above reasons, certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a design of a sprinkler having an improved locking assembly. Among other things, certain embodiments may provide the fastener in an ergonomically advantageous position to facilitate operator manipulation of the operating member and to facilitate the operator to lock the operating member in a desired position with one hand. Certain embodiments may simultaneously or alternatively initiate a braking function (ie, locking and unlocking) of the operating member through a simple press of the operating member to enable the operating member to be simply snapped or disengaged. If so, the ergonomic design and function of the sprinkler can be improved and the experience of the operator can be made more enjoyable.

Hereinafter, a sprinkler device is provided in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The sprinkler device can include a body for an operator to hold along a grip portion thereof and an operating member. The body houses a water flow control assembly that is configured to cause the sprinkler to perform a control function associated with the flow of water through the sprinkler. The operating member can be coupled to the body to interface with the water flow control assembly to alternately provide or interrupt the flow of water depending on the position of the operating member. The operating member may have a length that extends substantially in a direction 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 body. By positioning the fastener in a locked state, the fastener allows the operator to secure the operating member in a water flow providing state. The fastener can be configured to move between a locked state and an unlocked state by movement relative to the first surface in a direction generally perpendicular to an axis of the grip portion.

10, 100‧‧‧ sprinklers

20, 110‧‧‧ subjects

22, 119‧‧ ‧ grip

24. 112‧‧ Export Department

26. 114‧‧‧ Entrance Department

30‧‧‧Operating parts

40‧‧‧ nozzle

50‧‧‧Water flow control components

52‧‧‧Switch control components

54‧‧‧Flow Control Components

70‧‧‧Locking components

113‧‧‧ axis/exit axis

116‧‧‧Quick coupling

118‧‧‧ axis

120‧‧‧ sprinkler

132‧‧‧Connecting Department

140‧‧‧trigger

141‧‧‧First plastic

143‧‧‧Insert window

144‧‧‧Locker

145‧‧‧Second plastic

146‧‧‧Lock

150‧‧‧ cover assembly

160‧‧‧ Receiving Department

162‧‧‧Flow control lever

200, 210, 220‧‧‧ arrows

230‧‧‧ first surface

235‧‧‧Protruding

240‧‧‧ receiving slot

244‧‧‧ second surface

300‧‧‧Clock Department

310‧‧‧ first component

312‧‧‧ second component

314‧‧‧Lock clearance

320‧‧‧guides

330, 332‧‧‧ arrows

340‧‧‧ engaging surface

342, 344‧‧ arrows

345‧‧‧Ramp components

350‧‧‧ platform

352‧‧‧ Captures

354‧‧‧ arrow

360‧‧‧ stay surface

362‧‧‧Draining slopes

364‧‧‧ arrow

365‧‧‧Ramp member base

The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which 1 is a block diagram showing a sprinkler according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a side exploded view showing a sprinkler according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 3 is a view showing A cross-sectional view of a sprinkler apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 includes a 4A and 4B drawings showing a front view of a sprinkler according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 5 is a view An enlarged exploded view of a locking assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; a sixth view showing an independent view of the locking assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and a seventh view showing the viewing from another perspective An independent view of a locking assembly of an exemplary embodiment is invented.

In the following, some exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and FIG. In fact, the examples described and illustrated herein are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present invention. Conversely, the present invention provides the exemplary embodiments primarily to enable the content of the present specification to conform. Applicable legal provisions. Throughout the specification, the same component symbols represent the same components. Moreover, the word "or" as used herein shall be interpreted as a logical operator to obtain the result of the establishment of any one or more of its connected. Here, operational coupling is to be understood as a direct or indirect connection relationship, and in both cases, the elements that are operatively coupled to each other are functionally interconnected.

Here, certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide an improved design of a sprinkler device. The exemplary embodiments enable an operator or user to lock a water flow control assembly in an open state through the same hand used to hold the sprinkler. For example, the flow control component can be controlled via a lock and the firmware is locked. It is disposed at a position on the trigger (or operating member) of the sprinkler that is convenient and ergonomically advantageous. The lock can be activated or deactivated by a horizontal action, which is quite convenient and can be performed naturally by the index finger of the hand holding the sprinkler. In addition, the lock can interact with a lock through a unique structure to alternately switch the trigger between the locked state and the unlocked state with each press when the lock is in the locked state.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a sprinkler device 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The sprinkler device 10 can include a main body 20, an operating member 30, and a showerhead 40. The body 20 can be held by an operator along a portion thereof. In some cases, the grippable portion can define a grip portion 22 of the body 20, and the grip portion 22 can be disposed between an outlet portion 24 and an inlet portion 26. The body 20 can house a water flow control assembly 50 that is configured to cause the sprinkler device 10 to perform a control function associated with the flow of water through the sprinkler 10 (for example, from the inlet portion 26 to the outlet portion) twenty four). In certain embodiments, the water flow control assembly 50 can include a switch control assembly 52 and a flow control assembly 54. The operating member 30 can be coupled to the body 20 to interface with the water flow control assembly 50, thereby alternately activating or stopping the flow of water through the sprinkler 10 depending on the position of the operating member 30. Thus, in some cases, the operating member 30 can act as an operating element for opening or closing (partially or completely) a valve body or other water flow control element in the water flow control assembly 50. The operating member 30 can interface, inter alia, with the switch control assembly 52 in the water flow control assembly 50. In some cases, the water flow control assembly 50 can further have a flow control function such that it can adjust the flow of water to a certain extent in accordance with operator control in addition to opening and closing the flow of water. Flow control component 54 may be an example of a structure that performs the functions described above. However, flow control component 54 may also be omitted in some examples.

The showerhead 40 can be coupled to the outlet portion 24 of the body 20 to spray water flowing through the showerhead 40 in accordance with the spray characteristics of the showerhead 40. In some cases, the spray head 40 can be a spray head selected from a number of different spray heads, and each of the different spray heads has a different configuration and/or configuration to cope with different sprays. Demand or expectation.

As described above, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention can provide an improved ergonomic design so that the operator can control the spraying of the water flow through the operation of the operating member 30, and the operating member 30 can be locked open by the same hand. Position (in other words, you can rule out flow control for two-handed operation). In order to achieve the above features, the sprinkler device of the present invention has a locking assembly 70, and the locking assembly 70 can selectively interact with the operating member 30 and the body 20 to lock or unlock the operating member 30 with the body. 20 relative positions. In some cases, the locking assembly 70 can provide the above function by providing a locking member on the operating member 30 itself, the locking member being configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the locking member extends, and The lock is placed in the part where the index finger can normally touch. Therefore, the index finger can easily push the lock to the desired position without sacrificing the grip feeling of the sprinkler. Alternatively or additionally, the locking assembly 70 itself may be configured to lock and unlock as the operating member is pressed each time.

Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, the operating member 30 can be pivotally coupled to the body 20 and interfaced with the water flow control assembly 50 to alternately provide water flow when rotated to a compressed position and when rotated to an extended position Stop the flow of water. The operating member 30 can further have a length that extends generally parallel to a longitudinal centerline of the grip portion 22. At the same time, the operating member 30 can 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 away from the main body 20. Additionally, the fastener can be configured to allow the operator to lock the operating member in a water flow providing state (ie, an "on" state) by positioning the locking member in a locked state. The fastener passes through the movement relative to the first surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the grip portion (and the direction in which the operating member extends, or the longitudinal centerline of the operating member), and is more likely to be in the locked state and the unlocked state. Move between.

As an alternative or additional solution, the fastener may be provided on the operating member or the body, and the lock may be provided on the other of the two. When the lock is in the locked state (or the locked position), the compression of the operating member causes the operating member to alternately move between a locked state and an unlocked state with each compression. However, when the lock is in the unlocked state (or unlocked position), the operating member stays in the unlocked state regardless of the operation member, and when the lock is unlocked, the lock is locked. The firmware may not come into contact with the lock. Hereinafter, an exemplary configuration for achieving the above functions will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7.

Fig. 2 is an exploded view showing the sprinkler device 100, which is an example of the sprinkler device 10 shown in Fig. 1. The sprinkler device 100 includes a body 110 which is an example of the body 20 shown in FIG. At the same time, the main body 110 has an outlet portion 112 and an inlet portion 114, which are respectively an example of the outlet portion 24 and the inlet portion 26 shown in FIG. The inlet portion 114 can have a threaded engagement that can engage a quick coupling joint 116. In another aspect, the outlet portion 112 can be configured to mate with a selected one of the plurality of showerheads. The showerhead 120 is a specific example of the showerhead 40 shown in FIG. 1 and is one of a plurality of spray heads that can be mated to the outlet portion 112.

The body 110 can be made of molded plastic, composite material, metal, or any other suitable material that is sufficiently rigid, and can be formed to receive a member that defines a flow path that allows water to flow from the inlet portion 114 to the outlet portion 112, Parts and / or components. The flow passage may extend along an axis 118 of one of the grip portions 119 of the body 110. However, in some embodiments, the outlet portion 112 can be disposed along an outlet portion axis 113 such that the outlet portion 112 has an angle with respect to the axis 118. Moreover, different body structures can be selected to define different angles between the axis 118 and the axis 113.

The connecting portion 132 may be disposed at a rear portion of the grip portion 119 to receive a cover assembly 150. In an example where the sprinkler device 100 is configured to include flow control, a flow control lever 162 can be disposed in a receiving portion 160 of the cover assembly 150. However, in certain embodiments, the cover assembly 150 may not have the receiving portion 160 and thus does not have the flow control rod 162 (or does not have any flow control assembly 54).

In an exemplary embodiment, the trigger 140 may be an example of the operating member 30 shown in FIG. In some cases, the trigger 140 can be pivoted between the inlet portion 114 on the body 110 and the intersection of the axis 118 and the axis 113. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the pivot point of the trigger member 140 is located at one end of the trigger member 140 corresponding to or near the inlet portion 114. It should be noted that, only, the pivot point It may alternatively be provided at the other end of the trigger (so that the pivot point is near the junction of the axis 118 and the axis 113). The end of the trigger member 140 opposite the pivot point may be alternately compressed toward the body 110 and may extend away from the body 110, thereby adjusting the switch control assembly 52 to open and close the sprinkler 100, respectively.

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

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the sprinkler device 100 in Fig. 2. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, when the trigger member 140 is compressed toward the body 110 (as indicated by arrow 200), a button or other operating member of the switch control assembly 52 can be activated to provide access to the watering device 100. Water flow. On the other hand, when the trigger member 140 is released and extends away from the body 110 (as indicated by the arrow 210), the switch control assembly 52 stops the flow of water through the sprinkler device 100.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the lock 144 is in the locked state (or the locked position), the lock 144 and the lock 146 are engaged or released from each other. On the other hand, when the lock 144 is in the unlocked state (or the unlocked position), the lock 144 and the lock 146 do not engage each other regardless of how the trigger 140 is compressed. When the trigger member 140 is compressed from the extended state when the locking member 144 is in the locked state, the trigger member 140 can be held in a position close to the body 110, and the switch control assembly 52 can continuously cause the flow of water to be determined by the flow control assembly 54. The flow passes through the sprinkler device 100. If the trigger member 140 is pressed again (i.e., pressed from the pressed state and simultaneously fixed by the engagement between the lock member 144 and the lock head 146), the lock member 144 is released from the lock head 146, thereby The flow control is turned off and the flow of water through the sprinkler 100 is stopped.

A fourth view including FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B shows a front view of the sprinkler device 100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 4, the longitudinal axis 118 (or centerline) of the grip portion is triggered The orientation of the piece 140 extension (and the longitudinal axis) is aligned. On the other hand, as indicated by arrow 220, the fastener 144 is moved in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 118. Movement of the lock 144 to one side positions the lock 144 in an unlocked state or position, and movement of the lock 144 to the other side positions the lock 144 in a locked state or position. The position of the lock 144 (ie, the locked or unlocked state) may affect the interaction between the lock 144 and the lock 146 when the trigger 140 is compressed (ie, in the direction of the paper in FIG. 4). . In an alternative embodiment, the locked state and the unlocked state may be disposed on either side of the two sides.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the operator holds the sprinkler device 100, the index finger typically falls to the top position of the trigger member 140. In fact, the position of the fastener 144 can be strategically placed such that the fastener 144 is located where the index finger typically falls when the user holds the sprinkler 100 in a comfortable and ergonomic manner. As such, when the operator decides to change the state of the lock 144, the operator only needs to move the index finger from the left to the right (or vice versa) to apply force to move the lock 144 in the horizontal direction (ie, arrow 220). Moved in the direction shown to change the state of the lock 144. The operator can thus easily maintain the manner of holding during the operation.

In some embodiments, the front portion of the trigger member 140 can define a first surface 230 (which can be a flat or curved surface). The first surface 230 may face away from the body 110 and may extend from a longitudinally length of the trigger member 140 from a region near the pivot point (eg, the bottom of the trigger member 140) to the trigger member 140 relative to the pivot point A protrusion 235 at one end. The protrusion 235 can be a guide that naturally guides the index finger of the operator on the lock 144 when the operator comfortably holds the sprinkler device 100.

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

In some embodiments, the trigger member 140 can be a single piece of molded plastic in which only the receiving groove 240 is formed (as shown in FIG. 4A). However, in certain alternative embodiments, the trigger member can have at least two molded plastics, and the two plastics each have different characteristics such as color, texture, material, and/or the like. As shown in FIG. 4B, the trigger member 140 may have a first piece of plastic 141 having an insertion window 143 for inserting at least one second piece of plastic 145 to make the first piece of plastic 141 and the first piece of plastic 141 Two pieces of plastic 145 form a trigger 140.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged exploded view showing the locker 144 and the lock head 146 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, one side of the fastener 144 relative to the second surface 244 may be provided with a snap portion 300 that is configured to engage the lock head 146. The engaging portion 300 may have a pliers assembly composed of the first member 310 and the second member 312. The first member 310 and the second member 312 can extend toward the inside of the body 110 and toward the lock head 146. The lock head 146 can be rigidly secured to the body 110 or to an internal component of the sprinkler device 100, such as an element that forms the flow path of the sprinkler 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 L (or J) is formed as a distal end of the first member 310 or the second member 312. Furthermore, the short sides of L (or J) may be placed towards each other to form the jaw assembly. Thus, for example, the short sides may be formed as protrusions that extend toward each other to define a locking gap 314 that is comprised of the first member 310 and the second member 312, the first member 310, and the second member The projections of 312, as well as the fasteners 144, are accessible to the operator to limit the portion of the fastener 144 that moves between the locked position and the unlocked position. The first member 310 and the second member 312 may be from a side opposite the back side of the fastener 144 (ie, a table relative to the second surface 244) The surface begins to extend, wherein the first member 310 begins at the top end of the fastener 144 and the second member 312 extends from the bottom end of the fastener 144. The first member 310 and the second member 312 may extend from a position that is aligned with each other along a line substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the grip portion 119 and the axis 118.

In an exemplary embodiment, the locking member 144 can also include a guide bar 320 such that the locking member 144 can engage the receiving slot 240. The guide bar 320 can also slide the fastener 144 horizontally between the locked position and the unlocked position. In some cases, the receiving slot 240 and/or the fastener 144 can have features (eg, corresponding protrusions and grooves) that can 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 fastener 144 at a given position until the operator inputs a force sufficient to overcome the friction and move the fastener 144 to a different position using a finger. until.

When the lock 144 is set in the unlocked position (or state), the engaging portion 300 may be horizontally displaced relative to the lock 146 and may not be in contact with the lock 146. Instead, the catch 300 may move along the sides of the lock 146 in a manner that does not contact the lock 146. For example, when the fastener 144 slides in the direction of arrow 330 and the trigger 140 is depressed, the first member 310 and the second member 312 move along the sides of the lock 146 in a manner that does not contact the lock 146. And spaced a distance from the lock 146 in the same direction as indicated by arrow 330. However, when the lock head 144 is disposed in the locked position (or state), the engaging portion 300 may be horizontally aligned with respect to the lock head 146 such that the pressing of each trigger member 140 can cause the lock member 144 to move, and At least some contact between the engaging portion 300 and the lock head 146 occurs. Thus, for example, when the fastener 144 is moved in the direction of the arrow 332, the first member 310 and the second member 312 can engage the engagement surface 340 of the lock 146 to cause the first member 310 to be engaged The top surface of surface 340 slides over and causes second member 312 to slide over the bottom surface of snap surface 340, thereby locking snap portion 300 to lock 146 (described in more detail below). Therefore, when the trigger member 140 is released, the trigger member 140 will still be held close to the body 110, and the trigger member 140 is locked in the compressed state. Keep the water flowing. However, if the trigger member 140 is pressed again, the engaging portion 300 is forced to release the engagement with the lock, and the trigger member 140 is unlocked to allow movement to the extended state.

Hereinafter, the locking and unlocking of the trigger will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. 6 and 7 show independent views of the fastener 144 before the trigger member 140 is compressed in a locked state (or position) when viewed from a different perspective. In this regard, FIG. 6 shows a view from above the lock 144 and the lock 146, and FIG. 7 shows a view from the side of the lock 144 and the lock 146. When the trigger member 140 is pressed, the fastener 144 will simultaneously advance in the direction indicated by the arrow 342, and the first member 310 and the second member 312 will correspondingly advance in the direction indicated by the arrow 342. The distal ends of the first member 310 and the second member 312 will be separated from each other to engage the opposite sides of the engagement surface 340 and will slightly move in the direction indicated by arrow 344 as it advances along the sides of the ramp member 345. Deviation. The ramp member 345 may have a width similar to the sum width of the first member 310 and the second member 312 in the same direction in the direction of the axis 118. However, the snap surfaces may have the same width, but the width will gradually increase in the direction indicated by arrow 342.

When the distal ends of the first member 310 and the second member 312 reach the platform 350 and pass over the catch 352, the distal ends of the first member 310 and the second member 312 may be in the direction indicated by arrow 354 (in the slope and member 345) The interaction between them causes a slight offset and then straightens) to move up to move to the dwell surface 360. The first member 310 and the second member 312 are retained at the dwell surface 360 to maintain the trigger member 140 in the locked position. In this position, the ramp member 345 will be held between the locking gaps 314.

The stay surface 360 may have a width that is less than the width of the platform 350 in the direction of the axis 118 (in a direction extending approximately in the sheet of paper in FIG. 6 and a direction extending outward from the sheet). The width of the platform 350 can be thinner than the width of the ramp member and the widest point of the engagement surface 340. Since the platform 350 is wider than the dwell surface 360, a discharge ramp 362 can be formed at the interface of the platform 350 and the dwell surface 360. In the locked position, the catching member 352, the ramp member 345, and the discharge oblique The ramps 362 will cooperate with one another to hold the first member 310 and the second member 312 stationary on the rest surface 360 and lock it relative to the body 110 (or other anchoring structure of the lock 146). Therefore, the distal ends of the first member 310 and the second member 312 will stay on the stay surface 360 and be prevented from moving in the direction of the arrow 364. As such, the trigger member 140 can be maintained in a position proximate to the body 110 such that the water flow control assembly 50 continuously provides a flow of water through the sprinkler device 100.

When the trigger member 140 is compressed again while the lock member 144 is in the locked state, and when the trigger member 140 is initially initially locked at a position close to the body 110 as described above, the first member 310 and the second member The distal end of 312 can again be pushed in the direction indicated by arrow 342. Corresponding to the above-described pushing, the distal ends of the first member 310 and the second member 312 are offset along the direction in which the discharge ramp 362 moves past the arrow 354 until the distal ends of the first member 310 and the second member 312 exit the discharge ramp 362. And after being compressed toward each other, they stay on the side of the slope member base 365. The distal ends of first member 310 and second member 312 are then allowed to move along slope member base 365 and the side of ramp member 345 that is furthest in the direction of arrow 354 to be released at compression force and trigger member 140 When moving to the extended position, return to the state shown in Fig. 6. Thus, when the trigger unlocked position is shifted to the trigger lock position and returned to the trigger unlocked position, the first member 310 and the second member 312 will pass through 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 member 140 causes the distal ends of the first member 310 and the second member 312 to be at the first member 310 and the second member 312. The distal end of the locking and unlocking process moves in the direction indicated by arrow 342 and arrow 364, but the first member 310 and the second member 312 are also offset in the direction of arrow 344 and arrow 354, as described above. . When the fastener 144 is moved to the unlocked state (or position), the fastener 144 generally moves in the direction of arrow 354. The compression of the trigger member 140 then causes the distal ends of the first member 310 and the second member 312 to move in the direction indicated by arrow 342 and arrow 364, but due to the displacement of the fastener 144 in the direction of arrow 354, the first member 310 is The second member 312 does not contact the lock 146, and thus the trigger member 140 is not locked relative to the body 110 by the compression of the trigger member 140. So when the locker When the trigger member 140 is in the unlocked state, the trigger member 140 does not have any wear or pressure applied to the first member 310 and the second member 312 even if it is compressed. It should be noted that if the lock 144 is shifted from the unlocked state to the locked state, even when the trigger 140 is locked, when the lock 144 is released and returned to the rest state, the first member 310 and the second member 312 are There will be no wear or pressure. In this regard, when the trigger member 140 is locked, the distal ends of the first member 310 and the second member 312 will be retained on the rest surface 360, and the rest surface 360 will be located at the first member 310 and the second member. Between the distal ends of 312 to separate them. Movement of the lock into the unlocked state will move the distal ends of the first member 310 and the second member 312 from the rest surface 360 in the direction of arrow 354 and cause the two to collapse together. Next, when the trigger member 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. Accordingly, the fastener 144 can be moved from the locked state of the trigger member 140 to the unlocked position to release the trigger member 140, and the first member 310 and the second member of the lock 144 are immediately lightened as the trigger member 140 returns to the unlocked and extended position. The pressure of member 312 is such as to avoid wear on both. The entire locking mechanism can therefore experience less wear and pressure, resulting in an extended service life.

Accordingly, the ramp member 345 can serve as a first guiding surface for interfacing with the locking member 144 when the trigger member 140 transitions from the unlocked state to the locked state, and the discharge ramp 362 can serve as a second guiding surface for triggering The member 140 interfaces with the lock 144 when transitioning from the locked state to the unlocked state. In some cases, the first guiding surface and the second guiding surface may be divided by a support member (in other words, the engaging surface 340 for the ramp member 345 and the ramp member base 365 for the discharge ramp 362) Second, the support member extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of the grip portion 119 (and thus perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the trigger member 140 and/or the grip portion 119).

The present invention provides a sprinkler apparatus in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. The sprinkler device can include a body for an operator to hold along a grip portion thereof and an operating member. The body houses a water flow control assembly configured to cause the sprinkler to perform a flow associated with the flow of water through the sprinkler control function. The operating member is connectable to the body to interface with the water flow control assembly to alternately provide or stop the flow of water depending on the position of the operating member. The operating member may have a length that extends substantially in a direction 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 body. By positioning the lock in a locked state, the lock can be configured to allow the operator to secure the operating member in a water flow providing state. The fastener can be configured to move between the locked state and an unlocked state by movement relative to the first surface in a direction generally perpendicular to an axis of the grip portion.

A sprinkler having features in 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 can be implemented as a trigger that is pivotally coupled to the body, and the trigger member turns to the body when in the locked state, and turns away from the body when in the unlocked state. direction. In an exemplary embodiment, (2) the trigger member can be pivotally coupled to the body at a pivot point that is adjacent an inlet of the body. In some cases, (3) the fastener may be disposed on the trigger member near an end opposite the pivot point. In some embodiments, the sprinkler device may have the features of any one of (1) to (3), and the (4) fastener may be disposed in a receiving slot formed in the operating member, the receiving slot The operating member is completely passed from the first surface such that an engaging portion of the locking member is in contact with a locking member which is disposed on a portion of the main body in accordance with the position of the locking member.

In certain embodiments, the sprinkler device may have features of any or all of (1) through (4) in addition to the selective improvements or additional functions described below. For example, in some embodiments, the fastener can include a second surface that is generally parallel to the first surface of the operating member, the second surface can be configured to contact an index finger of the operator such that the operator Reposition the lock through the index finger while holding the grip. As an alternative or in addition, the engaging portion may include a pliers assembly including a first member and a second member, the first member and the second member being oriented toward the main body and facing substantially along the grip The straight lines parallel to the longitudinal center lines of the portions extend in a direction in which they are aligned with each other. As an alternative or additional solution, the operating member can Think of a whole piece of molded plastic. Alternatively or additionally, the operating member comprises at least two molded plastics, a first piece of plastic having an insertion window, and at least one second piece of plastic being inserted into the insertion window to form an operating member. Alternatively or additionally, the sprinkler apparatus may further include a spray head coupled to an outlet portion of the body for spraying water flowing through the spray head in accordance with a spray characteristic of the spray head. The spray head can be one selected from a plurality of different spray heads each having a different spray characteristic.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and other embodiments of the present invention are capable of various advantages as described hereinabove and shown in the drawings. Therefore, the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described in the specification, and various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In addition, while the above description and the annexed drawings are exemplary embodiments of the embodiments of the invention An alternative embodiment of the present invention is made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, different combinations of elements and/or functions that are different from those mentioned above are also reviewed and described in certain sub-items. The advantages, benefits, and methods of solving the problems are described in the present invention, but the advantages, benefits, and methods of solving the problems are applicable to certain exemplary embodiments and are not necessarily applicable to all of the exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the advantages, benefits, and methods of solving the problems described in the specification are not to be construed as a critical, essential, or necessary condition in the scope of the embodiments. The vocabulary is used in the specification and is not intended to limit the invention.

Claims (9)

A sprinkler apparatus comprising: a body for holding an operator along a grip portion thereof, the body accommodating a water flow control assembly configured to cause the sprinkler device to perform and pass the sprinkler a control function associated with the water flow of the water device; and an operating member coupled to the body for interfacing with the water flow control assembly to alternately provide or stop the flow of water depending on the position of the operating member, the operating member having a rough a length extending in a direction parallel to an axis of the grip portion; wherein the operating member interfaces with a locking member disposed on a first surface of the operating member, the first surface facing away from the body Orienting; wherein the locking member is positioned in a locked state by engaging a locking portion with a locking member, the locking member being configured to enable the operator to fix the operating member in a water flow supply state; Wherein the locking member is configured to move between the locked state and an unlocked state by movement relative to the first surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the grip portion, characterized The fastener is disposed on the operating member near an end opposite to a pivot point, wherein the front portion of the operating member defines a first surface, the first surface faces away from the body, and is close to the pivot An area of the joint extends along a longitudinal length of the operating member to a protrusion disposed at a distal end of the operating member relative to the pivot point, and wherein the locking member is disposed in the operating member a receiving groove completely passes through the operating member from the first surface, so that the engaging portion of the locking member is in contact with the locking head, and the locking head is disposed at the position according to the position of the locking member On a part of the subject. The sprinkler device of claim 1, wherein the operating member includes a trigger member pivotally coupled to the body, and wherein the trigger member is turned toward the body and away from the body in the unlocked state. The sprinkler device of claim 2, wherein the trigger member is pivotally connected to the body at the pivot point, the pivot point being adjacent to an inlet of the body. The sprinkler device of claim 1, wherein the lock includes a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface of the operating member, the second surface being configured to be associated with the operator The index finger is in contact so that the operator can reposition the fastener through the index finger while holding the grip portion. The sprinkler device of claim 1, wherein the engaging portion comprises a pliers assembly, the plier assembly comprising a first member and a second member, the first member and the second member being attached to The body is oriented and extends in a direction that is aligned with each other along a line substantially parallel to the axis of the grip. A sprinkler according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the operating member is formed from a single piece of molded plastic. The sprinkler according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the operating member comprises at least two molded plastics, and wherein the first plastic has an insertion window, at least one Two pieces of plastic are inserted into the insertion window to form the operating member. The sprinkler device of claim 1, further comprising 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 sprinkler device of claim 8, wherein the showerhead is one selected from a plurality of different showerheads each having a different spray characteristic.