Pivotally adjustable nozzle assembly
AssigneeHonda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
InventorsChristopher Salvador, Douglas Kaltenmark, Kris Lemmon
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fluid-dispensing nozzle assembly automatically pivotally adjusts within a defined range of motion, to consistently project a fluid toward a windshield for contact at a designated area thereof, regardless of the velocity of ambient air therepast. The nozzle assembly adjusts automatically without requiring electric motors or other energy input. The pivotally adjustable fluid-dispensing nozzle assembly includes a support member and a nozzle member which is pivotally attached to the support member. The nozzle member is provided with an air engaging surface, to enable air moving therepast to pivotally move the nozzle member, once the passing air achieves a predetermined flow rate.
Claims19
A fluid-dispensing apparatus for installation on a vehicle and for dispensing fluid toward the vehicle's windshield, said apparatus comprising:
- a support member comprising a base and at least one support arm attached to the base and extending upwardly therefrom;
- a nozzle member pivotally attachcd to the support member, said nozzle member comprising a housing having a hollow passage defined therein, said housing also having an outlet formed therein in fluid communication with the passage;
- said nozzle member being provided with an air engaging surface for engaging air moving therepast, and for enabling pivotal movement of the nozzle member when the air achieves a predetermined flow rate.
A method of projecting a fluid from a fluid-dispensing apparatus onto a windshield of a vehicle, comprising the steps of:
- a) directing fluid out of a nozzle member in a fluid stream towards said windshield, the nozzle member being oriented in a first position such that the fluid is distributed on said windshield at a predetermined area thereof when ambient air velocity is low;
- wherein the nozzle member comprises a housing having a hollow passage defined therein, said housing also having an outlet formed therein in fluid communication with the passage, and wherein the nozzle member is pivotally attached to a support member comprising a base and at least one support arm attached to the base and extending upwardly therefrom, and
- b) passively moving said nozzle member by engaging air moving therepast with an air engaging surface integrally attached to said housing, to redirect said fluid stream in response to an increase in ambient air velocity.
A fluid-dispensing apparatus for installation on a vehicle and for dispensing fluid toward the vehicle's windshield, said apparatus comprising:
- a support member comprising a base and at least two support arms attached to the base and extending upwardly therefrom;
- a nozzle member pivotally attached to the support member, said nozzle member comprising a housing having a hollow passage defined therein, said housing also having an outlet formed therein in fluid communication with the passage;
- said nozzle member being provided with an air engaging surface for engaging air moving therepast, and for enabling pivotal movement of the nozzle member when the air achieves a predetermined flow rate,
- wherein the nozzle member is spaced upwardly away from the base of the support member to allow air flow therebetween, and further wherein the support member and the nozzle member cooperate to define a duct therebetween, formed by the lower surface of said housing, the base of said support member, and the support arms of said support member.
A fluid-dispensing apparatus for installation on a vehicle and for dispensing fluid toward the vehicle's windshield, said apparatus comprising:
- a support member comprising a base and at least two support arms attached to the base and extending upwardly therefrom;
- a nozzle member pivotally attached to the support member, said nozzle member comprising a housing having a hollow passage defined therein, said housing also having a nozzle thereon having an outlet formed therein in fluid communication with the passage;
- and
- an air diverting structure operatively attached to the housing and having an air engaging surface for engaging air moving therepast, and for enabling pivotal movement of the nozzle member when the air achieves a predetermined flow rate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.