Patent Grant
12036178
The present disclosure relates generally to plumbing fixtures. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to faucets and emergency wash units.
Emergency wash units include emergency eyewash units, emergency facewash/eyewash units, and a combination of these systems. Emergency eyewash or emergency facewash units are designed to provide fluid, such as water, to a focused region of a person such as their eyes and/or face. Emergency wash units are conventionally installed above a sink or basin to manage the drainage of fluid expelled by the systems and any contaminants washed away from a user of the system. In some cases, these sinks include faucets capable of providing a fluid, such as water, to wash the hands or arms of a person or other objects or to fill vessels such as buckets, pots, or beakers. These faucets can supply water at various temperatures and flow rates.
At least one embodiment relates to a combination emergency wash and faucet unit. The unit includes a base, an emergency wash arm pivotally coupled to the base, and a spout pivotally coupled to the base. The emergency wash arm includes an emergency wash unit that is rotatable relative to the base about a first vertical axis. The spout is rotatable relative to the base about a second vertical axis. The first vertical axis is offset from the second vertical axis.
Another embodiment relates to a combination emergency wash and faucet unit. The unit includes a base defining a first stop surface, an emergency wash arm pivotally coupled to the base, a spout pivotally coupled to the base and rotatable relative to the base about an axis, a rotation control member rotationally coupled to the emergency wash arm, the rotation control member defining a second stop surface, and a stop protrusion coupled to the spout. The emergency wash arm includes an emergency wash unit and is repositionable between a stored position and an active position. The stop protrusion is configured to (a) limit rotation of the spout in a first direction when engaging the first stop surface and (b) limit rotation of the spout in a second direction when engaging the second stop surface. Rotation of the emergency wash arm between the stored position and the active position causes a corresponding movement of the second stop surface relative to the first stop surface.
Another embodiment relates to a combination emergency wash and faucet unit. The unit includes a base including a main body configured to be coupled to a sink and a hub pivotally coupled to the main body, the hub defining a surface. An emergency wash arm is coupled to the hub, the emergency wash arm including an emergency wash unit configured to dispense a first fluid. The emergency wash arm is repositionable between an active position and a stored position. A spout is coupled to the main body and configured to dispense a second fluid. A first valve assembly is coupled to the main body and includes a valve element that is repositionable between (a) a sealed position in which the first valve assembly prevents or substantially prevents the second fluid from being dispensed from the spout and (b) an open position in which the first valve assembly permits the second fluid to be dispensed from the spout. The first valve assembly engages the surface such that surface moves the valve element from the open position to the sealed position when the emergency wash arm is moved from the stored position to the active position
This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.
Before turning to the Figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the Figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
As used herein, the term “emergency wash fixture” or “emergency wash unit” means an eyewash, a facewash, or combination eyewash/facewash. Therefore and although certain embodiments presented herein are described as including an eyewash that directs streams of water towards the eyes of a person, it should be understood that the eyewash may be replaced with a facewash or a combination eyewash/facewash that directs water to a larger area of the face.
As used herein, the term “valve” means a device, assembly, or system that controls the flow of a fluid by opening, closing, or partially obstructing fluid communication paths. A “valve” may be actuated by a hydraulic system, a pneumatic system, manually (i.e., by hand), a solenoid, a motor, or other means. Furthermore, a “valve” may include/be structured as different types of valves including, but not limited to, a ball, butterfly, choke, diaphragm, gate, globe, knife, needle, pinch, piston, plug, solenoid, spool, or any other type of valve. Therefore and although certain embodiments presented herein are described as including a particular type of valve with a specific actuation path, it should be understood that the particular valve and actuation combination may be replaced by other types of valve and actuation combinations in other embodiments.
Emergency wash units are conventionally installed above a sink or basin to manage the drainage of fluid expelled by the systems and any contaminants washed away from a user of the system. In some cases, these sinks include faucets capable of providing a fluid. The faucets are typically centrally located on the sink, while the emergency wash units are located off to the side of the sink, separate from the faucet(s). This placement of the emergency wash unit is beneficial, as it prevents the emergency wash unit from obstructing the normal use of the faucet. However, this placement brings a number of disadvantages. When using the emergency wash unit, the person moves their head above an outlet of the eyewash and/or facewash. However, the faucet may interfere with the placement of the user's head especially if the vision of the person is impaired due to the presence of contaminants in their eyes. When the eyewash and/or facewash is moved over the sink, the outlets of the emergency wash unit remain offset toward the side of the sink, increasing the potential for water from the emergency wash unit to spray beyond the boundaries of the sink. Further, the eyewash and/or facewash takes up a significant amount of space along the perimeter of the sink. Additionally, this placement requires one or more additional holes through a support surface surrounding the sink to facilitate routing of hoses to the emergency wash unit.
Referring generally to the Figures, various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a combination emergency wash and faucet unit, system, or fixture. According to the present disclosure, the fixture includes both an emergency wash arm and a faucet (e.g., a spout assembly). The faucet dispenses water for routine washing or filling tasks, such as washing one's hands or filling a container with water. Water dispensed from the faucet may have a variable temperature or flow rate controlled by a user. The emergency wash arm is configured to be activated in an emergency or other desired situation to spray water towards a person to wash a substance from their eyes or face. Water dispensed from the emergency wash arm is lukewarm or tepid (e.g., between 50° F. and 110° F.) and directed towards the eyes or face of a person. In one embodiment and as primarily described herein, the emergency wash arm and the faucet are configured to be used alternately such that the emergency wash arm and the faucet are not activated at the same time.
The fixture includes a faucet having a spout, a base, and the emergency wash arm, which includes an emergency wash unit. The emergency wash arm and the spout are each pivotally coupled to the base. The base is fixed relative to (e.g., fixedly coupled to) a sink. When using the faucet, the spout is rotated to an active position over the sink, and the emergency wash arm is rotated to an inactive or stored position away from the active position of the spout. When the faucet is in use, the water flow rate and temperature are controlled by the user (e.g., by interacting with one or more valves, sensors, etc.). To use the emergency wash arm, the user applies a force to rotate or otherwise move the emergency wash arm to the active position over the sink.
The fixture includes a coupling mechanism (e.g., a gear train) that rotationally couples the emergency wash arm to the spout in certain positions. When the emergency wash arm is in a stored position, the spout may be free to rotate without causing a corresponding rotation of the emergency wash arm. Rotation of the emergency wash arm from the stored position to the active position causes the spout to move or rotate concurrently and in the same direction to a stored position. Similarly, when the spout is rotated by the user from a stored position to an active position, the emergency wash arm is driven to rotate in the same direction from the active position towards the stored position. In some embodiments, the stored position angle of the spout (e.g., the angle between the stored position of the spout and a central position) is different than the stored position angle of the emergency wash arm. The stored position of the inactive device (e.g., either the faucet spout or the emergency wash arm) is located away from the active device advantageously providing the user access to the active device without interference from the inactive device.
In one configuration, the spout of the combination emergency wash and faucet system is positioned to the left of the emergency wash arm when in the stored position (i.e., the combination emergency wash and faucet system is configured for use with a right hand of a user, referred to herein as a right-handed configuration). In another configuration, the spout is positioned to the right of the emergency wash arm when in the stored position (i.e., the combination emergency wash and faucet system is configured for use with a left hand of a user, referred to herein as a left-handed configuration). The fixture can be easily reconfigured between the right-handed configuration and the left-handed configuration without requiring any additional parts.
The combination emergency wash and faucet system may include two valve control handles (e.g., a user interface) configured to control the flow rate and temperature of a fluid (e.g., water) when the faucet is in use. In this arrangement, one handle may control the hot fluid flow rate, and the other handle may control the cold fluid flow rate. The hot fluid and the cold fluid are then combined and directed to an inlet of the spout. In a different embodiment, the fluid flow rate and temperature of the fluid expelled from the spout are controlled by a single valve control handle. The single valve control handle may be on the right side or the left side of the base. In this arrangement, the hot fluid mixes with the cold fluid in a single valve controlled by the single valve control handle. The fluid mixture is then directed to the inlet of the spout. In yet other embodiments, hot and cold fluid are mixed to achieve a predetermined temperature (e.g., by a thermostatic mixing valve), and the user controls only the on/off state of the fluid and/or the flow rate of the mixed fluid. The fluid flow may be controlled by a variety of different types of user interfaces (e.g., hand-activated handles, knee-activated buttons or paddles, foot-activated pedals, etc.). By way of example, a valve may be controlled by a button or a sensor that detects the presence or movement of an operator's hands (e.g., an infrared time of flight sensor, a capacitive sensor, etc.). Such a user interface may, when activated, initiate a flow at a predetermined temperature and flow rate for a predetermined period of time.
Flow of fluid through the emergency wash arm and the spout may be controlled based on the position of the emergency wash arm. Specifically, the fixture includes a first valve assembly that selectively prevents flow through the spout and a second valve assembly that selectively prevents flow through the emergency wash arm. When the emergency wash arm is in the stored position, the first valve permits flow through the spout, and the second valve prevents flow through the emergency wash arm. When the emergency wash arm is in the active position, the first valve prevents flow through the spout, and the second valve permits flow through the emergency wash arm. Accordingly, when the emergency wash arm is moved to the active position, flow through the spout is automatically shut off, and flow through the emergency wash arm is automatically activated.
Referring now to
The fixture 50 includes a main body, fixed portion, or base assembly, which is shown as base 100 coupled to the sink 60. In some embodiments, the base 100 is directly coupled to the sink 60. In other embodiments, the base 100 is indirectly coupled to the sink 60 (e.g., through a countertop). The fixture 50 further includes emergency wash assembly, shown as emergency wash arm 200, pivotally coupled to the base 100. The emergency wash arm 200 is configured to supply a first fluid (e.g., tepid or lukewarm water) in an upward direction (e.g., toward the face and/or eyes of a user). In some embodiments, the temperature and/or flow rate of the first fluid is predetermined and/or preset (e.g., as required by one or more standards). By way of example, the temperature of the first fluid may be set by a thermostatic mixing valve. The fixture 50 further includes a faucet or spout section or assembly, shown as spout assembly 300, pivotally coupled to the base 100. The spout assembly 300 is configured to dispense a second fluid (e.g., water). Thus, the base 100 is an intermediary between spout assembly 300 and the wash arm 200.
Referring particularly to
In the embodiment shown in
In an alterative embodiment, the flow rate and/or temperature of the fluid expelled from the spout assembly 300 may be electronically controlled (e.g., turned on based on a sensor detecting a presence of a user). In such embodiments, the cold water handle 401 and the hot water handle 402 may be omitted. By way of example, the fixture 50 may include a motion sensor (e.g., an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, etc.) that detects motion (e.g., movement of a user's hands) and/or the presence of an object (e.g., a user's hands) nearby the fixture 50 (e.g., over the sink 60) and initiates a flow of fluid to the spout assembly 300 in response to such a motion or presence. By way of another example, the fixture 50 may include a touch sensor (e.g., a button, a capacitive sensor, etc.) that detects when a user contacts a predetermined location (e.g., a surface of the spout assembly 300) and initiates a flow of fluid to the spout assembly 300 in response to such a contact. In such examples, a controller coupled to the sensor(s) may control operation of an electronic valve based on an input from the sensor. The controller may initiate the flow for a predetermined period of time, at a predetermined flow rate, and/or at a predetermined temperature.
The emergency wash arm 200 is rotatable relative to the base 100 about a first vertical axis, shown as vertical axis 90. The emergency wash arm 200 may rotate within a horizontal plane. The spout assembly 300 is rotatable relative to the base 100 about a second vertical axis, shown as vertical axis 92. The vertical axis 90 is positioned closer to the user (e.g., closer to the center of the sink 60) than the vertical axis 92. In other words, a distance between a user and the vertical axis 90 is less than a distance between the user and the vertical axis 92. In other embodiments, the emergency wash arm 200 has a different range of movement relative to the base 100. By way of example, the emergency wash arm 200 may rotate about a horizontal axis or about an axis that is between horizontal and vertical (e.g., at 45 degrees relative to a vertical axis).
The emergency wash arm 200 is selectively repositionable (e.g., in response to a manual input by a user, such as grabbing and pulling the emergency wash arm 200) between an active or use position and an inactive, stowed away, or stored position. In the active position of the emergency wash arm 200 (e.g., as shown in
The spout assembly 300 is selectively repositionable (e.g., in response to a manual input by a user, such as grabbing and pulling the spout assembly 300) throughout a range of active or use positions (e.g., as shown in
In some embodiments, the base 100 is configured to control relative movement of the emergency wash arm 200 and the spout assembly 300. By way of example, when the emergency wash arm 200 is in the stored position, the spout assembly 300 may be free to rotate throughout the range of active positions. When the emergency wash arm 200 is in the active position, the spout assembly 300 may be limited to the stored position. In this configuration, the emergency wash arm 200 and the spout assembly 300 may be separated by a predefined or predetermined angle, separation amount, or separation distance (e.g., an angle measured about a vertical axis). In some embodiments, this angle is an acute angle (e.g., between 0° and 90°). In some such embodiments, this angle is between 30° and 60°. In one particular embodiment and as shown, this angle is approximately 45°. In other embodiments, the angle is larger than 90°. Thus, when the emergency wash arm 200 is in the active position, the spout assembly 300 is in the stored position, which is shown as being offset 45° from the emergency wash arm 200. In other embodiments, the base 100 controls movement of the spout assembly 300 such that the spout assembly 300 is offset from the emergency wash arm 200 by at least this angle when the emergency wash arm 200 is in the active position (i.e., the spout 300 is free to rotate farther away from emergency wash arm 200). When the emergency wash arm 200 is moved from the stored position to the active position, components of the base 100 may be configured to control movement of the spout 300 such that the spout 300 moves from any initial position throughout the range of active positions toward the stored position. Accordingly, the spout 300 may be configured to end up in the same stored position regardless of if the spout 300 were initially in the active position closest to the stored position of the emergency wash arm 200 or in an active position near the stored position of the spout 300.
In some embodiments, the base 100 includes one or more valve assemblies configured to control the flow rate of fluid through the emergency wash arm 200 and/or the spout assembly 300. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the first fluid through the emergency wash arm 200 and the flow rate of the second fluid through the spout assembly 300 are controlled based on the position of the emergency wash arm 200. By way of example, when the emergency wash arm 200 is in the stored position, the base 100 may prevent flow through the emergency wash arm 200 and permit flow through the spout assembly 300 (e.g., as controlled by the handles 401, 402). When the emergency wash arm 200 is moved to the active position, the base 100 can restrict (e.g., cut off) flow through the spout assembly 300 and permit (e.g., activate) flow through the emergency wash arm 200).
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The bottom disc 210 is fixedly coupled to the base frame 110 such that the bottom disc 210 is stationary relative to base frame 110. The bottom disc 210 defines two fluid communication apertures, shown as fluid flow apertures 221, 223, which extend through the entire height of the bottom disc 210. The bottom disc 210 further defines a pair of locking apertures 222, 224, which extend at least partway through the height of the bottom disc 210. The fluid flow apertures 221, 223 are each fluidly coupled to the inlet 115 through the fluid channel 271. The locking apertures 222, 224 may receive corresponding protrusions from the base frame 110 to limit (e.g., prevent) rotation of the bottom disc 210 relative to the base frame 110. In other embodiments, the locking apertures 222, 224 are omitted, and the bottom disc 210 is otherwise coupled to the base frame 110 (e.g., using an adhesive)
The top disc 211 is positioned above the bottom disc 210 such that a flat top surface of the bottom disc 210 engages a flat bottom surface of the top disc 211. This creates a seal between the top disc 211 and the bottom disc 210. The base frame 110 contains the top disc 211 and the bottom disc 210 such that both are substantially aligned with (e.g., centered about) the vertical axis 90. The top disc 211 is rotatably coupled to the bottom disc 210 such that the top disc 211 is rotatable relative to the bottom disc 210 about the vertical axis 90. The top disc 211 defines a pair of fluid flow apertures 225, 226 that extend through the entire height of the top disc 211. The fluid flow apertures 225, 226 may have approximately the same size, shape, and spacing as the fluid flow apertures 221, 223. The top disc 211 defines a pair of parallel flat surfaces, shown as flats 213, 214. The flats 213, 214 are positioned on an exterior surface of the top disc 211 and each extend substantially vertically. The flats 213, 214 engage the hub 170, rotationally coupling the emergency wash arm 200 to the top disc 211 such that rotation of the emergency wash arm 200 causes an identical (e.g., in speed, magnitude, and direction) rotation of the top disc 211.
When the emergency wash arm 200 is outside of the active position (e.g., in the stored position, in a position between the active position and the stored position, etc.), the fluid flow apertures 225, 226 are not in alignment with the fluid flow apertures 221, 223. Instead, the fluid flow apertures 225, 226 seal against the flat top surface of the bottom disc 210, preventing fluid from flowing through the disc valve 209. When the eyewash arm 200 is rotated into the active position, the fluid flow apertures 225, 226 are aligned with the fluid flow apertures 221, 223, respectively, thereby fluidly coupling the fluid channel 271 with the hub 170. This permits tepid water to flow through the disc valve 209 and out through the emergency wash arm 200.
The hub 170 is generally cylindrical in shape. In other embodiments, the hub 170 has a different shape and/or size (rectangular, oval, etc.). The hub 170 is received within and pivotally coupled to the main housing 130 of the base 100. Specifically, the hub 170 is centered about the vertical axis 90 and configured to rotate about the vertical axis 90. To facilitate rotation of the hub 170, the fixture 50 includes a friction-reducing member or assembly, shown as bushing 161, that extends between a top surface of the hub 170 and the main housing 130. The bushing 161 is made from a material (e.g., bronze, polymer, etc.) configured to reduce friction between the hub 170 and the main housing 130. In other embodiments, the bushing 161 is replaced with another type of friction-reducing assembly, such as a ball bearing. The hub 170 includes a pair of protrusions, shown as hub flanges 173. The hub flanges 173 extend downward and receive the top disc 211 therebetween. The hub flanges 173 each define a flat surface that engages one of the flats 213, 214 to limit (e.g., prevent) rotation of the top disc 211 relative to the hub 170. Accordingly, the hub flanges 173 rotationally couple the top disc 211 to the hub 170. The hub 170 further includes a protrusion or support, shown as hexagonal stud 128, extending upward from the main portion of the hub 170. The hexagonal stud 128 has a hexagonal cross section and is substantially centered about the vertical axis 90.
The hub 170 defines an aperture, shown as inlet 171, positioned at the bottom of the hub 170, which is fluidly coupled to the outlet 172. The inlet 171 is substantially centered about the vertical axis 90. The inlet 171 is fluidly coupled to the fluid flow apertures 225, 226 of the top disc 211. The outlet 172 receives an end of the connecting pipe 235 of the emergency wash arm 200 and fluidly couples the inlet 171 to the emergency wash arm 200. The emergency wash arm 200 is fixedly coupled to the hub 170.
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A wall of the spool cavity 359 surrounding the spool passage 351 defines a sealing surface, shown as annular surface 353. The annular surface 353 is frustoconical and decreases in diameter as it extends toward the hub 170. The sealing collar 362 defines a sealing surface, shown as annular surface 364. The annular surface 364 and the annular surface 353 are correspondingly shaped such that the sealing collar 362 seals the spool passage 351 from the spool cavity 359 when the annular surface 364 engages the annular surface 353. Accordingly, the biasing force of the spring 365 biases the sealing collar 362 into engagement with the annular surface 353.
Referring to
When the emergency wash arm 200 is in the stored position, the spool 361 is in contact with the largest part of the cam surface 177 (e.g., having a radius of RMAX). The cam surface 177 forces the spool 361 away from the vertical axis 90 thereby forcing the sealing collar 362 out of engagement with the annular surface 353. The spool valve 360 is thus in an open or unsealed configuration (i.e., the spool 361 and the sealing collar 362 are in an unsealed or open position) where the spool valve 360 permits fluid to flow freely along the first fluid path 905. As the emergency wash arm 200 rotates toward the active position, the radius of the cam surface 177 at the point of engagement with the spool 361 gradually decreases, permitting the spring 365 to move the spool 361 toward the vertical axis 90. As the emergency wash arm 200 approaches the active position, the radius of the cam surface 177 decreases to where the sealing collar 362 is permitted to engage the annular surface 353. The spool valve 360 is thus in a sealed or closed configuration (i.e., the spool 361 and the sealing collar 362 are in a closed or sealed position) where the spool valve 360 limits (e.g., completely prevents) fluid to flow from the spool cavity 359 to the spool passage 351 or the fluid channel 350.
Accordingly, when the emergency wash arm 200 is in the stored position, the spool valve 360 permits fluid to flow out of the spout assembly 300 (e.g., as controlled by the handles 401, 402), and the disc valve 208 limits (e.g., completely prevents) fluid flow out of the emergency wash arm 200. In response to the emergency wash arm 200 moving to the active position, the spool valve 360 limits (e.g., completely prevents) fluid flow out of the spout assembly 300 and permits fluid flow out of the emergency wash arm 200. In some embodiments, the cam surface 177 is symmetrical about a plane extending along the vertical axis 90 and along the center of the emergency wash arm 200 such that the spool valve 360 exhibits similar or identical flow control characteristics when the fixture 50 is in a right-handed configuration and when the fixture 50 is in a left-handed configuration.
Referring to
The gear train 150 includes rotators, transmission members, or rotation control members, shown as wash gear 152 (e.g., driver, master member), idler gear 154 (e.g., intermediate member), and spout gear 156 (e.g., driven member, slave member). The wash gear 152 is coupled to the hub 170. Specifically, the wash gear 152 defines an aperture that receives the hexagonal stud 128, and is held in place by a fastener 135 that is threaded into the hexagonal stud 128. The wash gear 152 is centered about and rotates about the vertical axis 90. The aperture of the wash gear 152 has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the hexagonal stud 128, limiting (e.g., preventing) rotation of the wash gear 152 relative to the hub 170. The idler gear 154 defines an aperture that receives a support, shown as pin 139, which is coupled to the main housing 130. The idler gear 154 rotates freely on the pin 139, such that the idler gear 154 is rotatably coupled to the main housing 130. The spout gear 156 defines an aperture that receives the shaft 137 of the base 100, rotatably coupling the spout gear 156 to the main housing 130. The spout gear 156 is centered about and rotates about the vertical axis 92.
The wash gear 152 has gear teeth along a portion of its circumference. The idler gear 154 has gear teeth around its entire circumference. The spout gear 156 has gear teeth along a portion of its circumference. The gear teeth of the idler gear 154 mesh with the gear teeth of both the wash gear 152 and the spout gear 156. Accordingly, the idler gear 154 rotationally couples the wash gear 152 with the spout gear 156 such that a rotation of the wash gear 152 produces a corresponding rotation of the spout gear 156 in the same rotational direction and vice versa. In other embodiments, the gear train 150 includes more or fewer idler gears 154. In yet other embodiments, the wash gear 152 and the spout gear 156 are otherwise rotationally coupled. By way of example, the wash gear 152 and the spout gear 156 may each engage a belt (e.g., a V belt, a timing belt, etc.) or a roller chain to be rotationally coupled to one another.
The base 100 includes a protrusion or stop, shown as stop pin 138. The stop pin 138 is selectively repositionable between a first aperture, shown as right-hand pin hole 131, at a first pin location or first pin position and a second aperture, shown as left-hand pin hole 132, at a second pin location or second pin position. The right-hand pin hole 131 and the left-hand pin hole 132 are defined by the main housing 130. Accordingly, the stop pin 138 is selectively coupled to the main housing 130.
The wash gear 152 includes a pair of radial protrusions, shown as stops 162, 164, that extend radially outward from the circumference of the wash gear 152. Each stop 162, 164 defines a stop surface facing the other stop surface. The stops 162, 164 are positioned such that the stop pin 138 contacts or engages with (a) the stop surface of the stop 164 to limit rotation of the wash gear 152 (e.g., and thus the emergency wash arm 200) in a first direction (i.e., counter clockwise as shown in
Referring to
The stop protrusion 311 of the faucet support 310 extends downward (a) between the stop surface 190 and the stop surface 192 and (b) between the stop surface 194 and the stop surface 196. The stop protrusion 311 rotates with the spout assembly 300. Accordingly, when movement of the stop protrusion 311 is limited, rotation of the spout assembly 300 is correspondingly limited. In
When the spout gear 156 is in the position corresponding to the stored position of the emergency wash arm 200, the stop protrusion 311 is free to rotate through a first predefined range until contacting the stop surface 194 or the stop surface 196. In some embodiments, the first range is greater than 180°. In some embodiments, the first range is between approximately 30° and 180 degrees. In some such embodiments, the first range is between approximately 60° and 120°. In particular and in some such embodiments (and as shown), the first range is approximately 90°. The stop surface 190 may not limit rotation of the spout assembly 300 in this configuration. Accordingly, the spout assembly 300 is free to rotate however the user chooses while the emergency wash arm 200 is in the stored position. In other embodiments, the spout assembly 300 may not be free to rotate relative to the emergency wash arm 20 when the emergency wash arm 200 is in the stored position. By way of example, the spout assembly 300 may be fixedly coupled to the emergency wash arm 200 such that the spout assembly 300 and the emergency wash arm 300 rotate in unison.
When the spout gear 156 is in the position corresponding to the active position of the emergency wash arm 200, the stop surface 192 moves toward the stop surface 196, limiting the rotation of the spout assembly 300. In some embodiments, both the stop surface 190 and the stop surface 196 engage the stop protrusion 311, holding the spout assembly 300 in the stored position and preventing further rotation of the spout assembly 300. If the spout assembly 300 is not already in the stored position, the stop surface 190 engages the stop protrusion 311, moving the spout assembly 300 toward the stored position. Accordingly, when the emergency wash arm 200 is moved to the active position, the spout assembly 300 is automatically moved toward the stored position, preventing the spout assembly 300 from interfering with a user's use of the eyewash 230. This is especially useful in emergency situations, where the user may be visually and/or mentally impaired and not able to easily move the spout assembly 300 out of the way manually.
In an alternative embodiment, the angle between the stop surface 190 and the stop surface 192 is smaller than the angle between the stop surface 194 and the stop surface 196. In such an embodiment, the stop surface 192 may limit rotation of the spout assembly 300 in the clockwise direction when the emergency wash arm 200 is in the stored position. In this configuration, the stored position of the spout assembly 300 may be outside of the range of active positions that the spout assembly 300 is able to access when the emergency wash arm 200 is in the stored position.
In alternative embodiments, any of the fluid channels (e.g., fluid channel 271) may be formed separately from the base 100. By way of example, one or more of the fluid channels may be formed using conduits (e.g., hoses, pipes, tubes, etc.) made from hard materials (e.g., acrylic or other plastic, copper or other metal, or glass) or soft materials (e.g., silicone, rubber, etc.).
In yet other alternative exemplary embodiments, flows of fluid through the emergency wash arm 200 and/or the spout 300 are otherwise controlled. For example, the hub 170 may have a different type of valve that replaces the disc valve 209. Additionally, the hub 170 may be shaped or positioned such that hub 170 does not control the flow of fluid to the spout assembly 300. Alternatively, the flow of fluid to the spout assembly 300 may be controlled by another valve external to the hub 170 (e.g., a manually operated valve). By way of example, fluid flow to the spout assembly 300 or the emergency wash arm 200 may be controlled by an electronically-actuated valve.
As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.
It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.
References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the fixture as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, the facewash 250 of the exemplary embodiment shown in at least
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/867,008, filed on May 5, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16867008 | May 2020 | US |
| Child | 18135916 | US |
