BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present invention relates generally to a kitchen faucet sprayer and, more particularly, to an ergonomic kitchen faucet sprayer that can be removably docked in a base and activated for hands-free operation with water directed downwardly into a sink basin.
It is known to provide a kitchen faucet including a delivery spout and an adjacent side sprayer, both configured to discharge water into a sink basin. Typically, the side sprayer is fluidly coupled to a flexible water supply tube and is removably received within a docking base secured to a mounting deck.
Conventional side sprayers require the user to physically remove the side sprayer from the docking base and manipulate the side sprayer for cleaning items within the sink basin. This requires the user to utilize one hand for the side sprayer, leaving only his or her other hand for holding other items, such as a plate, a glass, a cup, a sponge, etc. for rinsing.
According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a sprayer assembly for a faucet assembly includes a docking base configured to be supported by a mounting deck adjacent a sink basin, the docking base including a receiver opening. A sprayer includes a handle extending along a longitudinal handle axis and is configured to be removably coupled to the receiver opening. A head is supported by the handle and extends along a longitudinal head axis. A sprayface is coupled to the head and includes an outlet extending parallel to the longitudinal head axis. The longitudinal head axis extends downwardly at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal handle axis, such that water emitted from the outlet is directed downwardly into the sink basin when the handle of the sprayer is coupled to the receiver opening of the docking base.
According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a sprayer assembly for a faucet assembly includes a docking base configured to be supported by a mounting deck adjacent a sink basin, the docking base including a receiver opening. The sprayer assembly includes a handle extending along a longitudinal handle axis and is configured to be removably supported by the receiver opening. A head is supported by the handle and extends along a longitudinal head axis. A sprayface is coupled to the head and includes an outlet. The docking base is configured to adjust the angular position of the longitudinal head axis relative to the sink basin.
According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a sprayer assembly for a faucet assembly includes a docking base configured to be supported by a mounting deck adjacent a sink basin, the docking base including a receiver opening. A sprayer includes a handle extending along a longitudinal handle axis and is configured to be removably supported by the receiver opening. A head is supported by the handle and extends along a longitudinal head axis. A sprayface is coupled to the head and includes an outlet extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal head axis. The sprayface is releasably coupled to the head of the sprayer.
According to a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a sprayer assembly for a faucet assembly includes a docking base configured to be supported by a mounting deck adjacent a sink basin. A sprayer includes a handle and a head having an outlet configured to dispense water, the handle having a body portion and an end portion rotatably supporting the end portion, the end portion being removably coupled to the docking base. A trigger is supported by the handle of the sprayer, the trigger being movable between an on position and an off position, where water flows through the outlet in the on position and water is prevented from flowing through the outlet in the off position. The trigger includes a notch for receiving the wall of an object for moving the trigger to the on position.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
A detailed description of the drawings particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative faucet assembly including a conventional sprayer assembly supported by a sink deck;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an illustrative sprayer assembly of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative sprayer assembly of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the illustrative sprayer assembly of FIG. 2 supported by a sink deck for delivering water into a sink basin;
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the illustrative sprayer of FIG. 2, showing a first sprayface including a fluidic chip surrounded by a plurality of nozzles;
FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the illustrative sprayer of FIG. 2, showing a second sprayface including a shield spray opening surrounded by a plurality of nozzles;
FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the illustrative sprayer of FIG. 2, showing a third sprayface including a scraper blade surrounded by a plurality of nozzles;
FIG. 6 is a detail perspective view showing an illustrative docking base of the present disclosure;
FIG. 7A is a side elevational view of an illustrative sprayer supported by a docking base and including a snap retainer to maintain the trigger in a depressed position;
FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative docking base receiving the sprayer of FIG. 7A;
FIG. 7C is a side elevational view of the sprayer of FIG. 7A, showing the snap retainer configured to slide along the sprayer body between a released position and a locked position;
FIG. 7D is a side elevational view of the sprayer of FIG. 7A, showing the snap retainer configured to pivot about a hinge between a released position and a locked position;
FIG. 8A is a side elevational view of an illustrative sprayer supported by a docking base and including a swing clip retainer to maintain the trigger in a depressed position;
FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative docking base receiving the sprayer of FIG. 8A;
FIG. 8C is a side elevational view of the sprayer of FIG. 8A, showing the swing clip retainer pivoted into a locked position;
FIG. 8D is rear view of the sprayer of FIG. 8A, showing the swing clip retainer pivoted into a locked position;
FIG. 8E is a side elevational view of the sprayer of FIG. 8A, showing the swing clip retainer pivoted into a released position;
FIG. 9 is a detail view of a first illustrative adjustable docking base;
FIG. 10 is a detail view of a second illustrative adjustable docking base;
FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative adjustable docking base of FIG. 10, showing the sprayer received within a first inlet opening;
FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative adjustable docking base of FIG. 10, showing the sprayer received within a second inlet opening;
FIG. 12A is a side elevational view of a further illustrative sprayer assembly including a sprayer configured to rotate relative to a docking base about a substantially horizontal axis, showing the sprayer rotated upwardly to dispense water into a glass; and
FIG. 12B is a side elevational view of the sprayer assembly of FIG. 12A, showing the sprayer rotated downwardly by 180 degrees to dispense water into a sink basin.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The embodiments of the invention described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Rather, the embodiments selected for description have been chosen to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention.
Referring initially to FIG. 1, a conventional sink assembly 2 is shown as including a sink or mounting deck 4 supporting an illustrative faucet assembly 10 above a sink basin 6. The faucet assembly 10 is shown as including a diverter assembly 12 of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,646,476 to Thomas et al., the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
The faucet assembly 10 illustratively includes a waterway assembly 11 having a hot water supply line or tube 16 and a cold water supply line or tube 18 configured to supply water to a control or mixing valve 20. More particularly, the hot water supply tube 16 is fluidly connected to a hot water supply valve or stop 17, while the cold water supply tube 18 is fluidly connected to a cold water supply valve or stop 19. Operation of the mixing valve 20 regulates the flow of water from the hot water supply tube 16 and the cold water supply tube 18 to a mixed water line or inlet tube 22. A user input, illustratively a handle 23, is operably coupled to the mixing valve 20 to control the flow rate and the temperature of water delivered to the mixed water inlet tube 22.
The faucet assembly 10 includes a delivery spout 28 supported by a base 29 and configured to receive a spout outlet tube (not shown) having an outlet 31 positioned above the sink basin 6 and configured to discharge water from the mixed water inlet tube 22. The outlet 31 may be defined by an aerator coupled to the spout outlet tube. Illustratively, the base 29 may be secured to the mounting deck 4 through nuts threadably engaging mounting shanks or posts (not shown). In the illustrative embodiment, the hot water supply tube 16, the cold water supply tube 18, the mixed water inlet tube 22, and the spout outlet tube 30 are formed of a polymer, such as a cross-liked polyethylene (PEX).
A conventional sprayer assembly 42 includes a handheld sprayer 44 fluidly coupled to a flexible dispenser or water sprayer supply tube 46. The sprayer 44 may be of conventional design and includes a trigger 47 operably coupled to a control valve (not shown) configured to control water flow therethrough. The sprayer 44 includes a body 48 configured to be removably supported by a mounting or docking base 50.
Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, an illustrative faucet sprayer assembly 110 of the present disclosure is shown for use in a faucet assembly 100. In the following description, similar components of faucet assembly 10 and faucet assembly 100 will be identified with like reference numbers.
The illustrative faucet sprayer assembly 110 includes a sprayer 112 having a shell or body 114 releasably coupled or docked to a receiver, such as a passageway or receptacle opening 52, of docking base 50. Illustratively, the receptacle opening 52 extends along a longitudinal mounting axis 53 (which illustratively extends in a vertical direction). The docking base 50 is illustratively coupled to mounting deck 4 adjacent delivery spout 28. Sink basin 6 extends downwardly below the mounting deck 4 adjacent to, illustratively in front of, the docking base 50. The water supply tube 46 extends through the receptacle opening 52 and may slide therethrough as the sprayer 112 is removed from (i.e., uncoupled from), and returned to (i.e., coupled to), the docking base 50.
The body 114 of the sprayer 112 illustratively includes an outlet portion or head 120 angled relative to a body portion or handle 122. More particularly, the head 120 extends along a longitudinal head axis 124, and the handle 122 extends along a longitudinal handle axis 126. As shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 3, the longitudinal handle axis 126 may extend parallel to, and illustratively coaxial with, the longitudinal mounting axis 53 of the docking base 50 when the sprayer 112 is docked or coupled with the docking base 50. In other illustrative embodiments, the longitudinal handle axis 126 may be positioned in different orientations relative to the longitudinal mounting axis 53 when the sprayer 112 is docked or coupled with the docking base 50. The longitudinal head axis 124 illustratively extends downwardly at an acute angle α relative to the longitudinal mounting axis 53 (and in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 3, also relative to the longitudinal handle axis 126).
A sprayface 128 may be removably coupled to the head 120, such that the sprayface 128 may be replaced with a similar sprayface 128 providing a similar spray pattern, or a different sprayface 128 providing a different spray pattern. Illustratively, the sprayface 128 is threadably coupled to a cylindrical outer wall 130 of the head 120. The sprayface 128 illustratively includes at least one water outlet 132 extending along an axis parallel to the longitudinal head axis 124, such that water 134 emitted from the outlet 132 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal head axis 124. The handle 122 illustratively includes a cylindrical outer wall 136 defining an inlet to receive the water supply tube 46.
Different illustrative sprayfaces 128a, 128b and 128c are shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, respectively. These sprayfaces 128a, 128b and 128c may be interchagably supported by the head 120 of the sprayer 112. More particularly, the sprayfaces 128a, 128b and 128c may be unthreaded from (i.e., uncoupled from) and threaded to (i.e., coupled to) the outer wall 130 of the head 120 for easy replacement and interchangeability.
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the illustrative sprayer 112a, showing first sprayface 128a including a multi-dimensional fluidic device or chip 132a surrounded by a plurality of nozzles 132b (illustratively conventional needle nozzles). Illustratively, the fluidic device 132a is a low-pressure, feedback passage-free fluidic oscillator which provides patternization, spray distribution across a fan angle, shape, and/or articulates a water spray. Illustratively, the fluidic device 132a may be of the type manufactured by Bowles Fluidics Corporation of Columbia, Md., USA. Additional details on illustrative fluidic devices 132a may be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0299608 to Spangler et al., the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the illustrative sprayer 112b, showing second sprayface 128b including a shield spray cartridge or assembly 132c surrounded by the plurality of nozzles 132b. Additional details of an illustrative shield spray cartridge 132c are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0228891 to Rosko et al., the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the illustrative sprayer 112c, showing third sprayface 128c including a scraper blade 138 surrounded by the plurality of nozzles 132b. Illustratively, the scraper blade 138 is formed of a resilient material, such as a thermoplastic or an elastomer, and extends beyond the nozzles 132b.
With further reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the positioning of the head 120 and the sprayface 128 relative to the handle 122 allows for the user to activate the sprayer 112 via a user interface, such as a button or trigger 140, and direct water 134 into the sink basin 6 while the sprayer 112 remains docked or coupled with the docking base 50. The trigger 140 is operably coupled to an internal control valve 142 (schematically represented in FIG. 3) in order to control the flow of water to the outlet 132. The control valve 142 may be of conventional design, and illustratively includes a valve element (not shown), such as a spool supporting a seal moveable relative to a cooperating seat between a sealed (i.e., closed) position and an unsealed (i.e., open) position, in response to input to the trigger 140. In an extended position of the trigger 140, the control valve 142 prevents water from being discharged from the outlet 132. In a depressed position of the trigger 140, the control valve 142 allows water to be discharged from the outlet 132. More particularly, water 134 is discharged from the at least one water outlet 132 parallel to the longitudinal head axis 124, downwardly into the sink basin 6. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 4, upon activating the control valve 142 via the trigger 140, water 134 may be directed downwardly from the sprayface 128 toward an object, such as a plate or dish 141, thereby providing a user with the freedom to use both of her hands.
According to an illustrative embodiment, a downwardly extending connector 144 is supported by the body 114 of the sprayer 112. More particularly, an upper end 146 of the connector 144 is threadably coupled to the handle 122 of the sprayer 112. A tubular member 148 extends downwardly from the upper end 146 of the connector 144. An outlet end 150 of the tube 46 is fluidly coupled to a lower end 152 of the tubular member 148. The illustrative connector 144 further includes a portion to retain the sprayer 112 in a desired position relative to the docking base 50 when the sprayer 112 is removed from the docking base 50. More particularly, the connector 144 includes a downwardly extending flange or lip 154 extending concentrically around, and in spaced relation to, the tubular member 148. The docking base 50 illustratively includes a support 156 and an upwardly extending annular collar 158 received within an annular space 160 defined between the flange 154 and the outer wall 136 of the handle 122 of the sprayer 112. A magnetic coupler may releasably secure the sprayer 112 to the docking base 50. Illustratively, the magnetic coupler includes a magnet 159 supported by the support 156 of the docking base 50, and a magnetically attractive member 161 (e.g., a metal plate or washer) supported by the outer wall 136 of the handle 122 of the sprayer 112.
A threaded mounting shank 162 extends downwardly from the support 156. The mounting shank 162 is configured to extend below the mounting deck 4 and cooperate with a mounting nut (not shown) to secure the docking base 50 to the mounting deck 4.
As shown in FIG. 6, the collar 158 of the docking base 50 may include a notch 164 to receive the tube 46 and provide improved flexibility and control of the tube 46 and corresponding sprayer 112. More particularly, when the sprayer 112 is removed, the notch 164 may slidably receive the tube 46.
FIGS. 7A-7D show an illustrative sprayer assembly 210 including a sprayer 212 supported by a docking base 250 including an angled receiver opening 251. An angled interface 252 is defined between the sprayer 212 and the docking base 50. More particularly, an outer wall 236 of the handle 222 includes an angled interface surface 254 configured to engage with an angled seat 256 on the base 250.
A retainer, such as a snap clip 260, is illustratively configured to maintain the trigger 140 in a depressed position, such that the control valve 142 of the sprayer 212 is in a locked on, or active, position with water flowing through the at least one outlet 132 of the sprayface 128. The illustrative snap clip 260 may be a flexible, arcuate clip formed of a resilient material, such as a thermoplastic and/or elastomer. The snap clip 260 may be open ended to receive and grip an outer surface of the wall 236 of handle 222. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the docking base 250 releasably receiving the sprayer 212.
FIG. 7C is a side elevational view of the sprayer 212, showing a further illustrative embodiment retainer 260′ configured to slide along the sprayer 212 between a locked position (A) where the trigger 140 is locked in a depressed position (with the control valve 142 causing water to flow through the sprayface 128), and a released position (B) where the trigger 140 is biased outwardly to an extended position (with the control valve 142 blocking water from flowing through the sprayface 128). Retainer 260′ is similar to retainer 260, but includes a closed inner end 261 thereby defining a ring.
FIG. 7D is a side elevational view of the sprayer 212, showing a further illustrative embodiment retainer 260″ configured to pivot about a hinge 262 between a locked position (A) where the trigger 140 is locked in a depressed position (with the control valve 142 causing water to flow through the sprayface 128), and a released position (B) where the trigger 140 is biased outwardly to an extended position (with the control valve 142 blocking water from flowing through the sprayface 128).
FIGS. 8A-8E show an illustrative sprayer assembly 310 including a sprayer 312 supported by docking base 250. A swing clip retainer 360 is configured to be received within a notch 361 within the trigger 140 to maintain the trigger 140 in a depressed position, such that the sprayer 212 is in a locked on, or active, position with water flowing through the at least one outlet 129 of the sprayface 128. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the docking base 250 receiving the sprayer 312. FIG. 8C is a side elevational view of the sprayer 312, showing the swing clip retainer 360 pivoted about a pivot 362 into a locked position. FIG. 8D is rear view of the sprayer 312, showing the swing clip retainer 360 pivoted about the pivot 362 into a locked position. FIG. 8E is a side elevational view of the sprayer 312, showing the swing clip retainer 360 pivoted about the pivot 362 into a released position.
It should be appreciated that other devices may be substituted for the snap clip 260 or the swing clip retainer 360 to maintain the sprayer 112, 212, 312 in an active or on position. For example, a rocker switch, a pen click button, a dial and/or a slide switch may be used to lock the sprayer 112, 212, 312 in an on position.
FIG. 9 shows an illustrative docking base 450 including a side wall 452 having a flexible portion 454 such that the angular position of receiver opening 456 and interface seat 457 may be adjusted and, as such, the angular position of the outlets 132 of the associated sprayer 212 coupled to the docking base 450. Illustratively, the side wall 452 is formed of a flexible polymer and includes a plurality of corrugations 458 defining a bellows. An upper end of the docking base 450 may bend or pivot relative to a lower end via the corrugations 458. As such, the receiver opening 456 and surrounding interface seat 457 may be positioned at different angles, such that the sprayer 212 received within the receiver opening 456 may be likewise positioned at different angles.
FIGS. 10-11B shows an illustrative docking base 550 includes a docking collar 558 having a plurality of different receiver openings 552 to receive the associated sprayer 212. In the illustrative embodiment, a first receiver opening 552a is associated with a first seat 560a configured to engage with a handle interface surface 562, and a second receiver opening 552b is associated with a second seat 560b configured to engage with the handle interface surface 562. The first receiver opening 552a is positioned at a first angle relative to a vertical axis, and the second receiver opening 552b is positioned at a second angle relative to the vertical axis. When the sprayer 212 is received within the first receiver opening 552a as shown in FIG. 11A, the outlets 129 are angled downwardly at a first angle. More particularly, the handle axis 126 is angled from vertical by an angle β. Similarly, when the sprayer 212 is received within the second receiver opening 552b as shown in FIG. 11B, the outlets 129 are angled downwardly at a second angle, illustratively less than the first angle. More particularly, the handle axis 126 extends in a vertical direction.
In certain illustrative embodiments, the sprayer 112, 212, 312 may have a default off or inactive mode in response to reduced water pressure. For example, a valve spool (not shown) may be received within the body of the sprayer 112, 212 such that when the trigger 140 is depressed, water pressure acts against the spool to permit fluid flow to the outlet 129. When water is no longer supplied to the sprayer 112 (for example, via the mixing valve 20), then the spool returns (for example, via a spring bias) to a closed position such that water is not supplied to the outlet 129. In other words, the sprayer 112 is in the off or inactive mode such that water will not be unintentionally discharged from the sprayer 112 if the trigger 140 is locked in a depressed position and the mixing valve 20 is turned on or activated.
With reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, a further illustrative sprayer assembly 610 includes a sprayer 612 removably coupled to a docking base 650, such that the longitudinal handle axis 126 extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal mounting axis 53 when the sprayer 612 is docked or coupled to the docking base 650. Sprayer 612 illustratively includes many of the same features as sprayer 312, wherein similar features are identified with like reference numbers. In the illustrative embodiment, the sprayer 612 includes a handle 622 having a center or body portion 623 and a support or end portion 624 supported by a rotatable coupler 625. More particularly, the body portion 623 of handle 622 and the head 620 are supported for rotation relative to the end portion 624 of handle 622 and the docking base 650 about the longitudinal handle axis 126. Illustratively, the sprayer 612 is removably coupled or docked to the docking base 650 along an interface 652.
In a first position of the sprayer 612 as shown in FIG. 12A, the handle 622 is rotated about the longitudinal handle axis 126 to position the head 620 upwardly such that the sprayface 128 directs water from the outlets 132 in an upward direction. In one illustrative embodiment, a glass 626 may be positioned over the head 620 and receives the sprayface 128. A rim or outer wall 627 of the glass 626 may contact and depress the trigger 140, thereby activating the flow of water 134 for rinsing the inside of the glass 626. As shown in FIG. 12A, the swing clip retainer 360 is illustratively in a disengaged or released position such that the glass 626 depresses the trigger 140 for activating the flow or water 134 through the outlets 132. Upon removing the glass 626 from contact with the trigger 140, the trigger 140 is biased back to its released position such that water flow is sealed or prevented from flowing through the outlets 132.
In a second position of the sprayer 612 as shown in FIG. 12B, the handle 622 is rotated about the longitudinal handle axis 126 to position the head 620 downwardly such that the sprayface 128 directs water from the outlets 132 in a downward direction into the sink basin 6. Illustratively, the swing clip retainer 360 is in an engaged or active position such that the retainer 360 depresses the trigger 140 for activating the flow of water 134 through the outlets 132. This may facilitate hands free washing of objects, such as dish 141, within the sink basin 6.
Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the spirit and scope of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.
Patent Application
20180274214
