BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to water filtration systems, and more specifically to sink faucets with built-in filters.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, in many parts of the world, there is a water crisis and an ever-growing demand for purified drinking water in the home, workplace, and places of business such as restaurants. In existing systems, when connecting devices for purifying water, users must also drill extra holes, modify countertops, and/or add extra faucets or valves, which can be labor intensive, cumbersome, or problematic in other ways for the user.
Additionally, many rental and commercial properties do not allow modifications to existing furnishings, countertops, plumbing, and the like. In such situations, people are left to do without devices for water purification connected directly to their faucets, which reduces convenience for users, who may then be forced to buy bottled water. This creates more plastic waste. As such, there is a growing problem of the need to supply water directly to equipment including, but not limited to, water ionizers, water filter systems, coffee machines, ice makers, and the like, without having to drill extra holes and install additional faucets or valves. Therefore, there is a need for a solution to these problems.
The aspects or the problems and the associated solutions presented in this section could be or could have been pursued; they are not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches presented in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their presence in this section of the application.
BRIEF INVENTION SUMMARY
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description.
Provided herein is a faucet having a dual valve tap, allowing a user to use hot or cold water as in traditional kitchen faucets while at the same time being able to supply water, at variable flow rates, to auxiliary water systems. Such auxiliary systems may include, but are not limited to, water ionizers, water filter systems, coffee machines, ice makers, and so on.
Provided herein is a faucet that is a direct replacement of a standard kitchen or utility faucet that utilizes the same preexisting holes. In some embodiments, the faucet comprises a secondary valve and an interchangeable supply connection for various size requirements. In such embodiments, the interchangeable supply connection allows an above the counter water supply which eliminates the need for extra holes and/or installation of additional faucets or valves on existing sink and faucet systems.
The above aspects or examples and advantages, as well as other aspects or examples and advantages, will become apparent from the ensuing description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For exemplification purposes, and not for limitation purposes, aspects, embodiments or examples of the invention are illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 shows an example of a typical sink, with a faucet having a dual valve in a first state, in use installed in the sink, according to an aspect.
FIGS. 2A-2B depict side perspective views of an example of a faucet for installation into a sink, in an assembled state, and an exploded view, respectively, according to an aspect.
FIGS. 3A-3B depict a front elevation view and a side elevation view, respectively, of a faucet in an assembled state, showing exemplary dimensions of the faucet, according to an aspect.
FIG. 4A depicts a side perspective view of another example of a faucet in a partially assembled state, for installation into a sink, according to an aspect.
FIGS. 4B-4I depict the steps of an exemplary process for installing any of the faucets disclosed herein into an existing sink, according to an aspect.
FIG. 5 shows a side, bottom perspective view of a faucet having a dual valve, in a second state, detached from and not installed onto a sink, according to an aspect.
FIG. 6 shows an elevation view of a first side of a faucet having a dual valve, in a second state, detached from and not installed onto a sink, according to an aspect.
FIG. 7 shows a front elevation view of the side port of a faucet having a dual valve, in a second state, in a second state, detached from and not installed onto a sink, according to an aspect.
FIG. 8 shows an elevation view of a second side of a faucet having a dual valve, in a second state, detached from and not installed onto a sink, according to an aspect.
FIG. 9 shows another elevation view of a first side of a faucet having a dual valve, in a second state, detached from and not installed onto a sink, according to an aspect.
FIG. 10 shows a detailed side perspective view of a faucet having a dual valve, in a second state, detached from and not installed onto a sink, according to an aspect.
FIG. 11 shows a detailed bottom perspective view of a faucet having a dual valve, in a second state, detached from and not installed onto a sink, according to an aspect.
FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a second side of a faucet having a dual valve, in a second state, detached from and not installed onto a sink, according to an aspect.
FIG. 13 shows a top perspective view of a faucet having a dual valve, in a second state, detached from and not installed onto a sink, according to an aspect.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
What follows is a description of various aspects, embodiments and/or examples in which the invention may be practiced. Reference will be made to the attached drawings, and the information included in the drawings is part of this detailed description. The aspects, embodiments and/or examples described herein are presented for exemplification purposes, and not for limitation purposes. It should be understood that structural and/or logical modifications could be made by someone of ordinary skills in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.
It should be understood that, for clarity of the drawings and of the specification, some or all details about some structural components or steps that are known in the art are not shown or described if they are not necessary for the invention to be understood by one of ordinary skills in the art.
FIG. 1 shows an example of a typical sink, with a faucet 101 having a dual valve in a first state, in use installed in the sink, according to an aspect. In some embodiments, the faucets provided herein include a dual valve allowing for all standard functions of a kitchen faucet, plus the benefit of a second nozzle or port for supplying water to additional devices. The faucets disclosed herein may replace existing faucets, without the need for modifying the countertop 102, such as drilling holes into the countertop. Generally, the faucets provided herein may provide additional functionality to a sink and serve as a direct replacement for existing kitchen sink faucets, by being installed into pre-existing plumbing of sinks without the need to modify the sink. Generally, the dual valve faucets provided herein may be installed on a sink with an above-the-sink process, eliminating the need to perform installation sinks underneath a countertop, for example. Further, the dual valve faucets provided herein may be installed without the need for additional supply lines, or adding secondary faucets.
The dual valve of the faucets disclosed herein allows for the faucet to provide two sources of clean water simultaneously, via (1) a spout 104 and (2) a stem, also referred to herein as a side body nozzle or port 3 (generally referred to herein as “port”). It should be understood that the faucet can be used such that the clean water is dispensed through the spout 104 and the port 3 simultaneously or independently of one another.
The faucet 101 may connect directly to external water devices via a tube or hose 107 (generally referred to herein as “hose”) connected to the side body port 3 in order to supply water to the devices. Such water devices may include, but are not limited to, water ionizers, water filter systems, coffee machines, ice makers, and the like, such as the water ionizer shown by 106 as an example.
Generally, the side body port 3 may be provided with a low profile design, such that the hose 107 is discreet and low to the countertop 102, which may be beneficial to the user by being out of the way, and not interfering with other functionality in the kitchen and without blocking access to other kitchen components. The low profile design may also help to prevent kinks or pinches in the hose 107 which could then lead to backed up water pressure, leaks, and/or damage to the device 106 or other components of the kitchen.
Users may control the temperature and pressure of the water dispensed through the spout 104 by use of the handles 108a and 108b. It should be understood that regulation of the water temperature and pressure of the water dispensed through the spout 104 may be operated by any suitable means, such as various styles or types of handles, levers, buttons, and the like. As an example, such as the faucet shown in FIG. 1, two handles 108a and 108b may be provided, such that a first handle 108a dispenses hot water and a second handle 108b dispenses cold water.
FIGS. 2A-2B depict side perspective views of an example of a faucet 101 for installation into a sink, in an assembled state, and an exploded view, respectively, according to an aspect. The components shown in the exploded view include a faucet body 1, an O-ring 2, a valve stem 3 (which may be, but is not limited to, a ½″ valve stem), a compression nut 4 (which may be, but is not limited to, a ½″ compression nut, and may also be referred to herein as a “knurl nut”), tube adapters 5 which may be used for connecting to copper tubes 6, 7, and 8 (which may be, but are not limited to, ¼″ copper tubes), C/H joints 9, an H/C valve cartridge 10, a first valve escutcheon component 11, a screw 12, a second valve escutcheon component 13, an H/C valve handle 14, a hex joint ring 15, a spout ring circle 16, a sleeve joint ring 17, a brass tube joint 18, a spout 19, a plastic ring 20, a short handle set 21, flexible tubes 22, a flexible tube inlet 23, an inlet water connector set 24, a QC set 25 (which may be, but is not limited to, a ⅜″ set), a shank set 26, and a spray set 27.
The components of the faucet 101 disclosed herein may be constructed from brass, stainless steel, polyoxymethylene (POM), or any combination thereof, or any other suitable materials.
In some embodiments, the valve stem 3 (also referred to herein as a side body port) is used for providing a water supply out of the faucet 101 system to external devices such as water ionizers, coffee makers, and the like. In some embodiments, the spout 19 is used for providing a water supply out of the faucet 101 system into a sink.
FIGS. 3A-3B depict a front elevation view and a side elevation view, respectively, of a faucet 101 in an assembled state, showing exemplary dimensions of the faucet, according to an aspect. The faucet 101 depicted in FIGS. 3A-3B is in an assembled state, detached from and not installed into a sink. Connection line 112 indicates a main water supply, which may be preinstalled or otherwise provided to a user in a home or business at a sink or countertop. The main water supply 112 is shut off prior to installation of the faucet 101.
FIG. 4A depicts a side perspective view of another example of a faucet 101 in a partially assembled state, for installation into a sink, according to an aspect. The view depicted in FIG. 4 shows the components that are notable for a user when performing an installation. These components include a faucet spout A, spray head B, supply handle C, supply connection D, faucet body E, main hot/cold handle F, above counter O-ring G (which may also be referred to herein as a washer, and may be rubber), washer H (which may be metal), brass hex nut I (also referred to herein as a “mounting nut”), under ionizer hose J (which may be blue in some home or commercial settings), hot water hose K (which may be red in some home or commercial settings), cold water hose L (which may be blue in some home or commercial settings), tee fitting M, weight clamp N, and quick insert adapter O.
FIGS. 4B-4I depict the steps of an exemplary process for installing any of the faucets disclosed herein into an existing sink, according to an aspect.
FIG. 4B depicts step 1 of the faucet installation process, which comprises initial installation and placement. The user shuts off both hot and cold water supplies, and slips the rubber washer G under the base of the faucet. The faucet A is placed through a hole in the countertop 102. Next, the faucet A is secured to the countertop 102 by using the metal washer H, and mounting nut I. 113a shows a detailed enlargement of the view of the underside of area pointed to by 113, showing the underside of the countertop 102 and depicting the process of using the mounting nut I to secure the faucet.
FIG. 4C depicts step 2 of the faucet installation process, which comprises securing the faucet. The quick insert adapter O is screwed onto the threaded side of the hose 115. The user pushes the quick insert adapter O firmly upwards, and attaches it to the receiving adapter 114. Next, the user may pull moderately on the components to ensure that a firm connection is made. The locking clip P should be snug around the receiving adapter 114 once the connection is secured.
FIG. 4D depicts step 3 of the faucet installation process, which comprises securing the faucet. The weight clamp Nis unscrewed and installed approximately 4 to 6 inches above the bend of hose 115. The screwed for this connection are then secured tightly enough such that the weight clamp N does not move. The user can then test out the pull-out spray head B to ensure that it works to their liking and is balanced appropriately with the weight clamp N.
FIG. 4E depicts step 4 of the faucet installation process, which comprises installing water lines to the faucet. Under the sink, the color coded water connectors V are matched to their corresponding water hoses J, K, and L. The hoses are a hot water line K, a cold water line L, and a secondary cold water line J which may be used for connecting to an external device such as a water ionizer, or other such device. These are tightened until snug.
FIG. 4F depicts step 5 of the faucet installation process, which comprises connecting the main water lines to the main valve of the faucet. The water hoses (as shown in FIG. 4E) are attached to a hot and cold water shut off (also referred to as stop valve or an angle shut-off valve) 116, generally located underneath the sink, and the hoses are then tightened. The angle stop valve 116 may be turned out, without the faucet being yet turned on. The user may then check for leaks.
FIG. 4G depicts step 6 of the faucet installation process, which comprises connecting the secondary water lines. The quick insert adapter O is threaded to the secondary blue supply hose J. The locking clip 117 of the tee fitting M should be secure.
FIG. 4H depicts step 7 of the faucet installation process, which comprises connecting an external device to the faucet. As an example, the external device may be a water ionizer. The supply connection D may be provided with a knurl nut X. The user can unscrew the knurl nut X counterclockwise to remove it and slip it over the main supply hose of the external device (not shown). The hose is then inserted over the faucet barb Y of the supply connection D. Next, the knurl nut X is slipped back towards the faucet, and threaded onto the supply connection D for a secure fit.
FIG. 4I depicts step 8 of the faucet installation process, which comprises flushing the installed faucet. The hose assembly 118 is pulled out of the spout, and the spray head B is removed by unscrewing it from the hose counterclockwise. The user then holds the end of the hose assembly 118 down into the sink, and turns the faucet on to a warm position to mix hot and cold water. The hose should then be flushed for approximately one minute to flush away any debris that could cause damage to internal parts. The user may then check for leaks, and re-tighten any connections if necessary. The spray head B is then reinstalled by tightening it back onto the spray hose. After the installation process is complete, the user can then turn on the hot and cold faucet handles, and perform a final check for leaks.
For clarity, the elements shown in the figures relating to the installation process are given new reference characters. However, it should be understood that some elements depicted in FIGS. 4A-4I may correspond to elements represented by other reference characters in other figures. It should also be understood that the above steps described when referring to FIGS. 4B-4I may generally be followed for some home or commercial installations, but may vary for some systems.
FIG. 5 shows a side, bottom perspective view of a faucet 101 having a dual valve, in a second state, detached from and not installed onto a sink, according to an aspect. As shown, the faucet 101 may connect to the plumbing of a sink by a mounting shaft 109. The mounting shaft 109 may be used for mounting the faucet 101 to the sink and countertop. The mounting shaft 109 may comprise a hollow design to allow water lines to run through internally, to the faucet body. The side port 3 is also shown in larger detail in the view shown in FIG. 2. The side port 3 is shown with a compression nut 4 screwed or threaded onto the port. The compression nut 4 may be used for securely attaching the hose (as shown by 107 in FIG. 1) onto the side port 3 without leaks.
FIG. 6 shows an elevation view of a first side of a faucet 101 having a dual valve, in a second state, detached from and not installed onto a sink, according to an aspect. The side port 3 and faucet shank 109 are visible in this view. The compression nut 4 is shown threaded onto the side port 3 in this view.
FIG. 7 shows a front elevation view of the side port 3 of a faucet 101 having a dual valve, in a second state, in a second state, detached from and not installed onto a sink, according to an aspect.
FIG. 8 shows an elevation view of a second side of a faucet 101 having a dual valve, in a second state, detached from and not installed onto a sink, according to an aspect. The side port 3 and faucet shank 109 are visible in this view.
FIG. 9 shows another elevation view of a first side of a faucet 101 having a dual valve, in a second state, detached from and not installed onto a sink, according to an aspect. The side port 3 and faucet shank 109 are visible in this view. The compression nut 4 is shown removed from the side port 3, and shown detached and separated from the faucet 101, in this view.
FIG. 10 shows a detailed side perspective view of a faucet 101 having a dual valve, in a second state, detached from and not installed onto a sink, according to an aspect. The compression nut 4 is shown removed from the side port 3, and shown detached and separated from the faucet 101, in this view. The side port 3 may be provided with threads 111 which may be engaged by the compression nut 4 to connect and secure the two elements together.
FIG. 11 shows a detailed bottom perspective view of a faucet 101 having a dual valve, in a second state, detached from and not installed onto a sink, according to an aspect. The compression nut 4 is shown removed from the side port 3, and shown detached and separated from the faucet 101, in this view. As shown, the compression nut 4 may be substantially cylindrical with a depression or indent at its center. However, it should be understood that the compression nut 4, or any other securing means for attaching the hose (as shown by 107 in FIG. 1) to the side port 3 may be of any suitable size and shape, and the side port 3 may be provided with any suitable means for receiving the securing means, for creating a secure connection between the hose and port and preventing leaks.
FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a second side of a faucet 101 having a dual valve, in a second state, detached from and not installed onto a sink, according to an aspect. The side port 3 and faucet shank 109 are visible in this view, and the compression nut 4 is shown secured to the side port 3 in this view.
FIG. 13 shows a top perspective view of a faucet 101 having a dual valve, in a second state, detached from and not installed onto a sink, according to an aspect.
Generally, in some embodiments, the faucets disclosed herein may be easily installed onto existing sinks by a user, using an above-the-sink installation process.
It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used in this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. As used in this application, “and/or” means that the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives also include any combination of the listed items.
The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like.
Further, as used in this application, “plurality” means two or more. A “set” of items may include one or more of such items. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of,” respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases.
If present, use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed. These terms are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. As used in this application, “and/or” means that the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives also include any combination of the listed items.
Throughout this description, the aspects, embodiments or examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus or procedures disclosed. Although some of the examples may involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives.
Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with one aspect, embodiment or example are not intended to be excluded from a similar role(s) in other aspects, embodiments or examples.
Aspects, embodiments or examples of the invention may be described as processes, which are usually depicted using a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may depict the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. With regard to flowcharts, it should be understood that additional and fewer steps may be taken, and the steps as shown may be combined or further refined to achieve the described methods.
If means-plus-function limitations are recited in the claims, the means are not intended to be limited to the means disclosed in this application for performing the recited function, but are intended to cover in scope any equivalent means, known now or later developed, for performing the recited function.
Claim limitations should be construed as means-plus-function limitations only if the claim recites the term “means” in association with a recited function.
If any presented, the claims directed to a method and/or process should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Although aspects, embodiments and/or examples have been illustrated and described herein, someone of ordinary skills in the art will easily detect alternate of the same and/or equivalent variations, which may be capable of achieving the same results, and which may be substituted for the aspects, embodiments and/or examples illustrated and described herein, without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of this application is intended to cover such alternate aspects, embodiments and/or examples. Hence, the scope of the invention is defined by the accompanying claims and their equivalents. Further, each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification.
Patent Application
20240191481
