This application is related to a rinsing device. In particular, the application is related to a rotating water flow control device for rinsing basins associated with plumbing fixtures.
Sinks are a frequently used plumbing fixtures. Sinks and similar plumbing fixtures are found in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other locations. Sinks may have basins, faucets, drains, and other accessories.
A sink basin is generally an area, open on the top, that is adapted to receive water that then empties through a drain. The sink basin ultimately accumulates residue from a variety of activities such as shaving, teeth brushing, hand washing and dishwashing. Toothpaste, soap residue, hair, shaving cream, food residue, dirt, etc. often remains in the sink basin after these activities. Mineral residue from hard water also accumulates within sink basins.
Accumulated dirt and debris are difficult to remove from sink basins without effort. Water from the faucet typically does not reach all areas of a sink basin. Proper rinsing of sink typically requires additional effort through the use rinsing accessories.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,738,996 is directed to a pull-out spray head that permits a user to manually direct water to a desired location. However, the user has to grasp the spray head and manually direct the water to every spot. Further, the flow of water only covers a small portion of the surface of the basin.
Therefore, there remains a need for being able to automatically rinse and clean basins associated with plumbing fixtures.
Briefly described, aspects of the present disclosure relate to basin rinsing devices, in particular the present disclosure relates to a water enabled basin rinsing device.
An aspect of the present disclosure is a device for rinsing basins. The device for rinsing basins comprising: a connector adapted to connect the device to a plumbing fixture; a propulsion unit adapted to direct water passing through the device in at least two directions; and a housing for the propulsion unit having at least one nozzle adapted to direct water in a circumferential direction from the housing to a surface of a basin, wherein directing water in the circumferential direction rotates the housing.
Another aspect of the present disclosure is a device. The device comprising a propulsion unit adapted to direct water passing through the device in least two directions; and a housing for the propulsion unit having at least one nozzle adapted to direct water in a circumferential direction from the housing to a surface of a basin, wherein directing water in the circumferential direction rotates the housing.
To facilitate an understanding of embodiments, principles, and features of the present disclosure, they are disclosed hereinafter with reference to implementation in illustrative embodiments. Embodiments of the present disclosure, however, are not limited to use in the described systems or methods and may be utilized in other systems and methods as will be understood by those skilled in the art familiar with this disclosure.
The components described hereinafter as making up the various embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components that would perform the same or a similar function as the components described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of embodiments of the present disclosure.
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In an embodiment, the basin rinsing device is activated by a mechanism on the basin rinsing device itself. In an embodiment, the basin rinsing device is activated by a switch on the basin rinsing device. In an embodiment, the basin rinsing device is activated by a button on the basin rinsing device. In an embodiment, the basin rinsing device is activated by a touch sensor on the basin rinsing device. In an embodiment, the basin rinsing device is Wi-Fi enabled and is adapted to be activated remotely. In an embodiment, the basin rinsing device is Bluetooth® enabled and is adapted to be activated remotely.
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Currently there are more than one differently sized aerators in the American market that fixture connectors 101 are provided for. However, the fixture connector 101 may be modified and sized to connect to any faucet. Furthermore, while fixture connector 101 is discussed with respect to being screwed on and off of an aerator, other embodiments can attach a basin rinsing device to a plumbing fixture using other methods. In an embodiment, the fixture connector is a snap on device. In an embodiment, the fixture connector is an integral portion of a faucet or fixture. In an embodiment, the fixture connector is adapted to be clamped on a faucet or fixture. In an embodiment, the fixture connector is retained magnetically to a faucet or fixture.
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The bottom portion 127 of the water flu pin 103 fits into the propulsion unit housing 107. In an embodiment, the water flu pin 103 has a plurality of holes 129 or other water paths on the bottom portion 127. In an embodiment, the holes are equally sized. In an embodiment, the holes are variably sized. In an embodiment, the “holes” are circular in shape. In an embodiment, the “holes” have another polygonal shape. In an embodiment, the “holes” are slats formed in the bottom portion.
A protruding ring 124 located in the middle of the water flu pin 103 prevents the propulsion unit housing 107 from pushing up further. The protruding ring 124 additionally correctly positions the water flu pin 103 with respect to the bearing seat 102 and the propulsion unit 105. Water is prevented from leaking from the water flu pin 103 by using elastomeric O-rings on both sides of the protruding ring 124. The O-rings are usually formed from rubber or equivalent material, which can be placed tightly against the end of a fixture, such as a faucet, with sufficient pressure to form a hydraulically tight connection. Therefore, when water is discharged through the faucet, the water will flow through the water flu pin 103 without leaking. In an embodiment, the water flu pin is directly connected to the propulsion unit 105 and formed as an integral unit with the propulsion unit.
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The propulsion unit housing 107 has spray nozzles 109 circumferentially positioned along the outside surface of the propulsion unit housing 107. In an embodiment, there is one spray nozzle positioned on the outside surface. In an embodiment, there are two spray nozzles positioned on the outside surface. In an embodiment, there are three spray nozzles positioned on the outside surface. In an embodiment, there are four spray nozzles positioned on the outside surface. In an embodiment, there are five spray nozzles positioned on the outside surface. In an embodiment, there are six spray nozzles positioned on the outside surface. In an embodiment, there are seven spray nozzles positioned on the outside surface. In an embodiment, there are more than seven spray nozzles positioned on the outside surface. It should be understood that the number of spray nozzles can vary depending on the size and shape of the propulsion unit housing. Additionally, that while the spray nozzles may be equally spaced on the surface of the propulsion unit housing 107, the spacing may vary or there may be groupings of the spray nozzles.
In an embodiment, the propulsion unit housing 107 has an aerator located on the bottom of the propulsion unit housing 107 so the water can flow straight down, as in a normal faucet, when the basin rinsing device 100 is not activated.
In an embodiment, the basin rinsing device 100 is activated by twisting the propulsion unit housing 107. The twisting of the propulsion unit housing 107 causes the holes 119 in the tube 113 of the propulsion unit housing 107 to align with the holes 129 in the water flu pin 103 so that the water can flow through the holes 129 and into the propulsion unit 105.
When the flowing water is directed at the blades 132 of the propulsion unit 105, the water creates a force on the blades 132 so that the blades 132 of the propulsion unit will move in a circular direction (i.e. spin) thereby activating the basin rinsing device 100. The water flowing into the propulsion unit 105 changes direction upon impact upon the blades 132 and ultimately sprays from nozzles 109. The spray from the nozzles 109 will impact the surfaces of the basin. The spray removes dirt and debris.
A user of the basin rinsing device 100 can twist the propulsion unit housing 107 to let only portions of the holes 119 in the tube 113 align with the holes 129 in the water flu pin 103. The misalignment of holes reduces the water flow. Also, when a user twists the propulsion unit housing 107, the user may twist until the holes 119 in the tube 113 are not aligned with the holes 129 in the water flu pin 103. When the holes are not aligned, the water stops flowing into the propulsion unit 105, and the wheel 131 and blades 132 will stop spinning, thereby deactivating basin rinsing device 100.
In an embodiment, when the water flows through the nozzles 109 ceases, the water may be diverted and flow through an aerator located on the bottom of the propulsion unit housing 107. In an embodiment, a ring on the propulsion unit housing 107 selects different modes of operation. In an embodiment, a switch on the propulsion unit housing 107 selects different modes of operation. In an embodiment, a button on the propulsion unit housing 107 selects different modes of operation. The basin rinsing device 100 is deactivated when a selector is in off position. The basin rinsing device 100 is activated when the ring selector is in the on position.
In another embodiment, the basin rinsing device is activated by pulling down on the propulsion unit housing, causing the holes in the tube of the propulsion unit housing to align with the holes in the water flu pin. The alignment of the holes causes water to flow through the holes and into the propulsion unit. When the flowing water is directed to the blades of the propulsion unit, a force is applied to the blades thereby spinning the wheel and activating the basin rinsing device. The water flowing into the propulsion unit will change direction upon impact upon the rotary turbine and spray from the nozzles, rinsing the surface of the basin.
Similar to the manner in which turning the basin rinsing device and altering the alignment of the holes impacted the spray from the basin rinsing device. In the pulling and pushing embodiment, the user can push up the propulsion unit housing to let only portions of the holes in the tube match the holes in the water flu, thereby reducing water flow. The user can further push up the propulsion unit housing until the protruding ring of the water flu pin is hit. When the holes in the tube misalign with the holes in the water flu pin completely, the water stops flowing into the propulsion unit, and the wheel stops spinning, thereby deactivating the basin rinsing device.
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In an adjustable basin rinsing device, the first time the basin rinsing device 100 is attached to a faucet, the user can simply pull down or twist the propulsion unit housing 107 and adjust the heights and angles of the nozzles 109 so that the sprayed water from the nozzles 109 can cover the entire surface of the basin. The user may adjust the nozzles 109 as needed.
Additionally, the basin rinsing device 100 use may slow or reduce the amount of water that flows through a faucet. This can reduce a user's water bill.
The basin rinsing device 100 can be also placed on a touchless or automatic faucet. The sensor of the touchless or automatic faucet may sense the presence of a user and operate the electrically operated valve to provide a flow of water. When it no longer detects the presence of a user's hands for few seconds, the propulsion unit housing 107 can be pulled down or twisted automatically by a mechanism and the propulsion unit 101 can begin to spin and spray water from the nozzles 109 to rinse the sink basin.
After a pre-determined time, the propulsion unit housing 107 can retract or twist automatically to let the holes 119 in the tube 113 misalign with the holes 129 in the water flu pin 103 completely, thus stopping water flowing into the propulsion unit 105 and stopping the wheel 131. The valve then shuts off automatically.
In an embodiment, the basin rinsing device 100 may also include an aperture on a portion of the propulsion unit housing 107 to let the user fill a reservoir with all-purpose cleaner, dish soap or other kind of cleaner to mix up with the tap water to facilitate rinsing of a basin.
The basin rinsing device 100 may be comprised of any suitable material, such as, for example, metal, plastic, resin, polymer, ceramic or combinations thereof.
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The female telescoping component 642 houses and retains the male telescoping component 641. Together, the male telescoping component 641 and female telescoping component 642 provide movement in a vertical direction with respect to a surface of the basin.
The valve connector 644 connects to the female telescoping component 642. The valve connector 644 has a recess formed on the top portion with a hole in the center that connects to the female telescoping component 642. The lower portion of the valve connector 644 has a ribbed protrusion which can be engaged with the threads of the valve 645. Water can flow through the central hole in the valve connector 644. The valve connector 644 allows for adjustment in the vertical direction with respect to a basin. Valve 645 has a cone shaped seat with a hole in the center that valve connector 644 is adapted to screw into.
Valve 645 has threaded protrusion on the inner wall of the top portion and engages with the lower portion of the valve connector 644. The valve 645 resembles a water turbine or wheel with curved blades in the middle portion and functions similarly to propulsion unit 105 discussed above. When the valve connector 644 is unscrewed from the valve 645, the water passed through the valve connector 644 will flow into the spaces between the outer wall of the cone shaped seat and the inner wall of the valve 645, and change direction upon impact on the blades of the turbine, which creates a force on the blades so that the wheel will spin, thus the valve 645 is activated in spin mode.
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When the lower portion of the valve connector 644 is screwed into the threads of the valve 645, the valve 645 is in aerator mode and water from the faucet flows through the male telescoping component 641 and passes through the hole of the valve connector 644. The water then enters the pipe 646 attached to the valve 645 and flows out from the aerator on the bottom of the propulsion unit housing 614. Water is prevented from leaking out of the pipe 646 by means of elastomeric O-rings 627 on both sides of an inner bearing seat 628. The O-rings are usually of rubber or equivalent material, which can be attached tightly with sufficient pressure to form a hydraulically tight connection. Therefore, when the valve 645 is in aerator mode and the water is discharged through the faucet. The water will flow through the pipe 646 without leaking.
The propulsion unit 605 has threaded protrusion that can be screwed to the threaded protrusion inside the valve 645. When the valve 645 is placed in aerator mode, the propulsion unit 605 is bypassed and the water flows through the pipe 646 and out from the aerator on the bottom of the propulsion unit housing 607.
The female selector switch 650 is in C-shape and can be fit into the outer wall of the top portion of the propulsion unit 605. The male selector switch 652 has a protrusion on both sides that can slide into the groove of the female selector switch 650. The male selector switch 652 and the female selector switch 650 can be placed on the outer wall of the top portion of the propulsion unit 605. When the male selector switch 652 slides into the female selector switch 650, they can be used as a “handle” to twist the propulsion unit 605 to let the propulsion unit 605 unscrew from the valve 645, permitting water flow between the propulsion unit 605 and the propulsion unit housing 607 instead of flowing through the aerator.
When the valve connector 644 is unscrewed from the valve 645, the valve 645 is in spin mode and water that passes through the hole of the valve connector 644 will be directed onto the blades of the valve 645.
The flowing water will change direction upon impact upon the blades of the valve 645 and flow into the space between the propulsion unit 605 and the propulsion unit housing 607, then spray from the nozzles 609 located on the outer surface of the propulsion unit housing 607. This cleans the surface of the basin.
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The propulsion unit housing 607 has an aerator located on the bottom so that water can flow straight down, as in a normal faucet, when the valve 645 is in aerator mode. The water entering into the pipe 646 may flow out from the holes on the propulsion unit 605 and thus spray out of the nozzles 609 of the propulsion unit housing 607.
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Fixture connector 801 may be modified and sized to connect to any faucet. Furthermore, while fixture connector 801 is discussed with respect to be being screwed on and off of an aerator, other embodiments can attach the basin rinsing device using other methods. In an embodiment, the fixture connector is a snap on device. In an embodiment, the fixture connector is an integral portion of the faucet or fixture. In an embodiment, the fixture connector is a clamp on device. In an embodiment, the fixture connector is retained magnetically.
The extending unit 803 is movable vertically up and down with respect to a basin. The upper portion 826 and lower portion 827 of the extending unit 803 moves vertically up and down over an upper surface area 828 of the extending unit 803. The extending unit 803 is movable by a user by grasping the propulsion unit housing 807 and moving the extending unit 803 in a vertically up or down direction to switch the basin rinsing device 800 from mode where the water passes through the basin rinsing device 800 to the mode where the water is forced from the spray nozzles 809 and rotates the propulsion unit housing 807.
In an embodiment, the propulsion holes are equally sized. In an embodiment, the propulsion holes are variably sized. In an embodiment, the “holes” are circular in shape. In an embodiment, the “holes” have another polygonal shape. In an embodiment, the “holes” are slats formed in the bottom portion.
Referring to
When the valve holes 819 and the propulsion holes 829 are not aligned the water passes through the aerator 841. When the water passes through the aerator 841 the propulsion unit housing 807 will not rotate.
In an embodiment, the propulsion unit housing 807 has spray nozzles 809 circumferentially positioned along the outside surface of the propulsion unit housing 807. In an embodiment, there is one spray nozzle positioned on the outside surface. In an embodiment, there are two spray nozzles positioned on the outside surface. In an embodiment, there are three spray nozzles positioned on the outside surface. In an embodiment, there are four spray nozzles positioned on the outside surface. In an embodiment, there are five spray nozzles positioned on the outside surface. In an embodiment, there are six spray nozzles positioned on the outside surface. In an embodiment, there are seven spray nozzles positioned on the outside surface. In an embodiment, there are more than seven spray nozzles positioned on the outside surface. It should be understood that the number of spray nozzles can vary depending on the size and shape of the propulsion unit housing. Additionally, the while the spray nozzles may be equally spaced on the surface of the propulsion unit housing 807, the spacing may vary or there may be groupings of the spray nozzles.
In an embodiment, a user of the basin rinsing device 800 can adjust the propulsion unit housing 807 to let only portions of the valve holes 819 align with the propulsion holes 829. The misalignment of holes reduces the water flow.
In an embodiment, a ring on the propulsion unit housing 807 selects different modes of operation. In an embodiment, a switch on the propulsion unit housing 807 selects different modes of operation. In an embodiment, a button on the propulsion unit housing 807 selects different modes of operation. The basin rinsing device 800 is deactivated when a selector is in off position. The basin rinsing device 800 is activated when the ring selector is in the on position.
Referring back to
Additionally, the basin rinsing device 800 use may slow or reduce the amount of water that flows through a faucet. This can reduce a user's water bill.
The basin rinsing device 800 can be also placed on a touchless or automatic faucet. The sensor of the touchless or automatic faucet may sense the presence of a user and operate the electrically operated valve to provide a flow of water. When it no longer detects the presence of a user's hands for few seconds, the propulsion unit housing 807 can be pulled down automatically by a mechanism and the propulsion unit housing 807 begin to spin and spray water from the nozzles 809 to rinse the sink basin.
After a pre-determined time, the propulsion unit housing 807 can retract automatically to let the basin rinsing device 800 cease rotating.
In an embodiment, the basin rinsing device 800 may also include an aperture on a portion of the propulsion unit housing 807 to let the user fill a reservoir with all-purpose cleaner, dish soap or other kinds of cleaner to mix up with the tap water to facilitate rinsing of a basin.
The basin rinsing device 800 may be comprised of any suitable material, e.g., metal, plastic, resin, polymer, ceramic or combinations thereof.
While embodiments of the present disclosure have been disclosed in exemplary forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and its equivalents, as set forth in the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/019,494 filed May 4, 2020, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63019494 | May 2020 | US |