Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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POWER SPRAYER
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a water delivery device and, more
particularly, to a
water delivery device for use with a sink and configured to generate a
continuous sheet-like
water shield around a stream of water.
[0002] According to illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a
spray head includes
a body, and a cartridge assembly received within the body. The cartridge
assembly includes an
inlet, a first outlet in fluid communication with the inlet and configured to
produce a water
stream, and a second outlet in fluid communication with the inlet and
configured to produce a
continuous shield of water extending outwardly in a sheet-like layer around
the water stream, the
water stream having a substantially laminar flow.
[0003] According to a further illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure, a spray head
includes a body having a fluid port, and a mount removably received within the
body. The spray
head further includes a flow straightening member operably coupled to the
mount and in fluid
communication with the fluid port. The flow straightening member is configured
to assist in
removing turbulence from the water. A nozzle is operably coupled to the
straightening member
and includes an outlet orifice configured to produce a center water stream. A
whirl member is
operably coupled to the mount and is configured to impart rotational movement
to the water,
thereby producing a continuous shield of water extending around the center
water stream.
[0004] According to yet another illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure, a method
of generating a water pattern includes the steps of producing a center water
stream having a
substantially laminar flow from a first outlet, and producing an outer
continuous shield of water
extending outwardly in a sheet-like layer around the center water stream.
[0005] According to still a further illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure, a
method of generating a water pattern with a water delivery device includes the
steps of dividing a
supply of water provided to the water delivery device into at least a first
portion and a second
portion and supplying from the water delivery device a stream of water based
on the first portion
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and a continuous shield of water based on the second portion. The stream of
water has a
substantially laminar flow and the continuous shield of water surrounds the
stream of water.
[0006] According to still another illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure, a water
deliver system for connection to at least one source of water and for mounting
to a sink deck is
provided. The water delivery system comprises at least one valve adapted to be
in
communication with the at least one source of water and an output device
coupled to the sink
deck. The output device includes an internal waterway and a spray head. The
internal waterway
is in fluid communication with the valve and with the spray head. The spray
head includes a first
outlet producing a stream of water and a second outlet producing a continuous
shield of water
surrounding the stream of water.
[0007] 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 THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an illustrative embodiment
spray head of the
present disclosure;
[0009] Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the spray head of Fig. 1;
[0010] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the spray head of Fig. 1;
[0011] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge assembly and
outlet member
of the spray head of Fig. 1;
[0012] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 1;
[0013] Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the whirl member of the cartridge
assembly of Fig. 4;
[0014] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the spray head of Fig. 1;
[0015] Fig. 8 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the cartridge assembly
of Fig. 4;
[0016] Fig. 9 is an end perspective view of the spray head of Fig. 1, with
a partial cut-away
thereof;
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[0017] Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a further illustrative
embodiment cartridge
assembly of the present disclosure;
[0018] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge assembly of Fig.
10;
[0019] Fig. 12 is a perspective view with a cut-away thereof of the
cartridge assembly of Fig.
10;
[0020] Fig. 13A is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative flow
straightener;
[0021] Fig. 13B is a perspective view with a cutaway thereof of the flow
straightener of Fig.
13A;
[0022] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a further illustrative embodiment
cartridge assembly;
[0023] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge assembly of Fig.
14;
[0024] Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge assembly of
Fig. 14;
[0025] Fig. 17 is a representative view of a further embodiment nozzle;
[0026] Fig. 18 is a side, schematic view showing an illustrative velocity
circle formed by a
substantially laminar stream;
[0027] Fig. 19 is a top, schematic view showing an illustrative velocity
circle formed by a
substantially laminar stream;
[0028] Fig. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment
cartridge assembly;
[0029] Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge assembly of Fig.
20;
[0030] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of an inlet member of the cartridge
assembly of Fig. 20;
[0031] Fig. 23 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary water delivery
system;
[0032] Fig. 24 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment spray
head including a
further illustrative embodiment cartridge assembly;
[0033] Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 25-25 of Fig. 24;
[0034] Fig. 26 is a partially exploded perspective view, with a partial cut-
away, of the spray
head of Fig. 24;
[0035] Fig. 27 is a detailed cross-sectional view of Fig. 25;
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[0036] Fig. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge assembly of
Fig. 24, with the
holder shown in partial cross-section;
[0037] Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 29-29 of Fig. 24;
[0038] Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 30-30 of Fig. 24;
[0039] Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a further illustrative
embodiment cartridge
assembly; and
[0040] Fig. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a further illustrative
embodiment cartridge
assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] Referring initially to Figs. 1-3, a spray head 10 according to an
illustrative
embodiment of the present invention is shown as including a valve body 12
including an inlet
fluid port 14 having a plurality of external threads 16 for coupling with a
conventional water
supply line (not shown). A valve body 12 includes first and second bores 18
and 20 configured
to receive conventional valve control members (not shown) for controlling the
flow of water
from the inlet fluid port 14 to an outlet member 22. More particularly, the
valve control
members are configured to direct water from the inlet fluid port 14 to
different fluid passageways
formed within the valve body 12, which are in fluid communication with a
cartridge assembly 24
received within a first opening 26 of the outlet member 22, and aerator nozzle
(not shown)
received within a second opening 28 of the outlet plate 22, and a plurality of
circumferentially
disposed openings 30 positioned around the first and second openings 26 and
28.
[0042] Referring now to Figs. 3 and 4, the cartridge assembly 24 includes a
holder 32, a
whirl member 34, a back reflector 36, a flow straightener 38 and a flow nozzle
40. The holder
32 includes an inner first end having a plurality of external threads 42 to be
received within the
opening 26 of the valve body 12 and to threadably engage a plurality of
internal threads 44
formed therein (Fig. 8). An outer end of the holder 32 includes a plurality of
internal threads 46
which threadably engage a plurality of external threads 48 formed on a inner
end of the flow
straightener 38 (Fig. 8).
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[0043] As shown in Fig. 8, the whirl member 34 and back reflector 36 are
captured
intermediate the flow straightener 38 and holder 32. Referring to Fig. 5, the
flow straightener 38
includes a plurality of parallel, longitudinally aligned bores 50 configured
to receive fluid from
an inlet 52. The bores 50 are configured to assist in removing turbulence from
water flowing
therethrough, and provide a more linear flow to the water. Flow nozzle 40
includes an inner end
having a plurality of internal threads 54 which threadably engage a plurality
of internal threads
56 formed within the outer end of the flow straightener 38. Flow nozzle 40
includes a cylindrical
outer wall 58 and a substantially planar end wall 60. An outlet orifice 62 is
formed within the
end wall 60 such that water passing therethrough forms a center water stream
63 (Fig. 7). The
orifice 62 includes sharp entry corners 64 (see Fig. 9) to assist in providing
a substantially
laminar flow. Additionally, the diameter of the orifice 62 is illustratively
at least as great as the
thickness of the adjacent planar end wall 60 to further assist in providing a
substantially laminar
flow to the center water stream. A counter bore 66 is formed in the outer
surface of the end wall
60 and a diametrically disposed slot 68 is likewise formed in the outer
surface. The slot 68 is
configured to receive a tool such as a screw driver to assist in inserting and
securing the cartridge
assembly 24 within the valve body 12. The counter bore 66 provides a recess to
prevent
potential damaging contact between the tool and the outlet orifice 62.
[0044] A plurality of passageways 70 are formed within the holder 32 and
are in fluid
communication with the whirl member 34. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the whirl
member 34 includes
an annular body 72 defining a central opening 74 and a plurality of outwardly
extending slots 76
which are configured to impart rotational movement to water passing through
the annular
passageways 70, through the opening 74 intermediate the body 72 and the flow
straightener 38, and
out through the slot 76. Once the rotational movement is imparted to the
water, it passes outwardly
due to centrifugal force and contacts an outer cylindrical wall 78 of the back
reflector 36. An end
wall 79 of the back reflector 36 directs water in a rearward direction through
a second annular
passageway 80. An end wall 81 formed by the holder and the valve body then
redirects the water
back in a forward direction and toward a second outlet 82. In other words, the
rotating water
supplied from the whirl member 34 enters a serpentine passageway that reverses
its direction twice as
it travels toward the second outlet 82. This redirection of the water in
rearward and forward
directions assists in making the layer of water substantially uniform. As the
water exits the second
outlet 82, centrifugal force causes it to define a substantially continuous
shield of water 84 having a
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sheet-like appearance (Fig. 7). In order to reduce turbulence and assist in
providing a continuous
sheet of water within the shield 84, the surfaces contacted by the rotating
water should be
substantially smooth. The shield 84 will typically have a conical or bulb-like
shape.
[0045] Turning now to Figs. 10-12, a further illustrative embodiment of the
valve cartridge
assembly 124 of the present invention is illustrated. The valve cartridge
assembly 124 includes a
base 126 which threadably receives a shroud 128. Similarly, a shroud shaper
130 threadably
receives the shroud 128. A nozzle mount 132 is operably coupled to the base
126 through a
conventional fastener, such as a screw 134. A flow straightener 136 is
concentrically received
within the nozzle mount 132. The flow straightener 136 is secured in position
by means of a
nozzle body 138 which is threadably received within an outer end of the nozzle
mount 132. A
nozzle 140 is threadably received within an outer end of the nozzle body 138.
[0046] The nozzle mount 132 and the flow straightener 136 cooperate to
assist in removing
turbulence from water flowing therethrough. More particularly, the flow
straightener 136
includes a plurality of parallel bores 142 (see Fig. 11) configured to cause a
substantially linear
flow of water therethrough. The nozzle 140 is of a design similar to nozzle 40
detailed herein.
[0047] Referring to Figs. 13A and 13B, an alternative embodiment flow
straightener 136'
includes an inwardly facing conical surface 143a and an outwardly facing
conical surface 143b.
The flow straightener 136' may be substituted for flow straightener 136 to
facilitate the removal
of turbulence from water passing therethrough.
[0048] A whirl member 144 is retained within the base 126 by the nozzle
mount 132. The
whirl member 144 may be of a design similar to whirl member 34 as detailed
herein. As note
above, the whirl member 144 is configured to impart rotational movement to
water passing
therethrough, wherein the water then extends into an annular passageway 146
and into the
shroud shaper 130. Because the water adheres to the inner surface of the outer
wall of the shroud
shaper 130 it generates a conical or bulb-like continuous shield of water as
it exits through outlet
150. As detailed above, the outlet orifice 62 of the nozzle 140 generates a
center stream of water
disposed within the shield of water.
[0049] Figs. 14-16 show another illustrative embodiment cartridge assembly
224 of the
present invention. Cartridge assembly 224 includes a base 226 having an inlet
228. Inlet 228 is
illustrated as a separate component coupled to base 226. However, inlet 228
may be integrally
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formed as apart of base 226. A nozzle 230 is threadably received within the
base 226 and
includes a center first outlet 232 and an annular second outlet 234 disposed
concentrically around
the first outlet 232. A conical member 236 is supported concentrically around
the center first
outlet and provides a Coanda effect surface 238. More particularly, water
passing through the
inlet 228 to the center first outlet 232 generates a water stream which is
illustrated as centrally
located. Water passing through passageways 233 in nozzle 230 and onto the
annular second
outlet 234 contacts the Coanda effect surface 238 of the conical member 236. A
Coanda effect
results in adhesion of the water to the surface 238 by surface tension, such
that the water passing
beyond the conical member 236 produces a substantially continuous shield of
water in a sheet-
like manner around the center water stream.
[0050] Fig. 17 illustrates an alternative embodiment for producing a
substantially laminar
flow through the outlet orifice 62 of a nozzle 40'. In this embodiment,
instead of a substantially
planar end wall 60, the end wall 60' includes a conical surface directing
water to the outlet orifice
62.
[0051] It should be appreciated that the substantially laminar flow of the
center stream 63
reduces splashing or misting in response to water contacting a surface 280.
Additionally, the
water shield 84 protects against splash, mist and dislodged debris when using
a power spray to
clean surfaces, such as dishes, sink, etc. It is also possible to replace the
continuous water shield
with an aerated shield.
[0052] As discussed herein, the various illustrated embodiments provide a
central flow of
water having a generally laminar stream, such as stream 63 in Fig. 7, and a
continuous shield of
water, such as shield 83 in Fig. 7, surrounding the central flow of water. The
continuous shield
of water may also surround a flow of water, central or offset, having a
substantially non-laminar
stream.
[0053] Referring to Figs. 18 and 19, substantially laminar stream 63 is
surrounded by shield
84, which essentially acts as a splash barrier. As substantially laminar
stream 63 impacts surface
280 (such as a surface of a dish), fluid follows surface 280 in a direction
radially outwardly from
the center axis of stream 63. More particularly, the substantially laminar
characteristics of
stream 63 and the Coanda effect causes the fluid to generate a velocity zone
282, substantially
circular, which extends outwardly to mix with fluid from shield 84 impacting
surface 280. When
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substantially laminar stream 63 contacts surface 280, it creates a
substantially circular zone 282
(illustratively about 1 inch in diameter) that is of a high pressure and flows
parallel to surface
280. Water flow within zone 282 thus tends to strip particles from surface 280
to facilitate
cleaning, similar to a mechanical scraping. Further, fluid from stream 63 and
from shield 84
combine to form a turbulent flow which also facilitates cleaning of surface
280.
[0054] Referring to Figs. 20-22 a further embodiment cartridge assembly 316
is shown.
Cartridge assembly 316 may be received in valve body 12 and includes a holder
318, an inlet
member 320, a flow straightener 322, and an outlet member 324. As explained
herein outlet
member 324 provides a substantially laminar flow of water. Surface 304 of
holder 318 cooperate
with valve body 12 to couple cartridge assembly 316 to valve body 12. In one
embodiment, a
coupler, such as a fastener, is received in opening 308 to couple holder 318
to valve body 12. In
one embodiment, surface 304 is threaded and is threadably engaged with valve
body 12 to permit
removal of valve cartridge 316 from valve body 12. A seal (not shown) is
carried in a recess 302
of holder to provide a fluid tight seal between valve body 12 and a periphery
of holder 318.
[0055] Holder 318 includes an inlet 306 which is in fluid communication
with the internal
fluid passageways of valve body 12. Illustratively inlet 306 includes three
elongated orifices
310A-C. Inlet 306 may have fewer or more orifices. Referring to Fig. 21,
orifices 310A-C
(310A illustrated) are generally aligned with passageways 330A-C formed by the
cooperation of
inlet member 320 and flow straightener 322. Orifices 310A-C are in fluid
communication with a
region 312 in holder 318 between holder 318 and inlet member 320.
[0056] Inlet member 320 is coupled to holder 318. In one embodiment surface
332 of inlet
member 320 and surface 334 of holder 318 are each threaded. In one embodiment,
surfaces 332
and 334 are sized such that holder 318 and inlet member 320 may be sonically
welded together.
An angled surface 336 of inlet member 320 and an angled surface 338 of holder
318 cooperate to
assist in sealing the periphery of inlet member 320 relative to holder 318.
[0057] Surfaces 348 (illustratively three surfaces) of flow straightener
322 and surfaces 348
(illustratively three surfaces) of inlet member 320 are sized such that flow
straightener 322 may
be sonically welded to inlet member 320. In one embodiment, flow straightener
322 is coupled
to inlet member 320 by other suitable means, such as threads.
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[0058] Referring to Fig. 22, inlet member 320 includes a plurality of slot
340 are in fluid
communication with passageways 330 and which impart a rotational movement to
the water to
assist in the formation of the continuous shield of water, as explained below.
The central portion
of inlet member 320 receives a body portion 321 of flow straightener 322. A
lower portion 342
of inlet member 320 which contains slots 340 is received within an opening 344
of flow
straightener 322 between body portion 321 and a deflector portion 374 of flow
straightener 322.
[0059] Outlet member 324 includes a recess 350 which is in fluid
communication with fluid
passages 352 in flow straightener 322. Recess 350 terminates in an outlet
orifice 354. Outlet
member 324 includes a raised portion 356 which cooperates with a surface 358
of flow
straightener 322 to permit outlet member 324 to be sonically welded to flow
straightener 322. In
one embodiment, flow straightener 322 is coupled to outlet member 324 by other
suitable means,
such as threads.
[0060] In operation, water enters valve cartridge 316 through orifices 310A-
C. As explained
herein, a first portion of the water entering valve cartridge 316 exits as a
stream of water, similar
to stream 63, and a second portion of the water entering valve cartridge 316
exits as a continuous
shield of water, similar to shield 84.
[0061] Body portion 321 of flow straightener 322 includes a plurality of
passageways 352.
Illustratively passageways 352 are a plurality of parallel, longitudinally
aligned bores (see 352A
in Fig. 21) which are configured to assist in removing turbulence from fluid
flowing there
through, and provide a more linear flow to the fluid. Water passing through
passageways 352 is
communicated to an internal waterway 360 in flow straightener 322 and onto
recess 350 in outlet
member 324. Recess 350 includes a cylindrical outer wall 362 and a tapered or
conical inner
wall 364. Conical inner wall 364 abuts a substantially planar end wall 366
defining outlet orifice
354, such that water passing there through forms a center water stream similar
to stream 63.
Orifice 354 includes sharp entry corners 368 to assist in providing a
substantially laminar flow to
the outlet stream. In one embodiment, the outlet stream has a substantially
laminar flow.
[0062] A continuous shield of water is formed by water that enters
passageways 330A-C
formed by inlet member 320 and flow straightener 322. Passageways 330A-C are
in fluid
communication with slots 340 positioned at a lower end of inlet member 320.
Slots 340 and a
lower surface 370 of flow straightener 322 change the direction of flow of the
water and impart
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rotational movement to the water passing there through. Once the rotational
movement is
imparted to the water, it moves outwardly to a side wall 372 of deflector
member 374 of flow
straightener 322 and is directed backwards in direction 376. The water
continues generally in
direction 376 until it is redirected forward again in direction 378 by surface
380 of inlet member
320. The water travels generally in direction 378 toward a shield outlet 382.
[0063] As the fluid moves toward shield outlet 382, centrifugal force
causes it to follow an
inner surface 384 of holder 318. Due to the well-known Coanda effect, where
fluid flowing
along a solid surface which is curved slightly from the stream tends to follow
the surface, the
fluid defines a substantially continuous shield of fluid, generally similar to
shield 84 having a
sheet-like appearance. As shown in Fig. 21, inner surface 384 illustratively
includes a flared or
angled portion extending toward shield outlet 382. In order to reduce
turbulence and to assist in
providing a continuous sheet of water within the shield, inner surface 384
contacted by the
rotating fluid should be substantially smooth.
[0064] The flared portion of surface 384 assists in shaping the appearance
of the continuous
sheet of water. The flared portion causes the appearance of the continuous
sheet of water to be
more conical and less spherical.
[0065] As illustrated in Fig. 23, the spray heads and valve cartridges
discussed herein may be
used as apart of a water delivery system 400 for use with a sink 402 having a
drain 401 or other
device, residential or commercial, associated with a drain. Sink 402 is shown
being coupled to a
countertop 404. The countertop 404 and a top portion of the sink 402 are
collectively referred to
as the sink deck. Water delivery system 400 is coupled to a source of hot
water 406 and a source
of cold water 408. Water from the source of hot water 406 and source of cold
water 408 are
provided to one or more valves 410 which may be adjusted to regulate the flow
of water there
through.
[0066] In one embodiment, the source of hot water 406 and the source of
cold water 408 are
both in fluid communication with a single mixing valve which regulates the
flow rate of water
from each source 406, 408 which is to be provided to an output device 412, if
any depending on
the water characteristics desired. For instance, only hot water may be desired
so the valve would
only pass water from the source of hot water 406. In another embodiment, the
source of hot
water 406 and the source of cold water 408 are each in fluid communication
with a respective
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valve; each valve regulating the flow of water to be provided to the output
device 412 from the
respective source of water in fluid communication with the valve. Valve 410
may be positioned
above the sink deck or below the sink deck.
[0067] The control of valve 410 is through one or more input devices 414.
Exemplary input
devices 414 include both mechanical input devices, such as handles, and
electronic input devices,
such as a touch sensor or an infrared sensor, which provide an indication to a
controller of the
water characteristics desired. In one example, the controller adjusts valve
410 through a motor
coupled to valve.
[0068] Exemplary output devices 412 include a spout having a spray head
coupled thereto.
The spout may be rigid or may have a flexible portion. In one embodiment,
spray head is a
swivel head attached to the end of a spout base member. In one embodiment,
spray head is a
pull out wand which is attached to a spout base member. The pull out wand
having a first
position generally coupled to spout base member and a second position wherein
the wand is
spaced apart from the spout base member and connected thereto through a
waterway connecting
the two. Another exemplary output device is a side spray. In one embodiment,
spray head is
incorporated into a side spray which may be coupled to the sink deck and is in
fluid
communication with valve 410. In one example side spray is in fluid
communication with valve
410 independent of a spout. In one embodiment, spray head may be used with any
type of water
delivery device which is coupled to a sink deck and used in combination with a
sink 402.
[0069] In one embodiment, water delivery system 400 is associated with a
bathtub, a shower,
or other receptacle having an associated drain, such as drain 401 associated
with sink 402 in Fig.
23. As such, the spray heads and/or valve cartridges disclosed herein may be
used to provide a
continuous shield surrounding a stream of water as part of a tub filler, a
showerhead, and/or a
body spray.
[0070] In one example, using the continuous shield and stream combination
may reduce the
amount of steam produced in a shower setting. In effect, a portion of air may
be trapped between
the stream and the continuous shield. As such, steam generated from the stream
is generally
trapped inside the shield thereby limiting the humidity in the bathroom.
[0071] In one embodiment, the spray heads and/or valve cartridges disclosed
herein may be
configured to include multiple streams of water surrounded by the continuous
stream. Each
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stream may have a substantially laminar flow or a non-laminar flow. In one
embodiment, the
spray heads and/or valve cartridges disclosed herein may be configured to
include multiple
continuous shields of water. In one embodiment, the spray heads and/or valve
cartridges
disclosed herein may be configured to include one or more streams of the
water, each stream
having one of a substantially laminar flow or a non-laminar flow, and one or
more continuous
shields of water surrounding the one or more streams of water.
[0072] In one embodiment, the inlet to the water passage to generate the
stream of water and
the inlet to the water passage to generate the shield of water are independent
of each other, such
that water may be presented to only the water passage to generate the stream
of water, to only the
water passage to generate the shield of water, or to both the water passage to
generate the shield
of water and the water passage to generate the stream of water. The water
delivery system 400
may include separate water conduits from valve 410 connecting to the water
passage to generate
the stream of water and the water passage to generate the shield of water. As
such, a user may
select with input device 414 to generate a stream of water only, to generate a
shield of water
only, or to generate a combination of a stream of water and a continuous
shield of water. In one
example, the water shield only mode may be used for a rinsing application.
[0073] In one embodiment, the continuous shield of water has a generally
football shaped
appearance. In one embodiment, the shape of the continuous shield of water is
influenced by the
pressure of the water. At standard pressures for residential applications, the
shape of the
continuous shield is generally a half of a football or generally conical. At
lower pressures the
shape of the continuous shield is generally football shaped. As such, the
pressure related to the
water in the continuous shield may be chosen to select an aesthetically
pleasing appearance. In
one example, the pressure is chosen such that the appearance of the water
shield provides a
bubble around a stream of water. The shape of the continuous shield may also
be influenced by
the temperature of the water.
100741 With reference now to Figs. 24-27, an illustrative embodiment spray
head 510 is
shown as including a further illustrative spray cartridge assembly 524. In the
following
description, many components are similar to those identified above in
connection with other
illustrative embodiment spray heads. As such, similar components will be
identified with like
reference numbers.
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[0075] Illustratively, the spray head 510 includes a valve body 512
supporting a fluid inlet
port 514 for coupling to a conventional water supply line (not shown). The
valve body 512 may
be received within an outer shell 516 and may also support a user interface
518 to control water
flow through the water inlet port 514 to a plurality of different water outlet
openings 526, 528,
530. For example, the user interface 518 may include a push button 532
configured to cause
water to flow from the inlet port 514 through the valve cartridge assembly 524
received within
the outlet opening 526, in a manner further detailed herein. The illustrative
user interface 518
may further include a toggle switch 534 configured to cause water to flow from
the inlet port 514
alternatively between spray nozzles 536 received within the outlet openings
528, and a
conventional aerator 538 received within the outlet opening 530.
[0076] With reference now to Figs. 25-28, illustrative valve cartridge
assembly 524 is
supported by the body 512 and includes a holder 540, an inlet member or
retainer 542, a flow
straightener or nozzle 544, an outlet member or housing 546 and an o-ring 548.
The nozzle 544
is received within the outlet housing 546 and retained therein by the inlet
retainer 542. More
particularly, the outlet housing 546 couples with the inlet retainer 542
which, in turn, couples
with the holder 540.
[0077] As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the holder 540 illustratively includes
a body 550
defining outlet openings 526, 528 and 530 supporting valve cartridge assembly
524, spray
nozzles 536 and aerator 538, respectively. Retaining tabs 552 are
illustratively supported by the
body 550 within the outlet opening 526 and couple with the inlet retainer 542.
More particularly,
the inlet retainer 542 includes a first or inlet coupler 554 including a pair
of openings 556
configured to receive a pair of retaining tabs 552 supported by the holder 540
within the outlet
opening 526. A second or outlet coupler 558 of the inlet retainer 542 is
configured to couple
with a coupler 560 of the outlet housing 546. The second coupler 558
illustratively comprises
external threads 562 supported by a cylindrical sidewall 564 defining a fluid
passageway 566
(FIG. 27). The coupler 560 of the outlet housing 546 illustratively comprises
internal threads
568 supported by a cylindrical sidewall 570 of the outlet housing 546.
[0078] The sidewall 570 of the outlet housing 546 defines a receiving
passageway or cavity
572 receiving the nozzle 544 defining a fluid passageway 574 in fluid
communication with the
fluid passageway 566 of the inlet retainer 542. The external threads 562 of
the inlet retainer 542
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-26
-14-
threadably engage with the internal threads 568 of the outlet housing 546 to
retain the nozzle 544
within the passageway 572.
[0079] An inlet, illustratively a plurality of inlet openings 576 are
defined by the inlet
coupler 554 of the inlet retainer 542 and are in fluid communication with the
fluid passageway
566. A rearwardly extending post 578 is configured to engage a valve, such as
a flow restrictor
580, to prevent axial movement thereof in response to water pressure (FIG.
25). As further
detailed herein, the flow restrictor 580 is configured to maintain consistent
performance of the
valve cartridge assembly 524 despite varying water pressure (e.g., 20 psi to
60 psi).
[0080] With reference to FIGS. 26-30, a whirl member 582 is illustratively
supported by the
holder 540 and is in fluid communication with the inlet retainer 542. The
whirl member 582
includes a cylindrical sidewall 584 having a plurality of angled slots 586. As
shown in FIG. 29,
the angled slots 586 are generally tangential to an inner surface of the
sidewall 584 for imparting
a rotational movement to the water and thereby assisting in the formation of
the continuous
shield of water, as further detailed herein.
[0081] With reference to FIGS. 27, 28 and 30, the nozzle 544 includes a
cylindrical sidewall
588 extending between an inlet end 590 and an outlet end 592. The sidewall 588
includes an
inner surface 594 and an outer surface 596. An end tip 598 is defined at the
outlet end 592 and
includes a recessed portion 600 configured to receive the o-ring 548. The o-
ring 548 is received
between the outer surface 596 of the nozzle 544 and an inner surface 602 of
the outlet housing
546, thereby preventing water from leaking and disrupting a laminar stream 63
at the outlet end
592. The fluid passageway 574 is defined by the inner surface 594 of the
sidewall 588 and
extends from the inlet end 590 to the outlet end 592. The inner surface 594
illustratively
includes a stair-step geometry such that the passageway 574 tapers inwardly as
it extends from
the inlet end 590 toward the outlet end 592, thereby promoting laminar water
flow. More
particularly, the inner surface 594 includes a plurality of stepped portions
604a, 604b, 604c, 604d
of decreasing inner diameters (FIG. 27).
[0082] With reference to FIGS. 26, 27 and 30, the end tip 598 of the outlet
end 592 of the
nozzle 544 includes an end wall 606 including sharp edges or corners 608 to
define a first outlet
610. The first outlet 610 is configured to produce a central water stream 63.
While a single first
outlet 610 is illustrated, it should be appreciated that a plurality of first
outlets 610 may be
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-26
-15-
provided to produce a plurality of separate central water streams 63. Each
water stream 63
includes a velocity circle, wherein multiple water streams 63 should be
separated to prevent
colliding of the velocity circles of the water streams 63 and potential
splashing. A plurality of
ribs 612 are supported at the inlet end 590 of the nozzle 544 and are
configured to facilitate a
press fit or friction fit with the inner surface 602 of the outlet housing
546.
[0083] As shown in FIGS. 27, 28 and 30, the cylindrical sidewall 570 of the
outlet housing
546 illustratively extends from an inlet end 616 to an outlet end 618. An end
wall 620 is formed
at the outlet end 618 wherein the end tip 598 of the nozzle 544 is configured
to engage or abut
the end wall 620. The first outlet 610 is recessed axially toward the inlet
end 616 of the outlet
housing 546, thereby protecting the corners 608 of the nozzle end tip 598 from
damage (for
example, by dropping the spray head 510 into the sink or by aggressive
cleaning).
[0084] The illustrative outlet housing 546 includes an annular flange 622
supported by the
sidewall 570 by a connecting wall 624, thereby defining an annular groove 625.
The annular
groove 625 concentrically receives the sidewall 584 of the whirl member 582 to
define a
serpentine flow path 626 as water flows out of the slots 586 and downstream to
a second outlet
628. More particularly, the outlet opening 526 of the holder 540 includes a
radially inwardly
facing fluid contact surface 630 defining the second outlet 628, which
surrounds the first outlet
610. The fluid contact surface 630 is flared radially outwardly as it extends
axially downstream
(i.e., in a direction from the inlet end 616 toward the outlet end 618).
[0085] As further detailed herein, as the water (represented by arrows 632
in FIG. 30) exits
the whirl member 582, it moves radially outwardly and axially toward the
outlet end 618,
reverses course axially back toward the inlet end 616, and reverses course
axially again toward
the outlet end 618. This serpentine path is configured to decrease turbulence
in the water
moving toward the second outlet 628 and provide a substantially laminar water
flow to the fluid
contact surface 630. Water from the whirl member 582 is configured to be
directed toward the
fluid contact surface 630 due to centrifugal force, and produce from the
second outlet 628 a
continuous shield of water 84 extending outwardly from the spray head 510 in a
sheet-like layer
around the central water stream 63 discharged from the first outlet 610 of the
nozzle 544 and
spaced apart therefrom (FIG. 30). As noted above, a plurality of spaced apart
central water
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-26
-16-
streams 63 may be generated by a plurality of first outlets 610 and surrounded
by the continuous
shield of water 84 generated by the second outlet 628.
[0086] As noted above, the flow restrictor 580 is configured to maintain
consistent
performance of the valve cartridge assembly 524 with varying water pressure.
More particularly,
the flow restrictor 580 allows the central water stream from the first outlet
610 and the
continuous water shield from the second outlet 628 to remain relatively the
same through the
duration of different water pressures (e.g., 20 psi to 60 psi). In other
words, the force of the
central water stream 63 and the size of the continuous water shield 84 do not
significantly change
through the range of water pressures.
[0087] In this illustrative embodiment, the nozzle 544 is positioned inside
the outlet housing
546 to protect the sharp edges 608 of the end tip 598 from being damaged. If
the edges 608 of
the nozzle 544 are damaged, the central water stream 63 discharged from the
first outlet 610 may
not be laminar. The arrangement of the nozzle 544 and outlet housing 546 also
facilitates
manufacturing independently from the rest of the valve cartridge assembly 524
(moldability,
material selection, accuracy of edges, etc.), and facilitates replacement
through a threaded
connection between the inlet retainer 542 and the outlet housing 546. The
stair-step geometry
inside the nozzle 544 facilitates stream straightening to provide for laminar
flow of the stream 63
discharged out of the first outlet(s) 610 of the nozzle 544.
[0088] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a further illustrative
cartridge assembly 224' for
generating a continuous water shield 84¨ around center water 63. Cartridge
assembly 224' is
illustratively substantially similar to cartridge assembly 224 as detailed
above in connection with
FIGS. 14-16. More particularly, cartridge assembly 224' includes nozzle 230
having center first
outlet 232 and annular second outlet 234 disposed concentrically around the
first outlet 232 and
defined by an outer wall 634 of holder 540'. Conical member 236 is supported
concentrically
around the center first outlet 232 and provides Coanda effect surface 238.
Water passing through
the center first outlet 232 generates water stream 63 which is illustrated as
being centrally
located. Water passing into the annular second outlet 234 contacts the Coanda
effect surface 238
of the conical member 236. A Coanda effect results in adhesion of the water to
the surface 238
by surface tension, such that the water passing beyond the conical member 236
produces a
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-26
-17-
substantially continuous shield of water 84' in a sheet-like manner around the
center water
stream 63.
[0089] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a further illustrative
cartridge assembly 224¨ for
generating a continuous water shield 84¨ around the center water stream 63.
Cartridge assembly
224¨ includes nozzle 244' including first outlet 610 and annular second outlet
526' disposed
concentrically around the first outlet 610 and defined by outer wall 634 of
holder 540'. The
nozzle 244' is illustratively received within outlet housing 546'. A deflector
636 includes an
outwardly flared portion 638 that illustratively defines a Coanda effect
surface 640. Water
passing beyond the flared portion 638 produces a substantially continuous
shield of water 84¨ in
a sheet-like manner around the center water stream 63. In the illustrated
embodiment, the
deflector 636 is defined by an intermediate wall positioned between the nozzle
244' and the
outer wall 634. Alternatively, the deflector 636, including flared portion
638, may be formed
integral with the outlet housing 546'.
[0090] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference
to certain preferred
embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope of the
invention as described
and defined in the following claims.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-26
