Abstract:
An improved bidet device is set forth which includes a rotatable handle and capstan for positioning a spray tube and for opening the supply of water to the tube for spraying. A screw is received by the capstan to mount the handle and is further provided with a radial port. An actuator is coupled to the screw for rotation of the screw relative to the capstan to modulate the flow of water through the device. The actuator may be ergonometrically designed. As a further feature a sealing ball is provided which moves in response to water pressure to vent the spray tube and to seal the water supply against back flow from the tube.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATER APPLICATION  
       [0001]    The present application is a Continuation in Part of a commonly owned, prior filed application Ser. No. 10/066,888 filed Feb. 4, 2002 and titled “Improved Bidet Device”. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to bidet devices of the type which are added to an existing toilet, and more particularly to such devices which provide for back flow prevention and venting.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [0003]    Bidet devices are known as described in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,933,881 the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. This device of my prior patent provides a structure for attachment thereof to an existing toilet (water closet) and which supports a valve structure for (1) positioning the spray tube and for turning on the supply of water. The flow and pressure of water through the spray tube and the spray holes thereof are dependant upon the water line pressure at the toilet, less any friction losses through fittings and the spray holes. Thus, if the line pressure is relatively constant, the flow and pressure and hence velocity of the water emitted from the spray tube holes will remain relatively constant as well. For the user to decrease the flow/pressure/velocity of the water or to turn it off completely to prevent, for example, a child from playing with the device, the user would have to turn off the supply of water to the device and toilet at, for example, an on/off valve at the wall behind the toilet.  
           [0004]    There is a need for an improvement which provides for a simple, economical means to control flow/pressure/velocity of the water emitted by the device and to turn off the flow. Since the device may be operated by handicapped individuals, there is also a need for a flow control device which is position for easy, one hand control. There is further a need for the flow control to be ergonomically incorporated into the bidet device.  
           [0005]    There is further a need to provide in addition to the foregoing, a device which provides for prevention of back flow of water from the spray into the supply of water as well as for venting the spray tube after each use to prevent or reduce the possibility of contaminating the water supply from the spray.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    There is, therefore, provided according to the present invention an improved bidet device which provides for modulating the flow rate and pressure of the liquid flowing though the spray tube when the spray is activated and which provides, when the spray is turned off, for the prevention of back flow as well as for venting of the spray tube.  
           [0007]    According to the present invention an improved bidet device is set forth of the type having a frame to mount the device between the toilet bowl, a handle mounting a water tube that passes over the rim of the bowl to the interior thereof. The handle is mounted to the frame for rotation of the tube from a rest position to positions for spraying the underside of a torso of a person seated on the bowl. The tube includes upwardly directed spray holes. Water, from a supply, is directed to the tube for spraying of the torso through the holes. A valve is provided for opening the supply of water to the tube as the handle and tube are rotated from the rest position and closing the supply when the handle is returned to the rest position  
           [0008]    The improvement includes the handle having a hollow capstan rotatable therewith. The capstan has at one end a first hole adapted to communicate with the supply of water and at the other end a second radial hole adapted to communicate with the tube. The first hole has a shoulder preferably configured as an annular, reducing, shoulder disposed at the water supply side (i.e. downstream) of the radial hole. The capstan further includes at the second end internal threads.  
           [0009]    A screw has a shank with a substantially axial through bore and with external threads to be threadably received into and close said capstan second end as well as to couple the handle to the capstan for rotation of the capstan with the handle to rotate the tube and open and close the supply of water through the capstan and tube. The screw shank further includes a radial port to rotatably register with the capstan second hole. The screw through bore including a reducing second shoulder, also preferably configured as an annular, reducing, shoulder, disposed to locate the radial port between it and the first shoulder.  
           [0010]    Also provided is an actuator coupled to the screw to rotate the screw relative to the handle an capstan to position the port between a closed position where the port is positioned to not register with the second opening, i.e the screw shank closes the port, to prevent the flow of water to a full open position where port is fully registered with the second hole for full flow of water through the tube to modulate the flow and pressure of water though the tube and spray holes. To provide for venting of the tube the actuator further includes a vent to vent the screw through bore to atmosphere.  
           [0011]    To provide for back flow prevention from the tube and to vent the tube a plug. preferably in the form of a buoyant ball, is disposed and captured between said first and second shoulders. The supply of water to the capstan bore urges the ball to move from the first shoulder to seal against said shoulder to close the screw through bore and vent during said supply of water to the tube for spraying of water. Movement of the handle to the closed position, shuts off the supply of water under pressure allowing the ball to move, i.e. drop, to the first shoulder to (1) seal against the same to prevent back flow of water to said water supply and to open said communication between the vent, screw through bore and tube for venting of the same.  
           [0012]    Accordingly, a simple, inexpensive back flow prevention and venting apparatus is provided to prevent water and debris from back flowing through the tube into the water supply and which vents the tube. These features, alone and in combination with the control of pressure to the tube and spray provides an ergonomic, simple and effective bidet device. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    These and other features and advantages will become appreciated as the same becomes better understood with reference to the description, claims and drawings wherein;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view, with a part broken away, of a portion of a prior art apparatus;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of apparatus of FIG. 1;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3 is a side elevation of a water tube in FIG. 1;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 4 is a plan view, with a part broken away, of the apparatus of FIG. 1;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 5 is a side elevation, with parts broken away, of a valve block and a hose bib of FIG. 1;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 6 is a front view of a valve chamber insert of FIG. 5;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 7 is side elevation of the valve chamber insert of FIG. 6;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the valve chamber insert of FIG. 7;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 9 is a view of the valve chamber insert of FIG. 7 taken along the line  9 - 9 ;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 10 is a view of the valve chamber insert of FIG. 5 taken along the line  10 - 10 ;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 11 is a side elevation, with parts broken away, of a handle of the apparatus of FIG. 2;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 12 is a view of FIG. 11 taken along the line  12 - 12 ;  
         [0026]    FIGS.  13 A-C show various orthogonal views of the transfer tube;  
         [0027]    FIGS.  14 A-F show orthogonal and section views of the handle;  
         [0028]    FIGS.  15 A-D show various orthogonal and section views of the flow control and shut-off screw;  
         [0029]    FIGS.  16 A-D shows orthogonal views of the flow control actuator;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 17 shows a partial assembly view of an actuator, screw and capstan according to the present invention when the tube is vented and back flow is prevented;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 18 shows a view similar to that of FIG. 17 where the vent is sealed and the water is flowing to the tube; and  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 19 os a view of the underside of the actuator of FIGS. 17 and 18. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION  
       [0033]    1. The Existing, Prior Device  
         [0034]    As shown in figs.  1 - 4 , a cleansing apparatus  10  (fig. 2) includes an L shaped toilet mounting frame  12  that is preferably made from plastic. The frame  12  has a long side  14  with a pair of mounting holes  16  that have a spacing there between that is substantially equal to the spacing between mounting holes of a toilet seat. The spacing between the toilet seat mounting holes is standardized in the United States.  
         [0035]    The long side  14  is positioned upon the rear of the exterior of a toilet bowl  18  (FIG. 1) of a toilet, with the holes  16  aligned with corresponding holes (not shown) of the bowl  18 . A short side  20  of the frame  12  extends on the exterior of the bowl  18  along an outer edge  22  thereof.  
         [0036]    A toilet seat  24  includes a hinged section  26  where the toilet seat mounting holes are located. Mounting bolts (not shown) pass through the holes of the bowl  18 , the holes  16  and the toilet seat mounting holes whereby the long side  14  is sandwiched between the rear of the exterior of the bowl  18  and the hinged section  26 . The bolts are screwed into nuts (not shown).  
         [0037]    A plurality of standoffs  28  are connected to the bottom of the seat  24  in any suitable manner. The standoffs  28  create a space between the seat  24  and a rim  30  of the bowl  18  that is used in a manner described hereinafter. The use of a standoff to create a space between a toilet seat and a toilet bowl is well known in the art and is commonly provided on standard toilet seats.  
         [0038]    A plastic spacer strip  32  (FIG. 2) is cemented between the short side  20  and a plastic component strip  34 . The strip  34  has a surface  36  whereon a plastic valve block  40  is carried. A plastic handle  42  is carried on a surface  38  of the strip  34 . The handle  42  is rotatable upon the surface  38  about a screw  44 . The valve block  40  is connected to a hose bib  46 .  
         [0039]    A proximal end  51  of a plastic water tube  50  extends from an end  48  of the handle  42 . More particularly, the tube  50  extends horizontally from the end  48 . Because of the strip  32 , the tube  54  passes beneath the seat  24 , over the rim  30  (FIG. 1) to the interior of the bowl  18  via the space created by the spacers  28 .  
         [0040]    The tube  50  has a first right angle bend  52  (FIGS.  1 - 3 ) that causes a distal portion  54  (FIG. 3) of the tube  50  to extend below the rim  30 . The tube  50  additionally has a second right angle bend  56  that causes the distal portion  54  to extend over water within the bowl  18 . The distal portion  54  has a plurality of longitudinally aligned holes  58  therein (FIGS.  1 - 4 ).  
         [0041]    In response to water being provided to the proximal end  51 , a sheet of water is discharged from the holes  58 . The orientation of the holes  58  causes the sheet of water to be directed toward the underside of the torso of a person seated upon the seat  24 .  
         [0042]    The sheet of water has been found to cause less splashing and provide superior cleansing than a fountain of water typically produced by devices of the prior art. Additionally, a wide coverage provided by the sheet of water obviates both the lateral movement of the person and a precise targeting of the water.  
         [0043]    The tube  50  is at a withdrawn location when the distal portion  54  is withdrawn to a rear portion  60  of the bowl  18  (FIG. 4). When the tube  50  is withdrawn, the toilet can be used for the usual toilet facility activities without the tube  50  be subjected either to droppings of fecal matter or urine. For reasons explained hereinafter, water is not discharged from the holes  58  when the tube  50  is withdrawn. When the tube  50  is not withdrawn, water that flows into the hose bib  46 , passes through the valve block  40  and the handle  42  to the tube  50 . The water is discharged from the holes  58 .  
         [0044]    When, for example, the handle  42  is rotated to cause the distal portion  54  to pivot to a location  62 , the tube  50  is in an anal cleansing position, whereby the sheet of water cleanses the anus of a woman seated upon the seat  24 . When the handle  42  is rotated to cause the distal portion  54  to pivot to a location  64 , the tube  50  is in a vaginal cleansing position whereby the sheet of water cleanses the woman&#39;s vagina. It should be understood that the handle  42  is rotatable to cause the distal portion  54  to be at any location that is intermediate to the locations  62 ,  64  whereby the sheet of water is moved to cleanse the woman&#39;s perineal skin area.  
         [0045]    As shown in FIG. 5, the hose bib  46  has a mid-section  66  in the shape of a hexagonal bolt head. The hose bib  46  additionally has a threaded end  68  and a scalloped end  70 . As explained hereinafter, the end  68  is screwed into the valve block  40 . Hose bibs are well known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0046]    A passageway  72  within the valve block  40  extends from a widened threaded section  74  thereof to a valve chamber  76 . The end  68  screws into the threaded section  74 . A wrench (not shown) may be used to turn the mid-section  66  to screw the end  68  into the threaded section  74 .  
         [0047]    The passageway  72  includes a coupling section  80  that has the general shape of a funnel. A wide end  82  of the coupling section  80  is connected to the threaded section  74 . A narrow end  84  of the coupling section  80  is connected to one end of a narrowed cylindrical section  86  of the passageway  72 ; the other end is contiguous with an opening in the valve chamber  76 . Accordingly, there is a path for water that extends from the hose bib  46  to the valve chamber  76 .  
         [0048]    A valve stem  88  is disposed mostly within the passageway  72 . The valve stem  88  has a rounded end  90 . The end  90  extends into the interior of the valve chamber  76 .  
         [0049]    The valve stem  88  additionally has an end  91  that has the shape of a right truncated cone. The end  91  is disposed within the coupling section  80 .  
         [0050]    The pressure of water provided via the hose bib  46  urges the valve stem  88  to move in the direction of an arrow  92 . Because of its conical shape, the end  91  occludes the passageway  72  to prevent a flow of water to the valve chamber  76 . As explained hereinafter, the passageway  72  is cleared when the handle  42  is rotated to cause the tube  50  to move from the rest position.  
         [0051]    A hole  94  extends from the valve chamber  76  to a top surface  98  of the valve block  40 . The hole  94  is coaxial with a hole  100  through the strip  34 . The holes  94 ,  100  have substantially the same diameter.  
         [0052]    A hole  102  extends from the valve chamber  76  through a bottom surface  104  of the valve block  40 . A plastic valve chamber insert  106  is inserted through the hole  102  into the valve chamber  76 . The insert  106  includes a transfer tube  108  that has a section  109  that protrudes through the hole  100 . The transfer tube  108  has a generally cylindrical shape. After the insertion, the hole  102  is sealed by a plastic sheet  110  that is cemented to a bottom surface  104  of the valve block  40 .  
         [0053]    As shown in FIGS.  6 - 8 , the insert  106  includes a disc  112  with a surface  114  that is integrally connected to a cylindrical capstan  116 . The disc  112  and the capstan  116  are coaxial.  
         [0054]    A coil spring  118  (FIG. 5) is wound about the capstan  116 . One end of the spring  118  (not shown) is fixedly connected to the capstan  116 ; the other end is fixedly connected to the wall of the valve chamber  76 . The purpose of the spring  118  is explained hereinafter.  
         [0055]    The disc  112  is integrally connected to a support member  122  (FIGS.  6 - 8 ). A surface  124  (FIG. 8) of the capstan  116  and a surface  126  of the member  122  are rotatably supported upon the sheet  110  (FIG. 5). Accordingly, a rotary movement of the insert  106  causes a corresponding rotary sliding movement of the capstan  116  and the member  122  upon the sheet  110 .  
         [0056]    As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, with continuing reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the insert  106  additionally includes a disc  128  with a surface  130  that is integrally connected to vanes  132 - 134  (FIG. 9) at distal ends thereof. Proximal ends of the vanes  132 - 134  (FIG. 10) are integrally connected to a surface  136  of the disc  112 .  
         [0057]    The insert  106  is rotatable to cause the vane  132  to move the end  90  in a direction opposite from the direction of the arrow  92 , thereby clearing the passageway  72 . The purpose of the vanes  133 ,  134  is to provide structural support for a separation that is maintained between the discs  112 ,  128 .  
         [0058]    It should be understood that the range of angles of rotation of the insert  106  that causes the vane  132  to clear the passageway  72  is directly related to the widths of the vane  132  and the end  90 . The widths are chosen to cause the passageway  72  to be cleared when the location of the distal portion  54  is within a range substantially defined by the locations  62 ,  64 . As explained hereinafter, the rotation of the discs  112 ,  128  is caused by a corresponding rotation of the handle  42 .  
         [0059]    The disc  128  has a central hole  137  there through that extends to an intersection of the vanes  132 - 134  (FIG. 9). Additionally, a hole  138  extends through an intersection of the vanes  132 ,  133  to an edge of the vane  134 . There is substantially a ninety-degree angle of intersection between the holes  137 ,  138 .  
         [0060]    The transfer tube  108  has an axial hole  140  that is contiguous with the hole  137 . The holes  137 ,  140  have substantially the same diameter.  
         [0061]    The protruding section  109  has a discharge hole  142  therein that has an angle of intersection of substantially ninety degrees with the hole  140 . The protruding section  109  additionally has a flattened outer surface  144  in the region of the hole  142 . Therefore, when the passageway  72  is cleared, water that enters the valve chamber  76  passes through the transfer tube  108  and is discharged therefrom through the discharge hole  142 . The path of water through the discharge tube  108  is along a path A-A shown in broken lines (FIGS. 6 and 7). As explained hereinafter the flattened wall  144  is used to couple the tube  108  to the handle  42 . As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the handle  42  has a generally cylindrical coupling hole  146  therein that has substantially the same diameter as the transfer tube  108  (FIGS. 6 and 7).  
         [0062]    An outlet hole  148  extends through the end  48  and has an angle of intersection of substantially ninety degrees with the coupling hole  146 . The proximal end  51  is disposed within the hole  148  and is preferably cemented therein whereby the tube  50  extends from the end  48  as described hereinbefore.  
         [0063]    The coupling hole  146  has a flattened surface  150  in the region of the intersection with the hole  148 . In this embodiment, the shape of the coupling hole  146  is complimentary to the shape of the protruding section  109 .  
         [0064]    The protruding section  109  is disposed within the coupling hole  146  with the flattened surfaces  144 ,  150  in an abutting relationship. The complimentary shapes prevent a rotation of the handle  42  relative to the transfer tube  108 . In other words, when the handle  42  is rotated, the insert  106  is rotated. Hence, the handle  42  is rotatable to cause either the occlusion or the clearing of the passageway  72 . Moreover, the occlusion occurs when handle  42  is rotated to cause the tube  50  to be in the rest position.  
         [0065]    The holes  142 ,  148  are in an alignment that is maintained by the complimentary shapes. The alignment is essential to providing a desired transfer of water through the transfer tube  108  to the tube  50  through the handle  42 .  
         [0066]    The spring  118  urges the transfer tube  108  to rotate in a direction that results in the occlusion the passageway  72 . Because the relative rotation is prevented, the handle  42  is urged to rotate in a direction that moves the tube  50  to the rest position. Therefore, when the woman releases the handle  42 , the tube  50  is rotated to the rest position and no water flows there through, whereby the toilet can be used for usual toilet facility activities.  
         [0067]    Preferably, an O-ring  152  (FIG. 5) is maintained about the transfer tube  108  to prevent a leakage of water from the valve block  40  between the transfer tube  108  and the hole  94 . Similarly, an O-ring  154  (FIG. 11) is preferably retained within a recess  156  within the handle  42  to prevent a leakage of water from the coupling hole  146 .  
         [0068]    The coupling hole  146  is contiguous with a cylindrical coupling section  158  within the handle  42 . The coupling section  158  is contiguous with an O-ring recess  160  that extends through a top surface  162  of the handle  42 . Additionally, the hole  140  is contiguous with a threaded hole  164  (FIGS. 6 and 7) that extends through a top  166  of the protruding section  109 .  
         [0069]    When the protruding section  109  is within the coupling hole  146 , the screw  44  is screwed into the hole  164 , thereby securely connecting the handle  42  to the transfer tube  108 . Additionally, an O-ring  167  is disposed within the recess  160  to prevent a leakage of water from the coupling hole  146 . O-rings are well known in the art.  
         [0070]    The hose bib  46  is connected at its scalloped end  70  (FIG. 1) to a water heater  168  at an outlet end  170  thereof through a flexible tube  172 . An inlet end  174  of the heater  168  is connected through a TEE connector  176  and a flexible tube  178  to a manual control valve  180  at an outlet port  182  thereof whereby water from the port  182  is available to the hose bib  46  via the heater  168 .  
         [0071]    The heater  168  has a manual control knob  184  that is adjustable to cause water provided at the outlet end  170  to be at a desired temperature. The heater  168  is of a type well known in the art.  
         [0072]    Preferably, the heater  168  includes a compartment where medication may be placed for a timed release into the water provided at the outlet end  170  whereby a medicated solution is provided at the outlet end  170 . The medicated solution may be desirable when a woman who has had an episiotomy uses the apparatus  10 . Apparatus for providing the timed release of the medication is well known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0073]    The tee connector  176  is additionally connected to a toilet water tank  186  at an input port  188  whereby water is available within the tank  186  to flush the bowl  18 . Toilet water tanks are well known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0074]    2. The Present Invention  
         [0075]    Turning to FIG. 13, the transfer tube  108 ′ of the present invention is shown. The transfer tube  108 ′ is substantially similar to the tube  108  including an upstanding section  109 , capstan  116 , discharge hole  142  fashioned in a flat  143  and which communicates with an axial hole  140 . The axial hole  140 , in turn, is in communication with the water flow passageway  72  through hole  138 . The axial hole  140 , proximate the end of the section  109  opposite the capstan  116  is threaded to receive the screw  44 ′ of the present invention. Further the flat  143  extends to the end of the section for purposes of which will hereinafter become evident. The tube  108 ′ may be fashioned from a suitable plastic.  
         [0076]    To rotate the transfer tube  108 ′ the handle  42 ′ of the present invention is provided. The handle  42 ′ may be ergonomically designed and includes a head  99  with a hole  100 ′ there through which is configured to pass and mate with the top of the transfer tube  108 ′ as well as accommodate the end  51  of the water tube  50  as in FIG. 11. The hole  100 ′ has a stepped countersink  101  to receive the screw  44 ′ head  51 .  
         [0077]    To secure the handle  42 ′ to the transfer tube  108 ′, the screw  44 ′ is provided. Unlike the screw  44  of my prior patent, screw  44 ′ has a threaded shank  45  with an axial bore  47  which emerges from a side of the shank  45  to define a port  49 . The shank  45  is threaded and sized to be closely received and threaded into the threaded end of the transfer tube  108 ′. Rotation of the screw  44 ′ opens and closes the hole  142  by registering all or a portion of the port  49  with the hole  142  to control the pressure/flow of he water through the transfer tube  108 ″ to the water tube  50 . The screw  44 ′ also mounts the handle  42 ′ to the transfer tube  108 ′. Manipulation of the handle  42 ′ swings the tube  50  into position for the water flowing there through and though the port  49  of the screw  42 ′ to flow through the holes  58 . Thus it can be appreciated that the handle  42 ′ swings the tube  50  and registers the hole  158  with the passageway  72  to pass the water through hole  140  and port  49  out through the tube  50 . The flow and pressure of the water is controlled by the port  49  which can open and close the hole  142  and modulate the flow of the water to the tube  50  and holes  58 .  
         [0078]    With reference to FIG. 15, he screw  44 ′ may be provided with a recessed shoulder  155  to retain a sealing elastomeric washer (not shown). The head  51  also includes a flat  53 .  
         [0079]    To couple the handle  42 ′ to the transfer tube  108 ′ the handle  42 ′ hole  100 ′ includes a flat (not shown) to mate with the flat  143  of the transfer tube  108 ′.  
         [0080]    To provide an ergonometric actuator for the flow control, the device of the present invention includes a flow control actuator  300  as shown in FIG. 16. The actuator  300  may be of any suitable shape such as a tear drop shape as shown which defines arcuate surface  301  to be engaged by the thumb or finger for rotation of the actuator  300 . At the underside of the actuator  300  is a cylindrical recess  302  having a flat  304  to closely receive and mate with the head  51  of the screw  44 ′. The actuator  300  is secured to the screw  44 ′ head  51  by a suitable adhesive. The actuator  300  when mounted to the screw  44 ′ head  51  is disposed on top of the top surface of the handle  42 ′ with the actuator poised for control by a finger or the thumb. In a first position, the actuator  300  is disposed to permit the water to flow through the tube  52  at full water line pressure when the handle  42 ′ is manipulated. At this position the actuator  300  engages a stop  306  on the handle  42 ′ (FIG. 14) to prevent over rotation of the actuator  300 . At a second position, the actuator is rotated approximately 180 degrees to engage the stop  306  on the handle  42 ′ to shut off water flow, regardless of the position of the handle  42 ′ and preventing over-rotation of the actuator  300 . The actuator  300  can also be position anywhere between the first and second positions to modulate the flow of water. Thus the user can modulate flow when the handle  42 ′ is in the “On” position to control flow and pressure of the water or can be preset to the desired modulated position and left in that position for the comfort of the user. The actuator  300  can be placed in the second position to prevent flow regardless of the position of the handle  42 ′.  
         [0081]    In a further embodiment where venting and back flow prevention is desired, the previous embodiment includes the following features.  
         [0082]    With reference to FIGS.  17 - 19 , the transfer tube  108 ′ has an axial hole  140 ′ has, below the hole  142  (upstream of the hole  142 ), a first shoulder  400  which transitions to the larger diameter threaded end of the transfer tube  108 ′ Preferably the first shoulder  400  is configured as an annular, circumferential and conical shoulder.  
         [0083]    The screw  44 ′ has, a substantially axial through bore  402  a portion of which is radially opened though the side of the screw  44 ′ to define the port  49 . The through bore  402  si radially dimensioned to include a reduction defining a second shoulder  404 , which preferably, is configured as an annular, circumferential and conical shoulder. When the screw  44 ′ shank  45  is threaded into the threaded end of the transfer tube  108 ′, the first and second shoulders  400 ,  404  are disposed to either side of the radial hole  142  which supplies water to the tube  50  (FIG. 3) and spray holes  58 .  
         [0084]    To close the though bore  402  and provide for the regulation of flow pressure to the tube  50  as described above, there is provided, according to this embodiment, an actuator  500  as shown in FIGS.  17 - 19 . The actuator  500  is configured like actuator  300  except that actuator  400  includes a vent structure  502  at the underside thereof. The recess  302  is bounded at one side by the flat  304  so that the actuator  500  can be mounted to the screw  44 ′ in the manner described above. In addition the actuator  500  includes a vent  504  to vent the recess  302  and screw  44 ′ through bore  402  over the flat  304  to an undercut  504  disposed at the opposite side of the flat  304 .  
         [0085]    Disposed between the shoulders  400 ,  404  is an axially moveable plug preferably embodied as an elastic ball  410  shown in its lower position when the handle and screw  44 ′ is in an off position (closing the supply of water to the tube  50  and spray holes  58 ). In this position the ball  410  seals against the first shoulder  400  to prevent water from the tube  50  from back flowing into the water supply when the screw is turned to the off position as described above. Also in the lower of water supply off position, the tube  50  and through bore  402  are vented to the atmosphere though the actuator  500  vent structure  502 .  
         [0086]    When the handle is rotated to open the supply of water to the tube  50 , the water pressure moves the ball  410  to a position to seal against the second shoulder  404  and to seal the through bore  402  and actuator  500  vent structure  502  as shown in FIG. 18. Thus the water supply is sealed from the vent. The water travels through the bore  142  to the tube  50  and spray. When the handle is released and returns to the off position, the supply of water is discontinued whereupon the ball  410  drops from the second shoulder opening the vent structure described above to break any suction pressure and the vent the tube  50  for the draining of any residual water from the spray holes  58 . The ball drops down to seal against the first shoulder  400  and prevent water from back flowing into the water supply.  
         [0087]    While I have shown certain embodiments of the present invention it is to be understood that it is subject to modifications and changes without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.