Office Action 2: Notice of Allowance (2025-05-12)

CLAIMS:
Amendments to the Claims:

This listing of claims will replace all prior versions, and listings of claims in the application:

Listing of Claims:

1\. (Currently Amended) A vessel rinsing apparatus configured to be installed on a mounting deck adjacent a sink basin, the vessel rinsing apparatus comprising:an externally threaded mounting shank extending along a longitudinal axis, the mounting shank configured to extend though a mounting aperture formed within \[\[a\]\] the mounting deck, the mounting shank defining a first fluid passageway and supporting a valve seat;
a fluid discharge control including a central body having a second fluid passageway and supporting a sprayface having a plurality of nozzles, and a trigger, the central body being movable relative to the mounting shank along the longitudinal axis;
a valve operably coupled to the fluid discharge control for movement between a normally closed position and an open position, the valve including a valve seal configured to cooperate with \[\[a\]\] the valve seat supported by the mounting shank, the valve seal biased against the valve seat of the mounting shank in the normally closed position;
wherein in the open position of the valve, the first fluid passageway of the mounting shank is in fluid communication with the plurality of nozzles of the fluid discharge control via the valve and the second fluid passageway;
a drain bowl operably coupled to the mounting shank, the drain bowl including a base and an upwardly extending wall;
a drain channel fluidly coupled to the bowl; and

extends above the sink basin supported by the mounting deck, and the drain channel extends toward the sink basin such that fluid from the drain bowl is discharged from above and into the sink basin.
SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.0870.033

2\. (Currently Amended) The rinsing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve includes a valve pin coupled to the central body of the fluid discharge control and supporting the valve seal;
.

3\. (Original) The rinsing apparatus of claim 2, wherein:the trigger is moveable between a lowered position and a raised position;
the trigger is biased in the raised position; and
wherein depressing the trigger to the lowered position is configured to move the valve pin such that the valve seal moves away from the valve seat causing the valve to be in the open position.
4\. (Original) The rinsing apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a spring operable to bias the trigger toward the raised position.

5\. (Original) The rinsing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of nozzles of the sprayface includes a first nozzle configured to discharge fluid at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis, and a second nozzle configured to discharge fluid at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

6\. (Original) The rinsing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the central body of the fluid discharge control is positioned intermediate the sprayface and the valve seat.

7\. (Original) The rinsing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sprayface of the fluid discharge control is located substantially within the drain bowl.

8\. (Original) The rinsing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base of the drain bowl includes an opening through which at least a portion of the mounting shank extends.
SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.0870.033

9\. (Original) The rinsing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid discharge control is in selective fluid communication with an outlet of a faucet mixing valve.

10\. (Original) The rinsing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the trigger of the fluid discharge control includes a plurality of arms extending radially outwardly from the central body.

11\. (Currently Amended) A drinkware rinsing apparatus configured to be installed on a mounting deck adjacent a sink basin, the rinsing apparatus comprising:a hollow, cylindrical mounting shank extending along a longitudinal axis, the mounting shank defining a first fluid passageway and including a valve seat;
a valve at least partially disposed within the mounting shank, the valve having an open position and a closed position, the valve including a valve pin and a valve seal supported by the valve pin, the valve seal biased against the valve seat in the closed position;
a fluid discharge control including:
a central body extending along the longitudinal axis and at least partially disposed within the mounting shank, wherein the central body includes a second fluid passageway,
a sprayface supported by a first end of the central body and including at least one outlet in fluid communication with the second fluid passageway,
a depressible trigger operably coupled to the central body, the trigger moveable between a rest position and a depressed position, and
a spring operable to bias the trigger toward the rest position;
a drain bowl operably coupled to the mounting shank, the drain bowl defined by a base and an upwardly extending wall;
a drain channel extending radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis and fluidly coupled to the drain bowl; and

above the mounting deck, at least a portion of the drain channel is positioned above the sink basin, and the drain channel is configured to receive fluid from the drain bowl and discharge fluid above and into the sink basin.
SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.0870.033

12\. (Original) The rinsing apparatus of claim 11, wherein:the trigger is biased toward the rest position;
depressing the trigger is configured to move the valve pin such that the valve seal moves away from the valve seat causing the valve to be in the open position; and
in the open position, the first fluid passageway of the mounting shank is in fluid communication with the second fluid passageway of the central body and the at least one outlet of the sprayface.

13\. (Original) The rinsing apparatus of claim 11, wherein:the valve pin defines a third fluid passageway; and
fluid is configured to flow from the first fluid passageway of the mounting shank to the second fluid passageway of the central body through the third fluid passageway of the valve pin when the valve is in the open position.

14\. (Original) The rinsing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the central body of the fluid discharge control is positioned intermediate the sprayface and the valve seat.

15\. (Original) The rinsing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one outlet of the sprayface includes a first outlet configured to discharge fluid at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis, and a second outlet configured to discharge fluid at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

16\. (Original) The rinsing apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one outlet of the sprayface further includes a third outlet configured to discharge fluid at a third angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

17\. (Original) The rinsing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the sprayface of the fluid discharge control is located substantially within the drain bowl.
SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.0870.033

18\. (Original) The rinsing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the base of the drain bowl includes an opening through which at least a portion of the mounting shank extends.

19\. (Original) The rinsing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the fluid discharge control is in selective fluid communication with an outlet of a faucet mixing valve.

20\. (Original) The rinsing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the trigger of the fluid discharge control includes a plurality of arms extending radially outwardly from the central body.

21\. (New) A vessel rinsing apparatus configured to be installed on a mounting deck adjacent a sink basin, the vessel rinsing apparatus comprising:a drain bowl including an upwardly extending wall and a base coupled to a mounting shank defining a longitudinal axis;
wherein the mounting shank is configured to extend though a mounting aperture formed within the mounting deck;
a fluid discharge control including a central body supporting a sprayface having a plurality of nozzles, and a trigger, the central body being movable relative to the mounting shank along the longitudinal axis;
a valve operably coupled to the fluid discharge control for movement between a normally closed position and an open position, the valve including a valve seal configured to cooperate with a valve seat supported by the mounting shank;
wherein in the open position of the valve, the mounting shank is in fluid communication with the plurality of nozzles of the fluid discharge control via the valve;
a drain channel fluidly coupled to the drain bowl and including a channel lower wall extending outwardly from the drain bowl relative to the longitudinal axis; and

above the mounting deck, at least a portion of the channel lower wall of the drain channel is positioned above the sink basin, and the drain channel is configured to receive fluid from the drain bowl and discharge the fluid above and into the sink basin.
SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.0870.033

Serial No. 18/640,482

22\. (New) The rinsing apparatus of claim 21, wherein the valve includes a valve pin coupled to the central body of the fluid discharge control and supporting the valve seal, the valve seal biased against the valve seat of the mounting shank in the normally closed position.

23\. (New) The rinsing apparatus of claim 22, wherein:the trigger is moveable between a lowered position and a raised position;
the trigger is biased in the raised position; and
wherein depressing the trigger to the lowered position is configured to move the valve pin such that the valve seal moves away from the valve seat causing the valve to be in the open position.

24\. (New) The rinsing apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a spring operable to bias the trigger toward the raised position.
25\. (New) The rinsing apparatus of claim 21, wherein the plurality of nozzles of the sprayface includes a first nozzle configured to discharge fluid at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis, and a second nozzle configured to discharge fluid at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis.SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.0870.033

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Reasons for Allowance
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: the closest prior art of record Van Der Linden (US 2008/0142095 cited in IDS) in further view of Thomas (US 2011/0061754 cited in IDS) fails to teach or suggest the claimed invention.
Van Der Linden figures 1-2 teach a vessel rinsing apparatus configured to be installed on a mounting deck (assembly of 2 column 4 worktop) adjacent a sink basin (35 recess), the rinsing apparatus comprising:
a mounting shank (28 supply line) extending along a longitudinal axis, the mounting shank configured to extend through a mounting aperture (recess 29 in the wall of the column 2) formed within a mounting deck (assembly of 2 column and 4 worktop);
a fluid discharge control including a central body (27 cylindrical end) supporting a sprayface (23 nozzle body) having a nozzle (24 spray channel), and a trigger (22 abutment member), the central body being movable relative to the mounting shank along the longitudinal axis;
a valve (26) operably coupled to the fluid discharge control for movement between a normally closed position and an open position;
a drain bowl  (31 cup shaped container) operably coupled to the mounting shank, the drain bowl including a base (32 bottom) and an upwardly extending wall (33 upright wall);
a drain channel (34 outflow opening) extending through the upwardly extending wall; and
wherein in an installed condition of the vessel rinsing apparatus, the drain channel (34 outflow opening) extends above the sink basin (35 recess) supported by the mounting deck, and the drain channel is inclined downwardly toward the sink basin such that fluid from the drain bowl is discharged from above and into the sink basin.[0030-35]
Van Der Linden teaches when a pressure is exerted on the abutment member 22 in the pressure direction 25 by pressing the open end of a glass against said abutment member, the valve 26 (only shown schematically) will open, so that washing liquid will be sprayed into the glass in question from the spray channel 24 thereby reading on in the open position of the valve, the mounting shank is in fluid communication with the plurality of nozzles of the fluid discharge control via the valve. [0031]
Although, Van Der Linden teaches washing water will be supplied to the spray channel 24 from the supply line 29 and be sprayed into the glass in question in order to thus wash said glass. Van Der Linden is silent to a plurality of nozzles.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present invention to provide a plurality of spray channels as a duplication of parts has no patentable significance unless a new and unexpected result is produced.(MPEP 2144.04)
Van Der Linden is silent to an externally threaded mounting shank.  Van Der Linden is also silent to the valve including a valve seal configured to cooperate with a valve seat supported by the mounting shank.
Thomas is directed towards a rinsing apparatus wherein figures 1-5 and 8A-8C teach a nut 56 threadably engages the mounting post 52 and secures the mounting base 50 to the mounting deck 4. Thomas further teaches a valve seat (82 diverter housing, 104 first seat), the valve (78 diverter valve) including a valve seal (106 second seal). [0033, 0041-42]
However, modifying the faucet of Van Der Linden with the components of the sprayer of Thomas renders the faucet of Van Der Linden in operable.
Furthermore, the vessel rinsing apparatus of Van Der Linden fails to teach or suggest a mounting shank support a valve seat, and a valve seal biased against the valve seat.
Conclusion
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS/ARGUMENTSIntroduction Reconsideration and reversal of the rejections presented in the Office Action dated December 19, 2024 are respectfully requested in view of the foregoing amendments and the following remarks.Following entry of this Amendment, claims 1-25 are pending, wherein claims 1, 11 and 21 are presented in independent form. Claims 1 and 11 have been amended, and new claims 21- 25 have been added.Summary of Examiner Interview Examiner Tate-Sims is thanked for the courtesies extended to the undersigned during the telephonic interview of April 3, 2025. The foregoing amendments and the following remarks are intended to serve as Applicant's written statement under M.P.E.P. § 713.04, covering substance of the interview. During the interview, proposed amendments to claims 1 and 11 and new claim 21 were discussed in view of the relied-upon art.Claim Reiections - Double Patenting Claims 1-20 have been rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-26 and 31-34 of U.S. Patent No. 12,006,670.Not in acquiescence of the Examiner's position, but in order to advance the application toward allowance, submitted herewith is a Terminal Disclaimer over U.S. Patent No. 12,006,670.In support of this Terminal Disclaimer, also find concurrently herewith are a Statement under 37 C.F.R. § 3.73 and a Power of Attorney.In view of the foregoing, it is respectfully submitted that the double patenting rejections have been obviated.Claim Reiections - 35 U.S.C. § 112 Claims 1-10 have been rejected under 35 U.S.C. §112(b) as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor, regards as the invention More particularly, claim 1 was alleged to be unclear as to whether "a mounting deck" in the preamble is the same or different from "a mounting deck" in line 4. In response, claim 1 at line 4 has been amended to recite "the mounting deck".Claim Reiections - 35 U.S.C. § 103 Claims 1-3 and 5-10 have been rejected under 35 U.S.C. §103 as being unpatentable over Van Der Linden (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0142095) in view of Thomas (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0061754).Van Der Linden discloses a draft tower 1 including a column 2 and two tapping devices 3. The draft tower 1 includes a washing device 21 having a cross-shaped abutment member 22 and a spray nozzle body 23. The washing device 21 further includes a cup-shaped container 31 including a concave bottom 32 and an upright wall 33 having an outflow opening 34. FIG. 5 discloses a water faucet 71 provided with a washing device 78 mounted to a fixed base 73. An outflow opening 79 of the washing device 78 opens above a sink 77.Thomas discloses a faucet assembly 10 including a side sprayer assembly 42. A diverter assembly 12 includes a diverter valve 78 secured to an inlet end 80 of the sprayer tube 46 of the sprayer assembly 42. The diverter assembly 12 illustratively includes a coupler or connector 62 having a connector housing 64 secured to an inlet end 66 of a spout outlet tube 30. The diverter valve 78 is configured to be slidably received within the connector housing 64.Independent Claim 1 As discussed in the aforementioned telephonic interview, it is respectfully submitted that one of ordinary skill in the art would not be motivated to combine Van Der Linden with Thomas.More particularly, Van Der Linden discloses a glass rinser attached to a faucet, while Thomas discloses a kitchen side sprayer. There is no suggestion or teaching in Thomas of modifying Van Der Linden to arrive at the present invention.Moreover, there is no reasonable expectation of success by modifying Van Der Linden in view of Thomas. In fact, modifying Van Der Linden with the teachings of Thomas would frustrate its intended purpose. Van Der Liden teaches a glass rinser supported by a faucet, while Thomas teaches a side sprayer mounted to a sink deck and having a different function, such that the proposed modification of Van Der Linden would render it unsatisfactory for its intended purpose.Furthermore, Applicant fails to see how one of ordinary skill in the art would modify Van Der Linden based on the teachings of Thomas and arrive at the present invention.For at least these reasons, it is respectfully submitted that the solicited claims are in condition for allowance over Van Der Linden and Thomas.Even assuming, arguendo, that one would combine Van Der Linden and Thomas, she would not arrive at the claimed invention. Independent claim 1 recites, and the relied upon art fails to disclose or suggest, a mounting shank supporting a valve seat, and a valve seal biased against the valve seat. (FIG. 5, para. [0035], mounting shank (66), valve seat (109), valve seal (108)).As acknowledged in the aforementioned interview, amended claim 1 distinguishes over the relied-upon art. In view of the foregoing, it is respectfully submitted that claim 1, and the claims dependent therefrom, are properly allowable.Claims 4 and 11-20 have been rejected under 35 U.S.C. §103 as being unpatentable over Van Der Linden (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0142095) in view of Thomas (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0061754) and further in view of Pein (U.S. Patent No. 784,755).Pein discloses a rinser apparatus including a spring (14) interposed between a wall (7) and a collar (9a), which serves to force a valve (9) upwardly (FIG. 2).Independent Claim 11 As discussed in the aforementioned telephonic interview, it is respectfully submitted that one of ordinary skill in the art would not be motivated to combine Pein with Van Der Linden.More particularly, Van Der Linden discloses that "pressure in the supply line 29 will keep the valve 26 in the closed position as long as no pressure is exerted on the abutment member 22, so that the supply of washing liquid from the supply line 29 to the spray channel 24 is blocked." (para. [0031]). Since there is no need for a different biasing means in Van Der Linden, one of ordinary skill in the art would not be motivated to insert the spring of Pein therein.In other words, one would not be motivated to modify Van Der Linden to include a spring, which would be an unnecessary modification. Van Der Linden clearly utilizes water pressure to bias a valve toward a closed position. There is simply no need for a spring in Van Der Linden, such that one skilled in the art would not be motivated to include a spring therein.Even assuming, arguendo, that one would combine Van Der Linden, Thomas and Pein, she would not arrive at the claimed invention. Independent claim 11 recites, and the relied upon art fails to disclose or suggest, a mounting shank including a valve seat, and a valve seal biased against the valve seat, much less the valve seal being supported by a valve pin. (FIG. 5, para.[0035], mounting shank (66), valve seat (109), valve seal (108), valve pin (96)).As acknowledged in the aforementioned interview, amended claim 11 distinguishes over the relied-upon art. In view of the foregoing, it is respectfully submitted that claim 11, and the claims dependent therefrom, are properly allowable.New Claims New independent claim 21 recites, and the relied-upon art fails to disclose or suggest, a drain channel fluidly coupled to the drain bowl and including a channel lower wall extending outwardly from the drain bowl relative to the longitudinal axis defined by a mounting shank alone, or in combination with the other elements recited therein. As such, it is respectfully submitted that claim 21 is properly allowable.New claims 22-25 are respectfully submitted to be in condition for allowance as depending, either directly or indirectly, from properly allowable claim 21.Conclusion For at least the foregoing reasons, it is respectfully submitted that all of the solicited claims are in condition for allowance. Such action is respectfully requested.If necessary, Applicant requests that this response be considered a request for an extension of time appropriate for the response to be timely filed. Applicant requests that any required fees needed beyond those submitted with this amendment be charged to the account of Bose McKinney & Evans LLP, Deposit Account No. 02-3223.If any questions or comments should arise during consideration of this matter, the Examiner is invited to call the undersigned at the number provided below.Respectfully submitted, /Douglas A. Yerkeson/ Douglas A. Yerkeson Registration No. 39,882 Attorney for Applicant BOSE MCKINNEY & EVANS LLP111 Monument Circle, Suite 2700 Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 Telephone: 317-684-5110 Date: April 17, 2025


CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20080142095: Claims:
1. A faucet characterised by washing means for washing the insides of glasses and the like, comprising an abutment surface for abutment thereagainst of an open end of a glass, a supply line for supplying washing liquid, a spray nozzle at one end of said supply line for spraying washing liquid being supplied via the supply line into the glass from the spray nozzle during abutment of said open end against said abutment surface, and a valve in the supply line to be actuated by actuating means for supplying washing liquid to the spray nozzle as desired.
2. A faucet according to claim 1, characterised in that the washing means comprise a container on the side of the abutment surface that is remote from the glass when the glass is being washed, which container functions to receive washing liquid that was previously sprayed into the glass, as well as an outlet opening formed in said container for discharging washing liquid from the container.
3. A faucet according to claim 2, characterised in that the container forms part of a base of the faucet.
4. A faucet according to claim 2, characterised in that the outlet opening is provided in a bottom of the container.
5. A faucet according to claim 2, characterised in that the outlet opening is provided in a wall of the container.
6. A faucet according to claim 2, characterised in that at least a part of an upright wall that forms part of the container is spaced from the circumference of the abutment surface by a distance of maximally 25 mm.
7. A faucet according to claim 2, characterised in that at least a part of a bottom that forms part of the container is spaced from the abutment surface by a distance of maximally 40 mm while a glass is being washed.
8. A faucet according to claim 2, characterised in that at least a part of an upright wall forming part of the container is circular in shape.
9. A faucet according to claim 8, characterised in that the radius of said circular shape ranges between 40 mm and 100 mm.
10. A faucet according to claim 1, characterised in that the abutment surface is oriented at an inclined angle.
11. A faucet according to claim 1, characterised in that the abutment surface extends within the height of an at least partially circumferential wall of the container while the glass is being washed.
12. A faucet according to claim 2, characterised by a discharge line which is connected to the outlet opening.
13. A faucet according to claim 12, characterised in that said discharge line extends through the base.
14. A faucet according to claim 13, characterised by a common lead-through channel for leading through a tap line to an outflow opening of the faucet and for leading through the supply line.
15. A faucet according to claim 1, characterised by a coolant line which extends around the supply line and a tap line for the faucet.
16. A faucet according to claim 1, characterised in that the supply line and further preferably a tap line extends though a cooling unit.
17. A faucet construction comprising a worktop and a faucet, the faucet comprising washing means for washing the insides of items, comprising an abutment surface for abutment thereagainst of an open end of the item, a supply line for supplying washing liquid, a spray nozzle at one end of said supply line for spraying washing liquid being supplied via the supply line into the item from the spray nozzle during abutment of said open end against said abutment surface, and a valve in the supply line to be actuated by actuating means for supplying washing liquid to the spray nozzle as desired;
wherein the washing means comprise a container on the side of the abutment surface that is remote from the item when the item is being washed, which container functions to receive washing liquid that was previously sprayed into the item, as well as an outlet opening formed in said container for discharging washing liquid from the container; wherein the outlet opening opens above a recessed part of the work top, and the recessed part is provided with a further outlet opening extending through the work top for discharging liquid from the upper side of the work top to the bottom side of the work top.
18. A construction according to claim 17, characterised in that said recessed part is a sink in the work top.
Ref US20110061754: Claims:
1. A diverter assembly for a faucet comprising:
a connector housing including an inlet passage configured to be fluidly coupled to a water supply, a first outlet passage configured to be fluidly coupled to a first water delivery device, and a second outlet passage configured to be coupled to a second water delivery device; a diverter valve removably coupled to the connector housing; the diverter valve including a diverter housing slidably received within the second outlet passage of the connector housing, and a valve member supported by the diverter housing; the diverter housing including an inlet port in fluid communication with the inlet passage of the connector housing, a first outlet port in fluid communication with the first outlet passage of the connector housing, and a second outlet port in fluid communication with the second outlet passage of the connector housing; the valve member including a first mode of operation for blocking water flow through the second outlet port and permitting water flow through the first outlet port, and a second mode of operation for permitting water flow through the second outlet port and blocking water flow through the first outlet port; and a coupler supported by the connector housing and configured to secure the diverter housing to the connector housing.
2. The diverter assembly of claim 1, wherein the diverter housing includes an annular lip, and the coupler comprises a retaining clip including a pair of resilient arms configured to engage the annular lip to restrain axial movement of the diverter housing relative to the connector housing.
3. The diverter assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector housing defines a longitudinal axis, and the inlet passage, the first outlet passage, and the second outlet passage extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
4. The diverter assembly of claim 1, wherein the first water delivery device comprises a delivery spout configured to be mounted to a sink deck, and the second water delivery device comprises an auxiliary dispenser configured to be supported by the sink deck in spaced relation to the delivery spout.
5. The diverter assembly of claim 4, wherein the auxiliary dispenser comprises a handheld sprayer including a trigger, and the valve member of the diverter valve changes modes in response to activation of the trigger.
6. The diverter assembly of claim 1, wherein:
the diverter housing of the diverter valve includes a first seat and a second seat; and the valve member of the diverter valve includes a poppet supporting a first seal configured to engage the first seat to block water flow through the first outlet port, and a second seal configured to engage the second seat to block water flow through the second outlet port.
7. The diverter assembly of claim 1, further comprising an outlet tube in fluid communication with the first outlet passage of the connector housing and having an end fixed to the connector housing.
8. The diverter assembly of claim 7, wherein the connector housing is overmolded around the end of the outlet tube.
9. The diverter assembly of claim 7, further comprising an inlet tube in fluid communication with the inlet passage of the connector housing and having an end coupled to the connector housing.
10. The diverter assembly of claim 9, further comprising:
a retaining clip having a first portion coupled to the connector housing and a second portion coupled to the inlet tube; and wherein the first portion of the retaining clip is rotatable relative to the connector housing, and the inlet tube includes an annular ring engageable with the second portion of the retaining clip to restrain axial movement of the inlet tube relative to the connector housing.
11. A diverter assembly for a faucet comprising:
a connector housing including an inlet passage, a first outlet passage, and a second outlet passage; a spout outlet tube having an end coupled to the first outlet passage of the connector housing; a diverter valve configured to be removably coupled to the second outlet passage of the connector housing in a multiple water outlet configuration, wherein water is configured to alternatively flow through the first outlet passage and the second outlet passage of the connector housing; the diverter valve including a diverter housing and a valve member supported by the diverter housing, the diverter housing including an inlet port in fluid communication with the inlet passage, a first outlet port in selective fluid communication with the inlet port, and a second outlet port in selective fluid communication with the inlet port, the valve member configured to control water flow from the inlet port to the first and second outlet ports; and a plug configured to be removably coupled to the second outlet passage of the connector housing in a single water outlet configuration, wherein water is prevented from flowing through the second outlet passage.
12. The diverter assembly of claim 11, further comprising an auxiliary dispenser including a dispenser outlet tube having opposing first and second ends, the diverter valve coupled to the first end, and a water dispensing device coupled to the second end.
13. The diverter assembly of claim 12, wherein the auxiliary dispenser comprises a handheld sprayer including a trigger, and the valve member of the diverter valve changes modes in response to activation of the trigger.
14. The diverter assembly of claim 11, further comprising a coupler supported by the connector housing and configured to secure the diverter housing to the connector housing.
15. The diverter assembly of claim 14, wherein the coupler comprises a retaining clip including a pair of resilient arms.
16. The diverter assembly of claim 11, wherein the connector housing defines a longitudinal axis, and the inlet passage, the first outlet passage, and the second outlet passage extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
17. The diverter assembly of claim 11, wherein:
the diverter housing of the diverter valve includes a first seat and a second seat; and the valve member of the diverter valve includes a poppet supporting a first seal configured to engage the first seat to block water flow through the first outlet port, and a second seal configured to engage the second seat to block water flow through the second outlet port.
18. The diverter assembly of claim 11, wherein the connector housing is overmolded around the end of the spout outlet tube.
19. The diverter assembly of claim 11, further comprising an inlet tube in fluid communication with the inlet passage of the connector housing and having an end fixed to the connector housing.
20. The diverter assembly of claim 19, further comprising:
a retaining clip having a first portion coupled to the connector housing and a second portion coupled to the inlet tube; and wherein the first portion of the retaining clip is rotatable relative to the connector housing, and the inlet tube includes an annular ring engageable with the second portion of the retaining clip to restrain axial movement of the inlet tube relative to the connector housing.
21. A faucet comprising:
a control valve fluidly coupled to a water supply; an inlet tube including opposing first and second ends, the first end fluidly coupled to the control valve; a connector housing including an inlet passage, a first outlet passage, and a second outlet passage, the second end of the inlet tube coupled to the inlet passage; a spout outlet tube including opposing first and second ends, the first end coupled to the first outlet passage of the connector housing, and the second end defining a water outlet above a sink; a sprayer assembly including a sprayer outlet tube having opposing first and second ends, a diverter valve coupled to the first end, and a handheld sprayer coupled to the second end; the diverter valve including a diverter housing fixed to the first end of the dispenser outlet tube, and a valve member supported by the diverter housing; and a plug interchangeable with the diverter valve, wherein the diverter valve is coupled to the second outlet passage of the connector housing in a multiple water outlet configuration and the plug is coupled to the second outlet passage of the connector housing in a single water outlet configuration.
22. The faucet of claim 21, further comprising a mounting shank configured to be mounted to a sink deck and support the handheld sprayer, wherein the diverter housing is configured to clearingly pass through the mounting shank from above the sink deck to below the sink deck.
23. The faucet of claim 21, further comprising a coupler supported by the connector housing and configured to secure the diverter housing to the connector housing.
24. The diverter assembly of claim 23, wherein the coupler comprises a retaining clip including a pair of resilient arms.
25. The diverter assembly of claim 21, wherein the connector housing defines a longitudinal axis, and the inlet passage, the first outlet passage, and the second outlet passage extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
26. The diverter assembly of claim 21, wherein:
the diverter housing of the diverter valve includes a first seat and a second seat; and the valve member of the diverter valve includes a poppet supporting a first seal configured to engage the first seat to block water flow through the spout outlet tube, and a second seal configured to engage the second seat to block water flow through the sprayer outlet tube.
27. The diverter assembly of claim 21, wherein the connector housing is overmolded around the end of the spout outlet tube.
28. The diverter assembly of claim 21, further comprising: a retaining clip having a first portion coupled to the connector housing and a second portion coupled to the inlet tube; and
wherein the first portion of the retaining clip is rotatable relative to the connector housing, and the inlet tube includes an annular ring engageable with the second portion of the retaining clip to restrain axial movement of the inlet tube relative to the connector housing.
29. The diverter assembly of claim 21, wherein the diverter housing is axisymmetric.
30. A method of coupling a dispenser assembly to a faucet, the method including the steps of:
providing a connector including an inlet passage, a first outlet passage, and a second outlet passage; providing an inlet tube including an end coupled to the inlet passage of the connector; providing a spout outlet tube including an end coupled to the first outlet passage of the connector; uncoupling a sealing plug from the second outlet passage of the connector; providing an auxiliary dispenser including a diverter valve, the diverter valve having a diverter housing and a valve member supported by the diverter housing; coupling the diverter housing to the second outlet passage of the connector; and securing the diverter housing to the connector.
31. The method of claim 30, further comprising the steps of:
supporting a mounting shank on a sink deck to support the auxiliary dispenser; and passing the diverter valve through the mounting shank.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the auxiliary dispenser comprises a handheld sprayer including a trigger, and the valve member of the diverter valve changes modes in response to activation of the trigger.
33. The method of claim 30, wherein the connector includes a connector housing integral with the spout outlet tube.
34. The method of claim 30, wherein the step of securing the diverter housing to the connector comprises resiliently biasing a pair of arms around at least a portion of the diverter housing.
35. The method of claim 30, wherein the step of coupling the diverter housing comprises sliding the diverter housing into the second outlet passage of the connector.