A sprayer assembly for a faucet including a docking base and a sprayer removably coupled to the docking base. The sprayer includes a water outlet configured to direct water downwardly into a sink basin when the sprayer is coupled to the docking base.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates generally to a kitchen faucet sprayer and, more particularly, to an ergonomic kitchen faucet sprayer that can be removably docked in a base and activated for hands-free operation with water directed downwardly into a sink basin.

It is known to provide a kitchen faucet including a delivery spout and an adjacent side sprayer, both configured to discharge water into a sink basin. Typically, the side sprayer is fluidly coupled to a flexible water supply tube and is removably received within a docking base secured to a mounting deck.

Conventional side sprayers require the user to physically remove the side sprayer from the docking base and manipulate the side sprayer for cleaning items within the sink basin. This requires the user to utilize one hand for the side sprayer, leaving only his or her other hand for holding other items, such as a plate, a glass, a cup, a sponge, etc. for rinsing.

According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a sprayer assembly for a faucet assembly includes a docking base configured to be supported by a mounting deck adjacent a sink basin, the docking base including a receiver opening. A sprayer includes a handle extending along a longitudinal handle axis and is configured to be removably coupled to the receiver opening. A head is supported by the handle and extends along a longitudinal head axis. A sprayface is coupled to the head and includes an outlet extending parallel to the longitudinal head axis. The longitudinal head axis extends downwardly at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal handle axis, such that water emitted from the outlet is directed downwardly into the sink basin when the handle of the sprayer is coupled to the receiver opening of the docking base.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a sprayer assembly for a faucet assembly includes a docking base configured to be supported by a mounting deck adjacent a sink basin, the docking base including a receiver opening. The sprayer assembly includes a handle extending along a longitudinal handle axis and is configured to be removably supported by the receiver opening. A head is supported by the handle and extends along a longitudinal head axis. A sprayface is coupled to the head and includes an outlet. The docking base is configured to adjust the angular position of the longitudinal head axis relative to the sink basin.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a sprayer assembly for a faucet assembly includes a docking base configured to be supported by a mounting deck adjacent a sink basin, the docking base including a receiver opening. A sprayer includes a handle extending along a longitudinal handle axis and is configured to be removably supported by the receiver opening. A head is supported by the handle and extends along a longitudinal head axis. A sprayface is coupled to the head and includes an outlet extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal head axis. The sprayface is releasably coupled to the head of the sprayer.

According to a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a sprayer assembly for a faucet assembly includes a docking base configured to be supported by a mounting deck adjacent a sink basin. A sprayer includes a handle and a head having an outlet configured to dispense water, the handle having a body portion and an end portion rotatably supporting the end portion, the end portion being removably coupled to the docking base. A trigger is supported by the handle of the sprayer, the trigger being movable between an on position and an off position, where water flows through the outlet in the on position and water is prevented from flowing through the outlet in the off position. The trigger includes a notch for receiving the wall of an object for moving the trigger to the on position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the invention described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Rather, the embodiments selected for description have been chosen to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention.

Referring initially toFIG. 1, a conventional sink assembly2is shown as including a sink or mounting deck4supporting an illustrative faucet assembly10above a sink basin6. The faucet assembly10is shown as including a diverter assembly12of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,646,476 to Thomas et al., the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

The faucet assembly10illustratively includes a waterway assembly11having a hot water supply line or tube16and a cold water supply line or tube18configured to supply water to a control or mixing valve20. More particularly, the hot water supply tube16is fluidly connected to a hot water supply valve or stop17, while the cold water supply tube18is fluidly connected to a cold water supply valve or stop19. Operation of the mixing valve20regulates the flow of water from the hot water supply tube16and the cold water supply tube18to a mixed water line or inlet tube22. A user input, illustratively a handle23, is operably coupled to the mixing valve20to control the flow rate and the temperature of water delivered to the mixed water inlet tube22.

The faucet assembly10includes a delivery spout28supported by a base29and configured to receive a spout outlet tube (not shown) having an outlet31positioned above the sink basin6and configured to discharge water from the mixed water inlet tube22. The outlet31may be defined by an aerator coupled to the spout outlet tube. Illustratively, the base29may be secured to the mounting deck4through nuts threadably engaging mounting shanks or posts (not shown). In the illustrative embodiment, the hot water supply tube16, the cold water supply tube18, the mixed water inlet tube22, and the spout outlet tube30are formed of a polymer, such as a cross-liked polyethylene (PEX).

A conventional sprayer assembly42includes a handheld sprayer44fluidly coupled to a flexible dispenser or water sprayer supply tube46. The sprayer44may be of conventional design and includes a trigger47operably coupled to a control valve (not shown) configured to control water flow therethrough. The sprayer44includes a body48configured to be removably supported by a mounting or docking base50.

Referring now toFIGS. 2-4, an illustrative faucet sprayer assembly110of the present disclosure is shown for use in a faucet assembly100. In the following description, similar components of faucet assembly10and faucet assembly100will be identified with like reference numbers.

The illustrative faucet sprayer assembly110includes a sprayer112having a shell or body114releasably coupled or docked to a receiver, such as a passageway or receptacle opening52, of docking base50. Illustratively, the receptacle opening52extends along a longitudinal mounting axis53(which illustratively extends in a vertical direction). The docking base50is illustratively coupled to mounting deck4adjacent delivery spout28. Sink basin6extends downwardly below the mounting deck4adjacent to, illustratively in front of, the docking base50. The water supply tube46extends through the receptacle opening52and may slide therethrough as the sprayer112is removed from (i.e., uncoupled from), and returned to (i.e., coupled to), the docking base50.

The body114of the sprayer112illustratively includes an outlet portion or head120angled relative to a body portion or handle122. More particularly, the head120extends along a longitudinal head axis124, and the handle122extends along a longitudinal handle axis126. As shown in the illustrative embodiment ofFIG. 3, the longitudinal handle axis126may extend parallel to, and illustratively coaxial with, the longitudinal mounting axis53of the docking base50when the sprayer112is docked or coupled with the docking base50. In other illustrative embodiments, the longitudinal handle axis126may be positioned in different orientations relative to the longitudinal mounting axis53when the sprayer112is docked or coupled with the docking base50. The longitudinal head axis124illustratively extends downwardly at an acute angle α relative to the longitudinal mounting axis53(and in the illustrative embodiment ofFIG. 3, also relative to the longitudinal handle axis126).

A sprayface128may be removably coupled to the head120, such that the sprayface128may be replaced with a similar sprayface128providing a similar spray pattern, or a different sprayface128providing a different spray pattern. Illustratively, the sprayface128is threadably coupled to a cylindrical outer wall130of the head120. The sprayface128illustratively includes at least one water outlet132extending along an axis parallel to the longitudinal head axis124, such that water134emitted from the outlet132extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal head axis124. The handle122illustratively includes a cylindrical outer wall136defining an inlet to receive the water supply tube46.

Different illustrative sprayfaces128a,128band128care shown inFIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, respectively. These sprayfaces128a,128band128cmay be interchagably supported by the head120of the sprayer112. More particularly, the sprayfaces128a,128band128cmay be unthreaded from (i.e., uncoupled from) and threaded to (i.e., coupled to) the outer wall130of the head120for easy replacement and interchangeability.

FIG. 5Ais a perspective view of the illustrative sprayer112a, showing first sprayface128aincluding a multi-dimensional fluidic device or chip132asurrounded by a plurality of nozzles132b(illustratively conventional needle nozzles). Illustratively, the fluidic device132ais a low-pressure, feedback passage-free fluidic oscillator which provides patternization, spray distribution across a fan angle, shape, and/or articulates a water spray. Illustratively, the fluidic device132amay be of the type manufactured by Bowles Fluidics Corporation of Columbia, Md., USA. Additional details on illustrative fluidic devices132amay be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0299608 to Spangler et al., the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 5Bis a perspective view of the illustrative sprayer112b, showing second sprayface128bincluding a shield spray cartridge or assembly132csurrounded by the plurality of nozzles132b. Additional details of an illustrative shield spray cartridge132care disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0228891 to Rosko et al., the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 5Cis a perspective view of the illustrative sprayer112c, showing third sprayface128cincluding a scraper blade138surrounded by the plurality of nozzles132b. Illustratively, the scraper blade138is formed of a resilient material, such as a thermoplastic or an elastomer, and extends beyond the nozzles132b.

With further reference toFIGS. 3 and 4, the positioning of the head120and the sprayface128relative to the handle122allows for the user to activate the sprayer112via a user interface, such as a button or trigger140, and direct water134into the sink basin6while the sprayer112remains docked or coupled with the docking base50. The trigger140is operably coupled to an internal control valve142(schematically represented inFIG. 3) in order to control the flow of water to the outlet132. The control valve142may be of conventional design, and illustratively includes a valve element (not shown), such as a spool supporting a seal moveable relative to a cooperating seat between a sealed (i.e., closed) position and an unsealed (i.e., open) position, in response to input to the trigger140. In an extended position of the trigger140, the control valve142prevents water from being discharged from the outlet132. In a depressed position of the trigger140, the control valve142allows water to be discharged from the outlet132. More particularly, water134is discharged from the at least one water outlet132parallel to the longitudinal head axis124, downwardly into the sink basin6. In the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 4, upon activating the control valve142via the trigger140, water134may be directed downwardly from the sprayface128toward an object, such as a plate or dish141, thereby providing a user with the freedom to use both of her hands.

According to an illustrative embodiment, a downwardly extending connector144is supported by the body114of the sprayer112. More particularly, an upper end146of the connector144is threadably coupled to the handle122of the sprayer112. A tubular member148extends downwardly from the upper end146of the connector144. An outlet end150of the tube46is fluidly coupled to a lower end152of the tubular member148. The illustrative connector144further includes a portion to retain the sprayer112in a desired position relative to the docking base50when the sprayer112is removed from the docking base50. More particularly, the connector144includes a downwardly extending flange or lip154extending concentrically around, and in spaced relation to, the tubular member148. The docking base50illustratively includes a support156and an upwardly extending annular collar158received within an annular space160defined between the flange154and the outer wall136of the handle122of the sprayer112. A magnetic coupler may releasably secure the sprayer112to the docking base50. Illustratively, the magnetic coupler includes a magnet159supported by the support156of the docking base50, and a magnetically attractive member161(e.g., a metal plate or washer) supported by the outer wall136of the handle122of the sprayer112.

A threaded mounting shank162extends downwardly from the support156. The mounting shank162is configured to extend below the mounting deck4and cooperate with a mounting nut (not shown) to secure the docking base50to the mounting deck4.

As shown inFIG. 6, the collar158of the docking base50may include a notch164to receive the tube46and provide improved flexibility and control of the tube46and corresponding sprayer112. More particularly, when the sprayer112is removed, the notch164may slidably receive the tube46.

FIGS. 7A-7Dshow an illustrative sprayer assembly210including a sprayer212supported by a docking base250including an angled receiver opening251. An angled interface252is defined between the sprayer212and the docking base50. More particularly, an outer wall236of the handle222includes an angled interface surface254configured to engage with an angled seat256on the base250.

A retainer, such as a snap clip260, is illustratively configured to maintain the trigger140in a depressed position, such that the control valve142of the sprayer212is in a locked on, or active, position with water flowing through the at least one outlet132of the sprayface128. The illustrative snap clip260may be a flexible, arcuate clip formed of a resilient material, such as a thermoplastic and/or elastomer. The snap clip260may be open ended to receive and grip an outer surface of the wall236of handle222.FIG. 7Bis a cross-sectional view of the docking base250releasably receiving the sprayer212.

FIG. 7Cis a side elevational view of the sprayer212, showing a further illustrative embodiment retainer260′ configured to slide along the sprayer212between a locked position (A) where the trigger140is locked in a depressed position (with the control valve142causing water to flow through the sprayface128), and a released position (B) where the trigger140is biased outwardly to an extended position (with the control valve142blocking water from flowing through the sprayface128). Retainer260′ is similar to retainer260, but includes a closed inner end261thereby defining a ring.

FIG. 7Dis a side elevational view of the sprayer212, showing a further illustrative embodiment retainer260″ configured to pivot about a hinge262between a locked position (A) where the trigger140is locked in a depressed position (with the control valve142causing water to flow through the sprayface128), and a released position (B) where the trigger140is biased outwardly to an extended position (with the control valve142blocking water from flowing through the sprayface128).

FIGS. 8A-8Eshow an illustrative sprayer assembly310including a sprayer312supported by docking base250. A swing clip retainer360is configured to be received within a notch361within the trigger140to maintain the trigger140in a depressed position, such that the sprayer212is in a locked on, or active, position with water flowing through the at least one outlet129of the sprayface128.FIG. 8Bis a cross-sectional view of the docking base250receiving the sprayer312.FIG. 8Cis a side elevational view of the sprayer312, showing the swing clip retainer360pivoted about a pivot362into a locked position.FIG. 8Dis rear view of the sprayer312, showing the swing clip retainer360pivoted about the pivot362into a locked position.FIG. 8Eis a side elevational view of the sprayer312, showing the swing clip retainer360pivoted about the pivot362into a released position.

It should be appreciated that other devices may be substituted for the snap clip260or the swing clip retainer360to maintain the sprayer112,212,312in an active or on position. For example, a rocker switch, a pen click button, a dial and/or a slide switch may be used to lock the sprayer112,212,312in an on position.

FIG. 9shows an illustrative docking base450including a side wall452having a flexible portion454such that the angular position of receiver opening456and interface seat457may be adjusted and, as such, the angular position of the outlets132of the associated sprayer212coupled to the docking base450. Illustratively, the side wall452is formed of a flexible polymer and includes a plurality of corrugations458defining a bellows. An upper end of the docking base450may bend or pivot relative to a lower end via the corrugations458. As such, the receiver opening456and surrounding interface seat457may be positioned at different angles, such that the sprayer212received within the receiver opening456may be likewise positioned at different angles.

FIGS. 10-11Bshows an illustrative docking base550includes a docking collar558having a plurality of different receiver openings552to receive the associated sprayer212. In the illustrative embodiment, a first receiver opening552ais associated with a first seat560aconfigured to engage with a handle interface surface562, and a second receiver opening552bis associated with a second seat560bconfigured to engage with the handle interface surface562. The first receiver opening552ais positioned at a first angle relative to a vertical axis, and the second receiver opening552bis positioned at a second angle relative to the vertical axis. When the sprayer212is received within the first receiver opening552aas shown inFIG. 11A, the outlets129are angled downwardly at a first angle. More particularly, the handle axis126is angled from vertical by an angle β. Similarly, when the sprayer212is received within the second receiver opening552bas shown inFIG. 11B, the outlets129are angled downwardly at a second angle, illustratively less than the first angle. More particularly, the handle axis126extends in a vertical direction.

In certain illustrative embodiments, the sprayer112,212,312may have a default off or inactive mode in response to reduced water pressure. For example, a valve spool (not shown) may be received within the body of the sprayer112,212such that when the trigger140is depressed, water pressure acts against the spool to permit fluid flow to the outlet129. When water is no longer supplied to the sprayer112(for example, via the mixing valve20), then the spool returns (for example, via a spring bias) to a closed position such that water is not supplied to the outlet129. In other words, the sprayer112is in the off or inactive mode such that water will not be unintentionally discharged from the sprayer112if the trigger140is locked in a depressed position and the mixing valve20is turned on or activated.

With reference toFIGS. 12A and 12B, a further illustrative sprayer assembly610includes a sprayer612removably coupled to a docking base650, such that the longitudinal handle axis126extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal mounting axis53when the sprayer612is docked or coupled to the docking base650. Sprayer612illustratively includes many of the same features as sprayer312, wherein similar features are identified with like reference numbers. In the illustrative embodiment, the sprayer612includes a handle622having a center or body portion623and a support or end portion624supported by a rotatable coupler625. More particularly, the body portion623of handle622and the head620are supported for rotation relative to the end portion624of handle622and the docking base650about the longitudinal handle axis126. Illustratively, the sprayer612is removably coupled or docked to the docking base650along an interface652.

In a first position of the sprayer612as shown inFIG. 12A, the handle622is rotated about the longitudinal handle axis126to position the head620upwardly such that the sprayface128directs water from the outlets132in an upward direction. In one illustrative embodiment, a glass626may be positioned over the head620and receives the sprayface128. A rim or outer wall627of the glass626may contact and depress the trigger140, thereby activating the flow of water134for rinsing the inside of the glass626. As shown inFIG. 12A, the swing clip retainer360is illustratively in a disengaged or released position such that the glass626depresses the trigger140for activating the flow or water134through the outlets132. Upon removing the glass626from contact with the trigger140, the trigger140is biased back to its released position such that water flow is sealed or prevented from flowing through the outlets132.

In a second position of the sprayer612as shown inFIG. 12B, the handle622is rotated about the longitudinal handle axis126to position the head620downwardly such that the sprayface128directs water from the outlets132in a downward direction into the sink basin6. Illustratively, the swing clip retainer360is in an engaged or active position such that the retainer360depresses the trigger140for activating the flow of water134through the outlets132. This may facilitate hands free washing of objects, such as dish141, within the sink basin6.