Patent ID: 7357147

Claim:
A modular air gap device adapted for selective installation to and removal from an associated faucet, said modular air gap device comprising: a base; an inlet nipple defining an inlet passage and an outlet nipple defining an outlet passage, said inlet and outlet nipples projecting outwardly from said base in a first direction; an air gap structure connected to said base and projecting outwardly therefrom in a second direction opposite said inlet and outlet nipples, said air gap structure adapted for selective removable receipt within an air gap chamber of the associated faucet, said air gap structure defining a flow path having a first end in fluid communication with said inlet passage of said inlet nipple and a second end spaced from said outlet passage of said outlet nipple so that an air gap is defined between said second end of said flow path and said outlet passage; wherein said modular air gap device is adapted for selective installation to the associated faucet, with said air gap structure removably received inside the air gap chamber of the associated faucet when the modular air gap device is installed so that the associated faucet is usable with or without the modular air gap device installed; and, said base comprising a liquid collection pool located to collect liquid that flows from said second end of said flow path of said air gap structure, wherein said outlet passage of said outlet nipple comprises an inlet port in fluid communication with said liquid collection pool, said liquid collection pool adapted for selective removable receipt in the air gap chamber of the associated faucet together with said air gap structure when the modular air gap device is installed.