Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/750,610 filed on Dec. 14, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention generally relates to a pull-out wand used in association with a faucet. More particularly, the present invention relates to a faucet wand incorporating a unitarily formed waterway body, and at least one water-diverting valve provided therein to control the flow of water through the wand. More specifically, the present invention relates to a faucet wand having fluid conduits formed through a waterway body by initially forming cavities and/or chambers in the side of the waterway body, and, thereafter, attaching side plates to the waterway body to cover the cavities and/or chambers, and relates to a faucet wand having a valving configuration using at least one water-diverting valve that can be returned to its original position by discontinuing the flow of water through the faucet wand. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is often desirable to provide multi-function faucet wands (also called sprayheads or pull-out sprays) with more than one water delivery mode. Multiple delivery modes may include a stream mode and a spray mode. In the stream mode, spray mode, water is discharged from the faucet wand in a spray pattern including a large number of relatively small streams. Multiple delivery modes of this type are particularly useful in kitchen faucets, although their use is not limited to kitchens. Lavatory faucets, shower faucets, or any other faucets, including a garden hose, may benefit from this feature. 
     A difficulty that arises during the manufacture of multi-function faucet wands concerns their waterways. Previously, the waterways of multi-function faucet wands have been formed through the interconnection of various segments such as tubes and valving sub-assemblies. For example, the various tubes and valving sub-assembles have been mechanically or adhesively fastened together to provide the fluid conduits and valves through which water flows in such multi-function faucet wands. However, to increase the functionality of such faucet wands, relatively large numbers of tubes and valving sub-assemblies must be mechanically or adhesively fastened together. The assembly of relatively large numbers of tubes and valving sub-assemblies makes the resulting waterways prohibitively expensive. As such, there is a need for a waterway which can be formed to afford the formation of various fluid conduits and valving areas to accept valves without the need to mechanically or adhesively fasten together various tubes and valving sub-assemblies. Such a waterway could provide for increased functionality by allowing the utilization of valving configurations afforded by the provision of relatively large numbers of fluid conduits. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is an exemplary aspect to provide a faucet wand including a waterway having a plurality of conduits; a diverter valve operable to divert fluid flow between two of the conduits, the diverter valve having a default position; and a reset valve operable to reset the diverter valve to the default position from another position. 
     It is another exemplary aspect to provide a faucet wand including a waterway having a plurality of conduits; a plurality of diverter valves, each diverter valve having a default position and being operable to divert fluid flow between a pair of the conduits; and a reset valve operable to reset all of the diverter valves to the default position. 
     It is yet another exemplary aspect to provide a faucet wand including a waterway having a first conduit, a second conduit, a third conduit and a fourth conduit; a first valve disposed between the first conduit and the second conduit, wherein the first valve controls fluid flow between the first conduit and the second conduit; and a second valve disposed between the second conduit and the third conduit and between the second conduit and the fourth conduit, wherein the second valve controls fluid flow between the second conduit and the third conduit and between the second conduit and the fourth conduit. In a default state, the first valve is in a first position and fluid flows from the first conduit to the second conduit, and in an actuated state, the first valve is in a second position and fluid flow is discontinued between the first conduit and the second conduit. In a default state, the second valve is in a first position and fluid flows from the second conduit to the third conduit, in an actuated state, the second valve is in a second position and fluid flows from the second conduit to the fourth conduit. Once actuated, the second valve remains in the actuated state until the first valve is actuated. 
     It is still another exemplary aspect to provide a method of manufacturing a faucet wand, the method including the steps of forming a waterway including an inlet, an outlet, and a plurality of conduits; disposing a diverter valve between two of the conduits and setting the diverter valve to a default position; and disposing a reset valve between the inlet and the diverter valve, wherein the reset valve is operable to reset the diverter valve to the default position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an assembly view of one embodiment of a faucet wand according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of one side of the waterway and one side of the plate ultimately attached to the one side of the waterway as depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2A  is a side elevational view of the other side of the plate depicted in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the assembled faucet wand depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an assembly view of another embodiment of a faucet wand according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 5A  is a side elevational view of one side of the waterway and one side of the plate ultimately attached to the one side of the waterway as depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 5B  is a side elevational view of the other side of the plate depicted in  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5C  is a side elevational view of the other side of the waterway and the other side of the plate ultimately attached to the other side of the waterway as depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 5D  is a side elevational view of the other side of the plate depicted in  FIG. 5C . 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the assembled faucet wand depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6A  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of  FIG. 6  depicting a pause or reset valve incorporated in the faucet wand. 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of  FIG. 6  depicting a first water-diverting valve in an outward position and a second water-diverting valve in an outward position. 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of  FIG. 6  depicting the first water-diverting valve in an inward position and the second water-diverting valve in the outward position. 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of  FIG. 6  depicting the first water-diverting valve in the outward position and the second water-diverting valve in an inward position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     One embodiment of a faucet wand of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral  20  in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . The wand  20  includes a shell  22  and a waterway  24  enclosed in the shell  22 . The waterway  24  includes a body  26  that can be unitarily formed through any variety of molding processes. As discussed below, the body  26  can include various cavities and/or chambers formed therein. 
     The body  26  of the waterway  24  has a first side  28  and a second side  30 . Furthermore, for the sake of this description, the body  26  is segregated into various regions. For example, the body  26  can include an inlet region  32 , an intermediate region  34 , and a head region (or an outlet region)  36 . The various regions can have various cavities and/or chambers selectively formed in sides of the body  26 . 
     As discussed below, the attachment of a side plate  38  affords the formation of fluid conduits in the body  26 . The side plate  38  can be adhesively or mechanically attached or otherwise affixed to the body  26  to afford the formation of various conduits through the waterway  24 . For example, adhesives can be provided on the body  26  and/or side plate  38  to facilitate attachment of the side plate  38  to the body  26 . Furthermore, mechanical fasteners can be used to attach the side plate  38  to the body  26 . Such mechanical fasteners could be provided through the side plate  38  into body  26 , and may require seals (such as gaskets or membranes) between the body  26  and side plate  38  to prohibit leakage. 
     For example, if the body  26  and side plate  38  are formed from polymeric material, the side plate  38  can be welded to the body  26  using weld beads  39 A ( FIG. 2) and 39B  ( FIG. 2A ) formed on the body  26  and side plate  38 , respectively. As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the weld beads  39 A can trace the perimeter of the cavities and/or chambers formed in the body  26 . To attach the side plate  38  to the body  26 , the polymeric material forming the weld beads  39 A and  39 B is initially melted using a hot plate (not shown). Thereafter, the side plate  38  is attached to the body  26  to cover the cavities and/or chambers formed therein. Once the melted polymeric material from the weld beads  39 A and  39 B intermingles and cures, the side plate  38  is permanently attached to the body  26 . 
     The inlet region  32  includes an inlet passage  40  extending therethrough. The inlet region  32  also includes an exterior surface  42  having threads  44  formed thereon. The threads  44  can be used in attaching the wand  20  to a water hose (not shown). The threads  44  can also be used to receive an attachment collar  46 . The attachment collar  46  can be used to attach the shell  22  to the waterway  24 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the attachment collar  46  includes an exterior surface  48  and an interior surface  49  extending between a first end  50  and a second end  51 . A flange  52  can be provided on the attachment collar  46  adjacent the second end  51 , and threads  54  can be provided on the interior surface  49 . After the waterway  24  has been provided in the shell  22 , the attachment collar  46  can be received around the inlet region  32  to aid in attaching the shell  22  and waterway  24  together. 
     When the attachment collar  46  is received around the inlet region  32 , the shell  22  can be clamped between the body  26  and attachment collar  46 . For example, as the threads  44  and  54  threadedly engage one another, the inlet region  32  is drawn through the interior of the attachment collar  46 . Further threaded engagement of the threads  44  and  54  forces the body  26  to engage a protrusion  56  formed on the interior of the shell  22 , and forces the flange  52  (of the attachment collar  46 ) to engage a shoulder  58  also formed on the interior of the shell  22 . Engagement of the body  26  with the protrusion  56  and of the flange  52  with the shoulder  58  effectively clamps the shell  22  between the body  26  and attachment collar  46 . As such, use of the attachment collar  46  aids in securing the attachment of the shell  22  to the waterway  24 . If necessary, mechanical fasteners (not shown) can also be used to further secure the attachment of the shell  22  and waterway  24 . 
     A check valve  60  can be provided in the inlet passage  40  to allow forward flow and prohibit backward flow of water through the wand  20 . For example, the inlet passage  40  includes a first shoulder  62  and a second shoulder  63 . A screen  64  can be provided adjacent the check valve  60  to catch particulate in the water before its flows through the wand  20 . The screen  64  includes a flange  65  which interfaces with the first shoulder  62 . The check valve  60  is positioned between the second shoulder  63  and screen  64 , and is moveable between positions allowing forward flow and positions prohibiting backward flow of water through the inlet passage  40 . If necessary, an o-ring  66  can be provided in the inlet passage  40  to seal against the water hose supplying water to the wand  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , cavities  68 ,  70 , and  72  are formed in the intermediate region  34  on the first side  28 . When the side plate  38  is attached to the first side  28 , the cavities  68 ,  70 , and  72  are enclosed to become fluid conduits B 1 , B 2 , and B 3 . As discussed above, the side plate  38  can be welded to the body  26  or otherwise permanently affixed to the body  26 . 
     The fluid conduits B 1 , B 2 , and B 3  facilitate flow of water through the intermediate region  34 . Because the cavities and/or chambers forming the fluid conduits B 1 , B 2 , and B 3  are formed in the side  28 , and the sizes and shapes thereof are only limited by the molding process, restrictions can be provided in the various conduits to aid in controlling the flow of water through the wand  20 . For example, a restriction  73  can be provided in the cavity  68  to aid the control of water flowing through the conduit B 1 . 
     The conduit B 1  and conduit B 2 , and the conduit B 1  and conduit B 3  are interconnected by a water-diverting valve chamber  76  formed in the intermediate region  34 . The water-diverting valve chamber  76  can be generally cylindrical having a first section  77 A and a second section  77 B. The water-diverting valve chamber  76  is configured to receive a water-diverting valve  78 . The water-diverting valve  78  can include components that can be actuated between two positions, an outward position Q 1  and an inward position Q 2 , to divert water to one of two conduits. For example, in the outward position Q 1 , the water-diverting valve  78  diverts water from the conduit B 1  to the conduit B 2 , and, in the inward position Q 2 , the water-diverting valve  78  diverts water from the conduit B 1  to the conduit B 3 . 
     The diversion of water afforded by the actuation of the water-diverting valve  78  serves to direct water to various output chambers in the head region  36 , and through, as discussed below, corresponding output patterns in a spray face  80 . The head region  36  includes a first chamber  82  and a second chamber  84 . The first chamber  82  can have a circular shape, and the second chamber  84  can be an annular ring shape surrounding the first chamber  82 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first chamber  82  communicates with the conduit B 2  and the second chamber  84  communicates with the conduit B 3 . 
     The spray face  80  is attached to the body  26  around a perimeter  86  of the head region  36 . The spray face  80  includes a rim  88  and threads  90  formed around the interior of the rim  88 . When the spray face  80  is attached to the head region  36 , the threads  90  engage threads  92  formed around the perimeter  86 . An o-ring  93  can be provided around the perimeter  86  to sealingly engage the rim  88 , thereby prohibiting water from leaking between the body  26  and spray face  80 . 
     The spray face  80  includes an interior cavity having a first chamber  94  and a second chamber  96 . When the spray face  80  is attached to the body  26 , the first chamber  94  communicates with the first chamber  82 , and the second chamber  96  communicates with the second chamber  84 . A seal ring  97  is provided between the head region  36  and spray face  80  to prohibit water from leaking from the first chamber  82  and first chamber  94  to the second chamber  84  and second chamber  96 . The first and second chambers  94  and  96  correspond to two (2) output patterns provided in the spray face  80 . For example, the first chamber  94  is provided with an aerator  98  and the second chamber  96  communicates through the spray face  80  via a spray pattern  100 . As such, water flowing through the first chamber  82  (from conduit B 2 ) into the first chamber  94  exits the wand  20  through the aerator  98  as a stream. Furthermore, water flowing through the second chamber  84  (from conduit B 3 ) into the second chamber  96  exits the wand  20  through the spray pattern  100  as a spray. Consequently, depending on the position of the water-diverting valve  78 , water exits the wand  20  as a stream through the aerator  98 , or as a spray through the spray pattern  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the water-diverting valve  78  can be a pressure-biased valve including a spool  104  and a spool guide  106 . The spool guide  106  of the water-diverting valve  78  is received within the second section  77 B of the water-diverting valve chamber  76 . The spool guide  106  includes a spool-receiving aperture  108  that can be generally cylindrical. The spool-receiving aperture  108  defines the path of reciprocal movement of the spool  104  between the outward position Q 1  and inward position Q 2 . 
     The spool guide  106  includes a first portion  110  and a second portion  111  joined by two (2) connecting legs  112 . The connecting legs  112  define passageways (not shown) therebetween allowing the passage of water through the spool-receiving aperture  108  to an annular channel  114  formed around the spool guide  106  between the first portion  110  and second portion  111 . 
     Five (5) annular flanges are provided around the exterior of the spool guide  106 . For example, a first flange  116  and a second flange  117  define a space therebetween for receiving an o-ring  118 , and a third flange  120  and a fourth flange  121  define a space therebetween for receiving an o-ring  122 . The o-rings  118  and  122  seal against the sidewalls of the water-diverting valve chamber  76  to prohibit flow of water therearound. A fifth flange  124  defines a space between itself and the fourth flange  121  for receiving a retaining clip  126 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , slots  128  are provided through the body  26  into the water-diverting valve chamber  76 . To hold the water-diverting valve  78  in position in the water-diverting valve chamber  76 , the retaining clip  126  can be inserted through the slots  128  into the space between the fourth flange  121  and fifth flange  124 . 
     As discussed above, the spool  104  is moveable between the outward position Q 1  and inward position Q 2  in the spool-receiving aperture  108 . The spool  104  includes a spool body  132 . A spool head  134  is formed at one end of the spool body  132 , and a spool rim  136  is formed at the other end of the spool body  132  around an aperture  137  provided in the spool  104 . The spool head  134  serves in attaching a button  138  to the water-diverting valve  78 . When the wand  20  is assembled, the button  138  is provided through a hole  139  in the shell  22  allowing it to be depressed by a user. Furthermore, a spring  140  is received within the aperture  137 . Moreover, the spool rim  136  serves in limiting travel of the spool  104 . As discussed below, the spring  140  interfaces with the bottom wall of the water-diverting valve chamber  76 , and serves in returning the spool  104  to the outward position Q 1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , four (4) flanges are provided around the exterior of the spool body  132  between the spool head  134  and spool rim  136 . A first spool flange  142  and a second spool flange  143  define a space therebetween for receiving a seal ring  144 , and a third spool flange  146  and a fourth spool flange  147  define a space therebetween for receiving a seal ring  148 . The seal ring  148  serves to prohibit flow of water therearound, thereby prohibiting leakage from the spool-receiving aperture  108 . Furthermore, the seal ring  144 , and the first and second spool flanges  142  and  143 , serve as a valve plug. For example, when the spool  104  is in the outward position Q 1 , the seal ring  144  interfaces with a shoulder  150  formed on the first portion  110  of the spool guide  106 , and, when the spool  104  is in the inward position Q 2 , the seal ring  144  interfaces with a shoulder  152  formed on the sidewalls between the first and second sections  77 A and  77 B of the water-diverting valve chamber  76 . 
     The shoulders  150  and  152  serve as valve seats which the seal ring  144  sealingly engages. For example, when the spool  104  is in the outward position Q 1 , and the seal ring  144  sealingly engages the shoulder  150 , water is prohibited by the seal ring  144 , and by the first and second spool flanges  142  and  143 , from flowing through the spool-receiving aperture  108 , and is directed into the first section  77 A. Furthermore, when the spool  104  is in the inward position Q 2 , and the seal ring  144  sealingly engages the shoulder  152 , water is prevented by the seal ring  144 , and by the first and second spool flanges  142  and  143 , from flowing into the first section  77 A, and is directed through the spool-receiving aperture  108 . As such, the positions of the spool  104 , the outward position Q 1  and inward position Q 2 , and the corresponding engagement of the seal ring  144  with either of the shoulders  150  and  152 , serves in directing water flowing through the wand  20 . 
     A user can actuate the wand  20  by depressing the button  138 . The button  138  is attached to the spool head  134 , and pivotably attached to a fulcrum  154  formed on the body  26 . For example, at least one leg  156  can be provided depending from the underside of the button  138 . The leg  156  includes a receiving slot  157  in which the fulcrum  154  can be pivotably attached. Pivotal movement of the button  138  serves to actuate the spool  104  between the outward position Q 1  and inward position Q 2 . As such, pivotal movement of the button  138  serves in controlling flow of water through the wand  20 . When water is flowing through the wand  20  and the spool  104  is in the outward position Q 1 , the water is directed by the water-diverting valve  78  through the first section  77 A of the water-diverting valve chamber  76  into conduit B 2 , and out of the head region  36  and spray face  80  as a stream via aerator  98 . Furthermore, when water is flowing through the wand and the spool  104  is in the inward position Q 2 , the water is directed by the water-diverting valve  78  through the spool-receiving aperture  108  into the conduit B 3 , and out of the head region  36  and spray face  80  as a spray via spray pattern  100 . As such, pivotal movement of the button  138  serves to alternate the water exiting the wand  20  between a stream or a spray. 
     Moreover, flow of water through the wand  20  serves in maintaining the spool  104  of the water-diverting valve  78  in the inward position Q 2 . For example, when the button  138  is pivoted to position the spool  104  in the inward position Q 2 , the seal ring  144  sealingly engages the shoulder  152 , and water is prevented from flowing into the first section  77 A. Correspondingly, water flows over and exerts pressure on the second flange  143 . The pressure of the water flowing over the second flange  143  is greater than the force of the spring  140 , and the spool  104  is maintained in the inward position Q 2 . In effect, the spool  104  is biased in the inward position Q 2  by the pressure exerted by the water flowing over the second flange  143 . However, once the flow of water over the second flange  143  is discontinued, the spring  140  automatically returns the spool  104  to the outward position Q 1  without the need for user intervention. As such, when the faucet is turned off, water flowing through the wand  20  will be discontinued, and, if the spool  104  was in the inward position Q 2 , then the spool  104  would be returned to the outward position Q 1  by the spring  140 . Consequently, when water again flows through the wand  20 , the water would, absent user intervention, initially exit the wand  20  as a stream. 
     Another embodiment of the faucet wand of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral  190  in  FIGS. 4 and 6 . The wand  190  includes a shell  192 , a shell plate  193 , and a waterway  194  enclosed by the shell  192  and shell plate  193 . The waterway  194  includes a body  196  that is unitarily formed through any variety of molding processes. As discussed below, the body  196  can include various cavities and/or chambers formed therein. 
     The body  196  of the waterway  194  has a first side  198  ( FIG. 5A ) and a second side  200  ( FIG. 5C ). For the sake of this description, the body  196  is segregated into various regions. For example, the body  196  can include an inlet region  202 , a first intermediate region  204 , a second intermediate region  206 , a third intermediate region  208 , and a head region (or an outlet region)  210 . The various regions can have various cavities and/or chambers selectively formed in the first and second sides  198  and  200 . 
     The attachment of a first side plate  212  and a second side plate  214  to the sides  198  and  200 , respectively, affords the formation of various conduits in the body  196 . The first and second side plates  212  and  214  can be adhesively or mechanically attached or otherwise permanently affixed to the body  196 . For example, adhesives can be provided on the body  196  and/or side plates  212  and  214  to facilitate attachment of the side plates  212  and  214  to the body  196 . Furthermore, mechanical fasteners could be used to attach the side plates  212  and  214  to the body  196 . Such mechanical fasteners could be provided through the side plates  212  and  214  into the body, and may require seals (such as gaskets or membranes) between the body  196  and side plates  212  and  214  to prohibit leakage. 
     The side plates  212  and  214  can also be welded to the body  196  using weld beads. For example, if the body  196  and side plates  212  and  214  are made of polymeric materials, weld beads  215 A ( FIG. 5A ) can be provided on side  198  of the body  196 , and weld beads  215 B ( FIG. 5B ) can be provided on the side plate  212 . Furthermore, weld beads  216 A ( FIG. 5C ) can be provided on side  200  of the body  196 , and weld beads  216 B ( FIG. 5D ) can be provided on the side plate  214 . The weld beads  215 A and  216 A can trace the perimeter of the cavities and/or chambers provided in the sides  198  and  200 , respectively. To attach the side plates  212  and  214 , the various weld beads can be initially melted using a hot plate (not shown), and thereafter attached to the sides  198  and  200 , respectively. Once the melted weld beads  215 A and  215 B intermingle and cure, and the melted weld beads  216 A and  216 B intermingle and cure, the side plates  212  and  214  are permanently attached to the body  196 . 
     Using the attachment of the first and second side plates  212  and  214  to cover the various cavities and/or chambers allows the various conduits formed thereby to have various shapes and sizes limited only by the molding process. For example, as discussed below, restrictions can be provided in the various conduits to aid in controlling the flow of water through the wand  190 . 
     The inlet region  202  includes an inlet passage  217  extending therethrough. The inlet region  202  also includes an exterior surface  218  having first and second threads  220  and  221  formed thereon. The first threads  220  can be used in attaching the wand  190  to a water hose (not shown). Furthermore, the second threads  221  can be used to receive an attachment collar  224 . The attachment collar  224  can be used to attach the shell  192  to the waterway  194 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the attachment collar  224  includes an exterior surface  226  and an interior surface  227  extending between a first end  228  and a second end  229 . A seal ring  230  can be provided around the exterior surface  226 , and threads  231  are provided on the interior surface  227 . After the waterway  194  has been provided in the shell  192 , the attachment collar  224  can be received around the inlet region  202  to aid in attaching the shell  192  and waterway  194  together. 
     When the attachment collar  224  is received on the body  196 , the shell  192  can be clamped between the body  196  and attachment collar  224 . For example, as the threads  221  and threads  231  threadedly engage one another, the inlet region  202  (of the waterway  194 ) is drawn through the interior of the attachment collar  224 . When the inlet region  202  is drawn through the interior of the attachment collar  224 , protrusions  232  and  233  formed on the interior of the shell  192  are clamped between the first end  228  of the attachment collar  224  and the body  194  at  234  and  235 . As such, use of the attachment collar  224  aids in securing the attachment of the shell  192  to the waterway  194 . If necessary, mechanical fasteners (not shown) can also be used to further secure the attachment of the shell  192  and waterway  194 . 
     A check valve  236  can be provided in the inlet passage  217  to allow forward flow and prohibit backward flow of water through the wand  190 . For example, the inlet passage  217  includes a first shoulder  238  and a second shoulder  239 , and a screen  240  can be provided adjacent the check valve  236  to catch particulate in the water before it flows through the wand  190 . The screen  240  includes a flange  241  which interfaces with the shoulder  238 . The check valve  236  is positioned between the shoulder  239  and screen  240 , and is moveable between positions allowing forward flow and positions prohibiting backward flow of water through the inlet passage  217 . If necessary, an o-ring  242  can be provided in the inlet passage  217  to seal against the water hose supplying water to the wand  190 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5A , a cavity  244  is formed in the first intermediate region  204  (on the first side  198 ), and cavity  246  is formed in both the first intermediate region  204  and second intermediate region  206  (on the first side  198 ). When the side plate  212  is attached to the first side  198 , the cavities  244  and  246  are enclosed to become fluid conduits C 1  and C 2 . The fluid conduits C 1  and C 2  facilitate flow of water through the first intermediate region  204  and a portion of the second intermediate region  206 . The fluid conduits C 1  and C 2  are interconnected by a pause or reset valve chamber  248  formed in the first intermediate region  204 . 
     The pause valve chamber  248  can be generally cylindrical having a first section  249 A and a second section  249 B. The pause valve chamber  248  is configured to receive a pause or reset valve  250 . As discussed below, the pause valve  250  is configured to interrupt the flow of water through the body  196  upon actuation. That is, the pause valve  250  in an unactuated outward position S 1  allows the flow of water therethrough (from the conduit C 1  to the conduit C 2 ), and in an actuated inward position S 2  prohibits the flow of water therethrough (between the conduits C 1  and C 2 ). 
     As discussed above, the conduit C 2  extends into the second intermediate region  206 . In addition to the conduit C 2 , the second intermediate region  206  includes conduits C 3 , C 4 , C 5 , and C 6 . The conduits C 3 , C 5  and C 6  are formed when the first side plate  212  is attached to the body  196  to enclose various cavities formed in the first side  198 . For example, as depicted in  FIG. 5A , when attached to the first side  198 , the first side plate  212  encloses a cavity  252  in the second intermediate region  206  to form the conduit C 3 , a cavity  254  in the second intermediate region  206  and third intermediate region  208  to form the conduit C 5 , and a cavity  256  in the second intermediate region  206  and third intermediate region  208  to form the conduit C 6 . As depicted in  FIG. 5A , restriction  257  can be provided in cavity  256  to aid the control of water flowing through the conduit C 6 . Furthermore, as depicted in  FIG. 5C , the conduit C 4  is formed when the second side plate  214  is attached to enclose a cavity  258  formed on the second side  200  in the second intermediate region  206  and third intermediate region  208 . 
     The conduit C 2  is interconnected with the conduits C 3  and C 4  by a first water-diverting valve chamber  260 , and the conduit C 3  is interconnected with the conduits C 5  and C 6  by a second water-diverting valve chamber  262 . The first and second water-diverting valve chambers  260  and  262  can be generally cylindrical each having a first section  263 A and a second section  263 B, and are configured to receive first and second water-diverting valves  264  and  266 , respectively. The first and second water-diverting valves  264  and  266  can include components that can be actuated between two positions, an outward position P 1  and an inward position P 2 , to divert water to one of two conduits. For example, in the outward position P 1  ( FIGS. 7 and 9 ), the first water-diverting valve  264  diverts water from the conduit C 2  to the conduit C 3 , and, in the inward position P 2  ( FIG. 8 ), the first water-diverting valve  264  diverts water from the conduit C 2  to the conduit C 4 . Furthermore, in the outward position P 1  ( FIG. 7 ), the second water-diverting valve  266  diverts water from the conduit C 3  to the conduit C 5 , and, in the inward position P 2  ( FIG. 9 ), the second water-diverting valve  266  diverts water from the conduit C 3  to the conduit C 6 . 
     The diversion of water afforded by the actuation of the first and second water-diverting valves  264  and  266  serves to direct water to various output chambers in the head region  210  and through, as discussed below, corresponding output patterns in a spray face  270 . The head region  210  includes a first chamber  272 , a second chamber  274 , and a third chamber  276 . The first chamber  272  can have a circular shape, and the second and third chambers  274  and  276  can be successive annular ring shapes surrounding the first chamber  272 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the first chamber  272  communicates with the conduit C 5 , the second chamber  274  communicates with the conduit C 4 , and the third chamber  276  communicates with the conduit C 6 . 
     The spray face  270  is attached to the body  196  around the perimeter  278  of the head region  210 . The spray face  270  includes a rim  280  and threads  282  formed around the interior of the rim  280 . When the spray face  270  is attached to the head region  210 , the threads  282  engage threads  284  formed around the perimeter  278 . An o-ring  285  can be provided around the perimeter  278  to sealingly engage the rim  280 , thereby prohibiting water from leaking between the body  196  and spray face  270 . 
     The spray face  270  includes an interior cavity having a first chamber  286 , a second chamber  288 , and a third chamber  290 . When the spray face  270  is attached to the body  196 , the first chamber  286  communicates with the first chamber  272 , the second chamber  288  communicates with the second chamber  274 , and the third chamber  290  communicates with the third chamber  276 . Seal rings  292  and  294  are provided between the head region  210  and spray face  270 . The seal ring  292  serves in prohibiting water from leaking from the first chamber  272  and first chamber  286  to the second chamber  274  and second chamber  288 . Furthermore, the seal ring  294  serves in prohibiting water from leaking from the second chamber  274  and second chamber  288  to the third chamber  276  and third chamber  290 . 
     The first, second, and third chambers  286 ,  288 , and  290  correspond to various output patterns provided in the spray face  270 . For example, the first chamber  286  is provided with an aerator  298 , the second chamber  288  communicates through the spray face  270  via an inner spray pattern  300 , and the third chamber  290  communicates through the spray face  270  via an outer spray pattern  302 . As such, water flowing through the first chamber  272  (from conduit C 5 ) into the first chamber  286  exits the wand  190  through the aerator  298  as a stream. Water flowing through the second chamber  274  (from conduit C 4 ) into the second chamber  288  exits the wand  190  through the inner spray pattern  300  as a first spray. Water flowing through the third chamber  276  (from conduit C 6 ) into the third chamber  290  exits the wand  190  through the outer spray pattern  302  as a second spray. As such, depending on the positions of the first and second water-diverting valves  264  and  266 , water exits the wand  190  as a stream through the aerator  298 , as the first spray through the inner spray pattern  300 , or as the second spray through the outer spray pattern  302 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , and  7 - 9 , the first and second water-diverting valves  264  and  266  can be pressure-biased valves. As such, the first and second water-diverting valves  264  and  266  each include a spool  306  and a spool guide  308 . The spool guide  308  of the first and second water-diverting valves  264  and  266  is received in the second section  263 B of the first and second water-diverting valve chambers  260  and  262 . The spool guide  308  includes a spool-receiving aperture  310  that can be generally cylindrical. The spool-receiving aperture  310  defines the path of reciprocal movement of the spool  306  between the outward position P 1  and inward position P 2 . The spool guide  308  includes a first portion  312  and a second portion  313  joined by two (2) connecting legs  314 . The connecting legs  314  define passageways (not shown) therebetween allowing the passage of water through the spool-receiving aperture  310  to an annular channel  316  formed around the spool guide  308  between the first portion  312  and second portion  313 . 
     Five (5) annular flanges are provided around the exterior of the spool guide  308 . For example, a first flange  318  and a second flange  319  define a space therebetween for receiving an o-ring  320 , and a third flange  322  and a fourth flange  323  define a space therebetween for receiving an o-ring  324 . The o-rings  320  and  324  seal against the sidewalls of the first and second water-diverting valve chambers  260  and  262  to prohibit flow of water therearound. A fifth flange  326  defines a space between itself and the fourth flange  323  for receiving a retaining clip  328 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , slots  330  and slots  332  are provided through the body  196  into the first and second water-diverting valve chambers  260  and  262 , respectively. One retaining clip  328  can be inserted through the slots  330  into the space between the fourth flange  323  and fifth flange  326  to hold the first water-diverting valve  264  in position in the first water-diverting valve chamber  260 , and another retaining clip  328  can be inserted through the slots  332  into the space between the fourth flange  323  and fifth flange  326  to hold the second water-diverting valve  266  in position in the second water-diverting valve chamber  260 . 
     As discussed above, the spool  306  is moveable between the outward position P 1  and inward position P 2  in the spool-receiving aperture  310 . The spool  306  includes a spool body  334 . A spool head  336  is formed at one end of the spool body  334 . Furthermore, a spool rim  338  is formed at the other end of the spool body  334  around an aperture  339  provided in the spool  306 . The spool head  336  serves in attaching a toggle button  340  to the first and second water-diverting valves  264  and  266 . When the wand  190  is assembled the button  340  is provided through a hole  341  in the shell plate  193  so that the first and second water-diverting valves  264  and  266  can be actuated (via pivotal movement of the toggle button  340 ). Furthermore, a spring  342  is received within the aperture  339 , and the spool rim  338  serves in limiting travel of the spool  306 . As discussed below, the spring  342  interfaces with the bottom walls of the first and second water-diverting valve chambers  260  and  262 , and serves in returning the spool  306  to the outward position P 1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7-9 , four (4) flanges are provided around the exterior of the spool body  334  between the spool head  336  and spool rim  338 . A first spool flange  344  and a second spool flange  345  define a space therebetween for receiving a seal ring  346 , and a third spool flange  348  and a fourth spool flange  349  define a space therebetween for receiving a seal ring  350 . The seal ring  350  serves to prohibit flow of water therearound, thereby prohibiting leakage from the spool-receiving aperture  310 . Furthermore, the first and second spool flanges  344  and  345  and the seal ring  346  serve as a valve plug. For example, when the spool  306  is in the outward position P 1 , the seal ring  346  interfaces with a shoulder  352  formed on the first portion  312  of the spool guide  308 , and, when the spool  306  is in the inward position P 2 , the seal ring  346  interfaces with a shoulder  354  formed on the sidewalls between the first and second sections  263 A and  263 B of the first and second water-diverting valve chambers  260  and  262 . 
     The shoulders  352  and  354  serve as valve seats which the seal ring  346  sealingly engages. For example, when the spool  306  is in the outward position P 1 , and the seal ring  346  sealingly engages the shoulder  352 , water is prohibited by the seal ring  346 , and by the first and second spool flanges  344  and  345 , from flowing through the spool-receiving aperture  310 , and is directed into the first section  263 A (of the first and second water-diverting valve chambers  260  and  262 ). Furthermore, when the spool  306  is in the inward position P 2 , and the seal ring  346  sealingly engages the shoulder  354 , water is prevented by the seal ring  346 , and by the first and second spool flanges  344  and  345 , from flowing into the first section  263 A (of the first and second water-diverting valve chambers  260  and  262 ), and is directed through the spool-receiving aperture  310 . As such, the positions of the spool  306  and corresponding engagement of the seal ring  346  with either of the shoulders  352  and  354  serve in directing water flowing through the wand  190 . 
     Flow of water through the wand  190  serves in maintaining the spools  306  of the first and second water-diverting valves  264  and  266  in the inward position P 2 . For example, when the spool  306  is in the inward position P 2 , the seal ring  346  sealingly engages the shoulder  354 , and water is prevented from flowing in the first section  263 A. Correspondingly, water flows over and exerts pressure on the second flange  345 . The pressure of the water flowing over the second flange  345  is greater than the force of the spring  342 , and the spool  306  is maintained in the inward position P 2 . In effect, the spool  306  is biased in the inward position P 2  by the pressure exerted by the water flowing over the second flange  345 . However, once the flow of water over the second flange  345  is discontinued, the spring  342  serves to return the spool  306  to the outward position P 1 . 
     The pause valve  250  is provided to discontinue flow of water to the first and second water-diverting valves  264  and  266 . As such, if the spool  306  of either the first or second water-diverting valve  264  or  266  is in the inward position P 2 , the actuation of the pause valve  250  serves to return the spool  306  to the outward position P 1 . As shown in  FIG. 6A , the pause valve  250  includes spool  360  and a spool guide  362 . The spool guide  362  is received in the second section  249 B of the pause chamber  248 . The spool guide  362  includes a spool-receiving aperture  364  that can be generally cylindrical, and defines the path of reciprocal motion of the spool  360  between an outward position S 1  and an inward position S 2 . 
     Three (3) annular flanges are provided around the exterior of the spool guide  362 . For example, a first flange  366 , a second flange  367 , and a third flange  368  are provided. The first and second flanges  366  and  367  define an area therebetween for receiving an o-ring  370 . The o-ring  370  serves to prohibit water from leaking between the spool guide  362  and sidewalls of the pause chamber  248 . The third flange  368  defines a space between itself and the second flange  367  for receiving a retaining clip  372 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , slots  374  are provided through the body  196  into the pause chamber  248 . To hold the pause valve  250  in position, the retaining clip  372  can be inserted through the slots  374  into the space between the second flange  367  and third flange  368 . 
     As discussed above, the spool  360  is moveable between the outward position S 1  and inward position S 2  in the spool-receiving aperture  364 . The spool  360  includes a pause spool body  378 . At one end, a spool head  380  is formed on the pause spool body  378 , and, at the other end, an aperture  381  is provided through the pause spool body  378 . The spool head  380  serves in attaching a button  382 . When the wand  190  is assembled, the button  382  is provided through a hole  383  in the shell plate  193  so that the pause valve  250  can be actuated. A spring  384  is received within the aperture  381 . The spring  384  interfaces with the bottom wall of the pause chamber  248 , and serves in biasing the spool  360  to the outward position S 1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6A , six (6) flanges are provided around the exterior of the pause spool body  378 . A first pause spool flange  386  and a second pause spool flange  387  define a space therebetween for receiving a seal ring  388 , a third pause spool flange  390  and a fourth pause spool flange  391  define a space therebetween for receiving a seal ring  392 , and a fifth pause spool flange  394  and a sixth pause spool flange  395  define a space therebetween for receiving a seal ring  396 . The seal ring  388  serves to prohibit flow of water therearound into the first section  249 A of the pause chamber  248 . Furthermore, the seal ring  396  serves to prohibit flow of water therearound, thereby prohibiting leakage from the pause chamber  248 . 
     Additionally, the seal ring  392 , and the third and fourth pause spool flanges  390  and  391  serve as a valve plug. For example, when the spool  360  is actuated into the inward position S 2  from the outward position S 1 , the seal ring  392  interfaces with a shoulder  398  formed between the first and second sections  249 A and  249 B of the pause chamber  248 . The shoulder  398  serves as a valve seat which the seal ring  392  sealingly engages. When the spool  360  is in the inward position S 2 , and the seal ring  392  sealingly engages the shoulder  398 , water is prevented by the seal ring  392  and the third and fourth pause spool flanges  390  and  391  from flowing into the first section  249 A. As such, when the spool  360  is in the inward position S 2 , the seal ring  392  and the third and fourth pause spool flanges  390  and  391  discontinue flow of water through the remainder of the wand  190 . 
     A user can actuate the first and second water-diverting valves  264  and  266  of the wand  190  by depressing the toggle button  340 . The toggle button  340  is attached to the spool heads  336  of both the first and second water-diverting valves  264  and  266 , and is capable of pivoting on a fulcrum  400  formed on the body  196 . The toggle button  340  includes a first depending leg  402  ( FIG. 5A ) and a second depending leg  404  ( FIG. 5C ) which receive the fulcrum  400  therebetween. The toggle button  340  is not attached to the fulcrum  400 , but instead floats on the fulcrum  400  until either the first water-diverting valve  264  or the second water-diverting valve  266  is depressed into the inward position P 2 . When either the first water-diverting valve  264  or the second water-diverting valve is depressed into the inward position P 2 , a pivot surface  406  provided between the first and second depending legs  402  and  404  contacts the fulcrum  400  to afford pivotal movement of the toggle button  340 . Because the toggle button  340  floats on the fulcrum  400 , the pivot surface  406 , if necessary, can slide on the fulcrum  400  to afford increased play between the spools  306  of the first and second water-diverting valves  264  and  266 . As such, when the second water-diverting valve  266  is actuated into the inward position P 2 , the interaction between the fulcrum  400  and pivot surface  406  compels the first water-diverting valve  264  into the outward position P 1 , and when the first water-diverting valve  264  is actuated into the inward position P 2 , the same interaction compels the second water-diverting valve  266  into the outward position P 1 . 
     Pivotal movement of the toggle button  340  and the use of the pause valve  250  serves in actuating the spools  306  of the first and second water-diverting valves  264  and  266  between their corresponding outward positions P 1  and inward positions P 2 . As such, pivotal movement of the toggle button  340  and the use of the pause valve  250  can serve in controlling flow of water through the wand  190 . Depending on the positions of the spools  306  of the first and second water-diverting valves  264  and  266 , water flowing through the wand  190  is ultimately directed through the conduit C 5  to exit the wand  190  as a stream, the conduit C 4  to exit the wand  190  as the first spray, or the conduit C 6  to exit the wand  190  as the second spray. As discussed below, the pause valve  250  serves to return the first and second water-diverting valves  264  and  266  to the outward position P 1  to allow water to exit the wand  190  as a stream, and pivotal movement of the toggle button  340  serves to alternate the water exiting the wand  190  between the first spray and second spray. 
     For example, when the spools  306  of both the of the water-diverting valves  264  and  266  are in the outward position P 1 , water exits the wand  190  as a stream. For example, when water is flowing through the wand  190 , and the spools  306 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , are both in the outward position P 1 , the water is directed by the first-water-diverting valve  264  from the conduit C 2  into the conduit C 3 , and, thereafter, the water is directed by the second water-diverting valve  266  from the conduit C 3  into the conduit C 5 . Because the conduit C 5  communicates with the aerator  298  via the first chamber  272  (formed in the head region  210 ) and the first chamber  286  (formed in the spray face  270 ), the water exits the wand  190  as the stream. 
     Furthermore, when the toggle button  340  is pivoted such that the spool  306  of the first water-diverting valve  264  is in the inward position P 1 , water exits the wand  190  as the first spray. For example, when water is flowing through the wand  190 , and the spool  306  of the first water-diverting valve  264  is in the inward position P 2 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , the water is directed from the conduit C 2  into the conduit C 4 . As such, the water bypasses the second water-diverting valve  266  (which is in the outward position P 2 ) to exit the wand  190 , and, because the conduit C 4  communicates with the inner spray pattern  300  via the second chamber  274  (formed in the head region  210 ) and the second chamber  288  (formed in the spray face  270 ), the water exits the wand as the first spray. 
     When the toggle button  340  is pivoted such that the spool  306  of the first water-diverting valve  264  is in the outward position P 1  and the spool  306  of the second water-diverting valve  266  is in the inward position P 2 , water exits the wand  190  as the second spray. For example, when water is flowing through the wand  190 , and the spool  306  of the first water-diverting valve  264  is in the outward position P 1  and the spool  306  of the second water-diverting valve  266  is in the inward position P 2 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , the water is directed by the first water-diverting valve  264  from the conduit C 2  into the conduit C 3 , and, thereafter, the water is directed by the second water-diverting valve  266  from the conduit C 3  into the conduit C 6 . Because the conduit C 6  communicates with the outer spray pattern  302  via the third chamber  276  (formed in the head region  210 ) and the third chamber  290  (formed in the spray face  270 ), the water exists the wand  190  as the second spray. 
     Once either of the spools  306  of the first and second water-diverting valves  264  and  266  are actuated (by pivotal movement of the toggle button  340 ) into the inward position P 2 , flow of water through the wand  190 , as discussed above, serves in maintaining that spool  306  in the inward position P 2 . For example, when the toggle button  340  is pivoted so that one of the spools  306  is in the inward position P 2 , water flows over and exerts pressure on the second flange  345 . The pressure of the water flowing over the second flange  345  maintains the spool  306  in the inward position P 2 . However, once the flow of water over the second flange  345  is discontinued, the spring  342  automatically returns the spool  306  to the outward position P 1  without the need for user intervention. As such, when the faucet is turned off or the pause valve  250  is actuated, water flowing through the wand  190  will be discontinued, and, if either of the spools  306  is in the inward position P 2 , then that spool  306  would be reset to the outward position P 1  by the spring  342 . Consequently, when water again flows through the wand  190 , the water would, absent user intervention, initially exit the wand  190  as a stream. 
     While in accordance with the Patent Statutes, only the best mode and exemplary embodiments have been presented and described in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby.

Technology Category: 7