BRPI0712172A2 - faucet that includes a molded water channel assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

TAP THAT INCLUDES A SET OF MOLDED WATER CHANNEL A tap (10, 310) is described which includes a molded water channel set (70, 70 ') with a plurality of tubes (28, 30, 66) overmolded on a base (72, 72 ').

Description

"TAP INCLUDING A MOLDED WATER CHANNEL SET" BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to hydraulic fittings and more particularly to a tap that induces a molded water channel assembly.

Typically, single registration taps include mixing valves that control the flow of both hot and cold water to a manifold. These faucets have found wide acceptance and are commonly constructed in such a way that a cable or knob is movable in different directions to adjust the temperature (ie hot and cold water mix) and water flow rate.

Typically, conventional mixing valves include a machined brass body and associated brass fittings. Usually the brass body includes a hot water inlet, a cold water inlet and a mixed water outlet. An adjustable valve element, typically both a mixing ball and a sliding plate, is manipulated by a cable to control the above-mentioned water temperature and flow rate.

In conventional taps, copper pipes are usually welded to the inlets and outlets (s) of the valve body and associated fittings. After the welding operation, typically a strong water etching or polishing acid etching operation is performed to clean metal surfaces for contaminants.

It is understood that such conventional mixing valves have certain disadvantages. For example, the cost of copper piping and the cost of additional assemblies associated with welding and acid polishing bath operations can be significant. Acid polishing bath operation may also result in unwanted metal deposition in the valve body. As such, it is known that the use of plastic waterway materials can reduce costs, eliminate metal contact, and provide protection against acids and other aggressive water conditions. The use of non-metallic materials in hydraulic fittings is significant given the growing concern about the quality of drinking water. The US Environmental Protection Agency, NSF International (National Sanitary Foundation), and other health-related organizations are actively seeking to reduce the metallic content (ie, copper and lead) of water.

Often, earlier plastic faucets tried to use plastic in a method similar to brass, that is, both as a structural component and as a mechanism for conducting water. This caused some problems because the strength limit and stiffness of most plastics is not similar to the properties of brass. This may result in the need to use higher quality materials that may be difficult to process. Alternatively, materials less suitable for structural applications may be used for the benefit of long term cost and durability.

According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a fluid dispensing device includes a water channel assembly with a first inlet fluid transport component formed of a polymer and with opposite first and second ends, and a component fluid-conveying fluid conveying means having opposite first and second ends. The water channel assembly further includes a base formed of a polymer having an upper surface and a lower surface and being overmolded around the first end of the first inlet fluid transport component and the first end of the transport component. of outlet fluid. A valve assembly includes a first inlet port in fluid communication with the first inlet fluid transport member, and an outlet port in fluidic communication with the outlet fluid transport member. The valve assembly further includes a lower surface facing the upper surface of the base and sealingly seated in the base. The valve assembly further includes a movable valve member configured to control the flow of water from the first inlet port to the outlet port.

According to a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a tap includes a support and a water channel assembly including a base supported by the support. A tubular hot water inlet element includes a first fluidically coupled end at the base and a second end configured to be fluidly coupled to a hot water supply. A tubular cold water inlet element includes a first fluidly coupled end at the base and a second end configured to be fluidly coupled to a cold water supply. A tubular outlet member includes a first fluidically coupled end at the base and a second end. A valve assembly includes a hot water inlet port in fluidic communication with the tubular hot water inlet element, and a cold water inlet port in fluidic communication with the tubular cold water element. The valve assembly further includes an outlet port in fluid communication with the outlet tubular member, and a lower surface facing an upper surface of the base, and sealingly engages with the base. The valve assembly also includes a movable valve member configured to control the flow of water from the inlet ports to the outlet ports. A locking element is operably coupled to the valve assembly and is configured to secure the valve assembly to the water channel assembly.

According to a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a fluid dispensing device includes a valve assembly with a bottom surface and a first locating member supported by the bottom surface. The fluid dispensing device further includes a water channel assembly with a first fluid transport member with first and second opposite ends, and a second fluid transport component with first and second opposite ends. A base includes an upper surface and a lower surface, and is overmolded around the first end of the first fluid transport component and the first end of the second fluid transport component. The water channel assembly further includes a second locating element supported by the upper surface of the base, and is configured to cooperate with the first valve assembly locating element to facilitate proper orientation of the valve assembly with respect to to the water channel assembly.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a tap includes a valve assembly and a water channel assembly that includes a first inlet fluid transport component formed of a non-metallic material and with first and second. opposite ends, and an outlet fluid conveying member formed of a non-metallic material having opposite first and second ends. The water channel assembly further includes a base formed of a non-metallic material with an upper surface and a lower surface, the base being fluidly coupled to the first end of the first fluid inlet conveying member at the first end of the outlet fluid transport component and valve assembly. An upper housing is formed of a non-metallic material and includes a nozzle with an outlet fluidly coupled to the outlet fluid transport component, and a channel for receiving the outlet fluid transport component.

According to a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a water channel assembly includes a plurality of flexible tubular members formed of a polymer and with opposite first and second ends. The water channel assembly further includes a base formed of a polymer and overmolded around the first end of the plurality of tubular elements.

According to yet another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a water channel assembly includes a base that includes a plurality of openings. A plurality of tubular members formed by a crosslinked polymer include first and second opposite ends, the first ends of the plurality of tubular members being received at the plurality of openings in the base.

According to a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a fluid dispensing device includes a fluid directing member and a fluidly molded water channel coupled to the flow directing member. The molded water channel includes a base with an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and a flexible tubular element fluidly coupled to the inlet opening. A fluid passage extends from the inlet port through the flow direction member and out of the outlet port wherein the fluid travels in a first direction through the inlet port and in a second direction other than the first. direction through the outlet opening.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a base for a water channel assembly includes an upper surface, a lower surface and a first inlet opening in fluid communication with the upper surface, and an outlet opening in fluid communication. with the upper surface, and is positioned spaced in relation to the inlet opening. The base is formed of a crosslinked polymer.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as currently conceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The detailed description of the drawings relates in particular to the attached figures in which:

Figure 1A is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the tap of the present disclosure mounted on a sink countertop and fluidly coupled to the hot and cold water supply lines;

Figure 1B is a perspective view similar to Figure 1A showing another illustrative fluidic coupling in the hot and cold water supply lines;

Fig. 1C is a perspective view similar to Fig. 1A showing further illustrative coupling on the hot and cold water supply lines; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tap of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view similar to Figure 2 with a mirror removed to show the molded water channel assembly, bracket and valve assembly;

Figure 4 is a perspective view similar to Figure 3, with the lower cover removed to reveal additional details of the molded water channel assembly;

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the tap of Fig. 2;

Figure 6 is an exploded partial perspective view of the tap of Figure 2 showing the mirror, cover, guide ring and locking sleeve;

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view of an illustrative embodiment of the tap showing a molded conductor assembly coupled to a valve assembly;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 2;

Figure 9 is a detailed cross-sectional view of Figure 8; Figure 10 is an exploded partial perspective view of the tap of Figure 2 showing the interface between the molded water channel assembly and the valve body; Figure 11 is a top plan view of the base of the molded water channel assembly;

Figure 12 is a bottom plan view of the base of the molten water channel assembly;

Figure 13 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view showing another illustrative fluid coupling arrangement for the water channel assembly;

Figure 14 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view similar to Figure 13 showing an additional illustrative fluid coupling for the water channel assembly;

Fig. 15 is a side elevational view, in partial cross section, of a further illustrative embodiment of the tap of the present disclosure;

Figure 16 is an exploded partial perspective view of the tap of Figure 15;

Fig. 17 is a detailed cross-sectional view of Fig. 15;

Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the molded tap water channel assembly of Figure 15 supported by the sink countertop;

Fig. 19 is a partial perspective view of the molded water channel assembly of Fig. 18;

Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view of the molded water channel assembly of Figure 19;

Fig. 21 is an exploded partial perspective view of the tap of Fig. 15 showing the interface between the valve body and the molded water channel connection;

Figure 22 is a top plan view of the base of the molded water channel assembly;

Fig. 23 is a bottom plan view of the base of the molten water channel assembly;

Fig. 24 is a diagrammatic view showing fluid flow in an illustrative water channel assembly;

Fig. 25 is a diagrammatic view showing fluid flow in another illustrative water channel assembly; and

Figure 26 is a diagrammatic view showing the flow of fluid in another illustrative water channel assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the invention described herein are not intended to be complete or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Instead, the mode selected for description was chosen to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Although the disclosure is described with respect to water, it is understood that additional types of fluids may be used.

Initially, with respect to Figure 1A, an illustrative embodiment of tap 10 mounted on a sink countertop 12 above the sink bowl 14 is shown. The tap 10 is fluidly coupled to the hot and cold water supplies 16 and 18. by means of conventional stops 20 and 22, respectively. Hot and cold conductors 24 and 26 fluidly couple the stops 20 and 22 to the inlet fluid transport components or hot and cold water pipes 28 and 30, respectively. While Figure 1 illustrates the first and second conductors 24 and 26 coupled to inlet tubes 28 and 30 by fluid couplings 32 and 24, it is understood that inlet tubes 28 and 30 may extend uninterrupted from tap 10 to stops 20 and 22 by means of fluid couplings 36 and 38 as shown in figure 1B. In addition, Figure 1C shows an illustrative embodiment in which inlet pipes 28 and 30 are coupled behind wall 40 to the building or home hydraulic system.

In addition, with reference to Figures 2 - 6, the tap 10 includes a holder 42 arranged to be secured to the sink countertop 12. The holder 42 includes a downwardly extending pair of legs 44 and 46, illustratively comprising hollow tubes with external threads 48 and 49, respectively. Fastening elements, illustratively nuts 50 and 51, are threadedly received by threads 48 and 49 of legs 44 and 46. Nuts 50 and 51 are configured to secure bracket 42 to sink countertop 12. Brackets 52 and 54 they are coupled to the upper ends of the legs 44 and 46 and are connected by a connecting member 56. In turn, the connecting member 56 supports a rest 58 in spaced relationship above the supports 52 and 54.

Referring further to Figure 5, the platform 58 illustratively includes a cylindrical outer wall 59 that supports a plurality of external threads 60. An upper end of the wall 59 supports a platform 62 surrounding a longitudinal opening 64. In an illustrative embodiment, the support 42 is molded from a polymer such as a long fiber reinforced thermoplastic (LFRT) which exhibits high dimensional stability and good mechanical properties. One such LFRT is Celstran® available from Ticona of Florence, Kentucky. However, it is understood that the support 42 may be formed of other suitable materials, such as stainless steel or brass.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 7, a molded water channel assembly 70 is supported by the stand 58 of the holder 42. The molded water channel assembly 70 includes a disc or disc shaped base 72 having an aperture. hot water inlet 74, a cold water inlet port 76, and an outlet port 78 all extending between upper and lower surfaces 80 and 82 (FIG. 10). Hot water inlet tube 28, cold water inlet tube 30, and outlet tube 66 are fluidly coupled to openings 74, 76 and 78, respectively, at base 72. In detail herein, tubes 28, 30 and 66 are illustratively formed of a flexible non-metallic material such as a polymer. In the illustrative embodiment, tubes 28, 30, 66 and base 72 are formed of compatible materials such as polymers and illustratively crosslinkable materials. As such, illustratively, the water channel assembly 70 is not an electrical conductor. As used in this disclosure, a crosslinkable material illustratively includes thermoplastics and thermoplastic and thermoset mixtures. In an illustrative embodiment, tubes 28, 30, 66 and base 72 are formed of a polyethylene which is subsequently cross-linked to form cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). However, it is understood that other polymers can be substituted for this. For example, water channel assembly 70 may be formed of any polyethylene (PE) (such as high temperature resistant polyethylene (PE-RT)), polypropylene (PP) (such as random polypropylene (PPR)) or by polybutylene (PB). It is further conceived that the water channel assembly 70 may be formed of crosslinked polyvinyl chloride (PVCX) using free radical silane initiators, crosslinked polyurethane or crosslinked propylene (XLPP) using peroxide free radical initiators or silane.

Referring to FIGS. 9, 10, and 12, the upper ends 84 of tubes 28, 30, and 66 are positioned in openings 74, 76, and 78 of base 72. Each opening 74, 76, and 78 includes a recessed hole 74a, 76a, and 78a. extending above the lower surface 82 and defining a stop surface 75 that cooperates with the upper ends 84 of the tubes 28, 30 and 66, respectively. In illustrative embodiment, base 72 is overmolded around the upper ends 84 of tubes 28, 30 and 66. More particularly, base 72 is formed of a polymer which is molded onto preformed tubes 28, 30 and 66 in the manner herein. detailed. The overmolded base 72 partially fuses the upper ends 84 of the tubes, forming couplings or connections 86a, 86b, 86c between the base 72 material and the material of the tubes 28, 30 and 66 (shown diagrammatically in figure 7). To facilitate the molding process, the openings 74, 76 and 78, and thus the tubes 28, 30 and 66, are illustratively aligned along a common central geometric axis 79 (Figure 11). Flow direction channels 109, 111 and 113 are formed on upper surface 90 of base 72 and are configured to facilitate fluid flow through ports 74, 76 and 78, respectively (Figures 10 and 11).

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, a support or reinforcing means 110 extends illustratively below the bottom surface 82 of the base 72 and surrounds the openings 74, 76 and 78. The means 110 provides additional support to the pipes 28, 30 and 66 coupled to base 72.

In the illustrative embodiment detailed herein, base 72 is formed of polyethylene which has been overmolded around tubes 28, 30 and 66 and subsequently crosslinked. It is understood that reinforcing elements such as glass fibers may be supplied in base 72 polyethylene. Therefore, although a polymer such as cross-linked polyethylene is the illustrative material for base 72 in certain In other embodiments, other materials may be used instead, such as brass or copper. In addition, tubes 28, 30 and 66 may be fluidly coupled to base 72 in a variety of ways other than overmolding, such as ultrasonic welding or hot mounting.

Referring now to Figures 13 and 14, illustrative alternative devices for coupling the pipes 28, 30 and 66 are shown. For example, in Figure 13 the upper ends 84 of the pipes 28, 30 and 66 include a portion 134 is configured to be received at the recessed holes 145 formed in base 72. As will be appreciated, each enlarged part 135 is retained intermediate to an edge 136 formed in the recessed hole 135 of base 72 and the bottom surface. 102 of the valve assembly 100. The enlarged portion 135 may be illustratively formed integral with each tube 28, 30, 66 or as a separate component such as an overmold. As shown in the additional illustrative embodiment of Fig. 14, the upper ends 84 of tubes 28, 30 and 66 may include outer threads 137 which threadably engage the inner threads 139 formed in base 72.

In detail here, base 72 of water channel assembly 70 is illustratively fastened to the tubes by overmolding. The basic principle of overmolding hydraulic pipe fittings is well known. Exemplary overmolds are shown in US Patent 5,895,695, US Patent 6,082,780, US Patent 6,287,501 and US Patent 6,902,210, each listing William W. Rowley as the inventor, whose The disclosures are all expressly incorporated herein by reference.

In the present embodiment, tubes 28, 30 and 66 are illustratively positioned in a mold (not shown), wherein pins or mandrels slide into each respective tube end 84 to prevent their collapse during the injection molding process. . The mold receives the aligned parallel ends of the tubes 28, 30 and 66 and then receives a dispersible polymer, illustratively polyethylene, which forms the appropriate base 72. In further detail herein, the upper ends 84 of the tubes 28, 30, 66 are aligned along a common geometrical axis 79 to facilitate opening and closing of the mold parts. After the polymer has hardened sufficiently, the mold is opened to release base 72 and tubes 28, 30 and 66. By overmoulding, the end 84 of each tube 28, 30 and 66 partially melts and it connects with base 72 overmolded material through couplings 86a, 86b and 86c. This makes a water channel assembly 70 substantially monolithic.

Polyethylene is known to be flexible or semi-rigid, and can be crosslinked to form PEX. Crosslinking of polyethylene couples the chains of individual molecules and prevents cracking. The curing or crosslinking process may use any of several different technologies to form, for example, PEX-A, PEX-B or PEX-C. PEX-A is formed by the use of peroxide to crosslink polyethylene. More particularly, PEX-A is formed of a peroxide polyethylene incorporated therein. By heating the polyethylene with peroxide above the peroxide decomposition temperature, "free" radicals are produced to initiate the crosslinking process. PEX-B is formed by the use of silane to crosslink polyethylene. PEX-B is formed by the use of silane grafted polyethylene which is then "moisture cured" by exposure to heat and water, also known as sauna cure. PEX-C is formed of polyethylene which is cross-linked by bombardment with electromagnetic radiation (gamma) or high energy electrons (beta).

By overmolding, it is possible to achieve a material-to-material connection thereby providing a substantially leak-proof coupling between the pipes 28, 30 and 66 and the base 72. Then, the resulting overmolded water channel assembly 80 is cross-linked by a device known in the art, for example peroxide cross-linking, silane cross-linking, radiation cross-linking, etc. More particularly, and as detailed above, crosslinking may be accomplished by a silane process or peroxide process, or combinations thereof, wherein the crosslinking is completed in a hot bath. Each process has a cross-linking catalyst that causes the polymer to cross-link when certain temperature and pressure and / or humidity are used. In the illustrative embodiment, the water channel assembly (i.e. water channel assembly 70) passes through a radiation unit, and exposure causes crosslinking. Although illustratively the end product 70 is crosslinked, in certain circumstances it may be appropriate to crosslink individual components 28, 30, 66 and 72. In a further illustrative embodiment, the base 72 material may be partially crosslinked prior to overmolding, followed by additional crosslinking after coupling of tubes 28, 30 and 66.

Referring to Figure 2, the second ends 92 of each inlet tube 28 and 30 illustratively include a fluid coupling 94, which may define the couplings 32 and 34 shown in Figure 1. Illustratively, each fluid coupling 94 includes an overmolded coupler. 96 and internally threaded nuts 98 cooperatives. Additional details related to illustrative overmolded fluid couplings are provided in US Patent 5,895,695 and 6,287,501, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

In an illustrative embodiment, pipes 28, 30 and 66 may include certain additional features, such as corrugated walls for greater flexibility, as detailed in US Patent Application (unknown) filed January 31, 2007 entitled "TUBE". ASSEMBLY ", Judicial Document DFC-P0069, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 9 and 10, a valve assembly 100 is supported by base 72 of molded water channel assembly 70. More particularly, a lower surface 102 of valve assembly 100 sealingly fits a seal, illustratively, a silicone gasket 103 received intermediate to base 72 and valve assembly 100. Gasket 103 is received in a channel 104 formed on the bottom surface 102 of the valve assembly 100, and seal with respect to a seat 105 formed by the upper surface of the base 72 (FIG. 10). Gasket 103 extends around flow direction channels 109, 111 and 113.

As shown in Figure 10, the first locating elements, illustratively locating pins 106a and 106b, are positioned at the base of the valve assembly 100 and extend downwardly from the bottom surface 102. Pins 106a and 106b are configured to be received at the second locating elements, illustratively, recesses 108a and 108b formed on the upper surface 80 of base 72. The position of pins 106 in recesses 108 facilitates proper orientation of valve assembly 100 relative to channel assembly 80, and thus alignment with the pipes 28, 30 and 66, and their openings 74, 76 and 78 with respect to the appropriate holes 116, 118 and 120 of the valve assembly 100. The fit between the pins 106 and recesses 108 may also improve the resistance to torque generated between valve assembly 100 and base 72.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, valve assembly 100 illustratively includes a stem 112 that may be actuated by a cable 114 to selectively allow variable water temperature and flow to be provided to an outlet port 120 from a hot water inlet port 116 and a cold water inlet port 118. The base 72 of water channel assembly 70 fluidly couples the hot water inlet port 116 to the hot water inlet tube 28, and couples the cold water inlet port 118 in the cold water inlet tube 30. The base 72 also fluidly couples the outlet port 120 in the outlet tube 66.

Additionally, with respect to FIG. 9, valve assembly 100 illustratively includes an upper housing 126, a stem assembly 128, a coupling member 130, a conveyor 132, an upper disk 138, a lower disk 144, a seal 150, and a lower housing 152. The stem assembly 128 illustratively includes a ball 160 molded from a thermoplastic material onto a stem portion 112. A longitudinal extension or joint 162 extends downwardly from the ball 160. Ball 160 transmits movement of rod 112 to upper disc 128 by extension 162 and conveyor 132.

The upper disc 138 is positioned at the top of the lower disc 144 to control the hot and cold water mixture and the flow of water through the valve assembly 100. Illustratively, both the upper disc and the lower disc 138 and 144 are constructed. For a ceramic material, however, any suitable material may be used, such as stainless steel.

In a further illustrative embodiment, a temperature limiting element 164 is received intermediate with respect to the coupling element 130 and the upper housing 126. The temperature limiting element 164 limits lateral pivot movement of the rod 112 and extension 162 and, therefore, the maximum allowable temperature of the water flowing through the valve assembly 100.

Additional details of an illustrative valve assembly are provided in US Patent Application 11 / 494,889, filed July 28, 2006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Although illustrative valve assembly 100 is of a movable disc variety, it is understood that other types of valve assemblies may be substituted for such. For example, a ball-type mixer valve assembly may find equal applicability with the present invention. Ball valve assemblies are detailed in US Patent 4,838,304 to Knapp1, US Patent 5,615,709 to Knapp, US Patent 5,927,333 to Grassberger, and US Patent 6,920,899 to Haenlein et al. are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an upper housing or mirror 170 includes wing portions 172 and 174 which are received on and supported by support 42 by conventional fasteners. More particularly, hexagonal screws 176 and 17 are illustratively received at legs 44 and 46, and extend through the openings 180 and 182 formed in the bearings 52 and 54 and upwards into the threaded openings 184 and 186 formed at the base of the legs. wings 172 and 174. Valve assembly 100, base 72, and support 42 are all received in a hub 187 of mirror 170.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8, a nozzle 188 is formed of a top nozzle member 189 of the mirror 170 and a lower nozzle or lower cover member 190. The lower cover member 190 is illustratively coupled to the nozzle member. upper nozzle 189 by means of resilient snap-on fingers 191. A handpiece 192 with a central opening 193 in the lower cover member 190 may be aligned with a cooperative aperture 194 formed on a handpiece 196 of holder 42. A fastener (not shown) may be received in the aligned openings 193 and 194 to further secure the lower cover member 190 to the bracket 42 (Figure 8).

Lower cover member 190 illustratively includes a channel 198 which receives a portion of outlet tube 66. Channel 198 extends from hub 187 of mirror 170 to outlet 199 of nozzle 188. Output tube 66 is in channel 198 when nozzle 188 is mounted. More particularly, the upper nozzle element 189 hides channel 198 from view of an external observer.

In an illustrative embodiment, the nozzle 188 is formed of a non-metallic material. More particularly, the upper nozzle member 189 and the lower cover member 190 may be molded from a polymer, such as a thermoplastic or crosslinkable material, and illustratively a crosslinkable polyethylene (PEX). Additional illustrative non-metallic materials include poly (butylene terephthalate) (PBT) and thermosetting materials such as polyesters, melamine, melamine urea, phenolic melamine and phenolic products. Of course, the nozzle 188 may be formed of traditional metal materials such as zinc or brass. Further details of an additional illustrative embodiment of a nozzle are disclosed in US Patent Application (unknown) filed January 31, 2007 entitled "SPOUT TIP ATTACHMENT", Judicial Document DFC-P0072, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein. by reference.

As detailed herein, a first end 83 of outlet tube 66 is coupled to base 72 of water channel assembly 70. The second end 92 of outlet tube 66 is illustratively coupled to an overmold component 200. Overmould 200 provides an interface that includes a sealing surface and is operably coupled to an aerator assembly 202 (FIG. 8). Further details regarding the overmold component 200 are provided in US Patent Application (unknown) filed January 31, 2007 entitled "OVERMOLD INTERFACE FOR FLUID CARRYING SYSTEM", Judicial Document DFC-P0071, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 9, a locking sleeve or nut 204 is received over the valve assembly 100 and over the water channel base 72, and threadably fits into the outer threads 60 of the holder 42. As shown 9, edge 205 of locking sleeve 204 forces valve assembly 100 toward base 72 of water channel assembly 70, thereby compressing gasket 103 to effect a seal therebetween.

Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6 and 9, a guide ring 206 is concentrically received over locking sleeve 204. Guide ring 206 includes a resilient body 208 with a slot 210 formed therein. A plurality of retaining tabs 212 extend upwardly from body 208. The retaining tabs 212 of guide ring 206 are configured to frictionally engage the inner surface 214 of a cover 216 to retain cover 216 in a fixed position with respect to locking sleeve 204.

Referring now to Figs. 15 and 16, an additional illustrative embodiment of tap 310 is shown. Tap 310 includes many of the same features identified above tap 10. As such, similar components are identified with equal reference numerals.

The tap 310 includes a bracket 312 with a cylindrical outer wall 314 that supports a rest 316. A locking element, illustratively, a conduit 318 with external threads 320 extends below the bracket 312. A shell 322 and a washer 324 may threadably engage threads 320 of conduit 318 to secure bracket 312 to sink countertop 12. Rest 316 includes a plurality of outer threads 60 and a platform 62 surrounding a longitudinal opening 64.

Bracket 312 may be overmolded on an upper end 325 of conduit 318. Alternatively, bracket 312 may be secured to conduit 318 in other conventional ways, such as by locking rings or threads. Illustratively, support 312 is formed of a polymer such as Celstran®.

Bracket 312 is received in an upper housing or mirror 326, illustratively formed of brass. Housing 326 includes a hub 328 and a nozzle portion 330. As shown in Figure 13, the nozzle portion 330 is configured to slidably receive an extraction rod 322. Illustratively, the extraction rod 332 is the Model No. 473, available from Delta Faucet Company of Indianapolis, Indiana. The draw rod 332 includes a coupling part 334 configured to be received at the nozzle part 330, a body 336 connected to the coupling part 334, and a sprinkler head 338. The second end of outlet tube 66 illustratively includes a coupling. overmolded 339 which is configured to be fluidly coupled to rod 332. Overmolded coupling 339 illustratively includes annular grooves 341 configured to receive sealing elements such as O-rings (not shown). Coupling 339 may be formed in a manner similar to couplings 96 detailed above. A knob 340 may be provided on rod 322 and operably coupled to a diverter (not shown) to switch between different modes of operation such as a sprinkler mode and a current mode.

Molded water channel 70 'is supported by bracket 312 and includes overmolded tubes 28, 30 and 66 in a base 72' in a manner similar to molded water channel assembly 70 detailed above. The inlet tubes 28 and 30 are configured to extend through a lower opening 342 defined by the rest wall 314. The outlet tube 66 is configured to extend through a side opening 344 formed in wall 314 and to outlet 346 of nozzle portion 330.

As shown in Figures 16, 20 and 23, a first recording element, illustratively, a plurality of aligned ribs 346, extends below the bottom surface 82 of base 72 '. The ribs 346 are configured to be received in a second registration element, illustratively, a notch 349 formed in the rest 316 to facilitate proper orientation of the water channel assembly 70 'with respect to the support 312 (Figure 16). It will be appreciated that base 72 'may be registered with respect to rest 316 in a number of ways, including by providing base 72' with an asymmetric shape configured to cooperate with matched elements on rest 316.

Valve assembly 100 is sealedly coupled to the base in detail earlier with respect to tap 10. A cover 348 is received over valve assembly 100 and molded water channel assembly 70 '. Cap 348 threadably fits into outer threads 60 of bracket 312. An annular edge 350 of cap 348 fits valve assembly 100, thereby securing valve assembly 100 and water channel assembly 70. on bracket 312 (figure 17).

Referring now to Figs. 24-26, various illustrative embodiments of the water channel assembly 70 and the cooperative flow direction member, illustratively, valve assembly 100 are shown. In Fig. 24, base 72 defines the opening of hot water inlet 74, cold water inlet port 76, and outlet port 78. Fluid passages are defined by inlet ports 74 and 76, cooperative valve assembly 100, and outlet port 78 Hot and cold water travel in parallel directions (shown by arrows 352a and 352b) through inlet ports 74 and 76. Valve assembly 100 changes the direction of water flow and redirects the flow of mixed water. - in a second downward direction through outlet aperture 78 (as shown by arrow 354).

Additionally, with reference to Fig. 25, an additional illustrative water channel assembly 70 is shown with two separate bases 72a and 72b. Separate bases 72a and 72b may be used for a common type faucet. More particularly, the hot water 352 enters through the hot water inlet port 74 formed in the base 72a, where it is redirected through a flow directing element, illustratively a hot water control valve 100. The redirected hot water passes in a second direction downward (as shown by arrow 354a) and out through the hot water outlet 358a to a dispensing nozzle (as shown by arrow 356). Similarly, cold water enters through the cold water inlet port 76 and is redirected through a cold water outlet valve 100b. The redirected cold water then exits base 72b through the cold water outlet 358b in a second direction to the dispensing nozzle. As shown, cold water matches hot water before leaving the dispensing nozzle.

Figure 26 illustrates yet another illustrative embodiment of the water channel assembly, wherein the first and second bases 72a 'and 72b' are provided for a centralized joint type faucet. Inlet ports 74 and 76 are similar to those outlined above with respect to figure 25. Similarly, hot and cold water valves 100a and 100b are provided for controlling fluid flow through respective inlets 74 and 76 to outlet ports. hot and cold water 358a 'and 358b' respectively. Each of the hot and cold water outlets 358a 'and 358b' in Figure 26 includes first and second portions 360a, 360b and 362a, 362b, respectively, disposed at right angles to each other. More particularly, fluid flow in a first direction (as shown by respective arrows 352a, 352b) is redirected from inlet 74, 76 to outlet 358a ', 358b' to exit base 72a ', 72b' in a second direction. (as shown by arrow 362a, 362b), which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Then, the fluid flow from outlets 358a 'and 358b' match and pass to the outlet of a manifold (as shown by arrow 366).

While the invention has been described in detail with respect to certain preferred embodiments, there are variations and modifications in the spirit and scope of the invention described and defined in the following claims.

Claims (76)

1. A fluid dispensing device, characterized in that it comprises: a water channel assembly comprising a first inlet fluid transport component formed of a polymer and with opposite first and second ends, a transport component of a fluid formed from a polymer having opposite first and second ends, and a base formed by a polymer having an upper surface and a lower surface, the base being overmolded around the first end of the first conveying member. inlet fluid and the first end of the outlet fluid transport member; and a valve assembly including a first inlet port in fluid communication with the first inlet fluid transport member, an outlet port in fluidic communication with the outlet fluid transport member, and a lower surface facing to the upper surface of the base and sealedly seated in the base, the valve assembly including a movable valve member configured to control the flow of water from the first inlet port to the outlet port. Fluid delivery device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first inlet fluid transport component, the outlet fluid transport component and the base are formed of a polymer. crosslinkable. Fluid delivery device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first inlet fluid transport component, the outlet fluid transport component and the base are formed of polyethylene which is lattice as a set. Fluid dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a support supporting the base of the water channel assembly. Fluid dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the support is formed of a polymer. Fluid dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the holder includes a body and a locking element extending below the body and which is configured to secure to a sink countertop. Fluid dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that it further comprises a mirror received on the holder. Fluid dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that it further comprises a locking sleeve coupled to the holder and securing the valve assembly to the water channel assembly. Fluid delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a second inlet fluid transport component with first and second opposite ends, the base being overmolded around the first end of the second component. inlet fluid transport Fluid dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a seal intermediate positioned relative to the base of the water channel assembly and the valve assembly, the seal extending around the first one. inlet port and outlet port to provide sealing fit between the upper surface of the base and the lower surface of the valve assembly. Fluid delivery device according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises a channel formed in at least one of the upper surface of the base and the lower surface of the valve assembly, the seal being received in the channel. Fluid dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an overmolded fluid coupling at the second end of the first inlet fluid transport component. 13. Faucet, characterized in that it comprises: a holder; a water channel assembly including a base supported by the support, a hot water inlet tubular member with a first fluidly coupled end at the base and a second end configured to be fluidly coupled to a hot water supply, a cold water inlet tubular member with a first fluidly coupled first end at the base and a second end configured to be fluidly coupled to a cold water supply, and a tubular outlet element with a first fluidly coupled first end at a base and a second end; a valve assembly that includes a hot water inlet port for fluid communication with the tubular hot water inlet element, a cold water inlet port for fluid communication with the cold water tubular element, an outlet port in fluid communication with the outlet tubular member, and a lower surface facing an upper base surface and sealingly coupled to the base, the valve assembly including a movable valve member configured to control the flow of water from the orifices inlet to outlet port; and a locking element operably coupled to the valve assembly and configured to secure the valve assembly to the water channel assembly. Tap according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises a first base-supported registration element, and a second support-supported registration element and configured to cooperate with the first registration element to facilitate proper orientation. of the water channel assembly with respect to the bracket. Faucet according to Claim 13, characterized in that the holder includes a body with a base opening for receiving the hot water inlet tubular element and the cold water inlet tubular element and an opening. side to receive the outlet tubular member. Faucet according to claim 13, characterized in that the base of the water channel assembly is formed of a polymer. Faucet according to claim 16, characterized in that the hot water inlet tubular element, the cold water tubular element, the outlet tubular element and the base are formed of a crosslinkable polymer. Faucet according to claim 17, characterized in that the hot water inlet tubular element, the cold water tubular element, the outlet tubular element and the base are formed of polyethylene which is crosslinked as a set. Tap according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises a dispensing nozzle including an outlet coupled to the second end of the outlet tubular member. Tap according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises a mirror received on the holder. Faucet according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises locking elements configured to engage the support in a sink countertop. Faucet according to Claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises a seal intermediate positioned relative to the base of the water channel assembly and the valve assembly, the seal extending around the water inlet port. the hot water inlet port and outlet port to provide sealing fit between the upper surface of the base and the lower surface of the valve assembly. Tap according to claim 22, characterized in that it further comprises a channel formed in at least one of the upper surface of the base and the lower surface of the valve assembly, the seal being received in the channel. Tap according to claim 13, characterized in that the locking element comprises a sleeve operably coupled to the holder and forcing the valve assembly towards the water channel assembly. 25. fluid dispensing device, characterized in that it comprises: a valve assembly comprising a bottom surface and a first locating member supported by the bottom surface; and a water channel assembly including a first fluid transport component with first and second opposite ends, a second fluid transport component with first and second opposite ends, and a base with an upper surface and a lower surface. , the base being overmolded around the first end of the first fluid transport component and the first end of the second fluid transport component, the water channel assembly further including a second locating element supported by the upper surface of the base. and configured to cooperate with the first valve assembly locating member to facilitate proper orientation of the valve assembly relative to the water channel assembly. Fluid dispensing device according to claim 25, characterized in that it further comprises a support supporting the base of the water channel assembly. Fluid dispensing device according to claim 26, characterized in that the holder includes a body and a locking element extending below the body and is configured to secure to the sink countertop. Fluid dispensing device according to claim 26, characterized in that it further comprises a first registration element supported by the base, and a second registration element supported by the support and configured to cooperate with the first registration element. to facilitate proper orientation of the water channel assembly with respect to the bracket. Fluid dispensing device according to claim 25, characterized in that the base of the water channel assembly is formed of a polymer. Fluid delivery device according to claim 29, characterized in that the first fluid transport component, the second fluid transport component and the base are formed of a crosslinkable polymer. Fluid delivery device according to claim 30, characterized in that the first fluid transport component, the second fluid transport component and the base are formed of polyethylene which is crosslinked as a set. Fluid dispensing device according to claim 25, characterized in that it further comprises overmolded fluid couplings at the second ends of the first and second fluid transport components. 33. Faucet, characterized in that it comprises: a valve assembly; a water channel assembly including a first inlet fluid transport component formed of a non-metallic material and with opposite first and second ends, an outlet fluid transport component formed of a non-metallic material and a first and second opposite ends, and a base formed of a non-metallic material having an upper surface and a lower surface, the base fluidly coupled to the first end of the first inlet fluid transport component, to the first end of the transport component. fluid outlet and valve assembly; and an upper housing formed of a non-metallic material and including a nozzle, with an outlet fluidly coupled to the outlet fluid transport component, and a channel for receiving the outlet fluid transport component. Faucet according to claim 33, characterized in that it further comprises a support supporting the base of the water channel assembly. Faucet according to claim 34, characterized in that the holder includes a body and a locking element extending below the body and is configured to lock onto the countertop of a sink. Faucet according to Claim 33, characterized in that the base of the water channel assembly is formed of a polymer. Faucet according to Claim 36, characterized in that the first inlet fluid transport component, the outlet fluid transport component and the base are formed of a crosslinkable polymer. Faucet according to Claim 37, characterized in that the first inlet fluid transport component, the outlet fluid transport component and the base are formed of polyethylene which is crosslinked as an assembly. Faucet according to Claim 33, characterized in that it further comprises overmolded fluid couplings at the second end of the inlet fluid transport component. Faucet according to Claim 33, characterized in that it further comprises a second inlet fluid transport component formed of a non-metallic material and with opposite first and second ends, the fluidically coupled base at the first end. of the second inlet fluid transport component. 41. Water channel assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of flexible tubular members formed by a polymer and having opposite first and second ends; and a base formed of a polymer and overmolded around the first ends of the plurality of tubular elements. Water channel assembly according to claim 41, characterized in that the base and the plurality of tubular elements are crosslinked. Water channel assembly according to claim 42, characterized in that the plurality of tubular elements and the base are formed of cross-linked polyethylene. Water channel assembly according to claim 41, characterized in that the base includes an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface configured to cooperate with the lower surface of a valve assembly, and the plurality of tubular members extending below the lower surface. 45. Water channel assembly according to claim 44, characterized in that it further comprises a location element supported by the upper surface of the base and configured to cooperate with the valve assembly to facilitate proper orientation of the valve assembly. valve to base. Water channel assembly according to claim 44, characterized in that it further comprises a seal and a channel formed in at least one of the upper surface of the base and the lower surface of the valve assembly, the seal. being received on the channel. Water channel assembly according to claim 41, characterized in that it further comprises a support member extending from the base and additionally supporting the first end of the tubular members. Water channel assembly according to claim 41, characterized in that it further comprises a registration element extending below the base and is configured to cooperate with a support that supports the base for ease of orientation. base to the bracket. Water channel assembly according to claim 41, characterized in that the base includes a plurality of spaced openings formed around the first ends of the plurality of tubular members. Water channel assembly according to claim 49, characterized in that the plurality of spaced openings are aligned along a common geometric axis. Water channel assembly according to claim 41, characterized in that the plurality of tubular elements is flexible. Water channel assembly according to claim 41, characterized in that the second ends of the tubular elements are free to move relative to the first ends. 53. Water channel assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a base including a plurality of openings; and a plurality of tubular members formed by a crosslinked polymer with opposite first and second ends, the first ends of the plurality of tubular members being received in the plurality of openings of the base. Water channel assembly according to claim 53, characterized in that the base is overmolded around the first ends of the plurality of tubular elements. Water channel assembly according to claim 54, characterized in that the plurality of tubular elements and the base are formed of cross-linked polyethylene. Water channel assembly according to claim 53, characterized in that the base includes an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface configured to cooperate with the lower surface of a valve assembly, and the plurality of tubular members extending below the lower surface. 57. Water channel assembly according to claim 56, characterized in that it further comprises a locating element supported by the upper surface of the base and configured to cooperate with the valve assembly to facilitate proper operation of the valve assembly. valve to base. Water channel assembly according to Claim 56, characterized in that it further comprises a seal and a channel formed on at least one of the upper surface of the base and the lower surface of the valve assembly, the seal. being received on the channel. Water channel assembly according to claim 53, characterized in that it further comprises a support member extending from the base and additionally supporting the first end of the tubular elements. 60. Water channel assembly according to claim 53, characterized in that it further comprises a registration element extending below the base and is configured to cooperate with a support that supports the base for ease of use. proper orientation of the base relative to the stand. Water channel assembly according to claim 53, characterized in that the base includes a plurality of spaced openings formed around the first ends of the plurality of tubular members. Water channel assembly according to claim 61, characterized in that the plurality of spaced openings are aligned along a common geometric axis. 63. Water channel assembly according to claim 53, characterized in that the plurality of tubular elements is flexible. 64. Water channel assembly according to claim 53, characterized in that the base is formed of a crosslinked polymer. 65. Fluid dispensing device, characterized in that it comprises: a flow direction element; a fluidly molded water channel coupled to the flow direction member, including a base with an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and a flexible tubular element fluidly coupled to the inlet opening; and a fluid passageway extending from the inlet port through the flow direction member and out of the outlet port wherein the fluid travels in a first direction through the inlet port and in a different second direction. from the first direction through the exit opening. A fluid delivery device according to claim 62, characterized in that the molded water channel is formed of a crosslinked polymer. Fluid delivery device according to claim 62, characterized in that the base is overmolded around one end of the flexible tubular member. Fluid delivery device according to claim 62, characterized in that the flow direction member comprises a valve assembly configured to control fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet port of the channel. of water. 69. Basis for a water channel assembly, characterized in that it comprises: an upper surface; a lower surface; a first inlet opening extending through the upper surface; an outlet opening extending through the upper surface and positioned spaced in relation to the inlet opening; and wherein the base is formed of a crosslinked polymer. Base according to claim 69, characterized in that the crosslinked polymer is a crosslinked polyethylene. 71. Base according to claim 69, characterized in that it further comprises a locating element supported by the upper surface of the base and configured to cooperate with a valve assembly to facilitate proper orientation of the valve assembly with respect to the base. 72. Base according to claim 69, characterized in that it further comprises a seal and a channel formed in the upper surface of the base, the seal being received in the channel. 73. A base according to claim 69, characterized in that it further comprises a support member extending from at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface, the support member configured to support tubular elements. . 74. Base according to claim 69, characterized in that it further comprises a registration element extending below the bottom surface and is configured to cooperate with a base support bracket to facilitate proper orientation of the base. base in relation to the support. 75. Base according to claim 69, characterized in that it further comprises a second inlet opening in fluid communication with the upper surface and positioned spaced in relation to the first inlet opening and the outlet opening wherein the first inlet opening, the second inlet opening and the outlet opening are aligned along a common geometric axis. Base according to claim 69, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of fluidly flexible tubular members coupled to the first inlet port and the outlet port.