CN213855149U - Faucet and spray head - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model provides a tap and shower nozzle. The spray head provides multiple drainage patterns. The faucet includes a faucet housing, a water supply line, and a spray head connected to the water supply line. The spray head includes an outer housing, an inner valve assembly, and an end cap secured to the outer housing. The end cap includes a first set of water discharge ports providing a curtain drainage pattern CDP in a first discharge mode; a center drain port providing a water drainage pattern STDP in the second drain mode; and a third set of drain openings that provide a spray drainage pattern, SPDP, in a third drain mode. CDPs are used to intensively and intensively clean dirty items (such as dishes or bowls) while minimizing and largely avoiding waste caused by water splashing, thereby improving the efficiency and practicality of the sprinkler.

Description

Faucet and spray head

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a drain fixture having a spray head that provides multiple drainage forms and features. More particularly, the present invention relates to a spray head for a water fixture such as a kitchen sink faucet having a multiple drain opening arrangement that provides a unique spray pattern, including a highly concentrated curtain drainage pattern for forceful, focused cleaning of dirty items such as dishes or bowls.

Background

Kitchen faucets having detachable spray heads are well known. These faucets include a fixture having a water supply line that supplies water to the spray head and facilitates user separation of the spray head. For example, the user may grasp the spray head with one hand and detach it from the fixture. The user may then drain water from the spray head into the sink, such as to clean the sink basin or a dirty item, such as a dirty glass, bowl, pot, or pan. Some conventional spray heads feature two modes for the form of water discharge-a spray mode and a water flow mode. The water flow mode may be a default operating mode of the sprinkler in which a greater amount of water is discharged from the sprinkler. The user may actuate the switch assembly to select a spray mode in which a smaller amount of water is sprayed from the spray head in a wider and/or wider pattern. Typically, the user selects a spray pattern to wash dirty dishes, glasses, bowls, pans, etc., however, conventional spray heads, in a proper discharge pattern, do not provide sufficient amounts of water at sufficient discharge pressure to effectively clean the dirty dishes, glasses, bowls, or pans. In addition, in spray mode, conventional spray heads tend to spill water which is wasteful, and which can be messy and require cleaning of the kitchen sink and surrounding area.

Accordingly, there is a need for a water fixture sprayer having a multiple drain opening arrangement that provides unique drainage patterns, including a highly concentrated curtain drainage pattern for forceful, concentrated cleaning of soiled items such as dishes or bowls. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present disclosure is deferred to the following detailed description, which includes reference to the accompanying drawings.

The description provided in the background section should not be taken as prior art merely because of the mention or association therewith in the background section. The background section may include information describing one or more aspects of the subject technology.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The present invention provides a drain fixture (such as a kitchen or utility sink faucet having a spray head) that features multiple drainage patterns designed to provide different functions during the use mode of the spray head. The spray head includes multiple drain opening arrangements or sets that provide unique spray patterns and characteristics in various discharge modes. The first set of water outlets function in a first drain mode to provide a highly concentrated curtain drain form CDP having a generally "curtain-like" configuration or form for forcefully and intensively cleaning dirty items (such as dirty glasses, bowls, pots or pans) while minimizing and largely avoiding waste from water spills that may also be messy and require cleaning of faucet mounting areas (e.g., kitchen sinks and surrounding areas). The clustered or closely spaced set of small outlets provides a larger drain opening that functions in the second drain mode to provide a water flow drainage pattern STDP. The third set of drain openings function in a third drain mode to provide a spray drainage pattern, SPDP.

The curtain drainage pattern CDP provided by the first set of discharge ports is completely different in at least its concentration and pattern of drainage and discharge flow rate compared to the water drainage pattern STDP provided by the larger discharge port and the spray drainage pattern SPDP provided by the third set of discharge ports. The sprinkler allows a user to selectively select different drainage patterns, including a highly concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP through a first set of drain openings for forcefully, centrally cleaning dirty items (e.g., dirty glasses, bowls, pans, or pans) while minimizing and largely avoiding waste from water spills.

In an alternative embodiment, a third set of discharge ports is omitted from the end cap of the spray head. As a result, the sprinkler head provides a curtain drainage pattern CDP via the first set of discharge ports and a water drainage pattern STDP via the second discharge port. Since the third set of discharge ports is omitted, the head does not provide the spray drainage pattern SPDP.

In another embodiment, the water fixture nozzle is configured as a hand-held shower sprayer having a handle that can be grasped by a user to direct the exiting water to a specific location during a shower. For a hand held sprayer, the second outlet port is omitted from the end cap and therefore the water drainage pattern STDP is not provided. As a result, the sprinkler provides a curtain drainage pattern CDP via the first set of discharge ports and a spray drainage pattern SPDP via the primary and secondary sets of discharge ports.

Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the presently known illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the disclosure.

Drawings

The drawings depict one or more embodiments in accordance with the present teachings, by way of example only, not by way of limitation. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or similar elements.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a kitchen faucet and an inventive water fixture spray head in a docked position.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the kitchen faucet and inventive water fixture spray head in an undocked position, showing the spray head in a first discharge mode that provides a unique concentrated curtain drainage pattern ("CDP") applied to the dishes by user U.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a water fixture spray head.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a water fixture spray head.

Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the water fixture spray head.

Fig. 5 is a right side view of the water fixture spray head.

Fig. 6 is a left side view of the water fixture spray head.

Fig. 7A is an exploded view of the water fixture spray head showing the internal valve assembly.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an end cap of a water fixture spray head showing the retaining cap separated from the end cap.

Fig. 7C is a perspective view of an end cap of the water fixture spray head showing a retaining cap attached to the end cap.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the water fixture spray head in the "off" position with no water flowing through the spray head.

Fig. 9 is a side view of a water fixture nozzle in a first drain mode providing a concentrated curtain drain pattern ("CDP").

Fig. 10 is a front view of a water fixture sprinkler head in a first drain mode that provides a concentrated curtain drain pattern.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a water fixture spray head in a first drain mode that provides a concentrated curtain drain pattern.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the water fixture nozzle in a second discharge mode that provides a water discharge pattern ("STDP").

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the water fixture spray head in a third discharge mode providing a spray discharge pattern ("SPDP").

Fig. 14A is an end view of an end cap of a spray head of a water fixture.

FIG. 14B is an end view of an end cap of a water fixture spray head with two axes defining quadrants of the spray head.

FIG. 15A is an end view of a second embodiment of an end cap of a spray head of a water fixture.

FIG. 15B is an end view of a second embodiment of an end cap of a water fixture spray head with two axes defining quadrants of the spray head.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the water fixture nozzle of fig. 14A and 14B in a first drain mode providing a concentrated curtain drain pattern CDP.

FIG. 17A is an end view of a third embodiment of an end cap of a spray head of a water fixture.

FIG. 17B is an end view of a third embodiment of an end cap of a water fixture spray head with two axes defining quadrants of the spray head.

FIG. 18A is an end view of a fourth embodiment of an end cap of a spray head of a water fixture.

FIG. 18B is an end view of a fourth embodiment of an end cap of a water fixture spray head with two axes defining quadrants of the spray head.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the water fixture nozzle of fig. 17A and 17B in a first drain mode providing a concentrated curtain drain pattern CDP.

Fig. 20A is an end view of a fifth embodiment of an end cap of a spray head of a water fixture.

FIG. 20B is an end view of a fifth embodiment of an end cap of a water fixture spray head with two axes defining quadrants of the spray head.

FIG. 21A is an end view of a sixth embodiment of an end cap of a spray head of a water fixture.

FIG. 21B is an end view of a sixth embodiment of an end cap of a water fixture spray head with two axes defining quadrants of the spray head.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the water fixture nozzle of fig. 20A and 20B in a first drain mode providing a concentrated curtain drain pattern CDP.

FIG. 23A is an end view of a seventh embodiment of an end cap of a spray head of a water fixture.

FIG. 23B is an end view of a seventh embodiment of an end cap of a water fixture spray head with two axes defining quadrants of the spray head.

Fig. 24A is an end view of an eighth embodiment of an end cap of a spray head of a water fixture.

FIG. 24B is an end view of an eighth embodiment of an end cap of a water fixture spray head with two axes defining quadrants of the spray head.

Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the water fixture nozzle of fig. 23A and 23B in a first drain mode providing a concentrated curtain drain pattern CDP.

FIG. 26A is an end view of a ninth embodiment of an end cap of a spray head of a water fixture.

FIG. 26B is an end view of a ninth embodiment of an end cap of a water fixture spray head with two axes defining quadrants of the spray head.

Fig. 27A is an end view of a tenth embodiment of an end cap of a spray head of a water fixture.

FIG. 27B is an end view of a tenth embodiment of an end cap of a water fixture spray head with two axes defining quadrants of the spray head.

Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the water fixture nozzle of fig. 26A and 26B in a first drain mode providing a concentrated curtain drain pattern CDP.

FIG. 29A is an end view of an eleventh embodiment of an end cap of a spray head of a water fixture.

FIG. 29B is an end view of an eleventh embodiment of an end cap of a spray head of the water fixture, wherein the two axes define quadrants of the spray head.

FIG. 30A is an end view of a twelfth embodiment of an end cap of a spray head of a water fixture.

FIG. 30B is an end view of a twelfth embodiment of an end cap of a water fixture spray head with two axes defining quadrants of the spray head.

Fig. 31 is a perspective view of the water fixture nozzle of fig. 29A and 29B in a first discharge mode providing a concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP.

FIG. 32A is an end view of a thirteenth embodiment of an end cap of a spray head of a water fixture.

FIG. 32B is an end view of a thirteenth embodiment of an end cap of a water fixture spray head with two axes defining quadrants of the spray head.

FIG. 33A is an end view of a fourteenth embodiment of an end cap for a spray head of a water fixture.

FIG. 33B is an end view of a fourteenth embodiment of an end cap for a spray head of a water fixture, wherein the two axes define quadrants of the spray head.

Fig. 34 is a perspective view of the water fixture nozzle of fig. 32A and 32B in a first drain mode providing a concentrated curtain drain pattern CDP.

FIG. 35A is an end view of a fifteenth embodiment of an end cap of a spray head of a water fixture.

FIG. 35B is an end view of a fifteenth embodiment of an end cap of a water fixture spray head with two axes defining quadrants of the spray head.

Fig. 36A is an end view of a sixteenth embodiment of an end cap for a spray head of a water fixture.

FIG. 36B is an end view of a sixteenth embodiment of an end cap of a water fixture spray head with the axis defining quadrants of the spray head.

Fig. 37 is a perspective view of the water fixture nozzle of fig. 35A and 35B in a first drain mode providing a concentrated curtain drain pattern CDP.

Fig. 38A is an end view of a seventeenth embodiment of an end cap of a spray head of a water fixture.

FIG. 38B is an end view of a seventeenth embodiment of an end cap of a water fixture spray head with two axes defining quadrants of the spray head.

FIG. 39A is an end view of an eighteenth embodiment of an end cap of a spray head of a water fixture.

FIG. 39B is an end view of an eighteenth embodiment of an end cap of a spray head of a water fixture, wherein the two axes define quadrants of the spray head.

Fig. 40 is a perspective view of the water fixture nozzle of fig. 38A and 38B in a first drain mode providing a concentrated curtain drain pattern CDP.

FIG. 41A is an end view of a nineteenth embodiment of an end cap of a spray head of a water fixture.

FIG. 41B is an end view of a nineteenth embodiment of an end cap of a water fixture spray head with two axes defining quadrants of the spray head.

Fig. 42A is an end view of a twentieth embodiment of an end cap of a spray head of a water fixture.

FIG. 42B is an end view of a twentieth embodiment of an end cap of a water fixture spray head with two axes defining quadrants of the spray head.

Fig. 43 is a perspective view of the water fixture nozzle of fig. 41A and 41B in a first drain mode providing a concentrated curtain drain pattern CDP.

FIG. 44 is an end view of an end cap of a second inventive water fixture spray head capable of providing water discharge in two different modes and wherein two axes define quadrants of the spray head.

Fig. 45 is an exploded view of the water fixture spray head of fig. 44.

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the water fixture spray head of FIG. 44 in a second discharge mode providing a water discharge pattern STDP.

Fig. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the water fixture nozzle in a first drain mode providing a concentrated curtain drain pattern CDP.

Fig. 48 is a perspective view of a third inventive water fixture nozzle configured as a hand held shower sprayer capable of providing drainage in two different modes, one of which provides a concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP.

Fig. 49 is a front view of the hand held shower sprayer of fig. 48 capable of providing a concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP.

Detailed Description

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth by way of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. It should be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present teachings may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and/or circuitry have been described at a relatively high-level, with details not shown in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present disclosure.

While this disclosure includes many embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the disclosed concepts to the embodiments illustrated. It will be appreciated that the subject technology is capable of other and different configurations, that several details are capable of modification in various respects, that embodiments may be combined, that steps in the flowcharts may be omitted, or performed in a different order, all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

The written disclosure and drawings describe a drain fixture (such as a kitchen or utility sink faucet 10) having a spray head 20 that provides multiple forms of drainage that provide different functions during the use mode of spray head 20. More particularly, the water fixture spray head 20 includes a plurality of drain opening 100, 200, 300 arrangements or sets that provide unique spray patterns and characteristics in various discharge modes. As explained in more detail below, the first set of water discharge openings 100 function in a first discharge mode to provide a highly concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP having a generally "curtain-like" configuration or pattern for forcefully, centrally cleaning items such as dirty glasses, bowls, pans or pans while minimizing and largely avoiding waste from water spills that may also be messy and require cleaning of the mounting area of the fixture 10 (e.g., kitchen sink and surrounding area). In contrast, a clustered or closely spaced set of small outlets 210 provides a larger drain opening 200 that functions in the second drain mode to provide a water flow drainage pattern STDP. The third set of drain openings 300 function in a third drain mode to provide a spray drainage pattern SPDP. Those skilled in the art of designing and manufacturing drain fixture 10 with spray head 20 recognize that the curtain drain pattern CDP provided by first set of drain openings 100 is completely different in at least its drain concentration and pattern, as compared to the water flow drain pattern STDP provided by larger drain opening 200 and the spray drain pattern SPDP provided by third set of drain openings 300. Accordingly, the drain fixture 10 allows a user to selectively select different drain modes, including a highly concentrated curtain drain pattern CDP through the first set of drain openings 100, which CDP serves to forcefully, centrally clean dirty items (e.g., dirty dishes P (see fig. 1B), glasses, bowls, pans, or pans) while minimizing and largely avoiding the waste associated with water spills common with prior art sprayers having conventional drain openings.

To facilitate the curtain drainage pattern CDP provided by the first set of exhaust ports 100, each port 110 therein has an opening diameter of 0.3 to 1.2mm (and preferably 0.4 to 0.6 mm). The ports 110 are spaced apart or arranged such that the distance between adjacent ports 110 is 0.6 to 10.0mm, and preferably 2.0 to 3.0 mm. To ensure that the curtain discharge style CDP functions and is used for powerful, focused cleaning of dirty items, the first set of discharge outlets 100 have the following flows-minimum and optimum flows-at the specified inlet water pressure of the spray head 20:

applicants believe that a water flow rate through the first discharge 100 below the minimum flow rate indicated in the table does not provide a functionally sufficient curtain discharge pattern CDP.

A first embodiment of a drain fixture 10 and a spray head 20 is shown in fig. 1A and 1B through 14A and 14B. FIG. 1A shows kitchen faucet 10 and spray head 20 in a docked or non-extended position. Fig. 1B shows the kitchen faucet 10 and spray head 20 in an undocked or extended position, and the spray head 20 is grasped and activated by the user U to provide a curtain drain form CDP for cleaning dishes P. The faucet 10 includes a base 12 and an upwardly extending neck 14. As described below, a water supply line or conduit 13 extends through the base 12 and neck 14 and is connected to the spray head 20. An actuator mechanism 15 (including a handle 17) is operatively connected to the internal mixing valve to control the flow of water through the supply line 13 to the spray head 20.

Referring to fig. 1A and 1B-8, sprinkler head 20 generally includes an outer housing 30, an internal valve assembly 40, an actuator assembly 50 operatively connected to valve assembly 40, and an end cap or panel 70 connected to outer housing 30 and through which water is discharged in various patterns. Referring to fig. 7A, 8 and 11-13, the internal valve assembly 40 includes a plurality of internal components that operatively interact to provide three water flow paths for respective drainage patterns, a curtain drainage pattern CDP, a water flow drainage pattern STDP and a spray drainage pattern SPDP. The water flow path is indicated by arrows within the spray head 20 and the internal valve assembly 40, with the inlet water flow being indicated by arrows extending through the coupler 35. The first valve assembly of the inner valve assembly 40 provides a first flow path for the curtain discharge style CDP. The second valve assembly of the inner valve assembly 40 provides a second flow path for the water flow discharge pattern STDP. The third valve assembly of the inner valve assembly 40 provides a third flow path for the jet drain pattern SPDP. A multi-functional inner valve assembly similar to inner valve assembly 40 is disclosed in applicant's U.S. patent No. 10,610,874, which is incorporated herein by reference. The actuator assembly 50 includes at least one actuator (such as depressible switches 52, 54) that the user U actuates to achieve one of a drainage pattern-curtain drain pattern CDP, water flow drain pattern STDP, and spray drain pattern SPDP. Referring to fig. 2, 12 and 13, the user U may actuate a larger "toggle" switch 52 to provide either a flow discharge pattern STDP or a spray discharge pattern SPDP. The toggle actuator 52 includes a water flow and spray indicia for each of these drainage patterns for indicating to the user U which one will be activated by depressing the actuator 52. Referring to fig. 2, 9 and 10, a smaller switch 54 including indicia representing a concentrated curtain drainage pattern may be actuated by user U to provide a curtain drainage pattern CDP. The internal valve assembly 40 and actuator assembly 50 are designed such that one of the drain modes is a "default mode" that provides water when the user U first operates the fixture 10 and sprayer head 20.

The upper end of the housing 30 includes a connector, such as a threaded connector 35, to operatively connect the spray head 20 to a water supply line or pipe that is slidably received within an extension of the fixture 10, such as the neck 14 (see fig. 1A and 1B). In this manner, spray head 20 may be maintained in a "docked position" within faucet fixture 10 so that water may be drained through spray head 20. Alternatively, when the user U wants to deploy the spray head 20 for intensively cleaning dishes or plates (as shown in fig. 1B), or to clean the peripheral area of the kitchen sink, he/she can grasp the spray head 20 and separate it from the fixing device 10. Fig. 9-11 show the spray head 20 under a curtain drainage pattern CDP. As shown in fig. 9, the curtain drainage pattern CDP has a narrow depth D as provided by the distance between the two sets of discharge ports 100 (constituted by the closely spaced arrangement of the individual discharge ports 110). Referring to fig. 10, a curtain drainage pattern CDP has a width W that exceeds the radius of the nozzle 20. The width W of the curtain drainage pattern CDP exceeds the radius of the nozzle 20 but is less than the outer diameter OD of the nozzle 20. Referring to fig. 11, a water flow path is shown through the spray head 20 to provide a curtain drainage pattern CDP. Fig. 12 shows the spray head 20 and the water flow path through the spray head 20 in a water flow discharge pattern STDP. Fig. 13 shows the head 20 in the spray drainage pattern SPDP. As described in detail below, the first, second and third sets of drain openings 100, 200, 300 are specifically configured and arranged on the end cap 70 of the spray head 20 to provide three drainage modes as well as a curtain drainage pattern CDP, a water drainage pattern STDP and a spray drainage pattern SPDP. Referring to fig. 7B and 7C and the cross-sectional views of fig. 8 and 11-13, the end cap 70 is a complex interior region defining a plurality of interior compartments at least partially defined by partition walls extending substantially perpendicular to the exterior surface of the end cap 70. The first internal compartment 72 of the end cover 70 is sized and aligned with the first flow path of the valve assembly to provide water flow to the first set of exhaust ports 100 to provide a curtain exhaust style CDP in the first exhaust mode. Referring to fig. 7B, a removable retaining cap 73 is removably attached over an extension of the first interior compartment 72. The second interior compartment 74 of the end cap 70 is sized and aligned with the second flow path of the valve assembly to provide water flow to the larger drain opening 200, which functions in the second drain mode to provide a water flow discharge pattern STDP. The third interior compartment 76 of the end cap 70 is sized and aligned with the third flow path of the valve assembly to provide a flow of water to a third set of drain openings 300 that function in a third drain mode to provide a spray drain pattern SPDP. The end cap 70 has a periphery with alternating flanges 71 that facilitate a water-tight coupling of the end cap 70 with the outer shell 30 of the spray head 20.

Fig. 14A provides a plan view of the end cap 70 of spray head 20, while fig. 14B shows the end cap 70 of the water fixture spray head with two intersecting axes a1 (along the x-axis) and a2 (along the y-axis) defining four different quadrants QI, QI i, QI ii, and QI v of the end cap 70. Consistent with a two-dimensional cartesian coordinate system, the first axis a1 and the second axis a2 divide the endcap 70 into four quadrants QI, QII, QIII, and QIV. Referring to fig. 14B, each quadrant is bounded by a combination of two halves of the first axis a1 and the second axis a2, and a respective extension of the outer boundary or periphery 75 of the end cap 70. The first axis A1 and the second axis A2 intersect to define an origin O reference point in the middle of the end cap 70.

Referring again to fig. 14B, a first set of exhaust ports 100 providing a curtain discharge pattern CDP extends between the first quadrant QI and the second quadrant QI and transverse to the second axis a 2. The main group 300A of extensions of the third group of discharge ports 300 that provide the spray discharge pattern SPDP also extends between the first quadrant QI and the second quadrant QI and traverses the second axis a 2. A main set 300A of the third set of exhaust ports 300 is positioned between the first set of exhaust ports 100 and the end cap periphery 75. The left auxiliary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300 is located substantially in the third quadrant QIII, wherein the border region of the left auxiliary group 300B extends slightly into the second quadrant QII. The right auxiliary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300 is located substantially in the fourth quadrant QI v, wherein the border region of the right auxiliary group 300C extends slightly into the first quadrant QI. The larger drain opening 200 spans the third quadrant QIII and the fourth quadrant QIV, with extensions of the peripheral ridge or ring 220 of the drain opening 200 located in defined portions of all four quadrants QI-QIV. Each of the ports 110 in the first and third sets of exhaust ports 100, 300 has a convex configuration extending outwardly from the end cap 70 (i.e., perpendicularly outwardly from the outer surface of the end cap 70). The first set of exhaust ports 100 includes at least one linear arrangement of ports 110. In the embodiment of fig. 14A and 14B, the first set of discharge ports 100 comprises two linear arrangements of ports 110 arranged in a substantially parallel relationship.

Fig. 15A and 15B (with axes a1, a2, and quadrants QI to QIV) illustrate a second embodiment of an end cap 270 of the water fixture spray head 20 having the same general components as end cap 70 to provide each of the curtain drainage pattern CDP, the water flow drainage pattern STDP, and the spray drainage pattern SPDP. As such, the end cap 270 features a similar arrangement as the first group of discharge openings 100, the larger discharge opening 200, the main group 300A of the third group of discharge openings 300, the left secondary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300, and the right secondary group 300C of the third group of discharge openings 300. However, the orifices 110 in the first set of discharge orifices 100 are collectively arranged in a convex configuration as part of at least one continuous cavity 120 that extends outwardly from the end cap 70 (i.e., perpendicularly outwardly from the outer surface of the end cap 70) and that traverses the second axis a 2. As shown in fig. 15B, the end cap 270 includes a pair of cavities 120 arranged in a substantially parallel relationship.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP (left side of fig. 16) and the spray head 20 and its end cap 70 (right side) in a first discharge mode providing a concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP.

Fig. 17A and 17B (with axes a1, a2, and quadrants QI to QIV) illustrate a third embodiment of an end cap 370 of the water fixture spray head 20 having the same general components as end cap 70 to provide each of a curtain drainage pattern CDP, a water flow drainage pattern STDP, and a spray drainage pattern SPDP. A first set of discharge outlets 100 providing a curtain discharge pattern CDP extends between the first quadrant QI and the second quadrant QI and transverse to the second axis a2, a main set 300A of third set of discharge outlets 300: (i) extends between the first quadrant QI and the second quadrant QI and transverse to the second axis a2, and (ii) is aligned along a curved path to provide an extension of the spray drainage pattern SPDP. A main set 300A of the third set of exhaust ports 300 is positioned between the first set of exhaust ports 100 and the end cap periphery 75. The left auxiliary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300 is located substantially in the third quadrant QIII. The right auxiliary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300 is located substantially in the fourth quadrant QIV. The larger drain opening 200 extends between the third quadrant QIII and the fourth quadrant QIV, with the extension of the peripheral ridge or ring 220 of the drain opening 200 located in the circumscribed portion of all four quadrants QI-QIV. Each of the ports 110 in the first and third sets of exhaust ports 100, 300 has a convex configuration extending outwardly from the end cap 70 (i.e., perpendicularly outwardly from the outer surface of the end cap 70). The first set of exhaust ports 100 includes at least one curvilinear arrangement or path of ports 110. In the embodiment of fig. 17A and 17B, the first set of exhaust ports 100 comprises two curvilinear arrangements of ports 110 arranged in concentric relationship. As discussed above, to facilitate the curtain discharge pattern CDP provided by the first set of discharge ports 100, the ports 110 have an opening diameter of 0.3 to 0.7mm (and preferably 0.4 to 0.6mm), while the distance between adjacent ports 110 is 1.0 to 4.0mm, and preferably 2.0 to 3.0 mm.

Fig. 18A and 18B (with axes a1, a2, and quadrants QI to QIV) illustrate a fourth embodiment of an end cap 470 of the water fixture spray head 20 having the same general components as end cap 370 to provide each of the curtain drainage pattern CDP, the water flow drainage pattern STDP, and the spray drainage pattern SPDP. As such, the end cap 470 features an arrangement similar to the first set of discharge openings 100, the larger discharge opening 200, the main set 300A of the third set of discharge openings 300, the left auxiliary set 300B of the third set of discharge openings 300, and the right auxiliary set 300C of the third set of discharge openings 300. However, the orifices 110 in the first set of discharge orifices 100 are collectively arranged in a convex configuration as part of at least one continuous cavity 120 that extends outwardly from the end cap 70 (i.e., perpendicularly outwardly from the outer surface of the end cap 70) and that traverses the second axis a 2. As shown, the end cap 470 includes a pair of curvilinear cavities 120 arranged in a concentric relationship.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP (left side of fig. 19) and the spray head 20 and its end cap 370 (right side) in a first discharge mode providing a concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP.

Fig. 20A and 20B (with axes a1, a2, and quadrants QI to QIV) illustrate a fifth embodiment of an end cap 570 of the water fixture spray head 20 having the same general components as end cap 70 to provide each of a curtain drainage pattern CDP, a water flow drainage pattern STDP, and a spray drainage pattern SPDP. A first set of discharge openings 100 providing a curtain discharge pattern CDP extends between the first quadrant QI and the second quadrant QI and transverse to the second axis a 2. Main group 300A of third group discharge ports 300: (i) extends between the first quadrant QI and the second quadrant QI and transverse to the second axis a2, and (ii) is aligned along a curved path to provide an extension of the spray drainage pattern SPDP. The main set 300A of the third set of discharge ports 300 is positioned between the first set of discharge ports 100 and the end cap periphery 575. The left auxiliary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300 is located substantially in the third quadrant QIII. The right auxiliary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300 is located substantially in the fourth quadrant QIV. The larger drain opening 200 extends between the third quadrant QIII and the fourth quadrant QIV, with the extension of the peripheral ridge or ring 220 of the drain opening 200 located in the circumscribed portion of all four quadrants QI-QIV. Each of the ports 110 in the first and third sets of exhaust ports 100, 300 has a convex configuration extending outwardly from the end cap 70 (i.e., perpendicularly outwardly from the outer surface of the end cap 570). The first set of exhaust ports 100 includes at least one angled arrangement or path of ports 110. In the embodiment of fig. 20A and 20B, the first set of discharge openings 100 comprises two angled arrangements of ports 110, wherein each angled arrangement comprises a first linear section 110A of a port 110 and a second linear section 110B of a port 110 that converge to form an obtuse angle alpha (α). The first and second linear segments 110A, 110b form an "arrow" having an apex oriented toward the main group 300A of the third group of discharge openings 300. As discussed above, to facilitate the curtain discharge pattern CDP provided by the first set of discharge ports 100, the ports 110 have an opening diameter of 0.3 to 0.7mm (and preferably 0.4 to 0.6mm), while the distance between adjacent ports 110 is 1.0 to 4.0mm, and preferably 2.0 to 3.0 mm.

Fig. 21A and 21B (with axes a1, a2, and quadrants QI to QIV) illustrate a sixth embodiment of an end cap 670 of the water fixture spray head 20 having the same general components as end cap 570 to provide each of a curtain drainage pattern CDP, a water flow drainage pattern STDP, and a spray drainage pattern SPDP. As such, the end cap 670 features a similar arrangement as the first group of discharge openings 100, the larger discharge opening 200, the main group 300A of the third group of discharge openings 300, the left auxiliary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300, and the right auxiliary group 300C of the third group of discharge openings 300. However, the orifices 110 in the first set of discharge orifices 100 are collectively arranged in a convex configuration as part of at least one continuous cavity 120 that extends outwardly from the end cap 570 (i.e., perpendicularly outwardly from the outer surface of the end cap 570) and transverse to the second axis a 2. As shown in these figures, the first set of exhaust ports 100 contains two angled arrangements of cavities 120 (with ports 110), where the angled arrangements include a first linear section 120a and a second linear section 120b that converge to form an obtuse angle alpha (α). The first and second linear segments 120A and 120b form an "arrow" having an apex oriented toward the main set 300A of the third set of discharge openings 300.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP (left side of fig. 22) and the spray head 20 and its end cap 570 (right side) in a first discharge mode providing a concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP.

Fig. 23A and 23B (with axes a1, a2, and quadrants QI to QIV) illustrate a seventh embodiment of an end cap 770 of the water fixture spray head 20 having the same general components as end cap 70 to provide each of a curtain drainage pattern CDP, a water flow drainage pattern STDP, and a spray drainage pattern SPDP. A first set of discharge openings 100 providing a curtain discharge pattern CDP extends between the first quadrant QI and the second quadrant QI and transverse to the second axis a 2. Main group 300A of third group discharge ports 300: (i) extends between the first quadrant QI and the second quadrant QI and transverse to the second axis a2, and (ii) clusters to provide extensions of the spray drainage pattern SPDP. A main set 300A of the third set of exhaust ports 300 is positioned between the first set of exhaust ports 100 and the end cap periphery 775. The left auxiliary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300 is located substantially in the third quadrant QIII. The right auxiliary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300 is located substantially in the fourth quadrant QIV. The larger drain opening 200 extends between the third quadrant QIII and the fourth quadrant QIV, with the extension of the peripheral ridge or ring 220 of the drain opening 200 located in the circumscribed portion of all four quadrants QI-QIV. Each of the ports 110 in the first and third sets of exhaust ports 100, 300 has a convex configuration extending outwardly from the end cap 770 (i.e., perpendicularly outwardly from the outer surface of the end cap 770). The first set of exhaust ports 100 includes at least one arrangement or path of ports 110. In the embodiment of fig. 23A and 23B, the first set of discharge ports 100 includes two curvilinear arrangements of ports 110, wherein each curvilinear arrangement includes a first curvilinear section 110a of port 110 and a second curvilinear section 110B of port 110 that converge to form an obtuse angle alpha (α). As discussed above, to facilitate the curtain discharge pattern CDP provided by the first set of discharge ports 100, the ports 110 have an opening diameter of 0.3 to 0.7mm (and preferably 0.4 to 0.6mm), while the distance between adjacent ports 110 is 1.0 to 4.0mm, and preferably 2.0 to 3.0 mm.

Fig. 24A and 24B (with axes a1, a2, and quadrants QI to QIV) illustrate an eighth embodiment of an end cap 870 of the water fixture spray head 20 having the same general components as end cap 770 to provide each of the curtain drainage pattern CDP, the water flow drainage pattern STDP, and the spray drainage pattern SPDP. As such, the end cap 870 features a similar arrangement as the first group of discharge outlets 100, the larger discharge outlet 200, the main group 300A of the third group of discharge outlets 300, the left secondary group 300B of the third group of discharge outlets 300, and the right secondary group 300C of the third group of discharge outlets 300. However, the ports 110 in the first set of exhaust ports 100 are collectively arranged in a convex configuration as part of at least one continuous cavity 120 that extends outwardly from the end cap 870 (i.e., perpendicularly outwardly from the outer surface of the end cap 870) and transverse to the second axis a 2. As shown in these figures, the first set of exhaust ports 100 comprises two arrangements of chambers 120 (with ports 110), wherein the arrangements include a first curved section 120a and a second curved section 120b that converge to form an obtuse angle alpha (α).

Fig. 25 is a perspective view of a concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP (left side of fig. 25) and the spray head 20 and its end cap 770 (right side) in a first discharge mode providing a concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP.

Fig. 26A and 26B (with axes a1, a2, and quadrants QI to QIV) illustrate a ninth embodiment of an end cap 970 of the water fixture spray head 20 having the same general components as end cap 70 to provide each of the curtain drainage pattern CDP, the water flow drainage pattern STDP, and the spray drainage pattern SPDP. A first set of discharge openings 100 providing a curtain discharge pattern CDP extends between the first quadrant QI and the second quadrant QI and transverse to the second axis a 2. Main group 300A of third group discharge ports 300: (i) extends between the first quadrant QI and the second quadrant QI and transverse to the second axis a2, and (ii) clusters to provide extensions of the spray drainage pattern SPDP. The main set 300A of the third set of exhaust ports 300 is positioned between the first set of exhaust ports 100 and the end cap periphery 975. The left auxiliary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300 is located substantially in the third quadrant QIII. The right auxiliary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300 is located substantially in the fourth quadrant QIV. The larger drain opening 200 extends between the third quadrant QIII and the fourth quadrant QIV, with the extension of the peripheral ridge or ring 220 of the drain opening 200 located in the circumscribed portion of all four quadrants QI-QIV. Each of the vents 110 in the first and third sets of vents 100, 300 has a convex configuration extending outwardly from the end cap 970 (i.e., perpendicularly outwardly from the outer surface of the end cap 970). The first set of exhaust ports 100 includes at least one linear arrangement or path of ports 110. The first set of discharge openings 100 comprises two linear arrangements of openings 110A, b that intersect at a location between the larger discharge opening 200 and the main set 300A of the third set of discharge openings 300 to form an acute angle sigma (σ). As discussed above, to facilitate the curtain discharge pattern CDP provided by the first set of discharge ports 100, the ports 110 have an opening diameter of 0.3 to 0.7mm (and preferably 0.4 to 0.6mm), while the distance between adjacent ports 110 is 1.0 to 4.0mm, and preferably 2.0 to 3.0 mm.

Fig. 27A and 27B (with axes a1, a2, and quadrants QI to QIV) illustrate a tenth embodiment of an endcap 1070 of the water fixture spray head 20 having the same general components as endcap 970 to provide each of the curtain drainage pattern CDP, the water flow drainage pattern STDP, and the spray drainage pattern SPDP. As such, the endcap 1070 features an arrangement similar to the first set of drain openings 100, the larger drain opening 200, the main set 300A of the third set of drain openings 300, the left secondary set 300B of the third set of drain openings 300, and the right secondary set 300C of the third set of drain openings 300. However, the orifices 110 in the first set of discharge orifices 100 are collectively arranged in a convex configuration as part of at least one continuous cavity 120 that extends outwardly from the endcap 1070 (i.e., perpendicularly outwardly from the outer surface of the endcap 1070) and transverse to the second axis a 2. As shown in these figures, the first set of discharge ports 100 contains two arrangements of cavities 120 (with ports 110), where the arrangements include a first linear segment 120A and a second linear segment 120b that intersect at a location between the larger discharge port 200 and the main set 300A of the third set of discharge ports 300 to form an acute angle sigma (σ).

Fig. 28 is a perspective view of a concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP (left side of fig. 28) and the spray head 20 and its end cap 970 (right side) in a first discharge mode providing a concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP.

Fig. 29A and 29B (with axes a1, a2, and quadrants QI to QIV) illustrate an eleventh embodiment of the end cap 1170 of the water fixture spray head 20 having the same general components as the end cap 70 to provide each of the curtain drainage pattern CDP, the water flow drainage pattern STDP, and the spray drainage pattern SPDP. A first set of discharge openings 100 providing a curtain discharge pattern CDP extends between the first quadrant QI and the second quadrant QI and transverse to the second axis a 2. Main group 300A of third group discharge ports 300: (i) extends between the first quadrant QI and the second quadrant QI and transverse to the second axis a2, and (ii) clusters to provide extensions of the spray drainage pattern SPDP. A main set 300A of the third set of exhaust ports 300 is positioned between the first set of exhaust ports 100 and the end cap periphery 1175. The left auxiliary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300 is located substantially in the third quadrant QIII. The right auxiliary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300 is located substantially in the fourth quadrant QIV. The larger drain opening 200 extends between the third quadrant QIII and the fourth quadrant QIV, with the extension of the peripheral ridge or ring 220 of the drain opening 200 located in the circumscribed portion of all four quadrants QI-QIV. Each of the ports 110 in the first and third sets of exhaust ports 100, 300 has a convex configuration extending outwardly from the end cap 1170 (i.e., perpendicularly outwardly from the outer surface of the end cap 1170). The first set of exhaust ports 100 includes at least one curvilinear arrangement or path of ports 110. The first set of exhaust ports 100 comprises two curvilinear arrangements of ports 110a, b arranged in concentric relationship. As discussed above, to facilitate the curtain discharge pattern CDP provided by the first set of discharge ports 100, the ports 110 have an opening diameter of 0.3 to 0.7mm (and preferably 0.4 to 0.6mm), while the distance between adjacent ports 110 is 1.0 to 4.0mm, and preferably 2.0 to 3.0 mm.

Fig. 30A and 30B (with axes and quadrants QI-QIV) illustrate a twelfth embodiment of an end cap 1270 of the water fixture spray head 20 having the same general components as the end cap 1170 to provide each of a curtain drainage pattern CDP, a water flow drainage pattern STDP, and a spray drainage pattern SPDP. As such, end cap 1270 features a similar arrangement as first set of discharge openings 100, larger discharge opening 200, primary set 300A of third set of discharge openings 300, left secondary set 300B of third set of discharge openings 300, and right secondary set 300C of third set of discharge openings 300. However, the ports 110 in the first set of exhaust ports 100 are collectively arranged in a convex configuration as part of at least one continuous chamber 120 that extends outwardly from the end cap 1270 (i.e., perpendicularly outwardly from the outer surface of the end cap 1270) and traverses the second axis a 2. As shown in these figures, the first set of exhaust ports 100 contains two arrangements of chambers 120 (with ports 110), where the arrangement includes two curvilinear arrangements of chambers 120a, b arranged in a concentric relationship.

Fig. 31 is a perspective view of a concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP (left side of fig. 31) and the sprinkler 20 and its end cap 1170 (right side) in a first discharge mode providing a concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP.

Fig. 32A and 32B (with axes a1, a2, and quadrants QI to QIV) illustrate a thirteenth embodiment of an end cap 1370 of the water fixture spray head 20 having the same general components as end cap 70 to provide each of the curtain drainage pattern CDP, the water flow drainage pattern STDP, and the spray drainage pattern SPDP. A first set of discharge openings 100 providing a curtain discharge pattern CDP extends between the first quadrant QI and the second quadrant QI and transverse to the second axis a 2. Main group 300A of third group discharge ports 300: (i) extends between the first quadrant QI and the second quadrant QI and transverse to the second axis a2, and (ii) clusters to provide extensions of the spray drainage pattern SPDP. A main set 300A of the third set of discharge ports 300 is positioned between the first set of discharge ports 100 and the end cap periphery 1375. The left auxiliary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300 is located substantially in the third quadrant QIII. The right auxiliary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300 is located substantially in the fourth quadrant QIV. The larger drain opening 200 extends between the third quadrant QIII and the fourth quadrant QIV, with the extension of the peripheral ridge or ring 220 of the drain opening 200 located in the circumscribed portion of all four quadrants QI-QIV. Each of the ports 110 in the first and third sets of exhaust ports 100, 300 has a raised configuration extending outwardly from the end cap 1370 (i.e., perpendicularly outwardly from the outer surface of the end cap 1370). The first set of exhaust ports 100 includes at least one angled arrangement or path of ports 110. In the embodiment of fig. 32A and 32B, the first set of exhaust ports 100 includes two angled arrangements of ports 110, wherein each angled arrangement includes a first linear section 110a of ports 110 and a second linear section 110B of ports 110 that converge to form an obtuse angle alpha (α). The first and second linear segments 110a, 110b form an "arrow" having an apex oriented toward the discharge opening 200 and its peripheral ridge 220. As discussed above, to facilitate the curtain discharge pattern CDP provided by the first set of discharge ports 100, the ports 110 have an opening diameter of 0.3 to 0.7mm (and preferably 0.4 to 0.6mm), while the distance between adjacent ports 110 is 1.0 to 4.0mm, and preferably 2.0 to 3.0 mm.

Fig. 33A and 33B (with axes a1, a2, and quadrants QI to QIV) illustrate a fourteenth embodiment of an end cap 1470 of water fixture nozzle 20 having the same general components as end cap 1370 to provide each of a curtain drainage pattern CDP, a water flow drainage pattern STDP, and a spray drainage pattern SPDP. As such, end cap 1470 features an arrangement similar to first group discharge outlet 100, larger discharge outlet 200, main group 300A of third group discharge outlets 300, left auxiliary group 300B of third group discharge outlets 300, and right auxiliary group 300C of third group discharge outlets 300. However, the orifices 110 in the first set of exhaust ports 100 are collectively arranged in a convex configuration as part of at least one continuous cavity 120 that extends outwardly from end cap 1470 (i.e., perpendicularly outwardly from the outer surface of end cap 1470) and traverses the second axis a 2. As shown in these figures, the first set of exhaust ports 100 contains two arrangements of cavities 120 (with ports 110) having a first linear section 120a of cavity 120 and a second linear section 120b of cavity 120 that converge to form an obtuse angle alpha (α). The first and second linear segments 120a, 120b form an "arrow" having an apex oriented toward the discharge opening 200 and its peripheral ridge 220.

Fig. 34 is a perspective view of a concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP (left side of fig. 34) and the sprinkler 20 and its end cap 1370 (right side) in a first discharge mode providing a concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP.

Fig. 35A and 35B (with axes a1, a2, and quadrants QI to QIV) illustrate a fifteenth embodiment of an end cap 1570 of the water fixture spray head 20 having the same general components as end cap 70 to provide each of a curtain drainage pattern CDP, a water flow drainage pattern STDP, and a spray drainage pattern SPDP. A first set of discharge openings 100 providing a curtain discharge pattern CDP extends between the first quadrant QI and the second quadrant QI and transverse to the second axis a 2. Main group 300A of third group discharge ports 300: (i) extends between the first quadrant QI and the second quadrant QI and transverse to the second axis a2, and (ii) is aligned along a curved path to provide an extension of the spray drainage pattern SPDP. A main set 300A of the third set of exhaust ports 300 is positioned between the first set of exhaust ports 100 and the end cap periphery 1575. The left auxiliary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300 is located substantially in the third quadrant QIII. The right auxiliary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300 is located substantially in the fourth quadrant QIV. The larger drain opening 200 extends between the third quadrant QIII and the fourth quadrant QIV, with the extension of the peripheral ridge or ring 220 of the drain opening 200 located in the circumscribed portion of all four quadrants QI-QIV. Each of the ports 110 in the first and third sets of exhaust ports 100, 300 has a convex configuration extending outwardly from the end cap 1570 (i.e., perpendicularly outwardly from the outer surface of the end cap 1570). The first set of exhaust ports 100 includes at least one curvilinear arrangement or path of ports 110. Referring to the drawings, the first set of exhaust ports 100 contains two curvilinear arrangements of ports 110a, b having: opposing convex intermediate portions, and opposing ends of the curvilinear paths 110a, b that converge as the end cap periphery 1575 is approached. As a result, the curtain-displacement form CDP has a wider configuration in the middle portion of the paths 110a, b than at the ends, such that the middle portion defines an intermediate gap between the curved paths 110a, b. As discussed above, to facilitate the curtain discharge pattern CDP provided by the first set of discharge ports 100, the ports 110 have an opening diameter of 0.3 to 0.7mm (and preferably 0.4 to 0.6mm), while the distance between adjacent ports 110 is 1.0 to 4.0mm, and preferably 2.0 to 3.0 mm.

Fig. 36A and 36B (with axes a1, a2, and quadrants QI to QIV) illustrate a sixteenth embodiment of an end cap 1670 of a water fixture spray head 20 having the same general components as end cap 1570 to provide each of a curtain drainage pattern CDP, a water flow drainage pattern STDP, and a spray drainage pattern SPDP. As such, end cap 1670 features a similar arrangement as first set of discharge openings 100, larger discharge opening 200, primary set 300A of third set of discharge openings 300, left secondary set 300B of third set of discharge openings 300, and right secondary set 300C of third set of discharge openings 300. However, the orifices 110 in the first set of discharge orifices 100 are collectively arranged in a convex configuration as part of at least one continuous cavity 120 that extends outwardly from the end cap 1670 (i.e., perpendicularly outwardly from the outer surface of the end cap 1670) and traverses the second axis a 2. As shown in these figures, the first set of exhaust ports 100 contains two arrangements of chambers 120 (with ports 110), where the arrangement includes two curvilinear arrangements of chambers 120a, b having: opposing convex intermediate portions, and opposing ends of the curvilinear paths 110a, b that converge as the end cap periphery 1575 is approached.

Fig. 37 is a perspective view of a concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP (left side of fig. 37) and the spray head 20 and its end cap 1570 (right side) in a first discharge mode providing a concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP.

Fig. 38A and 38B (with axes a1, a2, and quadrants QI to QIV) illustrate a seventeenth embodiment of an end cap 1770 of the water fixture spray head 20 having the same general components as the end cap 70 to provide each of the curtain drainage pattern CDP, the water flow drainage pattern STDP, and the spray drainage pattern SPDP. A first set of discharge openings 100 providing a curtain discharge pattern CDP extends between the first quadrant QI and the second quadrant QI and transverse to the second axis a 2. Main group 300A of third group discharge ports 300: (i) extends between the first quadrant QI and the second quadrant QI and transverse to the second axis a2, and (ii) is aligned along a curved path to provide an extension of the spray drainage pattern SPDP. A main set 300A of the third set of discharge openings 300 is positioned between the first set of discharge openings 100 and the end cap periphery 1775. The left auxiliary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300 is located substantially in the third quadrant QIII. The right auxiliary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300 is located substantially in the fourth quadrant QIV. The larger drain opening 200 extends between the third quadrant QIII and the fourth quadrant QIV, with the extension of the peripheral ridge or ring 220 of the drain opening 200 located in the circumscribed portion of all four quadrants QI-QIV. Each of the ports 110 in the first and third sets of exhaust ports 100, 300 has a convex configuration extending outwardly from the end cap 1770 (i.e., perpendicularly outwardly from the outer surface of the end cap 1770). The first set of exhaust ports 100 includes at least one curvilinear arrangement or path of ports 110. Referring to the drawings, the first set of exhaust ports 100 contains two curvilinear arrangements of ports 110a, b having: opposing convex intermediate portions, and opposing ends of the curvilinear paths 110a, b that converge as the end cap periphery 1575 is approached such that the ends of the paths 110a, b are defined by the common port 110 (i.e., aligned with the other ports 110 in the paths 110a, b). Furthermore, the curtain displacement form CDP has a wider configuration in the middle portion of the paths 110a, b than at the ends, so that the middle portion defines an intermediate gap between the curved paths 110a, b. As discussed above, to facilitate the curtain discharge pattern CDP provided by the first set of discharge ports 100, the ports 110 have an opening diameter of 0.3 to 0.7mm (and preferably 0.4 to 0.6mm), while the distance between adjacent ports 110 is 1.0 to 4.0mm, and preferably 2.0 to 3.0 mm.

Fig. 39A and 39B (with axes a1, a2, and quadrants QI to QIV) illustrate an eighteenth embodiment of an end cap 1870 of a water fixture spray head 20 having the same general components as end cap 1770 to provide each of a curtain drainage pattern CDP, a water flow drainage pattern STDP, and a spray drainage pattern SPDP. As such, end cap 1870 features an arrangement similar to that of first set of discharge openings 100, larger discharge opening 200, main set 300A of third set of discharge openings 300, left auxiliary set 300B of third set of discharge openings 300, and right auxiliary set 300C of third set of discharge openings 300. However, ports 110 in first set of exhaust ports 100 are collectively arranged in a convex configuration as part of at least one continuous cavity 120 that extends outwardly from endcap 1870 (i.e., perpendicularly outwardly from the outer surface of endcap 1870) and transverse to second axis a 2. As shown in these figures, the first set of exhaust ports 100 contains two arrangements of chambers 120 (with ports 110), where the arrangement includes two curvilinear arrangements of chambers 120a, b having: opposing convex intermediate portions, and opposing ends of the curvilinear paths 110a, b that join as the end cap periphery 1575 is approached. Thus, the lumens 120a, b provide a continuous loop or oval arrangement of the ports 110.

Fig. 40 is a perspective view of a concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP (left side of fig. 40) and the spray head 20 and its end cap 1770 (right side) in a first discharge mode providing a concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP.

Fig. 41A and 41B (with axes a1, a2, and quadrants QI to QIV) illustrate a nineteenth embodiment of an end cap 1970 of the water fixture spray head 20 having the same general components as end cap 70 to provide each of the curtain drainage pattern CDP, the water flow drainage pattern STDP, and the spray drainage pattern SPDP. A first set of discharge openings 100 providing a curtain discharge pattern CDP extends between the first quadrant QI and the second quadrant QI and transverse to the second axis a 2. Main group 300A of third group discharge ports 300: (i) extends between the first quadrant QI and the second quadrant QI and transverse to the second axis a2, and (ii) clusters to provide extensions of the spray drainage pattern SPDP. A main set 300A of the third set of discharge ports 300 is positioned between the first set of discharge ports 100 and the end cap periphery 1975. The left auxiliary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300 is located substantially in the third quadrant QIII. The right auxiliary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300 is located substantially in the fourth quadrant QIV. The larger drain opening 200 extends between the third quadrant QIII and the fourth quadrant QIV, with the extension of the peripheral ridge or ring 220 of the drain opening 200 located in the circumscribed portion of all four quadrants QI-QIV. Each of the ports 110 in the first and third sets of exhaust ports 100, 300 has a convex configuration extending outward from the end cap 1970 (i.e., perpendicular outward from the outer surface of the end cap 1970). The first set of exhaust ports 100 includes at least one arrangement or path of ports 110. In the embodiment of fig. 41A and 41B, the first group of discharge openings 100 comprises two curvilinear arrangements of openings 110, wherein each curvilinear arrangement comprises a first linear section 110A of openings 110 and a second linear section 110B of openings 110 converging to form an obtuse angle alpha (α) and having an apex oriented towards the main group 300A of the third group of discharge openings 300. As discussed above, to facilitate the curtain discharge pattern CDP provided by the first set of discharge ports 100, the ports 110 have an opening diameter of 0.3 to 0.7mm (and preferably 0.4 to 0.6mm), while the distance between adjacent ports 110 is 1.0 to 4.0mm, and preferably 2.0 to 3.0 mm.

Fig. 42A and 42B (with axes a1, a2, and quadrants QI to QIV) illustrate a twentieth embodiment of an end cap 2070 of the water fixture nozzle 20 having the same general components as the end cap 2070 to provide each of the curtain drainage pattern CDP, the water flow drainage pattern STDP, and the spray drainage pattern SPDP. As such, the cap 2070 features a similar arrangement as the first group of discharge openings 100, the larger discharge opening 200, the main group 300A of the third group of discharge openings 300, the left auxiliary group 300B of the third group of discharge openings 300, and the right auxiliary group 300C of the third group of discharge openings 300. However, the ports 110 in the first set of discharge ports 100 are collectively arranged in a convex configuration as part of at least one continuous cavity 120 that extends outwardly from the end cap 2070 (i.e., perpendicularly outwardly from the outer surface of the end cap 2070) and transverse to the second axis a 2. As shown in these figures, the first set of exhaust ports 100 comprises two arrangements of cavities 120 (with ports 110), wherein the arrangements include a first curved section 120A and a second curved section 120b that converge to form an obtuse angle alpha (α) and have an apex oriented toward the main set 300A of the third set of exhaust ports 300.

Fig. 43 is a perspective view of a concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP (left side of fig. 25) and the spray head 20 and its end cap 1970 (right side) in a first discharge mode providing a concentrated curtain drainage pattern CDP.

Fig. 44-47 illustrate another embodiment of the water fixture spray head 3020 in which the third set of discharge ports 300 is omitted from the end cap 3070. As a result, as described above, the end cap 3070 provides a curtain drainage pattern CDP via the first set of exhaust ports 3100 and a water flow drainage pattern STDP via the exhaust port 3200. Since the third group of discharge ports 300 is omitted, the head 3020 does not provide the spray drainage pattern SPDP. The structure and components of the spray head 3020, which are similar to those of the spray head 20, are identified by the 3000 series of reference numerals assigned to and used in fig. 44-47. Thus, a similar construction between the two embodiments of the spray head 20, 3020 is distinguished at 3000. This form simplifies the disclosure, but does not limit it in any way. Additionally, it should be understood that any of the features shown in the first embodiment of the spray head 20 may be used in conjunction with the second embodiment of the spray head 3020 and vice versa.

The first set of exhaust ports 3100 includes at least one arrangement or path of ports 3110. These ports 3110 may be arranged in the configuration of the port 110 shown in fig. 1A and 1B through 44, even though not all of these configurations are shown in the additional drawings corresponding to the spray head 3020. Referring to fig. 44 and 45, the first set of exhaust ports 3100 includes two linear arrangements of ports 3110a, B similar to the ports 100 of the end cap 270 shown in fig. 15A and 15B. As another example (not shown), the first set of exhaust ports 3100 includes two curvilinear arrangements of ports 110a, b. Fig. 44 (with axes a1, a2, and quadrants QI to QIV) shows an end cap 3070 having the same general components as end cap 70 to provide each of the curtain drainage pattern CDP, the water flow drainage pattern STDP, and the spray drainage pattern SPDP. As such, end cap 3070 features the arrangement of first set of exhaust ports 3100 and large exhaust ports 3200. The ports 3110 in the first set of exhaust ports 3100 are collectively arranged in a convex configuration as part of at least one continuous cavity 3120 that extends outwardly from the end cap 3070 (i.e., perpendicularly outwardly from an outer surface of the end cap 3070). The endcap 3070 includes a pair of cavities 3120 arranged in a substantially parallel relationship. The port 3110 and cavity 3120 extend between the first quadrant QI and the second quadrant QI and transverse to the second axis a 2. The larger extension of the large drain 3200 extends between the third quadrant QIII and the fourth quadrant QIV and traverses the second axis a2 as a longitudinal axis. The smaller extension of the large drain 3200 extends between the first quadrant QI and the second quadrant QI i and traverses the first axis a1 as a transverse axis.

The dimensions for the discharge port 110 disclosed at the beginning of the detailed description section are suitable for the discharge port 3110 of the spray head 3020. Further, to ensure that the curtain discharge pattern CDP is functional and used to forcefully and intensively clean soiled articles, the discharge flow through the discharge port 3110 corresponds to the discharge flow provided above for the discharge port 110.

Fig. 48-49 illustrate another embodiment of a water fixture spray head configured as a hand-held shower spray 5020 with a handle 5022 that can be grasped by a user U to direct the exiting water to a particular location during a shower. The shower 5020 is connected by a water line or conduit (not shown) to a water source integrated with the main shower control assembly (not shown). For shower 5020, the second outlet 200 is omitted from the end cap 5070. As a result, the end cover 5070 provides a curtain drainage pattern CDP via the first set of exhaust ports 5100 and a spray drainage pattern SPDP via the primary and secondary sets of exhaust ports 5300A, 5300B, as described above. The shower sprinkler 5020 does not provide the water drainage pattern STDP because the second discharge port 200 is omitted. The handle 5022 includes an actuator 5024 that allows a user to select and switch between the curtain drainage pattern CDP and the spray drainage pattern SPDP. The structure and components of shower 5020, which are similar to those of shower 20, are identified by the 5000 series of reference numerals assigned to and used in fig. 48-49. Accordingly, a similar structure between the two embodiments of spray head 20 and shower spray 5020 is distinguished at 5000. This form simplifies the disclosure, but does not limit it in any way. Additionally, it should be understood that any of the features shown in the first embodiment of the sprinkler head 20 may be used in conjunction with the shower sprinkler 5020 and vice versa.

The first set of vent ports 5100 includes at least one arrangement or path of ports 5110. These ports 5110 may be arranged in the configuration of the ports 110 shown in fig. 1A and 1B through 44, even though not all of these configurations are shown in the additional figures corresponding to the sprayer 5020. Referring to fig. 48 and 49, the first set of discharge ports 5100 includes two linear arrangements of ports 5110a, B similar to the ports 100 of the end cap 270 shown in fig. 15A and 15B. As another example (not shown), the first set of vent ports 5100 includes two curvilinear arrangements of ports 110a, b. The ports 5110 in the first and second sets of discharge ports 5100 are collectively arranged in a convex configuration as part of at least one continuous cavity 5120 that extends outwardly from the end cap 5070 (i.e., perpendicularly outwardly from the outer surface of the end cap 5070). Alternatively, the cavity 5120 is recessed inwardly from the end cap 5070. In yet another alternative, the end cap 5070 includes a pair of cavities 5120 arranged in a substantially parallel relationship. The port 5110 and the cavity 5120 extend along the second axis a2 and are substantially perpendicular to the first axis a 1.

The dimensions for the discharge ports 110 disclosed at the beginning of the detailed description section are suitable for the discharge ports 5110 of the shower 5020. Moreover, to ensure that the curtain discharge pattern CDP is active and used to forcefully and intensively clean areas or soiled articles, the discharge flow through discharge outlet 5110 corresponds to the discharge flow provided above for discharge outlet 110.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the exact details of construction, operation, exact materials or embodiments shown and described, as modifications and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims. While this disclosure describes various exemplary embodiments, this disclosure is not so limited. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover various modifications, uses, adaptations, and equivalent arrangements based on the disclosed principles. Further, this disclosure is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It is contemplated that various modifications and equivalent structures and functions may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims that follow. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

Headings and sub-headings (if any) are for convenience only and are not limiting. The words used herein are exemplary to mean serving as an example or illustration. Such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Relational terms such as first and second, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

Phrases such as an aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, an implementation, the implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, an embodiment, the embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, a configuration, the configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, the subject technology, the disclosure (the disclosure), the present disclosure (the present disclosure), or other variations thereof, and the like, are for convenience and do not imply that a disclosure relating to such phrases is essential to the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure relating to such phrases may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. Disclosure relating to such phrases may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa and this applies analogously to other preceding phrases.

Claims (27)

1. A faucet providing multiple forms of drainage, the faucet comprising:

a faucet housing;

a water supply line extending through the faucet housing;

a spray head connected to the water supply line, the spray head comprising:

a first set of water discharge openings that function in a first discharge mode to provide a curtain drainage pattern CDP;

a center drain opening that functions in a second drain mode to provide a water flow drainage pattern, STDP; and

a third set of drain openings that function in a third drain mode to provide a spray drainage pattern SPDP.

2. The faucet of claim 1, wherein the first set of drain openings are spaced apart by a distance of 0.6 to 10 mm.

3. The faucet of claim 2, wherein the first set of drain openings are spaced apart by a distance of 2.0 to 3.0 mm.

4. The faucet of claim 1, wherein at least one drain opening of the first set of drain openings has an opening diameter of 0.3 to 1.2 mm.

5. The faucet of claim 4, wherein the at least one drain opening of the first set of drain openings has an opening diameter of 0.4 to 0.6 mm.

6. The faucet of claim 1, wherein the first set of outlets has a discharge flow of at least 1.0 liter/minute when the inlet water pressure of the spout is 20 psi.

7. The faucet of claim 1, wherein the first set of outlets has a discharge flow of 3.2 liters/minute when the inlet water pressure of the sprinkler is 20 psi.

8. The faucet of claim 1, wherein the first set of outlets has a discharge flow of at least 1.5 liters/minute when the inlet water pressure of the sprinkler is 30 psi.

9. The faucet of claim 1, wherein the first set of outlets has a discharge flow of 3.9 liters/minute when the inlet water pressure of the sprinkler is 30 psi.

10. The faucet of claim 1, wherein the first set of outlets has a discharge flow of at least 2.0 liters/minute when the inlet water pressure of the sprinkler is 45 psi.

11. The faucet of claim 1, wherein the first set of outlets has a discharge flow of 4.9 liters/minute when the inlet water pressure of the sprinkler is 45 psi.

12. The faucet of claim 1, wherein the spray head includes an outer housing, an internal valve assembly, and an end cap secured to the outer housing and having the first set of drain openings;

wherein the end cap has two first and second axes intersecting each other and first, second, third and fourth quadrants defined by the intersection of the first and second axes, and

wherein the first set of water outlets providing the curtain drain pattern CDP extend between the first quadrant and the second quadrant and traverse the second axis.

13. The faucet of claim 12, wherein the first axis and the second axis define an origin, and wherein the central drain opening that functions in a second drain mode to provide a water flow drainage pattern, STDP, covers the origin.

14. The faucet of claim 12, wherein the third set of drain openings that function in a third drain mode to provide a spray drainage pattern (SPDP) comprises: a main group of third discharge ports, a left auxiliary group of third discharge ports, and a right auxiliary group of third discharge ports, and

wherein the first set of drain openings is positioned between the primary set of third drain openings, the left secondary set of third drain openings, and the right secondary set of third drain openings.

15. The faucet of claim 12, wherein the third set of drain openings that function in a third drain mode to provide a spray drainage pattern (SPDP) comprises: a main group of third discharge ports, a left auxiliary group of third discharge ports, and a right auxiliary group of third discharge ports, and

wherein the first group of drain openings and the center drain opening are each positioned between the primary group of third drain openings, the left secondary group of third drain openings, and the right secondary group of third drain openings.

16. A spray head for a faucet and providing multiple forms of water discharge, the spray head comprising:

a housing;

an inner valve assembly; and

an end cap secured to the housing and comprising:

a first set of water discharge openings that function in a first discharge mode to provide a curtain drainage pattern CDP;

a center drain opening that functions in a second drain mode to provide a water flow drainage pattern, STDP; and

a third set of drain openings that function in a third drain mode to provide a spray drainage pattern SPDP.

17. The spray head of claim 16 wherein the first set of drain openings are spaced apart by a distance of 0.6 to 10 mm.

18. The spray head of claim 17 wherein the first set of drain openings are spaced apart by a distance of 2.0 to 3.0 mm.

19. The spray head of claim 16, wherein at least one drain opening of the first set of drain openings has an opening diameter of 0.3 to 1.2 mm.

20. The spray head of claim 19, wherein the at least one drain opening in the first set of drain openings has an opening diameter of 0.4 to 0.6 mm.

21. The sprinkler according to claim 16, wherein the first set of water discharge openings has a discharge flow rate of at least 1.0 liter/minute when an inlet water pressure of the sprinkler is 20 psi.

22. The sprinkler according to claim 16, wherein the first set of water discharge openings has a discharge flow rate of at least 1.5 liters/minute when an inlet water pressure of the sprinkler is 30 psi.

23. The sprinkler according to claim 16, wherein the first set of water discharge openings has a discharge flow rate of at least 2.0 liters/minute when an inlet water pressure of the sprinkler is 45 psi.

24. The spray head of claim 16, wherein the end cap has two first and second axes intersecting one another, and first, second, third, and fourth quadrants defined by the intersection of the first and second axes, and

wherein the first set of water outlets providing the curtain drain pattern CDP extend between the first quadrant and the second quadrant and traverse the second axis.

25. The spray head of claim 24 wherein the first axis and the second axis define an origin, and wherein the central drain opening that functions in a second drain mode to provide a water flow drainage pattern, STDP, covers the origin.

26. The spray head of claim 16 wherein the third set of drain openings that function in a third drain mode to provide a spray drainage pattern (SPDP) comprises: a main group of third discharge ports, a left auxiliary group of third discharge ports, and a right auxiliary group of third discharge ports, and

wherein the first set of drain openings is positioned between the primary set of third drain openings, the left secondary set of third drain openings, and the right secondary set of third drain openings.

27. The spray head of claim 16 wherein the third set of drain openings that function in a third drain mode to provide a spray drainage pattern (SPDP) comprises: a main group of third discharge ports, a left auxiliary group of third discharge ports, and a right auxiliary group of third discharge ports, and

wherein the first group of drain openings and the center drain opening are each positioned between the primary group of third drain openings, the left secondary group of third drain openings, and the right secondary group of third drain openings.

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