MXPA98006423A - Gr spit assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A faucet includes a tap spout assembly that includes a spout cover for holding a cartridge containing a filter medium therein, which defines a flow path for water to be filtered, the cover and the cartridge define a fluid space between the cover and the cartridge for unfiltered water, the water flowing through the flow path of the filter cartridge, and the unfiltered water flowing through the flow space, is directed towards a chamber of a head of Reel valve is located within the chamber and is selectively placeable by manipulating a knob to allow filtered or unfiltered water to enter the chamber, and to allow filtered water to be dispensed from the spigot assembly through from a nozzle or, alternatively, unfiltered water is dispensed from an aeread

Description

QRIFO SPY ASSEMBLY FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a tap spout assembly, and particularly relates to a tap assembly of a tap that contains a valve for selectively directing fluid through a pair of spout outlets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the past several systems were developed to filter water before. or after. Pass through a tap for dispensing at the point of use. One such system includes a bulky can type filter with a cartridge having a filtration means contained therein. When an operator of a tap valve demands water at the tap, the water passes through the filtration medium in the can and then through the tap and is dispensed at the spout outlet. Typically, filters of this type are located in a storage cabinet below the sink where the tap is located. Sometimes, it is difficult to access the boats when it is necessary to change the filter cartridge. Also, filters of this type are located »in the water flow path, in the initial part of the tap valve, thus necessitating the placement of a separate water shutoff valve, adjacent to the can, to close the passage of water in order to replace the filter cartridge. Otherwise, the main water supply valve must be closed during the replacement procedure. Another type of water filtration unit is known as a board deck unit, which sits on the deck of the board in the vicinity of the faucet. These units require additional piping to connect to the flow path. In addition, the deck deck units are bulky, unattractive and require considerable space in the tap area and the tarja. A third type of water filtration unit is known as an aerator mounted unit. which is assembled with the tap system at the free end of the spout at the aerator place. These units are unusually large and unattractive, and tend to interfere with the normal use of the tap in the vicinity of the tap and the tap. Therefore, there is a need for a water filtration system that performs the task of water filtration without affecting the aesthetics of the faucet, and that is mounted in the filtration facility in an easily accessible and convenient place to replace the cartridges of water. filter. In addition, there is a need for a water filtration system that is structurally designed to facilitate the replacement of cartridges »without the need for tools, and an easily accessible valve installation for the rapid and efficient selection of filtered or non-filtered water filtered by dispensing from the spigot of the tap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a water filtration system for use with a tap, which is concealed and does not affect the aesthetics of the tap. Another object of this invention is to provide a water filtration system that is in an easily accessible and convenient place to replace the filter cartridges of the system, in a more efficient manner. Another object of this invention is to provide a structural assembly for a filtration system that facilitates the replacement of a filter cartridge, without the need for tools. A further object of this invention is to provide an easily accessible valve arrangement for the rapid and efficient selection of filtered or unfiltered water by dispensing from a faucet tap after its demand. With these and other objects in mind, this invention contemplates a tap tap assembly that includes a spout and a two position valve mounted within the spout. The tap valve assembly further includes a selector mechanism for positioning the valve in a selected position of two »to facilitate the direction of fluid from the spout towards one of the two selected outputs thereof. This invention also contemplates at least two trajectories of fluid flow through the spigot, one of the paths being selectively connectable with one of the two outputs of the spout, and the other of the two paths being selectively connectable with the other output of the sp. This invention also contemplates a mounting structure within a spigot of a tap to hold a filter means therein, with which the fluid to be dispensed from the spout can be selected from the fluid passing through the filter medium within the spigot, or from outside the filter medium, inside the spigot. Additionally, this invention contemplates a mounting structure within a spigot of a tap to hold a filter cartridge therein, whereby the mounting structure can be easily disassembled to facilitate the placement of the filter cartridge therein, or to remove the filter cartridge inside the spigot. Other objects »features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment» the rei indications and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the annexed drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a tap having a single tap control valve. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing separable elements of the tap of Figure 1. 3 »is a sectional view of the assembly showing the individual control valve of the tap of figure i; Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a first embodiment of a spigot valve assembly mountable on a spigot of the tap of Figure 1 »according to certain principles of the invention» and showing a filter cartridge mountable on the spout, also in accordance with certain principles of the invention; Figure 5 is a sectional perspective view showing the first assembled embodiment of the spout valve assembly of Figure 4. in accordance with certain principles of the invention, and the filter cartridge of Figure 4 mounted on the spout, of according to certain principles of the invention »Figure 6 is a sectional view showing a spout bell and a portion of the spout of figure 4» in accordance with certain principles of the invention? Figure 7 is a bottom view showing a valve head forming a portion of the spout of Figure 4 »in accordance with certain principles of the invention; Figure 8 is a sectional view showing the valve head of the Figure 7 »in accordance with certain principles of the invention; Figure 9 is a partial sectional view showing the valve head of Figure 7 »in accordance with certain principles of the invention; Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a valve spool of the spout valve assembly of Fig. 4 »in accordance with certain principles of the invention. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the valve spool of the Figure 10 »in accordance with certain principles of the invention; Figure 12 is a full view showing the valve spool of Figure 10. in accordance with certain principles of the invention; Fig. 13 is a sectional view showing the valve spool of Fig. 10 »in accordance with certain principles of the invention» Fig. 14 is a partial sectional view showing the valve spool of Fig. 10 »in accordance with certain principles of the invention; Figure 15 is a perspective view showing a first axial end of an end sleeve of the spout valve assembly of Figure 4 »in accordance with certain principles of the invention; Figure 16 is a perspective view showing a second axial end of the end sleeve of Figure 15 »in accordance with certain principles of the invention; Figure 17 is a sectional view showing the end sleeve of Figure 15 »in accordance with certain principles of the invention; Figure IB is an end view showing a knob of the spout valve assembly of Figure 4 »in accordance with certain principles of the invention; Figure 19 is a perspective sectional view showing the water path filtered through the assembled spigot valve assembly of Figure 4 »in accordance with certain principles of the invention.» Figure 20 is a sectional perspective view with parts separate ones showing the path of the filtered water through the assembled spigot valve assembly of figure 4 »in accordance with certain principles of invention» Figure 21 is a perspective sectional view showing the path of unfiltered water through of the assembled spigot valve assembly of Figure 4 »in accordance with certain principles of the invention; Figure 22 is a perspective sectional view with detached portions showing the unfiltered water path through the assembled spigot valve assembly of Figure 4 »in accordance with certain principles of the invention. Figure 23 is a schematic perspective view showing a second embodiment of a spout valve assembly, mountable on the spigot of the tap of Figure 1 »in accordance with certain principles of the invention; Figure 24 is a perspective view showing a valve spool of the spout valve assembly of Figure 23 »in accordance with certain principles of the invention; Figure 25 is a side view showing the valve spool of Figure 24 »in accordance with certain principles of the invention; Figure 26 is a perspective sectional view showing the unfiltered water path through the assembled spigot valve assembly of Figure 23 »in accordance with certain principles of the invention.» Figure 27 is a perspective view of parts separate that shows a third embodiment of a spout valve assembly, in accordance with certain principles of the invention; Figure 28 is a side view showing a valve spool of the spout valve assembly of Figure 27 »in accordance with certain principles of the invention; Figure 29 is a perspective view showing the valve spool of Figure 28. in accordance with certain principles of the invention; and Figure 30 is a perspective view showing the valve spool of Figure 28 in assembly with a sleeve and bushing of the spout valve assembly of Figure 26 »in accordance with certain principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a single control tap 40 includes an installation for selectively dispensing treated or filtered water on the one hand, or untreated or unfiltered water on the other hand. The tap 40 includes a base 42 »a spout bell 44» a spigot assembly 46 »a dome 4B and a control handle 50. Inlet conduits 52 and 54 are connected to the underside of the tap 40» and facilitate the supply of hot water and cold water »respectively» to the tap. The spigot assembly 46 includes a spout cover 56"a connecting nut or coupler 5B" a valve head 60 and a selector knob 62"with unfiltered water aerator 64" and a filtered water nozzle GG suspended from the underside from 1 to valve head. Referring to figure 3 »the tap 40 lO it also includes a valve assembly 68 that is connectable to the handle 50 (Figures 1 and 2) to facilitate control of the valve to select the desired temperature of hot and / or cold water and the volume of water to be dispensed from the faucet. Valve assembly 68 includes a brass box 70 formed with a lower middle section 72. which is generally solid, except for a pair of inlet passages 74 (shown one of them) for hot and cold water, and a passage of outlet 76. An upper section 7B of the box 70 is formed with a receptacle 80 open at the top to receive therein a ceramic cartridge valve 82. which is a component of the valve assembly 6B. The cartridge valve 82 is of the type described in U.S. Patent No. 5,402,827. issued on April 4, 1995. the description of which is incorporated herein by reference. The cartridge valve 82 includes a disc-shaped base 84 which cooperates with a housing 86 to form a cover 88. A package 90 is located on the outermost face of the base 84. and provides sealed passages on the outer side of the base. base. A plurality of seals 92 (shown one of them) is located on the inner side of the base 84 to isolate the hot and cold water passages from one another, at the junction of the cartridge valve 82. A surface larger than a fixed ceramic plate 94 »is placed over the seals 92 and has a polished larger surface in engagement with a larger polished surface of a movable ceramic plate 96. A control rod 100 extends outward from one end of the housing 86 »Which is opposite the end with the base 84» and bolted to a bushing 102 within the housing for rotary and pivotal movement. A coupler 104 is located between the bushing 102 and the movable plate 96 and is formed with a cavity 106 that receives an inner end 108 of the rod 100. The movable plate 96 »the bushing 102 and the coupler 104» in conjunction with the rod 100 »They facilitate the selective lateral and / or rotary movement after the selective movement of the rod. The fixed plate 94 is formed with a warm inlet passage (not shown) »a cold inlet passage (not shown) and outlet passage 110. The movable plate 96 is formed with a mixing chamber 112 which» by selective control of the I'm a lOO. it is alignable with the inlet passages and the outlet passage 110 of the fixed plate 94 »to facilitate the passage of water from the intake lines 52 and 54» through the valve 68 »to the spout assembly 46. A nut 114, as shown in figure 3 »is screwed to the inner wall of the upper section 78 of the brass box 70 to retain the cartridge valve 82 within the receptacle 80. The handle 50 (figures 1 and 2) is assembled on »and subject to» the rod 100 to provide control and easy movement of the rod and movable plate 96. Although the tap 40 described above is a type of single-control tap, other types of faucets could be used such as for example a two handle faucet, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As shown in Figures 4 and 6. the spout cover 56 is formed with. and extends from the bell 44 »and is formed with a tubular opening 116 communicating with tubular opening 118 of the bell through a portal 120 (Figure 6). Thick right hand threads 122 are formed on the outer surface of the spout cover 56 at an end 123 opposite the end where they are formed with the bell 44. The tubular opening 118 of the bell 44 is formed in a consistent diameter »Except for a larger diameter in a central upper portion 124» as shown in figure 6 »which coincides with the portal 120. Referring to figure 4» a filter cartridge 126 is formed with cylindrical section 128 extending from a first axial end 130 to a second axial end 132 thereof »at a prescribed diameter. A cover 134 is located over the mouth of the section 12B at the first axial end 130 thereof, and is formed with separate concentric circular passages 131"defined by concentric circular bands and a plurality of radially disposed spokes 133. The passages of the cover 134 are of sufficient size to allow the passage of water through it. The cover 134 is also formed with a plurality of tabs 135 which are located radially around the periphery of the cover. When the cover 134 is assembled with the cylindrical section 12B of the cartridge 126 »the tabs 135 extend radially outward from the first axial end 130» as illustrated in Figure 4. The filter cartridge 126 is formed with a cylindrical nozzle 136 Which is of a diameter smaller than the prescribed diameter and extending axially away from the section 128. The external diameter of the filter cartridge 126 is smaller than the internal diameter of the spout cover 56 to the extent that When the cartridge is located inside the spout cover, a space 138 (FIG. 5) is formed between them. The nut 58 is formed in a cylindrical configuration with thick right-hand threads 142 formed internally around a mid-section and with left-hand fine threads 144 formed internally. adjacent to an upper end 145. as shown in Figure 4. The threads 142 and 144 are spaced apart by a prescribed axial distance to define a first section of non-retaining, or non-threaded, structure. 146. internally of the nut 5B. A second non-threaded section 144 is formed between the coarse threads 142 and a lower end 149 of the nut 58. It is noted that the right hand threads 122 of the spout cover 56 coincide with the coarse threads of the right hand 142 of the nut 58. It is further noted that the right hand threads 122 and 142. are considered a first type of holding structure. Referring to Figures 4, 7, 8 and 9, the valve head 60 is formed with a unitary body 14B having a first end 150 and a second end 152. The body 148 is formed with a first section 154 extending along a first axis in from the end 150 for a first prescribed distance. The body 148 is also formed with a second section 156 that extends along a second axis into the second end 152 for a second prescribed distance and joins. at an angle, with the first section 154 to form the unitary body 148. The first and second axes form an angle at a juncture thereof which is the same angle at which ur &; the first section 154 with the second section 156 to form the unitary body 148. As shown in Figures 4 and 7 »a large or full cylindrical chamber 158 is formed in the first section 154 of the valve head 60 and is formed with an opening 160 at its first end 150 of the head. An annular groove 162 is formed in the wall of the chamber 158 immediately adjacent the opening 160. A small portion of the wall of the chamber 158 is formed with an arcuate groove 164 (Figure 8) extending axially for a prescribed distance. A first outlet passage 166 and a second exit passage 168 are formed radially through the wall of the chamber 158 »in such a manner that the chamber communicates with a first threaded opening 170 and a second threaded opening 172. respectively. formed in nri lower body 174 extending laterally from the first section 154. A first inlet passage 176 and a second inlet passage 178. are formed through a floor 1BO of the chamber 15B. and oriented in the direction of the axis of the first section 154 of the valve head 60. The body 14B of the valve head 60 is also formed with a small cylindrical chamber 182 at the second end 152 thereof and is axially aligned with the axis of the second section 156 of the body. As shown in Figure 9, a first articulation passage 184 is formed in the second section 156 of the body 148 »and communicates with the second inlet passage 17B» in such a way that the small cylindrical chamber 182 communicates with the large cylindrical chamber. 15B. A filtered water rod 186 extends coaxially from and out of the small chamber 182 and is formed with a second articulation passage 188 communicating with the first inflow passage 176"and thereby with the large chamber 158. It is formed an end portion of the rod 186 »extending outwardly beyond the end 152 of the body 148» with an annular groove 190 around the outer surface thereof. A peripheral surface 192 of the body 148 »is formed adjacent to the end 152, with a reduced diameter and with fine threads of the left hand 194, extending from end 152 essentially by a prescribed distance. It is noted that the left hand threads 194 of the valve head 60 and the left hand threads 144 of the nut 58 are matching threads. It is further noted that the left hand threads 144 and 194 are considered as a second type of holding structure, the right hand threads 122 and 142 being a first type of holding structure, as indicated above. In a modality of the cylindrical chamber 158 as shown in Figure 8, the surface area of the chamber that is contiguous with the exit passages 166 and 168 is formed as a flat surface 196. In another embodiment of the chamber cylindrical 158 as shown in Figure 4 »which is the preferred embodiment, the chamber 158 is completely cylindrical in the area of the passages 166 and 168, and the juncture of the exit passages with the wall of the chamber is formed with seats beveled 198 and 200, respectively. Referring to Figure 4, aerator 164 is formed into a cylindrical shape with threads 202 formed on the outer surface on the upper sides thereof. The threads 202 coincide with the threads of the opening 170 and facilitate the connection of the aerator 64 with the lower body 174 »whereby a flow passage through the aerator is in communication with the chamber 158. The aerator 64 is of the type which is available from IMeoperl, Inc. of Waterbury, Connecticut »as Part Number 3O0-822. The nozzle 66 is formed with an axial flow passage 204 and threads 206 on the outer surface adjacent to one end thereof. The threads 206 coincide with the threads of the opening 172 and facilitate the connection of the nozzle 66 with the lower body 174 »whereby the flow passage 204 is in communication with the chamber 158. An O-ring 208 is located between a seat of the opening 172 and the nozzle 66. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 10 to 14, a valve reel 210 having an axis 211 'is formed as an integral one-piece unit of a plastic material such as for example Delrin 500P' which is a product of Dupont. Other suitable plastics could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The spool valve 210 is formed with a disk 212 at one end thereof and a knob assembly 214 at the other end thereof. A first support flap 216 extends from an inner surface 218 of the disc 212 towards the knob assembly 214 and is joined with a first axial end 220 of a cylindrical cup 222 »and extends partially into a hole 224 of the cup from the first axial end of it. The cup 222 is formed with openings 226 and 228 on each side of the fin 216 »which facilitates communication between the outer medium of the cup and the hole 224 thereof. A second axial end 230 of the cup 222 »which is axially opposite the first axial end 220 thereof» is completely open for the hole 224 of the cup.

Disk 212 is formed with a first passage 234 and a second passage 236 spaced apart from the first passageway, each of which extends through the disk from an outer surface 23B thereof to inner surface 218. First passage 234 is located in the plane of the fin 216 »and the fin is formed with an opening 240 that is in communication with the first passage. A second flap 242 extends from the cup 222 to the knob assembly 214 and straddles a first end 244 of a second cylindrical cup 246 »and is formed with a flat bearing surface 247 extending radially from the valve shaft of reel 210. The bearing surface 247 faces the direction of the knob assembly 214 and is located in a common plane that is perpendicular to the axis of the spool valve 210. The second cup 246 is formed with a hole 248 axially a through the cup "and the flap 242 extends partially into the hole from the first end 244. A second axial end 250 of the cup 246" axially opposite the first axial end 244"is fully open" while the first axial end 244 is formed with two openings 152 and 254 on each side of the fin 242. A pair of posts 256 and 25B »are located adjacent to the side of the cup 246 that is closest to the knob assembly 214"and extends radially from shaft 211" and from opposite sides of spool valve 210.

Poles 256 and 258 are formed with flat bearing surfaces 260 and 262 respectively, which are also facing in the direction of knob assembly 214 and which are located in the common plane. The side of the cup 246 facing the direction of the wire assembly 214 is also formed with a flat bearing surface 264 located in the common plane and extending radially from the axis 211. It is noted that the four surfaces of support 247 »260» 262 and 264. are located in the common plane »which is perpendicular to the axis 211» and combine to form a common support surface. The spool valve 210 is also formed with a circular bell 266 extending axially between the common support surface and the knob assembly 214. The circular bell 266 is formed with an annular groove 268 adjacent the common bearing surface. The bell 266 is also formed with a closed bottom hole 270 having an open end 272 »extending radially from the axle 211. The knob assembly 214 is formed with a generally flat surface 274 and a felt body rredondo 276» and extends axially away from the bell 266. Referring now to Figures 4 »15. 16 and 17. an end sleeve 278 is generally formed with a cylindrical body 280 and an end flange 282. The body 2BO and the flange 282 are formed with a central hole 284. which is open at opposite axial ends 286 and 288 »of the sleeve 278. A pair of arcuate grooves, axially directed. 290 and 292. are formed in the wall of the hole 284 and angularly separated by 90 °. The slots 290 and 292 extend from the ax end to the 286 towards the opposite axial end 2BB. A section of arcuate extension 294 »which is formed with» and extends axially from the axial end 286 »is formed with spaced abutment surfaces 296 and 298» at opposite ends of the extension section. A locating tongue 300 extends axially from the end 288 of the sleeve 278 and is formed with an upper arcuate surface 302 and a lower arcuate surface 304. The tongue 300 is aligned in the axial direction. with the slot 290. An annular groove 306 is formed in the periphery of the flange 282. Eight bands 305 are formed on an inner side of the flange 2B2. with each flange formed with a flat surface facing the rear located in a common plane perpendicular to the axis of the end sleeve 278. The eight flat surfaces 307 combine to provide a common abutment surface of the end sleeve. As shown in Figures 18, the knob 62 is formed with a cup-shaped body 30B having a cylindrically shaped side wall 310 integrally formed with the front circular wall 312 having an outer face 314. The side wall 310 it is formed with a series of separate grooves »axially directed. The outer face 314 of the wall 312 is formed with a single slot 316 extending from the junction of the outer face with the side wall 310 in a radial direction towards the axis of the knob 62. A knob retainer 318 is formed generally about the axis of the knob 62 on an inner face 320 of the wall 312 »and includes a right tab 322 and two arcuate tabs 324 and 326» all of which are spaced from one another. The arcuate tabs 324 and 326 are arranged to form a semicircle separated by a space 328 at the tapered ends of the tabs. The right tab 322 is positioned through a concave shape formed by the arcuate tabs 324 and 326"arranged with opposite ends of a flat face 330 of the tab 322 spaced apart from the respective non-intermeshing ends of the tabs 324 and 326. to form spaces 332 and 334. A limit tab 336 is formed on the inner surface of the side wall 310 and extends radially inwardly. The tongue 336 is formed with a first boundary surface 338 and a second boundary surface 340. Before assembling the different components of the spout assembly 46 »the filter cartridge 126 is essentially filled with a filter medium. The filter medium could mainly include »eg» granular activated carbon (ODS) which is useful for filtering undesirable elements in unfiltered water which are associated with chlorine »taste and odor Other water filtration media could be added to the GAC known to effectively reduce different metals and minimize any bacteria that might be in the water by filtering. »Also, ion exchange resins can be added to treat the water that is filtered to eliminate color and taste. In addition, a porous material can be inserted posteriorly to the filter such as, for example, "foam" in the cartridge 126 above the filter 126 adjacent to the cover 134 to prevent sediment and suspended particles from interfering with the filtering action. filter medium for retaining the filter medium inside the cartridge during processing and handling of the cartridge » It is to be assembled within the spout cover 56 'and for a longer duration of the filter cartridge 126. It should be noted that many other known types of suitable media can be used within the filter cartridge 126"without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. . Proceeding with the assembly of the faucet assembly components 46 »the filter cartridge 126 is inserted into the threaded end 123 of the spout cover 56 until the end 130 thereof is located with the cover 134 adjacent to the portal 120 formed through the wall of the hood 44. As the cartridge 126 is inserted into the spout cover 56, the tabs 135 at the first axial end 130 of the cartridge locate the first axial end centrally within the spout cover.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5 »the aerator 64 is assembled with the valve head 60 by threadedly inserting the threads 202 of the aerator into the first threaded opening 170. In the ring 0 208 it is inserted into the second threaded opening 172, and the nozzle The 66 is then threadedly assembled into the opening. A pair of coil springs 344 and 346 are placed within a pair of cup-shaped rubber seals 348 and 350, respectively. Each of the rubber seals 348 and 350 »is formed with a cylindrical side wall 347 that is completely at an axial end 349» and formed with a base or floor 351 at the opposite axial end »with a small axial opening 353 in the base of it. The end of the spring 344 »extending from the open end of the seal 348» is positioned in the first inlet passage 176 of the valve head 60 »and the end of the spring 346, extending from the open end of the seal 350 »is placed in the second inlet passage 178 of the valve head. In this position, the base 351 of each of the seals 348 and 350 »is located in the chamber 158 of the valve head 58» extending into the chamber from the entry passages 176 and 178 »respectively. Then, a ring 0 352 (FIG. 4) is placed in the annular groove 268 of the spigot valve 210, and a spiral detent spring 354 and a pair of stainless steel retainer balls 356 and 358 are placed in the hole. 270, in the order illustrated in Figures 4 and 20. An O 360 ring is placed in the annular groove 306 formed in the flange 282 of the end sleeve 278. The end sleeve 278 is then placed in such a way that Shafts of the sleeve and spool valve 210 are aligned as shown in Fig. 4, the steel ball 358 of the spool valve is aligned with the slot 290 of the end sleeve and the abutment surfaces 296 and 298 are equally spaced about an imaginary vertical line with respect to the position of the stop surfaces »as illustrated in Figure 15. The end sleeve 278 is then slid over the bell 266 of the spool valve 210, where the ball 358 slides to »and moves generally towards »the longitudinal middle part of the slot 290. The front axial end 28B of the end sleeve 278» is moved towards its engagement with the common abutment surface formed by the flat surfaces 247, 260, 2692 and 264. It is inserted a first rubber ball 370 in the hole 224 of the spool valve cup 222 at the second axial end 230 thereof »and a second rubber ball 372 is inserted in the hole 248 of the spool valve cup 246 in the second axial end 250 thereof. The assembled spool valve 210 and the end sleeve 27B »form a valve / sleeve sub-handle» which is now ready for assembly within the chamber 15B of the valve head 60. With the valve disc 212 of spool 210 in front of the opening 160 of the valve head 60 »and with the arcuate locating tongue 300 of the end sleeve 278» at the necks with the arched groove 164 of the valve head 60 »the valve / sleeve sub-assembly moves or, in such a way that the disk is inserted into the chamber 15B and the arched tongue begins to enter the arched slot. By continuous movement of the valve / sleeve subassembly axially further in the chamber 15B »the outer surface 238 of the disc 212 engages the outer surfaces of the bases 351 of the seals 348 and 350. In this mode of operation» the small opening 353 of the seal 348 facilitates communication between the first inlet passage 176 of the valve head 60, and the first passage 234 of the spool valve 210. When the spool valve 210 is changed to the other mode of operation »the opening 353 of the seal 350 facilitates communication between the second inlet passage 178 of the head 60 and the second passage 236 of the spool valve. It is compressed a retainer ring 362 and moves on the knob assembly 214 of the spool valve 210 »and the outer periphery of the body 280» and firmly against the common bearing surface formed by the flat surfaces 307 of the end sleeve 278. After » the ring 362 relaxes »whereby the ring expands radially outwards and partially towards the annular groove 162 of the valve head 60. In this way» the valve / sleeve sub-assembly with the valve head 60 is retained »and partially inside the chamber 158 »as shown in figure 5» with the knob assembly 214 extending rearwardly from the sleeve 278 which. at the same time. it extends partially from the head. After, a collar spring 364 is radially expanded by compressing the opposite ends together. 366 and 368. thereof, and the spring is placed on the knob retainer 318 formed by the two spaced arcuate tabs 324 and 326 »and the separate right tab 322. Then, the spring 364» will be filled, thereby making the coils of the spring are crushed around the finger retainer 318. As a result of the crushing of the spring 364 »the tabs 322» 324 and 326 are propelled closer together under the deviating action of the spring. Then the knob 62 is manipulated to place the deflected tabs 322, 324 and 326 on the knob assembly 214 of the spool valve 210, whereby the knob is retained within the head assembly 60. the valve and the sleeve 278. Due to the essentially semi-round shape of the knob assembly 214. and the complementary offset configuration of the knob retainer 31B »the knob 62 can be positioned only on mounting in one orientation. In this orientation »the slot 316 on the outer face 314 of the knob 62» will be located in a horizontal direction to the left »seen in Figures 5» 19 and 20. The horizontal direction of the slot 316 represents that the spool valve 210 is in the position ilrated in Figures 5. 19 and 20. facilitating the dispensing of filtered water through the tap spigot assembly 46. Also the abutment surface 298 of the end sleeve 278 »is located in engagement with the second. boundary surface 340 of knob 62 »locating knob» and slot 316 »when the faucet tap assembly is in the filtered water dispensing mode. Then a ring 0 368 is placed in the groove 190 of the filtered water rod 186 extending from the valve head 60. The left hand threads 194 of the valve head 60 »are placed in gear with the hand threads left 144 of the nut 58 »and the head is screwed in with the nut by relative rotation between the head and the nut. Finally. the rocks 194 move axially beyond the threads 144. and the threads 194 are now located out of engagement threaded with the threads 144. and are located in the unthreaded section 146. Then »as ilrated in Figure 5» A rubber flat washer 342 is inserted into the open non-threaded end 149 of the nut 5B and is located at the second end 162 of the valve head 60 at the joint of the coarse threads 142 and the non-threaded section 146. The nut 58 is threadedly connected after the upper part of the spout cover 56 through the thick right hand threads 122 and 142 of the cover and the nut "respectively. As the nut 58 and the spout cover 56 are pulled tightly together by the threaded assembly thereof the washer 342 is compressed between the spigot end end 123 and the valve head end 152. It is noted that the head 60 it can be rotated in relation to the nut 5B and the spout cover 56 »due to the location of the left hand threads 194 of the head located adjacent to the first non-threaded section 146. At the same time» the spout cover 56 is secured to the nut 58 by virtue of the gear coupling of the right-hand threads 122 of the spigot cover and the right-hand threads 142 of the nut. It is also noted that the left hand threads 144 and 194 represent a first type of holding structure "and the right hand threads 122 and 142 represent a second type of a holding structure. This completes the assembly of the components of the screaming spigot assembly 46. In the use of the tap spigot assembly 46 »the handle 50 of the tap 40» is manipulated as shown in Figures 1 and 2 »to control in a conventional manner the volume and temperature of water to be dispensed from the tap. This is done by selective positioning of the movable plate 96 (Figure 3) with respect to the fixed plate 94 of the cartridge valve 82. Referring to Figure 3 »the water» that is not filtered in this place »passes from the cartridge valve 46 through outlet passage 76 and portal 120, and finally to the spout cover 56. Referring to Figure 4, the unfiltered water entering the spout cover 46 through the portal 190 »can flow to and through the filter cartridge 126» and / or to and through space 38 (Figure 5) between the outside of the filter cartridge and the inner wall of the spout cover 56 »as determined by the position of the knob. Referring to Figures 19 and 20, a tap operator 40 has selectively positioned the knob 62 in such a manner that the slot 316 is in the horizontal position and the spool valve 210 is in the position to dispense filtered water that has passed to through the filter cartridge 126. When the knob slot 316 is in the vertical position »whereby the spool valve 210 is positioned to dispense unfiltered water» the steel ball 358 is propelled biased toward the sleeve slot 290 end 278"and the detection surface 298 of the sleeve abuts the boundary surface 340 of the knob 62. When the operator wishes to operate the tap 40 and the screaming spout assembly 46 in the filtered water dispensing mode" the operator rotates the knob 62 in a counter-clockwise direction »whereby the slot 316 moves towards the horizontal position shown in Figures 5. 19 and 20. During the rotation of the knob 62. the tab limit 336 of the stem moves to place the first boundary surface 338 in splicing engagement with the stop surface 298 of the sleeve 278. which occurs when the groove of the knob 316 is in the horizontal position. Also »during the rotation of the knob 62. the steel ball 358 is driven laterally out of the slot 290 of the sleeve 278 and finally into the slot 292 of the sleeve. This action provides a tactile response to the operator regarding the desired location of the spool valve 210 for the selected dispensing mode. Referring to Figures 19 and 20 »when the spool valve 210 is selectively placed in the filtered water dispensing mode, as described above. the cup 246 of the valve is positioned in a vertical orientation with the second axial end 250 surrounding the opening of the valve 166. With the cup 246 in the vertical position, the rubber ball 372 seated sealingly on the beveled seat 200 to prevent the flow of water through the first outlet passage 166 of the valve head 60 and the aerator 64. In addition, the valve cup 222 is in a horizontal position, whereby the second outlet passage 168 of the valve head 60 it is open to allow the filtered water to pass through the second outlet passage and the nozzle 66. As indicated by the arrows, water is passing through the filter cartridge 126 and is being filtered therein. The filtered water exits the cartridge 126 and travels through the passage 188 of the valve head rod 186. through the first inlet passage of the valve head 176. the small opening 353 of the rubber seal 348 through the first passage 234 formed in the spool valve disc 212 »and towards the valve head chamber 158 adjacent to the exterior of the cup 222. In this context, the chamber 158 functions as a full fluid container. The filtered water fills the space of the chamber 158 and the cups 222 and 246. Since the cup 246 is vertically oriented »and the ball 370 sits on the beveled seat 198 of the valve head 160» the pressure and force vertically towards down on the ball »from the water flowing from the cup 246» further increases the senator effect of the ball and the seat to prevent any filtered water from being dispensed through aerator 64. In contrast »with the second outlet passage of the open valve head 60 »the filtered water will be dispensed from the chamber 158» and through the flow passage of the nozzle 66. When the operator you want to select the dispensing of the unfiltered water »turn the knob 62 in a clockwise direction» indicated by the arrow in Figure 20 »to move the slot 316 towards the orientation vertically upwards» as illustrated in Figures 21 and 22. this mode »the cup 222 is now in a vertical orientation and the cup 242 is in a horizontal orientation. The ball 370 is now seated on the bevel seat 200 to obstruct the flow of water from the chamber 158 and through the passage 204 of the nozzle 66. The unfiltered water travels inside the spout cover 56 and out of the filter cartridge 126 as indicated above. Unfiltered water enters the small chamber 182 of the valve head 60 and flows through the first articulation passage 184 of the head. The unfiltered water continues its flow through the second inlet passage 178 »the small opening 353 of the seal 350» the opening of the disc 236 and into the chamber 25B through the opening 240 in the fin 216. The unfiltered water fills the chamber 158 and the cups 222 and 246 »whereby the water is dispensed through the aerator 64. In addition» the water flowing towards the ball 222 increases the seal formed by the ball 370 »which is seated on the beveled seat 200 to prevent the flow of unfiltered water through the nozzle 66. With reference to Figures 10 and 11, the first and second passages 234 and 236 of the spool valve disc 212 are sufficiently separated so that the seals 348 and 350 prevent the flow of unfiltered water to the chamber 158. when operating in the filtered water mode and vice versa. Nevertheless, if the handle 50 (Figure 1) has been placed in such a way that filtered or unfiltered water is dispensed, and the operator chooses to change from one mode to the other. the passages 234 and 236 are sufficiently close to each other »to allow water to flow through each of the passages during a transition period, when the action is occurring in the deviation mode. This prevents a build-up of pressure within the tap 40, including the faucet spigot assembly 46. during the transition period, which could otherwise have caused damage to the components of the tap. If the operator wishes to change the filter cartridge 126, the nut 58 rotates in one direction to provide interaction between the thick right hand threads 122 of the spigot cover 56 and the thick right hand threads 142 of the nut, to facilitate the separation of spigot cover nut. During the period in which the nut 58 rotates, the left hand threads 144 also rotate. However, the left hand threads 194 of the valve head 60 are located in the unscrewed section 146 of the nut and are not In addition, the threads 144 and 194 are left hand threads which will not engage during the rotation of the nut 58 to effect the separation of the nut from the cover 56. Having described the preferred embodiment of the invention »the following description will handle other modalities that also provide for the selection of filtered and non-filtered water through a common installation. In some cases, part of the components of the alternative modalities include components that are common with the preferred embodiment. In those cases, the common components will not be described additionally, except to show how they work with the alternate components. Referring to FIGS. 23 to 26, a second tap mode 40 with a tap tap assembly includes a large spool valve 374 that is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with three annular space slots 376, 378, and 380. .and two sections 3B2 and 384 between them »as illustrated. A cylindrical bell 386 extends generally from and is adjacent to the slot 376. The bell 386 is formed with a closed-end opening 3BS which receives a diverter spring 390 and two steel balls 392 and 394. A knob assembly 396 is axially stretched from the bell 386 and is aligned for assembly with the knob 62. As shown in Figures 24 and 25, an end face 396 of the valve 374 is formed with a pair of valve inlet openings 39B and 400 »communicating with valve outlet openings 402 and 404, formed in sections 3B2 and 3B4» respectively. A first passage of valve 399 provides fluid communication between the openings 398 and 402. and a second valve passage 401 provides fluid communication between the openings 400 and 404. Three rings 0406 are placed. 408 and 410 in the slots 376 » 378 and 3BO. respectively "and a large washer 412 is positioned against a rear face 414 of the valve 374 adjacent the slot 376. After the valve 374 is placed in the chamber 15B of the head 60" a retainer ring 416 is compressed and placed within the an annular groove 418 formed within the head adjacent the end 150 thereof. In this way, the valve 374 is retained within the chamber 158 of the head 60.

The end sleeve 278 »shown in Fig. 23» is not formed with the arcuate tongue 300 »but is formed with a pair of laterally extending, axially directed bands (not shown). The bands of the sleeve 278 are located within a pair of complementary slots 417 (not shown) formed just inside the chamber 158 at the end 150 of the head 60 »when the sleeve is placed in the bell 386 and against the retainer ring 416 The bands of the sleeve 278 and the grooves 417 of the head perform the same function as the arcuate tongue 300 and the arcuate groove 164 as described above »that is» to join the sleeve with the head »in such a way that the sleeve does not rotate or follow valve 374 when the valve is moved from one mode to the other. A traction device 420, such as for example a bent metal sheet formed in a radially inwardly deviating configuration, is hermetically positioned around the knob retainer 318 to deflect the retainer »in the manner described above with respect to the spring 364, after which the knob 62 is assembled on the knob assembly 396. The nut 58 is formed with the fine left hand threads 144"the thick right-hand thread 142 and the non-threaded section 146" of the same way illustrated in figure 4. The head 60 is formed with an annular groove 422 for receiving an O-ring 424.

Referring to Fig. 26, the knob 62 has been positioned in such a way that unfiltered water will flow into the valve opening 398 through the valve passage 399 through the valve opening 402, towards a sub-chassis. formed by rings O 378 and 3B0 »section 382» and then it will be dispensed through the aerator 64. By adjusting the knob 62 »the valve 374 is placed in the filtered water mode» whereupon the valve is positioned to facilitate the flow of water filtered through the valve and the dispensing thereof through the nozzle 66. Referring to Figures 27, 28 »29 and 30» a third tap mode 40 »with a tap spigot assembly , includes a spool valve 425 »an end sleeve 426 and a retainer ring or bushing 427. The final assembly of the valve 425» the end sleeve 426 and the ring 427 are inserted in the valve head of the polished type as the head of vá valve 60 in Figures 4 »7. 8 and 9. The valve 425 is formed with a large cylindrical head section 428 and a smaller shank section 430. The head section 428 is formed with a disk 432 and a reduced bell 434. The disk 432 is formed with an annular groove 436 on the periphery thereof, and a pair of openings 438 and 440 on a front face 442 and through the disk. The opening 438 communicates with an opening 444 formed in the bell 434. and the opening 440 communicates with an elongate opening 446 formed in the rod section 430. The rod section 430 is formed with two annular grooves 44B and 450. which define a section 452 of valve 425, including elongated opening 446. An elongate bell 454 of rod section 430. is formed with an opening 455 for receiving a spring and a pair of steel balls (not shown) for the same purpose described above, and a knob assembly 457 is formed with. and e) tends outwardly from the hood 454 to mount the knob 62 (FIG. 4) thereon. O-rings are placed in the slots 436 »44B and 450. The end sleeve 426 is movable on a portion of the valve 425» as shown in Figure 30 »and is formed with an extended tab 458 which is similar to the locating tongue 300 (FIG. 16) to orient the sleeve when assembled on the rod section 430 and for the proper final assembly with the valve head. The end sleeve 426 is formed with an inner wall 461 covering the section 452 to form a sub-chamber 462. The wall 461 is formed with an opening 463 »communicating with an outer section 465 of the sleeve 426. A cylindrical body 464 extends axially to the rear part of the end sleeve 426 and is formed with two separate abutment surfaces 466 (shown one of them) »which functions in the same manner as the abutment surfaces 296 and 298 described above. Also »the inner wall of the body 464 is formed with two separate slots, axially directed. 464 (shown one of them) that works in the same way as slots 29? and 292 »as described above. Rings 0 (not shown) are placed in a pair of peripheral grooves 469 and 471. The retaining ring bushing 427 is formed with three curved bands 473 (one shown and partially shown another) on lower and opposite sides. of the inner wall thereof, which is located to slide into complementary slots 470 (shown two of them) formed on the lower and opposite sides of the exterior of the hood 454. The ring 427 is formed with a hole 472 therethrough, which allows the outermost steel ball to extend from the opening 455 and partially through the hole. selectively for coupling any of the two axially directed spaced apart grooves 467 (shown one) formed in the inner wall of the body 464 of the end cap 426. at locations angularly spaced by 90 °. This arrangement provides the tactile response indicated above with respect to the spring 354 and the steel balls 356 and 358. When the valve subassembly 425. the 426 end sleeve and the 427 ring are placed in the chamber of the valve. valve head. the O-ring in the valve groove 436. and the 0-ring in the sleeve groove 469 »are combined with the O-ring in the valve groove 450 to provide a sealed sub-chamber in which filtered water can flow from the opening of the bell 444. The filtered water will then be dispensed through a nozzle (not shown) which is similar to the nozzle 66. When the valve 425 is placed in the unfiltered water mode, the valve opening 446 is in communication with the Sub-chamber 462. The unfiltered water will now flow into the chamber 462 »through the opening 463» into a sub-chamber formed by the section 462 and the inner wall of the valve head »and is dispensed through an aerator of the same type of the aereador 64 (figure 4). As indicated before »valve 425 and the hose 426 are assembled inside the head 60. similar to the assembly of the preferred embodiment. The sleeve 426 is wedged to the valve head 60 and does not rotate with respect to the head. The ring 427 is coined a. and rotates with »the spool valve 425» and facilitates the retention of the steel balls and the spring within the aperture 455. In each of the embodiments described above »the tap spigot assembly 46 provides for the processing of water fil It can be processed or unfiltered through a common installation »by selecting one of the two operating modes of the assembly. There are provisions to prevent the flow of unfiltered water to the common chamber 158 during the filtered water mode "and vice versa. The tactile response and path limit facilities assist in successful switching from one mode to another »which can be efficiently and easily performed during the continuous supply of water, in any way, to the faucet spigot assembly 46. It is also provided. an installation for easily changing the filter cartridge 126 with little effort, and without separating the tap spigot assembly 46. The spout assembly 46 is formed with the first and second outlet passages 166 and 168, respectively, for dispensing the water not filtered and filtered »respectively from it. The output passages 166 and 16B could be replaced with a single passage that could selectively dispense unfiltered or filtered water "without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In general, the modalities identified above are not designed to limit the scope of the present invention. Modifications and other alternative constructions »that are within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims, will be apparent.

Claims (17)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION E? VS PAGES

1. - A tap tap assembly comprising: a spigot; a first fluid inlet passage and a second fluid inlet passage located within the spout »a fluid outlet passage located in the spout» a valve mounted on the spout and formed with a structure to facilitate selective fluid communication between the first inlet passageway or the second inlet passageway "with the exit passageway" and means for selectively positioning the valve over the spout to obtain the desired fluid direction of the first inlet passageway or second inlet passageway to the passageway of passageway. departure.

2. The tap tap assembly according to claim 1 »further characterized in that it comprises: a filter means located in the spout» a first fluid path located in the spout for directing fluid through the filter means; a second fluid path located in the spout "independent of the first fluid path, to dodge the filter means" the first fluid path is in fluid communication with the first inlet passage; and the second fluid path is in fluid communication with the second inlet passage.

3. The tap tap assembly as set forth in claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises: the fluid outlet passage »comprising a first salt passage and a second exit passage; and the valve which is formed with a structure for providing fluid communication between the first inlet passage and the first exit passage, after the selective positioning of the valve for the same, and to provide fluid communication between the second passage of entrance and the second exit passage. after the selective placement of the valve for the same.

4. The tap spigot assembly as set forth in claim 1 »further characterized in that it comprises: the spout including a spout cover» and a first space within the spout cover defining a location for holding a cartridge that it contains a fluid filter means in position for the flow of fluid therethrough; and a second space within the spout cover defining a path through which fluid can pass to bypass the filter medium.

5. The tap spigot assembly as set forth in claim 1 »further characterized in that it comprises: a valve head; the valve head is formed with a chamber therein to hold and hold the valve for movement therefrom »the first entry passage and the second entry passage are located for selective communication with the camera» the passage fluid outlet is in communication with the camera; and the valve formed with passages for directing fluid from the first inlet passage and / or the second inlet passage to the chamber, after selective placement of the valve relative to the valve head.

6. The tap spigot assembly as indicated in the rei indication 1. further characterized because it comprises: a valve head; the fluid outlet passage comprising a first exit passage and a second exit passage; the valve head formed with a chamber thereon to hold and hold the valve for movement in relation thereto; the chamber has a first section and a second section therein, which are isolated from one another and are in communication with the first exit passage and the second exit passage, respectively; and the valve formed with passages for directing fluid from the first inlet passage and the second inlet passage to the first section and the second "respectively" section of the chamber "after selective placement of the valve relative to the head of the chamber. The valve.

7. The tap tap assembly as set forth in claim 3 »further characterized in that it comprises: a first sealing member for sealing the first outlet passage when the valve has been placed to allow fluid to pass through the valve. second entry ticket; a second sealing member for sealing the second exit passage when the valve has been positioned to allow fluid to pass through the first inlet passage; and means for selectively operating the first sealing member or the second sealing member.

8. The assembly of faucet spout as indicated in claim 7 'wherein the first sealing member comprises: a movable cup-like "valve compartment" means a freely movable element within the cup-like compartment "means placing the compartment adjacent to the first exit passage »whereby the element is allowed to move freely within the compartment and towards sealing engagement with the first exit passage.

9. The faucet spigot assembly as indicated in claim 8, wherein the cup-like compartment is formed with an opening that when the valve is oriented to facilitate fluid communication between the second inlet passage. and the second passage salt gives' allows fluid to enter the compartment and engage a portion to the movable member "such that a force is applied fluid to the movable member to increase the sealing engagement of the movable member with the first outlet passage .

10. The spigot assembly as described in claim 7. wherein the second sealing member comprises: a "cup-like" compartment with the valve; a freely movable element inside the cup-like compartment; means for positioning the compartment adjacent to the second exit passage »whereby the element is allowed to move freely within the compartment and towards sealing engagement with the second exit passage.

11. The tap spigot assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the cup-like compartment is formed with an opening that when the valve is oriented to facilitate fluid communication between the first outlet passage and the second port. second outlet passage "permits fluid between the chamber and engages a portion of the movable member" such that a force of fluid is applied to the movable member to increase the sealing engagement of the movable member with the second outlet passage .

12. The tap tap assembly as set forth in claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a boundary structure that defines stops at opposite ends between which the valve can move.

13. The tap spigot assembly as set forth in claim 1 »further characterized in that it comprises a detent structure that provides a tactile response when the valve is positioned so that the inlet water flows through the first inlet passage or of the second entry passage.

14. The tap spigot assembly as indicated in rei indication 13 »where the retainer structure comprises: an opening formed in the valve» a fixed wall located adjacent to the valve opening »a pair of separate depressions »Formed in the fixed wall adjacent to a pathway of the opening in the valve when the valve moves for selective positioning; a movable element located within the opening; deflecting means for normally driving the movable element in a direction out of the opening »the fixed wall is sufficiently close to the opening to retain the movable diverted element within the opening» where a small portion of the element is allowed to move in deviation outside the opening »when any of the pair of depressions in the fixed wall is located adjacent to the opening.

15. The tap spigot assembly as set forth in claim 5 »further characterized in that it comprises means for securing the valve within the chamber of the valve head for its movement with respect to to the valve head.

16. The tap spout assembly as set forth in claim 5, further characterized in that it comprises: an end member which is positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the valve and the end member formed with the valve. a structure that accurately positions the end member with respect to the valve and locates the end member with respect to the valve head to allow the valve to move with respect to the valve head and the end member.

17. The tap spigot assembly as set forth in claim 3 »wherein the structure of the valve comprises: a first inlet opening» a first outlet opening and a flow passage between both »and a second inlet opening. entrance »a second salt opening and a flow passage between both. 18.- The tap spigot assembly, comprising: a spout having a first clamping structure of a first type formed on it; a head having a second holding structure of a second type formed thereon, and a coupler for coupling the spout with the head, such that the head and the spout can be rotated with respect to each other; the coupler comprises: a third clamping structure of the first type formed thereon for complementary engagement with the first clamping structure; a fourth clamping structure of the second type formed thereon for complementary engagement with the second clamping structure; a non-retaining structure section located on the coupler between the third and fourth securing structure "wherein the first head retaining structure can be selectively located; and means formed on the third holding structure for retaining the head with the coupler while the head is rotated. 19. The faucet tap assembly as set forth in claim 18, further characterized in that it comprises means formed on the coupler and head to prevent separation of the head and the coupler when the coupler is in the process of separating. of the spigot. 20. The tap tap assembly as set forth in claim 18, wherein the clamping structure of the first type are left hand threads. 21. The tap tap assembly as set forth in claim 18, wherein the clamping structure of the second type are right hand threads. 22. The tap tap assembly as set forth in claim 21, wherein the clamping structure of the first type are left hand threads. 23. A tap spigot assembly, comprising: a spout having a section with left hand threads formed thereon »a head having a section with right hand threads formed thereon» and a coupler for coupling the spigot with the head »in such a way that the head and the spout can be turned one with respect to the other; the coupler comprises: a section with left hand threads formed and located thereon for complementary engagement with the left hand threads of the head »a section with right hand threads formed and located thereon for complementary engagement with the threads of right hand of spigot; a non-threaded section formed and located on the coupler between the left-hand threads and the right-hand threads thereof adjacent "whose left hand threads of the head can be selectively located" and the left-hand threads of the coupler block the axial removal of the coupler head when the left hand threads of the head are located adjacent to the non-threaded section of the coupler. 24. A tap assembly comprising: a first valve for controlling the volume of fluid to be dispensed from the tap; A spout assembly connected to the first valve for dispensing the volume of fluid controlled by the tap valve and for selectively dispensing the fluid in a treated or untreated form. The spout assembly comprises: a spout; a first fluid inlet passage for treated fluid and a second fluid inlet passage for untreated fluid »located within the spout; a fluid outlet passage located in the spout; a second valve mounted on the spout and formed with a structure for facilitating selective fluid communication between the first inlet passage or the second inlet passage with the outlet passage; and means for selectively positioning the valve on the spout to obtain the desired direction of fluid from the first inlet passage or the second inlet passage to the exit passage. 25. The tap assembly as indicated in the re-indication 24 »further characterized in that it comprises: a filter means located in the spout; a first fluid path located in the spout to direct fluid through the filter medium to provide the treated fluid; a second fluid path located in the spout i depending on the first vase. of fluid, to direct fluid in a way to dodge the filter medium and thereby provide the untreated fluid »the first fluid path is in fluid communication with the first inlet passage; and the second fluid path is in fluid communication with the second inlet passage. 26. The tap assembly as set forth in claim 24 »further characterized in that it comprises: the fluid outlet passage comprising a first outlet passage and a second exit passage; and the second valve is formed with a structure for providing fluid communication between the first inlet passage and the first exit passage after selective placement of the second valve for the same »and to provide fluid communication between the second passage of entrance and the second salt passage after the selective placement of the second valve for the same. 27. The tap assembly as set forth in claim 24, further characterized in that it comprises: the spout including a spout cover; and a first space within the spout cover defining a location for holding a cartridge containing a fluid filter means in position for the passage of fluid therethrough »to provide the treated fluid» and second space within the cover of spigot defining a path through which fluid can pass to dodge the filter medium to supply the untreated fluid. 28.- The tap assembly according to claim 24 »further characterized in that it comprises: a valve head; the valve head is formed with a chamber therein to contain and hold the second valve for movement in relation thereto; the first inlet passage and the second inlet passage are located for selective communication with the camera; the fluid outlet passage is in communication with the chamber "and the second valve formed with passages to direct fluid from the first inlet passage and / or the second inlet passage to the chamber" after the selective placement of the second valve in relation to the valve head. 29. The tap assembly as set forth in claim 24 »further characterized in that it comprises: a valve head» the fluid outlet passage comprises a first outlet passage and second exit passage; the valve head formed with a chamber thereon to hold and hold the second valve for movement relative thereto; the chamber has a first section and a second section therein that are isolated from one another and are in communication with the first exit passage and the second exit passage respectively; and the second valve formed with passages for directing fluid from the first inlet passage and the second inlet passage to the first section and the second, respective section, of the chamber after selective positioning of the second valve with respect to the valve head. 30. The tap assembly as set forth in claim 26. further characterized in that it comprises: a first sealing member for sealing the first outlet passage, when the second valve has been positioned to allow fluid to pass through the second passage of entry; a second sealing member for sealing the second outlet passage when the second valve has been positioned to allow passage of fluid through the first inlet passage and means for selectively operating the first sealing means or the second sealing member. 31.- A coupled assembly of multiple elements »comprising: a first element having a first clamping structure of a first type formed thereon; a second element having a second holding structure of a second type formed thereon; and a coupler for coupling the first element with the second element, such that the second element and the first element can rotate with respect to each other; the coupler comprises: a third clamping structure of the first type formed thereon for complementary engagement with the first clamping structure; a fourth clamping structure of the second type formed thereon for complementary coupling with the second clamping structure »a non-clamping structure section located on the coupler between the third and fourth clamping structure» wherein the first clamping structure of the second clamping structure first element can be selectively located »and means formed on the third holding structure for retaining the first element with the coupler while rotating the first element. 32. The assembly as set forth in claim 31. further characterized in that it comprises means formed on the coupler and the first element to prevent separation of the first element and the coupler when the coupler is in the process of being separated from the second element. 33. The assembly as set forth in claim 31, wherein the fastening structure of the first type are left hand threads. 34. The assembly as set forth in claim 31, wherein the clamping structure of the second type are right handed threads. 35.- The assembly as indicated in the claim 34, wherein the clamping structure of the first type are left hand threads. 36.- A coupled assembly of multiple elements »comprising: a first element having a section with left hand threads formed thereon; a second element having a section with right hand threads formed thereon; and a coupler for coupling the first element with the second element, in such a way that the first element and the second element can rotate with respect to each other »the coupler comprises: a section with left hand threads formed and located thereon for complementary coupling with the left hand threads of the second element; a section with right-hand threads formed and located thereon for complementary engagement with the right-hand threads of the first element; a non-threaded section formed and located on the coupler between the left-hand threads and the adjacent right-hand threads thereof "whose left-hand threads of the second element can be selectively located; and left hand threads of the coupler blocking the axial removal of the second element from the coupler, when the left hand threads of the second element are located adjacent to the non-threaded section of the coupler.