US3334818A

US3334818A - Swivel spray aerators

Info

Publication number: US3334818A
Application number: US489324A
Authority: US
Inventors: Alfred M Moen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1965-09-22
Filing date: 1965-09-22
Publication date: 1967-08-08
Anticipated expiration: 1984-08-08
Also published as: GB1119893A

Description

'Aug. 8', 1967 A. M. MOEN 3,334,818

SWIVEL SPRAY AERATORS Filed Sept. 22, 1965 I 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 5 4M ffw/zr far/1g Aug. 8 96 A. M. MOEN 3,334,818

S WIV-EL S PRAY AERATORS Filed Sept. 22, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 a I I 26 i z/A [fer/2r ,///0mgm United States Patent 3,334,818 SWIVEL SPRAY AERATORS Alfred M. Moen, 25 Lakeview Drive, Grafton, Ohio 44044 Filed Sept. 22, 1965, Ser. No. 489,324 12 Claims. (Cl. 239428.5)

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to an improved combination spray and aerator device to be attached to the end of a faucet. In particular, the invention relates to such a device which can be swivelly attached to the end of the faucet. The combination swivel spray aerator has an outer axially movable handle member, formed of a material having minimum heat conducting properties, which can be utilized to change the device from a spray position to an aerating position. In the aerating position the spray passages are used to carry air into the stream of water for providing aeration. In the spray position, the aerating water passage is closed. Of importance in the device is the simplified construction and the ease with which the device may be manipulated and changed from one position to another.

This invention relates to a combination spray and aerator and in particular to improvements on a swivel spray aerator.

One purpose of the invention is a device of the type described including an improved screening arrangement for breaking up the water into a fine spray, which screening arrangement can be easily removed for cleaning.

Another purpose is a spray aerator having an improved screen assembly.

Another purpose of a spray aerator of the type described in which the handle used for changing from a spray position to an aerated position is substantially unaffected by the temperature of the water passing through the device.

Another purpose is a combination spray aerator with removable parts to facilitate cleaning, and with parts being interchangeable to the extent that the swivel may be removed with the remaining portions of the device being connected directly to a faucet spout.

Another purpose is a device of the type described including an upstream conical screen so arranged as to resist clogging by sediment or other material in the water flowing through the device.

Another purpose is an improved spray aerator of the type shown in US. Patent 2,989,249.

Other purposes will appear in the ensuing specification, drawing and claims.

The invention is illustrated diagrammatically in the following drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a faucet with the combination spray aerator of this invention attached thereto,

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged section along plane 2-2 of FIGURE 1, showing the spray aerator in position for an aerated discharge,

FIGURE 3 is a section, similar to FIGURE 2, with the spray aerator in a spray position,

FIGURE 4 is a bottom view of the aerator shown in FIGURES 2 and 3, and

FIGURE 5 is a partial section on a reduced scale illustrating the device with the swivel removed.

Turning to FIGURE 1, a faucet indicated generally at may be connected to water inlet pipes 12 which carry hot and cold water to the faucet, as conventional. The faucet 10 may be a single lever faucet and a handle 14 may be used in regulating the volume and temperature of 3,334,818 Patented Aug. 8, 1967 the water. A spout 16 may be used to discharge water from the faucet. A spray aerator indicated generally at 18 is attached to the discharge end of the spout as will appear more fully hereinafter.

Turning to FIGURES 2 and 3, the discharge end of the spout 16 is indicated at 20 and there may be an adapter 22 welded or otherwise suitably attached thereto. The adapter 22 has a threaded area 24 which mates with a threaded area 26 on a mounting member 28. The adapter 22 has an inner somewhat spherical surface 30 which partially encloses the outer spherical surface 32 of a swivel 34. An O-ring or seal ring 36 may be positioned between the lower surface of the adapter 22, an inner surface of the mounting member 28 and the outer surface 32 of the swivel 34. Seal ring 36 not only provides a seal for the swivel 34 but also provides a seal for the housing of the swivel, the housing being made up of the adapter 22 and the mounting member 28.

The adapter 22 has a generally centralized water passage 38 which is in communication with and concentrically aligned with a similar water passage 40 in the swivel 34. At the lower end of the passage 40, the passage flares out in a conical direction, as at 42, and there may be a conical screen 44 positioned in or at the lower end of the swivel. The lower end of the swivel member 34 has a downwardly directed flange 46 with a lip 47 which bears against an annular seal ring 48 held between the swivel member and a jet forming member 50. The jet forming member 50 may have apertures 52 and an upwardly directed annular portion 54 which is threadedly engaged with swivel flanges 46, as at 56.

The member 50 may have a central downwardly directed portion 57 which mounts a water deflector 58 at its lower end. A screw or the like 60 may extend upwardly into the down-turned portion 57 and attaches a plurality of

screens

62, 64 and 66 at the downstream end of the assembly. The jet forming member 50 further has a flange 68 at its outer periphery which extends downwardly from the portion 54.

An integral passage and spray forming member indicated generally at 70 may include an inner cylindrical wall 72 which is closely adjacent the outer periphery of the

screens

62, 64 and 66, and which has an inturned conical portion 74 at its upper end. The member 70 further hasan outer peripheral handle 76 and an upwardly extending flange 78 which is directed inside of flange 68 and which has an inner surface 80 in sliding contact with an outer surface 82 of the member 50. A seal ring 81 may be effective between

surfaces

80 and 82. The lower end of the member 70 may have a plurality of water discharge openings 84 illustrated particularly in FIGURE 4. A passage 86 may be formed between the upper end of cylindrical wall 72 and the inner surface of a downwardly extending portion 88 of the member 50. Passage 86 opens into a plurality of circumferentially disposed dividers 90 which are utilized to break up water flowing downwardly through passage 86 into a plurality of individual water jets angularly arranged relative to each other to thus form a conical spray at the discharge openings 84.

As indicated clearly in FIGURES 2 and 3, screens 62 and 64 are in contact across their radially extending areas. A bushing 92 spaces the contacting screens from a third screen 66. It is highly advantageous to have this par from a spray to an aerated condition, will remain at a temperature which is comfortable for the person using the device.

It should be noted that the device may be easily disassembled for cleaning. Screw 60 holds the screens into position relative to the jet forming member 50. In disassembly, screw 60 is first removed, which permits the screens to be removed from the device. The deflecting member 58 is then removed after which the member 70 can be slid oif of the downturned portion 88 on the jet forming member 50. Note that the inwardly directed conical portion 74 of the member 72 will hold member 70 in position in the device until deflecting member 58 has been removed.

It is important to note that the threaded connections formed at 24 and 26 and at 56 are the same diameter and of the same thread pitch. In this way the device may be mounted, as shown in FIGURE 5, with the swivel removed. The jet forming member 50 is attached directly to the adapter 22 so that there can be an aerated or spray discharge without any swivel operation.

The use, operation and function of the invention are as follows:

When the device is in the position of FIGURE 2, water will flow down passage 40 to the conical screen 44 and then downwardly through the jet forming apertures 52. The apertures 52 create jets of water which will be directed downwardly against the deflecting member 58. The member 58 will break up the jets of water into individual sprays, with the water then flowing through

screens

66, 64 and 62 and out the open downstream end of the device. Air will be drawn upwardly through openings 84 and passage 86 and will mix with the water after it leaves apertures 52. The downwardly moving water will provide a venturi effect and draw air upwardly through passage 86 and there will be a mixing of water and air prior to the time that the water impacts against the deflecting member 58. It is important to note that all of the air is drawn upwardly from the bottom of the device which provides the greatest protection against contaminants from the sink and surrounding areas being drawn into the stream of water.

In the position of FIGURE 3, which is arrived at by axially moving or sliding member 70, the inwardly turned conical section 74 has been placed against the deflecting member 58 so that all water flowing through apertures 52 must flow downwardly through passage 86 and out the spray openings 84. In this position of the device there is no aerating effect because there is no way for air to get into the water stream until after it has been discharged. When member 70 has been moved downwardly, as in FIGURE 3, flange 68 masks the upper end of upwardly directed flange 78 to further prevent contaminants from the surrounding area entering the water stream. Note that seal ring 81 assists in this function.

The device may either be usedto provide a spray or an aerated discharge. When a spray is desired, handle 76 is moved to the down position of FIGURE 3, thus blocking off access to the screens and utilizing the circumferential passage 86 as a water discharge. When an aerated discharge is desired, handle 76 is moved to the position of FIGURE 2 and air is drawn upwardly through passage 86 to mix with the water before it passes downwardly through

screens

62, 64 and 66.

Of importance in the invention is the conical screen 44. The screen not only provides the customary removal of sediment and particles from the water stream, but the screen is substantially self-cleaning in that all of the particles will be moved by the force of the water toward the lower outside end of the screen, thus leaving the center of the screen clear.

As discussed above, the particular screen arrangement at the bottom of the device is important. It is practical and advisable to have the screens positioned in contact with each other and disposed relative to each other as the screen 66 is to the pair of screens 64 and 62. The

screw 60 should firmly hold two of the screens against bushing 92 with the top of bushing 92 holding the remaining screen against the bottom of the deflecting member 58. The screens are thus assembled as a unit and are firmly held in contact with each other.

It is desirable and advantageous to use asubstantially non-heat conducting material for the member 70 which includes the handle 76. In this way the housewife, or whoever else is using the spray aerator, can comfortably manipulate it.

The threaded connection between the adapter 22 and,

the mounting member 28 is the same diameter and pitch as the threaded connection between the bottom of the swivel and the jet forming member 50. In this way the spray aerator portion of the device may be directly attached to the faucet without the swivel.

In normal operation, with the swivel, the Water dis-v charge, whether it be a spray or an aerated stream, may I be directed at any portion of the sink simply by swiveling the entire unit. The unit will remain in a particular position and will not move during water discharge. Without the swivel arrangement water discharge will be directly down from the spout.

Whereas the preferred form of the invention has been shown and described herein, it should be realized that there are many modifications, substitutions and alterations thereto within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. In a combination spray and aerator for attachment to a faucet, faucet mounting means having a centralized water passage, a swivel member having a centralized water passage in general alignment with the water passage in said mounting means, means for attaching said swivel to said mounting means, a radially extending apertured jet forming member attached to said swivel member in alignment with said water passage, spray forming means attached to and positioned on the downstream side of said jet forming member, said spray forming means including a generally cylindrical wall enclosing a plurality of generally centrally positioned screens, said screens being removably attached to said jet forming member and swivel member, means defining a circumferentially extending axially directed passage outside of and adjacent said cylindrical member, said cylindrical member and passage means being axially movable relative to said screens, handle means attached to said passage defining means for axially moving said passage defining means and said cylindrical member to a first position in which water passing through said jet forming member is directed through said screens and air is drawn upwardly through said passage for mixing with the water prior to passing through said screens, and a second position in which said cylindrical member blocks water access to said screens and directs water downwardly through said passage.

2. The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that there are three screens, with two of said screens being in contact with each other over their entire areas, and the third screen being spaced a small distance from said contacting screens.

3. The structure of claim 2 further characterized in that said third screen is upstream of said contacting screens.

4. The structure of claim 2 further characterized in that the outer periphery of said screens is closely adjacent the inside surface of said cylindrical member, with said screens being centrally attached to said apertured jet forming member.

5. The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that said cylindrical member has an inwardly extending conical portion at its upstream end, and an annular water deflection member positioned upstream of said screens and downstream of said jet forming member, with the conical portion of said cylindrical member being in water blocking contact with said deflecting member when in said second position.

6. The structure of claim 1 further characterized by and including a conical screen positioned upstream of said jet forming member, with the center of said screen being further upstream than the outer edge.

7. The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that said cylindrical member, passage means and handle means are a single integral unit formed of a material having minimum heat conduction properties to reduce the heat applied to said handle means by the water flowing through said spray aerator combination.

8. The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that the means for attaching said swivel to said mounting means includes a threaded connection therebetween, said jet forming member being threadedly attached to said swivel, with the threads and diameters of the threaded connection between said jet forming member and swivel member and the swivel member and mounting means being the same whereby said jet forming member may be directly attached to said mounting means.

9. The structure of claim 1 further characterized by and including a seal ring in contact with the outer periphery of said swivel member and an inner surface of the means for attaching said swivel to said mounting means, said seal ring further being in peripheral contact with said mounting means.

10. The structure of claim 5 further characterized in that said water deflection member has a curved outer surface.

11. In a combination spray and aerator for attachment to a faucet, faucet mounting means having a centralized water passage, a swivel member having a centralized water passage in general alignment with the water passage in said mounting means, means for attaching said swivel to said mounting means, a radially extending apertured jet forming member attached to said swivel member in alignment with said water passage, spray forming means attached to and positioned on the downstream side of said jet forming member, said spray forming means including a generally cylindrical wall enclosing a plurality of generally centrally positioned screens, means defining a circumferentially extending axial-1y directed passage outside of and adjacent said cylindrical member, handle means attached to said passage defining means for axially moving said passage defining means and said cylindrical member to a first position in which water passing through said jet forming member is directed through said screens and air is drawn upwardly through said passage for mixing with the water prior to passing through said screens, and a second position in which said cylindrical member blocks water access to said screens and directs water downwardly through said passage, and an outer downwardly extending flange depending from said jet forming member to mask the upper end of said passage forming means and handle means at all positions of said handle means.

12. The structure of claim 11 further characterized by an annular seal between the inner surface of said handle means and an outer surface of said jet forming member.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,477,204 7/ 1949 Ravine 239-4285 2,734,772 2/1956 Baier et al 239-4285 2,799,487 7/1957 Aghnides 239-4285 2,941,729 6/1960 Goodrie 239428.5

2,989,249 6/1961 Richter 239428.5

FOREIGN PATENTS 1,090,593 10/1960 Germany.

EVERETT W. KIRBY, Primary Examiner.

Claims

1. IN A COMBINATION SPRAY AND AERATOR FOR ATTACHMENT TO A FAUCET, FAUCET MOUNTING MEANS HAVING A CENTRALIZED WATER PASSAGE, A SWIVEL MEMBER HAVING A CENTRALIZED WATER PASSAGE IN GENERAL ALIGNMENT WITH THE WATER PASSAGE IN SAID MOUNTING MEANS, MEANS FOR ATTACHING SAID SWIVEL TO SAID MOUNTING MEANS, A RADIALLY EXTENDING APERTURED JET FORMING MEMBER ATTACHED TO SAID SWIVEL MEMBER IN ALIGNMENT WITH SAID WATER PASSAGE, SPRAY FORMING MEANS ATTACHED TO AND POSITIONED ON THE DOWNSTREAM SIDE OF SAID JET FORMING MEMBER, SAID SPRAY FORMING MEANS INCLUDING A GENERALLY CYLINDRICAL WALL ENCLOSING A PLURALITY OF GENERALLY CENTRALLY POSITIONED SCREENS, SAID SCREENS BEING REMOVABLY ATTACHED TO SAID JET FORMING MEMBER AND SWIVEL MEMBER, MEANS DEFINING A CIRCUMFERENTIALLY EXTENDING AXIALLY DIRECTED PASSAGE OUTSIDE OF AND ADJACENT SAID CYLINDRICAL MEMBER, SAID CYLINDRICAL MEMBER AND PASSAGE MEANS BEING AXIALLY MOVABLE RELATIVE TO SAID SCREENS, HANDLE MEANS AT TACHED TO SAID PASSAGE DEFINING MEANS FOR AXIALLY MOVING SAID PASSAGE DEFINING MEANS AND SAID CYLINDRICAL MEMBER TO A FIRST POSITION IN WHICH WATER PASSING THROUGH SAID JET FORMING MEMBER IS DIRECTED THROUGH SAID SCREENS AND AIR IS DRAWN UPWARDLY THROUGH SAID PASSAGE FOR MIXING WITH THE WATER PRIOR TO PASSING THROUGH SAID SCREENS, AND A SECOND POSITION IN WHICH SAID CYLINDRICAL MEMBER BLOCKS WATER ACCESS TO SAID SCREENS AND DIRECTS WATER DOWNWARDLY THROUGH SAID PASSAGE.