US3454229A

US3454229A - Shower spray unit

Info

Publication number: US3454229A
Application number: US665087A
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles V Armond
Original assignee: CHARLES V ARMOND
Current assignee: CHARLES V ARMOND
Priority date: 1967-09-01
Filing date: 1967-09-01
Publication date: 1969-07-08
Anticipated expiration: 1986-07-08

Description

July 8, 1969 c. v. ARMOND SHOWER SPRAYUNIT Sheet of 4 Filed Sept. 1, 1967 m w 2 8 6 Q 6 0v 5 6 J m fl 4 7. 2 7 6 w 7 m 8 M. 8 M /Kw w \v w \0 I w 7 6 m9 t m w w M 6 8 2 U m w 6 2 8 mmmum o w w Charles 1 Armand v IN VEN TOR. Y imam? MM fiM y 8, 1969 c. v. ARMOND 3,454,229

SHOWER SPRAY 1min:

Filed Sept. 1, 1967 Sheet of 4 F ig- 3 I Fig- 4 194 26 we Charles M Armand INVENTOR.

Mia am;

July 8, 1969 c. v. ARMOND SHOWER SPRAY UNIT Filed Sept 1, 1967 'Sheet of 4 BY Q MIA/WW 3M y? 8, 1969 c. V. ARMOND 3,454,229

SHOWER SPRAY UNIT Filed Sept. 1, 1967' Sheet or 4 Fig 7 f 1 Fly. 9 20 44 I6 Charles V Armand INVENTOR. 4

United States Patent 3,454,229 SHOWER SPRAY UNIT Charles V. Armond, 117 N. Richman, Fullerton, Calif. 92632 Filed Sept. 1, 1967, Ser. No. 665,087 Int. Cl. B05b 7/26, 7/28, 15/08 U.S. Cl. 239-317 15 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A shower spray unit incorporating a soap reservoir in conjunction with several associated control valves for effecting an admixture of soap and water with the soap being introduced into a common mixing chamber with the water by a combined gravity flow and siphoning action. A discharging pipe is associated with the unit and includes an intermediate universal joint which allows for an adjustment of the spray head while also retaining dual internal flow passages which act so as to selectively discharge either the admixture or a clear flow of water.

This invention generally appertains to improvements in liquid dispensing devices for connection to water conduit means to spray either clear water or water admixed with a liquid additive, such as soap, detergent, oil or the like, and more particularly relates to a novel shower spray unit for a shower bath and constitutes novel improvements over my prior Patent No. 3,134,545, issued May 26, 1964.

The principal drawbacks with known spray units, especially of the type intended to supplant ordinary shower spray units or shower heads in a shower bath, are that they are unduly structurally complicated, have a tendency toward mal-functioning and are extremely diflicult to control and adjust during use. Consequently, they are costly and are not efficient in the sense that they can be easily adjusted and controlled and will positively function, in their various set operating conditions, to discharge either clear water or a desired mixture of clear water and liquid additive, such as soap.

Accordingly, an important object of the present invention it to provide an extremely simplified spraying device or spray construction which can be easily regulated and controlled so as to effectively and efiiciently discharge as a spray either clear water or water admixed with the desired amount of liquid additive, irrespective of the weight or thickness of the liquid additive.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide a novel shower spray unit which is composed of relatively few parts and is designed in a simplified fashion so as to harmonize from an aesthetic viewpoint with modern shower baths.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide a shower spray unit which has a reservoir for a liquid additive, such as soap, detergent, oil or the like, and to provide a gravity system and a siphon system operable independently of each other and operable in a combined fashion to control the amount as well as the speed of flow of the liquid additive from the reservoir into thoroughly admixed relation with clear water flowing through the spray unit, irrespective of the weight or thickness of the liquid additive.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide a shower spray unit of the selective clear water or admixed water and liquid additive type, which is so 3,454,229 Patented July 8, 1969 "ice efficient and effective operation thereof is not in the least affected by the angular position in which the unit is disposed with respect tothe bathers body.

A further important object of the present invention is to provide a shower spray unit which can be easily secured in position as a substitute for an ordinary clear water spray unit or shower spray head assembly and the spraying discharge of all liquids therefrom can be controlled by a single easily manipulable valve means and the discharge of admixed water and liquid additive can be controlled by simply actuated and constructed individual valve means, which can be adjusted independently to control the flow of the liquid additive from a reservoir on the shower spray unit into admixed relation with the clear water flowing through the spray unit, such valve means controlling the gravitational flow of the liquid additive into admixed relation with the flowing clear water and controlling the flow of the liquid additive, under an atmospheric pressure siphon system independent of the gravity flow or in combined functional relation with the gravity control.

Another important object of the present invention is I to providea compact, inexpensive, simple, sturdy and constructed that it can be bodily moved into adjusted reliable spray unit, which though primarily intended for use as a shower spray unit for a shower bath, can be used, in an equally efficient and eifective manner and controlled in an equally simple way, in other environments, as, for example, in connection with a water conduit means for use in washing automobiles, dishes and the like.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a view in perspective of a shower spray unit, constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a longitudinal, vertical sectional view, taken substantially on line 2-2 of FIGURE 1, and illustrating in detail the discharge conduit means through which either clear water or water admixed with a liquid additive passes for spraying discharge thereof from the outer spray end of the conduit means;

FIGURE 3 is a vertical sectional view of the housing, to which an inlet conduit from a clear water supply is attached and to which the outlet conduit means is attached, with the housing having valve means for controlling the selective fiow of clear water from the inlet conduit to the outlet conduit means and the flow of admixed water and liquid additive through the outlet means, With the control valve means shown in position wherein clear water passes directly through the housing from the inlet conduit to the outlet conduit means so that clear water is discharged in a spray from the spray end of the outlet conduit means;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view, similar to FIGURE 3, but showing the control valve means in a closed position so that the flow of water from the inlet conduit is shut off;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view, similar to FIGURE 4, but showing the control valve means in a position so that the clearwater passes through the housing in a manner to be admixed with the liquid additive;

FIGURE 6 is a vertical, transverse cross-sectional view, taken substantially on line 6-6 of FIGURE 1, and illustrating in greater detail the control valve means;

FIGURE 7 is a detailed, vertical cross-sectional View, on a larger scale, showing the valve means for controlling the flow of the liquid additive from a reservoir on the housing, under a selective gravitational and siphoning system or under the control of such systems functioning in a combined fashion and illustrating the valve means in a position so that the flow of the liquid additive from the reservoir is effected solely by gravity;

FIGURE 8 is a detailed, vertical longitudinal sectional view, taken substantially on line 88 of FIGURE 6; and,

FIGURE 9 is a detailed, longitudinal horizontal sectional view taken through the housing in a horizontal plane slightly above the valve control means for the flow of water through the housing.

Referring now more particularly to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 10 generally designates a spray unit, which is primarily intended as a shower spray unit for a shower bath and is disclosed herein in such environment. However, it is to be understood that the spray unit 10 can be used in other environments and for other spray purposes, as a spraying device, so that it is applicable to such uses as washing automobiles, dish washing and the like.

The spray unit 10 comprises a body or housing 12, which is in the form of a solid, small component, formed from any suitable material, such as aluminum, plastic or lightweight metal. The housing or body 12 is designed so that it is relatively small and is very attractive to the eye, so that the aesthetic appearance thereof is in harmony with modern day shower baths. The housing 12, which is formed and shaped in one piece from suitable materials, as aforestated, includes opposing front and

rear walls

14 and 16 and opposing

sides

18 and 20. The housing has a rounded off or arcuate underside 22 and an annular upper or top portion 24, which constitutes part of a reservoir means 26, in structural and functional association with a receptacle 28 for a liquid additive, as will be described.

An inlet conduit 30, which is in communication with a supply of clear water in a manner not shown, has an exteriorly threaded end portion 32, which is threadingly disposed in an interiorly threaded bore 34 formed in the housing or body 12 and extending through the rear wall 16. An outlet conduit means 36 is provided for the discharge of clear water or clear water admixed with a liquid additive, such as soap, detergent, oil or the like, from the housing or body 12 and the outlet conduit means 36 is secured to and carried by the front portion of the housing and extends from the front wall 14 in substantial alignment, in its secured or structural relationship with the housing 12, with the inlet conduit means 30.

The outlet conduit means 36, as best shown in FIGURES 3 through 5, includes the provision of a threaded bore 38 in the front of the body or housing and passing through the front side 14 for the reception of the threaded inner end portion 40 of a slightly curved pipe section 42. The similarly slightly curved inner end portion 44 of a smaller diameter inner pipe or tube 46, which is disposed concentrically within the pipe section 42, terminates in an exteriorly threaded end 48, which is threadingly disposed in a counterbore 50 of the bore 38.

The smaller diameter pipe 46 is disposed concentrically within the pipe section 42 and is spaced from the inner surface thereof to create a longitudinally extending, radial zone or space 49 for the passage of clear water through the outlet conduit means 36, while the water admixed with a liquid additive from the reservoir means 26 passes through the interior 51 of the pipe 46.

As best shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, the outer pipe or conduit 52, which includes the inner slightly curved pipe section 42 that is threaded into the bore 38 of the body or housing, is formed so that it can be manually manipulated into various angular positions, relative to the body or housing 12, which is held stationary in its attachment to the fixed inlet conduit 30. The outer pipe or conduit 52 is concentrically disposed in relation to the inner pipe or conduit 46, which extends substantially the full length thereof and which is formed from suitable flexible but durable and sturdy material. The outer pipe or conduit 52, as shown in FIGURE 2, includes the inner, slightly curved end section 42, which is threaded at one end in the threaded bore 38 in the front of the body housing 12, and which terminates at its outer end in an exteriorly threaded end portion 54. A sleeve 56 is formed with an inner interiorly threaded end portion 58 which is tightly threaded onto the threaded end portion 54. The sleeve 56 is formed at its forward end portion with an inner semispherical surface 60, which constitutes a socket and which flares outwardly from the bore 62 in the sleeve. The sleeve 56 has an exteriorly threaded forward end portion 64.

A universal joint 66 is provided at the outer end of the sleeve 56 and includes a ball member 68, which has a semi-spherical side surface 70 that is fitted in the socket and a gasket 71 is interposed between the inner end of the concave or semi-spherical surface 60 and the inner end of the side semi-spherical surface 70 of the ball connector 68. A collar 72 is provided with a threaded end portion 74 of the connector onto the exteriorly threaded end portion 64 of the connector section 56 and which has an outer or front inwardly turned end portion 76, the inner surface 78 thereof being arcuate and struck on the same radius as the concave or semi-spherical surface 60 so as to complement the same in the formation of the socket for the universal reception of the ball connector component 68, which is retained against axial displacement with respect to the connector section 56 by the collar 72.

The ball connector component 68 is formed with an axial bore 80, which is adapted to be in communication with the space 48, irrespective of the movement vertically or horizontally of the ball component 68 in the socket. The front end portion of the ball 68 is formed with an annular counterbore 82 for the reception of the inner annular end 84 of a cooperating ball connector component 86. The inner end portion 84 of the ball component 86 is sweat fitted or otherwise securely fixed within the counterbore 82 so that the

ball components

68 and 86 are in integral association with the ball component 86 having an axial bore 88 in alignment with the bore so as to constitute a continuation of the passageway 48 for the discharge of clear water through the outlet conduit means. The

bores

80 and 88 also receive the inner tube 44- which is spaced from the side walls of the bores, as shown in FIGURE 2. The ball connector component 86 is attached to an outer end pipe or conduit section 90 by a connector means 92. The pipe section 90 terminates at its inner end in an exteriorly threaded end portion 94 which has an inner semi-spherical or concave surface 96 that forms part of the coupling for the universal attachment of the ball like component 86 to the outer or terminal end pipe section 90 of the outer or exterior conduit or pipe of the discharge or outlet conduit means 36.

The ball connector component 86 has a semi-spherical outer surface 98, which is socketed within the socket defined by the concave or semi-spherical surface 96 and a complemental concave surface 100 formed on the inner end of a coupling collar 102, which has its outer end portion 104 interiorly threaded so as to be threadingly coupled with the exteriorly threaded end portion 94 of the terminal outer end pipe or conduit section 90. A gasket 104 is interposed between the forward end of the semispherical surface 96 and the front of the side of the ball connector component 86.

The outer end pipe section 90 is formed with an inner axial bore 108, through which the outer end portion of the inner flexible tube or pipe 46 passes. The pipe section 90 is formed with an exteriorly threaded shoulder portion 112 on which the interiorly threaded rearward end portion 114 of an annular sleeve 116 is threadingly secured. The sleeve 116 is coextensive in length with the length of the outer end portion of the pipe section 90 from the shoulder portion 112 to the front or outer face 118 thereof. The face 118 is formed with a series of circumferentially spaced ports 120, which are axially disposed through the outer end portion -122 and extend through the face, as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. The pipe section 90 is provided with an annular channel-like seat 124 within which an O-ring 126 is seated and which sealingly engages the inner surface of the sleeve 116 forwardly of the interiorly threaded rear end portion 114 of the sleeve.

The outer end pipe section 90 is formed, intermediate the shoulder portion 112 and the outer end portion [122, with a connecting, axial sleeve-like portion 128 which is formed with a series of radial ports 130, that are spaced circumferentially around the sleeve-like portion 128 and are in communication with the interior of the bore 108 of the pipe section 90 and a radial, annularly arranged zone or space 132, so :as to establish fluid communication between the interior of the end pipe section 90 and the spray discharge ports 120 for the outlet of clear water from the passageway 48 between the inner pipe or conduit 44 and the outer sectional pipe or conduit, which compose the outlet or discharge conduit means 36.

The outer or front end portion 122 of the end pipe section 90 is formed with a substantially centrally disposed opening 134, within which the enlarged anchoring or affixing, annular end portion 136 of a ferrule 138 is disposed. The portion 136 is formed with an annular shoulder 140 which engages the inside of the end portion 122 and the anchoring portion 136 of the ferrule is pro vided with an exteriorly threaded outer end portion 142, which extends beyond the end portion 122 and receives a locking nut 144 so as to secure the ferrule 138 in structural association with the end portion 122 of the pipe end section 90. The ferrule 138 is formed with a series of exterior teeth 146 and the ferrule is inserted within the end portion 110 of the inner tube or pipe 46 and is held therein by means of the teeth 146 which dig into the inner surface of the tube or pipe 46 and which are held in such gripping engagement by a sleeve 148 that is circumposed on the end portion 110 of the tube or pipe 46, whereby the ferrule is anchored within the end portion of the pipe and the pipe or tube 46 is connected at its outer end to the end portion or end wall 122 of the outer end pipe section 90. The outer end section .122 is formed on its outer face -118, inwardly of the discharge ports 120 with an interiorly threaded bore 150, within which the exteriorly threaded free end of the annular wall 152 of a spray head 154 is threaded, the spray head having an outer end wall or face 155, formed with a series of openings 156 for the passage of the admixed water and liquid additive, which flows through the interior of the tube or pipe 46, from the outer end of the outlet or discharge conduit means 36.

Thus, the clear water, which flows through the radial space 48 between the inner surface of the inner pipe section 42 of the outer conduit and the inner end portion 44 of the inner tube or pipe 46 and which flows through the aligned bores 80 and 88 in the universal coupling arrangement and through the space 100 and enters the space 132 by way of the radial ports 130, is discharged through the outlet or discharge bores or ports 120, which are arranged in circumferentially spaced relation and which are formed in the outer face 118 of the end section 122 of the outer pipe or conduit end section 90 and disposed around the spray head 154. The clear water admixed with a liquid additive, such as soap, detergent, oil or the like from the reservoir means 26, is carried by the tube or pipe 46 and issues through the ports 156 in the spray head 154, which is disposed forwardly of the end portion 122 of the outer end pipe section 90.

It can be appreciated, from a consideration of FIG- URES 1 and 2, that by manually gripping or grasping the outer conduit or pipe of the discharge conduit means, the outer pipe being composed of the inner pipe end section 56 and the outer pipe end section 90, which are connected together by the universal coupling means, composed of the ball joint arrangement, as shown in FIG- URE 2, that the outlet or discharge conduit means 36 can be disposed in various angular relationships relative to the stationary body or housing 12.

. As shown more particularly in FIGURES 3-5, the innermost, unthreaded end 34a of the bore 34, which is in direct communication with the inlet conduit 30, is in constant communication with an angular passage 158 formed in the body and having a vertical section 158w in direct communication with the interior of the inlet conduit 30 and a horizontal, axial forwardly extending section 158b which terminates openly at a transverse, tapered bore 160 formed through the lower portion of the body and constituting a tapered, transversely disposed, valve chamber in which a tapered plug valve 162 is disposed. The plug valve 162, as shown in FIGURE 6, is held in position, against axial movement, by a locking means 164. The locking means 164, as shown in FIGURE 6, includes a cylindrical counterbore (166 formed at the minor end of the tapered bore 160 and within which a coaxially extending integral lug projection 168 from the minor end of the plug valve '162 is disposed. The outer end of the lug 168 is exteriorly threaded toreceive a locking nut 170, which is provided with a kerf 172 for receiving the bit of a screwdriver so as to thread the same onto the threaded end of the projecting lug 168. A washer 173 is disposed around the lug and bears against a shoulder 174 defined by the bore and the counterbore and a tension spring 176 surrounds the lug and is disposed between the washer and the locking nut. The opposing end of the plug valve 162 terminates in a finger manipulable axial prolongation or extension 177, which projects beyond the side wall 18 of the body and is adapted to be gripped by the fingers of the user so as to rotate the plug valve into its various positions, which are shown in FIGURES 3 through 5. While the projection 177 is in the form of a flattened end for finger manipulation, it can be appreciated that any type of handle means can be provided on the valve or in structural association therewith for operating the plug valve in a rotary fashion within the valve chamber '160.

The plug valve 162, when positioned as shown in FIG- URE 4, blocks the axial section 158b of the passageway 158 so that water cannot pass through the body or housing 12. The plug valve is formed with a transverse port or bore 178, from which a radial port or bore communicates and passes through the periphery of the plug valve, the

ports

178 and 180 forming a T-shaped passageway so that when, as shown in FIGURE 3, the plug valve is orientated so as to align the port 178 with the section 158b of the passageway 158, the radial bore or port 180 is in communication with an arcuate passageway 182 provided in the lower portion of the body or housing and communicating through an opening 184 with the radial zone or space 48 between the outer and inner conduits or pipes of the discharge or outlet conduit means 36. Consequently, when the plug valve is in the position, as shown in FIGURE 3, clear water will freely pass from the inlet conduit 30 through the ports in the plug valve and through the pasageway i182 into and through the space 48 and exit through the outlet or discharge ports 120 at the spray head or outer end of the outer conduit of the outlet or discharge conduit means 36.

The inner end of the arcuate passageway 182 is provided with a perpendicular or upstanding port 186, formed in the body or housing 12, so as to establish the communication between the port 180 and the lower or inner end of the arcuate passageway 182, as shown in FIG- URE 3.

The reservoir means 26 for the liquid additive, as shown in FIGURE 3, comprises an annular chamber 188 formed in the upper end of the body or housing 12 and having an annular inner shoulder or mounting flange 190 formed below its open upper end 192. The receptacle 28 is of substantially bulbous shape and has an annular lower closed end 193, which is seated within the open upper end 192 and is removably seated on the shoulder 7 190 with an outlet spout 194 depending therefrom and establishing communication between the chamber I188 and the interior of the container for the gravitational flow of the liquid substance, such as soap, detergent, oil or the like liquid additive, from the container into the chamber 188.

As shown more particularly in FIGURES 7 through 9, a vertical passageway 196 is formed in the body '12 and is in free communication with the chamber 188 and is also freely communicated at its lower end with a longitudinally extending passageway 198, the

passageways

196 and 198 being in right angular communication, with regard to the longitudinal axis of the body 12, and being laterally spaced from the

ports

178 and 180 in the valve plug and the passage-

ways

158 and 182 in the body 12, as can be appreciated from a consideration of FIGURE 6, The valve plug is formed with a transverse port 200, which is above and parallel with the transverse port 178 and which lies in the same vertical plane as the passageways I196 and 198 and controls the flow of the liquid substance from the chamber 188 through the longitudinal passageway 198, as shown in FIGURE 8.

The body or housing 12 is formed, intermediate the threaded rear bore 34 and the threaded front bore 38 with a threaded, coaxially reduced bore 202, the rearward end of which is counterbored, as at 204, to receive a plug 206 which, upon removal, allows the mounting of a mixing nozzle member 208. The mixing nozzle member 208 is threaded in the bore 202 and has an axial passageway or bore 210 formed in its body portion, in communication with a perpendicular port 212 formed in the body between plug 206 and nozzle member 208. The port 212 is adapted to be in communication with the port 180 of the plug valve 162, as shown in FIGURE 5.

The counterbore 50 is in axial alignment with a passage 214 formed longitudinally in the body or housing 12 and defining a mixing chamber and within which the forward, coaxially reduced nozzle end portion 216 of the mixing nozzle member 208 is positioned. The forwardly projecting nozzle portion 216 is spaced radially from the walls of the passageway or mixing chamber 214 and is provided with an axial passage or bore 218 in alignment and in communication with the passage or bore 210. The passage 218 terminates in a jet nozzle 220 from which water issues, as indicated by the arrows in FIGURE 5, into the interior of the inner section 44 of the inner tube or pipe 46, when the plug valve 162 is turned into the position, as shown in FIGURE 5, so that the transverse port 178 is in alignment with the section 158b of the passage 158 and receives the water from the inlet conduit 30 and conveys it through the radial port 180, as indicated by the arrows, to the bore or passage 210 of the mixing nozzle 208. When the valve is in such position, the bore or passage 200 is in the position, as shown in FIGURE 8, so that the liquid substance in the chamber 188 is free to flow through the aligned

passages

196 and 198.

Valve control means 222 is provided for controlling the gravitational flow of the liquid additive or substance from the passage 198 through a laterally connecting passage 224 and a vertical passage 226 that communicates with the mixing chamber 214.

As shown in FIGURE 7, the valve control means 222 includes a needle valve assembly, which comprises a stem or shank portion 228 that is exteriorly threaded and by virtue of the threaded engagement with the threaded bore 230, which is formed transversely in the body, controls the seating of the needle valve end 232 on the shank in the valve seat 234 formed at an intermediate point in passage 224. The threaded bore 230 is formed with a countersunk inner end portion 236, which is of a larger diameter than the external diameter of the reduced end portion 238 of the shank which carries the needle valve 232 on its outer end. The bore 230 is provided at its outer end with a counterbore 240, which opens through the side 20 of the body or housing and within which a tension spring 242 is housed, the tension spring surrounding the shank 228 and bearing against the inner end of the bore and an enlarged finger manipulable knob end 244 on the shank-like portion 228 of the needle valve. The knob 244 is disposed exteriorly of the side 20. By rotating the needle valve assembly, through finger manipulation of the exterior knob 244, the needle valve can be seated and unseated from its seat 234 and the flow of the liquid substance can be controlled, as it passes from the passageway 224 over the valve seat 234 to the vertical passageway 226 which is in communication constantly with the longitudinal passageway 214. The valve assembly 222 controls the gravitational flow of the liquid substance from the reservoir means 26 and directly from the chamber 188, when the valve plug 162 is in the position, as shown in FIGURES 5 and 8, and the water, issuing from the jet nozzle 220, creates a venturi-like action, so as to draw the liquid additive or substance into the area surrounding the nozzle 216 where it is admixed with the issuing water from the jet nozzle 220 and is conveyed under pressure through the tube or pipe 46.

In addition to the needle valve control means 222, which controls the gravitational flow of the liquid substance or additive from the reservoir means 26 to the tube or pipe 46 or more particularly to the passage or mixing chamber 214 where it is admixed with the water issuing from the jet nozzle 220, needle valve control means 246 is provided whereby the liquid substance or additive in the reservoir means can be forced to flow under a siphoning action.

Thus, while the valve means 222, in the nature of the adjustable needle valve assembly, as shown in FIGURE 7 and aforedescribed controls the gravitational flow of the liquid substance, there are times, especially if the substance is heavy or thick, where the gravitational flow will not be suflicient to cause the liquid substance to pass upwardly in the passageway 226 and enter the passage of mixing chamber 214. Consequently, a siphoning action is brought into play and the siphoning action is controlled by the valve means 246 so that when the valve means is opened at the slightest degree it will cause the liquid substance to be siphoned into the mixing chamber 214 at a faster rate, giving a better and finer admixture of pure water and liquid additive, such as soap, irrespective of the weight or thickness of the liquid soap.

In this respect, the body 12, as shown in FIGURE 7, is formed with a port 248, which is formed transversely therein, above the needle valve assembly 222 and which is open to the atmospheric pressure through the side wall 20. The inner end of the bore or passage 248 terminates in a needle valve seat 250 for seating the valve end 252 of the needle valve assembly 246, which includes a threaded shank portion 254, which is threaded in an interiorly threaded bore 256 formed in the body in alignment with the bore 248. The threaded bore 256 terminates in an outer counterbore 258 which houses a tension spring 260 that bears against the inner end wall of the counterbore and the shank portion of a finger manipulable knob 262, which is disposed exteriorly of the side 18 of the body or housing 12. The passageway 248, which is in communication with the atmosphere, at its outer end through the side 20 of the body or housing 12, is in communication at its inner end with the inner end 264 of the bore 254 that in turn is in communication with a vertical passage 266 which communicates with the mixing chamber or passage 214.

Consequently, when the valve 252 is backed off from its seat 250, atmospheric pressure enters the passage 248 and passes through the passage 266 into the bore 214, which constitutes the mixing chamber and the air, with the venturi-like action of the jet nozzle, creates a siphoning action, whereby the liquid substance or additive in the chamber 188 and the reservoir means 26, of which the chamber 188 is a part, is forcibly drawn or sucked from the reservoir means into the mixing chamber 214.

Consequently, under such siphoning action, if the liquid additive or substance is too heavy, so that it cannot flow of its own accord, by means of a free gravitational flow through the

passageways

196, 198, the bore 200 in the plug valve and the pass-age 226 into the chamber 214, the valve means 246 can be actuated to permit the inward flowing of air to assist in a siphoning action so as to draw the liquid substance into the mixing chamber 214.

In use, considering the environmental usage of the spray unit,10 as a shower spray unit for a shower bath, the inlet conduit 30 will be suitably connected to a pipe system for Water, and the water under ordinary house pressure will enter the body or housing 12 and be controlled by a control valve means, which is constituted by the plug valve 162. When the plug valve is in the closed or ofi position, as shown in FIGURE 4, the water in the inlet conduit cannot pass through the body or housing 12, so that the spray unit is in a closed off or inoperative condition.

When it is desired to spray the body with clear or plain water, the outlet or discharge conduit means 36 is adjusted by being manually grasped and moved into the desired angular position, by virtue of the universal joint arrangement, as shown in FIGURE 2 and aforedescribed, and then the plug valve is rotated by manually gripping and turning the finger piece 176 so as to dispose the plug valve in the position, as shown in FIG- URE 3. In such position, the transverse port 178 is in alignment with the passage 158 whch is constantly in communication with the interior of the inlet conduit 30 and the lateral or radial port 180 is in alignment with the passage 186 that communicates with the lower end of the passage 182. The clear water passes through the aligned passages and ports in the valve plug and through the opening 184 into the passageway 48 between the inner and outer conduits of the outlet or discharge conduit means 36 and the clear water issues under pressure through the ports 120.

When it is desired to mix the water with the liquid additive, which is contained in the reservoir means 26, the valve plug is rotated into the position, as shown in FIGURE 5. The needle valve assembly 222 is adjusted so as to control the amount of liquid additive and the flow thereof through the

passageways

196 and 198 and the bore or port 200 in the valve plug and through the passage 226 into the mixing chamber 214. Thewater passes through the transverse port 178 and the now upstanding port 180 which is in communication with the bore 210 in the nozzle 208 and the water issues from the jet nozzle 220 and creates a venturi-like action and the water is admixed with the liquid additive entering the mixing charmber 214 through the passage 226. The admixed water and liquid additive is carried by a pipe or tube 46 and issues from the openings 156 in the spray head 154.

In the event that the liquid additive is heavy, the siphoning action is assisted so as to cause the liquid additive to be siphoned into the mixing chamber 214 at a faster rate, thereby giving a better mixture of liquid additive and water irrespective of the weight of the liquid additive. Consequently, the valve means 246 is manipulated so as to admit a flow of air through the passageway 248 and passageway 266 to the chamber 214 which flow, with the venturi-like action, causes a thorough mixture of the soap and effects a siphoning action so as to cause the soap or other liquid additive or substance to be siphoned into the mixing chamber 214 from the reservoir means 26 at a faster rate, irrespective of the weight of the liquid additive.

If the upper valve means 246 is open wide, the free unseating of the valve 252 will create a greater flow of air in the passage 266 and in the chamber 214 so that the liquid additive will be siphoned from the reservoir means in a very short time. By regulating the valve means 222 and the valve means 246, the amount as well as the speed of flow of the liquid additive or substance from the reservoir means 26 into the mixing chamber 214 can be easily controlled.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A spray device comprising an inlet conduit means adapted to be connected to a source of clear water under pressure, a body, said inlet conduit means being connected to said body, reservoir means for a liquid additive carried by the body, outlet conduit means connected to the body, control valve means operatively mounted in the body for controlling the flow of water into the body from the inlet conduit means and for selectively controlling the flow of clear water and water admixed with a liquid additive from the reservoir means from the body through the outlet conduit means, means operatively mounted in said body and interposed between the reservoir means and the outlet conduit means for controlling the amount and speed of flow of the liquid additive into admixed relation in the housing with the clear water in relation to the positioning of the control valve means, said outlet conduit means including concentrically arranged inner and outer conduit members, having inner ends connected to the body and having outer ends and spray means connected to said outer ends, said inner conduit member being constituted by a flexible tubing extending from the body and having an outer end portion provided with the spray means.

2. The invention of claim 1, wherein said outer conduit member includes an inner conduit section connected to the body and an outer conduit section and an intermediate connecting conduit section between said inner and outer conduit sections of the outer conduit member, and universal connecting means-between said sections.

3. The invention of claim 2 wherein said universal connecting means includes ball and socket joints on the adjoining ends of the inner conduit section and the intermediate conduit section and the adjoining ends of the outer conduit section and the intermediate conduit section.

4. The invention of claim 3, wherein said outer conduit section terminates in a closure member provided with outlet ports for the discharge of clear water therefrom.

5. A spray device comprising an inlet conduit means adapted to be connected to a source of clear water under pressure, a body, said inlet conduit means being connected to said body, reservoir means for a liquid additive carried by the body, outlet conduit means connected to the body, control valve means operatively mounted in the body for controlling the flow of water into the body from the inlet conduit means and for selectively controlling the flow of clear water and water admixed with a liquid additive from the reservoir means from the body through the outlet conduit means, means operatively mounted in said body and interposed between the reservoir means and the outlet conduit means for controlling the amount and speed of flow of the liquid additive into admixed relation in the housing with the clear water in relation to the positioning of the control valve means, said outlet conduit means including concentrically arranged inner and outer conduit members having inner ends connected to the body and having outer ends and spray means connected to said outer ends, said outer conduit member including an inner conduit section connected to the body and an outer conduit section and an intermediate connecting conduit section between said inner and outer conduit sections of the outer conduit member, and universal connecting means between said sections, said universal connecting means including ball and socket joints on the adjoining ends of the inner conduit section and the intermediate conduit section and the adjoining ends of the outer conduit section and the intermediate conduit section, said outer conduit section terminating in a closure member provided with outlet ports for the discharge of clear water therefrom, said inner conduit member being arranged concentrically within the sections of the outer conduit member, said inner conduit member being in the form of a flexible tube and means connecting the outer end of the tube to the closure member of the outer conduit section.

6. The invention of claim 5, and means carried by the outer end of the outer end section of the outer conduit member through which the admixed water and liquid additive in the inner tube issues in the form of a spray.

7. A spray device comprising an inlet conduit means adapted to be connected to a source of clear water under pressure, a body, said inlet conduit means being connected to said body, reservoir means for a liquid additive carried by the body, outlet conduit means connected to the body, control valve means operatively mounted in the body for controlling the flow of water into the body from the inlet conduit means and for selectively controlling the flow of clear water and water admixed with a liquid additive from the reservoir means from the body through the outlet conduit means, said reservoir means being mounted in the body, a mixing chamber in said body gravitationally below said reservoir means, passageway means in the body between the reservoir means and the mixing chamber for the gravitational flow of the liquid additive from the reservoir means into the mixing chamber in the body, said outlet conduit means including an inner pipe, said mixing chamber being in communication with said inner pipe, the inlet conduit means being in water passing communication with the mixing chamber, said control valve means being interposed between the inlet conduit means and the mixing chamber for controlling the flow of water into the mixing chamber, and valve means in said passageway means controlling the gravitational flow of the 1 liquid additive into the mixing chamber.

8. The invention of claim 7, wherein said last valve means includes a needle valve means interposed in the passageway means and having a hand manipulable exterior member for controlling its positioning so as to control the gravitational flow of the liquid additive from the reservoir means into the mixing chamber.

9. A spray device comprising an inlet conduit means adapted to be connected to a source of clear water under pressure, a body, said inlet conduit means being connected to said body, reservoir means for a liquid additive carried by the body, outlet conduit means connect ed to the body, control valve means operatively mounted in the body for controlling the flow of water into the body from the inlet conduit means and for selectively controlling the flow of clear water and water admixed with a liquid additive from the reservoir means from the body through the outlet conduit means, said body being formed with a passage communicating the inlet conduit means with the outlet conduit means, said outlet conduit means including inner and outer concentrically arranged conduit members, said passage from the inlet conduit means communicating with the space between the inner and outer conduit members for conducting clear water from the inlet conduit means to the outer conduit member, said control valve means being operatively interposed in said passage for controlling the flow of the clear Water through the passage, a mixing chamber formed in the body gravitationally below said reservoir for water and a liquid additive, valve controlled passageway means between the reservoir and the mixing chamber for the gravitational flow of the liquid additive from the reservoir into the mixing chamber, a passageway in said body from said mixing chamber opening to the atmospheric pressure and valve means controlling said passageway so as to control the introduction of air into the passageway for facilitating a siphon action to assist the gravitational flow of the liquid additive from the reservoir means into the mixing chamber.

10. The invention of claim 9 wherein said mixing chamber is in alignment and in communication with the inner member, and jet nozzle means is disposed in the mixing chamber in communication with the passage for the water so that when the valve control means is positioned to establish communication between the inlet conduit and the mixing chamber, the Water issues from the nozzle means in the form of a jet creating a venturi-like action in the mixing chamber.

11. A shower spray device for a shower bath comprising aninlet conduit adapted to be connected to a source of clear water under pressure, a body, said conduit being connected to said body, a reservoir for a liquid additive mounted on the body and carried thereby, outlet conduit means connected to the body and including concentrically arranged conduit assemblies, control valve means controlling the flow of clear water into the housing and selectively controlling the flow of water through the housing and into the outlet conduit means and said body having a mixing chamber gravitationally below said reservoir and being communicated therewith for gravitationally receiving a liquid additive therefrom for the mixing of the clear water with the liquid additive from the reservoir, said inlet conduit communicating with said mixing chamber, said control valve means controlling the fiow of clear water in the body from the inlet conduit to the mixing chamber, said mixing chamber being in communication with the outlet conduit means, and valve means controlling the gravitational flow of the liquid additive from the reservoir into the mixing chamber.

12. The invention of claim 11, and including means for assisting and continuing a siphoning action, in addition to the gravitational flow of the liquid additive, from the reservoir means into the mixing chamber, so as to speed the flow of the liquid additive into the mixing chamber for admixed relation with the clear water and passage through the outlet conduit means.

13. The invention of claim 11, wherein said concentrically arranged conduit assemblies include an inner flexible tube, said tube being in direct communication with the mixing chamber at one end and having outlet spray means at its other end and being concentrically arranged with an outer conduit assembly with a radial spacing therebetween, said radial spacing constituting a passageway for the clear water.

14. The invention of claim 13, wherein said concentrically arranged conduit assemblies include an outer conduit formed of a number of conduit sections and universal joint means interconnecting said conduit sections.

15. The invention of claim 14, wherein said outer conduit has an outer end section terminating in a closure member having outlet ports for the discharge of clear water, means connecting the inner tube to the closure member and a spray head carried by the closure member on its outer side and through whichthe water and liquid additive issues.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,288,824 11/1918 Burns 239312 2,858,055 5/1932 Myers 2393 12 2,120,807 6/1938 Kundel 2393 12 2,462,752 2/ 1949 Kotches et al. 239312 2,971,701 2/1961 Shames et al. 239-428.5 3,134,545 5/1964 Armond 2393 12 3,285,521 11/1966 Coakley 2393 12 EVERETT W. KIRBY, Primary Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R.