US3706418A

US3706418A - Aerator

Info

Publication number: US3706418A
Application number: US175189A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert W Hyde
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-08-26
Filing date: 1971-08-26
Publication date: 1972-12-19
Anticipated expiration: 1989-12-19

Abstract

A water aerating device having a housing which comprises a diaphragm cap and a nozzle cap cemented, welded or pressed fitted together such that movement of a diaphragm integrally formed on the diaphragm cap causes relative movement of the nozzle cap and a change in the configuration of a spray chamber formed therebetween Sealing means is positioned in cooperative relation with a portion of the nozzle cap which is movably disposed so as to move into and out of sealing engagement with the sealing means wherein the sealing means may be automatically centered by virtue of it being movably connected within the housing. The device may be immovably attached to a water outlet or alternatively may include a swivel means interconnecting the housing to an adapter which is attached to the water outlet wherein a combined bearing and seal is positioned between the swivel means and the adapter to allow movement of the housing relative to the water outlet. Issuance of water from the device through a nozzle formed on the nozzle cap is in the form of an aerated stream wherein issuance of the water from fluid passages in the housing is in the form of a spray and control of the water''s point of issuance is determined by the location of the diaphragm in a non-extended or extended position.

Description

[451 Dec. 19,1972

1 1 AERATOR [72] Inventor: Robert W. Hyde, 1 Putter Place,

Crystal River, Fla. 32629 22 Filed: Aug.26, 1971 21 Appl No.: 175,189

Primary Examiner-Lloyd L. King Attorney-Stein & Orman [5 7] ABSTRACT A water aerating device having a housing which comprises a diaphragm cap and a nozzle cap cemented, welded or pressed fitted together such that movement of a diaphragm integrally formed on the diaphragm cap'causes relative movement of the nozzle cap and a change in the configuration of a spray chamber formed therebetween Sealing means is positioned in cooperative relation with a portion of the nozzle cap which is movably disposed so as to move into and out of sealing engagement with the sealing means wherein the sealing means may be automatically centered by ,virtue of it being movably connected within the housing. The device may be immovably attached to a water outlet or alternatively may include a swivel means interconnecting the housing to an adapter which is at tached to the water outlet wherein a combined bearing and seal is positioned between the swivel means and the adapter to allow movement of the housing relative to the water outlet. Issuance of water from the device through a nozzle formed on the nozzle cap is in the form of anaerated stream wherein issuance of the water from fluid passages in the housing is in the form of a spray and control of the waters point of issuance is determined by the location of the diaphragm in a non-extended or extended position.

22 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures P'ATE'N'TEDnm 19 I972 3.706418 sum 1 0r 3 mvsmorz ROBE RT W. HYDE ATTORNEYS.

AERATOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a water aerating device of the type to be attached to a conventional water outlet such as a faucet in such a manner that the housing of the device may be fixedly or movably positioned relative to the outlet and wherein the device is designed to issue water therefrom in the form of either an aerated stream or a spray.

2. Description of the Prior Art A number of devices havebeen designed and are presently on the market which are intended to beattached to a conventional water outlet in the form of a faucet wherein the water issuing therefrom may be in the form of an aerated stream or spray. These known water aerating devices are normally manually adjustable such that the user may have the choice of aerates stream or spray issuing from the device.

In an attempt to provide an efficiently functioning device the majority of the prior art aerators have become overly complicated from a structural standpoint and accordingly expensive. These overly complex structures in addition to being relatively expensive have lead to problems in both the areas of initial production and maintenance. More specifically, proper sealing of this type of device isimportant for efficient operation. ln a great number of water aerators the use of a pluralityv of sealing O-rings has been one way to attempt to solve the sealing problem. However, the use of O-rings have inherent disadvantages from structural, maintenance and initial cost standpoints. in order to perform adequately in modern day water aerating devices these O-rings must meet certain rigid specifications and must be produced with such precision as to make their use relatively expensive. In addition, O-rings have been found to be somewhat unreliable both because proper installation is difficult and time consuming and because proper manufacture, to the desired rigid specification, is'difficult. Accordingly, both manufacturers and users of aerating devices incorporating O-rings for seals have found that production of theses devices is ridden with problems and that once in use these devices have a relatively short operative life due primarily to the failure of the O-rings.

Accordingly, it can be seen that there is the need for .a water aerating device which works efficiently, is ver-.

satile enough to selectively deliver both an aerated stream and a spray, and comprises a structure which is relatively simple both to produce and maintain and which is long lasting once the aerating device is put into use. Such a device should include relatively few moving parts thereby reducing the need for a large number of individual sealing devices such as O-rings. Such a structure having the above characteristics would likely be reduced in cost and therefore be more desirable from the standpoint of both the manufacturer and ultimate consumer.

,One of the main purposes for a water aerating device is to entrain air in the stream of water as it issues from the faucet or other conventional water outlets, such that the stream of water will not splash as it comes in contact with a solid surface. In order to avoid the undesirable splash, any practical, modem day aeratorspray combination should have means for either indicating which position it is in or have means for automatically-placing it in either its aerated or spray mode upon shut-off of the flow of water. Again, all of the above desirable features should be accomplished by utilizing a structure which is relatively unsophisticated, easy to maintain and produce and accordingly is relatively inexpensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a water aerating device of the type designed to be attached to a conventional water outlet in the form of a kitchen faucet or the like. More specifically the subject aerating device is made with relatively few moving parts which are of simple design thereby allowing it to be manufactured, assembled and maintained inexpensively.

More specifically the aerating device of the subject invention comprises a housing which includes a diaphragm capand a nozzle cap each of which have a somewhat circular configuration. These caps are connected to one another by a press fit, or other applicable type connection,.along their other circular periphery in such a manner as'to define a space therebetweerr; This space comprises'a spray chamber. The spray chamber is further, at least partially defined by a flexible diaphragm integrally formed on the diaphragm cap and disposed between a centrally located hub and an outer peripheral rim of the diaphragm cap. The flexibility of the diaphragm allows it to be moved relative to the hub and into and out of what may be termed non-extended and extended positions. Therelative locations of the non-extended and extended positions and the. space therebetween determines certain functional characteristics of the device which will be explained in greater detail hereinafter. ldeally, the material of which the diaphragm and diaphragm cap is formed is either an acetal co-polymer resin commercially available under the trademark CELCON and sold by the Celanese Plastic Company or a styrene-butadiene co-polymer commercially available under the trademark name KRATON which is sold by the Synthetic Rubber Division of Shell Chemical Company. Both of these materials have certain elastic properties giving the diaphragm an inherent bias or spring. This spring provides the subject device with highly desirable, unique features related to the automatic positioning of the diaphragm in predetermined locations thereby controlling the flow of water through the device. As stated above these specific features will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

A sealing means in the form of a substantially annular shaped button is movably mounted within the housing by virtue of a connecting means which maybe a flexible skirt integrally formed on the button. More specifically, the button is positioned in the housing in substantially concentric relation to a nozzle which is integrally formed on the nozzle cap. A portion of the nozzle cap located adjacent the throat or opening of the nozzle is movably disposed relative to the sealing Alternatively, the, button may be movably and loosely mounted on a support which positions the button in the same position relative to the nozzle cap portion as described above. A certain amount of clearance or play is allowed for between the support and the button in order that the button may be automatically self centered upon engagement with the cooperative portion of the nozzle cap in order to insure a more efficient seal therebetween. A plurality of air entrapment screens may also be formed on the support, downstream of the sealing button.

The housing of the device is secured to a conventional faucet by means of an adapter which is connected to the faucet by a threaded fastener as is well known in the art. The present invention contemplates the adapter being secured directly to the housing such that the housing is fixedly or immovably attached to the faucet. A selected streamor spray is directed generally downward from the outlet in the same direction as water issuing from the outlet itself. Alternatively, a swivel may be arranged in interconnected relation between the adapter and the housing so as to provide substantially universal movement of the housing relative to the water outlet. This allows the stream of water issuing from the aerator device to be directed in a number of given directions throughout a predetermined radius.

More specifically, a swivel comprises a substantially spherical head movably mounted within a correspondingly configured socket in the adapter. In such position the outer surface of the spherical head moves relative to the inner surface of the correspondingly configuredsocket. The opposite end of the swivel is fixedly secured to the diaphragm cap or upper portion of the housing.

While the cooperative surfaces of the swivel and the adapter are correspondingly shaped, a bearing means in-the form of'a flexible sleeve is positioned in sandwiched-like relation between these surfaces. Itwould be unduely complicated and accordingly relatively expensive to-manufacture these surfaces in such close tolerances to eliminate this clearance. It is of course desirable that such clearanceor play be eliminated in order to prohibit any leaking of the device when water flows therethrough. Accordingly,the sleeve serves to seal the space between the cooperative surfaces and allow each piece to be manufactured having much less rigid specifications. In assembly, the upper portion of the sleeve overlaps the upper peripheral edge of the swivel and is locked in place by a plug which is pressed fitted into the interior of the swivel over the overlapped portion of the sleeve. Ideally, the sleeve is made from an elastomeric material commercially available under the trademark TEFLON and sold by the E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company. Teflon is highly desirable for this application because of its ability to serve both as a bearing material, adding lubricant to both working surfaces, and also as a sealing material. Teflon, in its flexible state has the inherent characteristic of flowing under applied pressure to a point where the material actually separating the two working surfaces is the most efficient amount required under the pressure being applied, as long as the pressure is maintained within certain practical ranges.

This invention contemplates certain other structural modifications which include variations in the supportformed with the button and include a truncated cone arrangement adjacent the upper end and designed to snap through an aperture formed in the diaphragm cap or other portion of the housing to which the support is attached. Similarly, a flexible locking means having a plurality of prongs arranged in spaced relation to one another so as to give, may be applied in a correspondingly located aperture in the same portion of the housing to which the support is attached.-Similarly, a flexible locking means having plurality of prongs arranged in spaced relation to one another so as to give, may be applied in a correspondingly located aperture in the same portion of the housing as described above.

Yet another structural modification includes an actuator means designed to be attached to the exterior of the housing and be arranged in cooperative relation to the exterior of the diaphragm cap. Indicia indicating the mode of issuance of water from the device can be located appropriately on the actuator sothat it can be seen by the user. I w

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEFDESCRIPTIQN OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a split sectional view of the aerating device of the subject invention as connected to a conventional water outlet in the form of afaucet.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view and partial cross section showing the individual elements and their relation to one another of the aerating device.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the diaphragm cap taken along line 33 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a top view taken along showing the nozzle cap.

FIG. 5 is a cutaway sectional view showing the elements of one embodiment of the device and their relaline 4-4 of FIG. 2

tive positions in both the diaphragm extended and nonextended positions.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the aerating device.

FIGS. 8-10 are sectional views showing modifications of the connecting means used to attach the sealing means to the housing.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the actuator means attached to the exterior of the housing.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the actuator device in sprayed position.

FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a front view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the actuator means mounted on the embodiment of theaerating device as shown in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 thepresent invention relates to a water aerating device generally indicated at which is designed to be attached to a conventional water outlet in the form of a kitchen faucet or the like. More specifically, the aerating device comprises a housing 14 which includes a diaphragm cap 16 and a nozzle cap 18. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 both of these caps have a generally circular configuration and are connected together (FIG. 1) along their peripheral edge by being pressed fitted, cemented, welded or otherwise connected together.

The diaphragm cap comprises a central hub 20 havinga base 22 which includes water passage means in the form of a plurality of apertures 24 (FIG. 3). The diaphragm cap further includes a flexible diaphragm 28 interconnected between the outer peripheral rim 30 and the hub 20.

The nozzle cap 18 comprises an outwardly extending flange 32 which, as described above, has its outer peripheral edge pressed fitted to rim 30 of the diaphragm cap. Fluid passage means is formed in flange 32 and comprises a plurality of apertures 34 which, as shown in FIG. 4, maytake a variety of configurations. A nozzle 36 is integrally formed on nozzle cap 18 and defines a flow path therethrough, The entrance or throat 38 of nozzle 36 is defined by an annular, upwardly extending rim which has a substantially serrated configuration in which a plurality of vents 40 are formed.

As best shown in FIG. 1 a spray chamber 42 is formed between

caps

16 and 18. More particularly flexible diaphragm 28 at least partially defines the chamber 42. Due to the inherent spring or flexibility of diaphragm 28, it is movable between non-extendable and extendable positions X and Y respectively. Because of the relationship between the spray chamber 42 and the diaphragm, the configuration and capacity of the chamber is directly dependent upon the location of diaphragm 28. In addition, by virtue of the nozzle cap being connected to the diaphragm cap in the manner described above, movement of the diaphragm into the extended position causes a downward movement of the nozzle cap as indicated by directional arrow 44. This movement serves to expand or enlarge chamber 42 and break the engagement between throat 38 and the undersurface of hub 22. This downward movement further moves a portion 46 of nozzle cap 36 into sealing engagement with a sealing means in the.

form of button 48. The sealing means is movably conv nected to the housing 14 and more specifically to base A plurality of filtering screens 58 are arranged in spaced relation to one another by spacers 60 of the lower extremity of support 52.

The housing 14 is connected to faucet 12 by an adapter 62 which threadedly engages the interior of the faucet as shown in FIG. 1. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the housing 14 is interconnected to the .adapter by a swivel means generally indicated at 64. The swivel means includes a swivel head 66 having a substantially spherical-configuration, the outer surface of which 68 is movably dispo'sedrelative to the inner surface 70 of adapter 62. Relative movement between the surfaces is facilitated through the use of bearing means 72 comprising a sleeve which is ideally made from Teflon as mentioned above. It is important to note that while the configurations of

surfaces

68 and 70 generally correspond to one another, bearing sleeve 72 is placed therebetween in sandwiched-like relation and serves to act as a seal in that any clearance between these two surfaces is compensated for by the presence of sleeve 72. In the embodiment shown, sleeve 72 is fixedly attached to swivel head 66 by the upper portion of sleeve 72 overlapping the upper peripheral edge of .head 68. The sleeve is locked in place by means of plug 74 pressed fitted within the interior of head 68. The lowerportion 76 of swivel means 64 if fixedly attached to the hub 20 thereby allowing the housing 14 to be directed to a plurality of positions indicated by directional arrows 80, dependent upon the configuration of swivel head 66.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention wherein sealing button 48 is movably connected in concentric relation within the interior of throat 36 by virtue of a connecting means which comprises the button 48 being mounted in spaced relation on support 52. As explained above, this movable 'connection of button 48 allows automatic self-centering of this button when nozzle cap portion 46 is brought into sealing engagement with the button 48. This facilitates a secureseal between the button and the nozzle cap portion which is advantageous for the reasons to be explained hereinafter.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an embodiment of the present aerating device wherein the housing is connected directly to an adapter means 62. In these two embodiments the swivel means 64 is eliminated. Accordingly, the housing is not movable to direct water issuing therefrom in a plurality of different directions as previously discussed.

FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 are directed to different structures for connecting the sealing means in the form of button 48 to the housing and more particularly to the base 22 of diaphragm cap 16. More specifically a cone ring 82 is integrally attached to the upper portion of button 48 by means of extension 84. Rings 86 are extendable and in the assembled position shown, form the spacing between the filter screens 58. Space 88 defined by the outer surface of member 90 and the inner surface of aperture 56 provides for the movable. connection of button 48 relative to the remainder of the housing of the device. As explained above when nozzle cap portion 46 engages button 48, the button automatically self-centers thereby facilitating a better seal between these two members. Finger 92 may be detached and serves to aid in the positioning of sealing means relative to base 22. This finger may be detached by clipping or pulling as desired.

With reference to FIG. 9, snap plug 94 includes a plurality of prongs 96 separated by space 98 such that the prongs may be compressed towards one another, inserted through aperture 56 and snapped into place as shown. Connector 54 is inserted into the interio through the bottom of the sealing means.

FIG. 10 shows essentially the reverse structure of FIG. 9 whereinthe snap plug 94 is inserted through aperture 100 located in bottom flange 102. In this embodiment fastener 54 extends through aperture 56 and base 22 and is spaced from the inner surface of aperture 56 to allow for the automatic self-centeringof button 48 relative to nozzle cap portion 46 as explained above.

In operation, referring to FIG. 1, when the diaphragm 28 is in its non-extended position X the flow path for the water issuing from water outlet 12 is defined by the interior of adapter 62, seivel 64, water passage means comprising apertures 24 and the interior of nozzle 36. The water is directed through nozzle 36 in an aerated stream due to the fact that there is no sealing engagement between button 48 and the cooperative nozzle cap portion 46. The flow of water along this path causes a suction within spray chamber 42 by virtue of the chamber communicating with the throat of the nozzles through vents 40. This suction causes air from the exterior of the housing to enter through apertures 34 comprising the fluid passage means and to pass through chamber 42, vents 40 and into throat 36. This drawn-in air mixes with the water passing through nozzle 36 causing an aerated stream to issue from the lower extremity of nozzle 36. The direction of water flow and air flow when diaphragm 28 isin its non-extended position is indicated by directional arrows 49 and 51 respectively.

When it is desired to direct water from the housing 14 in the form of a spray rather than an aerated stream, diaphragm 28 is placed in its extended position. This is done by merely moving diaphragm cap 16 downwardly as shown by directional arrow 53. This downward movement forces a separation between the upper rim which defines the throat 38 of nozzle 36 and the under surface of base 22. This downward movement also brings nozzle cap portion 46 into sealing engagement with the sealing button 48. This sealing engagement prohibits water from flowing through the interior nozzle 36 and directs the water from apertures 24 directly into spray chamber 42. Since apertures 34 communicate directly with the exterior of housing 14 the water issues therefrom in the form of a spray defined by the various orientations of the apertures (FIG. 4).

An important feature of the present invention comprises the action of diaphragm 28 which is largely attributable to the material from which it is made. Ideally, the diaphragm is formed from material known under the trademark CELCON or KRATON which has been described above. By virtue of the diaphragm being made from one of these materials, it

possesses an inherent bias. This bias tends to move the diaphragm back to its non-extended position from its extended position when these two positions are located on the same side of a plane running substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the diaphragm cap. In other words, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the extended position Y is located co-planar with or on the same side of'a plane located substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the diaphragm cap, as that of non-extended position X. Therefore, there is a natural bias in diaphragm 28 to reposition the diaphragm back into its non-extended position. This bias is overcome by creating a back water pressure in chamber 42. This back water pressure is created by dimensioning the size of apertures 34 dependent upon the capacity or size of spray chamber 42. If the water is exiting from apertures 34 at a sufficiently slower rate than it is entering chamber 42, the back pressure created within chamber 42 will cause the diaphragm to be maintained in its extended position Y. Once the water flow ceases in chamber 42 the back pressure will diminish and the diaphragm will automatically move to its non-extended position. This will position the housing of the device to deliver water through nozzle 36 in an aerated stream. Accordingly, whenever the user of the device shuts off the water, he is aware that it automatically returns to the mode of operation whereby an aerated stream will be delivered from the housing.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the extended position Y is located on the opposite side of an imaginary plane passing substantially perpendicularly through the central axis of the diaphragm cap. In that the positions X and Y are located this distance apart the natural bias of diaphragm 28 causes it to remain in its extended position regardless of the amount of water pressure within chamber 42. Accordingly, I the diaphragm will have to be manually moved back and forth between its extended and non-extended positions by the user of the device. There will be no automatic return of the diaphragm to its non-extended position once the water flow has been shut off.

FIGS. 11-16 show an actuator means generally indicated at and comprising a lever 112 pivotally attached to connecting ring 114. The actuator means is attached to the exterior of the housing about the upper portion or hub of the diaphragm cap. As shown in FIG. 15 the connector ring 114 may be connected to the adapter means when the swivel means is not utilized. The front bar 116 of lever 112 includes a front face having an upper and lower

indicia bearing surface

118 and 120. The indicia printed thereon indicates that the lever has moved the diaphragm into the spray or extended position when the lever is down (FIG. 12). Alternatively when the lever is in up position (FIG. 11) the indicia on surface 120 indicates that the aerated stream will be delivered from the housing. In operation, the lever 112 is positioned so as to be in direct engagement with the upper surface of the diaphragm 28. A camming action occurs upon pivoting of the lever relative to the connecting ring. This moves the diaphragm from its non-extended position X to its extended position Y as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

When the actuator means, as shown in FIGS. ll-16, is used to move the diaphragm back and forth between its positions X and Y, there is no need to create a back back pressure may be reduced by forming apertures 34 would prevent the automatic return of the diaphragm I to its non-extended position once the lever is in its up or stream position.

FIG. 17 is directed to a variation of the device having projections 122 on rim 121 and cooperating arcuate slots on actuator 112. The diaphragm cap is thereby movedinto the selected position. In this embodiment the inherent spring of the diaphragm is sufficient to prevent it from automatically returning to its non-extended regardless of the amount of water pressure within the cylinder. Alternatively, position Y could be located a sufficient distance from position X to present automatic return of the diaphragm from Y to X. Therefore control of the positioning of the actuator to a selected position occurs through use of the actuator. Z is the distance required to position the device in the spray location.

It will thus be seen that the objects made apparent from the preceding description are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in. the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. i

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention, which as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Now that the invention has been described,

What is claimed is:

l. A water aerating device for a water outlet such as a faucet, said device comprising: a housing including a diaphragm cap and a nozzle cap connected to one another and arranged in communicating relation with the water outlet, a flexible diaphragm integrally formed on said diaphragm cap and movable between non-extended and extended positions, whereby water issuing from said device is in the form of a spray or stream depending upon the position of said diaphragm; a spray chamber defined within said housing at least partially by said diaphragm such that the configuration of said chamber is dependent upon the position of said diaphragm, fluid passage means arranged in intercommunicating position between said chamber and the exterior of said housing to allow fluid to pass into and out of said housing, whereby water issuing from said nozzle cap is aerated.

2. A water aerating device as in claim 1 wherein the size of said fluid passage means is dependent upon the area of said chamber such that the rate of fluid issuance from said chamber through said fluid passage means determines the water pressure within said chamber.

3. A water aerating device as in claim l wherein the extended position of said diaphragm is located coplanar with or on the same side of a plane disposed substantially perpendicular to the central axes of said diaphragm, wherein said chamber is in direct communication with the water outlet when said diaphragm is in extended position, said fluid passage means being dimensioned relative to said chamber such that sufficient water pressure is maintained in said chamber to maintain said diaphragm in extendedposition during flow of water through said chamber, whereby said diaphragm will automatically move to a non-extended position when water ceases to flow through said chamber.

4. A water aerating device as in claim'3 wherein the inherent spring action of a diaphragm is sufficient to automatically return the device to the non-extended position irrespective water pressure in the diaphragm chamber. a

5. A water aerating device as in claim 1 wherein the extended position of said diaphragm is locatedcoplanar with or on the same side of a plane disposed substantially perpendicular to the central axes of said diaphragm, whereby said chamber is in direct communication with the water outlet when said diaphragm is in extended position, said fluid passage means being dimensioned relative to said chamber such that insufficient water pressure is maintained in said chamber to maintain said diaphragm in extended position during flow of water through said chamber, whereby said diaphragm is movable to a non-extended position irrespective of the existence of water flow through said chamber.

6. A water aerating device as in claim 5 further comprising actuator means connected tosaid housing in operative engagement with said diaphragm whereby movement of said actuator means causes movement of said diaphragm between extended and non-extended positions.

7. A water aerating device as in claim 1 wherein the extended position of said diaphragm is located on the opposite side of a plane disposed substantially perpendicular to the centralaxes of said diaphragm, whereby said chamber is in direct communication with the water outlet when said diaphragm is in extended position, said non-extended and extended positions being sufficiently spaced from one another to overcome inherent bias of said diaphragm towards said non-extended position irrespective of the amount of water pressure within said chamber.

8 A water aerating device as in claim 1 wherein the non-extended and extended positions of said diaphragm are located a sufficient spaced distance from one another to overcome any inherent bias in said diaphragm towards said non-extended position irrespective of the amount of water pressure within said chamber.

9. A water aerating device as in claim 1 further comprising sealing means positioned within said housing, a portion of said housing movably disposed into and out of sealing engagement with said sealing means, connecting means adjustably connecting said sealing means in cooperative relation with'said housing porhousing portion with said sealing means causes flexure of said skirt and automatic centering of said sealing means relative to said housing portion.

11. A water aerating device as in claim 9 wherein said connecting means comprises a support movably connected in spaced relation to said sealing means such that engagement between said sealing means and said housing portion causes movement of said sealing means relative to said space and automatic centering of said sealing means relative to said housing portion.

12. A water aerating device as in claim 9 wherein said sealing means comprises a button member and said connecting means comprises a flexible skirt integrally attached thereto and connected to said diaphragm; said housing portion including a nozzle cap portion movably positioned relative to said button by virtue of said nozzle portion being connected to said diaphragm cap, whereby movement of said diaphragm into an extended position causes movement of said nozzle cap portion into sealing engagement with said button thereby prohibiting water flow through saidnozzle cap.

13. A water aerating device as in claim 12 wherein said nozzle cap comprises a nozzle which defines a flow path for water passing through said nozzle cap, said button movably mounted in substantially concentric relation to said nozzle and in said flow path, said nozzle cap portion including a peripheral rim formed substantially adjacent the nozzle throat.

14. A water aerating device as in claim 1 further including adapter means interconnected between the water outlet and the said housing and at least partially defining a flow path to said housing for water issuing from the water outlet.

15. A- water aerating device as in claim 14 further including a swivel means interconnected between said adapter and said housing, said swivel means movably connected to said adapter such that said housing may be substantially universally positionable relative to the water outlet.

16. A water aerating device as in claim 15 further comprising bearing means disposed between said swivel means and said adapter so as to allow relative movement therebetween.

17. A water aerating device as in claim-16 whereby said bearing means is arranged in sealing engagement with both said adapter and said swivel and disposed between cooperative relatively movable surfaces of said adapter and said swivel so as to take up any clearance therebetween, wherebysaid bearing means serves both as a seal and a bearing betweenthe cooperative surfaces of said adapter and said swivel.

18. A water aerating device as in claim 16 wherein said swivel comprises'a substantially spherical portion the outer surface of which is mounted in movable relation to a'correspondingly configured inner surface of said adapter; said bearing means comprising a sleeve positioned in sandwichedike fashion between said surfaces such that friction is reduced therebetween upon relative movement of said adapter and said swivel.

l9. A water aerating device as in claim 17 wherein said bearing'means is elastic and made from Teflon.

20. A water aerating device as in claim 9 wherein said connecting means comprises a support integrally attached to said sealing means, locking means connected-to said support and attached in movable, spaced relation to said housing, whereby movement of said support and locking means relative to said housing causes self-centering of said sealing means relative to said nozzle cap portion upon engagement therewith.

21. A water aerating device as in claim 20 wherein said locking means comprises a cone ring disposed in

Claims

1. A water aerating device for a water outlet such as a faucet, said device comprising: a housing including a diaphragm cap and a nozzle cap connected to one another and arranged in communicating relation with the water outlet, a flexible diaphragm integrally formed on said diaphragm cap and movable between non-extended and extended positions, whereby water issuing from said device is in the form of a spray or stream depending upon the position of said diaphragm; a spray chamber defined within said housing at least partially by said diaphragm such that the configuration of said chamber is dependent upon the position of said diaphragm, fluid passage means arranged in intercommunicating position between said chamber and the exterior of said housing to allow fluid to pass into and out of said housing, whereby water issuing from said nozzle cap is aerated.

3. A water aerating device as in claim 1 wherein the extended position of said diaphragm is located coplanar with or on the same side of a plane disposed substantially perpendicular to the central axes of said diaphragm, wherein said chambEr is in direct communication with the water outlet when said diaphragm is in extended position, said fluid passage means being dimensioned relative to said chamber such that sufficient water pressure is maintained in said chamber to maintain said diaphragm in extended position during flow of water through said chamber, whereby said diaphragm will automatically move to a non-extended position when water ceases to flow through said chamber.

4. A water aerating device as in claim 3 wherein the inherent spring action of a diaphragm is sufficient to automatically return the device to the non-extended position irrespective water pressure in the diaphragm chamber.

5. A water aerating device as in claim 1 wherein the extended position of said diaphragm is located co-planar with or on the same side of a plane disposed substantially perpendicular to the central axes of said diaphragm, whereby said chamber is in direct communication with the water outlet when said diaphragm is in extended position, said fluid passage means being dimensioned relative to said chamber such that insufficient water pressure is maintained in said chamber to maintain said diaphragm in extended position during flow of water through said chamber, whereby said diaphragm is movable to a non-extended position irrespective of the existence of water flow through said chamber.

6. A water aerating device as in claim 5 further comprising actuator means connected to said housing in operative engagement with said diaphragm whereby movement of said actuator means causes movement of said diaphragm between extended and non-extended positions.

7. A water aerating device as in claim 1 wherein the extended position of said diaphragm is located on the opposite side of a plane disposed substantially perpendicular to the central axes of said diaphragm, whereby said chamber is in direct communication with the water outlet when said diaphragm is in extended position, said non-extended and extended positions being sufficiently spaced from one another to overcome inherent bias of said diaphragm towards said non-extended position irrespective of the amount of water pressure within said chamber.

8. A water aerating device as in claim 1 wherein the non-extended and extended positions of said diaphragm are located a sufficient spaced distance from one another to overcome any inherent bias in said diaphragm towards said non-extended position irrespective of the amount of water pressure within said chamber.

9. A water aerating device as in claim 1 further comprising sealing means positioned within said housing, a portion of said housing movably disposed into and out of sealing engagement with said sealing means, connecting means adjustably connecting said sealing means in cooperative relation with said housing portion, whereby movement of said housing portion into engagement with said sealing means causes automatic centering of said sealing means relative to said housing portion thereby securing a seal therebetween.

10. A water aerating device as in claim 9 wherein said connecting means comprises a flexible skirt member attached to said sealing means, said sealing means positioned in the flow path of liquid passing through said housing, whereby engagement of said housing portion with said sealing means causes flexure of said skirt and automatic centering of said sealing means relative to said housing portion.

12. A water aerating device as in claim 9 wherein said sealing means comprises a button member and said connecting means comprises a flexible skirt integrally attached thereto and connected to said diaphragm; said housing portion including a nozzle cap porTion movably positioned relative to said button by virtue of said nozzle portion being connected to said diaphragm cap, whereby movement of said diaphragm into an extended position causes movement of said nozzle cap portion into sealing engagement with said button thereby prohibiting water flow through said nozzle cap.

15. A water aerating device as in claim 14 further including a swivel means interconnected between said adapter and said housing, said swivel means movably connected to said adapter such that said housing may be substantially universally positionable relative to the water outlet.

17. A water aerating device as in claim 16 whereby said bearing means is arranged in sealing engagement with both said adapter and said swivel and disposed between cooperative relatively movable surfaces of said adapter and said swivel so as to take up any clearance therebetween, whereby said bearing means serves both as a seal and a bearing between the cooperative surfaces of said adapter and said swivel.

18. A water aerating device as in claim 16 wherein said swivel comprises a substantially spherical portion the outer surface of which is mounted in movable relation to a correspondingly configured inner surface of said adapter; said bearing means comprising a sleeve positioned in sandwiched-like fashion between said surfaces such that friction is reduced therebetween upon relative movement of said adapter and said swivel.

19. A water aerating device as in claim 17 wherein said bearing means is elastic and made from Teflon.

20. A water aerating device as in claim 9 wherein said connecting means comprises a support integrally attached to said sealing means, locking means connected to said support and attached in movable, spaced relation to said housing, whereby movement of said support and locking means relative to said housing causes self-centering of said sealing means relative to said nozzle cap portion upon engagement therewith.

21. A water aerating device as in claim 20 wherein said locking means comprises a cone ring disposed in locking engagement with said housing, said cone ring being elastomeric so as to compress upon being mounted on said housing and expandable once in assembled position.

22. A water aerating device as in claim 20 wherein said locking means comprises a plurality of prongs arranged in spaced relation to one another, whereby said prongs are movable toward one another in substantially compressed position upon being mounted on said housing and extend into normal position once assembled relative to said housing.