WO2023168440A2

WO2023168440A2 - Magnetic self-docking faucet

Info

Publication number: WO2023168440A2
Application number: PCT/US2023/063727
Authority: WO
Inventors: Xiaojing Ye; Weijian Zhang; Emilie Williams
Original assignee: As America, Inc.
Priority date: 2022-03-04
Filing date: 2023-03-03
Publication date: 2023-09-07
Also published as: WO2023168440A3; CN118805013A

Abstract

A self-docking faucet is provided. The faucet comprises a body and an arm extending from the body. A hose extends from the body and is fluidly coupled to an adapter, which is fluidly coupled to a sprayhead. The arm comprises a first magnetic component and the adapter comprises a second magnetic component. The first and second magnetic components exert an attractive magnetic force on one another to cause the adapter - and, therefore, the sprayhead - to be pulled toward and docked to a docking portion of the arm.

Description

MAGNETIC SELF-DOCKING FAUCET

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit of priority of Chinese Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Application No. PCT/CN2022/079313, filed March 4, 2022, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

[0002] This relates generally to faucets, and, more specifically, to a magnetic self-docking system for a faucet.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Known faucet assemblies may include a faucet hose and a pull-down sprayhead, or they may include a flexible faucet hose surrounded by a spring. In some faucets in which a spring surrounds a flexible faucet hose, a sprayhead attached to the end of the flexible hose may be selectively docked to an arm extending from a faucet body. When the sprayhead is docked to the arm, the faucet may dispense a steady stream of water without the user physically interacting with the sprayhead. When the sprayhead is undocked from the arm, the user may hold the sprayhead and may move the sprayhead about a sink area during use.

SUMMARY

[0004] As described above, some known faucet systems include an arm to which a sprayhead of the faucet may be selectively docked. In some embodiments, a sprayhead can be docked to an arm using a magnetic attachment system. However, known systems for docking sprayheads to arms of faucets require the user to manually align a portion of the sprayhead with a docking portion of the arm to successfully dock the faucet assembly using the magnetic system. For example, the docking assemblies may require the user to manually align a portion of the sprayhead which contains a magnetic component with the docking portion of the arm which contains the corresponding attractive magnetic component to successfully dock the faucet hose and sprayhead assembly. Such alignment requires precision from the user to match the portion of the sprayhead intended for docking with the end of the arm.

[0005] Furthermore, known faucet docking systems comprise off-center flow paths through the sprayhead, as necessitated by bulky magnetic docking components of known systems. That is, a flow path in the sprayhead may be off-center from a central axis of the hose leading to the sprayhead. By using off-center flow paths that have directional changes in the sprayhead, known systems introduce resistance to the flow of water in the sprayhead. An increase in resistance in the flow path causes a reduced flow rate and reduced water pressure at the outlet of the sprayhead, which can lead to user dissatisfaction. Furthermore, the flow path cavity in the sprayhead being off-center and including directional changes leads to increased complexity of manufacturing for sprayhead components.

[0006] Additionally, known faucet docking assemblies do not provide the option to operably rotate the sprayhead when it is in use (either in the docked or undocked position). Rather, known systems have sprayheads that have a fixed rotational relationship to the hose leading to the faucet and that must be in a single fixed rotational position in order to be docked to the faucet arm.

[0007] Finally, known faucet docking assemblies do not provide the option for interchangeable sprayheads with magnetic docking functionality provided by a universal adapter.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for improved magnetic docking faucet systems which improves ease in docking the sprayhead to the arm. Furthermore, there is a need for improved magnetic docking faucet systems to allow for a centered flow path in the sprayhead. Additionally, there is a need for improved magnetic docking faucet systems to allow for operable rotation of the sprayhead about the connection to the remainder of the faucet assembly. Finally, there is a need for improved magnetic docking faucet systems to allow for interchangeability of sprayheads with magnetic docking functionality provided by a universal adapter. Disclosed herein are magnetic self-docking faucet systems that may address one or more of the above-identified needs.

[0009] As disclosed herein, a magnetic self-docking faucet system can include an adapter comprising a magnetic component, wherein the adapter is fluidly connected to (and disposed between) a faucet hose and a sprayhead. Rather than a magnetic component for docking with a faucet arm being provided in the sprayhead itself, a magnetic component for docking with the faucet arm may be provided in the adapter. The magnetic component in the adapter may be shaped to allow for a flow path for water through the adapter to proceed in an uninterrupted manner along a central axis of the adapter, which may align with a central axis of the hose leading to the adapter and a central axis of the sprayhead downstream of the adapter. [0010] The sprayhead may be rotatable with respect to the adapter and/or with respect to the hose. Rotation of the sprayhead may, in some embodiments, include operable rotation, such that the sprayhead may be rotated during use (e.g., while water is flowing from the sprayhead) when the spray head/adapter are in either a docked position or an undocked position with respect to the faucet arm. Rotation of the sprayhead may additionally or alternatively include rotation of the sprayhead for selective removal of the sprayhead from the adapter, for example by unscrewing the sprayhead from a threaded connection to the adapter.

[0011] The faucet system may be configured such that a plurality of sprayheads are interchangeable, each being selectively connectable to and disconnectable from the adapter, with the magnetic docking functionality provided by the magnetic component included in the adapter. Thus, different sprayheads may be used even when the sprayhead itself does not include any magnetic components.

[0012] Furthermore, the adapter may include a recess formed on an outer wall of the shell of the adapter. The recess may be configured to receive a corresponding docking portion of the faucet arm when the adapter is pulled, by magnetic force, into a docked position with respect to the faucet arm. The magnetic component of the adapter may be disposed in the recess, either outside or inside the shell of the adapter. The recess may comprise one or more tapered side walls and one or more rounded corners, which may improve the ease with which the adapter and sprayhead can move into the docked position, as the shape of the tapered side walls and/or the rounded corners may help to push the adapter toward the docked position as the magnetic components pull the adapter toward the docking portion of the faucet arm, thereby creating a “self-docking” functionality.

[0013] In some embodiments, a first self-docking faucet is provided, comprising: a faucet body; an arm comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the arm is attached to the faucet body and the second end of the arm comprises a docking portion comprising a first magnetic component; a hose extending through and protruding out of the faucet body; an adapter fluidly connected to an end of the hose and configured to receive flow of water from the hose into an adapter flow path, the adapter comprising a second magnetic component, wherein the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are configured to exert an attractive magnetic force on one another to cause the adapter to dock to the docking portion of the arm; and a spray head fluidly connected to the adapter and configured to receive flow of water from the adapter flow path into a spray head flow path, wherein a central axis of the spray head flow path is aligned with a central axis of the adapter flow path and with a central axis of the end of the hose.

[0014] In some embodiments of the first self-docking faucet, the second magnetic component is disposed between the adapter flow path and a wall of the adapter.

[0015] In some embodiments of the first self-docking faucet, a thickness of the second magnetic component is less than or equal to 4 millimeters in a direction extending from the adapter flow path toward the wall of the adapter.

[0016] In some embodiments of the first self-docking faucet, the second magnetic component has a thickness in a direction extending from the adapter flow path toward the outer wall of the adapter that is less than or equal to 25% of a radius of the adapter in the direction extending from the adapter flow path toward the wall of the adapter.

[0017] In some embodiments of the first self-docking faucet, a width of the second magnetic component is less than or equal to 9 millimeters and a height of the second magnetic component is less than or equal to 22 millimeters.

[0018] In some embodiments of the first self-docking faucet, the second magnetic component comprises a partial annular shape.

[0019] In some embodiments of the first self-docking faucet, the partial annular shape of the second magnetic component is disposed against a corresponding annular portion of a wall of the adapter.

[0020] In some embodiments of the first self-docking faucet, the attractive magnetic force is greater than or equal to 5 Newtons when the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are in a docked position with respect to one another.

[0021] In some embodiments, a second self-docking faucet is provided, comprising: a faucet body; an arm comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the arm is attached to the faucet body and the second end of the arm comprises a docking portion comprising a first magnetic component; a hose extending through and protruding out of the body; an adapter fluidly connected to an end of the hose and configured to receive flow of water from the hose, the adapter comprising a second magnetic component, wherein the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are configured to exert an attractive magnetic force on one another to cause the adapter to dock to the docking portion of the arm; and a spray head fluidly connected to the adapter and configured to receive flow of water from the adapter, wherein the spray head is operably rotatable with respect to the hose.

[0022] In some embodiments of the second self-docking faucet, the spray head is operably rotatable with respect to the adapter.

[0023] In some embodiments of the second self-docking faucet, the adapter is operably rotatable with respect to the hose.

[0024] In some embodiments of the second self-docking faucet, when the adapter is in a docked position with respect to the docking portion of the arm, the adapter is rotated into a predefined docked orientation.

[0025] In some embodiments, a third self-docking faucet is provided, comprising: a faucet body; an arm comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the arm is attached to the faucet body and the second end of the arm comprises a docking portion comprising a first magnetic component; a hose extending through and protruding out of the faucet body; and an adapter fluidly connected to an end of the hose and configured to receive flow of water from the hose, the adapter comprising a second magnetic component, wherein the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are configured to exert an attractive magnetic force on one another to cause the adapter to dock to the docking portion of the arm, wherein the adapter comprises a sprayhead attachment portion configured to be removably attachable to a sprayhead.

[0026] In some embodiments of the third self-docking faucet, the sprayhead attachment portion is configured to fluidly connect to a sprayhead such that water flows from the adapter to the sprayhead when the sprayhead is in the connected position.

[0027] In some embodiments of the third self-docking faucet, the sprayhead attachment portion comprises a threaded connection portion.

[0028] In some embodiments, a fourth self-docking faucet is provided, comprising: a faucet body; an arm comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the arm is attached to the faucet body and the second end of the arm comprises a docking portion comprising a first magnetic component; a hose extending through and protruding out of the faucet body; and an adapter fluidly connected to an end of the hose and configured to receive flow of water from the hose, the adapter comprising: a second magnetic component, wherein the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are configured to exert an attractive magnetic force on one another to pull the adapter toward a docked position with respect to the docking portion of the arm; a shell comprising a recess, wherein the recess comprises one or more tapered side-walls, and wherein the recess is shaped to receive a corresponding portion of the docking portion of the arm when the adapter is in the docked position; and a spray head fluidly connected to the adapter and configured to receive flow of water from the adapter.

[0029] In some embodiments of the fourth self-docking faucet, the recess comprises one or more rounded comers.

[0030] In some embodiments of the fourth self-docking faucet, the recess depth is less than or equal to 4 millimeters.

[0031] In some embodiments of the fourth self-docking faucet, the recess extends circumferentially around less than or equal to 50% of the adapter.

[0032] In some embodiments of the fourth self-docking faucet, the second magnetic component is disposed behind the recess inside the shell of the adapter.

[0033] In some embodiments, features of any one or more of the embodiments described above may be combined in whole or in part with one another and/or with any other features described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a magnetic self-docking faucet assembly, according to some embodiments;

[0036] FIG. IB shows a partial cross-sectional view of a magnetic self-docking faucet assembly, according to some embodiments; [0037] FIG. 1C shows a partial view of a magnetic self-docking faucet assembly, according to some embodiments; and

[0038] FIG. ID shows a partial cross-sectional view of a magnetic self-docking faucet assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0039] FIG. 2A shows a front view of the second magnetic component of a magnetic selfdocking faucet assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the second magnetic component of a magnetic self-docking faucet assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 2C shows a perspective top view of the second magnetic component of a magnetic self-docking faucet assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0042] FIG. 3A shows a front view of the second magnetic component of a magnetic selfdocking faucet assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the second magnetic component of a magnetic self-docking faucet assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0044] FIG. 3C shows a perspective view of the second magnetic component of a magnetic self-docking faucet assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0045] FIG. 4A shows an exploded view of a portion of a magnetic self-docking faucet assembly nearest a universal adapter, according to some embodiments.

[0046] FIG. 4B shows a side view of a portion of a magnetic self-docking faucet assembly comprising a universal adapter, according to some embodiments.

[0047] FIG. 4C shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a magnetic self-docking faucet assembly comprising a universal adapter, according to some embodiments.

[0048] FIG. 4D shows an exploded view of a portion of a magnetic self-docking faucet assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0049] FIG. 4E shows a cross-sectional top view of a portion of a magnetic self-docking faucet assembly comprising a universal adapter, according to some embodiments. [0050] FIG. 4F shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a magnetic self-docking faucet assembly comprising a universal adapter, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] As explained above, there is a need for improved faucet docking systems that improve ease of docking the sprayhead, allow for a centered flow path through the assembly components, allow for operable rotation of the sprayhead, and allow for interchangeability of multiple sprayheads without compromising the magnetic docking functionality. Accordingly, provided herein are magnetic self-docking faucet systems that may address one or more of the above-identified needs.

[0052] A magnetic self-docking system can be configured for use in faucet assemblies comprising a sprayhead in fluid communication with a flexible hose. The flexible hose may be surrounded by a spring that limits the flexibility of the hose and provides a spring force that pulls and/or pushes the sprayhead toward a docked position as described herein. The sprayhead may be connected to the flexible hose by an adapter, which may be disposed between an end of the hose and the top of the sprayhead, such that water may flow from the hose, to the adapter, and then to the sprayhead. The adapter may be configured to be able to be selectively docked to and undocked from a docking portion of an arm protruding from the faucet body. The adapter may include one or more magnetic components (e.g., a magnet and/or a magnetically attractive component) disposed in and/or on the adapter. The one or more magnetic components in the adapter may be configured to exert an attractive magnetic force on one or more corresponding magnetic components disposed on or in the docking portion of the arm, such that the adapter is pulled toward the docking portion of the arm and may be pulled into the docked position.

[0053] The adapter may include a recess formed on an outer wall of the shell of the adapter, and the recess may have a corresponding shape to a docking portion of the faucet arm. When the adapter is pulled, by magnetic force, into a docked position with respect to the faucet arm, the recess may dock with the docking portion of the faucet arm. The recess may comprise one or more tapered side walls and one or more rounded comers, which may improve the ease with which the adapter and sprayhead can move into the docked position, as the shape of the tapered side walls and/or the rounded corners may help to push the adapter toward the docked position as the magnetic components pull the adapter toward the docking portion of the faucet arm, thereby creating a “self-docking” functionality. [0054] The one or more magnetic components in the adapter may have a shape, size, and position with respect to other components in the adapter such that a central flow path through the adapter is able to proceed through the adapter without deviating from a central axis of the adapter (and, optionally, without deviating from a central axis of the hose nor from a central axis of the spray head).

[0055] Furthermore, the magnetic self-docking faucet system can be configured to allow for operable rotation of the sprayhead with respect to the adapter and/or with respect to the hose, The sprayhead may be rotatable, for example about one or more rotatable connections, during use while the spray head/adapter are in docked or undocked positions with respect to the faucet arm.

[0056] Furthermore, the sprayhead may be selectively removable from the adapter, for example by way of one or more removable connections (e.g., a threaded connection), thereby providing for interchangeability of multiple sprayheads without compromising the magnetic docking functionality provided by the adapter.

[0057] Various embodiments of magnetic self-docking faucet systems are discussed below by way of example.

[0058] FIGS. 1A-1D show various views of a faucet assembly 100 in accordance with some embodiments. Faucet 100 may be an automatic or manual faucet for household or commercial use. For example, faucet 100 may be designed for use as a kitchen faucet.

[0059] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of magnetic self-docking faucet assembly 100, according to some embodiments. As shown, faucet assembly 100 includes faucet body 102, arm 104, sprayhead 106, adapter 108, collar 110, hose 112, and spring 114.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 1A, in some embodiments, faucet body 102 may extend upwards from a deck and may optionally include one or more handles, for controlling flow and/or temperature of water, disposed on the faucet body. Faucet body 102 may extend upwards from the deck and may terminate at a top end where faucet body 102 may be in fluid communication with hose 112. Hose 112 may have a proximal (upstream) end that is in fluid communication with faucet body 102 and a distal (downstream) end that is in fluid communication with adapter 108. Water may travel up through faucet body 102, then into and through hose 112, then into adapter 108, then into sprayhead 106, before being dispensed from sprayhead 106. [0061] In some embodiments, faucet assembly 100 may include arm 104. The arm 104 may be attached to and protrude from faucet body 102. In the embodiment shown, a proximal end of arm 104 attaches to a top end of faucet body 102. Arm 104 may include an annular attachment portion that wraps around the circumference of faucet body 102. In some embodiments, arm 104 may be rotatable around a central axis of faucet body 102. For example, a user may be able to rotate arm 104 through a rotatable range, for example spanning between -90 degrees (in one direction) and +90 degrees (in the opposite direction) from a centered position as depicted in FIG. 1A. For example, in an instance where the user desires the arm 104 to be in a parallel arrangement with a back edge of a sink, wherein faucet body 102 is disposed at a back edge of the sink, the user can rotate the arm 104 about the faucet body 102 to achieve unobstructed access to the sink.

[0062] Hose 112 may extend from faucet body 102 to deliver a flow of water to sprayhead 106 (via adapter 108). In some embodiments, hose 112 may be flexible such that a user can freely move hose 112 about the sink area when sprayhead 106 is undocked. Hose 112 may be surrounded by a spring 114, wherein spring 114 limits the flexibility of hose 112 such that the assembly of the hose 112 and spring 114 retract to an equilibrium position when not in use. For example, the equilibrium position for hose 112 and spring 114 may be defined by a “u- shape” as shown in FIG. 1 A.

[0063] In some embodiments, spring 114 may be attached to the top end of faucet body 102 (and/or to the annular attachment portion of the proximal end of arm 104) and may extend all of the way down the length of hose 112 or part of the way down the length of hose 112. In some embodiments, spring 114 may extend down the length of hose 112 by greater than or equal to 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% of the length of hose 112. In some embodiments, spring 114 may extend down the length of hose 112 by less than or equal to 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% of the length of hose 112. In some embodiments, spring 114 may fluctuate in position along the length of the hose 112 while in use. Spring 114 may be fixed to a portion of hose 112, or hose 112 may be disposed inside spring 114 without spring 114 being fixed to hose 112.

[0064] The length of spring 114 may be less than or equal to about 0.40 m, 0.42 m, 0.44 m, 0.46 mm, 0.48 mm, or 0.50 mm. In some embodiments, the length of spring 114 may be greater than or equal to about 0.40 m, 0.42 m, 0.44 m, 0.46 mm, 0.48 mm, or 0.50 mm. The diameter of the coil of spring 114 may be less than or equal to about 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, or 6 mm. The diameter of the coil of spring 114 may be greater than or equal to about 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, or 6 mm.

[0065] In some embodiments, collar 110 may support a connection between a distal (downstream) end of hose 112 and a first (e.g., top, upstream) end of adapter 108.

[0066] In some embodiments, faucet assembly 100 includes adapter 108. Adapter 108 may be in fluid communication with hose 112 on a first (e.g., top, upstream) end and with sprayhead 106 on a second (e.g., bottom, downstream) end so as to create a flow path from hose 112 to sprayhead 106. In some embodiments, adapter 108 may be removably attached to a second end of arm 104. For example, adapter 108 may be removably dockable, via a magnetic docking mechanism, to a docking portion on the distal end of arm 104. Adapter 108 may include a recess that is shaped in a corresponding manner to a docking portion on the end of arm 104, such that the docking portion on the end of arm 104 may fit inside the recess formed on adapter 108. A user may disengage adapter 108 from arm 104 during use such that adapter 108 and other attached components (e.g., sprayhead 106) may be moved about the sink area within a range restricted by spring 114. The user may dock adapter 108, placing it in a docked position with respect to the docking portion of adapter 108, such that adapter 108 and other attached components (e.g., sprayhead 106) is held in place with respect to arm 104.

[0067] Faucet assembly 100 may further include sprayhead 106. As described above, sprayhead 106 may be fluidly coupled to adapter 108, such that water may flow from adapter 108 into sprayhead 106 and may then be dispensed from sprayhead 106. In some embodiments, sprayhead 106 may be removably attached to adapter 108, in that a user may be able to selectively remove sprayhead 106 from adapter 108, for example to replace sprayhead 106 with an alternative sprayhead. Sprayhead 106 may be attached to adapter 108 by a threaded connection, snap connection, or other suitable connection mechanism. Notably, because magnetic docking components may be disposed in adapter 108 rather than in sprayhead 106, faucet assembly 100 may allow for sprayheads to be freely interchanged without impacting the docking functionality provided via adapter 108. Thus, even sprayheads without magnetic docking components therein may be used, and the magnetic docking functionality of faucet assembly 100 may not be negatively impacted.

[0068] In some embodiments, sprayhead 106 may be connected to adapter 108 in such a manner that sprayhead 106 is operably rotatable with respect to adapter 108. For example, sprayhead 106 may be rotatable (e.g., by up to 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 360 degrees, or more) with respect to adapter 108. Sprayhead 106 may be rotatable without impacting the flow of water through and from sprayhead 106. A user may thus be able to rotate sprayhead 106 (e.g., to access a button disposed on one side of sprayhead 106) without needing to rotate adapter 108, thereby allowing the user to rotate the sprayhead without rotating adapter 108 and allowing adapter 108 to remain in an orientation in which it is docked (or dockable) with arm 104.

[0069] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, adapter 108 may be connected to hose 112 in such a manner that adapter 108 is operably rotatable with respect to hose 112.

[0070] FIG. IB illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of faucet assembly 100, according to some embodiments. As shown, faucet assembly 100 includes faucet body 102, arm 104, sprayhead 106, waterway cavity 116, first magnetic component 118, second magnetic component 120, adapter 108, connector 122, collar 110, hose 112, and spring 114. Faucet 100 as shown in FIG. IB, and its corresponding components, may include any features of faucet 100 and corresponding components described above with reference to and/or shown in FIG. 1A.

[0071] As shown in FIG. IB, faucet body 102 may include a shell that houses a waterway therein, such that water may flow up through faucet body 102 and into hose 112, which may extend out of the (top) and of faucet body 102.

[0072] As shown, spring 114 may be attached to and/or protrude from the first (proximal) end of arm 104. Arm 104 may include an annular cavity into which a proximal end of spring 114 may be inserted.

[0073] As shown in FIG. IB, sprayhead 106, which may be rotatable with respect to adapter 108 and/or hose 112 (such that the user may remove and exchange the sprayhead 106 for a different sprayhead model, or such that the user may operably rotate sprayhead 106 to access features not otherwise visible and/or accessible) may include internal waterway 116. Sprayhead 106 may comprise an external shell, wherein the external shell of sprayhead 106 houses internal waterway 116. Internal waterway 116 can fluidly connect sprayhead 106 to connector 122, which may be housed within adapter 108. [0074] As shown in FIG. IB, adapter 108 may house connector 122. Connector 122 may be a waterway component, forming a portion of a water flow path downstream of hose 112 and upstream of sprayhead 106. Connector 122 may be disposed inside an outer shell of adapter 108. For example, adapter 108 may comprise an annular shell which houses connector 122, and in the instance water flows through adapter 108, it may do so in the flow path through connector 122. Therefore, connector 122 establishes fluid communication between hose 112 and sprayhead 106 which passes through adapter 108. In some embodiments, connector 122 may be rotatable about the connection with hose 112, for example allowing a user to operable rotate and/or remove connector 122.

[0075] As shown in FIG. IB, arm 104 of faucet assembly 100 may encompass a first magnetic component 118 at a second (distal) end of arm 104. First magnetic component 118 may include one or more magnets and/or magnetically attractive materials. First magnetic component 118 may have any suitable shape, such as a rectangular prism shape. In some embodiments, first magnetic component 118 may extend in a vertical direction from at or near a top surface of arm 104 to at or near a bottom surface of arm 104. In some embodiments, first magnetic component 118 may have a shape that extends to a greater extent in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction; in embodiments where corresponding magnetic components in adapter 108 have a corresponding shape (e.g., tall and narrow), the shape of the magnetic components may aid in automatic alignment of adapter 108, due to the attractive magnetic force, when it is brought into proximity to first magnetic component 118.

[0076] First magnetic component 118 may comprise a length and/or height of less than or equal to about 13 mm, 13.5 mm, 14 mm, 14.5 mm, 15 mm, 15.5 mm, 16 mm, 16.5 mm, or 17 mm. In some embodiments, first magnetic component 118 may comprise a length and/or height of greater than or equal to about 13 mm, 13.5 mm, 14 mm, 14.5 mm, 15 mm, 15.5 mm, 16 mm, 16.5 mm, or 17 mm. The width of first magnetic component 118 may be less than or equal to about 1 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.75 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.25 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.75 mm, or 3 mm. In some embodiments, the width of first magnetic component 118 may be greater than or equal to about 1 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.75 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.25 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.75 mm, or 3 mm.

[0077] The magnetic strength of first magnetic component 118 may be less than or equal to about 4700 G, 4750 G, 4800 G, 4850 G, 4900 G, 4950 G, 5000 G, 5050 G, or 5100 Gauss. In some embodiments, the magnetic strength of first magnetic component 118 may be greater than or equal to about 4700 G, 4750 G, 4800 G, 4850 G, 4900 G, 4950 G, 5000 G, 5050 G, or 5100 Gauss.

[0078] Adapter 108 may comprise second magnetic component 120. Second magnetic component 120 may share any one or more characteristics in common with first magnetic component 118.

[0079] Second magnetic component 120 may be disposed on or inside adapter 108. In some embodiments, second magnetic component may be positioned inside an outer shell of adapter 108, positioned between a flow path inside adapter 108 (e.g., connector 122) and a wall of adapter 108. For example, second magnetic component 120 may be located along an inside surface of a back wall of adapter 108, such that second magnetic component 120 is on the internal surface opposing an external recess formed in the back side of the shell of adapter 108. In some examples, adapter 108 may comprise an external void (e.g., a through-hole) rather than a recess, such that the second magnetic component 120 housed inside adapter 108 may be externally visible and may directly physically contact arm 104 when in the docked position.

[0080] In some examples, second magnetic component 120 may have a thickness between 2 and 4 millimeters (mm), wherein the thickness extends in the direction from the flow path of adapter 108 toward the wall of adapter 108. In some embodiments, the thickness of second magnetic component 120 may be less than or equal to 2 mm, 2.25 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.75 mm, 3 mm, 3.25 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.75 mm, or 4 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of second magnetic component 120 may be greater than or equal to 2 mm, 2.25 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.75 mm, 3 mm, 3.25 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.75 mm, or 4 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of second magnetic component 120 may be less than or equal to 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of a radius of the adapter in the direction extending from the adapter flow path toward the wall of the adapter. In some embodiments, the thickness of second magnetic component 120 may be greater than or equal to 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of a radius of the adapter in the direction extending from the adapter flow path toward the wall of the adapter.

[0081] Second magnetic component 120 may comprise a length of less than or equal to about 6 mm, 6.5 mm, 7 mm, 7.5 mm, 8 mm, 8.5 mm, 9 mm, 9.5 mm, or 10 mm. In some embodiments, second magnetic component 120 may comprise a length of greater than or equal to about 6 mm, 6.5 mm, 7 mm, 7.5 mm, 8 mm, 8.5 mm, 9 mm, 9.5 mm, or 10 mm. Second magnetic component 120 may comprise a height of less than or equal to about 18 mm, 18.5 mm, 19 mm, 19.5 mm, 20 mm, 20.5 mm, 21 mm, 21.5 mm, or 22 mm. In some embodiments, second magnetic component 120 may comprise a height of greater than or equal to about 18 mm, 18.5 mm, 19 mm, 19.5 mm, 20 mm, 20.5 mm, 21 mm, 21.5 mm, or 22 mm.

[0082] The magnetic strength of second magnetic component 120 may be less than or equal to about 3200 G, 3250 G, 3300 G, 3350 G, 3400 G, 3450 G, or 3500 Gauss. In some embodiments, the magnetic strength of second magnetic component 120 may be greater than or equal to about 3200 G, 3250 G, 3300 G, 3350 G, 3400 G, 3450 G, or 3500 Gauss.

[0083] In some examples, second magnetic component 120 may comprise a partial annular shape, wherein the shape of the magnet mimics the curvature of an interior wall of adapter 108. In some embodiments, second magnetic component 120 may comprise a curved shape with an internal radius between 9 and 10 millimeters. In some embodiments, the internal radius of the curved second magnetic component may be less than or equal to 9.0 mm, 9.1 mm, 9.2 mm, 9.3 mm, 9.4 mm, 9.5 mm, 9.6 mm, 9.7 mm, 9.8 mm, 9.9 mm, or 10 mm. In some embodiments, the internal radius of the curved second magnetic component may be greater than or equal to 9.0 mm, 9.1 mm, 9.2 mm, 9.3 mm, 9.4 mm, 9.5 mm, 9.6 mm, 9.7 mm, 9.8 mm, 9.9 mm, or 10 mm. In some embodiments, second magnetic component 120 may comprise an external radius between 11 and 13 millimeters. In some embodiments, the external radius may be less than or equal to 11 mm, 11.25 mm, 11.5 mm, 11.75 mm, 12 mm, 12.25 mm, 12.5 mm, 12.75 mm, or 13 mm. In some embodiments, the external radius may be greater than or equal to 11 mm, 11.25 mm, 11.5 mm, 11.75 mm, 12 mm, 12.25 mm, 12.5 mm, 12.75 mm, or 13 mm. Having a partial annular shape may allow second magnetic component 120 to be disposed inside adapter 108 without interrupting space needed for a flow path inside adapter 108, thereby allowing the flow path of water inside adapter 108 to follow a central axis of adapter 108 without deviation.

[0084] In some embodiments, first magnetic component 118 and second magnetic component 120 may exert an attractive magnetic force on one another, such that the attractive magnetic force aids in pulling adapter 108 into the docked position with respect to arm 104. The attraction force between first magnetic component 118 and second magnetic component 120 may be between 5 and 10 Newtons (N) when in a docked position. In some embodiments, the attractive force may be greater than or equal to 4 N, 5 N, 6 N, 7 N, 8 N, 9 N, or 10 N when in the docked position. In some embodiments, the attractive force may be less than or equal to 4 N, 5 N, 6 N, 7 N, 8 N, 9 N, or 10 N when in the docked position. Because adapter 108 can be fluidly connected to hose 112 and sprayhead 106, docking adapter 108 to arm 104 may be understood to cause hose 112 and sprayhead 106 to thereby be docked (indirectly) to arm 104 as well.

[0085] In some examples, first magnetic component 118 may share any one or more characteristics in common with second magnetic component 120.

[0086] FIG. 1C shows a partial view of faucet assembly 100 according to some embodiments. As shown, faucet assembly 100 includes sprayhead 106, adapter 108, collar 110, hose 112, and a recess 124. Recess 124 is formed in an outer wall of adapter 108 and is shaped in a corresponding manner, and thereby configured to receive, a docking portion of arm 104 (not shown in FIG. 1C).

[0087] In some embodiments, adapter 108 may be substantially equal in diameter with a proximal portion of sprayhead 106. For example, the diameter of adapter 108 may be greater than or equal to 26, 28, 30, 32, or 34 mm. The diameter may of adapter 108 be less than or equal to 26, 28, 30, 32, or 34 mm. This configuration may ensure that sprayhead 106 does not interfere with the ability of adapter 108 to dock with arm 104.

[0088] Collar 110 may include any features of collar 110 described with respect to faucet assembly 100 of FIG. 1A and/or FIG. IB. For example, collar 110 may support the fluid connection between hose 112 and adapter 108. In some embodiments, collar 110 may comprise an annular shape with an inner radius that encircles and sits against (or sits close to) hose 112. Collar 110 may comprise a narrower upper portion and a wider lower portion, wherein the two portions may be joined by a transition region comprising a blended edge. The wider lower portion may be substantially equal in diameter with a proximal (e.g., upper) portion of adapter 108.

[0089] In some embodiments, adapter 108 comprises recess 124. A width of recess 124 can extend circumferentially around at least a portion of adapter 108. The width of recess 124 may be less than or equal to about 10 mm, 10.5 mm, 11 mm, 11.5 mm, 12 mm, 12.5 mm, 13 mm, 13.5 mm, 14 mm, 14.5 mm, or 15 mm. In some embodiments, the width of recess 124 may be greater than or equal to about 10 mm, 10.5 mm, 11 mm, 11.5 mm, 12 mm, 12.5 mm, 13 mm, 13.5 mm, 14 mm, 14.5 mm, or 15 mm. In some embodiments, recess 124 may extend 25% to 75% circumferentially around adapter 108. In some embodiments, recess 124 may extend around the circumference of adapter 108 by greater than or equal to 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, or 75% of the circumference. In some embodiments, recess

124 may extend around the circumference of adapter 108 by less than or equal 25%, 30%, 35%,

40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, or 75% of the circumference.

[0090] In some embodiments, recess 124 may extend inwards (e.g., in the direction in which the recess is recessed) by 25% to 100% of the thickness of adapter 108 from the external surface of the adapter 108. For example, recess 124 may be offset inwards (e.g., have a depth of) about 3 mm from the external shell of adapter 108. In some embodiments, the depth of the recess may be greater than or equal to 2 mm, 2.25 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.75 mm, 3 mm, 3.25 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.75 mm, or 4 mm from the external shell of adapter 108. In some embodiments, the depth of the recess may be less than or equal to 2 mm, 2.25 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.75 mm, 3 mm, 3.25 mm,

3.5 mm, 3.75 mm, or 4 mm from the external shell of adapter 108. In some embodiments, the depth of the recess may be greater than or equal to 25%, 50%, 75%, or 99.9% of the thickness of adapter 108. In some embodiments, the depth of the recess may be less than or equal to 25%, 50%, 75%, or 99.9% of the thickness of adapter 108. In some embodiments, recess 124 may extend fully through the thickness of adapter 108 (e.g., by 100%) to create a void (e.g., a through-hole) from the external to the internal surface of adapter 108.

[0091] In some embodiments, recess 124 may have a height that is 50% to 100% of the height of adapter 108. The height of the recess 124 may be less than or equal to about 25 mm, 25.5 mm, 26 mm, 26.5 mm, 27 mm, 27.5 mm, 28 mm, 28.5 mm 29 mm, 29.5 mm, or 30 mm. In some embodiments, the height of the recess 124 may be greater than or equal to about 25 mm,

25.5 mm, 26 mm, 26.5 mm, 27 mm, 27.5 mm, 28 mm, 28.5 mm 29 mm, 29.5 mm, or 30 mm. In some examples, the height of recess 124 may be less than or equal to 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% of the height of adapter 108. In some examples, the height of recess 124 may be greater than or equal to 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% of the height of adapter 108. In some examples, the height of recess 124 may be less than or equal to 10 mm, 20 mm, 27 mm, 28 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, or 50 mm. In some examples, the height of recess 124 may be greater than or equal to 10 mm, 20 mm, 27 mm, 28 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, or 50 mm.

[0092] In some embodiments, recess 124 comprises a shape (e.g., a rectangular shape) with one or more rounded corners. A rounded corner of recess 124 may extend along a side of recess 124. In some embodiments, a rounded corner of recess 124 may extend along greater than or equal to 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50% of the length or height of a side of recess 124. In some embodiments, a rounded corner of recess 124 may extend along less than or equal to 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50% of the length or height of a side of recess 124. The radius of the rounded corner may be less than or equal to about 13 mm, 13.5 mm, 14 mm, 14.5 mm, 15 mm, 15.5 mm, 16 mm, 16.5 mm, or 17 mm. In some embodiments, the radius of the rounded comer may be greater than or equal to about 13 mm, 13.5 mm, 14 mm, 14.5 mm, 15 mm, 15.5 mm, 16 mm, 16.5 mm, or 17 mm.

[0093] Recess 124 may include one or more tapered side walls along at least a portion of the perimeter of recess 124. In some embodiments, a tapered side wall of recess 124 may taper at a draft angle between 0 and 5 degrees as measured with respect to a plane perpendicular to the exterior shell of adapter 108 at the location at which the top of the tapered side wall meets the exterior shell of adapter 108. In some embodiments, the draft angle of the taper of recess 124 may be greater than or equal to 0°, 0.5°, 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, or 5° with respect to the plane perpendicular to the exterior shell of adapter 108. In some embodiments, the draft angle of the taper of recess 124 may be less than or equal to 0°, 0.5°, 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, or 5° with respect to the plane perpendicular to the exterior shell of adapter 108.

[0094] In some embodiments, second magnetic component 120 may be aligned with recess 124, in that second magnetic component 120 may be disposed behind the lower wall of recess 124. In some embodiments, recess 124 may extend through the thickness of adapter 108, thereby creating a void (e.g., a through hole), wherein second magnetic component 120 is visible through the void. Recess 124 can aid in docking adapter 108 and the components connected to adapter 108 to a matching geometry on the docking portion of arm 104. For example, the attractive magnetic force between a first magnetic component 118 and a second magnetic component 120 may pull adapter 108 toward arm 104, and the rounded corners and/or tapered side walls of recess 124 as described above can force adapter 108 toward the docked position, thereby helping to achieve a self-docking functionality.

[0095] FIG. ID illustrates a cross-sectional partial view of faucet assembly 100 according to some embodiments. As shown, faucet assembly 100 includes arm 104, sprayhead 106, waterway cavity 116, a gasket 126, adapter 108, connector 122, collar 110, hose 112, first magnetic component 118, and second magnetic component 120.

[0096] FIG. ID, and its corresponding components, may include any features of faucet 100 and corresponding components described above with reference to and/or shown in FIG. 1A, IB, and/or 1C. [0097] As shown, arm 104 may comprise geometry on the second (distal) end of arm 104 which corresponds to the geometry of recess 124 on the shell of adapter 108. A user may dock adapter 108 to a docking portion of arm 104 such that the docking portion of arm 104 is received inside of recess 124.

[0098] As shown, sprayhead 106 may be configured to receive water from the flow path optionally comprising connector 122 within adapter 108. Further, sprayhead 106 may be rotatable, either operably and/or for removal, about a connection at the proximal (upper) end of sprayhead 106. As shown, connector 122 may extend at least partially into a distal end of hose 112.

[0099] Sprayhead 106 may include internal waterway 116. Internal waterway 116 may comprise additional features which allow the user to control the type of water flow which dispenses from sprayhead 106. Internal waterway 116 may have a central axis that is aligned with a central axis of sprayhead 106, which may also be coaxial with a central axis of connector 122, adapter 108, and/or an end portion of hose 112.

[0100] As shown, the geometry of second magnetic component 120 is narrow enough that the flow path of water through adapter 108 does not need to deviate from the central axis. For example, second magnetic component 120 may comprise a partial annular shape, wherein the annular shape mimics the curvature of the shell of adapter 108. In some embodiments, second magnetic component is located between a central axis through adapter 108 and the wall of adapter 108, such that the thickness of second magnetic component 120 allows for a central flow path through adapter 108 and/or connector 122.

[0101] As shown, adapter 108 may comprise a sprayhead attachment portion configured to be removably attachable to sprayhead 106. The sprayhead attachment portion may be configured to be removably attachable to a sprayhead model different from sprayhead 106, for example using a threaded connection or other suitable connection mechanism.

[0102] In some embodiments, the shell of adapter 108 may additionally house gasket 126. In some embodiments, gasket 126 is fluidly coupled to connector 122 and the waterway cavity 116 housed within sprayhead 106. In some embodiments, gasket 126 is annular in shape such that a flow path exists through gasket 126. Gasket 126 may additionally comprise of one or more threads on at least a portion of its external surface, wherein the one or more threads serve to connect the proximal end of sprayhead 126 to adapter 108. For example, threads on gasket 126 may extend about 25% to 50% along the length of gasket 126. The threads on gasket 126 may extend along the length of gasket 102 by greater than or equal to 25%, 30%, 40%, or 50% of the length of gasket 102. The threads on gasket 126 may extend along the length of gasket 102 by less than or equal to 25%, 30%, 40%, or 50% of the length of gasket 102. In some embodiments, the one or more threads on gasket 126 may correspond with one or more threads on sprayhead 106. The one or more threads on gasket 126 may further correspond with one or more threads on a different sprayhead model. For example, the threads on gasket 126 may comprise a standard thread connection including but not limited to a tap size of M16xl. As is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, a diameter of a tap size of Ml 6x1 may be about 16 mm and a thread pitch may be about 1 mm. The standard thread connection may instead comprise a tap size of M15xl.5, M16x2, M16xl.5, M17xl, M17xl.5, etc.

[0103] In some embodiments, sprayhead 106 may comprise one or more threads at the proximal end connected to adapter 108, wherein the one or more threads on sprayhead 106 correspond to the one or more threads on gasket 126. In some embodiments, the threads may allow a user to connect and/or disconnect sprayhead 106 to adapter 108. For example, sprayhead 106 may be interchangeable with another sprayhead model which comprises one or more threads that correspond with the one or more threads on gasket 126.

[0104] FIGS. 2 A, 2B, and 2C show various views of second magnetic component 219 in accordance with some embodiments. Second magnetic component 219 can share any one or more characteristics in common with second magnetic component 120 as described with respect to FIG. IB and or FIG. ID. In some embodiments, second magnetic component 219 may comprise a magnet. In some embodiments, second magnetic component 219 may comprise a magnetic metal.

[0105] FIG. 2A shows a front view of an embodiment of second magnetic component 219. As shown, second magnetic component 219 may be shaped as a rectangular prism with one or more semi-circular (or otherwise rounded) ends. In some examples, second magnetic component 219 may have a width and height of about 8 mm and 20 mm, respectively. In some examples, the width may be between 7 mm and 9 mm. The width of second magnetic component 219 may be greater than or equal to 7 mm, 7.5 mm, 8 mm, 8.5 mm, or 9 mm. The width of second magnetic component 219 may be less than or equal to 7 mm, 7.5 mm, 8 mm, 8.5 mm, or 9 mm. The height of second magnetic component 219 may be between 18 mm and 22 mm. The height of second magnetic component 219 may be greater than or equal to 18 mm, 18.5 mm, 19 mm, 19.5 mm, 20 mm, 20.5 mm, 21 mm, 21.5 mm, or 22 mm. The height of second magnetic component 219 may be less than or equal to 18 mm, 18.5 mm, 19 mm, 19.5 mm, 20 mm, 20.5 mm, 21 mm, 21.5 mm, or 22 mm.

[0106] FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of second magnetic component 219. The thickness of second magnetic component 219 may be the same as the thickness of second magnetic component 120 described with respect to FIG. IB.

[0107] FIG. 2C shows a perspective top view of an embodiment of second magnetic component 219. Second magnetic component 219 may have inner and outer radii and/or curvature which are may be the same as one or both of the inner and outer radii of second magnetic component 120 described with respect to FIG. IB.

[0108] In some embodiment, second magnetic component 219 may have a partial annular shape and may for about 5%-20% of a complete ring. In some embodiments, second magnetic component 219 may form greater than or equal to 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of a complete ring. In some embodiments, second magnetic component 219 may form less than or equal to 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of a complete ring.

[0109] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C show various views of second magnetic component 321a in accordance with some embodiments. Second magnetic component 321a can share any one or more characteristics in common with second magnetic component 120 as described with respect to FIG. IB and/or FIG. ID; and/or with second magnetic component 219 described with respect to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and/or 2C. In some embodiments, second magnetic component 321a may comprise a magnet. In some embodiments, second magnetic component 321a may comprise a magnetic metal.

[0110] FIG. 3 A shows a front view of an embodiment of second magnetic component 321a. In some examples, second magnetic component 321a may have a height of about 30 mm. A height of second magnetic component 321a may be between 28 mm and 30 mm. A height of second magnetic component 321a may be greater than or equal to 28 mm, 28.5 mm, 29 mm, 29.5 mm, 30 mm, 30.5 mm, 31 mm, 31.5 mm, or 32 mm. A height of second magnetic component 321a may be less than or equal to 28 mm, 28.5 mm, 29 mm, 29.5 mm, 30 mm, 30.5 mm, 31 mm, 31.5 mm, or 32 mm. [OHl] FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of second magnetic component 321a. The thickness (i.e., depth) of second magnetic component 321a may share one or more dimensions (e.g., thickness, height, and/or width) in common with second magnetic component 120 described with respect to FIG. IB and/or with second magnetic component 219 described with respect to FIG. 2B.

[0112] FIG. 3C shows a perspective view of an embodiment of second magnetic component 321a. Second magnetic component 321a may comprise a partial annular shape. In some examples, second magnetic component 321a may have a curvature which is geometrically similar to the curvature of second magnetic component 120 described with respect to FIG. IB and/or second magnetic component 219 described above with respect to FIGS. 2A-2C.

[0113] In some embodiment, second magnetic component 321a may have a partial annular shape and may for about 40%-50% of a complete ring. In some embodiments, second magnetic component 321a may form greater than or equal to 40%, 42%, 44%, 46%, 48%, or 50% of a complete ring. In some embodiments, second magnetic component 321a may form less than or equal to 40%, 42%, 44%, 46%, 48%, or 50% of a complete ring.

[0114] FIG. 4A shows an exploded view of a portion of a magnetic self-docking faucet assembly, according to some embodiments. The assembly includes second magnetic component 421a, connector 422, adapter 408, and gasket 426. The assembly as shown in FIG. 4 A, and its corresponding components, may share any one or more features of faucet 100 and corresponding components described above with reference to FIG. 1A, FIG. IB, FIG. 1C, and/or FIG. ID. In some embodiments, second magnetic component 421a may comprise a magnet. In some embodiments, second magnetic component 421a may comprise a magnetic metal.

[0115] FIG. 4B shows a side view of a portion of the magnetic self-docking faucet assembly shown in FIG. 4A, according to some embodiments. As shown, adapter 408 may comprise a recess and/or void to receive a docking portion of an arm (e.g., arm 104).

[0116] FIG. 4C shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the magnetic self-docking faucet assembly shown in FIG. 4A, according to some embodiments. As shown, connector 422 may comprise a flow path through which water can travel to gasket 426. As shown, gasket 126 may comprise one or more external threads that may connect to a sprayhead (e.g., sprayhead 106). [0117] FIG. 4D shows an exploded view of a portion of a magnetic self-docking faucet assembly, according to some embodiments. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4D may share any one or more characteristics in common with the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, with the exception that the second magnetic component in FIG. 4D is provided as a two-part second magnetic component. As shown in Fig. 4D, second magnetic component comprises magnetic subcomponent 419 and magnetic subcomponent 421b. In some embodiments, one or both of magnetic subcomponents 419 and 421b may comprise a magnet and/or a magnetic metal. In some embodiments, the assembly may contain only one of the subcomponents 419 and 421b; in some embodiments, the assembly may contain both of the subcomponents 419 and 421b. Alone and/or together, elements 419 and 421b can include one or more features of second magnetic component 120 described above with respect to FIG. IB and/or FIG. ID. In some embodiments, subcomponent 419a may share any one or more features in common with second magnetic component 219 described above with reference to FIG. 2 A. In some embodiments, subcomponent 421b may share any one or more features in common with second magnetic component 321a described above with reference to FIGS. 3 A-3C, and/or with second magnetic component 421a described above with reference to FIGS. 4A-4B. Subcomponent 421b may differ from second magnetic component 321a and/or second magnetic component 421a in that subcomponent 421b may comprise a recess and/or through-hole configured to receive subcomponent 419. Subcomponent 421b may serve as a shell (optionally a non-magnetic shell) that houses subcomponent 419.

[0118] FIG. 4E shows a cross-sectional top view of a portion of a magnetic self-docking faucet assembly, according to some embodiments. As shown, the faucet assembly may optionally comprise one or more of subcomponents 419 and 421b as described above with reference to FIG. 4D.

[0119] FIG. 4F shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a magnetic self-docking faucet assembly, according to some embodiments. As shown, the faucet assembly may optionally comprise one or more of subcomponents 419 and 421b as described above with reference to FIG. 4D.

[0120] The foregoing description, for the purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the techniques and their practical applications. Others skilled in the art are thereby enabled to best utilize the techniques and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0121] Although the disclosure and examples have been fully described with reference to the accompanying figures, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the disclosure and examples as defined by the claims. Finally, the entire disclosure of the patents and publications referred to in this application are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A self-docking faucet comprising: a faucet body; an arm comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the arm is attached to the faucet body and the second end of the arm comprises a docking portion comprising a first magnetic component; a hose extending through and protruding out of the faucet body; an adapter fluidly connected to an end of the hose and configured to receive flow of water from the hose into an adapter flow path, the adapter comprising a second magnetic component, wherein the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are configured to exert an attractive magnetic force on one another to cause the adapter to dock to the docking portion of the arm; and a spray head fluidly connected to the adapter and configured to receive flow of water from the adapter flow path into a spray head flow path, wherein a central axis of the spray head flow path is aligned with a central axis of the adapter flow path and with a central axis of the end of the hose.

2. The self-docking faucet of claim 1, wherein the second magnetic component is disposed between the adapter flow path and a wall of the adapter.

3. The self-docking faucet of claim 2, wherein a thickness of the second magnetic component is less than or equal to 4 millimeters in a direction extending from the adapter flow path toward the wall of the adapter.

4. The self-docking faucet of any one of claims 2-3, wherein the second magnetic component has a thickness in a direction extending from the adapter flow path toward the outer wall of the adapter that is less than or equal to 25% of a radius of the adapter in the direction extending from the adapter flow path toward the wall of the adapter.

5. The self-docking faucet of any one of claims 1-3, wherein a length of the second magnetic component is less than or equal to 9 millimeters and a height of the second magnetic component is less than or equal to 22 millimeters.

6. The self-docking faucet of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the second magnetic component comprises a partial annular shape.

7. The self-docking faucet of claim 6, wherein the partial annular shape of the second magnetic component is disposed against a corresponding annular portion of a wall of the adapter.

8. The self-docking faucet of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the attractive magnetic force is greater than or equal to 5 Newtons when the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are in a docked position with respect to one another.

9. A self-docking faucet comprising: a faucet body; an arm comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the arm is attached to the faucet body and the second end of the arm comprises a docking portion comprising a first magnetic component; a hose extending through and protruding out of the body; an adapter fluidly connected to an end of the hose and configured to receive flow of water from the hose, the adapter comprising a second magnetic component, wherein the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are configured to exert an attractive magnetic force on one another to cause the adapter to dock to the docking portion of the arm; and a spray head fluidly connected to the adapter and configured to receive flow of water from the adapter, wherein the spray head is operably rotatable with respect to the hose.

10. The self-docking faucet of claim 9, wherein the spray head is operably rotatable with respect to the adapter.

11. The self-docking faucet of any one of claims 9-10, wherein the adapter is operably rotatable with respect to the hose.

12. The self-docking faucet of claim 11, wherein, when the adapter is in a docked position with respect to the docking portion of the arm, the adapter is rotated into a predefined docked orientation.

13. A self-docking faucet comprising: a faucet body; an arm comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the arm is attached to the faucet body and the second end of the arm comprises a docking portion comprising a first magnetic component; a hose extending through and protruding out of the faucet body; and an adapter fluidly connected to an end of the hose and configured to receive flow of water from the hose, the adapter comprising a second magnetic component, wherein the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are configured to exert an attractive magnetic force on one another to cause the adapter to dock to the docking portion of the arm, wherein the adapter comprises a sprayhead attachment portion configured to be removably attachable to a sprayhead.

14. The self-docking faucet of claim 13, wherein the sprayhead attachment portion is configured to fluidly connect to a sprayhead such that water flows from the adapter to the sprayhead when the sprayhead is in the connected position.

15. The self-docking faucet of any one of claims 13-14, wherein the sprayhead attachment portion comprises a threaded connection portion.

16. A self-docking faucet comprising: a faucet body; an arm comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the arm is attached to the faucet body and the second end of the arm comprises a docking portion comprising a first magnetic component; a hose extending through and protruding out of the faucet body; and an adapter fluidly connected to an end of the hose and configured to receive flow of water from the hose, the adapter comprising: a second magnetic component, wherein the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are configured to exert an attractive magnetic force on one another to pull the adapter toward a docked position with respect to the docking portion of the arm; a shell comprising a recess, wherein the recess comprises one or more tapered side-walls, and wherein the recess is shaped to receive a corresponding portion of the docking portion of the arm when the adapter is in the docked position; and a spray head fluidly connected to the adapter and configured to receive flow of water from the adapter.

17. The self-docking faucet of claim 16, wherein the recess comprises one or more rounded comers.

18. The self-docking faucet of any one of claims 16-17, wherein the recess depth is less than or equal to 4 millimeters.

19. The self-docking faucet of any one of claims 16-17, wherein the recess extends circumferentially around less than or equal to 50% of the adapter.

20. The self-docking faucet of any one of claims 16-17, wherein the second magnetic component is disposed behind the recess inside the shell of the adapter.