Water Faucet Control Valve System

Abstract

A water faucet control valve system for providing increased safety through the prevention of hot water scalding and a higher level of user access and convenience. The water faucet control valve system generally includes a housing having an upper end that is adapted to fluidly connect to a spout of a water faucet, a secondary valve positioned within the housing to control the flow of water through the housing, an engaging member connected to the secondary valve for allowing manual manipulation of the secondary valve and a resilient covering that extends from the lower end of the housing.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

I hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/281,871 filed May 19, 2014. This application is a continuation-in-part of the Ser. No. 14/281,871 application. The Ser. No. 14/281,871 application is currently pending. The Ser. No. 14/281,871 application is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

I hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/078,048 filed Nov. 11, 2014. The 62/078,048 application is currently pending. The 62/078,048 application is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a water faucet valve and more specifically it relates to a water faucet control valve system for increased safety through the prevention of hot water scalding and a higher level of user access and convenience.

2. Description of the Related Art

Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Valves are devices that have been used for centuries to control the flow of fluids, such as water, gas, or oil. From the most ancient hinged valves used to restrict water flow to one direction in a channel, referred to as a check valves, to today's more complex three and four port valves used to regulate the mixing of different fluids, or mixing similar fluids at different temperatures to regulate the mixed temperature of the output fluid, valves are used daily by people throughout the developed world. For instance, valves are used in residential housing as a means to connect gas lines to stoves, ovens, clothes dryers and fireplaces, and for regulating water flow on sinks, toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerator ice makers, and hose bibs. The field of valves is well known to those skilled in the art.

Valves typically comprise an external structure, called a valve body, within which the actual flow regulation components are housed. The types of valves typically used in residential structures to regulate the flow of tap water include ball valves, gate valves, globe valves, and butterfly valves.

Residential tap water valves are typically operated manually, either by a handle, lever, or wheel. The valve is opened or closed by either changing the position of the lever, or rotating the handle or wheel.

However, some valves may also be automatic. After opening the valve, changes in pressure or temperature act upon certain components within the valve to close the valve automatically.

Automatically closing valves have an advantage of preventing valves from accidentally remaining open, thereby preventing water waste.

Those skilled in the art will understand the importance of plumbing two water lines to sink faucets, one line delivering high temperature water from a water heater, the other line delivering unheated water, usually at a temperature that reflects the ambient temperature of the sink location.

Although the hot water is preferable for killing germs while washing cooking equipment and utensils, the temperature is often dangerously hot, and can cause skin burns. For instance, a person drawing bath water may not appreciate the temperature, and moments after entering the tub, realizes that the temperature is so hot that it has caused burns. Therefore, mixing valves allow for the regulation of flow of hot and ambient temperature water to manage the desired temperature of water discharged from a faucet spout.

Two main types of faucet configurations are found in most houses, those being two-handled faucets, and single lever faucets. The valves used in two-handled faucets are typically referred to as two port valves. That is, they may be individually opened or closed at varying degrees to regulate the flow of water in the line they are connect to. Therefore, a person who desires only hot water will only open the hot water valve. On the other hand, when people desire the output of only warm water, for instance, when washing their hands, or taking a shower, they may separately open the hot and cold water valves, thereby mixing ambient temperature water with hot water to average the temperature differences to the desired output temperature.

During the 1950s, the first three port faucet valve was created, thereby allowing one handle operation to control the flow of two separate water input lines. One such widely recognized brand is known as a “Delta” faucet. The advantage of the three-port valve is that a person may control the volume of hot and cold water with one handle, allowing them to adjust the one handle so that the desired volume of hot and cold water, when mixed, would be at the desired flow rate and temperature.

Therefore, the types of valves used in connection with managing water flow for sinks and showers is well known by most of the population in developed countries.

Despite the advances in valve technology and function, many disadvantages remain.

It is well known that because children have more physical interaction with other people on a daily basis than most adults, they are more at risk for contracting or spreading disease. In addition, WebMD has listed the dirtiest places in the home to include bathrooms and bathtubs, computers, sinks, and light switches and doorknobs, all of which kids interact with routinely during the day.

The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that regular hand washing, especially before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. In fact, so important is handwashing that the CDC provides hand washing instructions online under the heading “Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives”.

Further, it is well known to urologists that children typically urinate every two to three hours during the course of the day, and should wash their hands after each bathroom event.

One disadvantage of traditional sink faucets is that the faucet height above the floor, and the faucet distance from the front of the sink is so relatively large, that children have a difficult time washing their hands because children are typically shorter in height than adults, and have shorter arms. This makes even reaching the faucet valves all but impossible for smaller children. Adults are typically required to pick up the child and hold them over the sink for a half-minute or more so that they may reach the faucet and wash their hands.

Another disadvantage is that, even if children do manage to turn on the faucet valve by themselves, they often do not fully understand the importance of, or are capable of managing the mixing of separate hot and cold water valves to prevent scalding. Therefore, adults are once again called to open the faucet valves, and set the appropriate water temperature mix before allowing the child to begin hand washing.

Of course, adults are not always present to regulate faucet water temperature or lift the children so that they can reach the faucet for hand washing after they use the bathroom. As a result, children don't was their hands as much as they should, and go about their activities carrying the danger of contracting or spreading disease.

Yet another disadvantage of traditional sink faucets that are difficult for children to reach is that oftentimes although children manage to turn the faucet on, unable to comfortably reach the valve handles once again, they leave the bathroom with the water running This is an expensive and ecologically damaging waste of water.

On the other hand, adults know the advantages of hand washing, and normally wash hands after bathroom, cooking, or outdoor work activities.

In the United States, over 50 million adults have been doctor diagnosed with arthritis. Arthritis not only causes pain, but limits movement of the joints of the hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders.

Oftentimes, arthritis sufferers are unable to fully extend their arms, or have extreme difficulty grasping objects such as faucet valve handles.

Therefore, another disadvantage of traditional sink faucets is that they are difficult to operate by adult arthritis sufferers. As a result, reaching or operating sink faucet valves for frequent hand washing is painful, and hand washing is therefore avoided more often by arthritic adults.

Adults with arthritis are typically seniors over 60 years old, many with compromised immune systems. Therefore, similar to children with developing immune systems, seniors carry an increased susceptibility to contract or spread life-threatening disease. Hand washing is as important for seniors as it is for children.

Yet another disadvantage of traditional faucets relates to the inability to adequately clean the faucet valve handles. As previously discussed, sinks are one of the most germ-laden receptacles in a house, and for good reason. They have a plethora of nooks and crannies that harbor dirt and germs, and are difficult to wash and disinfect.

Traditional sink faucets therefore are unsafe by disallowing the ability to preset mixing of different water temperatures to prevent scalding, are inconvenient, difficult, or impossible to use by reach-limited children and adults, do not prevent unwanted water waste, and in addition to these disadvantages, are health hazards insofar as they fail to adequately facilitate hand washing, a practice proven to inhibit the spread of disease.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the disadvantages of traditional faucet valves as just described, and will further appreciate the need for a novel device that would allow adults to preset the output temperature of mixed hot and cold water, and further would relocate the faucet valve to a position closer to the user, thereby requiring a shorter reach to operate the faucet by children or arthritis suffering adults.

Health professionals and parents would further appreciate an improved faucet valve that provided for an easily removed cover that could simply be placed in a standard dishwasher for cleaning and disinfecting.

Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a need for a new and improved water faucet control valve system for increased safety through the prevention of hot water scalding and a higher level of user access and convenience.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Provided herein is a water faucet control valve system which includes a housing having an upper end that is adapted to fluidly connect to a spout of a water faucet, a secondary valve positioned within the housing to control the flow of water through the housing, an engaging member connected to the secondary valve for allowing manual manipulation of the secondary valve and a resilient covering that extends from the lower end of the housing.

The present invention is a new and novel faucet valve accessory or OEM valve that improves user safety to prevent hot water injury, saves water, provides easier access by reach-disadvantaged children and adults, and incorporates a covering that is easily removable for cleaning and disinfecting.

More specifically, the present invention is a faucet valve accessory providing for increased child and senior adult safety by allowing a competent adult to preset the mixing temperature of a traditional sink faucet, thus allowing the secondary valve of the present invention to be turned on to dispense water at the pre-set temperature.

Further, the valve accessory of the present invention incorporates an automatic shut off function that prevents water wasting.

Further, the present invention is a new and novel faucet valve accessory providing for easier access to the operable faucet valve by children and arthritic adults by moving the operable valve closer to the front of the sink, and concurrently closer to the user, for improved access for hand washing.

More specifically, the present invention teaches a sink faucet accessory valve that is installed on the output spout of a traditional sink faucet by removing and replacing the standard threaded aerator nozzle with an additional water output valve accessory of the present invention. In form and function, the valve accessory provides a secondary valve system downstream of the original equipment faucet valves, allowing the original valves to remain in place without removal or disruption.

Further, the new and novel exercise apparatus comprises an easily installed secondary valve on a traditional faucet spout, and provides for a removable covering easily removed for cleaning and disinfecting.

Those skilled in the art will recognize the advantages that preset temperature mixing, relocation of operable components of a sink faucet to a more comfortable and closer position to the user, an automatic shut off capability that prevents water wasting, and a hygienic removable valve cover deliver to reach-limited or arthritic users.

It will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art that the secondary valve attachment of the present invention, when applied to an existing faucet spout, delivers significant commercial value and competitive advantage over more expensive faucet replacement parts and associated plumbing labor required for installation.

Therefore, one exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a secondary valve system attached to the spout of a traditional sink faucet downstream of the original equipment faucet valve.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a secondary valve system installed in place of a traditional faucet aerator, providing for an integrated water-saving flow restrictor.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a secondary valve system installed in place of a traditional faucet aerator, providing for an integrated water-saving flow restrictor and aerator.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a secondary valve system attached to the spout of a traditional sink faucet providing for instant flow of tap water set at a temperature that has been predetermined and premixed at the original equipment faucet valve.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a secondary valve system attached to the spout of a traditional sink faucet downstream of the original equipment faucet valve that relocates the operable secondary valve to a location closer and more convenient to the user.

Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a secondary valve system attached to the spout of a traditional sink faucet downstream of the original equipment faucet valve that relocates the point of water discharge from the sink spout to a location closer and more convenient to the user.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a secondary valve system attached to the spout of a traditional sink faucet downstream of the original equipment faucet valve that provides for a user being able to open the valve single-handedly by simply pushing the valve stem in any direction along a plane generally perpendicular to the axis of the discharged water stream.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a secondary valve system attached to the spout of a traditional sink faucet downstream of the original equipment faucet valve that automatically closes without delay after use, thereby preventing unwanted water waste.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a secondary valve system attached to the spout of a traditional sink faucet downstream of the original equipment faucet valve that automatically closes after a preset delay after opening the valve for use, thereby allowing time for handwashing, while still preventing unwanted water waste.

Still, exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a secondary valve system comprising a hygienic covering device and attachment method providing for easy removal for cleaning and disinfecting, and secure re-attachment for use after cleaning

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a secondary valve system comprising a resilient hygienic valve stem covering device allowing a user to open the accessory valve without directly contacting the valve stem, but only by moving the resilient covering that contacts the valve stem.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a secondary valve system comprising a resilient valve stem covering device allowing a user to control the direction of flow of the faucet discharge water during the handwashing process.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing an isometric view of a single handled faucet assembly with a three port mixer valve.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram showing an isometric view of a faucet accessory valve affixed to the spout of a single handled faucet assembly with a three port mixer valve.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram showing an isometric view of a dual handled faucet assembly with a spout and a pair of two port valves.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram showing an isometric view of a faucet accessory valve affixed to the spout of a dual handled faucet assembly.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram showing a cross sectional view of a faucet accessory check valve in the closed and open position.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram showing a cross sectional view of a faucet accessory modified ball valve in the closed and open position.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram showing a cross sectional view of a variation of a faucet accessory modified ball valve in the closed and open position.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram showing various views and sections of an elastomeric compression ring.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram showing a cross sectional view of a faucet accessory valve, and various spout adapters.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram showing a front view of a standard spout with a faucet accessory valve with hygienic covering.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary diagram showing a cross sectional view of a standard faucet spout with a faucet accessory valve, hygienic covering, and spout adapter.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary diagram showing a front view of a faucet valve assembly with hygienic covering, and a cosmetic spout cover.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary diagram showing a front view of a faucet valve assembly being actuated to redirect faucet water flow direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of specific embodiments are disclosed in the following description and related drawings. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure relevant details. Further, to facilitate an understanding of the description, a discussion of several terms used herein follows.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiments” is not exhaustive and does not require that all embodiments include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

The word “aerator” is used herein to mean at least one “air-introducing nozzle for sink faucets.” The present invention is intended to be installed in place of a sink aerator, but it should be understood that in some cases, original equipment faucet spouts do not include an aerator. Therefore, reference to aerator herein shall also mean “threaded portion of the output of a sink spout”, whether or not an aerator is present. Further, threaded portions of the output of a sink spout may be female or male threaded. Therefore, any reference to “aerator”, “threaded body”, “spout adapters”, or “threads” in the context of affixing the faucet accessory valve to a sink faucet spout shall be given the broadest possible interpretation. Those skilled in the art would appreciate that many means exist that would allow the threaded attachment of a standardized faucet accessory valve of the present invention to the variety of sizes and types of standard sink faucet spouts.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing an isometric view of a single handled faucet assembly with a three port mixer valve. In the drawing, a single handle sink faucet assembly 1 is shown comprising a single, centrally positioned mixer valve lever 2 lowered to the closed position, a faucet spout 3 extending from a central support column, and an aerator 4 affixed to the output port of the spout. Although not shown, a three port mixer valve is located within the central support column.

These types of single lever mixer valves for sinks provide for a user to control hot and cold water temperature mixing, as well as the flow volume rate, with a single hand operating a single lever. Having been invented during the early 1950s, single handle sink faucet assemblies are well known to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram showing an isometric view of a faucet accessory valve affixed to the spout of a single handled faucet assembly with a three port mixer valve.

More specifically, a single handle sink faucet 1 is shown with a mixer valve lever 5 rotated upwardly in relation to the horizontal plane, thereby opening to various flow rates one or two of the valve ports not shown. The mixer valve lever, having been rotated to such a position, would allow hot water, cold water, or a mixture of hot and cold water to flow through a faucet spout 3.

In the drawing, the aerator of the single handle faucet assembly of FIG. 1 has been replaced with a faucet accessory secondary valve 6 of the present invention. Although the mixer valve lever of the faucet is shown in the open position, the faucet accessory secondary valve 6 of the present invention is shown in the closed position, thereby preventing any water from exiting the faucet spout 3.

Despite the many advantages brought to the consumer market by the single lever faucet, those including the convenience of single handed opening, closing and hot and cold water mixing, a key disadvantage remains, that being that each time the valve is opened, the user must move the lever about in a trial-and-error manner in order to determine the proper positioning for the desired hot-cold water mix, and the proper flow volume.

In instances where the person is a small child, reach limited as a result of arm lengths being shorter than an adult, or an adult, reach limited as a result of arthritis or other disability, twisting the torso to extend a single arm and hand for single lever operation often results in the second hand being unable to reach the faucet outlet to test water temperature and flow rate.

As a result, reach limited individuals are exposed to the risk of injury by scalding as a result of setting the lever to open too much hot water relative to the cold water.

The faucet accessory secondary valve 6 of the present invention provides for the user or an aid to open the single lever mixer valve, and at the same time with a second hand, open the faucet accessory valve of the present invention, and set the correct flow rate and water temperature mix of the single handle valve only one time. Thereafter, the user need only open the faucet accessory valve, still using only one hand, to turn on the faucet to receive water at the proper flow rate and temperature as was previously set by the user or aid as just described.

Another advantage of the faucet accessory valve of the present invention is that the operable valve used to wash hands is positioned at the end of the faucet spout 3. The re-positioning of the sink valve to the end of the spout provides the advantage of valve operability with a shorter reach, a more convenient position for reach-limited children and adults.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram showing an isometric view of a dual handled faucet assembly with a spout and a pair of two port valves.

In the drawing, a double handle sink faucet assembly 7 is shown comprising a two port valve in the closed position, but used for opening hot water, a separate two port valve in the closed position, but used for opening cold water 9, and a centrally positioned faucet spout 8 used to mix the hot and cold water from the hot and cold water valves to obtain the desired water temperature prior to the water exiting the aerator 4. As can readily be seen, both valves are closed, and no water is exiting through the aerator.

These types of double valve mixer assemblies for sinks were first patented in 1880, and are well known worldwide to persons in developed countries.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram showing an isometric view of a faucet accessory valve affixed to the spout of a dual handled faucet assembly.

More specifically, a double handle sink faucet assembly is shown comprising a two port valve in the closed position, but used for opening hot water, and a separate two port valve in the closed position 10 but used for opening the regulated flow of cold water. Used merely as an example, the left valve is specified as the hot water control, and the right valve is specified as the cold water control, but in an alternate configuration, the left valve may be used to regulate the flow of cold water, and the right valve 10 used to regulate the flow of hot water.

When both valves are opened concurrently, water from each valve flows through, and is mixed within the faucet spout 8 before exiting the spout at the desired flow rate and average mixed temperature.

The aerator at the water exit port of the spout of FIG. 3 has been replaced by a faucet accessory valve assembly of the present invention in the closed position. As can readily be seen in the drawing, although the valve 10 is shown in the open position, no water is flowing through the spout since the secondary valve 6 provides for the secondary flow closure.

The key disadvantages of the single handle faucet valve as previous described is exacerbated with a two handled, two valve faucet assembly, namely, that a user must reach with right and left hands simultaneously to operate the dual controls in order to achieve the desired temperature and flow rate.

In instances where the person is a small child, reach limited as a result of arm lengths shorter than an adult, or an adult, reach limited as a result of arthritis or other debilitating affliction, operating a dual valve faucet assembly to establish the desired and safe-temperature water flow can become exceedingly difficult, or in some cases impossible, increasing the likelihood of injury.

In the configuration shown, with the one-time assistance of an aid, the separate hot and cold water valves are opened to deliver the desired flow volume and temperature, and are left in those positions.

Thereafter, the faucet accessory secondary valve assembly 6 acts as a single, operable valve that closes water flow, despite having the separate hot and cold water valves on the original equipment faucet set to open positions.

As a new and novel safety and convenience improvement over the two-valve faucet assembly, the faucet accessory secondary valve of the present invention provides for single-handed operation by the user, and further provides for the dispensing of water from the faucet spout as a desired and pre-set temperature and flow volume.

As can readily be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the placement of the faucet accessory valve of the present invention at the previous point of water exit from the spout substantially shortens a user's reach in order to turn on the sink water.

The shorter reach requirement by children or reach-limited adults to open a valve is a significant safety improvement and convenience as previously described.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram showing a cross sectional view of a faucet accessory check valve in the closed and open position.

More specifically, a substantially cylindrical valve body 11 is shown with faucet spout mating threads 12 on the exterior surface of the upper portion of the cylindrical body. The thread diameter and pitch is preferably the same diameter and thread pitch of a standard sink faucet aerator such that when the aerator is removed from a faucet spout, the thread of the valve body just described will screw into the faucet spout.

Within the valve body, a control valve (e.g. check valve, manual valve, ball valve, butterfly valve, diaphragm valve, gate valve, globe valve) 14 is positioned with its longitudinally axis substantially centered and aligned with the longitudinal axis of the valve body. A valve stem 13 extends downward from the check valve, and is used to open and close the valve.

In the closed position as shown, the non-pressure side of the check valve is seated against a valve seal 17, thereby closing the water flow through the valve. The valve seal is preferably of a resilient, waterproof material against which the non-pressure side of the check valve will make full contact about the circumferential bottom surface to close water flow.

The check valve and valve seal, being positioned along an axis substantially normal to the longitudinally axis of the valve body, further serves as a means to maintain the valve stem 13 substantially centered within the valve body while in the valve closed position.

The valve 14 and stem 13 are retained within the valve body by means of a compression spring 16 and compression ring 15, the compression ring having been screwed into the valve body using the internal matching threads.

It should be noted that the compression ring 15 is used to apply downward pressure to the spring 16 which transfers the downward pressure to the check valve 14 to maintain a closed valve position when resting in a non-actuated state. The compression ring is perforated with a plurality of flow-through holes to allow the passage of water when the valve is opened.

Further, the compression ring may also perform the important function of water pressure reduction. Pressure reducers in valve design are well known to those skilled in the art, and serve to help manage water pressure fluctuations and fluid flow volume. Therefore, by incorporating an appropriate number of appropriately sized holes within the compression ring 15, a novel compression ring of the present invention may perform a plurality of functions including valve retention within the body, as well as pressure and flow regulation when the valve is opened.

Now then, when a force F is applied to the lower portion of the valve stem 13, one portion of the check valve is caused to be lifted away from the seal, creating an open check valve 19. Upon opening, fluid 20 is permitted to exit the faucet spout and flow through the entire length of the substantially cylindrical valve body 11, exiting the valve at the lower end.

One new and never before available feature of the check valve of the present invention is that the valve may be opened with one hand by pushing laterally upon the lower end of the valve stem in any angle normal to the longitudinal axis of the valve body.

One significant commercial advantage is that the valve of the present invention may be opened by persons with limited reach and mobility by using their left or right hand, or just one or two fingers of their hand, either by pushing, pulling or the valve stem towards or away from themselves, or swiping the stem to the right or left, with no restrictions on the direction of force required to open the valve.

Yet another significant advantage is that the valve returns immediately to its closed position as soon as the user releases the force applied to the stem. Those persons who are reach limited will appreciate that they are not required to separately turn off the main faucet valves upon completion of handwashing, but simply release the valve of the present invention to stop water flow.

The new and novel instant-off feature of the check valve of the present invention is a water-saving feature not provided for by traditional single-lever mixer sink faucets, or two valve faucet assemblies.

It should be noted that a plurality of aerator ports 18 are positioned about the circumference of the valve body 11, on the non-pressure side of the check valve 19. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that sink aerators introduce air into the water stream by employing the venturi effect. As water flows through the narrowed internal cylinder of the valve body, a negative pressure within the cylinder causes air to be pulled through the aerator ports and induced into the fluid stream.

Although sink faucet aerators are well known as separately manufactured devices that are added to the output port of a sing faucet spout, the new and novel improvement of the present invention is the first very low cost faucet accessory valve to incorporate an aerator as an integral function within the main valve body.

Those skilled in the art will immediately appreciate that the simplicity of the cylindrical valve body design, the substantially small number of parts, the linear assembly process, the ability to use very low cost materials and production molding methods, and the integration of a pressure and flow regulator and aerator represents a new and novel approach to valve engineering that is more competitively priced, and commercially valuable when compared to traditional sink faucet valves.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram showing a cross sectional view of a faucet accessory modified ball valve in the closed and open position.

In the drawing, a substantially cylindrical valve body 11 houses a modified ball valve 22 comprising a stem 21 and valve centering pin 25. The lower round surface of the ball valve is seated against the internal surface of the valve body such that the closely matching ball and seated surface block fluid flow through the valve body.

The ball valve is retained within the valve body by means of a resilient compression retainer ring 23 positioned about the centering pin 25, and between the upper substantially flat surface of the ball valve and the lower surface of the pressure reducing retainer ring 24.

As a lower cost manufacturing alternative to screwing the compression retainer ring into the internal threads of the valve body as previously described for FIG. 5, a stamped metal compression ring that retains a sharp edge that acts as a one-way barb is pressed into a smooth tapered internal surface of the valve body.

In the drawing, a detail view shows the sharp perimeter edge of a retaining ring 24, having been inserted into and pushed substantially down the length of the smooth internal tapered surface of the valve body 11, causes the one-way barb-like edge to deform and be retained by deformed material swage lock 27 of the body.

It should be noted that the retainer ring as just described is of a metal material envisioned to press-fit into the deformable plastic material of the valve body. However, those skilled in the art will immediately appreciate that any retainer ring produced using a material that is harder than the material used to produce the valve body will produce the same result. For example, a stainless steel retainer ring may be press-fit into a brass valve body. As another example, a molded or stamped retainer ring made using a high durometer polymer may be pressed into and retained within a lower durometer valve body.

As can be readily seen, a channel and water ports 26 encircle the ball valve substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the valve and stem, and positioned below the major diameter of the ball. When fully seated within the valve body, the channel rests within the radiused seat, thereby preventing fluid to access and flow into the channel.

A plurality of water ports positioned within the channel just described, communicate the channel with a hollowed interior pipe portion of the stem 21. The ball valve and stem may be produced as a monolithic structure, or may comprise an assembly of separately manufactured valve and stem components without effect to the intended form or function.

When a force F is applied laterally to the stem 21, the ball is caused to rotate within its seat of the valve body. As can be seen, the valve opens when one edge of the channel is raised above the valve seat, thereby allowing water flow 29 from the pressure side of the valve to enter the channel. Water entering the channel subsequently enters and flows through a plurality of water ports in communication with the stem pipe, and ultimately exits the valve through the bottom orifice of the stem.

Further, as the ball valve rotates in response to lateral pressure applied to the stem as just described, one portion of the resilient compression ring deforms, causing a high compression area 28 of the ring. Concurrently, the opposite side of the compression ring will be in tension. The resilient compression ring, being of a polymer exhibiting memory properties, is biased to return to its default state as manufactured.

As the force F is released from the stem, the compression and tension forces acting upon the valve centering pin 25 cause the ball valve to automatically return to its centered and closed position.

Further, as a variation of the new and novel automatic shut-off function of the faucet accessory valve of the present invention as just described, a resilient retainer ring will exhibit slow memory properties such that when the force F is released from the stem, the retainer ring returns to its centered position slowly in response to the opposing tension and compression it was subjected to while open.

The slow memory provides for a delay in returning the valve to the fully closed position, thereby providing sufficient time for a person to wash or rinse their hands without the need to maintain constant pressure on the valve stem. The slow memory compression ring provides enhanced convenience, and therefore higher commercial value.

An annular ring detail 30 is shown about the perimeter of the valve body, and is of such a design so as to mate and retain a resilient covering that may be applied over the valve body.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram showing a cross sectional view of a variation of a faucet accessory modified ball valve in the closed and open position.

More specifically, a modified ball valve 31 comprising a ring channel 32, a plurality of output channels 33, and a valve stem 34 is seated and retained within a valve housing 11. As previously described in FIG. 6, the ball valve is retained and centered within the substantially cylindrical valve body be means of a compression ring and retainer ring. The retainer ring may additionally function as a pressure reducer and flow regulator.

In the variation shown, output channels 33 replace the channel and water ports of FIG. 6. When a force F is applied to actuate the valve stem 35, the ball rotates within the valve seas such that the ring channel 32 is rotated from its seated position, exposing a portion of the ring channel to the high pressure water within the valve body.

Water 36 entering the channel subsequently enters and flows through a plurality of output channels in communication with, and ultimately exiting the valve through the output orifice.

Further, as the ball valve rotates in response to lateral pressure applied to the stem as just described, one portion of the resilient compression ring deforms, causing a high compression in one primary area of the ring, and concurrently subjecting the opposing side of the ring to deform in tension. The resilient compression ring, being of a polymer exhibiting memory properties, is biased to return to its default state as manufactured.

Upon removal of the force required to open the valve, the compression and tension forces on the resilient retainer ring cause the ball valve to return to its centered, and therefore closed position.

A series of holes are positioned as aerator ports 37 below the ball valve, and circumferentially about the perimeter of the valve body, providing for aeration of the output water stream as previously described.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram showing various views and sections of an elastomeric compression ring.

The use of compression springs to perform certain functions within various types of valves is well know to those skilled in the art. Compression springs generally provide a compressive force along the longitudinal axis of the spring. However, traditional compression springs do not respond predictably or consistently to lateral force, and are therefore inefficient in providing compressive forces along multiple axes.

A top, side, bottom, isometric and sectional views of a compression ring of the present invention are shown to include a plurality of water channels 40 that allow passage of sink faucet water through and around the compression ring when positioned within the confines of a valve body.

More specifically, a resilient compression ring that provides compressive forces in at least two substantially perpendicular planes preferably comprises an outer wall 43 of a diameter closely approximating the inner wall diameter of a faucet accessory valve of the present invention, thereby providing a resistance to lateral forces. Further, the compression ring comprises at least one central wall portion with a hole 41 through which a valve centering pin may be retained. A plurality of resilient ribs 44 integrally connect between the outer wall and one or more inner walls.

Further, the top surface of the compression ring is dome-shaped 42 to provide for higher compressive forces in the ring center than its perimeter when the downward compressive force is exerted as a result of the installation of a substantially flat retainer ring. The ribs, being substantially equal to each other in all dimensions, act to maintain the central wall, and correspondingly the valve center, centered within the valve housing.

It should be noted that although one inner wall, and four ribs are shown, the design may incorporate more than one inner wall, and any number of ribs so long as the central hole for the valve centering pin remains in the center, and such that the memory effect of the ribs returns a deformed compression ring, and correspondingly the encapsulated valve centering pin, to a centered, closed valve position.

As shown in the sectional view A-A the inner and outer walls are substantially parallel, and aligned along the longitudinal axis of the closed valve and valve body.

In the sectional view of deformed section A-A, the central wall and valve centering pin hole are angled in response to hand pressure being applied to the distal end of the valve stem. Compared to the centered, default position when the valve is closed, the deformation creates a compressive force on the upper right portion where the rib length has been shortened, and creates tension on the upper left portion where the rib length has increased.

Having been formed from a resilient material that exhibits a elastic memory, and hence a bias to return to the default state as molded, the compression ring returns an open valve to the closed position, all without diminishing the primary function of maintaining downward pressure on the valve to retain the valve within the valve seat.

One commercially valuable variation of the compression ring of the present invention as just described is the use of a polymer blend that delivers a slow elastic memory. In other words, a compression ring fabricated from an elastomer rated at approximately 60 Shore A (or a substantially equivalent 90 range Shore 00) would snap back quickly to the centered position after deformation, and would require the application of considerable force to the valve stem to deform it to open the valve in the first place.

On the other hand, an elastomer rated at approximately 45 Shore A (or a substantially equivalent 75 range Shore 00) would deform more easily in response to a force required to deform a 60 Shore A materials, and under compressive pressure from a retaining ring, would return to the centered position more slowly.

The advantage of a slow memory elastomer is that the slow return to the valve center off position over a period of time, for instance ten to fifteen seconds, is that adequate time for water to run through the valve is provided to wash or rinse both hands without the need to maintain pressure on the valve stem to keep the valve open.

However, whether a fast memory or slow memory elastomer is used as the compression ring, the ultimate result is that the faucet accessory valve of the present invention provides and automatic closing function, thereby preventing unwanted water waste that can result from traditional valves not being turned off manually after use.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram showing a cross sectional view of a faucet accessory valve, and various spout adapters.

As previously described, the faucet accessory valve of the present invention is intended to be affixed to a traditional sink faucet spout at the same point where a sink aerator is typically affixed. Removing an existing faucet aerator opens the space for attachment of the valve of the present invention.

As is well known to those skilled in the art, there are three primary thread pitches and diameters for the spout to aerator assembly, those commonly being referred to as “standard”, “junior”, and “Tom Thumb” sizes. The three thread sizes require a male to female connection, with the threads on the faucet spout output orifice being either male or female, and the threads on the aerator being either female or male, respectively.

In the drawing, a variation of the threading portion 45 of the valve body 11 is shown as internal, or female threads. In the example, the female threads of the valve body represent 3/4X1 standard thread size, however, any standard thread size may be used.

Correspondingly, three adapters are shown with the lower portion being sized to insert into the 3/4X1 threaded valve body, and the upper portion being sized to retrofit and insert into a standard aerator faucet thread, 46, a standard junior aerator faucet thread 47, or a standard Tom Thumb aerator faucet thread 48.

It should be noted that thread size adapters may use male threads on both sides, female threads on the upper portion and male threads on the lower portion, male threads on the upper portion and female threads on the lower portion, or female threads on both the upper and lower portion. Therefore, the size and type of threads, either for the valve body, or for attaching the valve body to the threads of a faucet spout are not meant to be limiting, and any combination that provides for the secure connection of the faucet accessory valve of the present invention to a standard faucet spout may be used without diminishing the function or intent of the invention.

Merely as a point of reference, and not intended to be limiting, a thread conversion chart 49 illustrating the corresponding US and metric thread sizes for the three standard aerator sizes just describes is shown.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram showing a front view of a standard spout with a faucet accessory valve with hygienic covering.

More specifically, a faucet accessory valve of the present invention, as previously described, having been installed into the threaded output orifice of a standard faucet spout 8, is shown with a resilient covering 50. As can be appreciated, the covering extends to below the lower end of the valve stem, thereby preventing a user from contacting the valve stem. A series of aerator covering ports 51 are provided to allow for air to pass through the covering, and into the valve body for mixing with, and thereby aerating the water flow stream.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary diagram showing a cross sectional view of a standard faucet spout with a faucet accessory valve, hygienic covering, and spout adapter.

In the drawing, one variation of a thread adapter 46 is shown threaded into the valve body 11, with the upper threaded portion threaded into the female spout aerator threads 52, thereby removably securing the faucet accessory valve to the faucet spout.

A resilient covering, having been installed over the exterior of the valve body, is secured to the valve body by male and female mating details 53 with sufficient force so as to prevent the unwanted removal of the covering by children. However, removal by an adult would be easily achieved.

The valve stem is located substantially in the center of the lower portion of the resilient cover. When a force is applied to the outer surface of the covering in any direction lateral to the longitudinal axis of the valve stem, the resilient covering deforms in the same direction, the inwardly projecting rim 54 of the resilient cover making contact with the valve stem which correspondingly moves in the same lateral direction, thereby opening the valve, and permitting water to exit the lower end of the covering.

The importance of removing the covering from time to time is to maintain a sanitary condition. It is well known that sinks are repositories for dirt and germs, and although periodically washing sink faucets helps prevent germ and dirt build-up, the many nooks and crannies are often impossible to reach. Therefore, the removal of the covering so that it may be washed and disinfected manually, or more simply by washing in a dishwasher, provides for a preferred method of disinfecting that is easier and more effective than traditional methods of cleaning sink faucets.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary diagram showing a front view of a faucet valve assembly with hygienic covering, and a cosmetic spout cover.

The covering as previously described is intended to be the primary interface between a user's hand and the valve stem. The use of cosmetic exterior surfaces of the valve cover is not intended to be limiting, so long as the valve covering contacts the valve stem, thereby allowing the pressure on the covering to be transferred to the stem in order to open the valve, any form of valve covering may be used.

As one example of a cosmetic exterior of a functional cover, the valve covering shown in the drawing is represented as an elephant's trunk that functions the same as a valve covering that does not resemble an elephant.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary diagram showing a front view of a faucet valve assembly being actuated to redirect faucet water flow direction.

More specifically, as can readily be seen, pressure exerted laterally to a valve cover 6 of the present invention channels the valve output water stream 57 in a corresponding direction, represented as angle θ from the longitudinal axis of the valve body.

Therefore, as a novel feature of the valve cover, a user may easily change the direction of the faucet output flow from the traditional “straight through the aerator”, to a more desirable location for washing hands or other items.

The novel function of the present invention therefore provides for removably securing a faucet accessory valve to the output portion of a typical sink faucet spout, one handed operation by a user, the beneficial repositioning of the operable valve mechanism closer to users with limited reach, the automatic shut-off after use to prevent water waste, integral aeration of the faucet water flow stream, and a valve cover removable for more efficient and easier cleaning and disinfecting.

Further, one variation of the present invention provides for a time-delay for the automatic valve shut-off.

The water faucet control valve system may be an aftermarket accessory removably attachable to a conventional water faucet or manufactured as part of the OEM water faucet. The water faucet control valve system is comprised of a housing having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end adapted to fluidly connect to a spout of a water faucet having a primary valve and wherein the lower end includes a lower opening for discharging water received from the water faucet when the primary valve is open. The housing is preferably comprised of a rigid and tubular structure. The upper end of the housing may be non-removably or removably connected to the spout of the water faucet.

The water faucet control valve system further includes a secondary valve positioned within the housing, wherein the secondary valve has an open state that allows the flow of water and a closed state that prevents the flow of water. The secondary valve may be comprised of a check valve or other valve structure capable of controlling the flow of water through the housing. The secondary valve is preferably non-movably connected to the engaging member. The secondary valve includes a biasing member (e.g. spring or compression ring) that applies a downward force upon the secondary valve to bias the secondary valve into the closed state.

The water faucet control valve system further includes an engaging member connected to the secondary valve, wherein the engaging member extends outwardly from the lower opening of the housing, and wherein the engaging member controls the secondary valve. The engaging member is preferably comprised of an elongated stem having an elongated structure. The elongated stem may include a rounded distal end for manual engagement by a user. The engaging member extends substantially concentrically with respect to the housing when the secondary valve is in the closed state and extends non-concentrically within the housing when the secondary valve is in the open state as illustrated in FIG. 5.

The water faucet control valve system further may include a resilient covering having a tubular structure attached to the housing and extending downwardly from the lower end of the housing. The resilient cover when manually moved by a user manipulates the engaging member into the open state to allow for water to flow through the secondary valve. The resilient covering preferably extends below the engaging member as illustrated in FIG. 11 of the drawings. The resilient covering includes a plurality of aerator ports for allowing air to enter the flow of water passing through the resilient covering. The resilient covering may completely cover the housing as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. The lower interior portion of the resilient covering includes an inwardly extending portion that engages the engaging member when the lower portion of the resilient cover is manipulated by a user as further shown in FIG. 11. A lower portion of the resilient covering is deformable in a lateral direction at a deformed angle thereby directing a water discharge from the resilient covering at the deformed angle as illustrated in FIG. 13.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

Claims

1. A water faucet control valve accessory system, comprising:

a housing having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end adapted to fluidly connect to a spout of a water faucet having a primary valve and wherein the lower end includes a lower opening for discharging water received from the water faucet when the primary valve is open;

a secondary valve positioned within the housing, wherein the secondary valve has an open state that allows the flow of water and a closed state that prevents the flow of water; and

an engaging member connected to the secondary valve, wherein the engaging member extends outwardly from the lower opening of the housing, and wherein the engaging member controls the secondary valve.

2. The water faucet control valve system of claim 1, wherein the housing is comprised of a rigid and tubular structure.

3. The water faucet control valve system of claim 1, wherein the secondary valve is comprised of a check valve.

4. The water faucet control valve system of claim 1, wherein the secondary valve is non-movably connected to the engaging member.

5. The water faucet control valve system of claim 1, wherein the secondary valve includes a biasing member that applies a downward force upon the secondary valve to bias the secondary valve into the closed state.

6. The water faucet control valve system of claim 5, wherein the biasing member is comprised of a spring.

7. The water faucet control valve system of claim 5, wherein the biasing member is comprised of a compression ring.

8. The water faucet control valve system of claim 1, wherein the engaging member is comprised of an elongated stem.

9. The water faucet control valve system of claim 8, wherein the elongated stem includes a rounded distal end.

10. The water faucet control valve system of claim 1, including a resilient covering having a tubular structure attached to the housing and extending downwardly from the lower end of the housing, wherein the resilient cover when manually moved by a user manipulates the engaging member into the open state to allow for water to flow through the secondary valve.

11. The water faucet control valve system of claim 10, wherein the resilient covering extends below the engaging member.

12. The water faucet control valve system of claim 10, wherein the resilient covering includes a plurality of aerator ports.

13. The water faucet control valve system of claim 10, wherein the resilient covering covers the housing.

14. The water faucet control valve system of claim 10, wherein the resilient covering includes an inwardly extending portion that engages the engaging member when the lower portion of the resilient cover is manipulated by a user.

15. The water faucet control valve system of claim 10, wherein a lower portion of the resilient covering is deformable in a lateral direction at a deformed angle thereby directing a water discharge from the resilient covering at the deformed angle.

16. The water faucet control valve system of claim 1, wherein the engaging member extends substantially concentrically with respect to the housing when the secondary valve is in the closed state and extends non-concentrically within the housing when the secondary valve is in the open state.

17. The water faucet control valve system of claim 1, wherein the upper end of the housing is non-removably connected to the spout of the water faucet.

18. The water faucet control valve system of claim 1, wherein the upper end of the housing is adapted to be removably connected to the spout of the water faucet.

19. A water faucet control valve accessory system, comprising:

a housing having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end includes a coupler that is adapted to fluidly connect to a spout of a water faucet having a primary valve and wherein the lower end includes a lower opening for discharging water received from the water faucet when the primary valve is open;

a secondary valve positioned within the housing, wherein the secondary valve has an open state that allows the flow of water and a closed state that prevents the flow of water;

wherein the secondary valve includes a biasing member that applies a downward force upon the secondary valve to bias the secondary valve into the closed state;

an engaging member connected to the secondary valve, wherein the engaging member extends outwardly from the lower opening of the housing, wherein the engaging member controls the secondary valve, wherein the engaging member is comprised of an elongated stem, and wherein the lower portion of the engaging member is movable in a lateral direction to open the secondary valve; and

a resilient covering having a tubular structure attached to the housing and extending downwardly from the lower end of the housing, wherein the resilient cover when manually moved by a user manipulates the engaging member into the open state to allow for water to flow through the secondary valve, wherein the resilient covering extends below the engaging member, and wherein a lower portion of the resilient covering is deformable in a lateral direction at an deformed angle thereby directing a water discharge from the resilient covering at the deformed angle.

20. The water faucet control valve system of claim 19, wherein the engaging member extends substantially concentrically with respect to the housing when the secondary valve is in the closed state and extends non-concentrically within the housing when the secondary valve is in the open state.