RETRACTABLE SPRAY HEAD FAUCET WITH DAMPENED RETRACTION FEATURE

Abstract

A faucet having a retractable spray head with a dampened retraction feature. One aspect is a faucet assembly comprising a collar fixedly attachable to a hose, and a damper mechanism including a rotary damper including a pinion, and a rack including a hose catch that allows the hose to move freely until the collar intersects with a hose catch, wherein the rack and the pinion movably connect. When a faucet spray head is moving from an extended position to a retracted position, the hose passes through the hose catch until the collar intersects with the hose catch, the collar engaging with the hose catch to move together with the rack along the rotary damper, thereby slowing retraction of the faucet spray head until the faucet spray head is in the retracted position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is being filed on Sep. 16, 2022, as a PCT International Patent Application that claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/245,634, filed on Sep. 17, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to the field of faucets. In particular, this invention relates to a device and method for a retractable faucet having a dampened retraction feature.

BACKGROUND

Many faucets, such as kitchen faucets, include a retractable spray hose with a spray nozzle. The spray nozzle may be provided on a retractable, pull-out spray head, which allows the user to direct water flow from the pull-out head toward destinations where the flow is useful and where conventional faucets may not reach. For example, when washing pots and pans, the user may pull out the spray head and direct the flow into the pots and pans rather than moving the pots and pans under the faucet. Because the pull-out head is typically much lighter and much easier to negotiate than the item that is being washed, this adds to user convenience.

Presently, kitchen spray heads on pull-down faucets retract when a user releases the spray head. This may be accomplished using a weight that is positioned on a hose that is connected to the spray head. The weight may be placed on a portion of the hose which is located below a countertop and/or sink. When released by a user, the spray head retracts back toward the spout tube as the hose is pulled back through the spout tube by the weight. The spray head stops moving when the spray head has reached the spout tube.

This arrangement is convenient, but has some disadvantages. For example, the sharp and/or repeated impact of the spray head on the spout tube can cause damage to the spray head, leading to leaks or lack of performance from the spray head. The impact on the spray head is generally located in a vulnerable location of the spray head, e.g., at a fitting where a water hose attaches to the spray head. Any damage to this connection point can lead to a leak and/or water damage beneath the sink. Accordingly, in many cases, the weight applied to the hose must be selected such that it is not unduly difficult for a user to pull out the spray head and hose for use, and so that the impact of the spray head on the spout tube caused by the retracting force of the weight does not cause damage. Furthermore, the impact of the collision between the spray head and the spout tube not only provides the potential for damage, it is aesthetically unpleasing to experience for a user. Accordingly, some users will deliberately, manually re-seat the spray head into contact with the spout tube to avoid such collisions. This adds a level of implicit potential inconvenience to the user.

SUMMARY

In general terms, this disclosure is related to a faucet having a retractable spray head with a “slow close”, “soft close”, or dampened retraction feature.

One aspect is a faucet comprising a faucet base, a faucet spout having an interior passage, a first end connected to the faucet base and a second end, a faucet spray head movable between a retracted position in which the faucet spray head is proximate to the second end of the faucet spout and an extended position positioned away from the second end of the faucet spout, and a hose extending through the interior passage of the faucet spout, the hose having a first hose end that is connected to a water source and a second hose end connected to the faucet spray head, the hose extending through the faucet spout. A collar is affixed to the hose, and a damper mechanism includes a rotary damper having a pinion, and a rack including a hose catch that allows the hose to move freely until the collar intersects with the hose catch. The rack and the pinion movably connect. When the faucet spray head is moving from the extended position to the retracted position, the hose passes through the hose catch until the collar intersects with the hose catch, the collar engaging with the hose catch to move together with the rack along the pinion of the rotary damper, thereby slowing retraction of the faucet spray head until the faucet spray head is in the retracted position.

Another aspect is a faucet comprising a faucet base, a faucet spout having an interior passage, a first end connected to the faucet base and a second end, a faucet spray head movable between a retracted position in which the faucet spray head is proximate to the second end of the faucet spout and an extended position positioned away from the second end of the faucet spout, a hose extending through the interior passage of the faucet spout, the hose having a collar attached to a first hose end that is connected to a water source and a second hose end connected to the faucet spray head, the hose extending through the faucet spout, and a damper mechanism comprising a rotary damper including a pinion, and a rack including a hose catch that allows the hose to move freely until the collar intersects with the hose catch, wherein the rack and the pinion movably connect. When the faucet spray head is moving from the extended position to the retracted position, the hose passes through the hose catch until the collar intersects with the hose catch, the collar engaging with the hose catch to move together with the rack along the rotary damper thereby slowing retraction of the faucet spray head until the faucet spray head is in the retracted position.

Yet another aspect is a soft close faucet assembly comprising a collar fixedly attachable to a hose, and a damper mechanism including a rotary damper including a pinion, and a rack including a hose catch that allows the hose to move freely until the collar intersects with the hose catch, wherein the rack and the pinion movably connect. When a faucet spray head is moving from an extended position to a retracted position, the hose passes through the hose catch until the collar intersects with the hose catch, the collar engaging with the hose catch to move together with the rack along the rotary damper, thereby slowing retraction of the faucet spray head until the faucet spray head is in the retracted position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a faucet with a retractable spray head in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a soft close faucet with a retractable spray head and a damper mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an isolated view of a damper mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates the damper mechanism of FIG. 3 with a debris guard removed.

FIG. 5 illustrates an isolated view of a rack and pinion engagement arrangement with a faucet hose, useable in conjunction with the damper mechanism described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates the rack and pinion engagement arrangement of FIG. 5 isolated from the hose.

FIG. 7 illustrates a hose for a faucet useable in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the damper mechanism of FIG. 2 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates an opposite perspective view of the portion of the damper mechanism of FIG. 8.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures and descriptions provided herein may have been simplified to illustrate aspects that are relevant for a clear understanding of the herein described devices, systems, and methods, while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity, other aspects that may be found in typical devices, systems, and methods. Those of ordinary skill may recognize that other elements and/or operations may be desirable and/or necessary to implement the devices, systems, and methods described herein. Because such elements and operations are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present disclosure, a discussion of such elements and operations may not be provided herein. However, the present disclosure is deemed to inherently include all such elements, variations, and modifications to the described aspects that would be known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of “at least one A, B, and C” can mean (A): (B): (C): (A and B): (A and C): (B and C): or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” can mean (A): (B): (C): (A and B): (A and C): (B and C): or (A, B, and C).

In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in specific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some embodiments, may not be included or may be combined with other features.

In general, the present disclosure is directed to a pull-down or pull-out faucet having a “soft close” or “slow close” feature, e.g., dampening the impact or recoil effect caused by a weight on a hose and spray head that has previously been pulled away from a faucet spout, and is retracting toward the faucet spout. In particular, a damper mechanism including a rotary damper catches a collar on the faucet hose to slow the retraction of the faucet head. Such a feature may be referred to as a “soft close” or “slow close” feature as it results in a similar visual effect to a dampened closing feature that may be present on, e.g., kitchen cabinet doors, automobile doors, and the like.

FIG. 1 illustrates a representative faucet 100 in which a soft close feature can be implemented. FIG. 1 specifically shows a perspective view of a faucet 100 including a faucet spray head 112 configured in accordance with the present invention. The faucet 100 may be mounted, for example, to a kitchen sink or to other sink structures, such as for example, a utility sink or a bathroom tub.

In the example shown, the faucet 100 includes a base 116, a faucet spout 118, and a water controller 120, such as a faucet handle. In alternative examples, multiple water controllers 120 may be used, wherein a first water controller controls hot water and a second water controller controls cold water. Hot and cold water conduits 124, 126, respectively, such as for example, copper pipes or plastic tubing, connect the faucet 100 to a water source (not shown). The faucet spout 118 is connected at a first end 132 to the base 116 and at a second end 130 to the faucet spray head 112. A hose 114 supplies a flow of water, including hot and/or cold water, in proportions as selected by the water controller 120.

Hot and cold water conduits 124, 126 lead to a cartridge (not shown, typically within a handle and/or base 116), with water flow controlled by the water controller 120. The cartridge is fluidically connected to the hose 114 that extends through the faucet spout 118 to the faucet spray head 112. As such, the hose 114 is connected at one end, indirectly, to a water source (via hot and cold water conduits 124, 126) and at an opposite end to the faucet spray head 112.

In the embodiment shown, the faucet 100 is mounted to a sink deck 117 (a portion of which is shown), which is also referred to as a countertop. The base 116 is mounted above the sink deck 117, and hot and cold water conduits 124, 126 lead through the base 116 to the cartridge, with the hose 114 extending back down through the sink deck 117 and up through the faucet spout 118 to the faucet spray head 112. A hose weight 128 is placed around the hose 114, below the sink deck 117. The hose weight 128 is located below the base 116 and, in the example shown, slides along the hose 114. The hose weight 128 provides a pulling force on the hose 114 to cause the faucet spray head 112 to retract toward the faucet spout 118 utilizing gravity.

The faucet 100 includes the faucet spray head 112 that is detachable from the second end 130 of the faucet spout 118. As shown, the faucet spray head 112 is in a retracted position, where the faucet spray head 112 is “docked” in a position adjacent to the second end 130 of the faucet spout 118. In some examples, a portion of the faucet spray head 112 is received into an opening at the second end 130 of the faucet spout 118. In an extended position, the faucet spray head 112 is movable away from the second end 130 of the faucet spout 118 so as to allow a user the ability to manipulate the faucet spray head 112 during use. This is facilitated by the hose 114 having excess length attached to the faucet spray head 112 and being extendable through the faucet spout 118, with additional slack hose being stored under the sink deck 117.

The hose weight 128 is positionable around the hose 114 (as shown in FIG. 1) to urge the faucet spray head 112 to the retracted position. In example embodiments, the hose weight 128 slides along the hose 114 as the faucet spray head 112 is pulled away from the second end 130 of the faucet spout 118. The hose weight 128 has a weight that is greater than the weight of the faucet spray head 112, which allows the hose weight 128 to pull the faucet spray head 112 back into the retracted position.

In use, a user pulls the faucet spray head 112 away from the faucet spout 118, moving the faucet spray head 112 from the retracted position to the extended position. When the user releases the faucet spray head 112, downward force applied by the hose weight 128 on the hose 114 causes the faucet spray head 112 to retract back toward the retracted position at the second end 130 of the faucet spout 118.

In example embodiments, the faucet spray head 112 may be fitted with one or more alignment features, such that, when a user releases the faucet spray head 112 from an extended position and it retracts toward the second end 130 of the faucet spout 118, the faucet spray head 112 returns to a predetermined alignment. Details regarding an example alignment feature usable in a pull-out faucet are provided in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0063408, entitled “Faucet Head Alignment System”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The faucet 100 can, in the various embodiments described herein, include a soft close feature, also referred to herein as a dampened retraction feature. This feature, as described in more detail below, is usable in a pull-down or pull-out faucet, and decreases the speed at which the faucet spray head 112 is retracted back to the second end 130 of the faucet spout 118 for at least a portion of the distance that the faucet spray head 112 retracts toward the faucet spout 118. The soft close feature comprises, in some embodiments, a collar attached to a hose 114 of the faucet 100, at a fixed distance away from the faucet spray head 112. As the faucet spray head 112 is released and moves towards the retracted position, the collar moves toward a hose catch in a damping mechanism. The hose catch is connected to a rack which interfaces with a rotary damper. When the collar intersects with the hose catch, the hose and rack move together with the rotary damper providing resistance, which slows the retraction of the faucet spray head 112 back to the faucet spout 118.

In many embodiments, the relative positions of the collar and the hose catch are such that, as a faucet spray head 112 is released, it may retract without any damping effect until the spray head approaches the second end 130 of the faucet spout. As the faucet spray head 112 approaches the second end 130 (e.g., within 1-3 inches of contact with the second end), the damper mechanism may initiate a retraction dampening effect as discussed below.

The soft close feature may be implemented on a variety of faucets, including, but not limited to, kitchen faucets, bathroom faucets, and tub faucets. Further, the faucet 100 is configured to be controlled (i.e., on/off, water volume, and water temperature) via traditional methods (e.g., a handle as seen in FIG. 1), and/or via gesture or voice.

Although this disclosure will be discussed with regard to a kitchen faucet for purposes of example, the system described herein could be implemented in any type of pull-down faucet and/or a pull-out faucet, including a side auxiliary spray faucet. In some examples, the faucet 100 is a showerhead in a shower or a pull-out faucet used in conjunction with a sink or tub in a bathroom. In some examples, the faucet 100 is any fluid dispensing device that is configured to dispense fluid therefrom.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a soft close faucet 200 with a retractable faucet spray head 112 and a damper mechanism 202. In some embodiments, the soft close faucet 200 includes some or all of the features of the faucet 100 illustrated in FIG. 1.

The soft close feature described herein provides advantages such as preventing damage to a faucet when a user releases the faucet spray head. The soft close feature reduces the speed at which the faucet spray head retracts when the faucet spray head nears the faucet spout. Therefore, damage, such as water leaks is prevented. Further, having a soft close feature located within the faucet and/or below the sink deck provides an aesthetically pleasing design.

In the example shown, the soft close faucet 200 includes a faucet spray head 112, a hose 114, a base 116, a sink deck 117, a faucet spout 118 with a first end 132 connected to the base 116 and a second end 130 connected to the faucet spray head 112, a water controller 120, and a hose weight 128. In some embodiments these features operate similar to the features of the faucet 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 along with hot and cold water conduits 124, 126 (not shown in FIG. 2).

In the example shown, the faucet further includes the damper mechanism 202 and a shank 204 connected to the faucet spout 118 and the damper mechanism 202. In some embodiments, the shank 204 is a threaded shank used to affix the faucet 200 to the sink deck 117. In such an arrangement, as the faucet spray head 112 is moved between a retracted position at the second end 130 of the faucet spout 118 and an extended position away from the second end 130 of the faucet spout 118, a portion of the length of hose 114 moves through the shank 204. In some embodiments, the shank 204 protects the hose and at least a portion of the damper mechanism 202 from debris.

In some embodiments the shank 204 includes a connector 206 which connects a clip 208 of the damper mechanism 202. The connector 206 may be threaded onto the shank, and allows for the damper mechanism to mount directly to the shank 204. The clip 208 allows for easy connection or disconnection of the damper mechanism 202 from the shank 204, for example to facilitate easy installation and removal. In alternative embodiments, the connector 206 uses a variety of connectors or fasteners, such as screws, nails, bolts, anchors, rivets, hooks, etc.

Generally speaking, the damper mechanism 202 operates to slow the retraction of the faucet spray head 112. The damper mechanism 202 receives the hose 114 and slows the movement of the hose when the portion of hose 114 extending through the shank 204 is moving in a downward direction. In the embodiment shown, the damper mechanism sits below the sink deck 117 and is connected to the shank 204 via the clip 208 and the connector 206. In other embodiments the damper mechanism can sit directly below the sink deck 117. In some embodiments, the damper mechanism 202 is fixed to a wall of a cabinet under the sink deck 117. In some examples, the damper mechanism 202 is fixed to the sink deck 117, e.g., at an underside of the sink deck. Additionally, in some examples, the damper mechanism 202 is located inside the faucet spout 118. Further examples of the damper mechanism 202 are described in more detail herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates an isolated view of a damper mechanism 202 of FIG. 2. In the embodiment shown, the damper mechanism 202 includes a damper support 302 and a housing 303. The damper support 302 provides a supportive structure and connectors for various parts of the damper mechanism 300, illustrated in further detail below. The housing 303 provides a protective cover over portions of the damper mechanism 202 to protect against debris or interference from items that may be located below the sink deck 117. Additionally, a sheath 309 is positioned around the connector 206, and operates to guide the damper mechanism 202 into an installation location at the end of the shank 204. By locating the connector 206 at a particular location along the shank 204, the height and position of the damper mechanism 202 may be adjusted.

In some embodiments, the damper mechanism 202 includes the clip 208. The clip 208 operates to provide easy installation and removal of the damper mechanism 202. In the example shown, the clip 208 is placed at a top end of the damper mechanism 202 and could attach to a shank connected to the faucet or to a mount under the sink deck. In other examples, the clip 208 can be placed at other positions on the damper mechanism 202 and attach to a mount located at other locations. For example, the clip 208 could be attached to a wall of a cabinet under a sink deck. Other fastening devices can be used in alternative embodiments. For examples, screws, nails, bolts, anchors, rivets, hooks, etc.

In some examples, the damper mechanism 202 includes the housing 303, which acts as a debris guard. The housing 303 operates to protect various components of the damper mechanism 202 from debris, and avoid interference from other items that may be located below the sink deck 117. In some embodiments, the housing is made of a plastic material and includes clips or another attachment feature for easy installation or removal. The debris guard can be made of other materials or can be manufactured as a single unit with a damper support 302, described below. Further details of the damper support 302 are described herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, additional details regarding the damper mechanism 202 are shown. In particular, a damper subassembly 300 includes the damper support 302, which provides support for a rotary damper 304, a pinion 306, a rack 308, a clip 208, and a hose rub guard 312. The rack includes a hose catch 314.

In the example shown, the damper support 302 connects the rotary damper 304 with the pinion 306 to interface with the rack 308. The support also provides a mounting location for the clip 208 and the hose rub guard 312. The damper support 302 can be made from a variety of different materials including metals and plastics. The damper support 302 can also be any of a variety of shapes. In some embodiments, the damper support 302 is a compact rectangular shape, allowing for convenient installation under a sink deck.

The rotary damper 304 is connected to the pinion 306, the combination of which is fixed to the damper support 302. In some embodiments, the rotary damper 304 is a one-way rotary damper allowing the pinion 306 to spin freely in one direction and with rotational resistance in the other direction. Typically, in these embodiments, the rotary damper 304 provides resistance as the rack 308 moves downward. In other embodiments, the rotary damper 304 is a two-way rotary damper and provides rotation resistance in both directions. In the example shown, the rotary damper is fixed to the damper support 302 via bolts 316A and 316B. In some examples, the rotary damper 304 is a hydraulic rotary damper. In these examples, the rotary damper includes a fluid or a gel which provides damping resistance. The damping resistance, in some examples, is based on the viscosity of the fluid and the design of the rotary damper. The rotary damper 304 can use other mechanisms such as bands or springs to provide the damping effect.

The pinion 306 interfaces with the rack 308. The pinion rotates in one direction (e.g., clockwise as shown) as the rack 308 moves downward and in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise as shown) when the rack 308 moves upward. The pinion 306 is connected to the rotary damper 304 which provides rotational resistance in at least one direction. The pinion 306 includes gears. In the typical examples, the pinion is made of metal material; however, the pinion may be made from other materials such as plastic, or a combination of materials. The resistance slows the speed of retraction for the faucet head.

The rack 308 is movably connected with the pinion 306. In some embodiments, the damper support 302 partially encloses the rack 308 allowing the rack to move linearly within the damper support 302. For example, the damper support 302 may include a slot which receives a portion of the rack or a bolt connected to the rack. This slot guides the rack to move in a linear direction within a range defined by a length of the damper support 302 and/or slot. An example of such a slot is illustrated in FIGS. 8-9. The rack 308 includes a series of grooves or a linear gear (seen in the example of rack 308, depicted as rack 402 in FIG. 4) which interface with the pinion 306. Moving the rack linearly causes the pinion 306 to move rotationally.

The rack 308 includes a hose catch 314. The hose catch 314 encircles the hose, allowing the hose to move freely until the hose catch 314 intersects with a collar fixed to the hose (seen in the example depicted in FIG. 4, described below). At this point, the hose catch 314 engages the collar, causing the rack 308 to move with the hose. In the example shown, the hose catch 314 is circular. An example of the rack 308 shown with a hose including a collar is illustrated in FIG. 4. In alternative embodiments, the hose catch 314 may take any of a variety of shapes, but has an internal size that would allow the hose, but not the hose collar, to pass therethrough.

An example of the rotary damper, pinion, rack, and hose catch is illustrated in FIG. 5 and further examples are described herein.

In some embodiments, the damper mechanism 300 includes the clip 208. The clip 208 operates to allow for the easy installation and removal of the damper mechanism 300. In some examples, the clip 208 attaches to a shank connected to the faucet spout. For example, the clip 208 may attach to a sheath, such as connector 206, that may be threadably installed around the shank, or otherwise attached to the shank. In other examples, the clip attaches to a mounting device below the sink deck. Alternative embodiments can include other mounting or fastening mechanisms instead of the clip 208.

In some embodiments, the damper mechanism 300 includes the hose rub guard 312. The hose rub guard 312 is connected to a bottom end of the damper support 302. The hose rub guard operates to prevent the hose from interfering with the rack 308. The hose rub guard blocks the hose from the interior of the damper support 302. In alternative embodiments, the hose rub guard is connected at different parts along the hose support. In other embodiments, a shield is used to prevent the hose from interfering with the rack. The shield may be placed on the rack 308, or on the damper support 302, while still allowing the movement or the rack 308 and the hose catch 314.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a portion 400 of the rotary damper arrangement, with a hose 410 for a faucet with a retractable spray head. The rotary damper arrangement 400 includes a rack 402 with a hose catch 404, a rotary damper 406 with a pinion 408, and the hose 410 with a collar 412. The collar 412 includes a flare 414.

In some embodiments, the rack 402 corresponds to rack 308 of FIG. 3, and includes the hose catch 404 which surrounds the hose 410. The hose catch 404 has a diameter greater than that of the hose 410, allowing the hose to move freely through the hose catch until the collar 412 intersects with the hose catch 404. In the example shown, the hose catch 404 is a circular part, but other shapes can be used in alternative embodiments.

In the example shown, the hose 410 includes the collar 412. The collar 412 is non-slidably attached to the hose 410, and is positioned at a location along the hose 410 such that the collar 412 intersects with the hose catch 404 when a faucet head is moving from an extended position to a retracted position, before reaching the retracted position. The collar 412 intersecting with the hose catch 404, combined with continued force on the hose due to, e.g., a weight applied at the hose encouraging movement toward the retracted position, causes the rack 402 to move downward with the hose 410 and activates the damping effect, for example, when a user lets go of the faucet spray head. The rack 402 moving with the hose 410 while the collar 412 and hose catch 404 are engaged causes the grooves 403 on the rack 402 to rotate the pinion 408 due to complementary engagement features thereon, Because the pinion 408 is resistive to rotation due to the rotary damper 406, the damping effect is thereby engaged, causing a slowing of the movement toward the retracted position. In alternative embodiments, a bumper, O-ring, hook, or other part can be used instead of or with the collar 412. In further embodiments, the collar 412 may take any of a variety of shapes.

In the example shown, the collar 412 includes a flare 414. The flare 414 is raised to generally increase a diameter or other cross-sectional area, which provides a surface to engage the hose catch 404 and activate the rotary damper 406. In the embodiments where the collar 412 includes the flare 414, the flare protrudes from the collar to provide a larger contact region to engage an edge of the hose catch 404 when the collar 412 reaches the hose catch 404 as the hose 410 passes therethrough, while still allowing the hose 410 to move freely toward the extended position, or between extended and retracted positions along a length where the collar remains unengaged from the hose catch 404.

In the example shown, the rotary damper 406 includes the pinion 408. The pinion 408 is an example of pinion 306, and is connected to the rotary damper 406 such that the resistance provided by the rotary damper 304 slows the rotation of the pinion 305. The pinion 305 rotates in one direction (e.g., clockwise in the example shown) as the rack moves downward and in the other direction (e.g., counterclockwise in the example shown) as the rack moves upward. In some examples, the rotary damper is a one-way rotary damper and will provide rotational resistance, which slows the movement of the rack only as it travels in the downward direction. An example isolated view of a portion 400 of the rotary damper 300, including the rack 308 and the pinion 305, is illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 illustrates a hose 410 for a faucet with a retractable spray head. The hose 410 includes a collar 412. In the embodiment shown, the collar 412 includes a flare 414. Generally speaking, the hose 410, collar 412, and flare 414 represent examples of corresponding components described above in conjunction with FIG. 5.

In examples, hose 410 is connected at one end to a faucet spray head to provide water to the faucet head. In some embodiments, the hose 410 is connected to a cartridge that receives selectable hot and cold water supply at an opposite end, for delivery to the faucet spray head. The hose allows the faucet spray head to move from a retracted position adjacent to the faucet to an extended position. The hose 410 is generally a flexible hollow tube designed to carry water from the mixing chamber for hot and cold water to the faucet spray head. Examples of the hose 602 are described herein.

The collar 412 is fixed to the hose 410. In the typically embodiment, the collar is made of a metal material. Other materials such as rubber or plastic could also be used. In one alternative embodiment, the collar is made of a magnetic or magnetically attractive material. In the embodiment shown, the collar is circular. In alternative embodiments, the collar can take any variety of shape, but is of a size which allows the hose to move from a retracted position to an extended position. In some examples, the hose may not include a collar, but instead may include a ridge or bulge along the hose. In the example shown, the collar 412 includes a flare 414. The collar 412 may be made from a deformable material, such that it may be crimped onto the hose at the time of installation. In other examples, the collar 412 may be pre-formed or removably affixed to the hose 410. Once affixed to the hose 410, the collar 412 remains in its location along the hose.

The flare 414 operates to make contact with a top ledge on a hose catch on a rack, as previously described. As the hose slides through the hose catch and the spray head returns to a retracted position from an extended position, the flare 414 contacts the ledge, pushing the rack to move with the hose in the direction of movement of the hose. This activates the rotary damper, slowing the movement of the hose 410. In the example shown, the flare 414 has a wider radius than the collar 412 to ensure the collar catches the hose catch or provide a greater surface area to contact the hose edge. In alternative embodiments, the flare may be a different shape than the hose catch. In further embodiments, instead of a flare, the collar may have a bar or other blocking structure protruding from the collar. In other examples, the collar 412 does not include a flare.

FIG. 8 illustrates an isolated view of a portion 800 of a rotary damper arrangement, for example useable within a damper mechanism 202 described above. This view includes the rack 308 with a hose catch 314 and a rotary damper 304 with a pinion 305, as described above. The rack 308 and the pinion 305 are used to activate the slow close effect using rotary damper 304, and operate analogously to the manner described above. The rack 308 includes a series of grooves 403 as previously described (or linear gear teeth) that provide force on gear teeth 405 of the pinion 305 as the rack moves linearly. The force on the gear teeth 405 causes the pinion 305 to rotate. In a typical example, the rack 308 is in a loaded position when the faucet spray head is in an extended position. In some embodiments, the loaded position includes where the rack 308 is in an upward position with the bottom portion of the groves 403 adjacent to the pinion 305. The rack 308 will catch the hose with the hose catch 314 and push the rack downward.

The rotary damper 304 provides rotational resistance in at least one direction. The rotational resistance slows the movement of the rack 308. In some examples, the rotary damper 304 is a one-way rotary damper and will slow the movement of the rack in the downward direction while spinning freely in the opposite direction. In some examples, the rotary damper 304 is a hydraulic rotary damper. In these examples, the rotary damper includes a fluid or a gel which provides damping resistance. The damping resistance, in some examples, is based on the viscosity of the fluid and the design of the rotary damper. Other devices for providing rotation resistance to a pinion can also be used in alternative embodiments.

In the example shown, the damper support 302 partially encloses the rack 308. The damper support 302 includes both a channel 804 for guiding the rack 308 and an open portion 806. In this example, the damper support 302 partially encloses the rack 308, but allows the rack movement in a linear direction along the channel 804. In some embodiments, a bolt 806 (seen in FIG. 9) is connected to the rack 308 to move linearly with the rack. In other embodiments, a portion of the rack extends through the channel 804. A length of the channel 804 defines the maximum travel distance of the rack 308 in a direction along the damper support 302, in this example embodiment.

The damper support 302 typically has means for attaching a rotary damper in a position to interface with gears, or grooves 403, on the rack 304. In the embodiment shown, the damper support 302 includes an open portion 806 in a side of the damper support at a location of the rotary damper 304. The open portion 806 exposes at least a portion of the grooves 403 on the rack 308, thereby allowing the grooves 403 on the rack 308 to engage complementary gear teeth 405 on the pinion (seen in FIG. 6) adjacent to a fastener (e.g., bolts 316A-B) for the rotary damper. Other fasteners and arrangements for mounting the rotary damper 304 to interface with the rack 308 are also possible and within the scope of this disclosure.

The rack 308 slides linearly inside the damper support 302. In some examples, the channel 804 has a top end and a bottom end which stop the movement of the rack 308. In the embodiment shown, either a top end of the channel 804 or a bolt 802 stops the movement of the rack in the upward direction, and the end of the channel 804 stops movement of the rack in the downward direction. Other structures or components can be used to contain the rack 308 in the damper support 302.

FIG. 9 illustrates a opposite perspective view of a portion 800 of a damper mechanism 202, according to an example embodiment. In the example shown, the portion 800 includes a spring 805 for biasing the rack 308. The damper mechanism 800 includes a damper support 808 and the rack 308, as well as the spring 805. In the example shown, the spring 805 has a first end coupled with the damper support 808 via a first bolt 804 and a second end coupled with the rack 810 via a second bolt 806. The portion 800 of a damper mechanism may be incorporated within an overall damper mechanism described above in conjunction with FIGS. 2-3.

In the example shown, the spring 805 acts to implement a biasing feature for the rack 308. The spring 805 provides upward force which reloads the rack 308 when a user pulls the faucet head to an extended position. Reloading the rack 308 places the rack in a position to slow the retraction of the faucet head. In some embodiments, the decoupling of a collar from a hose catch 412 allows the spring to reload the rack 308. The spring provides enough force to reload the rack 308 when the gravitation force from the hose and the hose weight are not applied on the hose catch 412, but less force than is applied by the hose weight and gravitational effect causing retraction of the hose and faucet spray head. Accordingly, the spring 805 does not prevent the retraction of the faucet spray head.

The spring 805 includes a first end connected to the damper support 302 via the first bolt 802. In the embodiment shown, the first bolt 802 is set at a stationary attachment point in the damper support 302. In some examples, the first bolt 802 further acts as a rack stop which contains the rack 308 in the damper support 302, and limits movement of the rack in the upward direction. In some embodiments, the damper support 302 includes a slot on an upper end which partially surrounds the first bolt 802 when the rack 308 is moved to the loaded position.

The spring 805 further is attached to the second bolt 806, which is connected to the rack 308. In the embodiment shown, the second bolt slides linearly with the rack through a channel 804. When the faucet head is moved to an extended position, the spring provides upward force thereby moving the second bolt 806 and the attached rack 308 upward through the channel 804.

Alternative embodiments for reloading the rack 308 are also within the scope of this disclosure. For example, magnets, bands, a counter weight, or a lower collar on the hose can be used to reload the rack 308.

Embodiments of the present invention, for example, are described above with reference to block diagrams and/or operational illustrations of methods, systems, and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. The functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order as shown in any flowchart. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

The description and illustration of one or more embodiments provided in this application are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the invention as claimed in any way. The embodiments, examples, and details provided in this application are considered sufficient to convey possession and enable others to make and use the best mode of claimed invention. The claimed invention should not be construed as being limited to any embodiment, example, or detail provided in this application. Regardless of whether shown and described in combination or separately, the various features (both structural and methodological) are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce an embodiment with a particular set of features. Having been provided with the description and illustration of the present application, one skilled in the art may envision variations, modifications, and alternate embodiments falling within the spirit of the broader aspects of the claimed invention and the general inventive concept embodied in this application that do not depart from the broader scope.

Claims

1. A faucet comprising:

a faucet base;

a faucet spout having an interior passage, a first end connected to the faucet base, and a second end;

a faucet spray head movable between a retracted position in which the faucet spray head is proximate to the second end of the faucet spout and an extended position positioned away from the second end of the faucet spout;

a hose extending through the interior passage of the faucet spout, the hose having a first hose end that is connected to a water source and a second hose end connected to the faucet spray head, the hose extending through the faucet spout;

a collar affixed to the hose;

a damper mechanism comprising: a rotary damper having a pinion; and a rack including a hose catch that allows the hose to move freely until the collar intersects with the hose catch, wherein the rack and the pinion movably connect:

wherein, when the faucet spray head is moving from the extended position to the retracted position, the hose passes through the hose catch until the collar intersects with the hose catch, the collar engaging with the hose catch to move together with the rack along the pinion of the rotary damper, thereby slowing retraction of the faucet spray head until the faucet spray head is in the retracted position.

2. The faucet of claim 1, wherein the rotary damper provides resistance in a first rotational direction and moves freely in an opposite direction.

3. The faucet of claim 1, wherein the hose catch is circular.

4. The faucet of claim 1, wherein the collar includes a flare that hits a ledge on the hose catch when the collar intersects with the hose catch.

5. The faucet of claim 1, further comprising:

a spring with a first spring end and a second spring end, the first spring end connected to a support for the rotary damper and the second spring end connected to the rack, the spring providing force to reload the rack as the faucet spray head moves to the extended position.

6. The faucet of claim 1, further comprising:

a hose rub guard to prevent the hose from interfering with the rack and the pinion.

7. The faucet of claim 1, further comprising:

a debris guard that protects the damper mechanism.

8. The faucet of claim 1, further comprising:

a clip for installation and removal of the damper mechanism.

9. A faucet comprising:

a faucet base;

a faucet spout having an interior passage, a first end connected to the faucet base, and a second end;

a faucet spray head movable between a retracted position in which the faucet spray head is proximate to the second end of the faucet spout and an extended position positioned away from the second end of the faucet spout;

a hose extending through the interior passage of the faucet spout, the hose having a collar attached to a first hose end that is connected to a water source and a second hose end connected to the faucet spray head, the hose extending through the faucet spout; and

a damper mechanism comprising: a rotary damper including a pinion; and a rack including a hose catch that allows the hose to move freely until the collar intersects with the hose catch, wherein the rack and the pinion movably connect:

wherein, when the faucet spray head is moving from the extended position to the retracted position, the hose passes through the hose catch until the collar intersects with the hose catch, the collar engaging with the hose catch to move together with the rack along the rotary damper thereby slowing retraction of the faucet spray head until the faucet spray head is in the retracted position.

10. The faucet of claim 9, wherein the rotary damper provides resistance in a first rotational direction and moves freely in an opposite direction.

11. The faucet of claim 9, wherein the collar includes a flare that hits a ledge on the hose catch when the collar intersects with the hose catch.

12. The faucet of claim 9, further comprising:

a spring with a first spring end and a second spring end, the first spring end connected to a support for the rotary damper and the second spring end connected to the rack, the spring providing force to reload the rack as the faucet spray head moves to the extended position.

13. The faucet of claim 9, further comprising:

a hose rub guard to prevent the hose from interfering with the rack and the pinion.

14. The faucet of claim 9, further comprising:

a debris guard that protects the damper mechanism.

15. A soft close faucet assembly comprising:

a collar fixedly attachable to a hose; and

a damper mechanism including: a rotary damper including a pinion; and a rack including a hose catch that allows the hose to move freely until the collar intersects with the hose catch, wherein the rack and the pinion movably connect:

wherein, when a faucet spray head is moving from an extended position to a retracted position, the hose passes through the hose catch until the collar intersects with the hose catch, the collar engaging with the hose catch to move together with the rack along the rotary damper thereby slowing retraction of the faucet spray head until the faucet spray head is in the retracted position.

16. The soft close faucet assembly of claim 15, wherein the rotary damper provides resistance in a first rotational direction and moves freely in an opposite direction.

17. The soft close faucet assembly of claim 15, wherein the collar includes a flare which hits a ledge on the hose catch when the collar intersects with the hose catch.

18. The soft close faucet assembly of claim 17, wherein the hose catch is circular.

19. The soft close faucet assembly of claim 15, further comprising:

a spring with a first end and a second end, the first end connected to a support for the rotary damper and the second end connected to the rack, the spring providing upward force to reload the rack as the faucet spray head moves to the extended position.

20. The soft close faucet assembly of claim 15, further comprising:

a clip for installation and removal of the damper mechanism.