U.S. patent application number 12/033594 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-20 for tub spout.
Invention is credited to Stephen L. Fillipp, Chad H. Jones.
Application Number | 20090205128 12/033594 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40953730 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090205128 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jones; Chad H. ; et
al. |
August 20, 2009 |
Tub Spout
Abstract
A spout for producing a sheet of liquid is provided. The spout
includes a planar top housing having sides that, along with the
bottom housing, define the cavity inside the spout. The spout
includes a fixture support in the proximal end of the spout to
easily connect an existing fixture that discharges a liquid. The
top housing includes a baffle wall for deflecting an introduced
liquid. The bottom housing includes a barrier wall that has an
aperture for the introduction of liquid into the spout. The bottom
housing also includes a receiving area for the collection of
introduced liquid and a weir that forms the distal end of the
receiving area. A guide extends from the weir and is angled in the
same direction with the inside surface of the distal end of the top
housing to create an opening for the expulsion of liquid that rises
above the weir.
Inventors: |
Jones; Chad H.; (Frisco,
TX) ; Fillipp; Stephen L.; (Lubbock, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Klemchuk Kubasta LLP
8150 N Central Expressway, SUITE 1150
DALLAS
TX
75206
US
|
Family ID: |
40953730 |
Appl. No.: |
12/033594 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/678 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/0404
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/678 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/04 20060101
E03C001/04 |
Claims
1. A spout for discharging a sheet of liquid comprising: a planar
top housing, the top housing having sides that define the cavity
inside the spout and having a baffle wall that extends in an
approximate perpendicular direction from the inside surface of the
top housing for deflecting an introduced liquid; a planar bottom
housing, the bottom housing comprising: a barrier wall having an
aperture for the introduction of liquid into the spout, the barrier
wall extending in an approximate perpendicular direction from the
inside surface of the of the bottom housing to the inside surface
of the top housing to prevent an introduced liquid from flowing
toward the distal end of the spout; a receiving area for the
collection of introduced liquid that has deflected off the top
housing baffle wall; a weir that extends in an approximate
perpendicular direction from the inside surface of the bottom
housing and forms the distal end of said receiving area to regulate
the flow of water through the spout; and a guide portion that
extends from the weir and is angled in the same direction with the
inside surface of the distal end of the top housing to create an
elongated opening to guide the discharge of liquid out of the spout
that rises above the weir.
2. The spout according to claim 1 wherein: the bottom housing
includes a fixture support defined by an insert in the proximal end
of the bottom housing and secured in place by the defining sides of
the top housing for connecting the spout to existing fixtures that
discharge liquid.
3. The spout according to claim 1 wherein: the planar top housing
includes a concave bend at its distal end to direct the flow of
liquid discharged from the spout in a downward direction.
4. The spout according to claim 1 wherein: the spout includes a
pull knob and gate assembly, wherein the pull knob includes a shaft
and a planar surface attached to the shaft, wherein the gate
assembly includes a movable stop that can be moved vertically by
pulling or pushing the planar surface of the pull knob to either
cover or expose the aperture in the barrier wall of the bottom
housing and a fixture to which the shaft of the pull knob is fixed,
wherein the gate assembly also includes support guides fixed to the
barrier wall of the bottom housing to guide the movement of the
stop and to support the stop against the force of liquid being
introduced into the aperture of the barrier wall, wherein the
planar top housing includes an aperture through which the shaft of
the pull knob is inserted into the spout and fixed to the stop
fixture.
5. The spout according to claim 3 wherein: the spout includes a
pull knob and gate assembly, wherein the pull knob includes a shaft
and a planar surface attached to the shaft, wherein the gate
assembly includes a movable stop that can be moved vertically by
pulling or pushing the planar surface of the pull knob to either
cover or expose the aperture in the barrier wall of the bottom
housing and a fixture to which the shaft of the pull knob is fixed,
wherein the gate assembly also includes support guides fixed to the
barrier wall of the bottom housing to guide the movement of the
stop and to support the stop against the force of liquid being
introduced into the aperture of the barrier wall, wherein the
planar top housing includes an aperture through which the shaft of
the pull knob is inserted into the spout and fixed to the stop
fixture.
6. A spout for discharging a sheet of liquid comprising: a planar
top housing, the top housing having sides that define the cavity
inside the spout and having a baffle wall that extends in an
approximate perpendicular direction from the inside surface of the
top housing for deflecting an introduced liquid; a planar bottom
housing, the bottom housing comprising: a barrier wall having an
aperture for the introduction of liquid into the spout, the barrier
wall extending in an approximate perpendicular direction from the
inside surface of the of the bottom housing to the inside surface
of the top housing to prevent an introduced liquid from flowing
toward the distal end of the spout; a receiving area for the
collection of introduced liquid that has deflected off the top
housing baffle wall; a weir that extends in an approximate
perpendicular direction from the inside surface of the bottom
housing and forms the distal end of said receiving area to regulate
the flow of water through the spout; and a guide portion that
extends from the weir and is angled in the same direction with the
inside surface of the distal end of the top housing to create an
elongated opening to guide the discharge of liquid out of the spout
that rises above the weir; a fixture support defined by an insert
in the proximal end of the bottom housing and secured in place by
the defining sides of the top housing for connecting the spout to
existing fixtures that discharge liquid; and a pull knob and gate
assembly, wherein the pull knob includes a shaft and a planar
surface attached to the shaft, wherein the gate assembly includes a
movable stop that can be moved vertically by pulling or pushing the
planar surface of the pull knob to either cover or expose the
aperture in the barrier wall of the bottom housing and a fixture to
which the shaft of the pull knob is fixed, wherein the gate
assembly also includes support guides fixed to the barrier wall of
the bottom housing to guide the movement of the stop and to support
the stop against the force of liquid being introduced into the
aperture of the barrier wall, wherein the planar top housing
includes an aperture through which the shaft of the pull knob is
inserted into the spout and fixed to the stop fixture.
7. The spout according to claim 6 wherein: the planar top housing
includes a concave bend at its distal end to direct the flow of
liquid discharged from the spout in a downward direction.
8. A spout for discharging a sheet of liquid comprising: a planar
top housing, the top housing being approximately 175 mm in width
and 150 mm in length, the top housing having sides that define the
cavity inside the spout and having a baffle wall that extends in an
approximate perpendicular direction from the inside surface of the
top housing for deflecting an introduced liquid; a planar bottom
housing, the bottom housing comprising: a barrier wall having an
aperture for the introduction of liquid into the spout, the barrier
wall extends in an approximate perpendicular direction from the
inside surface of the of the bottom housing to the inside surface
of the top housing to prevent an introduced liquid from flowing
toward the distal end of the spout; a receiving area for the
collection of introduced liquid that has deflected off the top
housing baffle wall; a weir that extends in an approximate
perpendicular direction from the inside surface of the bottom
housing and forms the distal end of said receiving area to regulate
the flow of water through the spout; and a guide portion that
extends from the weir and is angled in the same direction with the
inside surface of the distal end of the top housing to create an
elongated opening to guide the discharge of liquid out of the spout
that rises above the weir; a fixture support defined by an insert
in the proximal end of the bottom housing and secured in place by
the defining sides of the top housing for connecting the spout to
existing fixtures that discharge liquid; and a pull knob and gate
assembly, wherein the pull knob includes a shaft and a planar
surface attached to the shaft, wherein the gate assembly includes a
movable stop that can be moved vertically by pulling or pushing the
planar surface of the pull knob to either cover or expose the
aperture in the barrier wall of the bottom housing and a fixture to
which the shaft of the pull knob is fixed, wherein the gate
assembly also includes support guides fixed to the barrier wall of
the bottom housing to guide the movement of the stop and to support
the stop against the force of liquid being introduced into the
aperture of the barrier wall, wherein the planar top housing
includes an aperture through which the shaft of the pull knob is
inserted into the spout and fixed to the stop fixture.
9. The spout according to claim 8 wherein: the planar top housing
includes a concave bend at its distal end to direct the flow of
liquid discharged from the spout in a downward direction wherein
the height of the spout is approximately 72 mm.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to plumbing fixtures
and in particular to water spout fixtures through which water is
release into a tub or other receptacle.
[0003] Within the plumbing fixture industry, and in particular
within the water spout fixture market, most water spouts have a
circular cross-section opening that releases the flow of water, at
least initially, in a similar pattern. The impact of the
concentrated flow of water into a tub or similar receptacle
produces an undesirable amount of noise, is often uncomfortable on
contact, and is not aesthetically pleasing.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] These effects can be mitigated to some extent by water spout
fixtures that release a sheet of water into a tub or similar
receptacle. The improved qualities of liquids flowing in a sheet
are well recognized and there exists a variety of known spouts to
produce the waterfall effect of liquid flowing in a sheet.
[0006] Most types of known spouts for producing a sheet flow
include spouts with a narrow slot opening to form a sheet of liquid
upon discharge of the liquid. Producing a sheet flow with such a
design, taking into consideration of normal rates of liquid flow,
requires the slot to be very narrow. The turbulence in the liquid
at normal flow rates often breaks the sheet upon discharge from the
spout wherein the advantages of the spout is lost. Manufacturing a
narrow slot is also often difficult and the narrow slot spouts have
proven difficult to clean, especially if clogged.
[0007] Another type of known spout for producing a sheet flow of
liquid includes a deflector along with the narrow slot. The
deflector spreads the liquid upon impact with the deflector and
slows the rate of flow of the liquid, thus decreasing the
turbulence of the liquid at discharge and improving the sheet
qualities of the liquid flow. However, the thinning of the flow
sheet of liquid with these existing devices often exceeds the
limits of surface tension of the liquid holding the sheet together
causing the sheet at normal rates of flow to prematurely break
apart. When the flow of liquid, at normal flow rates, is prolonged,
the flow of liquid in these devices begin to exceed the surface of
the deflector, causing turbulence and again a loss of the ability
of the liquid to maintain its sheet form. These devices are also
often mechanically complex, costly, and substantial assembly time
is needed for installation.
[0008] A need exists, therefore, for a spout that produces a sheet
flow upon discharge that is continuous over an extended length
before impact with a receptacle and that is easy to assemble and
install.
[0009] All references cited herein are incorporated by reference to
the maximum extent allowable by law. To the extent a reference may
not be fully incorporated herein, it is incorporated by reference
for background purposes and indicative of the knowledge of one of
ordinary skill in the art.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The problems presented in known spouts for producing a sheet
flow of liquid upon discharge are solved by the device of the
present invention. In accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention, a spout is provided. The spout includes a planar top
housing having sides that, along with the bottom housing, define
the cavity inside the spout. The top housing includes a baffle wall
that extends in an approximate perpendicular direction from the
inside surface of the top housing for deflecting an introduced
liquid to spread the liquid within the spout and to reduce
turbulence of the liquid. The bottom housing includes a barrier
wall that extends in an approximate perpendicular direction from
the inside surface of the bottom housing that has an aperture for
the introduction of liquid from an existing fixture into the spout.
The barrier wall extends from the inside surface of the bottom
housing to the inside surface of the top housing to prevent an
introduced liquid from backflow into the proximal end of the spout.
The bottom housing also includes a receiving area for the
collection of introduced liquid that has deflected from the baffle
wall of the top housing, the receiving area being defined at its
proximal end by a portion of the bottom housing that drops lower
than the main body of the housing, on the sides by a portion of the
bottom wall that encloses the receiving area, and on the distal end
by a weir to regulate and smooth the flow of liquid out of the
spout. The receiving area collects an introduced liquid across the
planar surface of the spout to spread the flow of the liquid to aid
in creating a sheet flow upon discharge while also further reducing
the turbulence of the liquid. A guide extends from the weir and is
angled in the same direction with the inside surface of the distal
end of the top housing to create an elongated opening for the
discharge of liquid that rises above the weir, creating a smooth
sheet flow upon discharge.
[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, the spout
includes a fixture support in the proximal end of the spout,
defined by a supporting portion in the bottom housing and secured
into place by the defining sides of the top housing to easily
connect an existing fixture that discharges a liquid.
[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, the top
housing includes a concave bend toward the distal end of the spout
to direct the flow of liquid discharged from the spout in a
downward direction. In such an embodiment, the guide of the bottom
housing is still angled in the same direction with the inside
surface of the distal end of the top housing to create an elongated
opening for the discharge of liquid that rises above the weir.
[0013] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
spout includes a pull knob and gate assembly. The pull knob
includes a shaft that can be inserted through the top housing and
fixed to a portion of the gate assembly. The planar top housing
includes an aperture through which the shaft of the pull knob is
inserted vertically into the spout and fixed to the gate assembly.
The pull knob also includes a planar surface attached to the shaft
so than the pull knob can be pulled or pushed into a desired
position. The gate assembly includes a movable stop. The movable
stop has a fixture to which the shaft of the pull knob is fixed so
that the stop can be moved vertically by pulling or pushing the
planar surface of the pull knob to either cover or expose the
aperture in the barrier wall of the bottom housing. The gate
assembly also includes support guides fixed to the barrier wall of
the bottom housing to guide the movement of the stop and to support
the stop against the force of liquid being introduced into the
aperture of the barrier wall.
[0014] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent with reference to the drawings and
detailed description that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the spout in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective, exploded view of the spout in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side view of the spout in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the spout taken along
the line 8-8 of FIG. 1 with the pull knob down in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the spout taken along
the line 8-8 of FIG. 1 with the pull knob up in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0020] All references cited herein are incorporated by reference to
the maximum extent allowable by law. To the extent a reference may
not be fully incorporated herein, it is incorporated by reference
for background purposes and indicative of the knowledge of one of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0021] In the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which
form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration
specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be
practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to
enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it
is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that
logical mechanical changes may be made without departing from the
spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to
enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the
description may omit certain information known to those skilled in
the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to
be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present
invention is defined only by the appended claims.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, a spout 10 for producing a
sheet flow of liquid upon discharge is provided. FIG. 1 is a
perspective view of the spout 10 in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective, exploded view of
the spout 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 3 is a side view of the spout 10 in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional
view of the spout 10 taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 1 with the
pull knob 18 down in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the spout 10 taken
along the line 8-8 of FIG. 1 with the pull knob 18 up in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. The spout 10 includes
a planar top housing 12 having sides 16 that, along with the bottom
housing 14, define the cavity inside the spout 10. The spout can be
made from any common material used in existing spouts, such as
brass. The top housing 12 and the bottom housing 14 are assembled
together by six screws 44 that pass through the bottom housing 14
and fix to the top housing 12.
[0023] The top housing 12 includes a concave bend toward the distal
end 46 of the spout 10 to direct the flow of liquid discharged from
the spout 10 in a downward direction. The top housing 12 includes a
baffle wall 20 that extends in an approximate perpendicular
direction from the inside surface 22 of the top housing 12 for
deflecting an introduced liquid to spread the liquid within the
spout and to reduce turbulence of the liquid.
[0024] The bottom housing 14 includes a barrier wall 24 that
extends in an approximate perpendicular direction from the inside
surface 26 of the bottom housing 14 that has an aperture 28 for the
introduction of liquid from an existing fixture into the spout. The
barrier wall 24 extends from the inside surface 26 of the bottom
housing 14 to the inside surface 22 of the top housing 12 to
prevent an introduced liquid from backflow into the proximal end 30
of the spout. The bottom housing 14 also includes a receiving area
32 for the collection of introduced liquid that has deflected from
the baffle wall 24 of the top housing 12, the receiving area 32
being defined at its proximal end 34 by a bottom housing portion 36
that drops lower than the main body of the bottom housing 14, on
the sides by side bottom wall portions 36 that encloses the
receiving area 32, and on the distal end 38 by a weir 40 to
regulate and smooth the flow of liquid out of the spout 10. The
receiving area 32 collects an introduced liquid across the planar
surface of the spout 10 to spread the flow of the liquid to aid in
creating a sheet flow upon discharge while also further reducing
the turbulence of the liquid. A guide 42 extends from the weir 40
and is angled in the same direction with the inside surface of the
distal end 46 of the top housing 12 to create an elongated opening
for the discharge of liquid that rises above the weir 40, creating
a smooth sheet flow of liquid upon discharge.
[0025] The spout 10 includes a fixture support 48 in the proximal
end 30 of the spout 10, defined by a supporting portion 50 in the
bottom housing 14 and secured into place by the top housing 12 to
easily connect an existing fixture that discharges a liquid.
[0026] The spout 10 also includes a pull knob 18 and gate assembly
52. The pull knob 18 includes a shaft 54 that can be inserted
through the top housing 12 and fixed to a portion of the gate
assembly. The planar top housing 12 includes an aperture 56 through
which the shaft 54 of the pull knob 18 is inserted vertically into
the spout 10 and fixed to the gate assembly. The pull knob 18 also
includes a planar surface 58 attached to the shaft 54 so that the
pull knob 18 can be pulled or pushed into a desired position. The
gate assembly 52 includes a movable stop 60. The movable stop 60
has a fixture 62 to which the shaft 54 of the pull knob 18 is fixed
so that the stop 60 can be moved vertically by pulling or pushing
the planar surface 58 of the pull knob 18 to either cover or expose
the aperture 28 in the barrier wall 24 of the bottom housing 14.
The gate assembly 52 also includes support guides 64 fixed to the
barrier wall 24 of the bottom housing 14 to guide the movement of
the stop 60 and to support the stop 60 against the force of liquid
being introduced into the aperture 28 of the barrier wall 24.
[0027] The primary advantage of the present invention is to provide
a spout that discharges a smooth sheet of liquid upon discharge
that is easy to assemble and install.
[0028] Even though many of the examples discussed herein are
applications of the present invention used as a water spout in a
bathtub or the like, the present invention also can be applied to
other types of uses, including but not limited to spouts used for
showers and sinks.
[0029] It should be apparent from the foregoing that an invention
having significant advantages has been provided. While the
invention is shown in only a few of its forms, it is not just
limited but is susceptible to various changes and modifications
without departing from the spirit thereof.
* * * * *