Diverter integrated into a side sprayer

• US 20080178935A1
• Filed: 01/31/2007
• Published: 07/31/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 01/31/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Delta Faucet Company (Masco Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Masco Corporation Of Indiana (Masco Corporation)
• Inventors: Thomas, Kurt Judson
• Granted Patent: US 7,721,761 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 137/1
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 1/023 with flow distribution, e.g. diverters
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 2001/0415 having an extendable water outlet
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 2201/30 Diverter valves in faucets or taps
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 11/022 comprising a deformable member
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 11/03 without auxiliary power
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0318 Processes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/2683 Plural outlets control with automatic reset
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/87249 Multiple inlet with multiple outlet

Abstract

A diverter assembly configured to be connected to a faucet assembly that may be installed on a sink. The diverter assembly includes a diverter and a mechanism for dispensing fluid, such as a sprayer. The diverter assembly may be connected to a tube connected to an outlet of the faucet. The diverter assembly may redirect flow from the outlet of the faucet to the sprayer upon activation of the sprayer.

Claims

1. A sprayer assembly configured for use with a faucet including a delivery spout outlet and a valve assembly capable of selectively preventing the flow of fluid to the delivery spout outlet, the sprayer assembly comprising;

a sprayer including an inlet, a sprayer outlet and an actuator capable of selectively permitting the flow of fluid from said inlet to said sprayer outlet;

a diverter including a housing, an input, a first output and a second output;

a valve outlet tube fluidly connecting the valve assembly and said input of said diverter;

a spout tube fluidly connecting the delivery spout outlet and said second output of said diverter; and

a sprayer tube fluidly connecting said sprayer and said first output of said diverter, said sprayer tube having an end fixed within said housing of said diverter.

2. The sprayer assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said diverter permits the fluid to flow from said input to said second output until activation of said actuator of said sprayer.

3. The sprayer assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said inlet is positioned adjacent said second outlet.

4. The sprayer assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said diverter includes a first end and a second end, wherein said inlet is located proximate said first end and said first outlet is located proximate said second end.

5. The sprayer assembly as set forth in claim 1, further including a tube connected to said first outlet and said second outlet.

6. The sprayer assembly as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a tube fluidly coupling said first output of said diverter and said inlet of said sprayer, said tube fixed to the sprayer and the diverter.

7. The sprayer assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said diverter further includes an inner housing received within said outer housing, said end of said sprayer tube received intermediate said outer housing and said inner housing.

8. A method of attaching a dispenser assembly to a faucet, the faucet including a delivery spout outlet, a valve assembly configured to selectively permit flow of the fluid through the outlet, a first tube connecting the valve assembly to a liquid supply, and a second tube connecting the valve assembly to the outlet, the method comprising the steps of:

disconnecting the second tube from between the valve assembly and the outlet;

providing a dispenser assembly including an integral diverter having an input and an output;

fluidly coupling the second tube to one of the input and the output of the diverter; and

fluidly coupling a third tube to the other of the output and the input of the diverter;

wherein the dispenser assembly further includes a dispenser mechanism capable of selectively dispensing the fluid connected to said diverter.

9. The method as set forth in claim 8, wherein said dispenser assembly includes a sprayer.

10. The method as set forth in claim 8, wherein the faucet is mounted to a sink deck prior to said disconnecting step.

11. A method of installing a faucet assembly comprising the steps of:

adding a delivery spout and a valve assembly to said sink;

coupling a diverter assembly to said valve assembly; and

coupling a sprayer to said valve assembly;

wherein said diverter assembly is integral with said sprayer, such that said step of coupling the diverter assembly occurs concurrently with said step of coupling a sprayer assembly.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said coupling the diverter assembly step includes disconnecting a tube from between the valve assembly and the delivery spout outlet.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said coupling the diverter assembly step further includes fluidly coupling the tube to the diverter assembly, and coupling a second tube to the diverter assembly.

14. A sprayer for use with a faucet including:

a body defining an inlet and an outlet;

a tube having opposing first and second ends, the first end fluidly coupled to the inlet; and

a diverter integrally coupled to said second end of said tube.

15. The sprayer of claim 14, wherein the diverter further includes:

an outer housing, an input, a first output, and a second output; and

wherein a second end of the tube is fixed within the outer housing.

16. The sprayer of claim 15, wherein the diverter further includes an inner housing received within the outer housing, the second end of the tube being received intermediate the outer housing and the inner housing.