GB2226109A - Pivoting faucet nozzle - Google Patents

Abstract

A pivoting faucet nozzle assembly (10) comprises a body member (12) having a first circular passageway (35) adapted to receive an end portion of an inlet tube (14) and a second passageway (36) comprising an outlet (43) communicating with the first passageway. The second passageway has a shoulder (40) disposed a predetermined distance from a central axis of the first passageway. The end of the tube has a longitudinally extending tab (32) which engages with the shoulder upon pivoting of the body member (12) to either of two angular limits, e.g. 45 DEG , from a central position in which the tab (32) is substantially centered in the second passageway (36). The nozzle can be pivoted enough to rinse the walls of a sink but not enough to spray water on the counter top in which the sink is mounted. <IMAGE>

Description

PIVOTING FAUCET NOZZLE This invention relates to a pivoting nozzle faucet assembly.

U.S. patent No. 3,841,346 of Robert Amblank, issued October 15, 1974, discloses a pivotable water outlet which can direct water into either a tub or a shower. When directing water into the tub, the nozzle can be pivoted through a limited range. The amount of pivoting is controlled by a stop screw which extends through a housing wall into a limiting groove in an outflow sleeve to which the nozzle is attached.

U.S. patent No. 2,878,059 of H.A. Limle, issued March 17, 1959, discloses a modified faucet which can be turned from a normal down position to a straight up position to act as a fountain. It is not adapted to be pivoted during use.

U.S. patent No. 2,790,632 of C.W. Mellette, issued April 30, 1957, discloses a spout with an adjustable discharge head which incorporates a valve mechanism to control the discharge of water. If tilted past certain limits, no water flows; if turned straight up, there is a reduced flow of water.

U.S. patent No. 2,570,635 of O.F. Beyer, Jr., issued October 9, 1951, discloses a spout with a nozzle that can be freely rotated through 3600 to direct water up or down.

U.S. patent No. 1,217,512 of P.F. Silberman, issued February 27, 1917, discloses a faucet attachment or fixture which has a soap container which connects to hot and cold water faucets. The container can turn about a horizontal axis. No mechanism is provided to limit the amount of turning.

U.S. Patent No. 904,673 of W.E. Bideker, issued November 24, 1908, discloses a rotatable nozzle tip for fire hoses.

In accordance with a broad aspect of the invention, there is provided a pivoting faucet nozzle assembly comprising a body member having a first circular passageway adapted to receive an end portion of an inlet tube and a second passageway comprising an outlet communicating with said first passageway, said second passageway having a shoulder disposed a predetermined distance from a central axis of said first passageway, said distance being less than the radius of said first passageway, said end of said tube having a longitudinally extending tab which engages with said shoulder upon pivoting of said body member to either of two angular limits from a central position in which said tab is substantially centered in said second passageway.

Thus the present invention provides a novel pivoting faucet nozzle assembly with a discharge head that can be pivoted side to side within limits, e.g.

450 either side. This facilitates rinsing out a sink while avoiding spraying water on to the counter top.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pivoting faucet nozzle assembly according to the invention.

Figure 2 is an isometric view of an end portion of the inlet tube of the assembly, and Figure 3 is a cross sectional isometric view of the nozzle and part of the inlet tube.

Referring to Figure 1, the faucet assembly 10 comprises a nozzle or head portion 12 attached to one end of an inlet tube 14. The other end of the inlet tube 14 is adapted to be attached to a water supply pipe (not shown) where a retaining nut 15 presses a split plastic ring 16 against the end of the pipe. As resilient O-ring 18 forms a seal with the pipe in well known manner. The inlet tube can be rotated about a vertical axis.

The nozzle 12 is secured against longitudinal movement on tube 14 by a screw 20, the tip of which fits in groove 22 (Figure 2) of tube 14. The screw 20 does not, however, engage the bottom of groove 22 which would interfere with pivoting movement of nozzle 12.

Figure 1 shows the nozzle as being provided with an aerator and filter screen 24 but this is not essential.

Referring to Figure 2 again, it is seen that the end portion of tube 14 has a second groove 27.

Groove 27 is provided with a resilient 0being 30 which forms a seal with the nozzle while allowing the nozzle to pivot on the tube 14. The end of tube 14 is provided with a longitudinally extending tab 32 which limits the amount of pivoting of the nozzle 12, as will be explained in connection with Figure 3.

Referring to Figure 3, the nozzle or body member 12 has a first circular passageway 35 adapted to receive an end portion 36 of inlet tube 14 (only part of which is shown). A second passageway 36, comprising a fluid outlet, communicates with the first passageway 35. The second passageway has a downwardly facing shoulder 40 partially encircling the second passageway and disposed a predetermined distance from a central axis 41 of the first passageway, the distance being less than the radius of the first passageway 35. In the position shown in Figure 3, the tab 32 is centered in the second passageway 36. However, if the nozzle 12 is pivoted sufficiently either clockwise or counter clockwise with respect to axis 41, the tab 32 will engage with shoulder 40 to prevent further pivoting.

The outlet opening 43 is provided with threads (not numbered) to receive an aerator and filter screen assembly.

The passageways in the nozzle, which are preferably at right angles to one another, can be easily provided by machining, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, the second passageway 36 can be formed first and a first part of it enlarged to form the shoulder 40. The first passageway 35 can then be formed which results in cutting away part of the shoulder up to a plane through the end 50 of the shoulder. The lower end of the second passageway can then be enlarged to provide the opening 43 for the aerator and filter screen assembly.

The end 50 of the shoulder 40 limits the extend to which the nozzle can be pushed on to the tube 14.

Claims (6)

1. A pivotable faucet nozzle assembly comprising a body member having a first circular passageway adapted to receive an end portion of an inlet tube and a second passageway comprising an outlet communicating with said first passageway, said second passageway having a shoulder disposed a predetermined distance from a central axis of said first passageway, said distance being less than the radius of said first passageway, said end of said tube having a longitudinally extending tab which engages with said shoulder upon pivoting of said body member to either of two angular limits from a central position in which said tab is substantially centered in said second passageway.

2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said end portion of said tube has a first external groove adapted to receive an O-ring to provide a seal with said body member.

3. An assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein said end portion of said tube has a second external groove adapted to receive an end of a screw through said body member whereby said body member is retained in position longitudinally of said inlet tube.

4. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the position of said shoulder and the width of said tab permit said body member to be pivoted about 450 either side of said central position.

5. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein said second passgeway extends substantially at right angles to said first passageway.

6. A pivotable faucet nozzle assembly substantially as described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.