WATERFALL SPRAYER SYSTEM

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE APPLICATION

The present disclosure claims to the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/734,563, filed Dec. 16, 2024, which is hereby fully incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of consumer plumbing system, and more particularly to faucet systems with integrated waterfall features.

BACKGROUND

Consumer faucet systems have evolved to include a traditional faucet fixture paired with at least one sophisticated accessory. Such accessories may include fixtures that rinse glasses or bottles, treated water dispensers, and “waterfall” type sprayers. These options are not only aesthetically pleasing but also provide an efficient water source option aside from the traditional faucet fixture.

The addition of accessories to traditional faucet systems faucet systems introduces challenges. Often, these accessories are plumbed into the same source of water as the faucet fixture. Plumbing compliance codes may require that faucet systems with multiple outlets that are plumbed to one source of water are configured such that faucet fixture and any accessories may not deliver a stream of water simultaneously. Additionally, certain plumbing components are required to prevent the back flow of contaminated water into the water supply.

There is a current need for a waterfall sprayer system that integrates new accessories with traditional faucet fixtures, and also ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.

SUMMARY

Examples of the present disclosure relate to faucet systems that include a traditional faucet fixture and at least one waterfall sprayer and associated methods of operation for use. The waterfall sprayer systems disclosed herein may comprise a diverter, a controller, or both a diverter and a controller. In examples that comprise a diverter, the diverter manages water flow from a water supply to either the faucet fixture or the waterfall sprayer, not both. In other examples, the diverter manages water flow from a water supply to the faucet fixture, the waterfall sprayer, or both. In examples that comprise a controller, the controller comprises a vacuum breaker, where the vacuum breaker prevents the backflow of water from the waterfall sprayer (or other accessory fixture) to a water supply line.

In some examples, waterfall sprayer systems may include a waterfall sprayer, a Venturi assembly in fluid communication with the waterfall sprayer, an ozone generator configured to produce ozonated air, and a diverter configured to divert water from a water supply to the Venturi assembly. Ozonated air from the ozone generator can be injected into water from the water supply at the Venturi assembly to produce ozonated water. The waterfall sprayer can be configured to disperse ozonated water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detail description of examples of the disclosure in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a waterfall sprayer system, according to examples of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a waterfall sprayer system according to examples of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a multi-accessory sink including waterfall sprayers, according to examples of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a multi-accessory self-rimming sink including a waterfall sprayer and accessories, according to examples of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a multi-accessory undermount sink including a waterfall sprayer and accessories, according to examples of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a waterfall sprayer system with a Venturi assembly, according to examples of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a waterfall sprayer system, according to examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a waterfall sprayer, according to examples of the disclosure;

While various examples are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof, have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed disclosures to the particular examples described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to FIG. 1, a waterfall sprayer system 100 may comprise a sink basin 102, a faucet fixture 104, a diverter 108, a waterfall sprayer 106, and a sprayer valve/controller 116. The waterfall sprayer 106, the faucet fixture 104, and the sprayer valve 116 may be affixed to the sink basin 102. The diverter 108 may receive a flow of water from a water supply 110 including a hot water supply 111 and a cold water supply 113. The diverter 108 may be fluidly connected to the faucet fixture 104 via a faucet line 114 including hot and cold water supplies, and the waterfall sprayer 106 via a sprayer line 112 including hot and cold water supplies. The hot and cold water supplies at each of faucet fixture 104 and waterfall sprayer 106 may be mixed via a valve cartridge incorporated therein (not shown).

The faucet fixture 104 may have at least two operable positions: an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the faucet fixture receives a flow of water from the faucet line 114 through an opening in a first end of the faucet fixture 104, directs the flow of water through an internal passage of the faucet fixture 104, and ejects the flow of water from an opening in a second end of the faucet fixture 104. In the closed position, no flow of water is directed into the faucet fixture 104. The faucet fixture 104 may be configured to have continuous, scalable operable positions, such that the flow of water may be marginally increased and decreased between a minimum and maximum flow volume. Similarly, the waterfall sprayer 106 may have at least two operable positions: an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the waterfall sprayer 106 receives a flow of water from the sprayer line 112 through an opening in a first end of the waterfall sprayer 106, directs the flow of water through at least one internal passage of the waterfall sprayer 106, and ejects the flow of water through at least one opening in a second end of the waterfall sprayer 106. In the closed position, no flow of water is directed into the waterfall sprayer 106. The waterfall sprayer 106 may be configured to have continuous, scalable operable positions, such that the flow of water may be marginally increased or decreased between a minimum and maximum flow volume.

The waterfall sprayer 106 and the faucet fixture 104 may be configured to direct water generally into the sink basin 102. The waterfall sprayer 106 and the faucet fixture 104 may also be configured to direct water into a particular portion of the sink basin 102. The waterfall sprayer 106 may be further configured to direct water in a waterfall pattern. In examples, the waterfall sprayer 106 may comprise a plurality of exit openings such that when the waterfall sprayer 106 is in an open position and receiving a flow of water from the sprayer line 112, the waterfall sprayer 106 releases the flow of water in the waterfall pattern.

The diverter 108 may be configured such that water from the water supply 110 may supply water to either the faucet line 114 or the sprayer line 112, but not both. For example, the diverter 108 is configured such that when the faucet fixture 104 is in an open position and directing the flow water into the sink basin 102, no flow of water may be directed through the waterfall sprayer 106, even if the waterfall sprayer 106 is in an open operable position. In examples, the diverter 108 may comprise a pressure valve, such that the diverter 108 may direct the flow of water from the water supply 110 to the faucet line 114 only if the sprayer line 112 has a sufficiently high pressure. Similarly, in such an example, the diverter 108 may direct the flow of water from the water supply 110 to the sprayer lines 112 only if the faucet line 114 has a sufficiently high pressure. The water supply 110 may comprise ambient, untreated water, heated water, or both. The faucet fixture 104 and the sprayer valve 116 may be configured such that a user may selectively change the temperature of the water supply 110 by a control handle 105 positioned on or near the faucet 104, or by the sprayer valve/controller 116.

Sprayer valve/controller 116 may allow the user to turn the waterfall sprayer 106 on and off. Sprayer valve/controller 116 may further comprise an integrated vacuum breaker. In examples, the sprayer valve/controller 116 is mounted above a deck of the sink basin 102 such that the integrated vacuum breaker is at least 1″ above the deck of the sink basin 102. The integrated vacuum breaker is configured to prevent a back flow of water from the waterfall sprayer 106 into the sprayer lines 112.

In another example, a waterfall sprayer system 200 may comprise a sink basin 202, a faucet fixture 204, a beverage fixture 206, a waterfall sprayer 224, a sprayer controller 228, a hot water diverter 218, and a cold or ambient water diverter 210. The faucet fixture 204, the beverage fixture 206, and the waterfall sprayer 224 may be affixed to the sink basin 202. In some examples, the waterfall sprayer system 200 further comprises a water manifold 212, configured to manage the flow of water into the waterfall sprayer system 200 from the hot water supply 216 and the ambient water supply 214. In examples, the beverage fixture 206 may be a beverage faucet fluidly coupled to a filtration assembly (not shown) for dispensing filtered water therefrom. Additional treatment assemblies can be incorporated for dispensing treated water such as carbonated or sparkling water.

In examples, the hot water diverter 218 receives a flow of hot water from a hot water supply 216. The hot water diverter 218 is configured to direct the flow of hot water to the spray controller 228 via a sprayer hot water line 220 and to the faucet fixture 204 via a faucet hot water line 219. The ambient water diverter 210 receives a flow of ambient water from an ambient or cold water supply 214. The ambient water diverter 210 is configured to direct the flow of ambient water to the beverage fixture 206 via a beverage ambient water line 206, to the faucet fixture 204 via a faucet ambient water line 209, and to the spray controller 216 via a sprayer ambient water line 222.

In this example, the beverage fixture 206, faucet fixture 204, and the waterfall sprayer 224 can be operated independently, or all three can be operated simultaneously.

The spray controller 228 may comprise an integrated vacuum breaker. In examples, the spray controller 228 is mounted above a deck of the sink basin 202 such that the integrated vacuum breaker is at least 1″ above the deck of the sink basin 202. The spray controller 228 may be fluidly connected to the waterfall sprayer 224 via a connection line 226. The integrated vacuum breaker is configured to prevent a back flow of water from the waterfall sprayer 224 into the sprayer hot water line 220 and the sprayer ambient water line 222.

In examples, the faucet fixture 204 may receive both hot and cold water from water supplies 216, 214, via lines 219, 209, respectively, in which they can be mixed via a mixing cartridge (not shown) incorporated into the faucet fixture 204 and controlled by a user, such as by rotating or otherwise moving a handle 217 in various positions to a desired temperature. Similarly, controller 228 may receive both hot and cold water from water supplies 216, 214 via lines 220, 222, respectively in which they can be mixed via a mixing cartridge (not shown) incorporated into the controller 228 and controlled by a user, such as by rotating or otherwise moving in various positions to a desired temperature. The mixed water is then supplied to sprayer 224 via line 226.

In another example, a multi-accessory sink system 300 comprises a sink basin 304, a faucet fixture 302, a rinsing fixture 308, a rinsing fixture controller 306, a first waterfall sprayer 314, a second waterfall sprayer 342, and a sprayer controller 340. The sprayer controller 340 may be fluidly connected to a diverter 334 via an output line 338. The diverter 334 may be fluidly connected to the first waterfall sprayer 314 and the second waterfall sprayer 342 via a first diversion line 330 and a second diversion line 336, respectively. In some examples, the multi-accessory sink system 300 further comprises a water manifold 320 configured to manage a flow of water through the system 300.

The multi-accessory sink system 300 may be configured to receive a flow of water from a hot water supply 324 and an ambient water supply 322. The hot water supply 324 may direct a flow of hot water into a hot water diverter 326. The hot water diverter 326 may direct the flow of hot water to the sprayer controller 340, the faucet 302, and the rinsing fixture controller 306 via a sprayer hot water line 328, a faucet hot water line 327, and a rinsing hot water line 312, respectively. The ambient or cold water supply 322 may direct a flow of water to an ambient or cold water diverter 318. The ambient water diverter 318 may direct the flow of ambient water to the spray controller 340 via a sprayer ambient water line 332, to the faucet fixture 302 via a faucet ambient water line 315, and to the rinsing fixture controller 306 via a rinsing ambient water line 316.

In examples, the faucet fixture 302 may receive both hot and cold water from water supplies 324, 322 via lines 327 and 315, respectively, in which they can be mixed via a mixing cartridge (not shown) incorporated into the faucet fixture 302 and controlled by a user, such as by rotating or otherwise moving a handle 319 in various positions to a desired temperature. Similarly, spray controller 340 may receive both hot and cold water from water supplies 324, 322 via lines 328, 332, respectively in which they can be mixed via a mixing cartridge (not shown) incorporated into the spray controller 340 and controlled by a user, such as by rotating or otherwise moving in various positions to a desired temperature. The mixed water is then supplied to diverter 334 via line 338. Similarly, rinsing fixture controller 306 may receive both hot and cold water from water supplies 324, 322 via lines 312, 316, respectively in which they can be mixed via a mixing cartridge (not shown) incorporated into the rinsing fixture controller 306 and controlled by a user, such as by rotating or otherwise moving in various positions to a desired temperature. The mixed water is then supplied to the rinsing fixtures 308 via line 310.

In examples, the rinsing fixture 308 may comprise a glass rinser, such as those described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2025/0326013 and U.S. application Ser. No. 19/266,855, filed Jul. 11, 2025,both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The sprayer controller 340 may comprise an integrated vacuum breaker, as discussed supra. Similarly, the rinsing fixture controller 306 may comprise an additional integrated vacuum breaker. Both integrated vacuum breakers are configured to prevent the back flow of water into any of the aforementioned water lines from the first waterfall sprayer 314, the second waterfall sprayer 342, or the rinsing fixture 308. The sprayer controller 340 and the rinsing fixture controller 306 may be integrated into the sink basin 306 such that the integrated vacuum controllers are at least one inch (1″) above a deck of the sink basin 304.

The diverter 334 may be configured to direct water into either the first diversion line 336 or the second diversion line 330, but not both the first diversion line 336 or the second diversion line 330 simultaneously. For example, the diverter 334 may comprise a pressure valve. The pressure valve prevents the diverter 334 from directing water through the first diversion line 330 unless a back pressure of the second diversion line 336 is sufficiently high. The back pressure of the second diversion 336 is sufficiently high to enable the diverter 334 to direct the flow of water into the first diversion line 330 when the second waterfall sprayer 342 is in a closed configuration. If the diverter 334 is directing the flow of water to the second waterfall sprayer 342 and the second waterfall sprayer 342 is in an open configuration, the pressure valve of the diverter 334 prevents the diverter 334 from directing water through the first diversion line 330 to the first waterfall sprayer 314, even if the first waterfall sprayer 314 is in an open configuration.

In examples, the faucet fixture 302 may receive both hot and cold water from water supplies 216, 214, via lines 219, 209, respectively, in which they can be mixed via a mixing cartridge (not shown) incorporated into the faucet fixture 204 and controlled by a user, such as by rotating or otherwise moving a handle 217 in various positions to a desired temperature. Similarly, controller 228 may receive both hot and cold water from water supplies 216, 214 via lines 220, 222, respectively in which they can be mixed via a mixing cartridge (not shown) incorporated into the controller 228 and controlled by a user, such as by rotating or otherwise moving in various positions to a desired temperature. The mixed water is then supplied to sprayer 224 via line 226.

In this example, the faucet fixture 302, the rinsing fixture 308, and the waterfall sprayers 314 and 342 can be operated independently, or the faucet fixture 302 and the rinsing fixture 308 can be operated simultaneously with only one of the waterfall sprayers 314 and 342. In other examples, all can be operated simultaneously.

In examples, waterfall sprayers 314 and 342 can be of the same configuration or different configurations. For example, sprayer 314 may include a plurality of jets or a single elongate jet that spray water at a first velocity and/or in a first pattern, while sprayer 342 may including a plurality of jets or a single elongate jet that spray water at a second velocity and/or in a second pattern that is more or less than the sprayer 314. For example, sprayer 314 may introduce a spray for spraying delicate items such as berries, vegetable, or fruit, while sprayer 342 may introduce a higher velocity spray for cleaning dishes, flatware, pots and pans, and the like. In other examples, sprayers 314 and 342 are the same.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, waterfall sink systems may include any of a variety of sinks such as, for example, a self-rimming sink, an undermount sink, stainless steel sinks, ceramic sinks, single or multi-basin sinks, and the like. Further, the sinks may include any of a variety of accessories including cutting boards, strainers, baskets, knife holders, etc. that are mounted within the sink such as by floating or stepped ledges. The sinks may include a variety of interchangeable fixtures such as faucet fixtures, beverage or filtered water fixtures, soap dispensers, glass rinsers, and the like. The sink basins may include one or more waterfall sprayers one or more sidewalls of the basin. The waterfall sprayers may include a variety of nozzles or jets that are fixed or oscillating. The waterfall sprayer may be controlled by a spray controller mounted above the deck, and which may include an integrated vacuum breaker as discussed supra.

FIG. 4 depicts a waterfall sink system 400 including a single-basin sink 401. A waterfall sprayer 402 is integrated on a first sidewall of sink 401. The sink system 400 may include a faucet fixture 406, beverage faucet 404, and accessories 408, 410 depicted in this example as a cutting board 408 and strainer basket 410, mountable within sink 401 via ledges 414 (either stepped or floating) formed along a sidewall at one or more heights. In this example, ledges 414 are at various heights from the basin floor so as to stagger accessories 408, 410, and cutting board 408 is flush with a top surface of the mounting deck, while the strainer basket 410 is below the top surface of the mounting deck to allow draining of water into the sink 401. In this example, sink 401 is a self-rimming sink, e.g., it is mounted above deck and includes a flange or rim that is flush with the top surface of the mounting deck.

In this example, waterfall sprayer 402 is integrated in a wall of the sink 401 that is on the same side as faucet fixture 406; however, it is contemplated that it may be integrated into any wall of the sink, or additional waterfall sprayer(s) may be included on one or more walls. Waterfall sprayer 402 may be controlled by a spray controller 412 mounted above the deck, and which may include an integrated vacuum breaker. Spray controller 412 may be mechanically activated such as by rotating or pushing, or may be touchless or remote activated.

FIG. 5 depicts a waterfall sink system 500 including a single-basin sink 501. A waterfall sprayer 502 is integrated on a first sidewall of sink 501. The sink system 500 may include a faucet fixture 506, a glass rinser 504, and accessories 508, 510 depicted in this example as a cutting board 508 and differently sized strainer baskets 510, mountable within sink 501 via ledges 514 (either stepped or floating) formed along a sidewall at one or more heights, as described above with respect to system 400. In this example, sink 501 is an undermount sink, e.g., it is mounted below deck and includes a flange or rim (not shown) that is flush with and mounted to a bottom surface of the mounting deck.

In this example, waterfall sprayer 502 is integrated in a wall of the sink 501 that is on the same side as faucet fixture 506; however, it is contemplated that it may be integrated into any wall of the sink, or additional waterfall sprayer(s) may be included on one or more walls. Waterfall sprayer 502 may be controlled by a spray controller 512 mounted above the deck, and which may include an integrated vacuum breaker. Spray controller 512 may be mechanically activated such as by rotating or pushing, or may be touchless or remote activated.

Referring now to FIG. 6, waterfall sprayer 600 generally includes a plurality of nozzles or jets 502 that are in fluid communication with the water supply (not shown), and the nozzles may be oscillating or fixed. In examples, nozzles 502 may be independently operated to impart various spray streams. For example, a first row may be turned one while a second left off for a softer spray, or all turned on for a harder spray. In other examples, all may be operated at once, e.g., turned on/off as a group. In some examples, soap, ozone, antibacterials, detergents, or other treatments may be introduced into the water before being dispersed through nozzles 502. In another example, not shown, an alternative to nozzles 502 may be a single elongated opening or jet for dispensing a fluid.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a waterfall sprayer system 600 couplable to a sink 601 is depicted, according to examples of the disclosure. Waterfall sprayer system 600 can include a waterfall sprayer 602 integrated on or with a first sidewall 601a of sink 601. In some examples, waterfall sprayer 602 can include at least one, and preferably a plurality, of nozzles or jets 604 in fluid communication with a water supply (not shown). Nozzle(s) or jet(s) 604 can be configured to oscillate in some examples or can be fixed in other examples. In some examples, nozzles or jets 604 can operate independently to impart various spray streams. For example, a first row of nozzles or jets 604 can be turned on while a second row of nozzles or jets 604 can be left off for a softer spray, or all nozzles or jets 604 can be turned on for a harder spray. In other examples, each nozzle or jet 604 can be operated at once, for example turned on or off as a group.

Waterfall sprayer system 600 can further include, or be couplable to, a Venturi assembly 610. Venturi assembly 610 can be in fluid communication with waterfall sprayer 602 and the water supply. This fluid communication enables water to be directed from the water supply through Venturi assembly 610 and to waterfall sprayer 602. In most examples, Venturi assembly 610 can be positioned in an intermediate location between waterfall sprayer 602 and the water supply to enable seamless water distribution to waterfall sprayer 602.

Venturi assembly 610 can include a molded conduit 612 with a fitting or cartridge 614 couplable to each end of conduit 612. Molded conduit 612 can include a plurality of interconnected, internal passageways 613 that provide fluid communication between the water supply and waterfall sprayer 602. The plurality of interconnected, internal passageways 613 can be directly couplable or integrally formed together in most examples. Passageways 613 can have a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical geometry in some examples, or another geometry such as spherical or cuboidal in other examples. In some examples, passageways 613 can include four passageways 613a-d connected between a first end proximate the water supply and a second end proximate waterfall sprayer 602.

In such example, a first passageway 613a can be proximate the water supply at the first conduit end. First passageway 613a can be sized to receive a first fitting or cartridge 614 therein at the first conduit end. First passageway 613a can extend along an axis A₁ until reaching a second passageway 613b. Second passageway 613b can have a smaller diameter or width compared to first passageway 613a, and generally can be formed at a corner or outer edge of molded conduit 612. Second passageway 613b can extend along axis A₁ starting from an end of first passageway 613a. Second passageway 613b can have a diameter or width extending along an axis A₂. In some examples, axis A₂ can be orthogonal or approximately orthogonal relative to axis A₁. Second passageway 613b can extend along axis A₂ until reaching a third passageway 613c.

Third passageway 613c can have a smaller diameter or width compared to first and second passageways 613a,b. Third passageway 613c can extend along axis A₂ until reaching a fourth passageway 613d. In some examples, fourth passageway 613d can have a diameter or width that is smaller compared to first passageway 613a but larger compared to second and third passageways 613b,c. Fourth passageway 613d can extend along axis A₂ until reaching waterfall sprayer 602 at the second conduit end. This enables fluid communication between the water supply, passageways 613a-d, and waterfall sprayer 602. Fourth passageway 613d can be sized to be at least partially surrounded by a second fitting or cartridge 614 at the second conduit end. This arrangement of passageways 613 is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 7.

Fitting or cartridge 614 can include a collet 615a extending between a first end and a second end, an O-ring 615b proximate the second end, and a body 615c arranged around the collet 615a. In use, a first fitting or cartridge 614 can be received within first passageway 613a, and a second fitting or cartridge 614 can at least partially surround fourth passageway 613d. For the first fitting or cartridge 614, collet 615a can include a hollow passageway that may taper at least slightly between the first collet end and the second collet end. The first collet end is generally positioned external to first passageway 613a while the second collet end is generally positioned within first passageway 613a. O-ring 615b can be positioned within first passageway 613a, proximate the second collet end. In some examples, O-ring 615b can be positioned between the second collet end and a wall defined by first passageway 613a. This enables direct and tight contact by O-ring 615b with collet 615a and first passageway 613a. Body 615c can be received within first passageway 613a and arranged around a portion of collet 615a positioned therein between the first and second collet ends. Body 615c is generally placed in direct and tight contact with both an outer surface of collet 615a and an inner surface of first passageway 613a.

For the second fitting or cartridge 614, a second end of collet 615a can be proximate waterfall sprayer 602, while a first collet end can be distal waterfall sprayer 602. Collet 615a can at least partially surround fourth passageway 613d along a length thereof. O-ring 615b can be positioned proximate the second collet end against a portion of waterfall sprayer 602. Body 615c can be placed in direct and tight contact with an outer surface of collet 615a and with an inner surface of the portion of waterfall sprayer 602. Used together, first and second fittings or cartridges 614 can enable push-to-connect coupling between the water supply and a first end of molded conduit 612, via first fitting or cartridge 614, and between waterfall sprayer 602 and a second end of molded conduit 612, via second fitting or cartridge 614. This enables seamless fluid communication between the water supply, Venturi assembly 610, and waterfall sprayer 602 during operation of waterfall sprayer system 600.

In some examples, Venturi assembly 610 can be made at least partially from one or more metals, polymers, ceramics, or composites thereof. For example, molded conduit 612 can comprise one or more metal materials while each fitting or cartridge 614 can comprise one or more polymer materials. Suitable metal materials include, but are not limited to, steel, cast iron, copper, brass, and aluminum. Suitable polymer materials include, but are not limited to, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Venturi assembly 610 can be manufactured using one or more suitable subtractive or additive manufacturing processes as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 8, waterfall sprayer system 600 can further include, or be couplable to, an ozone generator 622 stored within a manifold or housing 620. Ozone generator 622 can be configured to ozonate atmospheric air received from the surrounding environment or an air supply. Ozonated air can then be injected into water flowing through Venturi assembly 610 to create ozonated water for waterfall sprayer 602. Ozonated water can be used by waterfall sprayer 602 for various purification and disinfection purposes. For example, ozonated water can be used as a natural cleaning agent for washing fruits, vegetables, and surfaces in a sink or in surrounding areas. Ozonation can also be used to remove bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms from water prior to consumption by humans or animals, or prior to use for various cleaning or hygiene purposes.

Ozone generator 622 can include a first entrance port 624 configured to receive atmospheric air from the surrounding environment or from an air supply such as an external air source. Atmospheric air can be ozonated using one or more electrical charges produced by ozone generator 622 through methods such as corona discharge or ultraviolet light application. Ozonated air can then be dispersed out of ozone generator 622 via a second exit port 626. Second exit port 626 can be coupled to one or more check valves 628 via tubing or piping, the check valve(s) 628 generally positioned within manifold or housing 620. Check valve(s) 628 can be configured to control the release of ozonated air out of the manifold or housing 620.

In some examples, waterfall sprayer system 600 can include tubing or piping 632 couplable to check valve 628 at a first end and to Venturi assembly 610 at a second end. Tubing or piping 632 provides a passageway for the flow of ozonated air from check valve 628, via ozone generator 622, to Venturi assembly 610. Waterfall sprayer system 600 can further include tubing or piping 634 for transporting water from a water supply to Venturi assembly 610. In some examples, cold water can be received from a solenoid valve body couplable to or received within manifold or housing 620. In some examples, waterfall sprayer system 600 can include a diverter configured to divert water from the water supply to Venturi assembly 610 and optionally other sink or faucet components (e.g., a direct-inject Venturi assembly).

In operation, ozonated air from ozone generator 622 can be injected or otherwise mixed with water from the water supply at Venturi assembly 610 to produce ozonated water. For example, water flowing through passageways 613 of molded conduit 612 can create a vacuum that draws ozonated air into the water, thereby creating ozonated water. Ozonated water can flow from Venturi assembly 610 to waterfall sprayer 602 and dispersed according to the spraying techniques described herein (e.g., ozonated water can be sprayed from one or more nozzles or jets 604 defined by waterfall sprayer 602).

Waterfall sprayer systems 600 disclosed herein can integrate a waterfall sprayer 602 with a sink sidewall 601a to enable efficient water spraying operations. Waterfall sprayer systems 600 can include a Venturi assembly 610 having a molded conduit 612 with interconnected internal passageways 613 and fittings or cartridges 614 between a water supply and waterfall sprayer 602. Waterfall sprayer systems 600 can further include an ozone generator 622 generally positioned within a manifold or housing 620. Ozone generator 622 can be configured to produce ozonated air via methods such as corona discharge or ultraviolet light application. Ozonated air from ozone generator 622 can be injected into water from the water supply at the Venturi assembly 610 to produce ozonated water. Ozonated water can then be dispersed from Venturi assembly 610 to waterfall sprayer 602 for various spraying operations (e.g., cleaning, purification, disinfection).

The disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential attributes. Therefore, the illustrated examples should be considered illustrative and not restrictive in all respects.

Various examples of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These examples are given only be way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed disclosures. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the examples that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional examples. Moreover, while various material, dimensions, shapes, configurations, locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed examples, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed disclosures.

Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual example described above. The examples described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the examples are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various examples may comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual examples, as understood be persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one example may be implemented in other examples even when not described in such examples unless otherwise noted.

Any incorporation of reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.