Decorative frame with liquid soap dispenser and utensil flushing device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to a trim frame with a liquid soap dispenser and a utensil flushing apparatus, and more particularly to a utensil flushing apparatus configured to apply pressurized water and liquid soap to a utensil or other similar container for cleaning and flushing the utensil. In an example, a ware flushing apparatus may include a mounting element disposed below a lower trim frame, an upper trim frame coupled to the lower trim frame, a fluid dispensing assembly disposed within the upper trim frame, and a soap dispenser defined within a portion of the lower trim frame. The liquid soap dispenser may dispense liquid soap into the water stream to form a water and liquid soap mixture. Optionally, the ware washing apparatus may include a pair of water type indicators for distinguishing hot and cold water, and a light emitting diode for providing illumination during a ware cleaning operation. The present disclosure also provides a vessel flushing system and a method of operating a vessel flushing apparatus. Also provided herein is a trim frame having a ware flushing apparatus and waterfall features.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 636,983, filed April 22, 2024, entitled “VESSEL RINSING DEVICE WITH SOAP DISPENSER” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 642,325, filed May 3, 2024, entitled “ESCUTCHEON WITH VESSEL RINSING DEVICE.” The entire disclosures of the foregoing applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to a fluid dispensing device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to escutcheons and fluid and soap dispensing devices that can be coupled to a sink deck and configured for use with vessels and other similar fluid containers. BACKGROUND

[0004] Cleaning the interior of a vessel, such as a glass or cup, is often difficult. Debris can become lodged deep within the interior of the vessel, making cleaning challenging, especially when the vessel has a small diameter opening. Conventional methods of cleaning a vessel include, for example, a brush, a rag, a spray faucet, or simply placing the soiled vessel in a dishwasher for automatic cleaning. While these methods can occasionally prove effective, they often leave at least some debris in hard-to-reach areas deep within the interior of the vessel that cannot be removed without re-cleaning the vessel using a different method. Furthermore, these methods are either excessive (e.g., spray faucet, dishwasher) or require too much physical labor from the vessel cleaner (e.g., brush, rag).

[0005] Other, more recent methods include using a vessel rinsing device that is connected to the surface of a sink deck to provide pressurized water directly into the vessel upon application of force to the device. While these more recent methods tend to remedy the issue of providing water directly to hard-to-reach areas, they often do not integrate soap or another cleaning product into the directed water stream when cleaning the vessel. Accordingly, current vessel rinsing device lines are unable to provide complete vessel cleanliness because they are unable to remove all bacteria, chemicals, and other undesirable substances that can be removed using a combination of water and cleaning product. Examples of the present disclosure provide solutions to this problem as well as other problems that will become apparent in subsequent sections of this document. SUMMARY

[0006] Examples of the present disclosure relate to a ware washing apparatus configured to apply pressurized water to a ware or other similar container for the purpose of cleaning and rinsing the ware or container. In examples, the ware washing apparatus can include a mounting element disposed below a lower trim, an upper trim couplable to the lower trim, a fluid dispensing assembly disposed within the upper trim, and a soap dispenser defined within a portion of the lower trim. Optionally, the ware washing apparatus can include a pair of water type indicators for differentiating between hot and cold water, and a light emitting diode for providing illumination during a ware cleaning operation.

[0007] In other examples, a method of operating a ware washing apparatus can include positioning a soiled ware above the ware washing apparatus for cleaning and rinsing. The method can include exerting a force on a trigger mechanism (e.g., a plurality of arms or a trigger plate) of the ware washing apparatus using the soiled ware. The method can include activating water dispensing through a plurality of nozzles defined within a dome of the ware washing apparatus in response to the exertion of the force, and thereafter directing the water dispensing into the soiled ware for cleaning and rinsing. The method can include removing the cleaned ware from the trigger mechanism, which stops the flow of water through the plurality of nozzles and effectively shuts down the ware cleaning apparatus. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The present disclosure can be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of the examples of the present disclosure in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a ware washing apparatus according to examples of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 1B is a perspective view of a ware washing apparatus according to examples of the present disclosure; Figure 1A is a detailed view of a fluid dispensing assembly of the ware washing apparatus of

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a ware washing apparatus according to examples of the present disclosure; Figure 1A is a side view of the ware washing apparatus of

[0012] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a Venturi system for use with a ware washing apparatus according to examples of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 4 is a method of operating a ware washing apparatus according to examples of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 5 is a method of operating a ware washing apparatus according to examples of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a ware washing apparatus according to examples of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a warewash equipment according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a warewash equipment according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a warewash equipment according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a warewash equipment according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a drain assembly for use with a warewash equipment according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a drying device for use with a warewash equipment according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 13A is a perspective view of a warewash equipment according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 13B is a perspective view of a warewash equipment according to an example of the present disclosure; Figure 13A is a top view of a warewash equipment according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a warewash equipment according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 15A is a perspective view of a warewash equipment in a closed configuration according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 15B is a perspective view of a warewash equipment in an open configuration according to an example of the present disclosure; Figure 15A

[0027] Figure 16A is a perspective view of a warewash equipment having an air gap according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 16B is a side view of a warewash equipment having an air gap and a plumbing schematic according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 17A is a perspective view of a bezel having a warewash equipment according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 17B ​is a perspective view of a frame with a ware washing apparatus according to examples of the present disclosure; and

[0031] Figure 18 is a perspective view of a frame with a ware washing apparatus and a waterfall feature according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0032] While various embodiments can be modified and altered, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail in the following detailed description. It should be understood that the application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments described as the application intends to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] Referring generally to Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2 , a ware washing apparatus 100 can include a mounting element 110 disposed below a lower frame 120, an upper frame 140 couplable to the lower frame 120, a fluid dispensing assembly 160 disposed within the upper frame 140, and a soap dispenser 190 defined within a portion of the lower frame 120.

[0035] Although not expressly shown in the drawings, the mounting element 110 can be configured to couple the ware washing apparatus 100 to a sink deck, such that the apparatus 100 can operate in a manner contemplated by the present disclosure. The mounting element 110 can have an upper portion couplable to a bottom surface of the lower frame 120 and a lower portion couplable to the sink deck. The mounting element 110 can have a cylindrical geometry, for example, with threaded upper and lower portions to enable efficient coupling to the sink deck. The sink deck generally defines a hole through which the mounting element 110 extends, such that when the mounting element 110 is coupled to the sink deck, the bottom surface of the lower frame 120 can rest directly on a top surface of the sink deck. The mounting element 110 is generally made of a metallic material, although other suitable materials (e.g., insoluble polymers, composites, and ceramics) can also be used. The length, width, diameter, and other measurements of the mounting element 110 can vary depending on the type of sink deck used, the proximity of the sink deck to external plumbing features, or the preferences of a user of the ware washing apparatus 100.

[0036] To enable the transport of water to the ware washing apparatus 100, the mounting element 110 generally defines an interior chamber extending from one open end to another. For example, using the example of a mounting element 110 having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion can define a first opening configured to receive a water transport element (e.g., a hose or another suitable water passageway). The water transport element can extend through the interior chamber defined by the upper and lower portions and further extend beyond a second opening defined by the upper portion and into the lower trim 120 and upper trim 140 of the ware washing apparatus 100. Accordingly, the mounting element 110 is additionally capable of transporting water or other fluids from an external source to other components of the ware washing apparatus 100 to be used in a ware washing operation.

[0037] Generally, the mounting element 110 can be disposed below the lower trim 120 in order to couple the lower trim 120 and the remaining components of the ware washing apparatus 100 to the sink deck. The lower trim 120 can include a soap container 122, a first circular rim 124, a second circular rim 126, and a lower wall 128, as particularly depicted in Figure 1A and Figure 2 The lower trim 120 is generally fabricated from a metallic material, although other suitable materials (e.g., insoluble polymers, composite materials, and ceramics) can also be used.

[0038] The soap container 122 can be configured to hold a soap or other cleaning product for use in a ware washing operation. Generally, the soap container 122 can be defined as a thin-walled container oriented perpendicular to the top surface of the sink deck, for example as shown in Figure 2 Accordingly, soap and other cleaning products can be easily inserted into the soap container 122 from above without having to re-orient the configuration of the ware washing apparatus 100 or remove the apparatus 100 from the sink deck. In particular, the soap container 122 can define an outer surface facing the external environment and an inner surface defining an open space for holding the soap or other cleaning product. The shape and size of the soap container 122 can vary depending on the amount of cleaning product to be stored. Generally, the soap container 122 has a rectangular geometry with rounded edges and has an area of about 1 to 5 square inches, although other shapes and sizes suitable for holding soap and other cleaning products are also contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0039] The soap container 122 is generally fixedly coupled to the first circular rim 124 and the second circular rim 126, as particularly depicted in Figure 1A and Figure 2As shown, first and second circular edges 124, 126 are generally positioned on opposite sides of the warewashing apparatus 100 and together form a circular cross-section when viewed from above. First and second circular edges 124, 126, considered together with the bottom horizontal surface of the soap container 122, form the bottom surface of the lower bezel 120, which typically rests directly on the top surface of the sink deck, as previously described. The bottom surface of the lower bezel 120 is generally parallel to, or slightly parallel to, the top surface of the sink deck to eliminate or reduce misalignment between the two surfaces.

[0040] The combination of the first and second circular edges 124, 126 and the vertical outer surface of the soap container 122 also forms the top surface of the lower bezel 120, which is configured to receive the upper bezel 140. The top surface of the lower bezel 120 is generally parallel to, or slightly parallel to, the bottom surface of the upper bezel 140 to eliminate or reduce misalignment between the two surfaces. In an example, the top surface may have a downward slope to match the correspondingly sloped surface of the upper bezel 140. The first and second circular edges 124, 126 extend from the soap container 122 to a lower wall 128, which itself extends from the bottom surface of the lower bezel 120 to the top surface. Typically, the lower wall 128 is angled outward from the sink deck to match the geometry of the upper bezel 140 to facilitate water flow downstream from the warewashing apparatus 100 and into the sink.

[0041] As described above, the upper bezel 140 is generally positioned directly on the top surface of the lower bezel 120 formed by the first and second circular edges 124, 126 and the vertical outer surface of the soap container 122. The upper bezel 140 may include a drain bowl 142, an upwardly extending wall 144 defined around the perimeter of the drain bowl 142, and a drain channel 146 configured to move water out of the drain bowl 142 and into the sink. The upper bezel 140 is generally made of a metal material (e.g., stainless steel), although other suitable materials (e.g., insoluble polymers, composite materials, and ceramics) may also be used.

[0042] The drain bowl 142 is generally configured to receive water and debris after the warewashing apparatus 100 is used to clean and rinse ware. Figure 1A As shown, the drain bowl 142 can have a generally circular geometry that matches the contours of the first circular edge 124 and the second circular edge 126. Other geometric shapes, including, for example, square, rectangular, triangular, or perfect circles, can also be used for the drain bowl 142. The size of the drain bowl 142 can vary depending on the size of the vessel to be used, but the drain bowl 142 generally includes an area of ​​approximately 5 to 15 square inches (other areas are contemplated by the present disclosure).

[0043] An upwardly extending wall 144 may be defined on the periphery of the drain bowl 142, as shownFigure 1A and Figure 2 As the name implies, the upwardly extending wall 144 is generally a vertical wall that surrounds the outer edge of the drain bowl 142, which can be configured to hold water and debris therein. The upwardly extending wall 144 can have a variable height to match the downward slope of the top surface of the lower trim frame 120 and generally has a height that is less than the corresponding height of the soap dispenser 122. In an example, the edge connecting the drain bowl 142 to the upwardly extending wall 144 can be chamfered or rounded to reduce stress concentration, as shown in Figure 1A

[0044] The drain channel 146 can be directly integrated into the drain bowl 142 such that water and debris from a ware rinsing operation can flow uninterrupted from the drain bowl 142 through the drain channel 146 and into a sink for final disposal. In this manner, the drain channel 146 can provide fluid communication between the drain bowl 142 and a sink, which is itself supported by a sink deck on which the ware cleaning apparatus 100 is placed. As shown in Figure 1A

[0045] The fluid dispensing assembly 160 located within the drain bowl 142 can include a dome 162, a plurality of nozzles 164, a support member 166, a fluid connector 168, a center connector 170, and a plurality of spaced apart arms 172 extending from the center connector 170. The dome 162 can have a hemispherical geometry that defines a plurality of openings that function as nozzles 164. When water is received from the mounting element 110 through the fluid connector 168 and into the dome 162, the water exits the dome 162 through the plurality of nozzles 164, which provide the release of pressurized water into a ware for cleaning and rinsing operations.

[0046] Generally, the dome 162 can be configured to rotate about an axis to spray water from the plurality of nozzles 164 and into a ware along a 360 degree rotational path. Accordingly, unlike most conventional methods previously described, every area of a soiled ware can be adequately reached to ensure complete cleaning and rinsing of the ware. The dome 162 can be fixedly coupled within the drain bowl 142 using the support member 166 that extends upwardly from the drain bowl 142 to the dome 162 to secure the dome 162 in place at or near the center of the drain bowl 142.

[0047] ​​The fluid dispensing assembly 160 can also include a central connector 170 having a plurality of spaced apart arms 172 extending outwardly from the central connector 170. The central connector 170 and the plurality of arms 172 can be integral with one another such that they embody a single component when added to the ware washing apparatus 100. The central connector 170 generally has a circular geometry with a hole defined in the central portion. During assembly, the support member 166 can be inserted into the hole to securely couple both the central connector 170 and the plurality of arms 172 to the support member 166.

[0048] Each of the plurality of arms 172 generally extend outwardly from the central connector 170 in a horizontal direction, as shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B The plurality of arms 172 can include six evenly spaced arms 172 such that each arm 172 is placed approximately 60 degrees apart when oriented on a circular plane, in an example. The plurality of arms 172 can include any suitable narrow geometry, but a rectangular geometry with rounded edges at the outermost ends is generally sufficient. Additionally, the plurality of arms 172 can include a textured pattern, such as one or more ridges on the top surface of each arm 172, as shown in the illustrated example. The connector 170 and the plurality of arms 172 are generally made from a polymeric material, such as silicone, although other suitable materials such as metals, composite materials that can include polymers, and ceramics are also contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0049] In combination, the central connector 170 and the plurality of arms 172 can be configured to translate upwardly and downwardly relative to the drain bowl 142 to activate (when moved downwardly) and deactivate (when moved upwardly) the flow of water through the plurality of nozzles 164. Thus, the central connector 170 and the plurality of arms 172 effectively act as a “trigger” that activates the ware washing apparatus 100 when a ware is pressed against the central connector 170 or the plurality of arms 172.

[0050] Depending on the size, the ware can cover the entire diameter formed by the combination of the central connector 170 and the plurality of arms 172, or can only cover a portion of the diameter. In the case where the ware only covers a portion of the diameter, a user of the ware washing apparatus 100 can press downwardly on at least one of the plurality of arms 172 to activate the apparatus 100 and effectuate the cleaning and rinsing of a small diameter ware. This enables the ware washing apparatus 100 to be used with wares having different shapes, sizes, and configurations, rather than limiting use to a subset of wares designed in a certain way.

[0051] The warewashing apparatus 100 can also include a soap dispenser 190 integrated with the soap container 122 of the lower trim 120. As the name implies, the soap dispenser 190 can be configured to dispense soap into the water stream flowing through the fluid connector 168 and out of the plurality of nozzles 164 defined within the dome 162. In this manner, a combination of water and soap can be used for the ware cleaning operation, rather than just water. In operation, when the soap container 122 is filled with soap, a user can apply a downward force to the soap dispenser 190 to release the soap into the water stream. In an example, the soap dispenser 190 can be couplable to a different location of the warewashing apparatus 100 other than the soap container 122, or can be contained with an external component that is connected to the warewashing apparatus 100.

[0052] Referring now to Figure 3 , a schematic view of a Venturi system 200 for use with the warewashing apparatus 100 (and other warewashing apparatuses described herein) is shown. In operation, a water stream 202 can be provided into a water inlet 204 defined within a first leftward portion of the Venturi system 200. The water stream 202 can be transported through the Venturi system 200 until reaching a second intermediate portion, where the water will be combined with soap. A soap stream 206 can be provided into a soap inlet 208 defined within the second intermediate portion. The soap stream 206 can be transported through a valve 210 (which can be a one-way valve) to the location of the water stream 202 in the second intermediate portion. The water stream 202 and the soap stream 206 can combine at a point of contact 212 within the Venturi system 200 to form a combined water / soap stream 214 that exits through a water / soap outlet 216 defined within a third rightward portion of the Venturi system 200. Thus, a water and soap combination can be provided by the Venturi system 200 and subsequently used with the warewashing apparatus 100 and other warewashing apparatuses described herein for cleaning operations.

[0053] Referring generally to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , a method of operating the warewashing apparatus 300 is shown. The warewashing apparatus 300 can be substituted for the warewashing apparatus 100 without loss of functionality shown and subsequently described in Figure 4 and Figure 5 . The method of operating the warewashing apparatus 300 includes placing a ware against the fluid dispensing assembly and applying a downward force using the ware against assembly. Application of the downward force activates the fluid dispensing assembly, which can then spray water in a rotational pattern from the plurality of nozzles to clean and rinse the ware.

[0054] As Figure 5As shown, the method can include activating the soap dispenser by rotating the bowl clockwise or counterclockwise. Activation of the soap dispenser provides dispensing of a combination of water and soap from the plurality of nozzles (“soapy water”). The soapy water can be turned off by rotating the bowl back to the neutral position, which restarts dispensing of plain water. Waste water and debris generated from the bowl cleaning operation can be carried downstream through the drain channel and into the sink basin located below the bowl washing apparatus 300.

[0055] Referring now to Figure 6 , the bowl washing apparatus 400 can include a mounting element 410 disposed below the trim 420, a fluid dispensing assembly 440 disposed within the trim 420, and a soap dispenser 490. The bowl washing apparatus 400 has many similarities to the bowl washing apparatus 100, and for the sake of simplicity, the description of common components will not be repeated below. Similar reference numerals and feature names can designate corresponding or similar similar features throughout.

[0056] The trim 420 is generally similar to the combination of the lower trim 120 and the upper trim 140 from the bowl washing apparatus 100, in that the bottom surface of the trim 420 can be placed flush with the top surface of the sink deck, and the top surface of the trim 420 can contain the fluid dispensing assembly 440 (similar to the upper trim 140 containing the fluid dispensing assembly 160). In addition to the drain bowl 422 that can have an elliptical slot geometry as shown in Figure 6 The trim 420 can include a hot water indicator 428a and a cold water indicator 428b that can be coupled to the drain bowl 422, in addition to the upwardly extending walls 424 and the drain channel 426.

[0057] As the names suggest, the hot water indicator 428a and the cold water indicator 428b can be used to provide an indication to the user of which type of water is currently being supplied through the fluid dispensing assembly 440. Additionally, the user can change the type of water from hot to cold, or vice versa, by adjusting the position of the trigger plate 450 of the fluid dispensing assembly 440 from facing the hot water indicator 428a to facing the cold water indicator 428b, or vice versa (e.g., Figure 6 FIG. 1 illustrates the trigger facing the cold water indicator). In an example, the hot water indicator 428a can include a red color to indicate hot water, while the cold water indicator 428b can include a blue color to indicate cold water.

[0058] The fluid dispensing assembly 440 is similar in structure and function to the fluid dispensing assembly 160, but generally does not include the central connector 170 and the plurality of arms 172 for triggering water dispensing. Instead, the fluid dispensing assembly 440 may include a trigger plate 450 that may be coupled to a support member 446, the trigger plate 450 being configured to activate (when the trigger plate 450 moves downward) and deactivate (when the trigger plate 450 moves upward) the flow of water through the plurality of nozzles 444 defined within the dome 442 when an external force is applied to the trigger plate 450. The trigger plate 450 generally has a configuration as shown in FIG. Figure 6 The circular geometry shown in FIG, however, other geometric shapes including square, rectangular, and triangular are contemplated by the present disclosure. In addition, the trigger plate 450 may define a plurality of spaced-apart holes, primarily for weight reduction and aesthetic purposes, such as Figure 6 shown.

[0059] Now refer to Figure 7 The warewashing device 500 may include a mounting element 510 disposed below a decorative frame 520, a fluid dispensing assembly 540 disposed within the decorative frame 520, and a soap dispenser 590. The warewashing device 500 shares many similarities with the warewashing device 400, and for the sake of simplicity, descriptions of common components will not be repeated below. Similar reference numerals and feature names may be used throughout to designate corresponding or similar feature names.

[0060] Additionally, the fluid distribution assembly 540 may include a light emitting diode (LED) 547 that may be coupled to or otherwise connected to the support member 546. The LED 547 may provide illumination during the dishwashing operation to help determine the extent to which the dish has been cleaned or rinsed. The LED 547 may be activated and deactivated simultaneously with the trigger plate 550, or may be controlled using an external control source such as a light switch electrically connected to the dishwashing apparatus 500. In an example, when water is transported through the turbine during use, the turbine may generate electricity for use by the LED 547.

[0061] Now refer to Figure 8 The warewashing device 600 may include a mounting element 610 disposed below a decorative frame 620, a fluid dispensing assembly 640 disposed within the decorative frame 620, and a soap dispenser 690. The warewashing device 600 shares many similarities with the warewashing devices 400 and 500, and for the sake of simplicity, descriptions of common components will not be repeated below. Similar reference numerals and feature names may be used throughout to designate corresponding or similar feature names.

[0062] The decorative frame 620 of the utensil washing device 600 is circular (eg Figure 8 ), does not have a drainage channel for directing waste water and debris to a sink, but instead includes a drain portion (Figure 8 The drain portion is disposed directly within the drain bowl 622 for removal of these contaminants (not explicitly shown in FIG. 6), which eliminates the need for an opening in the upwardly extending wall 624 to define a drain passage in fluid communication with the sink. Instead, the warewash equipment 600 is capable of self-draining through the same opening that the fluid connector 630 extends through. As a result, the warewash equipment 600 sits entirely on the sink deck, rather than partially extending beyond the sink deck as with the warewash equipment 100, because a drain passage is not needed in this example (which configuration is particularly depicted in Figure 8 Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0063] Furthermore, in contrast to the trigger plates 450, 550, the trigger plate 650 extends over the entire top surface of the drain bowl 622, which enables the warewash equipment 600 to be used with a variety of wares having different diameters (e.g., wares having a diameter equal to or less than the diameter of the trigger plate 650). The trigger plate 650 can also extend vertically inward into the drain bowl 622 relative to the top surface of the upwardly extending wall 624, as shown in Figure 8 , rather than being flush with the top surface as in other warewash equipment examples.

[0064] Referring now to Figure 9 , the warewash equipment 700 can include a mounting element 710 disposed beneath a trim 720, a fluid dispensing assembly 740 disposed within the trim 720, and a soap dispenser 790. The warewash equipment 700 has many similarities to the warewash equipment 600, and for the sake of simplicity, the description of common components will not be repeated below. Similar reference numerals and feature names can designate corresponding or similar features throughout.

[0065] As shown, the trim 720 can have a square or rectangular geometry formed by a drain bowl 722 and an upwardly extending wall 724. Like the trim 620 of the warewash equipment 600, the trim 720 includes a drain portion 726 for removal of contaminants disposed directly inside the drain bowl 722 (not explicitly depicted in Figure 9 ), which eliminates the need to define a drain passage in fluid communication with the sink. Furthermore, the trigger plate 750 can have a square or rectangular geometry to match the geometry of the drain bowl 722 and the upwardly extending wall 724. As shown in Figure 9 , the trigger plate 750 can define a plurality of spaced apart slots, primarily for weight reduction and aesthetic purposes, and the trigger plate 750 can define a central opening through which a fluid connector (not explicitly depicted in Figure 9 ) and a dome 742 of the fluid dispensing assembly 740 can extend.

[0066] Referring now to​Figure 10 The warewashing apparatus 800 can include a mounting element 810 disposed below the bezel 820, a fluid dispensing assembly 840 disposed within the bezel 820, and a soap dispenser 890. The warewashing apparatus 800 shares many similarities with the warewashing apparatuses 100, 500, and for the sake of simplicity, the description of common components will not be repeated below. Like reference numerals and feature names can designate corresponding or similar like features throughout.

[0067] As shown, the bezel 820 can have a circular geometry formed by a drain bowl 822 and an upwardly extending wall 824. Like the bezel 620 of the warewashing apparatus 600, the bezel 820 includes a drain 826 for removing contaminants disposed directly inside the drain bowl 822, which eliminates the need to define a drain channel in fluid communication with a sink. In contrast to the warewashing apparatuses 600, 700, the fluid dispensing assembly 840 of the warewashing apparatus 800 includes a central connector 870 and a plurality of spaced apart arms 872 extending from the central connector 870.

[0068] Similar to like features of the warewashing apparatus 100, the central connector 870 and the plurality of arms 872 are generally unitary such that they embody as a single component when added to the warewashing apparatus 800. The central connector 870 generally has a circular geometry with a hole defined in a central portion. During assembly, the dome 842 and the fluid connector 848 can be inserted into the hole to securely couple both the central connector 870 and the plurality of arms 872 to these components. Each arm 872 of the plurality of arms 872 (shown as including four arms 872 in Figure 10 generally extends outwardly from the central connector 870 in a horizontal direction.

[0069] The plurality of arms 872 can include any suitable narrow geometry, but generally have a rectangular geometry with rounded edges at the outermost ends. In combination, the central connector 870 and the plurality of arms 872 can be configured to translate upwardly and downwardly relative to the drain bowl 822 to activate (when moved downwardly) and shut off (when moved upwardly) water flow through the plurality of nozzles 844 defined within the dome 842. Thus, the central connector 870 and the plurality of arms 872 effectively function as a “trigger” that activates the warewashing apparatus 800 when a ware is pressed against the central connector 870 or the plurality of arms 872.

[0070] Reference is now made to Figure 11The drain assembly 850 used with the warewashing apparatus 800 (and other warewashing apparatuses described herein) can include a fluid inlet hose 852, a drain outlet hose 854, and a connector 856 that can be coupled to both the fluid inlet hose 852 and the drain outlet hose 854. Cleaning water can flow through the fluid inlet hose 852 and into the connector 856, which itself can be coupled to the fluid connector 848 of the warewashing apparatus 800. Conversely, waste water and debris can flow into the drain 826 and out through the drain outlet hose 854 to an external waste water and debris source. Thus, the drain assembly 850 enables the transport of cleaning water to the warewashing apparatus 800 for cleaning and rinsing operations, and the transport of waste water and debris collected during and after the cleaning and rinsing operations from the drain bowl 822 to an external waste water and debris source for final removal.

[0071] Referring now to Figure 12 The drying apparatus 900 used with the warewashing apparatus can include a mounting element 910 that can be coupled to a sink deck, a base structure 920 that is positioned generally above the mounting element 910, a platform 930 that is positioned generally above the base structure 920, and a support pole 940 disposed within the base structure 920 and configured to extend partially through the platform 930. As shown, the drying apparatus 900 can be configured to receive a cleaning implement 950 (e.g., a sponge) on the platform 930 and against the support pole 940. Figure 12

[0072] Although not explicitly shown in Figure 12 , the mounting element 910 can be configured to couple the drying apparatus 900 to the sink deck. Similar to the mounting element 110, the mounting element 910 can have an upper portion that can be coupled to a bottom surface of the base structure 920 and a lower portion that can be coupled to the sink deck. The mounting element 910 can have a cylindrical geometry, for example, with threaded upper and lower portions to enable efficient coupling to the sink deck. The mounting element 910 is generally made of a metallic material, although other suitable materials (e.g., insoluble polymers, composites, and ceramics) can also be used. The length, width, diameter, and other measurements of the mounting element 910 can vary depending on the type of sink deck or the preferences of the warewashing apparatus user.

[0073] The base structure 920 generally has a cylindrical shape with a bottom surface that rests on the sink deck when the drying apparatus 900 is coupled. The platform 930 generally rests on a top surface of the base structure 920, as shown in Figure 12 ​The platform 930 can have a circular edge around a recessed area with a plurality of slots or openings defined therein. The support pole 940 can extend through a pair of the slots or openings of the platform 930 and can be oriented at an angle to enable a cleaning implement 950 (e.g., a sponge) to be placed against the support pole 940, as Figure 12 The drying device 900 can be manufactured from a variety of materials, such as metal, insoluble polymers, composites, ceramics, or combinations thereof.

[0074] Referring now to Figure 13A and Figure 13B , the ware washing apparatus 1000 can include a mounting element 1010, a trim 1020, a fluid dispensing assembly 1040, a drying platform 1080, and a soap dispenser 1090. The ware washing apparatus 1000 shares many similarities with the ware washing apparatuses 600, 700, and for the sake of simplicity, the description of common components will not be repeated below. Like reference numerals and feature names can designate corresponding or similar like features throughout.

[0075] The trim 1020 generally has an oval slot shape with the fluid dispensing assembly 1040 disposed on one end of the slot and the drying platform 1080 disposed on the other end. As Figure 13A illustrated, the drain bowl 1022 of the trim 1020 can be covered such that the drain (not explicitly depicted in Figure 13A and Figure 13B ) is defined within the drain bowl 1022, but is generally not visible from the outside. Similar to the previous ware washing apparatuses described herein, the fluid dispensing assembly 1040 can be activated by applying a downward force to the trigger plate 1050, which initiates the dispensing of water through a plurality of nozzles 1044 defined within the dome 1042. In an example, the trigger plate 1050 can define a pattern of holes along the top surface that can be used to drain waste water and debris during and after a ware washing operation.

[0076] The drying platform 1080 can be used to store a cleaning implement (e.g., a sponge) in a convenient location proximate to where ware cleaning and washing occurs (i.e., at the fluid dispensing assembly 1040). The drying platform 1080 is generally a flat surface that is sized to receive a cleaning implement while leaving enough room for the soap dispenser 1090 to be activated when desired by a user. Like the ware cleaning apparatuses 600, 700, 800, the ware cleaning apparatus 1000 can be placed entirely on the sink deck, rather than partially extending beyond the sink deck as with the ware washing apparatus 100 (i.e., the drain passage 146 fluidly communicates between the sink and the drain bowl 142).

[0077] Referring now to Figure 14, the ware washing apparatus 1100 can include a mounting element 1110, a bezel 1120, a fluid dispensing assembly 1140, and a soap dispenser 1190 having a plug 1192 defined in a drain bowl 1122 of the bezel 1120. The soap dispenser 1190 is generally disposed below the bezel 1120 and can be coupled to a bottom surface of the bezel 1120. The ware washing apparatus 1100 has many similarities to the ware washing apparatus 800, and for the sake of simplicity, the description of common components will not be repeated below. Like reference numerals and feature names can designate corresponding or similar like features throughout.

[0078] The ware washing apparatus 1100 can include a plurality of arms 1172 configured to act as a "trigger" mechanism similar to those previously described. Additionally, the alignment between any of the plurality of arms 1172 and the plug 1192 defined within the drain bowl 1122 can enable the transport of soap from the soap dispenser 1190 into the fluid connector 1148. At this point, the fluid connector 1148 can already have water flowing from an external water source to the dome 1142 of the fluid dispensing assembly 1140. Accordingly, each time the arm 1172 is aligned with the plug 1192, "soap water" can be dispensed through the plurality of nozzles 1144 and into a ware. This advantageously provides a quick and easy method for adding or removing soap to a ware cleaning operation as needed by a user.

[0079] Reference is now made to Figure 15A and Figure 15B The ware washing apparatus 1200 can include a mounting element 1210, a bezel 1220, a fluid dispensing assembly 1240, and a soap dispenser 1290 defining a chamber 1292 and having a lid 1294 over the chamber 1292. The ware washing apparatus 1200 has many similarities to the ware washing apparatuses 600, 700, and for the sake of simplicity, the description of common components will not be repeated below. Like reference numerals and feature names can designate corresponding or similar like features throughout.

[0080] As with certain previous examples, the bezel 1220 can define a square or rectangular shaped drain bowl 1222 having an upwardly extending wall 1224 disposed along a perimeter of the drain bowl 1222. Internally, the bezel 1220 can further define a drain portion Figure 15A and Figure 15BThe drain is configured to receive wastewater and debris during and after completion of a warewash operation. Additionally, the trim 1220 can define a lower portion 1225 having a bottom surface that is flush with the sink deck and a top surface that is flush with a bottom surface of the drain bowl 1222. The fluid dispensing assembly 1240 can include a dome 1242 defining a plurality of nozzles 1244 through which water or soap is dispensed, a fluid connector defined within the drain bowl 1222 (not explicitly depicted in Figure 15A and Figure 15B not explicitly depicted in

[0081] Notably, the soap dispenser 1290 can be integrated into the lower portion 1225 of the trim 1220, as particularly shown in Figure 15B The soap dispenser 1290 can define a chamber 1292 for receiving soap or another cleaning product, and can define a lid 1294 that is placed over the chamber 1292 after insertion of the cleaning product. Application of a sustained downward force on the lid 1294 (e.g., for approximately two seconds) can cause the soap to be dispensed from the chamber 1292 into the water stream through the fluid connector and out through the plurality of nozzles 1244. Accordingly, a mixture of water and soap (i.e., "soapy water") can be generated using the soap dispenser 1290. Advantageously, the lid 1294 occupies a relatively large surface area of the warewash apparatus 1200, which can benefit users who prefer a larger soap dispensing "button" than a soap dispensing "button" having a smaller surface area.

[0082] Referring now to Figure 16A and Figure 16B The warewash apparatus 1400 can include an air gap apparatus 1450 disposed at least partially within an interior of a lower trim 1420 of the warewash apparatus 1400. In various embodiments, the lower trim 1420 can be coupled to the sink deck 1471 with or without mounting elements (not shown).

[0083] The warewash apparatus 1400 further includes an upper trim 1440. The upper trim 1440 is placed over or coupled to the lower trim 1420. The upper trim 1440 is configured to be coupled to the lower trim 1420 such that an opening 1470 is defined between the upper trim 1440 and the lower trim 1420. In an exemplary embodiment, the opening 1470 is defined by removing material from the lower trim.

[0084] Similar to the various embodiments described previously, the upper trim 1440 can include a drain bowl 1442, an upwardly extending wall 1444 defined on a periphery of the drain bowl 1442, and a drain channel 1446 configured to direct water from the drain bowl 1442 into a sink. Also similar to other embodiments, the upper trim 1440 can include a trigger mechanism 1472 configured to dispense fluid through a plurality of nozzles 1464 of a fluid dispensing assembly 1460.

[0085] The air gap device 1450 can be disposed at least partially within an interior of the lower trim 1420. The air gap device 1450 is configured to receive a fluid inlet hose 1452. The air gap device 1450 defines an internal fluid conduit 1453 configured to provide a sealed fluid connection from the fluid inlet hose 1452 to the fluid dispensing assembly 1460. The sealed connection prevents fluid in the internal fluid conduit 1453 from mixing with waste water in the air gap device (discussed in more detail below). Upon activation of the trigger mechanism 1472, fluid flows from the fluid inlet hose 1452 into the internal fluid conduit 1453, out of the plurality of nozzles 1464, into the drain bowl 1442, out of the drain channel 1446, and then into the sink.

[0086] The air gap device 1450 is further configured to receive a waste water inlet hose 1454. In an example embodiment, the waste water inlet hose 1454 is configured to receive waste water from a dishwasher. The air gap device 1450 includes an internal waste water entry conduit 1455 in fluid communication with the waste water inlet hose 1454. The internal waste water entry conduit 1455 defines a sealed passageway for waste water to travel from a lower elevation to a higher elevation. At the higher elevation, the internal waste water entry conduit 1455 dispenses waste water from a dispensing point 1456 into an interior of the air gap device 1450. In one example, the internal waste water entry conduit 1455 dispenses waste water horizontally or substantially parallel to a sink deck. Once the waste water is dispensed from the internal waste water entry conduit 1455, it is exposed to ambient pressure due to the opening 1470, and the waste water descends to a lower elevation within the air gap device 1450 due to gravity.

[0087] The air gap device 1450 is further configured to receive a wastewater outlet hose 1458. The wastewater outlet hose 1458 is fluidly coupled to the air gap device 1450 at a lower elevation than the dispensing point 1456, allowing for an air gap between the dispensing point 1456 and the wastewater outlet hose 1458. In an example embodiment, the air gap device 1450 is configured to receive the wastewater outlet hose 1458 at a bottom portion of the air gap device 1450. Wastewater is dispensed from the dispensing point 1456, and gravity causes the wastewater to exit the wastewater outlet hose 1458 as it is at a lower elevation. In an example embodiment, the wastewater outlet hose 1458 is configured to dispose the wastewater into a garbage disposer or a main drain line.

[0088] The fluid inlet hose 1452, the wastewater inlet hose 1454, and the wastewater outlet hose 1458 can be received by the air gap device 1450, for example, by a threaded connection. In other embodiments, the hoses can be received by a push-fit or any other method that can form a sealed connection between the hose and the air gap device 1450.

[0089] Under some operating conditions, the wastewater outlet hose 1458, the garbage disposer, or the main drain line can become clogged. In a clogged state, wastewater will travel through the internal wastewater entry conduit 1455, exit the dispensing point 1456, but subsequently be unable to exit the air gap device 1450 through the wastewater outlet hose 1458. Instead, the wastewater will begin to fill the air gap device 1450. Once the wastewater reaches the opening 1470, the wastewater will exit the opening 1470 and enter the sink below. This feature can be desirable, for example, to provide a release point for the wastewater to prevent the dishwasher from backflowing and potentially overflowing with wastewater. Additionally, some health and safety regulations require air gap devices to meet requirements. Combining the air gap device 1450 with the warewash device 1400 can effectively utilize the space around the sink while potentially providing a more desirable aesthetic.

[0090] It should be understood that the air gap device 1450 can similarly be combined with any of the previously disclosed warewash devices. For example, the air gap device 1450 can be configured to utilize different shapes of the lower trim 1420 and the upper trim 1440, different trigger mechanisms 1472, or to operate with a Venturi system to dispense cleaning substances.

[0091] Referring now to Figure 17A and Figure 17B , a trim with a warewash device 1500 can include a mounting element 1502, a trim 1504, a fluid dispensing assembly 1506, a drying platform 1508.

[0092] Although not explicitly shown in the drawings, the mounting element 1502 can be configured to couple the trim 1504 to the sink deck 1510, and thus the apparatus 1500 can operate in a manner contemplated by the present disclosure. The mounting element 1502 can have an upper portion that can be coupled to a bottom surface of the trim 1504 and a lower portion that can be coupled to the sink deck 1510. The mounting element 1502 can have a cylindrical geometry, for example, with upper and lower portions having threads to enable efficient coupling to the sink deck 1510. The sink deck 1510 generally defines a hole through which the mounting element 1502 extends, such that when the mounting element 1502 is coupled to the sink deck 1510, the bottom surface of the trim 1504 can rest directly on a top surface of the sink deck 1510. The mounting element 1502 is generally made of a metallic material, although other suitable materials (e.g., insoluble polymers, composites, and ceramics) can also be used. The length, width, diameter, and other measurements of the mounting element 1502 can vary depending on the type of sink deck used, the proximity of the sink deck to external plumbing features, or the preferences of a user having the trim of the ware washing apparatus 1500.

[0093] To enable the transport of water to the ware washing apparatus 1500, the mounting element 1502 generally defines an internal chamber extending from one open end to another. For example, using the example of a mounting element 1502 having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion can define a first opening configured to receive a water transport element (e.g., a hose or another suitable water passageway). The water transport element can extend through the internal chamber defined by the upper and lower portions, and further extend beyond a second opening defined by the upper portion and into the trim 1504 of the ware washing apparatus 1500. Accordingly, the mounting element 1502 is additionally capable of transporting water or other fluids from an external source to other components of the ware washing apparatus 1500 to be used in a ware washing operation. In other embodiments, the trim 1504 is directly coupled to the sink deck without the mounting element 1502.

[0094] The trim 1504 can define a substantially oval-shaped area. The trim 1504 can be generally shaped to fit over the sink deck 1510 between the back wall 1512 and the back sink basin 1514. The trim 1504 further provides a drying platform 1508 arranged across the area defined by the trim 1504. In an example embodiment, the drying platform 1508 defines a plurality of drain holes 1516. The trim 1504 and drying platform can be made of a metal (e.g., stainless steel) or other suitable material (e.g., insoluble polymers, composites, and ceramics) or combinations thereof.

[0095] Furthermore, bezel 1504 includes a drain bowl 1518 positioned below drying platform 1508. Drain bowl 1518 can be angled to direct fluid toward drain channel 1520. Drain channel 1520 is also angled to distribute fluid and debris to the sink basin below. In some embodiments, the drain can be built into drain bowl 1518, eliminating the need for drain channel 1520. This arrangement may be desirable to eliminate the need for drain channel 1520 to protrude above the sink basin. In some embodiments, bezel 1504 may further incorporate an air gap device.

[0096] In use of the drying platform 1508, a cleaning device such as a sponge or a utensil (e.g., a cup) can be placed on the drying platform 1508, which is close to where the utensil cleaning and rinsing occurs. As fluid or debris drips downward, it passes through the drainage holes 1516 and into the drain bowl 1518 below the drying platform 1508. The drain bowl 1518 is configured to then drain the fluid or debris out of the drain channel 1520 and into the sink basin (or in some embodiments, simply into the drain portion in the trim).

[0097] A faucet neck opening 1522 is defined by the drying platform 1508 and the drain bowl 1518 and is configured to receive a faucet neck 1524. In some embodiments, the faucet neck opening 1522 fits around the faucet neck 1524, and in other embodiments, the faucet neck 1524 is configured to be fluidly coupled to the faucet neck opening 1522. In an exemplary embodiment, the faucet neck opening 1522 is substantially circular, although other shapes may be utilized to mate with various shapes of faucet necks 1524. In an exemplary embodiment, the faucet neck opening 1522 is substantially centrally located within the trim 1504 and the drying platform 1508.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment, fluid dispensing assembly 1506 is disposed within bezel 1504 and includes a dome 1530, a nozzle 1528 defined within dome 1530, and a trigger plate 1526. Fluid dispensing assembly 1506 is fluidically connected to a fluid source (e.g., a water pipe). Trigger plate 1526 is configured to open a valve to release a flow of fluid from the fluid source when trigger plate 1526 receives a downward force (e.g., from a user pressing down on a vessel). When trigger plate 1526 is activated by the downward force, fluid moves to dome 1530 and out of nozzle 1528, which can be positioned on dome 1530 to dispense fluid in a variety of directions. In use, this allows fluid to be dispensed within a vessel that is pressed downward on fluid dispensing assembly 1506. Additionally, drain bowl 1518 is configured to extend below trigger plate 1526 and drying platform 1508.

[0099] In some embodiments, fluid distribution assembly 1506 can be configured to distribute soap or other cleaning solutions in the fluid stream so that soap is applied to the inside of the vessel being rinsed. This can for example be accomplished by various valves or venturi systems. In addition, dome 1530 can be configured to rotate around the axis, to spray fluid out and spray into the vessel from a plurality of nozzles 1528 along the rotation path of 360 degrees. Accordingly, each zone of the vessel being soiled can be fully arrived to guarantee complete cleaning and the rinsing of the vessel. In addition, fluid distribution assembly 1506 can be configured to allow the user to control the temperature of fluid.

[0100] Trigger plate 1526 can be positioned substantially flush with drying deck 1508, and fluid dispensing assembly 1506 can be disposed at one of the ends of drying deck 1508. In an exemplary embodiment, trigger plate 1526 can define drain holes 1516 along its top surface, which can be used to drain wastewater and debris during and after a warewashing operation. Wastewater or debris can flow through holes 1516, into drain bowl 1518, and out drain channel 1520 into a sink. In other embodiments, trigger plate 1526 can include multiple arms extending outward from dome 1530. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, trigger plate 1526 requires a heavier weight than typical ware or glass to trigger, thereby allowing trigger plate 1526 to be used as part of drying deck 1508 without inadvertently activating fluid dispensing assembly 1506.

[0101] Now refer to Figure 18 , showing a bezel with a warewashing apparatus 1600 and a waterfall feature. Figure 18 The decorative frame with the warewashing device 1600 is similar in many respects to Figure 17A and Figure 17B 16. The framing of the warewashing apparatus 1500 is shown in FIG. 16, and corresponding elements are similarly numbered (ie, for example, framing 1504 corresponds to framing 1604).

[0102] In addition to about Figure 17A and Figure 17BIn addition to the disclosed features, various implementations, and methods of operation, a plurality of bezel perforations 1632 can be defined by the bezel 1604. In such applications, the bezel 1604 can include internal channels in fluid communication with the bezel perforations 1632 and the fluid source. The bezel perforations 1632 can be positioned in one or more rows on one half of the bezel front face 1636. In other implementations, the bezel perforations 1632 can be spread across substantially the entire width of the front face 1636 in one or more rows. Additionally, in various implementations, the bezel perforations 1632 can be positioned closer or further apart from one another. In some implementations, the bezel perforations 1632 can be unevenly spaced from one another, allowing a user to utilize a larger volumetric flow rate on one end of the front face 1636 and a smaller volumetric flow rate on the other end. Similarly, the thickness of the bezel perforations 1632 can vary depending on the flow rate and pressure desired by the user. In some implementations, the bezel perforations 1632 can include a single slot extending across at least a portion of the front face 1636.

[0103] In example implementations, an actuator, shown here as a knob 1634, controls the valve to restrict or allow fluid to flow out of the bezel perforations 1632. In some implementations, partial manipulation of the knob 1634 can be configured to gradually increase or decrease the flow rate of fluid through the bezel perforations 1632. In some implementations, the knob 1634 can also be used to control the temperature of the fluid. In use, a user can manipulate (e.g., by turning, pushing, twisting, or rotating) the knob 1634 to allow fluid to flow through the bezel perforations 1632 and into the sink. Such a waterfall feature can be advantageous, for example, for washing certain items (e.g., produce) in the sink.

[0104] The disclosure can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the examples shown are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. Any claims provided herein are intended to ensure that the application is sufficiently coextensive with any foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120, and are not intended to limit the application in any way.

[0105] Various examples of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These examples have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed disclosure. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that various features of the examples described herein can be combined in various ways. In addition, although various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations, and locations have been described for the disclosed examples, other materials can be utilized without departing from the scope of the claimed disclosure.

[0106] Those of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter of the present application can include yet further features not specifically described herein. The examples described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the various features of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, features described with respect to one example can be incorporated in a different example as well; likewise, features described with respect to a particular implementation can be replaced with alternative features where applicable, or can be implemented in combination with other features from different implementations. Accordingly, the examples described herein are not meant to be exhaustive or limiting in any way.

[0107] Any reference to the foregoing documents incorporated herein by reference is further limited to the extent that any disclaimer accompanying such document is also incorporated herein. Any reference to the foregoing documents incorporated herein by reference is further limited such that no definition provided in the incorporated document can be taken as a disclaimer of any definition that can be provided herein.

[0108] For purposes of the US, claims, the term "consisting of is not intended to be construed as a disclaimer of the term "consisting of.

Claims

1. A ware washing apparatus comprising: a bezel; a fluid dispensing assembly coupled to the bezel, the fluid dispensing assembly comprising: a dome defining a plurality of nozzles, and a trigger mechanism configured to control fluid spraying through the plurality of nozzles; and a soap dispenser configured to introduce soap into the fluid dispensing assembly to form a fluid and soap mixture that is sprayed through the plurality of nozzles.

2. The ware washing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a mounting element configured to couple the bezel to a sink deck.

3. The ware washing apparatus of claim 1, wherein a translational movement of the trigger mechanism toward the bezel activates fluid spraying through the plurality of nozzles, and wherein a translational movement of the trigger mechanism away from the bezel deactivates fluid spraying through the plurality of nozzles.

4. The ware washing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the trigger mechanism comprises a plurality of arms extending outwardly from a central connector.

5. The ware washing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the trigger mechanism comprises a plate.

6. The ware washing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bezel comprises a drain bowl coupled to a drain channel, and wherein the drain channel is configured to provide fluid communication between the drain bowl and a sink.

7. The ware washing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dome is configured to rotate about the bezel.

8. The ware washing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a light emitting diode configured to provide illumination concurrently with activation of the trigger mechanism.

9. A bezel comprising: a platform defining a plurality of perforations in a sink-facing surface, wherein the plurality of perforations are in fluid communication with a fluid source; a drain bowl coupled to the platform; and a fluid dispensing assembly coupled to the drain bowl, the fluid dispensing assembly comprising a plurality of nozzles and a trigger mechanism configured to control fluid spraying through the plurality of nozzles.

10. The bezel of claim 9, wherein the platform defines a first plurality of apertures that are in fluid communication with the drain bowl.

11. The bezel of claim 9, wherein the trigger mechanism comprises a trigger plate having a second plurality of apertures that are in fluid communication with the drain bowl.

12. The bezel of claim 9, further comprising a drain channel coupled to the drain bowl, the drain channel defining an opening along the sink-facing surface of the platform.

13. The bezel of claim 9, wherein the plurality of perforations are in fluid communication with the fluid source via an internal channel defined by the platform.

14. The bezel of claim 9, further comprising an actuator configured to control fluid spraying through the plurality of perforations.

15. A ware washing system comprising: ​ ​ a bezel defining a plurality of perforations in a surface facing the sink, wherein the plurality of perforations are in fluid communication with a fluid source; a fluid dispensing assembly coupled to the bezel, the fluid dispensing assembly comprising: a dome defining a plurality of nozzles, and a trigger mechanism configured to control fluid sprinkling through the plurality of nozzles; and a soap dispenser configured to introduce soap into the fluid dispensing assembly to form a fluid and soap mixture that is sprinkled through the plurality of nozzles.

16. The ware washing system of claim 15, further comprising an air gap device disposed at least partially within the bezel.

17. The ware washing system of claim 15, wherein the soap dispenser is disposed at least partially within a lower portion of the bezel, and wherein the fluid dispensing assembly is disposed at least partially within an upper portion of the bezel.

18. The ware washing system of claim 15, wherein a translational movement of the trigger mechanism toward the bezel activates fluid sprinkling through the plurality of nozzles, and wherein a translational movement of the trigger mechanism away from the bezel deactivates fluid sprinkling through the plurality of nozzles.

19. The ware washing system of claim 15, wherein the soap dispenser defines a cavity configured to hold soap and a lid removably coupled to the cavity, and wherein a downward translation of the lid enables soap to be dispensed from the cavity into the fluid dispensing assembly.

20. The ware washing system of claim 15, further comprising an actuator configured to control fluid sprinkling through the plurality of perforations.

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