Tub Spout

Abstract

A spout for producing a sheet of liquid is provided. The spout includes a planar top housing having sides that, along with the bottom housing, define the cavity inside the spout. The spout includes a fixture support in the proximal end of the spout to easily connect an existing fixture that discharges a liquid. The top housing includes a baffle wall for deflecting an introduced liquid. The bottom housing includes a barrier wall that has an aperture for the introduction of liquid into the spout. The bottom housing also includes a receiving area for the collection of introduced liquid and a weir that forms the distal end of the receiving area. A guide extends from the weir and is angled in the same direction with the inside surface of the distal end of the top housing to create an opening for the expulsion of liquid that rises above the weir.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to plumbing fixtures and in particular to water spout fixtures through which water is release into a tub or other receptacle.[0003]Within the plumbing fixture industry, and in particular within the water spout fixture market, most water spouts have a circular cross-section opening that releases the flow of water, at least initially, in a similar pattern. The impact of the concentrated flow of water into a tub or similar receptacle produces an undesirable amount of noise, is often uncomfortable on contact, and is not aesthetically pleasing.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]These effects can be mitigated to some extent by water spout fixtures that release a sheet of water into a tub or similar receptacle. The improved qualities of liquids flowing in a sheet are well recognized and there exists a variety of known spouts to produce the waterfall effect of liquid flowing in a sheet.[0006]Most ty...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The problems presented in known spouts for producing a sheet flow of liquid upon discharge are solved by the device of the present invention. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a spout is provided. The spout includes a planar top housing having sides that, along with the bottom housing, define the cavity inside the spout. The top housing includes a baffle wall that extends in an approximate perpendicular direction from the inside surface of the top housing for deflecting an introduced liquid to spread the liquid within the spout and to reduce turbulence of the liquid. The bottom housing includes a barrier wall that extends in an approximate perpendicular direction from the inside surface of the bottom housing that has an aperture for the introduction of liquid from an existing fixture into the spout. The barrier wall extends from the inside surface of the bottom housing to the inside surface of the top housing to prevent an introduced liquid from backflow into the proximal end of the spout. The bottom housing also includes a receiving area for the collection of introduced liquid that has deflected from the baffle wall of the top housing, the receiving area being defined at its proximal end by a portion of the bottom housing that drops lower than the main body of the housing, on the sides by a portion of the bottom wall that encloses the receiving area, and on the distal end by a weir to regulate and smooth the flow of liquid out of the spout. The receiving area collects an introduced liquid across the planar surface of the spout to spread the flow of the liquid to aid in creating a sheet flow upon discharge while also further reducing the turbulence of the liquid. A guide extends from the weir and is angled in the same direction with the inside surface of the distal end of the top housing to create an elongated opening for the discharge of liquid that rises above the weir, creating a smooth sheet flow upon discharge.

[0011]In another embodiment of the present invention, the spout includes a fixture support in the proximal end of the spout, defined by a supporting portion in the bottom housing and secured into place by the defining sides of the top housing to easily connect an existing fixture that discharges a liquid.

Problems solved by technology

The turbulence in the liquid at normal flow rates often breaks the sheet upon discharge from the spout wherein the advantages of the spout is lost.

Manufacturing a narrow slot is also often difficult and the narrow slot spouts have proven difficult to clean, especially if clogged.

However, the thinning of the flow sheet of liquid with these existing devices often exceeds the limits of surface tension of the liquid holding the sheet together causing the sheet at normal rates of flow to prematurely break apart.

When the flow of liquid, at normal flow rates, is prolonged, the flow of liquid in these devices begin to exceed the surface of the deflector, causing turbulence and again a loss of the ability of the liquid to maintain its sheet form.

These devices are also often mechanically complex, costly, and substantial assembly time is needed for installation.

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