Fluid delivery systems, rolling bearing assemblies, and related methods

Abstract

A fluid delivery system, a rolling bearing assembly, and related methods are disclosed. A fluid delivery system includes a first faucet tube and a second faucet tube coupled with a rolling bearing assembly, where the first faucet tube is rotatable about a rolling bearing relative to the second faucet tube, and a portion of the rolling bearing is configured to at least partially taper at a distal end, a sealing member is provided to provide a sealing resistance between a fastener and a coupling member of the rolling bearing assembly.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 600,208, filed on Nov. 17, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present technology generally relates to the field of faucets including spouts that are rotatable or otherwise movable to alternative positions. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a spout that is rotatable about a bearing coupled between a first faucet tube and a second faucet tube. Background Art

[0004] Conventional faucets have a faucet body, one or more flow control valves / mixing valves, one or more control handles, and a spout. The spout serves as a conduit for discharging water that has passed through the valve, in which case the outflow either is fixed to start at a single point or, in the case of a pivoting spout, the outflow is restricted to start within the confines of a prescribed horizontal arc.

[0005] Kitchen sinks or various other faucet outlets typically position the faucet near the back surface of the sink basin or at its rear deck. Some kitchen sinks may include relatively wide sink basins or include multiple sink basins. Accordingly, it is often desirable to include a faucet spout having the ability to pivot, rotate, or otherwise be rotatable in order to direct fluid between sink basins to a particular portion of the sink or to direct the fluid flow to an alternative, whether located within or outside of the sink basin (e.g., for filling or washing large objects such as a can filler on a countertop or stove, objects, etc.).

[0006] Some more complex faucets can include multiple joints for rotatability to allow for multiple pivot angles. For example, can filler type faucets typically can incorporate multiple joints to allow the outlet of the faucet to reach a considerable distance to fill a can placed on a nearby stove or countertop. Such jointed articulated faucets can present challenges related to sealing between the movably connected components and the connected fluid communication within those components. These complexities can lead to potential leaks or failures in the system. Additionally, these multiple joints can include a large number of intermingled components, which can lead to additional complexity and failures. Moreover, separate fasteners are typically required to mount the valve assembly within the faucet body. These issues can significantly increase the production cost of the faucet, installation complexity, additional likelihood of leaks and failures, etc. Additionally, these types of components can occupy a significant amount of space above or near the sink.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved rotatable spout that can incorporate internal fluid flow without multiple complex joints or rotational integration. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure provide a faucet including a spout that can rotate about a bearing coupled between a first faucet tube and a second faucet tube or otherwise move to an alternative position, e.g., configurations related to a tank filler faucet.

[0009] An example of the present disclosure provides a fluid delivery system including a first faucet tube and a second faucet tube coupled to a rotational bearing assembly, wherein the first faucet tube is capable of rotating relative to the second faucet tube about a rotational bearing of the rotational bearing assembly, and wherein a portion of the rotational bearing is configured to at least partially taper at a distal end to provide a sealing resistance between a fastener and a coupling member coupled within the second faucet tube.

[0010] An example of the present disclosure provides a fluid delivery system including: a faucet spout having a first faucet tube and a second faucet tube; and a rotational bearing assembly coupled to the first faucet tube and the second faucet tube, the rotational bearing assembly having a first rotational bearing and a fastener extending from the first faucet tube to the second faucet tube, wherein the first faucet tube is capable of rotating relative to the second faucet tube about the first rotational bearing, and wherein the fastener applies pressure to the first rotational bearing to secure the rotational bearing assembly within the first faucet tube and the second faucet tube.

[0011] In an example, a portion of the first rotational bearing may at least partially taper at a distal end to provide a sealing resistance between the fastener positioned within the second faucet tube and the coupling mechanism, wherein the fastener may extend the tapered distal end of the first rotational bearing from a relaxed position to an extended position to secure the rotational bearing assembly within the first faucet tube and the second faucet tube. In an example, the rotational bearing assembly may further include one or more O-rings positioned between the first rotational bearing and the coupling mechanism, the one or more O-rings being configured to provide a liquid seal between the first faucet tube and the second faucet tube. In an example, the first rotational bearing may be positioned between the fastener and the coupling mechanism. In an example, the fastener may have threads at a distal portion that are securely coupled to the first faucet tube.

[0012] In an example, the fastener may define a flow passage extending from a first fastener end to a second fastener end, the first fastener end being connectable to a first faucet tube and the second fastener end being connectable to a second faucet tube, wherein the flow passage enables fluid communication between the first faucet tube and the second faucet tube. In an example, the rotating bearing assembly may further include a wear washer positioned and sized to engage the first faucet tube, the wear washer being configured to inhibit surface wear and degradation caused by repeated rotational movement of the first faucet tube relative to the second faucet tube. In an example, the rotating bearing assembly may further include a second rotating bearing positioned opposite the first rotating bearing, wherein the first rotating bearing may be positioned adjacent the first faucet tube and the second rotating bearing may be positioned adjacent the second faucet tube.

[0013] In an example, the fluid delivery system may further include one or more inlet lines coupled to the faucet, the one or more inlet lines including at least one of a hot inlet line, a cold inlet line, and a combination of a hot inlet line and a cold inlet line, wherein fluid may be configured to flow through the one or more inlet lines and into the fluid delivery system. In an example, fluid may flow from the first faucet tube into a passage defined in the rotating bearing assembly and from the passage in the rotating bearing assembly into the second faucet tube, thereby enabling fluid communication between the first faucet tube and the second faucet tube. In an example, the fastener may be concentrically aligned with the first faucet tube and the second faucet tube. In an example, the first faucet tube and the second faucet tube may jointly define a flow passage for receiving fluid. In an example, the rotating bearing assembly may be coupled to the first faucet tube and the second faucet tube via at least one of an adhesive material, brazing, welding, and threading.

[0014] An example of the present disclosure provides a rotating bearing assembly for use with a fluid delivery system having a faucet spout with a first faucet tube and a second faucet tube. The rotating bearing assembly may include a fastener defining a flow passage, a coupling mechanism adjacent the fastener, and a first rotating bearing positioned between the fastener and the coupling mechanism, wherein the fastener may extend through the coupling mechanism and the first rotating bearing, wherein fluid may be configured to flow through the flow passage of the fastener when used with the fluid delivery system, and wherein the rotating bearing assembly may be configured to enable rotation between the first faucet tube and the second faucet tube, thereby enabling rotational movement of the faucet spout during fluid flow from the first faucet tube through the rotating bearing assembly to the second faucet tube.

[0015] In an example, a portion of the first rotating bearing can be at least partially tapered at the distal end to provide a sealing resistance between the fastener and the coupling mechanism. In an example, the rotating bearing assembly can further include a wear washer configured to inhibit surface wear and degradation caused by repeated use of the rotating bearing assembly. In an example, the rotating bearing assembly can further include a second rotating bearing positioned opposite the first rotating bearing. In an example, the rotating bearing assembly can further include one or more O-rings positioned between the first rotating bearing and the coupling mechanism, the one or more O-rings being configured to provide a liquid seal between the first rotating bearing and the coupling mechanism. In an example, the fastener, the coupling mechanism, and the first rotating bearing can be concentrically aligned. In an example, the fastener can have threads at an end remote from the first rotating bearing.

[0016] One example of the present disclosure provides a method for rotatably repositioning a fluid outlet system, including: coupling a first faucet tube and a second faucet tube together, wherein a rotating bearing assembly is coupled inside and between the first faucet tube and the second faucet tube; and rotating the first faucet tube relative to the second faucet tube about a rotating bearing of the rotating bearing assembly.

[0017] In an example, the rotating bearing assembly provided in the method for rotatably repositioning a fluid outlet system can include a wear washer positioned and sized to engage the first faucet tube, the wear washer being configured to inhibit surface wear and degradation caused by repeated rotational movement of the first faucet tube relative to the second faucet tube. In an example, the rotating bearing assembly provided in the method for rotatably repositioning a fluid outlet system can include a second rotating bearing positioned opposite the first rotating bearing, wherein the first rotating bearing can be positioned near the first faucet tube and the second rotating bearing can be positioned near the second faucet tube.

[0018] The foregoing summary is not intended to describe every illustrated example or every implementation of the present disclosure. The examples are more specifically illustrated by the drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The subject matter of the present invention can be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description of various examples in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a faucet bearing assembly integrated within a faucet system according to an example is depicted.

[0021] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a faucet bearing assembly integrated within a faucet system according to an example is depicted.

[0022] Figure 3Depicts an exploded view of a faucet bearing assembly according to an example.

[0023] Figure 4 Depicts a close-up cross-sectional view of a faucet bearing assembly according to an example.

[0024] While various examples are applicable to various modifications and alternative forms, details thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that the claimed invention is not intended to be limited to the specific examples described. Instead, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0025] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary faucet bearing assembly integrated within a faucet spout. In the example, the faucet spout 100 can include a first faucet tube 102 and a second faucet tube 104, wherein the rotating faucet assembly 110 can be coupled between and within the first faucet tube 102 and the second faucet tube 104. The first faucet tube 102 and the second faucet tube 104 can define a flow channel 106 through which fluid (e.g., water from an inlet valve) can flow. During operation, the fluid can flow from one or more inlet lines (e.g., including a hot inlet line, a cold inlet line, or a combination thereof) through the neck of the faucet (not shown) until it reaches the rotating bearing assembly 110. The liquid flow can pass through the flow channel 106, which can be defined within the first faucet tube 102 and the second faucet tube 104, through the rotating bearing assembly 110, via the channel 107 of the rotating bearing assembly 110, and be output through an outlet (not shown).

[0026] The rotational bearing assembly 110 can permit the first faucet tube 102 to pivot or otherwise rotate relative to the second faucet tube 104. In an example, the rotational bearing assembly 110 can include a fastener 112 that can be driven into the first faucet tube 102. In an example, the fastener 112 can have threads at a distal portion such that a secure fit within the first faucet tube 102 can be achieved. In an example, the fastener 112 can alternatively be formed or designed such that the fastener 112 can be pressed or otherwise pushed into the first faucet tube 102 to provide fixation and a liquid seal between the first faucet tube 102, the second faucet tube 104, and the rotational bearing assembly 110. In an example, additional or alternative measures can be taken to fix the rotational bearing assembly 110 between the first tube 102 and the second tube 104. In an example, the rotational bearing assembly 110 and / or components fixed to the first faucet tube 102 or the second faucet tube 104 can be fixed and sealed together with an adhesive material, brazing 113, welding, threading, or otherwise.

[0027] In an example, the rotational bearing assembly 110 can extend between the first faucet tube 102 and the second faucet tube 104 and can be hollow to define a flow passage 107. Thus, the flow passage 107 can extend between each respective end of the fastener 112 to permit fluid communication between the first faucet tube 102 and the second faucet tube 104. The fastener 112 can be concentrically aligned with the first faucet tube 102 and the second faucet tube 104, but other shapes and configurations can be envisioned. The fastener 112 can be fixed relative to the second faucet tube 104 while permitting the first faucet tube 102 to rotate relative to the second faucet tube 104. Although alternative configurations and rotatability are envisioned for alternative shapes of the faucet, in an example, rotation can be achieved about an axis X.

[0028] Figure 3Depicts an exploded view of a swivel bearing assembly according to an example. The swivel bearing assembly 110 can include a swivel bearing 114, one or more O-rings 116, a second faucet tube 104, a coupling mechanism 118, and one or more wear washers 120. In the example, a fastener 112 can be threaded or otherwise pushed through the bearing 114, one or more O-rings 116, the coupling mechanism 118, and the wear washer 120. The fastener 112 can then be received into the first faucet tube 102 by being pressed into the first faucet tube 102 via threading or otherwise. In the example, the coupling provides a secure connection between the first faucet tube 102 and the second faucet tube 104 while providing a liquid seal for the fluid flow that exits through the second faucet tube 104, through the passage 107, and through the first faucet tube 102. In the example, the coupling mechanism 118 can be threaded or otherwise couplable such that the fastener 112 can be rotatably inserted or pressed into the second faucet tube 104 to provide a secure coupling and a liquid seal between the swivel bearing assembly 110 and the second faucet tube 104. In the example, the one or more O-rings 116 can assist in providing a liquid seal for the faucet spout and can be disposed between one or more components of the swivel bearing assembly 110, e.g., between the bearing 114 and the coupling mechanism 118.

[0029] In the example, the wear washer 120 can be a shape similar to a cylinder and is sized to engage the swivel bearing assembly 110, the first faucet tube 102, and the second faucet tube 104. The wear washer 120 can be positioned such that during use and between the pivotal rotation of the first faucet tube 102 relative to the second faucet tube 104, surface wear or other deterioration can be reduced or prevented due to the rotational movement. Thus, the continuous use of the swivel bearing assembly 110 can be extended.

[0030] Figure 4Depicts a close-up cross-sectional view of a faucet bearing assembly according to an example. In the example, rotation of the first faucet tube 102 can be achieved by the bearing 114. When integrated into a faucet or other alternative fluid delivery configuration, the bearing 114 can be coupled between the fastener 112 and the coupling mechanism 118. In the example, the bearing 114 can be configured in an "L" shape, which can be configured to taper or bend at the distal end 122. In the example, when integrated or otherwise coupled together between the first faucet tube 102 and the second faucet tube 104, the tapered nature of the bearing 114 can exert pressure on the fastener 112. When inserted into the first faucet tube 102 through the coupling mechanism 118 and any other components as described herein, the fastener 112 can cause the tapered portion 122 of the bearing 114 to extend from its normal relaxed position, which can apply a constant pressure to the fastener 112 and extend the tapered portion from its original shape. In the example, after installation and during use, the tapered portion 122 can conform to and be positioned within the space between the fastener 112 and the coupling mechanism 118. Thus, the combination between the tapered portion 122 of the bearing 114 and the constant pressure generated by the resistance of the shape of the inserted fastener 112 enables the rotating bearing assembly 110 to be further fixed in place within the first faucet tube 102 and the second faucet tube 104. In the example, the second faucet tube 104 and the fastener 112 can be in a fixed position, while the first faucet tube 102 and the coupling mechanism 118 can rotate relative to other components of the faucet about the bearing 114.

[0031] In the example, while most of the faucet can be constructed of a metallic material (e.g., copper, aluminum, chromium, steel, etc.), other components in the rotating bearing assembly 110 can be constructed of a polymeric material (e.g., plastic). For example, the bearing 114 can be composed of a plastic material such that it can be lightweight and durable while still being able to achieve flexibility to enable the tapered portion 122 to provide sufficient resistance, pressure, and flexibility to further couple the first tube 102, the fastener 112, and the coupling mechanism 118. In the example, the fastener 112, the O-ring 116, the coupling mechanism 118, and the wear washer 120 can also be composed of a polymeric material such as plastic.

[0032] In an example, the swivel bearing assembly 110 can be incorporated into a faucet designed as a jug filler, where the first faucet tube 102 can rotate relative to the second faucet tube 104 about the bearing 114 to extend, pivot, or otherwise rotate the outlet faucet beyond the sink basin (not shown). Thus, the rotatability can allow the outlet of the faucet to additionally extend or enter to reach additional positions beyond the sink basin (e.g., to enable a user to more easily fill a large jug or pan with liquid that may not normally be positioned within the sink or normally readily accessible to the fluid outlet). While the exemplary integration of the swivel bearing assembly 110 has been included as an integration within a jug filler type faucet, it should be understood that alternative faucet configurations utilizing the swivel bearing assembly 110 can be envisioned.

[0033] In an example, Figures 1 to 3 The wear washer 120 in the illustrated swivel bearing assembly 110 can be replaced by a second bearing 114. Specifically, the fastener 112 of the swivel bearing assembly 110 can be threaded or otherwise pushed through the first bearing 114, one or more O-rings 116, the coupling mechanism 118, and the second bearing 114. The second bearing 114 can be inverted relative to the first bearing 114 such that the two bearings 114 face each other within the swivel bearing assembly 110 (e.g., the first bearing 114 can taper towards the second bearing 114 and vice versa). Then, the fastener 112 can be received into the first faucet tube 102 either via a threaded connection or otherwise pressed into the first faucet tube 102 as described previously. The example of replacing the wear washer 120 with the second bearing 114 can provide improved wear life, reduced wobbling of the scrapped spout, and produce a stronger joint suitable for heavier faucets with increased wear.

[0034] It should be understood that as long as the present teachings remain operable, the various operations used in the methods of the present teachings can be performed in any order and / or simultaneously. Additionally, it should be understood that as long as the present teachings remain operable, the apparatus and methods of the present teachings can include any number or all of the described examples.

[0035] Various examples of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These examples are given only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Additionally, it should be understood that the various features of the described examples can be combined in various ways to produce many additional examples. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations, and locations, etc. have been described for the disclosed examples, other materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations, and locations, etc. other than those disclosed can be utilized without exceeding the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] Those of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter of the present invention may include fewer features than shown in any of the individual examples 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 may be combined. Thus, these examples are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various examples may include combinations of different individual features selected from different individual examples, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, unless otherwise stated, elements described with respect to one example may be implemented in other examples, even if not described in those examples.

[0037] Although dependent claims may recite a particular combination with one or more other claims in the claims, other examples may also include combinations of dependent claims with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or combinations of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are presented herein unless it is indicated that a particular combination is not intended.

[0038] Any incorporation by reference of the above documents is limited such that no subject matter contrary to the explicit disclosure herein is incorporated. Any incorporation by reference of the above documents is further limited such that claims not included in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of the above documents is further limited such that any definition provided in the documents is not incorporated by reference herein unless explicitly included herein.

[0039] For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is specifically intended not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the specific terms "means for" or "step for" are recited in the claims.

Claims

1. A fluid delivery system, comprising: a faucet spout having a first faucet tube and a second faucet tube; as well as a rotating bearing assembly coupled to the first faucet tube and the second faucet tube, the rotating bearing assembly having a first rotating bearing and a fastener extending from the first faucet tube to the second faucet tube, The first faucet tube is rotatable relative to the second faucet tube about the first rotating bearing, wherein the fastener applies pressure to the first rotating bearing to fix the rotating bearing assembly in the first faucet tube and the second faucet tube.

2. The fluid delivery system according to claim 1, wherein: A portion of the first rotating bearing is at least partially tapered at a distal end to provide a sealing resistance between the fastener and a coupling mechanism positioned within the second faucet tube, wherein the fastener extends the tapered distal end of the first rotating bearing from a relaxed position to an extended position to secure the rotating bearing assembly within the first faucet tube and the second faucet tube.

3. The fluid delivery system according to claim 2, wherein: The rolling bearing assembly also includes one or more O-rings positioned between the first rolling bearing and the coupling mechanism, the one or more O-rings configured to provide a liquid seal between the first faucet tube and the second faucet tube.

4. The fluid delivery system of claim 2, wherein the first rotary bearing is positioned between the fastener and the coupling mechanism. 5 . The fluid delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the fastener has threads at a distal portion that is fixedly coupled to the first faucet tube.

6. The fluid delivery system according to claim 1, wherein: The fastener defines a flow passage extending from a first fastener end coupled to the first faucet tube to a second fastener end coupled to the second faucet tube, wherein the flow passage enables fluid communication between the first faucet tube and the second faucet tube.

7. A fluid delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the rotating bearing assembly further includes a wear washer positioned and sized to engage the first faucet tube, the wear washer being configured to inhibit surface wear and degradation caused by repeated rotational movement of the first faucet tube relative to the second faucet tube.

8. The fluid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the rotary bearing assembly further comprises a second rotary bearing positioned opposite the first rotary bearing, wherein the first rotary bearing is positioned proximate to the first faucet tube and the second rotary bearing is positioned proximate to the second faucet tube.

9. The fluid delivery system according to claim 1 further includes one or more inlet lines connected to the faucet, the one or more inlet lines including at least one of a hot inlet line, a cold inlet line, and a combination of a hot inlet line and a cold inlet line, wherein the fluid is configured to flow through the one or more inlet lines and enter the fluid delivery system.

10. A fluid delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the fluid flows from the first faucet tube to the channel defined in the rotating bearing assembly, and flows from the channel in the rotating bearing assembly to the second faucet tube, thereby achieving fluid communication between the first faucet tube and the second faucet tube.

11. A rolling bearing assembly for use with a fluid delivery system having a faucet spout with a first faucet tube and a second faucet tube, the rolling bearing assembly comprising: a fastener defining a flow passage; a coupling mechanism, the coupling mechanism being proximate to the fastener; as well as a first rotational bearing, the first rotational bearing being positioned between the fastener and the coupling mechanism, wherein the fastener extends through the coupling mechanism and the first rotational bearing, wherein a fluid is configured to flow through a flow passage of the fastener when used with a fluid delivery system, The rotating bearing assembly is configured to enable rotation between a first faucet tube and a second faucet tube, thereby enabling rotational movement of the faucet spout during fluid flow from the first faucet tube through the rotating bearing assembly to the second faucet tube.

12. The rolling bearing assembly of claim 11, wherein a portion of the first rolling bearing is at least partially tapered at a distal end to provide sealing resistance between the fastener and the coupling mechanism.

13. The rolling bearing assembly of claim 11, wherein the rolling bearing assembly further comprises a wear washer configured to inhibit surface wear and degradation caused by repeated use of the rolling bearing assembly.

14. The rolling bearing assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The orbital bearing assembly also includes a second orbital bearing positioned opposite the first orbital bearing.

15. The rolling bearing assembly of claim 11, further comprising one or more O-rings positioned between the first rolling bearing and the coupling mechanism, the one or more O-rings configured to provide a liquid seal between the first rolling bearing and the coupling mechanism.

16. The rolling bearing assembly of claim 11, wherein the fastener, the coupling mechanism, and the first rolling bearing are concentrically aligned.

17. The orbital bearing assembly of claim 11, wherein the fastener has threads at an end distal from the first orbital bearing.

18. A method for rotationally repositioning a fluid outlet system, comprising: A fluid delivery system is provided, the fluid delivery system including a faucet spout having a first faucet tube and a second faucet tube, the fluid delivery system further including a rolling bearing assembly coupled to the first faucet tube and the second faucet tube, the rolling bearing assembly having a first rolling bearing and a fastener extending from the first faucet tube to the second faucet tube, wherein the fastener applies pressure to the first rolling bearing to secure the rolling bearing assembly within the first faucet tube and the second faucet tube; as well as The first faucet tube is rotated relative to the second faucet tube about the rotational bearing to enable rotational movement of the faucet spout during fluid flow from the first faucet tube through the rotational bearing assembly to the second faucet tube.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the rotating bearing assembly further comprises a wear washer positioned and dimensioned to engage the first faucet tube, the wear washer configured to inhibit surface wear and degradation caused by repeated rotational movement of the first faucet tube relative to the second faucet tube.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the rotary bearing assembly further comprises a second rotary bearing positioned opposite the first rotary bearing, wherein the first rotary bearing is positioned proximate to the first faucet tube and the second rotary bearing is positioned proximate to the second faucet tube.

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