Multi-line faucet with below-table valve assembly

Abstract

A faucet system includes a first assembly configured to be positioned over an upper surface of a support, the first assembly including a handle movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration; a second assembly configured to be positioned below the bottom surface of the support, the second assembly including a valve assembly configured to connect two or more fluid lines; and an elongate member that: couples the second assembly to the first assembly such that upon movement of the handle between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the elongate member operates the valve assembly, and the elongate member has a hollow interior, the hollow interior defines a fluid path between the second assembly and the first assembly through which fluid from at least one of the two or more fluid lines is provided to the first assembly when the handle is in the open configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of faucets and, more particularly, to a multi-line faucet having an under-deck valve assembly. Background Art

[0002] A sink faucet contains a valve assembly operated by a handle. Turning the handle to the "on" position opens the valve, allowing water from the supply line to flow into the faucet and out the faucet spout. Turning the handle to the "off" position closes the valve, shutting off the flow of water from the supply line. The valve assembly is typically located at the base of the faucet, just above the countertop.

[0003] Many faucets connect to more than one supply line; they connect to multiple lines. Because the faucet valve assembly is typically located above the countertop, routing multiple lines from below the countertop to the valve assembly often requires cutting a large diameter hole through the countertop. For the average homeowner, converting from a single-line faucet to a multi-line faucet can be a daunting task. Similarly, cutting a large diameter hole in the countertop limits the homeowner's options when converting back to a single-line faucet, as the hole may be larger than the base of the homeowner's preferred single-line faucet.

[0004] When adding an undercounter appliance, such as a reverse osmosis water filtration system, a multi-line faucet is often used. For example, when an undercounter appliance is connected to both the water supply and drain lines, an "air gap" faucet is often used to prevent backflow. Instead of directing wastewater generated by the undercounter appliance directly to the drain line (which could cause backflow in the drain line through the undercounter appliance and into the water supply line), the wastewater is first directed through an air gap valve in the faucet valve assembly before being directed to the drain line. In this configuration, the air gap faucet is connected to three lines: (i) the supply line from the filtration system, through which filtered water is distributed; (ii) the drain line from the filtration system, through which wastewater is discharged; and (iii) the drain line from the faucet to the plumbing drain. The valve assembly in most air gap faucets is configured to open / close only line (i); lines (ii) and (iii) remain open at all times.

[0005] Another type of faucet can be used with an under-counter water filtration system and is connected to three lines: (i) an unfiltered water supply line; (ii) a return line to the water filtration system; and (iii) a filtered water supply line from the water filtration system. The valve assembly in this faucet is typically configured to open / close line (i) or line (ii) to shut off water flow to the filtration system; line (iii) is always kept open to minimize pressure on the under-counter appliance housing.

[0006] Each of these multi-line faucet designs has drawbacks. Designs that are configured to open / close only the filtered water supply line expose the undercounter appliance to pressure from the unfiltered water supply line. Therefore, if a leak develops in the undercounter appliance, the leak will persist because it is connected to a continuous source of water from the unfiltered water supply line. Conversely, designs that are configured to open / close only the unfiltered water supply line expose the undercounter appliance to the atmosphere through the faucet spout. Residual pressure within the undercounter appliance can cause water to continue flowing from the faucet spout after the handle is turned to the off position, which can be undesirable and may lead users to believe the faucet is broken. Similarly, leaving the filtered line open may expose the filter cartridge to the environment outside the faucet spout for extended periods of time. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This Summary provides a high-level overview of various aspects of the disclosure and introduces some of the concepts that are further elaborated in the Detailed Description below. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used alone to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to relevant portions of the entire specification, any or all of the drawings, and each claim.

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a faucet system comprising a first assembly configured to be positioned above an upper surface of a support, the first assembly comprising a handle movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The system further comprises a second assembly configured to be positioned below a bottom surface of the support, the second assembly comprising a valve assembly configured to connect two or more fluid lines. The system further comprises an elongated member coupling the second assembly to the first assembly such that movement of the handle between the open configuration and the closed configuration causes the elongated member to operate the valve assembly, and the elongated member having a hollow interior defining a fluid path between the second assembly and the first assembly, wherein fluid from at least one of the two or more fluid lines is provided to the first assembly through the path when the handle is in the open configuration.

[0009] In some embodiments, the support includes a hole extending between the upper surface and the bottom surface, wherein the elongated member is configured to extend through the hole.

[0010] In some embodiments, the diameter of the elongated member is smaller than the combined diameter of the two or more fluid lines.

[0011] In some embodiments, the support is a table.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first assembly further includes a faucet base configured to be mounted to the upper mounting surface of the support, wherein each of the handle and the faucet arm is coupled to the faucet base.

[0013] In some embodiments, the system further includes a handle valve cartridge positioned within the faucet base and coupling the handle to the mechanical linkage, and when the handle is moved to the open configuration, the elongated member is fluidly connected to the faucet arm through the handle valve cartridge.

[0014] In some embodiments, the elongated member has a first end and a second end, the first end is coupled to the handle cartridge, the second end is coupled to the valve assembly, and the elongated member transmits movement of the handle to the valve assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments, a first end of the elongated member is keyed for insertion into a first keyed hole in the handle cartridge, and a second end of the elongated member is keyed for insertion into a second keyed hole in the valve assembly.

[0016] In some embodiments, the valve assembly includes a rotary valve component coupled to the elongated member such that the rotary valve component rotates when the handle is moved between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

[0017] In some embodiments, the valve assembly further comprises a stationary valve component, and the bottom surface of the rotating valve component is positioned against the upper surface of the stationary valve component.

[0018] In some embodiments, the stationary valve member defines fluid connections between two or more fluid lines and the rotating valve member.

[0019] In some embodiments, the rotary valve component includes a keyed bottom surface configured to provide one or more fluid connections between at least one of the two or more fluid lines and the hollow interior of the elongated member when the handle is moved to the open configuration.

[0020] In some embodiments, the two or more fluid lines include an unfiltered fluid supply line, a return line to a filtration system, and a filtered fluid line from the filtration system, wherein the rotary valve component includes: a first channel configured to provide a first fluid connection between the unfiltered fluid supply line and the return line when the handle is in an open configuration; and a second channel configured to provide a second fluid connection between the filtered fluid supply line and the hollow interior of the slender member when the handle is in the open configuration.

[0021] In some embodiments, when the handle is in the closed configuration, the first channel and the second channel are positioned to terminate the first fluid connection and the second fluid connection.

[0022] In some embodiments, terminating the first fluid connection prevents unfiltered fluid from the unfiltered fluid supply line from entering the filtration system, and terminating the second fluid connection prevents filtered fluid from the filtered fluid line from entering the elongated member.

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to a fluid dispensing system comprising a filtration system configured to be positioned below a support. The filtration system further comprises a faucet system comprising a valve assembly configured to be positioned below the support, the valve assembly configured to be connected to an unfiltered fluid supply line, a return line to the filtration system, and a filtered fluid line from the filtration system. The faucet system further comprises a handle configured to be positioned above the support, the handle mechanically coupled to the valve assembly such that movement of the handle causes the valve assembly to be operated between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The faucet system further comprises a faucet arm configured to be positioned above the support, the faucet arm connected to the valve assembly via one or more fluid conduits, wherein, in the open configuration, the valve assembly allows fluid communication between (i) the unfiltered fluid supply line and the return line, and (ii) the filtered water supply line and the faucet arm; and wherein, in the closed configuration, the valve assembly terminates fluid communication between (i) the unfiltered fluid supply line and the return line, and (ii) the filtered water supply line and the faucet arm via the one or more fluid conduits.

[0024] In some embodiments, the one or more fluid conduits provide a mechanical connection between the handle and the valve assembly such that (i) the one or more fluid conduits transmit movement of the handle to movement of the valve assembly, and (ii) filtered fluid flows from the valve assembly to the faucet arm through the one or more fluid conduits.

[0025] In some embodiments, in the open configuration, (i) unfiltered fluid from the unfiltered fluid supply line is provided to the filtration system through the return line, and (ii) filtered fluid from the filtration system is provided to the faucet arm through one or more fluid conduits, the combination of which allows for continuous filtering of the unfiltered fluid and dispensing of the filtered fluid.

[0026] In some embodiments, in the closed configuration, (i) unfiltered fluid from the unfiltered fluid supply line is prevented from entering the return line, such that only unfiltered fluid already in the return line can enter the filtration system, and (ii) filtered fluid from the filtration system is prevented from entering one or more fluid conduits, such that pressurized filtered fluid within the filtration system does not flow out through the faucet arm.

[0027] In some embodiments, terminating fluid communication between the unfiltered fluid supply line and the return line limits any leakage of the filtration system to a limited amount of fluid already present in the filtration system when the valve assembly is moved to the closed configuration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a faucet system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 Exploded view of the faucet system.

[0031] Figure 3 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 Exploded view of the valve assembly of a faucet system.

[0032] Figure 4 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 Exploded view of the faucet system.

[0033] Figure 5 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a portion of a faucet system.

[0034] Figure 6 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 Cross-section of the faucet base of a faucet system.

[0035] Figure 7 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A perspective view of the rotary valve components of a faucet system.

[0036] Figure 8 is a bottom view of a rotary valve component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 9 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 Bottom isometric view of the stationary valve component of a faucet system.

[0038] Figure 10 is a top isometric view of a stationary valve component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 11 is a side view of a stationary valve component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a faucet system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 13 is another schematic diagram of a faucet system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 14is another schematic diagram of a faucet system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The following description provides only exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. On the contrary, the following description of exemplary embodiments will provide a feasible description for implementing one or more exemplary embodiments for those skilled in the art. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. An example embodiment is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same, similar or functionally identical elements are identified with the same reference numerals, and in order to avoid redundancy, the repeated description of these elements is partially omitted.

[0044] Among the advantages and improvements disclosed, other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Furthermore, each example provided in connection with the various embodiments of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0045] Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the following terms have the meanings expressly assigned herein. As used herein, the phrases "in one embodiment" and "in some embodiments" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may be so. Furthermore, as used herein, the phrases "in another embodiment" and "in some other embodiments" do not necessarily refer to different embodiments, although they may be so. Thus, as described below, the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be readily combined without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure.

[0046] In addition, the term "or" as used herein is an inclusive "or" operator and is equivalent to the term "and / or" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "based on" is not exclusive and allows for being based on other factors not described unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meanings of "a," "an," and "the" include plural references. The meaning of "in..." includes "in" and "on."

[0047] The term "based on" is not exclusive and allows for being based on other factors not described unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meanings of "a", "an" and "the" include plural references. The meaning of "in..." includes "in..." and "on...". Spatial or directional terms, such as "left", "right", "inside", "outside", "up", "down", etc., should not be considered restrictive, as the present disclosure can present a variety of optional orientations. All numbers used in the specification should be understood to be modified by the term "approximately" in all cases. The term "approximately" refers to a range of plus or minus ten percent of the stated value.

[0048] refer to Figures 1 to 14 In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a faucet system with a below-the-counter valve assembly that is mechanically connected to and operable via an above-the-counter handle. In some embodiments, the faucet system is a multi-line faucet system that includes a filtered water supply line. In some embodiments, turning the handle rotates the valve assembly. In some embodiments, when the handle is turned to the "on" position, filtered water flows from the valve assembly, through the hollow interior of the elongated member, and upward to the faucet base, where the filtered water is diverted into the faucet arm.

[0049] Figure 1 A faucet system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted separated from its installation location, such as next to a sink. Figure 1 As shown, in various embodiments, a faucet system 100 includes an above-counter assembly and a below-counter assembly. In various embodiments, the above-counter assembly can generally include a spout 102, a faucet arm 104, a handle 106, and a faucet base 108. In various embodiments, the below-counter assembly can include a valve assembly 110 configured to receive an unfiltered water supply line 156, a return line 158, and a filtered water supply line 162. As shown, the return line 158 and the filtered water supply line 162 can be connected to a filtration system 172.

[0050] The faucet base 108 is configured to be mounted to an upper mounting surface of a support 112 (e.g., a sink or countertop) to secure the faucet system 100 to the support. In some embodiments, the support 112 includes an aperture 122 sized and shaped to allow elements of the faucet system 100, such as a handle 126 and an elongated member 132 positioned therein, to extend from a below-counter assembly to an above-counter assembly, as described in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the handle 126 can be externally threaded and can extend through the aperture 122 in the support 112. A first end 128 of the handle 126 can be coupled to a below-counter assembly (e.g., to the valve assembly 110), and a second end 130 of the handle 126 can be coupled to an above-counter assembly (e.g., to the faucet base 108). In some embodiments, the threaded shank 126 extends through a sliding nut 129 that is tightened against the lower mounting surface 116 of the support 112 to securely hold the above-counter assembly in place against the upper mounting surface 114 of the support 112. In some embodiments, the threaded shank 126 may also serve as a guide for other components of the faucet system 100 (e.g., Figure 2 A protective conduit having an elongated member 132 therein is shown.

[0051] In various embodiments, the faucet arm 104 can be a hollow member having a first end 118 (eg, an inlet end) fluidly connected to a second end 120 (eg, an outlet end) via a fluid passage 124. In some embodiments, as Figure 1 As shown, the faucet arm 104 can be J-shaped; however, in other embodiments, the faucet arm 104 can be any other shape. The first end 118 can be coupled to the faucet base 108, and the second end 120 can be coupled to or form the water outlet 102, which can be configured to affect the configuration (e.g., shape or pattern) of water flowing from the second end 120 of the faucet arm 104.

[0052] In various embodiments, the handle 106 can be mechanically coupled to the valve assembly 110 by an elongated member 132 extending through the hollow interior of the threaded stem 126, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown. In various embodiments, the slender member 132 can have structural characteristics that allow it to withstand the torsional forces applied thereto by the handle 106 (applied torsional force) and the valve assembly 110 (reacting torsional force) without bending or deforming. For example, the slender member 132 can be substantially rigid and, in various embodiments, can be made of metal or other suitable strong material and have sufficient wall thickness to withstand such torsional forces. A person of ordinary skill in the art will be able to identify suitable materials and constructions of the slender member 132 for these purposes without undue experimentation. The first end 134 of the slender member 132 can be keyed for insertion into a keyed hole 140 in the handle valve core 138 of the handle 106, as shown. Figures 4 and 5 The second end 136 may be keyed for insertion into a keyed hole 142 in a rotary valve member 144 of the valve assembly 110, as shown. Figure 7 As shown in FIG, and will be described in more detail below. For example, in some embodiments, as Figure 4 As shown, each of the first end 134 and the second end 136 can have a D-shaped profile for insertion into the D-shaped keyed holes 140, 142, respectively. In other embodiments, the first end 134 and the second end 136 can have any profile shape, so long as the profiles correspond to the shape of the keyed holes or are otherwise securely fastened so that rotation of the handle 106 causes the rotary valve member 144 to rotate without slipping.

[0053] In various embodiments, the handle 106 can be configured to provide multi-directional control over the flow rate of water flowing through the faucet arm 104 and out of the faucet system's spout 102. In some embodiments, the handle 106 can be rotated about one or more axes to control the flow rate of water. For example, in some embodiments, rotating the handle 106 about an axis in a first direction moves the handle 106 to an "on" position, thereby allowing water to flow through the faucet system 100. Conversely, rotating the handle 106 in an opposite second direction about the same axis moves the handle 106 to an "off" position, thereby stopping the flow of water through the faucet system 100. In some embodiments, the handle 106 can be rotated about another axis to change the temperature of the water flowing through the faucet system 100.

[0054] In various embodiments, the valve assembly 110 may include a rotating valve member 144 and a stationary valve member 146. In some embodiments, the stationary valve member 146 provides an interface between the unfiltered water supply line 156, the return line 158, the filtered water supply line 162, and the rotating valve member 144. In some embodiments, as Figures 9 to 11As shown, the three ports are configured to align with the three water lines 156, 158, and 162 and provide conduits for access to the rotary valve member 144 when the handle 106 is in the "on" position. In some embodiments, the stationary valve member 146 includes an unfiltered water supply line port 164, a return line port 166, and a filtered water supply line port 168. As previously described, in some embodiments, the stationary valve member 146 also includes a guide pin 152 that extends upwardly from an upper surface 170 of the stationary valve member 146 to fit within and cooperate with the guide slot 150 of the rotary valve member 144.

[0055] In some embodiments, the rotary valve component 144 is coupled to the elongated member 132 so that when the handle 106 is rotated, the rotary valve component 144 rotates. The bottom surface 148 of the rotary valve component 144 can be positioned against the upper surface 170 of the stationary valve component 146, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the rotary valve member 144 mechanically interacts with the stationary valve member 146 via the guide pin 152 of the stationary valve member 146, as will be described in more detail below. Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the rotary valve component 144 includes a keyed bottom surface 148 that includes a guide slot 150 and at least two channels 154, 160 configured to place various combinations of lines 156, 158, and 162 in fluid communication with each other and with other components of the system 100, as will be described in greater detail later. The guide slot 150 can receive a guide pin 152 that projects upwardly from the stationary valve component 146 and defines an end stop for rotation of the rotary valve component 144. That is, as the guide pin 152 moves through the guide slot 150, rotation in either direction ceases when the guide pin 152 approaches the end of the guide slot 150.

[0056] In various embodiments, when the handle 106 is in the "on" position, the first passage 154 can be configured to provide a fluid connection between the unfiltered water supply line 156 and the return line 158. For example, in some embodiments, when the handle 106 is in the "on" position, the first passage 154 moves to a position that opens a fluid connection between the unfiltered water supply line 156 and the ceramic valve of the valve assembly 110, thereby allowing fluid to flow into the valve assembly 110. Furthermore, when the handle is in the "on" position, the first passage 154 also moves to a position that opens a fluid connection between the valve assembly 110 and the return line 158, thereby allowing fluid to flow from the valve assembly 110 into the return line 158. Thus, moving the handle 106 to the "on" position provides a fluid connection between the unfiltered water supply line 156 and the return line 158 via the first passage 154.

[0057] In various embodiments, when the handle 106 is in the "on" position, the second passage 160 can be configured to provide a fluid connection between the filtered water supply line 162 and the faucet arm 104. For example, in some embodiments, when the handle 106 is in the "on" position, the second passage 160 moves to a position that opens a fluid connection between the filtered water line 162 and the keyed aperture 142 of the rotary valve member 144. Filtered water can flow along this fluid connection upward through the keyed aperture 142 and from there into the hollow interior of the elongated member 132. The filtered water then flows upward through the handle valve cartridge 138, into the faucet arm 104, and out through the water outlet 102.

[0058] In some embodiments, when the handle 106 is turned to the "off" position, the handle spool 138 and the elongated member 132 rotate, thereby rotating the rotary valve member 144 to a position in which the filtered water supply line 162 is closed, such as Figure 14 Furthermore, in some embodiments, when the handle 106 is in the "off" position, at least one of the unfiltered water supply line 156 or the return line 158 is closed. As a result, no unfiltered water enters the filtration system 172, and no filtered water from the filtration system 172 enters the elongated member 132.

[0059] In use, in some embodiments, when the handle 106 is turned to the "on" position, the handle valve core 138 and the elongated member 132 rotate, thereby rotating the rotary valve member 144 to a position in which each of the unfiltered water supply line 156, the return line 158, and the filtered water supply line 162 are open, as shown in FIG. Figure 12 In some embodiments, when each of lines 156, 158, 162 is open, water from unfiltered water supply line 156 is directed into return line 158, which directs the water into filtration system 172. In some embodiments, once the water is filtered, the filtered water then exits filtration system 172 and is directed into valve assembly 110 via filtered water supply line 162.

[0060] This configuration has several advantages. First, by shutting off the supply of unfiltered water to filtration system 172 when the handle is in the "off" position, filtration system 172 is not subjected to continuous pressure from unfiltered water supply line 156. Therefore, if a leak develops in filtration system 172, the only water that leaks out is the water that was trapped within filtration system 172 while faucet system 100 was closed. This trapped water is a relatively small, limited amount of water, compared to the continuous, unlimited amount of water that could leak out if unfiltered water supply line 156 or return line 158 were open.

[0061] Secondly, by shutting off the flow of filtered water to faucet system 100, filtration system 172 is no longer exposed to the external environment outside of water outlet 102. This prevents "stuck flow," which occurs when pressure buildup within filtration system 172 causes filtered water to flow from filtration system 172, into faucet arm 104, and out of water outlet 102 even after unfiltered water supply line 156 is shut off. If valve assembly 110 were not shutting off filtered water supply line 162, this dead flow could persist for five to ten seconds after handle 106 is turned to the "off" position, which could be undesirable and could lead a user to believe faucet system 100 is malfunctioning. On the other hand, by shutting off filtered water supply line 162, the filter cartridges of filtration system 172 are not exposed to the environment outside of water outlet 102 for an extended period of time.

[0062] Third, by positioning valve assembly 110 below support member 112, multiple lines (e.g., unfiltered water supply line 156, return line 158, and filtered water line 162) do not need to be routed upward through aperture 122 in support member 112. More specifically, most of these lines originate from below support member 112 (e.g., unfiltered water supply line 156 from under-counter plumbing and filtered water line 162 from under-counter water filtration system 172) or connect to objects below support member 112 (e.g., return line 158 connected to under-counter water filtration system 172) and, therefore, are typically routed through aperture 122 to connect to valves in conventional above-counter faucet systems. As previously mentioned, routing multiple lines through the counter often requires cutting a relatively large diameter hole through the counter. This can be a daunting task for the average homeowner converting from a single-line faucet to a multi-line faucet. Likewise, cutting a larger diameter hole in the countertop would limit the homeowner's options if they were to switch back to a single-line faucet, as the hole would likely be larger than the base of the homeowner's preferred single-line faucet. In contrast, in this configuration, the multiple lines remain below the countertop, and only a single fluid conduit (e.g., the hollow interior of the elongated member 132) needs to be routed through the hole 122 to deliver filtered water to the faucet arm 104. The outer diameter of this fluid conduit can necessarily be much smaller than the combined outer diameter of the multiple lines (156, 158, 162), and in some embodiments, can be similar in diameter to the diameter of the filtered water line 162, since filtered water from the filtered water line 162 is delivered through this fluid conduit.

[0063] Furthermore, by combining this fluid conduit with the mechanical linkage used to mechanically operate the below-counter valve assembly 110 via the above-counter handle 106 into a single structure (e.g., elongated member 132), the diameter of the bore 122 can also be minimized. In contrast, existing systems having below-counter valve assemblies are either (i) electronically controlled from above the support 12 (e.g., via a touch or motion sensor), such that the valve assembly is electronically operated (e.g., via a motor or electromechanical actuator), or (ii) mechanically controlled, but via a separate mechanism arranged alongside such fluid conduit, thereby increasing the overall diameter of those components that must be arranged through the bore 122, and therefore increasing the required diameter of the bore 122.

[0064] Thus, the faucet system 100 of the present disclosure allows the diameter of the handle 126 and the diameter of the hole 122 in the support member 112 to be smaller than existing designs, thereby mitigating or even eliminating the aforementioned disadvantages of conventional above-deck faucet systems.

[0065] It should be appreciated that the faucet system 100 is not intended to be limited to use with only water, but can be adapted for use with any suitable fluid without undue experimentation based on the present disclosure. Similarly, the faucet system 100 is not intended to be used only with water filtration systems, but can be adapted for use with other suitable under-counter appliances and connections without undue experimentation based on the present disclosure. These examples are merely illustrative and are used throughout to facilitate explanation.

[0066] The disclosure of this application has been described above both generally and with respect to specific embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that these embodiments encompass modifications and variations of the present invention to the extent they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A faucet system comprising: a first assembly configured for positioning above an upper surface of the support, the first assembly comprising a handle movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration; a second assembly configured for positioning below a bottom surface of the support, the second assembly comprising a valve assembly configured to connect to two or more fluid lines; as well as An elongated member, the elongated member: coupling the second assembly to the first assembly such that movement of the handle between the open configuration and the closed configuration causes the elongated member to operate the valve assembly; and A hollow interior is provided, the hollow interior defining a fluid path between the second component and the first component, fluid from at least one of the two or more fluid lines being provided to the first component through the fluid path when the handle is in the open configuration. 2 . The faucet system of claim 1 , wherein the support includes a hole extending between the upper surface and the bottom surface, wherein the elongated member is configured to extend through the hole. 3 . The faucet system of claim 1 , wherein the diameter of the elongated member is smaller than a combined diameter of the two or more fluid lines. The faucet system of claim 1 , wherein the support member is a countertop.

5. The faucet system according to claim 1, wherein the first assembly further comprises a faucet base configured to be mounted to the upper mounting surface of the support member, and Wherein each of the handle and faucet arm is coupled to the faucet base.

6. The faucet system according to claim 5, Also included is a handle valve cartridge positioned within the faucet base and coupling the handle to a mechanical linkage, and When the handle is moved to the open configuration, the elongated member is fluidly connected to the faucet arm via the handle valve core.

7. The faucet system according to claim 6, wherein the elongated member has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the handle valve core, wherein the second end is coupled to the valve assembly, wherein the elongated member transmits movement of the handle to the valve assembly.

8. The faucet system according to claim 7, wherein the first end of the elongated member is provided with a key for insertion into a first keyed hole in the handle valve core, and The second end of the elongated member is keyed for insertion into a second keyed hole in the valve assembly.

9. The faucet system of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly includes a rotary valve component coupled to the elongated member such that the rotary valve component rotates when the handle is moved between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

10. The faucet system according to claim 9, wherein the valve assembly further comprises a stationary valve component, and wherein a bottom surface of the rotary valve component is positioned against an upper surface of the stationary valve component.

11. The faucet system of claim 10, wherein the stationary valve member defines a fluid connection between the two or more fluid lines and the rotating valve member.

12. The faucet system of claim 11 , wherein the rotary valve component includes a keyed bottom surface configured to provide one or more fluid connections between at least one of the two or more fluid lines and the hollow interior of the elongated member when the handle is moved to the open configuration.

13. The faucet system according to claim 1, wherein the two or more fluid lines include an unfiltered fluid supply line, a return line to a filtration system, and a filtered fluid line from the filtration system, The rotary valve component comprises: a first passage configured to provide a first fluid connection between the unfiltered fluid supply line and the return line when the handle is in the open configuration; as well as A second passageway is configured to provide a second fluid connection between the filtered fluid supply line and the hollow interior of the elongated member when the handle is in the open configuration.

14. The faucet system of claim 13, wherein the first and second passages are positioned to terminate the first and second fluid connections when the handle is in the closed configuration.

15. The faucet system according to claim 14, wherein terminating the first fluid connection prevents unfiltered fluid from the unfiltered fluid supply line from entering the filtration system, and Wherein terminating the second fluid connection prevents filtered fluid from the filtered fluid line from entering the elongated member.

16. A fluid dispensing system comprising: a filtration system configured for positioning beneath the support; A faucet system, comprising: a valve assembly configured for positioning below the support, the valve assembly configured to connect to an unfiltered fluid supply line, a return line to the filtration system, and a filtered fluid line from the filtration system; a handle configured for positioning above the support, the handle being mechanically coupled to the valve assembly such that moving the handle operates the valve assembly between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and a faucet arm configured for positioning above the support member, the faucet arm being connected to the valve assembly via one or more fluid conduits, wherein, in the open configuration, the valve assembly permits fluid communication between (i) the unfiltered fluid supply line and the return line, and (ii) the filtered fluid supply line and the faucet arm; and wherein, in the closed configuration, the valve assembly terminates fluid communication (i) between the unfiltered fluid supply line and the return line, and (ii) between the filtered fluid supply line and the faucet arm via the one or more fluid conduits.

17. The fluid dispensing system of claim 16, wherein the one or more fluid conduits provide a mechanical connection between the handle and the valve assembly such that (i) the one or more fluid conduits transmit movement of the handle to movement of the valve assembly, and (ii) filtered fluid flows from the valve assembly to the faucet arm through the one or more fluid conduits.

18. The fluid dispensing system of claim 16, wherein in the open configuration, (i) unfiltered fluid from the unfiltered fluid supply line is provided to the filtration system via the return line, and (ii) filtered fluid from the filtration system is provided to the faucet arm via the one or more fluid conduits, the combination of which allows for continuous filtering of unfiltered fluid and dispensing of filtered fluid.

19. The fluid dispensing system of claim 16 , wherein in the closed configuration, (i) unfiltered fluid from the unfiltered fluid supply line is prevented from entering the return line, such that only unfiltered fluid already in the return line can enter the filtration system, and (ii) filtered fluid from the filtration system is prevented from entering the one or more fluid conduits, such that pressurized filtered fluid within the filtration system does not flow out through the faucet arm.

20. The fluid distribution system of claim 16, wherein terminating fluid communication between the unfiltered fluid supply line and the return line limits any leakage of the filtration system to a limited amount of fluid already present in the filtration system when the valve assembly is moved to the closed configuration.

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