Multi-line faucet with under-sink valve assembly

Abstract

The faucet system includes a first assembly configured to be positioned above an upper surface of the support, the first assembly including a handle movable between an on position and an off position; a second assembly configured to be positioned below a bottom surface of the support, the second assembly including a valve assembly configured to connect to two or more fluid lines; and an elongated member coupling the second assembly to the first assembly such that moving the handle between the on position and the off position causes the elongated member to actuate the valve assembly, the elongated member having a hollow interior defining a fluid passageway 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 on position.

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-sink valve assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] Sink faucets contain a valve assembly that is actuated by a handle. Turning the handle to the "on" position opens the valve, allowing water to flow from the supply line into the faucet and out the faucet stop. Turning the handle to the "off" position closes the valve, blocking water flow 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 just a supply line; they connect to multiple lines. Because the faucet valve assembly is typically located above the countertop, it is often necessary to cut a larger diameter hole through the countertop to route the multiple lines from below the countertop to the valve assembly. This can be a tedious task for the everyday homeowner to convert from a single-line faucet to a multi-line faucet. Similarly, cutting a larger diameter hole in the countertop can limit the homeowner's options when converting back to a single-line faucet, as the hole may have a larger footprint than the base of the homeowner's desired single-line faucet.

[0004] Multi-line faucets are often used when adding under-sink fixtures, such as reverse osmosis water filtration systems. For example, "void" faucets are often used to prevent backflow when under-sink fixtures are connected to both water supply and drain lines. Rather than routing wastewater from the under-sink fixture directly to the drain line (which would potentially result in backflow from the drain line flowing through the under-sink fixture into the water supply line), the wastewater is instead first routed through an void valve in the faucet valve assembly before being routed to the drain line. When configured, a void faucet connects to three lines: (i) a supply line from the filtration system through which filtered water is dispensed, (ii) a drain line from the filtration system through which wastewater is drained, and (iii) a drain line from the faucet to the plumbing drain. The valve assemblies in most void faucets are configured to open and close only line (i); lines (ii) and (iii) remain open at all times.

[0005] Another type of faucet may be used in conjunction with an under-sink fixture and connects 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. A valve assembly within such a faucet is typically configured to open or close line (i) or line (ii) to shut off water to the filtration system, with line (iii) remaining open at all times to minimize pressure on the housing of the under-sink fixture. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Each of these multi-line faucet designs has drawbacks. Those configured to open and close only the filtered water supply line place the under-sink fixture under pressure from the unfiltered water supply line. Therefore, if the under-sink fixture were to leak, it would be open to a continuous source of water from the unfiltered water supply line, and the leak would continue indefinitely. Conversely, those configured to open and close only the unfiltered water supply line leave the under-sink fixture open to the atmosphere through the faucet stop. Residual pressure inside the under-sink fixture can cause water to continue flowing out of the faucet stop after the handle is turned to the off position, which is undesirable and can lead the user to believe the faucet is broken. Similarly, leaving the filtered line open can result in the filter cartridge being exposed to the environment outside the faucet for an extended period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The Summary of the Invention is a high-level summary of various aspects of the present disclosure and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This Summary of the Invention 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 present subject matter should be understood by reference to the entire specification, any or all drawings, and appropriate portions of each claim.

[0008] An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a faucet system including a first assembly configured to be positioned above a top surface of a support, the first assembly including a handle movable between an on position and an off position. The system also includes a second assembly configured to be positioned below a bottom surface of the support, the second assembly including a valve assembly configured to connect to two or more fluid lines. The system also includes an elongated member coupling the second assembly to the first assembly such that movement of the handle between the on position and the off position activates the valve assembly, the elongated member having a hollow interior defining a fluid passageway 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 on position.

[0009] In some embodiments, the support includes a hole extending between the top and bottom surfaces, and the elongate member is configured to extend through the hole.

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

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

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

[0013] In some embodiments, the system further includes a handle spool positioned within the faucet base and connecting the handle to the mechanical linkage, wherein the elongated member is fluidly connected to the faucet arm through the handle spool when the handle is moved to the on position.

[0014] In some embodiments, the elongated member has a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the handle spool and the second end 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 adapted to be inserted into a first keyed bore of the handle spool, and a second end of the elongated member is adapted to be inserted into a second keyed bore in the valve assembly.

[0016] In some embodiments, the valve assembly includes a rotary valve component coupled to the elongate member such that the rotary valve component rotates when the handle is moved between the on and off positions.

[0017] In some embodiments, the valve assembly further includes a stationary valve component, wherein a bottom surface of the rotary valve component is positioned to abut a top surface of the stationary valve component.

[0018] In some embodiments, the stationary valve component defines a fluid connection between two or more fluid lines and the rotary valve component.

[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 elongate member when the handle is moved to the on position.

[0020] In some embodiments, the two or more fluid lines include an unfiltered fluid supply line, a return line to the filtration system, and a filtered fluid line from the filtration system, and 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 the on position, and a second channel 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 on position.

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

[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]

[0006] An embodiment of the present disclosure also relates to a fluid dispensing system including a filtration system configured to be positioned below a support. The filtration system also includes a faucet system including a valve assembly configured to be positioned 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. The faucet system also includes a handle configured to be positioned above the support, the handle mechanically coupled to the valve assembly such that moving the handle actuates the valve assembly between an on position and an off position. The faucet system also includes a faucet arm configured to be positioned above the support, the faucet arm connected to the valve assembly by one or more fluid conduits, through which, in the on position, the valve assembly allows 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 in the off position, the valve assembly terminates fluid communication between (i) the unfiltered fluid supply line and the return line and (ii) the filtered fluid supply line and the faucet arm.

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

[0025] In some embodiments, in the on position, (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 filtration of unfiltered fluid and dispensing of filtered fluid.

[0026] In some embodiments, in the off position, (i) unfiltered fluid from the unfiltered fluid supply line is prevented from entering the return line so that only unfiltered fluid already present 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 so that pressurized filtered fluid in the filtration system does not leak through the faucet arm.

[0027] In some embodiments, terminating fluid communication between the unfiltered fluid supply line and the return line limits any leakage from the filtration system to the finite amount of fluid already present in the filtration system at the time the valve assembly is moved to the off position.

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

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a faucet system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the faucet system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a valve assembly of the faucet system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the faucet system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5]2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the faucet system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 2 is a cross-sectional view of a faucet base of the faucet system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rotary valve component of the faucet system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a rotary valve component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a bottom isometric view of a stationary valve component of the faucet system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a top isometric view of a stationary valve component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a side view of a static valve component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic diagram of a faucet system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of a faucet system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of a faucet system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The following description provides exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, the following description of exemplary embodiments provides those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing one or more exemplary embodiments. It will be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed embodiments. Example embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar, or identically acting elements in various figures are identified with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of these elements are partially omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0031] Among these disclosed benefits and improvements, other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. While particular embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Additionally, each of the examples provided in connection with various embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative, not limiting.

[0032] Throughout this specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings expressly associated therewith, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the phrases "in one embodiment" and "in some embodiments" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s), but may. Additionally, as used herein, the phrases "in another embodiment" and "in some other embodiments" do not necessarily refer to different embodiments, but may. That is, as explained below, various embodiments of the present disclosure can be readily combined without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure.

[0033] Additionally, as used herein, the term "or" is an inclusive "OR" operator and is equivalent to the term "and / or" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "based on" is open-ended and allows for based on additional unexplained factors unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Additionally, throughout this specification, the meanings of "a," "an," and "the" include plural references. The meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on."

[0034] The term "based on" is not limiting and allows for the basis of additional unexplained factors unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Additionally, throughout this 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," "upper," and "lower" are not intended to be limiting, as the present disclosure may assume various alternative orientations. All numerical values ​​used herein are to be understood as modified in all instances by the term "about." The term "about" refers to a range of ±10 percent of the stated value.

[0035] 1-14 , in some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a faucet system having an under-sink valve assembly mechanically linked to and operable through an above-sink handle. In some embodiments, the faucet system is a multi-line faucet system including a filtered water supply line. In some embodiments, turning the handle rotates the valve assembly. In some embodiments, turning the handle to the "on" position causes filtered water to flow from the valve assembly, through the hollow interior of the elongated member, up the faucet base, where it is diverted into the faucet arm.

[0036] FIG. 1 depicts a faucet system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure separated from its mounting location, such as next to a sink. As shown in FIG. 1 , in various embodiments, faucet system 100 includes an above-sink assembly and an below-sink assembly. The above-sink assembly, in various embodiments, can generally include a faucet 102, a faucet arm 104, a handle 106, and a faucet base 108. The below-sink assembly, in various embodiments, 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. The return line 158 and the filtered water supply line 162 can be connected to a filtration system 172 as shown.

[0037] Faucet base 108 is configured to be mounted to an upper mounting surface of a support 112, such as a sink or countertop, to secure faucet system 100 to the support. In some embodiments, support 112 includes a bore 122 sized and shaped to allow elements of faucet system 100, such as shank 126 and elongated member 132 located within faucet system 100, to pass from the under-sink assembly to the above-sink assembly, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, shank 126 may have external threads and extend through bore 122 in support 112. A first end 128 of shank 126 may be coupled to the under-sink assembly (e.g., to valve assembly 110), and a second end 130 of shank 126 may be coupled to the above-sink assembly (e.g., to faucet base 108). In some embodiments, the threaded shank 126 extends through a slip nut 129 that tightens against the lower mounting surface 116 of the support 112 to securely hold the upper countertop assembly in place against the upper mounting surface 114 of the support 112. The threaded shank 126, in some embodiments, can further act as a protective conduit for other components of the faucet system 100, such as an elongated member 132 located on the faucet system 100, as shown in FIG.

[0038] The faucet arm 104, in various embodiments, can be a hollow member having a first end 118 (e.g., an inlet end) fluidly connected to a second end 120 (e.g., an outlet end) through a fluid passage 124. In some embodiments, the faucet arm 104 can be J-shaped, as depicted in FIG. 1 , while in other embodiments, the faucet arm 104 can be any other shape. The first end 118 can be coupled to a faucet base 108, and the second end 120 can be coupled to or form a faucet 102, which can be configured to affect the configuration (e.g., shape or pattern) of water emitted from the second end 120 of the faucet arm 104.

[0039] The handle 106, in various embodiments, can be mechanically coupled to the valve assembly 110 through an elongated member 132 that extends through the hollow interior of the threaded shank 126, as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 4. In various embodiments, the elongated member 132 can have structural characteristics that enable it to withstand torsional forces applied thereto by the handle 106 (applied torsional force) and the valve assembly 110 (reaction torsional force) without bending or buckling. For example, the elongated member 132 can be substantially rigid and, in various embodiments, can be made of metal or other suitably strong material and have a wall thickness sufficient to withstand such torsional forces. Those skilled in the art will recognize appropriate materials and configurations for the elongated member 132 for these purposes without undue experimentation. A first end 134 of the elongated member 132 can be adapted to be inserted into a keyed bore 140 in a handle spool 138 of the handle 106, as depicted in FIGS. 4-5. The second end 136 may be adapted to be inserted into a keyed bore 142 of a rotary valve component 144 of the valve assembly 110, as depicted in FIG. 7 or described in more detail below. For example, in some embodiments, the first end 134 and the second end 136 may each have a D-shaped profile for insertion into D-shaped keyed bores 140, 142, respectively, as depicted in FIG. 4. In other embodiments, the first end 134 and the second end 136 may have any profile shape, so long as the profile corresponds to the shape of the keyed bore or otherwise securely fits such that rotation of the handle 106 causes rotation of the rotary valve component 144 without slippage.

[0040] The handle 106, in various embodiments, can be configured to provide multi-directional control of the flow rate of water through the faucet arm 104 and out of the faucet 102 of the faucet system. In some embodiments, the handle 106 can be rotatable about one or more axes to control the flow rate of water. For example, in some embodiments, rotating the handle 106 in a first direction about an axis moves the handle 106 to an “on” position, allowing water to flow through the faucet system 100. Conversely, rotating the handle 106 in a second, opposite direction about the same axis moves the handle 106 to an “off” position, stopping the flow of water through the faucet system 100. In some embodiments, the handle 106 can be rotatable about another axis to change the temperature of the water flowing through the faucet system 100.

[0041] Valve assembly 110 can, in various embodiments, include a rotary valve component 144 and a stationary valve component 146. In some embodiments, stationary valve component 146 provides an interface between unfiltered water supply line 156, return line 158, filtered water supply line 162, and rotary valve component 144. In some embodiments, as depicted in FIGS. 9-11 , three ports are configured to align with three water lines 156, 158, 162 and provide conduits that open into channels of rotary valve component 144 when handle 106 is in the “on” position. In some embodiments, stationary valve component 146 includes unfiltered supply line port 164, return line port 166, and filtered supply line port 168. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, stationary valve component 146 also includes guide peg 152 extending upward from a top surface 170 of stationary valve component 146 to mate with and cooperate with guide groove 150 of rotary valve component 144.

[0042] In some embodiments, the rotary valve component 144 is coupled to the elongate member 132 such that the rotary valve component 144 rotates when the handle 106 is rotated. A bottom surface 148 of the rotary valve component 144 can be positioned to abut a top surface 170 of the stationary valve component 146, as depicted in FIG. 3 , such that the rotary valve component 144 mechanically interacts with the stationary valve component 146 through a guide peg 152 of the stationary valve component 146, as described in more detail below. As depicted in FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, the rotary valve component 144 includes a keyed bottom surface 148 that includes a guide groove 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 described in more detail below. The guide groove 150 can receive the guide peg 152 projecting upward from the stationary valve component 146 and define an end stop for rotation of the rotary valve component 144. That is, as the guide peg 152 moves through the guide channel 150 , rotation in either direction is stopped when the guide peg 152 approaches the end of the guide channel 150 .

[0043] In various embodiments, the first channel 154 can be configured to provide a fluid connection between the unfiltered water supply line 156 and the return line 158 when the handle 106 is in the “on” position. For example, in some embodiments, when the handle 106 is in the “on” position, the first channel 154 is moved to a position such that a fluid connection is opened between the unfiltered water supply line 156 and the ceramic valve of the valve assembly 110, allowing fluid flow into the valve assembly 110. Furthermore, when the handle is in the “on” position, the first channel 154 is also moved to a position such that a fluid connection is opened between the valve assembly 110 and the return line 158, allowing fluid flow from the valve assembly 110 into the return line 158. That is, moving the handle 106 to the “on” position provides a fluid connection between the unfiltered water supply line 156 and the return line 158 through the first channel 154.

[0044] The second channel 160, in various embodiments, can be configured to provide a fluid connection between the filtered water supply line 162 and the faucet arm 104 when the handle 106 is in the “on” position. For example, in some embodiments, when the handle 106 is in the “on” position, the second channel 160 is moved to a position such that a fluid connection is opened between the filtered water line 162 and the keyed bore 142 of the rotary valve component 144. Filtered water can follow this fluid connection up through the keyed bore 142 where it then enters the hollow interior of the elongated member 132. The filtered water then flows upward through the handle spool 138, into the faucet arm 104, and out through the faucet 102.

[0045] In some embodiments, when the handle 106 is turned to the "off" position, the handle spool 138 and elongated member 132 are rotated, which in turn rotates the rotary valve component 144 to a position where the filtered water supply line 162 is closed, as depicted in FIG. 14. Additionally, 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, unfiltered water does not enter the filtration system 172, and filtered water from the filtration system 172 does not enter the elongated member 132.

[0046] In use, in some embodiments, when handle 106 is turned to the "on" position, handle spool 138 and elongated member 132 are rotated, which in turn rotates rotary valve component 144 to a position where unfiltered water supply line 156, return line 158, and filtered water supply line 162 are each open, as depicted in FIG. 12 . In some embodiments, when each of lines 156, 158, and 162 are 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 through filtered water supply line 162 into valve assembly 110.

[0047] This configuration has several advantages. First, by cutting off the supply of unfiltered water to filtration system 172, filtration system 172 is not under continuous pressure from unfiltered water supply line 156 when the handle is in the "off" position. Therefore, if a leak occurs in filtration system 172, the only water that will leak out is that which is trapped within filtration system 172 when faucet system 100 is turned off. The trapped water is a relatively small and finite amount of water compared to the continuous and variable amount of water that could leak out if unfiltered water supply line 156 or return line 158 were to open.

[0048] Second, by blocking filtered water leakage into faucet system 100, filtration system 172 is no longer exposed to the external environment outside faucet 102. In one aspect, this prevents “after-flow,” a phenomenon that occurs when pressure buildup within filtration system 172 causes filtered water to flow out of filtration system 172, into faucet arm 104, and out of faucet 102, even after unfiltered water supply line 156 is shut off. However, with valve assembly 110 shutting off filtered water supply line 162, after-flow could continue for 5-10 seconds after handle 106 is turned to the “off” position, which is undesirable and could potentially lead a user to believe that faucet system 100 is broken. In another aspect, by blocking filtered water supply line 162, the filter cartridge of filtration system 172 is no longer exposed to the environment outside faucet 102 for an extended period of time.

[0049] Third, by positioning the valve assembly 110 below the support 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 the holes 122 in the support 112. More specifically, most such lines originate from below the support 112 (e.g., unfiltered water supply line 156 coming from under-sink plumbing and filtered water line 162 coming from under-sink filtration system 172) or connect to things below the support 112 (e.g., return line 158 connecting to under-sink filtration system 172), and thus are typically routed through the holes 122 to connect to valves in a conventional above-sink faucet system. As mentioned above, cutting a larger diameter hole through the countertop is often necessary to route multiple lines therethrough. This can be a tedious task for the everyday homeowner converting from a single-line faucet to a multi-line faucet. Similarly, cutting a larger diameter hole in the countertop can limit a homeowner's options when converting back to a single-line faucet, as the hole may have a larger footprint than the base of the single-line faucet the homeowner desires. Instead, in the inventive configuration, the lines remain below the countertop, and only a single fluid conduit, e.g., the hollow interior of elongated member 132, needs to be routed through hole 122 to carry filtered water to 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 filtered water line 162, since it is filtered water from filtered water line 162 that is being carried through the fluid conduit.

[0050] Furthermore, by combining this fluid conduit with the mechanical linkage for mechanically actuating the under-sink valve assembly 110 through the above-sink handle 106 into a single structure (e.g., elongated member 132), the diameter of the bore 122 can be minimized as well. Conversely, existing systems with under-sink valve assemblies are either (i) electronically controlled (e.g., through a touch or motion sensor) from above the support 112 so that the valve assembly is electronically actuated (e.g., through a motor or electromechanical actuator), or (ii) mechanically controlled but through a separate mechanism routed in parallel with such fluid conduit, which must then be routed through the bore 122, i.e., increasing the combined diameter of those components which increases the required diameter of the bore 122.

[0051] Thus, the faucet system 100 of the present disclosure allows the diameter of the shank 126, as well as the diameter of the hole 122 in the support 112, to be smaller than existing designs, thereby mitigating or even eliminating the drawbacks of conventional above-sink faucet systems discussed above.

[0052] It should be appreciated that faucet system 100 is not intended to be limited to use with only water, but rather can be adapted for use with any suitable fluid without undue experimentation based on the present disclosure. Similarly, faucet system 100 is not intended for use with only water filtration systems, but rather can be adapted for use with other suitable under-sink fixtures and connections without undue experimentation based on the present disclosure. These examples are merely illustrative and are used throughout for ease of explanation.

[0053] The disclosure of this application has been described above both generically and with reference to specific embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the embodiments are intended to cover the modifications and variations of the present invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 100 Faucet System 102 Faucet 110 Valve Assembly 122 holes 162 Filtered water supply line 172 Filtration System

Claims

1. a first assembly configured to be positioned above an upper surface of the support, the first assembly including a handle movable between an on position and an off position; a second assembly configured to be positioned below a bottom surface of the support, the second assembly including a valve assembly configured to connect to two or more fluid lines; An elongated member, coupling the second assembly to the first assembly such that moving the handle between the on position and the off position causes the elongated member to actuate the valve assembly; and a hollow interior defining a fluid passageway 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 on position; the elongated member; Faucet system including.

2. the support includes a hole extending between the top surface and the bottom surface; the elongated member is configured to extend through the aperture; The faucet system of claim 1 .

3. 10. The faucet system of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the elongated member is less than the combined diameter of the two or more fluid lines.

4. The faucet system of claim 1 , wherein the support is a countertop.

5. the first assembly further includes a faucet base configured to be mounted to the upper mounting surface of the support; Each of the handle and faucet arm is coupled to the faucet base. The faucet system of claim 1 .

6. a handle spool positioned within the faucet base to couple the handle to a mechanical linkage; the elongated member is fluidly connected to the faucet arm through the handle spool when the handle is moved to the on position. The faucet system of claim 5.

7. the elongate member has a first end and a second end; the first end is coupled to the handle spool; the second end is coupled to the valve assembly; The elongated member transmits movement of the handle to the valve assembly. The faucet system of claim 6.

8. the first end of the elongated member is adapted to be inserted into a first keyed bore in the handle spool; the second end of the elongated member is adapted to be inserted into a second keyed bore in the valve assembly; The faucet system of claim 7.

9. 2. 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 on position and the off position.

10. the valve assembly further includes a stationary valve component; a bottom surface of the rotary valve component positioned to abut an upper surface of the stationary valve component; The faucet system of claim 9.

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

12. 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 on position.

13. 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 channel configured to provide a first fluid connection between the unfiltered fluid supply line and the return line when the handle is in the on position; and a second channel configured to provide a second fluid connection between the filtrate supply line and the hollow interior of the elongate member when the handle is in the on position; Including, The faucet system of claim 1 .

14. 14. The faucet of claim 13, wherein the first channel and the second channel are positioned to terminate the first fluid connection and the second fluid connection when the handle is in the off position.

15. terminating the first fluid connection prevents unfiltered fluid from the unfiltered fluid supply line from entering the filtration system; terminating the second fluid connection prevents filtrate from the filtrate line from entering the elongate member. The faucet of claim 14.

16. a filtration system configured to be positioned below the support; a valve assembly configured to be positioned 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 to be positioned above the support, the handle mechanically coupled to the valve assembly such that moving the handle actuates the valve assembly between an on position and an off position; and a faucet arm configured to be positioned above the support and connected to the valve assembly by one or more fluid conduits; 1. A faucet system comprising: In the on position, the valve assembly allows 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 In the off position, the valve assembly terminates fluid communication through the one or more fluid conduits between (i) the unfiltered fluid supply line and the return line and (ii) the filtered fluid supply line and the faucet arm. the faucet system; A fluid dispensing system comprising:

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

18. 17. The fluid dispensing system of claim 16, wherein in the on position (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 the one or more fluid conduits, the combination enabling continuous filtration of unfiltered fluid and dispensing of filtered fluid.

19. 17. The fluid dispensing system of claim 16, wherein in the off position (i) unfiltered fluid from the unfiltered fluid supply line is prevented from entering the return line so that only unfiltered fluid already present 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 so that pressurized filtered fluid in the filtration system does not leak through the tap arm.

20. 17. The fluid dispensing system of claim 16, wherein terminating fluid communication between the unfiltered fluid supply line and the return line limits any leakage from the filtration system to a finite amount already present in the filtration system at the time the valve assembly is moved to the off position.

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