VESSEL RINSER WITH CLEANING SOLUTION

Abstract

A vessel rinsing apparatus includes a fluid discharge member having a plurality of nozzles and a trigger to control a flow of water to the nozzles. A source of cleaning agent enables the cleaning agent to be selectively inserted into the flow of water to the nozzles. A venturi device or a pump may introduce the cleaning agent into the flow of water to the nozzles.

Claims

1. A vessel rinsing apparatus comprising: a drain bowl; a fluid discharge member supported for movement relative to the drain bowl, the fluid discharge member including at least one nozzle and a trigger to control a flow of water to the at least one nozzle; and a source of cleaning agent configured to enable the cleaning agent to be selectively inserted into the flow of water to the at least one nozzle.

2. The vessel rinsing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a venturi device fluidly connected to the fluid discharge member and to the source of cleaning agent, wherein the venturi device is configured to suction the cleaning agent into the flow of water to the at least one nozzle.

3. The vessel rinsing apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a control valve fluidly connected to the venturi device and to the source of cleaning agent, the control valve having an open position wherein the venturi device is fluidly connected to the source of cleaning agent, and a closed position wherein the venturi device is not fluidly connected to the source of cleaning agent, wherein the venturi device is configured to suction the cleaning agent into the flow of water to the at least one nozzle only when the control valve between the source of cleaning agent and the venturi device is open.

4. The vessel rinsing apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a solenoid configured for moving the control valve between the open position and the closed position.

5. The vessel rinsing apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a timer configured for moving the control valve between the open position and the closed position.

6. The vessel rinsing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning agent comprises soap or a rinsing agent.

7. The vessel rinsing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an electrically operable pump fluidly connected to the fluid discharge member and to the source of cleaning agent, wherein the electrically operable pump is configured to suction the cleaning agent into the flow of water to the at least one nozzle.

8. The vessel rinsing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a mounting shank operably coupled to the drain bowl, the mounting shank extending along a longitudinal axis and defining a first fluid passageway; a fluid valve including: a valve seat supported by the mounting shank, a valve stem movable along the longitudinal axis, a valve seal supported by the valve stem, and wherein the valve stem is movable between a closed position and an open position, the valve seal being biased against the valve seat in the closed position; and wherein the fluid discharge member includes: a central body extending along the longitudinal axis and at least partially disposed within the mounting shank, the central body defining a second fluid passageway, and a sprayface supporting the at least one nozzle and in fluid communication with the second fluid passageway.

9. A vessel rinsing apparatus comprising: a first venturi device including an input port fluidly connected to a source of water; a second venturi device including an input port fluidly connected to an output port of the first venturi device; a fluid discharge member including at least one nozzle and a trigger to control a flow of fluid to the at least one nozzle, the fluid discharge member being fluidly connected to an output port of the second venturi device; a source of a first cleaning agent; a first valve fluidly connected to the source of the first cleaning agent and to the first venturi device, the first valve having a closed position in which the source of the first cleaning agent is disconnected from the first venturi device, and an open position in which the source of the first cleaning agent is fluidly connected to the first venturi device such that a flow of water through the first venturi device may draw the first cleaning agent into the flow of water through the first venturi device; a source of a second cleaning agent; and a second valve fluidly connected to the source of the second cleaning agent and to the second venturi device, the second valve having a closed position in which the source of the second cleaning agent is disconnected from the second venturi device, and an open position in which the source of the second cleaning agent is fluidly connected to the second venturi device such that a flow of water through the second venturi device may draw the second cleaning agent into the flow of water through the second venturi device.

10. The vessel rinsing apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a first solenoid configured for moving the first valve between the open position and the closed position; and a second solenoid configured for moving the second valve between the open position and the closed position.

11. The vessel rinsing apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a first manually actuatable control mechanism configured to selectively apply voltage of the first solenoid; and a second manually actuatable control mechanism configured to selectively apply voltage of the second solenoid.

12. The vessel rinsing apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a timer configured for moving at least one of the first valve and the second valve between the open position and the closed position.

13. The vessel rinsing apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a first light-emitting diode configured to be illuminated only when the first valve is in the open position; and a second light-emitting diode configured to be illuminated only when the second valve is in the open position.

14. The vessel rinsing apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first cleaning agent comprises one of soap and a rinsing agent, and the second cleaning agent comprises the other of soap and a rinsing agent.

15. The vessel rinsing apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a mounting shank extending along a longitudinal axis and defining a first fluid passageway; a fluid valve including: a valve seat supported by the mounting shank, a valve stem movable along the longitudinal axis, a valve seal supported by the valve stem, and wherein the valve stem is movable between a closed position and an open position, the valve seal being biased against the valve seat in the closed position; and wherein the fluid discharge member includes: a central body extending along the longitudinal axis and at least partially disposed within the mounting shank, the central body defining a second fluid passageway, and a sprayface supporting the at least one nozzle and in fluid communication with the second fluid passageway.

16. A vessel rinsing arrangement comprising: a venturi device including an input port fluidly connected to a source of water; a fluid discharge member configured to be operably coupled to the sink mounting deck, the fluid discharge member including at least one nozzle and a trigger to control a flow of fluid to the at least one nozzle, the fluid discharge member being fluidly connected to an output port of the venturi device; a container of cleaning agent configured to be fluidly coupled to the sink mounting deck; a control valve fluidly connected to the container of cleaning agent and to the venturi device, the control valve having a closed position in which the container of cleaning agent is disconnected from the venturi device, and an open position in which the container of cleaning agent is fluidly connected to the venturi device such that a flow of water through the venturi device may draw the cleaning agent into the flow of water through the venturi device; and a manually actuatable control mechanism configured to be operably coupled to the sink mounting deck and to move the control valve between the open position and the closed position.

17. The vessel rinsing arrangement of claim 16, further comprising a solenoid coupled to the manually actuatable control mechanism and configured to move the control valve between the open position and the closed position.

18. The vessel rinsing arrangement of claim 17, wherein the manually actuatable control mechanism is configured to selectively apply voltage to the solenoid.

19. The vessel rinsing arrangement of claim 16, further comprising a timer coupled to the manually actuatable control mechanism and configured to move the control valve between the open position and the closed position.

20. The vessel rinsing arrangement of claim 19, wherein the manually actuatable control mechanism is configured to selectively apply voltage to the timer.

21. The vessel rinsing arrangement of claim 20, wherein the timer is configured to cyclically move the control valve between the open position and the closed position every two to ten seconds.

22. The vessel rinsing arrangement of claim 21, further comprising: a first light-emitting diode configured to be illuminated only when the control valve is in the open position; and a second light-emitting diode configured to be illuminated only when the control valve is in the closed position.

23. The vessel rinsing arrangement of claim 16, wherein the cleaning agent comprises soap or a rinsing agent.

24. The vessel rinsing apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: a mounting shank extending along a longitudinal axis and defining a first fluid passageway; a fluid valve including: a valve seat supported by the mounting shank, a valve stem movable along the longitudinal axis, a valve seal supported by the valve stem, and wherein the valve stem is movable between a closed position and an open position, the valve seal being biased against the valve seat in the closed position; and wherein the fluid discharge member includes: a central body extending along the longitudinal axis and at least partially disposed within the mounting shank, the central body defining a second fluid passageway, and a sprayface supporting the at least one nozzle and in fluid communication with the second fluid passageway.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The foregoing aspects and many of the intended advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an illustrative vessel rinsing apparatus mounted to a sink deck, and fluidly coupled to a water treatment device including a source of cleaning agent and operably coupled to a faucet;

[0015] FIG. 1B is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1A of the illustrative vessel rinsing apparatus mounted to the sink deck, and fluidly coupled to the water treatment device independent from the faucet;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a top exploded perspective view of the vessel rinsing apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a bottom exploded perspective view of the vessel rinsing apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the vessel rinsing apparatus taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1, showing the discharge member in a closed position and a vessel shown in phantom;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the vessel rinsing apparatus similar to FIG. 4, showing the discharge member in an open position and a vessel shown in phantom;

[0020] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view along line 6A-6A of the water treatment device of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6A of another illustrative embodiment water treatment device of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of another illustrative embodiment water treatment device of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of yet another illustrative embodiment water treatment device of the present disclosure; and

[0024] FIG. 9 is a front, schematic view of an illustrative embodiment vessel rinsing apparatus and water treatment device of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] For the purposes of promoting and understanding the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are described herein. The embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. Therefore, no limitation of the scope of the claimed invention is thereby intended. The present invention includes any alterations and further modifications of the illustrated devices and described methods and further applications of principles in the invention which would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0026] With reference initially to FIG. 1A, an illustrative fluid delivery or rinsing system 2 of the present disclosure includes a vessel rinsing apparatus 10 shown supported by a conventional mounting deck, such as a sink deck 12 supporting a sink basin 14.

[0027] A faucet 16 may be supported by the sink deck 12 for discharging water from a water outlet 18 into the sink basin 14, and is operably coupled to the vessel rinsing apparatus 10. The faucet 16 may be of conventional design, including a delivery spout 20 defining the water outlet 18, and a manual mixing valve 22 for controlling water flow from a hot water supply 24 (e.g., a hot water valve stop) and a cold water supply 26 (e.g., a cold water valve stop) to the water outlet 18.

[0028] The mixing valve 22 may be of conventional design such as the mixing valve detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,074 to Rosko et al., the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Illustratively, the mixing valve 22 includes a valve handle 28 to control the flow rate and the temperature of water delivered to the water outlet 18. A hot water supply tube 30 may fluidly couple the hot water supply 24 to a first inlet (not shown) of the mixing valve 22, and a cold water supply tube 32 may fluidly couple the cold water supply 26 to a second inlet (not shown) of the mixing valve 22. A mixed water outlet tube 34 may fluidly couple an outlet (not shown) of the mixing valve 22 to a diverter valve 36.

[0029] The diverter valve 36 illustratively controls (e.g., toggles) water flow between the outlet 18 of the delivery spout 20 and the vessel rinsing apparatus 10. An illustrative diverter valve 36 is detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,646,476, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by herein by reference. A spout outlet tube 38 fluidly couples the diverter valve 36 to the outlet 18. A dispenser tube 35 fluidly couples the diverter valve 36 to a water treatment device 37, illustratively a container of cleaning agent wherein the cleaning agent is drawn via a venturi effect into the water flow from dispenser tube 35. A dispenser tube 40 fluidly couples the water treatment device 37 to the vessel rinsing apparatus 10.

[0030] An escutcheon 42 may be positioned intermediate the sink deck 12 and the delivery spout 20. A plurality of mounting apertures 44 may extend within the sink deck 12, wherein at least some of the apertures 44a, 44b may be used to couple the faucet 16 to the sink deck 12. In the illustrative embodiment, the glass rinsing apparatus 10 is fixed to the mounting aperture 44c that would conventionally support a kitchen side sprayer (not shown) adjacent the sink basin 14. Such positioning facilitates draining of the vessel rinsing apparatus 10 into the sink basin 14.

[0031] FIG. 1B shows a further illustrative fluid delivery or rinsing system 2 where the vessel rinsing apparatus 10 is supported on the sink deck 12 for operation independent of the faucet 16. The rinsing system 2 includes many similar features as the vessel rinsing system 2 as further detailed herein. As such, in the following description similar components are identified with like reference numbers.

[0032] A hot water T-fitting 25 is fluidly coupled to the hot water valve stop 24, while a cold water T-fitting 27 is fluidly coupled to the cold water valve stop 26. A hot water connector tube 31 fluidly couples the hot water T-fitting 25 to the water treatment device 37. Similarly, a cold water connector tube 33 fluidly couples the cold water T-fitting 27 to the water treatment device 37. A fluid mixer (not shown) may be supported by the water treatment device 37 to mix hot water from the connector tube 31 with cold water from the connector tube 33. In certain illustrative embodiments, the fluid mixer may be a water control valve configured to control the mixing ratio of hot water to cold water.

[0033] With reference to FIGS. 2-5, the illustrative vessel rinsing apparatus 10 includes a mounting base 46 configured to be coupled to the sink deck 12. An escutcheon 48 illustratively cooperates with the mounting base 46 to define a contoured drain receptacle or bowl 52 for the collection and disposal of debris and wastewater. A fluid discharge member 54 is operably coupled to the mounting base 46 and to a fluid valve member 56. A trigger plate 58 is supported by the fluid discharge member 54 and is configured to be engaged by a vessel 60 (e.g., a cup, glass or other container) for activating water flow through the fluid discharge member 54 and into an interior 62 of the vessel 60 (FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0034] The mounting base 46 illustratively includes an upper coupler, such as an upper plate 64, and a downwardly extending mounting shank 66 defining an opening 67 extending along a longitudinal axis 68. The upper plate 64 is configured to be supported above an upper surface 69 of the sink deck 12 and illustratively comprises a disk 70 having a circular peripheral edge 71. The mounting shank 66 is configured to extend through one of the mounting apertures 44c formed within the sink deck 12 and below a lower surface 72 of the sink deck 12. The mounting shank 66 illustratively includes a stepped cylindrical tube 73 having upper external threads 74 configured to threadably couple with a mounting nut 75 for securing the mounting base 46 to the sink deck 12 (FIG. 1). Illustratively, the dispenser tube 40 is fluidly coupled to the mounting shank 66 to provide water from a water supply (illustratively via the mixing valve 22 through the diverter valve 36). More particularly, the cylindrical tube 73 of the mounting shank 66 illustratively includes lower external threads 76 configured to engage with a fitting 78 to fluidly couple the dispenser tube 40 to the mounting shank 66 (FIG. 1).

[0035] With further reference to FIGS. 2-5, the fluid discharge member 54 cooperates with the mounting base 46 to deliver water from the dispenser tube 40. The fluid discharge member 54 illustratively includes a central body 80 defining a fluid passageway 82 and having a sprayface 83 supporting a plurality of nozzles 84 in fluid communication with the fluid passageway 82. More particularly, the nozzles 84 may include a center nozzle 84a and a plurality of peripheral nozzles 84b, 84c, 84d, 84e positioned radially outward from the center nozzle 84a. It should be appreciated that the number and placement of the nozzles 84 may vary.

[0036] In one illustrative embodiment, the nozzles 84 may be oriented to direct water in different desired positions within an interior 86 of the vessel 60, as represented by arrows 85 in FIG. 5. For example, the center nozzle 84a may be configured to discharge water upwardly parallel to the longitudinal axis 68. Illustratively, a first peripheral nozzle 84b may be oriented at a first angle from the longitudinal axis 68 for directing water to a distal corner of a mug, a second peripheral nozzle 84c may be oriented at a second angle from the longitudinal axis 68 for directing water to a distal corner of a highball glass, a third peripheral nozzle 84d may be oriented at a third angle from the longitudinal axis 68 for directing water to a distal corner of a tumbler or pint glass, and a forth peripheral nozzle 84e may be oriented at a fourth angle from the longitudinal axis 68 for directing water to a distal portion of a wine glass.

[0037] The central body 80 of the fluid discharge member 54 is slideably received within the opening 67 of the mounting shank 66 such that it is movable along the longitudinal axis 68. More particularly, the fluid discharge member 54 is configured to move along the longitudinal axis 68 between a raised (or rest) position (FIG. 4), and a lowered (or active) position (FIG. 5). A spring 87 may cooperate with the mounting base 46 to bias the discharge member 54 to the upper position. The fluid discharge member 54 may be restrained from rotating relative to the mounting base 50. Illustratively, the central body 80 has an elongated cross section (e.g. oval) thereby preventing rotation within the opening 67. Other rotatable couplers, such as a key received within a keyway, may be substituted therefor.

[0038] A trigger 88 extends outwardly from the central body 80. The trigger 88 illustratively includes a plurality of radially outwardly extending arms or posts 90, each having a first end 92 supported by the central body 80 and a freely supported second end 94.

[0039] The fluid valve member 56 illustratively comprises a valve pin or shaft 96 operably coupled to the fluid discharge member 54 (e.g., via a threaded coupling 97), and is configured to move with the trigger 88 to control water flow through the central body 80 to the plurality of nozzles 84. More particularly, the valve shaft 96 illustratively includes a hollow body 98 defining a fluid passageway 102 in fluid communication with the fluid passageway 82 of the central body 80 via radial openings 104. Upper and lower o-rings 106 and 108 are positioned above and below openings 104, respectively. The valve member 56 may be a separate component from the fluid discharge member 54, or formed integral therewith.

[0040] In the raised position as shown in FIG. 4, the valve shaft 96 blocks water flow from the fluid source (e.g., the mixing valve 22) to the nozzles 84. More particularly, the o-ring 108 seals against a valve seat 109 to prevent water flow from opening 67 to the fluid passageway 102. In the lowered position as shown in FIG. 5, the valve shaft 96 provides fluid communication between the fluid source (e.g., the mixing valve 22) and the nozzles 84. More particularly, a passageway 110 between the o-ring 108 and the valve seat 109 permits water flow therethrough from opening 67 to fluid passageway 102 through openings 104, and through the fluid passageway 82 to the nozzles 84.

[0041] The escutcheon 48 is supported by the mounting base 50 and illustratively includes an upwardly extending wall 114 and a drain channel 116 extending through the upwardly extending wall 114. As shown in FIG. 1, the drain channel 116 is configured to provide fluid communication between the drain bowl 52 and the sink basin 14 supported by the sink deck 12. The upper plate 64 of the mounting base 50 and the upwardly extending wall 114 of the escutcheon 42 illustratively define the drain bowl 52. An o-ring 118 is illustratively supported by the peripheral edge 71 of the upper plate 64 to releasably retain the escutcheon 48 to the mounting base 50. As such, the escutcheon 48 may be exchanged with other escutcheons with different aesthetic shapes, finishes and/or drain channel 116 dimensions.

[0042] The drain channel 116 illustratively includes a lower wall 122 and opposing side walls 124 and 126. With reference to FIG. 3, a lip 127 and an associated undercut 128 may be formed in a lower surface of the lower wall 122 prevents wastewater flowing through the drain channel 116 from running back toward the rear wall of the sink basin 14. More particularly, the undercut 128 cooperates with the lip 127 to direct water downward.

[0043] In an illustrative embodiment, the trigger plate 58 is removably supported by the trigger 88 of the fluid discharge member 54 above the drain bowl 52. More particularly, the removable trigger plate 58 is illustratively supported by the arms 90 of the trigger 88.

[0044] Illustratively, a retaining ring 130 concentrically receives and frictionally engages the body 80 to releasably secure the trigger plate 58 to the fluid discharge member 54. The removable trigger plates 58 can be cleaned, replaced and/or exchanged with other trigger plates 58 that may have different cleaning benefits (e.g., characteristics of a brush or sponge).

[0045] Anti-rotation members may be configured to prevent rotation of the removable trigger plate 58 about the longitudinal axis 68 relative to the fluid discharge member 54. The anti-rotation members may comprise a recess 132 supported by the fluid discharge member 54, and cooperating tabs 134 supported by the removable trigger plate 58.

[0046] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a first removable trigger plate 58a may comprise a strainer 136 including a base 138 and a plurality of circumferentially spaced drain openings 140 arranged in a plurality of radially spaced rows. As a rim 142 of the glass 60 contacts the upper surface 144 of the strainer 136, a lower surface 146 of the strainer 136 engages the trigger 88 (FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0047] Additional details of the illustrative vessel rinsing apparatus 10 are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 10,914,056 to Cipriani et al., the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0048] Illustrative water treatment device 37 is shown in more detail in FIG. 6A. Water treatment device 37 includes a venturi device 148 that fluidly interconnects dispenser tube 35 and dispenser tube 40. A container 150 contains a cleaning agent 149 and is fluidly connected to venturi device 148. As water flows through venturi device 148 from left to right in FIG. 6A, the cleaning agent 149 is illustratively drawn out of container 150 and into the water flow in venturi device 148. Water flow into the water treatment device 37 is shown by arrow 151, while the cleaning agent 149 drawn into the water flow 151 is shown by arrow 152. The combined water and cleaning agent mixture is represented by arrow 154.

[0049] With reference again to FIG. 1, the mixing valve 22 may be manipulated by the handle 28 to control the temperature and flow rate of water delivered to the active outlet(s) selected by the diverter valve 36 (e.g., the delivery spout outlet 18 and the glass rinsing apparatus 10). The various water tubes 30, 32, 34, 35, 38 and 40 may be formed of a flexible polymer, such as a cross-linked polyethylene (PEX).

[0050] Illustratively, the dispenser tube 40 is fluidly coupled to the mounting shank 66 to provide water and possibly cleaning agent 149 via the mixing valve 22, through the diverter valve 36, and through the water treatment device 37. As previously described, the cylindrical tube 73 of the mounting shank 66 illustratively includes lower external threads 76 configured to engage with the fitting 78 to fluidly couple the dispenser tube 40 to the mounting shank 66 (FIG. 1).

[0051] The rinsing system 2 has been described as injecting a cleaning agent 149 into the rinsing water stream whenever the rinsing water stream is flowing and there is cleaning agent 149 remaining within container 144 to be drawn into venturi device 142. In other illustrative embodiments, the rinsing system 2 may be controlled manually or electronically, such as via electrically operable valves (e.g., solenoid valves) along with a user interface (e.g., pushbuttons), and/or with an automatic timing function.

[0052] In yet other illustrative embodiments as shown in FIG. 6B, an illustrative water treatment device 37 includes an electrically operable pump 156 in place of the venturi device 148. More particularly, activation of the pump 156 draws cleaning agent 149 from container 150 into water stream 151.

[0053] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a water treatment device 337 of the present disclosure, including two venturi devices 348a, 348b fluidly connected in series.

[0054] Container 350a may contain a cleaning agent 349a in the form of soap, and is selectively fluidly connected to venturi device 348a by a control valve 354a. A solenoid 356a controls whether valve 354a is in an open position such that container 350a is fluidly connected to venturi device 348a, or is in a closed position such that container 350a is fluidly disconnected from venturi device 348a. Solenoid 356a, in turn, is controlled by a user interface, such as a user interface, such as a pushbutton 358a that selectively connects solenoid 356a to electrical power V+or disconnects solenoid 356a from electrical power V+.

[0055] Similarly, container 350b may contain a cleaning agent 349b in the form of a rinsing agent (e.g., rinse/drying agent, anti-spotting agent, a catalyst such as Jet-Dry, etc.) and is selectively fluidly connected to venturi device 348b by a control valve 354b. A solenoid 356b controls whether valve 354b is in an open position such that container 350b is fluidly connected to venturi device 348b, or is in a closed position such that container 350b is fluidly disconnected from venturi device 348b. Solenoid 356b, in turn, is controlled by a pushbutton 358b that selectively connects solenoid 356b to electrical power V+or disconnects solenoid 356b from electrical power V+.

[0056] During use, when a user manually turns on or activates vessel rinsing apparatus 10 (for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,914,056 to Cipriani et al.), a flow of water is received by venturi device 348a from a dispenser tube 335, is passed on to venturi device 348b, and then flows through dispenser tube 340 to vessel rinsing apparatus 10. If a user would like to add soap 349a to the flow of rinsing water that reaches the vessel rinsing apparatus 10, then the user may depress pushbutton 358a, thereby causing switch 360a to close and voltage V+to be applied to solenoid 356a. The application of voltage causes solenoid 356a to activate, and thereby open valve 354a. Thus, as water flows through venturi device 348a, soap is suctioned out of container 350a, through valve 354a, and into the flow of water entering venturi device 348b. The water flow including the soap 349a eventually reaches the vessel rinsing apparatus 10 through dispenser tube 340.

[0057] If the user no longer wants soap 349a to be in the flow of water to the vessel rinsing apparatus, then he may depress pushbutton 358a again, thereby causing switch 360a to open and voltage V+ to be removed from solenoid 356a. The removal of voltage causes solenoid 356a to deactivate, and thereby close valve 354a. Soap 349a can then no longer reach the flow of water to the vessel rinsing apparatus 10.

[0058] If a user would like to add rinsing agent 349b to the flow of rinsing water that reaches the vessel rinsing apparatus, then the user may depress pushbutton 358b, thereby causing switch 360b to close and voltage V+to be applied to solenoid 356b. The application of voltage causes solenoid 356b to activate, and thereby open valve 354b. Thus, as water flows through venturi device 348b, rinsing agent 349b is suctioned out of container 350b, through valve 354b, and into the flow of water exiting venturi device 348b. The water flow including the rinsing agent 349b eventually reaches the vessel rinsing apparatus 10 through dispenser tube 340.

[0059] If the user no longer wants rinsing agent 349b to be in the flow of water to the vessel rinsing apparatus 10, then he may depress pushbutton 358b again, thereby causing switch 360b to open and voltage V+to be removed from solenoid 356b. The removal of voltage causes solenoid 356b to deactivate, and thereby close valve 354b. Rinsing agent 349b can then no longer reach the flow of water to the vessel rinsing apparatus 10.

[0060] As noted above, electrically operable pump 156 may be substituted for one or both venturi device 348a, 348b, valve 354a, 354b and solenoid 356a, 356b.

[0061] FIG. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment of a water treatment device 437 of the present disclosure, including two venturi devices 448a, 448b fluidly connected in series.

[0062] Container 450a may contain a cleaning agent 449a in the form of soap, and is selectively fluidly connected to venturi device 448a by a control valve, such as an electrically operable valve 454a. A timer 462 controls whether valve 454a is in an open position such that container 450a is fluidly connected to venturi device 448a, or is in a closed position such that container 450a is fluidly disconnected from venturi device 448a. Timer 462 may apply voltage to a light, such as a light-emitting diode (LED) 476a, and thereby cause LED 476a to be illuminated, when, and only when, timer 462 has placed valve 454a in an open position. LED 476a may be installed in a location such that LED 476a is visible to a user, and thus the user can see when soap 449a is being added to the water flow. Timer 462 is controlled by a user interface, such as a switch 488 that selectively activates or deactivates timer 462. In one illustrative embodiment, switch 488 is in the form of trigger 88, as further detailed above.

[0063] Similarly, container 450b may contain a cleaning agent 449b in the form of a rinsing agent (e.g., rinse/drying agent, anti-spotting agent, a catalyst such as Jet-Dry, etc.) and is selectively fluidly connected to venturi device 448b by a control valve, such as an electrically operable valve 454b. The timer 462 controls whether valve 454b is in an open position such that container 450b is fluidly connected to venturi device 448b, or is in a closed position such that container 450b is fluidly disconnected from venturi device 448b. Timer 462 may apply voltage to a light, such as a light-emitting diode (LED) 476b, and thereby cause LED 476b to be illuminated, when, and only when, timer 462 has placed valve 454b in an open position. LED 476b may be installed in a location such that LED 476b is visible to a user, and thus the user can see when rinsing agent 449b is being added to the water flow.

[0064] During use, as a user actuates switch 488, such as by pressing a drinking vessel down on trigger 88, a flow of water is received by venturi device 448a from a dispenser tube 435, is passed on to venturi device 448b, and then flows through dispenser tube 440 to a vessel rinsing apparatus. When the user actuates switch 488, timer 462 is activated, and timer 462 opens and closes valves 454a, 454b according to a predetermined cycle. In one embodiment, in a first part of the timer cycle, valve 454a is open and valve 454b is closed such that the flow of water includes soap 449a but not rinsing agent 449b. In a second part of the timer cycle, both valves 454a-b are closed such that the flow of water includes neither soap 449a nor rinsing agent 449b. In a third and final part of the timer cycle, valve 454a is closed and valve 454b is open such that the flow of water includes rinsing agent 449b but not soap 449a. The cycle may then be repeated indefinitely until switch 488 is released, which may stop the flow of water to the vessel rinsing apparatus 10 entirely.

[0065] As noted above, electrically operable pump 156 may be substituted for one or both venturi device 448a, 448b, and electrically operable valve 454a, 454b.

[0066] The rinsing system 2 may integrate an additional injection port into the spray base, adding in cleaning solution alongside the standard rinse sprays. Cleaning agents may leverage the soap dispenser bottles currently deployed in soap pumps, with the bottle screwing into the product dispenser below the deck 12.

[0067] FIG. 9 shows one illustrative embodiment of a vessel rinsing apparatus 510 and a water treatment device 537 of the present disclosure. Water treatment device 537 includes a venturi device 548, a control valve 554, and a user interface, such as a manually actuatable valve control mechanism 558 which may be in the form of a pushbutton.

[0068] Vessel rinsing apparatus 510, pushbutton 558 and a manually pumpable soap dispensing bottle 564 (receiving a cleaning agent 566, in the form of a soap) are all mounted in a sink mounting deck 512. Valve 554 selectively fluidly connects bottle 564 to venturi device 548 through conduits 570, 574. Valve control mechanism 558 may actuate valve 554 through a solenoid (not shown), as described above with reference to FIG. 9, for example, or may actuate valve 554 through mechanical means that are well known to those of skill in the art.

[0069] During use, a user may actuate a switch (not shown), such as by pressing a drinking vessel 60 down on vessel rinsing apparatus 510. In response to the switch actuation, a flow of water is received by venturi device 548 from a dispenser tube 535 and then flows through dispenser tube 540 to vessel rinsing apparatus 510 where the water is ejected in an upward direction toward the drinking vessel 60.

[0070] If the user would like to add soap 566 to the flow of water, he may press down on pushbutton 558, which, in turn, may open valve 554. The flow of water through venturi device 548 may then draw soap 566 out of bottle 564 and into the flow of water going to vessel rinsing apparatus 510. Bottle 564 may have a removable lid 568 such that a user may remove lid 568 in order to fill bottle 564 with liquid soap 566 without having to disconnect bottle 564 from conduit 574.

[0071] One or more LEDs may be installed on the top of mounting deck 512 to indicate to a user a position of valve 554, and whether soap is being added to the flow of water to vessel rinsing apparatus 510.

[0072] As noted above, electrically operable pump 156 may be substituted for venturi device 548 and valve 554.

[0073] The invention has been described as adding a cleaning agent to the flow of water to the vessel rinsing apparatus. However, it is to be understood that the invention encompasses a vessel rinsing apparatus including a water treatment device that does not introduce an additive into the water flow. Such water treatment devices may treat the water with ozone, filter the water with a carbon filter, etc. A vessel rinsing apparatus that adds ozone as a water treatment is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2025/0288710 to Thomas et al., the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0074] The cleaning agent, whether it be soap or a rinsing agent, may be a liquid or a solid (e.g., powder, tablets, etc.). The cleaning agent has been described herein as being mixed with the water before being discharged from the nozzles. However, it is also possible within the scope of the invention for a liquid cleaning agent to be kept separate from the water and be discharged from separate nozzles.

[0075] Although two cleaning agents are shown in and described with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to two cleaning agents. More than two separate cleaning agents may be used, and there is no limit to the number, or types of, cleaning agents that may be employed.

[0076] The rinsing system of the disclosure has been described and illustrated herein with specific embodiments with specific ways and apparatus for delivering and timing the injection of cleaning agents into the water flow. However, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative, and the rinsing system may employ below-the-deck or above-the-deck injection which leverages electronic, timed, or manual means to switch the functions.

[0077] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the spirit and scope of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.