Faucet System Comprising a Liquid Soap Delivery Line

Abstract

A water faucet system including a faucet having a neck comprising a water passageway and liquid soap delivery line, both integrated within the neck assembly. The water faucet system features a streamlined neck assembly that includes a water outlet or spout, located at the distal portion of the neck assembly, and additionally includes a separate soap outlet located at a predetermined location. The soap delivery (soap dispensing) is initiated by a user performing an activation event directed to a sensor system located in the neck assembly. In preferred embodiments, the sensor system utilizes touchless type sensors so to avoid any physical contact with the neck assembly.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM AND RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This non-provisional application claims the benefit of priority from provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 61 / 890,483 filed on Oct. 14, 2013. Said application is incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention generally relates to a water faucet system comprising a faucet having a neck including an integrated soap delivery line contained therein. In a more specific aspect of the present invention, the delivery or dispensing of liquid soap is initiated by a user, via activation event, detected by an electronic sensing system and cooperating control module.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Known in the art are the simple liquid soap dispensers designed as a standalone units for use in the vicinity of water faucets. Such portable units are typically found on a flat surface in the vicinity of a water faucet (e.g. shelf, windowsill, cabinet top, countertop, or the like), and are sometimes referred to as coun...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a water faucet system with a faucet neck assembly that includes a soap delivery line integrated within the neck assembly. The system features a separate soap outlet and water outlet, allowing for separate cleaning of the two liquids. The soap outlet is positioned above the water outlet, and a sensor system activates the soap delivery. The system is designed to prevent cross-contamination between the soap and water, and the soap delivery is initiated by a user through a touchless sensor system. The system includes a battery-powered control module to manage the faucet system's operations. The invention also includes a means for producing foam soap or foam-soap, and a means for purging the soap delivery line to prevent buildup. The customer replaceable cartridge or customer replaceable unit contains the soap storage tank and battery.

Problems solved by technology

These ubiquitous liquid soap dispensers tend to be cumbersome, unsightly (especially in elegantly finished environments), and possess a multitude of drawbacks.

Once used, a contaminated pump member often remains contaminated, polluting the pump member surface for the next user(s), unless each user makes the (unlikely) effort to include washing the pump member as part of their washing routine.

Both countertop as well as wall mounted units tend to suffer from small soap reservoirs, creating the burden of frequent monitoring and refilling.

Additionally, spill-over from wall mounted units, as well as leakage from unstable countertop units (especially when accidently knocked into onto the floor) can create slip hazards, which are particularly worrisome due to associated safety and liability issues.

Such integrated systems discussed in the prior art, like the aforementioned standalone or countertop units, are also overrun with a multitude of drawbacks.

A soap dispensing outlet that is spatially indistinguishable from a water dispensing outlet, suffers from similar serious drawbacks.

None of the embodiments disclosed enables the user to dispense solely soap; other drawbacks originate from the leakage, dripping, or the mixing of soap residue with clean water, when the user requests / expects clean water.

Several user safety / comfort issues arise when the user's clean water request is inadvertently contaminated by soap.

Similarly, a user that has unknowingly washed their contact lenses with soap contaminated water will be at risk for eye irritation, allergic reactions, and the like; once the soap contaminated lenses are installed onto the eyes.

Additionally, it is not possible for a user to solely request either water or soap.

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