BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention related generally to a fluid dispensing system and, more particularly, to a vessel rinsing apparatus for use with fluid vessels or receptacles, such as cups or glasses.

The interior of glasses, cups, and other small vessels or containers are often difficult to clean by removing dirt and debris after use. Conventional bottle brushes, sponges, rags and other disposable materials are often used to clean such small vessels but may not be effective, for example, as being incapable of fitting inside the vessel, and do not provide water for rinsing. In addition, typical faucets lack directional pressurized water flow required to adequately remove dirt and debris from extremities within the interiors of small vessels.

There remains a need for a vessel rinsing apparatus capable of being installed in a standard countertop opening, or integrated as part of a faucet escutcheon, which allows for the cleaning of small vessels, such as glasses and cups.

According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a vessel rising apparatus includes a mounting base having an upper coupler and a downwardly extending mounting shank defining an opening extending along a longitudinal axis. The upper coupler is configured to be supported above an upper surface of a mounting deck, and the mounting shank is configured to extend through a mounting aperture formed within the mounting deck. A fluid discharge member includes a central body supporting a plurality of nozzles and a trigger extending outwardly from the central body. The central body is received with the opening of the mounting shank and is moveable along the longitudinal axis. A valve shaft is operably coupled to the fluid discharge member and is configured to move with the trigger to control water flow through the central body to the plurality of nozzles. An escutcheon is supported by the upper coupler of the mounting base and includes an upwardly extending wall defining a drain bowl, and a drain channel extending through the upwardly extending wall. The drain channel is configured to provide fluid communication between the drain bowl and a sink basin supported by the mounting deck.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a vessel rinsing apparatus includes a mounting base having a downwardly extending mounting shank defining an opening extending along a longitudinal axis. The mounting shank is configured to extend through a mounting aperture formed within a mounting deck. A fluid discharge member includes a central body supporting a plurality of nozzles and a trigger extending outwardly from the central body. The central body is received within the opening of the mounting shank and is moveable along the longitudinal axis. A valve shaft is operably coupled to the fluid discharge member and is configured to move with the trigger to control water flow through the central body to the plurality of nozzles. A removable plate is supported by the trigger of the fluid discharge member. The removable plate includes one of a strainer having a base and a plurality circumferentially spaced drain openings, and an elastomeric brush having a plurality of upwardly extending cleaning projections and a plurality of drain openings positioned intermediate adjacent ones of the cleaning projections.

According to further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a vessel rinsing apparatus includes a mounting base having an upper plate and a downwardly extending mounting shank defining an opening extending along a longitudinal axis, the upper plate configured to be supported above an upper surface of the mounting deck, and the mounting shank configured to extend through a mounting aperture formed within the mounting deck. A fluid discharge member includes a central body supporting a plurality of nozzles and a trigger extending outwardly from the central body. The central body is received within the opening of the mounting shank and is moveable along the longitudinal axis. A valve shaft is operably coupled to the fluid discharge member and is configured to move with the trigger to control water flow through the central body to the plurality of nozzles. An escutcheon is supported by the mounting base and includes an upwardly extending wall and a drain channel extending through the upwardly extended wall, wherein the upper plate of the mounting face and the upwardly extending wall of the escutcheon define a drain bowl. The drain channel is configured to provide fluid communication between the drain bowl and a sink basin supported by the mounting deck. A removable plate is supported by the trigger of the fluid discharge member.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

