Water valve assembly
AssigneeWhirlpool Corporation
InventorsMichael K. Cluskey, Alexandre Trevizan, Thiago Jorge Libanio Mendes
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A water valve assembly for a laundry appliance includes a body portion having first and second ends. A port is positioned at the first end of the body portion and is configured to be coupled with a water supply. An elongated nozzle extends from the second end of the body portion. The elongated nozzle defines a continuous channel in communication with an open end positioned to align with a top opening of a washtub. A retention feature is configured to receive a flow deflector. The body portion, the port, the elongated nozzle, and the retention feature are integrally formed as a single piece.
Claims20
A water valve assembly comprising:
- a body portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the body portion defines a valve receptacle at the first end;
- a port positioned proximate the first end of the body portion and configured to be coupled with a water supply;
- an elongated nozzle extending from the second end of the body portion, wherein the elongated nozzle defines a continuous channel in communication with an open end, and further wherein the body portion, the port, and the elongated nozzle are integrally formed as a single piece;
- and
- a flap operably coupled with the elongated nozzle by a living hinge.
A water valve assembly comprising:
- a body portion including a port configured to be coupled with a water supply;
- an elongated nozzle extending from the body portion, wherein the elongated nozzle includes an open end, and wherein the body portion, the port, and the elongated nozzle are integrally formed as a single piece;
- and
- an end adapter operably coupled with the elongated nozzle at an integral retention feature of the open end to define a flow directing path.
A water valve assembly for a laundry appliance, comprising:
- a body portion having first and second ends;
- a port positioned at the first end of the body portion and configured to be coupled with a water supply;
- an elongated nozzle extending from the second end of the body portion, wherein the elongated nozzle defines a continuous channel in communication with an open end positioned to align with a top opening of a washtub;
- and
- a retention feature configured to receive a flow deflector, wherein the body portion, the port, the elongated nozzle, and the retention feature are integrally formed as a single piece.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.