Aerator with variable air input

Abstract

An aerator includes a housing, a throttle assembly, a mixing chamber, a screen and an elastometric ring. The throttle assembly includes a first or upper throttle member and a second or lower throttle member, each of the upper and lower throttle members defining a portion of a snap element. The snap element allows for retention and relative rotation of one of the first and second throttle members in order to change the air content of the water stream from a closed aerator position which provides a substantially non-aerated water stream to an opened aerator position which provides a combined water and air stream. One embodiment of a snap element being defined by upper throttle projections and a lower throttle flange whereby the lower throttle flange is urged upstream of the upper throttle projections. The lower throttle member is retained by the upper throttle member for selective rotation by the user. The lower throttle upstream projections and beveled edges facilitate the insertion of the lower throttle member into the upper throttle member for a snap engagement therewith. Selective rotation of the lower throttle member by the user varies the air volume in the water stream. During rotation the lower throttle projections change the size of the air passageways defined by an upper throttle opening to allow more or less air through the passageways. Serrated edges on the upper and lower throttle members prevent rotation of the aerator unless manual force is applied. A slot located on a downstream end of the lower throttle member allows the user to rotate the lower throttle member.