Faucet valve fixture

Details Faucet valve fixture Faucet valve fixture

1999-12-07

2001-09-18

Eloshway, Charles R. (Department: 3751)

Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons

Supply outlet for a sink or bath

Faucet or spout

C137S801000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06289531

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a faucet valve fixture. More particularly this invention concerns a faucet assembly with a mixing valve set up for one-hole installation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A standard mixing-valve faucet fixture has a housing containing a valve cartridge and mounted on a deck. Hot- and cold-water inlet pipes extend through the deck into the housing where they are connected to the cartridge and an outlet pipe extends from the cartridge to a faucet, or to a hose connected to a spray head that may form the end of a faucet. A handle on the housing operates the cartridge to control the mix of hot and cold water fed from the inlet pipes to the outlet pipe as well as the flow volume.
Normally the cartridge is secured as described in German patent document 3,120,210 of Gottwald and Koster by means of screws whose heads are visible on the outside of the housing. Not only is this type of installation unattractive, but the heads are subject to fouling and corrosion so that subsequent removal and replacement of the cartridge can be problematic.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved plumbing fixture.
Another object is the provision of such an improved plumbing fixture which overcomes the above-given disadvantages, that is which is if clean appearance and that is easy to assemble and service.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A plumbing fixture has according to the invention a hollow housing formed with a first tubular collar extending along a first axis and a second tubular collar extending along a second axis transverse to the first axis. The housing is secured to a deck with the first collar engaging the deck. A holder mounted in the first collar has an end aligned in the housing with the second axis and a valve mount in the housing is fixed on the holder end. An inlet pipe and an outlet pipe extend through the first collar and are connected to the valve mount. A valve cartridge in the housing is releasably secured to the valve mount by fasteners accessible through the second collar.
Thus with this system there are no external fasteners; instead the exterior of the housing is completely smooth and uninterrupted. It is possible to make the housing of thin sheet metal by hydroforming, the only machining necessary being that at the mouths of the collars. The resultant structure is therefore very attractive and protects the fasteners for the valve cartridge so the cartridge can be removed and changed easily if necessary.
When according to the invention the holder is of sheet metal both the holder and housing can be of stainless steel welded together by spot welds. Alternately the holder is of brass and is soldered to the housing.
Furthermore in accordance with the invention the holder is formed with an arcuate mounting bracket fixed in the first collar, a pair of parallel arms extending generally parallel to the second axis, and respective mounting tabs on the arms extending generally perpendicular to the second axis and directly engaging the valve mount. Each tab is formed with a threaded bore and respective screws are engaged through the valve mount with the bores.
The valve mount according to the invention is a metallic plate having a front face against which the fasteners secures the valve cartridge and which is formed with respective threaded bores. The fasteners are screws engaged through the cartridge with the bores. In addition the valve mount is formed with respective passages connected to the inlet and outlet pipes and opening at the front face. It is also within the scope of this invention for the valve mount to have a back face and a passage connected to the outlet pipe and opening at the back face. In this case the fixture further has a vent body releasably secured to the back face and holding a vent. The valve mount is formed on the back face with threaded bores and respective screws extend through the vent body into the back-face bores.
The housing in accordance with the invention is formed with a third collar axially aligned with the first collar. An outlet hose connected to the outlet pipe extends along the first axis through the housing out of the third collar.
The housing includes an internally threaded ring fitted in the third collar and an externally threaded mounting tube extending along the first axis and having one end threaded in the ring and another end passing through the deck. A nut engaged in the other tube end bears on the deck to secure the housing to it. The hose passes through the mounting tube. A seal ring is engaged between the first collar and the deck.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3035612 (1962-05-01), Lyon
patent: 4827538 (1989-05-01), Heimann et al.
patent: 5022429 (1991-06-01), Rollini et al.
patent: 5027851 (1991-07-01), Drees et al.
patent: 5095554 (1992-03-01), Gloor
patent: 5730176 (1998-03-01), Heimann et al.
patent: 6058972 (2000-05-01), Kahle et al.
patent: 31 20 210 (1982-12-01), None
patent: 195 23 884 (1997-01-01), None
patent: 577164 (1994-01-01), None
patent: 0632220 (1995-01-01), None
patent: 2100841 (1983-01-01), None

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