Fluid handling – Systems – Multiple inlet with multiple outlet
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-29
2001-03-20
Michalsky, Gerald A. (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Systems
Multiple inlet with multiple outlet
C004S677000, C137S359000, C137S615000, C137S625170, C137S801000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06202686
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to faucets generally and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a novel swivel spout faucet.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention concerns faucets in general, and in particular faucets having a swivel spout, such as those typically installed in kitchen sinks.
The installation and maintenance of known, conventional faucets is generally time-consuming and difficult because many of the fastening members must be attached and turned from below a sink deck, at times requiring the plumbing contractor installing or maintaining the fixture to work in extremely cramped conditions. A preferred approach to these difficulties is to insert a fixture into an opening or openings in a sink deck and install the fixture substantially from above the sink deck, except for nut-tightening from below the deck.
A principal object of the present invention is to provide a faucet construction which is easy to install and maintain. Another object is to provide a faucet having an internal waterway formed from a single manifold member which also serves as a structural mount. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a faucet construction which allows for easy maintenance of most serviceable parts from above the sink deck.
Other objects of the present invention, as well as particular features, elements, and advantages thereof, will be elucidated in, or be apparent from, the following description and the accompanying drawing figures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention achieves the above objects, among others, by providing, in a particular embodiment, a faucet with a one-piece manifold body.
The present invention relates to a faucet comprising a one-piece manifold body and a swivel spout pivotably mounted on the body. The body preferably comprises first and second leg portions for accepting fluid flow therethrough. The faucet may preferably include sink deck mounting nuts for securing the first and second leg portions. The faucet may also preferably include an escutcheon coupled to the body, a cartridge coupled to the body, and a retainer ring interposed between the cartridge and the body. In one preferred embodiment, the faucet may include a diverter valve disposed in the body, as well as a hand spray coupled to the body.
In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a faucet which comprises a one-piece manifold body and a swivel spout. The one-piece manifold body preferably has first and second inlet passages and at least one outlet passage, including a main outlet passage which opens to the exterior of the body at a main exit. The swivel spout preferably includes a base sleeve provided with an outlet opening and pivotably mounted on the body over the main exit, and a conduit depending from the base sleeve and in fluid communication with the outlet opening. Thus, fluid may flow out of the main outlet passage and through the base sleeve and the conduit.
The at least one outlet passage may further include an auxiliary outlet passage disposed in the body which opens to the exterior of the body at an auxiliary exit. The faucet may also include a diverter valve disposed in the body for selectively directing flow either to the main exit or the auxiliary exit.
The faucet may further comprise a cartridge mounted to the body, the cartridge being provided with first and second inlet openings in fluid communication with respective first and second inlet passages, and the cartridge also being provided with an outlet opening in fluid communication with the entrance of the main outlet passage. A retainer ring may be advantageously mounted between the body and the cartridge.
The body may further preferably comprise first and second shank portions, the first shank portion having a bore which forms at least part of the first inlet passage, and the second shank portion having a bore which forms at least part of the second inlet passage.
The faucet may also preferably include sealing means disposed between the base sleeve and the body for preventing leakage.
The body preferably comprises a generally cylindrical outer wall around which the base sleeve is mounted, thereby allowing the base sleeve to swivel therearound.
The faucet may also include an escutcheon, and the body may preferably include an escutcheon mounting portion for allowing the attachment of the escutcheon directly to the body.
In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a fitting comprising a one-piece faucet body for use with a first fluid conduit, a second fluid conduit, and a faucet cartridge having two inlet openings and an outlet opening. The faucet body comprises a first hollow leg for connection with the first fluid conduit, a second hollow leg for connection with the second fluid conduit, and a boss. The boss has a mounting surface adapted for coupling to the cartridge, a first chamber which is open to the interior of the first hollow leg and to one of the inlet openings of the cartridge, a second chamber which is open to the interior of the second hollow leg and to the other inlet opening of the cartridge, and an outlet passage fluidly connecting the outlet opening of the cartridge with the exterior of the faucet body at a main exit which is remote from the mounting surface.
The fitting may further comprise a swivel spout having a sleeve base and an outlet conduit, the sleeve base having an outlet opening to the outlet conduit, the sleeve base being pivotably mounted around the boss and over the exit of the outlet passage in the boss. At least a part of the exterior of the boss which is surrounded by the sleeve base is preferably provided with a recess for allowing fluid which flows from the exit of the outlet passage in the boss to travel between the exterior of the boss and the sleeve base, thereby defining a primary outlet flow path whereby fluid may flow out of the outlet passage, around the exterior of the boss, through the outlet opening of the sleeve base and into the outlet conduit.
The fitting may also preferably include sealing means disposed between the boss and the sleeve base for sealing at least part of the primary outlet flow path.
In a particular manifestation, the outlet passage in the boss may further comprise an auxiliary branch for delivering flow to the exterior of the faucet body at an auxiliary exit located away from the main exit of the outlet passage. The fitting may then include means for selectively diverting fluid flow into the auxiliary branch. The means for selectively diverting fluid flow may comprise a diverter valve. The faucet may comprise a handspray connected to the auxiliary branch.
The fitting may also further comprise an escutcheon for covering at least a part of the faucet body, and mounting means disposed on the faucet body for attaching the escutcheon directly to the faucet body.
In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to a one-piece faucet body for connection with a first fluid conduit, a second fluid conduit, and a faucet cartridge having two inlet openings and an outlet opening. The faucet body comprises a first hollow leg portion for connection with the first fluid conduit, a second hollow leg portion for connection with the second fluid conduit, and a cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion has a mounting surface adapted for coupling to the cartridge, a first chamber fluidly connected to the interior of the first hollow leg portion and to one of the inlet openings of the cartridge, a second chamber fluidly connected to the interior of the second hollow leg portion and to the other inlet opening of the cartridge, and an outlet passage fluidly connecting the outlet opening of the cartridge with the exterior of the faucet body away from the cartridge, wherein the first and second hollow leg portions depend from the cylindrical portion.
The exterior of the cylindrical portion preferably has a recess for allowing fluid which exits from the outlet passage to flow around the exterior of the cylindrical portion.
The one-piece faucet body may preferably includ
Mueller Juergen
Pitsch Walter
American Standard Inc.
Michalsky Gerald A.
LandOfFree
Faucet with one-piece manifold does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Faucet with one-piece manifold, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Faucet with one-piece manifold will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2459858