U.S. patent application number 11/107616 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-19 for plaster guard for a wall mounted faucet valve assembly.
Invention is credited to Gerald J. McNerney.
Application Number | 20060231140 11/107616 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37107314 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060231140 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McNerney; Gerald J. |
October 19, 2006 |
Plaster guard for a wall mounted faucet valve assembly
Abstract
A plaster guard for a wall mounted faucet valve assembly. The
plaster guard includes a body having a central opening configured
to receive the valve assembly, and a coupler configured to couple
the body to the valve assembly.
Inventors: |
McNerney; Gerald J.;
(Noblesville, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER & DANIELS LLP
300 NORTH MERIDIAN STREET
SUITE 2700
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204
US
|
Family ID: |
37107314 |
Appl. No.: |
11/107616 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/360 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 2201/50 20130101;
E03C 1/021 20130101; E03C 1/042 20130101; Y10T 137/698
20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/360 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/02 20060101
E03C001/02 |
Claims
1. A plaster guard for a wall mounted faucet valve assembly, the
plaster guard comprising: a body including base having a central
opening configured to receive a valve assembly having a
longitudinal axis, and a flange supported by the base and
positioned in spaced relation to the central opening, the flange
extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal
axis and having a substantially rectangular cross-section in a
plane transverse to the longitudinal axis which surrounds the
central opening; and a coupler supported by the body and configured
to couple the body to the valve assembly.
2. The plaster guard of claim 1, wherein: the valve assembly
includes a valve housing and a mounting bracket coupled to the
valve housing; and the coupler includes a plurality of retaining
arms supported by the body and biased to releasably couple to the
bracket.
3. The plaster guard of claim 1, wherein the flange of the body has
a square cross-section in a plane transverse to the longitudinal
axis.
4. The plaster guard of claim 3, wherein: the flange of the body
includes a first pair of parallel walls, and a second pair of
parallel walls, the first pair of parallel walls being connected
to, and disposed perpendicular to, the second pair of parallel
walls; and the first pair of parallel walls and the second pair of
parallel walls being configured to provide an opening within a wall
for receiving the valve assembly, the opening being of
substantially the same size as a conventional wall tile.
5. The plaster guard of claim 4, wherein the first pair of parallel
walls and the second pair of parallel walls, each of the walls
having a length substantially equal to four inches.
6. The plaster guard of claim 1, further comprising a cover
supported by and frictionally engaging the valve assembly, the
cover being positioned in spaced relation to the body.
7. The plaster guard of claim 6, wherein the cover is configured to
operably couple with a test cap sealingly received within the valve
housing.
8. A plaster guard for a wall mounted faucet valve assembly, the
plaster guard comprising: a body including a central opening
configured to receive a valve assembly, and a flange positioned in
spaced relation to the central opening, the flange including a
first pair of parallel walls and a second pair of parallel walls,
the first pair of parallel walls being connected to and disposed
perpendicular to the second pair of parallel walls; and a coupler
supported by the body and configured to couple the body to the
valve assembly.
9. The plaster guard of claim 8, wherein: the valve assembly
includes a valve housing and a mounting bracket coupled to the
valve housing; and the coupler includes a plurality of retaining
arms supported by the body and biased to releasably couple to the
bracket.
10. The plaster guard of claim 9, wherein the first pair of
parallel walls and the second pair of parallel walls are configured
to provide a rectangular opening within a wall for receiving the
valve assembly, the opening being of substantially the same size as
a conventional wall tile.
11. The plaster guard of claim 8, wherein the first pair of
parallel walls and the second pair of parallel walls each have a
length substantially equal to four inches.
12. The plaster guard of claim 8, further comprising a cover
supported by and frictionally engaging the valve assembly, the
cover being positioned in spaced relation to the body.
13. The plaster guard of claim 12, wherein the cover is configured
to operably couple with a test cap sealingly received within the
valve housing.
14. A plaster guard for use in combination with a wall mounted
faucet valve assembly, the plaster guard comprising: a body
including a base having a central opening configured to receive a
valve assembly, and a flange extending outwardly from the base; and
a cover concentrically received over the valve assembly, the cover
being uncoupled from the body and fully supported by the valve
assembly.
15. The plaster guard of claim 14, wherein the valve assembly
includes a bonnet and a housing configured to threadably receive
the bonnet, the inner surface of the cover being in frictional
engagement with the bonnet.
16. The plaster guard of claim 14, wherein the cover includes a
plurality of radially inwardly extending engagement members
configured to frictionally engage the valve assembly.
17. The plaster guard of claim 14, wherein the cover is configured
to operably couple with a test cap sealingly received within the
valve housing.
18. The plaster guard of claim 14, further comprising a coupler
configured to releasably couple the body to the valve assembly.
19. The plaster guard of claim 14, wherein the body includes a
rectangular flange configured to provide an opening within a wall
receiving the valve assembly.
20. A valve mounting assembly comprising: a valve housing; a
mounting bracket coupled to the valve housing and configured to
couple the valve housing to a wall support; a plaster guard
including an opening configured to receive the valve housing; and a
coupler supported by the plaster guard and configured to releasably
couple the plaster guard to the mounting bracket.
21. The valve mounting assembly of claim 20, wherein the coupler
includes a plurality of resilient arms, each arm including a catch
configured to releasably engage the mounting bracket.
22. The valve mounting assembly of claim 20, further comprising a
cover supported by and frictionally engaging the valve assembly,
the cover being positioned in spaced relation to the body.
23. The valve mounting assembly of claim 22, further comprising a
test cap sealingly received within the valve housing and operably
coupled with the cover.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a plaster guard and, more
particularly, to a plaster guard configured to be coupled to a wall
mounted faucet valve assembly for defining an opening within a
wall.
[0002] Plaster guards are known in the art and are often used to
protect a wall mounted valve assembly during installation of the
surrounding wall, and to insure the proper spatial relationship
between the wall and the valve assembly. More particularly, the
plaster guard may include a planar base section having mounting
holes for receiving fasteners which engage the valve assembly, and
a cylindrical section which receives the valve body. The plaster
guard typically remains mounted with the valve assembly during
plastering and finishing of the wall. The wall is usually finished
flush with the planar base section of the plaster guard. After the
wall is finished, the fasteners may be removed and the plaster
guard discarded. In alternative installations, the fasteners and
the plaster guard remain in place. An escutcheon is then mounted
over the hole in the wall formed by the plaster guard, and the
faucet valve handle is mounted onto the valve assembly to complete
the installation.
[0003] Typical plaster guards have a round shape, most often
circular, due to past practices and in the interests of space
efficiencies. More particularly, the coverage of the plaster guard
may be maximized by making its transverse cross-section
substantially circular. Further, a plaster guard must still fit
under the footprint of a conventional round shaped escutcheon. In
order to utilize such a conventional plaster guard, an installer
must form a circular hole in the wall. Such an operation is often
difficult and further complicated when the wall includes a layer of
tile. In general, straight cuts are much easier for an installer to
form than arcuate or circular cuts, especially when working with
dimensions as large as a plaster guard.
[0004] The present invention provides a rectangular shaped plaster
guard which eliminates the need to cut the aforementioned circular
hole within the wall. More particularly, the rectangular shaped
plaster guard facilitates straight cuts within the wall. The
transverse cross-section of the plaster guard of the present
invention illustratively has substantially the same size and shape
as a standard bathroom wall tile. In such an embodiment, additional
cuts within the wall may be avoided by just leaving off one tile
during the wall installation.
[0005] According to an illustrative embodiment of the present
invention, a plaster guard for a wall mounted faucet valve assembly
is provided. The plaster guard includes a body having a base with a
central opening configured to receive a valve assembly having a
longitudinal axis. A flange is supported by the base and is
positioned in spaced relation to the central opening. The flange
extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal
axis, and has a substantially rectangular cross-section in a plane
transverse to the longitudinal axis which surrounds the central
opening. A coupler is supported by the body and is configured to
couple the body to the valve assembly.
[0006] According to a further illustrative embodiment of the
present invention, a plaster guard for a wall mounted faucet valve
assembly includes a body having a central opening configured to
receive a valve assembly. A flange is positioned in spaced relation
to the central opening, the flange including a first pair of
parallel walls and a second pair of parallel walls. The first pair
of parallel walls is connected to and disposed perpendicular to the
second pair of parallel walls. A coupler is supported by the body
and is configured to couple the body to the valve assembly.
[0007] According to yet another illustrative embodiment of the
present invention, a plaster guard for use in combination with a
wall mounted faucet valve assembly includes a body having a base.
The base includes a central opening configured to receive a valve
assembly. A flange extends outwardly from the base, and a cover is
concentrically received over the valve assembly. The cover is
uncoupled from the body and fully supported by the valve
assembly.
[0008] According to a further illustrative embodiment of the
present invention, a valve mounting assembly includes a valve
housing, and a mounting bracket coupled to the valve housing. The
mounting bracket is configured to couple the valve housing to a
wall support. A plaster guard includes an opening configured to
receive the valve housing. A coupler is supported by the plaster
guard and is configured to releasably couple the plaster guard to
the mounting bracket.
[0009] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The detailed description of the drawings particularly refers
to the accompanying figures in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an illustrative
embodiment valve mounting assembly of present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the valve mounting
assembly of FIG. 1, with a partial cut-away to show details of the
coupling between the plaster guard body and the mounting
bracket;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the valve mounting
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line
4-4 of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the plaster guard body
of FIG. 1, with a partial cut-away thereof to show internal
details;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the plaster guard
body of FIG. 5;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the plaster guard
body and the mounting bracket of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the valve mounting assembly of
FIG. I as installed within a conventional shower wall including a
layer of tile;
[0019] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the installation
of FIG. 8, with the valve housing removed for clarity;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the installation of
FIG. 8, with the escutcheon removed to clearly show the cover
supported by the valve assembly;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 8 showing the
valve mounting assembly installed within a thin shower wall;
and
[0022] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the installation
of FIG. 11, with the valve housing removed for clarity.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-4 of the drawings, an
illustrative embodiment valve mounting assembly 10 of the present
invention is shown as including a plaster guard 12 coupled to a
valve assembly 14. The valve assembly 14 is illustratively of
conventional design and includes a valve housing 16 extending
axially along a longitudinal axis 15. The valve housing 16 includes
a cylindrical wall 17 defining a chamber 18, which upon final
installation is configured to receive a conventional valving member
or cartridge (not shown). The valve housing 16 further includes a
hot water inlet 20 and a cold water inlet 22 configured to provide
hot water and cold water, respectively, to the chamber 18. The
chamber 18 is also in fluid communication with a first outlet 24
and a second outlet 26. The first and second outlets 24 and 26 may
be in fluid communication with first and second fluid delivery
devices, such as a shower head and a tub spout (not shown).
Illustratively, the inlets 20, 22 and the outlets 24, 26, each have
external threads 27 configured to engage internal threads of
connecting tubes (not shown). Illustratively, the valve housing 16
is formed from a durable metal, such as brass.
[0024] A mounting bracket 28 is secured to the valve housing 16
through conventional fasteners, such as screws 29. More
particularly, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the mounting bracket 28
includes a base portion 30 having a pair of U-shaped mounting
members 31, 32 connected by a connecting member 33. The mounting
members 31, 32, each include an opening 34 for receiving one of the
screws 29. The screws 29 are threadably received within mounting
blocks 36a, 36b formed in the valve housing 16 (FIG. 3).
[0025] The mounting bracket 28 further includes wall mounting tabs
38a, 38b connected to the base portion 30 through connecting
members 39a, 39b. The wall mounting tabs 38a, 38b extend outwardly
from the base portion 30 in opposite directions. In other words, in
the illustrative embodiment, the wall mounting tab 38a extends in a
first direction (downwardly) away from the hot water inlet 20, and
the wall mounting tab 38b extends in a second direction (upwardly)
away from the cold water inlet 22. Both wall mounting tabs 38a, 38b
further illustratively extend in a direction (rearwardly) away from
the valve assembly 14 and the plaster guard 12 (FIGS. 7 and 8). The
wall mounting tabs 38a, 38b each include an aperture 41.
[0026] The mounting bracket 28 also includes escutcheon mounting
tabs 40a, 40b which are connected to the base portion 30 and extend
in directions opposite the corresponding wall mounting tabs 38a,
38b. More particularly, in the illustrative embodiment, the
escutcheon mounting tab 40a extends in the second direction
(upwardly) away from the hot water inlet 20, and the escutcheon
mounting tab 40b extends in the first direction (downwardly) away
from the cold water inlet 22. Both escutcheon mounting tabs 40a,
40b further illustratively extend in a direction (forwardly) toward
the plaster guard 12 (FIGS. 7 and 8). The escutcheon mounting tabs
40a, 40b each include a threaded aperture 42 configured to receive
a conventional fastener, such as a screw 43 (FIGS. 9 and 12).
Illustratively, the mounting bracket 28 is formed from a durable
metal, such as brass.
[0027] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, 5, and 6, the plaster guard 12
illustratively includes a body 44 having a substantially planar
base 46 with a peripheral edge 48. The base 46 includes an opening
50 configured to cooperate with the valve assembly 14. The opening
50 includes a central portion 51 configured to receive the valve
housing 16, and radially outwardly extending windows 52 which are
configured to provide access to portions of the valve assembly 14
positioned behind the body 44 of the plaster guard 12 (FIGS. 5 and
6). More particularly, the windows 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d are
configured to provide access proximate to the inlets 20, 22 and the
outlets 24, 26, respectively, of the valve assembly 14. A pair of
escutcheon mounting holes 54 are provided within the base 46 of the
plaster guard 12 and are positioned radially outwardly from the
central portion 51 of opening 50. More particularly, escutcheon
mounting hole 54a is positioned intermediate windows 52a and 52c,
while escutcheon mounting hole 54b is positioned intermediate
windows 52b and 52d. The base 46 is substantially rectangular such
that the peripheral edge 48 includes a plurality of sides 56
defining a parallelogram with at least one right angle.
[0028] A flange 60 is supported by the base 46 and is positioned in
spaced relation to the opening 50. The flange 60 is illustratively
disposed adjacent to, and follows the contour of, the peripheral
edge 48 of the base 46. As such, the flange 60 has a substantially
rectangular cross-section in a plane extending transverse to the
longitudinal axis 15 of the valve housing 16 which surrounds the
opening 50. The flange 60 extends from the base 46 in a direction
away from the mounting bracket 28 and substantially parallel with
the longitudinal axis 15. In other words, the flange 60 extends
toward a front end 61 of the body 44 of the plaster guard 12.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the flange 60 includes a first
pair of parallel side walls 62 and a second pair of parallel side
walls 64. The first pair of parallel side walls 62 are connected to
and disposed perpendicular to the second pair of parallel side
walls 64. As such, the flange 60 has a substantially rectangular
cross-section as identified above wherein the side walls 62 and 64
cooperate to define a parallelogram with at least one right angle.
For the reasons detailed herein, the side walls 62 and 64 are
configured to provide an opening within a bathroom wall for
receiving the valve assembly 14, wherein the opening is of
substantially the same size as a conventional wall tile. In one
illustrative embodiment, the first and second pairs of parallel
walls 62 and 64 each have a length substantially equal to four
inches, thereby defining a square cross-section having dimensions
substantially equal to a standard wall tile. It should be
appreciated that the first pair of parallel walls 62 could have a
length different from the second pair of parallel walls 64, thereby
defining a non-square rectangle.
[0030] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 5-7, a plurality of couplers
66 and 68 are supported by a rear end 69 of the body 44 and are
configured to releasably couple the body 44 to the valve assembly
10. The couplers 66 illustratively include a first pair of
retaining arms 70, and the couplers 68 illustratively include a
second pair of retaining arms 72. Each of the retaining arms 70 and
72 extend in a direction from the front end 61 to the rear end 69
of the body 44, and includes a retaining portion or catch 74 and
76, respectively, configured to engage a rear surface 77 of the
mounting bracket 28. More particularly, the first pair of retaining
arms 70 are configured to releasably couple with the mounting
bracket 28 adjacent the wall mounting tabs 38, while the second
pair of retaining arms 72 are configured to releasably couple with
the escutcheon mounting tabs 40. Each catch 74 and 76 includes a
retaining or stop surface 78 and 80 facing axially toward the body
44, and an inclined guide surface 82 and 84 which is configured to
be contacted by a front surface 86 of the mounting bracket 28 in
order to force the respective arm 70, 72 outwardly when the opening
50 receives the valve assembly 12 and the body 44 is moved axially
in a direction from the front end 61 toward the rear end 69. The
retaining arms 70 and 72 include biasing portions 88 and 90 which
are configured to bias the catches 74 and 76 inwardly toward the
mounting bracket 28.
[0031] The couplers 66 each further illustratively include a
support member 92 extending substantially parallel with an adjacent
retaining arm 70. The support member 92 is configured to engage
with the front surface 86 of the mounting bracket 28, thereby
providing additional support to the body 44 and providing a stop to
prevent continued movement of the body 44 rearwardly.
[0032] The couplers 68 each further illustratively includes a
support member 94 positioned adjacent a respective retaining arm
72. Each support member 94 includes a pair of locating members 96a,
96b extending rearwardly from a stop surface 98. The stop surface
98 is configured to engage with the front surface 86 of the
mounting bracket 28, thereby providing additional support to the
body 44 and providing a stop to prevent continued movement of the
body 44 rearwardly. The locating members 96 are configured to be
received on opposing sides each escutcheon mounting tab 40 in order
to facilitate proper placement of the mounting bracket 28 relative
to the body 44. A guide post 100 is associated with each of the
retaining arms 70 and is configured to be received within an
aperture 102 formed within the escutcheon mounting tab 40, thereby
further facilitate locating of the mounting bracket 28 relative to
the body 44.
[0033] The body 44 and couplers 66 and 68 of the plaster guard 12
are illustratively formed of a thermoplastic material, such as
polystyrene, and all parts of the structure are integral and formed
in a single molding operation. However, it should be appreciated
that plaster guard 12 may be formed of materials other than molded
thermoplastic.
[0034] Referring again to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the plaster guard 10
further includes a cover 104 including a substantially cylindrical
side wall 106 and a substantially planar end wall 108. A plurality
of radially inwardly extending engagement members 110 are provided
within the side wall 106 of the cover 104. The engagement members
110 are configured to frictionally engage the valve assembly 14
and, more particularly, a bonnet or nut 112 which is threadably
received on an open end 114 of the valve housing 16. A lower flange
or rim 116 extends outwardly from a bottom of the cover 104. As
shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 4, the cover 104 is
entirely supported by the valve assembly 14, such that it is
uncoupled from the body 44. More particularly, the cover 104 is in
spaced relation to the body 44, such that no tabs or frangible
portions must be broken in order to facilitate removal of the cover
104 from the body 44.
[0035] The cover 104 is illustratively formed of a thermoplastic
material, such as polystyrene, and all parts of the structure are
integral and formed in a single molding operation. However, it
should be appreciated that cover 104 may be formed of materials
other than molded thermoplastic.
[0036] A test cap 118 is configured to be sealingly received within
the open end 114 of the valve housing 16. The test cap 118 may be
used for testing of the plumbing system prior to final installation
of the valving member within the valve housing 16. The test cap 118
includes a body 120 concentrically received within the chamber 18
of the valve housing 16 and sealing the open end 114 by cooperating
with a conventional seal, such as an O-ring 122. A plurality of
ribs 124 project upwardly from the body 120, wherein a pair of
opposing ribs 124 define a handle 126 to facilitate positioning of
the test cap 118 within the valve housing 16. All of the ribs 124
provide added strength to the test cap 118. The ribs 124 are
connected through an upwardly extending connecting post 128 having
an enlarged head 130. The head 130 is configured to be received
within a opening 132 formed in the end wall 108 of the cover 104.
More particularly, the enlarged head 130 is snap fit through the
opening 132 to help facilitate securing of the cover 104 to the
valve assembly 14. As with the cover 104, the test cap 118 may be
formed from a molded thermoplastic.
[0037] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate a conventional thick wall installation
of the valve mounting assembly 10. The valve housing 16 is
illustratively coupled to the mounting bracket 28 and the test cap
118 at a manufacturing facility prior to delivery to the worksite.
The body 44 of the plaster guard 12 is coupled to the mounting
bracket 28 in the manner detailed above. More particularly, the
couplers 66 and 68 releasably couple with the mounting bracket 28
such that the catches 74 and 76 engage with the rear surface 77.
Such a coupling may be pre-assembled at a manufacturing facility or
assembled at the worksite during installation. In either case, the
body 44 may be attached to the mounting bracket 28 by pushing the
body 44 rearwardly until the retaining arms 70 and 72 bend away
from and then the catches 74 and 76 snap back over the mounting
bracket 28. The cover 104 is placed over the valve housing 16 in
frictional engagement with the bonnet 112. Next, the mounting
bracket 28 is secured to a wall support, typically a stringer 134,
which is a horizontally mounted piece of wood positioned between
two studs. A screwdriver (not shown) may be passed through the
windows 52 in the base 46 of the body 44 to engage one or more
screws 136. The screws 136 pass through apertures 41 in mounting
tabs 38 in order to secure the valve assembly 14 in place at least
until the pipes are installed and attached to the faucet valve
inlets 20, 22 and outlets 24, 26.
[0038] A plaster wall 138 is then constructed about the outer
rectangular flange 60 of the body 44. More particularly, the
plaster wall 138 may be mounted in position using conventional dry
wall installation methods. Preferably, the front surface 140 of the
flange 60 is positioned to be flush with the outer surface 142 of
the finished wall 144. Dry wall compound is applied to the plaster
wall 138, followed by tile 146, in a manner surrounding the flange
60 of the plaster guard 12. In one illustrative installation
method, straight cuts, approximating the dimensions of the flange
60, are formed within the plaster wall 138. In an alternative
installation method, the plaster wall 138 may be formed around the
body 44 of the plaster guard 12, thereby eliminating the need for a
cutting step. The body 44 and the cover 104 of the plaster guard 12
prevents dry wall plaster compound from reaching the valve assembly
14. As noted herein, the body 44 of the plaster guard 12
illustratively occupies the space of a single tile 146, thereby
facilitating installation. Upon completion of the finished wall
144, required testing of the plumbing system, including the valve
assembly 14, may be conducted with the test cap 118 secured within
the valve housing 16.
[0039] Next, the cover 104 may be removed followed by the test cap
118. The valve member and handle (not shown) may then be installed
within the valve housing 16. Next, a conventional escutcheon 148
may be secured in place by screws 150 passing through openings in
the body and received within the threaded apertures in the bracket
28. The escutcheon 148 covers the plaster guard 12 and the opening
within the wall 144 formed thereby.
[0040] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an alternate installation for use
of the valve mounting assembly 10 within a thin wall 152, of the
type used in a prefabricated shower enclosure. In such an
installation, the enclosure wall 152 is essentially sandwiched
intermediate the body 44 of the plaster guard 12 and the escutcheon
148. As such, the valve assembly 14 is fully supported by the
enclosure wall 152. During installation, the enclosure wall 152 has
a hole 153 cut therein sized to receive the valve housing 16. The
enclosure wall 152 is placed over the valve assembly 14 and two
holes 154 are then drilled in the wall 152 aligned with the
apertures 42 in the escutcheon mounting tabs 40. The escutcheon 148
is then placed in position and the mounting screws 150 are passed
through the escutcheon 148, the wall 152, and the mounting bracket
28. The body 44 of the plaster guard 12 provides for additional
support of the wall 152 which is sandwiched between the escutcheon
148 and the mounting bracket 28. A handle (not shown) is then
placed on the stem of the valve member (not shown).
[0041] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and
modifications exist within the spirit and scope of the invention as
described and defined in the following claims.
* * * * *