U.S. patent application number 11/436453 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-22 for bridge faucet assembly.
Invention is credited to David R. Downey, Alston E. Williams.
Application Number | 20070267073 11/436453 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38710908 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070267073 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Williams; Alston E. ; et
al. |
November 22, 2007 |
Bridge faucet assembly
Abstract
A faucet assembly includes a unitary non-fluidic body defined by
a first end body, a second end body, a spout riser, a first
non-fluid carrying support member, and a second non-fluid carrying
support member. The first non-fluid carrying support member is
suspended between the first end body and the spout riser, and the
second non-fluid carrying support member is suspended between the
second end body and the spout riser.
Inventors: |
Williams; Alston E.;
(Irvine, CA) ; Downey; David R.; (Garden Grove,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TAYLOR & AUST, P.C.
12029 E. WASHINGTON STREET
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46229
US
|
Family ID: |
38710908 |
Appl. No.: |
11/436453 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/606 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/04 20130101; E03C
2001/0415 20130101; Y10T 137/87684 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/606 |
International
Class: |
E03B 1/00 20060101
E03B001/00 |
Claims
1. A faucet assembly, comprising a unitary non-fluidic body defined
by a first end body, a second end body, a spout riser, a first
non-fluid carrying support member, and a second non-fluid carrying
support member, said first non-fluid carrying support member being
suspended between said first end body and said spout riser, and
said second non-fluid carrying support member being suspended
between said second end body and said spout riser.
2. The faucet assembly of claim 1, said unitary non-fluidic body
being substantially rigid.
3. The faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein each of said first end
body, said second end body, said spout riser, said first non-fluid
carrying support member, and said second non-fluid carrying support
member is a discrete element which when assembled form said unitary
non-fluidic body.
4. The faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein said unitary non-fluidic
body is located on a first side of a mounting surface with each of
said first non-fluid carrying support member and said second
non-fluid carrying support member being spaced away from said
mounting surface, said faucet assembly further comprising: a first
valve unit, said first valve unit being mounted to said first end
body; a second valve unit, said second valve unit being mounted to
said second end body; a spout, said spout being coupled to said
spout riser; a spray head coupled to said spout; and a fluid
conduit assembly having a plurality of flexible fluid conduits
arranged to provide fluid communication between said spray head and
each of said first valve unit and said second valve unit, said
fluid conduit assembly being located on a second side of said
mounting surface opposite to said first side.
5. The faucet assembly of claim 4, wherein: said first end body has
a first bore, a first upper end, and a first lower end, and said
first valve unit has a first actuator end and a first valve body
end opposite to said first actuator end, said first actuator end of
said first valve unit being inserted into said first bore at said
first lower end of said first end body to facilitate the mounting
of said first valve unit to said first end body; and said second
end body has a second bore, a second upper end, and a second lower
end, and said second valve unit has a second actuator end and a
second valve body end opposite to said second actuator end, said
second actuator end of said second valve unit being inserted into
said second bore at said second lower end of said second end body
to facilitate the mounting of said second valve unit to said second
end body.
6. The faucet assembly of claim 5, wherein said first valve body
end of said first valve unit and said second valve body end of said
second valve unit are positioned to extend outwardly from said
second side of said mounting surface.
7. A method for assembling a bridge faucet, comprising: providing a
first end body, a second end body and a spout riser; connecting a
first non-fluid carrying support member between said first end body
and said spout riser; and connecting a second non-fluid carrying
support member between said second end body and said spout
riser.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising positioning said first
end body, said second end body and said spout riser at a location
above a mounting surface, with each of said first non-fluid
carrying support member and said second non-fluid carrying support
member being spaced away from said mounting surface.
9. The method of claim 7, further comprising: mounting a first
valve unit to said first end body; mounting a second valve unit to
said second end body; and mounting a spout having a spray head to
said spout riser.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: positioning said
first end body, said second end body and said spout riser at a
location on a first side of a mounting surface; and arranging a
plurality of flexible fluid conduits at a location on a second side
of said mounting surface opposite said first side to provide fluid
communication between said spray head and each of said first valve
unit and said second valve unit.
11. The method of claim 7, further comprising: mounting a first
valve unit to said first end body; and mounting a second valve unit
into said second end body, wherein: said first end body has a first
bore, a first upper end, and a first lower end, and said first
valve unit has a first actuator end and a first valve body end
opposite to said first actuator end, said first actuator end of
said first valve unit being inserted into said first bore at said
first lower end of said first end body to facilitate said mounting
of said first valve unit to said first end body; and said second
end body has a second bore, a second upper end, and a second lower
end, and said second valve unit has a second actuator end and a
second valve body end opposite to said second actuator end, said
second actuator end of said second valve unit being inserted into
said second bore at said second lower end of said second end body
to facilitate said mounting of said second valve unit to said
second end body.
12. A bridge faucet assembly, comprising: a first end body; a
second end body; a spout riser; a spray head coupled to said spout
riser; a first non-fluid carrying support member connected between
said first end body and said spout riser; a second non-fluid
carrying support member connected between said second end body and
said spout riser; a mounting surface, wherein said first end body,
said second end body, and said spout riser are coupled to a first
side of said mounting surface, with each of said first non-fluid
carrying support member and said second non-fluid carrying support
member being spaced away from said mounting surface; a first valve
unit mounted to said first end body; a second valve unit mounted to
said second end body; a first flexible fluid carrying conduit
coupling said first valve unit to said spray head; and a second
flexible fluid carrying conduit coupling said second valve unit to
said spray head.
13. The bridge faucet assembly of claim 12, wherein said first
flexible fluid carrying conduit and said second flexible fluid
carrying conduit are positioned on a second side of said mounting
surface opposite to said first side.
14. The bridge faucet assembly of claim 12, further comprising a
T-fitting and a flexible spray head conduit interposed between said
spray head and each of said first flexible fluid carrying conduit
and said second flexible fluid carrying conduit, said flexible
spray head conduit being routed through said spout riser, said
T-fitting having a first input, a second input and an output, said
first input being coupled to said first flexible fluid carrying
conduit, said second input being coupled to said second flexible
fluid carrying conduit, and said flexible spray head conduit being
coupled between said output of said T-fitting and said spray
head.
15. The bridge faucet assembly of claim 12, wherein: said first end
body has a first bore, a first upper end, and a first lower end,
and said first valve unit has a first actuator end and a first
valve body end opposite to said first actuator end, said first
actuator end of said first valve unit being inserted into said
first bore at said first lower end of said first end body to
facilitate the mounting of said first valve unit to said first end
body; and said second end body has a second bore, a second upper
end, and a second lower end, and said second valve unit has a
second actuator end and a second valve body end opposite to said
second actuator end, said second actuator end of said second valve
unit being inserted into said second bore at said second lower end
of said second end body to facilitate the mounting of said second
valve unit to said second end body.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a faucet, and, more
particularly, to a bridge faucet assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A faucet assembly typically includes a spout having a spray
head coupled via fluid conduits to a pair of hot and cold water
valves. Valve operators, e.g., handles, are connected to the hot
and cold water valves, respectively, and in turn, typically operate
the valves by manual rotation of the valve operators. One such
faucet assembly is known as a bridge faucet.
[0003] Bridge faucets in the prior art supply hot and cold water
from the end bodies to the spout riser above the mounting surface,
e.g., the deck plate, countertop, etc., for the bridge faucet. Such
a configuration, for example, makes it difficult to supply water to
a hose connection for a pull-out faucet spray head or a side
spray.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The invention, in one form thereof, is directed to a faucet
assembly. The faucet assembly includes a unitary non-fluidic body
defined by a first end body, a second end body, a spout riser, a
first non-fluid carrying support member, and a second non-fluid
carrying support member. The first non-fluid carrying support
member is suspended between the first end body and the spout riser,
and the second non-fluid carrying support member is suspended
between the second end body and the spout riser.
[0005] The invention, in another form thereof, is directed to a
method for assembling a bridge faucet. The method includes
providing a first end body, a second end body and a spout riser;
connecting a first non-fluid carrying support member between the
first end body and the spout riser; and connecting a second
non-fluid carrying support member between the second end body and
the spout riser.
[0006] The invention, in another form thereof, is directed to a
bridge faucet assembly. The bridge faucet assembly includes a first
end body, a second end body, a spout riser, and a spray head
coupled to the spout riser. A first non-fluid carrying support
member is connected between the first end body and the spout riser.
A second non-fluid carrying support member is connected between the
second end body and the spout riser. The first end body, the second
end body, and the spout riser are coupled to a first side of a
mounting surface, with each of the first non-fluid carrying support
member and the second non-fluid carrying support member being
spaced away from the mounting surface. A first valve unit is
mounted to the first end body. A second valve unit is mounted to
the second end body. A first flexible fluid carrying conduit
couples the first valve unit to the spray head. A second flexible
fluid carrying conduit couples the second valve unit to the spray
head.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of
this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more
apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference
to the following description of an embodiment of the invention
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bridge faucet assembly
configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, with a portion of the deck plate and countertop broken
away.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a front sectional view of the bridge faucet of
FIG. I taken along line 2-2.
[0010] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out
herein illustrate an embodiment of the invention, in one form, and
such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope
of the invention in any manner.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0011] Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1,
there is shown a bridge faucet assembly 10 configured in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. Bridge faucet assembly
10 is mounted to a mounting surface, such as for example, to
countertop 12 forming a mounting surface 12-1. Other examples of
mounting surfaces include, but are not limited to, a deck plate, a
wall, a sink, etc. Much of countertop 12 is broken away to more
clearly show the configuration of bridge faucet assembly 10.
[0012] Bridge faucet assembly 10 includes a unitary non-fluidic
body 14. Unitary non-fluidic body 14 defines a first end body 16, a
second end body 18, a spout riser 20, a first non-fluid carrying
support member 22 and a second non-fluid carrying support member
24. First non-fluid carrying support member 22 is positioned as a
cross-member that is suspended and connected between first end body
16 and spout riser 20, and second non-fluid carrying support member
24 is positioned as a cross-member that is suspended and connected
between second end body 18 and spout riser 20. Within unitary
non-fluidic body 14, there is an absence of fluid flow between
first end body 16 and spout riser 20 via support member 22, and an
absence of fluid flow between second end body 18 and spout riser 20
via support member 24.
[0013] Each of first end body 16, second end body 18, spout riser
20, first non-fluid carrying support member 22 and second non-fluid
carrying support member 24 may be, for example, a discrete element
which when assembled form unitary non-fluidic body 14. In one
embodiment, for example, unitary non-fluidic body 14 may be
substantially rigid when assembled, while providing some
flexibility at the connection joints if desired, such as for
example, by using O-ring retainers (e.g., a compression fit)
between the respective elements to be joined.
[0014] Alternatively, first non-fluid carrying support member 22
may be rigidly connected between first end body 16 and spout riser
20, such as for example, by weld or threaded coupling. Likewise,
second non-fluid carrying support member 24 may be rigidly
connected between second end body 18 and spout riser 20, such as
for example, by weld or threaded coupling.
[0015] As a further alternative, unitary non-fluidic body 14 may be
formed from a single casting, and may be further machined, for
example, to define the interior bores of first end body 16, second
end body 18, and spout riser 20.
[0016] The non-fluid carrying support members 22, 24 provide
structural support to maintain the orientation of each of first end
body 16 and second end body 18 with respect to spout riser 20.
Since the non-fluid carrying support members, i.e., cross-members,
22 and 24 do not carry a fluid flow, each may be solid if desired,
or may be hollow, e.g., formed from pipe, to reduce weight.
[0017] Referring also to FIG. 2, first end body 16 may be formed,
for example, as an upwardly extending cylindrical body having a
bore 16-1, and having an upper end 16-2 spaced apart from a lower
end 16-3. Second end body 18 also may be formed, for example, as an
upwardly extending cylindrical body having a bore 18-1, and having
an upper end 18-2 spaced apart from a lower end 18-3. Further,
spout riser 20 also may be formed, for example, as an upwardly
extending cylindrical body having a bore 20-1, and having an upper
end 20-2 spaced apart from a lower end 20-3.
[0018] A first valve unit 26 is coupled to first end body 16 by
inserting an actuator end 26-1 of first valve unit 26 into bore
16-1 at lower end 16-3 of first end body 16. At an end of first
valve unit 26 opposite to actuator end 26-1 is a valve body end
26-2. A second valve unit 28 is coupled to second end body 18 by
inserting an actuator end 28-1 of second valve unit 28 into bore
18-1 at lower end 18-3 of second end body 18. At an end of second
valve unit 28 opposite to actuator end 28-1 is a valve body end
28-2.
[0019] A first valve operator 30, e.g., an operator lever, is
connected to actuator end 26-1 of first valve unit 26 for operating
first valve unit 26. This connection may be a direct connection, or
via a spindle. A second valve operator 32, e.g., an operator lever,
is connected to actuator end 28-1 of second valve unit 28 for
operating second valve unit 28. This connection also may be a
direct connection, or via a spindle.
[0020] Referring again to FIG. 1, a spout 34 has a proximal end
34-1 rotatably mounted at upper end 20-2 of spout riser 20. Spout
34 extends upwardly from spout riser 20 toward a distal end 34-2. A
pull-out spray head 35 is detachably mounted to distal end 34-2 of
spout 34.
[0021] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a deck plate 36
optionally may be provided as a mounting surface for the unitary
non-fluidic body 14. Deck plate 36 has a top side 36-1 and a bottom
side 36-2 opposite from top side 36-1. Deck plate 36 is interposed
between countertop 12 and the unitary non-fluidic body 14 so as to,
for example, provide a finished appearance by covering openings
formed in countertop 12. Alternatively, in the embodiment of FIG.
1, the optional deck plate 36 may not be used, and the unitary
non-fluidic body 14 may be mounted directly to mounting surface
12-1 of countertop 12. In any event, in the present embodiment each
of first non-fluid carrying support member 22 and second non-fluid
carrying support member 24 are spaced away, e.g., vertically, from
the mounting surface, e.g., mounting surface 12-1, deck plate 36,
or other mounting surface.
[0022] Unitary non-fluidic body 14 is positioned above the mounting
surface, e.g., above deck plate 36, and each of end body 16, end
body 18 and spout riser 20 may be mounted to the top side 36-1 of
deck plate 36 by fasteners, or by an interference fit. Each of
valve body end 26-2 of first valve unit 26 and valve body end 28-2
of second valve unit 28 are positioned to extend outwardly from
bottom side 36-2 of deck plate 36, e.g., to extend downwardly from
unitary non-fluidic body 14 through corresponding openings in
countertop 12 and from bottom side 36-2 of deck plate 36.
[0023] A fluid conduit assembly 38 is located below the mounting
surface, e.g., below deck plate 36, and all connections of fluid
conduit assembly 38 with valve body end 26-2 of first valve unit 26
and valve body end 28-2 of second valve unit 28 occur below
countertop 12 and deck plate 36.
[0024] Fluid conduit assembly 38 has a plurality of flexible fluid
conduits 40 arranged to facilitate fluid communication between
spray head 35 and each of first valve unit 26 and second valve unit
28, and to both a hot water source (H) and a cold water source (C).
As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of flexible fluid conduits 40
includes a flexible hot water supply conduit 40-1, a flexible cold
water supply conduit 40-2, a flexible hot water transfer conduit
40-3, a flexible cold water transfer conduit 40-4, and a T-fitting
40-5.
[0025] Flexible hot water supply conduit 40-1 is coupled between
the hot water source (H) and the input side of valve body end 26-2
of first valve unit 26. Flexible cold water supply conduit 40-2 is
coupled between the cold water source (C) and the input side of
valve body end 28-2 of second valve unit 28.
[0026] Flexible hot water transfer conduit 40-3 is coupled between
the output side of valve body end 26-2 of first valve unit 26 and
an input port 42-1 on T-fitting 40-5. Flexible cold water transfer
conduit 40-4 is coupled between the output side of valve body end
28-2 of second valve unit 28 and an input port 42-2 on T-fitting
40-5. An output port 42-3 of T-fitting is connected to a flexible
spray head conduit 44. The flexible spray head conduit 44 is
attached to pull-out spray head 35, with flexible spray head
conduit 44 having been pre-routed through spout 34 and bore 20-1 of
spout riser 20.
[0027] Accordingly, the present invention avoids supplying water
between the end bodies 16, 18 and the spout riser 20 above the
mounting surface, e.g., above countertop mounting surface 12-1
and/or deck plate 36. By keeping the waterways provided by fluid
conduit assembly 38 below the mounting surface, e.g., below deck
plate 36 and/or countertop 12, for example, the present invention
easily facilitates the use of a pull-out spray head in a bridge
faucet design.
[0028] While this invention has been described with respect to
embodiments of the invention, the present invention may be further
modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This
application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or
adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further,
this application is intended to cover such departures from the
present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in
the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the
limits of the appended claims.
* * * * *