U.S. patent application number 17/545083 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-16 for faucet quick-installation system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Delta Faucet Company. Invention is credited to Alisha Buescher, Brian Johnson, Kyle Meehan, Yilin Tang.
Application Number | 20220186475 17/545083 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006064293 |
Filed Date | 2022-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220186475 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tang; Yilin ; et
al. |
June 16, 2022 |
FAUCET QUICK-INSTALLATION SYSTEM
Abstract
A faucet installation system includes a mounting shank
configured to be coupled to a mounting deck. The mounting shank
includes an upper mounting portion configured to couple to a
portion of a faucet disposed above the mounting deck. The mounting
shank further includes a lower mounting portion having a plurality
of partial grooves. A securement device includes a tab, and the tab
is configured to be selectively received by the plurality of
partial grooves and secure the securement device to the mounting
shank.
Inventors: |
Tang; Yilin; (Nangang
Harbin, CN) ; Meehan; Kyle; (Fishers, IN) ;
Buescher; Alisha; (Jamestown, IN) ; Johnson;
Brian; (Muncie, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Delta Faucet Company |
Indianapolis |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006064293 |
Appl. No.: |
17/545083 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
63123653 |
Dec 10, 2020 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/0402
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/04 20060101
E03C001/04 |
Claims
1. A faucet installation system, comprising: a mounting shank
configured to be coupled to a mounting deck, the mounting shank
comprising: an upper mounting portion configured to couple to a
portion of a faucet disposed above the mounting deck; a lower
mounting portion comprising a plurality of partial grooves; and a
securement device comprising a tab, the tab being configured to be
selectively received by the plurality of partial grooves and secure
the securement device to the mounting shank.
2. The faucet installation system of claim 1, wherein the tab is a
first tab, and the securement device further comprises a second tab
diametrically opposed to the first tab.
3. The faucet installation system of claim 1, wherein each partial
groove comprises: an open side configured to permit the tab to
enter and exit the partial groove; and a closed side configured to
inhibit the tab from exiting the partial groove.
4. The faucet installation system of claim 1, wherein the
securement device comprises: an inner portion comprising the tab;
an outer portion movably coupled to the inner portion, the outer
portion being movable to urge the inner portion away from the
mounting deck and apply a tensile force to the mounting shank, and
thereby secure the mounting shank to the mounting deck.
5. The faucet installation system of claim 1, wherein the
securement device comprises: a lower portion comprising the tab; an
upper portion configured to urge the lower portion away from the
mounting deck and apply a tensile force to the mounting shank, and
thereby secure the mounting shank to the mounting deck.
6. The faucet installation system of claim 5, wherein the
securement device further comprises a jack screw movably carried by
the upper portion, the jack screw being drivable to urge the lower
portion away from the mounting deck and apply the tensile force to
the mounting shank, and thereby secure the mounting shank to the
mounting deck.
7. The faucet installation system of claim 1, wherein the mounting
shank is a first mounting shank, the plurality of partial grooves
is a plurality of first partial grooves, and the tab is a first
tab, further comprising a second mounting shank configured to be
coupled to the mounting deck, the second mounting shank comprising
a plurality of second partial grooves, and the securement device
further comprises a second tab being configured to be selectively
received by the plurality of second partial grooves and secure the
securement device to the second mounting shank.
8. A faucet installation system, comprising: a mounting shank
configured to be coupled to a mounting deck, the mounting shank
comprising: an upper mounting portion configured to couple to a
portion of a faucet disposed above the mounting deck; a lower
mounting portion comprising a plurality of first partial grooves
and a plurality of second partial grooves; and a securement device
comprising a first tab and a second tab, the first tab being
configured to be selectively received by the plurality of first
partial grooves and the second tab being configured to be
selectively received by the plurality of second partial grooves and
secure the securement device to the mounting shank.
9. The faucet installation system of claim 8, wherein the first tab
and the second tab are diametrically opposed.
10. The faucet installation system of claim 8, wherein the
plurality of first partial grooves and the plurality of second
partial grooves are diametrically opposed.
11. The faucet installation system of claim 8, further comprising a
jack screw movably carried by the securement device, the jack screw
being tightenable to secure the securement device and the mounting
shank to the mounting deck.
12. The faucet installation system of claim 8, further comprising a
jack screw movably carried by the securement device, the jack screw
being movable to urge the securement device away from the mounting
deck and apply a tensile force to the mounting shank, and thereby
secure the mounting shank to the mounting deck.
13. The faucet installation system of claim 12, wherein the jack
screw is a first jack screw, and further comprising a second jack
screw movably carried by the securement device, the second jack
screw being movable to urge the securement device away from the
mounting deck and apply the tensile force to the mounting shank,
and thereby secure the mounting shank to the mounting deck.
14. The faucet installation system of claim 12, further comprising
a washer configured to be compressed between the jack screw and the
mounting deck.
15. The faucet installation system of claim 8, wherein the lower
mounting portion defines a longitudinal axis, the plurality of
first partial grooves being offset in a direction substantially
parallel to the longitudinal axis.
16. The faucet installation system of claim 15, wherein the
direction is a first direction, and the plurality of second partial
grooves are offset in a second direction substantially parallel to
the longitudinal axis.
17. The faucet installation system of claim 8, wherein each first
partial groove comprises: an open side configured to permit the
first tab to enter and exit the first partial groove; and a closed
side configured to inhibit the first tab from exiting the first
partial groove.
18. The faucet installation system of claim 17, wherein each first
partial groove further comprises a toe disposed at the open side,
the toe configured to inhibit the first tab from exiting the first
partial groove.
19. The faucet installation system of claim 8, wherein the
securement device comprises: an inner portion comprising the first
tab and the second tab; an outer portion movably coupled to the
inner portion, the outer portion being movable to urge the inner
portion away from the mounting deck and apply a tensile force to
the mounting shank, and thereby secure the mounting shank to the
mounting deck.
20. The faucet installation system of claim 19, wherein the outer
portion is movably coupled to the inner portion via a thread
surface.
21. The faucet installation system of claim 8, wherein the
securement device comprises: a lower portion comprising the first
tab and the second tab; an upper portion configured to urge the
lower portion away from the mounting deck and apply a tensile force
to the mounting shank, and thereby secure the mounting shank to the
mounting deck.
22. The faucet installation system of claim 21, wherein the
securement device further comprises a jack screw movably carried by
the upper portion, the jack screw being drivable to urge the lower
portion away from the mounting deck and apply the tensile force to
the mounting shank, and thereby secure the mounting shank to the
mounting deck.
23. A faucet installation system, comprising: a mounting shank
configured to be coupled to a mounting deck, the mounting shank
comprising: an upper mounting portion configured to couple to a
portion of a faucet disposed above the mounting deck; a lower
mounting portion comprising a plurality of first partial grooves
and a plurality of second partial grooves; wherein the plurality of
first partial grooves and the plurality of second partial grooves
are diametrically opposed; wherein each first partial groove
includes: an open side configured to permit the first tab to enter
and exit the first partial groove; and a closed side configured to
inhibit the first tab from exiting the first partial groove; and a
securement device comprising a first tab and a second tab, the
first tab being configured to be selectively received by the
plurality of first partial grooves and the second tab being
configured to be selectively received by the plurality of second
partial grooves and secure the securement device to the mounting
shank, wherein the first tab and the second tab are diametrically
opposed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 63/123,653, filed Dec. 10, 2020, the
disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a faucet
quick-installation system and, more particularly, to a
quick-installation system including a mounting shank having a
plurality of partial grooves and a securement device having a tab
that is selectively received in the plurality of partial grooves to
secure a faucet to a mounting deck.
[0003] Faucet installation systems typically include a mounting
shank that extends through a mounting deck and a mounting nut that
couples to the mounting shank below the mounting deck to secure the
faucet. The mounting nut typically couples to the mounting shank
via a threaded surface. As a result, the mounting nut may be
disposed at various positions along the mounting shank to
accommodate mounting decks having a variety of thicknesses.
However, it can be onerous to rotate the mounting nut from a lower
end to an upper end of the mounting shank to couple the faucet to
the mounting deck.
[0004] In view of the above, improved faucet quick-installation
assemblies would be beneficial.
[0005] According to an illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure, a faucet installation system includes a mounting shank
configured to be coupled to a mounting deck. The mounting shank
includes an upper mounting portion configured to couple to a
portion of a faucet disposed above the mounting deck. The mounting
shank further includes a lower mounting portion including a
plurality of partial grooves. The system further includes a
securement device. The securement device includes a tab, and the
tab is configured to be selectively received by the plurality of
partial grooves and secure the securement device to the mounting
shank.
[0006] According to another illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure, a faucet installation system includes a mounting shank
configured to be coupled to a mounting deck. The mounting shank
includes an upper mounting portion configured to couple to a
portion of a faucet disposed above the mounting deck. The mounting
shank further includes a lower mounting portion having a plurality
of first partial grooves and a plurality of second partial grooves.
The system further includes a securement device, and the securement
device includes a first tab and a second tab. The first tab is
configured to be selectively received by the plurality of first
partial grooves and the second tab is configured to be selectively
received by the plurality of second partial grooves and secure the
securement device to the mounting shank.
[0007] According to a further illustrative embodiment of the
present disclosure, a faucet installation system includes a
mounting shank configured to be coupled to a mounting deck. The
mounting shank includes an upper mounting portion configured to
couple to a portion of a faucet disposed above the mounting deck.
The mounting shank further includes a lower mounting portion having
a plurality of first partial grooves and a plurality of second
partial grooves. The plurality of first partial grooves and the
plurality of second partial grooves are diametrically opposed. Each
first partial groove includes an open side configured to permit the
first tab to enter and exit the first partial groove, and a closed
side configured to inhibit the first tab from exiting the first
partial groove. The system further includes a securement device,
and the securement device includes a first tab and a second tab.
The first tab is configured to be selectively received by the
plurality of first partial grooves and the second tab is configured
to be selectively received by the plurality of second partial
grooves and secure the securement device to the mounting shank. The
first tab and the second tab are diametrically opposed.
[0008] 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
[0009] A detailed description of the drawings particularly refers
to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of an illustrative
faucet including quick-installation systems according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top front perspective view of an exemplary
quick-installation system of the faucet of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a top front exploded perspective view of the
quick-installation system of FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a bottom side exploded perspective view of the
quick-installation system of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a detail side view of a mounting shank of the
quick-installation system within line 5 of FIG. 3;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of a securement device of
the quick-installation system taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a partial bottom perspective view of the
securement device before being coupled to the mounting shank of the
quick-installation system of FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a partial bottom perspective view of the
securement device and a washer being coupled to the mounting shank
of the quick-installation system of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 9 is another partial bottom perspective view of the
securement device and the washer being coupled to the mounting
shank of the quick-installation system of FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a partial bottom perspective view of fasteners of
the securement device being tightened to secure the
quick-installation system of FIG. 2;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a top front exploded perspective view of another
illustrative quick-installation system according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a bottom side exploded perspective view of the
quick-installation system of FIG. 11;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a detail side view of a mounting shank of the
quick-installation system within line 13 of FIG. 11;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of a securement device of
the quick-installation system taken along line 14-14 of FIG.
11;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a bottom front perspective view of an
illustrative faucet including a quick-installation system according
to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a partial bottom front exploded perspective view
of the faucet and the quick-installation system of FIG. 15;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a side sectional view of the faucet and the
quick-installation system taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 15;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a detail side sectional view of the
quick-installation system within line 18 of FIG. 17;
[0028] FIG. 19 is a partial top perspective view of an inner
portion of a securement device before being coupled to a mounting
shank of the quick-installation system of FIG. 15;
[0029] FIG. 20 is a partial top perspective view of the inner
portion of the securement device being coupled to the mounting
shank of the quick-installation system of FIG. 15;
[0030] FIG. 21 is a side sectional view of the inner portion of the
securement device and the mounting shank of the quick-installation
system taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 20;
[0031] FIG. 22 is a side sectional view similar to FIG. 21 and
further illustrating an outer portion of the securement device
being coupled to the inner portion;
[0032] FIG. 23 is a side sectional view similar to FIG. 22 and
further illustrating a tool manipulating the securement device to
secure the quick-installation system of FIG. 15;
[0033] FIG. 24 is a bottom front perspective view of an
illustrative faucet including a quick-installation system according
to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 25 is a partial bottom front exploded perspective view
of the faucet and the quick-installation system of FIG. 24;
[0035] FIG. 26 is a side sectional view of the faucet and the
quick-installation system taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 24;
[0036] FIG. 27 is a side sectional view of the faucet and the
quick-installation system taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 24;
[0037] FIG. 28 is a partial top perspective view of a securement
device before being coupled to a mounting shank of the
quick-installation system of FIG. 24;
[0038] FIG. 29 is a partial top perspective view of the securement
device and a washer being coupled to the mounting shank of the
quick-installation system of FIG. 24;
[0039] FIG. 30 is a partial top perspective view of a lower portion
of the securement device being coupled to the mounting shank of the
quick-installation system of FIG. 24;
[0040] FIG. 31 is a partial top perspective view of fasteners of
the securement device being tightened to secure the
quick-installation system of FIG. 24;
[0041] FIG. 32 is a top front perspective view of an illustrative
faucet including a quick-installation system according to yet
another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0042] FIG. 33 is a bottom perspective view of a first mounting
shank of the quick-installation system of FIG. 32;
[0043] FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective view of a second mounting
shank of the quick-installation system of FIG. 32;
[0044] FIG. 35 is a top perspective view of a securement device of
the quick-installation system of FIG. 32;
[0045] FIG. 36 is a top perspective view of the securement device
before being coupled to the first mounting shank and the second
mounting shank of the quick-installation system of FIG. 32; and
[0046] FIG. 37 is a top perspective view of fasteners of the
securement device being tightened to secure the quick-installation
system of FIG. 32.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] The embodiments of the invention described herein are not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to precise
forms disclosed. Rather, the embodiments selected for description
have been chosen to enable one skilled in the art to practice the
invention.
[0048] Referring initially to FIG. 1, an illustrative faucet 10 is
shown coupled to a mounting deck 12, such as a sink deck. The
faucet 10 illustratively includes a delivery spout 14 defining a
water outlet 16 for discharging water into a sink basin 18
surrounded by the mounting deck 12. Illustratively, a hot water
faucet handle assembly 20a operably coupled to a hot water valve
assembly 21a, and a cold water faucet handle assembly 20b operably
coupled to a cold water valve assembly 21b are illustratively
mounted on the mounting deck 12 in spaced relation to, and on
opposite sides of, the spout 14. Hot water is supplied from a hot
water source 22 (illustratively, a conventional hot water stop) to
the hot water faucet valve assembly 21a, while cold water is
supplied from a cold water source 24 (illustratively, a
conventional cold water stop) to the cold water faucet valve
assembly 21b.
[0049] Illustratively, hot water and cold water inlet conduits 26
and 28 fluidly couple the hot and cold water sources 22 and 24 to
the hot water and cold water faucet handle assemblies 20a and 20b,
respectively. The hot water and cold water inlet conduits 26 and 28
are illustratively formed of a flexible tubular material, such as a
polymer (e.g., a cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)). As is known, the
faucet handle assemblies 20a and 20b control water flow to the
water outlet 16 of the delivery spout 14. More particularly, the
delivery spout 14 is fluidly coupled to outlets of the hot water
and cold water faucet handle assemblies 20a and 20b via hot water
and cold water outlet conduits 30 and 32, respectively. The hot
water and cold water outlet conduits 30 and 32 are illustratively
formed of a flexible tubular material, such as a polymer (e.g., a
cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)).
[0050] Illustratively, the hot water and cold water faucet handle
assemblies 20a and 20b are secured to the mounting deck 12 by
quick-installation systems 34a and 34b, respectively, according to
embodiments of the present disclosure. Illustratively, the
quick-installation systems 34a and 34b are substantially identical.
As an alternative, one of the hot water and cold water faucet
handle assemblies 20a and 20b is secured to the mounting deck 12 by
a quick-installation system 34a or 34b, and the other of the hot
water and cold water faucet handle assemblies 20a and 20b is
secured to the mounting deck 12 by a different installation system,
such as a conventional system including a threaded mounting shank
and mounting nut (not shown). As another alternative, the spout 14
may be secured to the mounting deck 12 by a quick-installation
system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0051] Illustratively, the quick-installation system 34a receives
the conduits 26 and 30 and the quick-installation system 34b
receives the conduits 28 and 32. The quick-installation system 34a
also receives a valve cartridge (not shown) coupled to the faucet
handle assembly 20a and the quick-installation system 34b receives
a valve cartridge (not shown) coupled to the faucet handle assembly
20b. In other embodiments, the quick-installation systems 34a and
34b do not receive conduits and/or valve cartridges.
[0052] In the following description and FIGS. 2-10, the
quick-installation system 34a is described and illustrated in
further detail. As noted above, the quick-installation systems 34a
and 34b are substantially identical. Referring specifically to
FIGS. 2-4, the quick-installation system 34a includes a cylindrical
mounting shank 36 that extends through and couples to the mounting
deck 12 (FIG. 2). The mounting shank 36 includes an upper mounting
portion 38 disposed above the mounting deck 12, and the upper
mounting portion 38 couples to the handle assembly 20a (FIG. 1).
Illustratively, the upper mounting portion 38 includes an external
thread surface 40 for threadably coupling to the handle assembly
20a. The upper mounting portion 38 also illustratively includes a
flange 42, and the flange 42 abuts a mounting base 44 (FIG. 2)
supported by the mounting deck 12. The upper mounting portion 38 is
coupled to a lower mounting portion 46 that extends through and is
disposed below the mounting deck 12. As described in further detail
below, a securement device or ring 48 selectively couples to the
lower mounting portion 46 and secures the mounting shank 36, and as
a result the handle assembly 20a, to the mounting deck 12.
[0053] With reference now to FIGS. 2-6, the lower mounting portion
46 of the mounting shank 36 and the securement device 48 include
features that facilitate ease of securing the quick-installation
system 34a to the mounting deck 12. Illustratively, the lower
mounting portion 46 and the securement device 48 include an outer
surface 50 and an inner surface 52, respectively, that include
clearance features and securement features. More specifically, the
outer surface 50 of the lower mounting portion 46 includes a
plurality of first protrusions 54 that defines a plurality of first
partial grooves 56 (that is, grooves partially extending about the
perimeter (e.g., circumference) of the lower mounting portion 46),
a plurality of second protrusions 58 (FIG. 4) that defines a
plurality of second partial grooves 60, a first clearance surface
62, and a second clearance surface 64 (FIG. 5). Similarly, the
inner surface 52 of the securement device 48 includes a first
protrusion or tab 66, a second protrusion or tab 68, a first
clearance surface 70 (FIG. 6), and a second clearance surface 72.
As described in further detail below, the securement device 48 may
be rotated (about a longitudinal axis 74 of the quick-installation
system 34a) to misalign the tabs 66, 68 from the partial grooves
56, 60 to permit the securement device 48 to slide along the lower
mounting portion 46. The securement device 48 may then be rotated
to cause the tabs 66, 68 to enter the partial grooves 56, 60 and
thereby couple the securement device 48 to the lower mounting
portion 46. The securement device 48 carries one or more fasteners,
for example, jack screws 76, that are tightenable to cause a washer
78 to abut the mounting deck 12 and thereby secure the
quick-installation system 34a to the mounting deck 12.
[0054] Illustratively, the first partial grooves 56 and the second
partial grooves 60 of the lower mounting portion 46 are
diametrically opposed to each other. Stated another way, the first
partial grooves 56 and the second partial grooves 60 are disposed
substantially 180 degrees apart (that is, 180 degrees apart .+-.5
degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis 74. Similarly and
illustratively, the first tab 66 and the second tab 68 of the
securement device 48 are diametrically opposed to each other.
Stated another way, the first tab 66 and the second tab 68 are
disposed substantially 180 degrees apart (that is, 180 degrees
apart .+-.5 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis 74.
Alternatively, the partial grooves 56, 60 and/or the tabs 66, 68
may be disposed apart by different angles.
[0055] Referring specifically to FIG. 5, the plurality of first
protrusions 54 and the plurality of first partial grooves 56 are
illustrated in further detail. However, the plurality of second
protrusions 58 and the plurality of second partial grooves 60,
respectively, are substantially identical to the illustrated
features. Illustratively, the first partial grooves 56 are offset
in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 74.
Illustratively, each first partial groove 56 includes an open side
80 for permitting the first tab 66 of the securement device 48
(FIGS. 2-4 and 5) to enter and exit the first partial groove 56.
Opposite the open side 80, each first partial groove 56 includes a
closed side 82 for inhibiting the first tab 66 from entering or
exiting the first partial groove 56. As a result, the first tab 66
may enter and exit a first partial groove 56 on one side,
specifically, the open side 80. Stated another way, the securement
device 48 may rotate in a first direction about the longitudinal
axis 74 to enter a first partial groove 56, and the securement
device 48 may rotate in an opposite second direction about the
longitudinal axis 74 to exit a first partial groove 56.
Illustratively, each first partial groove 56 may increase in height
proceeding from the open side 80 to the closed side 82.
[0056] Referring specifically to FIG. 6, the first tab 66 is
illustrated in further detail. However, the second tab 68 is
substantially identical to the first tab 66. Illustratively, the
first tab 66 may increase in height proceeding from a first end 84
to a second end 86, which may be consistent with the increased
height of each first partial groove 56 from the open side 80 to the
closed side 82 (FIG. 5).
[0057] The components of the quick-installation system 34a may be
constructed of various appropriate materials, including metals and
the like.
[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, the quick-installation system
34a may be secured to the mounting deck 12 according to the
following illustrative steps. First, the mounting shank 36 is
positioned above and then partially through an aperture (not shown)
of the mounting deck 12 (shown elsewhere). As shown in FIG. 7, the
securement device 48 is positioned below the mounting shank 36 and
the mounting deck 12 (shown elsewhere). The tabs 66, 68 of the
securement device 48 are misaligned with the partial grooves 56 and
60 (shown elsewhere) of the mounting shank 36 and, as shown in FIG.
8, the washer 78 and the securement device 48 are slid along the
mounting shank 36 until the washer 78 and the securement device 48
are disposed proximate the mounting deck 12. As shown in FIG. 9,
the securement device 48 is then rotated about the longitudinal
axis 74 and relative to the mounting shank 36 to cause the first
tab 66 to enter one of the first partial grooves 56 and the second
tab 68 to enter one of the second partial grooves 60. As shown in
FIG. 10, the jack screws 76 are then tightened to cause the washer
78 to abut the mounting deck 12. As a result, the securement device
48 pulls on, or applies a tensile force to, the mounting shank 36
and thereby secures the quick-installation system 34a to the
mounting deck 12. Other components (for example, the faucet handle
assembly 20a, a delivery spout, a valve cartridge (not shown), and
the like) may be coupled to the quick-installation system 34a
before or after the above steps.
[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 11-14, another illustrative
embodiment of a faucet quick-installation system 134 is shown as
including many of the same elements as the quick-installation
system 34a detailed above. As such, in the following description,
like components are identified with similar reference numbers. As
described in further detail below, the installation system 134
includes different securement features than the quick-installation
system 34a.
[0060] The quick-installation system 134 includes a mounting shank
136, and the mounting shank 136 includes an upper mounting portion
138 and a lower mounting portion 146. The upper mounting portion
138 couples to a portion of a faucet disposed above a mounting deck
(for example and as shown in FIG. 1, a faucet handle assembly 20a
or 20b, a delivery spout 14, or the like). The lower mounting
portion 146 extends through and is disposed below the mounting
deck. A securement device or ring 148 selectively couples to the
lower mounting portion 146 and secures the mounting shank 136 to
the mounting deck.
[0061] The lower mounting portion 146 of the mounting shank 136 and
the securement device 148 include features that facilitate ease of
securing the quick-installation system 134 to a mounting deck.
Illustratively, the lower mounting portion 146 and the securement
device 148 include an outer surface 150 and an inner surface 152,
respectively, that include clearance features and securement
features. More specifically, the outer surface 150 of the lower
mounting 146 includes a plurality of first protrusions 154 that
defines a plurality of first partial grooves 156, a plurality of
second protrusions 158 that defines a plurality of second partial
grooves 160, a first clearance surface 162, and a second clearance
surface 164 (FIG. 13). Similarly, the inner surface 152 of the
securement device 148 includes a first protrusion or tab 166, a
second protrusion or tab 168, a first clearance surface 170, and a
second clearance surface 172.
[0062] Referring specifically to FIGS. 13 and 14, the plurality of
first partial grooves 156 and the first tab 166 are illustrated in
further detail. However, the plurality of second partial grooves
160 and the second tab 168, respectively, are substantially
identical to the illustrated features. The plurality of first
partial grooves 156 are similar to those of the quick-installation
system 34a, except that each first partial groove 156 includes a
toe 188 disposed at the open side 180, and the height of each first
partial groove 156 is otherwise substantially uniform between the
open side 180 and the closed side 182. The toe 188 configured to
inhibit the first tab 166 from exiting the associated first partial
groove 156. The first tab 166 of the securement device 148 is
similar to the first tab 66 of the securement device 48 (shown
elsewhere), except that the second end 186 is tapered to facilitate
entering the first partial grooves 156. The height of the first tab
166 is otherwise substantially uniform between the first end 184
and the second end 186.
[0063] With general reference again to FIGS. 11-14, the
quick-installation system 134 may be secured to a mounting deck
according to the illustrative steps described above in connection
with the quick-installation system 34a. This includes tightening
one or more fasteners 176, such as jack screws, to cause a washer
178 to abut the mounting deck.
[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 15-23, an illustrative faucet 210
including another illustrative embodiment of a faucet
quick-installation system 234 is shown. The faucet
quick-installation system 234 is shown as including many of the
same elements as the quick-installation system 34a detailed above.
As such, in the following description, like components are
identified with similar reference numbers. Unlike the
quick-installation system 34a detailed above, however, a mounting
shank 236 of the quick-installation system 234 illustratively does
not receive water conduits 230, 232. In addition, the
quick-installation system 234 illustratively secures a delivery
spout 214 that carries a single handle assembly 220 operably
coupled to a conventional mixing valve assembly 221.
[0065] With specific reference to FIGS. 15-18, the mounting shank
236 includes an upper mounting portion 238 and a lower mounting
portion 246. The upper mounting portion 238 couples to the delivery
spout 214, and the lower mounting portion 246 extends through and
is disposed below the mounting deck 12 (FIGS. 17 and 18). A
securement device 248 causes a mounting plate 290 to abut the
mounting deck 12 and thereby secures the quick-installation system
234 to the mounting deck 12. The securement device 248 includes an
inner portion 292 and an outer portion 294. The inner portion 292
includes a first tab 266 and a second tab 268 that are selectively
received in first partial grooves 256 and second partial grooves
260, respectively, of the mounting shank 236. The inner portion 292
movably supports the outer portion 294. Illustratively, the inner
portion 292 includes an external thread surface 296 that couples to
an internal thread surface 298 of the outer portion 294 (FIGS. 17
and 18). The outer portion 294 also includes an external surface
300 that is shaped to facilitate grasping and driving the outer
portion 294 relative to the inner portion 292. Illustratively, the
external surface 300 has a hexagonal shape.
[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 19-23, the quick-installation system
234 may be secured to the mounting deck 12 (FIG. 23) according to
the following illustrative steps. First, the mounting shank 236 is
positioned above and then partially through an aperture 302 of the
mounting deck 12 (FIG. 23). As shown in FIG. 19, the inner portion
292 of the securement device 248 is positioned below the mounting
shank 236 and the mounting deck 12 (FIG. 23). The tabs 266, 268 of
the inner portion 292 are misaligned with the partial grooves 256
and 260 of the mounting shank 236 and, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21,
the inner portion 292 is slid along the mounting shank 236 such
that the mounting plate 290 is disposed between the inner portion
292 the mounting deck 12 (FIG. 23). The inner portion 292 is then
rotated about the longitudinal axis 274 and relative to the
mounting shank 236 to cause the first tab 266 to enter one of the
first partial grooves 256 and the second tab 268 to enter one of
the second partial grooves 260. As shown in FIG. 22, the outer
portion 294 of the securement device 248 is then slid along the
mounting shank 236 and coupled to the inner portion 292,
illustratively, by rotating the outer portion 294 and coupling the
threaded surfaces 296, 298. As shown in FIG. 23, the outer portion
294 is then compressed against the mounting plate 290,
illustratively, by rotating the outer portion 294 using a tool 304
including a socket 306 for receiving the outer portion 294. As a
result, the inner portion 292 is urged away from the mounting plate
290 and pulls on, or applies a tensile force to, the mounting shank
236 and thereby secures the quick-installation system 234 to the
mounting deck 12. Other components (for example, the delivery spout
214) may be coupled to the quick-installation system 234 before or
after the above steps.
[0067] Referring to FIGS. 24-31, an illustrative faucet 310
including another illustrative embodiment of a faucet
quick-installation system 334 is shown. The faucet
quick-installation system 334 is shown as including many of the
same elements as the quick-installation system 234 detailed above.
As such, in the following description, like components are
identified with similar reference numbers. Like the
quick-installation system 234, the quick-installation system 334
illustratively secures a delivery spout 314 that carries a single
handle assembly 320. Unlike the quick-installation system 234,
however, a mounting shank 336 of the quick-installation 334
receives a water conduit 330.
[0068] With specific reference to FIGS. 25-27, the mounting shank
336 includes an upper mounting portion 338 and a lower mounting
portion 346. The upper mounting portion 338 couples to the delivery
spout 314, and the lower mounting portion 346 extends through and
is disposed below the mounting deck 12 (FIGS. 26 and 27). A
securement device 348 causes a washer 378 to abut the mounting deck
12 and thereby secures the quick-installation system 334 to the
mounting deck 12. The securement device 348 includes a lower
portion 408 and an upper portion 410. The lower portion 408
includes a first tab 366 and a second tab 368 (FIG. 26) that are
selectively received in first partial grooves 356 and second
partial grooves 360 (FIG. 26), respectively, of the mounting shank
336. The lower portion 408 is received by a coupling of the upper
portion 410, which illustratively includes two snap connectors 412.
The upper portion 410 carries one or more fasteners, for example,
jack screws 376, that are tightenable to cause the washer 378 to
abut the mounting deck 12 and thereby secure the quick-installation
system 334 to the mounting deck 12.
[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 28-31, the quick-installation system
334 may be secured to the mounting deck 12 (FIGS. 29-31) according
to the following illustrative steps. First, the mounting shank 336
is positioned above and then partially through an aperture 402 of
the mounting deck 12 (FIGS. 29-31). As shown in FIG. 28, the upper
portion 410 and the lower portion 408 of the securement device 348
are positioned below the mounting shank 336 and the mounting deck
12 (FIGS. 29-31). The tabs 366, 368 of the lower portion 408 are
misaligned with the partial grooves 356 and 360 (FIG. 26) of the
mounting shank 336 and, as shown in FIG. 29, the upper portion 410
and the lower portion 408 are slid along the mounting shank 336
such that the washer 378 is disposed between the upper portion 410
the mounting deck 12. The lower portion 408 is also received by the
coupling of the upper portion 410 (illustratively, the snap
connectors 412--FIG. 27). As shown in FIG. 30, the lower portion
408 is then rotated about the longitudinal axis 374 and relative to
the mounting shank 336 to cause the first tab 366 to enter one of
the first partial grooves 356 and the second tab 368 to enter one
of the second partial grooves 360 (FIG. 26). As shown in FIG. 31,
the jack screws 376 are then tightened to cause the washer 378 to
abut the mounting deck 12. As a result, the upper portion 410 urges
the lower portion 408 away from the mounting deck 12. The lower
portion 408 thereby pulls on, or applies a tensile force to, the
mounting shank 336 and thereby secures the quick-installation
system 334 to the mounting deck 12. Other components (for example,
the delivery spout 314) may be coupled to the quick-installation
system 334 before or after the above steps.
[0070] Referring now to FIGS. 32-37, an illustrative faucet 510
including another illustrative embodiment of a faucet
quick-installation system 534 is shown. The faucet
quick-installation system 534 is shown as including many of the
same elements as the quick-installation system 34a detailed above.
As such, in the following description, like components are
identified with similar reference numbers. Unlike the
quick-installation system 34a detailed above, however, the
quick-installation system 534 includes a first mounting shank 536A
and a second mounting shank 536B. The first mounting shank 536A and
the second mounting shank 536B are both coupled to a mounting base
614, and the mounting base 614 carries a hot water handle assembly
520A, a cold water handle assembly 520B, and a spout 514. Further,
the quick-installation system 534 includes a single securement
device 548 that couples to the first mounting shank 536A and the
second mounting shank 536B.
[0071] FIG. 33 illustrates the first mounting shank 536A, and FIG.
34 illustrates the second mounting shank 536B. The mounting shanks
536A and 536B include a plurality of protrusions 554 and the
plurality of partial grooves 556. Illustratively, the partial
grooves 556 are offset in a direction substantially parallel to a
longitudinal axis 574 (FIG. 32).
[0072] FIG. 35 illustrates the securement device 548.
Illustratively, the securement device 548 includes a frame 616
having a first slot 618A and a second slot 618B. The first slot
618A is configured to receive the first mounting shank 536A (FIG.
33). The second slot 618B is configured to receive the second
mounting shank 536B (FIG. 34). The frame 616 also includes a first
tab 620A adjacent the first slot 618A and a second tab 620B
adjacent the second slot 618B. The first tab 620A is configured to
be received by one of the partial grooves 556 of the first mounting
shank 536A and the second tab 620B is configured to be received by
one of the partial grooves 556 of the second mounting shank 536B.
The frame 616 carries one or more fasteners, for example, jack
screws 576, that are tightenable to secure the quick-installation
system 534 and the faucet 510 to a mounting deck (shown
elsewhere).
[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 36 and 37, the quick-installation
system 534 may be secured to a mounting deck 12 according to the
following illustrative steps. First, the mounting shanks 536A and
536B are positioned above and then partially through apertures (not
shown) of the mounting deck 12, and the mounting base 614 is
positioned above the mounting deck 12. As shown in FIG. 36, the
securement device 548 is positioned below the mounting deck 12 and
aside the mounting shanks 536A and 536B. Next, the securement
device 548 is moved laterally (illustratively, perpendicularly
relative to the longitudinal axis 574) such that, as shown in FIG.
37, the first tab 620A and the second tab 620B are received by one
of the partial grooves 556 of the first mounting shank 536A and one
of the partial grooves 556 of the second mounting shank 536B,
respectively. The jack screws 576 are then tightened and abut the
mounting deck 12. As a result, the securement device 548 pulls on,
or applies a tensile force to, the mounting shanks 536A and 536B
and thereby secures the quick-installation system 534 to the
mounting deck 12. Other components (for example, the faucet handle
assemblies 520A and 520B, the spout 514 (shown elsewhere), and the
like) may be coupled to the quick-installation system 534 before or
after the above steps.
[0074] In some embodiments, quick-installation systems according to
the present disclosure could be used to secure other types of
structures to mounting decks. Such structures include, for example,
faucet-related structures such as soap dispensers and the like.
Further, quick-installation systems according to the present
disclosure could be used to secure structures to
vertically-extending mounting decks, such as walls.
[0075] 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.
* * * * *