WO2002025022A1 - Robinet a corps sous-jacent - Google Patents

Robinet a corps sous-jacent Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2002025022A1
WO2002025022A1 PCT/US2001/029616 US0129616W WO0225022A1 WO 2002025022 A1 WO2002025022 A1 WO 2002025022A1 US 0129616 W US0129616 W US 0129616W WO 0225022 A1 WO0225022 A1 WO 0225022A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
faucet
end body
spout
base
water passage
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/029616
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Scott C. Baker
Andrew Wong
Oscar Romero
Walter H. Strader
Original Assignee
Newfrey, Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Newfrey, Llc filed Critical Newfrey, Llc
Priority to MXPA03002458A priority Critical patent/MXPA03002458A/es
Priority to BR0114071-0A priority patent/BR0114071A/pt
Priority to AU2002211249A priority patent/AU2002211249A1/en
Priority to CA002421915A priority patent/CA2421915A1/fr
Priority to US10/380,964 priority patent/US20040117906A1/en
Publication of WO2002025022A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002025022A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/04—Water-basin installations specially adapted to wash-basins or baths

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to faucets having an underbody and a faucet body that fits over the underbody and, in particular, to faucets that use a common underbody with multiple faucet body configurations.
  • the faucet body and underbody can be molded together as a unitary structure using lost core methodologies.
  • the invention is further related to faucets that have a reduced number of waterway parts and use-the end bodies to hold a cartridge seal and orient the cartridge.
  • the invention relates to faucet bodies that are molded from plastic and can be mounted on a sink deck without an intervening putty plate.
  • Conventional faucets are made using a brass casting that is machined to provide water inlets and a water outlet.
  • a finishing cover usually made of chrome plated metal, is used to cover the finished casting and provide a more pleasing appearance.
  • a brass faucet is polished and plated.
  • the spout is formed from brass tubing that is plated, bent to the desired shape, and joined to a casting.
  • casting and machining brass is expensive in terms of time, labor, and material.
  • the present invention overcomes these and other disadvantages by providing a faucet body molded from a plastic material and coupled to an underbody that is likewise molded from a plastic material.
  • the use of a molding process is cheaper that casting and machining, and the use of plastic material eliminates the possibility of lead leaching into the drinking water.
  • the plastic faucet body is covered with a metallic coating to provide a more pleasing appearance.
  • a two-handled faucet assembly comprises a unitary faucet body, a manifold, at least one end body, and a valve.
  • the unitary faucet body includes a spout portion and a base portion, wherein the spout portion includes a water passage and the base portion includes at least one hole for receiving the end body.
  • the manifold includes in inlet and an outlet and the end body is coupled to the manifold and to the base portion.
  • the end body further includes means for coupling the faucet body to the manifold.
  • the valve is coupled to the end body.
  • the manifold includes a first portion coupled to the faucet body base portion and a second portion coupled to the spout portion.
  • the faucet body portion defines a pair of end body-receiving holes and includes an alignment feature disposed adjacent each end body-receiving hole to prevent improper alignment ofthe end body relative to the manifold.
  • the end body includes a first retainer nut and a second retainer nut, the first retainer nut retaining the end body in the end body- receiving hole.
  • the first and second retainer nuts cooperate to couple the faucet assembly to a sink deck.
  • the faucet includes a spout having a first water passage and a base having a second water passage in fluid communication with the first water passage.
  • the spout and base are molded as a unitary structure around a fusible core that is later removed from the unitary structure, the void left by the fusible core defining the first and second passages.
  • Figure 1 is a top view of a faucet body for use with the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a front view ofthe faucet body of Figure 1.
  • FIG 3 is a bottom view ofthe faucet body of Figure 1.
  • Figure 4 is a section view taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2.
  • Figure 5 is a section view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 1.
  • Figure 6 is an end view of an underbody for use with the invention.
  • Figure 7 is a front view, partially broken away, ofthe underbody of Figure 6.
  • Figure 8 is a bottom view ofthe underbody of Figure 6.
  • Figure 9 is a partial section view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 7.
  • Figure 10 is a front view, partially broken away, of an assembled faucet incorporating the faucet body and underbody ofthe present invention.
  • Figure 11 is a side view of an end body.
  • Figure 12 is a section view taken along the longitudinal axis ofthe end body of
  • Figure 13 is a top view ofthe end body of Figure 11.
  • Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of a valve for use in the present invention.
  • Figure 15 is a section view taken along the longitudinal axis ofthe valve of Figure
  • Figure 16 is a bottom view ofthe stem ofthe valve in Figure 14.
  • FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative embodiment ofthe invention manufactured using a lost core method.
  • FIGS 1-5 illustrate a faucet body 10 according to the present invention.
  • the faucet body 10 is preferably injection molded as a single piece using gas assisted injection molding techniques and then coated or plated as desired to provide a pleasing finish acceptable to consumers.
  • the faucet body 10 includes a spout portion 12 and a base portion 14.
  • the base portion 14 further includes a perimetral seal-receiving channel 16, a pair of fastener-receiving members 18, and a pair of end body-receiving bores 20.
  • Each ofthe end body-receiving bores 20 includes a plurality of ribs 22 spaced around the perimeter of their respective bores 20 and projecting inwardly therefrom.
  • each bore includes five ribs 22 spaced at 60° intervals around the perimeter, with a gap in the spacing provided at the point closest to the spout portion 12.
  • the ribs 22 provide support and alignment for a hexagonal portion of an end body 24 ( Figure 10), and prevent the end body from rotating in the bore 20.
  • the spout portion 12 includes a water passage 26 and a channel 28 for receiving a pop-up knob 30 (Figure 10) for operating a drain sub-assembly (not shown).
  • the spout portion 12 includes an outlet 32 with internal or external threads for coupling an aerator 34 ( Figure 10) to the spout portion 12.
  • the water passage 26 includes a stepped inlet 36 that extends through the base portion 14 and into the spout portion 12. The water passage 26 continues from the stepped inlet 36 through the spout portion 12 to the outlet 32.
  • a water manifold 40 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figures 6- 9.
  • the water manifold 40 includes a base 46, a pair of water inlets 48 and a water outlet 50, preferably molded as a unitary piece.
  • the base portion 46 includes a first end 54 and a second end 56, with the first end 54 including a pair of fastener-receiving holes 58 and a central bore 60.
  • Each inlet 48 includes a tubular member 62 extending from the outlet 50. When the water manifold 40 is mounted in the faucet body 10, the tubular members 62 extend to the end body-receiving bores 20 to engage an end body outlet 66, as illustrated in Figure 10.
  • the manifold outlet 50 includes a tube with a stepped sidewall 70 that is configured to match and engage the stepped inlet 36 ofthe water passage 26.
  • An O-ring can be installed between the manifold outlet 50 and the stepped inlet 36 to ensure a watertight seal.
  • the base portion 46 is configured to fit in the base portion 14 ofthe faucet body 10, with the fastener-receiving holes 58 aligned with the fastener-receiving members 18.
  • the under body 40 is attached to the base portion 14 by fasteners, such as screws, that are passed through the fastener-receiving holes 58 to engage the fastener-receiving members 18.
  • the central bore 60 aligns with the channel 28 to allow the pop-up knob 30 to pass through the faucet body 10 and water manifold 40 to engage the drain sub-assembly (not shown).
  • the first and second ends 54, 56 are contoured to match and abut the perimeter ofthe faucet body 10 to provide additional stability for the mounted water manifold 40.
  • the end body 24, as illustrated in Figures 11-13, includes an externally threaded tubular lower portion 76 and an upper portion 78 having an outlet 66 and upper and lower hexagonal flanges 80 extending around the perimeter ofthe upper portion 78.
  • the hexagonal flanges 80 are sized to engage the ribs 22 in the end body-receiving bore 20 so that the outlet 66 is directed to engage the underbody water inlet 48.
  • the separation between the upper and lower flanges 80 provides longitudinal stability to the end body 24.
  • the upper portion 78 also includes internal threads 84, external threads 85, a capping wall 82 that caps the lower portion 76, and a bow tie-shaped water inlet 86.
  • the bow tie-shape is "closed” by a first arcuate member 86a that extends between the two upper arms ofthe bow tie and a second arcuate member 86b that extends between the two lower arms ofthe bow tie, thereby forming a pair of generally triangular openings.
  • the bow tie shape ofthe water inlet 86 is defined by upwardly extending sidewalls 88 and includes an bow tie-shaped floor 90 with a pair of triangular holes 94 passing through the capping wall 82 to the tubular lower portion 76.
  • the sidewalls 88 and the floor 90 cooperate to receive and support a resilient bow tie-shaped seal 92 ( Figure 14).
  • a valve 96 for use with the end body 24 is illustrated in Figures 14-16.
  • the valve 96 includes a stem 98, a housing 100, and a valve disk 102 and is held in position by a nut engaging the internal threads 84.
  • An O-ring 104 can be installed with the valve 96 to provide a watertight seal.
  • the stem 98 includes a splined portion 108 and a base plate 110.
  • the base plate 110 extends radially outwardly from the perimeter ofthe stem 98 and includes a bow tie-shaped projection 114 depending downwardly from the plate 110.
  • the bow tie-shaped projection 114 is substantially similar in size and configuration to the bow tie-shaped inlet 86 and is disposed on the plate 110 to align with the inlet 86 when the valve 96 is in the closed position.
  • a skirt 116 depends downwardly from the edge ofthe bow tie-shaped projection 114 in two segments 120, 122 where the edge ofthe projection 114 coincides with the edge ofthe plate 110.
  • Each segment 120, 122 includes a break 124, 126, respectively, for receiving the valve disk 102.
  • the breaks 124, 126 are not the same size and are not located on a common diameter ofthe plate 110 to prevent misalignment ofthe valve disk 102.
  • the valve disk 102 is a generally circular plate having a pair of triangular holes 128 and a pair of tabs 132, 134 extending radially from the disk 102.
  • the disk 102 is sized and configured to allow the disk 102 to fit snuggly against the skirt segments 120, 122.
  • the tabs 132, 134 fit in the breaks 124, 126, respectively, in the skirt segments 120, 122 to provide for proper alignment ofthe disk 102 on the stem 98.
  • the disk triangular holes 128 are disposed outside the bow tie-shape of the projection 114. Thus, when the disk triangular holes 128 are aligned with the inlet triangular holes 94, the valve 96 is in the open position.
  • the water manifold 40 is coupled to the end bodies 24 by inserting the end body outlets 66 into the water inlets 48 to form an underbody.
  • the underbody is then assembled with the faucet body 10 by inserting the end bodies 24 in the end body- receiving bores 20 and threading a retaining nut 106 ( Figure 10) onto the external threads 85 ofthe end body 24 to abut the base portion 14 ofthe faucet body 10.
  • the end bodies 24 can be retained in the faucet body 10 by a hub and handle combination, wherein the hub is configured to threadedly engage the external threads 85 ofthe end body 24.
  • the base 46 ofthe water manifold 40 is then attached to the faucet body 10 by screws or other fasteners.
  • the retaining nuts, the hexagonal flanges 80, and the screws cooperate to hold the underbody firmly in place in the faucet body 10. Adding the desired handles and hubs to operate and cover the valves completes the faucet assembly.
  • the faucet assembly is mounted to a sink deck by inserting the end bodies 24 through holes in the sink deck and threading retaining nuts 140 ( Figure 10) onto the end bodies 24.
  • the resulting faucet assembly is relatively inexpensive to produce and assemble, thereby providing a cost advantage to the manufacturer, h addition, the faucet assembly includes fewer parts than a conventional faucet, thereby reducing the number of parts in inventory for additional cost savings. Moreover, the underbody can provide a common base for use with other faucet body designs, allowing for faster development of new faucet designs and providing a marketing advantage to the manufacturer.
  • the fasteners may not be necessary and the underbody can be coupled to the faucet body by just the end bodies.
  • the geometry ofthe underside ofthe faucet body can be designed to conform to the shape ofthe underbody to prevent movement ofthe underbody once the underbody is in position within the faucet body and prevent the end bodies from separating from the manifold.
  • the retainer nuts would couple the underbody to the faucet.
  • the entire faucet body 210 is molded as a single unit using lost core methodologies.
  • the lost core method includes the step of forming a core member (not shown), from a fusible material that defines the contours of the internal passages ofthe spout and base.
  • the core member is then positioned in a mold ofthe faucet body and plastic is injected into the mold. After the plastic solidifies, the faucet body is removed from the mold and the core member is melted from the interior of the faucet body.
  • the void caused by the removal ofthe core defines the internal passage ofthe spout and base.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Domestic Plumbing Installations (AREA)
  • Check Valves (AREA)

Abstract

Un corps de robinet (10) est moulé en matière plastique et couplé à un corps sous-jacent, lequel est également moulé en matière plastique. Le corps du robinet d'une pièce comprend une partie de bec (12) ainsi qu'une partie de base (14). Le corps sous-jacent comprend un distributeur (40) comportant une entrée (48) et une sortie (50). Un corps terminal (24) est couplé au distributeur et à la partie de base. Le corps terminal comprend un moyen d'accouplement du corps du robinet au distributeur. Une soupape (96) est couplée au corps terminal. Dans un autre mode de réalisation, le bec et la base du robinet peuvent être moulés sous la forme d'une structure unitaire à l'aide d'un procédé à âme perdue, ne nécessitant pas ainsi de distributeur séparé.
PCT/US2001/029616 2000-09-22 2001-09-21 Robinet a corps sous-jacent WO2002025022A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
MXPA03002458A MXPA03002458A (es) 2000-09-22 2001-09-21 Grifo con cuerpo inferior.
BR0114071-0A BR0114071A (pt) 2000-09-22 2001-09-21 Torneira com subestrutura.
AU2002211249A AU2002211249A1 (en) 2000-09-22 2001-09-21 Faucet with underbody
CA002421915A CA2421915A1 (fr) 2000-09-22 2001-09-21 Robinet a corps sous-jacent
US10/380,964 US20040117906A1 (en) 2001-09-21 2001-09-21 Faucet with underbody

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US23466200P 2000-09-22 2000-09-22
US60/234,662 2000-09-22

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002025022A1 true WO2002025022A1 (fr) 2002-03-28

Family

ID=22882292

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2001/029616 WO2002025022A1 (fr) 2000-09-22 2001-09-21 Robinet a corps sous-jacent

Country Status (6)

Country Link
CN (1) CN1466645A (fr)
AU (1) AU2002211249A1 (fr)
BR (1) BR0114071A (fr)
CA (1) CA2421915A1 (fr)
MX (1) MXPA03002458A (fr)
WO (1) WO2002025022A1 (fr)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7721761B2 (en) 2007-01-31 2010-05-25 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Diverter integrated into a side sprayer
US7793677B2 (en) 2005-08-29 2010-09-14 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Waterway connection
US8646476B2 (en) 2008-05-21 2014-02-11 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Integrated kitchen faucet side spray and diverter
US8931500B2 (en) 2012-02-17 2015-01-13 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Two handle centerset faucet
US8985146B2 (en) 2006-05-26 2015-03-24 Delta Faucet Company Faucet including a molded waterway assembly
US8991425B2 (en) 2006-05-26 2015-03-31 Delta Faucet Company Waterway assembly including an overmolded support plate
US9151397B2 (en) 2008-04-10 2015-10-06 Delta Faucet Company Molded waterway for a two handle faucet
US9403304B2 (en) 2011-03-11 2016-08-02 Delta Faucet Company Centerset faucet body and method of making same
WO2024041675A1 (fr) * 2022-08-25 2024-02-29 温州弗锐斯建材有限公司 Corps principal de robinet à connexion unique

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2546327A (en) * 1945-07-31 1951-03-27 Stephen A Young Spout, hood, and mixing chamber for sanitary fixtures
US3448768A (en) * 1966-05-19 1969-06-10 Robert J Keller Water fixture
US4290445A (en) * 1979-08-31 1981-09-22 Bristol Corporation Valve plate
US5669417A (en) * 1996-08-30 1997-09-23 Lian-Jie; Kuo Water-guide device in a tap

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2546327A (en) * 1945-07-31 1951-03-27 Stephen A Young Spout, hood, and mixing chamber for sanitary fixtures
US3448768A (en) * 1966-05-19 1969-06-10 Robert J Keller Water fixture
US4290445A (en) * 1979-08-31 1981-09-22 Bristol Corporation Valve plate
US5669417A (en) * 1996-08-30 1997-09-23 Lian-Jie; Kuo Water-guide device in a tap

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7793677B2 (en) 2005-08-29 2010-09-14 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Waterway connection
US8464748B2 (en) 2005-08-29 2013-06-18 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Waterway connection
US8985146B2 (en) 2006-05-26 2015-03-24 Delta Faucet Company Faucet including a molded waterway assembly
US8991425B2 (en) 2006-05-26 2015-03-31 Delta Faucet Company Waterway assembly including an overmolded support plate
US9951880B2 (en) 2006-05-26 2018-04-24 Delta Faucet Company Faucet including a molded waterway assembly
US7721761B2 (en) 2007-01-31 2010-05-25 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Diverter integrated into a side sprayer
US9151397B2 (en) 2008-04-10 2015-10-06 Delta Faucet Company Molded waterway for a two handle faucet
US8646476B2 (en) 2008-05-21 2014-02-11 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Integrated kitchen faucet side spray and diverter
US9243389B2 (en) 2008-05-21 2016-01-26 Delta Faucet Company Integrated kitchen faucet side spray and diverter
US9403304B2 (en) 2011-03-11 2016-08-02 Delta Faucet Company Centerset faucet body and method of making same
US8931500B2 (en) 2012-02-17 2015-01-13 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Two handle centerset faucet
WO2024041675A1 (fr) * 2022-08-25 2024-02-29 温州弗锐斯建材有限公司 Corps principal de robinet à connexion unique

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2002211249A1 (en) 2002-04-02
BR0114071A (pt) 2003-12-09
CA2421915A1 (fr) 2002-03-28
MXPA03002458A (es) 2004-09-10
CN1466645A (zh) 2004-01-07

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