WO2002075183A2

WO2002075183A2 - Self-aligning faucet retainers

Info

Publication number: WO2002075183A2
Application number: PCT/US2002/008319
Authority: WO
Inventors: Loren Skarie
Original assignee: Loren Skarie
Priority date: 2001-03-16
Filing date: 2002-03-18
Publication date: 2002-09-26
Also published as: EP1409800A2; AU2002252396A1; WO2002075183A3; EP1409800A4

Abstract

A quick-disconnect faucet includes a spring-biased retainer assembly (4) such that when the assembly is inserted in an aperture (17) in the sink deck, the assembly compresses to allow the assembly to pass therethrough and then expands under spring bias to lock the faucet in place.

Description

SELF-ALIGNING FAUCET RETAINERS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to water faucets and, in particular, to a quick-disconnect faucet or other appliance that self-aligns and self-attaches to a stationary surface or fixture. A number of alternative, non-twisting, resilient, spring-biased retainers adapted to a faucet base and/or fixture seal are disclosed that align and securely attach and seal the faucet to a plumbing fixture such as a sink.

If one believes the installation instructions that come with most water faucets, the installation of the faucets for kitchen and bath sinks can be a relatively simple task, hi practice, however, the theory is complicated by the cramped and limited workspace that is available to the plumber and home-handymen. The water supply lines, sink and kitchen or bath cabinet walls hamper access. The necessity to work on one's back and without adequate light in the available space adjacent the sink bottom exacerbates the difficulties. Some special tools are available to assist the installer with necessary fasteners, but frequently, it is still necessary to blindly manipulate the tools from inconvenient body positions.

Many conventional faucets provide threaded supply lines that contain oversized washers and nuts. The faucet is secured to the sink by drawing the nuts tight to the sink bottom, which draws the faucet into compression with the sink top and any sealing mechanism placed between the faucet and sink top. Some faucets provide threaded stems that cooperate with flanged wings that grip the sink bottom.

A variety of faucet assemblies with quick-disconnect retainers have also been developed to facilitate faucet repair and replacement. Some of faucets including fastener assemblies adapted to threaded members are shown at US patents 6,085,784; 5,946,746; 5,465,749; and 4,281,857. US patent 4,553,277 discloses a hydraulically controlled clamp. US patent 4,186, 761 discloses a spring-biased fastener having a "C" clip retainer, but which requires special tooling to unload the spring to remove the clip and faucet. US patent 5,515,882 discloses another spring-biased fastener that provides initial faucet retention, but depends on a threaded fastener to compress the fastener and draw the faucet tight to the sink.

The present invention was developed to provide a spring-biased faucet retainer that during installation resiliently self-grips the lower surface of a sink without operator intervention and draws the faucet to engage the sink. During faucet removal, the retainer can be manually manipulated to release spring-biased gripping members without special tooling. The retainer includes members that can be manually gripped and compressed, without having to view the retainer, to release the faucet for repair or replacement. The members are normally biased to an expanded condition and flex during mounting to secure the faucet once positioned on the sink. One retainer assembly provides axially directed latch and retractor pieces that are captured and biased relative to a housing and are operative to direct gripping surfaces to grip the sink. Another retainer assembly provides hinged gripper pieces having contoured gripping surfaces that are spring biased relative to each other and that pivot at a supporting housing. Another retainer assembly provides resilient, deformable leaf spring arms having contoured gripping surfaces.

Several assemblies are also provided that interact with the retainers to index and seal the faucet and prevent movement of the faucet relative to the sink, such as rotation or lateral movement during and after final attachment. Shaped retainer surfaces are provided at the retainer housings that project to resiliently contact the walls of the mounting apertures to center the housing and prevent movement. Adhesive backed seals for single and multi-aperture mountings are also disclosed that mount to the faucet base and/or sink. Interlocking seal arrangements wherein the sink base or seal sets include shaped surfaces that interlock to define and retain a registry are also disclosed. Bushing type seals are also disclosed that include retainer housing registration surfaces and flange pieces that extend into grip the walls of the mounting apertures. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly a primary object of the invention to provide a resilient, spring- biased retainer system that self-mounts, registers, seals and releases an attached appliance to a support surface without tools, for example a faucet to a sink.

In a presently preferred assembly, it is a primary object of the invention to provide a resilient, spring- biased faucet retainer system that self-mounts, registers, seals and releases a faucet from a sink or counter top without tools.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a spring-biased retainer system that is adaptable to a faucet base and is resiliently biased to self-expand and draw the faucet to the sink as the retainer is extended through mounting apertures.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a spring-biased retainer that is adaptable to a faucet base and can be manipulated in cramped spaces by hand to release the faucet from a sink.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a retainer having at least one spring biased gripper piece and means to overcome a normal condition and direct gripping surfaces to either release or induce gripping.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a retainer having a housing containing one gripping surface and bound spring biased gripper and retractor pieces with tapered surfaces that cooperate with axial movement to extend and retract another gripping surface at the gripper member.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a retainer having a housing that contains one or more hinged gripper members having contoured gripping surfaces that are spring-biased relative to each other to pivot and project from the housing. It is a further object of the invention to provide posts having tapered surfaces that extend from a faucet base and cooperate with at least one spring biased retainer at each faucet to optimize gripping and prevent movement of the faucet, once mounted.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a deformable resilient retainer with at least one arm that compresses and flexes to direct a contoured gripper surface relative to a sink.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a retainer housings having shaped surfaces that center the housing to a mounting hole and grip the hole side walls.

It is a further object of the invention to provide single and multi-layered adhesive backed seals that register a retainer housing to a mounting hole and grip the sink and faucet base.

It is a further object of the invention to provide bushings compatible with available seals and the novel retainer housings of the invention to register the retainer housings to a mounting hole, grip the sink and faucet base and/or the sidewalls of the mounting holes.

The foregoing objects, advantages and distinctions of the invention, among others, are obtained in several spring-biased retainer assemblies shown in association with a typical faucet. The base of each faucet is modified to include at least one spring-biased retainer that aligns with one or more mounting apertures at a support (e.g. a sink) through which supply lines extend. The retainer self-compresses during insertion to facilitate faucet mounting. Once inserted, at least one spring biased member expands to a latched condition to secure the faucet to the sink. Manually compressing the resiliently biased retainer piece(s) and raising the faucet achieve faucet release.

One disclosed retainer includes a housing that is secured to the faucet base and has a first gripping surface that grips an edge of a through hole in the sink. Gripper and retractor pieces having overlapping inclined slide surfaces cooperate with an inclined housing surface and are biased for reciprocating movement to direct a contoured gripping surface at the gripper piece to engage the sink, such that the faucet is drawn into compression with the sink. Springs fitted to the gripper and retractor pieces abut the housing and cooperate with the inclined housing surface to maintain compression. A retainer pin secures the retractor piece to the housing and a catch arm extends from the retractor piece to engage the gripper piece and effect release.

Posts having tapered surfaces can optionally be mounted to project from the faucet base and cooperate with one or more gripping surfaces at the spring-biased retainers. The posts can be secured to the faucet with threads, deformable rivet-like surfaces, an adhesive or a variety of other fasteners.

Another disclosed retainer includes a pair of gripper pieces that are biased to pivot from a housing in repelling relation. Each gripper has a gripping surface that is contoured (e.g. tapered, arcuate, elliptic and/or with lateral flaring) to promote faucet compression and prevent faucet movement. The gripper pieces are recessed and retained with hinge pins to the housing at pivot sockets. The sockets define rotation limits.

Another resilient retainer provides at least one deformable, resilient leaf spring arm that is biased in repulsion to another arm. The deformable retainer arm has a contoured gripping surface that draws the faucet into engagement with the sink and prevents faucet movement.

The retainers can interact with the side walls of the mounting hole(s) and/or adhesive seals and/or bushings to center, index and seal the faucet and prevent movement of the faucet relative to the sink during and after final attachment. Surfaces having suitable ridges, knurling or other shapes that promote gripping the sink are provided at some of the retainer housings. Edges of others of some retainer housings are formed to resiliently grip the hole sidewalls.

Adhesive backed seals for single and multi-aperture mountings compatible with the faucet base and/or sink can be mounted to the faucet and/or sink. Seals are provided wherein the sink base or seal sets include shaped surfaces that interlock to register the faucet to the sink. Bushings compatible with the seals are also disclosed that include retainer housing registration surfaces and shaped flange pieces with resilient gripping surfaces that grip the hole sidewalls. A variety of modifications and improvements are also disclosed that can be adapted to the present retainers and faucets outfitted with the retainers and/or posts.

Still other objects, advantages, distinctions and constructions of the invention will become more apparent from the following description with respect to the appended drawings. Similar components and assemblies are referred to in the various drawings with similar alphanumeric reference characters. Various features of the invention may also be configured with other features in different combinations. The description should therefore not be literally construed in limitation of the invention. Rather, the invention should be interpreted within the broad scope of the further appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a side view of a typical faucet mounted to a sink shown in cross section view with a resiliently biased retainer of the invention that is shown in cross section and that is expanded to a latched condition.

Figure 2 shows a side view of the faucet of Figure 1 with the gripper and retractor pieces contracted to a mounting condition and wherein the retainer can be fit through a mounting aperture.

Figure 3 is a perspective drawing of the retainer housing showing a tapered gripping surface and an inclined lower surface that secures against retainer release.

Figure 4 is a perspective drawing shown in exploded assembly to the retainer housing rotated to expose an internal chamber that contains gripper and retractor members, along with biasing springs and a keeper pin.

Figure 5 shows the gripper member of the retainer of Figure 1.

Figure 6 shows the retractor member of the retainer of Figure 1. Figure 7 shows a bottom view of a typical sink relative to one or more spring-biased retainers and several tapered wedging posts to cooperate to secure the faucet to the sink.

Figure 8 shows a side view to a threaded wedge post.

Figure 9 shows a side view of a typical faucet mounted to sinks of alternative thickness that are shown in cross section with a retainer having a pair of gripper members that are biased in repelling relation at a supporting housing and wherein the grippers are shown compressed such as during faucet mounting or to effect faucet release.

Figure 10 shows the gripper members of the retainer of Figure 9 expanded to a retention condition.

Figure 11 shows a side view of a typical faucet mounted to a sink, shown in cross section, and relative to an optional spacer ring, shown in exploded assembly, that can be used with a retainer assembly having at least one resilient, deformable, leaf spring arm and that provides contoured gripping surfaces.

Figure 12 shows a retainer assembly similar to that of Figure 9 wherein gripper members of differing lengths are provided to grip sinks of differing thickness in combination with alternative mounting seals.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a housing having knurled wings along outer housing surfaces to center the retainer and grip the mounting hole sidewalls.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a housing having ridged hole-gripping wings.

Figure 15 is a top view of a housing having exemplary, alternative knurled and ridged hole-gripping wings.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a spring metal housing for retainer assemblies like those shown in Figures 9, 10 and 12 with shaped hole-gripping edges. Figure 17 is a top view of a top view of a sink hole that accommodates two supply lines and shows the retainer housing of Figure 23 mounted to the sink hole.

Figure 18 is a top view of a multi-holed adhesive backed faucet seal with retainer housing registration notches.

Figure 19 is a front view of a multi-holed adhesive backed faucet Seal.

Figure 20 is a partial view of an adhesive backed faucet seal having shaped interconnecting mating surfaces.

Figure 21 is a perspective view of an adhesive backed faucet seal showing a variety of interlocking surface shapes.

Figure 22 is a top view of a single-hole adhesive backed faucet seal having retainer housing registration notches that index to the retainer housing to the sink.

Figure 23 is a perspective view of a single-hole adhesive backed faucet bushing that indexes to the retainer housing and has a sleeve piece with alternative resilient hole-gripping members.

Figure 24 is a perspective view of a spring-biased mounting washer with alternative resilient hole-gripping members.

Figure 25 shows a retainer assembly having gripping surfaces similar to Figures 13-15 wherein gravity or spring biased retainer pieces pivot at coupling linkage arms to grip a sink.

Figure 26 shows a top view of the retainer assembly of Figure 25 in exploded assembly.

Figure 27 is a perspective view of a resilient busing retainer assembly having double- tapered hole-gripping flanges.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to Figures 1 through 6 drawings are shown to an improved faucet 2 that typically includes a pair of spring biased retainer assemblies 4, but only one of which assemblies 4 is shown. Figure 1 shows one of the retainer assemblies 4 in side profile and partial cross section with a gripper piece or member 6 expanded to engage a sink that is also shown in cross section. Figure 2 shows the retainer assembly 4 with the gripper piece 6 retracted via a retractor member 8. Figures 3 through 6 show details to a retainer housing 10, the gripper and retractor members 6 and 8 and the relative mountings of the components of the retainer assembly 4.

The retainers 4 are adaptable to faucets 2 of any conventional style and type. A typical faucet 2 includes hot and cold handles 11, a neck 12, and a spout 14 that may have an attached aerator 15. Some faucets 2 provide a single flow control handle 11 and associated control valve. Water supply lines 16 depend from a base 19 and typically extend through available apertures 17 provided at a mating support, which typically is a sink 18. Depending upon the faucet type, the retainers 4 can be positioned to mount to any available aperture 17. A compressible seal 20 of a suitable thickness can be mounted between the faucet 2 and sink 18. Alternatively, deformable putty can be used to seal the interface between the sink 18 and faucet 2 to prevent seepage from the sink top through any apertures 17.

Typically, two retainers 4 depend from each faucet 2. For a typical two handle faucet 2, one retainer 4 is mounted adjacent each of two available water supply lines 16, reference Figure 1. A retainer housing 10 is typically formed as part of or is secured to the faucet base 19. The housing 10 can be constructed of plastic or a formed metal. The dimensions and shape of the housing 10 and gripper and retractor members 6 and 8 can be adjusted to accommodate mounting apertures 17, which nominally are found in the range of 1 to 6 inch diameters. The retainer 4 can also depend from the compressible seal 20, assuming the seal 20 is separately attached to the faucet 2.

The housing 10 includes a gripper surface 24 and the spring-biased gripper member 6 includes a cooperating, contoured gripping surface 26. The shapes of the gripping surfaces 24 and 26 are formed to promote compression of the faucet 2 into the sink 18. The contour of the surfaces 24 and 26 (e.g. tapered, arcuate, elliptic and/or with lateral flaring) can be varied as desired to accommodate each particular retainer assembly 4.

During faucet mounting and with attention to Figures 2, 3 and 4, the spring-biased gripper and retractor members 6 and 8 are manipulated by the installer to a mounting condition wherein the distance between gripping surfaces 24 and 26 permits the mounting of each retainer 4 through one of the apertures 17. That is, as the retainer 4 and supply line 16 are inserted through the holes 17 with the housing 10 tipped, the aft surface 25 of the retractor member 8 is compressed inward of the housing 10 to engage and compress the gripper member 6. Both member 6 and 8 self-compress into the housing 10 until the gripping surfaces 24 and 26 pass through the aperture 17. Once the gripping surfaces 24 and 26 pass through the aperture 17, the retractor and gripper members 8 and 6 are biased outward and the gripping surfaces 24 and 26 are displaced into contact with the bottom of the sink 18 and a retention condition, reference Figure 1, wherein portions of the surfaces 24 and 26 contact the edges of the aperture 17 and other portions extend diametrically beyond the aperture 17.

As mentioned, the contours of the gripping surfaces 24 and 26 exhibit contoured shapes that promote compression of the faucet 2 into the sink 18 and a wedging action. A variety of contoured shapes may be employed to this end. Preferably, the faucet 2 is held by the retainer(s) 4 so that the faucet 2 cannot move laterally, rotate etc. Over time and with the seating of the faucet 2 and attachment of the plumbing connections the faucet mounting position is sustained against normal use and abuse. The shape of the apertures 17 and/or holes in the seal 20 can also be adapted to the shape of the housing 10 to minimize faucet movement, once mounted and seated.

Returning attention to Figure 1, spiral wound springs 30 and 32 abut the interior of the housing 10 and bias the gripping surfaces 24 and 26 into contact with the sink 18. The springs 30 and 32 extend from the gripper member 6 and the retractor member 8 and generally extend parallel to the base of the sink 18. Depending upon the shapes and mounting positions of the members 6 and 8, the springs 30 and 32 can be positioned to direct biasing forces in any desired direction. The contour of the gripping surfaces 24 and 26 in cooperation with the axial displacement of the gripper member 6 and a refractor member 8 via the springs 30 and 32 draws the faucet 2 into the sink 18, yet prevents the withdrawal of the retainers 4 and supply lines 16 through the holes 17. Withdrawal can be achieved only by manually compressing the refractor member 8.

The springs 30 and 32 can take a variety of forms besides the depicted wound form. For example and without limitation, one or both springs 30 and 32 can be constructed as leaf or torsion springs. The gripper and refractor members 6 and 8 can also be constructed of deformable and/or resilient materials whereby a spring-biased action is obtained with an appropriate shaping and placement of surfaces of the gripper and refractor members 6 and 8 relative to each other and/or the housing 10.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the gripper and refractor members 6 and 8 are mounted to slide over each other at cooperating inclined surfaces as the refractor member 8 slides over an inclined bottom surface 62 of the housing 10. The axial cooperation vertically expands and contracts the combined height of the members 6 and 8 to promote faucet compression and prevent creeping of the refractor member 8, once the faucet 2 is mounted. Once the faucet 2 is seated, the spring 32 and incline 62 discourage creeping of the refractor member 8.

Details to foregoing and the construction of the housing 10 and the gripper and refractor members 6 and 8 are depicted at Figures 3-6. The slide action occurs at overlapping tapered or inclined surfaces 36 and 38 at the gripper and refractor members 6 and 8 and the inclined interior surface 62 at the housing 10. Upon axially directing the refractor member 8 inward of the housing 10 by pushing on the surface 25, a catch arm 40 contacts a notch 42 at the gripper member 6 to compress the gripper member 6 into the housing 10. The gripping surface 26 is eventually disengaged from the sink 18, if previously engaged. The springs 30 and 32 are contained in bores 44 and 46 and normally bias the gripper and refractor members 6 and 8 to the extended or retention condition. This condition is further sustained due to the declination of the surfaces 36, 38 and 62.

The gripper and refractor members 6 and 8 are retained in an interior cavity 48 of the housing 10 via a keeper pin 50 that extends through a slot 52 in the refractor member 8 and between holes 54 in the sidewalls of the housing 10.

Although an axial sliding cooperation is shown between the gripper and refractor members 6 and 8, the shapes and mounting orientations of the members 6 and 8 and cooperating surfaces 36 and 38 can be varied as desired. For example, the housing 10 and members 6 and 8 can be modified such that a portion of the refractor member 8 extends through the bottom of the housing 10 and a longitudinal pushing motion directed parallel to the supply line 16 manipulates the gripper member 6 along an orthogonal axis. Such an arrangement facilitates detachment of a faucet 2, due to the applied pushing force on the refractor member 8, which can be performed more easily when lying on one's back in the cramped spaces of a sink cabinet.

Figures 7 and 8 disclose an alternative mounting arrangement of a faucet 2 containing one or more of the retainer assemblies 4 that cooperate with a number of tapered posts 60. The posts

60 cooperate with any provided retainer 4 to obtain a wedging action that discourages faucet movement.

Figure 7 depicts an exemplary mounting wherein a faucet 2 is shown as it appears when looking toward the bottom of the sink 18 and through the apertures 17. The depicted aπangement requires only one retainer 4 and several wedging posts 60 that are shown in Figure

8. Several posts 60 are mounted in the left aperture 17 and the single retainer 4 and a post 60 are mounted in the right aperture. The tapered surfaces 62 of the posts 60 are arranged to extend through and engage the edges of the hole 17. This contact in combination with the compressive action of the retainer 4 prevents faucet movement. The posts 60 can be secured to the faucet base 19 with threads 64. Alternatively, the threaded surface 64 can be constructed as a deformable stud or an adhesive can be used to retain the posts 60. The posts 60 can also be cast as part of the base 19.

Positioning two posts 60 in one aperture 17 and one post 60 and a retainer assembly 4 in the other aperture 17 as depicted has been found to provide adequate retention with a single retainer assembly 4. However, a second retainer assembly 4, shown in dashed line at Figure 7, can also be provided as desired at the other aperture 17.

Figures 9 and 10 show another alternative, spring-biased retainer assembly 70 and which is shown in relation to sinks 18 of different thickness. The retainer 70 includes a housing 72 (shown in cross section) that is secured to the faucet base 19. Pivot arms 74 and 76 are secured to the housing 72 with hinge pins 78. A spring 80 secured between the arms 74 and 76 normally biases the arms 74 and 76 apart to the retention condition. During faucet mounting, the arms 74 and 76 rotate inward and overlap one another as shown at Figure 9. Once the housing 72 and arms 74 and 76 are extended past the aperture 17, the arms 74 and 76 are biased to pivot outward and contact the sink 18.

An apex 82 of each arm 74 and 76 is recessed into a socket 84 of the housing 72. The edges of the sockets 84 cooperate with the pins 78 and are shaped to limit the rotation of the arms 74 and 76. Appropriately shaped contoured surfaces 86 and 88 at the arms 74 and 76 contact the edges of the supply line hole 17 and sink 18 to promote gripping and faucet retention by compressively drawing the faucet 2 against the sink 18. Depending upon the material (e.g. stainless steel or ceramic) used to construct the sink 18, the sink thickness of the sink 18 will vary. The point of contact of the gripping surfaces 86 and 88 will coπespondingly vary as noted in Figure 9 and wherein sinks of differing thickness are shown at a mounting hole 17 relative to the arms 74 and 76, which are of the same length. Figure 12 shows an alternative retainer assembly 71 similar to the assembly 70 that provides a pair of arms 75 and 76 of differing length. The arm 75 is shorter than the arm 76. The differing length arms 75 and 76 allow a single retainer assembly 71 to accommodate sinks of differing thickness. Only one of the arms 75 or 76 will contact and grip the sink 18, but in normal circumstances, the retention force of a single arm 75 or 76 is believed sufficient to secure the retainer 71 to the sink 18.

It is also contemplated that the arms 75 and 76 might be constructed of several sections that permit length adjustment. For example and as depicted at the arm 76, which is shown as being constructed of sections 76a and 76b and a fastener 77, the section 76a can be fastened or not to the section 76b to provide matching length arms. Multiple interlocking points along the sections 76a and 76b accommodate different lengths relative to the thickness of commercially available sinks.

The seal 20 of Figure 12 is also shown in partial section to depict exemplary alternative types of seals that are discussed in more detail with respect to Figures 18-22. Adhesive laminates or coatings on the upper and/or lower surfaces of the seal 20 secure the seal to the faucet 2 and sink 18. The seal section 140 provides mating halves 142 and 144 that interlock at a serrated interface 146, once the upper and lower halves 142 and 144 have been positioned. The shape of the interface 146 can exhibit different geometric shapes, provided they interlock or bond to prevent faucet movement.

The seal section 147 provides a smooth interface 149 having a slow-setting adhesive.

The seal 151 is made to be deformable such that registration projections 153 that extend from the faucet base 19 either depress or interlock with the seal 153 to assure proper faucet registration to the sink 18.

Figure 11 discloses yet another retainer assembly 90 that is mounted to a faucet base 19. The retainer 90 includes arms 92 and 94 that depend from a flange 96 that is secured to the faucet base 19 with appropriate fasteners. The retainer arms 92 and 94 are formed of a resilient, deformable material that flexes yet returns to shape, for example a spring steel or resilient plastic.

Contoured gripping surfaces 104 and 106 are formed in the fashion of the various disclosed gripping surfaces 24 and 26 and 86 and 88 to obtain a compressive retention with a sink base 19 when the retainer 90 is inserted through an aperture 17. The arms 92 and 94 flex inward during mounting and spring outward once extended past the bottom edges of the apertures 17 to secure the faucet 2. No separate fastener is required to maintain the retention forces and prevent faucet movement. Peripheral edges of the arms 92 and 94 can be shaped to prevent faucet movement, for example, in the fashion of the housing edges 120 and 122 discussed below relative to Figure 16. Faucet release is obtained by squeezing the arms 92 and

94 together sufficiently to a diameter less than the aperture 17 through which the arms are inserted.

Although both arms 92 and 94 are presently constructed of a deformable metal, it is necessary that only one of the arms 92 or 94 be deformable. The other arm 92 or 94 can provide a rigid surface, in the fashion of the housing 22. The retainer 90 can also be constructed as a single piece with the arms 92 and 94 joined at the apex 102. Interlocking tabs and slots can also be provided at the apex 100 of the arms 92 and 94. A spacer or washer 108 of suitable thickness is also shown in exploded assembly that can be mounted to the aperture 17 of bottom of the sink 18 to assure a sufficient compressive, faucet retention force is obtained.

In further regard to the concern of the invention that the faucet mounting be immovable and self-centering to the sink 18 and mounting hole(s) 17, a variety of seals, bushings and modified retainer and/or faucet assemblies are shown to this end at Figures 13-26. Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a self-mounting retainer housing 10 that has one or more wings 110 that project from the outer walls of the housing 10 adjacent the surface 24 to center the housing 10 and grip the vertical sidewalls of the mounting hole 17. The wings 110 laterally extend from the sides of the housing 10 and vertically taper inward toward the housing 10 as each arm extends down along the housing 10. The vertical tapering facilitates self-centering of the housing

10 and provides a progressive gripping action.

Knurled projections 112 are formed into the surface 24 and the adjoining top and sidewall surfaces of the wings 110 to facilitate gripping the sink bottom and the sidewall surfaces of the mounting holes 17. A variety of other surface treatments of appropriate geometric shape

(e.g. sandpaper-like, ridges, pointed projections, channels etc.) can be provided at the wings 110 and/or surface 24 to enhance gripping and minimize housing movement within the hole 17 and relative to the sink 18.

Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a housing 10 having inward tapered wings 114, similar to the wings 110, but containing ridges 116 at their top and vertical sidewall surfaces, as well as at the adjoining surface 24.

Figure 15 depicts a top view of a housing 10 showing exemplary permutations of either hole-gripping wings 110 or 114 adjacent the sink gripping surface 24 and at the opposite end of the housing from which the latch 26 projects. In normal practice, all four wings 110 or 114 would be provided with knurled or ridged projections 112 or 116. The gripping surface 26 of the gripper member 6 is shown with knurling 112, but can include ridges 116. Similarly, the surface 24 can include knurling 112 or ridges 116. Figures 25 and 26 show still another alternative retainer 200 that includes enhanced sink and hole gripping surfaces of the foregoing types.

It is to be appreciated the shape of wings 110 and 114, orientation and/or location at the housing 10 can be varied as desired. The hole and sink contacting surfaces of the wings can be formed with a variety of grip enhancing surface treatments. The wings 110 and 114 can also be made of a relatively rigid, deformable material different from that of the housing 10 to assure a resilient coupling with the sidewalls of the sink 18 and holes 17.

Figure 16 shows a perspective view of a spring metal housing 72 such as used with the retainer assemblies 70 and 71 shown in Figures 9, 10 and 12. The housing 72, which is typically formed from a metal or plastic, has been modified to provide tapered corners or peripheral edges

120 that project from the housing in the vicinity of the mounting hole 17. With further attention to the top view of the retainer assembly, shown at Figure 17 relative to a mounting hole 17, upon fitting the housing 72 into the hole 17, the tapered corners 120 progressively flex as the housing 72 is lowered to grip the sidewalls of the hole 17. The offsetting flexion of the corners 120 provides a secure fastening that centers the housing 72 and prevents rotation or lateral movement. The peripheral edges of the corners 120 can be shaped to provide seπations 122 or beveled edges 124 to enhance the gripping and prevent expulsion of the housing 72.

Still other adhesive backed retainer movement inhibiting seal assemblies are shown at Figures 18-22. Figure 18 shows a top view of a multi-holed adhesive backed faucet seal 126.

Figure 19 shows a partial cross section view through the seal 126 and a metal laminate 132 or insert 134 discussed below. Suitable adhesives 128 are coated or laminated onto one or both top and bottom surfaces of a center subsfrate 130 and laminate 132 or inserts 134. The subsfrate 130 is made of conventional materials and is typically water impermeable and pliant.

The metal layer 132 or round inserts 134 (shown in dashed line at one of the mounting holes) can be affixed as a layer of the seal 126. Registration notches 136 can be let into the layer 132 or inserts 134 adjacent the mounting hole(s) 17 to align with and register the retainer housings 10, 70 and 71 to the seal 126 and hole 17.

Figure 20 shows a single hole seal 138 having upper and lower adhesive layers 128 (shown in partial section) affixed to a center subsfrate 140 that can comprise a single layer or a combination of pliant and rigid layers. Housing registration notches 136 are aπayed at the interior circumference of the subsfrate 140. It is to be appreciated the shape and configuration of the seals 126 and 138 can be varied as desired or necessary to accommodate particular faucet mountings and sink types (e.g. stainless steel, ceramic, china, CORION, marble etc.). Still other adhesive seal configurations or adaptations are shown at Figures 21 and 22.

Figure 21 shows a partial perspective view through a two-layer faucet seal 140. Appropriate adhesive laminates or coatings 128 are applied to one or both upper and lower surfaces of the layers 142 and 144. A center parting line 146 or interface between the layers 142 and 144 exhibits mating seπations where the seal 140 separates. Separate adhesive coatings can be applied to the parting surface 146. Upon affixing the layers 142 and 144 to a faucet and sink 18 and positioning the faucet 2, the layers 142 and 144 interlock and prevent faucet movement. In lieu of complementary interfaces at the layers 142 and 144, one of the layers 142 or 144 can be merely pliant so as to compress and mold to the shape of the other layer.

Figure 22 shows a number of alternative projections having different geometric shapes that can be formed into the interface 146. For example, the interface 146 can provide suitable numbers of ridges 148, conical 150, pyramidal or diamond 152, hemispherical 154 or cylindrical 156 projections or points to obtain a desired registration and immovable mounting between the faucet 10 and sink 18.

Still other bushing-like assemblies 158 and 160 are shown at Figures 23 and 24 that register the faucet to the mounting hole 17 and prevent movement. Such assemblies do not conflict with the supply conduits that mount in the holes 17. The assemblies 158 and 160 can be fitted to appropriate mounting holes 17. Figure 23 shows a perspective view of a single-hole bushing 158. A top flange 160 overlaps the top of the hole 17 and a cylindrical sleeve 162 depends from the flange 160. Housing registration notches 164 can be formed into the flange

160 or can extend as a groove 166 (shown in dashed line) along an interior surface of the sleeve 162. A vertical slit or gap 168 (shown in dashed line) can be provided in the bushing 160. The gap 168 is advantageous, if the bushing 160 is made of a resilient material, to facilitate the compression and expansion of the bushing 160 as it is fit to a mounting hole 17. Adhesive coatings or layers 170 and 172 (shown in partial section) are provided at the flange 160 to further enhance the attachment. The outer surface of the sleeve 162 is provided with are appropriate devices to grip the sidewalls of the hole 17. Exemplary, arcuate vertical seπations 174, hash-shaped seπations 176, points 178 or a granular material 180 are shown that assure a sufficient gripping of the hole 17 and proper indexing of the retainer housing 10, 70 or 71 to the sink 18. The bushing 158 can be constructed from suitable plastics, nylon, spring metal or a variety of materials that provide the desired resilience and flexion.

The alternative bushing 160 shown in perspective view at Figure 24 provides arms 181 and 182 that pivot at a hinge 184. The hinge can be constructed with a pin or as an integral part of the arms 181, 182. A spring 186 biases the arms 180 and 182 outward. During mounting, the arms 180 and 182 are compressed inward as the bushing 160 is fitted to a mounting hole 17.

Arcuate sleeve pieces 188 depend from a circular upper flange 190 of each arm and housing registration notches or grooves 192 are let into the flange 190 and/or sleeves 188. The outer surfaces of the sleeves 188 are treated with appropriate arcuate vertical seπations 174, hash- shaped seπations 176, points 178 or granular material 180.

Figure 25 shows yet another retainer assembly 200 fitted to a faucet 2 that has sink and hole gripping surfaces similar to those of the wings 110 and 114 of Figures 13-15. The retainer 200 provides a vertical body piece 202 that depends from the faucet 2. A gripping surface 204 is positioned to contact the sink 18. The surface presently exhibits an arcuate shape, when viewed from the top, see Figure 26.

The arcuate shape of the gripping surface 204 is better appreciated from Figure 26. The surface 204 can, however, exhibit any of a variety of other shapes that enhance faucet retention. The surface 204, as with any of the gripping surfaces 24 or 26, can include knurling 112, ridges 116, grooves, flanges or other grip enhancing surface treatments. A gripping piece 206 is connected to the body 202 to pivot at linkage arms 208 and pivot pins 210 relative the body 202. The gripper piece 206 is presently mounted in parallel relation to the body 202, although can be mounted in non-parallel relation to the body 202 (e.g. by varying the length of the arms 208) to provide a wedging action. Complementary, tapered vertical surfaces can also be provided at abutting surfaces of the body 202 and gripper piece 206 to induce a wedging action. The linkage arms 208 may also be deleted in such a construction, for example, if the gripper piece 206 mounts in a vertical slot of the body 202.

A shaped gripping surface 212, similar to the surface 204, extends along the peripheral edge of piece 206 and can include knurling 112, ridging 116 granular materials 180 or other appropriate surface treatment to facilitate faucet registration and retention. A spring 214 biases the gripping piece 206 and exerts a normal force to pivot the gripping piece 206 away from the body piece 202. The spring 214 can be deleted if a gravity-induced expansion is believed sufficient. The pieces 202 and 206, as with all of the disclosed retainers, are sized to expand to a maximum separation greater than the diameter of the mounting hole 17.

When mounting the retainer 200, the pieces 202 and 206 compress as the assembly 200 is inserted into the hole 17. Once the faucet 2 is positioned, the piece 206 is released and expands to abut the sidewalls of the hole 17. Extraction is achieved by placing upward pressure on surface 216 of the gripper piece 206 which disengages the retainer 200 from the sink 18.

Although two retainer pieces 202 and 206 are presently prefeπed, any number of retainer pieces that are coupled to expand relative to each other can be used provided they do not obstruct placement of the pipes 16 through the hole 17. The shape of the pieces can also be varied as desired to serve the foregoing end.

Three or more pieces that pivot or expand relative to each other can be used; for example and when viewed on-end, the pieces can pivot relative to a stem piece at the center of the hole in the fashion of cylinder hones. The pieces might also be mounted in a biased screw-follower fashion. Pieces can project and pivot transverse to and/or from opposite sides of the body 202 such that a "T" or "+" shape is exhibited when the retainer 200 is viewed end-on. The pieces 202 and 206 can alternatively exhibit cylindrical or partial tubular shapes similar to the bushings of Figures 23 and 24, for example to present and end-on shape of "()".

Figure 27 shows a single tubular retainer 220 with a pair of flanges 219 that can be mounted to a faucet 2 with suitable fasteners. The manner of mounting of the retainer 220 to a faucet 2 will depend upon the construction of the faucet. The retainer 220 provides a tubular body piece 221 having several longitudinally flexible, resilient sections or hinges 222. Projecting from the outer walls of the body 221 are a number of tapered flanges 224.

The flanges 224 presently provide double tapers and are positioned along the body such that as the body 221 is inserted in a hole 17, the lower tapered surfaces 226 progressively induce the body 221 to compress at the resilient sections 222, until the body 221 is fully compressed in the region of the sink bottom. This condition typically occurs near the juncture of the lower and upper tapers 226 and 228 and the bottom edge of the sink 18. Once inserted past the sink bottom the body 221 progressively flexes back to shape as the upper tapers 228 contact the sink bottom and create a force that pulls the faucet 2 into compression with the sink 18. Faucet movement is prevented by applying appropriate knurling 112, granular material 180 and other grip enhancing treatments etc. to the flanges 224 and/or body walls.

Extraction of the faucet 2 is achieved by manually compressing the walls of the body 221 inward sufficiently to release the flanges 224. Positioning the flanges 224 along the body 221 at different separations from the upper end of the body 221 accommodates sinks 18 of different thickness. It is to be appreciated the degree of taper at the surfaces 226 and 228 can be varied and that the taper 228 may also be deleted altogether. Although one construction of resilient hinges 222 is shown, the hinges 22 can also be constructed to exhibit a variety of shapes, such as accordion folds and/or can include apertures. While the invention has been described with respect to a number of retainer constructions and considered improvements or alternatives thereto, still other constructions may be suggested to those skilled in the art. Several of the disclosed features can also be used independently and/or be combined in different combinations. For example, the positioning of the faucet 2 can also be directed by controlling the relative shapes of the housings 10, 72 and/or seal 20 or by including other indexing pieces, such as shaped washers. Tapered or interconnecting keyed surfaces can be provided at the retainer housings and/or mounting seals or bushings to promote a prefeπed orientation and/or prevent faucet movement. The retainers may also be used with a variety of appliances, other than faucets, to secure the appliances to a stationary surface or support. The foregoing description should therefore not be literally construed and should instead be construed to include all those embodiments within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

Claims

CLAIMS L A retainer assembly for connecting a water faucet having flow control means and water supply lines to a sink, comprising: a) a housing adapted to mount to said faucet; and b) retention means coupled to said housing having a gripper member that resiliently compresses and expands, wherein said gripper member is biased to expand and confract between a retention condition and a retracted condition, wherein a gripping surface of said gripper member projects from said housing to contact said sink and draw said faucet into compression therewith in said retention condition, and wherein the gripping surface is refracted such that said retainer can be inserted through a mounting aperture in said sink in said refracted condition.

2. A retainer assembly as set forth in claim 1 including means for resiliently biasing said gripper member such that said gripper member flexes to said refracted condition during faucet mounting and expands to said retention position as said gripper member is inserted past the bottom of said sink.

3. A retainer assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said retention means includes registration means for registering said retainer assembly relative to said mounting aperture and preventing movement of said faucet once seated.

4. A retainer assembly as set forth in claim 1 including registration means for centering said retainer assembly relative to said mounting aperture and preventing movement of said faucet once seated.

5. A retainer assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said registration means comprises a sealing member having an adhesive layer.

6. A retainer assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said sealing member comprises first and second layers, wherein one of said first and second layers mounts to said faucet and the other of said first and second layers mounts to said sink, and wherein one of said first and second layers includes a plurality of projections that interlock with the other of said first and second

24 layers, whereby faucet movement is minimized upon drawing said first and second layers into contact with one another.

7. A retainer assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said sealing member includes a planar member having an aperture through which said housing mounts and which aperture is shaped to restrict lateral and rotational movement of said housing once mounted.

8. A retainer assembly as set forth in claim 5 including a generally tubular member that mounts in said mounting aperture and having a surface formed to grip the sidewalls of said mounting aperture to prevent housing movement.

9. A retainer assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said tubular member includes a surface containing a plurality of projections that contact the aperture sidewalls and a groove that couples with said housing.

10. A retainer assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said tubular member comprises first and second arcuate portions that are secured to one another at first at a hinge and are biased apart at adjoining longitudinal peripheral edges.

11. A retainer assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said tubular member exhibits a cylindrical shape and is constructed of a resilient material having a memory and includes a longitudinal slot defined between displaced longitudinal peripheral edges of said tubular member, whereby said peripheral edges can be compressed.

12. A retainer assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said housing includes a protruding surface that tapers inward as it extends along said housing and contains a plurality of projections that protrude to contact the sidewalls of said mounting aperture.

13. A retainer assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said housing includes planer wall and is formed of a material that flexes and wherein a peripheral vertical edge of said wall that abuts said mounting aperture includes a tapered peripheral edge that flexes as said housing is fitted to said mounting aperture.

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14. A retainer assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said housing includes at least one gripper member having a surface shaped to grip the underside of said sink and spring means for biasing movement of said gripper member.

15. A retainer assembly as set forth in claim 14 including means for varying the length of said gripper member.

16. A retainer assembly for connecting a water faucet having flow control means and water supply lines to a sink, comprising a substantially tubular member adapted to mount to said faucet and having a longitudinal bore, wherein the walls of said tubular member are adapted to resiliently compress and expand to vary the diameter of said bore between a retention condition and a refracted condition, wherein a gripping surface of said tubular member is formed to contact a mounting aperture through said sink and draw said faucet into compression therewith in said retention condition, and wherein the tubular member compresses such that when refracted the tubular member can be inserted through said mounting aperture in said sink.

17. A retainer assembly as set forth in claim 16 including a gripper member that protrudes from the walls of said tubular member and includes said gripping surface and wherein said gripper member expands and contracts such that said housing is compressed as a first surface portion progressively contacts said mounting aperture and expands as a second surface portion progressively extends past the bottom of said sink.

18. A retainer assembly as set forth in claim 17 wherein said gripper member comprises a double tapered ledge that projects from said housing, wherein a first portion rises from the housing wall to a point of maximum displacement from the housing wall and a second portion descends from the point of maximum displacement to the housing wall, such that said housing is compressed as said first portion progressively contacts said mounting aperture and expands as said second portion extends past the bottom of said sink.

19. A retainer assembly as set forth in claim 18 including a plurality of said gripper members and wherein a sink-contacting surface of each gripper member is roughened to enhance gripping.

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20. A retainer assembly as set forth in claim 16 wherein said tubular member includes a plurality of flexible longitudinal regions whereat the walls of said tubular member expand and confract.

21. A retainer assembly for connecting a water faucet having flow control means and water supply lines to a sink, comprising a body piece having a surface adapted to contact the sidewalls of a mounting aperture through said sink, a gripping piece having a surface adapted to contact the sidewalls of said mounting aperture through said sink, a linkage for pivotally coupling said gripping piece to said body piece such that said gripping piece expands and contracts the relative diameter of said gripping piece to said mounting aperture between a retention condition and a refracted condition, wherein gripping surfaces of said body and gripping pieces project to contact said mounting aperture and draw said faucet into compression therewith in said retention condition, and wherein said gripping piece compresses when refracted to permit said body and gripping pieces to be inserted through said mounting aperture in said sink.

22. A retainer assembly for connecting a water faucet having flow control means and water supply lines to a sink, comprising: a) a housing adapted to mount to said faucet; b) a gripper member and a refractor member mounted to said housing, wherein said gripper member includes a surface shaped to grip the underside of said sink, wherein said gripper and refractor members are mounted to permit movement relative to one another between a retention condition, where the gripping surface of said gripper member projects from said housing to contact said sink and draw said faucet into compression therewith, and a refracted condition, where the gripping surface of said gripper member is retracted such that said retainer can be inserted through a mounting aperture in said sink; and c) means for resiliently biasing said gripper and refractor members for self-directed movement relative to each other and such that said gripper surface is normally extended to said retention condition, whereby one or both of said gripper and refractor members contact said sink

27 and flex to said refracted condition during mounting to permit mounting through said aperture and, once mounted, said gripper member returns to said retention position.

23. A retainer assembly for connecting a water faucet having flow control means and water supply lines to a sink, comprising: a) a housing adapted to mount to a faucet having an open cavity and a gripping surface shaped to grip the underside of said sink; b) a gripper member and a refractor member mounted within said cavity, wherein said gripper member includes a surface shaped to grip the underside of said sink, wherein said gripper and refractor members are mounted for reciprocating movement relative to one another along an axis parallel to a faucet mounting surface of said sink between said between a retention condition, where the gripping surface of said gripper member projects from said housing to contact said sink and draw said faucet into compression therewith, and a refracted condition, where the gripping surface of said gripper member is retracted such that said retainer can be inserted through a mounting aperture in said sink; and c) spring means contacting said housing for biasing relative movement of said gripper and refractor members and such that said gripper surface is normally extended to said retention condition, whereby one or both of said gripper and refractor members contact said sink and flex to said retracted condition during mounting to permit mounting through said aperture and, once mounted, said gripper member returns to said retention position.

24. A retainer assembly for connecting a water faucet having flow control means and water supply lines to a sink, comprising: a) a housing adapted to mount to a faucet; b) first and second members mounted to pivot relative to said housing, wherein said first and second members each include contoured surfaces shaped to grip the underside of said sink; and c) bias means for biasing said gripper and refractor members in pivotal opposition to each other, such said gripper and refractor members are compressed toward each other sufficiently to

28 permit mounting said housing through an aperture of a sink at a mounting position and, once said retainer is inserted through said aperture, said first and second members pivot to a retention position, where the gripping surfaces of said first and second members contact and draw said faucet into compression with said sink.

25. A retainer assembly mounted to a water faucet having flow control means and water supply lines to a sink, comprising; first and second resilient members adapted to mount to and project from a base of said faucet, wherein said first and second members include contoured gripping surfaces that flare outward in acute relation to a longitudinal axis that projects orthogonal to a faucet base and which longitudinal axis extends parallel to said first and second members, wherein said first and second members flare to first and second regions where the collective displacement between the first and second regions is greater than the opening of a mounting aperture of said sink, wherein said first and second members taper inward from said first and second regions at an acute angle relative to said longitudinal axis and extend to an apex region, whereby said first and second members compress toward said longitudinal axis when mounted through a sink aperture and, once inserted, expand outward such that the gripping surface of said first and second members contact the underside of said sink and draw said faucet into compression therewith.

26. A retainer assembly adaptable to connecting a water faucet having flow control means and water supply lines to a sink, comprising; first and second members adapted to mount to and project from a base of said faucet, wherein at least one of said first and second members is formed from a resilient material with a memory that flexes and returns to a predetermined shape, wherein said first and second members include contoured gripping surfaces that flare outward in acute relation to a longitudinal axis that projects orthogonal to a faucet base and which longitudinal axis extends parallel to said first and second members, wherein said first and second members flare to first and second regions where the collective displacement between the first and second regions is greater than the opening of a mounting aperture of said sink, wherein said first and second members taper inward from said first and second regions at an acute angle

29 relative to said longitudinal axis and extend to an apex region, whereby said at least one of said first and second members compresses toward said longitudinal axis when mounted through a sink aperture and, once inserted, expands outward such that the gripping surface of said first and second members contact the underside of said sink and draw said faucet into compression therewith.

27. A faucet assembly having flow control means, water supply lines and retainer means for coupling to a sink, wherein said retainer means comprises: a) a housing having an open cavity mounted to said sink; b) a gripper member and a refractor member mounted within said cavity, wherein said gripper member includes a surface shaped to grip the underside of said sink, wherein said gripper and refractor members are mounted to permit movement relative to one another between a retention condition, where the gripping surface of said gripper member projects from said housing to contact said sink and draw said faucet into compression therewith, and a refracted condition, where the gripping surface of said gripper member is refracted such that said retainer can be inserted through a mounting aperture in said sink; and c) means for resiliently biasing said gripper and refractor members for relative movement and such that said gripper surface is normally extended to said retention condition.

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