Abstract: A hose retraction system for a pull-out or pull-down faucet includes a support bracket configured to couple to a shank, a cylindrical housing mountable to the support bracket, and at least one constant force coil spring disposable in the cylindrical housing and configured to at least partially couple to a hose disposed in a faucet spout. The coil spring provides a recoil force sufficient to retract the hose when the hose is extended from the spout.

Abstract: A faucet spray head magnetic docking system includes a socket that couples to an end of the spout, and a bonnet that couples to the spray head and that engages with the socket. The socket includes a shell configured to be arranged in the mouth of the spout, and integrated with one or more magnetic elements. The magnetic elements may be inserted into corresponding holes of the socket shell. Alternatively, the magnetic elements may be incorporated directly into the shell. The bonnet includes a threaded portion for coupling to corresponding threads of a connector at the spray head, and includes one or more corresponding magnets configured to magnetically attract to the magnetic elements of the socket.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing carbonated water through a typical kitchen faucet. The faucet-integrated carbonation system can include a carbonated water reservoir coupled to a residential or commercial cold water supply line as well as a CO2 tank, all of which can be mounted under a kitchen countertop or the like. The water held in the reservoir can be carbonated using the CO2 when a user activates a CO2 activation mechanism. The system can further include a carbonated water on/off valve for dispensing carbonated water from the carbonated water reservoir via a waterway with an outlet disposed at the end of the faucet.

Abstract: Novel plumbing products, including faucets, are fabricated, e.g., using metallic 3-dimensional or other 3-D printing techniques, to have complex geometries, such as multiple channels that may diverge and re-converge near the spout. The geometries of the various channels can resemble interwoven net-like patterns that define various shapes between the channels, such as a lattice-type faucet defining parallelograms, circles or ovals, or multiple channels defining ellipses or half ellipses as channels diverge and then re-converge. Other embodiments may have fewer channels that diverge at the base of a faucet and re-converge at some distance above, after defining various curved paths at some defined convex curvature. The plumbing fixtures may be formed from one or more of stainless steels, INCONEL, brass, bronze, polycarbonate, PVC, acrylics, rigid polyolefins, PET, carbon fiber, AES, or other plumbing fitting suitable corrosion resistant materials.

Abstract: A faucet-integrated touch-free soap dispensing system includes a soap dispenser and a proximity sensor at least partially integrated with a faucet. A dispensing unit that includes a soap reservoir and a pump can be mounted below the deck that supports the faucet.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing carbonated water through a typical kitchen faucet. The faucet-integrated carbonation system can include a carbonated water reservoir coupled to a residential or commercial cold water supply line as well as a CO2 tank, all of which can be mounted under a kitchen countertop or the like. The water held in the reservoir can be carbonated using the CO2 when a user activates a CO2 activation mechanism. The system can further include a carbonated water on/off valve for dispensing carbonated water from the carbonated water reservoir via a waterway with an outlet disposed at the end of the faucet.

Abstract: The invention includes an assembly for remotely controlling fluid flow between a fluid source, such as a water source, and an outlet that includes at least one electrically operable valve, such as an electromagnetically-actuatable valve, to be interposed between the fluid source and the outlet, the valve being actuatable between an open position, in which the source and the outlet are fluidly connected, and a closed position in which the source and the outlet are not fluidly connected; at least one actuator, such as a solenoid actuator, operably connected to the at least one valve for actuating the valve between the open and closed positions; a controller comprising a receiver for receiving a wireless signal, wherein the controller is operably connected to the actuator and capable of actuating the actuator upon receipt of a wireless signal by the receiver; and an activator device comprising (i) a user-activatable sensor for detecting a stimulus when the stimulus enters a detection zone and (ii) a transmitter

Abstract: The disclosure includes a faucet assembly with a unique multifunction spray head. The spray head is capable of at least four spray functions, and has an outer shell; a flow body extending within the shell, a first end extending out of the shell for attachment to a faucet and a second end in fluid communication with a spray selector assembly The flow body defines a flow path from the first end of the flow body to a flow selector assembly. The spray head includes a flow selector assembly comprising: a selector valve housing body having at least four valve recesses therein; at least four flow selector valves seated within the recesses in the selector valve housing body; and a rotating selector valve ring. A sprayer seat has a faceplate thereon and a flow diversion conduit corresponding to each selector valve to provide flow paths from a selector valve to a sprayer outlet or an aerator outlet.

Abstract: A faucet assembly is disclosed which is of a modular type for use in varying faucet designs and incorporating polymeric or partially polymeric parts in the internal water way assembly therein. The faucet assembly includes a cover plate and an internal water way assembly as well as at least one faucet handle. The internal water way assembly includes a valve assembly having a shank and a valve water way portion positioned on an upper portion of the shank. The valve water way portion defines a valve seat therein, and has a transversely extending outlet passageway. A valve cartridge for controlling flow through the assembly is seated in the valve seat, and, a bridge, which may be a single component or multi-part bridge has a passageway therethrough to receive water from the valve water way portion and a spout receiving portion. A spout tube is configured to be positioned in or on the spout receiving portion of the bridge. The internal water way assembly is attached to the cover plate.

Abstract: A spread faucet assembly, an installation kit, and an installation method are described herein. The spread faucet assembly has a spout assembly with a spout, a tailpiece, and at least one fluid inlet conduit. It also include at least one valve assembly having a shank, an fluid inlet conduit, a fluid outlet conduit and a valve cartridge, wherein the shank has an inner surface having a fluid receiving area in fluid communication with the valve cartridge and the fluid outlet conduit, the inner surface defines an opening in fluid communication with the valve cartridge and valve assembly fluid inlet conduit, and the valve cartridge is positioned in the opening. A connector is also included for coupling the at least one valve assembly fluid outlet conduit with the at least one spout assembly fluid inlet conduit.

Abstract: The disclosure provides faucets, faucet assemblies and methods for delivering liquid through a faucet. The faucet includes a faucet body having a first open end configured for connection with a faucet base, a second open end for receiving a faucet handle, and a faucet body portion having an opening therein. The faucet body has an inner wall defining a passage extending therethrough. The faucet also includes a faucet handle and a spray handle having a first end section and a sprayer end section. The first end section is configured to be detachably connected to the faucet body portion, and the spray handle has an inner wall and a passage extending therethrough which is in open communication with the passage through the faucet body. The faucet also has a hose connection that can receive a hose for delivering liquid to the spray handle. The hose connection may be in the sprayer end section of the spray handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a showerhead that allows a bather to switch among at least three different water delivery functions. In the first function, the showerhead delivers a concentrated fluttering spray at a rate not to exceed 1.5 GPM (5.75 GPM). In the second function, the showerhead delivers a combined spray pattern, wherein the fluttering spray and a radially dispersed precision spray are simultaneously delivered to the bather at a rate not to exceed 2.0 GPM (7.57 L/min) for the combined water flow. In the third function, the showerhead delivers the precision spray pattern at a rate not to exceed 2.0 L/min (7.57 GPM). The combination spray pattern is effected without compromising either the desirable massaging and cleaning effect of water delivery or the inherent water conservation benefits.

Abstract: Valve cartridges for a faucet are described herein. The valve cartridge has a body with a longitudinal passage, and a side opening. The cartridge has a spindle with a lower end portion in rotatable relationship with the body's interior surface, and an upper outwardly extending end portion. Included is a movable disk with a surface that contacts and interacts with the lower end portion of the spindle, an arcuate side wall portion and an inwardly extending side wall portion with a fluid receiving area that allows for fluid flow out of the body side opening. A stationary disk with a through opening allows passage of fluid from a body inlet through the side opening when the opening in the disk is aligned with the fluid receiving area. A sealing ring, which mates with the body, is provided to stabilize the stationary and movable disks within the body passage.

Abstract: A nut and an assembly including such a nut are described herein, wherein the nut includes an outer shell having an outer surface, an inner circumferential surface having a inwardly extending flange, and an upper rim portion; and an insert piece having an upper outwardly extending portion and a plurality of downwardly extending projections, wherein each of the projections has an outer surface and an inner surface, a portion of the inner surfaces of the projections is configured to engage a nut-receiving surface and the outer portion of the projections is configured to engage the inner circumferential surface of the first outer shell such that upon a pushing action of a user the inwardly extending flange on the outer shell presses upwardly on the upper outwardly extending portion of the insert piece so that the portion of the inner surfaces of the projections configured to receive a nut-receiving surface moves outwardly and upon removal of the pushing action, portion of the inner surfaces of the projections con

Abstract: The present invention provides a water saving showerhead that allows a bather to switch among at least three different water delivery functions. In the first function, the showerhead delivers a concentrated fluttering spray. In the second function, the showerhead delivers a combined spray pattern, wherein the fluttering spray and a radially dispersed precision spray are simultaneously delivered to the bather. In the third function, the showerhead delivers the precision spray pattern. The combination spray pattern is effected without compromising either the desirable massaging and cleaning effect of water delivery or the inherent water conservation benefits. In addition, the showerhead of the present invention provides an automatic return feature for return of the showerhead to the first function when water pressure to the showerhead falls below a predetermined bottom threshold.

Abstract: A nut and an assembly including such a nut are described herein, wherein the nut includes an outer shell having an outer surface, an inner circumferential surface having a inwardly extending flange, and an upper rim portion; and an insert piece having an upper outwardly extending portion and a plurality of downwardly extending projections, wherein each of the projections has an outer surface and an inner surface, a portion of the inner surfaces of the projections is configured to engage a nut-receiving surface and the outer portion of the projections is configured to engage the inner circumferential surface of the first outer shell such that upon a pushing action of a user the inwardly extending flange on the outer shell presses upwardly on the upper outwardly extending portion of the insert piece so that the portion of the inner surfaces of the projections configured to receive a nut-receiving surface moves outwardly and upon removal of the pushing action, portion of the inner surfaces of the projections con

Abstract: The disclosure provides faucets, faucet assemblies and methods for delivering liquid through a faucet. The faucet includes a faucet body having a first open end configured for connection with a faucet base, a second open end for receiving a faucet handle, and a faucet body portion having an opening therein. The faucet body has an inner wall defining a passage extending therethrough. The faucet also includes a faucet handle and a spray handle having a first end section and a sprayer end section. The first end section is configured to be detachably connected to the faucet body portion, and the spray handle has an inner wall and a passage extending therethrough which is in open communication with the passage through the faucet body. The faucet also has a hose connection that can receive a hose for delivering liquid to the spray handle. The hose connection may be in the sprayer end section of the spray handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a showerhead that allows a bather to switch among at least three different water delivery functions. In the first function, the showerhead delivers a concentrated fluttering spray at a rate not to exceed 1.5 GPM (5.75 GPM). In the second function, the showerhead delivers a combined spray pattern, wherein the fluttering spray and a radially dispersed precision spray are simultaneously delivered to the bather at a rate not to exceed 2.0 GPM (7.57 L/min) for the combined water flow. In the third function, the showerhead delivers the precision spray pattern at a rate not to exceed 2.0 L/min (7.57 GPM). The combination spray pattern is effected without compromising either the desirable massaging and cleaning effect of water delivery or the inherent water conservation benefits.

Abstract: The present invention provides a showerhead that allows a bather to switch among at least three different water delivery functions. In the first function, the showerhead delivers a concentrated fluttering spray at a rate not to exceed 2.0 GPM. In the second function, the showerhead delivers a combined spray pattern, wherein the fluttering spray and a radially dispersed precision spray are simultaneously delivered to the bather at a rate not to exceed 2.5 GPM for the combined water flow. In the third function, the showerhead delivers the precision spray pattern at a rate not to exceed 2.5 GPM. The combination spray pattern is effected without compromising either the desirable massaging and cleaning effect of water delivery or the inherent water conservation benefits. In addition, the showerhead of the present invention provides an automatic return feature for return of the showerhead to the first function when water pressure to the showerhead falls below a predetermined bottom threshold.

Abstract: A universal nipple for securement of a wall-mountable structure to a mounting surface is provided. The nipple includes a shank having an elongate body of predefined length that terminates in opposed proximate and distal ends. The proximate end has an enlarged head portion through which an opening is defined, and the distal end has engagement means defined thereat for engagement with the mounting surface. The body has a generally circumferential outer surface and an inner surface defining a tapering lumen that is coextensive with the proximate and distal ends. The engagement means comprises at least one, and preferably plural, series of threads defined along the outer circumferential surface with grooves distributed intermittently therebetween. The body is easily truncated along a selective groove so as to accommodate mounting surfaces of varying thicknesses and establish fluid communication between a wall-mountable fluid delivery device and plumbing structure provided at or adjacent the mounting surface.