Escutcheon Type Support Patents (Class 137/359)
  • Patent number: 5566707
    Abstract: A putty plate 30 is formed with an edge 32 in a continuous pattern to define the perimeter of the plate. A base wall of the putty plate 30 includes a floor 40 on one side of the plate 30 and a ceiling 78 on the other side of the plate. Holes 48, 60 and 62 are formed through the base wall. Four sets of ribs 52 are formed integrally from the floor 40 on the one side of the plate 30 while sets of ribs 84 are formed integrally from the ceiling 78 on the other side of the plate. Ribs 46 are formed about the holes 48 in a hexagonal configuration integrally from the floor 40 of the plate 30. Circular ribs 80 are formed about the holes 48 integrally from the ceiling 78 on the other side of the plate 30. A continuous groove 68 is formed in the base wall between the edge 32 and the ceiling 78 to define the perimeter of the ceiling. Two other putty plates 108 and 200 are formed with structure similar to the structure of the plate 30. The three putty plates 30, 108 and 200 are composed of a nylon material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Y. F. Ching, Darren M. Mark, Donald J. Segien, Jr., Curtis S. Woolley
  • Patent number: 5562120
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a faucet handle comprises a valve body, a bonnet nut and a cartridge mounted therein. The valve assembly is factory assembled and tested and is adapted to fit within sink deck openings for easy installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventors: Donna A. Spano, Rudolf Steffes
  • Patent number: 5558128
    Abstract: A plumbing fixture has a housing defining a chamber and having a bottom wall forming an upper surface and formed with at least one inlet port opening at the upper surface. A cartridge assembly in the chamber having a bottom surface directly confronting the bottom-wall upper surface is formed with an inlet port opening on the bottom surface in line with the bottom-wall inlet port. An inlet conduit having an end fitting extending through the inlet port and into the inlet port is formed with an outwardly open circumferential groove generally level with the surfaces. A split and spreadable snap ring fitted to the groove bears on the floor. One of the ports closely surrounds the snap ring and prevents it from spreading and a seal ring engages around the end fitting in the inlet port of the cartridge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Manfred Pawelzik, Max Derr, Dieter Kahle
  • Patent number: 5555909
    Abstract: A sealing and joining arrangement (49) suitable for use in conjunction with a valve (28) used for delivering a blast of compressed air from a reservoir (20) to a blow-tube (34) of a dust-collector baghouse (39). The arrangement comprises (i) a socket-to-tube interconnection including one seal (48) to adapt the socket to the tube; and (ii) a second compliant seal (42) to adapt either the socket or tube (as required) to a clearance hole (44) of a bulkhead wall (36) of the baghouse. The socket-to-tube part of the arrangement may be applied to either outlet (preferably), inlet or both. The arrangement (49) may facilitate assembly of many valves in a baghouse typical within the dust collector field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Goyen Controls Co. Pty. Limited
    Inventor: Jeff Elliott
  • Patent number: 5535776
    Abstract: A device for the top mounting of a faucet to a sink includes a generally cylindrical sleeve having a threaded shank with an internal diameter of a size to receive the body of a faucet and the water connections thereto. The sleeve has an outwardly extending shoulder at one end and an upstanding wall at the extremity of the shoulder. The shoulder is formed and adapted to seat upon the top of a sink. Beneath the sink the shank of the sleeve carries an elastomeric washer which is positioned adjacent the bottom of the sink, a hard washer positioned adjacent the elastomeric washer, and a nut which is threaded onto the shank. The nut urges the hard washer against the seal washer and the seal washer in turn forms a seal with the bottom of the sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventor: Ross E. Kingman
  • Patent number: 5518016
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for an improved faucet and mounting, which enables the installation and removal of the faucet from the top side of a sink. FIGS. 1 and 3 of the drawings are substantially identical except for the manner for delivering water to the faucet structure. In both of the illustrations, the conventional means for clamping the faucet to the deck of a sink are eliminated. The invention is illustrated in place thereof.In FIG. 1, the substantially universal mount, using supply nipples both to anchor, and to supply water, hot and cold, is replaced by elimination of the function of the supply line as anchor means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: Norman J. Sharwark
  • Patent number: 5515882
    Abstract: A apparatus for installation of a fixture, particularly faucets, through a flat surface, without access to the opposing side of the surface that faces away from the fixture, comprises a "V" shaped spring assembly wherein the apex of the spring is mounted on the threaded tail-piece of the fixture and the spring assembly comprises two wings that extend outward and toward the base of the fixture, which wings can be laterally compressed while being inserted into an installation hole through the flat surface and, after having fully been inserted through the hole, extend outward to engage the opposing side of the flat surface to prevent the extraction of the fixture, and the base of the fixture threadingly receives a collar having an outer diameter in excess of the installation hole and which, when screwed down causes the flat surface to be clamped between the underside of the collar and the top of the wings of the spring assembly, and centrally located flanges extend from the top of the spring assembly as a means
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Ronald H. Hennis
  • Patent number: 5497584
    Abstract: A plaster-protective cover for bathroom fittings is mounted recessed in the wall, the cover being fixed to the buried part of the fitting and having an outwards-facing dome-shaped cap designed to protect the fitting parts inside it. The hole in the wall for the fitting is sealed by a collar-like sealing element which produces a watertight seal and which has, at the wall end, an annular flange which rests against the wall. The flange is embedded in a layer of sealing material applied following installation of the buried part of the fitting as the bed layer for subsequently laid tiling, and the flange thus seals off the edge of the hole pierced in the wall for the buried part of the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Ideal-Standard GmbH
    Inventor: Konrad Bergmann
  • Patent number: 5465749
    Abstract: A top mounted valve assembly having a block member with a hinged arm which is fitted through from the top of a supporting surface and actuated by a threaded actuating member. As the actuating member is turned in one direction, the hinged arm engages the underside of the supporting surface. To disengage the faucet, the actuating member is turned in the opposite direction which permits removal. Both single and dual handle faucets can be top mounted by the mounting assembly disclosed herein. An aesthetically appearing faucet results wherein the actuating mechanism is hidden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Sterling Plumbing Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Sauter, Kevin G. Short, Peter P. Beltemacchi
  • Patent number: 5458154
    Abstract: A spout mounting assembly which includes a centerbody having an annular groove, a spout having two slots extending through its wall fitted rotatably over said centerbody with said slots aligned with said annular groove, a retaining ring having radially inwardly extending lugs which extend through the slots and are positioned within the annular groove thereby preventing axial movement of the spout relative to the centerbody, and a bonnet slidably disposed over the retaining ring to keep the ring in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: James E. Niemann, Anthony G. Spangler
  • Patent number: 5447338
    Abstract: An escutcheon including a cylindrical portion and a flange disposed below the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion and the flange are integrally formed from a heat resisting material. The cylindrical portion is divided into a plurality of tongue portions by a plurality of silts. Each of the slits is formed, in its bottom portion, with a slot having a width larger than that of the slit. Each of the tongue portions is formed with a plurality of protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Senju Sprinkler Company Limited
    Inventor: Teturo Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 5433710
    Abstract: A medication infusion pump is provided for use in the programmable delivery of a selected medication to a patient, wherein the pump includes a fluoropolymer valve seat engageable with a nonmetallic valve member. The fluoropolymer valve seat defines a substantially inert and nonadherent surface to prevent accumulation of medication deposits thereon. Such deposits are believed to occur as a result of shear denaturation and/or precipitation in the vicinity of the valve seat, in response to relatively high compression forces applied to the medication as the valve member opens and closes. The fluoropolymer valve seat provides a surface which is particularly nonadherent to protein based medications, such as insulin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. VanAntwerp, Virote Indravudh
  • Patent number: 5388287
    Abstract: A countertop faucet assembly adapted to be secured over a hole in a countertop without requiring access to the area below the countertop. A base subassembly of the countertop faucet assembly is secured to the countertop and a faucet and cap assembly is thereafter secured to the base subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Ecowater Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Tischler, Marlin A. Frank, Kenneth J. Merchak
  • Patent number: 5375272
    Abstract: A top mount faucet and sink assembly includes a faucet which has a pair of exteriorly threaded legs. The sink has a pair of mounting openings of a size and spacing to receive the faucet legs for attaching the faucet to the sink. Each of the sink openings has a wall with a thread formed therein. The pitch of the sink wall thread is different than the pitch of the thread on the mounting legs. There are a pair of locking elements, one for each leg, each locking element having an opening with a thread that matches the thread on the faucet mounting legs. Each locking element further having an exterior surface with a thread that matches that on the sink wall. In assembly of the faucet to the sink, the locking elements are first positioned on the threaded legs and turned up against the bottom of the faucet. The faucet is then positioned on the sink with the legs extending through the sink openings and the locking elements are engaged with the sink opening wall threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventor: Erwin F. Mikol
  • Patent number: 5326075
    Abstract: A stop assembly for a valve is disclosed. Two stop rings are interfitted by meshing teeth and driven by a valve stem. In one embodiment, an escutcheon provides a mounting for one of the ring members as well as a stop surface for contact with both rings. The stop assembly provides a stop for maximum rotation of a valve member, as well as an adjustable temperature stop function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Sterling Plumbing Group, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Goff
  • Patent number: 5301715
    Abstract: In a sanitary fitting with a cylindrical fitting body that can be mounted in a fixed position and has inlet and outlet channels and an outflow channel, with a cylindrical fitting sleeve that has a pivot arm with an outlet mouthpiece connected at the side and is pushed onto the body of the fitting, with a valve unit mounted on the body of the fitting and with a cap that covers the valve unit and is connected to the fitting sleeve, whereby sealing rings are provided between the fitting body and the fitting sleeve in the area of the outflow channel and in addition a lower bearing ring and an upper bearing ring are also provided, and whereby the bearing rings are preferably made of a plastic, especially a low-friction, low-wear plastic, and the lower bearing ring has an L-shaped cross section with a cylindrical section that forms a radial bearing and a projecting flange-like section that forms an axial bearing, and the upper bearing ring also has a cylindrical section that forms a radial bearing, the design of th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Becker
  • Patent number: 5291622
    Abstract: A faucet body mounted on a wall and having a connecting pipe projecting from the wall and having an outer end secured via a faceted nut to the body, has escutcheon with a sleeve centered on an axis, formed with an external screwthread, and formed with at least one axially extending and radially inwardly projecting ridge engageable with facets of the faucet-assembly nut so as to rotationally couple the sleeve to the nut. An outer ring fitting around the sleeve has an internal screwthread meshing with the screwthread of the sleeve and has a rear face. A seal set in and projecting axially rearwardly from the rear face of the ring engages the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe Akteingesellschaft
    Inventor: Jurgen Humpert
  • Patent number: 5277220
    Abstract: The disadvantages of existing cover surrounds for wall-mounted bathroom fittings are avoided by the invention by virtue of the fact that the cover surround comprises an inner supporting plate (10) fastened to the wall (7) and an outer cover plate (11). The inner supporting plate (10) is preferably designed to be held in place by fixation means (13), while the outer cover plate (11) can be clipped over the inner supporting plate (10), thus concealing the fixation means (13) used to fasten the supporting plate (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Ideal-Standard GmbH
    Inventor: Alfons Thul
  • Patent number: 5263853
    Abstract: A faucet cover safety device for preventing the unintentional misadjustment of a single lever faucet handle mounted on a wall comprises a faucet escutcheon plate for location between the faucet handle and the wall. The faucet escutcheon plate has an external perimeter along which is located a catch; and the faucet escutcheon plate has a centrally located opening through which the faucet handle protrudes. A bowl-shaped cover for encloses the faucet handle, and a hinge for connecting the external perimeter to the bowl-shaped cover to the faucet escutcheon plate. The cover has a periphery along which is located a latch for mating engagement with the catch of the faucet escutcheon plate, for preventing the unintentional misadjustment of the faucet handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: Beth Pall
  • Patent number: 5263510
    Abstract: An escutcheon used with a plumbing fixture that is recessed in a wall and that has a part projecting through the wall itself has a plate shaped to fit around the part flatly against the wall and formed offset from the part with a throughgoing hole. Structure fixed relative to the fixture forms a throughgoing hole offset from the part snugly receiving a radially expansible anchor tube also extending through the plate hole and having an enlarged head lying against an outer face of the plate. A screw engaged in the tube radially expands same into tight engagement with the structure hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bruno Heimann, Harald Dickel
  • Patent number: 5257824
    Abstract: A substantially, cylindircal plumbing extender is capable of being secured to a faucet at one end thereof and to the water source at the other thereof. With a sealed piston therein the plumbing extender can replace the faucet holddown nut. Various sizes of male threaded members in the side of the cylinder provide for attachment of various water requiring appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Inventor: Harald I. Eggen
  • Patent number: 5257645
    Abstract: A faucet handle assembly for concealed attachment to a valve operating stem includes a handle and a handle adapter which is attached to it. There is a valve body which holds a valve member which has a valve stem extending outwardly therefrom into the handle adapter for attachment thereto. There is an exterior hub which is attached adjacent one end thereof to the valve body. The hub has interlocking means with the handle and handle adapter which prevent relative longitudinal movement between these elements but provides for rotary movement of the handle relative to the hub. There is a bearing positioned between facing surfaces of the handle and hub to provide for smooth rotation therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry J. Scully, Richard A. Parso
  • Patent number: 5236229
    Abstract: A flange assembly (24) includes a cover (26), a base (28) and a compliant gasket (30) all of which are of circular configuration with a central opening. Gasket (30) is assembled within a nest formed by tapered surface (52) and rim (50) of base (28). Cover (26) is assembled with base (28) by the snap fit of inwardly turned edge (38) of the cover into annular groove (56) of the base. In this position, an inwardly turned lip (34) of cover (26) engages a ledge (70) of gasket (28) to retain the gasket within the nest. A section (78) of gasket (28) extends into a central opening of flange assembly (24) and includes a tapered inner side wall (62) which frictionally engages a conduit (20) of a faucet as the flange assembly is slid onto the conduit. Conduit (20) compresses section (78) of gasket (28) which includes side wall (62 ) into the nest where the forces of the compressed gasket retain flange assembly (24) with the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventor: Teodoro J. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 5232008
    Abstract: A two handle faucet and mounting structure has a pair of valve bodies each of which contain a control valve. The valve bodies extend through sink deck openings and are connected by a waterway which is positioned beneath the sink deck. A spout tube is attached to the waterway and extends through a third sink deck opening which is positioned between the other two. A mounting bracket is attached to the waterway and is adapted to be drawn up against the underside of the sink deck by the use of a mounting tool which is inserted into the mounting bracket from above the sink deck. The valve bodies are first positioned through openings in the sink deck and loosely held to the sink deck through the use of mounting members which are positioned in valve body recesses above the sink deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Ronald E. Jeffress, Roy W. Burns, Richard D. Clift
  • Patent number: 5201433
    Abstract: An escutcheon assembly for covering an opening in a wall through which a sanitary fitting extends. The assembly includes an inner plate which is removably secured to the fitting on the outside surface of the wall. A cover plate is releasably coupled over the inner plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Alfons Thul
  • Patent number: 5195553
    Abstract: A spacer for rigidly securing plumbing pipes to a wall. The spacer comprises a back portion comprised of a generally C-shaped clamp adapted to snap-fit over a plumbing pipe and a front portion including a flat face adapted to abut against the hidden or back surface of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventor: John C. Wright
  • Patent number: 5161567
    Abstract: A plumbing fixture that is recessed in a wall and that has a part projecting through a hole in the wall is provided with an escutcheon having a main plate shaped to fit around the part flatly against the wall and to cover the hole, at least one fastener engageable through the main plate with the fixture to press the plate against the wall, a cover plate fittable on the main plate over the fastener, and formations integrally formed with the plates and securing the plates together. The main plate has an outer periphery provided with a soft seal ring engaging the wall. In addition the main plate has inward of its outer periphery a central recess in which the cover plate is received. The formations include pins unitarily formed on the cover plate and complementary seats unitarily formed in the main plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe Armaturenfabrik GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Jurgen Humpert
  • Patent number: 5127427
    Abstract: A novel drinking water faucet of the type used with household water purification system is provided. The faucet includes a spout, a valve, means for opening and closing said valve, a waste water inlet, an air gap, and a waste water outlet. The faucet includes means for accommodating the visual display of a water quality meter. The faucet can be mounted in either a right-handed or left-handed configuration from above the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Culligan International Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Kajpust, Ronald M. Matyja
  • Patent number: 5046521
    Abstract: An assembly for mounting a fitting, for instance a mixing faucet, to a wall has an anchor plate fixable in the wall, a threaded stud fixed to and projecting longitudinally forward from the anchor plate, and a formation on the fitting formed with a throughgoing aperture through which the stud projects. A back nut threaded on the stud has a front face bearing forward on the formation at the aperture and a front or counternut threaded on the stud has a back face bearing backward on the formation of the aperture. Thus the formation is longitudinally captured between the nuts and same can be screwed along the stud to longitudinally displace and position the fitting therealong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe Armaturenfabrik GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Hans-Jurgen Jensen
  • Patent number: 5031877
    Abstract: A fabricated housing assembly for a faucet valve is made from multiple economically manufactured components which can be permanently attached by soldering or by an adhesively secured threaded connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventor: Lee A. Mercer
  • Patent number: 5027851
    Abstract: A spout assembly for a hot water dispenser having a valve body including an outlet and a sealed valve assembly for controlling liquid flow within the valve body. A liquid conduit is connected to the outlet. A spout cover is removably disposed over the valve body and the liquid conduit such that the spout cover may be removed from the valve body without disturbing the seal of the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Drees, Mark R. Carey
  • Patent number: 5010922
    Abstract: The faucet is installed with the use of a pair of interfitting plates, one, the base plate, secured to the bottom of the faucet base, the other, the installation plate, secured to the sink over the access hole in the sink. The installation plate has upstanding elements which fit into narrowing openings in the base plate. When the plates are brought together and the base is turned for 20.degree. or so, the elements wedge against the sides of the openings respectively to give a tight fit, securing the faucet to the sink. A resilient seal urges the faucet base upward, enhancing the attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: WPM, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Agresta
  • Patent number: 4998555
    Abstract: The faucet includes a unitary valve stem, the lower end of which is tapered and sits in a cup-shaped valve element for low-friction connection and easy rotary adjustment of the faucet outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Inventors: Dirck Barhydt, Sr., Frank J. Agresta
  • Patent number: 4989278
    Abstract: A wall-mount faucet assembly has a mounting fitting adapted to be fixed in the wall and connected to incoming hot- and cold-water lines. This fitting is formed with an outwardly directed seat provided with hot- and cold-water ports to which can be fastened an end of a substantially cylindrical body centered on an axis of a mixing faucet. An annular holder has two parts that engage complementarily around the faucet body adjacent the base and against the wall and that can be secured together to clamp the holder to the faucet body. An annular cover plate engageable around the faucet body and over the holder axially with the wall is fastened to this holder to lock it in place. The cover plate includes a main part formed with a radially open slot wide enough to fit over the faucet body, and a filler part complementarily engageable in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe Armaturenfabrik GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Jan R. Kostorz
  • Patent number: 4989633
    Abstract: A wall-mount faucet assembly has a wall fitting adapted to be recessed in a wall and having an externally threaded stem projecting from the wall centered on an axis and formed with hot- and cold-water outlet ports. This fitting is formed with hot- and cold-water inlet ports behind the wall. A mixing faucet having an internally threaded collar engageable with the stem is rotatable thereon for axially displacing the faucet on the fitting. The faucet is formed in the collar with hot- and cold-water inlets connected in the fitting to the outlet ports. An adapter engaged in the collar between the faucet and the fitting has hot- and cold-water passages with upstream ends at the respective outlet ports and downstream ends at the respective inlets. The downstream ends are concentric such that the inlets connect thereto in any angular position of the faucet on the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe Armaturenfabrik GmbH+Co.
    Inventors: Jurgen Humpert, Bruno Heimann, Jan R. Kostorz
  • Patent number: 4979538
    Abstract: A faucet assembly has a wall plate having a pair of outlet ports adapted to be connected to hot- and cold-water supplies, a faucet having an end formed with inlet ports, and an adapter. The adapter has a pair of relatively telescoping parts formed with a pair of throughgoing passages extending between the parts. One of the parts is adapted to fit with the plate over the outlet ports thereof and the other part is adapted to fit with the faucet over the inlet ports thereof. Screws braced between the parts can relatively axially telescope same steplessly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe Armaturen-Fabrik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Manfred Krippendorf, Peter Eisbach
  • Patent number: 4961443
    Abstract: A handle assembly which is attachable to a conventional valve stem and includes a decorative handle member is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, an adapter element has an interior splined surface that mounts on the valve stem. The adapter also includes external splines and an annular flange. The adapter is positioned within a central opening in an escutcheon. A mounting screw fastens the adapter to the valve stem, with the escutcheon trapped beneath the adapter due to the presence of the annular flange. A post member has internal splines which engage the external splines of the adapter so that the parts rotate together. In addition, the post member has external splines which engage a splined opening in a handle. The handle comprises a bottom lever bar and a top lever bar. A strap cap is positioned over the handle and has a threaded hole to receive an upwardly-directed bolt. The bolt presses the handle between the strap cap and the post member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1990
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Dana F. Buccicone, Thomas E. Gaffney, Clarence E. Klessig, Alan J. Weir
  • Patent number: 4896381
    Abstract: The combination plaster guard and mounting bracket (10) has a mounting bracket section (12) which is mounted to a mixing valve fitting (18). A tubular protective member (14) is connected to the mounting section via frangible tabs (24). The tubular member (14) is sized to receive and protect the mixing valve (16) during installation of the valve and construction of the surrounding wall. During certain installations, it is desirable for removal of the tubular member from the mounting section. The removal can be accomplished by rotation of the tubular member so that frangible tabs (24) break to release the tubular member from the bracket section (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventor: Joe D. Hutto
  • Patent number: 4892116
    Abstract: System for sealing a plumbing fixture, which fixture has a flange with an edge lying in spaced relationship to a vertical wall surface and a sealing element lying along and attached to the said edge to compensate for variations in the distance between the edge and the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Inventor: John J. Grasseschi
  • Patent number: 4856122
    Abstract: An anti-rotation device for mounting on a faucet shank on the underside of a basin has a cylindrical body adapted to be keyed to the shank. A pair of diametrically opposed, outwardly directed webs extend from the spacer body. Each includes an adjustable abutment rod threaded to the web for adjusting its length. Free ends of the abutment arms are adapted for engagement with an associated planar surface such as a wall to resist rotation of the spacer body, and, thus, the faucet shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Joseph J. Pilolla
  • Patent number: 4848395
    Abstract: The mixing faucet for a washing and rinsing table comprises a faucet housing held on an opening in the table by a clamping means tightenable against the table underside. To improve the attachment to the washing and rinsing table, a mounting base equipped with a passage for the supply lines mountable and attachable to the opening or built on the opening in the table is provided and retaining and engaging means suitable for the mounting base are built in the faucet housing. Thereby the mixing faucet is slidable in the mounting base from the upper side of the washing and rinsing table and is lockable in an inserted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe Armaturenfabrik GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Manfred Krippendorf
  • Patent number: 4842009
    Abstract: A valve handle adaptor formed on one end with a shank configured for complemental telescopical receipt in a pocket formed in a valve handle and formed on its opposite extremity with an adaptor socket. A plurality of extenders, each formed on one end for receipt within such adapator socket and formed on the opposite end with an extender socket capable of receiving the shank of another extender or, in the alternative, a spud. A plurality of spuds are formed with external configurations for complemental receipt in the spud socket, adaptor socket or extender socket. The handle may be mounted directly from a valve stem through such spud, or through the adaptor by inserting the shank in the spud socket and a spud in the adaptor socket for receipt over a broach formed in the end of the valve stem, or through any number of extenders fitted between the adaptor and spud. The kit can therefore adapt a handle to a wide variety of broach sizes and offset distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventor: Richard L. Reback
  • Patent number: 4817991
    Abstract: A fitting is disclosed for covering the vacuum orifice formed in the wall of the swimming pool. The fitting includes a hollow body member connectable to the vacuum orifice and having an opening for receiving a vacuum hose. A spring loaded cap is connected to the body member and is designed to seal the orifice when the cap is in the closed position. A safety locking mechanism is provided to prevent the inadvertent opening of the fitting. In the preferred embodiment, the cap further includes a lug for engaging a vacuum hose to enhance the connection between the hose and the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Arneson Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Herman E. Frentzel, Deiter Rief
  • Patent number: 4804010
    Abstract: A sink faucet having an anti-syphon device incorporated therein. The anti-syphon device serves as part of a clamping mechanism used to mount the faucet on a sink deck. The complete assembly can be accommodated on a conventional sink structure without structural modifications to the sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Inventor: Loyd G. Meissenburg
  • Patent number: 4771485
    Abstract: A faucet fixture for mounting over the faucet opening in sink structure and including a valve body capable of being pulled upwardly of the faucet fixture housing to an elevated position for inspection or maintenance. The faucet fixture includes an upper mounting plate having a threaded central bore for receiving a threaded sleeve for securement of the plate and sleeve to the sink structure. The valve body is removably secured to the mounting plate, and a potable water conduit attached to the valve body extends slidably through the sleeve for distance at least equal to the height of the housing which supports the valve body in position so that the valve body can be inspected. In one embodiment the sleeve also slidably accommodates inlet and outlet waste water conduits associated with a reverse osmosis unit so that an airgap arrangement attached to the valve body can be raised and inspected by sliding the three conduits upwardly through the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Inventor: Paul L. Traylor
  • Patent number: 4770251
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided an escutcheon assembly which includes a skirt member adjustably carried by a drop line cover for adjustment of the skirt member against the ceiling panel. The drop line cover comprises an open-ended cylinder which defines a pair of articulated members which are movable with respect to each other between an open and a closed position for placement or removal of the drop line cover from a drop line without interrupting the integrity of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Inventor: Don A. Sweet
  • Patent number: 4762143
    Abstract: A faucet manifold according to the invention is adapted to be mounted on a countertop over openings through which access can be had to water-conveying conduits. The manifold includes a cover in the form of a plate overlying the openings. The plate is spaced from the surface of the countertop by a skirt extending downwardly from the periphery of the plate. Valve members, water-conveying conduits, and a spout assembly are connected to, and carried by, the plate. All of the components of the manifold can be manufactured inexpensively, many of them in stamping operations. The invention eliminates the need to form parts in casting operations, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Inventor: Irlin H. Botnick
  • Patent number: 4760861
    Abstract: A faucet manifold according to the invention is adapted to be mounted on a countertop over openings through which access can be had to water-conveying conduits. The manifold includes a cover in the form of a plate overlying the openings. The plate is spaced from the surface of the countertop by a skirt extending downwardly from the periphery of the plate. Valve members, water-conveying conduits, and a spout assembly are connected to, and carried by, the plate. All of the components of the manifold can be manufactured inexpensively, many of them in stamping operations. The invention eliminates the need to form parts in casting operations, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Inventor: Irlin H. Botnick
  • Patent number: 4747428
    Abstract: A retaining nut for a faucet assembly which serves the dual purpose of mounting the valve body to the faucet housing while also retaining the valving member within the valve body. The nut is preferably made of plastic and includes a resilient annular flange which cooperates with the faucet housing to seal the periphery of the valve body. The resilient properties of the annular flange maintain engagement despite movement and separation during use of the faucet and initial manufacturing tolerances. The outer surface of the faucet nut includes a series of ribs to facilitate manual removal in addition to the hexagonal configuration for removal using an appropriate hand tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Dennis W. Crawford, Larry G. Turner
  • Patent number: 4739788
    Abstract: A faucet repair kit for replacing a faulty valve stem, handle and escutcheon. The kit includes an adapter ring for fitting over the replacement valve stem and including an adhesively backed ring for mounting directly on the tile work surrounding the stem to hold the adapter ring in position. The adapter ring is formed with external threads which engage with the internal threads of an escutcheon formed to fit over the valve stem and screw onto the adapter ring. The escutcheon may have a detachable neck to permit the length thereof to be adjusted. A valve handle with a detachable skirt is then provided for fitting upon the valve stem such that the skirt may be detached to selectively adjust the length of the valve handle in accordance with the relative lengths of the replacement stem and escutcheon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Inventor: Richard L. Reback