Patents by Inventor Jacob R. Frye

Jacob R. Frye has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20250214093
    Abstract: A multifunctional spray head assembly and methods of operating the same. The spray head assembly includes a body, a switch, and a spray diverter assembly. The body defines a plurality of channels, including an inlet channel and at least three outlet channels. The switch is configured to be coupled with the spray diverter assembly such that linear movement of the switch translate to rotational movement of a shutter of the spray diverter assembly. The shutter diverts water into one of the outlet channels, which results in the spray head assembly dispensing water out of one of several discrete outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2024
    Publication date: July 3, 2025
    Inventor: Jacob R. Frye
  • Publication number: 20250215672
    Abstract: The present application relates generally to faucets. More specifically, this application relates to directionally adjustable faucets, where at least two parallel rotational interfaces between components allow the faucet to pivot, rotate, spin, or move. A directionally adjustable primary or beverage faucet can include a first base section coupled to a second base section, a base rotational interface disposed between the first and second base sections along a first plane, a plurality of conduit segments coupled to the second base section, and at least one conduit rotational interface disposed between the plurality of conduit segments along a second plane. The base rotational interface can be configured to actuate the second base section relative to the first base section. The at least one conduit rotational interface can be configured to actuate the plurality of conduit segments relative to each other. The second plane can be parallel with the first plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2024
    Publication date: July 3, 2025
    Inventors: Jacob R. Frye, Margaret Cecile Mazz, Matthew Tyler Harrison, Gary N. Clarke, Azzar Sidoney Bubb, Paul B. Georgeson, Steven Thomas Radder
  • Publication number: 20240328130
    Abstract: A faucet configured for single-hole installation includes a center within which a connector body defining hot and cold water inlets and an outlet is supported. A pair of side bodies are attached to the center body about opposite sides of the center body. Bridges including flow paths extend between and connect each side body to the center body. A valve supported within the first side body fluidly couples the hot water inlet with the outlet via the flow path of the first bridge responsive to rotation of a handle supported by the first side body. A valve supported within the second side body fluidly couples the cold water inlet with the outlet via the flow path of the second bridge responsive to rotation of a handle supported by the second side body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventors: William Robert Bares, Jacob R. Frye, Brian J. Mooren
  • Patent number: 12006669
    Abstract: A faucet configured for single-hole installation includes a center body within which a connector body defining hot and cold water inlets and an outlet is supported. A pair of side bodies are attached to the center body about opposite sides of the center body. Bridges including flow paths extend between and connect each side body to the center body. A valve supported within the first side body fluidly couples the hot water inlet with the outlet via the flow path of the first bridge responsive to rotation of a handle supported by the first side body. A valve supported within the second side body fluidly couples the cold water inlet with the outlet via the flow path of the second bridge responsive to rotation of a handle supported by the second side body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: William Robert Bares, Jacob R. Frye, Brian J. Mooren
  • Publication number: 20230417281
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bearing configured to couple a faucet spout to a faucet body. The bearing includes a plurality of fingers extending parallel to a central axis of the bearing. The plurality of fingers is configured to engage with the faucet spout at an intermediate position between a first end of the bearing and a second end of the bearing. The fingers are configured to exert an outward pressure to the faucet spout. The fingers are also configured to compress in a substantially axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Jacob R. Frye, Gabriel M. Niederlander
  • Patent number: 11795999
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bearing configured to couple a faucet spout to a faucet body. The bearing includes a plurality of fingers extending parallel to a central axis of the bearing. The plurality of fingers is configured to engage with the faucet spout at an intermediate position between a first end of the bearing and a second end of the bearing. The fingers are configured to exert an outward pressure to the faucet spout. The fingers are also configured to compress in a substantially axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Jacob R. Frye, Gabriel M. Niederlander
  • Publication number: 20230203793
    Abstract: A faucet that includes a base; a collar extending from the base, wherein the collar is rotatable relative to the base about a longitudinal axis; a control arm comprising a first end movably coupled to the collar and a second end opposite the first end; a sprayhead configured to emit water; a magnetic spheroidal joint comprising a ball and a socket, wherein at least one of the ball and the socket is magnetic and attracts the other of the ball and the socket through a magnetic force, one of the ball and the socket is coupled to the sprayhead, and the other of the ball and the socket is coupled to the second end of the control arm; and a flexible hose separate from the control arm and configured to fluidly connect the sprayhead and the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Gary N. Clarke, Rodney L. Weekley, Jacob R. Frye
  • Patent number: 11566403
    Abstract: A faucet that includes a base; a collar extending from the base, wherein the collar is rotatable relative to the base about a longitudinal axis; a control arm comprising a first end movably coupled to the collar and a second end opposite the first end; a sprayhead configured to emit water; a magnetic spheroidal joint comprising a ball and a socket, wherein at least one of the ball and the socket is magnetic and attracts the other of the ball and the socket through a magnetic force, one of the ball and the socket is coupled to the sprayhead, and the other of the ball and the socket is coupled to the second end of the control arm; and a flexible hose separate from the control arm and configured to fluidly connect the sprayhead and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Gary N. Clarke, Rodney L. Weekley, Jacob R. Frye
  • Publication number: 20220205481
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bearing configured to couple a faucet spout to a faucet body. The bearing includes a plurality of fingers extending parallel to a central axis of the bearing. The plurality of fingers is configured to engage with the faucet spout at an intermediate position between a first end of the bearing and a second end of the bearing. The fingers are configured to exert an outward pressure to the faucet spout. The fingers are also configured to compress in a substantially axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Jacob R. Frye, Gabriel M. Niederlander
  • Patent number: 11280371
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bearing configured to couple a faucet spout to a faucet body. The bearing includes a plurality of fingers extending parallel to a central axis of the bearing. The plurality of fingers is configured to engage with the faucet spout at an intermediate position between a first end of the bearing and a second end of the bearing. The fingers are configured to exert an outward pressure to the faucet spout. The fingers are also configured to compress in a substantially axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Jacob R. Frye, Gabriel M. Niederlander
  • Publication number: 20210246638
    Abstract: A faucet configured for single-hole installation includes a center body within which a connector body defining hot and cold water inlets and an outlet is supported. A pair of side bodies are attached to the center body about opposite sides of the center body. Bridges including flow paths extend between and connect each side body to the center body. A valve supported within the first side body fluidly couples the hot water inlet with the outlet via the flow path of the first bridge responsive to rotation of a handle supported by the first side body. A valve supported within the second side body fluidly couples the cold water inlet with the outlet via the flow path of the second bridge responsive to rotation of a handle supported by the second side body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: William Robert Bares, Jacob R. Frye, Brian J. Mooren
  • Patent number: 11015325
    Abstract: A faucet configured for single-hole installation includes a center body within which a connector body defining hot and cold water inlets and an outlet is supported. A pair of side bodies are attached to the center body about opposite sides of the center body. Bridges including flow paths extend between and connect each side body to the center body. A valve supported within the first side body fluidly couples the hot water inlet with the outlet via the flow path of the first bridge responsive to rotation of a handle supported by the first side body. A valve supported within the second side body fluidly couples the cold water inlet with the outlet via the flow path of the second bridge responsive to rotation of a handle supported by the second side body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: William Robert Bares, Jacob R. Frye, Brian J. Mooren
  • Publication number: 20200378096
    Abstract: A faucet configured for single-hole installation includes a center body within which a connector body defining hot and cold water inlets and an outlet is supported. A pair of side bodies are attached to the center body about opposite sides of the center body. Bridges including flow paths extend between and connect each side body to the center body. A valve supported within the first side body fluidly couples the hot water inlet with the outlet via the flow path of the first bridge responsive to rotation of a handle supported by the first side body. A valve supported within the second side body fluidly couples the cold water inlet with the outlet via the flow path of the second bridge responsive to rotation of a handle supported by the second side body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: William Robert Bares, Jacob R. Frye, Brian J. Mooren
  • Publication number: 20200256381
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bearing configured to couple a faucet spout to a faucet body. The bearing includes a plurality of fingers extending parallel to a central axis of the bearing. The plurality of fingers is configured to engage with the faucet spout at an intermediate position between a first end of the bearing and a second end of the bearing. The fingers are configured to exert an outward pressure to the faucet spout. The fingers are also configured to compress in a substantially axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: JACOB R. FRYE, Gabriel M. Niederlander
  • Publication number: 20190106866
    Abstract: A faucet that includes a base; a collar extending from the base, wherein the collar is rotatable relative to the base about a longitudinal axis; a control arm comprising a first end movably coupled to the collar and a second end opposite the first end; a sprayhead configured to emit water; a magnetic spheroidal joint comprising a ball and a socket, wherein at least one of the ball and the socket is magnetic and attracts the other of the ball and the socket through a magnetic force, one of the ball and the socket is coupled to the sprayhead, and the other of the ball and the socket is coupled to the second end of the control arm; and a flexible hose separate from the control arm and configured to fluidly connect the sprayhead and the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: GARY N. CLARKE, Rodney L. Weekley, Jacob R. Frye
  • Patent number: 10233618
    Abstract: A faucet that includes a base, a sprayhead, a flexible hose and a control arm. The base is mountable to a mounting surface. The sprayhead is movable relative to the base and is configured to emit water in at least one spray pattern. The flexible hose connects the sprayhead and the base. The control arm includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotally connected to the base to allow rotation of the control arm relative to the base, and wherein the second end is detachably coupled to the sprayhead such that in a docked position, movement of the control arm moves the sprayhead relative to the base, and such that in a detached position, the sprayhead is movable relative to the base and the control arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Gary N. Clarke, Rodney L. Weekley, Jacob R. Frye
  • Patent number: 10161116
    Abstract: A weight for a faucet hose includes a body defining a channel extending therethrough, the channel having a non-linear axis, wherein the channel is configured to receive and frictionally engage a hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventor: Jacob R. Frye
  • Publication number: 20180080203
    Abstract: A weight for a faucet hose includes a body defining a channel extending therethrough, the channel having a non-linear axis, wherein the channel is configured to receive and frictionally engage a hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: JACOB R. FRYE
  • Publication number: 20170350104
    Abstract: A faucet that includes a base, a sprayhead, a flexible hose and a control arm. The base is mountable to a mounting surface. The sprayhead is movable relative to the base and is configured to emit water in at least one spray pattern. The flexible hose connects the sprayhead and the base. The control arm includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotally connected to the base to allow rotation of the control arm relative to the base, and wherein the second end is detachably coupled to the sprayhead such that in a docked position, movement of the control arm moves the sprayhead relative to the base, and such that in a detached position, the sprayhead is movable relative to the base and the control arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Gary N. Clarke, Rodney L. Weekley, Jacob R. Frye