DUAL ARTICULATED FAUCET FOR LAVATORY BOWLS

A dual articulated faucet for minimizing or eliminating water outsplash from lavatory bowls. The faucet includes a tubular body, a pivotable spout arm, and a swivel spout. The pivotable spout arm is adapted to rotate around a first articulated point in a first plane that is parallel to the axis of the tubular body. The swivel spout is positioned at the end of the pivotable spout arm, and is in turn pivotable at a second articulated point in a second plane that is parallel to or overlapping with the first plane. By adjusting the angular position of the pivotable spout arm, and the angular position of the swivel spout, the water throw into the lavatory bowl can be adjusted to minimize or eliminate outsplash.

Skip to: Description  ·  Claims  · Patent History  ·  Patent History
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/746,091 filed May 1, 2006, entitled “DUAL ARTICULATED FAUCET FOR LAVATORY BOWLS,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to lavatory faucets, and in particular relates to a dual articulated faucet designed for use with multiple types, styles, and sizes of lavatory bowls, that is adjustable in three dimensions to prevent outsplash.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are three main types of lavatory bowls: drop-in (with a rim), under counter (mounts under the countertop) and vessel style (above the counter). There are likewise various arrangements of water faucets for providing water into the bowl for washing and related uses. Lavatory bowls and faucets can be combined to provide a wide variety of configurations and arrangements.

Some arrangements of faucets and bowls result in a tendency for a lavatory user and the counter surrounding the bowl to get unexpectedly wet. This is usually due to the form of the lavatory bowl combined with the water stream from the faucet into the bowl. Such an arrangement is shown in FIG. 1, which illustrates a conventional (prior art) faucet 10 in combination with a lavatory bowl 12, where water 15 from the lavatory and faucet is not confined to within the bowl. When the user turns on the faucet, the velocity of the water stream emanating from the faucet 10, the angle of the faucet spout, the shape and size of the bowl 12, and other factors can contribute to allow water to rise out of the bowl above the rim and onto the surroundings. This undesirable spreading or spraying of water 15 from the lavatory bowl is sometimes called “outsplash.”

Factors that cause water outsplash include the velocity of the water stream, the shape of bowl interior, the “throw” of the water stream (i.e., where it lands in the bowl), the “throw” landing on the pop up dome or stopper, and the combination of the “throw” together with the velocity and the interior shape of the bowl.

One way to control outsplash is to provide a user-adjustable faucet. However, many applications for faucets do not lend themselves to providing user-adjustability, e.g. public facilities. Furthermore, some adjustable faucets are simply aesthetically unattractive.

Some faucets are specifically adjustable for a purpose, for example to allow a nozzle or spray head to be moved for dish washing or similar cleaning. Some faucets have spout ends that swivel, but these spouts are mainly for sink cleaning or for use as a drinking fountain. Other faucets may have pull-out sprays on flexible hoses, but these pull-out sprays are used mostly as kitchen faucets for cleaning pots, pans, and the sink. These faucets do not address the problem of water outsplash for a variety of lavatory bowl configurations.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,149 to Wang describes a connection device for connecting an extension tube to a faucet. This device shows a plurality of extension tubes that adjoin to provide an extension tube. Although this device allows an extension, it is an extension device and does not provide an attractive and suitable device for minimizing outsplash in a lavatory bowl.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,393 to Egli describes a single-point armature for a single lever faucet, and provides for a point of rotation of the faucet, but does not provide a comprehensive and attractive solution for minimizing outsplash.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,973 to MacAusland et al. describes an improved valve mechanism for a faucet, and illustrates some degree of adjustability of water flow, but does not allow control of the water throw into the basin, as the spout is integrated with the valve mechanism.

The foregoing approaches and devices each have certain shortcomings as regards providing for adjusting of the throw of water so as to minimize outsplash in a lavatory basin. Therefore, there is a need for an improved faucet arrangement that allows adjustment to prevent water outsplash for various different lavatory bowls and arrangements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to solve the problem of water outsplash from a lavatory bowl, which frequently occurs in conventional faucets, by providing a faucet that allows an user to easily and flexibly adjust a water throw direction in three dimensions and thereby curbs the problem of water outsplash from the lavatory bowl.

Briefly described, and according to one aspect, the present invention is a dual articulated faucet for lavatory bowls for controlling water emitted into the bowl to minimize outsplash from the bowl. The faucet comprises an elongate tubular body mountable in proximity to a lavatory bowl, the body receiving a supply of water, the body including a water port along the surface thereof. The faucet further includes a water controlling handle affixed to the body for controlling the flow of water from the water port. The faucet further comprises a pivotable spout arm affixed at a first end to the body along the length thereof, rotatable in a plane parallel to the axis of the body and in fluid communication with the water port. The faucet further comprises a swivel spout affixed to a second end of the pivotable spout arm, rotatable in a plane parallel with the rotatable axis of the spout arm, the spout including a water outlet for emitting water. By adjusting the position of the pivotable spout arm and the swivel spout may be adjusted to as to minimize the outsplash of water from a lavatory bowl.

According to one aspect, the faucet further includes means for affixing the position of the pivotable spout arm relative to the tubular body, for example set screws. According to another aspect, the position of the pivotable spout arm is user adjustable.

According to yet another aspect, the pivotable spout arm includes a tubular first extension having an axis perpendicular to the axis of the body, the spout arm intersecting with the first extension substantially perpendicular thereto. Further, the pivotable spout arm includes a tubular second extension having an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the spout arm, the spout arm intersecting with the second extension substantially perpendicular thereto, and the swivel spout is rotatably affixed to the second extension.

More particularly described, a dual articulated faucet constructed in accordance with aspects of the invention has a tubular body, a pivotable spout arm, and a swivel spout. The body includes an outlet along a surface thereof from which the water exits the body when the faucet is turned on by the user. The pivotable spout arm is pivotably connected to the outlet at a first articulated point so that the arm can rotate in a first plane parallel to the axis of the body. The swivel spout, which has an opening on its body portion, is pivotably connected to the spout arm at a second articulated point so that it can rotate about the second articulated point in a second plane, which is parallel to or overlapping with the first plane on which the arm rotates around the first articulated point.

The spatial point at which the water flows out of the faucet and into the faucet bowl can be changed by rotating the arm around the first articulated point and/or rotating the swivel spout around the second articulated point. The combination of the arm and the swivel spout allows the dual articulated faucet to control the water throw direction in multiple dimensions and thereby minimize or eliminate the water outsplash from the lavatory bowl.

According to another aspect, the body of the dual articulated faucet may include a vertically height adjustable member operatively connected to the tubular body. The height of the height adjustable member can be adjusted so that the body of the faucet may be positioned at a desirable height relative to the lavatory bowl. According to another aspect, the tubular body is rotatably adjustable relative to a mounting surface, to provide further adjustability of the point at which the water throw enters the lavatory bowl.

The various adjustments of the angle of water throw and velocity into the lavatory bowl provide for great flexibility in controlling, minimizing, and even eliminating water outsplash.

These and other aspects will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modifications therein may be affected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure.

The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the written description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like elements of an embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art faucet used with a lavatory bowl, showing water outsplash with a conventional faucet.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dual articulated faucet constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, showing that water outsplash is minimized or eliminated.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of dual articulated faucet according to the invention, showing a slidable member that allows the faucet body to move upwards and downwards.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a dual adjustable faucet according to the invention, showing a rotational component allows the faucet body to be rotated clockwise and/or counterclockwise.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a dual articulated faucet according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partially exploded view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is another partially exploded view of one embodiment of the invention, showing a partially assembled faucet.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a faucet constructed in accordance with aspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is more particularly described in the following examples that are intended as illustrative only since numerous modifications and variations therein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various embodiments of the invention are now described in detail. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a”, “an”, and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Moreover, the term “tubular,” as used herein, refers to having the form or shape of a tube. The term “tube,” as used herein, refers to “a hollow, usually cylindrical body of metal glass, rubber, or other material, used especially for conveying or containing liquids or gases.” The term “spout,” as used herein, refers to “a pipe, tube, or liplike projection through or by which a liquid is discharged, poured, or conveyed.” The term “collapsible member,” as used herein, refers to “something that is capable of collapsing or of being collapsed.” The term “spout,” as used herein, refers to “any armlike part or attachment.”

The description will be made as to the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of FIGS. 2-8. In accordance with the purposes of this invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, this invention in one aspect relates to a dual articulated faucet 100 for controlling the direction of water throw so as to adjust the location of landing to minimize or prevent water outsplash from a lavatory basin 12. A faucet 100 according to the invention can be mounted in any place along a basin 12 where control of the water throw direction is desired, typically on a surface 18 adjacent to the basin.

The places where the faucet may be mounted include, but not limited to, lavatory bowls, bathroom basins, kitchen sinks, etc. The faucet according to the invention can also be mounted in any areas where a fountain is desired for the purpose of drinking, washing, watering, or water-displaying. The faucet according to the invention can control the water throw direction in at least two degrees of freedom (a rotatable articulated arm, with a rotatable outlet), and in some embodiments four (a rotatable body, and a height-adjustable body). In a preferred embodiment, the faucet can control the water throw in three dimensions, i.e., the point of the water discharge may be moved in x, y, and z-axes directions. The faucet according to the invention is easy to operate, flexible, user-friendly, and versatile, and can be used with multiple types, styles, and sizes of lavatory bowls.

According to one aspect of the invention, and as shown in FIG. 2, the faucet 100 includes a tubular upright body 120 and a pivotable spout arm 140 (hereafter “arm”) that is rotatable with respect to the body 120. The faucet body is typically mounted to a surface 18 adjacent to a lavatory bowl or basin 12. The faucet body 120 is adapted for receiving and holding water therein and includes an outlet (not shown in FIG. 1) for water exit from the body 120 into the spout arm 140. When the faucet is turned on, the water inside the body 120 flows from of the outlet into the spout arm 140, which is operably connected to the arm at a joint or first articulated point AP 1 (articulated point no. 1). The arm can rotate around API to a desired location so that the water is discharged from that location through the spout arm 140 accordingly. As shown, the spout arm 140 can be rotatably adjusted to assume different angular positions relative to the body 120, for example, to the alternative position 140′ (shown in phantom).

According to a further aspect of the invention, the faucet 100 includes a swivel spout 160 to further refine the control over the water throw direction. The swivel spout 160 has an opening or outlet 170 on its body portion for discharging water therefrom, and is operably connected to the arm 140 at a second joint or second articulated point AP2 (articulated point no. 2). The swivel spout 160 is rotatable around its axis at AP2 to control the direction toward which the water is projected into the bowl 12 from the outlet 170.

The faucet body, arm, and swivel spout can be made of metal, plastic, rubber or any other suitable material and in any suitable shapes, as long as their respective functions can be properly achieved.

Preferably, the body 120 of the disclosed faucet 100 includes a water inlet member (not shown in FIG. 1) to receive water from a source that supplies either cold or hot water, or both. A water valve control 180 is preferably connected to the body 120 for switching on and off the faucet and controlling the proportions of hot and cold water and the velocity/flow of the water. As will be known, when the water valve 180 is in an on-position, the water inside the body exits from the outlet member and through the articulated arm 140 and swivel spout 160; when the water valve is in an off-position, the water inside the body is blocked from exit. Moreover, the control member can regulate the amount of the cold and hot water being mixed together for release.

As show in FIG. 3, and according to another aspect of the invention, a faucet 200 includes a collapsible or vertically adjustable body 120a that provides for vertical positioning of the body relative to the mounting surface 18. In such an embodiment, the height of the vertically adjustable body 120a can be adjusted at various levels, in the direction of the arrows, to provide for adjusting the position of the articulated arms and outlet relative to the bowl 12.

As shown in FIG. 4, and according to another aspect of the invention, a faucet 300 includes a rotatably adjustable body 120b that provides for a rotational positioning of the body (clockwise or counterclockwise) relative to the mounting surface 18. In such an embodiment, the position of the articulated arms and outlet can be adjusted relative to the bowl 12, if needed for further adjustability, by rotating the body 120b in the direction of the arrows, about the axis x1 of the body.

It will be appreciated that the height adjustability and the rotational adjustability of the body 120 can be combined in a single device, if desired for multiple adjustability.

Refer now to FIG. 5 for further details of the construction of a preferred embodiment of a faucet 100 constructed in accordance with aspects of the invention. The body 120, which is adapted for receiving and holding water inside, is generally tubular and has a first or upper end 122 and a second, opposite, or lower end 124. Between the first and the second ends is a body portion 128 having a vertical axis x1. Formed on the body portion 128 is the tubular outlet member 132 having an axis x2 and adapted for releasing the water therefrom.

In a preferred embodiment, a water control assembly 180 is provided at the first or upper end 122 of the body 120, with a control handle 172 for controlling the flow and temperature of the water.

The articulated arm 140 has a first end 142 and a second, opposite end 144 with an arm portion 146 located between the two ends. The arm 140 is operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the water outlet member 132 of the body 120 at the articulated point no. 1 (AP 1). The arm 140 is rotatable around the axis x2 of the outlet member 132 at the articulated point no. 1 (AP 1) and thereby controls the direction of the water throw from the arm's second end 144 in a rotatably adjustable fashion.

In one embodiment, the arm portion 146 that is adjacent to the first end 142 includes a tubular extension 148 that has an axis xm2 that is aligned with (collinear) with an axis x2 of the outlet 132.

In one embodiment, the arm portion 146 that is adjacent to the second end 144 includes a tubular extension 150 that has an axis xm3 that is aligned with (collinear) with an axis x3 of the swivel spout 160.

The swivel spout 160 is operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the arm's second end 144. The swivel spout 160 has a first end 164 and a second, opposite end 166, which defines the swivel spout body portion 168 with an axis x3 therebetween.

The swivel spout 160 includes a body portion 168 having an opening or outlet 170 for discharging water therefrom. The swivel spout 160 is adapted for rotating around its axis x3 at the articulated point no. 2 (AP2). As the swivel spout 160 is rotated around the axis x3, the spatial position of the opening 170 relative to the axis x3 is changed accordingly, thereby controlling the direction toward which the water is projected from the opening 170.

In one embodiment, the arm 140 can rotate around the articulated point no. 1 (AP 1) in a first plane parallel to the axis x1 of the tubular body 120, and the swivel spout 160 can rotate around the articulated point no. 2 (AP2) in a second plane that is parallel to or overlapping with the first plane on which the pivotable spout arm 140 rotates around the articulated point no. 1. In another aspect, the axis of rotation x2 of the arm 140 and the axis of rotation x3 of the swivel spout 160 are parallel. In another aspect, the arm portion 146 adjacent to its second end 144 has an axis xm3 in line (collinear) with the swivel spout's axis x3.

Referring back to FIG. 3, according to another aspect of the invention, a body 120a of the dual articulated faucet 200 includes a collapsible or height adjustable member 110, which has a height h and an axis xc. The collapsible member's axis xc is in line (collinear) the body's axis x1. The collapsible member 110 is operably connected to the second end of the body 120, adapted for adjusting the height h to various degrees. Thus, the body 120 can go up and down in the direction of the arrows. Alternatively, the height adjustable member may comprise tubular members 110 of varying lengths, such that a tubular member of a certain length may be selected and positioned below the body 120 to provide for a selectably adjustable height; the height can be changed by substituting a tubular member 110 of a different length.

Referring back to FIG. 4, according to another aspect of the invention, a body 120b of the dual articulated faucet 300 includes a rotatable section or tubular member 114 that is operably connected to the second or lower end of the body 120b. The rotatable section 114 is adapted for turning the body 120b around the axis x1 to provide for rotatable adjustment of the entire body 120b, for further adjustability.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the disclosed dual articulated faucet 100 (as well as other embodiments) preferably includes a water control assembly 180 operatively connected to the first end 122 of the body 120 for switching on and off (and mixing, if hot and cold water are supplied to the assembly) the water flow from the water outlet 132. The water control assembly includes a handle 172 for user selection of water temperature and flow, which is operatively connected to a cartridge 184. Preferably, the faucet 100 includes a hot water inlet member 174 and a cold water inlet member 176 for supplying water.

Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that various parts and components conventional in water faucet construction may be employed to provide for sealing, rotation, assembly, fastening, etc. of the various assemblies and subassemblies of the various embodiments of the invention. Parts that are typically employed to operatively connect various components include, but are not limited to, O-rings 178 for sealing, an escutcheon 183 for decoration at the upper end of the body 120, a C-ring 186 for retaining the swivel spout to the tubular extension 150, and various fastening elements such as nuts, threaded fasteners, and the like. A water-mixing cartridge 184 is provided for mixing hot and cold water and controlling water flow. The cartridge 184 includes a threaded bolt that receives the handle 172, through the washer 178 and a threaded nut 185, covered by escutcheon 183.

A knurled nut 188 is provided to hold the arm 140 to a threaded water passage 163 that connects with the outlet 132 on the body 120 and extends into the tubular extension 148. Gaskets 190 are provided where required for water sealing. Set screws 192 are provided to fix the position of the arm 140, by fitting into threaded openings in the tubular extension 148 and engaging with the threaded water passage 163 and preventing rotation of the arm 140.

An aerator insert 194 may be provided in the swivel spout 160 for water aeration, if desired.

Braided water supply hoses 196 supply hot and cold water through the interior of body 120 up to the cartridge 184. The water supply hoses 196 are provided through a hold in the cabinet to which the faucet assembly is mounted, the top of which provides the surface 18. A ring base 198 provides a surface on which the body 120 rests, against the surface 18. A gasket 200 is provided between the ring base 198 and the surface 18.

Threaded bolts 201 are provided in the lower end 124 of the body 120, to fasten the body and faucet to the mounting surface 18. The bolts 201 extend through an opening in the cabinet (not shown), through C-rings or spacers 202 that are sized larger than the hole through which the water supply hoses are provided. Elongate nuts 206 are threaded onto the bolts 201 and hold the faucet assembly 100 against the underside of the mounting surface.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the position of the arm 140 and of the swivel spout 160 are fixed with set screws, after installation of the faucet 100 and determination of an appropriate position of the arm and spout to place the water throw at a desired place within the basis and minimize or eliminate outsplash. In order to effect such an adjust in such an aspect, an installer of the disclosed faucet 100 first loosens the knurled nut 188, adjusts the arm 140 to a desired angle to position the swivel spout 160 at a desired height for optimal clearance and water stream placement, and then hand-tightens the knurled nut 188. If desired, set screws 192 may be used to hold the arm 140 fixed in the set position. Alternatively, if user adjustability is desired, the set screws may be omitted and the knurled nut used to tighten the arm but permit rotation.

While the water is flowing, the user may adjust the swivel spout 160 by rotating it until the water stream does not splash out or careen over the bowl edge. If needed, the user may readjust the arm 140 by loosening the knurled nut 188 and repositioning the arm 140 until a desired water stream is attained. Once set, the user may turn off the water and tighten set screws 192 located near the first end of the arm 140 to keep the arm in place permanently until the set screws 192 are loosened again.

FIG. 7 shows the components of the faucet 100 with the arm 140 assembled, and provides another view of the body 120 mounted to the surface 18.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the faucet 100 showing the water passages, including the water supply hoses 196, and a tube 220 (there are two in the disclosed embodiment, one for hot, one for cold, but only one is visible) that carries water from the supply hoses 196 to the cartridge 184.

From the foregoing, it will now be appreciated that embodiments and aspects of the present invention, among other things, provide a dual articulated faucet including a tubular body, a pivotable spout arm and a swivel spout that can be selectively configured to minimize or completely eliminate the splashing and/or the cascading effect, which results from a combination of the water stream emanating from the spout, the shape of the bowl and the popup assembly dome.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented only for the purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and their practical application so as to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention and various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and the exemplary embodiments described therein.

Claims

1. A dual articulated faucet for lavatory bowls for controlling water emitted into the bowl to minimize outsplash from the bowl, comprising:

an elongate tubular body mountable in proximity to a lavatory bowl, the body receiving a supply of water, the body including a water port along the surface thereof,
a water controlling handle affixed to the body for controlling the flow of water from the water port;
a pivotable spout arm affixed at a first end to the body along the length thereof, rotatable in a plane parallel to the axis of the body and in fluid communication with the water port; and
a swivel spout affixed to a second end of the pivotable spout arm, rotatable in a plane parallel with the rotatable axis of the spout arm, the spout including a water outlet for emitting water,
whereby the position of the pivotable spout arm and the swivel spout may be adjusted to as to minimize the outsplash of water from a lavatory bowl.

2. The dual articulated faucet of claim 1, further comprising means for affixing the position of the pivotable spout arm relative to the tubular body.

3. The dual articulated faucet of claim 1, wherein the pivotable spout arm includes a tubular first extension having an axis perpendicular to the axis of the body, the spout arm intersecting with the first extension substantially perpendicular thereto, and

wherein the pivotable spout arm includes a tubular second extension having an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the spout arm, the spout arm intersecting with the second extension substantially perpendicular thereto, and
wherein the swivel spout is rotatably affixed to the second extension.

4. A faucet for controlling the throw of water into a sink or basin to minimize water outsplash, comprising:

a. a vertically extending tubular body adapted for receiving and transmitting water therein, the tubular body having a first end and a second, opposite end defining a body portion with an axis x1, and including an outlet with an axis x2 intersecting the axis x1, wherein the outlet is formed on the body and adapted for releasing the water therefrom; and
b. a pivotable spout arm operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the water outlet, the pivotable spout arm having a first end and a second, opposite end defining an arm portion therebetween, the pivotable spout arm rotatable about an axis x2 of the outlet that is perpendicular to the axis x1 of the body, and thereby angularly adjusting the direction of the water throw from the pivotable spout arm.

5. The faucet of claim 4, wherein the arm portion adjacent to the pivot arm's first end includes an axis xm2 in line with the outlet axis x2 of the outlet on the tubular body.

6. The faucet of claim 4, further comprising a swivel spout operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the pivotable spout arm's second end, the swivel spout having a first end and a second, opposite end defining a swivel spout body portion with an axis x3, wherein the swivel spout is adapted for rotating around the axis x3 and thereby providing for angular adjustment of the direction of the water throw therefrom.

7. The faucet of claim 6, wherein the axis x3 of the swivel spout is parallel to the axis x2 of the outlet.

8. The faucet of claim 6, wherein the pivotable spout arm is rotatable in a first plane parallel to the axis x1 of the tubular body, and the swivel spout is rotatable in a second plane parallel to or overlapping with the first plane on which the pivotable spout arm rotates.

9. The faucet of claim 6, wherein the swivel spout includes an opening adapted for discharging water therefrom.

10. The faucet of claim 4, wherein the tubular body comprises a vertically adjustable member having a height h and an axis xc, the adjustable height member operatively connected to the second end of the tubular body and provides for a selectably adjustable height h.

11. The faucet of claim 10, wherein the axis xc of the adjustable height member is in line with the axis x1 of the tubular body.

12. The faucet of claim 4, wherein the tubular body is angularly rotatable with respect to a surface on which the faucet is mounted.

13. The faucet of claim 4, further comprising a control cartridge operatively connected to the first end of the tubular body for regulating the water release from the outlet and into the pivotable spout arm.

14. The faucet of claim 4, further comprising hot and cold water supplies to the control cartridge, and wherein the control cartridge adjusts the mixing of hot and cold water as well as the amount of water flow.

15. A faucet for controlling the throw of water into a sink or basin to minimize water outsplash, comprising:

a. a tubular body for receiving and holding water therein, the tubular body having a first end and a second, opposite end defining a body portion with an axis x1, and including an outlet with an axis x2, wherein the outlet is formed on the body and adapted for releasing the water therefrom;
b. a pivotable spout arm operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the water outlet of the tubular body, the pivotable spout arm having a first end and a second, opposite end rotatable around the axis x2 of the outlet and thereby providing for angular adjustment of the direction of the water throw from the pivotable spout arm;
c. a swivel spout operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the pivotable spout arm's second end, the swivel spout having a first end and a second, opposite end defining a swivel spout body portion having an axis x3, wherein the swivel spout is rotatable about the axis x3 and thereby providing for angular adjustment of the water throw; and
d. a vertically adjustable member having a height h and an axis xc, the adjustable member operatively connected to the second end of the tubular body and adapted for adjusting the height h of the tubular body.

16. A faucet for controlling the throw of water into a sink or basin to minimize water outsplash, comprising:

a. a rotatable tubular body for receiving and holding water therein, the tubular body having a first end and a second, opposite end defining a body portion with an axis x1, and including an outlet with an axis x2, wherein the outlet is formed on the body and adapted for releasing the water therefrom, the tubular body rotatable about the axis x1 such that position of the water outlet is rotatably adjustable;
b. a pivotable spout arm operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the water outlet of the tubular body, the pivotable spout arm having a first end and a second, opposite end rotatable around the axis x2 of the outlet and thereby providing for angular adjustment of the pivotable spout arm; and
c. a swivel spout operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the pivotable spout arm's second end, the swivel spout having a first end and a second, opposite end defining a swivel spout body portion having an axis x3, wherein the swivel spout is rotatable about the axis x3 and thereby providing for angular adjustment of the water throw.
Patent History
Publication number: 20070251590
Type: Application
Filed: May 1, 2007
Publication Date: Nov 1, 2007
Inventor: Hal Weinstein (Alpharetta, GA)
Application Number: 11/742,804
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Faucets And Spouts (137/801)
International Classification: E03C 1/04 (20060101);