FAUCET QUICK-INSTALLATION SYSTEM

Abstract

A faucet installation system includes a mounting shank configured to be coupled to a mounting deck. The mounting shank includes an upper mounting portion configured to couple to a portion of a faucet disposed above the mounting deck. The mounting shank further includes a lower mounting portion having a plurality of partial grooves. A securement device includes a tab, and the tab is configured to be selectively received by the plurality of partial grooves and secure the securement device to the mounting shank.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/123,653, filed Dec. 10, 2020, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates generally to a faucet quick-installation system and, more particularly, to a quick-installation system including a mounting shank having a plurality of partial grooves and a securement device having a tab that is selectively received in the plurality of partial grooves to secure a faucet to a mounting deck.

Faucet installation systems typically include a mounting shank that extends through a mounting deck and a mounting nut that couples to the mounting shank below the mounting deck to secure the faucet. The mounting nut typically couples to the mounting shank via a threaded surface. As a result, the mounting nut may be disposed at various positions along the mounting shank to accommodate mounting decks having a variety of thicknesses. However, it can be onerous to rotate the mounting nut from a lower end to an upper end of the mounting shank to couple the faucet to the mounting deck.

In view of the above, improved faucet quick-installation assemblies would be beneficial.

According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a faucet installation system includes a mounting shank configured to be coupled to a mounting deck. The mounting shank includes an upper mounting portion configured to couple to a portion of a faucet disposed above the mounting deck. The mounting shank further includes a lower mounting portion including a plurality of partial grooves. The system further includes a securement device. The securement device includes a tab, and the tab is configured to be selectively received by the plurality of partial grooves and secure the securement device to the mounting shank.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a faucet installation system includes a mounting shank configured to be coupled to a mounting deck. The mounting shank includes an upper mounting portion configured to couple to a portion of a faucet disposed above the mounting deck. The mounting shank further includes a lower mounting portion having a plurality of first partial grooves and a plurality of second partial grooves. The system further includes a securement device, and the securement device includes a first tab and a second tab. The first tab is configured to be selectively received by the plurality of first partial grooves and the second tab is configured to be selectively received by the plurality of second partial grooves and secure the securement device to the mounting shank.

According to a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a faucet installation system includes a mounting shank configured to be coupled to a mounting deck. The mounting shank includes an upper mounting portion configured to couple to a portion of a faucet disposed above the mounting deck. The mounting shank further includes a lower mounting portion having a plurality of first partial grooves and a plurality of second partial grooves. The plurality of first partial grooves and the plurality of second partial grooves are diametrically opposed. Each first partial groove includes an open side configured to permit the first tab to enter and exit the first partial groove, and a closed side configured to inhibit the first tab from exiting the first partial groove. The system further includes a securement device, and the securement device includes a first tab and a second tab. The first tab is configured to be selectively received by the plurality of first partial grooves and the second tab is configured to be selectively received by the plurality of second partial grooves and secure the securement device to the mounting shank. The first tab and the second tab are diametrically opposed.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of the drawings particularly refers to the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of an illustrative faucet including quick-installation systems according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top front perspective view of an exemplary quick-installation system of the faucet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top front exploded perspective view of the quick-installation system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a bottom side exploded perspective view of the quick-installation system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a detail side view of a mounting shank of the quick-installation system within line 5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of a securement device of the quick-installation system taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a partial bottom perspective view of the securement device before being coupled to the mounting shank of the quick-installation system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a partial bottom perspective view of the securement device and a washer being coupled to the mounting shank of the quick-installation system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is another partial bottom perspective view of the securement device and the washer being coupled to the mounting shank of the quick-installation system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a partial bottom perspective view of fasteners of the securement device being tightened to secure the quick-installation system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 is a top front exploded perspective view of another illustrative quick-installation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a bottom side exploded perspective view of the quick-installation system of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a detail side view of a mounting shank of the quick-installation system within line 13 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of a securement device of the quick-installation system taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a bottom front perspective view of an illustrative faucet including a quick-installation system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a partial bottom front exploded perspective view of the faucet and the quick-installation system of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a side sectional view of the faucet and the quick-installation system taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a detail side sectional view of the quick-installation system within line 18 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a partial top perspective view of an inner portion of a securement device before being coupled to a mounting shank of the quick-installation system of FIG. 15;

FIG. 20 is a partial top perspective view of the inner portion of the securement device being coupled to the mounting shank of the quick-installation system of FIG. 15;

FIG. 21 is a side sectional view of the inner portion of the securement device and the mounting shank of the quick-installation system taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a side sectional view similar to FIG. 21 and further illustrating an outer portion of the securement device being coupled to the inner portion;

FIG. 23 is a side sectional view similar to FIG. 22 and further illustrating a tool manipulating the securement device to secure the quick-installation system of FIG. 15;

FIG. 24 is a bottom front perspective view of an illustrative faucet including a quick-installation system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a partial bottom front exploded perspective view of the faucet and the quick-installation system of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a side sectional view of the faucet and the quick-installation system taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a side sectional view of the faucet and the quick-installation system taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 24;

FIG. 28 is a partial top perspective view of a securement device before being coupled to a mounting shank of the quick-installation system of FIG. 24;

FIG. 29 is a partial top perspective view of the securement device and a washer being coupled to the mounting shank of the quick-installation system of FIG. 24;

FIG. 30 is a partial top perspective view of a lower portion of the securement device being coupled to the mounting shank of the quick-installation system of FIG. 24;

FIG. 31 is a partial top perspective view of fasteners of the securement device being tightened to secure the quick-installation system of FIG. 24;

FIG. 32 is a top front perspective view of an illustrative faucet including a quick-installation system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 33 is a bottom perspective view of a first mounting shank of the quick-installation system of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective view of a second mounting shank of the quick-installation system of FIG. 32;

FIG. 35 is a top perspective view of a securement device of the quick-installation system of FIG. 32;

FIG. 36 is a top perspective view of the securement device before being coupled to the first mounting shank and the second mounting shank of the quick-installation system of FIG. 32; and

FIG. 37 is a top perspective view of fasteners of the securement device being tightened to secure the quick-installation system of FIG. 32.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the invention described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to precise forms disclosed. Rather, the embodiments selected for description have been chosen to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, an illustrative faucet 10 is shown coupled to a mounting deck 12, such as a sink deck. The faucet 10 illustratively includes a delivery spout 14 defining a water outlet 16 for discharging water into a sink basin 18 surrounded by the mounting deck 12. Illustratively, a hot water faucet handle assembly 20a operably coupled to a hot water valve assembly 21a, and a cold water faucet handle assembly 20b operably coupled to a cold water valve assembly 21b are illustratively mounted on the mounting deck 12 in spaced relation to, and on opposite sides of, the spout 14. Hot water is supplied from a hot water source 22 (illustratively, a conventional hot water stop) to the hot water faucet valve assembly 21a, while cold water is supplied from a cold water source 24 (illustratively, a conventional cold water stop) to the cold water faucet valve assembly 21b.

Illustratively, hot water and cold water inlet conduits 26 and 28 fluidly couple the hot and cold water sources 22 and 24 to the hot water and cold water faucet handle assemblies 20a and 20b, respectively. The hot water and cold water inlet conduits 26 and 28 are illustratively formed of a flexible tubular material, such as a polymer (e.g., a cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)). As is known, the faucet handle assemblies 20a and 20b control water flow to the water outlet 16 of the delivery spout 14. More particularly, the delivery spout 14 is fluidly coupled to outlets of the hot water and cold water faucet handle assemblies 20a and 20b via hot water and cold water outlet conduits 30 and 32, respectively. The hot water and cold water outlet conduits 30 and 32 are illustratively formed of a flexible tubular material, such as a polymer (e.g., a cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)).

Illustratively, the hot water and cold water faucet handle assemblies 20a and 20b are secured to the mounting deck 12 by quick-installation systems 34a and 34b, respectively, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Illustratively, the quick-installation systems 34a and 34b are substantially identical. As an alternative, one of the hot water and cold water faucet handle assemblies 20a and 20b is secured to the mounting deck 12 by a quick-installation system 34a or 34b, and the other of the hot water and cold water faucet handle assemblies 20a and 20b is secured to the mounting deck 12 by a different installation system, such as a conventional system including a threaded mounting shank and mounting nut (not shown). As another alternative, the spout 14 may be secured to the mounting deck 12 by a quick-installation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Illustratively, the quick-installation system 34a receives the conduits 26 and 30 and the quick-installation system 34b receives the conduits 28 and 32. The quick-installation system 34a also receives a valve cartridge (not shown) coupled to the faucet handle assembly 20a and the quick-installation system 34b receives a valve cartridge (not shown) coupled to the faucet handle assembly 20b. In other embodiments, the quick-installation systems 34a and 34b do not receive conduits and/or valve cartridges.

In the following description and FIGS. 2-10, the quick-installation system 34a is described and illustrated in further detail. As noted above, the quick-installation systems 34a and 34b are substantially identical. Referring specifically to FIGS. 2-4, the quick-installation system 34a includes a cylindrical mounting shank 36 that extends through and couples to the mounting deck 12 (FIG. 2). The mounting shank 36 includes an upper mounting portion 38 disposed above the mounting deck 12, and the upper mounting portion 38 couples to the handle assembly 20a (FIG. 1). Illustratively, the upper mounting portion 38 includes an external thread surface 40 for threadably coupling to the handle assembly 20a. The upper mounting portion 38 also illustratively includes a flange 42, and the flange 42 abuts a mounting base 44 (FIG. 2) supported by the mounting deck 12. The upper mounting portion 38 is coupled to a lower mounting portion 46 that extends through and is disposed below the mounting deck 12. As described in further detail below, a securement device or ring 48 selectively couples to the lower mounting portion 46 and secures the mounting shank 36, and as a result the handle assembly 20a, to the mounting deck 12.

With reference now to FIGS. 2-6, the lower mounting portion 46 of the mounting shank 36 and the securement device 48 include features that facilitate ease of securing the quick-installation system 34a to the mounting deck 12. Illustratively, the lower mounting portion 46 and the securement device 48 include an outer surface 50 and an inner surface 52, respectively, that include clearance features and securement features. More specifically, the outer surface 50 of the lower mounting portion 46 includes a plurality of first protrusions 54 that defines a plurality of first partial grooves 56 (that is, grooves partially extending about the perimeter (e.g., circumference) of the lower mounting portion 46), a plurality of second protrusions 58 (FIG. 4) that defines a plurality of second partial grooves 60, a first clearance surface 62, and a second clearance surface 64 (FIG. 5). Similarly, the inner surface 52 of the securement device 48 includes a first protrusion or tab 66, a second protrusion or tab 68, a first clearance surface 70 (FIG. 6), and a second clearance surface 72. As described in further detail below, the securement device 48 may be rotated (about a longitudinal axis 74 of the quick-installation system 34a) to misalign the tabs 66, 68 from the partial grooves 56, 60 to permit the securement device 48 to slide along the lower mounting portion 46. The securement device 48 may then be rotated to cause the tabs 66, 68 to enter the partial grooves 56, 60 and thereby couple the securement device 48 to the lower mounting portion 46. The securement device 48 carries one or more fasteners, for example, jack screws 76, that are tightenable to cause a washer 78 to abut the mounting deck 12 and thereby secure the quick-installation system 34a to the mounting deck 12.

Illustratively, the first partial grooves 56 and the second partial grooves 60 of the lower mounting portion 46 are diametrically opposed to each other. Stated another way, the first partial grooves 56 and the second partial grooves 60 are disposed substantially 180 degrees apart (that is, 180 degrees apart ±5 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis 74. Similarly and illustratively, the first tab 66 and the second tab 68 of the securement device 48 are diametrically opposed to each other. Stated another way, the first tab 66 and the second tab 68 are disposed substantially 180 degrees apart (that is, 180 degrees apart ±5 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis 74. Alternatively, the partial grooves 56, 60 and/or the tabs 66, 68 may be disposed apart by different angles.

Referring specifically to FIG. 5, the plurality of first protrusions 54 and the plurality of first partial grooves 56 are illustrated in further detail. However, the plurality of second protrusions 58 and the plurality of second partial grooves 60, respectively, are substantially identical to the illustrated features. Illustratively, the first partial grooves 56 are offset in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 74. Illustratively, each first partial groove 56 includes an open side 80 for permitting the first tab 66 of the securement device 48 (FIGS. 2-4 and 5) to enter and exit the first partial groove 56. Opposite the open side 80, each first partial groove 56 includes a closed side 82 for inhibiting the first tab 66 from entering or exiting the first partial groove 56. As a result, the first tab 66 may enter and exit a first partial groove 56 on one side, specifically, the open side 80. Stated another way, the securement device 48 may rotate in a first direction about the longitudinal axis 74 to enter a first partial groove 56, and the securement device 48 may rotate in an opposite second direction about the longitudinal axis 74 to exit a first partial groove 56. Illustratively, each first partial groove 56 may increase in height proceeding from the open side 80 to the closed side 82.

Referring specifically to FIG. 6, the first tab 66 is illustrated in further detail. However, the second tab 68 is substantially identical to the first tab 66. Illustratively, the first tab 66 may increase in height proceeding from a first end 84 to a second end 86, which may be consistent with the increased height of each first partial groove 56 from the open side 80 to the closed side 82 (FIG. 5).

The components of the quick-installation system 34a may be constructed of various appropriate materials, including metals and the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, the quick-installation system 34a may be secured to the mounting deck 12 according to the following illustrative steps. First, the mounting shank 36 is positioned above and then partially through an aperture (not shown) of the mounting deck 12 (shown elsewhere). As shown in FIG. 7, the securement device 48 is positioned below the mounting shank 36 and the mounting deck 12 (shown elsewhere). The tabs 66, 68 of the securement device 48 are misaligned with the partial grooves 56 and 60 (shown elsewhere) of the mounting shank 36 and, as shown in FIG. 8, the washer 78 and the securement device 48 are slid along the mounting shank 36 until the washer 78 and the securement device 48 are disposed proximate the mounting deck 12. As shown in FIG. 9, the securement device 48 is then rotated about the longitudinal axis 74 and relative to the mounting shank 36 to cause the first tab 66 to enter one of the first partial grooves 56 and the second tab 68 to enter one of the second partial grooves 60. As shown in FIG. 10, the jack screws 76 are then tightened to cause the washer 78 to abut the mounting deck 12. As a result, the securement device 48 pulls on, or applies a tensile force to, the mounting shank 36 and thereby secures the quick-installation system 34a to the mounting deck 12. Other components (for example, the faucet handle assembly 20a, a delivery spout, a valve cartridge (not shown), and the like) may be coupled to the quick-installation system 34a before or after the above steps.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-14, another illustrative embodiment of a faucet quick-installation system 134 is shown as including many of the same elements as the quick-installation system 34a detailed above. As such, in the following description, like components are identified with similar reference numbers. As described in further detail below, the installation system 134 includes different securement features than the quick-installation system 34a.

The quick-installation system 134 includes a mounting shank 136, and the mounting shank 136 includes an upper mounting portion 138 and a lower mounting portion 146. The upper mounting portion 138 couples to a portion of a faucet disposed above a mounting deck (for example and as shown in FIG. 1, a faucet handle assembly 20a or 20b, a delivery spout 14, or the like). The lower mounting portion 146 extends through and is disposed below the mounting deck. A securement device or ring 148 selectively couples to the lower mounting portion 146 and secures the mounting shank 136 to the mounting deck.

The lower mounting portion 146 of the mounting shank 136 and the securement device 148 include features that facilitate ease of securing the quick-installation system 134 to a mounting deck. Illustratively, the lower mounting portion 146 and the securement device 148 include an outer surface 150 and an inner surface 152, respectively, that include clearance features and securement features. More specifically, the outer surface 150 of the lower mounting 146 includes a plurality of first protrusions 154 that defines a plurality of first partial grooves 156, a plurality of second protrusions 158 that defines a plurality of second partial grooves 160, a first clearance surface 162, and a second clearance surface 164 (FIG. 13). Similarly, the inner surface 152 of the securement device 148 includes a first protrusion or tab 166, a second protrusion or tab 168, a first clearance surface 170, and a second clearance surface 172.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 13 and 14, the plurality of first partial grooves 156 and the first tab 166 are illustrated in further detail. However, the plurality of second partial grooves 160 and the second tab 168, respectively, are substantially identical to the illustrated features. The plurality of first partial grooves 156 are similar to those of the quick-installation system 34a, except that each first partial groove 156 includes a toe 188 disposed at the open side 180, and the height of each first partial groove 156 is otherwise substantially uniform between the open side 180 and the closed side 182. The toe 188 configured to inhibit the first tab 166 from exiting the associated first partial groove 156. The first tab 166 of the securement device 148 is similar to the first tab 66 of the securement device 48 (shown elsewhere), except that the second end 186 is tapered to facilitate entering the first partial grooves 156. The height of the first tab 166 is otherwise substantially uniform between the first end 184 and the second end 186.

With general reference again to FIGS. 11-14, the quick-installation system 134 may be secured to a mounting deck according to the illustrative steps described above in connection with the quick-installation system 34a. This includes tightening one or more fasteners 176, such as jack screws, to cause a washer 178 to abut the mounting deck.

Referring now to FIGS. 15-23, an illustrative faucet 210 including another illustrative embodiment of a faucet quick-installation system 234 is shown. The faucet quick-installation system 234 is shown as including many of the same elements as the quick-installation system 34a detailed above. As such, in the following description, like components are identified with similar reference numbers. Unlike the quick-installation system 34a detailed above, however, a mounting shank 236 of the quick-installation system 234 illustratively does not receive water conduits 230, 232. In addition, the quick-installation system 234 illustratively secures a delivery spout 214 that carries a single handle assembly 220 operably coupled to a conventional mixing valve assembly 221.

With specific reference to FIGS. 15-18, the mounting shank 236 includes an upper mounting portion 238 and a lower mounting portion 246. The upper mounting portion 238 couples to the delivery spout 214, and the lower mounting portion 246 extends through and is disposed below the mounting deck 12 (FIGS. 17 and 18). A securement device 248 causes a mounting plate 290 to abut the mounting deck 12 and thereby secures the quick-installation system 234 to the mounting deck 12. The securement device 248 includes an inner portion 292 and an outer portion 294. The inner portion 292 includes a first tab 266 and a second tab 268 that are selectively received in first partial grooves 256 and second partial grooves 260, respectively, of the mounting shank 236. The inner portion 292 movably supports the outer portion 294. Illustratively, the inner portion 292 includes an external thread surface 296 that couples to an internal thread surface 298 of the outer portion 294 (FIGS. 17 and 18). The outer portion 294 also includes an external surface 300 that is shaped to facilitate grasping and driving the outer portion 294 relative to the inner portion 292. Illustratively, the external surface 300 has a hexagonal shape.

Referring now to FIGS. 19-23, the quick-installation system 234 may be secured to the mounting deck 12 (FIG. 23) according to the following illustrative steps. First, the mounting shank 236 is positioned above and then partially through an aperture 302 of the mounting deck 12 (FIG. 23). As shown in FIG. 19, the inner portion 292 of the securement device 248 is positioned below the mounting shank 236 and the mounting deck 12 (FIG. 23). The tabs 266, 268 of the inner portion 292 are misaligned with the partial grooves 256 and 260 of the mounting shank 236 and, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the inner portion 292 is slid along the mounting shank 236 such that the mounting plate 290 is disposed between the inner portion 292 the mounting deck 12 (FIG. 23). The inner portion 292 is then rotated about the longitudinal axis 274 and relative to the mounting shank 236 to cause the first tab 266 to enter one of the first partial grooves 256 and the second tab 268 to enter one of the second partial grooves 260. As shown in FIG. 22, the outer portion 294 of the securement device 248 is then slid along the mounting shank 236 and coupled to the inner portion 292, illustratively, by rotating the outer portion 294 and coupling the threaded surfaces 296, 298. As shown in FIG. 23, the outer portion 294 is then compressed against the mounting plate 290, illustratively, by rotating the outer portion 294 using a tool 304 including a socket 306 for receiving the outer portion 294. As a result, the inner portion 292 is urged away from the mounting plate 290 and pulls on, or applies a tensile force to, the mounting shank 236 and thereby secures the quick-installation system 234 to the mounting deck 12. Other components (for example, the delivery spout 214) may be coupled to the quick-installation system 234 before or after the above steps.

Referring to FIGS. 24-31, an illustrative faucet 310 including another illustrative embodiment of a faucet quick-installation system 334 is shown. The faucet quick-installation system 334 is shown as including many of the same elements as the quick-installation system 234 detailed above. As such, in the following description, like components are identified with similar reference numbers. Like the quick-installation system 234, the quick-installation system 334 illustratively secures a delivery spout 314 that carries a single handle assembly 320. Unlike the quick-installation system 234, however, a mounting shank 336 of the quick-installation 334 receives a water conduit 330.

With specific reference to FIGS. 25-27, the mounting shank 336 includes an upper mounting portion 338 and a lower mounting portion 346. The upper mounting portion 338 couples to the delivery spout 314, and the lower mounting portion 346 extends through and is disposed below the mounting deck 12 (FIGS. 26 and 27). A securement device 348 causes a washer 378 to abut the mounting deck 12 and thereby secures the quick-installation system 334 to the mounting deck 12. The securement device 348 includes a lower portion 408 and an upper portion 410. The lower portion 408 includes a first tab 366 and a second tab 368 (FIG. 26) that are selectively received in first partial grooves 356 and second partial grooves 360 (FIG. 26), respectively, of the mounting shank 336. The lower portion 408 is received by a coupling of the upper portion 410, which illustratively includes two snap connectors 412. The upper portion 410 carries one or more fasteners, for example, jack screws 376, that are tightenable to cause the washer 378 to abut the mounting deck 12 and thereby secure the quick-installation system 334 to the mounting deck 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 28-31, the quick-installation system 334 may be secured to the mounting deck 12 (FIGS. 29-31) according to the following illustrative steps. First, the mounting shank 336 is positioned above and then partially through an aperture 402 of the mounting deck 12 (FIGS. 29-31). As shown in FIG. 28, the upper portion 410 and the lower portion 408 of the securement device 348 are positioned below the mounting shank 336 and the mounting deck 12 (FIGS. 29-31). The tabs 366, 368 of the lower portion 408 are misaligned with the partial grooves 356 and 360 (FIG. 26) of the mounting shank 336 and, as shown in FIG. 29, the upper portion 410 and the lower portion 408 are slid along the mounting shank 336 such that the washer 378 is disposed between the upper portion 410 the mounting deck 12. The lower portion 408 is also received by the coupling of the upper portion 410 (illustratively, the snap connectors 412—FIG. 27). As shown in FIG. 30, the lower portion 408 is then rotated about the longitudinal axis 374 and relative to the mounting shank 336 to cause the first tab 366 to enter one of the first partial grooves 356 and the second tab 368 to enter one of the second partial grooves 360 (FIG. 26). As shown in FIG. 31, the jack screws 376 are then tightened to cause the washer 378 to abut the mounting deck 12. As a result, the upper portion 410 urges the lower portion 408 away from the mounting deck 12. The lower portion 408 thereby pulls on, or applies a tensile force to, the mounting shank 336 and thereby secures the quick-installation system 334 to the mounting deck 12. Other components (for example, the delivery spout 314) may be coupled to the quick-installation system 334 before or after the above steps.

Referring now to FIGS. 32-37, an illustrative faucet 510 including another illustrative embodiment of a faucet quick-installation system 534 is shown. The faucet quick-installation system 534 is shown as including many of the same elements as the quick-installation system 34a detailed above. As such, in the following description, like components are identified with similar reference numbers. Unlike the quick-installation system 34a detailed above, however, the quick-installation system 534 includes a first mounting shank 536A and a second mounting shank 536B. The first mounting shank 536A and the second mounting shank 536B are both coupled to a mounting base 614, and the mounting base 614 carries a hot water handle assembly 520A, a cold water handle assembly 520B, and a spout 514. Further, the quick-installation system 534 includes a single securement device 548 that couples to the first mounting shank 536A and the second mounting shank 536B.

FIG. 33 illustrates the first mounting shank 536A, and FIG. 34 illustrates the second mounting shank 536B. The mounting shanks 536A and 536B include a plurality of protrusions 554 and the plurality of partial grooves 556. Illustratively, the partial grooves 556 are offset in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 574 (FIG. 32).

FIG. 35 illustrates the securement device 548. Illustratively, the securement device 548 includes a frame 616 having a first slot 618A and a second slot 618B. The first slot 618A is configured to receive the first mounting shank 536A (FIG. 33). The second slot 618B is configured to receive the second mounting shank 536B (FIG. 34). The frame 616 also includes a first tab 620A adjacent the first slot 618A and a second tab 620B adjacent the second slot 618B. The first tab 620A is configured to be received by one of the partial grooves 556 of the first mounting shank 536A and the second tab 620B is configured to be received by one of the partial grooves 556 of the second mounting shank 536B. The frame 616 carries one or more fasteners, for example, jack screws 576, that are tightenable to secure the quick-installation system 534 and the faucet 510 to a mounting deck (shown elsewhere).

Referring now to FIGS. 36 and 37, the quick-installation system 534 may be secured to a mounting deck 12 according to the following illustrative steps. First, the mounting shanks 536A and 536B are positioned above and then partially through apertures (not shown) of the mounting deck 12, and the mounting base 614 is positioned above the mounting deck 12. As shown in FIG. 36, the securement device 548 is positioned below the mounting deck 12 and aside the mounting shanks 536A and 536B. Next, the securement device 548 is moved laterally (illustratively, perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis 574) such that, as shown in FIG. 37, the first tab 620A and the second tab 620B are received by one of the partial grooves 556 of the first mounting shank 536A and one of the partial grooves 556 of the second mounting shank 536B, respectively. The jack screws 576 are then tightened and abut the mounting deck 12. As a result, the securement device 548 pulls on, or applies a tensile force to, the mounting shanks 536A and 536B and thereby secures the quick-installation system 534 to the mounting deck 12. Other components (for example, the faucet handle assemblies 520A and 520B, the spout 514 (shown elsewhere), and the like) may be coupled to the quick-installation system 534 before or after the above steps.

In some embodiments, quick-installation systems according to the present disclosure could be used to secure other types of structures to mounting decks. Such structures include, for example, faucet-related structures such as soap dispensers and the like. Further, quick-installation systems according to the present disclosure could be used to secure structures to vertically-extending mounting decks, such as walls.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the spirit and scope of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A faucet installation system, comprising:

a mounting shank configured to be coupled to a mounting deck, the mounting shank comprising: an upper mounting portion configured to couple to a portion of a faucet disposed above the mounting deck; a lower mounting portion comprising a plurality of partial grooves; and

a securement device comprising a tab, the tab being configured to be selectively received by the plurality of partial grooves and secure the securement device to the mounting shank.

2. The faucet installation system of claim 1, wherein the tab is a first tab, and the securement device further comprises a second tab diametrically opposed to the first tab.

3. The faucet installation system of claim 1, wherein each partial groove comprises:

an open side configured to permit the tab to enter and exit the partial groove; and

a closed side configured to inhibit the tab from exiting the partial groove.

4. The faucet installation system of claim 1, wherein the securement device comprises:

an inner portion comprising the tab;

an outer portion movably coupled to the inner portion, the outer portion being movable to urge the inner portion away from the mounting deck and apply a tensile force to the mounting shank, and thereby secure the mounting shank to the mounting deck.

5. The faucet installation system of claim 1, wherein the securement device comprises:

a lower portion comprising the tab;

an upper portion configured to urge the lower portion away from the mounting deck and apply a tensile force to the mounting shank, and thereby secure the mounting shank to the mounting deck.

6. The faucet installation system of claim 5, wherein the securement device further comprises a jack screw movably carried by the upper portion, the jack screw being drivable to urge the lower portion away from the mounting deck and apply the tensile force to the mounting shank, and thereby secure the mounting shank to the mounting deck.

7. The faucet installation system of claim 1, wherein the mounting shank is a first mounting shank, the plurality of partial grooves is a plurality of first partial grooves, and the tab is a first tab, further comprising a second mounting shank configured to be coupled to the mounting deck, the second mounting shank comprising a plurality of second partial grooves, and the securement device further comprises a second tab being configured to be selectively received by the plurality of second partial grooves and secure the securement device to the second mounting shank.

8. A faucet installation system, comprising:

a mounting shank configured to be coupled to a mounting deck, the mounting shank comprising: an upper mounting portion configured to couple to a portion of a faucet disposed above the mounting deck; a lower mounting portion comprising a plurality of first partial grooves and a plurality of second partial grooves; and

a securement device comprising a first tab and a second tab, the first tab being configured to be selectively received by the plurality of first partial grooves and the second tab being configured to be selectively received by the plurality of second partial grooves and secure the securement device to the mounting shank.

9. The faucet installation system of claim 8, wherein the first tab and the second tab are diametrically opposed.

10. The faucet installation system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of first partial grooves and the plurality of second partial grooves are diametrically opposed.

11. The faucet installation system of claim 8, further comprising a jack screw movably carried by the securement device, the jack screw being tightenable to secure the securement device and the mounting shank to the mounting deck.

12. The faucet installation system of claim 8, further comprising a jack screw movably carried by the securement device, the jack screw being movable to urge the securement device away from the mounting deck and apply a tensile force to the mounting shank, and thereby secure the mounting shank to the mounting deck.

13. The faucet installation system of claim 12, wherein the jack screw is a first jack screw, and further comprising a second jack screw movably carried by the securement device, the second jack screw being movable to urge the securement device away from the mounting deck and apply the tensile force to the mounting shank, and thereby secure the mounting shank to the mounting deck.

14. The faucet installation system of claim 12, further comprising a washer configured to be compressed between the jack screw and the mounting deck.

15. The faucet installation system of claim 8, wherein the lower mounting portion defines a longitudinal axis, the plurality of first partial grooves being offset in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

16. The faucet installation system of claim 15, wherein the direction is a first direction, and the plurality of second partial grooves are offset in a second direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

17. The faucet installation system of claim 8, wherein each first partial groove comprises:

an open side configured to permit the first tab to enter and exit the first partial groove; and

a closed side configured to inhibit the first tab from exiting the first partial groove.

18. The faucet installation system of claim 17, wherein each first partial groove further comprises a toe disposed at the open side, the toe configured to inhibit the first tab from exiting the first partial groove.

19. The faucet installation system of claim 8, wherein the securement device comprises:

an inner portion comprising the first tab and the second tab;

an outer portion movably coupled to the inner portion, the outer portion being movable to urge the inner portion away from the mounting deck and apply a tensile force to the mounting shank, and thereby secure the mounting shank to the mounting deck.

20. The faucet installation system of claim 19, wherein the outer portion is movably coupled to the inner portion via a thread surface.

21. The faucet installation system of claim 8, wherein the securement device comprises:

a lower portion comprising the first tab and the second tab;

an upper portion configured to urge the lower portion away from the mounting deck and apply a tensile force to the mounting shank, and thereby secure the mounting shank to the mounting deck.

22. The faucet installation system of claim 21, wherein the securement device further comprises a jack screw movably carried by the upper portion, the jack screw being drivable to urge the lower portion away from the mounting deck and apply the tensile force to the mounting shank, and thereby secure the mounting shank to the mounting deck.

23. A faucet installation system, comprising:

a mounting shank configured to be coupled to a mounting deck, the mounting shank comprising: an upper mounting portion configured to couple to a portion of a faucet disposed above the mounting deck; a lower mounting portion comprising a plurality of first partial grooves and a plurality of second partial grooves; wherein the plurality of first partial grooves and the plurality of second partial grooves are diametrically opposed; wherein each first partial groove includes: an open side configured to permit the first tab to enter and exit the first partial groove; and a closed side configured to inhibit the first tab from exiting the first partial groove; and

a securement device comprising a first tab and a second tab, the first tab being configured to be selectively received by the plurality of first partial grooves and the second tab being configured to be selectively received by the plurality of second partial grooves and secure the securement device to the mounting shank, wherein the first tab and the second tab are diametrically opposed.