Faucet Or Spout Patents (Class 4/678)
  • Publication number: 20020083520
    Abstract: A faucet thermal monitoring system for verifying the temperature of water being delivered through a faucet. The faucet thermal monitoring system includes a housing which is couplable to a spout of a faucet and thermally conductive such that heat is conducted between water flowing through the spout and the housing and a liquid crystal temperature panel coupled to the housing providing a visual indication of the temperature of the water flowing through the tap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Richard C. Osborne-Kirby
  • Patent number: 6381774
    Abstract: A retractable sprayer hose installation kit for use with a faucet assembly has a connector attachable to a discharge opening of the faucet assembly and traversed by a flexible hose, a free end of which is inserted into a spout, an a proximal end traverses a bushing which provides connection between the hose and a hand-held spray head. The connector receives a fitting which is recessed to form a seat for a stopper attachable to the proximal end of the flexible hose and engaging the seat in a retracted position of the spray head. The kit further has a bushing releasably engaging the spray head and dimensioned to provide the spray head and the hose with simultaneous displacement between the retracted and extended positions of the spray head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Resources Conservation, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Wales
  • Patent number: 6381770
    Abstract: The invention is an extensible and retractable bathtub spout. The spout has a stationary base with a means to attach the stationary base to a structure, a detachable pull-out spout unit having a releasable mount to a front opening of the stationary base, a pressurized water supply, and a length of extensible hose attached to water supply and the pull-out spout unit. The extensible hose is contained in a stored position behind the rear opening of the stationary base and capable of being extended outwardly. The pull-out spout unit can also have a diverter valve and diverter controller, to divert pressurized water to a showerhead whether the pull-out spout unit is in the extended or retracted position. The pull-out spout unit can also have a backflow preventer. The extensible hose can have a means to prevent over-extension of the extensible hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin Norman Raisch
  • Patent number: 6378912
    Abstract: A system and method for installing plumbing spouts, such as shower heads and tub spouts, includes providing a stub out which protrudes out of a wall at shower height. A specialized adapter is then slid onto the protruding stub out until the adapter abuts the wall. The adapter is internally threaded with an integral ferrule, and may also be equipped with a one-way gripper ring and an O-ring to sealingly secure the spout to the stub out. The stub out, if closed, is then cut off outside the adapter and a standard shower arm or nipple for a tub spout is threaded into the adapter. A threaded end of the shower arm or nipple engages the ferrule and compresses it against the stub out creating a seal therebetween. When installing a shower head, an escutcheon plate is adapted to be slid over the shower arm to engage peripheral fingers of the adapter to secure the escutcheon in place. A shower head is then threaded onto the shower arm to complete the installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Sioux Chief Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Duane R. Condon, Frank D. Julian, Joseph P. Ismert
  • Patent number: 6368503
    Abstract: The present invention provides a filtered fluid dispensing system. The invention may replace the sprayer provided with the faucet assembly of a conventional sink and may, in certain embodiments, be adapted to selectively dispense filtered and unfiltered fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce S. Williamson, Michael S. Brunner, Jeffrey E. Fish, Kevin P. McGrath, Malcolm D. Poirier, Paul Metaxatos, Dave Mathieu
  • Patent number: 6360770
    Abstract: A faucet spout fixture provides for spout mounting and removal from above a supporting surface such as a sink deck, without disconnection of the water supply conduits beneath the sink deck. The fixture includes a faucet spout which has a water passage and a water discharge in communication with the passage. There is a water inlet in the spout which communicates with the passage. A water supply assembly is located beneath the supporting surface and there is a spout waterway adjustably connected to the water supply assembly, which spout waterway extends into the spout water inlet. There is a clamp member adjustably mounted on the spout waterway to be positioned against and on top of the supporting surface sink deck. A spout fastener extends through an opening in the clamp member and is held in position therein by a portion of the spout waterway. The spout fastener adjustably cooperates with a threaded bore on the spout to removably fasten the spout against and on top of the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel C. Buchner, John H. Daniel, III, Todd C. Loschelder, Allen L. Talley, Timothy J. O'Brien, William R. Markowitz, Erwin F. Mikol
  • Patent number: 6345643
    Abstract: Faucet valve chamber body composed of a controlling valve body, an inlet tube, a main tube body and an outlet/inlet sleeve. The valve chamber body is assembled with a handle, a casing, an upper clamping block, a washer, a sealing ring and a lower clamping block. An upper end of the controlling valve body is provided with a driving rod milled with a casing outer thread section and a stepped stop block. A lower portion of the controlling valve body is milled with a locking outer thread section. The inlet tube is milled with an internal inlet tunnel and an upper annular engaging section. A middle portion of the inlet tube is milled with a stepped section to which an annular flow-guiding rib is adjacent. A lower end of the inlet tube is milled with locking outer thread section. The main tube body is milled with an internal receiving tunnel. Inner circumference of the upper end of the receiving tunnel is formed with a locking inner thread section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Chung Cheng Faucet Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsi Chia Ko
  • Patent number: 6340032
    Abstract: The present invention relates to faucets of the type used in sinks, lavatories, urinals and the like. Typically these faucets are made from metal or plated plastics and are electrically conductive. A module affixed to the outlet end of the faucet senses temperature or other fluid properties and generates a signal. A valve controller receives the generated signal and positions a control valve accordingly. The generated signal is communicated from the module to the valve controller by passing the signal along the conduit itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Inventor: Peter Zosimadis
  • Patent number: 6334226
    Abstract: A faucet support member for fixing a faucet in a mounting hole made in a base plate, comprising tightening members which are fixed to a support seat, which is provided to support a base end portion of the faucet, by connectors so that the tightening members are pivotable with the connectors and slidable along the connectors, and which are formed so that the tightening members can be inserted into the mounting hole when the front end portions thereof are directed inward, and open beyond the diameter of the mounting hole when the front end portions of the tightening members are directed outward; and members for preventing the tightening members, opening beyond the diameter of the mounting hole, from being turned further, the tightening members opening beyond the diameter of the mounting hole being moved toward a bottom surface of the support seat to hold the base plate between the bottom surface of the support seat and an upper surface of the tightening members and support the faucet on the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Tokunaga, Hideyuki Hasebe, Sigemiti Inada
  • Patent number: 6334463
    Abstract: An inner pipe for a faucet with a retaining cut out includes a tubular body and a cap mountable on the body. A threaded first end is formed on the body to securely mate with a threaded socket formed in the faucet. A polygonal is formed on a second end of the body and includes a circumferential slit. The cap has a ring and a flange. The ring has a polygonal bore configured to mate with the tubular exterior and provide a limited rotational movement therebetween. The flange has a lug radially extending therefrom and configured to mate with the retaining cut out of the faucet. Two resilient elements are formed on the cap and each has a tooth to engage in the circumferential slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Princeton International Company
    Inventor: Leon Lee
  • Publication number: 20010044955
    Abstract: A faucet has a base formed with a outwardly open cavity and a pair of confronting open outlet ports opening into the cavity. A sleeve fitted over the base at the cavity has an inner surface directed radially inward at the base, and is rotatable on the base. A spout extending radially outward from the sleeve is formed with a pair of passages each radially inward at the sleeve inner surface into the cavity. A connector in the cavity is formed with an outer surface radially confronting the sleeve inner surface, with a pair of axially oppositely directed tubular inlet nipples fitted in the outlet ports, and with respective passages extending from the nipples and opening radially outward at the outer surface level with the passages. Seals between the surfaces couple the connector to the spout fitting for joint rotation therewith and preventing fluid flow between the grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: Friedrich Grohe AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heinz Brandebusemeyer
  • Patent number: 6317905
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a plumbing spout that has back flow protection. The spout positions a check valve vacuum breaker underneath the pull up knob in a plug assembly. The spout provides back flow protection even though it has no fluid control valve for controlling flow through to the spout outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Kallista, Inc.
    Inventor: Erich D. Slothower
  • Patent number: 6314593
    Abstract: A sanitary fitting having a plastic holding part inserted in the underside of the fitting for rigidly fixing the fitting to a surface. The fitting has a holding part containing passages for leads and optionally fastening parts. The holding part has a holding tongue on a side remote from the center of gravity of the fitting, the holding tongue engages with a projection on the underside of a plate to which the fitting is to be firmly screwed. This holding tongue prevents tilting of the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Hansgrohe AG
    Inventor: Ralf Mantel
  • Patent number: 6311729
    Abstract: A faucet spout assembly includes a centerbody, a spout hub with an outwardly extending spout and a retainer located therebetween to limit rotational movement of the spout hub on the centerbody and more specifically to limit the rotational movement of the spout to a range defined by the open area of the sink. The centerbody includes a recess which receives an inward projection of the retainer and limits rotational movement thereof relative to the centerbody. The spout hub includes a cavity with an arcuate recess which receives a retainer outward projection. The length of the arcuate recess is preferably sized to limit the rotational movement of the spout to the open area of the sink. The centerbody includes an annular groove which receives a ledge of the retainer to assist in retainer positioning around the centerbody.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Cox, Charles A. McCormick, Edward A. Nasser
  • Patent number: 6301727
    Abstract: A modular tub spout assembly for use in removably attaching a tub spout on a threadless water pipe extending outwardly from a bath wall without affecting connection of the pipe to a water supply system behind the bath wall includes a tub spout insert, a sleeve and a seal member. The insert has an interior passage, at least a portion of which is of a size to provide a close, but sliding, fit on the pipe. The sleeve has an internal diameter providing a close, but sliding, fit on the pipe and there is a chamber in the insert formed and adapted to closely fit about the sleeve exterior. The seal member is also positioned within the chamber in the insert. A fastener extends within the aligned openings in the insert and sleeve to fix the insert on the pipe. There is a tub spout shell extending over and enclosing the insert and a fastener to attach the shell to the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: John E. Bertrand, David J. Kruszewski
  • Patent number: 6292958
    Abstract: The inflow and drain fixture has a first housing section (7), which can be fixed to the back of a sidewall (2) of the tub (1) by means of a fastening ring (12) to be arranged on the tub side of the sidewall (2). An inflow fixture is furthermore provided, which is to be arranged on the tub side and connected to the above first housing section (7), said inflow fixture encompassing a second housing section (15) with a drain channel (15c), a drain opening (15d) and a turning handle (18) for operating the drain valve (9). The first housing section (7) is clamp-mountable with the fastening ring (12) independently from the second housing section (15) to the sidewall (2) in such a manner that the second housing section (15) can be taken off for cleaning purposes without detaching the fastening ring (12). The parts on the tub side can be very easily removed for cleaning purposes and the passages are then easily accessible for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Gerberit Technik AG
    Inventors: David Benne, Maarten Röst
  • Patent number: 6289531
    Abstract: A plumbing fixture has a hollow housing formed with a first tubular collar extending along a first axis and a second tubular collar extending along a second axis transverse to the first axis. The housing is secured to a deck with the first collar engaging the deck. A holder mounted in the first collar has an end aligned in the housing with the second axis and a valve mount in the housing is fixed on the holder end. An inlet pipe and an outlet pipe extend through the first collar and are connected to the valve mount. A valve cartridge in the housing is releasably secured to the valve mount by fasteners accessible through the second collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Kahle, Eberhard Stolle
  • Patent number: 6273138
    Abstract: An adjustable faucet assembly for allowing easy access to the spigot to fill certain containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: James L. Yoney
  • Publication number: 20010011561
    Abstract: In a pull-out spray head faucet an annular elastomeric bushing disposed in a groove in a portion of the adapter extending rearwardly outside of the handle section of the pull-out spray head. The elastomeric bushing has a plurality of axially extending circumferentially spaced apart raised ribs on its outer surface which frictionally engage the inner surface of the spout to reduce the play and wobble of the spray head when it is inserted into the spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Garry Marty, Otto Almendinger
  • Publication number: 20010011389
    Abstract: A faucet assembly has a faucet housing having an outlet, a conduit defining a flow path from a supply of water through the housing to the outlet, an openable and closable servovalve in the conduit, and an openable and closable manual valve in the conduit and having a control element movable between a full-flow open position, an intermediate-flow middle position, and a no-flow closed position. A position-detecting switch subassembly mounted on the housing engages the control element and a proximity detector has a detection field adjacent the outlet. A controller connected to the proximity detector, to the switch subassembly, and to the servovalve serves in the closed position of the element for deactivating the detector and closing the servovalve. In the middle position of the element the controller opens the servovalve on detection of an object in the field of the proximity detector. In the open position of the element the controller disables the detector and opens the servovalve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: Friedrich Grohe AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hartwich Philipps-Liebich, Peter Durfeld, Jurgen Fitting, Eckhard Kraft
  • Patent number: 6256810
    Abstract: A faucet spout assembly 20 is mountable on a deck 80 from above the deck 80. The assembly 20 is connected to a water supply line that extends through an opening 82 in the deck 80. The assembly 20 includes a spout 22 removably connected to a mounting plate 44. A first and a second member 26 and 50, respectively, connect to non-rotatable nut member 64 carrying a retainer member 72 whereby, on shifting the nut member 64 toward the underside of the deck 80, the retainer member 72 will clamp the assembly 20 to the deck 80.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventor: Scott C. Baker
  • Patent number: 6250338
    Abstract: A hose weight includes two identical and interchangeable interlocking bodies. Each body includes a hose receiving chamber and portions of an interlock for use with another like body. The interlock of each body includes a recess positioned on one side of a hose receiving chamber and a projection on the opposite side of the hose receiving chamber. The interlock may also include one or more pairs of openings and posts to assist in guiding the bodies together to form an interlock. The two bodies join together around a hose without the use of tools to form a single hose weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventor: James F. Dempsey
  • Patent number: 6234209
    Abstract: The characterization of this spout is that its body has a support and fixing base connected to the appliance with a spindle connected to the fluid power supply that ends in the interior of a top cap that rests on this base and provides the sleeve of the said spout, delimiting between both pieces an intercommunication chamber of the spindle with this sleeve that enables the incorporation of an assembly-head of an obturator of fluid passage control, including retention elements of both pieces between them with respective hermetic means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Francisco Enrique Viegener
  • Patent number: 6219860
    Abstract: A faucet assembly includes synchronously rotatable first and second spouts for releasing filtered and unfiltered water therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Ta-Chun Chang
  • Patent number: 6220297
    Abstract: In a pull-out spray head faucet an annular elastomeric bushing disposed in a groove in a portion of the adapter extending rearwardly outside of the handle section of the pull-out spray head. The elastomeric bushing has a plurality of axially extending circumferentially spaced apart raised ribs on its outer surface which frictionally engage the inner surface of the spout to reduce the play and wobble of the spray head when it is inserted into the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Garry Marty, Otto Almendinger
  • Patent number: 6219858
    Abstract: There is provided a new and useful bath spout apparatus for a bath having a water inlet supply pipe and a water outlet overflow opening. The apparatus comprises a body, a water inlet to be connected to the water inlet supply pipe and a spout in fluid connection with the water inlet to allow water to pass from the water inlet supply pipe through the water inlet into the body and out of the spout into the bath. There is further provided a water outlet to allow overflow water to flow from the bath. The apparatus is constructed so as to be mounted in the bath contiguous with the overflow opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: 3502767 Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Jacques Farmer
  • Patent number: 6195818
    Abstract: An apparatus that provides for the quick and easy installation and removal of Roman Tub Spouts onto a water fitting comprising a water spout, a quick connect member, a trim escutcheon, a hub, a pair of deck nuts and a lock washer. The quick connect member screws into a Tee fitting, or the like, in the plumbing system. The hub screws into the base of the spout and slidably engages the smooth end of the quick connect member. The trim escutcheon is disposed between the spout and hub to provide support to the hub and to conceal the hub while providing decorative ornamentation to the apparatus. Once the spout and trim escutcheon are properly positioned on the quick connect member, a set screw fastens the assembly in place. The deck nuts are positioned above and below the tub surface to hold the apparatus in place on the tub surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: Barbara Rodstein, Joaquin Serrano, Ron Bowers
  • Patent number: 6192529
    Abstract: A modular shower arm construction for use in removably attaching a shower fixture to an unthreaded end of a pipe extending outwardly from a shower wall without affecting connection of the pipe to a water supply system behind the shower wall includes a tubular shower arm, an adapter and a coupling nut. The adapter is fixed to the pipe, either by a set screw or through the use of a threaded nipple. The tubular shower arm has an outwardly flared end which extends within the coupling nut and the coupling nut is threaded onto the adapter and holds the tubular shower arm to the assembled components. An escutcheon overlies and covers all of the connecting elements and is removed when the tubular shower arm and adapter are removed from the unthreaded end of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy P. Jones, Norman E. Limpert, Gerald M. Mitchell, Martin Zummersch
  • Patent number: 6185760
    Abstract: A tap used for controlling the flow of liquid, such as water, oil, or gas, is disclosed. The liquid control tap of this invention has a valve capable of being effectively operated using inexhaustible energy, such as gravity, hydraulic pressure, buoyancy, magnetic force, frictional force, or elasticity. In the tap, a connection pipe, used for the purpose of connecting the tap body to a separate device such as a shower device, is integrated with the rear portion of the tap body into a single structure. The tap is also provided with an eccentric union for controlling the vertical position of the outlet port of the tap. Therefore, the present invention reduces the number of parts, the manufacturing process, improves productivity, and reduces the manufacturing cost of taps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Yeon-soo Park
  • Patent number: 6179130
    Abstract: A faucet 40 includes a faucet spout assembly 46 which includes a spout shell 56 for supporting a cartridge 126 containing a filter media therein defining a flow path for water being filtered. The shell 56 and the cartridge 126 define a flow space 138 between the shell and the cartridge for unfiltered water. Water which flows through the flow path of the filter cartridge 126, and unfiltered water which flows through the flow space 138, is directed to a chamber 158 of a valve head 60. A spool valve 210 is located within the chamber 158 and is positionable selectively by manipulation of a knob 62 to allow the filtered water or the unfiltered water to enter the chamber, and to allow the filtered water to be dispensed from the spout assembly 46 through a nozzle 66 or, alternatively, the unfiltered water to be dispensed from an aerator 64.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: Jack T. Nguyen, Donald J. Segien
  • Patent number: 6175972
    Abstract: A kit for installing a bath spout onto any one of a number of different pipe ends extending from a wall is described and includes a number of adapters sized to enable different pipe ends to be coupled into a standard screw thread of internal conduit inside the bath spout. One adapter enables the screw thread of a pipe end to be effectively enlarged. Another adapter slips onto the smooth outer surface of a pipe and makes a sealing contact with this surface while having one end provided with an enlarged external screw thread to mesh with a corresponding screw thread of a conduit inside the bath spout. An inner conduit is described which in one embodiment is made of a number of inter-connectable segments with which the length of the inner conduit can be adjusted and in another embodiment the inner conduit is formed of a single unitary structure with a several screw threads at a distal end to be able to adjust the length of the inner conduit with the removal of the distal thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Resources Conservation, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Wales
  • Patent number: 6170098
    Abstract: A faucet fitting system having interchangeable components useable in both single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. The component system is designed to allow the same putty plate with breast plate, waterway spout, aerator and mounting nuts to be used with the various escutcheons, metering valves and waterways associated with the single handle and duel handle faucet fixtures. Specially constructed water valves, putty plates and escutcheon constructions useable in conjunction with the system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Pitsch
  • Patent number: 6170094
    Abstract: An artificial waterfall apparatus and method for providing a sheet-like waterfall at the edge of a pool, spa, or fountain, for example, includes a first elongate chamber into which water flows perpendicularly to the length of this chamber, and in which a pair of oppositely directed like-rotating helical recirculation water flows are formed to sweep air and debris to opposite ends of the first chamber, while also contributing to uniformity of water distribution, pressure, and flow velocity in the apparatus. Air is discharged from the apparatus near one of the opposite sides of the waterfall so that the main central body of the waterfall is not disturbed by air bubbles. A second chamber receives water flow from the first chamber, and includes a flow distribution member which further contributes to uniformity of water flow in the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Thermocraft Ind. Inc.
    Inventors: Gary K. Weise, Richard J. Kesl, Fred C. Lesikar
  • Patent number: 6161230
    Abstract: A faucet fitting system having interchangeable components useable in both single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. The component system is designed to allow the same putty plate with breast plate, waterway spout, aerator and mounting nuts to be used with the various escutcheons, metering valves and waterways associated with the single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. Specially constructed water valves, putty plates and escutcheon constructions useable in conjunction with the system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Pitsch
  • Patent number: 6158469
    Abstract: A spout assembly includes an inner tube adapted to be in fluid communication and in watertight connection with a faucet body, and an outer tube telescopically fitted on the inner tube. An outer circumferential wall of the inner tube has a plurality of annular retaining grooves disposed therein and spaced apart from and aligned with one another for receiving annular elastomeric members. Each elastomeric member extends beyond the outer circumferential wall to form an annular bump portion. The outer tube is slidably fitted on the outer circumferential wall, and has an inner peripheral wall with an annular friction member to surround and in slidable contact with the outer circumferential wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: David Yen
  • Patent number: 6152180
    Abstract: A diverter tub spout body includes a tubular main portion which has an annular flange extending radially inward from the first end thereof, and a second end which is an open end. The annular flange has a hole defined centrally therethrough and a hose connecting tube extends from the periphery defining the hole of the annular flange so as to be connected to the supply pipe. An outlet portion is connected to the first end of the tubular main portion and communicates with the hole of the annular flange. An aperture is defined through the wall of the tubular main portion and located below the annular flange so that bubbles release via the aperture when immersing the diverter tub spout body into the electroplating bath solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Johnny Yang
  • Patent number: 6145670
    Abstract: A bathtub spout water filter for use with a bathtub spout having a spout body with an open rear, and an open front for water egress with a female threaded fitting located behind the open front. The bathtub spout water filter has a frustum-shaped filter body with enclosing sidewalls, a rearwardly extending male threaded end for water ingress adapted to screw into a bathtub spout water supply line, and a frontwardly extending male threaded end for water egress and adapted to screw into the female threaded fitting in the bathtub spout. Filter material is contained within the enclosed filter body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: William Risser
  • Patent number: 6142184
    Abstract: A spout assembly includes an inner tube adapted to be in fluid communication and in watertight connection with a faucet body, and an outer tube telescopically fitted on the inner tube. The outer tube includes a proximate tubular end slidably fitted on an outer circumferential wall of the inner tube, a distal tubular end extending beyond the inner tube, and an inner peripheral wall facing the outer circumferential wall. A lock member includes a latch portion disposed in the inner peripheral wall, and a stem portion extending from the latch portion and radially and outwardly of the outer tube so as to permit an external operation of the stem portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: David Yen
  • Patent number: 6138296
    Abstract: A faucet spout assembly 20 is mountable on a deck 80 from above the deck 80. The assembly 20 is connected to a water supply line that extends through an opening 82 in the deck 80. The assembly 20 includes a spout 22 removably connected to a mounting plate 44. A first and a second member 26 and 50, respectively, connect to non-rotatable nut member 64 carrying a retainer member 72 whereby, on shifting the nut member 64 toward the underside of the deck 80, the retainer member 72 will clamp the assembly 20 to the deck 80.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventor: Scott C. Baker
  • Patent number: 6138716
    Abstract: A spout assembly includes an inner tube adapted to be in fluid communication and in watertight connection with a faucet body, and an outer tube telescopically fitted on the inner tube. The outer tube includes a proximate tubular end slidably fitted on an outer circumferential wall of the inner tube, a distal tubular end extending beyond the inner tube, and an inner peripheral wall facing the outer circumferential wall. A lock member includes a latch portion disposed in the inner peripheral wall, a stem portion disposed diametrically opposite to the latch portion and radially and outwardly of the outer tube so as to permit an external operation of the stem portion, and a connecting portion disposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: David Yen
  • Patent number: 6134722
    Abstract: A spout which can effect a waterfall in the form of a sheet of water in conjunction with the recirculation of bathing water is described. An accumulator with a baffle structure receives the recirculating bathing water to place it in a quiescent state before passage from the spout. In a preferred embodiment, there is a whirlpool basin which receives bathing water from the spout as well as body spray nozzles which also receive recirculating water from the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Scott R. Lowry, Thomas A. Bonnell, Robert C. Giese, Todd S. Schaetz, Peter W. Swart
  • Patent number: 6085790
    Abstract: A faucet has a tubular faucet arm, a water-pressurizable hose in the arm having an outer end, and a head housing mounted on the hose outer end, extending along an axis, formed with a radially throughgoing slot, and dimensioned to be grasped in one hand. Body structure in the head communicates with the hose outer end and forms first and second valve seats and a nozzle assembly mounted on the body structure forms a first outlet communicating with the first valve seat and a second outlet communicating with the second valve seat. A valve element is displaceable in the body structure between a first end position engaging the first seat and diverting flow from the hose to the first outlet and a second end position engaging the second seat and diverting flow from the hose to the second outlet. A lever partially projecting through the slot from the housing is pivoted on the body structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AG
    Inventors: Jurgen Humpert, Bruno Heimann, Eckhard Gransow, Harald Dickel
  • Patent number: 6070280
    Abstract: A water-sealing switch structure of wall-type faucet, including a main body, a pull rod, a water sealing seat and a water sealing ring. A front end of the main body is formed with a spout. An inner rear side of the spout is disposed with a close wall formed with a water outlet. Two sides of the spout are respectively disposed with two restricting plates. A top edge of inner front side of the spout is disposed with a guide post formed with a through hole. An upper end of the pull rod is disposed with an enlarged head section. A lower end of the pull rod is disposed with a tapered conic post. An upper side of the conic post is formed with a small diameter engaging section. A lower end of front side of the water sealing seat has a projecting U-shaped engaging seat. A rear side thereof is disposed with a projecting ring. An inner lower edge of the projecting ring is disposed with a draining channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Chung Cheng Faucet Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsi-Chia Ko
  • Patent number: 6023796
    Abstract: A faucet fitting system having interchangeable components useable in both single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. The component system is designed to allow the same putty plate with breast plate, waterway spout, aerator and mounting nuts to be used with the various escutcheons, metering valves and waterways associated with the single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. Specially constructed water valves, putty plates and escutcheon constructions useable in conjunction with the system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Pitsch
  • Patent number: 6009904
    Abstract: A diverter tub spout body includes a longitudinal portion and a transverse portion extending from the longitudinal portion with a separate wall connected between the longitudinal portion and the transverse portion. A connecting tube extends from the separate wall, the interior of the transverse portion and the interior of the longitudinal portion communicates with each other via the connecting tube and a hole defined through the separate wall. An aperture is defined through the separate wall and located between the peripheral wall of the longitudinal portion so as to dispense bubbles when the diverter tub spout body is immersed into the electroplating bath solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Johnny Yang
  • Patent number: 6006784
    Abstract: An automatic water faucet in which the neck portion can be easily attached to the sink, after a common base for receiving the faucet has been attached. To achieve such a purpose, the automatic water faucet comprises a water faucet seat and a neck portion. The water faucet seat is constructed to engage with the neck portion by inserting the neck portion into the water faucet seat and rotating the former repeatedly to the latter so as to assemble them together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Uro Denshi Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidetaka Tsutsui, Makoto Kodaira, Noboru Nakajima
  • Patent number: 5960490
    Abstract: A faucet fitting system having interchangeable components useable in both single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. The component system is designed to allow the same putty plate with breast plate, waterway spout, aerator and mounting nuts to be used with the various escutcheons, metering valves and waterways associated with the single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. Specially constructed water valves, putty plates and escutcheon constructions useable in conjunction with the system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Pitsch
  • Patent number: 5946746
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for installing a faucet on a top side of a deck. The apparatus includes a threaded member engaged with the faucet and extending through the mounting hole to be rotated from above the deck. A nut is threadedly connected to the threaded member to pass through the mounting hole to the underside of the deck and to be shifted toward and away from the underside of the deck responsive to the direction of rotation of the threaded member. A second member associated with and parallel to the threaded member engages the nut to prevent rotation thereof during rotation of the threaded member whereby the nut will be shifted up or down along the length of the threaded member responsive to the direction of rotation of the threaded member. A retaining bracket is pivotally connected to the nut and gravity balanced to assume a free position across the nut which is substantially perpendicular to the threaded member when the nut has been shifted downwardly sufficiently away from the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Bloom
  • Patent number: 5937905
    Abstract: A faucet head having at least two different types of outlets, utilizes a three-way valve which permits on-off operation of the faucet distal end. In conjunction with on-off operation, the three-way valve also controls flow of water through one of the faucet head outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Robert O. Santos
    Inventor: Robert O. Santos
  • Patent number: 5934325
    Abstract: A pullout faucet wand joint includes a receptor formed and adapted to be mounted on a sink deck, with the receptor having an opening to receive a faucet wand and an interior passage for a faucet hose which is attached to the faucet wand. The wand joint includes a reinforcing collar secured to the receptor at its opening, which collar extends axially into the receptor internal passage to provide reinforcement for the wand when it is positioned within the receptor. The faucet wand has a shell and there is a faucet waterway located within the shell. A transition sleeve is secured about the exterior of the waterway with the transition sleeve extending within the wand shell and having cooperating elements thereon which prevent relative rotation between the wand shell and the transition sleeve. There are cooperating elements on the wand shell and the reinforcing collar which provide orientation therebetween when the shell is inserted within the receptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael A. Brattoli, Cynthia A. George