Showing posts sorted by relevance for query lever wall valves. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query lever wall valves. Sort by date Show all posts

Monday, October 30, 2017

Bathroom Renovation - Fresh Approach

Read article : Bathroom Renovation - Fresh Approach

The owners of this Melbourne home were in the fortunate position of having a very large ensuite bathroom attached to their bedroom.

"I was asked to carve off part of that space to create this adjoining second ensuite for the couple's son," says interior designer Peter Schaad of PS Design Studio. "I was lucky to have about 2.5x4m to work with."

While on a trip to the UK, the owners fell in love with and purchased a traditional-style Perrin & Rowe shower mixer for their ensuite. "It made sense to let this tap inform my design for the new space," says Peter.

Complementary fixtures were sourced from The English Tapware Company and Calacatta Oro marble tiles selected for the floor of the new 2.5x4m ensuite. "I chose the tiles for their glossiness and ability to bounce light around, but also because nothing says 'quality' in a bathroom quite like marble does."

The same marble is used on the vanity top. "It was tricky to source, but the effort was definitely worth it." Peter designed the vanity with subtle moulding on the doors as a nod to the home's heritage character.

The elongated subway tiles chosen for the shower recess are the perfect complement to the marble floor tiles and the oblong vanity. Peter had a broad-framed mirror custom-made to suit the proportions of the room perfectly.

The ensuite is painted a crisp white (Dulux Lexicon) and the toilet tucked behind a door with vintage leadlighting and moulding, a reminder of the home's heritage.

The details

  • Calacatta Oro marble vanity top, $2100, from Parthenon Marble.
  • Custom 1600mm vanity, constructed by PMP Contracting, about $2680, designed by PS Design Studio.
  • Perrin & Rowe shower set with 310mm rose and lever wall valves, $1385, basin taps, $895, oval undermount basin, $775, double towel rail, $419, bottle basket and soap tray, $469, and bath filler, $2520, all from The English Tapware Company.
  • Bryant wall lights, about $394/each, from Cromwell.
  • Italian 200x50mm subway tiles in White, $60/sqm, from Signorino Tile Gallery.
  • Calacatta Grigio 610x305mm marble tiles, $325/sqm, from RMS Natural Stone & Ceramics.

Traditional-style tapware is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, and for good reason, says Stephan Marshall, managing director of The English Tapware Company. "Homeowners today want a bathroom that's warm, nurturing and well detailed, and classic fixtures are a beauty to look at and a joy to use."

Here are Stephan's top tips for taps:

  • The timelessness of traditional taps makes them equally at home in classic and contemporary bathrooms. "There's no need to adhere to one particular style; instead, seek inspiration from a variety of sources to create a highly individual scheme. Tapware and accessories are like jewellery for your bathroom."
  • "Classic metal finishes are enjoying a revival, with nickel and bare brass newly appreciated for their ability to bring warmth and colour into a bathroom scheme."
  • If you're buying traditional-style taps, buy the best quality that you can afford. "Check that they're true to the original design and precision-engineered."

Sunday, December 10, 2017

How To Fix Noisy Shower Pipes and Stop the Banging Noise

Read article : How To Fix Noisy Shower Pipes and Stop the Banging Noise

How to Fix Noisy Shower Pipes - Making a Banging Noise

How to Fix Noisy Shower Pipes - well actually it's the shower faucet hardware making a banging noise. If you ever encounter a loud banging noise in your shower, don't look behind the curtain. I had just finished renovating my bathroom, including installing new shower plumbing, new tub, fresh ceramic tiles and the works, everything looked and worked great. I actually have two bathrooms back-to-back, and now started work on the second bathroom. You might question my sanity renovating two bathrooms one after another, but I'll leave that topic for another day.

The second bathroom was a conversion from a tub-shower to a shower surround. I had removed the old bathtub, removed all of the old ceramic tiles and opened up the wall where the shower hardware was located. I had purchased new shower hardware and hired a professional to perform the install. After the new shower hardware was installed the installer had tested the new shower hardware for leaks and everything looked good.

Seeing as I had just finished the first bathroom reno, I was in no rush to begin immediately on the second bathroom, which was a good thing. The next day we noticed that whenever we shut off the water taps on the first bathroom, there was a banging noise. At first the noise was subtle and as each day passed the noise got louder and louder. In fact the same noise was heard when flushing the toilet and also when turning off the water in the shower. The banging noise sounded like two pipes were banging together and always occurred when the water was shut off.

Looking For The Noisy Shower Pipes


I figured I better check out these noises, especially since we were now down to one functional bathroom. The first thing I thought of was perhaps there were a few pipes banging together whenever the water was shut off. Since both bathrooms share a common wall for all plumbing, there is a bit of a maze of copper piping. The wall in the second bathroom was still open from when the new shower hardware was installed. So I took my flashlight and looked inside the wall cavity for any pipes that may be in need of securing. Could not see any thing loose.

I had my family flush the toilet and turn the shower on and off repeatedly in the first bathroom, so I could listen to the noise in the wall and see where it was coming from. Since I was renovating the second bathroom anyway, I figured I would open up the entire wall so I could pinpoint the area where the banging noise was coming from. I finally determined there were in fact no loose pipes knocking against each other or on the wood studs. But the noise was coming from the first bathrooms shower hardware. Interesting, as this was absolutely fine until the second shower unit hardware was installed.

So I called in a plumber to check out the new shower hardware in the first bathroom. He disassembled the shower hardware and pulled out the "cartridge", a replaceable unit. He didn't have a spare to match our hardware but said I could get one at any local home hardware store.

Noisy Shower Hardware Was Making the Banging Noise - Here's How to Fix

I bought a new cartridge and replaced the part myself, but the noise was still there. I took apart the shower hardware again and this time dove deeper inside. There was another little removable part to the left of the cartridge, that looks like a small flute; made of metal, cylindrical in shape with holes strategically placed around its shell. I removed this part, and then re-inserted it into the shower hardware and reassembled. When I tested the shower, the noise was finally gone.

If you ever encounter a banging noise in your shower and can't determine where it's coming from, do not open up your walls or call a plumber. Simply open up the shower hardware and remove and re-insert the components illustrated. This will save you and your family a lot of grief. There was likely an air lock inside the shower hardware, which in turn caused the banging noise whenever the water valves were shutoff. The air lock may have been caused when the new shower hardware was installed in the second bathroom or maybe that was just a coincidence.

How to Disassemble Shower Hardware

There are just a few simple steps required to disassemble the shower hardware, also illustrated in this article. First remove the Cap off the end of the shower lever, in my case I could easily remove this by hand with a little twist action, Once the cap is removed, remove the screw that secures the shower lever. Note never place any parts or tools directly on the bathtub or other porcelain like objects as they could get easily scratched.

The shower hardware sleeve or outer casing can now be removed by simply unscrewing the sleeve unit. Once the outer casing is removed, there should be at least two screws visible, which hold the cover plate to the wall. Remove these two screws and the cover plate.

With the cover plate removed, you should see two valve screws. These are water valve shutoff screws and must now be closed before removing any more parts. Close the water shutoff valves by turning these screws clockwise until that can turn no more. If you have an older shower hardware unit, there will be no set screws. In this case, shut the water off at the main water valve for your home.

Once the water has been shut off, either by the two set screws or your homes main water valve, pull the cartridge out of the hardware. Sometimes this unit may need replacement. In my case the problem was an air lock in the water coupler.

Locate the water coupler beside the cold water line. It is hidden behind and connected to a large screw. Remove the screw and the coupler will follow, they are one. Simply reseat the coupler and then reassemble the shower hardware in the reverse order. Don't forget to turn the water valve set screws back on fully, once you have the coupler and cartridge back in place.

One other tip on unplugging your drain, don't waste time pouring chemicals to remove hair from your drain, use a snake. This is a small coil which extends into the drain channel and grabs anything in its path, especially hair.

Monday, May 1, 2017

6 brassware Commercial Ra

Read article : 6 brassware Commercial Ra

6 brassware Commercial

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assware Commercial Range SHAIR001 eleCTROnIC InfRARed BASIn SPOuT Battery or mains operated Knightsbridge Radiator uKn1022 KnIgHTSBRIdge RAdIATOR 630 x 940 x 230 2900BTU Belgravia Radiator uHTd06 BelgRAVIA RAdIATOR 500 x 945 x 230 1475BTU SHA71765 HOSPITAl/HeAlTHCARe mIxeR 4” Swivel Spout with 6” lever Also available wall mounted Also available with 8” Spout Sales (01) 4504307 VICTORIAn CROSSHeAd RAdIATOR VAlVeS uHT336 (angled) www.rtlarge.ie 7

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

How to avoid mistakes when choosing a mixer

Read article : How to avoid mistakes when choosing a mixer

Как не ошибиться при выборе смесителя

The mixer is an important part of kitchen and bathroom, which directly affects our daily comfort. To verify this it is enough to recall their feelings when the faucet suddenly started to leak or even break. However, how to choose among the enormous diversity of models, especially if they want to save money and time and choose the mixer independently in the catalog online store? Let’s step by step walk through all the options that you should consider when choosing a mixer. Как не ошибиться при выборе смесителя The design of the mixers Any mixer is composed of standard structural components: body, spout, mechanism of mixing, control and aerator. The housing of the mixer can be molded or mobile. In the first case, the stationary housing is a mechanism of the spout, and the lever on the side of it. These faucets are reliable and easy to repair, but less convenient to operate. Swivel body allows for greater convenience and water savings, but may require periodic replacement of gaskets rotating part of the mechanism.
Spout or goose — this is the part of the faucet, from which water flows. When choosing a particular model, pay attention to the height of the spout (can be from 2 to 90 cm) and its length (3 to 5 cm). They should correlate with the dimensions of the tub or sink so that water is not hitting the boards, was not sprayed and you have enough space to wash dishes or hands. The aerator attaches to the tip of the spout and consists of a metal mesh through which water is mixed with air. The aerator makes the water pressure is more soft, uniform and comfortable. Как не ошибиться при выборе смесителя Different mechanisms of mixing water Depending on the design of the mixer may vary and the mechanism of mixing water in it. Should there be any doubt that this factor will significantly influence your comfort and his life Kran-buksa The usual inside valve mixer tap with two handles for temperature and water head is a device called a crane buxoi. It connects to the valve and directly responsible for the water supply. There are two basic types of crane-books: worm gear and ceramic. The mechanism of the worm tap-bushing is a screw, one end of which is connected with the valve and the other to a rod on which is fixed a strip of rubber. When rotating the crane, the screw moves along the thread inside the tap head parts, rubber gasket is moving around, opening or closing the water supply.
It is obvious that the rubber gasket in the process of operation will rapidly deteriorate, and although it is inexpensive, the trouble of regular changing pads is inevitable. Ceramic crane Bush is characterized by the presence of two ceramic disks, one of which is stationary and the other is attached to the stock. Rotation of the valve causes the alignment of the holes on the discs, the water flowing in the mixer, or displaces them and the water flow stops. This type of faucet head parts are more durable and easy to use, but are more expensive and sensitive to water quality, as even a small grain of sand between the discs could be damaged. In case of breakage, you will have to remove the faucet-the journal box and around a lot of shops to find the suitable for your model of mixer. Crane-axle mixers are usually affordable and easy to repair, but have a high consumption of water and not too easy to manage. Ball mechanism Faucets with ball mechanism equipped with a handle which is adjustable and pressure, and water temperature. They work on the same principle as ceramic crane Bush, but instead of the disks they are placed in a hollow metal sphere with three holes (for cold water, hot water and for mixing them). Cuff and gaskets, locking mechanism ball, fairly quickly wear out causing the faucet may begin to leak. Cartridge Cartridge single lever mixer consists of two discs made of ceramic, as in the case of ceramic valve-boxes, and is a single piece, which, in case of breakage, changing completely. It is compact, most durable and easy to control mechanism. From the design perspective, this option presents the greatest scope for choosing a suitable model mixer. However, you must remember that all single lever faucets are sensitive to water quality and preferably the installation of the pipes filters purification. Various options for the installation of faucets To choose a mixer, you will have to decide exactly where it will be installed, especially now that it offers lots of options for every shape and preferences. Installation options of the mixer: wall (if the bath and sink are so close that you can do it all with one mixer, but in new houses this option is not always possible, as the pipe system in them is hidden and divorced separately for sinks and baths); outdoor (very effective from the point of view of design, however, costly and requires a lot of space variant); embedded (all liner pipes hiding behind the body of the sink or bath); embedded in the rim of the tub (you can find the model of the bath, designed for this type of machine, or embed it in the normal acrylic bathtub); ceiling (ceiling shower can provide a whole range of pleasant sensations and different options of water flow, but not always convenient for technical purposes). Classification by application Do not think that the same mixer suitable for sink in the kitchen and in the bathroom, because they differ not only in design, but structurally, for example, the length and direction of the spout, methods of control and installation, and materials. Consider specific options. Basin mixer As a rule, modern sinks apply embedded single-lever faucet with short fixed spout. The spout height of 12-15 cm is sufficient for washing hands and washing, besides, it would suit almost any, even shallow sink. If the sink located in the bathroom next to the toilet, it makes sense to equip it with a hygienic shower, which are easy to replace and bidet can be installed to separate the bathroom without a sink. Its principle of operation is simple: water passes through the spout of the faucet above the sink, regulate its pressure and temperature. Basin mixer with hygienic shower fitted with a button, clicking which you direct the water flow through the hose. After water treatment, the key should be released and water will again run the spout into the sink. Как не ошибиться при выборе смесителя For kitchen sinks In the kitchen are commonly used built-in mixers. Their main difference from the models for bathroom is the shape and size of the spout. For most kitchen faucets are characterized by long, swivel spout, allowing you to wash even large pots. The higher spout, the stronger the water pressure, however, and the likelihood that it would be in a spray, which means you’ll need a sink with a deep bowl. Choose a sink and faucet for the kitchen at the same time it is desirable that their dimensions match each other.
Kitchen faucets include a wide variety of materials. Featuring not only brass, bronze and chrome, but the original mixers-metal and plastic. If the kitchen has a double sink or have the need to wash heavy dishware, you can install telescopic mixer, consisting of several hollow tubes. In this case it is better to choose a trusted manufacturer, because additional connections increase the risk of failure of joints, gaskets, etc. If you want a kitchen faucet it covered a large area, it offers mixers with the exhaust pipe. Inside a small decorative crane hides hose 1-1. 5 m as a conventional soul, which you can use to reach different areas of the kitchen. Как не ошибиться при выборе смесителя Bath First of all, we should note that the bathtub faucets can be combined with a shower. Shower faucets are compact and do not have switch shower-bath and the spout, since the water is immediately fed to shower heads. Как не ошибиться при выборе смесителя Bathtub faucets with shower — the most common and versatile option. They are usually equipped with low spout and can be either fixed or swivel (suitable if one mixer is used for baths and sinks). In addition, the kit usually comes with a height adjustable shower holder. Как не ошибиться при выборе смесителя For shower rack The reception is a bar with multiple shower heads and allows you to combine the functions of a bath and a shower stall. The top rack is stationary watering can, allowing you to change the mode of water flow and provide a massaging and relaxing effect. In addition to the upper lake on the rack is usually attached shower with flexible hose. The alternative is a wall panel lake of arbitrary shape, directing water on you in the form of small rain drops with massage effect, so, it was called “tropical storm”. Как не ошибиться при выборе смесителя Ceiling shower Ceiling shower is used to create the effect of home spa, which provides various modes of water supply from tight massage jets, relaxing rain. The size of the ceiling of the heads ranges from 15 to 50 cm in diameter and unusual. This is a great option for relaxation, but a regular shower with a flexible hose for domestic use you still need. Как не ошибиться при выборе смесителя Bidet There are various options of mixers for bidets. You can choose a universal model, similar to the conventional mixer, however, is equipped with aerator that allows you to change the direction of the jet. In addition to bidet will fit faucets with hose for hygienic shower and faucets with a spout for bidet function internal padding. In the latter case, the mixer is mounted on the bottom of the bowl. Manufacturers The choice of mixers to suit different tastes and wallet today. Among the budget include a variety of mixers from China. The price of these products are really small however, it is unlikely that you can count on any guarantee of quality. Inexpensive cost and models of domestic production, for example, brand Rossinka. If we talk about popular brands in the higher price categories, well-established in the domestic market, the most popular Grohe (Germany), Hansgrohe (Germany), Jacob Delafon (France), Roca (Spain), etc. In their collections you can find both simple and reliable model of the average price, and the more original and expensive options created by the famous designers. Special types of faucets Modern faucets can be equipped with additional features designed to make your daily life or professional activities more comfortable. Thermostatic mixers The thermostat ensures the water supply is strictly selected temperature and pressure, protecting from unpleasant surprises during water treatment. Thermostatic mixers can be electronic with display for settings and mechanical, does not require additional power source and tuning with levers and valves. Как не ошибиться при выборе смесителя Faucets with touch controls Touch mixer has levers and valves and consists only of a crane. It is equipped with a photocell that respond to movement in a zone of about 30 cm using the special lever you set the optimal temperature of the water, which will be switched on and off automatically. Touch mixer will save you from worrying about whether you turned off the faucet and does not burn the children. On the other hand, it is not suitable for the kitchen or for a set of baths, as there need each time different temperature. Basically touch faucets used in public restrooms to save water and hygiene. Cascading mixers Cascading mixers differ from the ordinary form of a spout, from which water flows a broad stream, resembling a waterfall. Their advantages are a stylish and original appearance, durability and the ability to separate installation when the crane is located at one end of the bath, and the controls in another, and the main drawback — relatively high cost. Faucets with suction shower for hairdressers For beauty salons for the convenience of the client and the master used special types of mixers with long pull-out shower. As a rule, they are single lever and is also equipped with an aerator to reduce splashing and ensure a softer stream of water even under strong pressure. Surgical faucets The main difference between surgical mixers — long handle that allows you to turn on and off the water with your elbow, not touching your hands to the mixer, which is caused by increased hygienic requirements. Such mixers can be installed at home, such as in the kitchen and for people with disabilities. Modern faucet is not just a utilitarian device, and the interior decoration, possible to ease your household chores and get pleasure from the water treatments. On the website santechsystemy.ru you can find truly wide selection of faucets for any type of premises, preferences and financial possibilities. You should go and see it for yourself!

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Modern Bath Filler Mixer Tap with Hand Held Bathroom Shower Head Hose TB3015 • £41.99

Read article : Modern Bath Filler Mixer Tap with Hand Held Bathroom Shower Head Hose TB3015 • £41.99

See Details on eBay

£41.99 Buy It Now 13d, FREE Shipping, 30-Day Returns

Seller: ibathuk (316,627) 98% Top-Rated Plus, Location: GB, Ships to: GB, Item: 330905498212Condition: New, Type: Bath/ Shower Taps, Mounting: Deck Mounted, Sub-Type: 2 Tap Hole, Tap Type: Knobs. Lever, Style: Modern, Finish: Chrome, Features: Hand Held Shower, Brand: iBathUK, MPN: TB3015, EAN: Does not apply,Details: iBath UK Need Assistance? Ask a Question Radiators View All Radiators Radiators Towel Rails Designer Radiators Radiator Valves Radiator Valves Showers View All Showers Shower Sets Shower Sets Shower Accessories Shower Heads Shower Arms Riser Rails Shower Pumps Accessories Bathroom Taps View All Bathroom Taps Basin Taps Modern Basin Taps Traditional Basin Taps Bath Taps Modern Bath Taps Traditional Bath Taps Freestanding Taps Tap Packages Tap Packages Kitchen Taps View All Kitchen Taps Kitchen Taps Chrome Taps Brushed Steel Taps Toilets View All Toilets Toilets Modern Traditional Basins View All Basins Basins Modern Traditional Vanity Units Counter Top Basins Cloackroom Basins Accessories Basin Waste Shower Enclosures View All Shower Enclosures Shower Enclosures Shower Enclosures Bath Screens Bath Screens Shower Trays Shower Trays Bathroom Suites View All Bathroom Suites Bathroom Suites Modern Toilet & Basin Suites Traditional Toilet & Basin Suites Bathroom Furniture Suites Complete Bathroom Suites Complete Bathroom Suites Cloakroom Suites Cloakroom Suites Baths View All Baths Baths Shower Baths Straight Baths Corner Baths Shower Baths L Shape P Shape Freestanding Baths Modern Freestanding Baths Traditional Freestanding Baths Bath Accessories Bath Wastes & Accessories Furniture View All Furniture Vanity Units Combined Toilet & Basin Units Bathroom Furniture Basin Units Gloss White Furniture Cloakroom Furniture Units Bathroom Mirrors Mirror Cabinets Illuminated Mirrors SALE Free Delivery for Mainland UK 10 Year Guarantee UK Based Customer Services No.1 UK Bathroom Seller Bath Filler Tap - with Hand Held Shower Head Our great range of Belinda taps are the perfect complement to any modern bathroom, made from solid brass, and fitted with the latest ceramic disc technology they are finished in chrome to ensure a highly reflective mirror finish. Solid brass body Chrome finish Easy to operate levers Quarter turn ceramic discs Chrome plated solid brass - hand held shower head Watch item Ask a Question ANY QUESTIONS? Send our experienced customer teams a message Description Tap Features: Belinda modern design Twin Hole Bath Filler Tap - with hand held shower head Solid brass body Chrome finish Easy to operate levers Quarter turn ceramic discs Chrome plated solid brass - hand held shower head 1.5 metre - rust resistant stainless steel - shower hose Chrome effect - wall mounting bracket Minimum 1.0 bar water pressure 10 Year Guarantee Working requirements Our taps work on water systems that produce a minimum of 1.0 bar pressure. This can be achieved by using one of the following systems: - Combination boiler systems - Gravity fed systems (only with a pump) - Megaflow system - Pumped hot water systems - Un-vented hot water systems - Standard pressurized hot water cylinder type systems

 Price - PicClick Insights - Price  Seller - Over 316,627 items sold. 2% negative feedback. Top-Rated Plus! Top-Rated Seller, 30-day return policy, ships in 1 business day with tracking. PicClick Insights - Seller Over 316,627 items sold. 2% negative feedback. Top-Rated Plus! Top-Rated Seller, 30-day return policy, ships in 1 business day with tracking. Recent Feedback

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Waterfall Bath Shower Mixer Tap With Shower Kit. Hudson Reed Strike U-STR314

Read article : Waterfall Bath Shower Mixer Tap With Shower Kit. Hudson Reed Strike U-STR314

Product Details

Waterfall bath shower mixer tap in chrome with shower kit.

£124.99 inc VAT & Delivery
£104.16 excluding VAT
RRP: £207.00  Save: £82.01
BUY NOW

Product Code: U-STR314
Barcode: 5055369009572


Hudson Reed's Strike range of bathroom taps, with square bodies, sturdy lever handles and waterfall spouts will give a fresh, modern feeling to your bathroom.

20 Year guarantee: Ultra guarantee their Strike range for 20 years.



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Prices: At Taps4Less.com, the price shown includes VAT. The full VAT details are shown in the shopping cart. There are no extra charges.

Free Delivery: All orders include free delivery to any mainland UK address. Phone for rates to islands & Northern Ireland.

Secure Shopping: Buy safely at Taps4Less.com. Our ordering system is certified by Verisign and audited by Visa and MasterCard.

Bulk Orders: Please contact us for details of discounts on bulk purchases.

Ceramic Valve Technology:All Taps4Less.com modern bathroom taps use ceramic disc valves instead of traditional washers, except where noted in the full product description. Ceramic valves give you extra smooth operation and longer life.

Friday, July 14, 2017

Patent US8407828 - Faucet mounting system including a lift rod

Read article : Patent US8407828 - Faucet mounting system including a lift rod
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to faucets and, more particularly, to a mounting system for a faucet.

The installation of a faucet onto a mounting deck is often a difficult and time-consuming task. At least some of the installation may require the installer to work in the cramped and dimly lit work area under the sink or mounting deck. More particularly, faucets are typically attached to the mounting deck with threaded connections which must be made under and behind the sink basin wherein there is very little room to work.

As such, there is a need to provide a less cumbersome and complicated system of installing faucets or interchanging different faucet styles onto a mounting deck which can be done largely from the top of the countertop or sink. More particularly, a system is desired which would permit the installer to exchange different escutcheon styles, delivery spouts, and/or handle combinations quickly and easily without replacing the complete faucet assembly.

When interchanging different style faucets onto a mounting deck, the corresponding lift rods often have different geometries or orientations. For instance, single handle faucets often include a lift rod having a rearwardly angled lift rod, while dual handle faucets often include a substantially vertically aligned lift rod. As such, it is further desired to have a system which would permit the installer to exchange different faucet styles having different lift rod orientations.

According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a faucet assembly includes a delivery spout, and at least one valve fluidly coupled to the delivery spout and configured to control the flow of water to the delivery spout. A lift rod is supported for movement relative to the delivery spout. A tubular guide includes a lift rod passageway slidably receiving the lift rod and defining a longitudinal axis. The guide is supported for pivoting movement about a transverse axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a faucet assembly includes a mounting base configured to be coupled to a mounting deck. An upper faucet assembly is positioned above the mounting base and includes a delivery spout and a locking surface. A coupler includes a support member pivotally supported by the mounting base, and a securing member connected to the support member and releasably engaging the locking surface of the upper faucet assembly for releasably securing the upper faucet assembly to the mounting base.

According to yet another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a coupling system is provided for use with a faucet assembly including a lift rod. The coupling system includes a mounting base configured to be coupled to a mounting deck. A coupler includes a support member and a securing member movably connected to the support member. The support member defines a lift rod passageway configured to slidably receive a lift rod and defining a longitudinal axis. The support member is supported by the mounting base for pivoting movement about a transverse axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

According to a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a faucet system includes a mounting base configured to be coupled to a mounting deck and supporting a lift rod passageway. A first upper faucet assembly includes a delivery spout, and a single handle coupled to a control valve to control the flow of water to the delivery spout. A second upper faucet assembly includes a delivery spout, a first handle coupled to a first control valve to control the flow of hot water to the delivery spout, and a second handle coupled to a second control valve to control the flow of cold water to the delivery spout. A lift rod includes a longitudinal axis and is slidably received within the lift rod passageway. The first upper faucet assembly and the second upper faucet assembly are configured to be interchangeably mounted on the mounting base with the lift rod extending through the lift rod passageway. The longitudinal axis of the lift rod has a first angular orientation when the first upper faucet assembly is mounted on the mounting base and has a second angular orientation when the second upper faucet assembly is mounted on the mounting base. The first angular orientation is different from the second angular orientation.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of mounting a faucet assembly includes the steps of coupling a mounting base to a mounting deck, the mounting base including a lift rod passageway. The method further includes the steps of coupling a first upper faucet assembly to the mounting base, the first upper faucet assembly including a lift rod received within the lift rod passageway at a first angular orientation within a plane extending perpendicular to the mounting deck. The method further includes the steps of uncoupling the first upper faucet assembly from the mounting base, and coupling a second upper faucet assembly to the mounting base, the second upper faucet assembly including a lift rod received within the lift rod passageway at a second angular orientation within the plane extending perpendicular to the mounting deck. The second angular orientation is different from the first angular orientation.

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

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

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative embodiment single handle faucet assembly;

FIG. 2 is a partial bottom perspective view of the mounting base of FIG. 1, positioned on a mounting deck;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view similar to FIG. 2, showing locking members coupling the faucet assembly to the mounting deck;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, with the mixing valve and waterway assembly removed for clarity;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3, with the mixing valve and waterway assembly removed for clarity;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5A, with the upper member of the lift rod removed and replaced with a tool;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view, in partial cross-section, illustrating the faucet assembly of FIG. 1 coupled to a pop-up drain assembly;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative embodiment dual handle faucet assembly;

FIG. 8 is a partial bottom perspective view of the faucet assembly of FIG. 7, positioned on a mounting deck;

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view similar to FIG. 8, showing locking members coupling the faucet assembly to the mounting deck;

FIG. 10 is cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 11A, with the upper member of the lift rod removed and replaced with a tool; and

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view, in partial cross-section, illustrating the faucet assembly of FIG. 7 coupled to a pop-up drain assembly.

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 embodiment selected for description have been chosen to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3, an illustrative embodiment single handle faucet assembly 10 is shown as including an upper faucet assembly 12 positioned above a mounting base 14. The upper faucet assembly 12 illustratively includes an escutcheon or body housing 16 receiving a mixing valve 18 fluidly coupled to a waterway assembly 20. A lower securing member or support 21 is secured to a lower portion of the escutcheon 16 below the mixing valve 18. The lower securing member 21 includes a base 22 which receives fasteners 24, such as bolts, to couple to the escutcheon 16. An attachment block 26 defining a locking or engagement surface 28 is supported by the base 22.

With further reference to FIG. 1, a handle 30 is coupled to a stem 31 of the mixing valve 18 in a conventional manner, for example, through the use of a set screw (not shown). The valve 18 illustratively includes an outer housing 32 which receives a valving member, such as a ball or disk assembly (not shown) of conventional design, for controlling the flow of water passing through the valve 18 in response to operation of the handle 30. More particularly, the valve 18 controls the rate and relative proportion of water flowing from cold and hot water inlet conduits 34 and 36 of the waterway assembly 20 to an outlet water conduit, illustratively a delivery spout 38. An overmolded coupler 39 illustratively retains the delivery spout 38 to the escutcheon 16. A conventional aerator (not shown) may be coupled to an end of the delivery spout 38 for discharging water therefrom. The valve 18 may be of conventional design, and illustratively of the type disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/494,889, filed Jul. 28, 2006, entitled “MIXING VALVE”. Similarly, the waterway assembly 20 may be of conventional design, and illustratively of the type disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/700,634, filed Jan. 31, 2007, entitled “FAUCET INCLUDING A MOLDED WATERWAY ASSEMBLY”.

Each of the inlet water conduits 34 and 36 illustratively includes an end connector 41 configured to couple to a fluid coupling for supplying water from hot and cold water sources (not shown). The fluid couplings may comprise a quick release coupling, such as PMC Series couplings available from Colder Products Company of St. Paul, Minn. Other conventional fluid couplings may be substituted therefor, such as those detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,672,628.

Illustratively, the inlet water conduits 34 and 36 are formed of a flexible material to facilitate positioning of the respective end connectors 41 relative to the faucet assembly 10. In one illustrative embodiment, the inlet water conduits 34 and 36 and outlet conduit 38 are all formed of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX).

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the mounting base 14 is supported by a mounting deck 40, typically a countertop or sink deck having access openings 42 a, 42 b, 42 c. As detailed herein, a coupler or guide 46 releasably couples the upper faucet assembly 12 to the mounting base 14. A resilient gasket 48 is illustratively received intermediate an upper surface 50 of the mounting deck 40 and a lower surface 52 of the escutcheon 16.

The mounting base 14 illustratively includes a mounting plate 56 which is mounted from the top of the mounting deck 40 and rests on the upper surface 50 thereof. It should be noted that the mounting base 14 may also be mounted from the underside of the mounting deck 40 below its lower surface 58. Access openings 59 aand 59 bare formed within the mounting plate 56 and are configured to receive the inlet conduits 34 and 36.

First and second attachment posts 60 and 62 extend downwardly from the mounting plate 56. The attachment posts 60 and 62 each include a plurality of external threads 64 and 66 and are configured to operably couple with first and second mounting base locking members 68 and 70, respectively. An upper end of each post 60 and 62 extends through the mounting plate 56 and includes a head 72 and 74 configured to be manipulated by a tool, such as a screwdriver or Allen wrench (not shown). Arcuate supports 76 and 78 extend substantially parallel to the attachment posts 60 and 62, respectively. Upper and lower apertures 80 and 82 receive each attachment post 60 and 62, respectively. Each upper aperture 80 is illustratively formed within an insert 81 supported within a recess 83 formed within the mounting plate 56. Each lower aperture 82 is illustratively formed within a bracket 85 coupled to a lower end of the respective support 76, 78. Further, each support 76 and 78 includes a groove 84 which is configured to receive the respective attachment post 60 and 62 and guide the respective locking member 68 and 70 in movement longitudinally therealong. In one illustrative embodiment, the mounting plate 56 and the supports 76 and 78 are integrally formed, for example, through molding of a thermoplastic material.

The mounting plate locking members 68 and 70 each include a threaded opening 86 and 88 configured to threadably engage the respective attachment post 60 and 62. Each locking member 68 and 70 is substantially wedge shaped and includes an upper surface 90 and 92 configured to cooperate with the mounting plate 56 to clamp the mounting base 14 to the deck 40. When the mounting plate 56 is positioned on the mounting deck 40, the threaded attachment posts 60 and 62 are rotated to cause the mounting plate locking members 68 and 70 to move longitudinally up and down on the posts 60 and 62, respectively. Illustratively, counterclockwise rotation of attachment posts 60 and 62 causes locking members 68 and 70 to move downwardly or away from mounting deck 40 to an unlocked position. Clockwise rotation of attachment posts 60 and 62 causes locking members 68 and 70 to move upwardly or toward mounting deck 40 to a locked position. In the locked position, the upper surfaces 90 and 92 of the locking members 68 and 70 abuts the bottom or lower surface 58 of mounting deck 40, thereby securing the mounting plate 56 thereto.

The locking members 68 and 70 are prevented from rotating with the attachment posts 60 and 62 as they are turned, by guide surfaces 94 and 96 of each locking member 68 and 70, respectively. The guide surfaces 94 and 96 abut against cooperating stop surfaces 98 and 100 of the grooves 84 defined within the supports 76 and 78, upon rotation of the locking members 68 and 70, respectively. This causes locking members 68 and 70 to ride up or down the attachment posts 60 and 62 within the grooves 84 as they are rotated instead of rotating 360 degrees with the rotation of the posts 60 and 62. As noted above, attachment posts 60 and 62 are stabilized and secured at their bottom portions by brackets 85.

As noted above, a gasket 48 is illustratively received around the periphery of the mounting base 14 and is supported by the upper surface 50 of the mounting deck 40. The gasket 48 is configured to fill the gap between a lower surface 52 of the escutcheon 16 and the upper surface 50 of the mounting deck 40. Illustratively, the gasket 48 is formed from a resilient elastomer.

With reference to FIGS. 1-5A, the coupler or guide 46 illustratively includes a tubular support or collar 102 having a lift rod passageway 103 defining a longitudinal axis 104 and pivotally supported by the lower surface 105 of the mounting plate 56. More particularly, the support 102 includes a pair of diametrically opposed pivot pins 106 and 108 received within downwardly extending sockets 110 and 112 supported by the lower surface 105 of the mounting plate 56. In an embodiment, one or more pivot pins may be rotatably received by one or more sockets. A flange 114, illustratively a nut, extends outwardly from an outer surface 115 the cylindrical side wall 116 of the support 102.

A securing member 118, illustratively, a lock bushing, is coupled to the support 102 and is configured to move along the longitudinal axis 104 relative to the support 102. Illustratively, the lock bushing 118 includes external threads 120 which are configured to threadably engage internal threads 122 formed within an inner surface 124 of the cylindrical side wall 116 of the support 102. An upper end of the lock bushing 118 includes an annular flange 126. A tool engaging member 128, illustratively a plurality of surfaces configured to receive a tool, such as an Allen or hex socket wrench 129 (FIG. 5B), is formed within the upper end of the lock bushing 118. Rotation of the wrench 129 is thereby transferred to the lock bushing 118.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5B, rotation of the lock bushing 118 within the support or collar 102 causes the lock bushing 118 to move up or down relative thereto. As the lock bushing 118 is moved upwardly, the flange 126 of the upper end moves away from the engagement surface 28 of the upper faucet assembly 12. As the lock bushing 118 is moved downwardly, a lower surface 130 of the flange 126 engages the locking surface 28 of the lower securing member 21, thereby clamping the upper faucet assembly 12 between the lock bushing 118 and the support 102. In one illustrative embodiment, the threads 120 of the lock bushing 118 may threadably engage threads 131 of the lower securing member 21.

With reference now to FIG. 5A, a lift rod 132 is illustratively slidably received within the lift rod passageway 103 defined by the coupler 46. The lift rod 132 includes an upper member 134 supporting a handle 136. A lower member 138 is connected to the upper member 134 through a lift rod coupler 140. More particularly, an upper end of the lower member 138 and a lower end of the upper member 134 are coupled to opposing lower and upper ends of the coupler 140, respectively. The lower member 138 and the upper member 134 may be fixed to the coupler 140 through conventional means, such as friction fits, threads, adhesives, etc. In the illustrative embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5A, the upper member 134 is releasably coupled to the coupler 140. More particularly, the lower end of the upper member 134 includes a plurality of external threads 135 configured to engage a plurality of internal threads 137 formed within the upper end of the coupler 140.

As further detailed herein, the lower member 138 is operably coupled to a pop-up drain assembly 141 (FIG. 6). The coupler 140, and hence the upper member 134 and the lower member 138 are supported for sliding axial movement within the lift rod passageway 103. A lower stop is illustratively defined by a set screw 139 received within the side wall 116 of the support 102 and extending into a groove or flat 143 formed within the outer surface of the coupler 140 (FIGS. 5A and 5B). The upper end of the flat 143 terminates at a lip 145. Engagement between the set screw 139 and the lip 145 provides a limit stop for downward movement of the coupler 140. In other words, the set screw 139 and lip 145 prevent the coupler 140 from falling out of the bottom of the support 102.

As may be appreciated, the coupler 46, through its pivot coupling to the mounting base 14, may accommodate different lift rod orientations. For example, the lift rod 132 shown in FIG. 5 has an angle of orientation that may be varied based upon different upper faucet assembly 12 designs. In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B, a is substantially equal to 14°. As such, the same mounting base 14 may be used with a variety of different upper faucet assemblies 12 having different lift rod 132 geometries or orientations.

With reference to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6, the lift rod 132 is operably coupled to a lever or pivot arm 142 of the pop-up drain assembly 141 through a coupler 144. The pivot arm 142 is configured to pivot about a pivot seat 146 in order to raise and lower a stopper or plug 148 coupled to the pivot arm 142. More particularly, the pivot seat 146 includes a truncated ball 150 supported for pivoting movement about a pivot nut 152 and cooperating pivot base 154. The plug 148 is received within a flange 156 supported by the sink basin 158. The flange 156 is in communication with a tubular drain body 160 which is in fluid communication with a tail piece 162 for coupling to a conventional drain pipe (not shown).

In operation, pulling up on the handle 136 raises the upper member 134. In response, the coupler 140 causes the lower member 138 and, in turn, the coupler 144 and the pivot arm 142 to pivot upwardly in the direction of arrow 164. The pivot arm 142 pivots about the pivot seat 146, thereby causing downward movement of the plug 148 in the direction of arrow 166. Pushing down on the raised handle 136 lowers the upper member 134. In response, the coupler 140 causes the lower member 138 and, in turn, the coupler 144 and the pivot arm 142 to pivot downwardly in the direction of arrow 168. The pivot arm 142 pivots about the pivot seat 146, thereby causing upward movement of the plug 148 in the direction of arrow 170.

To mount the mounting base 14 onto the mounting deck 40, mounting plate locking members 68 and 70 are oriented in retracted positions nested within respective supports 76 and 78 (FIG. 2), and passed through openings 42 aand 42 bof the mounting deck 40 from above along with the attachment posts 60 and 62 and supports 76 and 78. Simultaneously, the guide or coupler 46 is passed through opening 42 cof the mounting deck 40. The attachment posts 60 and 62 are rotated clockwise such that the locking members 68 and 70 rotate to extended positions outside of respective supports 76 and 78 (FIG. 3). Continued clockwise rotation causes the locking members 68 and 70 to move upwardly along the length of the respective post 60 and 62 such that the upper surfaces 92 of the locking members 68 and 70 engage the lower surface 58 of the mounting deck 40, thereby clamping the deck 40 between the locking members 68 and 70 and the mounting plate 56. The installation process continues by passing the fluid end connectors 41 and associated conduits 34 and 36 through the access openings 59 aand 59 bformed in the mounting plate 56. The end connectors 41 of the inlet conduits 34 and 36 are then coupled with hot and cold water supplies to provide fluid communication therewith.

Next, the upper faucet assembly 12 is lowered into engagement with the mounting base 14. More particularly, the locking surface 28 is aligned with the support 102 of the coupler 46. The lock bushing 118, supported by the lower securing member 21, is then rotated in a clockwise direction using a tool, such as Allen wrench 129, such that threaded engagement with the support 102 causes the flange 126 of the lock bushing 118 to move into engagement with the locking surface 28 of the upper faucet assembly 12. The upper member 134 of the lift rod 132 may then be inserted into the lift rod passageway 103 of the coupler 46 and secured to the lift rod coupler 140 and, hence, to the drain assembly 141.

With reference now to FIGS. 7-12, a further illustrative embodiment dual handle faucet assembly 10′ is shown as including an upper faucet assembly 212 positioned above the mounting base 14. As noted above, different upper faucet assemblies 12 and 212 may be interchangeably received upon the same mounting base 14. As such, in the following description like components will be identified with similar reference numbers.

The upper faucet assembly 212 illustratively includes an escutcheon or body housing 216 receiving a waterway assembly 218 fluidly coupled to a cold water control valve 220 and a hot water control valve 222. More particularly, the waterway includes a first chamber or housing 224 for receiving the cold water control valve 220, and a second chamber or housing 226 for receiving the hot water control valve 222. A conduit 228 extends between the first and second chambers and an outlet 230 which is in fluid communication with a delivery spout 232. A cold water inlet 234 is in fluid communication with the first chamber 224 and cold water control valve 220, while a hot water inlet 236 is in fluid communication with the second chamber 226 and the hot water control valve 222. Conventional fluid couplings 238 may be utilized to connect the respective inlets 234, 236 to cold and hot water sources (not shown) through cold and hot water inlet conduits 240 and 242. Cold and hot water handles 244 and 246 are operably coupled to control valves 220 and 222, respectively, to control the flow rate and temperature of water delivered from the inlet conduits 240 and 242 to the delivery spout 232.

A pair of tabs 248 a, 248 bextend outwardly from the waterway 218 and are coupled to an attachment block 250 by a pair of fasteners 252 a, 252 b. The fasteners 252 a, 252 bcouple to block 250 and tabs 248 to the escutcheon 216. The attachment block 250 includes a through hole 254 and a counterbore 256 defining an engagement or locking surface 258 (FIG. 10). The lock bushing 118 extends through the hole 254 in the attachment block 250, wherein the lower surface 130 of the flange 126 is configured to engage the locking surface 258. Once the upper faucet assembly 212 is fully assembled, the flange 126 is captured within the attachment block 250 by the tabs 248 (FIG. 10).

With reference now to FIGS. 3, 5A, 9, and 11A, the upper faucet assembly 12 (FIG. 3) may be interchanged with the upper faucet assembly 212 (FIG. 9) without modifying the mounting base 14. More particularly, the first upper faucet assembly 12 is coupled to the mounting base in the manner detailed above by rotating the lock bushing 118 within the support 102 of the coupler 46 such that the flange 126 engages the locking surface 28 (FIG. 5B). The lift rod passageway 103 slidably receives the lift rod 132 at a first angular orientation α within a plane extending perpendicular to the mounting deck 40. As shown in FIG. 5A, this angular orientation α is substantially equal to 14°. The upper faucet assembly 12 may be removed from the mounting base 14 removing the upper member 134 of the lift rod 132, by unthreading the lock bushing 118 from the support 102 of the coupler 46, and lifting the upper faucet assembly 12 away from the mounting base 14 (FIG. 5B). The end connectors 41 are also uncoupled from their respective water supplies.

Next, the upper faucet assembly 212 may be placed on top of the mounting base 14. The lock bushing 118 is then threaded into the support 102 of the coupler 46 such that the flange 126 engages the locking surface 258 (FIG. 11B). The upper member 134 of the lift rod 132 is inserted within the coupler 140 and threadably coupled thereto. The lift rod passageway 103 receives the lift rod 132 at a second angular orientation β within a plane extending perpendicular to the mounting deck 40. As shown in FIG. 11A, this angular orientation β is substantially equal to 2.75°.

The pivoting support of the coupler 46 provides for different angular orientations of the lift rod 132 associated with the upper faucet assembly 12 as compared to the lift rod 132 of the upper faucet assembly 212. More particularly, the lift rod 132 of upper faucet assembly 12 is positioned at the first angular orientation α, while the lift rod of the upper faucet assembly 212 is positioned at the second angular orientation β.

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.

Friday, July 7, 2017

Patent US8407828 - Faucet mounting system including a lift rod

Read article : Patent US8407828 - Faucet mounting system including a lift rod
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to faucets and, more particularly, to a mounting system for a faucet.

The installation of a faucet onto a mounting deck is often a difficult and time-consuming task. At least some of the installation may require the installer to work in the cramped and dimly lit work area under the sink or mounting deck. More particularly, faucets are typically attached to the mounting deck with threaded connections which must be made under and behind the sink basin wherein there is very little room to work.

As such, there is a need to provide a less cumbersome and complicated system of installing faucets or interchanging different faucet styles onto a mounting deck which can be done largely from the top of the countertop or sink. More particularly, a system is desired which would permit the installer to exchange different escutcheon styles, delivery spouts, and/or handle combinations quickly and easily without replacing the complete faucet assembly.

When interchanging different style faucets onto a mounting deck, the corresponding lift rods often have different geometries or orientations. For instance, single handle faucets often include a lift rod having a rearwardly angled lift rod, while dual handle faucets often include a substantially vertically aligned lift rod. As such, it is further desired to have a system which would permit the installer to exchange different faucet styles having different lift rod orientations.

According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a faucet assembly includes a delivery spout, and at least one valve fluidly coupled to the delivery spout and configured to control the flow of water to the delivery spout. A lift rod is supported for movement relative to the delivery spout. A tubular guide includes a lift rod passageway slidably receiving the lift rod and defining a longitudinal axis. The guide is supported for pivoting movement about a transverse axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a faucet assembly includes a mounting base configured to be coupled to a mounting deck. An upper faucet assembly is positioned above the mounting base and includes a delivery spout and a locking surface. A coupler includes a support member pivotally supported by the mounting base, and a securing member connected to the support member and releasably engaging the locking surface of the upper faucet assembly for releasably securing the upper faucet assembly to the mounting base.

According to yet another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a coupling system is provided for use with a faucet assembly including a lift rod. The coupling system includes a mounting base configured to be coupled to a mounting deck. A coupler includes a support member and a securing member movably connected to the support member. The support member defines a lift rod passageway configured to slidably receive a lift rod and defining a longitudinal axis. The support member is supported by the mounting base for pivoting movement about a transverse axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

According to a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a faucet system includes a mounting base configured to be coupled to a mounting deck and supporting a lift rod passageway. A first upper faucet assembly includes a delivery spout, and a single handle coupled to a control valve to control the flow of water to the delivery spout. A second upper faucet assembly includes a delivery spout, a first handle coupled to a first control valve to control the flow of hot water to the delivery spout, and a second handle coupled to a second control valve to control the flow of cold water to the delivery spout. A lift rod includes a longitudinal axis and is slidably received within the lift rod passageway. The first upper faucet assembly and the second upper faucet assembly are configured to be interchangeably mounted on the mounting base with the lift rod extending through the lift rod passageway. The longitudinal axis of the lift rod has a first angular orientation when the first upper faucet assembly is mounted on the mounting base and has a second angular orientation when the second upper faucet assembly is mounted on the mounting base. The first angular orientation is different from the second angular orientation.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of mounting a faucet assembly includes the steps of coupling a mounting base to a mounting deck, the mounting base including a lift rod passageway. The method further includes the steps of coupling a first upper faucet assembly to the mounting base, the first upper faucet assembly including a lift rod received within the lift rod passageway at a first angular orientation within a plane extending perpendicular to the mounting deck. The method further includes the steps of uncoupling the first upper faucet assembly from the mounting base, and coupling a second upper faucet assembly to the mounting base, the second upper faucet assembly including a lift rod received within the lift rod passageway at a second angular orientation within the plane extending perpendicular to the mounting deck. The second angular orientation is different from the first angular orientation.

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

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

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative embodiment single handle faucet assembly;

FIG. 2 is a partial bottom perspective view of the mounting base of FIG. 1, positioned on a mounting deck;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view similar to FIG. 2, showing locking members coupling the faucet assembly to the mounting deck;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, with the mixing valve and waterway assembly removed for clarity;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3, with the mixing valve and waterway assembly removed for clarity;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5A, with the upper member of the lift rod removed and replaced with a tool;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view, in partial cross-section, illustrating the faucet assembly of FIG. 1 coupled to a pop-up drain assembly;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative embodiment dual handle faucet assembly;

FIG. 8 is a partial bottom perspective view of the faucet assembly of FIG. 7, positioned on a mounting deck;

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view similar to FIG. 8, showing locking members coupling the faucet assembly to the mounting deck;

FIG. 10 is cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 11A, with the upper member of the lift rod removed and replaced with a tool; and

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view, in partial cross-section, illustrating the faucet assembly of FIG. 7 coupled to a pop-up drain assembly.

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 embodiment selected for description have been chosen to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3, an illustrative embodiment single handle faucet assembly 10 is shown as including an upper faucet assembly 12 positioned above a mounting base 14. The upper faucet assembly 12 illustratively includes an escutcheon or body housing 16 receiving a mixing valve 18 fluidly coupled to a waterway assembly 20. A lower securing member or support 21 is secured to a lower portion of the escutcheon 16 below the mixing valve 18. The lower securing member 21 includes a base 22 which receives fasteners 24, such as bolts, to couple to the escutcheon 16. An attachment block 26 defining a locking or engagement surface 28 is supported by the base 22.

With further reference to FIG. 1, a handle 30 is coupled to a stem 31 of the mixing valve 18 in a conventional manner, for example, through the use of a set screw (not shown). The valve 18 illustratively includes an outer housing 32 which receives a valving member, such as a ball or disk assembly (not shown) of conventional design, for controlling the flow of water passing through the valve 18 in response to operation of the handle 30. More particularly, the valve 18 controls the rate and relative proportion of water flowing from cold and hot water inlet conduits 34 and 36 of the waterway assembly 20 to an outlet water conduit, illustratively a delivery spout 38. An overmolded coupler 39 illustratively retains the delivery spout 38 to the escutcheon 16. A conventional aerator (not shown) may be coupled to an end of the delivery spout 38 for discharging water therefrom. The valve 18 may be of conventional design, and illustratively of the type disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/494,889, filed Jul. 28, 2006, entitled “MIXING VALVE”. Similarly, the waterway assembly 20 may be of conventional design, and illustratively of the type disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/700,634, filed Jan. 31, 2007, entitled “FAUCET INCLUDING A MOLDED WATERWAY ASSEMBLY”.

Each of the inlet water conduits 34 and 36 illustratively includes an end connector 41 configured to couple to a fluid coupling for supplying water from hot and cold water sources (not shown). The fluid couplings may comprise a quick release coupling, such as PMC Series couplings available from Colder Products Company of St. Paul, Minn. Other conventional fluid couplings may be substituted therefor, such as those detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,672,628.

Illustratively, the inlet water conduits 34 and 36 are formed of a flexible material to facilitate positioning of the respective end connectors 41 relative to the faucet assembly 10. In one illustrative embodiment, the inlet water conduits 34 and 36 and outlet conduit 38 are all formed of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX).

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the mounting base 14 is supported by a mounting deck 40, typically a countertop or sink deck having access openings 42 a, 42 b, 42 c. As detailed herein, a coupler or guide 46 releasably couples the upper faucet assembly 12 to the mounting base 14. A resilient gasket 48 is illustratively received intermediate an upper surface 50 of the mounting deck 40 and a lower surface 52 of the escutcheon 16.

The mounting base 14 illustratively includes a mounting plate 56 which is mounted from the top of the mounting deck 40 and rests on the upper surface 50 thereof. It should be noted that the mounting base 14 may also be mounted from the underside of the mounting deck 40 below its lower surface 58. Access openings 59 aand 59 bare formed within the mounting plate 56 and are configured to receive the inlet conduits 34 and 36.

First and second attachment posts 60 and 62 extend downwardly from the mounting plate 56. The attachment posts 60 and 62 each include a plurality of external threads 64 and 66 and are configured to operably couple with first and second mounting base locking members 68 and 70, respectively. An upper end of each post 60 and 62 extends through the mounting plate 56 and includes a head 72 and 74 configured to be manipulated by a tool, such as a screwdriver or Allen wrench (not shown). Arcuate supports 76 and 78 extend substantially parallel to the attachment posts 60 and 62, respectively. Upper and lower apertures 80 and 82 receive each attachment post 60 and 62, respectively. Each upper aperture 80 is illustratively formed within an insert 81 supported within a recess 83 formed within the mounting plate 56. Each lower aperture 82 is illustratively formed within a bracket 85 coupled to a lower end of the respective support 76, 78. Further, each support 76 and 78 includes a groove 84 which is configured to receive the respective attachment post 60 and 62 and guide the respective locking member 68 and 70 in movement longitudinally therealong. In one illustrative embodiment, the mounting plate 56 and the supports 76 and 78 are integrally formed, for example, through molding of a thermoplastic material.

The mounting plate locking members 68 and 70 each include a threaded opening 86 and 88 configured to threadably engage the respective attachment post 60 and 62. Each locking member 68 and 70 is substantially wedge shaped and includes an upper surface 90 and 92 configured to cooperate with the mounting plate 56 to clamp the mounting base 14 to the deck 40. When the mounting plate 56 is positioned on the mounting deck 40, the threaded attachment posts 60 and 62 are rotated to cause the mounting plate locking members 68 and 70 to move longitudinally up and down on the posts 60 and 62, respectively. Illustratively, counterclockwise rotation of attachment posts 60 and 62 causes locking members 68 and 70 to move downwardly or away from mounting deck 40 to an unlocked position. Clockwise rotation of attachment posts 60 and 62 causes locking members 68 and 70 to move upwardly or toward mounting deck 40 to a locked position. In the locked position, the upper surfaces 90 and 92 of the locking members 68 and 70 abuts the bottom or lower surface 58 of mounting deck 40, thereby securing the mounting plate 56 thereto.

The locking members 68 and 70 are prevented from rotating with the attachment posts 60 and 62 as they are turned, by guide surfaces 94 and 96 of each locking member 68 and 70, respectively. The guide surfaces 94 and 96 abut against cooperating stop surfaces 98 and 100 of the grooves 84 defined within the supports 76 and 78, upon rotation of the locking members 68 and 70, respectively. This causes locking members 68 and 70 to ride up or down the attachment posts 60 and 62 within the grooves 84 as they are rotated instead of rotating 360 degrees with the rotation of the posts 60 and 62. As noted above, attachment posts 60 and 62 are stabilized and secured at their bottom portions by brackets 85.

As noted above, a gasket 48 is illustratively received around the periphery of the mounting base 14 and is supported by the upper surface 50 of the mounting deck 40. The gasket 48 is configured to fill the gap between a lower surface 52 of the escutcheon 16 and the upper surface 50 of the mounting deck 40. Illustratively, the gasket 48 is formed from a resilient elastomer.

With reference to FIGS. 1-5A, the coupler or guide 46 illustratively includes a tubular support or collar 102 having a lift rod passageway 103 defining a longitudinal axis 104 and pivotally supported by the lower surface 105 of the mounting plate 56. More particularly, the support 102 includes a pair of diametrically opposed pivot pins 106 and 108 received within downwardly extending sockets 110 and 112 supported by the lower surface 105 of the mounting plate 56. In an embodiment, one or more pivot pins may be rotatably received by one or more sockets. A flange 114, illustratively a nut, extends outwardly from an outer surface 115 the cylindrical side wall 116 of the support 102.

A securing member 118, illustratively, a lock bushing, is coupled to the support 102 and is configured to move along the longitudinal axis 104 relative to the support 102. Illustratively, the lock bushing 118 includes external threads 120 which are configured to threadably engage internal threads 122 formed within an inner surface 124 of the cylindrical side wall 116 of the support 102. An upper end of the lock bushing 118 includes an annular flange 126. A tool engaging member 128, illustratively a plurality of surfaces configured to receive a tool, such as an Allen or hex socket wrench 129 (FIG. 5B), is formed within the upper end of the lock bushing 118. Rotation of the wrench 129 is thereby transferred to the lock bushing 118.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5B, rotation of the lock bushing 118 within the support or collar 102 causes the lock bushing 118 to move up or down relative thereto. As the lock bushing 118 is moved upwardly, the flange 126 of the upper end moves away from the engagement surface 28 of the upper faucet assembly 12. As the lock bushing 118 is moved downwardly, a lower surface 130 of the flange 126 engages the locking surface 28 of the lower securing member 21, thereby clamping the upper faucet assembly 12 between the lock bushing 118 and the support 102. In one illustrative embodiment, the threads 120 of the lock bushing 118 may threadably engage threads 131 of the lower securing member 21.

With reference now to FIG. 5A, a lift rod 132 is illustratively slidably received within the lift rod passageway 103 defined by the coupler 46. The lift rod 132 includes an upper member 134 supporting a handle 136. A lower member 138 is connected to the upper member 134 through a lift rod coupler 140. More particularly, an upper end of the lower member 138 and a lower end of the upper member 134 are coupled to opposing lower and upper ends of the coupler 140, respectively. The lower member 138 and the upper member 134 may be fixed to the coupler 140 through conventional means, such as friction fits, threads, adhesives, etc. In the illustrative embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5A, the upper member 134 is releasably coupled to the coupler 140. More particularly, the lower end of the upper member 134 includes a plurality of external threads 135 configured to engage a plurality of internal threads 137 formed within the upper end of the coupler 140.

As further detailed herein, the lower member 138 is operably coupled to a pop-up drain assembly 141 (FIG. 6). The coupler 140, and hence the upper member 134 and the lower member 138 are supported for sliding axial movement within the lift rod passageway 103. A lower stop is illustratively defined by a set screw 139 received within the side wall 116 of the support 102 and extending into a groove or flat 143 formed within the outer surface of the coupler 140 (FIGS. 5A and 5B). The upper end of the flat 143 terminates at a lip 145. Engagement between the set screw 139 and the lip 145 provides a limit stop for downward movement of the coupler 140. In other words, the set screw 139 and lip 145 prevent the coupler 140 from falling out of the bottom of the support 102.

As may be appreciated, the coupler 46, through its pivot coupling to the mounting base 14, may accommodate different lift rod orientations. For example, the lift rod 132 shown in FIG. 5 has an angle of orientation that may be varied based upon different upper faucet assembly 12 designs. In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B, a is substantially equal to 14°. As such, the same mounting base 14 may be used with a variety of different upper faucet assemblies 12 having different lift rod 132 geometries or orientations.

With reference to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6, the lift rod 132 is operably coupled to a lever or pivot arm 142 of the pop-up drain assembly 141 through a coupler 144. The pivot arm 142 is configured to pivot about a pivot seat 146 in order to raise and lower a stopper or plug 148 coupled to the pivot arm 142. More particularly, the pivot seat 146 includes a truncated ball 150 supported for pivoting movement about a pivot nut 152 and cooperating pivot base 154. The plug 148 is received within a flange 156 supported by the sink basin 158. The flange 156 is in communication with a tubular drain body 160 which is in fluid communication with a tail piece 162 for coupling to a conventional drain pipe (not shown).

In operation, pulling up on the handle 136 raises the upper member 134. In response, the coupler 140 causes the lower member 138 and, in turn, the coupler 144 and the pivot arm 142 to pivot upwardly in the direction of arrow 164. The pivot arm 142 pivots about the pivot seat 146, thereby causing downward movement of the plug 148 in the direction of arrow 166. Pushing down on the raised handle 136 lowers the upper member 134. In response, the coupler 140 causes the lower member 138 and, in turn, the coupler 144 and the pivot arm 142 to pivot downwardly in the direction of arrow 168. The pivot arm 142 pivots about the pivot seat 146, thereby causing upward movement of the plug 148 in the direction of arrow 170.

To mount the mounting base 14 onto the mounting deck 40, mounting plate locking members 68 and 70 are oriented in retracted positions nested within respective supports 76 and 78 (FIG. 2), and passed through openings 42 aand 42 bof the mounting deck 40 from above along with the attachment posts 60 and 62 and supports 76 and 78. Simultaneously, the guide or coupler 46 is passed through opening 42 cof the mounting deck 40. The attachment posts 60 and 62 are rotated clockwise such that the locking members 68 and 70 rotate to extended positions outside of respective supports 76 and 78 (FIG. 3). Continued clockwise rotation causes the locking members 68 and 70 to move upwardly along the length of the respective post 60 and 62 such that the upper surfaces 92 of the locking members 68 and 70 engage the lower surface 58 of the mounting deck 40, thereby clamping the deck 40 between the locking members 68 and 70 and the mounting plate 56. The installation process continues by passing the fluid end connectors 41 and associated conduits 34 and 36 through the access openings 59 aand 59 bformed in the mounting plate 56. The end connectors 41 of the inlet conduits 34 and 36 are then coupled with hot and cold water supplies to provide fluid communication therewith.

Next, the upper faucet assembly 12 is lowered into engagement with the mounting base 14. More particularly, the locking surface 28 is aligned with the support 102 of the coupler 46. The lock bushing 118, supported by the lower securing member 21, is then rotated in a clockwise direction using a tool, such as Allen wrench 129, such that threaded engagement with the support 102 causes the flange 126 of the lock bushing 118 to move into engagement with the locking surface 28 of the upper faucet assembly 12. The upper member 134 of the lift rod 132 may then be inserted into the lift rod passageway 103 of the coupler 46 and secured to the lift rod coupler 140 and, hence, to the drain assembly 141.

With reference now to FIGS. 7-12, a further illustrative embodiment dual handle faucet assembly 10′ is shown as including an upper faucet assembly 212 positioned above the mounting base 14. As noted above, different upper faucet assemblies 12 and 212 may be interchangeably received upon the same mounting base 14. As such, in the following description like components will be identified with similar reference numbers.

The upper faucet assembly 212 illustratively includes an escutcheon or body housing 216 receiving a waterway assembly 218 fluidly coupled to a cold water control valve 220 and a hot water control valve 222. More particularly, the waterway includes a first chamber or housing 224 for receiving the cold water control valve 220, and a second chamber or housing 226 for receiving the hot water control valve 222. A conduit 228 extends between the first and second chambers and an outlet 230 which is in fluid communication with a delivery spout 232. A cold water inlet 234 is in fluid communication with the first chamber 224 and cold water control valve 220, while a hot water inlet 236 is in fluid communication with the second chamber 226 and the hot water control valve 222. Conventional fluid couplings 238 may be utilized to connect the respective inlets 234, 236 to cold and hot water sources (not shown) through cold and hot water inlet conduits 240 and 242. Cold and hot water handles 244 and 246 are operably coupled to control valves 220 and 222, respectively, to control the flow rate and temperature of water delivered from the inlet conduits 240 and 242 to the delivery spout 232.

A pair of tabs 248 a, 248 bextend outwardly from the waterway 218 and are coupled to an attachment block 250 by a pair of fasteners 252 a, 252 b. The fasteners 252 a, 252 bcouple to block 250 and tabs 248 to the escutcheon 216. The attachment block 250 includes a through hole 254 and a counterbore 256 defining an engagement or locking surface 258 (FIG. 10). The lock bushing 118 extends through the hole 254 in the attachment block 250, wherein the lower surface 130 of the flange 126 is configured to engage the locking surface 258. Once the upper faucet assembly 212 is fully assembled, the flange 126 is captured within the attachment block 250 by the tabs 248 (FIG. 10).

With reference now to FIGS. 3, 5A, 9, and 11A, the upper faucet assembly 12 (FIG. 3) may be interchanged with the upper faucet assembly 212 (FIG. 9) without modifying the mounting base 14. More particularly, the first upper faucet assembly 12 is coupled to the mounting base in the manner detailed above by rotating the lock bushing 118 within the support 102 of the coupler 46 such that the flange 126 engages the locking surface 28 (FIG. 5B). The lift rod passageway 103 slidably receives the lift rod 132 at a first angular orientation α within a plane extending perpendicular to the mounting deck 40. As shown in FIG. 5A, this angular orientation α is substantially equal to 14°. The upper faucet assembly 12 may be removed from the mounting base 14 removing the upper member 134 of the lift rod 132, by unthreading the lock bushing 118 from the support 102 of the coupler 46, and lifting the upper faucet assembly 12 away from the mounting base 14 (FIG. 5B). The end connectors 41 are also uncoupled from their respective water supplies.

Next, the upper faucet assembly 212 may be placed on top of the mounting base 14. The lock bushing 118 is then threaded into the support 102 of the coupler 46 such that the flange 126 engages the locking surface 258 (FIG. 11B). The upper member 134 of the lift rod 132 is inserted within the coupler 140 and threadably coupled thereto. The lift rod passageway 103 receives the lift rod 132 at a second angular orientation β within a plane extending perpendicular to the mounting deck 40. As shown in FIG. 11A, this angular orientation β is substantially equal to 2.75°.

The pivoting support of the coupler 46 provides for different angular orientations of the lift rod 132 associated with the upper faucet assembly 12 as compared to the lift rod 132 of the upper faucet assembly 212. More particularly, the lift rod 132 of upper faucet assembly 12 is positioned at the first angular orientation α, while the lift rod of the upper faucet assembly 212 is positioned at the second angular orientation β.

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.