Faucet assembly and locking device for fastening faucet to mounting table

Abstract

A faucet assembly and a locking device for securing a faucet to a mounting table to which the faucet assembly is mounted. The faucet assembly includes a spout that discharges fluid therefrom. The base is mounted on the first surface of the mounting table and between the nozzle and the mounting table. The base is sized and shaped such that the base cannot pass through the channel of the mounting table when mounted on the first surface. The base is connected with a mounting handle, and the mounting handle is inserted into the channel. The mounting handle has a circular outer surface with an external thread thereon. The nut includes a tube section having an inner wall with internal threads. The inner wall defines a channel sized to receive a mounting shank such that the internal thread of the inner wall engages the external thread. A cantilever including a threaded through-hole extends from an outer wall of the tube section. An externally threaded screw is screwed through the threaded through hole until the distal end of the screw presses against the second surface of the mounting table and biases the internal thread of the tube section against the external thread of the mounting shank, thereby securing the faucet assembly to the mounting table.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to faucets. Specifically, this disclosure relates to a structure and related method for quickly installing a faucet, to a quick-attachment clamp for a faucet, and more particularly to a faucet assembly and a locking device for securing the faucet to a mounting platform. Background Technology

[0002] Installing a faucet requires mounting it on a surface, typically a countertop or sink shelf adjacent to the basin. Conventional faucet installation methods can be complex, time-consuming, and / or require multiple parts. What is desired is a cost-effective, simpler, and safer faucet installation solution.

[0003] A typical faucet mounting system includes a mounting handle and a mounting nut. The mounting handle extends through the mounting base, and the mounting nut connects to the mounting handle from below the mounting base to secure the faucet to the mounting base. A standard mounting nut is threaded onto the mounting handle. Therefore, the mounting nut can be positioned along the mounting handle in various locations to accommodate mounting bases of varying thicknesses. However, rotating the mounting nut from the bottom to the top of the mounting handle to attach the faucet to the mounting base can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The quick-attachment clamp of this disclosure simplifies the installation process of conventional mounting nuts. The illustrative fastening device of this disclosure can slide upwards along the length of the mounting shank and then tighten in one go to the desired position, without having to rotate the conventional mounting nut along the length of the externally threaded mounting shank. Thus, the illustrative fastening device saves considerable time during installation, especially when the externally threaded mounting shank is long and the thread pitch is fine.

[0005] A faucet assembly and a corresponding installation method are disclosed. The illustrative faucet assembly requires only a single fixing mechanism to secure it to the mounting base.

[0006] The fixture disclosed herein can reduce the number of parts required to assemble a faucet to a countertop, thereby reducing the cost of faucet components and the time required to install the faucet.

[0007] The illustrative installation method operates under the premise of friction and engagement. During assembly, the nut is angled relative to the faucet mounting handle so that it bypasses all threads and can move freely upwards around the handle. When the nut reaches the top of the handle, it can be straightened so that all threads on the inner surface of the nut engage with the threads on the outer surface of the handle. The jack screw can then be tightened against the bottom surface of the platform to lock the threads together and act as a clamp.

[0008] According to an illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, a faucet assembly is mounted to a mounting platform having a channel extending from a first surface of the platform to a second surface. The faucet assembly includes a nozzle from which fluid is discharged. A base is mounted on the first surface of the mounting platform and between the nozzle and the platform. The base is sized and shaped such that it cannot pass through the channel of the platform when mounted on the first surface. A mounting handle is connected to the base and inserted into the channel to deliver fluid through the channel to the nozzle. The mounting handle has a circular outer surface with external threads thereon. A nut includes a tube segment having an inner wall with internal threads. The inner wall defines a channel sized to receive the mounting handle such that the internal threads of the inner wall selectively engage with the external threads of the mounting handle. A cantilever extends from the outer wall of the tube segment. The cantilever includes a threaded through-hole. The external threaded screw is screwed through the threaded through-hole of the cantilever until the distal end of the screw presses against the second surface of the mounting base and the internal thread of the pipe section is biased against the external thread of the mounting shank, thereby securing the faucet assembly to the mounting base.

[0009] According to another illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, a faucet assembly is mounted to a mounting platform having a channel extending from a first surface of the platform to a second surface. The faucet assembly includes a nozzle from which fluid is discharged. A base is mounted on the first surface of the mounting platform and between the nozzle and the platform. The base is sized and shaped such that it cannot pass through the channel of the platform when mounted on the first surface. A mounting handle is connected to the base and inserted into the channel to deliver fluid through the channel to the nozzle. The mounting handle has a circular outer surface with external threads thereon. A nut includes a tube segment having an inner wall defining a channel having a first end, a middle portion, and a second end opposite to the first end. The channel is sized to receive the mounting handle such that the first end is closer to the base than the second end. The first end includes a first set of partial internal threads extending around the channel less than the entire periphery. The second end includes a second set of partial internal threads extending around the channel less than the entire periphery. The circumferential position of the second set of partial internal threads is offset by approximately 180 degrees relative to the circumferential position of the first set of partial internal threads. At a position approximately 180 degrees offset from the periphery of the channel relative to the first end of the channel, a cantilever extends from the outer wall of the pipe section. This cantilever includes a threaded through-hole. An externally threaded screw is screwed through the threaded through-hole of the cantilever until the distal end of the screw presses against the second surface of the mounting base, offsetting the first and second sets of partial internal threads of the pipe section against the external threads of the mounting shank, thereby securing the faucet assembly to the mounting base.

[0010] According to another illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, a locking device is used to secure a faucet to a mounting platform having a channel extending from a first surface of the platform to a second surface. A mounting handle of the faucet extends through the channel. The mounting handle has a circular outer surface with external threads thereon. The locking device includes a nut having a tube segment with an inner wall defining a channel having a first end, a middle portion, and a second end opposite to the first end. The middle portion is inclined relative to the first and second ends. The channel is sized to receive the mounting handle such that the first end is closer to the mounting platform than the second end. The first end includes a first set of partial internal threads extending around the channel less than the entire circumference. The second end includes a second set of partial internal threads extending around the channel less than the entire circumference. The circumferential position of the second set of partial internal threads is offset by approximately 180 degrees relative to the circumferential position of the first set of partial internal threads. A cantilever extends from the outer wall of the tube segment. The circumferential position of the cantilever is offset by approximately 180 degrees relative to the circumferential position of the first set of partial internal threads. The cantilever includes a threaded through-hole. An externally threaded screw is screwed through the threaded through-hole of the cantilever until the distal end of the screw presses against the second surface of the mounting base and offsets the first set of internal threads and the second set of internal threads of the pipe section against the external threads of the mounting shank, thereby securing the faucet to the mounting base.

[0011] According to another illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, a faucet assembly is mounted to a mounting platform having a channel extending from a first surface of the platform to a second surface. The faucet assembly includes a nozzle from which fluid is discharged. A base is configured to mount on the first surface of the mounting platform and between the nozzle and the platform. The base is sized and shaped such that it cannot pass through the channel of the platform when mounted on the first surface. A mounting handle is formed of a first material. The base is connected to the mounting handle, and the mounting handle is inserted into the channel to deliver fluid through the channel to the nozzle. A nut includes a tube segment formed of a second material harder than the first material. The tube segment has an inner wall having at least one protrusion. The inner wall defines a channel sized to receive the mounting handle. A cantilever extends from the outer wall of the tube segment. The cantilever includes a threaded through-hole. The external threaded screw is configured to be screwed through the threaded through-hole of the cantilever until the distal end of the screw presses against the second surface of the mounting base and biases at least one protrusion of the pipe section against the outer surface of the mounting handle, such that at least one protrusion becomes embedded in the mounting handle, thereby securing the faucet assembly to the mounting base.

[0012] According to yet another illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, a faucet assembly is mounted to a mounting platform having a channel extending from a first surface of the platform to a second surface. The faucet assembly includes a nozzle from which fluid is discharged. A base is configured to mount on the first surface of the mounting platform and between the nozzle and the platform. The base is sized and shaped such that it cannot pass through the channel of the platform when mounted on the first surface. A mounting handle is formed of a first material. The base is connected to the mounting handle, and the mounting handle is inserted into the channel to deliver fluid through the channel to the nozzle. The mounting handle has an outer surface with at least one protrusion. A nut includes a tube segment formed of a second material softer than the first material. The tube segment has an inner wall defining a channel sized to receive the mounting handle. A cantilever extends from the outer wall of the tube segment. The cantilever includes a threaded through-hole. The external threaded screw is configured to be screwed through the threaded through-hole of the cantilever until the distal end of the screw presses against the second surface of the mounting base and biases at least one protrusion of the mounting shank against the inner wall of the pipe section, such that at least one protrusion becomes embedded in the pipe section, thereby securing the faucet assembly to the mounting base.

[0013] According to another illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, a faucet assembly is mounted to a mounting platform having a channel extending from a first surface of the platform to a second surface. The faucet assembly includes a nozzle from which fluid is discharged. A base is configured to mount on the first surface of the mounting platform and between the nozzle and the platform. The base is sized and shaped such that it cannot pass through the channel of the platform when mounted on the first surface. The base is connected to a mounting handle configured to insert into the channel to deliver fluid through the channel to the nozzle. A nut includes a tube segment having an inner wall defining a channel sized to receive the mounting handle. A cantilever extends from the tube segment. The cantilever includes a threaded through-hole. An externally threaded screw is screwed through the threaded through-hole of the cantilever until the distal end of the screw presses against the second surface of the platform, while the screw is not parallel to the mounting handle, thereby biasing the tube segment against the mounting handle at at least two points. Thus, the faucet assembly is secured to the mounting platform.

[0014] According to another illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, a faucet assembly is mounted to a mounting platform having a channel extending from a first surface of the platform to a second surface. The faucet assembly includes a nozzle from which fluid is discharged. A base is configured to mount on the first surface of the mounting platform and between the nozzle and the platform. The base is sized and shaped such that it cannot pass through the channel of the platform when mounted on the first surface. The base is connected to a mounting handle configured to insert into the channel to deliver fluid through the channel to the nozzle. A nut includes a tube segment having an inner wall. The inner wall defines a channel sized to receive the mounting handle. A cam locking device is rotatably coupled to the tube segment. The cam locking device has an unlocked rotational position and a locked rotational position. When the cam locking device is in the locked rotational position, it presses against the second surface of the platform, thereby applying torque to the tube segment and biasing it against the mounting handle at at least two points, thereby securing the faucet assembly to the platform. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The above-described features and objectives, as well as other features and objectives, and the means of achieving these features and objectives, will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the invention itself will be better understood, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 This is an illustrative perspective view of a faucet assembly installed on a mounting platform and connected to a fluid source for operation.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A close-up view of the faucet assembly and mounting platform.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The enlarged cross-sectional view of the faucet assembly and mounting plate taken along line 3-3 during the first assembly stage.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of region 4 in the image.

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of region 5 in the image.

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The enlarged cross-sectional view of the faucet assembly and mounting platform taken along line 3-3 during the second assembly stage.

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 1The enlarged cross-sectional view of the faucet assembly and mounting platform taken along line 3-3 during the third assembly stage.

[0023] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The enlarged cross-sectional view of the faucet assembly and mounting platform taken along line 3-3 during the fourth assembly stage.

[0024] Figure 9 This is another illustrative view of the faucet assembly during one stage of installation onto the mounting plate.

[0025] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 An enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the faucet assembly during the subsequent stage of installation onto the mounting plate.

[0026] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 An enlarged view of region 11 in the image.

[0027] Figure 12 This is yet another illustrative view of the faucet assembly during one stage of its installation on the mounting plate.

[0028] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the faucet assembly and mounting base during the subsequent stage of installation onto the mounting base.

[0029] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 An enlarged view of region 14 in the image.

[0030] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 An enlarged view of region 15 in the image.

[0031] Figure 16 This is another illustrative perspective view of the faucet assembly installed on a mounting platform and connected to a fluid source for operation.

[0032] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A close-up view of the faucet assembly and mounting platform.

[0033] Figure 18 yes Figure 16 An enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the faucet assembly and mounting base taken along line 18-18 during a stage of installation onto the mounting base.

[0034] Figure 19 yes Figure 16 Enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the faucet assembly and mounting base taken along line 18-18 during the subsequent stage of installation onto the mounting base.

[0035] Figure 20 This is another illustrative view of the faucet assembly at one stage of being installed on the mounting plate.

[0036] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 Enlarged partial front view of the faucet assembly and mounting base during the subsequent stage of installation onto the mounting base.

[0037] In these views, corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts. Although the drawings illustrate embodiments of various features and components according to this disclosure, they are not necessarily drawn to scale and may exaggerate certain features for better illustration and explanation of this disclosure. The examples set forth herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, and such examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The embodiments of this disclosure described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to its exact form. Rather, the embodiments described herein enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure.

[0039] First refer to Figure 1 This illustration shows an illustrative faucet assembly 100 of the present disclosure. The faucet assembly 100 is mounted on a mounting platform 102 adjacent to a sink 104, illustratively a basin countertop. The illustrative faucet assembly 100 includes a shroud 106 positioned below a hub 107. The hub 107 is operatively coupled to a nozzle 108 and a valve assembly 110. Illustratively, the valve assembly 110 includes a handle 112 rotatably supported above the shroud 106, such that the handle 112 is configured to rotate relative to the hub 107 and the mounting platform 102 during installation. In some illustrative embodiments, the nozzle 108 may also be rotatable relative to the hub 107 and the mounting platform 102.

[0040] Further reference Figure 1The valve assembly 110 is fluidly connected to a first fluid source 114, illustratively a hot water source, such as a hot water valve. As further described herein, a first source conduit 116 (e.g., a flexible conduit formed of a polymer such as cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)) fluidly connects the first fluid source 114 to the faucet assembly 100. The valve assembly 110 is also operatively connected to a second fluid source 118, illustratively a cold water source, such as a cold water valve. As further described herein, a second source conduit 120 (e.g., a flexible conduit formed of a polymer such as cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)) fluidly connects the second fluid source 118 to the faucet assembly 100. Illustratively, the faucet assembly 100 is arranged such that actuating the valve assembly 110 by rotating the handle 112 about two vertical axes allows fluid flow from the first fluid source 114 and fluid flow from the second fluid source 118 through the nozzle 108 and through the outlet 122 of the nozzle 108. Export 122 can be limited by conventional aerators.

[0041] Further reference Figure 1 And further reference Figure 2 The faucet assembly 100 includes a cylindrical (circular cross-section) externally threaded mounting shank 124 that attaches to a hub 107 and / or a nozzle 108, and is insertable into a through-hole 125 or other type of channel or opening in the mounting base 102. The faucet assembly 100 further includes an illustrative quick-attachment clamp 126 as described in this disclosure. As described in more detail below, the quick-attachment clamp 126 is a locking device for securing the faucet assembly 100 to the mounting base 102.

[0042] The illustrative quick-attachment clamp 126 includes a nut 128 and an externally threaded clamping screw 130. As further detailed herein, the nut 128 includes an internally threaded section 132 having a channel configured to receive the mounting shank 124 threadedly. The nut 128 also includes an internally threaded cantilever 134 configured to receive the clamping screw 130 threadedly.

[0043] Figure 3 The illustration shows the faucet assembly 100 and mounting base 102 during the first assembly stage, wherein screws 130 are partially inserted into internally threaded through-holes 136 in the cantilever 134. The pipe section 132 includes a partially threaded through-hole or channel 138 through which a mounting shank 124 can be inserted.

[0044] Through hole 138 includes a first set of partial internal threads 140 ( Figure 4 The first set of partial internal threads is located at the top end of the through hole 138 and on the side of the through hole 138 opposite to the cantilever 134. The through hole 138 also includes a second set of partial internal threads 142. Figure 5 The second set of partial internal threads is located at the bottom end of the through hole 138 and on the side of the through hole 138 closest to the cantilever 134. Therefore, the circumferential position of the partial internal thread 142 is offset by approximately 180 degrees relative to the circumferential position of the partial internal thread 140. That is, thread 142 is located on the opposite side of the channel 138 to thread 140. The internal threads 140 and 142 are described as "partial" above, meaning that the internal threads do not extend completely around the periphery of the through hole 138.

[0045] Illustratively, the longitudinal middle portion 143 of the channel 138 is unthreaded and may be non-parallel and inclined relative to the threads 140, 142 and relative to the upper and lower ends of the channel 138. Therefore, the mounting shank 124 can pass through the channel 138 without contacting the threads 140, 142, and without being obstructed by any part of the pipe section 132. The longitudinal middle portion 143 of the channel 138 is also inclined relative to the internally threaded through-hole 136 in the cantilever 134.

[0046] Figure 6 The illustration shows the faucet assembly 100 and mounting base 102 during the second assembly stage, wherein the nut 128 slides further upward along the mounting handle 124 and closer to the mounting base 102. The screw 130 is also partially unscrewed from the through hole 136 such that the upper end of the screw 130 is flush with the upper surface of the cantilever 134.

[0047] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the faucet assembly 100 and mounting platform 102 during the third assembly stage, wherein the nut 128 and screw 130 are relative to... Figure 6 The viewpoint rotates clockwise 144 until the internal threads 140 and 142 engage with the external thread 146 of the mounting shank 124 and there is no further possibility of clockwise rotation.

[0048] Figure 8The illustration shows the faucet assembly 100 and mounting base 102 during the fourth final assembly stage, wherein the screw 130 is further screwed into the through hole 136 until the flat top surface of the screw 130 engages with and presses against the bottom surface of the mounting base 102. Tightening the screw 130 by rotary pushing it through the through hole 136 causes the external thread of the screw 130 to push downward against the internal thread of the through hole 136, which biases the nut 128 clockwise 144, biases the internal threads 140, 142 to engage with the external thread of the mounting shank 124, and biases the bottom surface 148 of the base 150 downward against the upper surface of the mounting base 102. The base 150 is illustratively defined by the cover 106 and / or hub 107, and the size and shape of the base prevent the base 150 from being received in or through the through hole 125 of the mounting base 102. Therefore, the tight interlocking of the internal threads 140, 142 and the external threads of the mounting handle 124 locks the faucet assembly 100 in place relative to the mounting platform 102 and prevents the cover 106 from moving upward away from the mounting platform 102.

[0049] Nut 128 can be a single integral piece of cast metal. However, cantilever 134 can also be formed of a sheet of metal folded at a 90-degree angle to provide sufficient structural integrity to apply sufficient locking torque to pipe segment 132.

[0050] Although the cantilever 134 is shown in the accompanying drawings as having a height less than that of the pipe segment 132, it should be understood that the cantilever 134 is not limited to any particular shape or size. The cantilever 134 only needs to be rigidly attached to the pipe segment 132 and have a through hole 136 that is far enough from the pipe segment 132 that the screw 130 and the cantilever 134 can apply sufficient torque to the pipe segment 132 to bias the threads 140, 142 of the pipe segment 132 against the threads 146 of the mounting handle 124, thereby locking the faucet assembly 100 in place relative to the mounting base 102.

[0051] Figure 9 The illustration shows another faucet assembly 200 of this disclosure at a stage of installation onto mounting base 202. Faucet assembly 200 is substantially similar to faucet assembly 100, except that the mounting handle 224 does not include threads or other irregularities on its cylindrical outer surface. Instead, the cylindrical outer surface of the mounting handle is smooth and continuous. Another difference is that the mounting handle 224 is made of a material softer than the material used to make the nut 228. The material used to make the mounting handle 224 can be soft enough that when the threads 240, 242 of the pipe segment 232 are biased against the mounting handle 224, the threads 240, 242 can deform and embed the mounting handle 224, thereby locking the faucet assembly 200 into place relative to mounting base 202. The threads 240, 242 are embedded into the mounting handle 224 (…). Figure 11In the mounting shank 224, threads that fit very tightly with threads 240 and 242 can be effectively generated.

[0052] The tube segment 232 of nut 228 is shown having a protrusion in the form of threads 240, 242. However, the tube segment of the nut may also have at least one protrusion in the form of a single tooth or an array of teeth instead of threads 240, 242. For example, one or more teeth may be spike-shaped or arc-shaped.

[0053] Figure 10 The illustration shows the faucet assembly 200 and mounting base 202 in a later, final assembly stage, where the screw 230 is further screwed into the through hole 236 until the flat top surface of the screw 230 engages with and presses against the bottom surface of the mounting base 202. Tightening the screw 230 by rotary pushing it through the through hole 236 causes the external thread of the screw 230 to push downward against the internal thread of the through hole 236. This biases the nut 228 clockwise 244, biases the internal threads 240, 242 into the outer surface of the mounting shank 224, and biases the bottom surface 248 of the base 250 downward against the upper surface of the mounting base 202. Thus, the tight engagement of the internal threads 240, 242 into the mounting shank 224 locks the faucet assembly 200 in place relative to the mounting base 202 and prevents the trim 206 from moving upward away from the mounting base 202.

[0054] Figure 12 The illustration shows another faucet assembly 300 of this disclosure at a stage of installation onto a mounting base 302. Faucet assembly 300 is substantially similar to faucet assembly 100, except that the tube segment 332 of the nut 328 does not include threads or other irregularities on the inner surface of its defining channel 338. Instead, the inner surface of the tube segment 332 is smooth and continuous. Another difference is that the nut 328 is made of a material softer than the material used to form the mounting handle 324. The material used to form the nut 328 can be soft enough that when the tube segment 332 abuts against the threads 346 of the mounting handle 324... Figure 14 When offset, thread 346 deforms and embeds into pipe segment 332, locking faucet assembly 300 in place relative to mounting platform 302. Thread 346 embeds into pipe segment 332. Figure 15 This can effectively create a thread in pipe section 332 that fits very tightly with thread 346. The mounting shank can also have a single tooth or an array of teeth instead of thread 346. For example, one or more teeth can be spike-shaped or arc-shaped.

[0055] like Figure 14 As shown, the upper section 337 of the channel 338 in pipe segment 332 may not be aligned with the middle section 339 of the channel 338. Therefore, as Figure 15As shown, the linearly aligned thread 346 can be positioned more flatly on the upper section 337 and can be more evenly and securely embedded in the upper section 337 of the channel 338. Similarly, the lower section of the channel 338 of the pipe section 332 can be misaligned with the middle section 339 of the channel 338, having the same advantage of being more evenly and securely embedded with the thread 346. This misalignment or nonlinearity of the pipe section channel can exist in other embodiments of the faucet assembly in this disclosure, such as... Figures 4 to 5 As shown in the image.

[0056] Figure 13 The illustration shows the faucet assembly 300 and mounting base 302 in a later, final assembly stage, where the screw 330 is further screwed into the through hole 336 until the flat top surface of the screw 330 engages with and presses against the bottom surface of the mounting base 302. Tightening the screw 330 by rotating it through the through hole 336 causes the external thread of the screw 330 to push downward against the internal thread of the through hole 336. This causes the nut 328 to be biased clockwise 344, causing the inner surface of the channel 338 to be biased against the thread 346, such that the thread 346 is embedded in the inner surface of the channel 338, and the bottom surface 348 of the base 350 to be biased downward against the upper surface of the mounting base 302. Thus, the external thread 346 is tightly embedded in the pipe section 332, locking the faucet assembly 300 in place relative to the mounting base 302 and preventing the trim 306 from moving upward away from the mounting base 302.

[0057] Figure 16 Another faucet assembly 400 of this disclosure is illustrated, which is mounted to a mounting platform 402 (illustratively, a sink platform) adjacent to a basin 404. The illustrative faucet assembly 400 includes a cover 406 positioned below a hub 407. The hub 407 is operatively coupled to a nozzle 408 and a valve assembly 410. Illustratively, the valve assembly 410 includes a handle 412 rotatably supported above the cover 406, such that the handle 412 is configured to rotate relative to the hub 407 and the mounting platform 402 during installation. In some illustrative embodiments, the nozzle 408 may also be rotatable relative to the hub 407 and the mounting platform 402.

[0058] Further reference Figure 1The valve assembly 410 is fluidly connected to a first fluid source 414, illustratively a hot water source, such as a hot water valve. As further described herein, a first source conduit 416 (e.g., a flexible conduit formed of a polymer such as cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)) fluidly connects the first fluid source 414 to the faucet assembly 400. The valve assembly 410 is also operatively connected to a second fluid source 418, illustratively a cold water source, such as a cold water valve. As further described herein, a second source conduit 420 (e.g., a flexible conduit formed of a polymer such as cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)) fluidly connects the second fluid source 418 to the faucet assembly 400. Illustratively, the faucet assembly 400 is arranged such that actuating the valve assembly 410 by rotating the handle 412 about two vertical axes allows fluid flow from the first fluid source 414 and fluid flow from the second fluid source 418 through the nozzle 408 and through the outlet 422 of the nozzle 408. Export 422 can be limited by conventional aerators.

[0059] Further reference Figure 16 And further reference Figure 17 The faucet assembly 400 includes a cylindrical (circular cross-section) externally threaded mounting handle 424 that attaches to a hub 407 and / or a nozzle 408, and the externally threaded mounting handle can be inserted through a through-hole 425 or other type of channel or opening in the mounting base 402. The faucet assembly 400 further includes an illustrative quick-attachment clamp 426 as described in this disclosure. As described in more detail below, the quick-attachment clamp 426 is a locking device for securing the faucet assembly 400 to the mounting base 402.

[0060] The illustrative quick-attachment clamp 426 includes a nut 428 and an externally threaded clamping screw 430. As further detailed herein, the nut 428 includes a tube section 432 having a channel configured to receive an mounting shank 424. The nut 428 also includes an internally threaded cantilever 434 configured to receive the clamping screw 430 by means of threads.

[0061] Figure 18 The illustration shows the faucet assembly 400 and mounting base 402 during the first assembly stage, wherein screws 430 are partially inserted into internally threaded through-holes 436 in the cantilever 434. The pipe section 432 includes a partially threaded through-hole or channel 438 through which a mounting shank 424 can be inserted.

[0062] The inner annular wall of the defined through-hole 438 of the pipe section 432 may be smooth and continuous, and may not include any threads, teeth or other discontinuities or irregularities. Although the shank 424 is shown as having external threads 446, within the scope of this disclosure, the outer annular surface of the shank may also be smooth and continuous, and may not include any threads, teeth or other discontinuities or irregularities.

[0063] Figure 19 The illustration shows the faucet assembly 400 and mounting base 402 during the second assembly stage, where the nut 428 slides upwards along the mounting handle 424 and closer to the mounting base 402. The nut 428 and screw 430 are already relative to... Figure 18 The viewpoint rotates clockwise 444 until the nut 428 engages the mounting shank 424 at points 452, 454, and further clockwise rotation is impossible. The screw 430 has been further screwed into the through hole 436 until the flat top surface of the screw 430 engages and presses against the bottom surface of the mounting platform 402. Tightening the screw 430 by rotating it forward through the through hole 436 causes the external thread of the screw 430 to push downward against the internal thread of the through hole 436, which causes the nut 428 to be biased against the mounting shank 124 at points 452, 454 in the clockwise direction 444, and causes the bottom surface 448 of the base 450 to be biased downward against the upper surface of the mounting platform 402. The base 450 is illustratively defined by the cover 406 and / or the hub 407, and the size and shape of the base prevent the base 450 from being received in or through the through-hole 425 of the mounting base 402. Therefore, the tight engagement of the nut 428 with the mounting handle 424 locks the faucet assembly 400 in place relative to the mounting base 402 and prevents the cover 406 from moving upwards away from the mounting base 402.

[0064] As mentioned above, the mounting shank does not need to have threads or any other irregularities to engage with the tube segment of the nut. The balance of clearance between the tube segment and the mounting shank, along with the ratio of the tube segment's height to the diameter of its channel, and the material hardness, can induce an engagement. Such a combination of specific dimensions can simulate the effect of teeth or threads without requiring them.

[0065] Figure 20This is a partial front view of another illustrative faucet assembly 500 of this disclosure at a stage of being mounted to mounting platform 502. The faucet assembly 500 includes a cylindrical (circular cross-section) mounting handle 524 that is attached to a hub 507 and / or a nozzle (not shown) and can be inserted through a through-hole or other type of channel or port (not shown) in mounting platform 502. The faucet assembly 500 further includes an illustrative quick-attachment clamp 526 of this disclosure. As described in more detail below, the quick-attachment clamp 526 is a locking device for securing the faucet assembly 500 to mounting platform 502.

[0066] The illustrative quick-attachment clamp 526 includes a nut 528 rotatably coupled to a teardrop-shaped cam locking device 530. The nut 528 includes a tube segment 532 having a channel (not shown) configured to receive an mounting handle 524. The inner annular wall of the defining channel of the tube segment 532 may be smooth and continuous, and may not include any threads, teeth, or other discontinuities or irregularities.

[0067] Figure 20 The illustration shows the faucet assembly 500 and mounting platform 502 in the first assembly stage, with the nut 528 having slid upward along the mounting handle 524 and approaching the mounting platform 502, but not yet in contact with it. The cam locking device 530 is in the unlocked horizontal position, with a relatively small thickness 558 between the cam locking device 530 and the mounting platform 502.

[0068] Figure 21The illustration shows the faucet assembly 500 and mounting platform 502 in the second assembly stage, where the mounting handle 524 is received in a channel (not shown), and the nut 528 has slid slightly upward along the mounting handle 524 and contacted the mounting platform 502. The cam locking device 530 has been rotated counterclockwise 544 around the hub 556 to a locked vertical position, where the thickness 560 of the cam locking device 530 between the hub 556 and the mounting platform 502 is relatively large, and greater than the thickness 558. As the cam locking device 530 rotates counterclockwise 544, its thickness between the hub 556 and the mounting platform 502 gradually increases, causing the nut 528 to be offset counterclockwise 544 and abut against the mounting handle 524 approximately at points 552, 554, and causing the bottom surface 548 of the base 550 to be offset downward against the upper surface of the mounting platform 502. The base 550 is illustratively defined by the cover 506 and / or hub 507, and the size and shape of the base prevent the base 550 from being received in or through a through hole (not shown) in the mounting base 502 through which the mounting handle 524 passes. Therefore, the tight engagement of the nut 528 with the mounting handle 524 locks the faucet assembly 500 in place relative to the mounting base 502 and prevents the cover 506 from moving upward away from the mounting base 502.

[0069] Both the inner wall of the nut's tube segment and the mounting shank are described above as having a circular cross-section. However, it should be understood that one or both of the tube segment and the mounting shank may have different cross-sectional shapes, such as square, rectangular, or triangular.

[0070] Although the invention has been described with exemplary design, further modifications can be made to the invention within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that utilize its general principles. Furthermore, this application is intended to cover any deviations from this disclosure that fall within the scope of known or customary practices in the art to which this invention pertains.

Claims

1. A faucet assembly configured to be mounted to a mounting deck having a passageway extending from a first surface of the mounting deck to a second surface of the mounting deck, the faucet assembly comprising: a spout configured to discharge a fluid therefrom; a base configured to be mounted on the first surface of the mounting deck and between the spout and the mounting deck, the base having a size and shape such that the base cannot pass through the passageway of the mounting deck when mounted on the first surface; a mounting stem connected to the base and configured to be inserted in the passageway to deliver the fluid through the passageway to the spout, the mounting stem having a circular outer surface having external threads thereon; a nut comprising: a tube segment having an inner wall with internal threads, the inner wall defining a channel sized to receive the mounting stem such that the internal threads of the inner wall selectively engage the external threads of the mounting stem; and a cantilever extending from an outer wall of the tube segment, the cantilever including a threaded through hole; and an externally threaded screw configured to be threaded through the threaded through hole of the cantilever until a distal end of the screw presses against the second surface of the mounting deck and biases the internal threads of the tube segment against the external threads of the mounting stem, thereby securing the faucet assembly to the mounting deck.

2. The faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein, The mounting stem is freely slidable in the channel of the tube segment before the internal threads of the tube segment are biased against the external threads of the mounting stem.

3. The faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein, The internal threads of the tube segment do not extend around an entire perimeter of the inner wall of the tube segment.

4. The faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein, The internal threads of the tube segment include a first internal thread at a first end of the tube segment and a second internal thread at a second end of the tube segment.

5. The faucet assembly of claim 4, wherein, The tube segment includes an unthreaded middle portion between the first end and the second end.

6. The faucet assembly of claim 5, wherein, The middle portion of the tube segment is inclined relative to the threaded through hole of the cantilever.

7. The faucet assembly of claim 4, wherein, The first internal thread of the tube segment and the second internal thread of the tube segment do not extend around an entire perimeter of the inner wall of the tube segment.

8. The faucet assembly of claim 4, wherein, The inner wall of the middle portion of the tube segment is not aligned with the first internal thread and the second internal thread of the tube segment.

9. The faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein, The externally threaded screw is configured to be threaded through the threaded through hole of the cantilever until a distal end of the screw directly engages the second surface of the mounting deck.

10. The faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein, The externally threaded screw is configured to be threaded through the threaded through hole of the cantilever until a distal end of the screw presses against the second surface of the mounting deck and applies a torque to the nut, thereby biasing the internal threads of the tube segment against the external threads of the mounting stem and securing the faucet assembly to the mounting deck.

11. A faucet assembly configured to be mounted to a mounting deck having a passageway extending from a first surface of the mounting deck to a second surface of the mounting deck, the faucet assembly comprising: a spout configured to discharge a fluid therefrom; a base configured to be mounted on a first surface of the mounting deck and between the spout and the mounting deck, the base having a size and shape such that the base cannot pass through a passage of the mounting deck when mounted on the first surface; a mounting stem connected to the base and configured to be inserted in the passage to deliver the fluid through the passage to the spout, the mounting stem having a circular outer surface with external threads on the circular outer surface; a nut comprising: a tube segment having an inner wall defining a channel, the channel having a first end, an intermediate portion, and a second end opposite the first end, the channel sized to receive the mounting stem such that the first end is closer to the base than the second end, the first end including a first set of partial internal threads extending around the channel for less than an entire circumference, the second end including a second set of partial internal threads extending around the channel for less than an entire circumference, the second set of partial internal threads being offset in circumferential position relative to the first set of partial internal threads by about 180 degrees; and a cantilever extending from an outer wall of the tube segment, the extension being offset in position around a circumference of the channel relative to the first set of partial internal threads of the first end of the channel by about 180 degrees, the cantilever including a threaded through hole; and an externally threaded screw configured to be threaded through the threaded through hole of the cantilever until a distal end of the screw presses against a second surface of the mounting deck and biases the first and second sets of partial internal threads of the tube segment against the external threads of the mounting stem, thereby securing the faucet assembly to the mounting deck.

12. The faucet assembly of claim 11, wherein, The intermediate portion of the channel of the tube segment is tapered relative to the first and second ends.

13. The faucet assembly of claim 11, wherein, The mounting stem is freely slidable in the channel of the tube segment before the first and second sets of partial internal threads of the tube segment are biased against the external threads of the mounting stem.

14. The faucet assembly of claim 11, wherein, The intermediate portion of the tube segment is unthreaded and tapered relative to the threaded through hole of the cantilever.

15. The faucet assembly of claim 11, wherein, The inner wall of the intermediate portion of the tube segment is misaligned with the first and second sets of partial internal threads of the tube segment.

16. A locking device for securing a faucet to a mounting deck, the mounting deck having a passage extending from a first surface of the mounting deck to a second surface of the mounting deck, a mounting stem of the faucet extending through the passage of the mounting deck, the mounting stem having a circular outer surface with external threads on the circular outer surface, the locking device comprising: a nut comprising: a pipe segment having an inner wall defining a channel having a first end, a middle portion, and a second end opposite the first end, the middle portion being angled relative to the first end and the second end, the channel sized to receive the mounting stem such that the first end is closer to the mounting deck than the second end, the first end including a first set of partial internal threads extending around the channel for less than an entire circumference, the second end including a second set of partial internal threads extending around the channel for less than an entire circumference, the second set of partial internal threads being offset approximately 180 degrees in circumferential position relative to the first set of partial internal threads; and a cantilever extending from an outer wall of the pipe segment, the cantilever being offset approximately 180 degrees in circumferential position relative to the first set of partial internal threads, the cantilever including a threaded through hole; and an externally threaded screw configured to be threaded through the threaded through hole of the cantilever until a distal end of the screw is pressed against a second surface of the mounting deck and biases the first set of partial internal threads and the second set of partial internal threads of the pipe segment against the external threads of the mounting stem, thereby securing the faucet to the mounting deck.

17. The locking device of claim 16, wherein, The mounting stem is freely slidable in the channel of the pipe segment before the first set of partial internal threads and the second set of partial internal threads of the pipe segment are biased against the external threads of the mounting stem.

18. The locking device of claim 16, wherein, The middle portion of the pipe segment is unthreaded and angled relative to the threaded through hole of the cantilever.

19. The locking device of claim 16, wherein, The inner wall of the middle portion of the pipe segment is misaligned with the first set of partial internal threads and the second set of partial internal threads of the pipe segment.

20. The locking device of claim 16, wherein, The externally threaded screw is configured to be threaded through the threaded through hole of the cantilever until a distal end of the screw is pressed against a second surface of the mounting deck and applies torque to the nut, thereby biasing the first set of partial internal threads and the second set of partial internal threads of the pipe segment against the external threads of the mounting stem and securing the faucet to the mounting deck.

Images