Water tap spray nozzle installation components

Abstract

This application relates to a faucet nozzle mounting assembly and a faucet nozzle mounting system, the system including a faucet nozzle conduit, an inner adapter, and a bushing. The bushing is radially positioned between the outer nozzle conduit and the inner adapter. The inner adapter and the bushing engage to push a flexible arm on the bushing against the outer nozzle conduit, thus holding the bushing in place and compensating for tolerances in the nozzle mounting system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a faucet, and more particularly to a faucet nozzle mounting assembly including a bushing installed in the faucet nozzle. Background Technology

[0002] Current kitchen faucet nozzles can be quite high, extending downwards into the sink. This, combined with a heavy pull rod, can generate significant torque, inducing stress and force on the nozzle-to-sleeve joint. Furthermore, tolerances between the nozzle tubing and the inner adapter can cause variations in the fit between the nozzle and the sleeve, leading to loosening of the joint or nozzle rotation. One known method to reduce loosening is to require a larger interference fit; however, this can make the part difficult to install in a mass production environment.

[0003] There is still a need for a faucet nozzle mounting assembly that compensates for the tolerances between the faucet nozzle and the mounting sleeve, and reduces the loosening of the faucet nozzle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a faucet nozzle mounting assembly including: a faucet nozzle tube; an inner adapter connected to a mounting hub; and a bushing. The bushing is positioned between the inner adapter and the faucet nozzle tube and compensates for tolerances in the mounting assembly to reduce loosening of the faucet nozzle tube relative to the mounting hub.

[0005] According to an illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, a faucet nozzle mounting assembly includes: an outer nozzle conduit having an inner surface; an inner adapter including a radially outwardly extending protrusion having a downwardly angled surface; and a bushing radially positioned between the outer nozzle conduit and the inner adapter. The bushing includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced flexible arms and an upwardly angled surface supported by the flexible upper arms. The downwardly angled surface of the inner adapter engages the upwardly angled surface of the bushing, thereby forcing the flexible upper arms of the bushing against the inner surface of the outer nozzle conduit.

[0006] According to another illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, a faucet nozzle mounting assembly includes: an outer nozzle conduit having an inner surface; and an inner adapter having a downwardly angled surface. A mounting sleeve is positioned below the outer nozzle conduit, wherein the inner adapter extends above the mounting sleeve. A bushing is radially positioned between the outer nozzle conduit and the inner adapter. An upper restraint is defined between the bushing and the outer nozzle conduit, and a lower restraint is defined between the bushing and the mounting sleeve. The lower restraint is axially positioned below the upper restraint.

[0007] According to a further illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, a faucet nozzle mounting assembly includes: an outer nozzle conduit having an inner surface; an inner adapter having an angled surface; a mounting sleeve positioned below a lower end of the outer nozzle conduit, wherein the inner adapter extends above the mounting sleeve; and a bushing. The bushing includes an upper restraint and a lower restraint. The upper restraint includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced flexible upper arms, an angled surface supported by the flexible upper arms, and wherein the angled surface of the inner adapter forces the flexible upper arms outward against the inner surface of the outer nozzle conduit. The lower restraint is defined by engagement between the lower surface of the bushing and the upper surface of the mounting sleeve.

[0008] Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments that are currently considered the best mode for carrying out the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The foregoing aspects and many anticipated advantages of the invention will become more readily understood and appreciated when taken in conjunction with the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a faucet nozzle and sleeve installed on a sink countertop using the illustrative faucet nozzle mounting assembly described in this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A 3D diagram of the faucet nozzle pipe and sleeve;

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of the illustrated nozzle mounting assembly;

[0013] Figure 4A Is Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the faucet nozzle mounting assembly taken at line 4A-4A, shown in the initial installation stage;

[0014] Figure 4B Is Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the nozzle mounting assembly taken at line 4A-4A, showing it as being in an intermediate installation stage;

[0015] Figure 4C Is Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the fully installed nozzle mounting assembly, taken at line 4A-4A;

[0016] Figure 5A Is Figure 2A cross-sectional view of the nozzle mounting assembly taken at line 5A-5A, showing the assembly in the initial installation stage;

[0017] Figure 5B Is Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the nozzle mounting assembly taken at line 5A-5A, showing it as being in an intermediate installation stage;

[0018] Figure 5C Is Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the fully installed nozzle mounting assembly, taken at line 5A-5A.

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Front perspective view of the bushing; and

[0020] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 Rear-view perspective of the bushing. Detailed Implementation

[0021] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of this disclosure, reference will now be made to embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which will be described herein. The embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Rather, these embodiments were chosen and described so that their teachings can be used by others skilled in the art. Therefore, it is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. The invention includes any changes and further modifications to the illustrated apparatus and described methods that would normally occur to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, as well as further applications of the principles of the invention.

[0022] First refer to Figure 1 A faucet 10, including a faucet nozzle 12 extending above a mounting sleeve 14, is shown mounted to a mounting surface (illustratively, a sink countertop 16). The faucet nozzle 12 is known to include a water outlet 18 configured to discharge water into a sink 20 supported by and extending below the sink countertop 16. The faucet nozzle 12 includes an outer nozzle conduit 21, which may be formed of a metal such as plated brass. Similarly, the mounting sleeve 14 may be formed of a metal such as plated brass configured to match the surface finish of the nozzle 12. The illustrated mounting sleeve 14 includes an upwardly extending support or boss 17 defining an upper surface or shelf 19. According to an illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, the faucet nozzle 12 is connected to the mounting sleeve 14 via a faucet nozzle mounting assembly 22.

[0023] The manual water control valve 24 includes a handle 26 and is supported by a mounting sleeve 14. Valve 24 can be a conventional design, such as a mixing valve of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,578,966 to Thomas et al., the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. A hot water supply line 28 (e.g., a flexible conduit) connects the inlet fluid of valve 24 to a hot water supply unit 30 (e.g., a hot water stop valve). A cold water supply line 32 (e.g., a flexible conduit) connects the inlet fluid of valve 24 to a cold water supply unit 34 (e.g., a cold water stop valve). An outlet passage 36 connects the outlet fluid of valve 24 to the water outlet 18 of nozzle 12 and may be defined by a flexible conduit received within nozzle conduit 21.

[0024] For reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The faucet nozzle mounting assembly 22 disclosed herein includes a bushing 38 that cooperates with an inner adapter 40. The inner adapter 40 schematically includes a cylindrical conduit 42 extending axially between an upper end 44 and a lower end 46. The inner adapter 40 is illustratively formed of a rigid material such as a metal (e.g., brass). An external thread 48 is schematically supported at the lower end 46 of the conduit 42 and engages with an internal thread 49 formed within a boss 17 of a mounting sleeve 14. The inner adapter 40 includes an annular upper projection 50 extending radially outward from the conduit 42 and an annular lower projection 52 axially positioned below the upper projection 50 and extending radially outward from the conduit 42.

[0025] The upper protrusion 50 includes a downwardly angled surface 56. The downwardly angled surface 56 is schematically axially downward and radially inward. The lower protrusion 52 includes an upwardly angled surface 58, a flat intermediate surface 59, and a lower flange 60 extending radially outward from the intermediate surface 59. The upwardly angled surface 58 is schematically axially upward and radially inward. The tool engagement portion 61 (illustratively a flat surface) is supported at the upper end 44 of the inner adapter 40.

[0026] The bushing 38 schematically includes a cylindrical body 62 extending axially between an upper end 64 and a lower end 66, concentrically receiving an inner adapter 40. The bushing 38 may be formed from a polymer molded as a single piece. In one illustrative embodiment, the bushing 38 is formed from an acetal copolymer, such as poly(methylene oxide) Celcon, available from the Celanese Corporation of Irving, Texas.

[0027] refer to Figures 4A to 7The body 62 of bushing 38 schematically supports a plurality of circumferentially spaced flexible upper arms 68 and a plurality of circumferentially spaced flexible lower legs 70, which are axially positioned below the upper arms 68. The upper arms 68 and lower legs 70 are configured to flex or move radially relative to the body 62. Schematally, there are four circumferentially spaced upper arms 68 and two lower legs 70 opposite in diameter. Axially extending gaps or spaces 72 extend between adjacent upper arms 68. A lower flange 74 defining a lower surface 75 extends annularly around the lower end 66 of the body 62 and includes a slit or gap 76 to facilitate assembly onto the inner adapter 40.

[0028] Each upper arm 68 schematically includes a flexible region or hinge 78 to allow the arm 68 to flex or move radially outward, thereby providing greater tolerance compensation between the nozzle passage 21 and the inner adapter 40. Each schematic upper arm 68 further includes a lip 80 defining an upwardly angled surface 82. The upwardly angled surface 82 is schematically axially upward and radially outward. A radially outwardly extending upper tongue 84 is supported by each upper arm 68 and includes a flat outer surface 86 at its radially outermost point and an upwardly angled surface 88. When a force is applied at the surface 82 of each lip 80 by engaging with the surface 56 of the inner adapter 40, a gap 72 at the upper end 64 helps allow the upper arm 68 to flex and move radially outward relative to the central longitudinal axis 90 of the bushing 38. This force is generated by the bushing 38 being locked between the upper surface 19 of the sleeve 14 and the surface 56 of the inner adapter 40. The radial outward movement of the upper arm 68 causes the surface 86 of the upper tongue 84 to engage with the inner surface 92 of the nozzle duct 21.

[0029] Each lower leg 70 schematically includes a flexible region or hinge 94 to allow the leg 70 to flex or move radially outward in response to engagement with the inner adapter 40. Each illustrated lower leg 70 also includes a radially outwardly extending lower tab 96 having a flat outer surface 98 at its radially outermost point and an upwardly angled surface 100. The hinge 94 helps allow the lower leg 70 to flex and move radially relative to the longitudinal central axis 90 of the bushing 38 when force is applied through the inner surface 92 of the nozzle conduit 21 and / or the surface 59 of the lower protrusion 52 of the inner adapter 40. In other words, when assembled ( Figure 4C and Figure 5C The radial force is generated through the inner surface 92 of the nozzle duct 21, thereby causing contact between the corresponding lower leg 70 of the bushing 38 and the lower protrusion 52 of the inner adapter 40.

[0030] The illustrated bushing 38 may also include an alignment tab 102 supported by a flexible arm 103. When the bushing 38 is installed within the faucet nozzle conduit 21, the alignment tab 102 engages with an alignment hole 104 formed within the nozzle conduit 21. The alignment tab 102 and the alignment hole 104 are illustrated as circular; however, any shape may be used as long as it allows the alignment tab 102 to fit within the alignment hole 104 and to hold the faucet nozzle conduit 21 and the bushing 38 together. Furthermore, the bushing 38 includes anti-sway ribs 106, 108 of opposite diameters, these anti-sway ribs being slightly tapered and extending radially outward in a downward direction from the outer surface of the body 62 of the bushing 38.

[0031] Figures 4A to 5C Various illustrated installation steps are shown, in which the faucet nozzle 12 and the mounting sleeve 14 are fully assembled via the nozzle mounting assembly 20. Figures 4A to 4C It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of line 4A-4A passing through the aligned tongue 102 and the anti-sway rib 106. Figures 5A to 5C It is along Figure 2 Line 5A-5A passes through the cross-sections taken from two opposite lower convex tongues 36 in diameter, and corresponds to respectively Figures 4A to 4C Installation steps.

[0032] Figure 4A and Figure 5A The illustration shows the initial installation steps as the faucet nozzle 21 is being installed onto the bushing 38 and the inner adapter 40. The inner adapter 40 is connected to the sleeve 14 via mating threads 48 and 49. When the thread 48 is fully installed, the lower flange 60 of the inner adapter 40 rests on the upper surface 19 of the sleeve 14. As the faucet nozzle 21 is lowered onto the bushing 38, the inner surface 92 of the faucet nozzle 21 contacts the outer surface 86 of the upper tongue 84. As previously detailed, the upper tongue 84 is supported on a flexible upper arm 68 such that the axial force of the faucet nozzle 21 against the surface 86 causes the upper tongue 84 to flex radially inward toward the inner adapter 40. The angled top surface 82 of the bushing 38 engages the angled surface 56 of the inner adapter 40, while the lower surface 75 of the bushing 38 engages the upper surface 19 of the sleeve 14. As further detailed herein, bushing 38 is locked between surface 56 of inner adapter 40 and upper surface 19 of sleeve 14. The flat surface 86 of each upper tongue 84 ensures greater contact with the faucet nozzle 21 compared to sharp or non-planar surfaces.

[0033] Figure 4B and Figure 5B The illustration shows the faucet nozzle pipe 21 at an intermediate assembly step after it continues to be axially downward mounted on the bushing 38. Figure 4C and Figure 5CThe nozzle mounting assembly 20 is shown in its fully installed state, as illustrated. When fully installed, the inner surface 92 of the faucet nozzle conduit 21 contacts the surface 86 of the upper tab 84 and the surface 98 of the lower tab 96. This axially constrains the bushing 38 between the faucet nozzle conduit 21 and the inner adapter 40. Furthermore, as described above, the angled top surface 82 of the bushing 38 is pushed against the angled surface 56 of the inner adapter 40, which also constrains the bushing 38 in place. Additionally, the alignment tab 102 of the bushing 38 is engaged through the alignment hole 104 of the nozzle conduit 21 to further axially secure the bushing 38 relative to the nozzle conduit 21.

[0034] refer to Figure 4C and Figure 5C The upper restraint 110 is defined between the bushing 38 and the outer nozzle conduit 21, and the lower restraint 112 is defined between the bushing 38 and the sleeve 14 and is axially positioned below the upper restraint 110. The upper restraint 110 is defined when the angled surface 56 of the inner adapter 40 engages the angled surface 82 of the bushing 38, thereby forcing the flexible upper arm 68 outward against the inner surface 92 of the outer nozzle conduit 21. The lower restraint 112 is defined when the upper surface 19 of the sleeve 14 engages the lower surface 75 of the bushing 38. An intermediate restraint may also be defined when the lower flange 60 of the inner adapter 40 forces the lower tongue 96 of the lower leg 70 of the bushing 38 to contact the inner surface 92 of the outer nozzle conduit 21. The upper restraint 110 and the lower restraint 112 hold the bushing 38 in the proper position between the nozzle conduit 21 and the inner adapter 40.

[0035] Anti-sway ribs 106 and 108 also contact the inner surface 92 of the nozzle conduit 21 and further help prevent loosening or swaying of the bushing 38 in the fit between the nozzle conduit 21 and the inner adapter 40. Furthermore, restraints 110 and 112 help ensure that the bushing 38 rotates together with the nozzle conduit 21 about the inner adapter 40. More specifically, ribs 106 and 108 are configured to maintain a radial interface between the nozzle 21 and the bushing 38. This allows the bushing 38 to rotate together with the nozzle conduit 21, thereby creating a support surface between the bushing 38 and the adapter 40. Sway is reduced by locking the bushing 38 between surfaces 19 and 56, thereby rigidly holding the nozzle conduit 21 to the bushing 38 by the ribs 106 and 108 (effectively making them a single component) and allowing the surface 82 of the bushing 38 to rest against the angled surface 56 of the adapter 40.

[0036] When fully installed, the lower surface 75 of the bottom flange 74 is flush with the upper surface 19 of the sleeve 14. The bottom flange 74 is schematically positioned between the bottom of the nozzle conduit 21 and the upper surface 19 of the sleeve 14. Schematally, the bottom flange 74 is part of a bushing 38 made of polymer. When installed, the bottom flange 74 acts as a spacer and prevents the metal faucet nozzle conduit 21 from contacting the metal inner adapter 40, thus avoiding metal-to-metal contact.

[0037] The tapered or inclined interface between the surface 56 of the inner adapter 40 and the surface 82 of the bushing 38 allows the lip 80 of the bushing 38 to rest against the upper protrusion 50 of the inner adapter 40, which maintains a constant force at the upper restraint 110, thereby reducing any looseness or looseness of the nozzle 12 relative to the sleeve 14. This interface also allows the bushing 38 to pivot and slide against the inner adapter 40, which facilitates the deflection of the upper arm 68 of the bushing 38 and compensates for tolerances while maintaining the force between them.

[0038] The lower leg 70 flexes against the lower protrusion 52 of the inner adapter 40 so that the bottom tongue 96 interfaces with the inner surface 92 of the nozzle conduit 21. This lower restraint 112 ensures that the force is maintained regardless of tolerances.

[0039] The split design of bushing 38 facilitates assembly into inner adapter 40 while still maintaining the higher interference required to reduce nozzle duct 21 sway and increase the rotational resistance of nozzle duct 21. Finally, upper tab 84 and lower tab 96 are configured to increase the resistance to the nozzle duct 21 being pulled away from bushing 38 and thus sleeve 14.

[0040] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications as described and defined in the appended claims exist within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A faucet nozzle mounting assembly, comprising: An external nozzle pipe, the external nozzle pipe including an inner surface; An inner adapter, the inner adapter including a radially outwardly extending protrusion having a downwardly angled surface; A bushing, radially positioned between the outer nozzle conduit and the inner adapter, the bushing comprising: Multiple circumferentially spaced flexible upper arms; and An upwardly angled surface supported by the flexible upper arm; and The downward-angled surface of the inner adapter engages with the upward-angled surface of the bushing, thereby forcing the flexible upper arm of the bushing to abut against the inner surface of the outer nozzle duct.

2. The faucet nozzle mounting assembly as described in claim 1, wherein, The downward-angled surface of the inner adapter is axially downward and radially inward.

3. The faucet nozzle mounting assembly as described in claim 1, wherein, The bushing includes a lower leg that is radially offset against the inner surface of the outer nozzle duct via the inner adapter.

4. The faucet nozzle mounting assembly as described in claim 1, wherein, The bushing includes an alignment tab received within the opening of the external nozzle conduit.

5. The faucet nozzle mounting assembly as described in claim 1, wherein, The bushing is made of polymer.

6. The faucet spray pipe mounting assembly as described in claim 1, further comprising a mounting sleeve positioned below the external spray pipe, wherein, The inner adapter extends above the mounting sleeve.

7. The faucet nozzle mounting assembly as described in claim 6, wherein, The bushing includes an annular lower flange, which is axially positioned below the lower end of the external nozzle pipe and above the mounting sleeve.

8. The faucet nozzle mounting assembly as described in claim 7, wherein, The bushing is locked between the outwardly extending portion of the inner adapter and the mounting sleeve.

9. A faucet nozzle mounting assembly, comprising: An external nozzle pipe, the external nozzle pipe including an inner surface; An inner adapter having a downwardly angled surface; Mounting sleeve, the mounting sleeve being positioned below the external nozzle pipe, wherein the internal adapter extends above the mounting sleeve; A bushing, the bushing being radially positioned between the outer nozzle pipe and the inner adapter; Upper restraint, the upper restraint being defined by the bushing and the outer nozzle conduit; and The lower constraint is defined by the bushing and the mounting sleeve, and the lower constraint is axially positioned below the upper constraint.

10. The faucet nozzle mounting assembly as described in claim 9, wherein, The bushing includes an upper arm that is radially offset against the inner surface of the outer nozzle duct by a downwardly angled surface of the inner adapter, thereby defining the upper restraint.

11. The faucet nozzle mounting assembly as described in claim 10, wherein, The downward-angled surface of the inner adapter is axially downward and radially inward.

12. The faucet nozzle mounting assembly as described in claim 9, wherein, The bushing includes a lower leg that is radially offset against the inner surface of the outer nozzle duct via the inner adapter.

13. The faucet nozzle mounting assembly as described in claim 9, wherein, The bushing includes an alignment tab received within the opening of the external nozzle conduit.

14. The faucet nozzle mounting assembly as described in claim 9, wherein, The bushing is made of polymer.

15. The faucet nozzle mounting assembly as described in claim 9, wherein, The bushing includes an annular lower flange that engages the upper surface of the mounting sleeve and thus defines the lower restraint.

16. The faucet nozzle mounting assembly as described in claim 15, wherein, The annular lower flange includes a cracked ring, which is axially positioned below the lower end of the external nozzle duct.

17. A faucet nozzle mounting assembly, comprising: An external nozzle pipe, the external nozzle pipe including an inner surface; An internal adapter having an angled surface; Mounting sleeve, the mounting sleeve being positioned below the external nozzle pipe, wherein the internal adapter extends above the mounting sleeve; Bushing, the bushing comprising: Upper constraint, the upper constraint having: Multiple circumferentially spaced flexible upper arms; An angled surface supported by the flexible upper arm; and The angled surface of the inner adapter forces the flexible upper arm to abut against the inner surface of the outer nozzle duct; and The lower restraint is defined by the engagement between the lower surface of the bushing and the upper surface of the mounting sleeve.

18. The faucet nozzle mounting assembly as described in claim 17, wherein, The bushing includes an alignment tab received within the opening of the external nozzle conduit.

19. The faucet nozzle mounting assembly as described in claim 17, wherein, The bushing is made of polymer.

20. The faucet nozzle mounting assembly as described in claim 17, wherein, The bushing includes an annular lower flange, which is axially positioned below the lower end of the external nozzle duct and above the mounting sleeve, and the lower flange defines the lower surface of the lower restraint.

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