Faucet decorative cover

Abstract

To provide a decorative cover for a faucet that can cover the faucet in a way that ensures a consistent design with the countertop. [Solution] The decorative cover 3 for the faucet is a cover that covers the faucet 2 that rises from the countertop 12 around the sink 11, and is configured to rise from a part of the width direction of the countertop 12 so as to surround the faucet 2, including its top. In this way, by covering the faucet 2 that rises from the countertop 12, including its top, with the decorative cover 3 for the faucet which has a similar function to the countertop 12, a sense of unity can be given to the design on the countertop 12.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a faucet decorative cover. More specifically, it relates to a faucet decorative cover that covers a faucet rising from a counter top around a water receiver.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a faucet is installed so as to rise from a counter top in a kitchen. Specifically, the faucet is installed so as to rise from the counter top on the back side of the sink in the kitchen.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] The second invention of the present invention is a decorative cover for a faucet, which in the first invention has a surrounding portion that surrounds the rising portion of the faucet that rises from the countertop, and an opening that opens the spout of the faucet facing the water basin to the outside.

[0009] According to the second invention, the faucet can be used to dispense water while it is covered by a decorative cover for the faucet.

[0010] The third invention of the present invention is a decorative cover for a faucet in which the width of the portion rising from the countertop is narrower than the width of the water basin, in the first or second invention described above.

[0011] According to the third invention, by making the decorative cover for the faucet narrower than the width of the water basin, the space on the countertop appears lighter compared to a design without such a cover, resulting in a more open and less oppressive feel. Furthermore, maintenance of the decorative cover for the faucet becomes easier, and a flexible design that can be adapted to the installation location and surrounding environment becomes possible.

[0012] The fourth invention of the present invention is a decorative cover for a faucet, having a cover top plate that covers the faucet from above so as to extend parallel to the counter top plate, in the first or second invention described above.

[0013] According to the fourth invention, the decorative cover for the faucet can be designed to have a more unified look with the countertop. Furthermore, the top surface of the decorative cover for the faucet can also be used as a platform for placing objects.

[0014] The fifth invention of the present invention is a decorative cover for a faucet that rises vertically from the countertop in the first or second invention described above.

[0015] According to the fifth invention, by making the decorative cover for the faucet rise vertically from the countertop, the effect of visually dividing the space can be enhanced. In addition, it becomes easier to prevent dirt and water splashes from scattering when the faucet is used.

[0016] The sixth invention of the present invention is a decorative cover for a faucet, which in the first invention described above further includes an overhang that covers from above a water outlet that extends outwards from a rising portion of the faucet that rises from the countertop, and a magnet that can magnetically attach the water outlet to the bottom of the overhang so that its position can be adjusted.

[0017] According to the sixth invention, the position of the spout of the faucet can be rationally adjusted by utilizing the configuration of the decorative cover for the faucet.

[0018] The seventh invention of the present invention is, in the first or second invention described above, a decorative cover for a faucet that forms the countertop of an island-type or peninsula-type kitchen.

[0019] According to the seventh invention, the decorative cover for the faucet can function as a back guard to prevent water from splashing from the sink (water basin) to the back where there is no wall. Furthermore, the decorative cover for the faucet can function as a cover to prevent the inside of the sink from being visible from the back of the kitchen. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a faucet device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the faucet inside the cover. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the faucet unit from the front and below. [Figure 4] It is a side view of the faucet device. [Figure 5] It is a bottom view of FIG. 3.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] 《First Embodiment》 (Schematic Configuration of the Faucet Decorative Cover 3) First, the configuration of the faucet device 1 provided with the faucet decorative cover (hereinafter, decorative cover) 3 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. In the following description, when indicating directions such as front, back, top, bottom, left, and right, the respective directions shown in each figure shall be referred to. The directions shown in each figure are the directions as seen from a user standing in front of the kitchen 10 to which the faucet device 1 is attached.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the faucet device 1 according to the present embodiment is configured as a water supply device applied to a so-called island-type kitchen 10. Specifically, the faucet device 1 has a countertop-type faucet 2 for discharging and stopping water, and a box-type decorative cover 3 for covering the faucet 2 externally.

[0024] (Configuration of the Faucet 2) As shown in FIG. 2, the faucet 2 is installed so as to rise from the countertop 12 on the back side of the sink 11 in the kitchen 10. Specifically, the faucet 2 is installed on the countertop 12 so as to be located on the back side at approximately the center in the width direction of the square-shaped sink 11. The faucet 2 is configured to switch between water discharge / stop by operating a switching handle (not shown) installed at another location on the countertop 12. Here, the sink 11 corresponds to the "water receiver" of the present invention.

[0025] The faucet 2 has a riser portion 2A that rises from the countertop 12, and a water outlet portion 2B that is connected to the front side of the riser portion 2A. The water outlet portion 2B is connected to the riser portion 2A by a flexible spiral hose 2C that extends in a spiral shape, allowing water to pass through and be pulled out.

[0026] The spiral hose 2C has its base end connected to the water passage inside the pipe of the riser section 2A, and its tip connected to the water passage inside the pipe of the discharge section 2B. In other words, the spiral hose 2C is configured to connect the riser section 2A and the discharge section 2B via a flow path without being drawn from inside the pipe of the riser section 2A to the underside of the counter top plate 12.

[0027] The water outlet 2B receives hot water supplied from the underside of the countertop 12 into the pipe of the riser 2A via the spiral hose 2C and discharges it from the water outlet B1 on its underside. The top surface of the water outlet 2B is flat. A magnet 2M is embedded in the top of the water outlet 2B. The magnet 2M is used to magnetically attach the water outlet 2B to the bottom of the protruding portion 3C of the decorative cover 3, which will be described later in Figure 3.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the water outlet 2B is connected to the riser 2A by a flexible spiral hose 2C, allowing it to be pulled out from the riser 2A towards the front by extending the spiral hose 2C. Furthermore, the position of the water outlet 2B can be adjusted by bending the spiral hose 2C, allowing it to swing from side to side.

[0029] (Composition of cosmetic cover 3) As shown in Figure 1, the decorative cover 3 is installed on the countertop 12 so as to surround the faucet 2, including its upper part, which rises from the countertop 12. As a result, even if a faucet 2 with a different function from the countertop 12 is installed on the countertop 12, the faucet 2 can be covered and concealed by the decorative cover 3, which has a similar function to the countertop 12. Consequently, a sense of unity can be achieved in the design of the countertop 12.

[0030] The decorative cover 3 is made of a separate component from the faucet 2. The decorative cover 3 is installed so as to be fixed to the countertop 12 together with the faucet 2 or after the faucet 2 has been installed. The decorative cover 3 may be directly fixed to the countertop 12 using a fixing means such as adhesive, or it may be indirectly fixed to the countertop 12 through assembly to the faucet 2. The decorative cover 3 may be fixed to the countertop 12 so as to be removable, or it may be fixed so as not to be removable.

[0031] The decorative cover 3 is made of appropriate materials such as artificial marble, enamel, or tiles. The materials and colors of the decorative cover 3 may be the same as or similar to those of the countertop 12 in order to maintain a sense of design unity with the countertop 12, but they may also be made of different materials and colors.

[0032] The decorative cover 3 is formed in the shape of an irregularly shaped box with an open bottom. Specifically, the decorative cover 3 has a surrounding part 3A that surrounds the rising part 2A of the faucet 2 that rises from the countertop 12 in a rectangular cylindrical shape, and a cover top plate 3B that forms the top of the surrounding part 3A. The cover top plate 3B functions as an upper covering part that covers the rising part 2A of the faucet 2 from above.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the decorative cover 3 further has an overhang portion 3C that extends forward in an awning-like manner from the upper part of the surrounding portion 3A. The overhang portion 3C is shaped to extend forward from the entire widthwise area of ​​the upper part of the surrounding portion 3A (see Figure 3).

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, the cover top plate 3B is shaped to extend flush with the tops of the surrounding portion 3A and the protruding portion 3C, forming the top plate of both. The cover top plate 3B is flat and extends parallel to the counter top plate 12. As a result, the cover top plate 3B can be used as a platform for placing objects.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, with the above configuration, the decorative cover 3 is formed into a hollow box shape that forms an inverted L-shape when viewed from the side. The surrounding portion 3A is shaped so that its front, back, left, and right surrounding sides rise vertically from the lower edge that contacts the countertop 12. As a result, the decorative cover 3 has a shape that is highly effective in visually dividing the space. In addition, the decorative cover 3 is designed to easily prevent dirt and water splashes from scattering when the faucet 2 is used.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, the decorative cover 3 is shaped to be wider than the width of the riser portion 2A of the faucet 2 and narrower than the width of the sink 11. As a result, the decorative cover 3 is installed on the countertop 12 in a way that forms a convex step that is narrower than the sink 11 in a portion of the width direction. Consequently, even with the decorative cover 3 installed on the countertop 12, the space on the countertop 12 appears lighter, making the kitchen 10 have a less oppressive and more open design.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a flange-like projection C1 is formed at the bottom of the protruding portion 3C, extending downward from the front and left and right edges. This projection C1 functions as a surrounding cover that surrounds the spout portion 2B of the faucet 2 from the front and both sides. As shown in Figure 3, the spout portion 2B of the faucet 2 is pulled out towards the front through an opening 3D that opens from the front side of the surrounding portion 3A of the decorative cover 3. As a result, the spout portion 2B is positioned so that its underside, the spout B1, faces the sink 11.

[0038] A plate-shaped magnet 3M is integrally attached to the bottom of the protruding section 3C. This magnet 3M is used to magnetically attach the spout section 2B of the faucet 2 to the bottom of the protruding section 3C. The magnet 3M exerts a magnetic force that attaches the spout section 2B to the magnet 2M (see Figure 2) embedded in the upper part of the spout section 2B.

[0039] As a result, even if the water outlet 2B is connected to the riser portion 2A of the faucet 2 only by a flexible spiral hose 2C, that is, even if there is no support for the riser portion 2A, it can be fixed in a suspended manner to the protruding portion 3C of the decorative cover 3. As shown in Figure 5, in more detail, the magnet 3M provided at the bottom of the protruding portion 3C is provided over a wide area of ​​the bottom of the protruding portion 3C so that the attachment position of the water outlet 2B can be freely adjusted in the front, back, left, and right directions.

[0040] The water outlet section 2B can be slid along the bottom of the protruding section 3C to change its attachment position to the protruding section 3C. Furthermore, by detaching the water outlet section 2B from the protruding section 3C, the spiral hose 2C can be extended and pulled out from the decorative cover 3.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the faucet device 1 is configured such that the faucet 2 is covered by a decorative cover 3, thereby creating a unified design on the countertop 12. Furthermore, the configuration of the decorative cover 3 allows for rational adjustment of the position of the spout 2B of the faucet 2.

[0042] Furthermore, by installing the faucet device 1 equipped with such a decorative cover 3 on the countertop 12 of the island-type kitchen 10, the decorative cover 3 can function as a back guard to prevent water and dirt from splashing from the sink 11 to the back where there is no wall. In addition, the decorative cover 3 can function as a cover to prevent the inside of the sink 11 from being visible from the back of the kitchen 10.

[0043] To summarize, the decorative cover 3 according to the first embodiment has the following configuration. The reference numerals in parentheses below correspond to the respective components shown in the above embodiment.

[0044] In other words, the decorative cover (3) for the faucet that covers the faucet (2) rising from the countertop (12) around the water basin (11) is configured to rise from a part of the width direction of the countertop (12) so as to surround the faucet (2), including its top. In this way, by covering the faucet (2) that rises from the countertop (12) with a decorative cover (3) for the faucet that is functionally similar to the countertop (12), including its top, a sense of unity can be achieved in the design of the countertop (12).

[0045] Furthermore, the decorative cover (3) for the faucet has a surrounding portion (3A) that surrounds the rising portion (2A) of the faucet (2) that rises from the countertop (12), and an opening (3D) that opens the spout (B1) of the faucet (2) facing the water basin (11) to the outside. With the above configuration, the faucet (2) can be used to dispense water while it is covered by the decorative cover (3).

[0046] Furthermore, the width of the portion of the decorative faucet cover (3) that rises from the countertop (12) is narrower than the width of the water basin (11). By making the decorative faucet cover (3) narrower than the water basin (11), the space on the countertop (12) appears lighter compared to a design that is not narrower, resulting in a more open and less oppressive design. In addition, maintenance of the decorative faucet cover (3) becomes easier, and a flexible design can be made to suit the installation location and surrounding environment.

[0047] Furthermore, the decorative faucet cover (3) has a cover top plate (3B) that covers the faucet (2) from above, extending parallel to the counter top plate (12). With the above configuration, the decorative faucet cover (3) can be made to have a design that is more unified with the counter top plate (12). In addition, the cover top plate (3B) of the decorative faucet cover (3) can also be used as a platform for placing objects.

[0048] Furthermore, the decorative cover (3) for the faucet is configured to rise vertically from the countertop (12). By making the decorative cover (3) for the faucet rise vertically from the countertop (12) in this way, the effect of visually dividing the space can be enhanced. In addition, it is easier to prevent dirt and water splashes from scattering when using the faucet (2).

[0049] Furthermore, the decorative cover (3) for the faucet includes an overhang (3C) that covers from above the spout (2B) which extends outwards from the rising portion (2A) of the faucet (2) from the countertop (12), and a magnet (3M) that can magnetically attach the spout (2B) to the bottom of the overhang (3C) so that its extension position can be adjusted. With the above configuration, the extension position of the spout (2B) of the faucet (2) can be rationally adjusted by utilizing the configuration of the decorative cover (3) for the faucet.

[0050] Furthermore, the countertop (12) forms the countertop of an island-type or peninsula-type kitchen (10). With the above configuration, the decorative faucet cover (3) can function as a back guard to prevent water from splashing from the sink (11) to the back where there is no wall. In addition, the decorative faucet cover (3) can function as a cover to prevent the inside of the sink (11) from being visible from the back of the kitchen (10).

[0051] Regarding other embodiments: Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above using one embodiment, the present invention can be implemented in various forms as shown below, in addition to the above embodiment.

[0052] 1. The decorative faucet cover of the present invention is applicable not only to kitchens but also to bathroom vanity units. Furthermore, the decorative faucet cover is applicable not only to island kitchens but also to peninsula kitchens and wall-mounted kitchens.

[0053] 2. The decorative cover for the faucet may be designed to completely enclose the faucet so that the spout does not open to the outside. In other words, the decorative cover for the faucet may be removed from the faucet when it is in use and installed to cover the faucet only when it is not in use.

[0054] In that case, the faucet may be configured such that the handle for switching between water flow and shut-off is attached to the part covered by a decorative cover for the faucet, like a so-called single-lever faucet. Alternatively, the faucet may consist of a sensor faucet that switches between water flow and shut-off by detecting the user's outstretched hand without contact. The faucet may be installed not only in the approximate center in the width direction at the back of the water basin, but also near the left and right ends at the back of the water basin.

[0055] 3. The decorative cover for the faucet may be made up of a shape that rises from a part of the width direction of the counter top, and may be made up of a shape that is wider than the water basin. The shape of the decorative cover for the faucet is not limited to a specific shape, and may be other irregular shapes such as a cylindrical shape with a top, a cone shape, a frustoconical shape (truncated cone shape), etc. In other words, the cover top that forms the top of the decorative cover for the faucet does not necessarily extend parallel to the counter top. The decorative cover for the faucet may rise diagonally from the counter top.

[0056] 4. The spout of the faucet may be attached to the bottom of the protruding part of the decorative cover for the faucet with a magnet, or it may be connected so that it can slide back and forth. Also, the spout of the faucet may not have an adjustable position relative to the riser.

[0057] The faucet may be configured to mix hot and cold water supplied from beneath the countertop inside the riser section and then discharge it from the spout, or it may be configured so that hot and cold water are mixed beneath the countertop and the mixed water is supplied to the riser section. In addition, the faucet may dispense only cold water, as well as hot and cold water.

[0058] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 1...Faucet device, 2...Faucet, 2A...Riser section, 2B...Spout section, B1...Spout, 2C...Spiral hose, 2M...Magnet, 3...Decorative cover for faucet, 3A...Enclosure section, 3B...Cover top, 3C...Protruding section, C1...Border, 3D...Opening, 3M...Magnet, 10...Kitchen, 11...Sink (water receiver), 12...Counter top

Claims

1. A decorative cover for a faucet that covers the faucet rising from the countertop around the water basin, A decorative cover for the faucet that rises from a portion of the width of the countertop so as to surround the faucet, including its upper part.

2. A decorative cover for a faucet according to claim 1, A decorative cover for a faucet, having a surrounding portion that surrounds the rising portion of the faucet that rises from the countertop, and an opening that causes the spout of the faucet facing the water basin to open to the outside.

3. A decorative cover for a faucet according to claim 1 or claim 2, A decorative cover for a faucet, wherein the width of the portion rising from the countertop is narrower than the width of the water basin.

4. A decorative cover for a faucet according to claim 1 or claim 2, A decorative cover for a faucet, having a cover top plate that extends parallel to the counter top plate and covers the faucet from above.

5. A decorative cover for a faucet according to claim 1 or claim 2, A decorative cover for a faucet that rises vertically from the aforementioned countertop.

6. A decorative cover for a faucet according to claim 1, An overhanging part that covers from above the water outlet that extends from the rising part of the faucet that rises from the countertop and extends towards the front of the faucet, A decorative cover for a faucet further comprising a magnet capable of magnetically adhering the water outlet to the bottom of the protruding part so as to allow adjustment of its extension position.

7. A decorative cover for a faucet according to claim 1 or claim 2, The aforementioned countertop is a decorative cover for a faucet that forms the countertop of an island-type or peninsula-type kitchen.

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