Quick fixation nut

Abstract

Provided are fixation nuts for mounting faucet bodies, the fixation nuts comprising: a first threaded half comprising a proximal end and a distal end; a second threaded half comprising a proximal end and a distal end joined to the first threaded half by a living hinge connected to the proximal end of the first threaded half and the proximal end of the second threaded half; and an opening mechanism comprising a locking buckle configured to lock the fixation nut in a closed position.

Description

QUICK FIXATION NUTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 462,135, filed April 26, 2023, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to fixation nuts, and more particularly, to fixation nuts that have a living hinge.BACKGROUND

[0003] A faucet system, and more specifically, the faucet body of a faucet system, is secured to a mounting surface using a fixation nut. A threaded shaft of a faucet body is passed through an orifice in the mounting surface, and a fixation nut fits around the threaded shaft of the faucet body. The fixation nut is twisted up the length of the threaded shaft until the faucet body is secured to the mounting surface.SUMMARY

[0004] Provided herein are fixation nuts that are configured to be more easily attached to a shaft of a faucet body and thus, are more user friendly. Specifically, the fixation nuts provided herein include an opening mechanism that includes a locking buckle and a living hinge. The opening mechanism allows a user to open the fixation nut and snap or clamp it around a shaft of the faucet body. Using this opening mechanism prevents a user from having to place the fixation nut onto the shaft at a distal end (or bottom) of the shaft and twist it all the way up the length of the shaft. Therefore, the fixation nut provided herein can allow for easier and more efficient installation and uninstallation of faucet systems / faucet bodies.

[0005] In some embodiments, the fixation nuts described herein may be manufactured using injection molding processes. In some embodiments, the fixation nuts described herein may be injection molded in a single cavity using propylene, for example.

[0006] A fixation nut for a faucet body can comprise a first threaded half comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a second threaded half comprising a proximal end and a distal end joined to the first threaded half by a living hinge connected to the proximal end of the first threaded half and the proximal end of the second threaded half, and an opening mechanism comprising a locking buckle configured to lock the fixation nut in a closed position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the fixation nut is prepared by injection molding.

[0008] In some embodiments, the fixation nut is a single component.

[0009] In some embodiments, the fixation nut comprises polypropylene.

[0010] In some embodiments of the fixation nut, the locking buckle comprises an extending portion located at a distal end of the first threaded half and a receiving portion located at a distal end of the second threaded half.

[0011] In some embodiments of the fixation nut, the extending portion comprises a first plurality of teeth and the receiving portion comprises a second plurality of teeth, wherein, when the fixation nut is in a closed position, the first plurality of teeth engage with the second plurality of teeth.

[0012] In some embodiments, the fixation nut comprises an alignment feature.

[0013] In some embodiments, the alignment feature comprises a male portion located at a proximal end of the first threaded half and a female portion located at a proximal end of the second threaded half.

[0014] In some embodiments, the male portion engages with the female portion of the alignment feature when the fixation nut is in a closed position.

[0015] In some embodiments, the fixation nut comprises two or more gripping extensions configured to allow a user to twist the fixation nut in a closed position along a threaded shaft.

[0016] In some embodiments, a height of each gripping extension of the two or more gripping extensions extends upwards past a bottom surface of the fixation nut 5-6 mm.

[0017] In some embodiments, the fixation nut comprises a topmost surface opposite the bottom surface, wherein, when the fixation nut is affixed to a faucet body to mount the faucet body to a mounting surface, the topmost surface of the fixation nut is in contact with a bottom surface of the mounting surface.

[0018] In some embodiments of the fixation nut, a first tooth of the first plurality of teeth is equal in size and shape as a second tooth of the first plurality of teeth.

[0019] In some embodiments of the fixation nut, a first tooth of the first plurality of teeth is different in size and shape as a second tooth of the first plurality of teeth.

[0020] In some embodiments of the fixation nut, the living hinge is configured to bend as the distal end of the first threaded half approaches the distal end of the second threaded half and assumes a closed position.

[0021] In some embodiments, any one or more of the features, characteristics, or elements discussed above with respect to any of the embodiments may be incorporated into any of the other embodiments mentioned above or described elsewhere herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a bottom view of a fixation nut, according to some embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a fixation nut, according to some embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 3 shows an interior view of a fixation nut, according to some embodiments;

[0025] FIG. 4A shows a bottom view of a drawing of a fixation nut, according to some embodiments;

[0026] FIG. 4B shows a bottom view of a drawing of a living hinge of a fixation nut, according to some embodiments;

[0027] FIG. 4C shows a drawing of an extruding portion of a locking buckle of a fixation nut, according to some embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 4D shows a drawing of a receiving portion of a locking buckle of a fixation nut, according to some embodiments;

[0029] FIG. 4E shows a drawing of an interior surface of a portion of a fixation nut, according to some embodiments; and

[0030] FIG. 4F shows a drawing of an interior surface of a fixation nut, according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Described herein are fixation nuts having an opening and closing feature that enable a user to more easily mount and dismount a faucet body to a mounting surface. Conventional fixation nuts are threaded annular devices that are configured to be placed on a bottom or distal end of a threaded shaft of a faucet body. Conventional fixation nuts must be placed on a threaded shaft of a faucet body at a distal-most or bottom end of the threaded shaft, and twisted or screwed all the way to the top or proximal end of the threaded shaft when mounting or installing the faucet body until the fixation nut is secure against a lower surface of the mounting surface to which the faucet body is being installed.

[0032] Conversely, the fixation nuts described herein include two threaded halves connected by a living hinge. The living hinge is connected to each threaded half at the proximal end of the each of the threaded half. A locking buckle includes a feature located at each distal end of the threaded halves. Specifically, a first threaded half comprises an extending portion of the locking buckle, and a second threaded half comprises a receiving portion of the locking buckle. The opening and closing feature of the fixation nut comprises the locking buckle. This opening (and closing) feature allows a user to affix the fixation nut around the circumference of the threaded shaft of a faucet body at any location along a length of the threaded shaft, preventing the user from having to affix the fixation nut at the distal-most or bottom end of the threaded shaft. This allows the user to mount and dismount the faucet body more quickly and efficiently. When in a closed position, the fixation nut resembles an annular device.

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a bottom view of a fixation nut 100, according to some embodiments.Fixation nut 100 includes a first threaded half 102A, a second threaded half 102B, a living hinge104, an extending portion 106 of a locking buckle, a receiving portion 108 of a locking buckle, a gripping extension 110, and an alignment feature comprising a male portion 112A and a female portion 112B.

[0034] As shown, the fixation nut 100 comprises an opening mechanism that includes an extending portion 106 and a receiving portion 108 of a locking buckle. The living hinge 104 also enables the opening mechanism to allow the fixation nut 100 to open and close. When the fixation nut 100 is closed, the living hinge 104 connecting the proximal ends of first threaded half 102A and second threaded half 102B folds or bends to allow the distal ends of the first and second threaded halves to come together. This causes extending portion 106 and receiving portion 108 of the locking buckle to approach each other, until extending portion 106 overlaps with receiving portion 108 such that teeth of extending portion 106 align and interconnect with teeth of receiving portion 108. Specifically, the extending portion 106 comprises a first plurality of teeth, and the receiving portion 108 comprises a second plurality of teeth. When fixation nut 100 is in a closed position, the first plurality of teeth overlap and engage with the second plurality of teeth.

[0035] Additionally, as the fixation nut 100 assumes a closed position from an opened position, the female portion 112B of the alignment feature engages with the male portion 112A of the alignment feature. The fixation nut 100 assumes an open position from a closed position by unlocking or disengaging the locking buckle and separating the distal ends of the first threaded half 102A and the second threaded half 102B. The living hinge 104 also opens, or unbends, when the fixation nut 100 assumes an open position.

[0036] Fixation nut 100 also includes one or more gripping extensions 110. The one or more gripping extensions 110 allow a user to grip the fixation nut 100 and twist it towards a lower surface of a mounting surface to mount a faucet body or twist away from a lower surface of a mounting surface to dismount a faucet body. The one or more gripping extensions 110 extend downwards from a bottom surface of the fixation nut 100 (the bottom surface opposite the topmost or contact surface of the fixation nut 100 configured to contact a lower surface of the mounting surface when the fixation nut 100 is engaged with a threaded shaft of a faucet body to mount the faucet body to the mounting surface).

[0037] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a fixation nut 200, according to some embodiments. Fixation nut 200 includes many of the same features of fixation nut 100 and additionally shows a topmost surface 214. Topmost surface 214, when fixation nut 200 is in a mounted position (i.e., actively engaging a threaded shaft of a faucet body to mount the faucet body to the mounting surface), is configured to be in contact with a lower surface of the mounting surface to which the faucet body is mounted.

[0038] Fixation nut 200 also includes a first threaded half 202A, second threaded half 202B, living hinge 204 connecting the proximal ends of the first threaded half 202A and the second threaded half 202B, a locking buckle comprising an extending portion 206 at the distal end of the first threaded half 202 A, one or more gripping extensions 210, and an alignment feature comprising a male portion 212A.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows an interior view of a fixation nut 300, according to some embodiments. Fixation nut 300 includes a first threaded half 302A and a second threaded half 302B. Both the first threaded half 302 A and the second threaded half 302B include a threaded interior surface 316. When in a closed position, the threaded interior surface 316 of the first threaded half 302A and the second threaded half 302B are joined together to form a continuous circumferential interior surface. The threads of the continuous circumferential interior surface are configured to align with or mate with threads of a threaded shaft of a faucet body assembly when the fixation nut 300 is affixed to the threaded shaft of the faucet body assembly. When actively being used to mount a faucet body to a mounting surface, topmost surface 314 of fixation nut 300 is in contact with a bottom or lower surface of the mounting surface.

[0040] Fixation nut 300 also includes a locking buckle that includes an extending portion 306 located at a distal end of the first threaded half 302A. The extending portion 306 is configured to engage with a receiving portion of the locking buckle. The receiving portion may be located at the distal end of the second threaded half 302B. When the extending portion 306 and the receiving portion of the locking buckle are engaged, the locking buckle is in a locked position and the fixation nut 300 is in a closed position.

[0041] When assuming a locked position, the flexibility of the living hinge 304 allows the fixation nut 300 to bend such that the distal ends of the first threaded half 302A and the secondthreaded half 302B come together. As this happens, the alignment feature is also engaged. The alignment feature includes a male portion 312A and a female portion 312B. The male portion 312A fits within the female portion 312B when the alignment feature is engaged (i.e., when the fixation nut 300 approaches a closed position and is in a closed position).

[0042] In some embodiments, fixation nut 300 includes one or more gripping extensions 310. The one or more gripping extensions 310 allow a user to easily grip and twist the fixation nut around a threaded shaft of a faucet body system to mount or dismount the faucet body system to a mounting surface.

[0043] FIG. 4A shows a bottom view of a drawing of fixation nut 400, according to some embodiments. Fixation nut 400 includes a first threaded half 402A and a second threaded half 402B joined by a living hinge 404, a locking buckle comprising an extending portion 406 and a receiving portion 408, and one or more gripping extensions 410.

[0044] In some embodiments, the thickness of a gripping extension 410 (as measured along the circumference of the fixation nut 400) is 2-8 or 5-6 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of a gripping extension may be less than or equal to 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, or 3 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of a gripping extension may be greater than or equal to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of a gripping extension may be 5.5 mm. In some embodiments, two or more gripping extensions 810 may have an identical thicknesses. In some embodiments, two or more gripping extensions 810 may have different thicknesses.

[0045] When in an opened position, the fixation nut 400 may have a width as measured from the center point of the first threaded half 402A to the center point of the second threaded half 402B of 40-70 or 50-60 mm. In some embodiments, when in an opened position, the fixation nut 400 may have a width (as measured from the center point of the first threaded half 402A to the center point of the second threaded half 402B) of less than or equal to 70, 65, 60, 55, 50, or 45 mm. In some embodiments, when in an opened position, the fixation nut 400 may have a width (as measured from the center point of the first threaded half 402A to the center point of the second threaded half 402B) of greater than or equal to 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, or 65 mm, In some embodiments, when in an opened position, the fixation nut 400 may have a width (as measured from the center point of the first threaded half 402A to the center point of the second threadedhalf 402B) of 54.24 mm. The center point is defined as the location that, when the fixation nut 400 would be closed and positioned around a shaft, is at the center of the shaft, is equidistant from the interior surface of the fixation nut 400. Note that, when in a closed position, the center point of the first threaded have 402 A and the center point of the second threaded half 402B is the same location.

[0046] FIG. 4B shows a bottom view of a drawing of a living hinge 404 of a fixation nut, according to some embodiments. As shown, living hinge 404 can have a plurality of divots or void spaces 430. These divots or void spaces 430 can allow the living hinge 404 to more easily bend, allowing the first threaded half and the second threaded half of the fixation nut to come together into a closed position.

[0047] A thickness of the living hinge 404 cannot be too great, or it will not easily bend (and more be more prone to breaking). The thickness of the living hinge 404 also cannot be too thin, or it may also more easily break, particularly with repeat use (opening and closing). In some embodiments, the thickness of the living hinge 404, as measured from an interior to an exterior of the fixation nut (wherein the interior, when the fixation nut is in a closed position surrounding a shaft of a faucet body, faces the shaft of the faucet body, and the exterior, when the fixation nut is in a closed position surrounding a shaft of a faucet body, is opposite the interior) may be 0.2-2 or 0.6-1 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the living hinge 404 may be less than or equal to 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, or 0.3 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the living hinge 404 may be greater than or equal to 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, or 0.9 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the living hinge 404 may be 0.8 mm.

[0048] In some embodiments, the living hinge 404 may comprise one or more divots or void spaces 430. In some embodiments, the living hinge 404 may comprise 1-10 or 6-8 divots or void spaces 430. In some embodiments, the living hinge 404 may comprise less than or equal to 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 divots or void spaces 430. In some embodiments, the living hinge 404 may comprise greater than or equal to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 divots or void spaces 430. In some embodiments, the living hinge 404 may comprise 7 divots or void spaces 430.

[0049] FIG. 4C shows a drawing of an extruding portion 406 of a locking buckle of a fixation nut, according to some embodiments. As shown, extruding portion 406 of a locking buckle maycomprise one or more teeth 432. The teeth 432 are configured to align with and interconnect with teeth on a receiving portion of the locking buckle (e.g., receiving portion 408 of FIG. 4D). In some embodiments, the extruding portion 406 may comprise 1-10 or 3-5 teeth. In some embodiments, the extruding portion 406 may comprise less than or equal to 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 teeth. In some embodiments, the extruding portion 406 may comprise greater than or equal to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 teeth. In some embodiments, the teeth 432 are identical in size and in shape. In some embodiments, the teeth 432 are different in size and shape. In some embodiments, two or more teeth 432 may be identical in size and shape. In some embodiments, two or more teeth 432 may be different in size and shape.

[0050] FIG. 4D shows a drawing of a receiving portion 408 of a locking buckle of a fixation nut, according to some embodiments. The receiving portion 408 of the locking buckle is configured to receive an extruding portion of the locking buckle (e.g., extruding portion 406 of FIG. 4C). Specifically, the teeth 434 of receiving portion 408 are configured to receive teeth of an extruding portion of the locking buckle. In some embodiments, the receiving portion 408 may comprise 1-10 or 3-5 teeth. In some embodiments, the receiving portion 408 may comprise less than or equal to 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 teeth. In some embodiments, the receiving portion 408 may comprise greater than or equal to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 teeth. In some embodiments, the teeth 434 are identical in size and in shape. In some embodiments, the teeth 434 are different in size and shape. In some embodiments, two or more teeth 434 may be identical in size and shape. In some embodiments, two or more teeth 434 may be different in size and shape. The teeth 434 of the receiving portion 408 should be complementary in size and shape to the teeth of the extruding portion (e.g., teeth 432 of extruding portion 406 of FIG. 4C).

[0051] FIG. 4E shows a drawing of an interior surface of a portion of a fixation nut, according to some embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 4E shows an interior surface of a single threaded half of a fixation nut. As shown, the gripping extension 410 extends downward from a bottom surface of the fixation nut (as oriented when the fixation nut is affixed to a threaded shaft of a faucet body). This extension allows a user to grip the gripping extension 410 and turn the fixation nut onto or off of a shaft of a faucet body.

[0052] In some embodiments, the gripping extension 410 extends downwards from a bottom surface of the fixation nut 3-10 or 5-6 mm. In some embodiments, the gripping extension 410extends downwards less than or equal to 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, or 4 mm from the bottom surface of the fixation nut. In some embodiments, the gripping extension 410 extends downwards greater than or equal to 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 mm from the bottom surface of the fixation nut. In some embodiments, the gripping extension 410 extends downwards 5.8 mm from the bottom surface of the fixation nut. The bottom surface of the fixation nut is the bottommost surface other than that which extends as part of the gripping extension 410.

[0053] FIG. 4F shows a drawing of an interior surface of a fixation nut 400 in an open position, according to some embodiments. As shown, FIG. 4F shows two separate gripping extensions 410 (one on each of a first threaded half 402 A and a second threaded half 402B). Each of the first threaded half 402A and the second threaded half 402B include an interior surface 416. The interior surface 416 is threaded, such that, when in a closed position, the fixation nut 400 can be affixed to a threaded shaft of a faucet body.

[0054] Also shown in FIG. 4F is an alignment feature including a male portion 412A and a female portion 412B. When fixation nut 400 is moved from an open position (as shown) to a closed position, male portion 412A is configured to align with female portion 412B. Specifically, fixation nut 400 assumes a closed position when the living hinge 404 bends, allowing a distal end of the first threaded half 402 A to approach a distal end of the second threaded half 402B.

[0055] In some embodiments, the fixation nut 400 is manufactured using injection molding. In some embodiments, the fixation nut 400 is injection molded in a single cavity to form a single piece or a single component fixation nut 400. In some embodiments, the fixation nut 400 comprises polypropylene.

[0056] In some embodiments, the fixation nut 400 comprises a molded thermoplastic polymer, for example an engineering thermoplastic. A thermoplastic polymer may comprise one or more polyolefins, polyamides, polystyrenes, or polyesters, including blends or copolymers thereof. Polyolefins include polypropylene, polyethylene, and blends or copolymers thereof. Engineering thermoplastics may include polyamides, polyesters, polycarbonates, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polysulfones (PSU), polyethersulfones (PESU), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA), polyphenylene oxides (PPO), polyphenylene sulfides (PPS), polyphenylenesulfones (PPSU), polyether ether ketones (PEEK),polyethylenimine (PEI), polyphthalamides (PPA), polyacetals, copolymers thereof, and blends thereof. Polyamides include nylon and polyphthalamide (PPA). Polyacetals include polyoxymethylene (POM). In some embodiments, a thermoplastic polymer may comprise a glass-filled thermoplastic, for example a glass-filled polyamide, glass-filled PPS, or glass-filled PPA. Parts comprising a thermoplastic may be prepared via a molding process, for example injection molding.

[0057] The foregoing description, for the purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the techniques and their practical applications. Others skilled in the art are thereby enabled to best utilize the techniques and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0058] Although the disclosure and examples have been fully described with reference to the accompanying figures, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the disclosure and examples as defined by the claims. Finally, the entire disclosure of the patents and publications referred to in this application are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0059] Any of the systems, methods, techniques, and / or features disclosed herein may be combined, in whole or in part, with any other systems, methods, techniques, and / or features disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A fixation nut for a faucet body comprising: a first threaded half comprising a proximal end and a distal end; a second threaded half comprising a proximal end and a distal end joined to the first threaded half by a living hinge connected to the proximal end of the first threaded half and the proximal end of the second threaded half; and an opening mechanism comprising a locking buckle configured to lock the fixation nut in a closed position.

2. The fixation nut of claim 1, prepared by injection molding.

3. The fixation nut of claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixation nut is a single component.

4. The fixation nut of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the fixation nut comprises polypropylene.

5. The fixation nut of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the locking buckle comprises an extending portion located at a distal end of the first threaded half and a receiving portion located at a distal end of the second threaded half.

6. The fixation nut of claim 5, wherein the extending portion comprises a first plurality of teeth and the receiving portion comprises a second plurality of teeth, wherein, when the fixation nut is in a closed position, the first plurality of teeth engage with the second plurality of teeth.

7. The fixation nut of any one of claims 1-5, comprising an alignment feature.

8. The fixation nut of claim 7, wherein the alignment feature comprises a male portion located at a proximal end of the first threaded half and a female portion located at a proximal end of the second threaded half.

9. The fixation nut of claim 8, wherein the male portion engages with the female portion of the alignment feature when the fixation nut is in a closed position.

10. The fixation nut of any one of claims 1-9, comprising two or more gripping extensions configured to allow a user to twist the fixation nut in a closed position along a threaded shaft.

11. The fixation nut of claim 10, wherein a height of each gripping extension of the two or more gripping extensions extends upwards past a bottom surface of the fixation nut 5-6 mm.

12. The fixation nut of claim 11, comprising a topmost surface opposite the bottom surface, wherein, when the fixation nut is affixed to a faucet body to mount the faucet body to a mounting surface, the topmost surface of the fixation nut is in contact with a bottom surface of the mounting surface.

13. The fixation nut of claim 6, wherein a first tooth of the first plurality of teeth is equal in size and shape as a second tooth of the first plurality of teeth.

14. The fixation nut of claim 6, wherein a first tooth of the first plurality of teeth is different in size and shape as a second tooth of the first plurality of teeth.

15. The fixation nut of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the living hinge is configured to bend as the distal end of the first threaded half approaches the distal end of the second threaded half and assumes a closed position.

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