Faucet with assembly mechanism and method

Abstract

A faucet with an assembly mechanism and method for securing a throat cover to a faucet body is provided. The faucet includes a faucet body, a throat cover, a waterway, and a retention mechanism. The retention mechanism is operable to secure a downstream end portion of the throat cover to a downstream portion of the faucet body. An upstream end portion of the throat cover is operable to be secured to an upstream portion of the faucet body before the downstream end portion of the throat cover is secured to the downstream portion of the faucet body.

Description

Customer Number24024Atorney Docket No. 27475.20451FAUCET WITH ASSEMBLY MECHANISM AND METHODCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 733,668, filed December 13, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a faucet with an assembly mechanism and method and, more particularly, to a faucet with an assembly mechanism and method for securing a throat cover to a faucet body.BACKGROUND

[0003] Faucets with assembly mechanisms and methods for securing throat covers to faucet bodies are known. These faucets can be difficult to install. A faucet with an assembly mechanism and method for securing a throat cover to a faucet body that is easier to install is desired.SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention provides a faucet with an assembly mechanism and method.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, the faucet comprises a faucet body, a throat cover, a waterway, and a retention mechanism. The faucet body includes an inlet end and an outlet end.Attorney Docket No. 27475.20451The faucet body includes an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The faucet body includes a throat cover opening extending from the upstream portion of the faucet body to the downstream portion of the faucet body. The throat cover is operable to be received in the throat cover opening in the faucet body. The throat cover is operable to be secured to the faucet body. The throat cover includes an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion. The upstream end portion of the throat cover is operable to be secured to the upstream portion of the faucet body. The downstream end portion of the throat cover is operable to be secured to the downstream portion of the faucet body. The waterway is operable to extend through the faucet body and to be secured in the faucet body. The retention mechanism is operable to secure the downstream end portion of the throat cover to the downstream portion of the faucet body. The upstream end portion of the throat cover is operable to be secured to the upstream portion of the faucet body before the downstream end portion of the throat cover is secured to the downstream portion of the faucet body.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the faucet comprises a faucet body, a throat cover, a waterway, and a retention mechanism. The faucet body includes an inlet end and an outlet end. The faucet body includes an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The faucet body includes a throat cover opening extending from the upstream portion of the faucet body to the downstream portion of the faucet body. The throat cover is operable to be received in the throat cover opening in the faucet body. The throat cover is operable to be secured to the faucet body. The throat cover includes an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion. The upstream end portion of the throat cover is operable to be secured to the upstream portion of the faucet body. The downstream end portion of the throat cover is operable to be secured to the downstream portion of the faucet body. The throat cover includes a first flange. The waterway is operable to extend through the faucet body and to be secured in the faucet body. The retention mechanism is operable to secureAttorney Docket No. 27475.20451 the downstream end portion of the throat cover to the downstream portion of the faucet body. The retention mechanism includes a second flange. The first flange of the throat cover is operable to interface with the second flange of the retention mechanism. The upstream end portion of the throat cover is operable to be secured to the upstream portion of the faucet body before the downstream end portion of the throat cover is secured to the downstream portion of the faucet body.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the faucet comprises a faucet body, a throat cover, a waterway, and a retention mechanism. The faucet body includes an inlet end and an outlet end. The faucet body includes an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The faucet body includes a throat cover opening extending from the upstream portion of the faucet body to the downstream portion of the faucet body. The faucet body includes first threads. The throat cover is operable to be received in the throat cover opening in the faucet body. The throat cover is operable to be secured to the faucet body. The throat cover includes an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion. The upstream end portion of the throat cover is operable to be secured to the upstream portion of the faucet body. The downstream end portion of the throat cover is operable to be secured to the downstream portion of the faucet body. The waterway is operable to extend through the faucet body and to be secured in the faucet body. The retention mechanism is operable to secure the downstream end portion of the throat cover to the downstream portion of the faucet body. The retention mechanism includes second threads. The first threads of the faucet body are operable to interface with the second threads of the retention mechanism. The upstream end portion of the throat cover is operable to be secured to the upstream portion of the faucet body before the downstream end portion of the throat cover is secured to the downstream portion of the faucet body.Attorney Docket No. 27475.20451BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is an illustration of a faucet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a faucet according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Figures 3a-3b are cross-sectional side views of portions of the faucet of Figure 2 - Figure 3a is a view before full assembly, and Figure 3b is a view after full assembly;

[0011] Figure 4 is a perspective view of portions of the faucet of Figure 2;

[0012] Figures 5a-5g are views of the faucet body of the faucet of Figure 2 - Figure 5a is a perspective view, Figure 5b is another perspective view, Figure 5c is a front view, Figure 5d is a left side view, Figure 5e is a right side view, Figure 5f is a top view, and Figure 5g is a bottom view;

[0013] Figures 6a-6c are additional views of the faucet body of the faucet of Figure 2 - Figure 6a is a front view, Figure 6b is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6b-6b in Figure 6a, and Figure 6c is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6c-6c in Figure 6a;

[0014] Figures 7a-7g are views of the throat cover of the faucet of Figure 2 - Figure 7a is a perspective view, Figure 7b is another perspective view, Figure 7c is a front view, Figure 7d is a left side view, Figure 7e is a right side view, Figure 7f is a top view, and Figure 7g is a bottom view;

[0015] Figures 8a-8c are additional views of the throat cover of the faucet of Figure 2 - Figure 8a is a front view, Figure 8b is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8b-8b in Figure 8a, and Figure 8c is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8c-8c in Figure 8a;Attorney Docket No. 27475.20451

[0016] Figures 9a-9g are views of a retainer (or retention mechanism) of the faucet of Figure 2 - Figure 9a is a perspective view, Figure 9b is another perspective view, Figure 9c is a front view, Figure 9d is a side view, Figure 9e is a top view, Figure 9f is a bottom view, and Figure 9g is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 9g-9g in Figure 9c;

[0017] Figures 10a- 10g are views of the faucet of Figure 2, after the throat cover has been inserted into a throat cover opening in the faucet body, but before the throat cover has been secured to the faucet body - Figure 10a is a perspective view, Figure 10b is another perspective view, Figure 10c is a front view, Figure lOd is a left side view, Figure lOe is a right side view, Figure 1 Of is a top view, and Figure 10g is a bottom view;

[0018] Figures 1 la-11g are views of the faucet of Figure 2, just before the throat cover has been secured to the faucet body - Figure I la is a perspective view, Figure l ib is another perspective view, Figure 11c is a front view, Figure 1 id is a left side view, Figure 1 le is a right side view, Figure 1 If is a top view, and Figure 11g is a bottom view;

[0019] Figures 12a-12g are views of the faucet of Figure 2, after an upstream end portion of the throat cover has been secured to an upstream portion of the faucet body, but before a downstream end portion of the throat cover has been secured to a downstream portion of the faucet body - Figure 12a is a perspective view, Figure 12b is another perspective view, Figure 12c is a front view, Figure 12d is a left side view, Figure 12e is a right side view, Figure 12f is a top view, and Figure 12g is a bottom view;

[0020] Figures 13a-13g are views of the faucet of Figure 2, after the upstream end portion of the throat cover has been secured to the upstream portion of the faucet body, and after the downstream end portion of the throat cover has been partially secured to the downstream portion of the faucet body - Figure 13a is a perspective view, Figure 13b is another perspective view,Attorney Docket No. 27475.20451Figure 13c is a front view, Figure 13d is a left side view, Figure 13e is a right side view, Figure 13f is a top view, and Figure 13g is a bottom view;

[0021] Figures 14a-14g are views of the faucet of Figure 2, after the upstream end portion of the throat cover has been secured to the upstream portion of the faucet body, and after the downstream end portion of the throat cover has been fully secured to the downstream portion of the faucet body - Figure 14a is a perspective view, Figure 14b is another perspective view, Figure 14c is a front view, Figure 14d is a left side view, Figure 14e is a right side view, Figure 14f is a top view, and Figure 14g is a bottom view;

[0022] Figures 15a- 15b are views of the faucet of Figure 2, after the throat cover has been inserted into a throat cover opening in the faucet body, but before the throat cover has been secured to the faucet body - Figure 15a is a front view, and Figure 15b is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 15b- 15b in Figure 15a;

[0023] Figures 16a-16b are views of the faucet of Figure 2, after an upstream end portion of the throat cover has been secured to the upstream portion of the faucet body, but before a downstream end portion of the throat cover has been secured to a downstream portion of the faucet body - Figure 16a is a front view, and Figure 16b is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 16b-16b in Figure 16a; and

[0024] Figures 17a- 17b are views of the faucet of Figure 2, after the upstream end portion of the throat cover has been secured to the upstream portion of the faucet body, and after the downstream end portion of the throat cover has been fully secured to the downstream portion of the faucet body - Figure 17a is a front view, and Figure 17b is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 17b- 17b in Figure 17a.Attorney Docket No. 27475.20451DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present invention provides a faucet with an assembly mechanism and method for securing a throat cover to a faucet body. In an exemplary embodiment, the faucet is a single handle bathroom faucet. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the faucet could be any type of faucet with a throat cover secured to a faucet body. Exemplary embodiments of faucets and components of the faucets of the present invention are shown in detail in Figures l-17b. Exemplary embodiments of the faucet are best shown in Figures 1-2 and 10a- 17b. Exemplary embodiments of components of the faucets are best shown in Figures 3a-9g.

[0026] An exemplary embodiment of a faucet F is best shown in detail in Figure 1. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 1, the faucet F includes a faucet body FB and a throat cover TC. In the illustrated embodiment, the faucet body FB includes an upstream portion UP and a downstream portion DP. In the illustrated embodiment, the throat cover TC includes an upstream end portion UEP and a downstream end portion DEP. In the illustrated embodiment, the faucet F includes a first retention mechanism (or first retainer) FRM and a second retention mechanism (or second retainer) SRM. In exemplary embodiments, the first retention mechanism FRM is operable to secure the upstream end portion UEP of the throat cover TC to the upstream portion UP of the faucet body FB. In exemplary embodiments, the second retention mechanism SRM is operable to secure the downstream end portion DEP of the throat cover TC to the downstream portion DP of the faucet body FB. In exemplary embodiments, the upstream end portion UEP of the throat cover TC is operable to be secured to the upstream portion UP of the faucet body FB before the downstream end portion DEP of the throat cover TC is secured to the downstream portion DP of the faucet body FB.Attorney Docket No. 27475.20451

[0027] Another exemplary embodiment of a faucet 10 is best shown in detail in Figure 2. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 2, the faucet 10 includes a faucet body 12, a throat cover 14, a handle assembly 16 (including a handle 18 and a dome cover 20), a valve body 22, a cartridge assembly 24, a waterway 26, a retainer (or second retention mechanism) 28, and retention screws (or first retention mechanism) 30. A hot water supply hose 32 and a cold water supply hose 34 are in fluid communication with the valve body 22 and are operable to receive hot water and cold water, respectively, from a hot water supply and a cold water supply and to provide hot water and cold water, respectively, to the valve body 22. The cartridge assembly 24 is in fluid communication with the valve body 22 and is operable to receive hot water and cold water from the valve body 22 and to provide mixed water to the valve body 22. The handle assembly 16 is movably connected to the cartridge assembly 24 and is operable to control the mixing of hot water and cold water by the cartridge assembly 24. The waterway 26 is operable to extend through the faucet body 12 and to be secured in the faucet body 12. The waterway 26 is in fluid communication with the valve body 22 and is operable to receive mixed water from the valve body 22 (which the valve body 22 received from the cartridge assembly 24) and to deliver mixed water from the faucet 10. The basic structure of these components of the faucet 10 is well known in the art and will not be described in greater detail. Only the structure of these components of the faucet 10 relevant to the present invention will be described in greater detail. The faucet 10 is operable to be mounted on a mounting surface (such as a counter or sink top).

[0028] An exemplary embodiment of the faucet body 12 is best shown in detail in Figures 5a-5g and 6a-6c. In exemplary embodiments, the faucet body 12 is operable to receive the valve body 22, the cartridge assembly 24, and the waterway 26. In exemplary embodiments, the faucet body 12 includes an inlet end 36 and an outlet end 38. Additionally, in exemplary embodiments,Attorney Docket No. 27475.20451 the faucet body 12 includes an upstream portion 40 and a downstream portion 42. Further, in exemplary embodiments, the faucet body 12 includes a throat cover opening 44 extending from the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12 to the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12. In exemplary embodiments, the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12 includes first threads 46. In exemplary embodiments, the faucet body 12 includes at least one rib 48. In exemplary embodiments, the faucet body 12 includes a plurality of ribs 48. In exemplary embodiments, the faucet body 12 is primarily made from a metal. In exemplary embodiments, the faucet body 12 is primarily made from a plastic. In exemplary embodiments, the faucet body 12 is made from a metal plated plastic.

[0029] In exemplary embodiments, the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12 is at the inlet end 36 of the faucet body 12, and the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12 is at the outlet end 38 of the faucet body 12, so the throat cover opening 44 extends from the inlet end 36 of the faucet body 12 to the outlet end 38 of the faucet body 12. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12 could be between the inlet end 36 of the faucet body 12 and the outlet end 38 of the faucet body 12, and the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12 could be between the inlet end 36 of the faucet body 12 and the outlet end 38 of the faucet body 12, so long as the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12 is upstream of the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the faucet body 12 includes an escutcheon portion 50, a hub portion 52, and a spout portion 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the hub portion 52 of the faucet body 12 extends generally upwardly from the escutcheon portion 50 of the faucet body 12, and the spout portion 54 of the faucet body 12 extends generally outwardly from the hub portion 52 of the faucet body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the hub portion 52 of the faucetAttorney Docket No. 27475.20451 body 12 includes a hub cavity 56, and the spout portion 54 of the faucet body 12 includes a spout cavity 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the hub cavity 56 of the faucet body 12 intersects the spout cavity 58 of the faucet body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the hub portion 52 of the faucet body 12 has an upper end 60 and a lower end 62. The upper end 60 of the hub portion 52 of the faucet body 12 has an upper opening 64, and the lower end 62 of the hub portion 52 of the faucet body 12 has a lower opening 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the spout portion 54 of the faucet body 12 has an inner end 68 and an outer end 70. The inner end 68 of the spout portion 54 of the faucet body 12 is closest to the hub portion 52 of the faucet body 12, and the outer end 70 of the spout portion 54 of the faucet body 12 is furthest from the hub portion 52 of the faucet body 12.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the throat cover opening 44 extends from the inlet end 36 of the faucet body 12 to the outlet end 38 of the faucet body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the throat cover opening 44 is in a lower front side of the hub portion 52 of the faucet body 12 and an underside of the spout portion 54 of the faucet body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower end 62 of the hub portion 52 of the faucet body 12 includes first threaded openings 72. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer end 70 of the spout portion 54 of the faucet body 12 includes the first threads 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the spout portion 54 of the faucet body 12 includes the ribs 48.

[0032] An exemplary embodiment of the throat cover 14 is best shown in detail in Figures 7a-7g and 8a-8c. In exemplary embodiments, the throat cover 14 is operable to be received in the throat cover opening 44 in the faucet body 12. In exemplary embodiments, the throat cover 14 is operable to be secured to the faucet body 12. In exemplary embodiments, the throat cover 14 includes an upstream end portion 74 and a downstream end portion 76. In exemplaryAttorney Docket No. 27475.20451 embodiments, the upstream end portion 74 of the throat cover 14 is operable to be secured to the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12, and the downstream end portion 76 of the throat cover 14 is operable to be secured to the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12. In exemplary embodiments, the upstream end portion 74 of the throat cover 14 is operable to be secured to the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12 before the downstream end portion 76 of the throat cover 14 is secured to the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12. In exemplary embodiments, the downstream end portion 76 of the throat cover 14 includes a first flange 78. In exemplary embodiments, the throat cover 14 includes at least one notch 80. In exemplary embodiments, the throat cover 14 includes a plurality of notches 80. In exemplary embodiments, the one or more ribs 48 of the faucet body 12 are operable to interface with the one or more notches 80 of the throat cover 14 and ensure that the faucet body 12 and the throat cover 14 are properly positioned relative to each other. While the faucet body 12 has been described as including the one more ribs 48 and the throat cover 14 has been described as including the one or more notches 80, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the faucet body 12 could include the one or more notches and the throat cover 14 could include the one or more ribs. In exemplary embodiments, the throat cover 14 is primarily made from a plastic. In exemplary embodiments, the throat cover 14 is made from a metal plated plastic. In exemplary embodiments, the throat cover 14 is primarily made from a metal.

[0033] In exemplary embodiments where the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12 is at the inlet end 36 of the faucet body 12 and, thus, the throat cover opening 44 extends from the inlet end 36 of the faucet body 12, the upstream end portion 74 of the throat cover 14 is operable to be secured to the inlet end 36 of the faucet body 12. Similarly, in exemplary embodiments where the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12 is at the outlet end 38 of the faucet bodyAttorney Docket No. 27475.2045112 and, thus, the throat cover opening 44 extends to the outlet end 38 of the faucet body 12, the downstream end portion 76 of the throat cover 14 is operable to be secured to the outlet end 38 of the faucet body 12. However, as stated above, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12 could be between the inlet end 36 of the faucet body 12 and the outlet end 38 of the faucet body 12 and the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12 could be between the inlet end 36 of the faucet body 12 and the outlet end 38 of the faucet body 12, so long as the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12 is upstream of the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12. Thus, the upstream end portion 74 of the throat cover 14 is operable to be secured to the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12, which could be at the inlet end 36 of the faucet body 12 or between the inlet end 36 of the faucet body 12 and the outlet end 38 of the faucet body 12. Similarly, the downstream end portion 76 of the throat cover 14 is operable to be secured to the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12, which could be at the outlet end 38 of the faucet body 12 or between the inlet end 36 of the faucet body 12 and the outlet end 38 of the faucet body 12.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the throat cover 14 includes a hub portion 82 and a spout portion 84. In the illustrated embodiment, the spout portion 84 of the throat cover 14 extends generally outwardly from the hub portion 82 of the throat cover 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the hub portion 82 of the throat cover 14 has an upper end 86 and a lower end 88. In the illustrated embodiment, the spout portion 84 of the throat cover 14 has an inner end 90 and an outer end 92. The inner end 90 of the spout portion 84 of the throat cover 14 is closest to the hub portion 82 of the throat cover 14, and the outer end 92 of the spout portion 84 of the throat cover 14 is furthest from the hub portion 82 of the throat cover 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower end 88 of the hub portion 82 of the throat cover 14 is operable to be secured to the lower end 62 of the hubAttorney Docket No. 27475.20451 portion 52 of the faucet body 12, and the outer end 92 of the spout portion 84 of the throat cover 14 is operable to be secured to the outer end 70 of the spout portion 54 of the faucet body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower end 88 of the hub portion 82 of the throat cover 14 includes second threaded openings 94. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer end 92 of the spout portion 84 of the throat cover 14 includes the first flange 78. In the illustrated embodiment, the spout portion 84 of the throat cover 14 includes the one or more notches 80.

[0035] An exemplary embodiment of the retainer (or second retention mechanism) 28 is best shown in detail in Figures 9a-9g. In exemplary embodiments, the retainer (or second retention mechanism) 28 is operable to secure the downstream end portion 76 of the throat cover 14 to the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12. In exemplary embodiments, the retainer (or second retention mechanism) 28 includes a second flange 96. The first flange 78 of the throat cover 14 is operable to interface with the second flange 96 of the retainer (or second retention mechanism) 28. In exemplary embodiments, the retainer (or second retention mechanism) 28 includes second threads 98. The first threads 46 of the faucet body 12 are operable to interface with the second threads 98 of the retainer (or second retention mechanism) 28.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer (or second retention mechanism) 28 includes an upstream portion 100 and a downstream portion 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer (or second retention mechanism) 28 is generally cylindrical shaped and has a longitudinal opening 104 extending therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the upstream portion 100 of the retainer 28 (or second retention mechanism) includes the second threads 98. In the illustrated embodiment, the downstream portion 102 of the retainer 28 (or second retention mechanism) includes the second flange 96.Attorney Docket No. 27475.20451

[0037] The assembly of certain components of the faucet 10 will now be described with respect to the illustrated embodiment in Figures 2-4 and 10a-17b.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, as best shown in Figure 2, the valve body 22 is inserted into the hub cavity 56 in the hub portion 52 of the faucet body 12 from the lower end 62 of the hub portion 52. The hot water supply hose 32 and the cold water supply hose 34 are fluidly connected to a lower end of the valve body 22. A retention clip 106 is used to maintain the fluid connection between the hot water supply hose 32 and the cold water supply hose 34 and the valve body 22. The cartridge assembly 24 is inserted into the hub cavity 56 in the hub portion 52 of the faucet body 12 from the upper end 60 of the hub portion 52 until the cartridge assembly 24 seats against the valve body 22. A cartridge nut 108 is used to maintain the fluid connection between the cartridge assembly 24 and the valve body 22. A first O-ring 110 is used to maintain a seal between the cartridge assembly 24 and the valve body 22. The handle assembly 16 is attached to the cartridge assembly 24. The waterway 26 is inserted into the spout cavity 58 in the spout portion 54 of the faucet body 12 with the upstream end of the waterway 26 inserted into a mixed water outlet of the valve body 22. A second O-ring 112 is used to maintain a seal between the waterway 26 and the valve body 22. An aerator 114 is threaded into an outlet end of the waterway 26. A gasket 116 and mounting screws 118 will later be used to mount the faucet body 12 to the mounting surface.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, as best shown in Figures lOa-lOg, 1 la-11g, and 15a-15b, the throat cover 14 is inserted into the throat cover opening 44 in the faucet body 12. At this point, the upstream end portion 74 of the throat cover 14 and the downstream end portion 76 of the throat cover 14 are not secured to the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12 and the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12, respectively. Thus, the upstream end portion 74 ofAttorney Docket No. 27475.20451 the throat cover 14 and the downstream end portion 76 of the throat cover 14 are not aligned with the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12 and the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12, respectively (the non-alignment of the upstream end portion 74 of the throat cover 14 and the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12 is not shown in Figures lOa-lOg and 1 la-11g and is only shown in Figures 15a- 15b).

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, as best shown in Figures 4, 12a-12g, and 16a-16b, at the upstream end of the faucet 10, the retention screws (or first retention mechanism) 30 are threaded through the second threaded openings 94 in the lower end 88 of the hub portion 82 of the throat cover 14 and the first threaded openings 72 in the lower end 62 of the hub portion 52 of the faucet body 12 and move the upstream end portion 74 of the throat cover 14 into alignment with the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12. At this point, the upstream end portion 74 of the throat cover 14 is secured to the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12, but the downstream end portion 76 of the throat cover 14 is not secured to the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12. Thus, the upstream end portion 74 of the throat cover 14 is aligned with the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12, but the downstream end portion 76 of the throat cover 14 is not aligned with the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, as best shown in Figures 3a, 4, and 13a-13g, at the downstream end of the faucet 10, the second threads 98 on the upstream portion 100 of the retainer (or second retention mechanism) 28 are partially threaded into the first threads 46 on the outer end 70 of the spout portion 54 of the faucet body 12. As the second threads 98 on the upstream portion 100 of the retainer (or second retention mechanism) 28 are partially threaded into the first threads 46 on the outer end 70 of the spout portion 54 of the faucet body 12, the second flange 96 on the retainer (or second retention mechanism) 28 interfaces with the first flange 78 on the outer end 92Attorney Docket No. 27475.20451 of the spout portion 84 of the throat cover 14 and partially moves the downstream end portion 76 of the throat cover 14 into alignment with the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12. At this point, the downstream end portion 76 of the throat cover 14 is partially secured to the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12 (the upstream end portion 74 of the throat cover 14 is still secured to the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12). Thus, the downstream end portion 76 of the throat cover 14 is partially aligned with the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12 (the upstream end portion 74 of the throat cover 14 is still aligned with the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12).

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, as best shown in Figures 3b, 4, 14a-14g, and 17a-17b, at the downstream end of the faucet 10, the second threads 98 on the upstream portion 100 of the retainer (or second retention mechanism) 28 are fully threaded into the first threads 46 on the outer end 70 of the spout portion 54 of the faucet body 12. As the second threads 98 on the upstream portion 100 of the retainer (or second retention mechanism) 28 are fully threaded into the first threads 46 on the outer end 70 of the spout portion 54 of the faucet body 12, the second flange 96 on the retainer (or second retention mechanism) 28 interfaces with the first flange 78 on the outer end 92 of the spout portion 84 of the throat cover 14 and moves the downstream end portion 76 of the throat cover 14 into alignment with the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12. At this point, the downstream end portion 76 of the throat cover 14 is fully secured to the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12 (the upstream end portion 74 of the throat cover 14 is still secured to the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12). Thus, the downstream end portion 76 of the throat cover 14 is fully aligned with the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12 (the upstream end portion 74 of the throat cover 14 is still aligned with the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12).Attorney Docket No. 27475.20451

[0043] While the faucet 10 has been shown and described in the illustrated embodiment as including certain components, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the faucet 10 does not need to include each of these components.

[0044] While the faucet 10 has been shown and described in the illustrated embodiment as including certain components having certain features, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the faucet 10 could have these feature on other components.

[0045] While the faucet 10 has been shown and described in the illustrated embodiment as including components having certain shapes, sizes, numbers, and configurations and made of certain materials, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the components of the faucet 10 do not need to have these shapes, sizes, numbers, and configurations and be made of these materials.

[0046] While the faucet 10 has been shown and described in the illustrated embodiment with the components of the faucet 10 attached and used in a particular manner, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the components of the faucet 10 do not need to be attached and used in this manner.

[0047] While the faucet 10 has been shown and described in the illustrated embodiment as including the retainer 28 as the second retention mechanism and the retention screws 30 as the first retention mechanism, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other types of retention mechanisms could be used for the second retention mechanism and / or the first retention mechanism.

[0048] Exemplary embodiments of the faucet 10 enable the throat cover 14 to be secured to the faucet body 12 of the faucet 10. These exemplary embodiments provide, among others, the following features, either alone or in combination:Attorney Docket No. 27475.20451

[0049] 1 . The upstream end portion 74 of the throat cover 14 is operable to be secured to the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12 using the first retention mechanism (such as the retention screws 30);

[0050] 2. The downstream end portion 76 of the throat cover 14 is operable to be secured to the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12 using the second retention mechanism (such as the retainer 28);

[0051] 3. The upstream end portion 74 of the throat cover 14 is operable to be secured to the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12 before the downstream end portion 76 of the throat cover 14 is secured to the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12;

[0052] 4. Before the upstream end portion 74 of the throat cover 14 is secured to the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12, the upstream end portion 74 of the throat cover 14 is not aligned with the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12;

[0053] 5. After the upstream end portion 74 of the throat cover 14 is secured to the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12, the upstream end portion 74 of the throat cover 14 is aligned with the upstream portion 40 of the faucet body 12;

[0054] 6. Before the downstream end portion 76 of the throat cover 14 is secured to the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12, the downstream end portion 76 of the throat cover 14 is not aligned with the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12; and

[0055] 7. After the downstream end portion 76 of the throat cover 14 is secured to the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12, the downstream end portion 76 of the throat cover 14 is aligned with the downstream portion 42 of the faucet body 12.Attorney Docket No. 27475.20451

[0056] One of ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that the present invention provides a faucet with an assembly mechanism and method for securing a throat cover to a faucet body. Although the present invention has been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification. The present invention includes all such equivalent alterations and modifications and is limited only by the scope of the following claims in light of their full scope of equivalents.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 27475.20451What is claimed is:

1. A faucet, comprising: a faucet body, the faucet body including an inlet end and an outlet end, the faucet body including an upstream portion and a downstream portion, the faucet body including a throat cover opening extending from the upstream portion of the faucet body to the downstream portion of the faucet body; a throat cover, the throat cover operable to be received in the throat cover opening in the faucet body, the throat cover operable to be secured to the faucet body, the throat cover including an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion, the upstream end portion of the throat cover operable to be secured to the upstream portion of the faucet body, the downstream end portion of the throat cover operable to be secured to the downstream portion of the faucet body; a waterway, the waterway operable to extend through the faucet body and to be secured in the faucet body; and a retention mechanism, the retention mechanism operable to secure the downstream end portion of the throat cover to the downstream portion of the faucet body; wherein the upstream end portion of the throat cover is operable to be secured to the upstream portion of the faucet body before the downstream end portion of the throat cover is secured to the downstream portion of the faucet body.

2. The faucet of claim 1, wherein at least one of the faucet body and the throat cover is primarily made from a plastic.Attorney Docket No. 27475.204513. The faucet of claim 1, wherein at least one of the faucet body and the throat cover is primarily made from a metal.

4. The faucet of claim 1, wherein: the throat cover includes a first flange; the retention mechanism includes a second flange; and the first flange of the throat cover is operable to interface with the second flange of the retention mechanism.

5. The faucet of claim 1, wherein: the faucet body includes first threads; the retention mechanism includes second threads; and the first threads of the faucet body are operable to interface with the second threads of the retention mechanism.

6. The faucet of claim 1, wherein: the faucet body includes one of a rib and a notch; the throat cover includes the other of a rib and a notch; and the rib or the notch of the faucet body is operable to interface with the other of the rib or the notch of the throat cover.

7. The faucet of claim 1, wherein: the upstream portion of the faucet body is at the inlet end of the faucet body.Attorney Docket No. 27475.204518. The faucet of claim 1, wherein: the downstream portion of the faucet body is at the outlet end of the faucet body.

9. A faucet, comprising: a faucet body, the faucet body including an inlet end and an outlet end, the faucet body including an upstream portion and a downstream portion, the faucet body including a throat cover opening extending from the upstream portion of the faucet body to the downstream portion of the faucet body; a throat cover, the throat cover operable to be received in the throat cover opening in the faucet body, the throat cover operable to be secured to the faucet body, the throat cover including an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion, the upstream end portion of the throat cover operable to be secured to the upstream portion of the faucet body, the downstream end portion of the throat cover operable to be secured to the downstream portion of the faucet body, the throat cover including a first flange; a waterway, the waterway operable to extend through the faucet body and to be secured in the faucet body; and a retention mechanism, the retention mechanism operable to secure the downstream end portion of the throat cover to the downstream portion of the faucet body, the retention mechanism including a second flange, the first flange of the throat cover operable to interface with the second flange of the retention mechanism; wherein the upstream end portion of the throat cover is operable to be secured to the upstream portion of the faucet body before the downstream end portion of the throat cover is secured to the downstream portion of the faucet body.Attorney Docket No. 27475.2045110. The faucet of claim 9, wherein at least one of the faucet body and the throat cover is primarily made from one of a plastic and a metal.

11. The faucet of claim 9, wherein: the faucet body includes first threads; the retention mechanism includes second threads; and the first threads of the faucet body are operable to interface with the second threads of the retention mechanism.

12. The faucet of claim 9, wherein: the faucet body includes one of a rib and a notch; the throat cover includes the other of a rib and a notch; and the rib or the notch of the faucet body is operable to interface with the other of the rib or the notch of the throat cover.

13. The faucet of claim 9, wherein: the upstream portion of the faucet body is at the inlet end of the faucet body.

14. The faucet of claim 9, wherein: the downstream portion of the faucet body is at the outlet end of the faucet body.Attorney Docket No. 27475.2045115. A faucet, comprising: a faucet body, the faucet body including an inlet end and an outlet end, the faucet body including an upstream portion and a downstream portion, the faucet body including a throat cover opening extending from the upstream portion of the faucet body to the downstream portion of the faucet body, the faucet body including first threads; a throat cover, the throat cover operable to be received in the throat cover opening in the faucet body, the throat cover operable to be secured to the faucet body, the throat cover including an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion, the upstream end portion of the throat cover operable to be secured to the upstream portion of the faucet body, the downstream end portion of the throat cover operable to be secured to the downstream portion of the faucet body; a waterway, the waterway operable to extend through the faucet body and to be secured in the faucet body; and a retention mechanism, the retention mechanism operable to secure the downstream end portion of the throat cover to the downstream portion of the faucet body, the retention mechanism including second threads, the first threads of the faucet body operable to interface with the second threads of the retention mechanism; wherein the upstream end portion of the throat cover is operable to be secured to the upstream portion of the faucet body before the downstream end portion of the throat cover is secured to the downstream portion of the faucet body.

16. The faucet of claim 15, wherein at least one of the faucet body and the throat cover is primarily made from one of a plastic and a metal.Attorney Docket No. 27475.2045117. The faucet of claim 15, wherein: the throat cover includes a first flange; the retention mechanism includes a second flange; and the first flange of the throat cover is operable to interface with the second flange of the retention mechanism.

18. The faucet of claim 15, wherein: the faucet body includes one of a rib and a notch; the throat cover includes the other of a rib and a notch; and the rib or the notch of the faucet body is operable to interface with the other of the rib or the notch of the throat cover.

19. The faucet of claim 15, wherein: the upstream portion of the faucet body is at the inlet end of the faucet body.

20. The faucet of claim 15, wherein: the downstream portion of the faucet body is at the outlet end of the faucet body.

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