FAUCET

Abstract

The present invention discloses an arch or bridge like faucet with a non-cantilevered, elongated body that extends across and spans over, above a basin. The body having a first end that is fixed to a first part of a structure, and a second end that is fixed to a second part of the structure. Further included is a faucet spout that is located underneath the body, above the basin.

Claims

1. A faucet, comprising: a body that extends across and spans over, above a basin; the body having a first end that is fixed to a first part of a structure, and a second end that is fixed to a second part of the structure, forming a non-cantilevered, elongated body; a faucet spout that is located underneath the body, above the basin; and a faucet handle positioned above the faucet spout.

2. The faucet as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the body includes drainage grooves that redirect water into the basin.

3. The faucet as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the drainage grooves form exterior channels on a top surface of the body that channel and redirect any spilled water or droplets to the basin from the body of the faucet during normal use.

4. The faucet as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the body is comprised of an inner conduit for ingress of water into the body; and a housing for a valve that is controlled by the faucet handle.

5. The faucet as set forth in claim 2, wherein: the first end, the second end, or both the first and second ends of the body include an opening that leads to the inner conduit of the body, and functions as an inlet that is connected to an egress end of a flexible hose of a main water supply.

6. The faucet as set forth in claim 2, wherein: the valve is a rotary cartridge valve. constituting a conventional Hot/Cold faucet with single handle.

7. The faucet as set forth in claim 2, wherein: one of the first end and the second end is connected to the structure by a mounting shank having first outer diameter circumferential threading along an outer side of the mounting shank; an upper distal end threading of the mounting shank has a second outer diameter threads that is fastened into an inner diameter thread one of the first end and the second end, with the mounting shank to one of the first end and the second end by a fastener knob and washer combination.

8. The faucet as set forth in claim 5, wherein: a hose is inserted through the mounting shank and connected to the opening of the inner channel; the opening has an inner diameter threading that allows securing of the hose with an outer diameter threading.

9. The faucet as set forth in claim 2, wherein: one of the first end and the second end is connected to a shank with an upper outer diameter threading that is received within an inner diameter thread of one of the first end and second end.

10. The faucet as set forth in claim 7, wherein: a hose is inserted through the shank and connected to the opening of the inner conduit; the opening has an inner diameter threading that allows securing of the hose with an outer diameter threading.

11. An electronic faucet, comprising: a body that extends across and spans over, above a basin; the body having a first end that is fixed to a first part of a structure, and a second end that is fixed to a second part of the structure, forming a non-cantilevered, elongated body; and a faucet spout that is located underneath the body, above the basin.

12. The electronic faucet as set forth in claim 11, wherein: the body has: a first hallow chamber for housing one or more sensor and power line cable conduits for one or more sensors, and for housing dispenser hose and an associated dispenser nozzle; and a second hollow chamber for accommodating an air duct/conduit and an associated vent and one or more power and sensor cable conduits for a dryer sensor.

13. The electronic faucet as set forth in claim 11, further comprising: a water flow conduit for conveying water; and a first sensor for sensing an object to trigger a water dispensing event, with the first sensor connected to a valve controller via a sensor cable and a Y-connector, with a first connecting prong of Y-connector connected to a power source via connector prong of power source Y-connector and a second connecting prong of Y-connector connected to the connector of valve controller.

14. The electronic faucet as set forth in claim 13, wherein: a first end of the water flow conduit is associated with an egress end of a water hose via a shank, with an ingress end of the water hose connected to an outlet of an electronic valve controller for ON/OFF control of water supply.

15. The electronic faucet as set forth in claim 14, wherein: an inlet of the electronic valve controller is connected to an outlet of a mixing valve, with a first inlet of the mixing valve associated with cold water main and a second inlet of the mixing valve associated with hot water main; wherein: the mixing valve mixes the proper amount of hot/cold water.

16. The electronic faucet as set forth in claim 11, further comprising: a soap flow conduit for conveying soap; and a second sensor for sensing an object to trigger a soap dispensing event, with the second sensor connected to a soap dispensing controller via a second sensor cable, which is powered by a power source via a prong connector of power source Y-connector and connector of soap dispensing controller.

17. The electronic faucet as set forth in claim 15 further comprising: a first end of the soap flow conduit is associated with an egress end of a soap dispensing hose, with an ingress end of the soap dispensing hose connected to an outlet of soap reservoir via soap dispensing controller.

18. The electronic faucet as set forth in claim 11 further comprising: an air duct for conveying air; and a third sensor for sensing an object to trigger air flow event, with the third sensor connected to an air pump via third sensor cable, with air pump and sensor connected to a power source.

19. The electronic faucet as set forth in claim 18, further comprising: an egress end of the air conduit is connected to an outlet vent, and an ingress end thereof is connected to an outlet of air pump.

20. A faucet, comprising: a non-cantilevered, elongated body that extends across and spans over, above a basin.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] It is to be understood that the drawings are to be used for the purposes of exemplary illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. Throughout the disclosure, the word exemplary may be used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration, but the absence of the term exemplary does not denote a limiting embodiment. Any embodiment described as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. In the drawings, like reference character(s) present corresponding part(s) throughout.

[0014] FIGS. 1 to 4 are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of various views of a non-limiting, exemplary faucet in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 5 is non-limiting exemplary cross-sectional illustration of the faucet illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention; and

[0016] FIGS. 6A and 6B are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of an electronic faucet in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and or utilized.

[0018] It is to be appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Stated otherwise, although the invention is described below in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and aspects described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention.

[0019] One or more embodiments of the present invention define a vanity as a bathroom unit consisting of a washbasin typically set into a counter with a cabinet beneath.

[0020] One or more embodiments of the present invention define basin (or washbasin) as a bowl for washing, typically attached to a wall and generally having faucets that is connected to a water supply.

[0021] One or more embodiments of the present invention define sink as a fixed basin with a water supply and drain.

[0022] It should be noted that throughout the disclosure of the present invention, the use of terms such as basin, washbasin, sink, bowl, their derivatives, or equivalents thereof are considered equivalent and interchangeable. The applicant has elected to use various synonyms for the term basin for an easier read of the specification and claims.

[0023] One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a faucet where its location in relation to the basin is independent of the shape of the basin and the length of the spout of the faucet. Further, one or more embodiments of the invention provide a faucet that has a handle that is positioned closer to front section of a vanity, enabling easier reach by users without sacrificing aesthetics. Further, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a faucet where on/off handle thereof is not positioned near or above a vanity.

[0024] FIGS. 1 to 4 are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of various views of a non-limiting, exemplary faucet in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, faucet 100 is comprised of an arch like body 102 that extends across and spans over, above a basin 104 like a bridge while positioned slightly behind a basin drain 120.

[0026] Body 102 having a first end 106 that is fixed to a first part 108 of a structure 110 (e.g., a countertop, vanity, or basin, etc.), and a second end 112 that is fixed to a second part 114 of the structure 110, forming a non-cantilevered, elongated body 102.

[0027] Faucet 100 further includes a faucet spout 116 that is located underneath the body 102, above the basin 104 but slightly behind the basin drain 120. It should be noted that spout 116 is capable of issuing a steam of water with or without projecting from body 102. A faucet handle 118 is also provided that is positioned above faucet spout 116. In a less preferred embodiment, faucet handle 118 may be positioned laterally, near the first or second ends 106 and 112 of body 102.

[0028] Body 102 of faucet 100 further includes drainage grooves 122 that redirect water into basin 104. The non-limiting, exemplary illustrated drainage grooves 122 form exterior channels on a top facing surface 124 of the body 102 that channel and redirect any spilled water or droplets to basin 104 from body 102 of faucet 100 during normal use or washing.

[0029] As illustrated, a faucet handle is provided that is placed closer to user, that might facilitate meeting certain Americans with Disability Act (ADA) requirements that normal faucets do not. Further, one or more embodiments of the present invention help eliminate the vanity-space behind the sink generally reserved for the faucet.

[0030] FIG. 5 is non-limiting exemplary cross-sectional illustration of the faucet illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, body 102 of faucet 100 is comprised of one or more inner conduit 126a and 126b for ingress of water into body 102, and a housing 128 for a valve 130 that is controlled by the faucet handle 118. Valve 130 is a rotary cartridge valve, constituting a conventional Hot/Cold faucet with single handle. It should be noted that the illustrated faucet may employ a number of different, well-known hot/cold water cartridge valves, or a single water source cartridge valve.

[0032] First end 106, second end 112, or both first 106 and second 112 ends of body 102 include openings 132 and 134 that lead to inner conduits 126a and 126b of body 102, and function as inlets that are connected to egress ends 136 and 138 of flexible hoses 140 and 142 of a main water supply 154. All piping and connectivity may be done through first end 106 or second end 112 only and need not be divided or separated as shown.

[0033] As further illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, one of first end 106 and second end 112 is connected to structure 110 by a mounting shank 144 having first outer diameter circumferential threading 146 along an outer side of mounting shank 144.

[0034] An upper distal end threading 148 of mounting shank 144 has a second outer diameter threads that is fastened into an inner diameter thread 150 of one of first end 106 and second end 112, with mounting shank 144 secured to one of first end 106 and second end 112 by a fastener nut 152 and washer 154 combination. It should be noted that mounting shank 144 may have one diameter threading throughout rather than the illustrated two diameter threading.

[0035] Hose 142 is inserted through mounting shank 144 and connected to opening 134 of inner channel 126a. Opening 134 has an inner diameter threading 156 that allows securing of hose 142 with an outer diameter threading 158.

[0036] One of first end 106 and second end 112 is connected to a shank 160 with an upper outer diameter threading 162 that is received within an inner diameter thread 164 of one of first end 106 and second end 112. Hose 140 is inserted through shank 160 and connected to opening 132 of inner conduit 126b. Opening 132 has an inner diameter threading 166 that allows securing of hose 140 with an outer diameter threading 168.

[0037] FIGS. 6A and 6B are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of an electronic faucet in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The electronic faucet illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B includes similar corresponding or equivalent components, methods, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships as the faucet that is shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, and described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, clarity, convenience, and to avoid duplication, the general description of FIGS. 6A and 6B will not repeat every corresponding or equivalent component, methods, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships that has already been described above in relation to the faucet that is shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 but instead, are incorporated by reference herein.

[0038] In this non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, an electronic faucet is shown comprised of a body 202 that extends across and spans over, above a basin 104. Body 202 has a first end 206 that is fixed to a first part 108 of a structure 110, and a second end 212 that is fixed to a second part 114 of structure 110, forming a non-cantilevered, elongated body 202. Further included is a faucet spout 116 that is located underneath body 202, above basin 104.

[0039] Please note that as illustrated, the handle is merely decorative with no function. However, optionally, the handle may be associated with a mixing valve that may be located and housed inside the faucet body underneath the handle to allow for the control of water mixture temperature in a well-known conventional manner. As shown however, mixing valve 258 resides outside faucet body 202 (e.g., underneath the sink) and hence, water temperature is preprogrammed or pre-set.

[0040] Body 202 has a first hallow chamber 214 for housing one or more sensor and power line cable conduits 228 for one or more sensors 226, and for housing dispenser hose 230 and an associated dispenser nozzle 232.

[0041] Further included is a second hollow chamber 216 for accommodating an air duct/conduit 218, an associated vent 224, and one or more power and sensor cable conduits 220 for a dryer sensor 222.

[0042] Body 202 further comprises a water flow conduit 234 for conveying water and a first sensor 236 for sensing an object to trigger a water dispensing/flow. event.

[0043] First sensor 236 is connected to a valve controller 238 via a sensor cable 240 and a Y-connector 288, with a first connecting prong 290 of Y-connector 288 connected to a power source 252 (via connector prong 292 of power source Y-connector 266) and a second connecting prong 294 of Y-connector 288 connected to connector 296 of valve controller 238. Non-limiting examples of a sensor 236 used may be an infrared sensor that may sense the presence of a hand of a user upon which, electronic valve controller 238 would allow water flow.

[0044] A first end 242 of water flow conduit 234 is associated with an egress end 244 of a water hose 246 via a shank 160, with an ingress end 248 of water hose 246 connected to an outlet 250 of electronic valve controller 238 for ON/OFF control of water supply. Shank 160 is connected to first end 206 of body 202 in the same manner as detailed in relation to FIG. 5. Electronic valve controller 238 is indirectly connected to a power source 252 (via a Y-connector 266) and connector 294.

[0045] An inlet 254 of electronic valve controller 238 is connected to an outlet 256 of a mixing valve 258, with a first inlet 260 of mixing valve 258 associated with cold water main and a second inlet 262 of mixing valve 258 associated with hot water main. Mixing valve 258 mixes the proper amount of hot/cold water. As illustrated, valve controller 238 is comprised of a mixing valve 238 and solenoid valve 302.

[0046] Further illustrated is a soap flow conduit 230 for conveying soap and a second sensor 226 for sensing an object to trigger a soap dispensing event. The second sensor 226 is connected to a soap dispensing controller 264 via a second sensor cable 228, which is powered by power source 252 via a prong connector 298 of power source Y-connector 266 and connector 300 of soap dispensing controller 264.

[0047] A first end 268 of soap flow conduit 230 is associated with an egress end 270 of a soap dispensing hose 272, with an ingress end 274 of soap dispensing hose 272 connected to an outlet 276 of soap reservoir 278 via soap dispensing controller 264. It should be noted that just as the water flow detailed above and in relation to FIG. 5 above, all cables/conduits of soap dispensing unit pass through shank 160.

[0048] As further illustrated, electronic faucet 200 further includes an air duct 218 for conveying air and a third sensor 222 for sensing an object to trigger air flow event, with the third sensor 222 connected to an air pump 280 via third sensor cable 220, with air pump 280 and sensor 222 connected to a power source. An egress end of air conduit 218 is connected to an outlet vent 224, and an ingress end 282 thereof connected to an outlet 284 of air pump 280. It should be noted that just as the water flow detailed above and in relation to FIG. 5, the air conduit 218/third sensor cable 220 of the dryer unit pass through shank 144.

[0049] Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features and or method acts, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Further, the specification is not confined to the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. The illustrated manual faucet may be constructed of solid metal or plastic body with water passages that are integral to the casting or molding of the body. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0050] It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, inside, outside, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, lateral, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction, orientation, or position. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations/positions and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object.

[0051] In addition, reference to first, second, third, and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) is not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead is used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.

[0052] Further the terms a and an throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0053] The use of the phrases and or, and/or throughout the specification (if any used) indicate an inclusive or where for example, A and or B should be interpreted as A, B, or both A and B.

[0054] In addition, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state means for performing a specified function, or step for performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a means or step clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of step of, act of, operation of, or operational act of in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.