Bath Faucet System

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/436,629 filed Feb. 8, 2024, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/517,415 filed Nov. 2, 2021 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,920,329), which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/115,964 filed Nov. 19, 2020, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

The present disclosure relates generally to bath faucet systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a bath faucet system that incorporates a waterway to prevent water from contacting a bath faucet body.

Bath faucet systems often are made of a select range of materials due to the faucet body being exposed to water flow. The materials that are typically selected experience little to no oxidation when exposed to water. These materials may be expensive or may not be aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, waterways designed to prevent water flow from making contact with a faucet body are difficult to design due to the movement of diverters (e.g., diverter rods, etc.) disposed within the faucet body. Accordingly, a system that provides flexibility to use a wide range of materials for a bath faucet body, that is easy to install, and does not interrupt the operation of a diverter would be desirable.

At least one embodiment relates to a bath faucet system. The bath faucet system includes a housing, and an internal waterway. The housing forms an outer shell of the bath faucet system and includes a water inlet, a water outlet, and a cavity extending between the water inlet and the water outlet. The internal waterway is disposed within the cavity between the water inlet and the water outlet. The internal waterway includes a water jacket and a hose. The water jacket is coupled to the water inlet and configured to contain water flowing into the housing via the water inlet. The water jacket includes a hose connector along an outside surface of the water jacket. The hose includes a first end coupled to the hose connector, a second end coupled to the water outlet, and a central portion connecting the first end to the second end and configured to prevent water from contacting the housing as the water flows through the housing.

In some embodiments, the bath faucet system includes a diverter assembly disposed at least partially within the cavity. The water jacket includes an aperture and the diverter assembly includes a diverter rod extending through the aperture and configured to move relative to the water jacket between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, the diverter assembly includes one or more seals positioned between the diverter rod and the water jacket. In still some embodiments, the one or more seals includes a first set of seals and a second set of seals. The first set of seals are positioned between the diverter rod and the water jacket and configured to prevent water from leaking out of the water jacket via the aperture. The second set of seals are positioned between the diverter rod and an inlet to the diverter assembly and configured to prevent water from entering the diverter assembly when diverter rod is in the closed position.

In some embodiments, the bath faucet system includes a diverter assembly disposed at least partially within the cavity. The hose connector is offset from the diverter assembly such that the hose does not abut the diverter assembly within the cavity.

In some embodiments, the housing includes mounting clips fixedly coupled to an internal surface of the shell and configured to receive the hose.

In some embodiments, the water jacket includes a circumferential sidewall defining a hollow cavity therein.

In some embodiments, the housing is formed of a material having a low level of resistance to fluids within a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5.

In some embodiments, the central portion of the hose defines a curvilinear sidewall extending between the hose connector and the water outlet.

In some embodiments, the bath faucet system includes a diverter assembly disposed at least partially within the cavity. The diverter assembly is selectively repositionable between an open position and a closed position. The diverter assembly permits water to flow through the bath faucet system when the diverter assembly is in the open position. The diverter assembly prevents water from flowing through the bath faucet system when the diverter assembly is in the closed position.

Another example embodiment relates to an internal waterway. The internal waterway is configured to deliver water between a water inlet and a water outlet of a bath faucet. The internal waterway includes a water jacket and a hose. The water jacket is coupled to the water inlet and configured to contain water. The water jacket includes a hose connector along an outside surface of the water jacket and protruding outward from the water jacket. The hose connector includes a hole extending therethrough. The hose includes a first end coupled to the hose connector, a second end coupled to the water outlet, and a central portion connecting the first end to the second end and configured to transfer water therein.

In some embodiments, the water jacket includes a circumferential sidewall defining a hollow cavity therein.

In some embodiments, internal waterway includes a diverter assembly including a diverter rod configured to move relative to the water jacket between an open position and a closed position. The diverter assembly includes one or more seals positioned at an end of the diverter assembly. The diverter assembly includes a bore coaxially aligned with the water jacket. The one or more seals abut the water inlet when the diverter assembly is in the closed position to seal the bore.

In some embodiments, the internal waterway includes a diverter assembly selectively repositionable between an open position and a closed position. The diverter assembly permits water to flow through the internal waterway when the diverter assembly is in the open position. The diverter assembly prevents water from flowing through the internal waterway when the diverter assembly is in the closed position.

Another example embodiment relates to an internal waterway. The internal waterway is configured to deliver water between a water inlet and a water outlet of a bath faucet. The internal waterway includes a water jacket and a hose. The water jacket is coupled to the water inlet and configured to contain water. The water jacket includes a hose connector along an outside surface of the water jacket and protruding outward from the water jacket and positioned substantially offset from a midpoint of the water jacket. The hose connector includes a hole extending therethrough. The water jacket includes a circumferential sidewall defining a hollow cavity therein. The hose includes a first end coupled to the hose connector, a second end coupled to the water outlet, and a central portion connecting the first end to the second end and configured to transfer water therein.

In some embodiments, the internal waterway includes a receptacle coaxially aligned with the water jacket along an axis. The receptacle is at least partially disposed through a top of the water jacket. In some embodiments, the internal waterway includes a diverter assembly including a diverter rod extending through the receptacle and configured to move relative to the water jacket between an open position and a closed position. In still some embodiments, the diverter assembly includes one or more seals positioned between the diverter rod and the water jacket. The one or more seals includes a first set of seals and a second set of seals. The first set of seals are configured to prevent water from leaking out of the water jacket via the aperture. The second set of seals are configured to prevent water from entering the diverter assembly when the diverter rod is in the closed position. In still some embodiments, the hose defines a curvilinear sidewall extending from the first end to the second end.

This summary is illustrative only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring generally to the figures, disclosed herein is a bath faucet system that facilitates utilizing a wider range of materials for the bath faucet body without disrupting operation of the diverter rod. According to an exemplary embodiment, the disclosed bath faucet system includes a waterway that is fluidly coupled to a water supply and is configured to receive water from the water supply. The waterway is also fluidly coupled to a conduit and is configured to provide the water to the conduit. The conduit is disposed within a faucet body and is configured to be routed away from a diverter rod disposed within the faucet body. The conduit is fluidly coupled to a bath faucet outlet through a spout of the faucet body and is configured to provide water to the bath faucet outlet. The bath faucet outlet is configured to dispense the water. In this manner, water does not make contact with the faucet body itself while also avoiding contact with the diverter rod.

Referring to, a bath faucet systemis shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The bath faucet systemmay dispense water for a bath tub. However, the bath faucet systemmay also be utilized for a kitchen sink, a bathroom sink, a spa, etc. The bath faucet systemmay include a water supply, such as a household water supply. The water supplymay provide water to be dispensed by the bath faucet system. The water supplymay deliver at least one of a hot water, a cold water, and a mixture of hot and cold water.

The bath faucet systemmay include a faucet body(e.g., body, cavity, etc.). The faucet bodymay include a baseand a spoutextending from the baseto an outlet. The baseof the faucet bodymay be disposed onto the water jacket. In this manner, the faucet bodycan be positioned relative to the water jacketand the water supply. The faucet bodymay be configured to conceal the interior components of the bath faucet systemto provide a user a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. The water jacketmay be configured so that the faucet bodyminimizes contact with water. In this manner, the faucet bodymay be composed of a wider range of materials since the materials have little to no exposure to water. These materials may include, but are not limited to, zinc, copper, brass, and aluminum. Accordingly, the wider range of materials provides different aesthetics for the bath faucet systemthat may not have been readily available before. As can be appreciated, a water pH within a range of 6.5 to 8.5 may cause elements of the faucet bodyto break down which substantially decreases the life span of the bath faucet system, and could potentially be harmful to a user. By way of example, the faucet bodymay be formed of a material having a low level of resistance to fluids within a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5.

The water jacketmay include a waterway outlet(e.g., water exit, waterway connector, a hose connector, etc.). The waterway outletmay be fluidly coupled to the cavityand may be configured to receive water from the cavity. The waterway outletmay be configured to provide water to be dispensed by the bath faucet system. The waterway outletmay extend away from the water jacket. The waterway outletmay be disposed at an offset position relative to the location of a diverter roddisposed in the water jacket. In this manner, the waterway outletcan provide a flow path for water to exit the water jacketthat does not disrupt the operation of the diverter rod. In an exemplary embodiment, the diverter rod is disposed at the center of the water jacket. In these embodiments, the waterway outletis offset the center of the water jacket. In another exemplary embodiment, the diverter rod is disposed offset the center of the water jacket. In these embodiments, the waterway outletis disposed radially away from the disposition of the diverter rod.

The bath faucet systemmay further include a fastener(e.g., bolt, rivet, etc.). The fastenermay be disposed within a cavity at the base of the faucet body. The fastenermay also extend through a hole disposed within the base of the water jacket. When fastened, the fastenermay be configured to couple the faucet bodyonto the water supply. Further, after being fastened, the water jacketmay be interposed between the faucet bodyand the water supplyin a confronting relationship. In this manner, the fastenermay secure the water supply, the water jacket, and the faucet bodytogether and minimizes play (e.g., movement between components) due to an external force (e.g., force generated by water flow or force generated by the user).

The bath faucet systemmay also include a diverter assembly. When activated by the user, the diverter assemblymay be configured to divert water from the bath faucet systemto an external faucet or other water delivery device (e.g., showerhead, etc.). The diverter assemblymay be selectively repositionable between a lowered position where water may flow into the bath faucet systemand a raised position where water may be prevented from flowing into the bath faucet system. The diverter assemblymay divert water from the bath faucet systemby closing an inlet to the bath faucet systemand opening an inlet to the external faucet. In this manner, water may flow to the external faucet. In an exemplary embodiment, the user pulls the diverter assemblyup (e.g., away from the faucet body) to activate the diverter assemblyand pushes the diverter assemblydown (e.g., towards the faucet body) to deactivate the diverter assembly. In another exemplary embodiment, the user pushes the diverter assemblyup (e.g., towards the faucet body) to activate the diverter assemblyand pulls the diverter assemblydown (e.g., away from the faucet body) to deactivate the diverter assembly. The diverter assemblymay include a variety of sub-components that are described in greater detail with reference to.

The bath faucet systemmay also include a conduit(e.g., tube, pipe, hose, etc.). The conduitmay be fluidly coupled to the waterway outletat a first end and is configured to receive water from the waterway outlet. The conduitmay be disposed within the faucet body. Due to the waterway outletbeing disposed offset to the diverter rod, the first end of the conduitmay also disposed offset from the diverter rod. In this manner, the conduitcan receive water from the waterway outletwithout disrupting operation of the diverter assembly. Due to the diverter assemblybeing configured to axially translate, the conduitmay be configured to be routed in such a way to minimize or eliminate contact with the diverter assemblyalong the length of the conduit. In an exemplary embodiment, the conduitmay be composed of a low-friction material. In this manner, even if the conduitwere to make contact with the diverter assembly, the conduitdoes not get caught (e.g., stuck) to the diverter assembly. In another exemplary embodiment, the conduitis composed of a rigid material and is firmly coupled to the faucet bodyand the waterway outlet. In this manner, even with a larger kickback force by the water (e.g., force generated by the water flow through the bath faucet system), the conduithas minimal movement due to being composed of a rigid material. In another exemplary embodiment, the faucet bodyhas a path integrated (e.g., milled, slotted) into the faucet bodyin which the conduitis disposed in.

In some embodiments, the conduitis integrated into the faucet body. In such an embodiment, the conduitis composed of a material that minimizes or experiences no oxidation (e.g., brass, plastic, stainless steel) and where the faucet bodymay be composed of a different material. In another exemplary embodiment, the conduitis fastened (e.g., through a hook-and-loop, snap-fit, adhesion) to the interior portion of the faucet bodyalong various points of the conduit.

In still some embodiments, the conduitmay be selectively coupled to the faucet bodyby mounting components (e.g., clips, adhesive, etc.). In such an embodiment, the conduitis distances away from the diverter assemblyto avoid contact. As can be appreciated, if the conduitcomes in contact with the diverter assembly, the conduitmay see increased wear on an outer surface of the conduit.

The bath faucet systemmay include an additional sealing component disposed on or between the conduitand the waterway outlet. In this manner, water exiting the waterway outletonly exits through the conduit. The additional sealing component may be used to seal (e.g., block, prevent, etc.) an area between the conduitand the waterway outletto keep fluid (e.g., water) contained within.

The bath faucet systemmay include the outlet(e.g., exit, vent). The conduitmay be fluidly coupled to the outletand is configured to provide water to the outlet. The outletmay be configured to interface with the water before it is dispensed into the tub. In some embodiments, the outletmay be threadingly coupled to an aerator. The outletmay be positioned substantially opposite the waterway outlet. In some embodiments, the outletmay be positioned proximate the waterway outlet.

Referring now to, the bath faucet systemmay include a mounting component(e.g., fixture). The mounting componentmay be coupled to at least one of an interior surface and an exterior surface of the water supply. In this manner, the water supplycan be mounted and then positioned relative to the mounting component. In some embodiments, the mounting componentmay be coupled to one of an interior surface and an exterior surface. The bath faucet systemmay include a first sealing component(e.g., O-ring, sealant) disposed between the interior portion of the mounting componentand the water supply. The first sealing componentmay mitigate the amount of water entering between the interior portion of the mounting componentand the water supply. The bath faucet systemmay include a second sealing component(e.g., O-ring, sealant) disposed between the exterior portion of the mounting componentand the water supply. The second sealing componentmay mitigate water ingress from entering within the bath faucet system. As can be appreciated, the second sealing componentmay mitigate water ingress from an area proximate the water supplyand the mounting component. By way of example, the first sealing componentand the second sealing componentmay be received within a groove of the mounting componentand the water supply, respectively.

The bath faucet systemmay include a water jacket. The water jacketmay be fluidly coupled to the water supplyand may be configured to receive water from the water supply. The water jacketmay be further configured to provide the water to be dispensed by the bath faucet system. The water jacketmay further include a top, shown as water jacket top, and a base, shown as water jacket base. The water jacket basemay be disposed on the exterior surface of the water supply. The water jacket topmay be at least partially disposed over the mounting component. In this manner, the water jacketcan be aligned relative to the water supplyand the mounting component. In some embodiments, the water jacketis integrated with the water supply. The water jacketincludes a cavity(e.g., mixing chamber, void). The cavitymay receive hot water from the hot water supplyand cold water from the cold water supply. Accordingly, the hot water and cold water may combine within the cavity. The interior portion of the mounting componentmay extend along a center portion of the cavity. In this manner, the water flows around the interior portion of the mounting component.

The water jacketmay include a bore, passage, aperture or opening, shown as receptacle. The receptaclemay be disposed on a center axis of the water jacketand extends from the water jacket topto the cavity. In this manner, the receptacleprovides clearance for a diverter rod of the bath faucet system. As discussed in greater detail herein, the diverter rodmay be configured to axially translate along a length of the receptacle. Accordingly, the receptaclemay be sized to accommodate the diverter rod along the entire path of the axial translation. In another exemplary embodiment, the receptacleis disposed offset the center axis of the water jacketwhen the diverter rod is also disposed offset the center axis of the water jacket.

The receptaclemay include a plurality of scaling components(e.g., O-rings, sealants, etc.). The plurality of sealing componentsmay be disposed between the receptacleand an inner wall of the water jacket. The plurality of sealing componentsmay mitigate water ingress from the flow path traveling through the water jacketfrom entering into the interior portion of the mounting component. The plurality of sealing componentsmay be at least partially received within a plurality of grooves circumferentially disposed along an outer wall of the receptacle.

The bath faucet systemmay include a third sealing component(e.g., O-ring, sealant, etc.). The third sealing componentis disposed between the water jacketand the water supply. The third sealing componentmay mitigate water ingress from the cavityfrom escaping between the water jacketand the water supplyand ensures that all water within the water jacketexits via the waterway outlet. The third sealing componentmay be at least partially received within a groove circumferentially disposed along an outer perimeter of the water supply.

The bath faucet systemmay include a fourth sealing component(e.g., O-ring, sealant, etc.). The fourth scaling componentmay be disposed between faucet bodyand the water supply. The fourth sealing componentmay mitigate water ingress from outside of the faucet bodyfrom entering between the faucet bodyand the water supply. The fourth sealing componentmay be disposed within a groove positioned on a mounting base. In some embodiments, the fourth sealing componentmay abut a countertop, wall, sink, etc.

In an exemplary embodiment, the water supplymay include a hot water supply(e.g., hot water conduit) and a cold water supply(e.g., cold water conduit). The hot water supplymay be configured to deliver a flow of hot water to the bath faucet system. The cold water supplymay be configured to deliver a flow of cold water to the bath faucet system. In another exemplary embodiment, the water supplymay include a single water source configured to deliver a mixture of at least one of hot and cold water. In these embodiments, the water supplymixes hot and cold water before entering into the bath faucet systemor the bath faucet systemis configured to dispense either hot or cold water.

Referring now to, the diverter assemblymay include a diverter rod(e.g., pole, dowel). A first end of the diverter rodmay be disposed within the interior portion of the mounting component. In this manner, when the diverter assemblyis applied, the diverter rodmay be axially translated away the water supply. The diverter rodmay be further disposed within the receptacleof the water jacket. In this manner, the receptaclemay facilitate the diverter rodto axially translate along the full length of travel when the diverter assemblyis applied. Further, the receptaclemay act as a datum (e.g., a fixed starting point) as the diverter rodis centered relative to the water jacket. In this manner, the waterway outletis disposed a specified distance away from the diverter rodwhich prevents disrupting operation of the diverter assembly. This axial translation may result in the inlet to the bath faucet systemto be blocked while opening the inlet to the external faucet. Accordingly, when the diverter assemblyis no longer applied, the diverter rodmay be axially translated towards the water supply. This axial translation may result in the inlet to the bath faucet systemto open while blocking the inlet to the external faucet.

The diverter assemblymay include a diverter handle(e.g., knob). The diverter handlemay be at least partially disposed on an outer portion of the faucet body. In some embodiments, the diverter handlemay be disposed within an inner portion of the faucet bodywhere a user provides a push force onto the diverter handleto actuate the diverter assembly. The diverter handlemay be coupled to a second end of the diverter rod, opposite the water jacket. The user may utilize the diverter handleto push or pull the diverter rodto deactivate or activate the diverter assembly.

Referring now to, the diverter assemblymay include a diverter scaling component(e.g., O-ring, sealant, etc.). The diverter sealing componentmay be coupled to the diverter rod, opposite the diverter handle. By way of example, the diverter sealing componentmay be configured to abut the mounting componentwhen the diverter assemblyis in the raised position. That is, when in the raised position, the diverter sealing componentmay abut an inner surface of the mounting componentso that at least one of hot water and cold water may not pass through an internal passage of the mounting component.

The water jacket, diverter assembly, and the conduitmay at least cooperatively define an internal waterway. The internal waterwaymay be configured to deliver water from a water inlet (e.g., hot water supply, cold water supply, waterway outlet, etc.) to a water outlet (e.g., water outletin). The internal waterwaymay further include a springdisposed between the receptacleand the diverter sealing component. The springmay further abut at least one of the receptacleand the diverter rod. The springmay be configured to bias the diverter assemblyinto the lowered position by providing a biasing force onto the diverter rodat an end proximate the diverter sealing component. In some embodiments, the springmay be configured to bias the diverter assemblyinto the raised position. By way of example, the operator may provide a pull force onto the diverter handleto raise the diverter assemblyinto the raised position, where the pull force must be greater than the biasing force. When in the raised position, water from the hot water supplyand the cold water supplymay provide a pressure onto a rearward side of the diverter sealing componentsuch to maintain the diverter assemblyinto the raised position when the operator releases the diverter handle. In some embodiments, the diverter assemblymay automatically retract into the lowered position when the operator releases the diverter handle.

Referring now to, the conduitmay be disposed between the water inlet and outlet. The conduitmay define a curvilinear sidewall extending between the water inlet and outletwith a hollow cavity therein. In some embodiments, the conduitmay define any geometrical configuration with a hollow cavity disposed therein for transferring water from the water inlet to the outlet. As shown in, the conduitmay extend away from, and out of interaction with, the diverter assembly. As can be appreciated, maintaining a minimal distance between the diverter assemblyand the conduitmay increase the life cycle for at least the conduitand the diverter assembly(e.g., 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, etc.).

Referring now to, the bath faucet systemis shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The bath faucet systemmay include mounting clipspositioned on an inner wall of the faucet body. In such an embodiment, the mounting clipsmay be configured to receive the conduitto hold the conduit in place. The mounting clipsmay further be configured to receive the conduit such to maintain a minimum distance between the conduitand the diverter assembly.

Referring now to, the bath faucet systemis shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The bath faucet systemmay include a spacerpositioned between at least the diverter assemblyand the conduit. The spacermay be advantageously positioned to minimize contact between the conduitand the diverter assembly. As can be appreciated, increased contact between the conduitand the diverter assemblymay inadvertently decrease a lifespan of at least the conduitand the diverter assembly.

As utilized herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally mean+/−10% of the disclosed values, unless specified otherwise. As utilized herein with respect to structural features (e.g., to describe shape, size, orientation, direction, relative position, etc.), the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are meant to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above.

It is important to note that any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, the fastenerof the exemplary embodiment described in at least, it may also be incorporated in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.