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  Bridge faucet assemblyUSPTO Application #: 20070267073Title: Bridge faucet assembly Abstract: A faucet assembly includes a unitary non-fluidic body defined by a first end body, a second end body, a spout riser, a first non-fluid carrying support member, and a second non-fluid carrying support member. The first non-fluid carrying support member is suspended between the first end body and the spout riser, and the second non-fluid carrying support member is suspended between the second end body and the spout riser. (end of abstract)
Agent: Taylor & Aust, P.C. - Indianapolis, IN, US Inventors: Alston E. Williams, David R. Downey USPTO Applicaton #: 20070267073 - Class: 137606 (USPTO) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070267073. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001]The present invention relates to a faucet, and, more particularly, to a bridge faucet assembly. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002]A faucet assembly typically includes a spout having a spray head coupled via fluid conduits to a pair of hot and cold water valves. Valve operators, e.g., handles, are connected to the hot and cold water valves, respectively, and in turn, typically operate the valves by manual rotation of the valve operators. One such faucet assembly is known as a bridge faucet. [0003]Bridge faucets in the prior art supply hot and cold water from the end bodies to the spout riser above the mounting surface, e.g., the deck plate, countertop, etc., for the bridge faucet. Such a configuration, for example, makes it difficult to supply water to a hose connection for a pull-out faucet spray head or a side spray. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004]The invention, in one form thereof, is directed to a faucet assembly. The faucet assembly includes a unitary non-fluidic body defined by a first end body, a second end body, a spout riser, a first non-fluid carrying support member, and a second non-fluid carrying support member. The first non-fluid carrying support member is suspended between the first end body and the spout riser, and the second non-fluid carrying support member is suspended between the second end body and the spout riser. [0005]The invention, in another form thereof, is directed to a method for assembling a bridge faucet. The method includes providing a first end body, a second end body and a spout riser; connecting a first non-fluid carrying support member between the first end body and the spout riser; and connecting a second non-fluid carrying support member between the second end body and the spout riser. [0006]The invention, in another form thereof, is directed to a bridge faucet assembly. The bridge faucet assembly includes a first end body, a second end body, a spout riser, and a spray head coupled to the spout riser. A first non-fluid carrying support member is connected between the first end body and the spout riser. A second non-fluid carrying support member is connected between the second end body and the spout riser. The first end body, the second end body, and the spout riser are coupled to a first side of a mounting surface, with each of the first non-fluid carrying support member and the second non-fluid carrying support member being spaced away from the mounting surface. A first valve unit is mounted to the first end body. A second valve unit is mounted to the second end body. A first flexible fluid carrying conduit couples the first valve unit to the spray head. A second flexible fluid carrying conduit couples the second valve unit to the spray head. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007]The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0008]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bridge faucet assembly configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with a portion of the deck plate and countertop broken away. [0009]FIG. 2 is a front sectional view of the bridge faucet of FIG. I taken along line 2-2. [0010]Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate an embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0011]Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a bridge faucet assembly 10 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Bridge faucet assembly 10 is mounted to a mounting surface, such as for example, to countertop 12 forming a mounting surface 12-1. Other examples of mounting surfaces include, but are not limited to, a deck plate, a wall, a sink, etc. Much of countertop 12 is broken away to more clearly show the configuration of bridge faucet assembly 10. [0012]Bridge faucet assembly 10 includes a unitary non-fluidic body 14. Unitary non-fluidic body 14 defines a first end body 16, a second end body 18, a spout riser 20, a first non-fluid carrying support member 22 and a second non-fluid carrying support member 24. First non-fluid carrying support member 22 is positioned as a cross-member that is suspended and connected between first end body 16 and spout riser 20, and second non-fluid carrying support member 24 is positioned as a cross-member that is suspended and connected between second end body 18 and spout riser 20. Within unitary non-fluidic body 14, there is an absence of fluid flow between first end body 16 and spout riser 20 via support member 22, and an absence of fluid flow between second end body 18 and spout riser 20 via support member 24. [0013]Each of first end body 16, second end body 18, spout riser 20, first non-fluid carrying support member 22 and second non-fluid carrying support member 24 may be, for example, a discrete element which when assembled form unitary non-fluidic body 14. In one embodiment, for example, unitary non-fluidic body 14 may be substantially rigid when assembled, while providing some flexibility at the connection joints if desired, such as for example, by using O-ring retainers (e.g., a compression fit) between the respective elements to be joined. [0014]Alternatively, first non-fluid carrying support member 22 may be rigidly connected between first end body 16 and spout riser 20, such as for example, by weld or threaded coupling. Likewise, second non-fluid carrying support member 24 may be rigidly connected between second end body 18 and spout riser 20, such as for example, by weld or threaded coupling. [0015]As a further alternative, unitary non-fluidic body 14 may be formed from a single casting, and may be further machined, for example, to define the interior bores of first end body 16, second end body 18, and spout riser 20. [0016]The non-fluid carrying support members 22, 24 provide structural support to maintain the orientation of each of first end body 16 and second end body 18 with respect to spout riser 20. Since the non-fluid carrying support members, i.e., cross-members, 22 and 24 do not carry a fluid flow, each may be solid if desired, or may be hollow, e.g., formed from pipe, to reduce weight. [0017]Referring also to FIG. 2, first end body 16 may be formed, for example, as an upwardly extending cylindrical body having a bore 16-1, and having an upper end 16-2 spaced apart from a lower end 16-3. Second end body 18 also may be formed, for example, as an upwardly extending cylindrical body having a bore 18-1, and having an upper end 18-2 spaced apart from a lower end 18-3. Further, spout riser 20 also may be formed, for example, as an upwardly extending cylindrical body having a bore 20-1, and having an upper end 20-2 spaced apart from a lower end 20-3. [0018]A first valve unit 26 is coupled to first end body 16 by inserting an actuator end 26-1 of first valve unit 26 into bore 16-1 at lower end 16-3 of first end body 16. At an end of first valve unit 26 opposite to actuator end 26-1 is a valve body end 26-2. A second valve unit 28 is coupled to second end body 18 by inserting an actuator end 28-1 of second valve unit 28 into bore 18-1 at lower end 18-3 of second end body 18. At an end of second valve unit 28 opposite to actuator end 28-1 is a valve body end 28-2. [0019]A first valve operator 30, e.g., an operator lever, is connected to actuator end 26-1 of first valve unit 26 for operating first valve unit 26. This connection may be a direct connection, or via a spindle. A second valve operator 32, e.g., an operator lever, is connected to actuator end 28-1 of second valve unit 28 for operating second valve unit 28. This connection also may be a direct connection, or via a spindle. Continue reading... Full patent description for Bridge faucet assembly Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Bridge faucet assembly patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Bridge faucet assembly or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Device for controlling a paper cutting machine Next Patent Application: Systems and methods providing hands free water faucet control Industry Class: Fluid handling ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Bridge faucet assembly patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 5.94837 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Computers: Graphics , I/O , Processors , Dyn. 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