Multi-channel plumbing products
US10106962B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 10, 2015 |
| Grant date | Oct 23, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 10, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/9464
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Novel plumbing products, including faucets, are fabricated, e.g., using metallic 3-dimensional or other 3-D printing techniques, to have complex geometries, such as multiple channels that may diverge and re-converge near the spout. The geometries of the various channels can resemble interwoven net-like patterns that define various shapes between the channels. The plumbing fixtures may be formed from one or more of stainless steels, INCONEL, brass, bronze, polycarbonate, PVC, acrylics, rigid polyolefins, PET, carbon fiber, AES, or other plumbing fitting suitable corrosion resistant materials. In some embodiments, the handles of an exemplary faucet can include the same or a similar multiple channel configuration as the spout, providing an advantageously, aesthetically pleasing faucet system. In exemplary embodiments, faucet spouts and their handles are formed so as to couple to standard faucet underbodies, standard valve platforms, or standard threaded hose/waterway connections.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.