Articulating faucet and joint therefor
US8070076B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 2009 |
| Grant date | Dec 6, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 22, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32016
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Articulating faucets have segments connected by a plurality of movable joints. Each joint includes a pair of ceramic mating disks arranged in face to face contact, but able to rotate relative to each other when sufficient force is applied. A wave spring helps keep the disks in constant contact, and rubber spheres press against opposing surfaces of the ceramic disks to produce shear forces to keep the joint stable. In the faucet water passes through the joint by means of a tube or a hollow banjo bolt sealed from the joint. The faucet can therefore direct water to a wide variety of positions, without the need for a side spray, and while reducing the risk of joint leakage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.