FAUCET WITH MANIFOLD ASSEMBLY

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/723,860, filed Nov. 22,2024, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a faucet with a manifold assembly and, more particularly, to a faucet with a manifold assembly including a retention mechanism.

BACKGROUND

Faucets with manifold assemblies are known. Faucets with manifold assemblies can be difficult to install and uninstall. Faucets with manifold assemblies that are easier to install and uninstall are desired.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a faucet with a manifold assembly.

In an exemplary embodiment, the faucet comprises a hub, a manifold, and a retention mechanism. The hub includes a bore. The manifold includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion. The first end portion includes a face. The face includes a hot water opening, a cold water opening, and a mixed water opening. The second end portion includes a hot water opening, a cold water opening, and a mixed water opening. The intermediate portion includes a hot water passage fluidly connecting the hot water opening in the face of the first end portion with the hot water opening in the second end portion, a cold water passage fluidly connecting the cold water opening in the face of the first end portion with the cold water opening in the second end portion, and a mixed water passage fluidly connecting the mixed water opening in the face of the first end portion with the mixed water opening in the second end portion. The retention mechanism is operable to secure the first end portion of the manifold in the bore in the hub. The retention mechanism is operable to be expanded. Before the first end portion of the manifold is inserted into the bore in the hub, the retention mechanism is not expanded. After the first end portion of the manifold has been inserted into the bore in the hub, the retention mechanism is operable to be expanded.

In an exemplary embodiment, the faucet comprises a hub, a manifold, and a retention mechanism. The hub includes a bore. The manifold includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion. The first end portion includes a face. The face includes a hot water opening, a cold water opening, and a mixed water opening. The second end portion includes a hot water opening, a cold water opening, and a mixed water opening. The intermediate portion includes a hot water passage fluidly connecting the hot water opening in the face of the first end portion with the hot water opening in the second end portion, a cold water passage fluidly connecting the cold water opening in the face of the first end portion with the cold water opening in the second end portion, and a mixed water passage fluidly connecting the mixed water opening in the face of the first end portion with the mixed water opening in the second end portion. The retention mechanism is operable to secure the first end portion of the manifold in the bore in the hub. The retention mechanism has a free state and an expanded state. Before the first end portion of the manifold is inserted into the bore in the hub, the retention mechanism is in the free state. After the first end portion of the manifold has been inserted into the bore in the hub, the retention mechanism is operable to be moved from the free state to the expanded state.

In an exemplary embodiment, the faucet comprises a hub, a manifold, and a retention mechanism. The hub has a central longitudinal axis. The hub includes a bore. The bore has an outer end and a diameter. The hub has a distance from the central longitudinal axis to the outer end of the bore. The manifold includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion. The first end portion includes a face. The face includes a hot water opening, a cold water opening, and a mixed water opening. The second end portion includes a hot water opening, a cold water opening, and a mixed water opening. The intermediate portion includes a hot water passage fluidly connecting the hot water opening in the face of the first end portion with the hot water opening in the second end portion, a cold water passage fluidly connecting the cold water opening in the face of the first end portion with the cold water opening in the second end portion, and a mixed water passage fluidly connecting the mixed water opening in the face of the first end portion with the mixed water opening in the second end portion. The retention mechanism is operable to secure the first end portion of the manifold in the bore in the hub. A ratio of the diameter of the bore to the distance from the central longitudinal axis to the outer end of the bore is less than approximately 1.50.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a faucet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a faucet according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded front view of a hub, a manifold assembly (including a manifold, a retaining clip, and an expander), a cartridge assembly, and a cartridge nut of the faucet of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4a-4g are views of the manifold of the manifold assembly of FIG. 3-FIG. 4a is a perspective view, FIG. 4b is a front view, FIG. 4c is a rear view, FIG. 4d is a left side view, FIG. 4e is a right side view, FIG. 4f is a top view, and FIG. 4g is a bottom view (orientation of the manifold is described as shown in the figures and not as it would be when installed);

FIGS. 5a-5g are views of the retaining clip of the manifold assembly of FIG. 3-FIG. 5a is a perspective view, FIG. 5b is a front view, FIG. 5c is a rear view, FIG. 5d is a left side view, FIG. 5e is a right side view, FIG. 5f is a top view, and FIG. 5g is a bottom view (orientation of the retaining clip is described as shown in the figures and not as it would be when installed);

FIGS. 6a-6g are views of the expander of the manifold assembly of FIG. 3-FIG. 6a is a perspective view, FIG. 6b is a front view, FIG. 6c is a rear view, FIG. 6d is a left side view, FIG. 6e is a right side view, FIG. 6f is a top view, and FIG. 6g is a bottom view (orientation of the expander is described as shown in the figures and not as it would be when installed);

FIGS. 7a-7b are views of components of the manifold assembly of FIG. 3 in various stages of assembly and installation—FIG. 7a is a front view showing the manifold with the retaining clip received therein, and FIG. 7b is a front view showing the manifold with the retaining clip received therein and the expander inserted into the retaining clip (orientation of the components is shown in the figures as it would be when installed);

FIGS. 8a-8g are views of components of the hub, the manifold assembly, and the cartridge assembly of FIG. 3 in various stages of assembly and installation—FIG. 8a is a front view showing the manifold (with the retaining clip received therein) before insertion into the hub, FIG. 8b is a top view showing the manifold (with the retaining clip received therein) after insertion into a vertical bore in a vertical portion of the hub, FIG. 8c is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8c-8c in FIG. 8b showing the manifold (with the retaining clip received therein) after insertion into the vertical bore in the vertical portion of the hub, FIG. 8d is a top view showing the manifold (with the retaining clip received therein) after insertion into a horizontal bore in a horizontal portion of the hub and before insertion of the expander therein, FIG. 8e is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8e-8e in FIG. 8d showing the manifold (with the retaining clip received therein) after insertion into the horizontal bore in the horizontal portion of the hub and before insertion of the expander therein, FIG. 8f is a top view showing the manifold (with the retaining clip received therein) after insertion into the horizontal bore in the horizontal portion of the hub and after insertion of the expander therein and the cartridge assembly after insertion into the horizontal bore in the horizontal portion of the hub and after threading of the cartridge nut into the horizontal bore in the horizontal portion of the hub, and FIG. 8g is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8g-8g in FIG. 8f showing the manifold (with the retaining clip received therein) after insertion into the horizontal bore in the horizontal portion of the hub and after insertion of the expander therein and the cartridge assembly after insertion into the horizontal bore in the horizontal portion of the hub and after threading of the cartridge nut into the horizontal bore in the horizontal portion of the hub (orientation of the components is shown in the figures as it would be when installed);

FIGS. 9a-9b are views of components of the hub and the manifold assembly of FIG. 3 in various stages of assembly and installation with the hub shown transparently—FIG. 9a is a perspective view showing the manifold (with the retaining clip received therein) after insertion into the horizontal bore in the horizontal portion of the hub and before insertion of the expander therein; and FIG. 9b is a perspective view showing the manifold (with the retaining clip received therein) after insertion into the horizontal bore in the horizontal portion of the hub and after insertion of the expander therein; and

FIGS. 10a-10b are views of the hub of the faucet of FIG. 2-FIG. 10a is a side view showing the hub; and FIG. 10b is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 10b-10b in FIG. 10a showing various dimensions of the hub (orientation of the hub is shown in the figures as it would be when installed).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a faucet with a manifold assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the faucet is a pulldown kitchen faucet with a handle on the side. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the faucet could be any type of faucet with a manifold assembly. Exemplary embodiments of faucets of the present invention are shown in detail in FIGS. 1-10b.

An exemplary embodiment of a faucet F is best shown in detail in FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the faucet F includes a hub H and a manifold assembly MA. In exemplary embodiments, the hub H is operable to receive the manifold assembly MA. In the illustrated embodiment, the hub H includes a bore B. In exemplary embodiments, the bore B in the hub H is a generally horizontal bore. In exemplary embodiments, the bore B in the hub H is a generally vertical bore. In exemplary embodiments, the bore B in the hub H is a bore at an angle other than generally horizontal or generally vertical. In exemplary embodiments, the bore B in the hub H has a diameter. In the illustrated embodiment, the hub H includes an outer retention groove ORG. In exemplary embodiments, the outer retention groove ORG has an outer diameter. In exemplary embodiments, the outer diameter of the outer retention groove ORG is greater than the diameter of the bore B. In the illustrated embodiment, the manifold assembly MA includes a manifold M and a retention mechanism (or retainer) RM. In the illustrated embodiment, the manifold M includes a first end portion FEP. In exemplary embodiments, the first end portion FEP of the manifold M has an outer diameter. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion FEP of the manifold M includes an inner retention groove IRG. In exemplary embodiments, the inner retention groove IRG has an inner diameter.

In exemplary embodiments, the retention mechanism RM is operable to secure the manifold M in the hub H of the faucet F. In exemplary embodiments, the retention mechanism RM is operable to secure the manifold M in the bore B in the hub H. In exemplary embodiments, the retention mechanism RM is operable to be expanded. In exemplary embodiments, before the retention mechanism RM is expanded, the retention mechanism RM is in a free state and has a free outer diameter. In exemplary embodiments, after the retention mechanism RM has been expanded, the retention mechanism RM is in an expanded state and has an expanded outer diameter.

In exemplary embodiments, before the retention mechanism RM is expanded, the free outer diameter of the retention mechanism RM is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the first end portion FEP of the manifold M. In exemplary embodiments, before the retention mechanism RM is expanded, the free outer diameter of the retention mechanism RM is less than or equal to the diameter of the bore B in the hub H. In exemplary embodiments, before the retention mechanism RM is expanded, the free outer diameter of the retention mechanism RM is less than the outer diameter of the outer retention groove ORG in the hub H. Again, in exemplary embodiments, before the retention mechanism RM is expanded, the retention mechanism RM is in the free state. In exemplary embodiments, in the free state, the retention mechanism RM is received in the inner retention groove IRG in the first end portion FEP of the manifold M, but no part of the retention mechanism RM is received in the outer retention groove ORG in the hub H.

In exemplary embodiments, after the retention mechanism RM has been expanded, the expanded outer diameter of the retention mechanism RM is greater than the outer diameter of the first end portion FEP of the manifold M. In exemplary embodiments, after the retention mechanism RM has been expanded, the expanded outer diameter of the retention mechanism RM is greater than the diameter of the bore B in the hub H. In exemplary embodiments, after the retention mechanism RM has been expanded, the expanded outer diameter of the retention mechanism RM is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the outer retention groove ORG in the hub H. Again, in exemplary embodiments, after the retention mechanism RM has been expanded, the retention mechanism RM is in the expanded state. In exemplary embodiments, in the expanded state, a part of the retention mechanism RM is received in the inner retention groove IRG in the first end portion FEP of the manifold M, and a part of the retention mechanism RM is received in the outer retention groove ORG in the hub H.

Another exemplary embodiment of a faucet 10 is best shown in detail in FIGS. 2 and 3. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the faucet 10 includes a hub 12, a spout 14, a wand 16, a handle 18, an escutcheon 20, a manifold assembly 22, a cartridge assembly 24, and a cartridge nut 26. A hot water supply hose 28 and a cold water supply hose 30 are in fluid communication with the manifold assembly 22 and are operable to receive hot water and cold water, respectively, from a hot water supply and a cold water supply and provide hot water and cold water, respectively, to the manifold assembly 22. A mixed water outlet hose 32 is in fluid communication with the manifold assembly 22 and is operable to receive mixed water from the manifold assembly 22 and provide mixed water to the wand 16. The basic structure of these components of the faucet 10 is well known in the art and will not be described in greater detail. Only the structure of these components of the faucet 10 relevant to the present invention will be described in greater detail. The faucet 10 is operable to be mounted on a mounting surface MS (such as a counter or sink top).

An exemplary embodiment of the hub 12 is best shown in detail in FIGS. 3, 8a-8g, 9a-9b, and 10a-10b. In exemplary embodiments, the hub 12 is operable to receive the manifold assembly 22 and the cartridge assembly 24. In exemplary embodiments, the hub 12 is made from a metal. In exemplary embodiments, the hub 12 is made from zinc. In exemplary embodiments, the hub 12 is made from a plastic.

In the illustrated embodiment, the hub 12 includes a generally vertical portion 34 and a generally horizontal portion 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the horizontal portion 36 extends generally perpendicular to the vertical portion 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical portion 34 includes a generally vertical bore 38, and the horizontal portion 36 includes a generally horizontal bore 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical bore 38 in the vertical portion 34 intersects the horizontal bore 40 in the horizontal portion 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the horizontal bore 40 in the horizontal portion 36 has a diameter 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the horizontal portion 36 includes an outer retention groove 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer retention groove 44 in the horizontal portion 36 has an outer diameter 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer diameter 46 of the outer retention groove 44 in the horizontal portion 36 is greater than the diameter 42 of the horizontal bore 40 in the horizontal portion 36. In exemplary embodiments, the horizontal portion 36 includes at least one ridge groove 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the horizontal portion 36 includes three ridge grooves 48.

An exemplary embodiment of the manifold assembly 22 is best shown in detail in FIGS. 3, 4a-4g, 5a-5g, 6a-6g, 7a-7b, 8a-8g, and 9a-9b. In exemplary embodiments, the manifold assembly 22 includes a manifold 50 and a retention mechanism (or retainer) 52. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention mechanism 52 includes a retaining clip 54 and an expander 56.

An exemplary embodiment of the manifold 50 is best shown in detail in FIGS. 3, 4a-4g, 7a-7b, 8a-8g, and 9a-9b. In exemplary embodiments, the manifold 50 is operable to receive hot water and cold water, respectively, from the hot water supply hose 28 and the cold water supply hose 30 and provide hot water and cold water, respectively, to the cartridge assembly 24. Further, the manifold 50 is operable to receive mixed water from the cartridge assembly 24 and provide mixed water to the mixed water outlet hose 32. In exemplary embodiments, the manifold 50 is made from a plastic. In exemplary embodiments, the manifold 50 is made from a glass filled plastic. In exemplary embodiments, the manifold 50 is made from a polyphenylene sulfide (“PPS”). In exemplary embodiments, the manifold 50 is made from a metal.

In the illustrated embodiment, the manifold 50 includes a first end portion 58, a second end portion 60, and an intermediate portion 62. The first end portion 58 includes a face 64. The face 64 includes a hot water opening 66, a cold water opening 68, and a mixed water opening 70. The second end portion 60 includes a hot water opening 72, a cold water opening 74, and a mixed water opening 76. The intermediate portion 62 includes a hot water passage 78 fluidly connecting the hot water opening 66 in the face 64 of the first end portion 58 with the hot water opening 72 in the second end portion 60, a cold water passage 80 fluidly connecting the cold water opening 68 in the face 64 of the first end portion 58 with the cold water opening 74 in the second end portion 60, and a mixed water passage 82 fluidly connecting the mixed water opening 70 in the face 64 of the first end portion 58 with the mixed water opening 76 in the second end portion 60.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50 includes an inner retention groove 84 inward of the face 64. In exemplary embodiments, the inner retention groove 84 has an inner diameter 86. In exemplary embodiments, the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50 includes at least one retention notch 88 intersecting the inner retention groove 84. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50 includes two retention notches 88 intersecting the inner retention groove 84. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50 includes an expander groove 90 extending from the face 64 to the inner retention groove 84. In exemplary embodiments, the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50 includes at least one expander notch 92 adjacent to the face 64 and intersecting the expander groove 90. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50 includes two expander notches 92 adjacent to the face 64 and intersecting the expander groove 90. In exemplary embodiments, the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50 includes at least one ridge 94. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50 includes three ridges 94. The ridges 94 on the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50 are operable to be received in the ridge grooves 48 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12. The engagement of the ridges 94 in the ridge grooves 48 ensures proper alignment of the manifold 50 in the hub 12 and prevents rotation of the manifold 50 in the hub 12. The first end portion 58 of the manifold 50 has an outer diameter 96.

In exemplary embodiments, the retention mechanism 52 is operable to secure the manifold 50 in the hub 12 of the faucet 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention mechanism 52 is operable to secure the manifold 50 in the horizontal bore 40 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12. In exemplary embodiments, the retention mechanism 52 is operable to be expanded. In exemplary embodiments, before the retention mechanism 52 is expanded, the retention mechanism 52 is in the free state and has a first outer diameter 98 (the free outer diameter). In exemplary embodiments, after the retention mechanism 52 has been expanded, the retention mechanism 52 is in the expanded state and has a second outer diameter 100 (the expanded outer diameter).

In the illustrated embodiment, before the retention mechanism 52 is expanded, the first outer diameter 98 of the retention mechanism 52 is less than or equal to the outer diameter 96 of the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50. In the illustrated embodiment, before the retention mechanism 52 is expanded, the first outer diameter 98 of the retention mechanism 52 is less than or equal to the diameter 42 of the horizontal bore 40 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12. In the illustrated embodiment, before the retention mechanism 52 is expanded, the first outer diameter 98 of the retention mechanism 52 is less than the outer diameter 46 of the outer retention groove 44 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12. Again, in exemplary embodiments, before the retention mechanism 52 is expanded, the retention mechanism 52 is in the free state. In the illustrated embodiment, in the free state, the retention mechanism 52 is received in the inner retention groove 84 in the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50, but no part of the retention mechanism 52 is received in the outer retention groove 44 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, after the retention mechanism 52 has been expanded, the second outer diameter 100 of the retention mechanism 52 is greater than the outer diameter 96 of the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50. In the illustrated embodiment, after the retention mechanism 52 has been expanded, the second outer diameter 100 of the retention mechanism 52 is greater than the diameter 42 of the horizontal bore 40 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12. In the illustrated embodiment, after the retention mechanism 52 has been expanded, the second outer diameter 100 of the retention mechanism 52 is less than or equal to the outer diameter 46 of the outer retention groove 44 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12. Again, in exemplary embodiments, after the retention mechanism 52 has been expanded, the retention mechanism 52 is in the expanded state. In the illustrated embodiment, in the expanded state, a part of the retention mechanism 52 is received in the inner retention groove 84 in the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50, and a part of the retention mechanism 52 is received in the outer retention groove 44 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12.

An exemplary embodiment of the retaining clip 54 is best shown in detail in FIGS. 3, 5a-5g, 7a-7b, 8a-8g, and 9a-9b. In exemplary embodiments, the retaining clip 54 is operable to be received in the inner retention groove 84 in the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50. Additionally, in exemplary embodiments, when expanded, the retaining clip 54 is operable to be received in the outer retention groove 44 in the hub 12. In the illustrated embodiment, when expanded, the retaining clip 54 is operable to be received in the outer retention groove 44 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12. In exemplary embodiments, the retaining clip 54 is made from a plastic. In exemplary embodiments, the retaining clip 54 is made from a glass filled plastic. In exemplary embodiments, the retaining clip 54 is made from a polyphthalamide (“PPA”). In exemplary embodiments, the retaining clip 54 is made from a metal.

In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining clip 54 includes a first end 102 and a second end 104. The retaining clip 54 further includes a gap 106 between the first end 102 and the second end 104. In exemplary embodiments, the retaining clip 54 includes at least one clip tab 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining clip 54 includes two clip tabs 108. The clip tabs 108 on the retaining clip 54 are operable to be received in the retention notches 88 in the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50. The engagement of the clip tabs 108 in the retention notches 88 ensures proper alignment of the retaining clip 54 in the inner retention groove 84 in the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50 and prevents rotation of the retaining clip 54 in the inner retention groove 84.

An exemplary embodiment of the expander 56 is best shown in detail in FIGS. 3, 6a-6g, 7b, and 9a-9b. In exemplary embodiments, the expander 56 is operable to expand the retaining clip 54. In exemplary embodiments, the expander 56 is operable to be inserted into the gap 106 between the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the retaining clip 54. Before the expander 56 is inserted into the gap 106 between the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the retaining clip 54, the retaining clip 54 is in the free state and has the first outer diameter 98 (the free outer diameter). After the expander 56 has been inserted into the gap 106 between the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the retaining clip 54, the retaining clip 54 is in the expanded state and has the second outer diameter 100 (the expanded outer diameter). In exemplary embodiments, the expander 56 is made from a plastic. In exemplary embodiments, the expander 56 is made from a glass filled plastic. In exemplary embodiments, the expander 56 is made from a polyphthalamide (“PPA”). In exemplary embodiments, the expander 56 is made from a metal.

In the illustrated embodiment, the expander 56 includes a first end 110 and a second end 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 110 of the expander 56 has a first width 114, and the second end 112 of the expander 56 has a second width 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the first width 114 of the first end 110 of the expander 56 is less than the second width 116 of the second end 112 of the expander 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the expander 56 includes a first portion 118 and a second portion 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 118 of the expander 56 has a varying width, and the second portion 120 of the expander 56 has a generally constant width. In exemplary embodiments, the second end 112 of the expander 56 includes at least one expander tab 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 112 of the expander 56 includes two expander tabs 122. The expander tabs 122 on the expander 56 are operable to be received in the expander notches 92 in the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50. The engagement of the expander tabs 122 in the expander notches 92 ensures proper insertion of the expander 56 into the expander groove 90 in the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50 and, thus, into the gap 106 between the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the retaining clip 54. In exemplary embodiments, after the expander 56 has been inserted into the gap 106 between the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the retaining clip 54, the second end 112 of the expander 56 does not extend beyond the face 64 of the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50 (i.e., the second end 112 of the expander 56 is flush with or inward of the face 64 of the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50).

In exemplary embodiments, with the retaining clip 54 received in the inner retention groove 84 in the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50 and before the expander 56 is inserted into the gap 106 between the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the retaining clip 54, the retaining clip 54 is not expanded, the retaining clip 54 is in the free state, and the retaining clip 54 has the first outer diameter 98 (the free outer diameter). In the illustrated embodiment, with the retaining clip 54 received in the inner retention groove 84 in the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50 and before the expander 56 is inserted into the gap 106 between the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the retaining clip 54, the first outer diameter 98 of the retaining clip 54 is less than or equal to the outer diameter 96 of the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50. In the illustrated embodiment, with the retaining clip 54 received in the inner retention groove 84 in the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50 and before the expander 56 is inserted into the gap 106 between the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the retaining clip 54, the first outer diameter 98 of the retaining clip 54 is less than or equal to the diameter 42 of the horizontal bore 40 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12. In the illustrated embodiment, with the retaining clip 54 received in the inner retention groove 84 in the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50 and before the expander 56 is inserted into the gap 106 between the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the retaining clip 54, the first outer diameter 98 of the retaining clip 54 is less than the outer diameter 46 of the outer retention groove 44 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12.

In exemplary embodiments, with the retaining clip 54 received in the inner retention groove 84 in the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50 and after the expander 56 has been inserted into the gap 106 between the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the retaining clip 54, the retaining clip 54 is expanded, the retaining clip 54 is in the expanded state, and the retaining clip 54 has the second outer diameter 100 (the expanded outer diameter). In the illustrated embodiment, with the retaining clip 54 received in the inner retention groove 84 in the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50 and after the expander 56 has been inserted into the gap 106 between the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the retaining clip 54, the second outer diameter 100 of the retaining clip 54 is greater than the outer diameter 96 of the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50. In the illustrated embodiment, with the retaining clip 54 received in the inner retention groove 84 in the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50 and after the expander 56 has been inserted into the gap 106 between the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the retaining clip 54, the second outer diameter 100 of the retaining clip 54 is greater than the diameter 42 of the horizontal bore 40 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12. In the illustrated embodiment, with the retaining clip 54 received in the inner retention groove 84 in the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50 and after the expander 56 has been inserted into the gap 106 between the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the retaining clip 54, the second outer diameter 100 of the retaining clip 54 is less than or equal to the outer diameter 46 of the outer retention groove 44 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12.

The various components described as having a “diameter” may not have a completely continuous inner or outer surface at which to measure the diameter. In such case, the diameter is measured at any point along the component that has a substantially continuous inner surface (for an inner diameter) or outer surface (for an outer diameter). Generally, the following are such points for each component that has a diameter:

• • 1. For the bore, any point along a length of the bore, excluding any grooves (such as the outer retention groove 44) and any protrusions;
  • 2. For the manifold 50, any point along a length of the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50, excluding any grooves (such as the inner retention groove 84) and any protrusions for alignment, anti-rotation, or other purposes (such as the ridges 94);
  • 3. For the outer retention groove 44, any point at the outermost extent of the outer retention groove 44, excluding any irregularities;
  • 4. For the inner retention groove 84, any point at the innermost extent of the inner retention groove 84, excluding any irregularities; and
  • 5. For the retention mechanism 52 and the retaining clip 54, any point around a perimeter of the retention mechanism 52 and the retaining clip 54, excluding any irregularities.

Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the various components described as having a “diameter” have generally circular cross-sectional shapes. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that these components could have generally non-circular cross-sectional shapes (including, but not limited to, an oval, an eclipse, and a polygon). Where the diameter of one component is being compared to the diameter of another component, the greatest diameter of any such component will be used as the “diameter” of that component.

The assembly and installation of certain components of the faucet 10 will now be described with respect to the illustrated embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, as best shown in FIGS. 7a and 8a, the retaining clip 54 is received in the inner retention groove 84 in the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50. In order for the retaining clip 54 to be inserted into the inner retention groove 84 in the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50, the gap 106 between the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the retaining clip 54 is increased in length (i.e., the retaining clip 54 is expanded beyond the expanded state) and the retaining clip 54 is inserted into the inner retention groove 84. Once the retaining clip 54 is received in the inner retention groove 84 in the first end portion of the manifold 50, the gap 106 between the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the retaining clip 54 decreases in length (i.e., the retaining clip 54 returns to the free state).

In the illustrated embodiment, as best shown in FIGS. 8a-8c, the manifold 50 (with the retaining clip 54 received therein) is inserted into the vertical bore 38 in the vertical portion 34 of the hub 12. More specifically, the manifold 50 (with the retaining clip 54 received therein) is inserted upwardly through a bottom 124 of the vertical bore 38 in the vertical portion 34 of the hub 12. In the illustrated embodiment, as best shown in FIGS. 8d-8e, the manifold 50 (with the retaining clip 54 received therein) is then inserted into the horizontal bore 40 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12. More specifically, the manifold 50 (with the retaining clip 54 received therein) is then inserted outwardly through an inner side 126 of the horizontal bore 40 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12. In the illustrated embodiment, when the manifold 50 (with the retaining clip 54 received therein) is received in the horizontal bore 40 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12, the inner retention groove 84 in the first end portion of the manifold 50 (with the retaining clip 54 received therein) is aligned with the outer retention groove 44 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12. In the free state, the retaining clip 54 is received in the inner retention groove 84 in the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50, but no part of the retaining clip 54 is received in the outer retention groove 44 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, as best shown in FIGS. 7b, 8f-8g, and 9a-9b, the expander 56 is inserted into the horizontal bore 40 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12. More specifically the expander 56 is inserted inwardly through an outer side 128 of the horizontal bore 40 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12. As the expander 56 is inserted into the horizontal bore 40 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12, the expander 56 is inserted into the gap 106 between the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the retaining clip 54. In the illustrated embodiment, when the expander 56 is received in the gap 106 between the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the retaining clip 54, the retaining clip 54 is expanded into the outer retention groove 44 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12. In the expanded state, a part of the retaining clip 54 is received in the inner retention groove 84 in the first end portion 58 of the manifold 50 and a part of the retaining clip 54 is received in the outer retention groove 44 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12. The manifold assembly 22 is now secured in the horizontal bore 40 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 8g, the cartridge assembly 24 is seated against the manifold assembly 22 such that the cartridge assembly 24 is in fluid communication with the manifold assembly 22. The cartridge nut 26 is threaded into the outer side 128 of the horizontal bore 40 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12. The cartridge assembly 24 is now secured in the horizonal bore in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12.

During or shortly after installation, the above installation steps can be reversed to remove the manifold 50 from the hub 12. Removal may be desired if it is determined that a component of the faucet 10 is defective or a step in the installation process was incorrect. Once the cartridge nut 26 and the cartridge assembly 24 have been removed, the expander 56 can be removed from the horizontal bore 40 in the horizontal portion 36 of the hub 12. The expander 56 is removed by pushing the expander 56 outwardly from inside the hub 12 or pulling the expander 56 outwardly from outside the hub 12. Once the expander 56 has been removed, the retaining clip 54 will return to the free state. Once the retaining clip 54 has returned to the free state, the manifold 50 (with the retaining clip 54 received therein) can be removed from the horizontal portion 36 and then the vertical portion 34 of the hub 12. The removal of the expander 56 and the return of the retaining clip 54 to the free state occur without destruction of the expander 56, the retaining clip 54, or any other component of the faucet 10.

The faucet 10 with the manifold assembly 22 enables the hub 12 to be smaller, which provides a wider range of design options for the hub 12 and, thus, the faucet 10. As best shown in FIGS. 10a-10b, in an exemplary embodiment, the hub 12 has a central longitudinal axis 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the horizontal bore 40 has an outer end 132 and the diameter 42 (also labeled as 1 in FIG. 10b). In an exemplary embodiment, the hub 12 has a distance 134 from the central longitudinal axis 130 to the outer end 132 of the horizontal bore 40 (also labeled as 2 in FIG. 10b). In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter 42 of the horizontal bore 40 is approximately 1.99 inches, and the distance 134 from the central longitudinal axis 130 to the outer end 132 of the horizontal bore 40 is approximately 1.41 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, a ratio of the diameter 42 of the horizontal bore 40 to the distance 134 from the central longitudinal axis 130 to the outer end 132 of the horizontal bore 40 is less than approximately 1.50. In an exemplary embodiment, a ratio of the diameter 42 of the horizontal bore 40 to the distance 134 from the central longitudinal axis 130 to the outer end 132 of the horizontal bore 40 is less than approximately 1.45. In an exemplary embodiment, a ratio of the diameter 42 of the horizontal bore 40 to the distance 134 from the central longitudinal axis 130 to the outer end 132 of the horizontal bore 40 is approximately 1.41.

While the faucet has been shown and described in the illustrated embodiment as including certain components, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the faucet does not need to include each of these components.

While the faucet has been shown and described in the illustrated embodiment as including components having certain features, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the faucet could have these features on other components.

While the faucet has been shown and described in the illustrated embodiment as including components having certain shapes, sizes, numbers, and configurations and made of certain materials, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the components of the faucet do not need to have these shapes, sizes, numbers, and configurations and be made of these materials.

While the faucet has been shown and described in the illustrated embodiment with the components of the faucet attached and used in a particular manner, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the components of the faucet do not need to be attached and used in this manner.

Exemplary embodiments of the faucet enable a manifold to be secured in a hub of a faucet. These exemplary embodiments provide, among others, the following features, either alone or in combination:

• • 1. The manifold is operable to be secured in the hub of the faucet using the retention mechanism;
  • 2. The manifold is operable to be inserted into the hub of the faucet without any change in a state of the retention mechanism; and
  • 3. The manifold is operable to be removed from the hub of the faucet without destruction of the retention mechanism, the manifold, or any other component of the faucet.

One of ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that the present invention provides a faucet with a manifold assembly. Although the present invention has been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification. The present invention includes all such equivalent alterations and modifications and is limited only by the scope of the following claims in light of their full scope of equivalents.