US20180195256A1

US20180195256A1 - Interchangeable annular devices for plumbing fixture assemblies

Info

Publication number: US20180195256A1
Application number: US15/865,092
Authority: US
Inventors: Jean-Jacques L'Henaff; Gabriela Ravassa; Calum WAGNER; Xiaojing Ye
Original assignee: AS IP Holdco LLC
Current assignee: AS America Inc
Priority date: 2017-01-09
Filing date: 2018-01-08
Publication date: 2018-07-12
Also published as: CN110226012A; CA3048642A1; WO2018129475A1

Abstract

Systems, methods, and techniques for updating and personalizing plumbing fixture assemblies are provided. In some embodiments, a plumbing fixture assembly comprises at least one faucet body and at least one interchangeable annular device. The faucet body is configured to removably couple to a support structure at a proximal end. The interchangeable annular device comprises an interior surface defining an opening and is configured to removably couple to the proximal end of the faucet body. The interchangeable annular device is configured such that when it is coupled to a faucet body, one or more fluid conduit passes from an interior space of the fluid body through the opening of the annular device.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/444,100, filed Jan. 9, 2017, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This relates to plumbing fixtures and, particularly, to interchangeable annular devices for faucet fixtures and associated faucet components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Trends in faucet fixtures and their associated components are frequently changing. For example, there are numerous choices in finishes for faucet fixtures and associated faucet components such as chrome, nickel, copper, bronze, stainless steel, matte black, etc. Further, a user needs to consider numerous factors when deciding on a finish for the user's plumbing fixture assembly including, but not limited to, the finish of the sink basin, the finish of cupboard and drawer hardware, various décor, a countertop surface, etc. Accordingly, a user faces a daunting task when updating or otherwise personalizing a faucet fixture and associated faucet components.
Additionally, a user may wish to change a position or a height of a faucet fixture and its associated faucet components. For example, some faucet fixtures, in particular older, less-modern faucet fixtures, are designed with a low clearance between the faucet spout and the sink basin. This low clearance may make it difficult for a user to complete various tasks requiring larger items to be placed under the faucet spot. For example, a low clearance between a faucet spout and a sink basin may create difficulty for a user who wishes to fill a pot with water or even wishes to wash large dishes.
Currently, if a user wants to update, personalize, change a position and/or change a height of a plumbing fixture assembly, the user must purchase a new faucet fixture including any associated faucet components. Further, the user must uninstall and dispose of the old faucet fixture and associated faucet components and install the new faucet fixture and associated faucet components. Not only can this procedure be costly and wasteful, but the task of uninstalling the old plumbing fixture assembly and installing the new one can be labor-intensive and time-consuming.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As discussed above, the most common solution for updating, personalizing, and/or otherwise altering a plumbing fixture assembly is to purchase a new faucet fixture with associated faucet components, uninstalling the old plumbing fixture assembly, and installing the new plumbing fixture assembly. This solution can be costly, wasteful, time-consuming, and labor-intensive.
Accordingly, there is a need for improved systems, methods, and techniques for updating, personalizing, changing a position, and/or changing a height of plumbing fixture assemblies. Particularly, there is a need for systems, methods, and techniques for updating plumbing fixture assemblies that reduce or eliminate the time-consuming and labor-intensive uninstalling/installing process and reduce or eliminate the excessive cost and waste.
Interchangeable annular devices for faucet fixtures and associated faucet components that may address the above needs are provided herein. A plumbing fixture assembly may include one or more annular devices that have various finishes and are interchangeable near the base, or proximal end, of the faucet fixture. An annular device may be removably coupled to a faucet fixture such that the annular device sits between a support structure and the base of a faucet fixture. An annular device may comprise one or more materials including but not limited to metal, natural stone, plastic, resin, glass, and/or rubber. A surface of an annular device can be treated with various finishes such as chrome, brushed nickel, matte black materials, copper, and the like.
An annular device may removably couple to a proximal end of the faucet fixture. The device may space the faucet fixture from the support structure such that a bottommost surface of the faucet fixture sits against a top surface of an annular device. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the faucet fixture may be inserted inside of the annular device such that a bottom-facing surface if the faucet fixture sits atop a surface of the support structure.
Interchangeable annular devices may also be configured to removably couple with a proximal end of associated faucet components of a faucet fixture. Associated faucet components of a faucet fixture may include handles, hand-held sprayers, soap dispensers, and the like.
The shape of the annular device may be configured to complement a given faucet fixture. For example, an interior surface of the annular device may be any of various shapes such as circular, elliptical-shaped, square-shaped, rectangular-shaped, or triangular-shaped according to a shape of the proximal end of the plumbing fixture configured to come in contact with the annular device. An exterior surface of the annular device may also be of any various shapes such as circular, elliptical-shaped, square-shaped, rectangular-shaped, or triangular-shaped. The exterior surface may or may not correspond with a shape of the proximal end of the faucet fixture. Further, an exterior surface of the annular device may be configured to align with an exterior surface of the faucet fixture.
Systems, methods, and techniques described herein may be advantageous because they may allow a user to be able to update an aesthetic, personalize, change a position, and/or change a height of a plumbing fixture assembly without the need to purchase a new plumbing fixture assembly, uninstall an old plumbing fixture assembly, and installing the new plumbing fixture assembly.
In some embodiments, a plumbing fixture assembly is provided, the plumbing fixture assembly comprising: a faucet body configured to removably couple to a support structure, the faucet body comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end comprising a water outlet; and a first interchangeable annular device configured to removably couple to the proximal end of the faucet body, wherein the annular device comprises: an interior surface defining an opening in the first annular device, wherein the first annular device is configured such that, when the first annular device is coupled to the proximal end of the faucet body, a fluid conduit of the plumbing fixture assembly passes from an interior space of the faucet body through the opening of the first annular device; and an exterior surface, wherein the first annular device is configured such that, when the first annular device is coupled to the proximal end of the faucet body and the faucet body is coupled to the support structure, the exterior surface is exposed to an exterior environment of the plumbing fixture assembly such that it is visible to a user of the plumbing fixture assembly.
In some embodiments of the plumbing fixture assembly, the exterior surface of the first annular device is configured to align with an exterior surface of the faucet body when the first annular device is coupled to the proximal end of the faucet body.
In some embodiments of the plumbing fixture assembly, the proximal end of the faucet body comprises a neck portion that is narrower than a middle portion of the faucet body, wherein the middle portion is between the proximal end and the distal end, and wherein the neck portion is configured to be inserted inside the opening of the first annular device.
In some embodiments of the plumbing fixture assembly, the first annular device is configured to couple to the faucet body using threads on the interior surface of the first annular device.
In some embodiments of the plumbing fixture assembly, the assembly is configured such that, when the first annular device is coupled to the proximal end of the faucet body, a bottom surface of the first annular device is in contact with an upper surface of the support structure, the support structure comprising one or more of a deck plate, escutcheon, wall, countertop, sink deck, vanity top, tub deck, or floor.
In some embodiments of the plumbing fixture assembly, a bottom surface of the proximal end of the faucet body is configured to sit atop the first annular device when the first annular device is coupled to the proximal end of the faucet body and the faucet body is coupled to the support structure, such that the first annular device spaces the faucet body of the plumbing fixture assembly apart from the support structure.
In some embodiments of the plumbing fixture assembly, the plumbing fixture assembly further comprises an associated faucet component distinct from the faucet body and a second annular device configured to couple to a base of the associated faucet component.
In some embodiments of the plumbing fixture assembly comprising an associated faucet component and a second annular device, the associated faucet component is one or more of a handle, a hand-held sprayer, and a soap dispenser.
In some embodiments of the plumbing fixture assembly comprising an associated faucet component and a second annular device, the second annular device comprises an exterior surface having one or more visual characteristics in common with the exterior surface of the first annular device.
In some embodiments of the plumbing fixture assembly, the interior surface of the first annular device is one or more of elliptical-shaped, square-shaped, rectangular-shaped, and triangular-shaped.
In some embodiments of the plumbing fixture assembly, the exterior surface of the first annular device is one or more of elliptical-shaped, square-shaped, rectangular-shaped, and triangular-shaped.
In some embodiments of the plumbing fixture assembly, the first annular device comprises one or more of metal, natural stone, plastic, resin, and rubber.
In some embodiments of the plumbing fixture assembly, the exterior surface of the first annular device comprises one or more of polished chrome, brushed nickel, polished nickel, gloss black material, matte black material, hammered gold material, hammered black material, carbon fiber, knurled chrome, crystal, and marble.
In some embodiments of the plumbing fixture assembly, the faucet body is configured to couple to two or more interchangeable annular devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A shows a plumbing fixture assembly comprising at least one faucet fixture and at least one associated faucet component in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1B shows a plumbing fixture assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1C shows a plumbing fixture assembly comprising at least one faucet fixture and at least one associated faucet component in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1D shows a plumbing fixture assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1E shows a plumbing fixture assembly comprising at least one faucet fixture and at least two distinct associated faucet components in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a plumbing fixture assembly configured to mount to a support structure in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows a plumbing fixture assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows a plumbing fixture assembly with an annular device coupling configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Described herein are exemplary embodiments of plumbing fixture assemblies comprising annular devices that may address the problems and shortcomings of known methods and systems associated with updating a plumbing fixture assembly described above, including the problems of a time-consuming and labor-intensive uninstalling and installing process and the cost and waste incidental to purchasing a new faucet fixture with associated faucet components.
The annular devices described herein may address the problems discussed above by interchangeably coupling with faucet fixtures and/or associated faucet components. An annular device may slide onto the proximal end of the faucet fixture or it may removably couple to the proximal end using threads on an interior surface of the annular device.
The annular device may be configured to removably couple to a proximal end of a faucet fixture in various ways. In some embodiments, an annular device may be configured to space a faucet fixture from a support structure. Spacing a faucet fixture from a support structure by using an annular device may comprise increasing a clearance between a distal end of the faucet and the support structure (for example, a sink basin). An annular device used as a spacer may be configured such that when removably coupled, a bottommost surface of the proximal end of the faucet device may sit against a top surface of the annular device, and a bottom surface of the annular device may sit against a top surface of a support structure.
In some embodiments, an annular device may be coupled to a proximal end of a faucet fixture without altering a clearance between the faucet spout and a support structure. The annular device may slide onto the proximal end of the faucet fixture such that a bottommost surface of the proximal end of the faucet fixture sits against and is in contact with a surface of the support structure. In some embodiments, a proximal end of the faucet fixture may comprise a narrower portion, or neck, such that an annular device is configured to slide onto the neck of the proximal end of the faucet fixture. A neck portion of the proximal end of the faucet fixture may be narrower than a middle portion of the faucet body, the middle portion of the faucet body being located between the proximal end and a distal end of the faucet fixture. In some embodiments, a bottom-facing surface of the proximal end of the faucet fixture may sit atop the annular device while at the same time a bottommost surface of the proximal end of the faucet fixture may be in contact with a surface of the support structure.
Various embodiments of annular devices are described below in detail with reference to the figures included herein.
FIGS. 1A-1E show various embodiments of plumbing fixture assemblies comprising annular devices removably coupled to faucet fixtures. In addition, FIGS. 1A, 1C, and 1E show plumbing fixture assemblies comprising annular devices removably coupled to one or more associated faucet component.
A faucet fixture may be any plumbing-related fixture that is operated by a lay user. Thus, a faucet fixture may be any faucet, shower faucet, and/or bathtub spout for use in a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or the like. Similarly, an associated faucet component may be any component used in conjunction with the faucet fixture. For instance, an associated faucet component may be any handle, soap dispenser, hand-held sprayer, and/or water dispenser. In some embodiments, a faucet fixture may comprise an associated faucet component such that the faucet fixture and one or more associated faucet components are a single unit. For example, FIG. 1B shows faucet fixture 104 comprising an associated faucet component in the form of a handle disposed on a top surface of faucet fixture 104. In some embodiments, only one annular device 102 may be configured to removably couple to a faucet fixture 104 and associated faucet component, when the faucet fixture comprises the associated faucet component as shown in FIG. 1B.
FIGS. 1A and 1C show annular device 102 removably coupled to the proximal end of faucet fixture 104 and annular devices 108 removably coupled to the proximal ends of associated faucet components 106. FIG. 1E shows annular device 102 removably coupled to the proximal end of faucet fixture 104, annular devices 108 removably coupled to the proximal ends of associated faucet components 106, and annular device 110 removably coupled to the proximal end of associated faucet component 128. In some embodiments, faucet fixture 104 and associated faucet components 106 may be configured to mount to a horizontal support structure such as a countertop, sink deck, vanity top, tub deck, and/or floor, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1D. In some embodiments, the faucet fixture 104 may be configured to mount to a vertical support structure such as a wall or backsplash. For example, FIGS. 1C and 1E show faucet fixture 104 and associated faucet components 106 configured to mount to a vertical support structure. In some embodiments, a faucet fixture may be configured to mount to an angled surface. Faucet fixture 104 and associated faucet components 106 may also be configured to mount to a support structure via a deck plate or escutcheon 110, as shown in FIG. 1E.
In some embodiments, an exterior surface of annular device 102 may be configured to align smoothly with an exterior surface of the proximal end of faucet fixture 104. An exterior surface of annular device 108 may also be configured to align smoothly with an exterior surface of the proximal end of associated faucet component 106, as with annular device 110 and associated faucet component 128. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the exterior surfaces of annular device 102 and faucet fixture 104 as well as the exterior surfaces of annular device 108 and associated faucet component 106 are configured to align smoothly when removably coupled together. In some embodiments, the exterior surfaces of annular device 102, annular device 108, annular device 128, faucet fixture 104, and/or associated faucet components 106 and 128 may be planar and configured to align smoothly when removably coupled. In some embodiments, the exterior surfaces of annular device 102, annular device 108, annular device 128, faucet fixture 104, and/or associated faucet components 106 and 128 may be curvature and configured to align smoothly when removably coupled. In some embodiments, the exterior surfaces of annular device 102, annular device 108, annular device 128, faucet fixture 104, and/or associated faucet components 106 and 128 may not be configured to align smoothly when coupled.
FIGS. 1A-1E show annular device 102 of a circular, or elliptical, shape. However, annular device 102 may be any of various shapes including, but not limited to, circular, elliptical-shaped, square-shaped, rectangular-shaped, or triangular-shaped. Further, the shape of an interior surface of annular device 102 may be different from the shape of an exterior surface of annular device 102. In some embodiments, the shape of an interior surface of annular device 102 may be circular, elliptical-shaped, square-shaped, rectangular-shaped, or triangular-shaped. In some embodiments, the shape of an interior surface of annular device 102 may complement a shape of an exterior surface of the proximal end of faucet fixture 104. In some embodiments, the shape of an exterior surface of annular device 102 may be circular, elliptical-shaped, square-shaped, rectangular-shaped, or triangular-shaped. The shape of an exterior surface of annular device 102 may complement a shape of an exterior surface of the proximal end of faucet fixture 104. For example, an exterior surface of annular device 102 may be configured to align with an exterior surface of the proximal end of faucet fixture 104 when removably coupled.
In some embodiments, one or more annular device 108 may be configured to removably couple to a proximal end of associated fixture component 106, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1C, and 1E. FIG. 1E further shows annular device 110 configured to removably couple to a proximal end of associated faucet component 128. Annular devices 108 and/or 110 may be identical in shape, size, and finish as annular device 102. In some embodiments, annular devices 108 and/or 110 may be smaller or larger in size than annular device 102. In some embodiments, annular devices 108 and/or 110 may be a different shape than annular device 102. In some embodiments, annular devices 108 and/or 110 may be a different finish than annular device 102.
As described with reference to annular device 102 above, annular devices 108 and/or 110 may also be any of various shapes including, but not limited to, circular, elliptical-shaped, square-shaped, rectangular-shaped, or triangular-shaped. In some embodiments, the shape of an interior surface of annular devices 108 and/or 110 may be different from the shape of an exterior surface of annular devices 108 and/or 110. In some embodiments, the shape of an interior surface of annular devices 108 and/or 110 may be circular, elliptical-shaped, square-shaped, rectangular-shaped, or triangular-shaped. In some embodiments, the shape of the interior surface of annular device 108 may complement a shape of an exterior surface of the proximal end of associated faucet components 106 and/or 128. In some embodiments, the shape of an exterior surface of annular devices 108 and/or 110 may be circular, elliptical-shaped, square-shaped, rectangular-shaped, or triangular-shaped. The shape of an exterior surface of annular devices 108 and/or 110 may complement a shape of an exterior surface of the proximal end of associated faucet components 106 and/or 128. For example, an exterior surface of annular devices 108 and/or 110 may be configured to align with an exterior surface of the proximal end of associated faucet components 106 and/or 128 when removably coupled.
In some embodiments, an exterior surface of annular device 102 may extend outwardly past an exterior surface of the proximal end of faucet fixture 104. Similarly, annular devices 108 and/or 110 may also extend outwardly past an exterior surface of the proximal end of associated faucet components 106 and/or 128. For example, FIG. 1D shows annular device 102 having a circular-shaped exterior surface extending past the circular-shaped exterior surface of the proximal end of faucet fixture 104.
Some embodiments may comprise an annular device 102 having an exterior surface of a different shape than that of an exterior surface of faucet fixture 104. For example, an elliptical-shaped annular device 102 may be removably coupled to the proximal end of faucet fixture 104, wherein the shape of an exterior surface of the proximal end of faucet fixture 104 is rectangular-shaped.
Annular device 102 may be configured to space faucet fixture 104 from a support structure. Similarly, annular devices 108 and/or 110 may be configured to space associated faucet components 106 and/or 128 from a support surface. Spacing faucet fixture 104 from a support structure by using annular device 102 may comprise increasing a clearance between a distal end of faucet fixture 104 and the support structure (for example, a sink basin). Annular device 102 used as a spacer may be configured such that when removably coupled, a bottom-facing surface of the proximal end of faucet fixture 104 may sit against an upper surface of annular device 102, and a bottom surface of annular device 102 may sit against an upper surface of a support structure. Similarly, annular devices 108 and/or 110 may be configured to space associated faucet components 106 and/or 128 from a support structure such that a bottom-facing surface of a proximal end of associated faucet components 106 and/or 128 may sit against an upper surface of annular devices 108 and/or 110, and a bottom surface of annular devices 108 and/or 110 may sit against an upper surface of a support structure. This configuration may apply to both vertically-mounted and horizontally-mounted plumbing fixture assemblies. A “bottom-facing” surface may be interpreted as “proximal” and a “bottommost” surface may be interpreted as “most proximal” when configured to mount to non-horizontal surfaces.
The proximal end of faucet fixture 104 may be configured to insert into an opening of annular device 102. In some embodiments, annular device 102 may removably couple to the proximal end of faucet fixture 104 using threads on an interior surface of annular device 102. In some embodiments, the proximal end of faucet fixture 104 may comprise a neck portion that is narrower than a middle portion of faucet fixture 104, wherein the middle portion is located between a proximal end and a distal end of faucet fixture 104. The neck portion may be configured to be inserted into annular device 102 such that a bottom surface of the middle portion of faucet fixture 104 can sit against a top surface of annular device 102, and a bottommost surface of the proximal end of faucet fixture 104 can be configured to sit against a support surface.
In some embodiments, different annular devices may be used to fit various faucet fixtures and associated faucet components. For example, FIG. 1E shows at least three different components of a plumbing fixture assembly, each component potentially requiring a different size or shaped annular device. As shown in the Figure, annular device 102 may be configured to removably couple to faucet fixture 104; annular devices 108 may be configured to removably couple to associated faucet components 106; and annular device 110 may be configured to removably couple to associated faucet component 128. In some embodiments, annular devices 108 and 110 may be substantially the same in size and shape and may be configured to be interchangeable between associated faucet components 106 and 128. In some embodiments, all three of the annular devices shown in FIG. 1E—102, 108, and 110—may be configured to be interchangeable between faucet fixture 104, associated faucet components 106, and associated faucet component 128.
FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of plumbing fixture assembly 200 comprising a faucet fixture 204, a plurality of interchangeable annular devices 202, and a support structure 212. In some embodiments, fluid conduit 214 of faucet fixture 204 may be configured to pass from an interior space of faucet fixture 204 through annular device 202 when annular device 202 is removably coupled to a proximal end of faucet fixture 204. In some embodiments, fluid conduit 214 is configured to pass from an interior space of faucet fixture 204, through annular device 202, and through a surface of support structure 212. In some embodiments, annular device 202 is configured such that when it is removably coupled to faucet fixture 204 and fluid conduit 214 passes from an interior space of faucet fixture 204 through an opening of annular device 202 defined by an interior surface, an exterior surface of annular device 202 is exposed to an exterior environment of plumbing fixture assembly 200 such that it is visible to a user of the plumbing fixture assembly.
Annular devices 202 may be interchangeable amongst different faucet fixtures 204, different associated faucet components (not shown), and/or between different annular devices 202. For example, a plumbing fixture assembly kit may comprise faucet fixture 204 and two or more annular devices 202.
One or more annular device 202 may be interchangeable with more than one faucet fixture 204. For example, FIG. 2 shows at least three different varieties of faucet fixture 204. Various types of faucet fixture 104 are also shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, one or more annular device 202 may be configured to removably couple with various types of faucet fixtures. For example, one annular device 202 may be configured to removably couple with all faucet fixtures 204 of FIG. 2. Similarly, annular device 202 may be configured to removably couple interchangeably with faucet fixture 204 and one or more associated faucet components (not shown).
Support structure 212 may be any deck plate, escutcheon, wall, countertop, sink deck, vanity top, tub deck, shower base, floor, or the like. FIG. 2 shows faucet fixture 204 configured to removably couple to a horizontal surface of support structure 212. In some embodiments, support structure 212 may comprise a vertical surface or an angled surface configured to removably couple to a plumbing fixture assembly.
FIG. 3 shows a plumbing fixture assembly 300 according to some embodiments. The faucet fixture 304 comprises a handle disposed on a top of faucet fixture 304. Thus, the plumbing fixture assembly 300 does not comprise any associated faucet components configured to removably couple to a support structure (not shown) proximate to the faucet fixture 304.
Annular device 302 is shown removably coupled to a proximal end 320 of faucet fixture 304. Annular device 302 may be configured to couple to a proximal end 320 of faucet fixture 304 such that an exterior surface of the proximal end 320 of the faucet fixture 304 aligns with an exterior surface of annular device 302. In some embodiments, an exterior surface of annular device 302 may be configured to extend outwardly past an exterior surface of proximal end 320 of faucet fixture 304. For example, an exterior surface of annular device 302 may be configured to be wider than (and not configured to align smoothly with) an exterior surface of proximal end 320 of faucet fixture 304. In some embodiments, an exterior surface of annular device 302 may be configured to be narrower than (and not configured to align smoothly with) an exterior surface of proximal end 320 of faucet fixture 304. In some embodiments, an exterior surface of annular device 302 may be curvature such as a concave or convex shape. In some embodiments, an exterior surface of annular device 302 that is concave or convex may be both narrower and wider than an exterior surface of faucet fixture 304 at various points along a height of annular device 302.
Annular device 302 may be configured to removably couple with proximal end 320 of faucet fixture 304 in various ways. In some embodiments, annular device 302 may be configured to removably couple to proximal end 320 of faucet fixture 304 using threads. In some embodiments, annular device 302 may be configured to removably couple to proximal end 320 of faucet fixture 304 by having proximal end 320 slide into annular device 302. In some embodiments, annular device 302 may be configured to removably couple to proximal end 320 of faucet fixture 304 such that a seal between annular device 302 and proximal end 320 is watertight.
Annular device 302 may comprise various materials. In some embodiments, annular device 302 may comprise one or more materials including but not limited to metal, natural stone, plastic, resin, glass and/or rubber. Annular device 302 may comprise a noncorrosive material. In some embodiments, materials of annular device 302 may correspond to one or more materials of faucet fixture 304. In some embodiments, annular device 302 may comprise materials that do not correspond to materials of faucet fixture 304.
Annular device 302 may comprise various surface treatments. In some embodiments, at least an exterior surface of annular device 302 may comprise one or more of polished chrome, brushed nickel, polished nickel, gloss black material, matte black material, hammered gold material, hammered black material, carbon fiber, knurled chrome, crystal, and/or marble. Annular device 302 may also comprise various textures, paint, paint colors, and/or dyes. A surface treatment of annular device 302 may comprise visual characteristics similar to that of an exterior surface of faucet fixture 304.
In some embodiments, an exterior of annular device 302 may comprise more than one exterior surface. For example, FIG. 3 shows annular device 302 comprising at least two surfaces in different planes with respect to each other. Similarly, some embodiments of annular device 302 may comprise a triangular-shaped exterior. A triangular-shaped annular device 302 may comprise at least three exterior surfaces. In some embodiments, circular or elliptical-shaped annular device 302 may comprise a ridge that extends radially outward from a top and a bottom edge of annular device 302, as shown in FIG. 3.
Similarly, an interior of annular device 302 may comprise more than one interior surface. In some embodiments, annular device 302 may comprise a rectangular-shaped interior. A rectangular-shaped annular device 302 may comprise at least four interior surfaces.
In some embodiments, annular device 302 may be configured to interchangeably couple with faucet fixture 304. One or more additional annular devices (not shown) may be configured to interchangeably couple with faucet fixture 304. In some embodiments, a plurality of annular devices (not shown) may comprise various combinations of materials and surface treatments. A user may interchange one annular device 302 of the plurality of annular devices with another annular device (not shown) of the plurality of annular devices. A user may interchange annular device 302 with another annular device (not shown) of the plurality of annular devices (not shown) to update or otherwise alter a plumbing fixture assembly.
In some embodiments, annular device 302 may serve as a spacer between proximal end 320 of faucet fixture 304 and a support structure (not shown). A bottommost surface of proximal end 320 of faucet fixture 304 may be configured to sit against an upper surface of annular device 302, and a lower surface of annular device 302 may be configured to sit against a surface of a support structure. In some embodiments, faucet fixture 304 may be configured to removably couple to two or more annular devices 302.
FIG. 4 shows a plumbing fixture assembly 400 according to some embodiments. Faucet fixture 404 comprises neck portion 416. Neck portion 416 may be located at proximal end 420 of faucet fixture 404. In some embodiments, neck portion 416 may be narrower than middle portion 426 of faucet fixture 404, wherein middle portion 426 is located between proximal end 420 and distal end 418 of faucet fixture 404.
In some embodiments, neck portion 416 may be configured to be inserted into annular device 402. When inserted into annular device 402, an exterior surface of neck portion 416 may contact an interior surface 422 of annular device 402. Further, a bottom surface of proximal end 420 extending outward past neck portion 416 may be configured to sit against an upper surface of annular device 402 when removably coupled. A bottom surface of neck portion 416 (and a bottommost surface of proximal end 420 of faucet fixture 404) may be configured to sit atop a surface of a support structure (not shown) when faucet fixture 404 is removably coupled to annular device 402 and mounted to a support structure.
In some embodiments, one or more associated faucet components (not shown) may comprise a neck portion at a proximal end of the associated faucet component configured to insert into an annular device, similar to the configuration of neck portion 416 of faucet fixture 404 and annular device 402 described above.
In some embodiments, one or more fluid conduits (not shown) may be configured to pass from an interior space of proximal end 420 of faucet fixture 404 through annular device 402.
In some embodiments, exterior surface 424 of annular device 402 may be configured to align with an exterior surface of proximal end 420 of faucet fixture 404. In some embodiments, exterior surface 424 of annular device 402 may be configured to extend outwardly past an exterior surface of proximal end 420 of faucet fixture 404. In some embodiments, an exterior surface of proximal end 420 of faucet fixture 404 may be configured to extend past exterior surface 424 of annular device 402.
The foregoing description, for the purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the techniques and their practical applications. Others skilled in the art are thereby enabled to best utilize the techniques and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
Although the disclosure and examples have been fully described with reference to the accompanying figures, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the disclosure and examples as defined by the claims. Finally, the entire disclosure of the patents and publications referred to in this application are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A plumbing fixture assembly comprising:

a faucet body configured to removably couple to a support structure, the faucet body comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end comprising a water outlet; and

a first interchangeable annular device configured to removably couple to the proximal end of the faucet body, wherein the annular device comprises:

an interior surface defining an opening in the first annular device, wherein the first annular device is configured such that, when the first annular device is coupled to the proximal end of the faucet body, a fluid conduit of the plumbing fixture assembly passes from an interior space of the faucet body through the opening of the first annular device; and

an exterior surface, wherein the first annular device is configured such that, when the first annular device is coupled to the proximal end of the faucet body and the faucet body is coupled to the support structure, the exterior surface is exposed to an exterior environment of the plumbing fixture assembly such that it is visible to a user of the plumbing fixture assembly.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface of the first annular device is configured to align with an exterior surface of the faucet body when the first annular device is coupled to the proximal end of the faucet body.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the faucet body comprises a neck portion that is narrower than a middle portion of the faucet body, wherein the middle portion is between the proximal end and the distal end, and wherein the neck portion is configured to be inserted inside the opening of the first annular device.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first annular device is configured to couple to the faucet body using threads on the interior surface of the first annular device.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the assembly is configured such that, when the first annular device is coupled to the proximal end of the faucet body, a bottom surface of the first annular device is in contact with an upper surface of the support structure, the support structure comprising one or more of a deck plate, escutcheon, wall, countertop, sink deck, vanity top, tub deck, or floor.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein a bottom surface of the proximal end of the faucet body is configured to sit atop the first annular device when the first annular device is coupled to the proximal end of the faucet body and the faucet body is coupled to the support structure, such that the first annular device spaces the faucet body of the plumbing fixture assembly apart from the support structure.

7. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising an associated faucet component distinct from the faucet body and a second annular device configured to couple to a base of the associated faucet component.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the associated faucet component is one or more of a handle, a hand-held sprayer, and a soap dispenser.

9. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the second annular device comprises an exterior surface having one or more visual characteristics in common with the exterior surface of the first annular device.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the interior surface of the first annular device is one or more of elliptical-shaped, square-shaped, rectangular-shaped, and triangular-shaped.

11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface of the first annular device is one or more of elliptical-shaped, square-shaped, rectangular-shaped, and triangular-shaped.

12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first annular device comprises one or more of metal, natural stone, plastic, resin, glass, and rubber.

13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface of the first annular device comprises one or more of polished chrome, brushed nickel, polished nickel, gloss black material, matte black material, hammered gold material, hammered black material, carbon fiber, knurled chrome, crystal, and marble.

14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the faucet body is configured to couple to two or more interchangeable annular devices.