Thread down faucet for tub/shower valve

{
  "publication_number": "US9909287B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Thread down faucet for tub/shower valve",
  "abstract": "A bath spout faucet assembly having a handle portion and a hub portion. The handle portion includes a bore disposed therein. The handle portion may also include a cylindrically-formed slot located around the bore. The hub portion is sized to fit into the cylindrically-formed slot of the handle portion. The cylindrically-formed hub portion forms an opening that is configured to be in communication with the bore in the handle portion, and is configured to receive a stem portion of a valve assembly. The bore in the handle portion is configured to receive the stem portion and the handle portion is configured to rotate the stem portion.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A bath spout faucet assembly comprising: a handle portion including a handle and handle block, wherein the handle portion defines a bore and a cylindrically-formed slot therein, wherein the cylindrically-formed slot is located concentrically around the bore; a cylindrically-formed hub portion sized to fit into the cylindrically-formed slot of the handle portion, wherein the cylindrically-formed hub portion forms an opening that is configured to be in communication with the bore in the handle portion, and configured to receive a stem portion of a valve assembly; a stabilizer ring threaded onto the handle block of the handle portion and located adjacent the hub portion; wherein the handle portion is configured to rotate with respect to the hub portion; wherein the bore in the handle portion is configured to receive the stem portion; and wherein the handle portion is configured to rotate the stem portion.",
    "2. The bath spout faucet assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one o-ring fitted on the hub portion and configured to be located between the hub portion and an outer wall surface of the cylindrically-formed slot.",
    "3. The bath spout faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein the cylindrically-formed slot and bore are located in the handle block.",
    "4. The bath spout faucet assembly of claim 3, further comprising a fastener that couples the handle and the handle block together.",
    "5. The bath spout faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein the bore includes a periphery surface which has a broach pattern configured to engage a surface texture on the stem portion.",
    "6. The bath spout faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein the stabilizer ring is attached to the handle portion between the cylindrically-formed slot and the bore.",
    "7. The bath spout faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein the hub portion is configured to couple to a flange."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "The present disclosure relates to shower and/or bath trim kit assemblies and, more particularly, to a new handle design for a shower and/or bath faucet.\n\nShower and bath trims or trim kit assemblies are traditionally composed of shower head and tub filler assemblies. An on-and-off handle assembly or faucet is included that activates a valve to distribute hot or cold water to the shower head or tub filler. In conventional faucet assemblies, the handle engages a keyset on a stem that extends from the valve. As the handle rotates either clockwise or counterclockwise, the key behind the handle rotates therewith. This causes the valve to open or close, as well as mix hot and cold water. The handle is secured to the valve stem, typically by a set screw that press fits against the stem so the handle will not come off. A cylindrical threaded sleeve attaches a trim shower flange against the shower wall. The sleeve is cylindrical so the valve stem may stick out through the sleeve and engage the handle. The handle typically shrouds the sleeve and rotates relative thereto for turning the water on and off. In addition to holding the flange plate in place, the sleeve also helps keep the water from getting between the handle and the flange and thus back behind the shower wall.\n\nAn issue with these conventional designs is that the front of the handle sits a significant distance from the key portion of the stem which is what activates the valve.\n\nThis has the effect of lessening the perceived robustness of the handle feel as it rotates clockwise or counterclockwise.",
  "cpc": [
    "E03C 1/0412",
    "F16K 31/60",
    "F16K 31/605",
    "Y10T 74/20612"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "E03C 1/04",
    "F16K 31/60"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Spectrum Brands Inc"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Jan Christopher van Leyen",
    "Victor Tung",
    "Alston Williams"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2016-05-02",
  "publication_date": "2018-03-06",
  "grant_date": "2018-03-06",
  "priority_date": "2013-03-15",
  "application_number": "US-201615143934-A",
  "family_id": "51501311",
  "cited_by_count": 4,
  "citations": [
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    "CN101137861A",
    "US20060174946A1",
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  ]
}