Abstract:
An improved faucet structure includes an inlet pipe having a main metallic pipe and a non-toxic pressure and climate resistant plastic holding chamber that can be interchangeably used by multiple products. The main metallic pipe includes a ring groove with a larger diameter as a limiting element on the side thereof. The ring groove includes one or more holes thereon to further couple with even a larger diameter item. The holding chamber includes a connecting pipe disposed at a bottom end of thereof. The chamber includes two or more external leakage rings, and the rings are closely coupled to the internal wall of the main metallic pipe. This assembly reduces the needs of relying all metallic pipes, and the holding chamber is capable connecting to other faucet assemblies.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    Embodiments of the invention generally relate to an improvement faucet structure. In particular, an improved faucet structure that includes an inlet pipe having a main metallic pipe and a non-toxic pressure and climate resistant plastic holding chamber that can be interchangeably used by multiple products. The chamber includes two or more external leakage rings, and the rings are closely coupled to the internal wall of the main metallic pipe. This assembly reduces the need of relying all metallic pipes, and the holding chamber is capable connecting to other faucet assemblies. 
         [0003]    2. Background of the Invention 
         [0004]    Based on existing practice, an inlet pipe for an existing faucet (see  10  of  FIG. 1 ) includes an externally threaded metallic pipe  11  and a metallic holding chamber  12  at one end of the externally threaded metallic pipe. The metallic holding chamber  12  is coupled to a control valve  13  and is fitted with a leakage ring  14  and an elastic element  15  to achieve the optimal leakage prevention purpose. However, when the above faucet  10  is subjected to long exposure to water pressure or the faucet  10  is subjected to incidental impact, the faucet  10  structure is damaged. Because the holding chamber  12  and the externally threaded metallic pipe  10  are formed in one piece, the damage described above would require the replacement of the entire faucet  10 . If one wishes to improve the strength of the faucet  10  by increasing the thickness of the externally threaded metallic pipe  11 , the added metallic material further increases the overall cost and is not cost effective. 
         [0005]    Referring to  FIGS. 2-5 , an inlet pipe  20 ′ structure mainly includes an integrated piece of metallic set that includes two pipes  21 ′ that have external threads with holding chambers  22 ′. The two holding chambers  22 ′ on each side is coupled to a conduit  23 ′ and is joined to one outlet  24 ′. It is noted that the outlet  24 ′ cannot be separated from the inlet pipe  20 ′. Or, as shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , the two pipes  21 ′ are joined to the same holding chamber  22 ′, and the holding chamber  22 ′ is coupled to the outlet  24 ′. However, the practices shown in above figures all include a metallic material for the inlet pipe  20 ′ and include the following shortcomings: (1) the metallic construction of the pipes often creates powdered bores, and these negatively affect the quality of the pipes and lead to malfunction. In addition, the process generates toxic materials and is harmful to the environment. (2) The walls of the metallic pipes are not smooth and can cause water to carry debris therefrom. (3) The inlet pipe  20 ′ is in an one-piece construction, have just one size. As such, it is difficult to fit to all different kinds of faucet plates. Therefore, it further reduces the value of the product and decreases the consumer&#39;s purchasing desire. (4) The examples shown in  FIGS. 6-7  are welded to one integrated piece and lack flexibility in accommodating standardized usage. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Embodiments of the invention provide a structure of a faucet in which it uses the bottom end of the holding chamber to include a leakage ring in a connecting pipe coupled to a threaded pipe. As such, there is no need to have an external tool set to adjust or tighten the pipes and aspects of the invention can accommodate different faceplates to suit the user&#39;s needs. Benefits of embodiments of the invention further include adding strengthen to the overall structure of the pipes. 
         [0007]    This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0008]    Other features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is an exploding view of a prior art. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is an exploding view of another prior art ( 1 ). 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is an exploding view of another prior art ( 2 ). 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is an exploding view of another prior art ( 3 ). 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is an exploding view of another prior art ( 4 ). 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is an exploding view of another prior art ( 5 ). 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is an exploding view of another prior art ( 6 ). 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is an exploding view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is an exploding view of a control valve and an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a cross-section view of an assembled embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is an exploding view of an inlet pipe according to an embodiment of the invention ( 1 ). 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an assembly of the embodiment according to  FIG. 11 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is an exploding view of an inlet pipe according to an assembly of an embodiment of the invention ( 2 ). 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an assembly of the embodiment according to  FIG. 13 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  is an exploding view of an inlet pipe according to an assembly of an embodiment of the invention ( 3 ). 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an assembly of the embodiment according to  FIG. 15 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 17  is an exploding view of an inlet pipe according to an assembly of an embodiment of the invention ( 4 ). 
           [0026]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an assembly of the embodiment according to  FIG. 17 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an assembly of another embodiment of the invention ( 1 ). 
           [0028]      FIG. 20  is a cross-section of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 21  is an exploding assembly view of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an assembly of another embodiment of the invention ( 2 ). 
           [0031]      FIG. 23  is a cross-section of  FIG. 22 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 24  is an exploding assembly view of  FIG. 22 . 
       
    
    
       [0033]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0034]    The following list shows reference characters used through  FIGS. 1-24 : 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 30 inlet pipe 
                 31 main pipe 
               
               
                   
                 311 ring pad 
                 312 blocking pate 
               
               
                   
                 313 bore 
                 314 plate 
               
               
                   
                 32 holding chamber 
                 321 first ring 
               
               
                   
                 322 second ring 
                 323 pipe section 
               
               
                   
                 3231 strengthening rib 
                 324 externally threaded section 
               
               
                   
                 325 connecting pipe 
                 326 stoppage ring 
               
               
                   
                 327 locking slot 
                 33 control valve 
               
               
                   
                 331 locking element 
                 332 shaft 
               
               
                   
                 34 stoppage ring 
                 35 flexing piece 
               
               
                   
                 40, 40′ faceplate 
                 41, 41′ pin 
               
               
                   
                 42, 42′ tightening piece 
                 43 opening 
               
               
                   
                 43′ protruding piece 
                 50 handle 
               
               
                   
                 51 lock cover 
                 60 outlet connecting piece 
               
               
                   
                 61 connecting piece 
                 611 stoppage ring 
               
               
                   
                 62 locking section 
                 63 receiving base 
               
               
                   
                 631 opening 
                 60′ outlet connecting piece 
               
               
                   
                 61′ connecting piece 
                 611′ stoppage ring 
               
               
                   
                 62′ connecting member 
                 63′ outlet 
               
               
                   
                 631′ strengthening rib 
                 632′ limiting piece 
               
               
                   
                 6321′ limiting opening 
                 633′ stoppage ring 
               
               
                   
                 634′ locking element 
                 70 outlet 
               
               
                   
                 71 pin 
                 72 locking element 
               
               
                   
                 60″ outlet 
                 61″ connecting pipe 
               
               
                   
                 611″ strengthening rib 
                 62″ connecting member 
               
               
                   
                 621″ stoppage ring 
                 622″ interior threaded section 
               
               
                   
                 623″ bore 
                 624″ external threaded section 
               
               
                   
                 63″ limiting piece 
                 631″ limiting hole 
               
               
                   
                 70′ outlet 
                 71′ cover 
               
               
                   
                 70″ outlet 
                 71″ lock cover 
               
               
                   
                 30′ inlet 
                 31′ main threaded pipe 
               
               
                   
                 313′ pin 
                 314′ plate 
               
               
                   
                 32′ base member 
                 321′ connecting plate 
               
               
                   
                 322′ bore 
                 323′ pipe section 
               
               
                   
                 3231′ strengthening rib 
                 324′ set connecting piece 
               
               
                   
                 325′ stoppage ring 
                 33′ lock piece 
               
               
                   
                 80 outlet pipe 
                 81 control valve 
               
               
                   
                 811 shaft 
                 82 connecting pipe 
               
               
                   
                 821 stoppage ring 
                 83 pipe section 
               
               
                   
                 84 holding chamber 
                 841 blocking ring 
               
               
                   
                 85 external threaded section 
                 86 connecting section 
               
               
                   
                 87 outlet 
                 871 strengthening rib 
               
               
                   
                 872 limiting bore 
                 873 locking element 
               
               
                   
                 90 faceplate 
                 901 locking bore 
               
               
                   
                 91 handle 
                 92 lock cover 
               
               
                   
                 80′ outlet connecting pipe 
                 81′ control valve 
               
               
                   
                 811′ shaft 
                 82′ connecting pipe 
               
               
                   
                 821′ stoppage ring 
                 822′ strengthening rib 
               
               
                   
                 83′ holding chamber 
                 831′ stoppage ring 
               
               
                   
                 832′ external threaded section 
                 833′ through bore 
               
               
                   
                 90′ faceplate 
                 901′ locking bore 
               
               
                   
                 91′ handle 
                 92′ locking cover 
               
               
                   
                 93′ outlet 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , an exploding view of an embodiment of the invention depicts an inlet pipe  30  includes a main pipe  31  with an externally threaded section and a holding chamber  32  as a base. In this embodiment, the main pipe  31  is made of metallic materials. In addition, at one end of the main pipe  31  includes a ring pad  311 , and the ring pad  311  has a diameter that is larger than that of the main pipe  31 . The ring pad  311  is coupled to a blocking plate  312  and, together, they are coupled to a plate  314  with one or more bores  313  thereon. In one embodiment, the bores  313  on the plate  314  match with one or more pins  41  on a faceplate  40 . A holding chamber  32  is composed of non-toxic materials that are resistant to weather and pressure. The holding chamber  32  includes a first ring  321  and a second ring  322  on the exterior surface thereof. The holding chamber  32  includes a pipe section  323  coupled thereto and protruding between the first ring  321  and the second ring  322  from the holding chamber  32 . In one embodiment, the pipe section  323  and the holding chamber  32  are interconnected. Surfaces of the pipe section  323  include one or more strengthening ribs  3231  in order to strengthening the integrity of the pipe section  323 . The holding chamber  32  includes an externally threaded section  324  above the second ring  322  and to one distal end of the holding chamber  32 . For illustration purpose only, this end is the top end. On the other end of the holding chamber  32  (for illustration purpose only, this is the bottom end), the holding chamber is coupled to a connecting pipe  325 . The connecting pipe  325  includes two or more stoppage rings  326  on its exterior surface thereof. On the other end of the holding chamber  32 , one or more locking slots  327  are disposed coupled to the externally threaded section  324 . 
         [0036]    In assembly, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , one only needs to fit the connecting pipe  325  at the bottom end of the holding chamber  32  into an opening of the main threaded section  31 . As such, the stoppage rings  326  on the exterior surface of the connecting pipe  325  are fitted against the interior wall of the main threaded section  31 . The bottom of the holding chamber is fitted in the ring pad  311  and is biased against the blocking plate  312 . The first ring  321  is also fitted against the plate  314 . This kind of assembly is convenient, less time-consuming, highly cost-effective, and consumes less metallic materials. In a further embodiment, a control valve  33  having a stoppage ring  34  and a flexing piece  35  is fitted inside the holding chamber  32 . In addition, one or more locking elements  331  of the control valve  33  fit into corresponding locking slots  327 . To continue the assembly, the pins  41  of the faceplate  40 , as well as a lock cover  51  and a handle  50 , are fitted with the bores  313  of the inlet pipe  30 . The inlet pipe  30  is further tightened with the remaining parts using tightening pieces  42  and the externally threaded section  324 . As such, the faceplate  40  and the inlet pipe  30  are coupled tightly and securely to avoid loosening due to impact. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the inlet pipe  30  is coupled to an outlet connecting piece  60 . Each end of the outlet connecting piece  60  is coupled to a connecting piece  61 . As such, there are two inlet pipes  30  on each end of the outlet connecting piece  60  and the pipe section  323  of each inlet pipe  30  is responsible for cold or hot water outlet. The connecting piece  61  also includes two or more stoppage rings  611  for coupling to the pipe section  323 . A receiving base  63  and a locking section  62  are disposed at the middle part of the outlet connecting piece  60 . The receiving base  63  includes one or more openings  631 . The one or more openings  631  are designed to receive pins  71  of the outlet  70 . Thereafter, the faceplate  40 , the handle  50 , and the lock cover  51  are subsequently coupled to the externally threaded section  324 , the control valve  33  of the inlet pipes  30 , as well as a shaft  332 . At the same time, the pins  41  of the faceplate  40  fit into the bores  313  of the inlet pipe  30 . Similarly, the openings  631  of the outlet connecting piece  60  and the pins  71  of the outlet  70  are corresponding pieces such that the outlet connecting piece  60  is coupled to the outlet  70  securely. In addition, tightening pieces  42  and locking elements  72  are used to further secure and complete the assembly of a faucet to enable hot water and cold water to a user. As such, the pipe section  323  of the inlet pipe  30  can couple to a variety of outlet connecting piece  60  to couple with a faceplate  40  and a handle  50  of various designs to suit consumer&#39;s or user&#39;s needs and increase competitiveness in the market place. Moreover, the stoppage rings  611  of the connecting pieces  61  and the pipe section  323  of the inlet pipe  30  further increases the maximum amount of water leakage prevention. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , an outlet connecting piece  60 ′ forms a reverse “T” shape and includes a connecting piece  61 ′ on each end of the outlet connecting piece  60 ′. Each of the connecting piece  61 ′ also includes a pipe section  323  to be connected to the hot water and cold water pipes. At the top end of the connecting member  62 ′ and it is coupled to an outlet  63 ′. The outlet  63 ′ includes one or more strengthening ribs  631 ′ on the surface thereof and the two side thereof includes a “M” shaped limiting piece  632 ′ to form a limiting opening  6231 ′ to receive locking elements  634 ′ through the openings  43  to hold the faceplate  40  in place. The connecting piece  61 ′ and the outlet  63 ′ further include the stoppage rings  611 ′ and  633 ′ to enhance water seepage prevention. Thereafter, a faucet is formed once the faceplate  40  is assembled with the inlet pipe  30  by coupling the faceplate  40  through the opening  41  with the handle  50  through the lock cover  51 . In addition, the inlet pipe  30  is coupled thereto through the externally threaded section  324  and the bore  313 . Through such an assembly, the assembled faucet has enhanced pressure resistance characteristics, is economically efficient and enhances market competitiveness. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the two sides of an outlet  60 ″ includes a connecting pipe  61 ″ that can conveniently and flexibly fit with faceplates  40 ′ with different sizes. In addition, in assembly, the connecting pipes  61 ″ extend to the pipe section  323  to the inlet pipe  30 . The surface of the connecting pipes  61 ″ includes strengthening  611 ″ having straight and ring-like structure to strengthen the overall durability and stability of the unit. A limiting piece  63 ″ having an “M” shape forms a limiting hole  631 ″. An external surface of a connecting member  62 ″ includes two stoppage rings  621 ″. On one side includes an interior threaded section  622 ″ and a cover  71 ′ such that the connecting member  62 ″ is tightened against the outlet  70 ′. In addition, the two stoppage rings  621 ″ include a bore  623 ″ and the opening of the outlet  70 ′ is correspondingly matched to said bore  623 ″ to allow water to exit. The faceplate  40 ′ also includes a number of pins  41 ′ and a protruding piece  43 ′ at the bottom thereof, and the bores  313  of the inlet pipe  30  correspondingly provides a tightening piece  42 ′ to tighten the faceplate  40 ′. The assembled piece is set on the outlet connecting piece  60 ″ with the protruding piece  43 ′ fitted into a limiting piece  631 ′ to achieve maximum stability and increase the amount of water pressures handled by the assembled unit. 
         [0040]    Referring further to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the connecting member  62 ″ of the outlet connecting piece  60 ″ includes an external threaded section  624 ″ and the external threaded section  624 ″ is coupled to a lock cover  71 ″ of a outlet  70 ″ in a shape of the number “7” to provide an outlet for the water. 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the inlet pipe  30 ′ is composed of a metallic main threaded pipe  31 ′ and a base member  32 ′ made of non-toxic, pressure resistant, and weather resistant plastic materials. The base member  32 ′ includes a connecting plate  321 ′ that is correspondingly matched to a plate  314 ′ of the main threaded pipe  31 ′. The connecting plate  321 ′ includes a number of bores  322 ′ and the bores  322 ′ corresponding match with pins  313 ′ of the plate  314 ′ such that the bores  322 ′ receive the pins  313 ′. The connecting plate  321 ′ also includes a pipe section  323 ′ on its side thereof, and the pipe section  323 ′ includes strengthening ribs  3231 ′ on its surface thereof to further strengthen the integrity of the pipe section  323 ′. The base member  32 ′ includes a set connecting piece  324 ′ at the bottom thereof. The set connecting piece  324 ′ is of a smaller diameter is coupled to the pipe section  323 ′. The set connecting piece  324 ′ includes at least two stoppage rings  325 ′ disposed on the exterior of the set connecting piece  324 ′ and the stoppage rings  325 ′ are biased against the inner wall of the main threaded pipe  31 ′ to achieve optimal water seepage effect. The inlet pipe  30 ′ also includes an outlet pipe  80  of a control valve  81 , a handle  91 , and a faceplate  90  with a lock cover  92 . The outlet pipe  80  includes a connecting pipe at each side thereof and the pipe section  323 ′ of the inlet pipe  30 ′ to provide outlets for hot and cold water. The connecting pipe  82  includes at least two stoppage ring  821  at an appropriate location thereof. The outlet pipe  80  also extends upward to a pipe section  83  and coupled to a receiving chamber  84 . The receiving chamber  84  includes a blocking ring  841 , and an external threaded section  85  is disposed at the top of the blocking ring  841 . The receiving chamber  84  includes a connecting section  86  at the bottom of the receiving chamber  84 , and the connecting section  86  is coupled to an outlet  87 . The outlet  87  includes two strengthening ribs  871  of the shape “F” and forms a limiting bore  872  to strengthen the integrity thereof. In assembly, the control valve  81  is first set inside the receiving chamber  84 . Then, the lock cover  92  of the faceplate  90  and the handle  91  are consecutively coupled to the external threaded section  85  of the outlet pipe  80 , as well as a shaft of the control valve  81 . The above parts are securely tightened. The faceplate  90  includes one or more locking bores  901  that are disposed to match with the pins  313 ′ and bores  322 ′ of the inlet pipe  30 ′ and the limiting bore  872  of the outlet  87  such that the locking piece  33 ′ and the locking element  873  can hold the parts securely. As such, the inlet  30 ′ is assembled to become a faucet. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIGS. 22 to 24 , an outlet connecting pipe  80 ′ includes a connecting pipe  82 ′ on each of the two sides of the outlet connecting pipe  80 ′ and may be fitted with a faceplate  90 ′ of different sizes. The outlet connecting pipe  80 ′ may then be extended to be coupled with the pipe section  323 ′ of the inlet pipe  30 ′ in assembly. The connecting pipe  82 ′ includes a number of straight and ring-shaped strengthening ribs  822 ′ and is fitted with two or more stoppage rings  821 ′ to increase overall stability and water seepage effect. In the middle, a receiving chamber  83 ′ includes two stoppage rings  831 ′ with one side includes an external threaded section  832 ′. A through bore  833 ′ is disposed between the two stoppage rings  831 ′ and an outlet  93 ′ of the faceplate  90 ′ is aligned thereto to provide an outlet for water. A control valve  81 ′ is disposed in the receiving chamber  83 ′ and is secured therein with a locking cover  92 ′ of the faceplate  90 ′ and a handle  91 ′ consecutively. The external threaded section  832 ′ of the outlet connecting pipe  80 ′ and a shaft  811 ′ of the control valve  81 ′ is further secured with each other. The faceplate  90 ′ also includes one or more locking bore  901 ′ and the pins  313 ′ and the bores  322 ′ of the inlet pipe  30 ′ are secured by the lock piece  33 ′ to achieve optimal effects of securing the parts in place and pressure resistance of the faucet. 
         [0043]    Although the invention has been explained in relation to its various embodiment(s) as mentioned above, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claim or claims will cover such modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the invention. 
         [0044]    Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. 
         [0045]    When introducing elements of the embodiments(s) of the present invention, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. 
         [0046]    In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained. 
         [0047]    As various changes could be made in the above constructions or products without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawing[s] shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.