Patent Publication Number: US-2010127202-A1

Title: Valve body

Description:
FIELD 
     The invention relates generally to valve bodies and, more particularly, to valve bodies having a substantial portion made of a non-brass material. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The flow of water from a water supply source to a plumbing fixture or fitting (e.g., a faucet, a tub spout, a shower head) is generally controlled by a valve member such as a valve cartridge. Manipulation of a handle connected to the valve cartridge allows a user to vary the flow rate of the water through the plumbing fixture or fitting. The valve cartridge is typically housed in a valve body that extends through and is affixed to a mounting surface, with the handle being disposed on one side of the mounting surface and connections to the water supply source being disposed on the other side of the mounting surface. The valve body has a water inlet passage through which the water from the water supply source can flow. The valve body also has a water outlet passage through which the water can be discharged to an outlet portion of the plumbing fixture or fitting. By positioning the valve cartridge between the water inlet passage and the water outlet passage, the valve cartridge can regulate the flow of water from the water inlet passage to the water outlet passage. 
     In one arrangement, a single valve body is used to convey the water (e.g., cold water and/or hot water) from the water source to the plumbing fixture or fitting. In another arrangement, a first valve body and a second valve body are used to convey the water (e.g., cold water and hot water, respectively) from the water source to the plumbing fixture or fitting. In these arrangements, each valve body is typically formed as an integral structure. 
     Conventional valve bodies have typically been made primarily, if not entirely, of brass. Brass is a metal composed primarily of copper and zinc. Since copper is the main component in brass, brass is usually classified as a copper alloy. Brass has properties that make it well suited for use in valve bodies. For example, brass is strong and hard. Furthermore, brass is easy to form into various shapes, a good conductor of heat, and generally resistant to corrosion. 
     Brass, however, can be relatively expensive compared to other materials that are otherwise unsuitable or undesirable for use in valve bodies. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a valve body having a substantial portion made of a non-brass material. 
     SUMMARY 
     A valve body assembly, according to one exemplary embodiment, includes an upper body having a first cavity; a lower body having a second cavity and including a water inlet passage and a water outlet passage in fluid communication with the second cavity; and a sleeve having a third cavity. The second cavity is operable to house a valve member (e.g., a cartridge assembly) to control the flow of water from the water inlet passage to the water outlet passage. The first cavity is operable to allow an actuating mechanism (e.g., a handle) to interface with the valve member. With at least a portion of the upper body and at least a portion of the lower body disposed in the third cavity, the sleeve is deformed to retain the upper body and the lower body in the third cavity. 
     At least one of the upper body, the lower body and the sleeve is not made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the upper body and the sleeve contain no brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the upper body and the sleeve are made of aluminum. In one exemplary embodiment, the upper body and the sleeve contain no brass and the lower body includes a brass content but is not made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, a portion of the lower body is made of a plastic. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, between 15% and 50% by volume of the valve body assembly is brass. In one exemplary embodiment, between 45% and 80% by weight of the valve body assembly is brass. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, between 35% and 45% by volume of the valve body assembly is brass. In one exemplary embodiment, approximately 40.2% by volume of the valve body assembly is brass. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, between 20% and 30% by volume of the valve body assembly is brass. In one exemplary embodiment, approximately 24.7% by volume of the valve body assembly is brass. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, between 62% and 72% by weight of the valve body assembly is brass. In one exemplary embodiment, approximately 67.3% by weight of the valve body assembly is brass. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, between 51% and 61% by weight of the valve body assembly is brass. In one exemplary embodiment, approximately 55.6% by weight of the valve body assembly is brass. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly realizes a reduction between 50% and 80% by volume in brass as compared to a similar valve body assembly made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly realizes a reduction between 57% and 67% by volume in brass as compared to a similar valve body assembly made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly realizes a reduction of approximately 61.5% by volume in brass as compared to a similar valve body assembly made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly realizes a reduction between 62% and 72% by volume in brass as compared to a similar valve body assembly made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly realizes a reduction of approximately 67.4% by volume in brass as compared to a similar valve body assembly made entirely of brass. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly realizes a reduction between 50% and 80% by weight in brass as compared to a similar valve body assembly made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly realizes a reduction between 55% and 65% by weight in brass as compared to a similar valve body assembly made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly realizes a reduction of approximately 60.0% by weight in brass as compared to a similar valve body assembly made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly realizes a reduction between 62% and 72% by weight in brass as compared to a similar valve body assembly made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly realizes a reduction of approximately 66.9% by weight in brass as compared to a similar valve body assembly made entirely of brass. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly includes brass and non-brass material. The valve body assembly has a brass content measured as a volume of brass in the valve body assembly and a non-brass content measured as a volume of non-brass material in the valve body assembly, and a ratio of the brass content to the non-brass content is less than or equal to 0.673. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly has a brass content measured as a volume of brass in the valve body assembly and a non-brass content measured as a volume of non-brass material in the valve body assembly, and a ratio of the brass content to the non-brass content is less than or equal to 0.327. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly includes brass and non-brass material. The valve body assembly has a brass content measured as a weight of brass in the valve body assembly and a non-brass content measured as a weight of non-brass material in the valve body assembly, and a ratio of the brass content to the non-brass content is less than or equal to 2.058. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly has a brass content measured as a weight of brass in the valve body assembly and a non-brass content measured as a weight of non-brass material in the valve body assembly, and a ratio of the brass content to the non-brass content is less than or equal to 1.250. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly includes brass and non-brass material. The valve body assembly has a brass content measured as a volume of brass in the valve body assembly and a non-brass content measured as a volume of non-brass material in the valve body assembly, and the brass content is less than the non-brass content. 
     A valve body assembly, according to one exemplary embodiment, is a three-piece valve body that includes a first member, a second member and a third member. The second member includes a water inlet passage and a water outlet passage that form a water flow path through the valve body. The second member also includes a cavity formed between the water inlet passage and the water outlet passage, the cavity being operable to receive a valve member (e.g., a cartridge assembly) for controlling the flow rate of water along the water flow path. The first member includes an opening that is operable to allow an actuating member (e.g., a handle) to interface with a valve member in the cavity of the second member. The third member includes a cavity that is operable to house at least a portion of the first member and at least a portion of the second member therein, such that deformation of the third member prevents axial displacement of the first member relative to the second member. 
     At least one of the first member, the second member and the third member is not made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the first member and the third member contain no brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the first member and the third member are made of aluminum. In one exemplary embodiment, the first member and the third member contain no brass and the second member includes a brass content but is not made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, a portion of the second member is made of a plastic. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, between 15% and 50% by volume of the three-piece valve body is brass. In one exemplary embodiment, between 45% and 80% by weight of the three-piece valve body is brass. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, between 35% and 45% by volume of the three-piece valve body is brass. In one exemplary embodiment, approximately 40.2% by volume of the three-piece valve body is brass. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, between 20% and 30% by volume of the three-piece valve body is brass. In one exemplary embodiment, approximately 24.7% by volume of the three-piece valve body is brass. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, between 62% and 72% by weight of the valve body assembly is brass. In one exemplary embodiment, approximately 67.3% by weight of the three-piece valve body is brass. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, between 51% and 61% by weight of the valve body assembly is brass. In one exemplary embodiment, approximately 55.6% by weight of the three-piece valve body is brass. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the three-piece valve body realizes a reduction between 50% and 80% by volume in brass as compared to a similar valve body made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly realizes a reduction between 57% and 67% by volume in brass as compared to a similar valve body assembly made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the three-piece valve body realizes a reduction of approximately 61.5% by volume in brass as compared to a similar valve body made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly realizes a reduction between 62% and 72% by volume in brass as compared to a similar valve body assembly made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the three-piece valve body realizes a reduction of approximately 67.4% by volume in brass as compared to a similar valve body made entirely of brass. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the three-piece valve body realizes a reduction between 50% and 80% by weight in brass as compared to a similar valve body made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly realizes a reduction between 55% and 65% by weight in brass as compared to a similar valve body assembly made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the three-piece valve body realizes a reduction of approximately 60.0% by weight in brass as compared to a similar valve body made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly realizes a reduction between 62% and 72% by weight in brass as compared to a similar valve body assembly made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the three-piece valve body realizes a reduction of approximately 66.9% by weight in brass as compared to a similar valve body made entirely of brass. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the three-piece valve body includes brass and non-brass material. In one exemplary embodiment, the three-piece valve body has a brass content measured as a volume of brass in the three-piece valve body and a non-brass content measured as a volume of non-brass material in the three-piece valve body, and a ratio of the brass content to the non-brass content is less than or equal to 0.673. In one exemplary embodiment, the three-piece valve body has a brass content measured as a volume of brass in the three-piece valve body and a non-brass content measured as a volume of non-brass material in the three-piece valve body, and a ratio of the brass content to the non-brass content is less than or equal to 0.327. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the three-piece valve body includes brass and non-brass material. In one exemplary embodiment, the three-piece valve body has a brass content measured as a weight of brass in the three-piece valve body and a non-brass content measured as a weight of non-brass material in the three-piece valve body, and a ratio of the brass content to the non-brass content is less than or equal to 2.058. In one exemplary embodiment, the three-piece valve body has a brass content measured as a weight of brass in the three-piece valve body and a non-brass content measured as a weight of non-brass material in the three-piece valve body, and a ratio of the brass content to the non-brass content is less than or equal to 1.250. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the three-piece valve body includes brass and non-brass material. In one exemplary embodiment, the three-piece valve body has a brass content measured as a volume of brass in the three-piece valve body and a non-brass content measured as a volume of non-brass material in the three-piece valve body, and the brass content is less than the non-brass content. 
     Numerous advantages and features will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention as well as embodiments and advantages thereof are described below in greater detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawings in which: 
         FIGS. 1A-1F  show a valve body assembly, according to a first exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the valve body assembly.  FIG. 1B  is an exploded perspective view of the valve body assembly.  FIG. 1C  is a side elevational view of the valve body assembly.  FIG. 1D  is a side elevational view of the valve body assembly, with the valve body assembly rotated 90 degrees relative to the view shown in  FIG. 1C .  FIG. 1E  is a bottom plan view of the valve body assembly.  FIG. 1F  is s cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of  FIG. 1E , along line A-A. 
         FIGS. 2A-2D  show an exemplary sleeve used in the exemplary valve body assembly of  FIGS. 1A-1F .  FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the sleeve.  FIG. 2B  is a top plan view of the sleeve.  FIG. 2C  is a bottom plan view of the sleeve.  FIG. 2D  is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve of  FIG. 2C , along line A-A. 
         FIGS. 3A-3D  show an exemplary upper body used in the exemplary valve body assembly of  FIGS. 1A-1F .  FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the upper body.  FIG. 3B  is a side elevational view of the upper body.  FIG. 3C  is a top plan view of the upper body.  FIG. 3D  is a cross-sectional view of the upper body of  FIG. 3C , along line A-A. 
         FIGS. 4A-4D  show an exemplary lower body used in the exemplary valve body assembly of  FIGS. 1A-1F .  FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the lower body.  FIG. 4B  is an exploded perspective view of the lower body.  FIG. 4C  is a side elevational view of the lower body.  FIG. 4D  is a cross-sectional view of the lower body of  FIG. 4C , along line A-A. 
         FIGS. 5A-5G  show a valve body assembly, according to a second exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the valve body assembly.  FIG. 5B  is an exploded perspective view of the valve body assembly, including an exploded perspective view of a lower body of the valve body assembly.  FIG. 5C  is a side elevational view of the valve body assembly.  FIG. 5D  is a side elevational view of the valve body assembly, with the valve body assembly rotated 90 degrees relative to the view shown in  FIG. 5C .  FIG. 5E  is a top plan view of the valve body assembly.  FIG. 5F  is a bottom plan view of the valve body assembly.  FIG. 5G  is a cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of  FIG. 5E , along line A-A. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the general inventive concept is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the general inventive concept. Accordingly, the general inventive concept is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A-1F , a hybrid valve body, according to a first exemplary embodiment, is shown as a multi-piece valve body assembly  100 . The valve body assembly  100  includes a sleeve  200 , an upper body  300  and a lower body  400 , which are discrete components (see  FIG. 1B ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2D , the sleeve  200  is a generally tubular body  202 . The tubular body  202  has a generally circular upper opening  204  and a generally circular lower opening  206  (see  FIG. 2D ). The tubular body  202  is hollow and includes a generally cylindrical cavity  208  that extends between the upper opening  204  and the lower opening  206 . 
     Threads  210  are formed along a length of an outer surface of the tubular body  202  (see  FIGS. 2A and 2D ). In one exemplary embodiment, one or more lengthwise non-threaded portions or grooves  212  are formed on the outer surface of the tubular body  202  (see  FIGS. 2A-2C ). 
     A portion of the tubular body  202  is a lip portion  214  on which the threads  210  are not formed (see  FIGS. 2A and 2D ). A pair of curved notches  216  are formed in the lip portion  214 , such that the notches  216  are aligned across from one another (see FIGS.  2 A and  2 C- 2 D). 
     The tubular body  202  also includes a generally circular ledge  218  that defines the upper opening  204 , whereas the lip portion  214  defines the lower opening  206  (see  FIGS. 2A-2B  and  2 D). A diameter of the upper opening  204  is smaller than a diameter of the lower opening  206  (see FIGS.  2 A and  2 C- 2 D). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D , the upper body  300  is a generally tubular body  302 . The tubular body  302  has a generally circular upper opening  304  and a generally circular lower opening  306  (see  FIGS. 3A and 3D ). The tubular body  302  is hollow and includes a generally cylindrical cavity  308  that extends between the upper opening  304  and the lower opening  306  (see FIGS.  1 B and  3 C- 3 D). 
     The tubular body  302  includes an upper portion  310 , a middle portion  312  and a lower portion  314  (see  FIGS. 1B ,  3 A- 3 B and  3 D). The upper opening  304  is formed in the upper portion  310  (see  FIGS. 3A and 3D ). The lower portion  314  includes a ledge  316  that defines the lower opening  306  (see  FIGS. 3C-3D ). A groove or keyway  318  is formed in the ledge  316  (see FIGS.  1 B and  3 C- 3 D). 
     The middle portion  312  is formed between the upper portion  310  and the lower portion  314 . A largest diameter of the middle portion  312  is greater than a largest diameter of the upper portion  310  and a largest diameter of the lower portion  314 . The largest diameter of the lower portion  314  is greater than the largest diameter of the upper portion  310 . 
     Outer threads  320  are formed on an outer surface of the upper portion  310  (see  FIGS. 3A-3D ). Inner threads  322  are formed on an inner surface of the upper portion  310 , an inner surface of the middle portion  312  and an inner surface of the lower portion  314  (see FIGS.  3 A and  3 C- 3 D). 
     An outer circumference of the middle portion  312  includes a series of adjacent longitudinal teeth  324  (see  FIGS. 3A-3C ). A portion of the outer circumference of the middle portion  312  is lacking any of the teeth  324 , thereby forming a gap  326  in the series of teeth  324 . The gap  326  on the middle portion  312  is aligned with the groove  318  in the ledge  316  of the lower portion  314  (see  FIG. 3C ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4A-4D , the lower body  400  is an assembly including a number of components that are joined together to form an integral structure. In one exemplary embodiment, the components are joined together by brazing. More specifically, the lower body  400  includes a valve receptacle  402 , a shell  404 , a cover  406 , an inlet conduit  408  and an outlet conduit  410  (see  FIGS. 4B and 4D ). 
     The valve receptacle  402  is a generally tubular body having a generally circular upper opening  412 , a generally circular lower opening  414  and a side opening  416 . The valve receptacle  402  is hollow and includes a generally cylindrical cavity  418  that extends between the upper opening  412  and the lower opening  414 . A diameter of the valve receptacle  402  increases near the upper opening  412  to form an annular flange  420 . 
     The shell  404  is a generally tubular body having a generally circular upper opening  422  and a generally circular lower opening  424  (see  FIGS. 4A-4B ). The shell  404  is hollow and includes a generally cylindrical cavity  426  that extends between the upper opening  422  and the lower opening  424  (see  FIGS. 4A-4B  and  4 D). A tab  428  is formed on the shell  404  and extends beyond the upper opening  422  (see  FIGS. 4A-4D ). 
     The cover  406  is a generally disc-shaped body having a pair of apertures formed therein (see  FIGS. 4B and 4D ). The apertures form an inlet port  430  and an outlet port  432  through the cover  406 . The cover  406  is sized to close the lower opening  424  of the shell  404 . The inlet conduit  408  extends through the inlet port  430  of the cover  406  such that one end of the inlet conduit  408  interfaces with the lower opening  414  of the valve receptacle  402  and the other end of the inlet conduit  408  is located outside the shell  404  for connection to a water supply source (not shown). The outlet conduit  410  interfaces with the outlet port  432  such that at least a portion of the outlet conduit  410  is located outside the shell  404  for connection to a plumbing fixture or fitting (not shown). 
     The valve body assembly  100  is assembled by inserting the upper body  300  through the lower opening  206  of the sleeve  200 . The upper body  300  is then slid through the cavity  208  of the sleeve  200  toward the upper opening  204  of the sleeve  200 . The upper portion  310  of the upper body  300  is sized to fit through the upper opening  204  of the sleeve  200 , while the middle portion  312  of the upper body  300  is sized so that it does not fit through the upper opening  204  of the sleeve  200  (see  FIG. 1F ). In this manner, an upper surface of the middle portion  312  of the upper body  300  abuts a lower surface of the ledge  218  of the sleeve  200  (see  FIG. 1F ). Accordingly, the upper portion  310  of the upper body  300  projects out of the sleeve  200 , while the middle portion  312  and lower portion  314  of the upper body  300  are located in the cavity  208  of the sleeve  200 . 
     Thereafter, the lower body  400  is inserted through the lower opening  206  of the sleeve  200 . The lower body  400  is then slid through the cavity  208  of the sleeve  200  toward the upper body  300 . The lower body  400  is positioned in the cavity  208  of the sleeve  200  so that the lower body  400  interfaces with the upper body  300  within the sleeve  200  (see  FIG. 1F ). At least a portion of the lower portion  314  of the upper body  300  is received in the annular flange  420  of the valve receptacle  402  of the lower body  400 . For example, the groove  318  in the ledge  316  of the lower portion  314  of the upper body  300  is positioned in the annular flange  420  of the valve receptacle  402  of the lower body  400 , during assembly of the valve body assembly  100 . 
     The tab  428  on the shell  404  of the lower body  400  fits into the gap  326  on the middle portion  312  of the upper body  300  (see  FIG. 1F ). The tab  428  and the gap  326  interface to ensure proper alignment of the upper body  300  relative to the lower body  400 . For example, the tab  428  and the gap  326  interface to align the groove  318  of the upper body  300  with the side opening  416  of the lower body  400 . By interfacing, the tab  428  and the gap  326  also prevent rotation of the upper body  300  independently of the lower body  400 . Further still, since the upper body  300  is fixed relative to the sleeve  200 , as described below, the interface between the tab  428  and the gap  326  prevents rotation of the lower body  400  relative to the sleeve  200 . 
     Once the upper body  300  and the lower body  400  are inserted into the sleeve  200 , the lip portion  214  of the sleeve  200  is deformed to secure the upper body  300  and the lower body  400  in the sleeve  200 . Specifically, a portion  220  of the lip portion  214  is rolled over a portion of a lower surface of the cover  406  of the lower body  400  (see  FIGS. 1C-1F ). The notches  216  in the lip portion  214  prevent the inlet port  430  and the outlet port  432  of the cover  406  from being damaged by the portion  220  of the lip portion  214  being rolled over the cover  406 . In this manner, the upper body  300  and the lower body  400  are secured in the sleeve  200  between the ledge  218  and the portion  220  of the lip portion  214  (see  FIG. 1F ). 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the sleeve  200  is further deformed during assembly of the valve body assembly  100 . Specifically, indents (not shown) are formed in the grooves  212  near the upper opening  204  of the sleeve  200 . The indents project into the cavity  208  of the sleeve  200  and are positioned in spaces between the teeth  324  of the middle portion  312  of the upper body  300 , thereby preventing rotation of the upper body  300  relative to the sleeve  200 . 
     After assembly, the valve body assembly  100  can be installed by extending the valve body assembly  100  through a hole in a mounting surface. The grooves  212  on the valve body assembly  100  can interface with a mounting bracket to prevent rotation of the valve body assembly  100  relative to the mounting surface. A first retention nut can engage the outer threads  320  on the valve body assembly  100  on a first side of the mounting surface and a second retention nut can engage the threads  210  on the valve body assembly  100  on a second side of the mounting surface to secure the valve body assembly  100  to the mounting surface. 
     A first hose can connect the inlet conduit  408  of the valve body assembly  100  to the water supply source. A second hose can connect the outlet conduit  410  of the valve body assembly  100  to the plumbing fixture or fitting. The water inlet conduit  408 , the valve receptacle  402 , the side opening  416 , the cavity  426  and the water outlet conduit  410  define a water flow path through the valve body assembly  100  (see  FIG. 1F ). 
     A valve member or cartridge can be placed in the valve receptacle  402  of the valve body assembly  100  to allow a user to control the flow rate of water from the water supply source, through the water flow path of the valve body assembly  100 , to the plumbing fixture or fitting. The valve cartridge can include a projection or key sized to fit into the groove  318  of the upper body  300  to properly position the valve cartridge within the valve body assembly  100 , thereby aligning the valve cartridge relative to the side opening  416  of the valve receptacle  402 . A third retention nut can engage the inner threads  322  of the upper body  300  to secure the valve cartridge in the cavity  418  of the valve receptacle  402 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A-5G , a hybrid valve body, according to a second exemplary embodiment, is shown as a multi-piece valve body assembly  500 . The valve body assembly  500  has structure in common with the valve body assembly  100 . In particular, the sleeve  200  and the upper body  300  of the valve assembly  500  are the same as in the valve body assembly  100 . Accordingly, only the lower body  600  of the valve body assembly  500  will be described in detail. 
     The lower body  600  is an assembly including a number of components that are joined together to form an integral structure. In one exemplary embodiment, the components are joined together by brazing and friction fitting. More specifically, the lower body  600  includes a valve receptacle  602 , a shell  604 , a cover  606 , an inlet conduit  608  and an outlet conduit  610  (see  FIGS. 5B and 5G ). 
     The valve receptacle  602  is a generally tubular body having a generally circular upper opening  612 , a generally circular lower opening  614  and a side opening  616  (see  FIG. 5B ). The valve receptacle  602  is hollow and includes a generally cylindrical cavity  618  that extends between the upper opening  612  and the lower opening  614  (see  FIG. 5G ). A diameter of the valve receptacle  602  increases near the upper opening  612  to form an annular flange  620 . A diameter of an inner surface of the sleeve  200  that defines the cavity  208  is approximately the same as a diameter of the annular flange  620  (see  FIG. 5G ). 
     The valve receptacle  602  includes a pair of circumferential grooves  622  that extend around an outer surface of the valve receptacle  602  between the upper opening  612  and the side opening  616 . The grooves  622  are sized for receiving corresponding O-rings  624  therein. The valve receptacle  602  also includes a pair of circumferential grooves  626  that extend around an outer surface of the valve receptacle  602  between the lower opening  614  and the side opening  616 . The grooves  626  are sized for receiving corresponding O-rings  628  therein. 
     The shell  604  is a generally tubular body having a generally circular upper opening and a generally circular lower opening. The shell  604  is hollow and includes a generally cylindrical cavity  630  that extends between the upper opening and the lower opening (see  FIG. 5G ). 
     The cover  606  is a generally disc-shaped body having a pair of apertures formed therein (see FIGS.  5 B and  5 F- 5 G). The apertures form an inlet port  632  and an outlet port  634  through the cover  606 . The cover  606  is sized to close the lower opening of the shell  604 . The inlet conduit  608  interfaces with the inlet port  632  of the cover  606  such that at least a portion of the inlet conduit  608  is located outside the shell  604  for connection to a water supply source (not shown). The outlet conduit  610  interfaces with the outlet port  634  such that at least a portion of the outlet conduit  610  is located outside the shell  604  for connection to a plumbing fixture or fitting (not shown). The cover  606  also includes a wall  636  that extends from a top of the cover  606  so as to be situated within the cavity  630  of the shell  604  when the cover  606  closes the lower opening of the shell  604  (see  FIG. 5G ). The wall  636  defines a chamber within the cavity  630 . 
     The valve receptacle  602  is friction fit into the cavity  630  of the shell  604 . As a result, the O-rings  624  are compressed against an inner surface of the shell  604 , and the O-rings  628  are compressed against an inner surface of the chamber. The inlet conduit  608  and the outlet conduit  610  are brazed to the cover  606 . The cover  606  is brazed to the shell  604  so that it closes the lower opening of the shell  604 , thereby completing the lower body  600 . 
     The valve body assembly  500  is assembled by inserting the upper body  300  through the lower opening  206  of the sleeve  200 . The upper body  300  is then slid through the cavity  208  of the sleeve  200  toward the upper opening  204  of the sleeve  200 . The upper portion  310  of the upper body  300  is sized to fit through the upper opening  204  of the sleeve  200 , while the middle portion  312  of the upper body  300  is sized so that it does not fit through the upper opening  204  of the sleeve  200  (see  FIG. 5G ). In this manner, an upper surface of the middle portion  312  of the upper body  300  abuts a lower surface of the ledge  218  of the sleeve  200 . Accordingly, the upper portion  310  of the upper body  300  projects out of the sleeve  200 , while the middle portion  312  and lower portion  314  of the upper body  300  are located in the cavity  208  of the sleeve  200 . 
     Thereafter, the lower body  600  is inserted through the lower opening  206  of the sleeve  200 . The lower body  600  is then slid through the cavity  208  of the sleeve  200  toward the upper body  300 . The lower body  600  is positioned in the cavity  208  of the sleeve  200  so that the lower body  600  interfaces with the upper body  300  within the sleeve  200  (see  FIG. 5G ). In one exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the lower portion  314  of the upper body  300  is received in the annular flange  620  of the valve receptacle  602  of the lower body  600 , during assembly of the valve body assembly  500 . 
     Once the upper body  300  and the lower body  600  are inserted into the sleeve  200 , the lip portion  214  of the sleeve  200  is deformed to secure the upper body  300  and the lower body  600  in the sleeve  200 . Specifically, a portion  220  of the lip portion  214  is rolled over a portion of a lower surface of the cover  606  of the lower body  600  (see  FIGS. 5C-5D  and  5 F- 5 G). The notches  216  in the lip portion  214  prevent the inlet port  632  and the outlet port  634  of the cover  606  from being damaged by the portion  220  of the lip portion  214  being rolled over the cover  606 . In this manner, the upper body  300  and the lower body  600  are secured in the sleeve  200  between the ledge  218  and the portion  220  of the lip portion  214  (see  FIGS. 5C-5D  and  5 G). 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the sleeve  200  is further deformed during assembly of the valve body assembly  500 . Specifically, indents (not shown) are formed in the grooves  212  near the upper opening  204  of the sleeve  200 . The indents project into the cavity  208  of the sleeve  200  and are positioned in spaces between the teeth  324  of the middle portion  312  of the upper body  300 , thereby preventing rotation of the upper body  300  relative to the sleeve  200 . 
     After assembly, the valve body assembly  500  can be installed by extending the valve body assembly  500  through a hole in a mounting surface. The grooves  212  on the valve body assembly  500  can interface with a mounting bracket to prevent rotation of the valve body assembly  500  relative to the mounting surface. A first retention nut can engage the outer threads  320  on the valve body assembly  500  on a first side of the mounting surface and a second retention nut can engage the threads  210  on the valve body assembly  500  on a second side of the mounting surface to secure the valve body assembly  500  to the mounting surface. 
     A first hose can connect the inlet conduit  608  of the valve body assembly  500  to the water supply source. A second hose can connect the outlet conduit  610  of the valve body assembly  500  to the plumbing fixture or fitting. The water inlet conduit  608 , the valve receptacle  602 , the side opening  616 , the cavity  630  and the water outlet conduit  610  define a water flow path through the valve body assembly  500  (see  FIG. 5G ). 
     A valve member or cartridge can be placed in the valve receptacle  602  of the valve body assembly  500  to allow a user to control the flow rate of water from the water supply source, through the water flow path of the valve body assembly  500 , to the plumbing fixture or fitting. The valve cartridge can include a projection or key sized to fit into the groove  318  of the upper body  300  to properly position the valve cartridge within the valve body assembly  500 , thereby aligning the valve cartridge relative to the side opening  616  of the valve receptacle  602 . A third retention nut can engage the inner threads  322  of the upper body  300  to secure the valve cartridge in the cavity  618  of the valve receptacle  602 . 
     Because the valve body assembly  100  and the valve body assembly  500  (each more generally referred to as a hybrid valve body) are constructed from several discrete components, an amount of brass used in the hybrid valve body assembly can be reduced considerably. For example, one or more of the components can be made of a material other than brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the non-brass material is less expensive than brass, such that a materials cost associated with manufacturing the hybrid valve body is less than a materials cost associated with manufacturing a similar valve body made primarily or entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the non-brass material weighs less than brass, such that a weight of the hybrid valve body is less than a weight of a similar valve body made primarily or entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the non-brass material is unsuitable for use throughout the entire valve body. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  100  includes components made of a non-brass material (i.e., non-brass components) and components made of brass (i.e., brass components). The non-brass components and the brass components are held together in a manner that does not involve threading or otherwise fastening or moving the non-brass and brass components against one another in a manner which can compromise the surface properties (e.g., coating) of the non-brass and/or brass components. Accordingly, the non-brass components and the brass components are held together in a manner that reduces the likelihood of corrosion between the disparate materials. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, the sleeve  200  and the upper body  300  of the valve body assembly  100  are made of a non-brass material. The non-brass material may be treated, coated or otherwise modified to have a brass-like appearance (e.g., color). In one exemplary embodiment, the non-brass material is aluminum. 
     As noted above, the lower body  400  (i.e., the water inlet conduit  408 , the valve receptacle  402 , the side opening  416 , the cavity  426  and the water outlet conduit  410 ) of the valve body assembly  100  defines the water flow path. The lower body  400  is formed from brass. Because brass is strong, hard, easy to shape, a good conductor of heat and generally resistant to corrosion, brass is well-suited for forming the lower body  400  having the water flow path. 
     In this case, the sleeve  200  and the upper body  300  are the non-brass components and the lower body  400  is the brass component. The non-brass and brass components are not threaded or otherwise fastened or moved against one another in a manner which could contribute to corrosion between the components. Instead, the portion  220  of the lip portion  214  rolled over the cover  406  of the lower body  400  secures the upper body  300  and the lower body  400  in the sleeve  200 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, between 35% and 45% by volume of the valve body assembly  100  is brass. In one exemplary embodiment, approximately 40.2% by volume of the valve body assembly  100  is brass. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, between 62% and 72% by weight of the valve body assembly  100  is brass. In one exemplary embodiment, approximately 67.3% by weight of the valve body assembly  100  is brass. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  100  realizes a reduction between 50% and 80% by volume in brass as compared to an identical valve body assembly made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  100  realizes a reduction between 57% and 67% by volume in brass as compared to a similar valve body assembly made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  100  realizes a reduction of approximately 61.5% by volume in brass as compared to an identical valve body assembly made entirely of brass. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  100  realizes a reduction between 50% and 80% by weight in brass as compared to an identical valve body assembly made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  100  realizes a reduction between 55% and 65% by weight in brass as compared to a similar valve body assembly made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  100  realizes a reduction of approximately 60.0% by weight in brass as compared to an identical valve body assembly made entirely of brass. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  100  includes brass and non-brass material. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  100  has a brass content measured as a volume of brass in the valve body assembly  100  and a non-brass content measured as a volume of non-brass material in the valve body assembly  100 , and a ratio of the brass content to the non-brass content is less than or equal to 0.673. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  100  includes brass and non-brass material. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  100  has a brass content measured as a weight of brass in the valve body assembly  100  and a non-brass content measured as a weight of non-brass material in the valve body assembly  100 , and a ratio of the brass content to the non-brass content is less than or equal to 2.058. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  100  includes brass and non-brass material. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  100  has a brass content measured as a volume of brass in the valve body assembly  100  and a non-brass content measured as a volume of non-brass material in the valve body assembly  100 , and the brass content is less than the non-brass content. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  500  includes components made of a non-brass material (i.e., non-brass components) and components made partially of brass (i.e., partial brass components). The non-brass components and the partial brass components are held together in a manner that does not involve threading or otherwise fastening or moving the non-brass and partial brass components against one another in a manner which can compromise the surface properties (e.g., coating) of the non-brass and/or partial brass components. Accordingly, the non-brass components and the partial brass components are held together in a manner that reduces the likelihood of corrosion between the disparate materials. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, the sleeve  200  and the upper body  300  of the valve body assembly  500  are made of a non-brass material. The non-brass material may be treated, coated or otherwise modified to have a brass-like appearance (e.g., color). In one exemplary embodiment, the non-brass material is aluminum. 
     As noted above, the lower body  600  (i.e., the water inlet conduit  608 , the valve receptacle  602 , the side opening  616 , the cavity  630  and the water outlet conduit  610 ) of the valve body assembly  500  defines the water flow path. The lower body  600  is formed at least partially from brass. Because brass is strong, hard, easy to shape, a good conductor of heat and generally resistant to corrosion, brass is well-suited for forming the lower body  600  having the water flow path. 
     To realize a further reduction in the brass content of the valve body assembly  500 , at least a portion of the lower body  600  is formed from a non-brass material. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve receptacle  602  of the lower body  600  is made of plastic. As a non-brass piece of the lower body  600 , the valve receptacle  602  is held together with the brass pieces of the lower body  600  (i.e., the shell  604 , the cover  606 , the inlet conduit  608  and the outlet conduit  610 ) in a manner that does not involve threading or otherwise fastening or moving the non-brass piece and the brass pieces together in a manner which could compromise the surface properties (e.g., coating) of the non-brass and/or brass pieces. Accordingly, the non-brass piece and the brass pieces are held together in a manner that reduces the likelihood of corrosion between the disparate materials. 
     Thus, the sleeve  200  and the upper body  300  are the non-brass components and the lower body  600  is the partial brass component of the valve body assembly  500 . As noted above, the non-brass and partial brass components are not threaded or otherwise fastened or moved against one another in a manner which could contribute to corrosion between the components. Instead, the portion  220  of the lip portion  214  rolled over the cover  606  of the lower body  600  secures the upper body  300  and the lower body  600  in the sleeve  200 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, between 20% and 30% by volume of the valve body assembly  500  is brass. In one exemplary embodiment, approximately 24.7% by volume of the valve body assembly  500  is brass. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, between 51% and 61% by weight of the valve body assembly  500  is brass. In one exemplary embodiment, approximately 55.6% by weight of the valve body assembly  500  is brass. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  500  realizes a reduction between 50% and 80% by volume in brass as compared to an identical valve body assembly made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  500  realizes a reduction between 62% and 72% by volume in brass as compared to a similar valve body assembly made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  500  realizes a reduction of approximately 67.4% by volume in brass as compared to an identical valve body assembly made entirely of brass. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  500  realizes a reduction between 50% and 80% by weight in brass as compared to an identical valve body assembly made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  500  realizes a reduction between 62% and 72% by weight in brass as compared to a similar valve body assembly made entirely of brass. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  500  realizes a reduction of approximately 66.9% by weight in brass as compared to an identical valve body assembly made entirely of brass. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  500  includes brass and non-brass material. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  500  has a brass content measured as a volume of brass in the valve body assembly  500  and a non-brass content measured as a volume of non-brass material in the valve body assembly  500 , and a ratio of the brass content to the non-brass content is less than or equal to 0.327. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  500  includes brass and non-brass material. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  500  has a brass content measured as a weight of brass in the valve body assembly  500  and a non-brass content measured as a weight of non-brass material in the valve body assembly  500 , and a ratio of the brass content to the non-brass content is less than or equal to 1.250. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  500  includes brass and non-brass material. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve body assembly  500  has a brass content measured as a volume of brass in the valve body assembly  500  and a non-brass content measured as a volume of non-brass material in the valve body assembly  500 , and the brass content is less than the non-brass content. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, 15% to 50% by volume of a valve body assembly (e.g., the valve body assembly  100 , the valve body assembly  500 ) is brass. In one exemplary embodiment, 45% to 80% by weight of a valve body assembly (e.g., the valve body assembly  100 , the valve body assembly  500 ) is brass. 
     The above description of specific embodiments has been given by way of example. From the disclosure given, those skilled in the art will not only understand the general inventive concept and its attendant advantages, but will also find apparent various changes and modifications to the structures and methods disclosed. It is sought, therefore, to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the general inventive concept, as defined by the appended claims, and equivalents thereof.