Patent Publication Number: US-6334226-B1

Title: Faucet support member

Description:
This application is the national phase of international application PCI/JP98/04545 filed Oct. 8, 1998, which designated the U.S. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a faucet support member for fixing a faucet on a base plate, such as for a washstand and/or a draining board. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     A faucet support member according to the conventional art is already known as shown In Japanese Laid-open patent No. Sho 63-321435 (1988), wherein bolts are pivotably inserted downward into a support seat which supports the base end portion of the faucet for the purpose of fixing the faucet on a base plate, such as for a washstand and/or draining board, while spirally fixing or screwing a tightening member onto each of the same bolts. 
     And, when mounting such a faucet support member on the base plate, the tightening members are inserted into a mounting hole which is drilled in the base plate, under the condition that front end portions thereof are directed inward. Then the bolts are turned or rotated while keeping the front end portions of the tightening members directing outward by inserting a finger from an opening of the support seat, thereby shifting or moving the tightening members upward, so as to grip the base plate between the bottom surface of the support seat and the upper surfaces of the tightening members. 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a faucet support member for fixing a faucet in a mounting hole made in a base plate, comprising: tightening members which are fixed to a support seat, which is provided to support a base end portion of a faucet, by connectors so that the tightening members are pivotable with the connectors and slidable along the connectors, and which are formed so that the tightening members can be inserted into the mounting hole when the front end portions thereof are directed inward, and open beyond the diameter of the mounting hole when the front end portions of the tightening members are directed outward; and members for preventing the tightening members opening beyond the diameter of the mounting hole from being turned further, wherein the tightening members opening beyond the diameter of the mounting hole are moved toward the bottom surface of the support seat to grip the base plate between the bottom surface of the support seat and an upper surface of the tightening members, thereby supporting the faucet on the base plate. 
     The present invention is characterized in that the members for prevention from turning are provided on the support seat or on the tightening members, and further that a plurality of turning prevention members are detachable. 
     The present invention is characterized in that the connectors or the turning prevention members are positioned so that external side surfaces of the connectors or the turning prevention members are in contact with an internal surface of the mounting hole when the support seat is fixed at a predetermined position. 
     The present invention is characterized in that the connectors are bolts, and onto the same connectors are screwed the tightening members. 
     The present invention is characterized in that a convex portion for holding a water conducting pipe, which is inserted in the support seat, is formed in an opening portion of the support seat, and that the connectors are positioned on the convex portion. 
     The present invention is characterized in that the tightening members are constructed so that they inhibit the water conducting pipe from being inserted into the opening portion of the support seat when the front ends thereof are directed inward. 
     The present invention is characterized in that a cover ring is pivotably mounted on an outer periphery of the support seat, while on a peripheral wall of the cover ring a penetrating hole is drilled, into which a fixing member for fixing the base end portion of the faucet onto the support seat can be inserted. Further, the cover ring covers the fixing member with the peripheral wall thereof so as to prevent the fixing member from being shifted in a loosening direction thereof. 
     The present invention is characterized in that a plurality of the connectors are provided on the support seat, being separated at a distance, and further a spacer is provided on each of the connectors for maintaining the distance. 
     The present invention is characterized in that the spacer is provided on each of the connectors in a detachable manner, and that the spacer is formed on the support seat in a mountable manner. 
     The present invention is characterized in that a plurality of the connectors are two bolts, and further that bolt penetrating holes are drilled in the spacer, so as to penetrate the bolts through the bolt penetrating holes, and that nuts are screwed onto the same bolts. 
     The present invention is characterized in that an insertion bore is drilled on the spacer for inserting the turning prevention members therein. 
     The present invention is characterized in that a plurality of the connectors are provided being independently pivotable. 
     The present invention is characterized in that two tightening members are provided, and the inner surfaces of both tightening members are in contact with each other when the front ends of both tightening members are directed inward, that a resistance portion is formed on an upper portion of each of the tightening members, that a buffer member Is attached on an upper portion of each of the tightening members, and that a curved surface is formed on an upper portion of each of the tightening members. 
     The present invention is characterized in that a guide member is provided on the support seat so that it is in contact with the inner periphery surface of the mounting hole when attaching the support seat onto the base plate. The guide member is constructed so that it is detachable from the support seat and the guide member is constructed with a main body of the guide member and a guide body, and the guide body is detachable from the guide member main body. Further, the guide member is constructed so that it is adjustable at the portion to be attached depending upon a size of the mounting hole. 
     The present invention is characterized in that an adapter member lies between the support seat and the base end portion of the faucet. 
     The present invention is characterized in that an upper surface of the front end portion of the each tightening members is inclined toward the base plate while being attached with the connectors by the base end portion thereof. 
     The faucet support member according to the present invention is for use in fixing a faucet to a base plate, such as on a washstand and/or on a draining board, or on a wall, wherein a mounting hole is drilled in the base plate, into which the faucet support member is mounted, and to the same faucet support member a base end portion of the faucet is fixed, and a flexible hose for use of a handy spray is inserted into an opening portion, which is provided in the same faucet support member. 
     In the faucet support member, the opening portion Is drilled into a substantially cylinder-like support seat for supporting the base end portion of the faucet, for inserting the hose for use of the handy spray therein, and in the same opening portion are formed convex portions for holding the hose for use of the handy spray, also enabling the insertion into each of the convex portions of a connector, being directed downward and pivotable or rotatable, while screwing tightening members to the same connectors. Also, in the faucet support member, rod-like members for preventing from turning are provided on the bottom surface of the support seat, projecting downward. 
     The tightening members are formed so that they can be inserted into the mounting hole when their front ends are directed inward, while they open beyond the diameter of opening of mounting hole when their front ends are directed outward. 
     By turning or rotating the connectors in a clock-wise direction after inserting the tightening members into the mounting hole, under the condition that their front ends are directed inward, the tightening members turn therewith. However they abut on the turning prevention members when they rotate about a half revolution, therefore they can move no further. When the connectors are turned or rotated further under such the condition, the tightening members are moved or shifted upward along the connectors, thereby gripping the base plate between the bottom surface of the support seat and the upper surfaces of the tightening members. 
     In this manner, with the provision of the turning prevention members for preventing the tightening members from being turned, it is possible to mount the faucet support member to the base plate easily and smoothly from an upper or front side of the base plate, thereby improving workability and safety. 
     According to the present invention, with the provision of the spacer in the faucet support member, it is possible to keep the distance between the connectors constant, thereby enabling the tight gripping of the base plate between the support seat and the tightening members, and further attaining smooth mounting work of the faucet support member. 
     With the making of the connectors pivotable or rotatable independently, the connectors neighboring each other do not interfere with one another, so there is no order or sequence in tightening thereof, thereby enabling improvement in the workability thereof. 
     With the provision of two (2) tightening members, wherein the inner side surfaces of both of the tightening members abut on each other under the condition that the front ends of both tightening members are directed inward, the area of the upper surfaces of the both tightening members are enlarged maximally, thereby increasing the tightening power when mounting the faucet support member onto the base plate. 
     With the forming of the resistance portion on the upper surface of the tightening members, the resistance portion lies between the tightening members and the base plate for biting into the base plate, thereby providing resistance when the tightening members are turned after being tightened, so as to grip the base plate tightly. Therefore it is possible to mount the faucet support member onto the base plate tightly. 
     With the forming of curved surfaces on the upper surfaces of the tightening members or the mounting of buffer members on the upper surfaces of the tightening members, it is possible to mitigate the shearing power, which is generated at the base plate on the upper surface of the tightening members when gripping the base plate between the tightening members and the support seat, thereby preventing breakage of or damage to the base plate. 
     With the provision of the guide members which abut on the inner periphery surface of the mounting hole when mounting the support seat on the base plate, or with such a construction that the guide members are detachable from the support seat, or with constructing the guide member with the guide member main body and the guide body so that the same guide body can be removed from the same guide member main body, and further with such a construction that the guide member can be adjusted at the mounting position thereof depending upon the size of the mounting hole, it is possible to mount the support seat onto the base plate easily, thereby improving workability. And it is also possible to mount the support seat onto mounting holes of different sizes, widening the utility of the support seat. 
     With the provision of the adopter member between the support seat and the base end portion of the faucet, it is possible to mount faucets of different sizes onto the support seat, and there is no necessity to exchange the support seat even when the faucet is changed to another kind, thereby also widening the utility of the support seat. 
     When the base end portions of the tightening members are mounted onto the connectors, the upper surfaces at the front end portions thereof are formed to be inclined toward the base plate, it is possible to hold the base plate between the bottom surface of the support seat and at the front end portions of the tightening members tightly, even when a fin or burr of ceramics is formed, thereby improving the mounting strength of the support seat. According to the present invention, a water emitting apparatus is provided, comprising an upper side member, lower side members, and connectors for connecting between the upper side member and said lower side members, in which a base plate having a mounting hole therein is gripped between the upper side member and the lower side members, being fixed to the base plate, wherein: the lower side members are movable to a lower space of said base plate via the mounting hole, and further in the lower space of the base plate, they are movable by operating the connector members, from a position under the mounting hole to a position under a lower surface of the base plate. 
     The present invention is characterized in that the water emitting apparatus comprises a water emission main body having a water emission opening, and a base seat equipped with the upper side member and the lower side members. And the water emission main body and the base seat are separable from each other. 
     The present invention is characterized in that the lower side members are constructed so that, in a lower space of the base plate, they are movable from the lower position of said mounting hole to the lower position of the base plate by turning them with the connectors, as axes thereof. 
     The present invention is characterized in that the relative distance between the upper side member and the lower side members becomes smaller when the connectors are operated. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a side view of a faucet support member according to the principles of the present invention, showing a condition of use thereof, with certain parts thereof omitted to show other parts better; 
     FIGS.  2 (A) and (B) are side views showing a method for mounting the faucet support member shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIGS.  3 (A) and (B) are bottom views showing a method for mounting the faucet support member shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIGS.  4 (A) and (B) are plane veiws of the faucet support member; 
     FIG. 5 is a side view of a second embodiment of the faucet support member according to the principles of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a second embodiment of the faucet support member shown in FIG. 5; 
     FIGS.  7 (A) and (B) are side views showing a third embodiment of a method for mounting the faucet support according to the principles of the present invention; 
     FIGS.  8 (A) and (B) are bottom views showing the third embodiment of a method for mounting the faucet support shown in FIGS.  7 (A) and  7 (B); 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the third embodiment of a method for mounting the faucet support shown in FIGS.  7 (A) and  7 (B); 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a tightening member according to the principles of the present invention; 
     FIGS.  11 (A) and (B) are bottom views of the tightening member shown in FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of a tightening member according to the principles of the present invention; 
     FIG. 13 is a side view of the tightening member shown in FIG. 12; 
     FIGS.  14 (A) to (C) are views showing different kinds of turning prevention members for preventing from turning according to the principles of the present invention; 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a tightening member shown in FIGS.  2 (A) and  2 (B); 
     FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a method of mounting connectors according to the principles of the present invention; 
     FIGS.  17 (A) and (B) are plane views showing conditions of mounting the faucet support member shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIGS.  18 (A) and (B) are plane cross-section views showing the structure for mounting the faucet support member; 
     FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the structure for mounting the faucet support member; 
     FIG. 20 is a side cross-section view of the structure for mounting the faucet support member; 
     FIG. 21 is a side cross-section view of another embodiment of the structure for mounting the faucet support member; 
     FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of the faucet support member according to the principles of the present invention; 
     FIG. 23 is a plane view of the fourth embodiment of the faucet support member shown in FIG. 22; 
     FIG. 24 is a plane view showing a spacer plate of the faucet support member shown in FIG. 23; 
     FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a spacer member; according to the principles of the present invention; 
     FIG. 26 is a view showing the operation of the spacer member shown in FIG. 25; 
     FIG. 27 is a side view showing another embodiment of a tightening member according to the principles of the present invention; 
     FIG. 28 is a side view showing another embodiment of a tightening member according to the principles of the present invention; 
     FIG. 29 is a side view showing another embodiment of a support seat according to the principles of the present invention; 
     FIG. 30 is a side view showing yet another embodiment of a support seat according to the principles of the present invention; 
     FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view of the support seat shown in FIG. 30; 
     FIGS.  32 (A) and (B) are side views showing another embodiment of a support seat according to the principles of the present invention; 
     FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the structure for mounting a faucet support member according to the principles of the present invention; 
     FIG. 34 is a side view showing another embodiment of a tightening member according to the principles of the present invention; 
     FIG. 35 is a side view showing another embodiment of a tightening member according to the principles of the present invention; and 
     FIGS.  36 (A) and (B) are side views showing a condition of mounting a faucet support member using the tightening members shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, respectively. 
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1 is a view showing a condition of use of a faucet support member according to the present invention, wherein the faucet support member  1  is for use in fixing a faucet  3  to a base plate  2 , such as on a washstand and/or on a draining board, etc. Namely, a mounting hole  4  is drilled into the base plate  2 , onto which the faucet support member  1  is mounted, and to the same faucet support member  1  a base end portion  5  of the faucet  3  is fixed. Further, a flexible hose  7  for use of a handy spray and axes  8  for operating valves are inserted in an opening portion  6 , which is provided in the same faucet support member  1 . In the figure, reference numeral  9  indicates the handy spray,  10  an operation lever, and  11  a cover ring. 
     In the faucet support member  1 , as shown in FIG. 2, the opening portion  6  is drilled into a substantially cylinder-like support seat  12  for supporting the base end portion  5  of the faucet  3 , so as to insert the hose  7  for use of a handy spray and the axes  8  for operating valves therein. In the same opening portion  6 , convex portions  19  for holding the hose  7  for use of a handy spray and the axes  8  for operating valves (see FIGS.  4 (A) and (B)) are formed. Into each of the convex portions  19  is to be inserted a pivotable or rotatable connector  13  directed downward, for use in screwing tightening members  14  to the same connectors  13 . Also, in the faucet support member  1 , rod-like turning prevention members  16  are provided on the bottom surface  15  of the support seat  12 , projecting downward. 
     The connectors  13 , as shown in FIG. 16, are inserted into insertion bores  20 , which are drilled in the support seat  12 , through cylinder-like rings  21  for preventing shifting thereof. 
     The tightening members  14  are formed so that they can be inserted into the mounting hole  4  when their front ends are directed inward (see FIG.  2 (A) and FIG.  3 (A)). Whereas they expand beyond the diameter of the opening of mounting hole  4  when their front ends are directed outward (see FIG.  2 (B) and FIG.  3 (B)). 
     As shown in FIG.  2 (A) and FIG.  3 (A), the tightening members  14  are inserted into the mounting hole  4  under the condition that their front ends are directed inward. Thereafter, as shown in FIG.  2 (B) and FIG.  3 (B), by turning or rotating the connectors  13  in a counter-clock-wise direction, the tightening members  14  turn following therewith, however they abut on the turning prevention members  16  when they rotate about half a revolution, thereby being unable to move further (see FIG.  3 (B)). When the connectors  13  are turned or rotated further under such a condition, the tightening members  14  are moved or shifted upward along the connectors  13  (see FIG.  2 (B)), thereby gripping the base plate  2  between the bottom surface  15  of the support seat  12  and upper surfaces  17  of the tightening members  14 . In this manner, it is possible to mount the faucet support member  1  to the base plate  2 . Furthermore, concave and convex resistance portions are formed on the upper surfaces  17  of the tightening members  14 . Said resistance portions lie between the tightening members  14  and the base plate  2  for biting into the base plate  2 , and they provide resistance when the tightening members  14  are screwed after tightening thereof, thereby enabling the tight gripping of the base plate  2 . 
     In this instance, under the condition that the support seat  12  is mounted at a predetermined position on the base plate  2 , by disposing a plurality of the connectors  13  or the turning prevention members  16  at the position where the connectors  13  or the turning prevention members  16  abut on the inner periphery of the mounting hole  4 , or by otherwise disposing the connectors  13  and the turning prevention members  16 , it is possible to make the connectors  13  or the turning prevention members  16  the members for positioning when mounting the faucet support member  1 . 
     In this manner, with the provision of the turning prevention members  16  for preventing the tightening members  14  from being turned, it is possible to mount the faucet support member  1  to the base  2  from an upper side thereof smoothly and easily, thereby improving the workability and safety thereof. 
     Also, by applying an adhesive on the thread portions of the connectors  13  or on the thread portions of the tightening members  14 , or by coating a resin thereon, it is possible to make the tightening members  14  difficult to turn around the connectors  13 , thereby guaranteeing that the tightening members  14  turn following the turning of the connectors  13 . 
     Also, by attaching brim bodies at the lower ends of the connectors  13 , or by forming such brim bodies by caulking the lower ends of the connectors  13 , it is possible to prevent the tightening members  14  from detaching therefrom. 
     FIGS. 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of a faucet support member  1  in which the tightening members  14  at the left-hand side and the right-hand side are disposed or arranged one on top of the other. 
     By disposing or arranging the tightening members  14  at the left-hand side and the right-hand side one on top of the other, it is possible to enlarge the area of the upper surface  17  of each of the tightening members  14 , thereby enabling the tight gripping of the base plate  2  when mounting the faucet support member  1  onto the base plate  2 . 
     FIGS.  7 (A) and (B) to  9  show a third embodiment of faucet support member  1  in which the turning prevention members  16  are provided on the tightening members  14  by projecting therefrom. 
     And, as shown in FIGS.  7 (A) and  8 (A), after inserting the tightening members  14  into the mounting hole  4  under the condition where the front ends thereof are directed inward, as shown in FIGS.  7 (B) and  8 (B), when turning the connectors  13  in the counter clock-wise direction, the tightening members  14  abut on the turning prevention members  16  when they rotate about half a revolution (see FIG.  9 ), thereby being unable to move further. When the connectors  13  are turned further under such a condition, the tightening members  14  are moved upward along the connectors  13 , thereby holding the base plate  2  between the bottom surface  15  of the support seat  12  and the upper surfaces  17  of the tightening members  14 . 
     The shape of the turning prevention member  16  should not be restricted to the rod-like shape mentioned above, but may be a cylinder-like shape as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In this instance, as shown in the FIG.  11 (B), the outer surfaces of the turning prevention members  16  are to be in face-contact with the inner surface of the mounting hole  4 . 
     Also, each turning prevention member  16 , as shown in the FIGS. 10 and 11, may be formed with each tightening member  14  as a unit body, or alternatively, may be formed to be detachable from the tightening members  14  or the support seat  12 . 
     By forming the turning prevention member  16  with the tightening member  14  as a unit body, the number of parts is decreased, thereby enabling cheap and easy manufacture of the faucet support member  1 . 
     It is possible to further prevent the turning prevention members  16  from being broken when transporting the faucet support member  1  by making the turning prevention members  16  detachable from the tightening members  14  or the support seat  12 , i.e., separating the turning prevention members  16  from the tightening members  14  or the support seat  12  when transporting the faucet support member  1 , while attaching the turning prevention members  16  onto the tightening members  14  or the support seat  12  when mounting the faucet support member  1 . 
     With regard to the turning prevention member  16 , being made detachable, various shapes thereof can be considered, such as, as shown in FIG.  14 (A), a turning prevention member  16   a,  being formed in a tapered shape, so as to be inserted by suppression from the lower side of the support seat  12 . As shown in FIG.  14 (B), a turning prevention member  16   b,  at one end of which a brim portion is formed, so as to be inserted from the upper side of the insertion bore  20  drilled on the support seat  12 . And as shown in FIG.  14 (C), a turning prevention member  16   c,  being formed as a substantially gate-like type by connecting two (2) pieces of the turning prevention members, etc. 
     With regard to the tightening member  14 , as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, being formed with a sloping surface  18  in a tapered shape on a side surface thereof, it is possible to make the front end of the tightening members  14  direct inward when inserting the faucet support member  1  into the mounting hole  4 . 
     Namely, when inserting the faucet support member  1  into the mounting hole  4  under the condition where the front ends of the tightening members  14  are directed outward, the sloping surfaces  18  abut on an inner periphery edge of the mounting hole  4 , and when pushing the faucet support member  1  downward, the sloping surfaces  18  of the tightening members  14  are turned along with the inner periphery edge of the mounting hole  4 , thereby the front ends are directed inward. 
     Accordingly, it is possible to bypass time or labor for turning the front ends of tightening members  14  inward in advance when inserting the faucet support member  1  into the mounting hole  4 , thereby further improving the workability thereof. 
     Also, the tightening members  14 , as shown in FIG.  17 (A), are turned to a position where they are hidden by a periphery edge of the opening portion  6 , under the condition that they abut on the turning prevention members  16 . 
     Namely, it is constructed so that the hose  7  for use of a handy spray and the axes for operating valves  8  cannot be inserted into the opening portion  6 , until the tightening members  14  are turned to a regular position, which is abutting on the turning prevention members  16 , as shown in FIG.  17 (B). 
     Accordingly, when mounting the support seat  12  onto the base plate  2 , it is possible to decide whether the tightening members  14  are at the regular position or not, by checking whether the tightening members  14  can be seen from the opening portion  6  with the eye. It is also possible to decide whether the tightening members  14  are at the regular position or not when inserting the hose  7  for use of a handy spray and the axes for operating valves  8  into the opening portion  6 . 
     FIG. 22 shows a fourth embodiment of faucet support member  1 , wherein bolts as the two (2) connectors  13  are mounted onto the support seat  12 , directing downward and being pivotable, in the same manner as in the embodiments mentioned above. Also, the tightening members  14  are screwed onto each of the bolts, and the two (2) turning prevention members  16  are mounted on the bottom surface of the support seat  12  along with the connectors  13 . Further, in the present embodiment, at lower end portions of the two (2) connectors  13  is provided a spacer  29  for keeping a distance therebetween. 
     The spacer  29  is constructed so that insertion bores  31  and  32  are drilled on a substantially arc-like spacer plate  30 , for inserting the connectors  13  and the turning prevention members  16  therein, respectively. In the same insertion bores  31  and  32 , the lower end portions of the connectors  13  and the lower end portions of the turning prevention members  16 , are inserted, wherein below the spacer plate  30 , a “C” ring  33  is attached to the connectors  13 . However, in place of the “C” ring  33 , it is also possible to use a nut, thereby detachably mounting the spacer plate  30  to the connectors  13 . 
     With such a spacer  29 , a distance W between the two (2) connectors  13  is held constant. Namely, when gripping the base plate  2  between the support seat  12  and the tightening members  14  by turning the connectors  13 , there maybe a case where deformation occurs in the connectors  13  due to an effect of reaction against the tightening, thereby changing the distance between the two (2) connectors  13 . Therefore, a desired tightening force cannot be obtained therefrom; however, with the provision of the spacer  29  for the connectors  13 , as mentioned above, it is possible to prevent the connectors  13  from being deformed, thereby keeping the distance W between the two (2) connectors  13  constant. 
     In this manner, with the provision of the spacer  29  in the faucet support member  1 , it is possible to keep the distance W between the connectors  13  constant, thereby enabling the tight gripping of the base plate  2  between the support seat  12  and the tightening members  14 , further attaining the smooth mounting of the faucet support member  1 . 
     However, the shape of the spacer plate  30  may be arc-like as shown in the FIG. 22, with the handy spray hose  7  and the valve operating axes  8  being arranged within the inside of the arc of spacer plate  30 . Or spacer plate  30  may be in a long and narrow shape as shown in FIG. 24, the handy spray hose  7  and the valve operating axes  8  being arranged at both sides thereof. 
     Also in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, the opening portion of the mounting hole  4  is totally obstructed by the two( 2)tightening members  14  from a plane view thereof. Namely, inner surfaces  14 a of the two (2) tightening members  14  are in face-contact with each other, and further the outer side surface  14   b  of the tightening members  14  is formed so as to be along with the shape of the opening portion of the mounting hole  4 . 
     In this manner, the area of the upper surface of the tightening member  14  is enlarged as much as possible, thereby allowing an increase in the tightening force when mounting the faucet support member  1  onto the base plate  2 . 
     FIGS. 25 and 26 show another embodiment of the spacer  29 . In this embodiment, the spacer  29  is made detachable from the support seat  12 . Namely, the spacer  29  is constructed with a substantially disc-like upper body  34  and a substantially cylinder-like lower body  35  continuing from a lower portion of the same upper body  34 . In the upper body  34  penetrating bores  36  for rotating the connectors  13  are drilled. In the lower body  35  gutters  37  are cut at positions, on the periphery surface, corresponding to the connectors  13 . Further, concave portions  38  are formed at the lower end of the lower body  35 . In the same concave portions  38  the tightening members  14  can be stored under the condition that the front ends thereof are directed inward. 
     After fitting the tightening members  14  into the support seat  12  from an upper side thereof under the condition that the front ends of the tightening members  14  are directed inward, by turning the connectors  13 , the tightening members  14 , expand directing outward, then move in an upward direction along the gutters  37 . 
     In that instance, the tightening members  14  are moved upward, being guided by the gutters  37 . Therefore, the spacer  29  functions as the turning prevention members  16 . 
     FIG. 27 is a view showing another embodiment of a tightening member  14 . In this embodiment, the upper surface of the tightening member  14  is formed curved. 
     So, when holding the base plate  2  between the tightening members  14  and the support seat  12 , the shearing force occurring at the base plate  2  is relieved or mitigated by the rounded edge portion of the upper surface of the tightening member  14 . 
     In this manner, it is possible to prevent the base plate  2  from being damaged or broken when being mounted with the faucet support member  1 . 
     FIG. 28 shows another embodiment of a tightening member  14 . In this embodiment, a buffer member  39  made of, for example, sponge, cloth, etc., is stuck or adhered onto the upper surface of the tightening member  14 . 
     In this manner, it is also possible to relieve or mitigate the shearing force occurring at the base plate  2  by attaching the buffer member  39  on the upper surface of the tightening member  14 , thereby preventing breakage from the tightening member  14 . 
     FIG. 34 shows another embodiment of a tightening member  14 . In this embodiment, a female screw portion  47  is formed in an inclined manner in the base end portion (the portion in which connector  13  is inserted) of tightening member  14  having a rectangular shape in a plane view thereof. Therefore, the upper surface of the tightening member  14  is sloped upward from the base end portion to the front end portion thereof, when the female screw portion  47  of the tightening member  14  is screwed onto the connector  13 . 
     For that reason, as was mentioned previously, in the case where the tightening member  14  is mounted onto the connector  13  at right angles, as shown in FIG.  36 (A), if a protruding portion  48 , such as a fin or burr of ceramics, etc., is formed at a lower periphery portion of the mounting hole  4  in the base plate  2 , only the protruding portion  48  is gripped by the bottom surface of the support seat  12  and the upper surfaces of the tightening members  14 . Therefore, the strength in mounting the support seat  12  is decreased. However, according to the present embodiment, the upper surface of the tightening member  14  is inclined from the base end portion to the front end portion. So, as shown in FIG.  36 (B), not only the protruding portion  48 , but also the periphery portion of the mounting hole  4  is held between the bottom surface of the support seat  12  and the upper surfaces of the tightening members  14 . Therefore the strength in mounting the support seat  12  can be increased. 
     FIG. 35 is a view showing another embodiment of the tightening member  14 . In this embodiment, at the base end portion of the tightening member  14 , having a trapezoidal shape in a side view thereof, the female screw portion  47  is formed so as to incline the upper surface of the tightening member  14 , while being orthogonal to the lower surface thereof, so that the upper surface of the tightening member  14  is inclined from the base end portion to the front end portion thereof when the tightening member  14  is screwed onto the connector  13  at the female screw portion  47 . 
     With this, it is possible to grip the base plate  2  between the bottom surface of the support seat  12  and the front end portions of the tightening members  14  tightly, thereby increasing the strength in mounting of the support seat  12 . 
     FIG. 29 is a view showing another embodiment of the support seat  12 . In this embodiment, an insertion bore  42  is drilled in the bottom surface of the support seat  12 , so that a pin-like guide member is freely detachable from the same insertion bore  42 . 
     The guide member  40  is constructed so that the outer periphery surface thereof abuts on the inner periphery surface of the mounting hole  4  when the support seat  12  is mounted onto the base plate  2 . 
     A plurality of insertion bores  42  are formed at different distances from a substantially central position of the support seat  12 , so that the guide member  40  can be inserted into insertion bore  42 , and can be changed depending upon the size, such as the inner diameter, etc., of the mounting hole  4 . 
     In this manner, since on the support seat  12  the guide member  40  is provided, which abuts the inner periphery surface of the mounting hole  4  when mounting the support seat  12  onto the base plate  2 , it is possible to mount the support seat  12  onto the base plate  2  easily, thereby improving the workability thereof. 
     The guide member  40  is constructed so as to be detachable from the support seat  12 . Therefore by removing the guide member  40  from the support seat  12 , it is still possible to mount the support seat  12  onto various sizes of mounting holes  4 , thereby widening the utility of the support seat  12 . 
     Further, with a construction such that the position of insertion of the guide member  40  can be adjusted depending upon the size of the mounting hole  4 , by adjusting the position of insertion of the guide member  40  it is also possible to mount the support seat  12  into various sizes of mounting holes  4 , thereby widening the utility of the support seat  12 . 
     FIGS. 30 and 31 are views showing another embodiment of the guide member  40 . In this embodiment, a ring-like packing receiving concave portion  43  is formed, on the bottom surface of the support seat  12  encircling the opening portion  6 , so that a ring-like packing  44  can be inserted into the same packing receiving concave portion  43 . A brim portion  46  is formed at the upper end of the guide member  40  having a side wall  45  having a substantially arc-like shape in a plane view thereof. The guide member  40  can then be mounted, detachably, onto the support seat  12  by holding the brim portion  46  of the guide member  40  between the bottom surface of the support seat  12  and the packing  44 . 
     The guide member  40  is structured so that the side wall  45  of the guide member  40  abuts the inner periphery surface of the mounting hole  4 . 
     With this structure, it is also possible to mount the support seat  12  on the base plate  2  easily, thereby improving the workability thereof. Further, by removing the guide member  40  from the support seat  12 , it is also possible to mount the support seat  12  even on mounting holes  4  of various sizes, thereby widening the utility of the support seat  12 . 
     FIGS.  32 (A) and (B) are views showing another embodiment of the guide member  40 . The same guide member  40  comprises a main body  40   a  of the guide member which has a thin plate-like and ring-like shape, and a guide body  40   b  which protrudes downward from the bottom surf ace of the guide member main body  40   a  and is removable therefrom via score or notch  40   c.    
     In a case where the mounting hole  4  of the base plate  2  is of a predetermined size, as shown in FIG.  32 (A), the guide member  40  is used under the condition that the guide  40   b  is connected with the guide member main body  40   a.  Otherwise, in a case where the size of the mounting hole  4  of the base plate  2  is changed due to a design change, etc., as shown in FIG.  32 (A), the guide body  40   b  can be separated from the guide member main body  40   a.    
     In this manner, since the guide body  40   b  is formed to be removable from the guide member main body  40   a,  it is possible to mount the support seat  12  on various sizes of mounting hole  4 , by removing the guide body  40   b  from the guide member main body  40   a,  thereby widening the utility of the guide member  40 . 
     Next, an explanation will be given on the method for fixing the base end portion  5  of the faucet  3  onto the faucet support member  1 . 
     The faucet  3  is fixed by mounting the base end portion  5  thereof to the support seat  12  mentioned above. Namely, as shown in FIG. 20, the support seat  12  is mounted on the base plate  2  in the manner mentioned above, thereon the base end portion  5  of the faucet  3  is mounted around the outer periphery of a cylindrical portion  22  of the same support seat  12 , while a ring body  23  is loosely inserted around the outer periphery of the same base end portion  5  rotatably or pivotably. Further, around the same ring body  23  a cover ring  11  is loosely inserted, rotatably or pivotably. However, as shown in FIG. 21, the base end portion  5  of faucet  3  may be mounted inside the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion  22  of the support seat  12 . 
     As shown in FIG.  18 (A), under the condition that a female screw bore  24  drilled into the base end portion  5  of the faucet  3  is coincident with penetrating bores  25  and  26  drilled on the ring body  23  and the cover ring  11 , respectively, a mounting screw as a fixing member  27  is screwed into the female screw bore  24 , thereby fixing the base end portion  5  of the faucet  3  onto the support seat  12 . 
     As shown in FIGS.  18 (B) and  19 , after screwing the fixing member  27 , the head portion  28  of the fixing member  27  is hidden by turning or rotating the ring body  23  and the cover ring  11 . Accordingly, the head portion  28  of the fixing member  27  abuts against the inner periphery surface of the ring body  23  even if the fixing member  27  is loosened, so that the fixing member  27  is not be removed. However, the fixing member  27  may be one which has no such head portion  28  therewith, but formed with, for example a “−” groove, a “+” groove, or a hexagon bore on the end surface thereof for rotation. In this case, it is possible to make the outer diameter of the cover ring  11  smaller by the thickness of the head portion  28  of the fixing member  27 . 
     Therefore, it is possible to make the fixing of the faucet  3  sound, and to prevent the fixing member  27  from being unduly loosened or lost. 
     FIG. 33 is a view showing another embodiment of the structure of the fixing portion of the faucet support member  1 , wherein a ring-like adopter member  41  is provided between the support seat  12  and the base end portion  5  of the faucet  3 . 
     With the application of the adopter member  41 , being depending upon the shape and sizes of the faucet  3 , it is possible to mount faucets of different sizes thereof onto the same support seat  12 . In the present embodiment, an adopter member  41  having an arc like outer side surface is used. However another one having a rectangular side surface depending upon the shape of the faucet  3  may be used. 
     Accordingly, even in a case where the kind of the faucet  3  is altered, there is no necessity to exchange the support seat  12 , thereby widening the utility of the support seat  12 . 
     Furthermore, in the present embodiment, one of the tightening members  14  is made to function as the turning prevention body  16  for preventing the other tightening member  14  from being turned. 
     Namely, when the connector  13  at the left-hand side is turned in a clock-wise direction, the tightening member  14  at the left-hand side is also turned or rotated therewith. However the tightening member  14  at the left-hand side abuts on the turning prevention body  16  when tightening member  14  at the left-hand side rotates about a half revolution, therefore it cannot rotate any more. If the connector  13  is turned further in a clock-wise direction under such a condition, the tightening member  14  is lifted up along the connector  13 , thereby bringing about the gripping of the base plate  2  between the bottom surface  15  of the support seat  12  and the upper surfaces  17  of the tightening members  14 . 
     Also, when the connector  13  at the right-hand side is turned or rotated in a clock-wise direction, the tightening member  14  at the right-hand side is also turned therewith, however the tightening member  14  at the right-hand side abuts on the connector  14  at the left-hand side when it rotates about a half revolution, thereby being unable to rotate further. If the connector  13  is turned further in a clock-wise direction under that condition, the tightening member  14  is lifted up along the connector  13 , thereby bringing about the gripping of the base plate  2  between the bottom surface  15  of the support seat  12  and the upper surfaces  17  of the tightening members  14 . 
     In this manner, there is no necessity to provide the turning prevention body  16  separately, thereby attaining a decrease in the number of parts thereof. 
     In the present embodiment, the sizes of the tightening members  14  are made large so that one of the tightening members  14  abuts on the other, thereby also making it possible to reinforce the strength in mounting by the tightening members  14 . However, in the present embodiment, the two (2) tightening members  14  are disposed one on top of the other, under the condition that the front ends thereof are directed inward, thereby allowing them to be inserted into the mounting hole  4  of the base plate  2 . 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     According to the present invention, the faucet support member comprises the turning prevention body(s) for preventing the tightening members from being turned, under the condition that the tightening members open beyond the opening diameter. The tightening members move upward, under the condition that the tightening members open beyond the opening diameter of the mounting hole, by turning the connectors. As a result of this, the faucet support member is constructed so that the base plate is held between the bottom surface of the support seat and the upper surfaces of the tightening members. Such faucet support member can be mounted from the upper surface side of the base plate, easily and smoothly, thereby enabling the improvement of the workability and safety thereof. 
     Further, under the condition that the support seat is mounted at a predetermined position on the base plate, with a plurality of connectors or turning prevention bodies being disposed, or arranged at the positions where the outer surface of the connectors or the turning prevention bodies abut on the inner periphery surface of the mounting hole, it is possible to make the connectors or the turning prevention bodies function as the positioning members when mounting the faucet support member, thereby further improving the workability, when mounting the faucet support. 
     Also, when the turning prevention bodies are mounted detachably onto the tightening members and/or the support seat, it is possible to separate the turning prevention bodies from the tightening members and the support seat when transporting the faucet support member, while to attach the turning prevention bodies onto the tightening members and the support seat when mounting the faucet support member, thereby enabling them prevention of the turning prevention bodies from being broken when transporting the faucet support member. 
     Since the cover ring with the penetrating bore, in which the fixing member for fixing the base end portion of the faucet onto the support seat can be inserted, is rotatably mounted around the outer periphery of the above-mentioned support seat, the fixing member can be covered with the periphery wall of the cover ring by rotation thereof, after fixing the base end portion of the faucet onto the support seat by inserting the fixing member through the penetrating bore. Therefore it is possible to make the fixing of the faucet sound, and also to prevent the fixing member from being unduly loosened or lost. 
     With the provision of the spacer on the faucet support member(s), it is possible to keep the distance between the connectors constant, thereby enabling the tight gripping of the base plate between the support seat and the tightening members, as well as to perform the work of mounting the faucet support member smoothly. 
     Since the connectors are made pivotable or rotatable Independently, the connectors neighboring each other do not interfere with each other, and since there is no order or sequence In tightening thereof, improvement in the workability thereof is enabled. 
     With the provision of two (2) tightening members, wherein the inner side surfaces of both the tightening members abut on each other under the condition that the front ends of the both tightening members are directed inward, the area of the upper surfaces of both tightening members are enlarged as much as possible, thereby maximizing the tightening power when mounting the faucet support member onto the base plate. 
     With the forming of the resistance portion on the upper surface of the tightening members, the resistance portion lies between the tightening members and the base plate to bite into the base plate, thereby creating a resistance when the tightening members are screwed after being tightened, so as to hold the base plate tightly. Therefore it is possible to mount the faucet support member onto the base plate tightly. 
     With the forming of the curved surfaces on the upper surfaces of the tightening members or the mounting of the buffer members on the upper surfaces of the tightening members, it is possible to mitigate the shearing power, which is generated at the base plate on the upper surface of the tightening members when gripping the base plate between the tightening members and the support seat, thereby preventing breakage or damage to the base plate. 
     With the provision of the guide members on the above-mentioned support seat, which abut on the inner periphery surface of the mounting hole when mounting the support seat onto the base plate, it is possible to mount the support seat onto the base plate easily, thereby improving the workability thereof. 
     With such a construction that the guide members are detachable from the support seat, it is possible to mount the support seat onto mounting holes of different sizes by separating the guide member from the support seat, thereby widening the utility of the support seat. 
     Constructing the guide member with the guide member main body and the guide body, so that the guide body can be removed from the guide member main body, it is possible to mount the support seat onto mounting holes of different sizes by separating the guide member from the support seat, thereby widening the utility of the support seat. 
     With such a construction that the guide member can be adjusted at the mounting position thereof depending upon the sizes of the mounting holes, it is also possible to mount the support seat onto mounting holes of different sizes by adjusting the mounting position of the guide member depending upon the size of the mounting hole, thereby also widening the utility of the support seat. 
     With the provision of the adapter member between the support seat and the base end portion of the faucet, it is possible to mount faucets of different sizes onto the support seat. And there is no necessity to exchange the support seat even when the faucet is changed to another kind, thereby also widening the utility of the support seat. 
     While the base end portions of the tightening members are mounted onto the connectors, and the upper surfaces at the front end portions thereof are formed to be inclined toward the base plate, it is possible to tightly grip the base plate between the bottom surface of the support seat and the front end portions of the tightening members, even if a fin or burr of ceramics is formed at the mounting hole, thereby improving the mounting strength of the support seat.