IP Library › Granted Patent US 9,840,831
Granted Patent B1
US 9,840,831 · App. 15/180,974 · Granted Dec 12, 2017

Sprayhead retraction assembly

Inventors: John C. Esche (Kohler, WI); Daniel E. Smith (Sheboygan Falls, WI)
Assignee: KOHLER CO.
E03C1/0404E03C2001/0417
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,840,831
App. No.
15/180,974
Granted
Dec 12, 2017
Kind
B1
Abstract

A sprayhead retraction assembly includes a first member defining first and second projections, a first pulley axially connected to the first projection, the first pulley configured to receive a hose, a second pulley axially connected to the second projection, and a constant-force spring defining a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the second pulley, such that the constant-force spring is configured to coil around the second pulley, and wherein the second end is configured to be coupled to a surface.

Claims (35)

1. A sprayhead retraction assembly comprising:

a first member defining first and second projections;

a first pulley axially connected to the first projection, the first pulley configured to receive a hose;

a second pulley axially connected to the second projection; and

a constant-force spring defining a first end and a second end;

wherein the first end is coupled to the second pulley, such that the constant-force spring is configured to coil around the second pulley; and

wherein the second end is configured to be coupled to a surface.

2. The sprayhead retraction assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a sprayhead fluidly coupled to a hose, the hose received by the first pulley;

wherein the surface is a second surface;

wherein the hose extends through a first surface; and

wherein the sprayhead is disposed above the first surface and the second surface is disposed below the first surface.

3. The sprayhead retraction assembly of claim 2 , wherein the second surface is substantially horizontal.

4. The sprayhead retraction assembly of claim 2 , wherein when the constant-force spring is coiled around the second pulley, the sprayhead engages a spout in a docked position.

5. The sprayhead retraction assembly of claim 1 , wherein the second end of the constant-force spring is coupled to a mounting bracket; and

wherein the mounting bracket is coupled to the surface.

6. The sprayhead retraction assembly of claim 1 , wherein the second end of the constant-force spring defines a hole; and

wherein the second end of the constant-force spring is coupled to the second surface such that the constant-force spring is configured to rotate about the hole.

7. The sprayhead retraction assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a second member coupled to the first member, the second member defining a plurality of openings configured to receive the first and second projections.

8. The sprayhead retraction assembly of claim 1 , wherein the constant-force spring is configured to provide a constant force to the first pulley independent from a position of the first pulley.

9. A sprayhead retraction assembly comprising:

a first member defining first and second projections;

a first pulley axially connected to the first projection, the first pulley configured to receive a hose;

a second pulley axially connected to the second projection;

a third pulley configured to redirect the hose between an outlet end of the hose and the first pulley;

and a constant-force spring defining a first end and a second end;

wherein the first end is coupled to the second pulley, such that the constant-force spring is configured to coil around the second pulley; and

wherein the second end is configured to be coupled to a surface.

10. The sprayhead retraction assembly of claim 9 , further comprising the hose and a sprayhead fluidly coupled to the outlet end of the hose;

wherein the hose is received by the first pulley.

11. The sprayhead retraction assembly of claim 10 , wherein the surface is a second surface;

wherein the hose extends through a first surface; and

wherein the sprayhead is disposed above the first surface and the second surface is disposed below the first surface.

12. The sprayhead retraction assembly of claim 11 , wherein the second surface is substantially vertical.

13. The sprayhead retraction assembly of claim 10 , further comprising a redirecting member configured to receive and redirect the hose between an inlet end of the hose and the first pulley.

14. The sprayhead retraction assembly of claim 13 , wherein the redirecting member is a fourth pulley.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 16, 2016
From: ESCHE, JOHN C.; SMITH, DANIEL E.
To: KOHLER CO.
Reel/Frame 040639/0849 →