IP Library › Granted Patent US 50,350

Granted Patent E1

US 50,350 · App. 16/850,681 · Granted Mar 25, 2025

Magnetic coupling for sprayheads

Inventors: Alfred Charles Nelson (Westfield, IN); Christopher Michael McGuire (Fishers, IN)

Assignee: Delta Faucet Company

E03C1/0404 B05B15/65 E03C1/04 E03C2001/0415 Y10T137/0402 Y10T137/598 Y10T137/9464

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Quick Facts

Patent No.: US 50,350
App. No.: 16/850,681
Granted: Mar 25, 2025
Kind: E1

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USPTO Patent Center↗ Full Patent PDF↗

Abstract

A faucet including a faucet head, a body and a magnetic coupling releasably coupling the faucet head to the faucet body.

Claims (312)

1. A faucet comprising:

a supply hose adapted to supply water;

a faucet head fluidly coupled to the supply hose and including a user input configured to control dispensing of water;

a faucet body adapted to support the faucet head and including a delivery spout receiving the supply hose, such that the faucet head extends from an end of the delivery spout;

a magnetic coupling configured to removably couple the faucet head to the faucet body, the magnetic coupling including a first member operably coupled to the faucet head, and a second member operably coupled to the faucet body, at least one of the first member and the second member including a magnet operably coupled to at least one of the faucet head and the faucet body; and

cooperating orientation members configured to rotationally orient the faucet head relative to the delivery spout for locating the user input for a user, the cooperating orientation members including a protrusion supported by one of the faucet head and the faucet body, and a recess supported by the other of the faucet body and the faucet head and configured to receive the protrusion to position the user input in a desired rotational orientation; and

wherein the magnet is at least partially overmolded with a polymer, the polymer being formed into a connector adapted to couple the magnet to one of the faucet head and the faucet spout.

2. The faucet of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic coupling requires between 2.0 pounds and 12.0 pounds of force to pull the faucet head from the delivery spout.

3. The faucet of claim 2 1 , wherein the magnet has a magnetic field of between 400 gauss and 2,000 gauss tested at a distance of 0.090 inches.

4. The faucet of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic coupling includes a first member operably coupled to the faucet head, a second member operably coupled to the faucet body, at least one of the first member and the second member includes the magnet, and at least one of the first member and the second member includes an attracted member magnetically attracted to the magnet.

5. The faucet of claim 4 , wherein the first member includes the attracted member, and the second member includes the magnet.

6. The faucet of claim 4 , wherein the first member includes the magnet, and the second member includes the attracted member.

7. The faucet of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic coupling includes a coupling surface having an area of between 0.4 square inches and 2.0 square inches.

8. The faucet of claim 1 , wherein the magnet is at least partially overmolded with a polymer, the polymer being formed into a connector adapted to couple the magnet to one of the faucet head and the faucet spout.

9. The faucet of claim 1 , A faucet comprising:

a supply hose adapted to supply water;

a faucet head fluidly coupled to the supply hose and including a user input configured to control dispensing of water;

a faucet body adapted to support the faucet head and including a delivery spout receiving the supply hose, such that the faucet head extends from an end of the delivery spout;

a magnetic coupling configured to removably couple the faucet head to the faucet body, the magnetic coupling including a magnet operably coupled to at least one of the faucet head and the faucet body;

wherein the magnetic coupling further includes a backing member configured to increase a magnetic flux of the magnet.

10. The faucet of claim 1 , wherein the user input is a lever operably coupled to a valve.

11. The faucet of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic coupling includes a first member operably coupled to the faucet head, a second member operably coupled to the faucet body, at least one of the first member and the second member includes the magnet, and the cooperating orientation members comprise the first member and the second member of the magnetic coupling.

12. A faucet comprising:

a supply hose adapted to supply water;

a faucet head fluidly coupled to the supply hose and including a user input configured to control dispensing of water;

a faucet body adapted to support the faucet head and including a delivery spout receiving the supply hose, such that the faucet head extends from an end of the delivery spout;

cooperating orientation members configured to rotationally orient the faucet head relative to the delivery spout for locating the user input for a user;

wherein the cooperating orientation members comprise the first member and the second member of the magnetic coupling; and wherein:

the first member includes a first magnet including multiple magnetic fields;

the second member includes a second magnet including multiple magnetic fields; and

at least one of the multiple magnetic fields of each of the first magnet and the second magnet is oriented in a first direction, and at least one of the multiple magnetic fields of each of the first magnet and the second magnet is oriented in second direction, the second direction is substantially opposite the first direction, such that the magnetic coupling exhibits alternate attracting and repelling modes of operation, and the magnetic coupling rotationally orients the faucet head relative to the delivery spout for locating the user input for a user.

13. A faucet comprising:

a faucet head;

a supply tube fluidly coupled to the faucet head;

a faucet body including a dispensing end having a wall, the wall having an internal surface and an external surface, the internal surface defining an elongate passageway, the supply tube passing through the elongate passageway;

a user input supported by the faucet head and configured to control dispensing of water through the supply tube;

cooperating orientation members configured to rotationally orient the faucet head relative to the faucet body for locating the user input for a user, the cooperating orientation members including a protrusion supported by one of the faucet head and the faucet body, and a recess supported by the other of the faucet body and the faucet head and configured to receive the protrusion to position the user input in a desired rotational orientation; and

wherein the magnetic coupling further includes a backing member configured to increase a magnetic flux of the magnet.

14. The faucet of claim 13 , wherein the magnetic coupling requires between 2.0 pounds and 12.0 pounds of force to pull the faucet head from the faucet body.

15. The faucet of claim 13 , wherein the magnet has a magnetic field of between 400 gauss and 2,000 gauss tested at a distance of 0.090 inches.

16. The faucet of claim 13 , wherein at least one of the first member and the second member includes an attracted member magnetically attracted to the magnet.

17. The faucet of claim 16 , wherein the first member includes the attracted member, and the second member includes the magnet.

18. The faucet of claim 16 , wherein the first member includes the magnet, and the second member includes the attracted member.

19. The faucet of claim 13 , wherein the magnetic coupling includes a coupling surface having an area of between 0.4 square inches and 2.0 square inches.

20. The faucet of claim 13 , A faucet comprising:

a faucet head;

a supply tube fluidly coupled to the faucet head;

a user input supported by the faucet head and configured to control dispensing of water through the supply tube;

a magnetic coupling releasably coupling the faucet head to the dispensing end of the faucet body, the magnetic coupling including a first member and a second member, the first member including a magnet coupled to at least one of the faucet head or the faucet body; and cooperating orientation members configured to rotationally orient the faucet head relative to the faucet body for locating the user input for a user, the cooperating orientation members including a protrusion supported by one of the faucet head and the faucet body, and a recess supported by the other of the faucet body and the faucet head and configured to receive the protrusion to position the user input in a desired rotational orientation; and

wherein the magnet is at least partially overmolded with a polymer, the polymer being formed into a connector adapted to couple the magnet to one of the faucet head and the faucet spout.

21. The faucet of claim 13 , wherein the magnetic coupling further includes a backing member configured to increase a magnetic flux of the magnet.

22. The faucet of claim 13 , wherein the user input is a lever operably coupled to a valve.

23. The faucet of claim 13 , wherein the cooperating orientation members comprise the first member and the second member of the magnetic coupling.

24. A faucet comprising:

a faucet head;

a supply tube fluidly coupled to the faucet head;

a user input supported by the faucet head and configured to control dispensing of water through the supply tube;

cooperating orientation members configured to rotationally orient the faucet head relative to the faucet body for locating the user input for a user;

wherein the cooperating orientation members comprise the first member and the second member of the magnetic coupling; and wherein:

the first member includes a first magnet including multiple magnetic fields;

the second member includes a second magnet including multiple magnetic fields; and

25. A method of coupling a faucet head to a faucet body, the method including the steps of:

providing a supply hose for supplying water;

providing a faucet head fluidly coupled to the supply hose and including a user input for controlling a valve;

providing a faucet body for supporting the faucet head and including a delivery spout;

coupling the faucet head to the faucet body through a magnetic coupling; and

aligning cooperating orientation members to rotationally orient the faucet head relative to the delivery spout for locating the user input in a desired rotational orientation for a user, the cooperating orientation members including a protrusion supported by one of the faucet head and the faucet body, and a recess supported by the other of the faucet body and the faucet head and configured to receive the protrusion to position a user input in the desired rotational orientation.

26. The method of claim 25 , further comprising the step of controlling the user input to control the dispensing of water through the faucet head.

27. The method of claim 25 , wherein the magnetic coupling requires between 2.0 and 12.0 pounds of force to pull the faucet head from the delivery spout.

28. The method of claim 25 , wherein the magnetic coupling includes a first member operably coupled to the faucet head, and a second member operably coupled to the faucet body, at least one of the first member and the second member including a magnet.

29. The method of claim 28 , wherein the magnet has a magnetic field of between 400 and 2,000 gauss tested at a distance of 0.090 inches.

30. The method of claim 29 , wherein the magnetic coupling includes a coupling surface having an area of between 0.4 square inches and 2.0 square inches.

31. The faucet of claim 2 , wherein the magnetic coupling requires between 3.0 pounds and 8.0 pounds of force to pull the faucet head from the delivery spout.

32. The faucet of claim 3 , wherein the magnet has a magnetic field of between 500 gauss and 1,000 gauss tested at a distance of 0.090 inches.

33. The faucet of claim 7 , wherein the magnetic coupling includes a coupling surface having an area of between 0.5 square inches and 1.0 square inches.

34. The faucet of claim 14 , wherein the magnetic coupling requires between 3.0 pounds and 8.0 pounds of force to pull the faucet head from the faucet body.

35. The faucet of claim 15 , wherein the magnet has a magnetic field of between 500 gauss and 1,000 gauss tested at a distance of 0.090 inches.

36. The faucet of claim 19 , wherein the magnetic coupling includes a coupling surface having an area of between 0.5 square inches and 1.0 square inches.

37. A faucet comprising:

a faucet spout defining an elongate passageway having an outlet end;

a water supply line passing through the elongate passageway of the faucet spout and moveable relative to the outlet end of the faucet spout;

a pull-out faucet sprayhead detachably connected to the faucet spout and comprising an outer shell defining an interior space, a waterway comprising a receiving end and a dispensing end and a water outlet;

wherein the receiving end of the waterway is fluidly coupled to the water supply line and the dispensing end of the waterway is fluidly coupled to the water outlet;

wherein the water supply line, the waterway and the water outlet together define a fluid path through the faucet;

a magnetic coupling detachably connecting the faucet sprayhead to the faucet spout, the magnetic coupling comprising a first coupling member operably coupled to the faucet spout and including a first magnetically attractive member, and a second coupling member operably coupled to the faucet sprayhead and including a second magnetically attractive member;

cooperating orientation members configured to rotationally orient the faucet sprayhead relative to the faucet spout for locating a user input for a user;

wherein the magnetic coupling requires between 2.0 and 12.0 pounds of force to pull the faucet sprayhead from the faucet spout; and

wherein at least one of the first coupling member includes an overmold over the first magnetically attractive member, and the second coupling member includes an overmold over the second magnetically attractive member.

38. The faucet of claim 37 , wherein at least one of the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member has a magnetic field of between 400 gauss and 2,000 gauss tested at a distance of 0.0900 inches.

39. The faucet of claim 38 , wherein the magnetic field is between 500 gauss and 1,000 gauss tested at a distance of 0.090 inches.

40. The faucet of claim 37 , wherein:

the first coupling member comprises a base portion formed from a non-magnetic material and the first magnetically attractive member, the base portion is disposed in the elongate passageway of the faucet spout, and the water supply line passes through the first coupling member; and

the second coupling member is supported for movement with the faucet sprayhead and comprises the second magnetically attractive member.

41. The faucet of claim 40 , wherein the first magnetically attractive member is attached to the base portion at a location that is spaced from the outlet end of the elongate passageway of the faucet spout and is disposed entirely within the elongate passageway of the faucet spout, and the second magnetically attractive member is disposed outside of the interior space of the outer shell of the faucet sprayhead.

42. The faucet of claim 41 , wherein:

when the faucet sprayhead is connected to the faucet spout, the second magnetically attractive member is disposed within the elongate passageway, the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member are disposed adjacent to one another, and a central axis of the first magnetically attractive member is coaxial with a central axis of the second magnetically attractive member, the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member form a magnetic connection comprising an attractive magnetic force acting between the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member, and the magnetic connection is operable to maintain an attachment between the faucet sprayhead and the faucet spout; and

43. The faucet of claim 42 , wherein when the magnetic connection is operable to maintain the attachment between the faucet sprayhead and the faucet spout, the magnetic coupling does not prohibit the faucet sprayhead from rotating relative to the faucet spout about the central axis of the second magnetically attractive member.

44. The faucet of claim 42 , wherein the first magnetically attractive member is supported in the faucet spout in a ring arrangement to define an opening and the water supply line comprises a tube passing through the opening of the first magnetically attractive member.

45. The faucet of claim 44 , wherein the first magnetically attractive member includes a continuous annular body.

46. The faucet of claim 40 , wherein the first magnetically attractive member comprises a magnet, and the base portion is formed from a polymer.

47. The faucet of claim 40 , further comprising a coupling portion retaining the first magnetically attractive member to the base portion.

48. The faucet of claim 47 , wherein the coupling portion includes a lip on one of the base portion and the first magnetically attractive member, the lip engaging a surface on the other of the first magnetically attractive member and the base portion.

49. The faucet of claim 40 , wherein:

the faucet spout includes a wall defining the elongate passageway, the wall including a recess; and

the base portion includes a protrusion received within the recess of the faucet spout.

50. The faucet of claim 37 , wherein the magnetic coupling includes an attracting mode of operation and a repelling mode of operation.

51. The faucet of claim 37 , wherein, when the faucet sprayhead is connected to the faucet spout, the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member are disposed proximate to one another.

52. The faucet of claim 51 , wherein:

the first magnetically attractive member has a lower surface;

the second magnetically attractive member has an upper surface; and

when the faucet sprayhead is connected to the faucet spout, the lower surface of the first magnetically attractive member faces the upper surface of the second magnetically attractive member.

53. The faucet of claim 37 , wherein the second magnetically attractive member is disposed at least partially within the interior space of the outer shell of the faucet sprayhead.

54. The faucet of claim 37 , wherein the waterway is a tubular member positioned in the interior space of the outer shell.

55. The faucet of claim 37 , wherein the second magnetically attractive member is supported by the waterway.

56. The faucet of claim 55 , wherein the second magnetically attractive member is operably coupled to the receiving end of the waterway.

57. The faucet of claim 37 , wherein the magnetic coupling includes a coupling surface having an area of between 0.4 square inches and 2.0 square inches.

58. A faucet comprising:

a faucet spout defining an elongate passageway having an outlet end;

a water supply line passing through the elongate passageway of the faucet spout and moveable relative to the outlet end of the faucet spout;

wherein the receiving end of the waterway is fluidly coupled to the water supply line and the dispensing end of the waterway is fluidly coupled to the water outlet;

wherein the water supply line, the waterway and the water outlet together define a fluid path through the faucet;

cooperating orientation members configured to rotationally orient the faucet sprayhead relative to the faucet spout for locating a user input for a user;

wherein the magnetic coupling requires between 2.0 and 12.0 pounds of force to pull the faucet sprayhead from the faucet spout;

wherein:

at least one of the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member comprises a magnet and a backing member; and

the at least one of the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member has a magnetic field of between 400 gauss and 2,000 gauss tested at a distance of 0.090 inches.

59. A faucet comprising:

a faucet spout defining an elongate passageway having an outlet end;

a water supply line passing through the elongate passageway of the faucet spout and moveable relative to the outlet end of the faucet spout;

wherein the receiving end of the waterway is fluidly coupled to the water supply line and the dispensing end of the waterway is fluidly coupled to the water outlet;

wherein the water supply line, the waterway and the water outlet together define a fluid path through the faucet;

cooperating orientation members configured to rotationally orient the faucet sprayhead relative to the faucet spout for locating a user input for a user;

wherein the magnetic coupling requires between 2.0 and 12.0 pounds of force to pull the faucet sprayhead from the faucet spout;

wherein:

the first magnetically attractive member comprises a first magnet and a first backing member; and

the base portion comprises a polymer material molded over at least a portion of the first magnet and the first backing member.

60. A faucet comprising:

a support body comprising a passageway having an opening;

a water supply line comprising a tube passing through the passageway of the support body and passing through the opening;

a pull-out faucet sprayhead detachably connected to the support body and comprising an outer shell and a water outlet in fluid communication with the water supply line;

a magnetic coupling detachably coupling the faucet sprayhead to the support body, the magnetic coupling comprising:

a first coupling member comprising a first magnetically attractive member disposed within the passageway of the support body, wherein the first magnetically attractive member at least partially concentrically surrounds a perimeter of the tube of the water supply line;

a second coupling member moveable with the faucet sprayhead and comprising a second magnetically attractive member operably coupled to the outer shell of the faucet sprayhead;

cooperating orientation members configured to rotationally orient the faucet sprayhead relative to the support body for locating a user input for a user;

wherein the magnetic coupling requires between 2.0 pounds and 12.0 pounds of force to pull the faucet sprayhead from the support body;

wherein at least one of the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member has a magnetic field of between 400 gauss and 2,000 gauss tested at a distance of 0.090 inches; and

wherein the first coupling member further comprises a base portion formed from a non-magnetic material, the base portion disposed in the passageway of the support body, and the water supply line passes through the first coupling member;

the first magnetically attractive member comprises a first magnet and a first backing member; and

the base portion comprises a polymer material molded over at least a portion of the first magnet and the first backing member.

61. The faucet of claim 60 wherein first magnetically attractive member is disposed entirely within the passageway of the support body and spaced from the opening of the passageway.

62. The faucet of claim 61 , wherein the second magnetically attractive member is disposed entirely outside of the outer shell of the faucet sprayhead.

63. The faucet of claim 60 , wherein the magnetic coupling requires between 3.0 pounds and 8.0 pounds of force to pull the faucet head from the support body.

64. The faucet of claim 60 , wherein the magnetic field is between 500 gauss and 1,000 gauss tested at a distance of 0.090 inches.

65. The faucet of claim 60 , wherein:

when the faucet sprayhead is connected to the support body, the second magnetically attractive member is disposed entirely within the passageway and is nested within the first magnetically attractive member and an attractive magnetic force acts between the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member; and

when the faucet sprayhead is disconnected from the support body, the second magnetically attractive member is disposed outside of the passageway in a spaced relationship to the opening of the passageway.

66. The faucet of claim 60 , wherein, when the faucet sprayhead is connected to the support body, the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member are disposed adjacent to one another, and a central axis of the first magnetically attractive member is coaxial with a central axis of the second magnetically attractive member.

67. The faucet of claim 66 , wherein, when the faucet sprayhead is connected to the support body, the second magnetically attractive member is disposed within the passageway.

68. The faucet of claim 60 , wherein at least one of the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member comprises a magnet.

69. The faucet of claim 60 , wherein the support body comprises a faucet spout.

70. The faucet of claim 60 , wherein the first magnetically attractive member is supported by the support body in a ring arrangement to define an opening, the tube passing through the opening of the first magnetically attractive member.

71. The faucet of claim 60 , wherein the first magnetically attractive member includes a continuous annular body.

72. The faucet of claim 60 , wherein the first magnetically attractive member is attached to the base portion at a location that is spaced from the opening of the passageway of the support body and is disposed entirely within the passageway of the support body.

73. The faucet of claim 60 , wherein the first magnetically attractive member comprises a magnet, and the base portion is formed from a polymer.

74. The faucet of claim 60 , further comprising a coupling portion retaining the first magnetically attractive member to the base portion.

75. The faucet of claim 74 , wherein the coupling portion includes a lip on one of the base portion and the first magnetically attractive member, the lip engaging a surface on the other of the first magnetically attractive member and the base portion.

76. A faucet comprising:

a support body comprising a passageway having an opening;

a water supply line comprising a tube passing through the passageway of the support body and passing through the opening;

a pull-out faucet sprayhead detachably connected to the support body and comprising an outer shell and a water outlet in fluid communication with the water supply line;

a magnetic coupling detachably coupling the faucet sprayhead to the support body, the magnetic coupling comprising:

a second coupling member moveable with the faucet sprayhead and comprising a second magnetically attractive member operably coupled to the outer shell of the faucet sprayhead;

cooperating orientation members configured to rotationally orient the faucet sprayhead relative to the support body for locating a user input for a user;

wherein the magnetic coupling requires between 2.0 pounds and 12.0 pounds of force to pull the faucet sprayhead from the support body;

wherein at least one of the first coupling member includes a polymer overmold over the first magnetically attractive member, and the second coupling member includes a polymer overmold over the second magnetically attractive member.

77. A faucet comprising:

a support body comprising a passageway having an opening;

a water supply line comprising a tube passing through the passageway of the support body and passing through the opening;

a pull-out faucet sprayhead detachably connected to the support body and comprising an outer shell and a water outlet in fluid communication with the water supply line;

a magnetic coupling detachably coupling the faucet sprayhead to the support body, the magnetic coupling comprising:

a second coupling member moveable with the faucet sprayhead and comprising a second magnetically attractive member operably coupled to the outer shell of the faucet sprayhead;

cooperating orientation members configured to rotationally orient the faucet sprayhead relative to the support body for locating a user input for a user;

wherein the magnetic coupling requires between 2.0 pounds and 12.0 pounds of force to pull the faucet sprayhead from the support body;

wherein at least one of the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member comprises a magnet and a backing member.

78. A faucet comprising:

a faucet spout defining an elongate passageway having an outlet end;

a water supply line passing through the elongate passageway of the faucet spout;

a pull-out faucet sprayhead detachably connected to the faucet spout and comprising a waterway including a receiving end and a dispensing end, and a water outlet;

wherein the receiving end of the waterway is fluidly coupled to the water supply line, and the dispensing end of the waterway is fluidly coupled to the water outlet;

wherein the water supply line, the waterway and the water outlet together define a fluid path through the faucet;

a magnetic coupling detachably connecting the faucet sprayhead to the faucet spout, the magnetic coupling comprising:

a first coupling member disposed in the elongate passageway of the faucet spout and comprising a first base formed from a non-magnetic polymer and a first magnetically attractive member, wherein the first base is molded over at least a portion of the first magnetically attractive member to at least partially encapsulate the first magnetically attractive member with the first base, the first base is disposed in the elongate passageway of the faucet spout, and the water supply line passes through the first coupling member; and

a second coupling member supported for movement with the faucet sprayhead and comprising a second base formed from a non-magnetic polymer and a second magnetically attractive member, wherein the second base is molded over at least a portion of the second magnetically attractive member to at least partially encapsulate the second magnetically attractive member with the second base; and

cooperating orientation members configured to rotationally orient the faucet sprayhead relative to the faucet spout for locating a user input for a user.

79. The faucet of claim 78 , wherein the magnetic coupling requires between 2.0 pounds and 12.0 pounds of force to pull the faucet sprayhead from the faucet spout.

80. The faucet of claim 79 , wherein the magnetic coupling requires between 3.0 pounds and 8.0 pounds of force to pull the faucet sprayhead from the faucet spout.

81. The faucet of claim 78 , wherein at least one of the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member has a magnetic field of between 400 gauss and 2,000 gauss tested at a distance of 0.090 inches.

82. The faucet of claim 78 , wherein the magnetic coupling includes a coupling surface having an area of between 0.4 square inches and 2.0 square inches.

83. The faucet of claim 78 , wherein:

when the faucet sprayhead is connected to the faucet spout, the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member are disposed adjacent to one another, and a central axis of the first magnetically attractive member is coaxial with a central axis of the second magnetically attractive member, the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member form a magnetic connection comprising an attractive magnetic force acting between the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member, and the magnetic connection is operable to maintain an attachment between the faucet sprayhead and the faucet spout; and

when the faucet sprayhead is disconnected from the faucet spout, the second magnetically attractive member is disposed outside of the elongate passageway of the faucet spout in a spaced relationship to the outlet end of the elongate passageway of the faucet spout such that the magnetic connection is inoperable to maintain the attachment between the faucet sprayhead and the faucet spout.

84. The faucet of claim 83 , wherein when the faucet sprayhead is connected to the faucet spout, the second magnetically attractive member is disposed within the elongate passageway.

85. The faucet of claim 83 , wherein when the magnetic connection is operable to maintain the attachment between the faucet sprayhead and the faucet spout, the magnetic coupling does not prohibit the faucet sprayhead from rotating relative to the faucet spout about the central axis of the second magnetically attractive member.

86. The faucet of claim 78 , wherein the first magnetically attractive member is supported in the faucet spout in a ring arrangement to define an opening, and the water supply line comprises a tube passing through the opening of the first magnetically attractive member.

87. The faucet of claim 78 , wherein:

at least one of the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member comprises a magnet and a backing member; and

the at least one of the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member has a magnetic field of between 400 and 2,000 gauss tested at a distance of 0.090 inches.

88. The faucet of claim 78 , wherein:

the first magnetically attractive member comprises a first magnet and a first backing member; and

the first base comprises a polymer material molded over at least a portion of the first magnet and the first backing member.

89. A faucet comprising:

a faucet spout defining an elongate passageway having an outlet end;

a water supply line passing through the elongate passageway of the faucet spout and moveable relative to the outlet end of the faucet spout;

wherein the receiving end of the waterway is fluidly coupled to the water supply line and the dispensing end of the waterway is fluidly coupled to the water outlet;

wherein the water supply line, the waterway and the water outlet together define a fluid path through the faucet; and

a magnetic coupling detachably connecting the faucet sprayhead to the faucet spout, the magnetic coupling comprising:

a first coupling member supported by the faucet spout comprising a base portion formed from a non-magnetic material and a first magnetically attractive member, wherein the base portion is disposed in the elongate passageway of the faucet spout;

a second coupling member supported for movement with the faucet sprayhead and comprising a second magnetically attractive member;

cooperating orientation members configured to rotationally orient the faucet sprayhead relative to the faucet spout for locating a user input for a user;

wherein when the faucet sprayhead is connected to the faucet spout, the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member are disposed adjacent to one another, the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member form a magnetic connection comprising an attractive magnetic force acting between the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member, and wherein the magnetic connection is operable to maintain an attachment between the faucet sprayhead and the faucet spout against a pull force on the faucet sprayhead for detaching the faucet sprayhead from the faucet spout of between about 2 pounds force and 12 pounds force; and

at least one of the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member comprises a magnet and a backing member; and

the at least one of the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member has a magnetic field of between 40 gauss and 2,000 gauss tested at a distance of 0.090 inches.

90. The faucet of claim 89 , wherein the first magnetically attractive member is attached to the base portion at a location that is spaced from the outlet end of the elongate passageway of the faucet spout.

91. The faucet of claim 89 , wherein:

at least one of the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member comprises a magnet; and

the magnet has a magnetic field of between 400 gauss and 2,000 gauss tested at a distance of 0.0900 inches.

92. The faucet of claim 91 wherein the magnet has a magnetic field of between 500 gauss and 1,000 gauss tested at a distance of 0.090 inches.

93. The faucet of claim 89 wherein

the first magnetically attractive member comprises a first magnet and the second magnetically attractive member comprises a second magnet; and

each of the first magnet and the second magnet has a magnetic field of between 400 gauss and 2,000 gauss tested at a distance of 0.0900 inches.

94. The faucet of claim 93 wherein each of the first magnet and the second magnet has a magnetic field of between 500 gauss and 1,000 gauss tested at a distance of 0.0900 inches.

95. The faucet of claim 89 , further comprising a coupling portion coupling the first magnetically attractive member to the base portion.

96. The faucet of claim 95 , wherein the coupling portion includes a lip on one of the base portion and the first magnetically attractive member, the lip engaging a surface on the other of the first magnetically attractive member and the base portion.

97. The faucet of claim 89 , wherein the first magnetically attractive member is disposed entirely within the elongate passageway of the faucet spout, and the water supply line passes through the first coupling member.

98. The faucet of claim 89 , wherein the pull force on the faucet sprayhead for detaching the sprayhead from the faucet spout is between 3.0 pounds and 8.0 pounds of force.

99. The faucet of claim 89 , wherein:

when the faucet sprayhead is connected to the faucet spout, the second magnetically attractive member is disposed within the elongate passageway, and the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member are disposed adjacent to one another, the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member form a magnetic connection comprising an attractive magnetic force acting between the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member, and the magnetic connection is operable to maintain an attachment between the faucet sprayhead and the faucet spout; and

when the faucet sprayhead is disconnected from the faucet spout, the second magnetically attractive member is disposed outside of the elongate passageway of the faucet

spout in a spaced relationship to the outlet end of the elongate passageway of the faucet spout.

100. The faucet of claim 99 , wherein when the magnetic connection is operable to maintain the attachment between the faucet sprayhead and the faucet spout, the magnetic coupling does not prohibit the faucet sprayhead from rotating relative to the faucet spout about the central axis of the second magnetically attractive member.

101. The faucet of claim 89 , wherein the first magnetically attractive member is supported by the faucet spout in a ring arrangement to define an opening, and the water supply line comprises a tube passing through the opening of the first magnetically attractive member.

102. The faucet of claim 101 , wherein the first magnetically attractive member includes a continuous annular body.

103. The faucet of claim 89 , wherein the first magnetically attractive member comprises a magnet, and the base portion is formed from a polymer.

104. The faucet of claim 89 , wherein, when the faucet sprayhead is connected to the faucet spout, the second magnetically attractive member is disposed within the elongate passageway, the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member are disposed adjacent to one another, and a central axis of the first magnetically attractive member is coaxial with a central axis of the second magnetically attractive member.

105. The faucet of claim 104 , wherein:

the first magnetically attractive member has a lower surface;

the second magnetically attractive member has an upper surface; and

when the faucet sprayhead is connected to the faucet spout, the lower surface of the first magnetically attractive member faces the upper surface of the second magnetically attractive member.

106. The faucet of claim 89 , wherein the second coupling member is disposed outside of the interior space of the outer shell of the faucet sprayhead.

107. The faucet of claim 89 , wherein the base portion of the first coupling member comprises a polymer material molded over at least a portion of the first magnetically attractive member to at least partially encapsulate the first magnetically attractive member with the base portion.

108. The faucet of claim 107 , wherein the second coupling member comprises a polymer material molded over at least a portion of the second magnetically attractive member.

109. The faucet of claim 108 , wherein the second magnetically attractive member comprises a second magnet and a second backing member.

110. The faucet of claim 107 wherein the first magnetically attractive member comprises a first magnet and a first backing member.

111. A faucet comprising:

a faucet spout defining an elongate passageway having an outlet end;

a water supply line passing through the elongate passageway of the faucet spout and moveable relative to the outlet end of the faucet spout;

wherein the receiving end of the waterway is fluidly coupled to the water supply line and the dispensing end of the waterway is fluidly coupled to the water outlet;

wherein the water supply line, the waterway and the water outlet together define a fluid path through the faucet; and

a magnetic coupling detachably connecting the faucet sprayhead to the faucet spout, the magnetic coupling comprising:

a second coupling member supported for movement with the faucet sprayhead and comprising a second magnetically attractive member;

cooperating orientation members configured to rotationally orient the faucet sprayhead relative to the faucet spout for locating a user input for a user;

the first magnetically attractive member comprises a first magnet and a first backing member;

the second magnetically attractive member comprises a second magnet and a second backing member; and

wherein each of the first magnetically attractive member and the second magnetically attractive member has a magnetic field of between 400 gauss and 2,000 gauss tested at a distance of 0.0900 inches.

112. The faucet of claim 111 , wherein the base portion comprises a polymer material molded over at least a portion of the first magnet and the first backing member.

113. The faucet of claim 111 , wherein the second coupling member comprises a polymer material molded over at least a portion of the second magnet and the second backing member.

114. A faucet comprising:

a faucet spout defining an elongate passageway having an outlet end;

a water supply line passing through the elongate passageway of the faucet spout and moveable relative to the outlet end of the faucet spout;

wherein the receiving end of the waterway is fluidly coupled to the water supply line and the dispensing end of the waterway is fluidly coupled to the water outlet;

wherein the water supply line, the waterway and the water outlet together define a fluid path through the faucet;

a magnetic coupling detachably connecting the faucet sprayhead to the faucet spout, the magnetic coupling comprising:

a second coupling member supported for movement with the faucet sprayhead and comprising a second magnetically attractive member;

cooperating orientation members configured to rotationally orient the faucet sprayhead relative to the faucet spout for locating a user input for a user;

115. A faucet comprising:

a faucet spout defining an elongate passageway having an outlet end;

a water supply line passing through the elongate passageway of the faucet spout and moveable relative to the outlet end of the faucet spout;

wherein the receiving end of the waterway is fluidly coupled to the water supply line and the dispensing end of the waterway is fluidly coupled to the water outlet;

wherein the water supply line, the waterway and the water outlet together define a fluid path through the faucet;

a magnetic coupling detachably connecting the faucet sprayhead to the faucet spout, the magnetic coupling comprising:

a second coupling member supported for movement with the faucet sprayhead and comprising a second magnetically attractive member;

cooperating orientation members configured to rotationally orient the faucet sprayhead relative to the faucet spout for locating a user input for a user;

wherein the second coupling member is disposed inside of the interior space of the outer shell of the faucet sprayhead.

116. The faucet of claim 115 , wherein the second coupling member comprises a polymer material molded over at least a portion of the second magnetically attractive member.

117. The faucet of claim 116 , wherein the second magnetically attractive member comprises a second magnet and a second backing member.

Assignments (2)

ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 4, 2025

From: NELSON, ALFRED CHARLES; MCGUIRE, CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL

To: DELTA FAUCET COMPANY

Reel/Frame 070098/0014 →

ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 4, 2025

From: MASCO CORPORATION OF INDIANA

To: DELTA FAUCET COMPANY

Reel/Frame 070100/0427 →

Continuity (6)

Continuation 13951310 · Jul 25, 2013

Continuation 12650330 · Dec 30, 2009

Division 12059403 · Mar 31, 2008

Continuation In Part 11393450 · Mar 30, 2006

Provisional Application 60691389 · Jun 17, 2005

Reissue 15205500 · Jul 8, 2016

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Exhibit 15B Claim Chart for U.S. Pat. No. 10,724,217 & American Standard Dock-Tite™ Magnetic Docking System as referenced in Kohler Co.'s Invalidity Contentions in the case [cited by applicant]

Exhibit 16A Claim Chart for U.S. Pat. No. 10,669,702 & Globe Union Industrial Corp./Gerber Plumbing Fixtures LLC/Danze, Inc. DocKFORCE® Magnetic Docking Technology as referenced in Kohler Co.'s Invalidity Contentions in… [cited by applicant]

Exhibit 16B Claim Chart for U.S. Pat. No. 10,724,217 & Globe Union Industrial Corp./Gerber Plumbing Fixtures LLC/Danze, Inc. DocKFORCE® Magnetic Docking Technology as referenced in Kohler Co.'s Invalidity Contentions in… [cited by applicant]

Exhibit 17A Claim Chart for U.S. Pat. No. 10,669,702 & Kohler Docknetik® Magnetic Docking System. As referenced in Kohler Co.'s Invalidity Contentions in the case [cited by applicant]

Exhibit 17B Claim Chart for U.S. Pat. No. 10,724,217 & Kohler Docknetik® Magnetic Docking System as referenced in Kohler Co.'s Invalidity Contentions in the case [cited by applicant]

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Latoscana Elba Kitchen Faucet With Magnetic Spray,Brushed Nickel Finish, Model 78PW557PMEX, retrieved from www.thehomedepot.com prior to May 3, 2007, 2 pgs. [cited by applicant]

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Supplementary European Search Report for European Application No. Ep 06772392.4, dated Sep. 6, 2010, 14 pgs. (including PCT International Search Report and Written Opinion for International Application No. PCT/US2006/22… [cited by applicant]