Valve Control Assembly
AssigneeKohler Co.
InventorMichael A. Niver
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Valve control assemblies are disclosed which accommodate out of plumb conditions using a flexible set of rings linked to the temperature control, and a projection/axial slot arrangement linked to the volume control. Different wall thicknesses are accommodated using one or more adaptors/extensions between a temperature bonnet control and a portion of the valve cartridge which controls temperature. There is also a combined shroud/tool for protecting the valve during rough-in and permitting it to be tested.
Claims13
A valve control assembly configurable to control volume and temperature of water flowing through a plumbing control valve, the valve control assembly comprising:
- a valve control cartridge having:
- (a) an axially extending valve stem linked to the valve cartridge such that rotation of the valve stem on its own longitudinal axis can control the volume of water flowing through the plumbing control valve if water is supplied to the plumbing control valve;
- (b) a handle linked to the valve stem to control its rotation;
- (c) a flexible coupling linked to the valve cartridge such that rotation of the coupling on its own longitudinal axis can control the temperature of water flowing through the plumbing control valve if two different temperature supplies of water are supplied to the plumbing control valve;
- and
- (d) a bonnet positioned around the valve stem and linked to the flexible coupling such that rotation of the bonnet causes rotation of the flexible coupling.
A valve control assembly installed through an essentially vertical support wall, wherein the valve control assembly is configured to receive water at a valve cartridge and direct the water in response to a water control member positioned adjacent the essentially vertical support wall, the valve cartridge defining a longitudinal valve axis, the valve control assembly comprising:
- a resilient drive clip capable of transferring rotational movement of the water control member to a portion of the valve control cartridge regardless of whether the longitudinal valve axis is normal to the vertical support wall or not normal to the vertical support wall.
A valve control assembly comprising:
- a valve housing having an axial control stem projecting there from;
- a combined installation tool and shroud capable of removably covering at least a portion of the valve housing during roughing in of room components, while simultaneously being able to engage the valve stem to rotate the stem so as to permit testing of the valve control assembly prior to completing said roughing in.
The valve control assembly of claim 11, wherein the combined installation tool and shroud is comprised of two separate parts, a first part which is a skirt having an opening at one end, and a second part which is a control handle positionable in the skirt opening so as to removably link to the valve stem as well as be able to rotate within the skirt.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.