US3312248A

US3312248A - Single handle faucet

Info

Publication number: US3312248A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ernest C Browning
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1965-08-09
Filing date: 1965-08-09
Publication date: 1967-04-04
Anticipated expiration: 1984-04-04

Description

April 4, 1967 E. c. BROWNING 3,312,248

SINGLE HANDLE FAUCET Filed Aug 9, 1965 s Sheets-Sheet 1 1 a 9 0\ 4 10 1 a 1150 1 23\ .19 I! 15 16 p 11$ i6 4 5 Z1 15 Y 1 m I F1g.1 2 14 18 3 F1g.2

l NVE N TO R 50/5576. B/mWN/A/G,

BY Q

April 1967 E. c. BROWNING 3,312,248

SINGLE HANDLE FAUCET Filed Aug. 9, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet z INVENTOR EENESTC. BROWN/N61.

BY m 92,446, W Z,

' ATTORN EYS E. c. BROWNING SINGLE HANDLE FAUCET April 4, 1967 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 9, 1965 Fig. 9

I N V E N TO R ERNEST C. bww/w/va ATTORN EYS United States Patent ()1 3,312,248 SINGLE HANDLE FAUCET Ernest C. Browning, 2383 Zoilinger Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221 Filed Aug. 9, 1965, er. No. 478,206 10 Claims. (Cl. 137635.2)

This is a continuation-in-part of the copending application of the same inventor, Ser. No. 398,995, filed Sept. 24, 1964, and entitled, Single Handle Faucet.

The invention relates to a faucet and more particularly to a faucet of the type having a single manually operated handle adapted not only to regulate the flow of water from full off to full on, but also to regulate the water temperature over the range between all hot and all cold.

The convenience and advantages of such a single handle faucet have long been known. Prior art faucets of this type, however, have generally been characterized by a complex structure utilizing specially formed parts which are expensive to manufacture. For these reasons, such faucets have often been difficult and expensive to repair and maintain.

Other problems have also been encountered. For example, due to wear and mineral deposits from the water itself, such faucets have been subject to a lack of positive shutoff, and a hot or cold water bypass. By the latter expression is meant that when such faucets are turned to the full cold position some hot water is still allowed to flow, or vice versa.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a single handle faucet utilizing a number of parts which are very simple in construction, and some of which are essentially conventional. It is an object of the present invention to provide a single handle faucet which may be easily and inexpensively manufactured, repaired and maintained.

It is an object of the present invention to provide such a faucet characterized by positive shutoff.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a single handle faucet adapted to materially reduce the possibility of hot or cold water bypass.

These and other objects of the invention which will be described hereinafter or will be apparent to one skilled in the art upon reading these specifications, are accomplished bythat structure and arrangement of parts of which certain exemplary embodiments will now be described. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross sectional view of one embodiment of the valve of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross sectional view of the valve of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross sectional view of another embodiment of the valve of the present invention.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are partial views showing the valve elements in cross section, and showing the relative movement of the valve elements and the means joining them.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partial elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of another embodiment of the single handle faucet of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a partial elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 11.

ice

Briefly, the faucet of the present invention comprises a pair of opposed valves, one connected to a source of hot water, and the other connected to a source of cold water. The outlet sides of these valves are connected to a common conduit to which a spout of any suitable type may be affixed. The two valve means of the present invention are mirror images of each other, and each is provided with a seat and a valve element, one end of the valve element (hereinafter referred to as the opposed end) bearing means adapted to cooperate with the seat. The free ends (hereinafter referred to as the other ends) f the valve elements are operatively connected together by a means whereby the valves may be simultaneously opened or closed, and alternatively opened and closed. Thus a single manually operated handle adapted to actuate the valve element connecting means may be used to control both the flow and the temperature of the water dispensed from the faucet.

It will be understood by one skilled in the art that the faucet of the present invention may be used wherever a single handle faucet would be desirable. For example, the faucet of the present invention may be used in connection with a shower, bathtub, lavatory, kitchen sink and the like. For purposes of an exemplary showing, the faucet of the present invention will be described with respect to a kitchen sink installation.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are respectively a vertical cross sectiona1 view and a horizontal cross sectional view of the preferred form of valve for the single handle faucet of the present invention. The valve comprises a casting ll of elbow shape, having a downwardly disposed inlet end 2 and a laterally disposed outlet 3 with a valve seat located therebetween. The valve seat comprises a web 4 having a central perforation 5, and an annular rim or flange 6 against which the valve element will seat, as will be more fully described hereinafter. The inlet 2 will be affixed to a source of incoming water (not shown) and any suitable way. For example, the inlet 2 may be threaded as at 7. The casting 1 is also provided with an open end 8, internally threaded as at 9. A bonnet 10, comprising a body portion ltla and a head 10b, and having a central perforation 11 is provided with external threads 12 adapted to cooperate with the internal threads 9 at the open end of the casting 1. The head 10b of the bonnet 10 may be of such configuration as to be easily engaged by a wrench or other suitable tool. As illustrated herein the head 10b may be hexagonal. At

the point where the body 10a and the head 10b of the bonnet meet, an annular groove may be provided for the receipt of an O-ring 13. The front edge of the open end of the casting 1 may be provided with a slanting surface 14 adapted to engage the O-ring 13 to form a watertight seal between the casting 1 and the bonnet 10.

The valve of the present invention is provided with a connecting means generally indicated at 15. The connecting means has a portion 15b adapted to pass freely through perforation 11 in the bonnet 10. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 the connecting means has an end 15a threaded with quick acting threads and separated from the portion 15b by a portion of enlarged diameter. A valve element 16 comprises a hollow cylindrical body with a closed end, is provided with internal quick acting threads 17 adapted to cooperate with the threads on the end 15a of the connecting means. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, if the valve element 15 is prevented from rotating, rotation of the connecting means will cause a movement of the valve element 16 relative to the end 15a of the connecting means in an axial direction. The enlarged portion 150 of the connecting means serves as a stop for the valve element 16.

Rotation of the valve element 16 may be prevented by any suitable well known means. For purposes of an cylindrical body 29.

q. exemplary showing, the valve element is illustrated as having longitudinal diametrically opposed keys 1S, and the bore 19 in the casting 1 is provided with cooperating diametrically opposed keyways 26.

The closed end of the valve element 16 is cup-shaped to receive a washer 21. The washer 21 is adapted to cooperate with the annular rim or valve seat 6.

It will be understood by one skilled in the art that means must be provided to insure that Water flowing past the valve seat exits the valve only via outlet 3. This may be accomplished in any well known and suitable manner, as for example by causing the connecting means to pass through a packing gland. For purposes of an exemplary showing, the bonnet is illustrated as provided with an annular groove 22 for the receipt of an O-ring 23. The O-ring 23 will insure a watertight seal between the con necting means and the bonnet.

It will be evident from the above description that the valve element may be moved toward and away from the valve seat 6 in two ways. First the connecting means is free to be moved axially, which will impart the same axial movement to the valve element. Second the connecting means may be held stationary in the axial direction and rotated, which rotation will cause axial movement of the valve element toward and away from the valve seat 6, depending upon the direction in which the connecting means is rotated. Rotation of the connecting means causes axial movement of the valve element 16 by virtue of the threaded engagement of the valve element on the connecting means and the means provided to prevent rotation of the valve element.

FIG. 3 illustrates another form of valve which may be utilized in the single handle faucet of the present invention. In this figure like parts have been given like index numerals. The valve comprises a casting 1 having an inlet 2 and an outlet (not shown). The casting 1 has an open end 8 internally threaded as at 9 and provided with a sloping surface 14. The open end of the casting 1 may be closed in a watertight fashion by a bonnet 10 having a body portion llla provided with external threads 12 cooperating with the threads 9 on the casting. The bonnet 10 has a body portion 10b which may be of any suitable configuration such as hexagonal or the like whereby it may be easily engaged by a wrench or other tool. At the juncture of the body portion 10a and the head 10b of the bonnet an annular groove may be provided for the receipt of an O-ring 13, which in cooperation with the slanting surface 14 will make a watertight seal between the bonnet and the casting.

The casting 1 is provided with a web 24 having a perforation 25 therethrough. The perforation 25 has a portion 25a of increased diameter forming an annular vertical surface 26.

The bonnet 10 is provided with a perforation 11 having a portion of increased diameter 11a and a portion of even greater diameter 11!) forming respectively the annular

vertical surfaces

27 and 28.

The embodiment of FIG. 3 is adapted to receive a valve unit of the type disclosed in United States Letters Patent No. 3,006,361 issued Oct. 31, 1961. The valve unit comprises a cylindrical body 23 adapted to receive a connecting means and valve element similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, and given like index numerals. In this instance, the valve element is provided with keys 18 cooperating with keyways 30 in the One end of the cylindrical body 29 is closed by means of an element 31 having a central perforation 32 and an annular rim or flange 33 against which the valve element will seat. Adjacent the valve seat 33 the cylindrical body 29 is provided with a plurality of perforations 34 communicating with the outlet of the casting 1.

The other end of the cylindrical body 29 is closed by means of an element 35. The portion 15b of the connecting means is adapted to pass freely through a perfod ration 36 in the element 35 and the perforation 11 in the bonnet.

The valve unit above described is supported in the cast ing 1 by the annular vertical surface 26 and the enlarged perforation 25a in the web 24 and the annular vertical surface 2'7 and the enlarged perforation 11b in the bonnet 19. A watertight seal between the bonnet 10 and the portion 15b of the connecting means is achieved by the use of an O-ring 37 located in an annular groove formed by the surface 27 and the enlarged perforation 11a in the bonnet 1d and the element 35.

From the above description it will be evident that the valve element 16 may be moved toward and away from the valve seat 33 either by rotation of or axial movement of the connecting means 15.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate one embodiment utilizing two

valves

38 and 39. The

valves

38 and 39 may be of the type illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 or of the type illustrated in FIG. 3. Like parts have been given like index numerals. The

valves

38 and 39 differ from each other in only two respects. First, the valve 38 is a mirror image of the valve 39. Second, the threaded portion 15a of the valve connecting means (and the cooperating valve element threads 17) in each of the

valves

38 and 39 are of opposite hand. It will be noted that the outlets 3 of the

valves

38 and 39 lead to a common outlet provided with a spout 49. The spout 46 may be of any suitable type, and for purposes of an exemplary showing is illustrated as of the type most often found in association with a kitchen sink, and which is capable of traversing from side to side in a horizontal plane.

The connecting means 15 of the

valves

33 and 39 are connected to each other by a rod-like element 41 by any suitable means such as screws 42.

Since the threaded engagement of the connecting means and valve elements in the

valves

33 and 39 are of opposite hand, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that rotation of the rod-like element 41 will cause equal and opposite axial movement of the valve elements in the valves '38 and 39. For example, rotation of the rodlike element 41 in the direction of arrow A (FIG. 6) will cause the valve elements in the

valves

38 and 39 to move away from each other (i.e. to close the valves). Rotation of the rod-like element 41 in the direction of arrow B (FIG. 6) will cause the valve elements to move toward each other (i.e. to open the valves).

A handle 43 is provided in association with the rodlike element 41 whereby the element 41 may be rotated in the directions of arrows A and B. In FIGS. 6 and 7 the handle is shown in an upright or substantially vertical position. The threaded engagement of the connecting means and valve elements in the

valves

38 and 39 are such that when the handle is in this position the valves are open. If the handle 43 is pulled forwardly toward the spout 40 the element 41 will be caused to rotate in the direction of arrow A. Rotation of the element 41 in this direction by a quarter turn or less will cause the valves to close.

The handle 43 is pivotally afiixed to the rod 41 by any suitable means, such that the handle is capable of being traversed to the right or to the left in a plane parallel to the axis of the rod 41. The handle, at its base, has an oval or substantially heart shaped cam 44. The cam 44 is adapted to cooperate with a pair of

cam followers

45 and 46. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 the cam followers are substantially parallel to each other and are curved in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the rod 41 so that the cam 44 will be in operative contact with them throughout the range of positions of the handle 43 from full-off to full-on.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, if the handle 43 is moved rearwardly or the spout 40 from a full-closed position, and yet maintained in its centered position with respect to the

cam followers

45 and 46, the valve elements of

valves

33 and 39 will be moved away 1v arnets from their seats by an equal amount. Thus, if hot water is fed through the valve 39, and cold water through the valve 38, the spout 40 will deliver an equal mixture of hot and cold water. When both valve elements have been Withdrawn from their seats, the entire assembly including the valve elements, connecting means and. rod-like element 41 is free to move axially to the right or to the left. Thus, as will be evident from FIGS. 6 and 7, if the handle 43 (when in other than a full-closed position) were traversed in the direction of arrow C, the above mentioned assembly would be caused to move in the direction of the arrow D. Thus the valve 39 would approach a closed condition (depending upon the amount the handle 43 was traversed in the direction of arrow C), while the valve 38 would be opened more fully. In this Way, the spout 40 would be caused to deliver colder water. Similarly, if the handle 43 were traversed in the direction of arrow E the assembly would be caused to move axially in the direction of arrow F. This would result in the valve 38 approaching a closed condition, so that the spout 40 would deliver hotter, or all hot water (depending upon the amount by which the handle 43 was traversed in the direction of the arrow E). In this way it will be seen that the handle 43 when moved in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the rod-like element 41 will cause the faucet of the present invention to be turned on or ofif. In addition, traversing of the handle 43 in a direction parallel to the axis of the rod-like element 41 will enable a regulation of the temperature of the water issuing from the spout 40.

FIG. 8 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention, utilizing a pair of valves 47 and 48. Again, these valves may be of the type illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, or they may be of the type illustrated in FIG. 3. The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 differs from that shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 primarily in the orientation of the valves themselves. Like parts have been given like index numerals.

As in the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7, the connecting means in FIG. 8 are coaxial, but in this instance the inlet ends of the valves 47 and 48 face each other. Again, the threaded engagement of the connecting means and the valve elements in each valve are of opposite hand. The ends of the connecting means 15 which extend through the bonnet 10 are joined by a yoke 49. The connection between the ends of the connecting means and the yoke may be of any suitable type provided that the connections are removable but non-rotative. For purposes of an exemplary showing, the yoke 49 is illustrated as provided at its ends with sleeves 5t) and 51 which may be removably affixed to the ends of the connecting means by

set screws

52 and 53 respectively. Thus, movement of the yoke 49 will cause simultaneous rotation of the connecting means 15. Again, by virtue of the fact that the threaded engagement of the connecting means and valve elements are of opposite hand and of the quick acting type, rotation of the yoke in the direction of the arrow A will cause the valve elements to move inwardly (i.e. closing the valves 47 and 48). Rotation of the yoke 49 in the direction of the arrow B will cause the valve elements to move outwardly (i.e. opening the valves 47 and 48). The purpose of this orientation of the valves 47 and 4-8 is to enable the inlets 2 of these valves to be located as close together as desired. In this instance, the distance between the inlets 2 is determined solely by the length of the yoke 49 and the length of the outlets 3. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, with respect to both the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 and the embodiment of FIG. 8, the castings 1 and the common outlet 3 may comprise a single unitary casting. Such castings may be made of any desired dimensions, as may be the yoke 49.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a handle having a cam, and cam followers, may be provided which are the same as those described with respect to. FIGS. 6 and 7.

Like parts have been given like index numerals. In this instance the only difference lies in the fact that the handle I 43 is pivotally mounted to the yoke 49. The yoke 49 acts in a manner similar to the-r-od-like element 41 (in FIGS. 6 and 7). Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 8, the action of the handle 43 with respect to turning the faucet on and otf and regulating the water temperature is in all other respects the same as described above.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a third embodiment of the single handle faucet of the present invention. This em bodiment differs from that shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 only with respect to the means by which the connecting means are joined and actuated. Like parts have been given like index numerals, and again the valves may be of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 or of the type shown in FIG. 3.

In this embodiment, the ends 15b of the connecting means 15 are joined by a rod-like member 54. The rodlike member 54 may be atlxed to the connecting means by any suitable means including screws 55. The rod 54 is provided with a centrally located longitudinally extending slot 56. The element 54 is also provided with a centrally located longitudinally extending slot 57. The slot 57 is shorter than the slot 56 and intersects the slot 56 at right angles.

The ends 15b of the connecting means 15 and the rodlike element 54 are covered by and support an elongated member 58, having a substantially U-shaped cross section. The elongated member 58 extends from the bonnet of valve 33 to the bonnet of valve 39. The elongate-d member 58 is provided with a centrally located longitudinally extending slot 59 longer than the slot 56 in the rod-like element 54 and adapted to overlie the slot 56. By virtue of the fact that the member 58 is supported by the connecting means and the rod-like member 54 it will rotate when the rod-like member 54 rotates.

This embodiment of the invention is provided with a handle 60 terminating at its lower end in a heart-shaped cam 61. In every respect the handle 60 and cam 61 are similar to the handle 43 and cam 44 of the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7. The handle 60 has its cam portion 61 located within the slot 56 of the rod-like member54 and is pivotally ai'lxed to the elongated member 58 by means of a pivot pin or bolt 62. It will be noted that the bolt 62 passes through the slot 57 in the rod-like member 54 and through the cam portion 61 of the handle 6%. It will also be noted that the handle extends upwardly through the slot 59 in the element 58. Thus, the handle 60 is centrally located between the

valves

38 and 39 by virtue of its attachment to the elongated element 58. In this instance the

ends

56a and 56b of the slot 56 serve as cam followers for the cam 61. While the handle 60 will be maintained in its position centrally of the

valves

38 and 39 by virtue of its attachment to the elongated element 58, it will be noted that it is free to traverse toward and away from the spout 40 to open and close the

valves

38 and 39 in the same manner as described with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7. It is also free to be traversed in a plane parallel to the axis of rodlike element 54, to shift the element 54, the connecting means and the valve elements in either axial direction to regulate the amounts by which the

valves

38 and 39 will be open with respect to each other when the handle 60 is in any position other than full-01f. Axial movement of the rod-like element 54 is permitted by virtue of the fact that the bolt 62 extends through the slot 57.

Thus, in much the same way as described with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, it will be seen that the traversing of the handle 60 in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the rod-like element 54 will cause the faucet of the present invention to be turned on or oil, while traversing of the handle in a direction parallel to the axis of the rod-like element 54 will enable a regulation of the temperature of the water issuing from the spout 40 when the handle is in any position other than full-off;

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment again differs from that shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 only in the means by which the connecting means are joined and actuated. Like parts have been given like index numerals, and again, the

valves

38 and 39 may be of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 or of the type shown in FIG. 3.

In this embodiment, the ends 15b of the connecting means 15 are joined by an elongated element 62. The elongated element 62 is provided with a centrally located longitudinally extending slot 63. In this embodiment a handle 64 is provided having a heart-shaped cam portion 65, and being similar to the handle shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 and the handle shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10. The cam portion 65 of the handle 64 is located within the slot 63 in the element 62. The handle is pivotally affixed to the element 62. by means of a pivot pin or bolt 66 as illustrated. The element 62 may be a rod-like element of the type shown at 41 in FIGS. 6 and 7, or it may be an elongated member of U-shaped cross section as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. In this instance, the ends of the element 62 may be affixed to the ends of the connecting means by any suitable means such as bolts or rivets 67.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12, the heads b of the bonnets 16 of the

valves

38 and 39 are provided with annular flanges or extensions 68 and 69 respectively.

These extensions surround the perforations in the bonnets V v10 through which the ends of the connecting means pass. An elongated cam follower element 70, having a U-shaped cross section, is afiixed to the extension 69 by means of screws 71 passing through slots 72 in the cam follower element and into the extension 69. A similar cam follower element 73 is aifixed to the extension 68 by means of screws 74 passing through slots in the element 73 (one of which is shown at 75 in FIG. 12) into the extension 68. The edges 70a and 73a of the

cam follower elements

70 and 73 respectively serve as cam follower surfaces for the cam 65.

The operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 is similar to that of the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 and the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10. Thus, when the handle 64 is traversed toward and away from the spout 40, the valve elements of

valves

38 and 39 will be moved toward and away from their seats by equal amounts. When the handle 64 is in any position other than a full closed position (i.e. its forwardmost position toward the spout 40) and is traversed in a plane parallel to the axis of the element 62, the element 62, the connecting means and the valve elements will be shifted axially to regulate the temperature of the Water flowing from the spout Hi.

In the installation and maintenance of the single handle faucet of the present invention, it may be found desirable to adjust the cam followers with respect to the cam on the actuating handle. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the cam followers are illustrated as

upstanding elements

45 and 46 afiixed to or an integral part of a base member 76. The base member 76 may be afiixed to any suitable surface (not shown), by means of screws 77. The base 76 may be provided with slots (not shown) through which the screws 77 extend. By virtue of the slots, a lateral shifting of the base and thus the

cam followers

45 and 46 may be achieved by loosening the screws 77.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, an axial adjustment of the

cam follower elements

70 and 73 may also be made. The slots 72 in the element 70 and the slots 75 in the element 73 permit axial adjustment of these elements by a simple loosening of the

screws

71 and 74 respectively.

Modifications may be made in the invention without departing from the spirit of it.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

. A. A single handle faucet comprising a pair of valves which are mirror images of each other, said valves having hollow body portions, said valves having independent inlet means and connected outlet means, means providing valve seats within said body portions, a pair of hollow axially aligned valve elements having opposed and other ends, means on the opposed ends of said valve elements cooperating with said valve seats for regulating fiuid flow, said valve elements having internal threads of opposite hand, control means threadedly joining the other ends of said valve elements, means for preventing the rotation of said valve elements, means for selectively and simultaneously rotating and shifting said control means whereby rotation of said control means will cause opposite axial movement of said means cooperating with said valve seats, and shifting of said control means will cause axial movement of said means cooperating with said valve seats in the same direction.

2. The structure claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for preventing rotation of said valve elements comprises at least one integral key on the outer surface of each hollow valve element body, and at least one cooperating keyway within said hollow valve body.

3. The structure claimed in claim 1 wherein said common means for rotating said control means and for moving said control means axially comprises an elongated handle, a cam member at one end of said handle, said last mentioned end of said handle being joined to said control means whereby traversing of said handle in a plane perpendicular to the axes of said valve elements will rotate said control means, said joinder of said handle and said control means being pivotal whereby said handle may be freely traversed in a plane parallel to the axes of said valve elements, cam followers in association with said cam whereby said last mentioned traversing of said handle will move said control member axially.

4. The structure claimed in claim 1 wherein said control means comprises an axially aligned pair of connecting means and an elongated member, one end of each connecting means having threads engaging said threads of one of said valve elements, the other end of each of said connecting means being attached to said elongated memher.

5. The structure claimed in claim 4 wherein said common means for rotating said control means and for moving said control means axially com-prises a handle, a. cam member at one end of said handle, said last mentioned end of said handle being joined to said elongated member whereby traversing of said handle in a plane perpendicular to the axes of said valve elements will rotate said elongated member and said connecting means, said joinder of said handle and said elongated means being pivotal whereby said handle may be freely traversed in a plane parallel to the axes of said valve elements, cam followers in association with said cam whereby said last mentioned traversing of said handle will move said elongated member and said connecting means axially.

6. The structure claimed in claim 5 wherein said other ends of said connecting means extend away from each other, and wherein said elongated member comprises a yoke, the ends of said yoke affixed to said other ends of said connecting means.

7. The structure claimed in claim 5 wherein said other ends of said connecting means extend toward each other.

8. The structure claimed in claim 7 wherein said elongated member comprises a rod-like means joining said other ends of said connecting means, said cam member being pivotally afiixed to said rod-like means.

9. The structure claimed in claim 7 wherein said elongated member comprises a rod-like means joining said other ends of said connecting means, said rod-like means having a first centrally located longitudinal slot and a second centrally located longitudinal slot, said second slot being shorter than said first slot and intersecting said first slot and intersecting said first slot perpendicularly, a substantially U-shaped member extending from one valve body to the other and supported by said rodlike member, said U-shaped member having a centrally located longitudinal slot longer than said first slot and adapted to overlie said first slot, said U-shaped member having a perforation in each of its sides, said perforations being coaxial along an axis located centrally of and perpendicular to the long axis of said U-shaped member, said cam pivotally held within said first slot in said rodlike means and said slot in said U-shaped member by pivot pin means extending through said perforations in said U-shaped member and said second slot in said rodlike means, the ends of said first slot comprising said cam followers.

10. The structure claimed in claim 7 wherein said elongated member has a centrally located longitudinal slot, said cam means pivotally affixed to said elongated member within said slot, means in association with each of said valve bodies partially overlying said elongated member and extending toward said cam, edge portions of said last mentioned means lying adjacent said cam and comprising said cam followers.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,641,561 9/1927 Whidden 137-636.3 1,893,118 1/1933 Yohe et a1. 2,033,941 3/1936 Kryzanowsky 137637.1 2,038,943 11/1936' LaFountain 137- 6 3 6.3 2,431,290 11/ 1947 Wilderman 137'6 36 X 3,065,007 11/1962 Colmer 287-60 FOREIGN PATENTS 243,125 1/ 1961 Australia. 709,900 6/ 1954 Great Britain.

M. CARY NELSON, Primary Examiner.

H. KLINKSEIK, Assistant Examiner.

Claims

1. A SINGLE HANDLE FAUCET COMPRISING A PAIR OF VALVES WHICH ARE MIRROR IMAGES OF EACH OTHER, SAID VALVE HAVING HOLLOW BODY PORTIONS, SAID VALVES HAVING INDEPENDENT INLET MEANS AND CONNECTED OUTLET MEANS, MEANS PROVIDING VALVE SEATS WITHIN SAID BODY PORTIONS, A PAIR OF HOLLOW AXIALLY ALIGNED VALVE ELEMENTS HAVING OPPOSED AND OTHER ENDS, MEANS ON THE OPPOSED ENDS OF SAID VALVE ELEMENTS COOPERATING WITH SAID VALVE SEATS FOR REGULATING FLUID FLOW, SAID VALVE ELEMENTS HAVING INTERNAL THREADS OF OPPOSITE HAND, CONTROL MEANS THREADEDLY JOINING THE OTHER ENDS OF SAID VALVE ELEMENTS, MEANS FOR PREVENTING THE ROTATION OF SAID VALVE ELEMENTS, MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY AND SIMULTANEOUSLY ROTATING AND SHIFTING SAID CONTROL MEANS WHEREBY ROTATION OF SAID CONTROL MEANS WILL CAUSE OPPOSITE AXIAL MOVEMENT OF SAID MEANS COOPERATING WITH SAID VALVE SEATS, AND SHIFTING OF SAID CONTROL MEANS WILL CAUSE AXIAL MOVEMENT OF SAID MEANS COOPERATING WITH SAID VALVE SEATS IN THE SAME DIRECTION.