Perry D Erickson

US Patent:

6484330, Nov 26, 2002

Filed:

Feb 8, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/072092

Inventors:

Ricardo O. Gray - Sheboygan WI
Jeffrey L. Mueller - Plymouth WI
Perry D. Erickson - Sheboygan WI
Mark F. McMullen - Adell WI

Assignee:

Kohler Co. - Kohler WI

International Classification:

E03C 1232

US Classification:

4684, 4685, 4689, 4693, 4676, 4678

Abstract:

A combined faucet and drain system can be installed primarily from above the basin. The faucet includes a quick-connect fastening assembly with a threaded sleeve bolt that also doubles as a life rod guide. A spring-biased toggle fastener threads onto the sleeve bolt and collapses when inserted through an installation opening from above the basin. It then automatically unfolds and engages an undersurface when the sleeve bolt is turned. The drain assembly is mounted in a drain opening of the basin and includes a movable stopper guide that can be used during installation to align the drain flange to the drain body from above the sink. A method of installing a combined faucet and drain assembly to a plumbing fixture is also disclosed.

US Patent:

6666227, Dec 23, 2003

Filed:

Jan 18, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/051499

Inventors:

Perry D. Erickson - Sheboygan WI

Assignee:

Kohler Co. - Kohler WI

International Classification:

F16K 3100

US Classification:

137270, 137359, 251293

Abstract:

A tub/shower valve assembly includes a three-position valve stem adapter for varying the depth dimension of the assembly. The stem adapter has a splined bore with stop members located at a position skewed towards one end of the stem adapter. The stem adapter can thus be pushed onto the valve stem different distances depending on which is the leading end. The stem adapter can be disposed onto the valve stem a further distance by pushing the stop members past the end of the valve stem, allowed by outward expansion of the sides of the stem adapter.

US Patent:

6725472, Apr 27, 2004

Filed:

Nov 6, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/289484

Inventors:

Ricardo O. Gray - Sheboygan WI
Jeffrey L. Mueller - Plymouth WI
Perry D. Erickson - Sheboygan WI
Mark F. McMullen - Adell WI

Assignee:

Kohler Co. - Kohler WI

International Classification:

E03C 1232

US Classification:

4684, 4675, 4678, 137801, 137606

Abstract:

A combined faucet and drain system can be installed primarily from above the basin. The faucet includes a quick-connect fastening assembly with a threaded sleeve bolt that also doubles as a life rod guide. A spring-biased toggle fastener threads onto the sleeve bolt and collapses when inserted through an installation opening from above the basin. It then automatically unfolds and engages an undersurface when the sleeve bolt is turned. The drain assembly is mounted in a drain opening of the basin and includes a movable stopper guide that can be used during installation to align the drain flange to the drain body from above the sink. A method of installing a combined faucet and drain assembly to a plumbing fixture is also disclosed.

US Patent:

6807983, Oct 26, 2004

Filed:

May 6, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/430659

Inventors:

Perry D. Erickson - Sheboygan WI

Assignee:

Kohler Co. - Kohler WI

International Classification:

F16L 500

US Classification:

137359, 137 1501, 13731501

Abstract:

A fluid control valve includes a swivel joint for pivotally mounting a decorative escutcheon relative to a valve body so that the escutcheon can mount flush against the mounting wall when the wall or the valve is out of plumb. There is a valve housing from which extends a rotatable valve stem, an escutcheon mountable around the housing or stem, a swivelable bearing also disposed about the housing or stem, and a skirt mounted around the stem. Tightening the skirt drives its inner edge against the bearing which in turn abuts the escutcheon. The escutcheon can pivot relative to the bearing due to abutting curved surfaces on the escutcheon and bearing.

US Patent:

7909269, Mar 22, 2011

Filed:

Sep 19, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/533100

Inventors:

Perry D. Erickson - Sheboygan WI, US
David E. Hansen - Howards Grove WI, US
Patrick H. Montag - Hartford WI, US

Assignee:

Kohler Co. - Kohler WI

International Classification:

A62C 31/00
B05B 7/02
F15B 13/00
E03C 1/04

US Classification:

239449, 239443, 239444, 239445, 239446, 239525, 239391, 4678, 137801

Abstract:

A pull-out faucet has a spray head with spray selection and pause control. A spring-loaded push button interrupts outlet spray entirely as long as it is being depressed. A rocker button controls spray through inner and outer sets of outlet orifices, for example, giving the user the option of an aerated water jet or an unaerated shower. The rocker button mounts on an integral pivot post of a valve body that houses a diverter valve that is controlled by the rocker button. The rocker button has a pair of legs that extend through openings in the valve body to engage a groove in the diverter valve. Pivoting the rocker button about a pivot axis by depressing either its forward or aft portion, moves the diverter valve along a valve axis to route flow to either the inner or outer orifices.

US Patent:

D643911, Aug 23, 2011

Filed:

Sep 24, 2010

Appl. No.:

29/375570

Inventors:

Perry Erickson - Sheboygan WI, US
Andrew James Stokes - Sheboygan WI, US
Alan E. Lange - Kiel WI, US

Assignee:

Kohler Co. - Kohler WI

International Classification:

2301

US Classification:

D23255

US Patent:

8056574, Nov 15, 2011

Filed:

Jan 13, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/353105

Inventors:

Perry Dennis Erickson - Sheboygan WI, US
Steven Thomas Radder - Kiel WI, US

Assignee:

Kohler Co. - Kohler WI

International Classification:

F16K 27/00

US Classification:

137 1518, 137360, 1374545, 13731541

Abstract:

A valve assembly is disclosed for mounting through a wall having a first face and a second face defining a thickness there between. The valve assembly includes a valve body housing having an axially-extending inner bore. A valve body is telescopically received in the inner bore of the valve body housing, such that the valve body is axially movable with respect to the valve body housing. A valve is nested in a recess of the valve body. A locking element selectively engages the valve body housing and the valve body to lock a position of the valve body relative to the valve body housing.

US Patent:

8070076, Dec 6, 2011

Filed:

Mar 17, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/405975

Inventors:

Perry D. Erickson - Sheboygan WI, US
Christopher M. Shay - Fredonia WI, US

Assignee:

Kohler Co. - Kohler WI

International Classification:

B05B 15/08

US Classification:

2395872, 239279, 2392805, 239281, 2395875

Abstract:

Articulating faucets have segments connected by a plurality of movable joints. Each joint includes a pair of ceramic mating disks arranged in face to face contact, but able to rotate relative to each other when sufficient force is applied. A wave spring helps keep the disks in constant contact, and rubber spheres press against opposing surfaces of the ceramic disks to produce shear forces to keep the joint stable. In the faucet water passes through the joint by means of a tube or a hollow banjo bolt sealed from the joint. The faucet can therefore direct water to a wide variety of positions, without the need for a side spray, and while reducing the risk of joint leakage.