Faucet assembly with retractable features

Abstract

In an example, a faucet assembly is disclosed. The faucet assembly includes a retractable faucet configured to transition between a retracted position and an extended position and an actuator configured to cause the retractable faucet to transition between the retracted position and the extended position.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A faucet assembly, comprising:
 a retractable faucet configured to transition between a retracted position and an extended position; and   an actuator configured to cause the retractable faucet to transition between the retracted position and the extended position.   
     
     
         2 . The faucet assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the retractable faucet includes a top portion that is substantially flush with a top surface of the faucet assembly when the retractable faucet is in the retracted position. 
     
     
         3 . The faucet assembly of  claim 1 , further including at least another retractable feature comprising at least one of: a retractable hot water faucet, a retractable spray hose, and a retractable sponge holder. 
     
     
         4 . The faucet assembly of  claim 3 , further comprising at least one sensor, wherein the one or more retractable features are configured to extend and retract based on a proximity signal generated by the at least one sensor. 
     
     
         5 . The faucet assembly of  claim 3 , further comprising at least one sensor, wherein the one or more retractable features are configured to extend and retract based on at least one user command. 
     
     
         6 . The faucet assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the one or more retractable features are configured to retract after a predetermined time. 
     
     
         7 . The faucet assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises a linear actuator. 
     
     
         8 . The faucet assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a base; and   a sleeve disposed between the actuator and a surface of the base,   wherein the retractable faucet is disposed within the sleeve when the retractable faucet is in the retracted position.   
     
     
         9 . The faucet assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the actuator is disposed within the base. 
     
     
         10 . The faucet assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a controller that is configured to control the actuator based on an actuation signal. 
     
     
         11 . A system, comprising:
 a base;   a retractable faucet disposed within the base and configured to transition between a retracted position and an extended position; and   an actuator disposed within the base and configured to cause the retractable faucet to transition between the retracted position and the extended position.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the retractable faucet includes a top portion that is substantially flush with a top surface of the base when the retractable faucet is in the retracted position. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , further including at least another retractable feature comprising at least one of: a retractable hot water faucet, a retractable spray hose, and a retractable sponge holder. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , further comprising at least one sensor, wherein the one or more retractable features are configured to extend and retract based on a proximity signal generated by the at least one sensor. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13 , further comprising at least one sensor disposed proximate to the base, wherein the one or more retractable features are configured to extend and retract based on at least one user command. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the one or more retractable features are configured to retract after a predetermined time. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a sleeve disposed between the actuator and a surface of the base,   wherein the retractable faucet is disposed within the sleeve when the retractable faucet is in the retracted position.   
     
     
         18 . A system including:
 a retractable faucet configured to transition between a retracted position and an extended position; and   a motor configured to cause the retractable faucet to transition between the retracted position and the extended position.   
     
     
         19 . The system as recited in  claim 18 , further comprising:
 a threaded rod connected to the motor, wherein the threaded rod is configured to be driven by the motor; and   a follower connected to the threaded rod and connected to the retractable faucet, wherein the follower is configured to be linearly displaced with respect to the threaded rod when the threaded rod is driven by the motor.   
     
     
         20 . The system as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the follower comprises a threaded portion that is configured to mate with the threaded rod.