AU2006201628A1

AU2006201628A1 - Improved Mixer Tap Arrangement

Info

Publication number: AU2006201628A1
Application number: AU2006201628A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Gregory Ian Geeves
Original assignee: KICKSTART TRAINING Pty Ltd
Current assignee: KICKSTART TRAINING Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2006-04-19
Filing date: 2006-04-19
Publication date: 2007-11-08
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-19
Also published as: AU2006201628B2; AU2006201628A2

Description

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AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention Title: Applicant: Improved Mixer Tap Arrangement Kickstart Training Pty Ltd The invention is described in the following statement.

INO -2- 2IMPROVED MIXER TAP ARRANGEMENT FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a mixer tap arrangement. In another aspect, the 00 present invention also relates to a method for installing a mixer tap arrangement.

O 5 BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION o Mixer taps are known and are gaining wide popularity for use in domestic and 0 N commercial buildings. Mixer taps typically comprise a tap body having a cold water inlet and a hot water inlet. The tap body houses a mixing valve that can control the flow of water through thc mixer tap and also control the temperature of the water leaving the mixer tap.

The mixer tap also includes a tap outlet through which water leaves the mixer tap.

Actuation of the mixing valve is achieved by use of a single tap handle. The tap handle can turn the flow of water through the valve on or off. The tap handle can also adjust the temperature of the water leaving the mixer valve by adjusting the relative amounts of hot and cold water flowing through the tap.

Mixer taps are achieving wide popularity because of their sleek looks and ease of use.

When mixer taps are used in shower enclosures or for bathtubs, the mixer tap is normally arranged such that some or most of the tap body is positioned inside a wall. The cold water inlet and hot water inlet of the tap body are also positioned inside the wall to facilitate fitment of the mixer tap to the hot water line and cold water line fitted inside the wall. The handle of the mixer tap is positioned externally to the wall to enable the mixer tap to be controlled by a user.

Where the mixer tap is used in a shower enclosure, the outlet of the mixer tap is normally connected to another pipe which is also mounted within the wall. This outlet pipe, in turn, is normally connected to a shower outlet that extends externally from the wall at a position higher on the wall in the shower enclosure.

I-3- 0 0 The above described arrangement for mixer taps suffers from the disadvantage that maintenance of the mixer tap can be difficult because at least part of the tap body is Omounted within the wall. Indeed, it has been found that some maintenance operations on such mixer tap arrangements requires breaking into the wall of the shower enclosure or 00 5 bathroom. This is especially disadvantageous because it can be difficult to re-establish a I proper seal around the disturbed area once the maintenance job has been completed.

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I A large number of houses also have bathrooms and shower enclosures fitted with o conventional tap arrangements. In such arrangements, there is normally a cold water pipe

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C, and a hot water pipe fitted inside the walls of the bathroom or shower enclosure. A cold water tap is provided on the cold water pipe and a separate hot water tap is provided on the hot water pipe. The cold water tap and the hot water tap, of course, have handles that are positioned externally to the wall to enable manipulation of the cold water tap and hot water tap.

A cold water line will typically extend downstream from the cold water tap to an outlet. Similarly, a hot water line will extend downstream from the hot water tap to an outlet. The cold water outlet may be separate to the hot water outlet. Alternatively, the cold water line and hot water line may be joined into a common line that, in turn, extends to form a single outlet for mixed hot and cold water.

The cold water tap and hot water tap used in such arrangements will normally have a valve that seats on a valve seat. A spindle controls actuation of the valve. The spindle typically screws into a housing that includes the valve seat.

These conventional tap arrangements can cause difficulties for operation by elderly or frail people, particularly those suffering from arthritis, as turning the taps on and off can be difficult.

Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" and its grammatical equivalents shall be taken to have an inclusive meaning unless the context of use indicates otherwise.

v-4- 0 0 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect, the present invention provides an installed mixer tap comprising a body having a cold water inlet and a hot water inlet, a mixing valve, a water outlet O through which mixed water leaves the mixer tap, a first pipe for providing fluid I 5 communication between a cold water supply line and the cold water inlet of the body, and o a second pipe for providing fluid communication between a hot water supply line and the hot water inlet of the body, wherein the body is positioned externally to a wall in which

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o the cold water supply line and the hot water supply line are fitted.

The installed mixer tap of the first aspect of the present invention is suitably installed in a shower or over a bathtub.

In one embodiment, the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet of the body are positioned externally to the wall.

Suitably, at least part of the first pipe and at least part of the second pipe are positioned externally to the wall. Suitably, the first pipe and the second pipe comprise rigid pipes.

The body may be at least partially enclosed by a housing. The housing may be mounted to the wall. This is advantageous in that the body is shielded from damage by the housing. Further, the housing provides a more aesthetically pleasing appearance to the installed mixer tap.

The first pipe may be a rigid pipe. The second pipe may be a rigid pipe.

Alternatively, the first pipe and/or the second pipe may be a flexible pipe. In embodiments where one or both of the first and second pipes are flexible pipes, the housing may be arranged to support the tap.

The housing may include a top face located above the mixing chamber. Suitably, the housing includes a top face and side faces defining an internal volume and the body is positioned within the internal volume of the housing. The housing suitably has an open bottom.

The housing may define a shelf for storage of toiletries or other items.

IN 0 0 The mixer tap of the first aspect of the present invention may be installed during r construction of a house or other building. Alternatively, the mixer tap of the first aspect Oof the present invention may be installed as a retrofit.

In many older houses, a shower recess or bathtub is provided with separate hot 00 Ni 5 water and cold water taps. The hot water tap is used to control the supply of hot water Sthrough a hot water line to an outlet. The cold water tap is used to control the supply of

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N cold water through a cold water line to an outlet. The hot water may be provided through oa separate outlet to the cold water. Alternatively, the hot water and cold water may share a common outlet. Even in instances where the hot water and cold water share a common outlet (which is typical in showers), separate hot water and cold water taps are still used to control the flow and temperature of the water through the outlet. In another aspect of the present invention, such existing water supply arrangements can be converted to a mixer tap arrangement.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for converting an initial tap arrangement into a mixer tap arrangement, the initial tap arrangement including a cold water tap for controlling flow of cold water through a cold water line extending from the cold water tap to an outlet, a hot water tap for controlling flow of hot water through a hot water line extending from the hot water tap to an outlet, the apparatus comprising a mixer tap having a cold water inlet and a hot water inlet, a first pipe for providing fluid communication for cold water to the cold water inlet, and a second pipe for providing fluid communication for hot water to the hot water inlet, wherein the first pipe is arranged to be fitted in place of at least a control portion of the cold water tap such that cold water flows through the first pipe to the cold water inlet of the mixer tap and wherein the second pipe is arranged to be fitted in place of at least a control portion of the hot water tap such that hot water flows through the second pipe to the hot water inlet of the mixer tap.

Suitably, when fitted, the first pipe also prevents flow of cold water through the cold water line from a position immediately downstream of a fitted position of the cold water tap and the second pipe prevents flow of hot water through the hot water line from a position immediately downstream of a fitted position of the hot water tap D-6- Suitably, the mixer tap is positioned externally to a wall in which the cold water line and the hot water line are fitted.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the first pipe and the second pipe are rigid pipes.

00 N 5 In other embodiments, the first pipe and/or the second pipe may be a flexible pipe.

o In embodiments where one or both of the first and second pipes are flexible pipes, the IN0 housing may be arranged to support the tap.

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I The first pipe may include a seal that engages with a cold water supply line when the first pipe is fitted to thereby seal off the cold water line to the flow of cold water from the cold water supply line. Similarly, the second pipe may include a seal that engages with a hot water supply line when the second pipe is fitted to thereby seal off the hot water line to flow of hot water from the hot water supply line.

The seal may comprise an enlargement that seals against the walls of the hot water supply line or the cold water supply line. Alternatively, the seal may comprise a washer that seals on a valve seat located in the cold water supply line or the hot water supply line.

The cold water tap may comprise a valve carried in a screw-in portion, the valve seating on a valve seat located in a tap part connected to the cold water supply line and the first pipe may include a seal positioned to seal on the valve seat. Preferably, the first pipe is fitted with a screw fitting to enable the first pipe to be screwed into the tap part connected to the cold water supply line. Suitably, the second pipe may be provided with a similar fitting and seal to enable a seal to be formed in the hot water supply line. In this embodiment, the seal may comprise a washer.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for converting an initial tap arrangement into a mixer tap arrangement, the initial tap arrangement including a cold water tap for controlling flow of cold water through a cold water line extending from the cold water tap to an outlet, a hot water tap for controlling flow of hot water through a hot water line extending from the hot water tap to an outlet, the method comprising the steps of providing a mixer tap arrangement comprising a mixer tap having a cold water inlet and a hot water inlet, a first pipe for providing fluid communication for cold water to the -7- 0 0 cold water inlet and a second pipe for providing fluid communication for hot water to the r hot water inlet, removing at least handle portions of the cold water tap and the hot water O tap to leave openings into a cold water supply line and a hot water supply line, inserting an end of the first pipe into the opening in the cold water supply line to establish fluid 00 5 communication between the cold water supply line and the cold water inlet of the mixer IO tap, and inserting an end of the second pipe into the opening in the hot water supply line O to establish fluid communication between the hot water supply line and the hot water inlet IO of the mixer tap.

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C Suitably, fitting the first pipe to the cold water supply line also prevents flow of cold water through the cold water line from a position immediately downstream of a fitted position of the cold water tap and fitting the second pipe to the hot water supply line also prevents flow of hot water through the hot water line from a position immediately downstream of a fitted position of the hot water tap Preferably, the method results in the mixer tap being positioned externally to a wall in which the cold water line and hot water line are fitted and the method further comprises the step of positioning a housing over a body portion of the mixer tap.

Suitably, the method also results in at least part of the first pipe and second pipe being located externally to the wall and the method further includes positioning a housing over the external parts of the first pipe and the second pipe and a body of the mixer tap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a plan view of a mixer tap arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a conventional tap arrangement frequently used in showers; Figure 2A shows a mixer tap arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with figure 2A showing the various components apart and in line for assembly; Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative arrangement for fitting the end of a pipe of the mixer tap arrangement to a water supply line; Va-8- O 0 Figure 4 shows the arrangement of figure 3 in a fitted position; Figure 5 shows a side view, partly in cross-section, of a mixer tap arrangement in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; 00Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a housing for use in the arrangement shown in figure 0 Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the mixer tap arrangement o shown in figure

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Figure 8 shows a side view, partly in cross-section, of a mixer tap arrangement in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the arrangement shown in figure 8; Figure 10 shows a side view, partly in cross-section, of a mixer tap arrangement in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 shows a plan view of the mixer tap arrangement shown in figure 10; and Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the mixer tap arrangement shown in figure DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It will be understood that the drawings are provided to illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Thus, it will be understood that the present invention should not be considered to be limited solely to the features shown in the drawings.

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a mixer tap arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The mixer tap arrangement 10 shown in figure 1 includes a mixer tap 12 having a tap body 14. The mixer tap 12 also includes a mixing valve 16 controlled by a handle 18. The internal design of the mixer tap 12 may be of any known design and need not be described further.

The mixer tap 12 includes a cold water inlet 20 and a hot water inlet 22. Cold water is supplied to the mixing valve 12 via cold water inlet 20. Similarly hot water is IND -9- 0 0 supplied from a hot water supply line to the mixing valve 12 via hot water inlet 22. The mixer tap 12 also includes a mixed water outlet 24. A flexible hose 26 may be attached to Othe mixed water outlet 24 to enable mixed water to be supplied to a shower nozzle or the like (not shown).

00 The arrangement 10 further includes a first pipe 28 and a second pipe 30. First

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pipe 28 is connected to a cold water supply line and second pipe 30 is connected to a hot 0 IN water supply line. This will be described in further detail with reference to figure 2A.

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o As can be seen from figure 1, the mixer tap arrangement 10 is mounted such that the mixer tap 12 is positioned externally to wall 30. The wall 30 has cold water supply line and hot water supply line (not shown) fitted therein.

Figure 2 shows an initial tap arrangement for supplying water to a showerhead. In figure 2, a cold water supply line 32 and a hot water supply line 34 are fitted inside wall 30. A tap part 36 is fitted to the cold water supply line 32. Tap part 36 forms part of cold water tap 38. Tap part 36 includes a valve seat on which a valve of the cold water tap 38 seats when in a closed position. Cold water tap 38 further includes a tap body having a spindle 42 rotatably mounted thereto, with spindle 42 being turned via handle 44. As will be known to persons skilled in the art, spindle 42 is used to control the position of a valve (not shown) to selectively control the flow of cold water through cold water tap 38. Tap body 40, spindle 42 and handle 44 may be considered to be a control portion of the cold water tap 38.

Similarly, hot water tap 46 includes a tap body 48 having a spindle 50. Handle 52 is used to rotate the spindle and thereby selectively control the position of a valve in the hot water tap 46.

Tap parts 36 and 37, which are mounted to the cold water supply line 32 and the hot water supply line 34, respectively, include outlets that are in fluid communication with cold water line 54 and hot water line 56, respectively. It will be appreciated that fluid can flow from the cold water supply line 32 to the cold water line 54 when the valve in cold water tap 38 is opened. Similarly, hot water can flow from the hot water supply line 34 to the hot water line 56 when the valve in hot water tap 46 is opened.

0 0 Cold water 54 and hot water line 56 will typically extend to either separate cold r water and hot water outlets or extend to a common outlet.

The tap arrangement shown in figure 2 is typical of older homes. Such tap arrangements suffer from the disadvantage that separate adjustment of two taps is 00 N 5 required to attain the desired water flow rate and water temperature. Further, it can be Sdifficult to turn the handles 44 and 52, particularly for elderly or frail people or for

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N sufferers of arthritis. Such tap arrangements are also considered to look somewhat oldo fashioned and out-of-date.

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In one embodiment of the present invention, the initial tap arrangement shown in figure 2 can be updated to the tap arrangement shown in figure 1. In order to achieve this, the water supply is initially turned off at the water mains. Tap body 40 is unscrewed from tap part 36. In this regard, it will be appreciated that conventional taps, such as those shown at 38 and 46 in figure 2, have the tap body 40 screwed into the tap part 36 in order to complete the tap. When tap body 40 is unscrewed from tap part 36, an opening is provided. This opening faces out from the wall Similarly, tap body 48 is unscrewed from tap part 37 to provide another opening in the wall 30. The respective openings 58, 60 are shown in figure 2A. Once the tap bodies 40 and 48 have been removed, the respective ends of first pipe 28 and second pipe are inserted into respective openings 58, 60. The end of first pipe 28 is provided with an enlargement 62. Enlargement 62 is often called an "olive" by persons skilled in the art. Olive 62 is dimensioned such that its largest diameter is slightly larger than the inner diameter of tap part 36. A nut 64 having an external thread 66 is positioned over first pipe 28. The end of first pipe 28 is inserted into the tap part 36 until olive 62 firmly engages with the seating portion of the first part 36. Nut 64 is then screwed into the internal thread of tap part 36 (not shown) to thereby fix that end of first pipe 28 into the tap part 36. The fitted position of olive 62 and the end of first pipe 28 is shown in dotted outline in figure 2A. As can be seen, the olive 62 acts to form a seal with the lower part of tap part 36 such that a leak-free fitting between the end of the first pipe 28 and the cold water supply line 32 is obtained. Further, the olive 62 also acts to seal off the flow of water into cold water line 54. In this fashion, fitting the first pipe 28 to the tap part 36 establishes fluid communication between the cold water supply line 32 and the cold water IND -11inlet 20 of the mixer tap 12 whilst also effectively sealing off cold water line 54 to the r flow of water from cold water supply line 32. In this regard, it will be appreciated that Ocold water line 54 is the cold water line that was supplied with cold water in the initial tap arrangement shown in figure 2. However, the new tap arrangement shown in figure 2A 00 5 converts the initial tap arrangement of figure 2 into a mixer tap arrangement, with the IND mixer tap 12 having its own outlet 24 that supplies mixed water to a separate shower o outlet. As the previous shower outlet from the initial tap arrangement is no longer in use, ID that shower outlet may be removed and the opening left in the wall where that shower Soutlet was originally positioned may be covered with tiles for enhanced appearance.

Similar fittings enable the second pipe 30 to be inserted through opening 60 and connected to the tap part 37. Again, this will result in the hot water line 56 being closed off to the flow of hot water.

The tap body 14 of the mixer tap 12 has a cold water inlet 20. Cold water inlet is provided with an external thread 68. The end 70 of first pipe 28 is inserted into cold water inlet 20. End 70 is provided with an olive 72 to enable a water-tight seal to be achieved between the end 70 and the water inlet 20. A nut 74 having an internal thread (not shown) is tightened over external thread 68 to form a tight connection.

The end 76 of second pipe 30 is fitted to hot water inlet 22 in a similar fashion.

Figures 3 and 4 show an alternative arrangement for connecting the ends of the first pipe 28 and second pipe 30 to the respective tap parts 36, 37. In figure 3, pipe 80 is connected to part 82. Pipe 80 is suitably connected to part 82 by brazing, welding or the like. Part 82 has a middle portion 84 of larger diameter. Part 82 also includes an end portion 86 of smaller diameter. Part 82 also includes a proximal portion 88 having a diameter that is somewhat smaller than the diameter of middle portion 84. A washer 90 is fitted over end portion 86.

A nut 92 having an external thread 94 and a tool engagement part 96 (such as a hexagonal outer surface for engagement with a spanner) can slide over the pipe 80 and come into contact with the first part 82.

IND -12- Figure 4 shows the pipe 8O fitted into the tap part 36. The cooling water supply line 32 is also shown in figure 4. In figure 4, tap part 36 includes a valve seat 98. The ON end portion 86 fits down into the space surrounded by the valve seat 98. Washer forms a sealing contact with valve seat 98 when fully fitted. As clearly shown from 00 5 figure 4, cold water line 54 is sealed off against water flow when the washer 90 is in IND sealing engagement with the valve seat 98.

Cl As shown in figure 4, tap part 36 includes an internal thread 102 that engages with

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external thread 94 on nut 92 to thereby secure the end of pipe 80 in position.

It will be appreciated that a number of other arrangements may be used to secure the first and second pipe to the supply lines.

Instead of having to braze the part 82 to pipe 80, it is possible to use an ring and a grab ring to connect the part 82 to the pipe If braided flexible pipes are used, it is also possible to crimp the fittings to the end of the pipe.

Figures 5 to 7 show various views of a fitted tap arrangement in accordance with the present invention. As shown in figure 5, the fitted tap arrangement 1 10 is mounted externally to wall 112. Tap body 114, fixing valve 116 and handle 118 constitute the tap.

Tap outlet supplies mixed water, suitably via a flexible hose 122, to a shower head (not shown). The first pipe 124 and second pipe 126, which comprise rigid copper pipes, are fitted to the cold water supply line and hot water supply line as described with reference to figures 2A, 3 or 4.

A further feature of the embodiment shown in figures 5 to 7 involves positioning the tap body 114 and the first pipe 124 and second pipe 126 inside a housing 128.

Housing 128 includes a top face 130 and respective side faces 132 and 134 (a side face opposed to face 132 is also provided, but cannot be seen in figures 5 to The front face 134 is provided with an opening 136 through which mixing valve 116 can extend.

The housing 128 provides a degree of protection for the tap arrangement and also improves aesthetic appearance of the tap arrangement.

IO -13- 0 0 In another embodiment, the first pipe 124 and second pipe 126 are flexible pipes.

r For example, the first pipe 124 and second pipe 126 may be braided flexible pipes. The O elbow portion of first pipe 124 and second pipe 126 may be fitted with a preformed rigid elbow (such as one made from stainless steel) to hold the elbow portion in the desired 00 5 shape. In this embodiment, the housing acts to securely hold the tap in position.

Figures 8 and 9 show another embodiment in accordance with the present 0 N invention. The embodiment shown in figures 8 and 9 has a number of features in o common with the embodiment shown in figures 5 to 7 and, for convenience, like

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C reference numerals will be used to denote like parts. However, the housing 140 shown in figures 8 and 9 includes side surfaces 142, 144 that have shaped arcuate sections which also include parts that extend above the top surface 146. A backing surface 148 is also provided on the housing. Backing surface 148 includes a lip 150, that, in use, engages with a corresponding lip 152 formed on a mounting bracket 154 that is mounted to the wall of the shower. A soap rack 156 extends from the lower part 158 of backing plate 148.

Figures 10, 11 and 12 show another embodiment of the present invention. Again, the embodiment shown in figures 10 to 12 has a number of features in common with the embodiment shown in figures 5 to 7. For convenience, like reference numerals will be used to denote like parts.

Figures 10 to 12 include a housing 160 having a top shelf 162 forming a top surface thereof The housing 160 also includes a side surface 164 (and an opposed side surface, not visible in figures 10 to 12) and front surface 166. The top surface 162 forms a shelf for storage of toiletries and the like. Drain holes 168 may be formed in the top shelf.

The housings shown in figures 5 to 12 suitably have an open bottom to enable simple fitment of the housing over the mixer tap.

The present invention may be used in bathrooms, showers, kitchen sinks, both wall and hob basins or even laundry tub combinations in the wall.

O -14- 0 0 SThose skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be r susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It will Obe understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope.

00oO C 5 Dated this 19th day of April 2006 Va Kickstart Training Pty Ltd 0 C By the Patent Attorneys for the Applicant Va 0CULLEN CO.

0

Claims

1. An installed mixer tap comprising a body having a cold water inlet and a hot water inlet, a mixing valve, a water outlet through which mixed water leaves the mixer tap, a first pipe for providing fluid communication between a cold water supply line and 00 the cold water inlet of the body, and a second pipe for providing fluid communication between a hot water supply line and the hot water inlet of the body, wherein the body 0 N is positioned externally to a wall in which the cold water supply line and the hot water Ssupply line are fitted.

2. An installed mixer tap as claimed in claim 1 wherein the installed mixer tap is installed in a shower or over a bathtub.

3. An installed mixer tap as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet of the body are positioned externally to the wall.

4. An installed mixer tap as claimed in claim 3 wherein at least part of the first pipe and at least part of the second pipe are positioned externally to the wall.

5. An installed mixer tap as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first pipe and the second pipe comprise rigid pipes.

6. An installed mixer tap as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the body is at least partially enclosed by a housing.

7. An installed mixer tap as claimed in claim 6 wherein the housing includes a top face and side faces defining an internal volume and the body is positioned within the internal volume of the housing.

8. An installed mixer tap as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the housing has an open bottom.

9. An installed mixer tap as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the first pipe and the second pipe are flexible pipes and the housing secures the mixer tap in position. An apparatus for converting an initial tap arrangement into a mixer tap arrangement, the initial tap arrangement including a cold water tap for controlling flow of cold I-16- 0 0 water through a cold water line extending from the cold water tap to an outlet, a hot water tap for controlling flow of hot water through a hot water line extending from the Ohot water tap to an outlet, the apparatus comprising a mixer tap having a cold water inlet and a hot water inlet, a first pipe for providing fluid communication for cold oo 5 water to the cold water inlet, and a second pipe for providing fluid communication for IND hot water to the hot water inlet, wherein the first pipe is arranged to be fitted in place o of at least a control portion of the cold water tap such that cold water flows through IN the first pipe to the cold water inlet of the mixer tap and wherein the second pipe is o arranged to be fitted in place of at least a control portion of the hot water tap such that hot water flows through the second pipe to the hot water inlet of the mixer tap.

11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein the first pipe also prevents flow of cold water through the cold water line from a position immediately downstream of a fitted position of the cold water tap and the second pipe prevents flow of hot water through the hot water line from a position immediately downstream of a fitted position of the hot water tap

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the mixer tap is positioned externally to a wall in which the cold water line and the hot water line are fitted.

13. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the first pipe and the second pipe are rigid pipes.

14. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein one or both of the first pipe and the second pipe are a flexible pipe. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14 wherein the first pipe includes a seal that engages with a cold water supply line when the first pipe is fitted to thereby seal off the cold water line to the flow of cold water from the cold water supply line and the second pipe includes a seal that engages with a hot water supply line when the second pipe is fitted to thereby seal off the hot water line to flow of hot water from the hot water supply line.

16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the seal comprises an enlargement that seals against the walls of the hot water supply line or the cold water supply line. D -17- 0 0

17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the seal comprises a washer that seals on a valve seat located in the cold water supply line or the hot water supply line.

18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the cold water tap comprises a valve carried in a screw-in portion, the valve seating on a valve seat located in a tap part 00 N, ,5 connected to the cold water supply line and the first pipe includes a seal positioned to seal on the valve seat and the hot water tap comprises a valve carried in a screw-in 0 O N portion, the valve seating on a valve seat located in a tap part connected to the hot o water supply line and the second pipe includes a seal positioned to seal on the valve C, seat.

19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein the first pipe is fitted with a screw fitting to enable the first pipe to be screwed into the tap part connected to the cold water supply line and the second pipe is fitted with a screw fitting to enable the second pipe to be screwed into the tap part connected to the hot water supply line. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19 wherein the seal comprises a washer.

21. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 21 further comprising a housing for fitting to a wall, said mixer tap being positioned at least partly within the housing.

22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14 further comprising a housing for fitting to a wall, said mixer tap being positioned at least partly within the housing and wherein the housing securely locates the mixer tap.

23. A method for converting an initial tap arrangement into a mixer tap arrangement, the initial tap arrangement including a cold water tap for controlling flow of cold water through a cold water line extending from the cold water tap to an outlet, a hot water tap for controlling flow of hot water through a hot water line extending from the hot water tap to an outlet, the method comprising the steps of providing a mixer tap arrangement comprising a mixer tap having a cold water inlet and a hot water inlet, a first pipe for providing fluid communication for cold water to the cold water inlet and a second pipe for providing fluid communication for hot water to the hot water inlet, removing at least handle portions of the cold water tap and the hot water tap to leave openings into a cold water supply line and a hot water supply line, inserting an end of D -18- 0 O the first pipe into the opening in the cold water supply line to establish fluid r communication between the cold water supply line and the cold water inlet of the Omixer tap, and inserting an end of the second pipe into the opening in the hot water supply line to establish fluid communication between the hot water supply line and 00 5 the hot water inlet of the mixer tap. S24. A method as claimed in claim 23 wherein fitting the first pipe to the cold water supply 0 N line also prevents flow of cold water through the cold water line from a position immediately downstream of a fitted position of the cold water tap and fitting the second pipe to the hot water supply line also prevents flow of hot water through the hot water line from a position immediately downstream of a fitted position of the hot water tap A method as claimed in claim 23 or claim 24 wherein the method results in the mixer tap being positioned externally to a wall in which the cold water line and hot water line are fitted and the method further comprises the step of positioning a housing over a body portion of the mixer tap.

26. A method as claimed in claim 25 wherein the first pipe and the second pipe are flexible pipes and the hosing securely locates the mixer tap.

27. A method as claimed in claim 23 wherein at least part of the first pipe and second pipe are located externally to the wall and the method further includes positioning a housing over the external parts of the first pipe and the second pipe and a body of the mixer tap.

28. An installed mixer tap arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 1, 2A or 3 to 12.

29. An apparatus for converting an initial tap arrangement into a mixer tap arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 1, 2A or 3 to 12. A method for converting an initial tap arrangement into a mixer tap arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 1, 2A or 3 to 12.