AU2008202706B2

AU2008202706B2 - Shower Pivot

Info

Publication number: AU2008202706B2
Application number: AU2008202706A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Warren A. Ewing; Robert W. Tritchler
Original assignee: Drd Tech Pty Ltd
Current assignee: DRD TECHNOLOGY Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-06-29
Filing date: 2008-06-19
Publication date: 2013-05-30
Anticipated expiration: 2028-06-19
Also published as: AU2008202706A1

Abstract

Abstract A pivot joint for connecting to a water line, the pivot joint comprising a 5 first element which has a threaded barrel, a second element which has a threaded barrel, a conduit received by both the first element and the second element and a sealing element, wherein the second element is adapted to be retained on the conduit, and when the threaded barrel of the first element engages the threaded barrel of the second element the sealing element forms a seal between the second element and the 10 conduit, and wherein the conduit is adapted to rotate independently of the first and second elements when said first and second elements are engaged. \ .24 40 22a - 15 Figure 2

Description

1 Shower Pivot Field of the Invention. The present invention relates to pivot joints. In particular, the present invention relates 5 to pivot joints for use in connection with fluid lines. Background Art. There are many applications in domestic, commercial or industrial situations in which it is desirable to have a swivelling or pivoting attachment on the end of a fixed fluid 10 line, such as on the end of a water pipe. In domestic applications, for instance, it may be desirable to include a swivelling or pivoting attachment associated with shower heads and kitchen, bathroom and laundry tap or faucet arms, amongst others. One of the most common types of shower head arrangement on the Australian market 15 is the "all directional" shower head. This comprises a tablet-shaped shower head fitted to the end of a relatively long arm. The arm is pivotable through an arc with respect to a fixed water outlet protruding from the shower wall, while the head is pivotable through an arc with respect to a perpendicular housing on the opposite end of the arm. The head is also rotatable through 3600 at a position adjacent to where it 20 pivots - hence the name "all directional" shower head. More recently, another form of shower head arrangement has become increasingly popular in Australia, comprising a universal swivel shower rose. In this type of arrangement, the arm is pivotable through an arc with respect to a fixed water outlet 25 protruding from the shower wall, while the head is attached to the opposite end of the arm using a universal swivel joint. A problem with such shower head arrangements is that following repeated swivelling, either the washers between the swivelling sections wear to such an extent that leakage 30 occurs, or the connections work loose and either leakage occurs or the shower head is no longer self-supporting. Furthermore, the design of such connections make it difficult to tighten the joints sufficiently to prevent leakage and to also orientate the shower head in the desired position without compromising the swivel joint.

2 In an attempt to address these problems, various improvements have been devised, with the result that leakage is now reduced to some extent. However the connections have not fully addressed either the tendency of the head to droop after continued use 5 or ease of adjustment or the need to manually tighten or loosen the joint to enable adjustment of the position of the shower head. A partial solution has been to provide a winged hex key for tightening the hinge connection nut however this has a tendency to get mislaid. One proposal has been to form a key integral with the connection however from aesthetic considerations the key has to be small and making it small 10 makes it difficult for some people (such as children and the infirm) to properly tighten. While generally not suitable for use in swivel or pivotal joints, compression fittings have been used in some industries to prevent leakage from fixed joints in pipes, 15 conduits and the like. In a compression fitting, an olive is fitted over a length of pipe or tube and a nut is used to compress the olive onto the pipe to prevent leakage. However, this kind of fitting has a number of drawbacks. Firstly, the compression of the olive by the nut causes damage or deformation to the pipe. Thus, when replacing the compression fitting, the tube or pipe must also be replaced or the deformed section 20 of pipe cut off and the new compression fitting applied to a fresh section of pipe. Secondly, in a typical compression fitting the nut is retained only on the tube, and is prevented from coming off through the compression applied to the olive and the deformation of the tube. Thus, if the olive or nut becomes loose or worn, a catastrophic failure of a standard compression fitting may occur. 25 Some attempts have been made to overcome these drawbacks when using compression fittings for pivotal joints. In some prior art products, the pipe is provided with a groove into which the olive may be pressed. This arrangement is not particularly effective in preventing joints from coming apart during use. In other prior 30 art products, the mating body is provided with a series of serrated teeth which physically grip the olive to provide a stronger grip and to prevent rotation of the joint. In this way, angular adjustment of the joint can only be effectively achieved by loosening, rotating and then retightening the mating body. However, the serrated teeth 3 damage the olive, meaning that olives must be replaced far more regularly than for compression-type joints. It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this 5 reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. Object of the Invention. It is an object of the present invention to provide a pivot joint which may overcome at 10 least some of the abovementioned disadvantages, or provide a useful or commercial choice. In one form, the invention resides in a pivot joint for connecting to a water line, the swivel joint comprising a first element which has a threaded barrel, a second element 15 which has a threaded barrel, a conduit received by both the first element and the second element and a sealing element, wherein the second element is adapted to be retained on the conduit, and when the threaded barrel of the first element engages the threaded barrel of the second element the sealing element forms a seal between the second element and the conduit, and wherein the conduit is adapted to rotate 20 independently of the first and second elements when said first and second elements are engaged. The pivot joint of the present invention provides a number of significant advantages over the prior art. Firstly, the pitch of the thread in the threaded barrels of the first and 25 second elements is fine enough to prevent any rotation of the pivot joint from loosening the engagement of the first and second elements. Thus, there will be no need to periodically re-tighten the pivot joint. Furthermore, when the position of a plumbing attachment connected to the pivot joint is adjusted, the plumbing attachment will maintain its position without the need for re-tightening of the pivot joint. The seal 30 formed between the first element and the conduit is achieved in the present invention without any corresponding crushing or deformation of the conduit. Thus, the pivot joint of the present invention requires minimal maintenance and a significantly reduced frequency of the periodic replacement of parts due to wear. In addition, the 4 fact that the second element is adapted to be retained on the conduit means that the pivot joint is unable to come apart during use, even when the pivot assembly is relatively loose. 5 The pivot joint of the present invention may be used in any suitable application. However, it is preferred that the pivot joint is used in low-pressure domestic applications. The barrels of the first and second elements may be of any suitable shape, such as, but 10 not limited to, cylindrical or tapered. However, it is preferred that the barrels have complementary shapes in order that the barrels may be suitably engaged in a leak proof relationship. The first and second elements may be accommodated in a leak proof relationship using any suitable method, such as, but not limited to, engaging the first and second elements in a screw-threaded engagement. 15 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sealing element forms a seal between the conduit and both the first and second elements. The barrel of the first element may be formed either integrally with a fluid line or 20 plumbing attachment or it may be fitted thereto such as by means of a screw threaded connection. Preferably, it may be screw threaded to the fluid line or plumbing attachment by virtue of a screw thread on the end of the barrel which mates with a screw thread formed in the fluid line or plumbing attachment. The screw thread may be either internal or external. 25 The complementary shaped barrel of the second element may likewise be either formed integrally with the second element or it can be fitted thereto by a screw threaded or like connection. Preferably, it is formed integrally with the second element. In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the second element may 30 comprise a nut or a collar. The second element may be of any suitable shape or dimensions. However, in some embodiments of the invention the second element may be of square, hexagonal, octagonal or like cross-section so as to provide a grip for allowing rotation of the second element. Rotation of the second element may be 5 achieved manually or with any suitable tool, such as a spanner or wrench. The dimensions of the second element will depend on the application. However, it is preferred that, for domestic applications, the second element is of a size suitable for allowing adjustment using a tool or by hand. 5 The first and second elements may be constructed from any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, metal, glass-filled plastic or plastic. However, it is preferred that the first and second elements are manufactured from copper, steel or brass. 10 The conduit of the pivot joint may be of any suitable form. However, in some embodiments of the invention, the conduit is a fluid line that may be connected either to a plumbing attachment or to a water line. In some embodiments of the invention, the conduit may form a part of a fluid flow pathway in a plumbing attachment, such as a spout. When the pivot joint is in use, one end of the conduit may be adapted to be in 15 fluid communication with the barrel of the first element so that a continuous fluid pathway is formed through the barrel of the first element and into the conduit. In some embodiments of the invention the conduit may comprise a tube, pipe or spigot of any suitable shape or dimensions. The conduit may be formed from any suitable 20 material, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conduit is formed from the same material as the first and second elements. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the conduit may engage with a third element by any suitable technique, such as, but not limited to, a screw-threaded 25 engagement. In this embodiment, the conduit may be provided with a screw-threaded portion adapted for engagement with a complementary screw-threaded portion of the third element. The third element may comprise any suitable form, such as, but not limited to, a water source or plumbing attachment. 30 The sealing element may be located on the conduit. The scaling element may be of any suitable form, however in some preferred embodiments of the invention the sealing element comprises an annular ring of compressible material located adjacent one end of the conduit. Alternatively, the sealing element may comprise a collet. The 6 sealing element may be of any suitable dimensions and may be constructed from any suitable compressible material, such as, but not limited to, metals or plastics. In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the sealing element may be constructed from copper, nylon, acetyl or polyethylene. The sealing element facilitates the formation of 5 a seal between the second element and the conduit. Preferably, the sealing element also facilitates formation of a seal between the first element and the second element. While the shape of the sealing element is not crucial, in some embodiments of the invention, the sealing element may comprise a sloping or angled outer face. In these 10 embodiments of the invention, it is preferred that the included angle between the outer surface of the conduit and the sloping face of the compression element is no greater than approximately 600, and more preferably between approximately 10* and 45*. In use, the first and second elements may be engaged in a screw-threaded engagement. 15 When this occurs, the internal profile of the first and second element may be such that one or both of the elements compresses the sealing element against the conduit, thus providing a leak-proof arrangement inside the pivot joint. The amount of compression exerted on the sealing element may be varied by tightening or loosening the engagement of the second element. However, the compression exerted on the sealing 20 element is not sufficient to cause any deformation of the conduit or any permanent deformation of the sealing element. The second element may be adapted to be retained in place on the conduit. The second element may be retained in place using any suitable method, however in some 25 embodiments of the invention the second element may be provided with a collar that retains the second element on the conduit when the pivot joint is fully assembled. The retention of the collar on the conduit may prevent the second element from coming loose over time or as the components wear. 30 In some embodiments of the invention, the conduit may be shaped so as to facilitate the retention of the second element on the conduit. The conduit may be of any suitable shape to assist in retaining the second element, however, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conduit comprises two or more sections of differing outside 7 diameter. In these embodiments of the invention, the change in outside diameter of the conduit may provide one or more lands or shoulders against which the second element may abut and be retained. In use, by abutting the second element against the lands or shoulders of the conduit, significantly reduced compression of the sealing element is 5 required to hold the pivot joint together in leak-proof engagement. As a result, the sealing element will have a longer operational lifespan and there will be no deformation of the conduit. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the pivot joint may further comprise a 10 pressure ring. The pressure ring may be positioned at any suitable location within he pivot joint. However, it is preferred that the pressure ring is positioned so as to enable the transfer of the compressive force from the first element and/or second element to the sealing element when the pivot joint is in use. The pressure ring may be constructed from any suitable material. This modification of the frictional resistance 15 of the second element against the sealing element provides for the use of a wide range of materials in the pivot joint assembly. For instance, the use of a pressure ring may allow a more rigid material to be used for the sealing element. The sealing element may be in of any suitable form, such as, but not limited to, a collet. 20 In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a pivot joint for connecting to a water line, the pivot joint comprising a first element which has a threaded barrel, a second element which has a threaded barrel, a conduit received by both the first element and the second element, a sealing element, and a biasing element, wherein the second element is adapted to be retained on the conduit, and when the threaded barrel 25 of the first element engages the threaded barrel of the second member the sealing element forms a seal between the second element and the conduit, and wherein the conduit is adapted to rotate independently of the first and second elements when said first and second elements are engaged. 30 In some embodiments of the invention, the sealing element may be located on the conduit. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sealing element forms a seal between 8 the conduit and both the first and second elements. The biasing element of the present embodiment of the invention may be of any suitable form. Preferably, the biasing element is a compressible element. The biasing 5 element may be provided to allow the automatic ongoing adjustment of the pivot joint, as the biasing element maintains a constant compressive force within the pivot joint. In some embodiments of the invention, the pivot joint may comprise a pressure ring situated between the biasing element and the sealing element. The biasing element 10 may comprise any suitable size and may be manufactured from any suitable material. In some embodiments of the invention, the biasing element may be constructed from rubber, plastic, steel or the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments of the invention, the biasing element may comprise a spring, rubber plug, plastic plug or the like. In some further embodiments of the invention, two or more biasing elements 15 may be present. In some other embodiments of the invention, the pivot joint may further comprise a washer situated between the biasing element and the pressure ring. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the washer is a thrust washer. The washer may be of any 20 suitable size and may be manufactured from any suitable material. In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a pivot joint for connecting to a water line, the pivot joint comprising a first element, a second element, said first and second elements adapted to be engaged in a swaged relationship, a conduit received 25 by both the first element and the second element, a sealing element, and a biasing element, wherein the second element is adapted to be retained on the conduit, and when the first element and the second element are engaged the sealing element forms a seal between the first and second elements and the conduit, and wherein the conduit is adapted to rotate independently of the first and second elements when said first and 30 second elements are engaged. In some embodiments of the invention, the sealing element may be located on the conduit.

9 In some embodiments of the invention, the pivot joint may comprise a pressure ring situated between the biasing element and the sealing element. The biasing element may comprise any suitable size and may be manufactured from any suitable material. 5 Preferably, the biasing element is a compressible element. In some other embodiments of the invention, the pivot joint may further comprise a washer situated between the biasing element and the pressure ring. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the washer is a thrust washer. The washer may be of any 10 suitable size and may be manufactured from any suitable material. The plumbing attachment to which the pivot joint is attached may be of any suitable form, such as, but not limited to a shower head or rose, a laundry or basin spout, a tap or the like. The pivot joint of the present invention may be used in conjunction with 15 one or more other pivot joints, or may be used alone or in conjunction with a plumbing fixture (such as a shower rose) with a universal swivel. The pivot joint according to the invention provides a leak-proof joint which can swivel and maintain any desired position which it is swivelled to. Further, in one 20 preferred arrangement, it can be tightened by a simple finger action, thereby meeting the objects of the invention. Furthermore, by providing means for retaining the second element in place, the likelihood of a failure of the pivot joint is eliminated without the drawback of increased wear on the components of the pivot joint. 25 In a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a pivot joint for connecting to a water line, the pivot joint comprising a first element, a second element, said first and second elements adapted to be engaged in a swaged relationship, a conduit received by both the first element and the second element and a sealing element, wherein the second element is adapted to be retained on the conduit, and when the first element 30 and the second element are engaged the sealing element forms a seal between the first and second elements and the conduit, and wherein the conduit is adapted to rotate independently of the first and second elements when said first and second elements are engaged.

10 Brief Description of the Drawings. An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings in which: 5 Figure 1 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of a pivot joint in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an assembled pivot joint in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 illustrates a pivot joint in accordance with an embodiment of the 10 present invention when connected to a shower head; Figure 4 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of a pivot joint in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an assembled pivot joint in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 15 Figure 6 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of a pivot joint in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an assembled pivot joint in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of a pivot joint in 20 accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an assembled pivot joint in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Drawings. 25 In Figure 1 there is illustrated an exploded cross-sectional view of a pivot joint 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The pivot joint 10 comprises a first element 11 with an externally milled barrel 12 and a second element 13 in the form of a collar with an internally milled barrel 14. The pivot joint 10 further comprises a conduit 15 which is adapted to be housed within the pivot joint 10. The 30 conduit 15 has one end 16 adapted to be seated inside the first element 11 so as to form a continuous fluid pathway through the conduit 15 and the first element 11. The opposite end 17 of the conduit 15 is adapted to pass through the second element 13 and engage with a third element 18. Engagement between the third element 18 and the 11 conduit 15 may be achieved by providing the end 17 of the conduit 15 with a thread 20 complementary to a thread 21 provided on the internal surface of the third element 18. 5 The pivot joint 10 also comprises a sealing element 19 in the form of an annular ring which is adapted to slide over the end 16 of the conduit 15 and be retained on the conduit 15. The first element 11 is further provided with a screw-threaded barrel 30 adapted for 10 engagement with a water outlet (not shown) or a plumbing fitting (not shown), while the third element 18 comprises a pipe or tube 31 adapted for connection to a plumbing fitting (not shown) such as a spout or shower rose. In Figure 2 there is illustrated an assembled pivot joint 10 in accordance with an 15 embodiment of the present invention. In this figure it may be seen that the first element 11 and the second element 13 have been brought into screw-threaded engagement. The internal surface 22 of the second element 13 and the internal surface 22a of the first element 11 are adapted so as to engage and compress the sealing element 19 onto the conduit 15. 20 The conduit 15 illustrated in Figure 2 comprises a first section 23 having a first outside diameter measurement and a second section 24 having a second outside diameter measurement different to the first outside diameter measurement. In this embodiment of the invention a land or shoulder 25 is formed at the point of the 25 conduit 15 where the first section 23 and the second section 24 meet. The second element 13 is provided with a collar 26 having an internal shoulder 40 which abuts against the land or shoulder 25 of the conduit 15 when the pivot joint 10 is assembled. By abutting the collar 26 against the shoulder 25 of the conduit 15, the 30 second element 13 may be retained in place, meaning that there is a significantly reduced likelihood of a failure of the pivot joint 10. This reduces or eliminates any damage to the conduit 15 by the compression of the sealing element 19, and extends the operational life of all the components within the pivot joint 10.

12 In Figure 3 there is shown a pivot joint 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention when connected to a plumbing accessory in the form of a shower head 27. As the arm 28 connecting the shower head 27 to the pivot joint 10 is moved, the pivot 5 joint 10 will pivot in place without causing any rotation of the second element 13. In this embodiment of the invention, the second element 13 is in the form of a hexagonal nut with a collar 26. As the second element 13 does not rotate when the arm 28 is adjusted, no loosening or tightening of the engagement within the pivot joint 10 occurs. Therefore, the arm 28 may be continuously adjusted without the need to reset 10 the engagement of the pivot joint 10. An alternative embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. In these drawings a pivot joint 10 is shown comprising a first element 11 and a second element 13 adapted for screw-threaded engagement. The pivot joint 10 further comprises a 15 conduit 15, a sealing element 19 and a third element 18. However, in this embodiment of the invention the pivot joint 10 also comprises a pressure ring 29. The pressure ring 29 is in the form of an annular disc positioned to prevent direct engagement between the second element 13 and the sealing element 19. By using a pressure ring 29 in this way, the pressure applied by the second element is applied to the sealing element 19 20 through the pressure ring 29. Thus, the inside surface 22 of the second element 13 does not need to be shaped so as to engage directly with the sealing element 19. The conduit 15 is provided with a land or shoulder 25. In use, an internal shoulder 40 of the collar 26 of the second element 13 abuts against the shoulder 25. By retaining 25 the second element 13 against the shoulder 25 of the conduit 15, the pivot joint 10 is prevented from pulling apart during use, even when the screw-threaded engagement between the first element 11 and the second element 13 is relatively loose. In this embodiment of the invention, the conduit 15 is provided with a screw-threaded 30 portion 20 adapted for screw-threaded engagement with a complementary screw threaded portion 21 of the third element 18. In Figures 6 and 7, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In 13 these drawings a pivot joint 10 is illustrated comprising a first element 11 and a second element 13. The first element 11 is provided with a screw thread 12 adapted to engage with a corresponding screw thread 14 provided on the second element 13. The pivot joint 10 comprises a conduit 15, a third element 18 and a sealing element 19 5 adapted to fit over one end of the conduit 15. The conduit is provided with a land or shoulder 25 against which an internal shoulder 40 of a collar 26 of the second element 13 abuts when in use in order to retain the second element 13 on the conduit 15 and prevent the pivot joint 10 from coming apart 10 during use. The pivot joint 10 is provided with a spring 32 which is housed within a suitable recess 33 in the second element 13 and which is compressed when the first 11 and second 13 elements are brought into screw-threaded engagement. When compressed, 15 the spring 32 transfers pressure via a thrust washer 34 and pressure ring 29 to the sealing element 19. Due to the presence of the spring 32 exerting pressure on the sealing element 19, rotation of the second element 13 is not required for any tightening adjustment of the 20 pivot joint 10. Thus, the second element 13 may be abutted against a secondary shoulder 35 located on the first element 11. By abutting the second element 13 against this secondary shoulder 35, it may be ensured that the second element rotates with the first element 11. 25 In this embodiment of the invention, the conduit 15 is provided with a screw-threaded portion 20 adapted for screw-threaded engagement with a complementary screw threaded portion 21 of the third element 18. In Figures 8 and 9 there is illustrated a further alternative embodiment of the present 30 invention. In these drawings there is shown a pivot joint 10 comprising a first element II and a second element 13. The second element 13 is provided with a swage 36 adapted for engagement with a corresponding groove or channel 37 in the first element 11. In this way the first element 11 and the second element 13 are adapted to 14 engage with one another. The pivot joint 10 further comprises a conduit 15, a third element 18 and a sealing element 19 adapted to fit over one end of the conduit 15. The conduit 15 is provided with a land or shoulder 25 against which an internal 5 shoulder 40 of a collar 26 of the second element 13 abuts when in use in order to retain the second element 13 on the conduit 15. An additional benefit of using the swaged elements in the present embodiment of the invention is that, by eliminating a screw threaded connection between the first element 11 and the second element 13, the pivot joint 10 will not come loose during use. 10 The pivot joint 10 is provided with a spring 32 which is housed within a suitable recess 33 in the second element 13 and which is compressed when the first 11 and second 13 elements are brought into swaged engagement. When compressed, the spring 32 transfers pressure via a thrust washer 34 and pressure ring 29 to the sealing 15 element 19. Due to the presence of the spring 32 exerting pressure on the sealing element 19, rotation of the second element 13 is not required for any tightening adjustment of the pivot joint 10. Thus, the second element 13 may be abutted against a secondary 20 shoulder 35 located on the first element 11. By abutting the second element 13 against this secondary shoulder 35, the second element 13 may rotate with the first element 11. In this embodiment of the invention, the conduit 15 is provided with a screw-threaded 25 portion 20 adapted for screw-threaded engagement with a complementary screw threaded portion 21 of the third element 18. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It will be 30 understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope.

Claims

1. A pivot joint for connecting to a water line, the pivot joint comprising a first element which has a threaded barrel, a second element which 5 has a threaded barrel, a conduit received by both the first element and the second element and a sealing element, wherein the second element is adapted to be retained on the conduit, and when the threaded barrel of the first element engages the threaded barrel of the second element the sealing element forms a seal between the 10 second element and the conduit, and wherein the conduit is adapted to rotate independently of the first and second elements when said first and second elements are engaged.

2. A pivot joint according to claim 1 wherein the sealing element forms a seal between the conduit and both the first and second elements. 15

3. A pivot joint according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the respective barrels of the first and second elements are provided with complementary shapes adapted to allow the first and second elements to engage in a leak-proof engagement.

4. A pivot joint according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the 20 second element is adapted to be retained on the conduit.

5. A pivot joint according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the sealing element is provided on the conduit.

6. A pivot joint according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the conduit is adapted for connection to a third element. 25

7. A pivot joint according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the sealing element comprises an annular ring of compressible material.

8. A pivot joint for connecting to a water line, the pivot joint comprising a first element which has a threaded barrel, a second element which 30 has a threaded barrel, a conduit received by both the first element and the second element, a sealing element, and a biasing element, wherein the second element is adapted to be retained on the conduit, and when the threaded barrel of the first element engages 16 the threaded barrel of the second element the sealing element forms a seal between the second element and the conduit, and wherein the conduit is adapted to rotate independently of the first and second elements when said first and second elements are engaged. 5

9. A pivot joint according to claim 8 wherein the sealing element forms a seal between the conduit and both the first and second elements.

10. A pivot joint according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the respective barrels of the first and second elements are provided with complementary shapes adapted to allow the first and second elements to engage in a 10 leak-proof engagement.

11. A pivot joint according to any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the second element is adapted to be retained on the conduit.

12. A pivot joint according to any one of claims 8 to 11 wherein the sealing element comprises an annular ring of compressible material. 15

13. A pivot joint according to any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein the biasing element comprises a compressible element.

14. A pivot joint for connecting to a water line, the pivot joint comprising a first element, a second element, said first and second elements adapted to be engaged in a swaged relationship, a conduit received 20 by both the first element and the second element, a sealing element, and a biasing element, wherein the second element is adapted to be retained on the conduit, and when the first element and the second element are engaged the sealing element forms a seal between the first and second elements and the conduit, and wherein the conduit 25 is adapted to rotate independently of the first and second elements when said first and second elements are engaged.

15. A pivot joint according to claim 14 wherein the second element comprises a nut or collar.

16. A pivot joint according to claim 14 or claim 15 wherein the second 30 element is adapted to be retained on the conduit.

17. A pivot joint according to any one of claims 14 to 16 wherein the sealing element comprises an annular ring of compressible material. 17

18. A pivot joint according to any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein the sealing element is provided on the conduit.

19. A pivot joint according to any one of claims 14 to 18 wherein the biasing element comprises a compressible element. 5

20. A pivot joint for connecting to a water line, the pivot joint comprising a first element, a second element, said first and second elements adapted to be engaged in a swaged relationship, a conduit received by both the first element and the second element and a sealing element, wherein the second element is adapted to be retained on 10 the conduit, and when the first element and the second element are engaged the sealing element forms a seal between the first and second elements and the conduit, and wherein the conduit is adapted to rotate independently of the first and second elements when said first and second elements are engaged.