AU2013228052A1 - A mixer tap mounting arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

A MIXER TAP MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT A mixer tap mounting arrangement for mounting a mixer tap (1) adjacent an aperture in a cavity wall (5), the mounting arrangement including: a mounting plate (10) adapted for fixing to a wall cavity structure (12) located behind a surface of the cavity wall (5), the mounting plate (10) including a plurality of spigot receiving apertures; a mixer tap mounting body (15) adapted for fixing to the mounting plate (10) so as to be located in the wall cavity (23) during use, and being adapted for fluid communication with a fluid supply located in the wall cavity; a first inlet spigot (32) and a second inlet spigot (32a), each of the first and second inlet spigots including a mounting body portion adapted for adjustable engagement inside the mounting body for fluid communication with the fluid supply and further including an outer tap portion being arranged to protrude through an aperture in the surface of the cavity wall (5) during use; a base plate (45) being adapted to be fixed to the surface of the cavity wall (5) and including a first spigot aperture (46) and a second spigot aperture (46a) through which the outer tap portions of the first inlet spigot and the second inlet spigot protrude during use; and an outer tap assembly (60, 65, 70) adapted for fixing to the base plate (45). co, co LO~ w~ IO o o CV)j

Description

1 A MIXER TAP MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to a mixer tap mounting arrangement and to a method of mounting a mixer tap on a wall surface. Background of the Invention [0002] Mixer taps are known and are used, for example, in bathrooms and kitchens as a means of mixing hot and cold water streams for dispensing from a single exit point, for example a shower head or bath faucet. The tap is connected to hot and cold water supplies and includes a user adjustable valve for controlling the delivery of water to the exit point at a desired flow rate and temperature. [0003] Mixer taps are often wall mounted in/on cavity walls. Cavity walls comprise vertical and horizontal timber support structures, known as studs and noggins respectively. The tap is partially installed prior to completion of the wall surface whilst the wall cavity is exposed. In a typical installation, a water receiving portion of the tap is attached to a noggin, which is located a fixed distance away from a wall surface. Two fixed length spigots protrude from the wall cavity and into the room in which the tap is to be operated. A wall is then constructed over the cavity and support structures by applying layers of, for example, fibre cement sheet, adhesive and tiles, which may be of varying thickness depending on the type of wall surface required. A rigid cover plate is placed over the spigot and affixed to the wall to conceal the hole in the wall through which the tap is received. A tap cover and handle is then attached over the spigots to finish the tap. [0004] A problem with this type of installation is that the appearance of the tap from inside the room depends very much on the thickness of the wall. If in a first room the wall consists of several layers, then the distance between a front surface of the rigid cover plate and the tap cover may be small and relatively unnoticeable. However, if in a second room the wall surface is much thinner, the distance between the front surface of the rigid cover plate and the tap cover in this case will be larger by an amount equal to the difference in the thicknesses of the wall surfaces in the two rooms. The tap will protrude further from the wall surface in the second room than in the first room, hence the appearance of the taps will be different. This problem is 2 exacerbated where different wall surfaces are utilised within a single room, for example where tiles are only used in one part of the room. [0005] Furthermore, the rigid cover plate may be considered unsightly and it is desirable in certain environments to avoid the need for a cover plate. Object of the Invention [0006] It is the object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages. Summary of the Invention [0007] There is disclosed herein a mixer tap mounting arrangement for mounting a mixer tap adjacent an aperture in a cavity wall, the mounting arrangement including: a mounting plate adapted for fixing to a wall cavity structure located behind a surface of the cavity wall, the mounting plate including a plurality of spigot receiving apertures; a mixer tap mounting body adapted for fixing to the mounting plate so as to be located in the wall cavity during use, and being adapted for fluid communication with a fluid supply located in the wall cavity; a first inlet spigot and a second inlet spigot, each of the first and second inlet spigots including a mounting body portion adapted for adjustable engagement inside the mounting body for fluid communication with the fluid supply and further including an outer tap portion being arranged to protrude through an aperture in the surface of the cavity wall during use; a base plate being adapted to be fixed to the surface of the cavity wall and including a first spigot aperture and a second spigot aperture through which the outer tap portions of the first inlet spigot and the second inlet spigot protrude during use; and an outer tap assembly adapted for fixing to the base plate. [0008] An advantage of this arrangement is that the outer tap assembly can be fixed proximal to and flush with the cavity wall, concealing the aperture in the wall. [0009] Preferably, the first spigot aperture of the base plate is located above a horizontal centerline of the base plate during use. Preferably, the second spigot aperture of the base plate is 3 located beneath the horizontal centerline and in vertical alignment with the first spigot aperture during use. [0010] Preferably, the mounting body portion of each of the first inlet spigot and the second inlet spigot has an external thread and the outer tap portion includes a base plate flange. [0011] Preferably, the mounting body includes a first spigot engagement portion and a second spigot engagement portion and the first and second inlet spigots are insertable through the first spigot aperture and the second spigot aperture respectively of the mounting plate for adjustable engagement with the spigot engagement portions until the base plate flange of each of the first and second inlet spigots abuts the base plate. [0012] The adjustability of the connection between the first and second inlet spigots and the mixer tap mounting body advantageously means that the base plate can be fixed against the cavity wall surface for wall surface thicknesses of between 14mm and 24mm. The outer tap assembly can be located at a fixed distance from the cavity wall surface and a plurality of taps will appear more uniform relative to one another than if the prior art installation arrangement is employed. [0013] Preferably, the base plate is fixable against the cavity wall surface using a fastening means. More preferably, the fastening means is a countersunk screw. [0014] The mounting plate is preferably attachable to wall cavity structures located vertically above and below the position of the mixer tap mounting body. Preferably, each of the wall cavity structures is a wall support made of timber. [0015] The mounting plate is preferably flush mounted to the wall cavity structures and is preferably made of a rigid metal. More preferably, the mounting plate is made of steel. [0016] Preferably, the mixer tap mounting body includes a plurality of fluid inlets and a fluid outlet. [0017] Preferably, the mixer tap mounting arrangement includes a mixer body adapted for engagement over the first and second inlet spigots so as to abut the base plate.

4 [0018] Preferably, the mixer body includes a mixer tap cartridge having a handle adaptor, a cartridge actuator in operable communication with the handle adaptor and in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid inlets and the fluid outlet for selective admission of fluid in and out of the mixer tap during use. [0019] Preferably, the mixer tap mounting arrangement includes a locking device adapted for clamping the mixer body relative to the cavity wall surface and clamping the mounting plate relative to the wall surface during use. [0020] Preferably, the locking device includes a frustoconical part of the outer tap portion of the first and second inlet spigots, the frustoconical part being adapted for engagement by at least one locking member. Preferably, the locking member has a pointed tip. [0021] Preferably, the locking device includes a plurality of locking members for engagement with the frustoconical part of each of the first and second inlet spigots. [0022] Preferably, the mixer body includes a mixer body base adapted for abutting the base plate and a recess adjacent the mixer body base, the recess providing user access to a plurality of locking member channels that each extend perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the mixer tap from the recess to the frustoconical part of each of the first and second inlet spigots during use. [0023] Preferably, the plurality of locking members comprises first and second locking members for engagement with the first inlet spigot and first and second locking members for engagement with the second inlet spigot. [0024] Preferably, the recess includes two locking member channels extending to the first inlet spigot and two locking member channels extending to the second inlet spigot. Preferably, the locking members are threadably engageable inside the locking member channels for engaging the frustoconical portions of the first inlet spigot and the second inlet spigot, such that the locking members can be tightened against the frustoconical portions of each of the first and second inlet spigots to draw the spigots and the base plate towards the cavity wall surface. [0025] Preferably, the locking members are grub screws, more preferably fine point grub screws.

5 [0026] The mixer body is preferably adapted for fixing to the base plate with a fastening means applied through an aperture in the base portion. [0027] Advantageously, the mixer tap is adequately supported in the cavity wall due to the 'sandwiching' effect of the mounting plate at the wall cavity side of the arrangement being pulled towards the base plate at the cavity wall surface by the engagement between the locking members and the frustoconical portion of the spigots. [0028] Preferably, the mixer tap mounting arrangement includes a mounting body protection cover that is removable from the mounting body prior to construction of the cavity wall surface. Preferably, the mixer tap mounting arrangement includes first and second testing plugs adapted for removable engagement with the first and second spigot engagement portions respectively of the mounting body. [0029] Preferably, the mixer body includes an outlet spigot at a distal end thereof. [0030] Preferably, the outlet spigot includes a retainer groove around the circumference thereof. [0031] Preferably, the outer tap assembly includes an outer body, a handle and a faucet. [0032] The outer body is preferably adapted to be placed over the mixer body and is firmly securable thereto. [0033] The outer body preferably has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being arranged to cover the base plate and the distal end being arranged to cover the mixer body, the outer body having a circumference at the proximal end thereof that is sufficiently large to cover the aperture in the cavity wall surface during use. The faucet is preferably adapted for fixing at the distal end of the outer body. [0034] Preferably, the handle is securable to the handle adaptor of the mixer body cartridge. [0035] Preferably, the outer tap assembly includes a retainer member adapted for fitting into the retainer groove, the retainer member including a threaded aperture therein.

6 [0036] Preferably, the faucet is adapted for fitting over the outlet spigot and for fastening to the retainer member. [0037] There is further disclosed herein a method of mounting a mixer tap into an aperture of a cavity wall surface, the method comprising the steps of: attaching a mixer tap mounting body to a wall cavity side of a mounting plate, the mixer tap mounting body including a first spigot engagement portion and a second spigot engagement portion therein, prior to completion of the cavity wall surface, affixing the mounting plate to at least one cavity wall structure located in the wall cavity such that the mixer tap mounting body extends into the wall cavity, applying at least one wall finish to the cavity wall structure to produce a cavity wall surface, fixing a base plate over the cavity wall surface, the base plate including first and second spigot apertures to correspond with the first spigot engagement portion and the second spigot engagement portion of the mounting body during use, inserting a first inlet spigot and a second inlet spigot into the first and second spigot apertures respectively and engaging them inside the first and second spigot engagement portions of the mounting body, fixing a mixer body over the first and second inlet spigots, and arranging an outer tap assembly over the mixer body and in abutment with the cavity wall surface. [0038] Preferably, the first and second inlet spigots include an external thread at a mounting body end thereof and a base flange at an outer tap end thereof and the spigot engagement portions of the mounting body include a corresponding internal thread, and wherein the step of engaging the first and second inlet spigots inside the spigot engagement portions of the mounting body comprises screwing the first inlet spigot and second inlet spigot into the first and second spigot engagement portions respectively until the base flange abuts the base plate. [0039] Preferably, the outer tap portion of the first and second inlet spigots each include a frustoconical part and the mixer body includes a plurality of locking member channels arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the mixer tap, and wherein the step of fixing the mixer 7 body over the first and second inlet spigots comprises engaging at least one locking member into one of the locking member channels. [0040] Preferably, the locking members have pointed tips and the step of engaging the locking member into one of the locking member channels comprises tightening the pointed tip of the locking member against the frustoconical part of the first or second inlet spigot thereby pulling it towards the cavity wall surface. [0041] Preferably, the mixer tap includes first and second testing plugs and the method comprises the step of, prior to completion of the cavity wall surface, inserting the testing plugs into the spigot engagement portions, connecting the mounting body to a fluid supply and pressure testing the connection between the mounting body and the fluid supply. [0042] Preferably, the mixer tap includes a protective cover and the method comprises fastening the protective cover to the mounting plate and, following completion of the cavity wall surface, removing the protective cover from the mounting plate. [0043] Preferably, the mixer body includes an outlet spigot at a distal end thereof and the outer tap assembly comprises an outer body and a faucet, and the step of arranging the outer tap assembly over the mixer body and in abutment with the cavity wall comprises placing the outer body over the mixer body, fitting the faucet over the outlet spigot and fixing it in place with a fastening means. [0044] Preferably, the mixer body further includes a cartridge having a handle adaptor, a cartridge actuator in operable communication with the handle actuator and in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid inlets and the fluid outlet for selective admission of fluid in and out of the mixer tap during use thereof, and wherein the step of completing the tap includes securing a mixer tap handle to the handle adaptor. [0045] Preferably the outlet spigot includes an annular retaining groove around the circumference thereof, and the step of fitting the faucet over the outlet spigot comprises fastening the faucet to a retainer member housed in the retainer groove such that the fastening member bites onto the spigot.

8 Brief Description of the Drawings [0046] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of an example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: [0047] Figure 1 is a top view of a mixer tap mounting arrangement, installed in a 14 mm wall thickness; [0048] Figure 2 is a side view of a mixer tap, installed in the cavity wall: [0049] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional top view of the mixer tap mounting arrangement of Figure 2 at line C-C; [0050] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the mixer tap mounting arrangement of Figure 1 at line A-A; [0051] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional front view of the mixer tap mounting arrangement of Figure 1 at line E-E; [0052] Figure 6 is a top view of the mixer tap mounting arrangement installed in a 24 mm wall thickness; [0053] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the mixer tap mounting arrangement of Figure 6 at line F-F; [0054] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a first stage of the installation of the mixer tap mounting arrangement of Figure 2; [0055] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a second stage of the installation of the mixer tap mounting arrangement of Figure 2; [0056] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a third stage of the installation of the mixer tap mounting arrangement of Figure 2; [0057] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a fourth stage of the installation of the mixer tap mounting arrangement of Figure 2; 9 [0058] Figure 12 is a perspective part cross sectional view of a fifth stage of the installation of the mixer tap mounting arrangement of Figure 1 at line G-G; [0059] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional front view of the mixer body showing the base surface, locking member channels, dog point grub screws and inlet spigots arrangement of Figure 1 at line G-G; and [0060] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a sixth stage of the installation of the mixer tap mounting arrangement of Figure 2. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments [0061] Figure 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of mounting arrangement for a mixer tap 1 installed adjacent a surface of the cavity wall 5. The cavity wall 5 includes an aperture 16 in which the mixer tap mounting arrangement is received. In Figure 1, the cavity wall 5 consists of three layers of fibre cement sheet 5a, adhesive 5b and tiles 5c. [0062] The mounting arrangement comprises a mounting plate 10 that is affixed to upper and lower noggins 12 in the wall cavity as shown in Figure 4 via screws 13 or other fixing means. [0063] A mounting body 15 is fixed to the mounting plate 10 via screws 14. The mounting body 15 is generally T-shaped in cross section and is mounted to the mounting plate such that it is located in a wall cavity 23 behind the surface of the cavity wall 5. The mounting body 15 has a pair of fluid inlets 20, 20a for connection to hot and cold water supplies respectively. [0064] Referring to Figure 4, the fluid inlets 20, 20a are in fluid communication with spigot receiving channels 25, 25a that extend through the mounting body 15 from the fluid inlets 20, 20a to the mounting plate 10. The spigot receiving channels 25, 25a each have an internal thread 29, 29a at the fluid inlet end thereof and are located one above the other in the mixing body 15. The spigot receiving channels 25, 25a are adapted to receive first and second inlet spigots 32, 32a therein. [0065] The mixer tap 1 further includes a base plate 45, best seen in Figure 10. The base plate 45 consists of a metallic circular plate having an external diameter that is chosen to conceal the aperture 16 in the wall cavity 5. The base plate 45 includes apertures 46, 46a for receiving the 10 inlet spigots 32, 32a respectively. The base plate apertures 46, 46a are located one above the other towards the right hand side of the base plate 45. The base plate 45 is fixed to the surface of the cavity wall 5 using a fixing screw 49 that screws into an internal threaded hole in the mounting body 15. [0066] The first and second inlet spigots 32, 32a each have an external thread 33, 33a at the distal end thereof for adjustable engagement with the internal threads 29, 29a of the spigot receiving channels 25, 25a. The inlet spigots 32, 32a protrude through the apertures 18, 18a in the mounting plate 10 and extend forward of the cavity wall surface 5 and the base plate 45. The spigots 32, 32a also each have an o-ring seal 26 at the distal end thereof and a further o-ring seal 27 at the proximal end thereof for providing a tight seal inside the spigot receiving channels 25, 25a inside the wall cavity and inside the mixer tap 1 in front of the cavity wall surface 5 respectively. [0067] The inlet spigots 32, 32a each include a flange portion 37 towards a proximal end thereof. The flange portion 37 acts as a stop during assembly of the mounting arrangement, and the inlet spigots 32, 32a can be screwed into the spigot receiving channels 25, 25a only until the flange portions 37 thereof abut the base plate 45. In this manner, the inlet spigots 32, 32a always protrude a uniform amount in front of the base plate 45. The portion of the inlet spigots 32, 32a that protrudes from the base plate 45 includes a frustoconical portion 34 that tapers inwardly towards the base plate 45. [0068] Referring to Figure 4, a mixer body 30 is fitted over the first and second inlet spigots 32, 32a in front of the base plate 45. [0069] The mixer body 30 includes a recess 80 at a proximal end thereof and to the left hand side thereof as seen in Figures 3 and 12. The recess 80 forms a mixer body base portion 82 through which a fixing screw 84 is insertable to fasten the mixer body 30 to the base plate 45. The base portion 82 includes first and second spigot receiving channels 31, 31 a through which the spigots 32, 32a are received during installation of the mixer tap 1. As seen in Figure 12, the base portion 82 also includes four horizontal locking member channels 85 that extend perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the mixer tap (seen in Figure 3) from the recess 80 to the frustoconical portions 34 of each of the inlet spigots 32, 32a. The locking member channels 85 are internally threaded and are placed in pairs either side of the inlet spigots 32, 32a. A cone 11 point grub screw 86 is inserted into each of the locking members channels 86 such that the points of the grub screws 86 can be tightened onto the frustoconical parts 34 of the spigots 32, 32a from either side thereof. [0070] A mixer tap cartridge 35 is housed in the mixer body 30. The mixer tap cartridge 35 is a generally cylindrical cartridge having an actuating device to receive a handle adaptor 38. The cartridge actuator 40, the details of which are omitted for clarity, is a standard mixer tap valve that is well known and understood by persons skilled in the art. The actuator 40 controls the fluid communication from the fluid inlets 20 into the mixer tap 1 for the selective admission of water into the mixer tap 1 during use. A cartridge retaining plate 36 is affixed to the cartridge 35. [0071] The mixer tap 1 further includes a generally cylindrical inner support body 55 that is adapted for fitting over the handle adaptor 38 and fixing to the mixer body 30. The inner support body 55 is attached to the mixer body 30 and includes an outlet spigot 58 upon which a faucet 70 of an outer tap assembly is attached. A generally cylindrical inner sleeve 56 fits over the inner support body. The mixer body 30, cartridge 35, cartridge retaining plate 36, handle adapter 38, inner support body 55 and inner sleeve 56 together form a mixer tap body sub assembly 50, shown in Figure 11. [0072] The outer tap assembly includes a thrust washer 57 and an outer body 60 fitted over the inner support body 55 and the mixer body 30. The thrust washer 57 is fitted over the mixer body 30 and abuts a proximal end 68 thereof. The outer body 60 consists of a metallic, generally frustoconical sleeve having a diameter that increases from a distal end 61 to a proximal end 62 thereof. The proximal end 62 of the outer body 60 lies adjacent to and flush with the cavity wall 5 and the diameter of the outer body 60 at the proximal end 62 is large enough to conceal the aperture 16 in the cavity wall 5. The outer body 60 further includes an aperture 63 in a sleeve wall thereof that is in alignment with the handle adaptor 38 of the cartridge 35. [0073] The outer tap assembly further includes a handle 65 that is connected to the handle adaptor 38 of the mixer tap cartridge 35 for operation of the cartridge actuator 40. The handle 65 protrudes through the aperture 63 in the outer body 60 for operation by a user. A faucet 70 covers the distal end 61 of the outer body 60. The faucet 70 is adapted to be fitted over the 12 outlet spigots 58 and is held in place thereon with a semi-annular retainer member 73 and a plain cup point grub screw 75 that is fixed into an aperture 74 in the retainer 73. [0074] Prior to installation, the mounting arrangement for the mixer tap 1 also includes a tiling guide 42, seen in Figure 9. The tiling guide 42 is used as a template to produce the correct size aperture whilst the cavity wall 5 is being constructed. The mounting arrangement further includes testing plugs 47, 47a that are adapted for threadable insertion into the spigot receiving channels 25, 25a for pressure testing the installation. The testing plugs 47, 47a each include an o-ring seal 44 for providing a water tight seal inside the spigot receiving channels 25, 25a during a pressure test. The tiling guide 42 fits over the testing plugs 47, 47a and is fastenable to the mounting plate 10 using a fixing screw 48. [0075] Referring to Figures 8 to 14, the installation of the mixer tap 1 adjacent the cavity wall 5 is as follows. As shown in Figure 8, the mounting body 15 is affixed to the rear of the mounting plate 10 using fixing screws 14. The mounting plate 10 and mounting body 15 are then attached to corresponding recesses in the upper and lower noggins 12 in the wall cavity 23 with screws 13 or the like, such that the mounting plate 10 lies flush with the front surfaces of the noggins 12. [0076] The testing plugs 47, 47a are then inserted into the spigot receiving channels 25, 25a and the tiling guide 42 is affixed over the top of the testing plugs 47, 47a using the fixing screw 48. [0077] The cavity wall 5 is then constructed, including the aperture 16, by applying a layer of fibre cement sheet 5a and any wall finishes 5b, 5c that are required. In Figure 10, the cavity wall 5 comprises layers of fibre cement sheet 5a, adhesive 5b and tiles 5c. The mixer tap 1 is designed for use with cavity walls of various thicknesses without producing a difference in appearance of the tap adjacent to the cavity wall 5. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1, to 4, the cavity wall surface 5 is built up to a minimum thickness of 14 mm and in Figures 6 and 7 to a maximum wall thickness of 24 mm. [0078] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, once the cavity wall surface 5 is complete, the tiling guide 42 is removed from the mounting plate 10 and the testing plugs 47, 47a are removed from the spigot receiving channels 25, 25a. The inlet spigots 32, 32a are then inserted and screwed into the spigot receiving channels 25, 25a until the flange portions 37 of the inlet spigots 32, 32a abut the base plate 45.

13 [0079] The mixer tap body sub-assembly 50, made up of the various components mixer body 30, cartridge 35, cartridge retaining plate 36, handle adaptor 38, inner support body 55, inner sleeve 56 and other items not shown, is provided as a pre-assembled arrangement. The mixer body 30 is then fitted over the ends of the inlet spigots 32, 32a such that the spigot ends protrude into the spigot receiving channels 31, 31 a of the mixer body 30, exposing the frustoconical portions 34 thereof to the locking member channels 85. The cone point grub screws 86 are screwed into the locking member channels 85 and thereof are tightened against the frustoconical portions 34 of the inlet spigots 32, 32a. This action has the effect of pulling the mixer body 30 towards the base plate 45 and the cavity wall surface 5 for a stable and secure mounting. A flat washer 83 is fitted over the external threaded end of the fixing screw 84 and is inserted through the aperture in the base portion 82 of the mixer body 30 and screwed into a threaded hole in the base plate 45 and tightened to provide additional support and secure mounting arrangement. [0080] The thrust washer 57 and the outer body 60 are fitted over the mixer tap body sub assembly 50. The O-ring 67 is placed over the end of the grub screw 66, the grub screw is inserted through the opening 63 in the outer body 60 and screwed into the threaded hole in the handle adaptor 38 and the grub screw 66 is tightened. The handle 65 is inserted through the opening 63 and screwed onto the end of the grub screw 66 and tightened so a bottom face of the handle 65 is locked firmly on the handle adaptor 38. [0081] The retainer member 73 is then fitted into the groove 59 of the outlet spigot 58 and the threaded aperture 74 therein is oriented towards the floor. The faucet 70 is then fitted over the outlet spigot 58 and pushed on such that the fixing aperture 71 of the faucet 70 is facing towards the floor and is in alignment with the threaded aperture 74 in the retainer member 73. The grub screw 75 is inserted in the fixing aperture 71 and screwed into the threaded aperture 74 of the retainer member 73 and tightened to secure the faucet 70 in the required position. The faucet outlet 76 will accordingly face downwards towards the bath and/or sink above which it is installed. [0082] The mixer tap 1 is operated by pulling the handle 65 forwards away from the cavity wall 5 to open the cartridge actuator 40 moving the handle 65 from left to right and vice versa allows the temperature of the water being admitted into the mixer tap to be adjusted. The water from each of the hot and cold water supplies can therefore be admitted into the tap at a desired flow 14 rate to produce a mixed water stream at a desired temperature for delivery to the faucet outlet 76. [0083] It can be seen that the tap also produces a uniform appearance on walls of different thicknesses. The proximal end 61 of the outer body 60 lies adjacent the wall 5 due to the distance that the spigot ends protrude in front of the base plate 45 and the cavity wall surface 5. The diameter of the outer body 60 at the proximal end thereof is sufficiently large that the aperture in the cavity wall is obscured from view without the need for a covering plate. [0084] The mixer tap mounting arrangement 1 also produces a mixer that is suitable for use adjacent cavity walls of varying thickness because of the adjustability in the engagement between the inlet spigots 32, 32a and the mounting body 15. Furthermore, the tap is fully supported on the wall by the mounting plate 10 by the forces generated by the tightening of the grub screws 86 onto the inlet spigots 32, 32a, pulling the mixer body 30 towards and only the base plate 45 whilst the threaded engagement of the inlet spigots 32, 32a inside the mounting body 15 simultaneously pulls the mounting body 15 towards the wall from the cavity side. [0085] Although the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be considered by persons skilled in the art that the invention can be described in many other forms.

Claims (45)

1. A mixer tap mounting arrangement for mounting a mixer tap adjacent an aperture in a cavity wall, the mounting arrangement including: a mounting plate adapted for fixing to a wall cavity structure located behind a surface of the cavity wall, the mounting plate including a plurality of spigot receiving apertures; a mixer tap mounting body adapted for fixing to the mounting plate so as to be located in the wall cavity during use, and being adapted for fluid communication with a fluid supply located in the wall cavity; a first inlet spigot and a second inlet spigot, each of the first and second inlet spigots including a mounting body portion adapted for adjustable engagement inside the mounting body for fluid communication with the fluid supply and further including an outer tap portion being arranged to protrude through an aperture in the surface of the cavity wall during use; a base plate being adapted to be fixed to the surface of the cavity wall and including a first spigot aperture and a second spigot aperture through which the outer tap portions of the first inlet spigot and the second inlet spigot protrude during use; and an outer tap assembly adapted for fixing to the base plate.

2. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first spigot aperture of the base plate is located above a horizontal centerline of the base plate during use.

3. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second spigot aperture of the base plate is located beneath the horizontal centerline and in vertical alignment with the first spigot aperture during use.

4. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mounting body portion of each of the first inlet spigot and the second inlet spigot has an external thread and the outer tap portion includes a base plate flange.

5. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 4, wherein the mounting body includes a first spigot engagement portion and a second spigot engagement portion and the first and second inlet spigots are insertable through the first spigot aperture and the second spigot aperture respectively of the mounting plate for adjustable engagement with the first and second spigot engagement portions until the base plate flange of each of the first and second inlet spigots abuts the base plate. 16

6. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 5, wherein the base plate is fixable against the cavity wall surface using a fastening means.

7. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 6, wherein the fastening means is a countersunk screw.

8. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting plate is attachable to wall cavity structures located vertically above and below the position of the mixer tap mounting body.

9. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 8, wherein each of the wall cavity structures is a wall support made of timber.

10. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 9, wherein the mounting plate is flush mounted to the wall cavity structures and is made of a rigid metal.

11. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting plate is made of steel.

12. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixer tap mounting body includes a plurality of fluid inlets and a fluid outlet.

13. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixer tap mounting arrangement includes a mixer body adapted for engagement over the first and second inlet spigots so as to abut the base plate.

14. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 13, wherein the mixer body includes a mixer tap cartridge having a handle adaptor, a cartridge actuator in operable communication with the handle adaptor and in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid inlets and the fluid outlet for selective admission of fluid in and out of the mixer tap during use.

15. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the mixer tap mounting arrangement includes a locking device adapted for clamping the mixer body relative to the cavity wall surface and clamping the mounting plate relative to the wall surface during use. 17

16. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 15, wherein the locking device includes a frustoconical part of the outer tap portion of the first and second inlet spigots, the frustoconical part being adapted for engagement by at least one locking member.

17. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 16, wherein the locking member has a pointed tip.

18. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the locking device includes a plurality of locking members for engagement with the frustoconical part of each of the first and second inlet spigots.

19. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the mixer body includes a mixer body base adapted for abutting the base plate and a recess adjacent the mixer body base, the recess providing user access to a plurality of locking member channels that each extend perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the mixer tap from the recess to the frustoconical part of each of the first and second inlet spigots during use.

20. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the plurality of locking members comprises first and second locking members for engagement with the first inlet spigot and first and second locking members for engagement with the second inlet spigot.

21. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 19, wherein the recess includes two locking member channels extending to the first inlet spigot and two locking member channels extending to the second inlet spigot.

22. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the locking members are threadably engageable inside the locking member channels for engaging the frustoconical portions of the first inlet spigot and the second inlet spigot, such that the locking members can be tightened against the frustoconical portions of each of the first and second inlet spigots to draw the spigots and the base plate towards the cavity wall surface.

23. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the locking members are grub screws. 18

24. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 23 in which the locking members are fine point grub screws.

25. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 24, wherein the mixer body is adapted for fixing to the base plate with a fastening means applied through an aperture in the base portion.

26. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixer tap mounting arrangement includes a mounting body protection cover that is removable from the mounting body prior to construction of the cavity wall surface.

27. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixer tap mounting arrangement includes first and second testing plugs adapted for removable engagement with the first and second spigot engagement portions respectively of the mounting body.

28. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 25, wherein the mixer body includes an outlet spigot at a distal end thereof.

29. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 28, wherein the outlet spigot includes a retainer groove around the circumference thereof.

30. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer tap assembly includes an outer body, a handle and a faucet.

31. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 30, wherein the outer body is adapted to be placed over the mixer body and is firmly securable thereto.

32. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 31, wherein the outer body has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being arranged to cover the base plate and the distal end being arranged to cover the mixer body, the outer body having a circumference at the proximal end thereof that is sufficiently large to cover the aperture in the cavity wall surface during use. 19

33. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 30, wherein the handle is securable to the handle adaptor of the mixer body cartridge.

34. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 29, wherein the outer tap assembly includes a retainer member adapted for fitting into the retainer groove, the retainer member including a threaded aperture therein.

35. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 30, wherein the faucet is adapted for fixing the distal end of the outer body.

36. A mixer tap mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 30 or claim 35, wherein the faucet is adapted for fitting over the outlet spigot and for fastening to the retainer member.

37. A method of mounting a mixer tap into an aperture of a cavity wall surface, the method comprising the steps of: attaching a mixer tap mounting body to a wall cavity side of a mounting plate, the mixer tap mounting body including a first spigot engagement portion and a second spigot engagement portion therein, prior to completion of the cavity wall surface, affixing the mounting plate to at least one cavity wall structure located in the wall cavity such that the mixer tap mounting body extends into the wall cavity, applying at least one wall finish to the cavity wall structure to produce a cavity wall surface, fixing a base plate over the cavity wall surface, the base plate including first and second spigot apertures to correspond with the first spigot engagement portion and the second spigot engagement portion of the mounting body during use, inserting a first inlet spigot and a second inlet spigot into the first and second spigot apertures respectively and engaging them inside the first and second spigot engagement portions of the mounting body, fixing a mixer body over the first and second inlet spigots, and arranging an outer tap assembly over the mixer body and in abutment with the cavity wall surface. 20

38. A method as claim in claim 37, wherein the first and second inlet spigots include an external thread at a mounting body end thereof and a base flange at an outer tap end thereof and the spigot engagement portions of the mounting body include a corresponding internal thread, and wherein the step of engaging the first and second inlet spigots inside the spigot engagement portions of the mounting body comprises screwing the first inlet spigot and second inlet spigot into the first and second spigot engagement portions respectively until the base flange abuts the base plate.

39. A method as claimed in claim 38, wherein the outer tap portion of the first and second inlet spigots each include a frustoconical part and the mixer body includes a plurality of locking member channels arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the mixer tap, and wherein the step of fixing the mixer body over the first and second inlet spigots comprises engaging at least one locking member into one of the locking member channels.

40. A method as claimed in claim 39, wherein the locking members have pointed tips and the step of engaging the locking member into one of the locking member channels comprises tightening the pointed tip of the locking member against the frustoconical part of the first or second inlet spigot thereby pulling it towards the cavity wall surface.

41. A method as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein the mixer tap includes first and second testing plugs and the method comprises the step of, prior to completion of the cavity wall surface, inserting the testing plugs into the spigot engagement portions, connecting the mounting body to a fluid supply and pressure testing the connection between the mounting body and the fluid supply.

42. A method as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 41, wherein the mixer tap includes a protective cover and the method comprises fastening the protective cover to the mounting plate and, following completion of the cavity wall surface, removing the protective cover from the mounting plate.

43. A method as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 42, wherein the mixer body includes an outlet spigot at a distal end thereof and the outer tap assembly comprises an outer body and a faucet, and the step of arranging the outer tap assembly over the mixer body and in abutment with the cavity wall comprises placing the outer body over the mixer body, fitting the faucet over the outlet spigot and fixing it in place with a fastening means. 21

44. A method as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 43, wherein the mixer body further includes a cartridge having a handle adaptor, a cartridge actuator in operable communication with the handle actuator and in fluid communication with a fluid supply located in the wall cavity for selective admission of fluid to the mixer tap during use thereof, and wherein the method further comprises the step of securing a mixer tap handle to the handle adaptor.

45. A method as claimed in claim 43, wherein the outlet spigot includes an annular retaining groove around the circumference thereof, and the step of fitting the faucet over the outlet spigot comprises fastening the faucet to a retainer member housed in the retainer groove such that the fastening member bites onto the spigot. Caroma Industries Limited Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON & FERGUSON