AU2015101784B4 - An Improved Basin Body - Google Patents

Abstract

A basin body is disclosed which is assembled from two separately formed parts, namely an outer body component and an insert component. Only the insert component contains fluid under pressure at times when the basin body is in use but flow of fluid through the basin body is prevented. The insert component is made from dezincification resistant brass ("DR brass") but the outer body component is made from a brass or metal other than (and cheaper than) DR brass.

Description

AN IMPROVED BASIN BODY

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to basin bodies.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The term "basin body" is used in the plumbing, tapware and related trades to refer to a particular type of plumbing part which is used in or associated with bathroom basins, kitchen sinks, laundry sinks, and the like. An explanation of what basin bodies are, and how they are used, is given below [0003] Figure 1 is an exploded view of certain parts and fittings typically associated a conventional bathroom basin, including the hot water tap and it's associated tap valve, the cold water tap and it's associated tap valve, the water spout, etc. The parts illustrated in Figure 1 together/collectively constitute what is often termed a "standard basin set". As will be apparent, the bathroom basin itself is not shown in Figure 1, and nor is the bench-top or cabinet-top on or in which the basin is mounted.

[0004] Referring to the hot and cold taps, it can be seen from Figure 1 that each of these includes a tap handle 1 h, 1c, a flange 3h, 3c and a cap 5h, 5c. These parts of the respective taps, along with the water spout 7, are mounted on top of the basin when the basin is fully assembled.

[0005] In contrast, the group of parts collectively labelled as the "under sink assembly" in Figures 1 and 2 are (as the name suggests) mounted beneath the basin/sink (and typically beneath the bench-top or cabinet-top) when the basin is fully assembled. More specifically, when the basin and its taps are undergoing the final stages of assembly, the under sink assembly will already be assembled (i.e. as shown in Figure 1) beneath the basin, and a portion of each of the hot and cold water tap valves 8h and 8c, including the stems 9h and 9c thereof, will normally extend up through respective holes in the basin to project above the basin. Using the hot water tap as an example, in order to perform the final stages of assembly, the flange 3h is placed over the valve stem 9h so that the flange 3h covers (and hides) most of the valve stem 9h and also the portion of the body of valve 8h that is above the basin. Flowever, at least the upper threaded portion and also a slightly lower squared off portion of the valve stem 9h project up and out through the upper hole in the flange 3h. This is so that the tap handle 1h can be slotted onto the squared off portion of the stem 9h, such that thereafter turning the tap handle 1h turns the stem 9h. The cap 5h is then inserted into (and to cover) the hole/gap remaining in the centre of the tap handle 1 h after it has been slotted onto the stem 9h - the cap is actually screwed onto the upper threaded portion of the stem 9h - and the cap 5h is typically marked "hot", or "H", or coloured red, etc, to indicate that it is the hot tap. The process for finally assembling the cold tap is the same, except that the cap 5c is typically marked "cold", or "C", or coloured blue, etc, to indicate that it is the cold tap.

[0006] The spout 7 screws into a piped and threaded fitting or recess within the basin, such that water can flow out through the spout when the tap(s) are "turned on". As is conventional, the water exiting the spout 7 will be "cold" (i.e. it will be the temperature of the water supplied to the cold water tap) if only the cold water tap is turned on, or the water exiting the spout 7 will be "hot" (i.e. it will be the temperature of the water supplied to the hot water tap) if only the hot water tap is turned on, or the water exiting the spout 7 will be "warm" if both the hot and cold water taps are turned on at the same time (and how warm will naturally depend on how much the respective taps are turned on and thus on the proportion of hot:cold water mixing prior to existing the spout 7).

[0007] Referring now to the under sink assembly in Figure 1 (an exploded view of which is given in Figure 2), it can be seen that this assembly includes the hot water tap valve 8h which is itself mounted to (screwed into the top of) a basin body 10h, the cold water tap valve 8c which is likewise mounted to (screwed into the top of) a basin body 10c, and copper piping 11 for connecting the respective basin bodies 10h and 10c to the water spout 7. Note that Figures 1 and 2 do not necessarily show all of the piping required to connect the basin bodies 10 to the water spout 7. Figures 1 and 2 also do not illustrate the piping that delivers hot and cold water into the respective basin bodies 10h and 10c. The way in which water enters the basin bodies will, however, be plainly apparent from the labelling in Figure 1.

[0008] Turning now to Figure 3, this Figure illustrates the basin body 10, the tap valve 8, the flange 3, the handle 1, etc, of one of the taps, when fully assembled. Note that Figure 3 could be the hot water tap assembly or the cold water tap assembly.

[0009] Figure 3 is actually a cross-sectional view of the tap assembly, and in this crosssectional view it can be seen that the tap valve 8 is a form of valve commonly referred to as a jumper valve. Thus, as part of the tap valve 8 (which is a jumper valve), below the lower end of the valve stem 9 (this is actually also inside the basin body 10 when the parts are assembled as shown in Figure 3) there is a "jumper" component 12. The jumper component 12 includes a narrow vertical portion which extends down from (and effectively as an extension of) the valve stem 9, and on the bottom of the jumper component 12 (on the bottom of the narrow vertical portion) there is a wider horizontal (substantially circular and disc shaped) portion. Mounted on the underside of this wider disc portion of the jumper component 12 is a rubberised washer or other seal 13.

[0010] It can also be seen in Figure 3 that, on the inside of basin body 10, there is an internal formation 14. The inside of the internal formation 14 defines a hollow bore 16. As shown, when water enters the basin body 10, through the piping (not shown) connected at the bottom of the basin body, the water flows up through the inside of this hollow bore 16. It can also be seen in Figure 3 that, surrounding the open top of the bore 16 at the top of the internal formation 14 there is a flat-topped annular rim 18. This flat annular rim defines a valve seat 18.

[0011] The basic way the tap assembly illustrated in Figure 3 works is as follows. In order to "turn off" the tap, the tap handle 1 must be turned (typically in a clockwise direction), and this in turn causes the valve stem 9 to turn. Then, because the valve stem 9 engages in a threaded manner with the body of the valve 8, the (typically clockwise) turning of the valve stem 9 will, by virtue of this threaded engagement with the valve body, cause the valve stem 9 to move vertically downward relative to the valve body. The downward movement of the valve stem 9 also causes corresponding downward movement of the jumper component 12. And in fact, in order to turn the tap fully off, the tap must be turned (typically clockwise) enough (or enough times) such that the valve stem 9 and jumper component 12 move vertically downwards far enough for the rubberised washer (or other seal) 13 on the underside of the jumper component 12 to press down against the valve seat 18. When the washer (or other seal) 13 on the jumper component presses against the valve seat 18, this covers and blocks off the opening in the top of the formation 14, and thus prevents any water from flowing up and out through the opening in the top of the formation 14. Thus, when the washer (or other seal) 13 on the underside of the jumper component 12 presses against the valve seat 18, this creates a seal and prevents water from flowing out of the bore 16 and through the basin body 10.

[0012] As an aside it should be noted that, in some alternative basin body designs, the opening in the top of the formation 14 (i.e. where the bore 16 opens out through the top of the formation 14) may "flare outwards" conically. Where this is the case, the washer or other seal 13 on the bottom of the jumper component 12, instead of having a simple flat/horizontal underside, may instead have a tapered/conical shape that corresponds exactly to the conical or flaring shape of the opening in the top of the bore 16. This is so that, when the said tapered washer (or seal) on the jumper component presses down into the conical opening in the top of the bore 16, this covers and blocks off the opening and thus (again) prevents water from flowing up and out through the opening in the top of the formation 14 (and hence prevents water from flowing through the basin body 10). This design variant may also be applied to the present invention, which is discussed below.

[0013] In any case, returning to the configuration illustrated in Figure 3, in order to turn the tap "on", the tap handle 1 must be turned (typically in an anticlockwise direction), and this in turn again causes the valve stem 9 to turn. Also, because of the threaded engagement between the valve stem 9 and the body of the valve 8, this turning of the stem (anticlockwise) causes the stem 9 to move vertically upward relative to the valve body. The upward movement of the valve stem 9 also causes (or this allows) corresponding upward movement of the jumper component 12. In fact, as soon as the jumper component 12 moves upward far enough for the washer/seal 13 on the underside thereof to separate from the valve seat 18, water will begin to flow out of the bore 16, through the space in between the washer/seal 13 and the valve seat 18. Initially, the space between the washer and the valve seat 18 will be small, and so the amount or rate at which water can pass therebetween and out through the basin body will be comparatively low. However, as the tap handle (and stem) are turned (anticlockwise) more, the jumper component 12 will lift further away from the valve seat 18, as indicated in dashed outline in Figure 3, thereby creating a larger gap between the washer 13 and the valve seat 18 through which water can pass, and consequently a greater flow rate of water will flow.

[0014] When water flows up and out through the top of the bore 16, passing as it does so between the underside of the washer/seal 13 and the valve seat 18, the water then proceeds vertically back down through the open flow space surrounding the formation 14 on the inside the basin body 10, as illustrated by the arrows in Figure 3. This open flow space on the inside of the basin body 10, which is actually the space between the outer surface of the formation 14 and the internal surface of the basin body's external wall, creates a flow passage which is in fluid communication with the basin body's outlet 19. The piping 11 which connects the basin body 10 to the water spout 7 connects on or to the outlet 19, as shown in Figure 3. Thus, when the tap is "turned on" and water is allowed to flow out of the bore 16 and through the basin body 10, the water then exits the basin body 10 through outlet 19, before flowing along piping 11 and ultimately out through the spout 7.

[0015] The nature and function of basin bodies (i.e. what they are and the role they play in the plumbing of bathroom basins and the like) should be evident from the above discussion. It is next important to consider the material from which basin bodies are made.

[0016] Like many parts, fittings, devices and the like used in plumbing, basin bodies are normally made from brass. However, in Australia (and likely in many other places as well), building and plumbing standards and codes specify that, because basin bodies are required to withstand considerable water pressures, and especially if they are used for drinking water applications (although the same requirement may apply for a range of other non-drinking water applications as well), the basin bodies are required to be made from a form of brass commonly referred to as dezincification resistant brass (or more commonly "DR brass"). As the name suggests, DR brass is a form of brass (i.e. it is a particular brass alloy) that is particularly resistant to dezincification, as well is to corrosion and other forms of degradation.

[0017] To appreciate why basin bodies are required to withstand considerable water pressures, it should be noted that when the tap is turned fully "off" and no water is able to flow through the basin body, at such times the basin body must bear and contain (within the bore 18 inside the internal formation 14 which is then closed off by the jumper seal) the full pressure of water being supplied thereto by the mains or other water supply. DR brass is therefore commonly specified as a standard or code compliance requirement due to its dezincification, corrosion and degradation resistant properties, which can be important in these pressurebearing applications (and also due to its suitability for use in applications involving, for example, high water temperatures, deviating water qualities, chlorides or other chemicals present in the water, etc).

[0018] However, DR brass (and hence anything made from it) must be made with considerable care, in particular with regards to ensuring it contains the correct alloying constituent components/ingredients, in the correct quantities, and also in relation to ensuring proper temperature control during the formation/manufaeture of anything made therefrom ίο ensure longevity and to minimise potential for long-term failures. As a consequence, DR brass, and anything made from it, is typically considerably more expensive than an equivalent part or component made from another form of cheaper or lower grade brass (or other cheaper metal alloy). In the context of basin bodies, this means the cost of producing basin bodies is quite high, which naturally in turn increases the cost to consumers associated with creating/instaliing/repairing/re-plumbing bathroom basins, kitchen sinks, laundry sinks, and the like, which incorporate basin bodies, it would therefore seem to be desirable if there were some way for the cost of producing basin bodies to be reduced. It may also be desirable to address certain other issues or potential shortcomings associated with basin bodies.

[0019] It is to be clearly understood that mere reference herein to any previous or existing devices, apparatus, products, systems, methods, practices, publications or to any other information, or to any problems or issues, does not constitute an acknowledgement or admission that any of those things, whether individually or in any combination, formed part of the common general knowledge of those skilled in the field, or that they are admissible prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] One useful aspect or characteristic of the invention is that the basin body is assembled from a plurality of separately formed parts. Because the basin body is assembled from (i.e. it is made up of) multiple parts that are initially formed separately from one another, it follows that if, for example, one or some (but not all) of the parts were to be damaged (or fail quality control, or the like) prior to the assembly and/or the subsequent installation of the basin body (or even if one or some parts were to fall during use), only that/those part(s) may need to be replaced. This (i.e. replacing only one or some parts) is likely to be cheaper than if the basin body were made as a single, unitary component (as described above) in which case the entire basin body would need to be replaced in the event of damage, or failure of quality control, failure in use, or the like.

[0021] Therefore, pari of what is proposed herein is an outer body component of a basin body, wherein the outer body component is operable to be assembled together with one or more other components which is/are formed separately from the outer body component, and when assembled together with the one or more other components, the outer body component and the one or more other components together form a basin body, with the outer body component forming at least part of an exterior of the basin body. This may offer similar benefits to those described above. That is, because the basin body is assembled from (i.e. it is made up of) multiple parts, namely the outer body component and the one or more other components (the latter being initially formed separately from the outer body component), it follows that if e.g. the outer body component, or one or more of the other components, were to be damaged (or fail quality control, or the like) prior to the assembly and/or the installation of the basin body (or even if one or some parts were to fail during use), only thaf/those component(s) may need to be repiaced. As mentioned above, this (i.e. replacing only one or some parts) is likely to be cheaper than if the basin body were made as a single, unitary component in which case the entire basin body would need to be repiaced in the event of damage, failure, or the like.

[0022] Also, part of what Is proposed herein is an insert component of a basin body, wherein the insert component is operable to be assembled together with one or more other components which is/are formed separately from the insert component, and when assembled together with the one or more other components, the insert component and the one or more other components together form a basin body, with the insert component forming at least part of an interior of the basin body. This may, again, offer similar benefits to those described above. That is, because the basin body is assembled from (i.e. it is made up of) multiple parts, namely the insert component and the one or more other components (the latter being initially formed separately from the insert component), if e.g. the insert component, or one or more of the other components, were to be damaged (or fail quality control, or the like) prior to the assembly and/or the installation of the basin body, only that/those component(s) may need to be replaced.

[0023] In a basin body which is formed and assembled from a plurality of separately formed parts, the one or more parts of the basin body that contain fluid under pressure at times when the basin body is (assembled and) in use but when flow of fluid through the basin body is prevented may be made from a material with resistance particularly to dezincification, corrosion and/or other forms of degradation. A range of different forms of dezincification, corrosion and/or degradation resistant materials may be possible, and any such material(s) which is/are also suitable for use in making a pressure bearing basin body part could potentially be chosen without departing from the present invention. However, it is thought that the material most likely to be used (and which may perhaps be best to use, and/or which it may be a requirement to use) for the one or more parts of the basin body that contain fluid under pressure at times when the basin body is in use but flow of fluid through the basin body is prevented is dezirtcification resistant brass (i.e. so-called "DR brass").

[0024] In embodiments where the said one or more parts of the basin body (i.e. the one(s) that contain fluid under pressure at times when the basin body is (assembled and) in use but flow of fluid through the basin body is prevented) is/are made from a dezincification, corrosion and/or other degradation resistant material (whether this is DR brass or some other appropriate material), the other component(s) of the basin body, namely the one(s) that do not contain fluid under pressure at times when the basin body is in use and when flow of fluid through the basin body is prevented, may be made from a lower grade or less expensive material. By making these last mentioned parts from a less expensive material, the overall cost of producing a basin body may be reduced (in comparison to where the whole basin body is made as a single, unitary component from a dezincification, corrosion, degradation resistant, and hence costly material like DR brass). Where the material used for the abovementioned "pressure bearing" components is DR brass, it is expected that the material used for the other "non-pressure bearing" components may be a less expensive and/or lower grade of brass.

[0025] in view of the foregoing, the invention, in some embodiments at least, may provide a basin body wherein the basin body is assembled from at least two separately formed parts, the said at least two parts including an outer body component and an insert component (the insert component might also be referred to as a nipple component, or it may be given some other name - the name is not important); the insert component contains fluid under pressure, but the outer body component does not, at times when the basin body is in use but flow of fluid through the basin body is prevented, and the insert component is made from DR brass but the outer body component is made from a brass or metal other than (and preferably cheaper than) DR brass.

[0025a] In some other embodiments, the invention may provide an insert component for a basin body, wherein the basin body is assembled from two separately formed parts, namely the insert component, which is made from dezincification resistant brass ("DR brass"), and an outer body component, which is made from a brass or metal other than DR brass, and wherein the insert component is configured such that, when the insert component is assembled with the outer body component to form the basin body and the basin body is in use, the insert component contains fluid under pressure at times when flow of fluid through the basin body is prevented but the outer body component does not.

[0025b] In some further embodiments, the invention may provide an outer body component for a basin body, wherein the basin body is assembled from two separately formed parts, namely an insert component, which is made from dezincification resistant brass ("DR brass”), and the outer body component which is made from a brass or metal other than DR brass, and wherein the outer body component is configured such that, when the outer body component is assembled with the insert component to form the basin body and the basin body is in use, the outer body component does not contain fluid under pressure at times when flow of fluid through the basin body is prevented.

[0025c] In the above-mentioned embodiments where the invention is embodied as a basin body, or as an insert component for a basin body, or as an outer body component for a basin body, when the insert component is assembled with the outer body component to form the basin body and the basin body is in use, a portion of the insert component may insert info a portion of the outer body component, a space inside the basin body may remain between the said portion of the insert component and the inside of the outer body portion, at least a portion of the said space being operable to receive a movable part of a valve, and the said movable part of the valve may itseif be operable such that, when a tap or handle associated with the valve is turned off, the movable part of the valve moves into contact with the insert component inside the outer body component preventing fluid from flowing out of the insert component.

[002503 Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiments where the invention is embodied as a basin body, or as an insert component for a basin body, the insert component and the outer body component may be assembled together by being screwed together, and the insert component may include a portion operable to receive an Alien key, whereby inserting an Allen key into the said portion can be done to help turn the insert component relative to the outer body component as the two are screwed together.

[0026] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0028] Figure 1 is an exploded view of certain parts and fittings associated a conventional bathroom basin, including the hot water tap and it's associated tap valve, the cold water tap and it's associated tap valve, the water spout, and also the basin bodies into which the respective hot and cold water tap valves are screwed (mounted).

[0029] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the "under sink assembly" also shown in Figure 1.

[0030] Figure 3 illustrates the basin body, tap valve, flange, handle, etc, of a tap assembly when fully assembled. Note that the tap assembly in Figure 3 could be a hot water tap assembly or a cold water tap assembly.

[0031] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a two-part basin body in accordance with one possible embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Figure 5 illustrates a two-part basin body in accordance with the same embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure 4, except that Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view and it shows the two parts assembled together to form the basin body.

[0033] Figure 6 illustrates the specific internal and external shapes and dimensions, thread specifications, tolerances, and other manufacturing parameters and details for an outer body component of a two-part basin body in accordance with one particular (albeit entirely nonlimiting) embodiment of the invention.

[0034] Figure 7 illustrates the specific internal and external shapes and dimensions, thread specifications, tolerances and other manufacturing parameters and details for a so-called nipple component that could be used together with the outer body component depicted in Figure 6 to create a two-part basin body in accordance with the same said (non-limiting) embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] This Detailed Description will be given primarily with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The details of the respective basin body parts illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 will not be discussed at length. In any case, the basin body parts illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 relate to an embodiment of the invention which is the same as (or very similar to) the embodiment discussed below with reference to Figures 4 and 5 - it's just that the dimensions, tolerances, etc, of the respective parts are not shown in Figures 4 and 5 but these are given in Figures 6 and 7 (although it is to be clearly understood that the dimensions, specifications, tolerances, etc, given in Figures 6 and 7 are given merely for the purposes of exemplification and are in no way limiting).

[0036] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a two-part basin body 100 in accordance with one possible embodiment of the invention. As shown in these Figures, the two-part basin body 100 is (as its name suggests) formed from two separate (i.e. separately formed) parts. This is quite unlike conventional basin bodies (such as e.g. the basin bodies 10 described above) which are almost invariably made as a single/unitary/"one-part" DR brass component. In any case, in the two-part basin body 100 depicted in Figures 4 and 5, the two parts will be referred to as the outer body component (or simply the body component) 110, and the nipple component 140, respectively.

[0037] Referring first to the body component 110, it will be seen that this is generally cylindrical, but it also has a smaller-diameter cylindrical outlet portion 119 extending out from near the bottom thereof - the outlet portion 119 extends out substantially perpendicularly to the main cylinder. On the body component 110, the upper portion of the main cylinder is provided with external screw threads 113. The purpose of these threads 113 is to enable the body component 110 (either before or after it is assembled together with the nipple component 140 to form the basin body) to be screwed (typically it is screwed upwards from underneath) into a correspondingly threaded opening in a sink or basin (not shown) to thereby secure the body component 110 (or the basin body 100) to the sink or basin. The distal end of the outlet portion 119 (i.e. the end thereof which is opposite to the end which joins to the main cylinder of the body component 110) is also provided with external screw threads 111. The external screw threads 111 on the outlet portion 119 facilitate connection of the outlet 119 to the piping 11 that connects the basin body to the waterspout (this piping 11 is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 but not in any of the other figures).

[0038] Turning to Figure 5 (which is a side-on cross-sectional view of the two-part basin body when assembled), it can be seen that the main cylinder of the body component 110, and also the outlet portion 119, are both hollow. In other words, they both have respective bores extending therethrough, and both bores are open at either end thereof (i.e. they are both through bores). The through bore that extends vertically (axially) through the full length of the main cylinder is labelled 130. The through bore that extends horizontally along the full length of the outlet component 119 is not individually labelled. Referring to the through bore 130 that extends along the full length of the body component's main cylinder, the upper portion of this through bore is provided with internal screw threads 120. The purpose of the internal screw threads 120 is to allow a conventional tap valve (e.g. like the tap valve 8h or 8c described above) to be screwed into the top of the upper portion of the body component 110.

[0039] There is also a second set of internal screw threads 121 inside the through bore 130. These screw threads 121 are located in a portion of the through bore 130 which is towards the lower end thereof and which has a slightly smaller/narrower internal diameter than the rest of the through bore 130. The nipple component 140 also has, midway along the length thereof, a section which is provided with external screw threads 141. The diameter and thread configuration of the external screw threads 141 on the nipple component 140 exactly matches the internal diameter and thread configuration of the internal screw threads 121 inside the lower end of the through bore 130 in the body component 110. The threads 121 inside the body component 110, and the corresponding threads 141 on the outside of the nipple component 140, therefore operate to allow the two respective components to be screwed together as shown in Figure 5, such that, together, they form the basin body 100.

[0040] It should be noted that, on the nipple component 140, there is also a protruding ridge 142 extending circumferentially around the component, and the location of this ridge 142 is axially just below and slightly separated from the lower end of the screw threads 141. In other words, there is a small space 143 separating the lower end of the screw threads 141 from the upper surface of the ridge 142. It should also be noted that the screw threads 121 on the inside of the through bore 130 in the body component 110 are near the bottom of the through bore 130, but they do not extend all the way to the very bottom of the through bore 130. Instead, the screw threads 121 end slightly above the open bottom of the through bore 130.

[0041] Referring again to the nipple component 140, which is visible on its own in Figure 4, the small space 143 which separates the lower end of the screw threads 141 from the upper surface of the ridge 142 is actually designed (i.e. it is sized and positioned, etc) to receive a rubberised O-ring (or a like seal). The said O-ring is actually visible, and it is labelled 200, in Figure 5. Thus, when the O-ring 200 is provided on the nipple component 140, and when the nipple component is then inserted into the lower end of the through bore 130 in the body component 110 and turned such that the threads 141 on the nipple component screw into the threads 121 inside the body component, the O-ring 200 becomes squeezed in between (and it thus creates a seal in between) the upper surface of the ridge 142 and an edge or surface on the inside of the body component 110, immediately below the screw threads 121. In other words, the O-ring 200 creates a seal between the body component 110 and the nipple component 140 which prevents any water from penetrating or leaking out from between the two components.

[0042] Referring to the through bore 160 which extends through the length of the nipple component 140, along most of its length, the shape of this through bore 160 is cylindrical (i.e. circular in cross-section if viewed in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis of the through bore). Flowever, there is a section (i.e. a portion of the length) of the through bore 160 which is not circular in cross-section. This section (length) of the through bore 160 which is not circular in cross-section is circled and labelled 165 and Figure 5. The section 165 of the through bore is actually located inside the portion of the nipple component which is thicker due to the presence of the threads 141 and ridge 142 on the outside. This is important as this thicker portion is better able to bear the twisting forces that will be applied when the nipple component is inserted and screwed into the body component - see below. Within the section/length of through bore 165, the cross-sectional shape of the through bore (again if viewed in a crosssectional plane perpendicular to the axis of the through bore) is that of a regular hexagon. This hexagonal section on the inside of the through bore 160 is clearly visible in the "end-on" view given in the top centre of Figure 7. In fact, the regular hexagonal cross-sectional shape on the inside of the through bore in the section 165 is specifically designed in order to receive an equivalently sized Allen key (in the embodiment in Figure 7 it is a 10 mm Allen key, although a slightly larger or smaller Allen key might also be possible in other embodiments), and the purpose of this is therefore to enable an Allen key to be inserted and used to turn/rotate the nipple component 140 when it is being "screw into" the body component 110. In other words, in order for the nipple component 140 to be gripped and turned when it is being screwed into the body component 110 (and when the threads 141 thereon are screwing into the complementary threads 121 on the inside body component) an Allen key is inserted into the hexagonal portion 165 inside the nipple component, and the Allen key is used to turn the nipple component 140 relative to the body component 110 as the two are screwed together.

[0043] Thus, as has been explained, the basin body 100 in Figures 4 and 5 is formed by screwing the nipple component 140 into the body component 110 to thereby join the two together and thus form the basin body 100. Once assembled, the basin body 100 works in much the same way (if not exactly the same way) as the conventional basin bodies discussed in the Background section above.

[0044] For instance, a tap valve (not illustrated in Figures 4 or 5 but like the tap valve 8 described above) can be screwed into the top of the basin body 100 by screwing it into the internal screw threads 120 on the inside of the body component 110. And likewise, piping (not illustrated) to deliver water into the basin body 100 can be screwed onto the external screw threads on the bottom end of the nipple component 140, and piping 11 to convey water from the basin body 100 to the spout (the spout is not illustrated in Figures 4 or 5 but it could be like the spout 7 described above) can be connected on the threads 111 on the outlet 119. A tap handle, etc, can also be attached to the tap valve that is screwed into the top of the basin body 100. Then, in order to turn the tap off, the tap handle must be turned (typically clockwise), and this will in turn cause the valve stem of the tap valve to turn. Then, as above, because the valve stem will engage in a threaded manner with the body of the tap valve, the (typically clockwise) turning of the valve stem will, by virtue of this threaded engagement with the valve body, cause the valve stem to move vertically downward relative to the valve body. The downward movement of the valve stem will also cause corresponding downward movement of the tap valve's jumper component. Like the rest of the tap valve, the tap valve's jumper component is not illustrated in Figure 4 or 5. However, it will be readily appreciated that the disc-shaped portion on the lower end of the jumper component, and in particular the washer or seal on the underside thereof, will reside within the space 210 inside the assembled basin body below the threads 120 but above the top of the nipple component 140. Also, just like in the basin bodies described above, the annular rim 180 which is formed on the top of the nipple component 140, and which is visible in Figures 4 and 5, forms a valve seat against which the seal on the base of the jumper component can press. Thus, in order to turn the tap fully off, the tap handle must be turned (typically clockwise) enough (or enough times) such that the valve stem and jumper component move vertically downwards far enough for the washer (or other seal) on the underside of the jumper component to press down against the valve seat 180. When the washer (or other seal) on the jumper component presses against the valve seat 180, this covers and blocks off the opening in the top of the nipple component 140, and thus prevents any water from flowing up and out through the opening in the top of the nipple component 140. Thus, when the washer (or other seal) on the underside of the jumper component presses against the valve seat 180, this creates a seal and prevents water from flowing out of the bore 160 and through the basin body 100.

[0045] In order to turn the tap on, the tap handle must be turned (typically anticlockwise), and this in turn again causes the valve stem to turn. Also, because of the threaded engagement between the valve stem and the body of the valve, this turning of the stem (anticlockwise) causes the stem to move vertically upward relative to the valve body. The upward movement of the valve stem also causes (or this allows) corresponding upward movement of the jumper component. As soon as the jumper component moves upward far enough for the washer/seal on the underside thereof to separate from the valve seat 180, water will begin to flow out of the bore 160, through the space in between the washer/seal and the valve seat 180. Initially, the space between the washer and the valve seat 180 will be small, and so the amount or rate at which water can pass therebetween and out through the basin body 100 will be comparatively low. However, as the tap handle (and stem) are turned (anticlockwise) more, the jumper component will lift further away from the valve seat 180, thereby creating a larger gap between the washer and the valve seat 180 through which water can pass, and consequently a greater flow rate of water will flow.

[0046] When water flows up and out through the top of the bore 160, passing as it does so between the underside of the washer/seal and the valve seat 180, the water then proceeds vertically back down through the open flow space surrounding the nipple component 140 on the inside of the body component 110, as shown by the arrows in Figure 5. This open flow space on the inside of the basin body 100, which is actually the space between the outer surface of the nipple component 140 and the internal surface of the body component's through bore 130, creates a flow passage which is in fluid communication with the outlet 119. The piping which connects the basin body 100 to the water spout connects to the outlet 119. Thus, when the tap is "turned on" and water is allowed to flow out of the bore 160 and through the basin body 100, the water then exits the basin body 100 through outlet 119, before flowing along the said piping and ultimately out through the spout.

[0047] An important aspect of the present invention is that, not only is the basin body 100 provided as a two part component (i.e. with the nipple component 140 and the body component 110 being formed separately from one another and then subsequently connected to assemble the basin body 100), but in addition to this, the body component 110, and the nipple component 140, respectively, are each made from different materials. In particular, the nipple component 140 is made from DR brass, whereas the body component 110 can be (and it preferably is) made from a cheaper, lower grade brass (or other cheaper metal).

[0048] At this point it is important to understand that the reason why it is possible for only the nipple component 140 to be made from DR brass, and to still meet the applicable building and plumbing standards and codes mentioned above, is because with the presently-proposed two part design of the basin body 100, the only part which is required to bear and contain the full pressure of water supplied by the mains or other water supply (and this full pressure is only born and contained when the tap is turned fully off) is the nipple component 140. Indeed, it is only when the tap is turned fully off (i.e. when the jumper component of the tap valve presses down against the valve seat 180 on the top of the nipple component 140) that the full water pressure must be contained by any part of the basin body, and at this time the only location where water under pressure is located is inside the bore 160 which is entirely within the nipple component 140. At these times (i.e. when the tap is turned fully off), there will be little or no water contained in any other parts or areas inside the basin body 100, and any water that is contained therein will be at zero relative pressure because those parts are, via the spout and connecting piping 11, etc, open to the atmosphere. Naturally, when the tap is turned on, water will flow out from within the bore 160 in the nipple component 140, and water will consequently flow into the areas inside the body component 110, and the pressure of water therein will consequently increase somewhat. However, because at these times water will be flowing through the basin body 100, the pressures created by this flow of water in areas which are inside the body component 110 but on the outside of the nipple component 140 will be lower (normally considerably lower) than the pressure that must be contained solely within the nipple component 140 when the tap is turned off. Consequently, whilst the nipple component 140 should be made from DR brass in order to be code/standard compliant (at least where such codes/standards apply), it is possible for the body component 110 to be made from a cheaper, lower grade brass (or other cheaper metal), and in doing so still comply with the applicable building and plumbing codes and standards.

[0049] Importantly, because only one of the two components in the presently-proposed two part basin body design needs to be made from DR brass (namely the nipple component 140, which is the smaller of the two parts as well), and because the other of the two components (namely the body component 110, which is the larger) can be made from cheaper brass (or metal), consequently the overall cost of manufacturing the basin body using this two-part design is likely to be lower (potentially much lower) than the cost of producing a traditional one-piece basin body wherein the hole basin body must be made from the more expensive DR brass.

[0050] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0051] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (3)

1. A basin body wherein the basin body is assembled from two separately formed parts, namely an outer body component and an insert component; the insert component contains fluid under pressure, but the outer body component does not, at times when the basin body is in use but flow of fluid through the basin body is prevented, and the insert component is made from dezincification resistant brass ("DR brass") but the outer body component is made from a brass or metal other than DR brass.

2. The basin body of claim 1, wherein, when the insert component is assembled with the outer body component to form the basin body and the basin body is in use, a portion of the insert component inserts into a portion of the outer body component, a space inside the basin body remains between the said portion of the insert component and the inside of the outer body portion, at least a portion of the said space being operable to receive a movable part of a valve, and the said movable part of the valve is itself operable such that, when a tap or handle associated with the valve is turned off, the movable part of the valve moves into contact with the insert component inside the outer body component preventing fluid from flowing out of the insert component.

3. The basin body of claim 1 or 2, wherein the insert component and the outer body component are assembled together by being screwed together, and the insert component includes a portion operable to receive an Allen key, whereby inserting an Allen key into the said portion can be done to help turn the insert component relative to the outer body component as the two are screwed together.