AU2021100105A4

AU2021100105A4 - Improved multi-fit cover plate

Info

Publication number: AU2021100105A4
Application number: AU2021100105A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Luke Bolton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-01-08
Filing date: 2021-01-08
Publication date: 2021-04-08
Anticipated expiration: 2029-01-08

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cover plate for creating a neat finish when applied to a surface through which a conduit penetrates, being composed of rigid and resilient 5 components connected together about a joining surface with the resilient component extending inwards from the rigid component to a continuous internal edge which defines an aperture for receiving a conduit, the joining surface including at least one hole and the connection includes a protrusion there through, the continuous internal edge having a relaxed and a stretched configuration to receive the conduit by snug insertion. 10 1/3 10 12 16 14 18 12 16 14 22 18 A B 20 A B FIG. 1 12 26 24 12 26 24 A B FIG. 2

Description

1/3 12 16 14 18 12 16 14 22 18

20

A B

A B FIG. 1

12 26 24 12 26 24

A B FIG. 2

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT

Applicant: Luke Bolton

Title: Improved multi-fit cover plate

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us:

Improved multi-fit cover plate

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cover plate for creating a neat finish when applied to a surface through which a conduit penetrates, such as walls or cupboard recesses.

Background of the Invention

A cover plate, also known as a cupboard plate or escutcheon, is a component used in the construction and maintenance industries, and particularly the plumbing industry, to create a neater and more aesthetically pleasing finish when a conduit, such as a pipe or pipe socket, travels through a wall or similar solid surface. The breach/aperture created to allow the passage of the conduit is usually of larger diameter than the conduit and has an exposed/raw/untidy edge, meaning that there is a resultant space adjacent to the outer circumference of the conduit. The use of a cover plate of correct size enables a neater finish by covering the space in the wall and edge created through which the conduit projects. The cover plate is usually threaded over the conduit and then fixed to the solid surface or wall to create a more aesthetically pleasing finish.

Tradespeople are confronted by the situation whereby they must fit a cover plate of the correct size in order that any gap between the cover plate aperture and conduit is minimised/eliminated. This creates difficulty for the tradesperson who must be equipped with the correct size of cover plate for each particular job. A cover plate not fitting flush to the conduit may allow the passage of, for example, drafts, pests and liquids.

A cover plate which goes to solving this problem is described in Australian patent No. 2013101088. This cover plate is composed of an outer hard component and an inner soft component. In use, the inner component stretches to accommodate conduit of different diameters. However, there remain drawbacks with this cover plate, and in particular with reliable attachment of the inner component to the outer component. In some circumstances, the inner and outer components may have a tendency to separate in the process of installation. For instance, as the cover plate is installed, and the inner component stretches over a conduit, in some circumstances sufficient shear forces may be created about the join to cause the components to separate.

There exists a need to overcome, or at least alleviate, one or more of the difficulties or deficiencies associated with the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a cover plate for creating a neat finish when applied to a surface through which a conduit penetrates, the cover plate being composed of rigid and resilient components each having a front and rear face, the components being connected together about a joining surface with the resilient component extending inwards from the rigid component to a continuous internal edge which defines the perimeter of an aperture for receiving a conduit, wherein: the joining surface includes at least one hole and the connection includes a formation, such as a protrusion, through said at least one hole; the continuous internal edge of the resilient component has a relaxed configuration wherein the perimeter of the aperture is less than the perimeter of the conduit, and a stretched configuration wherein the perimeter of the aperture is equal to the perimeter of the conduit; and when the conduit is inserted through the aperture, the continuous internal edge of the resilient component stretches from its relaxed configuration to its stretched configuration to receive the perimeter of the conduit, enabling a snug insertion of the conduit through the aperture of the cover plate.

By a "resilient component" as used herein is meant that the component is flexible, having properties of elasticity such that it may undergo transient structural change in shape to accommodate a passing conduit. By a "rigid component" as used herein is meant that the component exhibits less flexibility than the resilient component, intended to function as the structural backbone of the device. That is, as used herein, the terms "rigid" and "resilient" are relative. Where a resilient component may undergo transient structural change, a rigid component may not, or may but to a lesser extent, under an equivalent force. For example, cardboard and paper may be comparatively rigid and resilient, respectively.

The resilient component with elastic properties is generally capable of accommodating conduits of a plurality of diameters. For example, when a larger conduit is inserted through the aperture as compared to a smaller conduit, the continuous internal edge of the resilient component may simply stretch further to receive the perimeter of the larger conduit. This enables a tradesperson, for example, to use the same cover plate for a variety of conduits of different perimeters, rather than needing to have available a range of cover plates with different perimeter apertures.

Of course, when the continuous internal edge of the resilient component is in its relaxed configuration wherein the perimeter of the aperture is less than the perimeter of the conduit, then by the same token the perimeter of the conduit is larger than the perimeter of the aperture, and the resilient component must stretch to accommodate it. Preferably, in use in the stretched configuration, the resilient material tightly apposes the perimeter of the conduit to eliminate the gap/make the gap negligible between the conduit and the resilient component and more specifically its continuous internal edge. In this way, generally the larger the conduit, the more the resilient component stretches to receive it, which may result in a sleeve of the flexible component material forming about the conduit.

In a preferred embodiment, the rigid component may be composed of a rigid plastic, such as unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC), and the resilient component may be composed of a flexible plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC may be made softer and more flexible by the addition of plasticisers, the most widely used plasticiser being phthalates.

Any type of conduit is applicable. In preferred embodiments, the conduit is a water pipe or cable covering as may be commonly used in plumbing and electrical applications.

In use, the cover plate reduces the likelihood of pests, draughts and liquids traversing the surface through which a conduit penetrates, which are most often larger than the conduit leaving a considerable and unsightly gap in the surface around the conduit. The cover plate may be used to create a seal and a more aesthetically appealing appearance.

The connection of the components which includes a formation, such as a protrusion, through a hole provides the advantage of a more reliable and secure connection of the rigid and resilient components. The formation through the hole in the joining surface may be thought of as an anchor or mechanical fixing of the components together. This assists to prevent separation of the components during installation, for example against the shear forces that may be created about the connection as the inner component stretches over a conduit.

In preferred embodiments, the at least one hole is a plurality of holes and the connection includes a formation, such as a protrusion, through each hole, to provide an even further reliable and secure connection. Preferably, the joining surface is formed on the rigid component and the connection includes a formation of the resilient component through said at least one hole in the rigid component. The joining surface may be on the front or rear face of the rigid component. Preferably, the joining surface is in both the front and rear faces of the resilient component and formed as a flange on both faces. In this way, the resilient component may be connected about both the front and rear faces of the rigid component, and conjoined by formation of the resilient component through the at least one hole in the rigid component. The resilient component may thus be said to be "knitted" to the rigid component. Preferably, the connection further includes a direct attachment to the joining surface, more preferably a direct attachment of the resilient component to both the front and rear faces of the rigid component, for example using an adhesive. In preferred embodiments, the resilient component is moulded directly to the rigid component including by formation through the at least one hole.

In a preferred embodiment, the cover plate is disc shaped with the rigid and resilient components connected in-plane. Preferably, the rigid component is circular in shape as determined by the outer rigid component, having an external diameter of between approximately 3cm and 20 cm, more preferably between approximately 10 cm and 15 cm, and more preferably of approximately 10.5 cm. Preferably, the rigid component adopts the shape of a hollow disc of uniform in-plane width of about 5% to about 30% of the external diameter of the cover plate, preferably about 10% to 25%, and more preferably of about 17%. For example, for an outer diameter of about 10.5 cm, the width of the rigid component is preferably uniformly about 1.8 cm. For a uniform width, then by the same token preferably the rigid component forms a circular inner perimeter; i.e. from about or appearing to be from where the resilient component extends inwards. Similarly, in its relaxed configuration, in a preferred embodiment the resilient component also adopts the shape of a hollow disc of in-plane width of about 5% to about 30% of the external diameter of the cover plate, preferably about 10% to 25%, and more preferably of about 15%. For example, for an outer diameter of about 10.5 cm, the width of the resilient component in its relaxed configuration is preferably uniformly about 1.6 cm. Again, a uniform width, then by the same token, the continuous internal edge of the resilient component, and the aperture defined thereby, is preferably circular. Similarly, in its relaxed configuration, in a preferred embodiment the aperture diameter may be about 25% to about 55% of the external diameter of the cover plate, preferably about 35% to 45%, and more preferably of about 40 41%. For example, for an outer diameter of the cover plate of about 10.5 cm, the aperture diameter in the relaxed configuration of the resilient component is preferably uniformly about 4.3 cm. This applies in particular to one common application in domestic plumbing, in which this diameter is less than the outer perimeter of most domestic water pipes.

In another preferred embodiment, the rigid component, resilient component or its continuous internal edge in the relaxed configuration, may be of an oval shape, polygonal, irregular or other, as required, for example to cover a breach of the same or irregular shape and/or to accommodate a conduit of a noncircular cross section, such as a square, rectangle or other. In one embodiment, the resilient component may include a plurality of apertures to accommodate a plurality of conduits or the like. For example, the aperture may be the shape of a Figure 8 silhouette to accommodate a pair of conduits.

In a preferred embodiment, the aperture may be approximately centrally located in the resilient component, and the resilient component centrally located in the rigid component, such that the aperture may be approximately centrally located in the cover plate. In an alternative embodiment, the aperture may be placed off-centre, particularly when the cover plate is an elongated shape such as an oval or polygonal shape.

In a preferred embodiment the rigid and resilient components may be white or a similar colour, but in other embodiments the cover plate may be produced in various colours, for example to match the colouring of the conduit or the solid surface to which it is applied.

Preferably, the rigid component comprises one or more structures that assist in the reinforcement and/or strengthening of the rigid component. Preferably, the structures include one, and preferably a plurality, of ribs disposed on the rear face of the rigid component. Preferably the rib(s) are formed in the width dimension of the rigid component, or in other words aligned in a direction projecting outwardly from the aperture.

In this specification, the term 'comprises' and its variants are not intended to exclude the presence of other integers, components or steps.

In this specification, reference to any prior art in the specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably expected to be combined by a person skilled in the art.

The invention may be better understood with reference to the illustrations of its preferred embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the following description is illustrative only and should not be taken in any way as a restriction on the generality of the invention described above.

Brief Description of the Drawings/Figures

In the Figures:

Figure 1 shows a plan view of the front (A) and rear (B) face of a cover plate.

Figure 2 shows a plan view of the front (A) and rear (B) face of a cover plate with the resilient component removed.

Figure 3 shows a side (A) and perspective (B) view of a wall with a pipe penetrating it and a cover plate installed.

Figure 4 A-F shows possible configurations of the cover plate.

Figure 5 demonstrates how a number of different diameter conduits can be accommodated by a cover plate of one size.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

A cover plate 10 is shown in Figure 1 comprising a rigid component 12 and a resilient component 14. The rigid component forms an outer part of the cover plate while the resilient component forms an inner part. The components are connected about a joining surface in the vicinity of 16 and extending circumferentially. The continuous internal edge 18 of the resilient component is in its relaxed configuration and defines the perimeter of an aperture 20, ready to receive the perimeter of the conduit. Looking toward the rear face of the cover plate is also indicated one of a plurality of ribs 22 formed in the width dimension of the rigid component, which serve to imbue strength to the rigid component.

The same cover plate is shown in figure 2, this time with the resilient component removed. The joining edge in the form of a flange 24 is indicated on both sides of the rigid component

12. The flange 24 contains a plurality of holes 26 through which the resilient component is formed to anchor it to the rigid component; to knit the two together.

Figure 3 shows the cover plate 10 in use when applied to a surface, in this case a wall 28 through which a conduit, in this case a water pipe 30, penetrates. The cover plate has been passed over the conduit whereby the continuous internal edge of the resilient component has been stretched from its relaxed to its stretched configuration to receive the perimeter of the conduit, enabling a snug insertion of the conduit through the aperture. The cover plate has been applied to the wall, for example by gluing or using fixings. From Figure 3B it can be seen that the flexibility of the resilient component accommodates conduits passing through surfaces at an angle.

Figure 4 demonstrates possible configurations of the cover plate, for example where the rigid component may be formed in different shapes, for example to cover a breach in a surface of irregular shape. The resilient component may be formed in different shapes to accommodate conduit of different shapes, and/or to form a plurality of apertures to accommodate a plurality of conduits.

Figure 5 demonstrates the applicability of the cover plate to a number of different diameter conduits, by virtue of the flexibility of the resilient component. As can be seen, generally the wider the conduit, the more the resilient component stretches to receive it, which may result in a sleeve of the flexible component material forming about the conduit.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A cover plate for creating a neat finish when applied to a surface through which a conduit penetrates, the cover plate being composed of rigid and resilient components each having a front and rear face, the components being connected together about a joining surface with the resilient component extending inwards from the rigid component to a continuous internal edge which defines the perimeter of an aperture for receiving a conduit, wherein: the joining surface includes at least one hole and the connection includes a formation through said at least one hole; the continuous internal edge of the resilient component has a relaxed configuration wherein the perimeter of the aperture is less than the perimeter of the conduit, and a stretched configuration wherein the perimeter of the aperture is equal to the perimeter of the conduit; and when the conduit is inserted through the aperture, the continuous internal edge of the resilient component stretches from its relaxed configuration to its stretched configuration to receive the perimeter of the conduit, enabling a snug insertion of the conduit through the aperture of the cover plate.

2. A cover plate according to claim 1, wherein the at least one hole is a plurality of holes and the connection includes a formation through each hole.

3. A cover plate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the joining surface is formed on the rigid component and the connection includes a formation of the resilient component through said at least one hole.

4. A cover plate according to claim 3, wherein the joining surface is formed as a flange in both the front and rear faces of the resilient component.

5. A cover plate according to claim 4, wherein the connection further includes a direct attachment of the resilient component to both the front and rear faces of the rigid component.