AU2021221591A1 - Water barrier for mixer - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for sealing of a mixer body is provided, the device comprising a sleeve portion for insertion over a mixer body; and a flange portion extending from the sleeve portion for positioning against a wall surface, wherein the sleeve portion of the device is or comprises a substantially waterproof barrier. Related systems, methods, and kits are also provided. 1/7 1000 1201 1203 1101 11 1200 1102 A ' 1100 1202 1211 Fig. 1 1201 1202 1105 10 1103 --I -1104 1200 Fig. 2

Description

1/7 1000 1201 1203

1101 11 1200

1102

A '

1100 1202 1211 Fig. 1 1201 1202

1105 10

1103 I -- -1104

1200

Fig. 2

TITLE WATER BARRIER FOR MIXER FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to plumbing. In particular, the invention relates although is not limited - to devices and systems for protecting against water leakage from mixer bodies, such as in-wall shower mixer bodies. BACKGROUND

[0002] Controlling water leakage is a fundamental issue for plumbing applications. Avoiding leakage at interfaces in walls, floors, and rooves etc. of plumbed buildings can present particular challenges.

[0003] For certain structure types, e.g. walls or floors formed from brick or stainless steel, some minor leakage may be tolerable even if undesirable. Other materials are significantly more sensitive to leakage. For example, wood and plasterboard material can be seriously damaged (in the short, medium, or long term) by even minor plumbing leaks.

[0004] Bathroom plumbing typically sees heavy use and can be particularly prone to leakage over time. Various strategies exist to avoid leakage at plumbing interfaces in bathrooms. For example, threads, rubber seals, and/or settable sealants are frequently used to control leakage from taps, faucets, showerheads, or drains into a wall or floor through which these components extend.

[0005] In modern residential showers, in-wall shower tap mixer bodies are often installed to allow for control of shower flow and temperature using a single tap. However, existing in-wall mixer bodies and installation approaches therefor can be susceptible to leakage.

[0006] The reference to prior art in the background is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or suggestion that the referenced prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or in any other country or jurisdiction. SUMMARY

[0007] A first aspect of the invention provides a device for sealing of a mixer body or the like, the device comprising a sleeve portion for insertion over a mixer body or the like, or a part thereof; and a flange portion extending from the sleeve portion.

[0008] The sleeve portion of the device of the first aspect comprises an inner surface for positioning adjacent a mixer body when the sleeve portion is inserted over the mixer body; and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. Suitably, the sleeve portion functions as a barrier that prevents, or at least substantially constrains, passage of water between the inner and outer surface thereof.

[0009] In embodiments, the sleeve portion of the device of the first aspect is or comprises one or more barrier walls around a channel for insertion over a mixer body. In embodiments, the sleeve portion comprises a substantially cylindrical barrier wall around a substantially cylindrical channel.

[0010] Suitably, the sleeve portion of the device has a first or back end; and a second or front end. In embodiments the first and second end of the sleeve portion are open ends. In an embodiment, the second end is a tapered end.

[0011] Suitably, a first or back section of the sleeve portion extends from the first end of the sleeve portion; and a second or front section extends from the second end of the sleeve portion. In embodiments, the second end of the sleeve portion is tapered across substantially the full length of the second section of the sleeve portion.

[0012] Suitably, the flange portion of the device of the first aspect is adapted for placement adjacent or against a wall surface. In embodiments, the flange portion is a disc-like or circular flange.

[0013] Suitably, the flange portion comprises a flange rim distal to the sleeve portion of the device. In embodiments, the flange portion comprises an indentation or groove. Suitably, the flange groove extends around the flange portion at a position towards the flange rim.

[0014] In embodiments, the flange portion of the device extends from the sleeve portion over a plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve portion. The flange portion may be malleably adjustable relative to the plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve portion.

[0015] In embodiments, the flange portion of the device extends from the sleeve portion at a position between the first section and the second section of the sleeve portion.

[0016] A second aspect of the invention provides a mixer body comprising a barrier engagement portion. Suitably, the barrier engagement portion is adapted to interact with a barrier in the form of the sleeve portion of the device of the first aspect.

[0017] In embodiments, the barrier engagement portion is of a base of the mixer body. In embodiments, the barrier engagement portion is a substantially cylindrical barrier engagement portion.

[0018] In embodiments, the barrier engagement portion comprises a groove or furrow or the like for receiving a barrier-engaging seal. In embodiments, the barrier engagement portion comprises a barrier-engaging seal, such as a ring seal.

[0019] In embodiments, the mixer body of the second aspect comprises a groove or furrow or the like for receiving a cover-engaging seal for engagement with a cover of or for the mixer body. In embodiments, the mixer body comprises a cover engaging seal, such as a ring seal.

[0020] In embodiments, the cover-engaging seal, and/or groove or furrow therefor, is located on a wall of the mixer body. In an embodiment, the mixer body comprises at least two cover-engaging seals and/or at least two grooves or furrows therefor.

[0021] A third aspect of the invention provides a system comprising a device of the first aspect; and a mixer body of the second aspect.

[0022] Suitably, the system of the third aspect comprises a barrier-engaging seal extending between the mixer body of the second aspect and the inner surface of the sleeve portion of the device of the first aspect.

[0023] Suitably, the barrier-engaging seal extends between the mixer body and the sleeve portion at a position along the first section of the sleeve portion. In embodiments, the barrier-engaging seal extends between the mixer body and the sleeve portion at a position near to the first end of the sleeve portion.

[0024] Suitably, the barrier-engaging seal prevents, or at least substantially constrains, passage of water from the mixer body through the first end of the sleeve portion of the device of the first aspect.

[0025] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a mixer tap comprising the system of the third aspect.

[0026] A fifth aspect of the invention provides a kit comprising the device of the first aspect and the mixer body of the second aspect.

[0027] In embodiments, the kit of the fifth aspect comprises at least one barrier engaging seal, such as a ring seal. In embodiments, the kit of the fifth aspect comprises at least one cover-engaging seal, such as a ring seal.

[0028] In embodiments, the kit of the fifth aspect comprises a mixer body cover, such as a shower mixer tap cover. In embodiments, the kit comprises a handle, such as shower mixer tap handle.

[0029] Suitably, the system of the third or fourth aspect or the kit of the fifth aspect is adapted for installation in a wall, such as a shower wall, wherein leakage of water from the mixer body into the wall is prevented or at least substantially constrained using the device of the first aspect.

[0030] A sixth aspect of the invention provides a method of installing tapware, including a step of positioning the sleeve portion of the device of the first aspect over at least a part of the mixer body of the second aspect.

[0031] Suitably, the step of positioning the sleeve portion of the device of the first aspect over at least a part of the mixer body of the second aspect includes positioning the inner surface of the sleeve portion against a barrier-engaging seal extending from the barrier engagement portion of the mixer body.

[0032] In embodiments, the method of the sixth aspect is a method of installing tapware in a wall. In embodiments, the wall comprises wood and/or plasterboard. In embodiments, the wall in which the mixer tapware is installed is a shower wall.

[0033] In embodiments wherein the method of the sixth aspect is a method of installing tapware in a wall, suitably, the method includes a step of positioning the flange portion of the device of the first aspect against a surface of the wall. In embodiments, the surface of the wall is an internal or interior surface of the wall. In embodiments, the surface of the wall is a plasterboard surface, such as a water resistant plasterboard surface.

[0034] In embodiments, the method of the sixth aspect includes a step of applying a surface of or for the wall over the flange portion of the device of the first aspect. In embodiments, the surface is an exterior surface of or for the wall. In embodiments, the surface is, is of, or comprises a tile.

[0035] In embodiments, the step of applying the surface of or for the wall according to the method of the fourth aspect includes placing the surface adjacent the second section of the sleeve portion of the first aspect.

[0036] In embodiments, the method of the sixth aspect includes a step of trimming the sleeve portion of the device of the first aspect before and/or after positioning the sleeve portion over the mixer body of the second aspect or a part thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The invention will be described hereinafter with reference to typical embodiments illustrated in the drawings and wherein:

[0038] Figure 1 sets forth a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a device for sealing of a mixer body according to an aspect of the invention, device 1000.

[0039] Figure 2 sets forth a side view of device 1000.

[0040] Figure 3 sets forth a longitudinal section view of an embodiment of a system according to an aspect of the invention, system 100, wherein the system comprises a mixer body according to an aspect of the invention, mixer body 2000, and wherein device 1000 is placed over mixer body 2000. As shown in Figure 3, system 100 forms part of a shower mixer tap, mixer tap 2, installed in a shower wall, wall 1.

[0041] Figure 4 sets forth a longitudinal section view of mixer body 2000, wherein the mixer body has been plumbed in to a shower wall and comprises a removable protective guard, guard 50, for installation.

[0042] Figure 5 sets forth the arrangement of Figure 4, wherein device 1000 is placed over mixer body 2000.

[0043] Figure 6 sets forth measurement of the proximity of a flange portion of device 1000 to the wall in the arrangement of Figure 5.

[0044] Figure 7 sets forth a side view of marking of a sleeve portion of device 1000 for trimming.

[0045] Figure 8 sets forth the arrangement of Figure 4, wherein the sleeve portion of device 1000 has been trimmed and tiles have been placed over the flange portion of device 1000 and against shower wall 1.

[0046] Figure 9 sets forth the arrangement of Figure 8 wherein guard 50 has been removed from mixer body 2000 and a cover and handle of mixer tap 2 has been installed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Figures 1 and 2 show a device according to an aspect of the invention, device 1000. Device 1000 comprises sleeve portion 1100; and flange portion 1200. A longitudinal axis of device 1000, axis A-A', is best seen in Figure 1. Device 1000 may be referred to herein as a 'barrier device', although without limitation thereto.

[0048] Sleeve portion 1100 of device 1000 is a substantially cylindrical sleeve portion comprising sleeve wall 1101 surrounding sleeve channel 1102. Sleeve wall 1101 of device 1000 comprises inner channel surface 1111; and outer channel surface 1112.

[0049] Sleeve portion 1100 further comprises first sleeve portion end 1103; and second sleeve portion end 1104. A first section 1105 of sleeve portion 1100 extends from first sleeve portion end 1103 to flange portion 1200. A second section 1106 of sleeve portion 1100 extends from second sleeve portion end 1104 to flange portion 1200.

[0050] Flange portion 1200 of device 1000 is a disc-like flange portion comprising first flange surface 1201; second flange surface 1202; and flange rim 1203. Flange groove 1211 extends around first flange surface 1201 of flange portion 1200, at a position near to flange rim 1203.

[0051] Flange portion 1200 of device 1000 extends from a position between first section 1105 and second section 1106 of sleeve portion 1100. Flange portion 1200 extends across a plane substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis A-A' of device 10.

[0052] A system according to an aspect of the invention, system 100, is shown in Figure 3. System 100 forms part of shower mixer tap, mixer tap 2, installed in a shower wall, wall 1. System 100 comprises device 1000, as hereinabove described, and a mixer body according to an aspect of the invention, mixer body 2000.

[0053] As shown in Figure 3, mixer body 2000 comprises mixer cartridge 2100; mixer body wall 2200; mixer body base 2300; and mixer body cap 2400.

[0054] Mixer body wall 2200 of mixer body 2000 is a substantially cylindrical wall comprising first mixer body wall end 2201; and second mixer body end 2202. First mixer body wall end 2201 and second mixer body wall end 2202 are internally threaded ends.

[0055] Mixer body wall 2200 further comprises first mixer body groove 2203; and second mixer body groove 2204. First mixer body groove 2203 and second mixer body groove 2204 comprise respective ring seals for engagement with a mixer body cover.

[0056] Mixer body base 2300 of mixer body 2000 comprises first mixer body base end 2301 for connection with a pipe or conduit; and second mixer body base end 2302 for connection with first mixer body wall end 2201. First mixer body base end 2301 is an internally threaded end. Second mixer body base end 2302 is an externally threaded end.

[0057] Mixer body base 2300 further comprises barrier engagement portion 2303. Barrier engagement portion 2303 is located adjacent to second mixer body base end 2302 and extends laterally to substantially cylindrical barrier engagement portion rim 2313. Barrier engagement portion rim 2313 comprises barrier engagement portion groove 2323 for receiving a ring seal.

[0058] Mixer body cap 2400 comprises mixer body cap wall 2401; and mixer body cap roof 2402. Mixer body cap wall 2401 is a substantially cylindrical, externally threaded wall for connection with second mixer body wall end 2202. Mixer body cap roof 2402 is a disc-like roof comprising central aperture 2412. Mixer cartridge peg 2101 of mixer cartridge 2100 extends through central aperture 2412 of mixer body cap roof 2402.

[0059] In system 100, device 1000 is inserted over mixer body 2000. More particularly, sleeve portion 1100 of device 1000 is inserted over a part of mixer body 2000 including barrier engagement portion 2303 of mixer body base 2300 and most of mixer body wall 2200.

[0060] In system 100, a barrier-engaging ring seal, ring seal 110, is located within barrier engagement portion groove 2323 of mixer body base 2300 of mixer body 2000 and extends between groove 2323 and inner channel surface 1111 of sleeve wall 1101 of device 1000.

[0061] Typical installation of device 1000, mixer body 2000, and system 100, as described herein, into a shower wall (shower wall 1) for installation of shower mixer tap (shower tap 2) will now be described.

[0062] As shown in Figure 4, mixer body 2000 is initially connected to an outlet pipe (pipe 5) within wall 1, and roughed-in to wall 1. Threaded first mixer body base end 2301 is engaged with outlet pipe 5 via a sealed, threaded fitting.

[0063] Mixer body base 2300 of mixer body 2000 is located within shower wall 1. Mixer body wall 2200 extends from within shower wall 1 outside of shower wall 1 through water-resistant plasterboard 10 of shower wall 1.

[0064] As shown in Figure 4, a mixer body guard (guard 50) is placed over mixer body wall 2200, mixer body cap 2400, and mixer cartridge peg 2101 of mixer cartridge 2100, for protection during installation.

[0065] As shown in Figures 5, sleeve portion 1100 of device 1000 is then placed over mixer body 2000 wherein inner channel surface 1111 of sleeve wall 1101 fittingly engages with ring seal 110 located within barrier engagement portion groove 2323 of mixer body base 2300 of mixer body 2000.

[0066] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, if a length of first section 1105 of sleeve portion 1100 reaches first mixer body base end 2301 and obstructs contact of water resistant plasterboard 10 by first flange surface 1201 of flange portion 1200, first section 1105 is measured and trimmed.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8, when first section 1105 of sleeve portion 1100 is of a suitable length, inner channel surface 1111 of sleeve wall 1101 fittingly engages with ring seal 110 and first flange surface 1201 sits against water-resistant plasterboard 10.

[0068] When sleeve portion is of a suitable length, flange portion 1200 is fixed to water-resistant plasterboard 10 such as by applying adhesive (e.g. sealant glue) to first flange surface 1201 and/or installing one or more fasteners (e.g. screws) through flange portion 1200 into water-resistant plasterboard 10.

[0069] As shown in Figure 8, when sleeve portion 1100 of device 1000 is placed over mixer body 2000 and flange portion 1200 is fixed to water resistant plasterboard , water-resistant sealant (sealant 11) is applied over water-resistant plaster board and flange portion 1200 fixed thereto. Subsequently, tiling is performed with tile grout (grout 12) and tiles (tiles 13) placed adjacent tapered second section 1106 of sleeve portion 1100.

[0070] As shown in Figure 9, after tiling, guard 50 is removed from mixer body 2000, and a mixer body cover (cover 20) is attached to mixer body 2000 by placing a wall of cover 20 against mixer body wall 2200 and screwing a cap of cover 20 onto mixer body cap 2400, wherein mixer cartridge peg 2101 of mixer cartridge 2100 extends through a central aperture of cover 20.

[0071] Also shown in Figure 9, a shower mixer wall plate (wall plate 21) is placed around cover 20 against tiles 13. Additionally, a shower mixer tap handle (mixer tap handle 22) is attached to the mixer cartridge peg of mixer cartridge 2100, wherein mixer tap handle 22 sits over the cap of cover 20.

[0072] Device 1000, mixer body 2000, system 100, and components thereof, may be formed using any suitable materials as will be known in the art.

[0073] Device 1000 is typically formed using metallic material, such as stainless steel or aluminium. Mixer body 2000 is typically formed using metallic material, such as dezincification-resistant brass (DZR brass).

[0074] Other suitable materials may include metallic materials such as bronze, copper, cast iron, ductile iron, structural steel or other steel types, and metal alloys, and plastics such as PVC and CPVC. Seals, such as ring seals, of devices and systems as described herein are typically formed using rubber, inclusive of natural and synthetic rubber, or plastics.

[0075] Various non-limiting advantages of at least certain aspects and/or embodiments of the invention will be described as follows.

[0076] Advantageously, system 100 is adapted to at least substantially prevent leakage of water from mixer body 2000 into the interior or internal space of a wall in which mixer body 2000 is installed, such as shower wall 1. Advantageously, fitting engagement of seal 110 with inner channel surface 1111 of sleeve wall 1101 forms a barrier to escape of waterfrom mixer body 2000 through end 1103 of device 1000.

[0077] Advantageously, device 1000 can be adjusted by trimming of sleeve portion 1100 to suit in-wall installation at various wall depths.

[0078] Advantageously, device 1000 can be adjusted for installation at various angles by malleably adjusting the plane of flange portion 1200 relative to longitudinal axis A-A'.

[0079] Advantageously, groove flange groove 1211 of flange portion 1200 can accommodate adhesive or sealant, and/or act as a trap for water.

[0080] Advantageously, tapered second end 1106 of sleeve portion 1100 can facilitate tile installation and/or water run-off.

[0081] Advantageously, flange portion 1200 is adapted for fixing to an inner surface of a wall, such as water-resistant plasterboard, using adhesive or fasteners or both.

[0082] Advantageously, mixer body 2000 has a specialised barrier engagement portion adapted for sealed, fitting engagement with a barrier, such as sleeve portion

1100 of device 1000, to at least substantially prevent water leakage from mixer body 2000 into a wall, such as shower wall 1.

[0083] Advantageously, mixer body 2000 has two grooves within mixer body wall 2200 thereof, for accommodating two separate cover seals. This double seal arrangement is advantageous for at least substantially preventing leakage of water from mixer cartridge 2100 out of a mixer body cover, such as cover 20, placed over mixer body 2000 towards interior space of a wall, such as shower wall 1.

[0084] Advantageously, ring seal 110 of system 100 is relatively easy to install, remove, and replace.

[0085] It will be understood generally that the above description of embodiments of the invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. In some instances, well-known components and/or processes have not been described in detail, so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein.

[0086] Numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0087] In this specification, the use of the terms "suitable" and "suitably", and similar terms, is not to be read as implying that a feature or step is essential, although such features or steps referred to as "suitable" may well be preferred.

[0088] In this specification, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" are not to be read as singular indefinite articles or as otherwise excluding more than one or more than a single subject to which the indefinite article refers. For example, "a" seal includes one seal, one or more seals, and a plurality of seals.

[0089] In this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", and similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus, system, or method that comprises or includes a list of elements need not have those elements solely, and may well have other elements not listed.

[0090] In this specification, the terms "consisting essentially of' and "consists essentially of' are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion only to the extent that, if additional elements are included beyond those elements recited, the additional elements do not materially alter basic and novel characteristics. That is, an apparatus, system, or method that "consists essentially of' one or more recited elements includes those elements only, or those elements and any additional elements that do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the apparatus, system, or method.

[0091] In this specification, terms such as "above" and "below"; "front" and "back"; "top" and "bottom"; "left' and "right"; "horizonta' and verticalf',and the like, may be used for descriptive purposes. However, it will be understood that embodiments can potentially be arranged in various orientations, and that such relative terms are not limiting and may be interchangeable in appropriate circumstances.

[0092] In this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms "connection", "connected',"connecting", and the like, are not to be read as limited to direct connections and may also include indirect connections. For example, unless the context requires otherwise, a stated first component "connected' to a stated second component may be connected via, through, or by, one or more unstated components.

Claims (20)

1. A device for sealing of a mixer body, the device comprising a sleeve portion for insertion over a mixer body; and a flange portion extending from the sleeve portion for positioning against a wall surface, wherein the sleeve portion of the device is or comprises a substantially waterproof barrier.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the sleeve portion comprises a substantially cylindrical barrier wall around a substantially cylindrical channel.

3. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sleeve portion comprises a first sleeve section extending from a first open end; and a second sleeve section extending from a second open end.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the second section of the sleeve portion is tapered across substantially its full length.

5. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the flange portion is a disc-like or circular flange.

6. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the flange portion comprises an indentation or groove extending around the flange portion at a position towards a rim thereof.

7. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the flange portion extends from the sleeve portion over a plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve portion.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the flange portion is malleably adjustable relative to the plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve portion.

9. The device of any one of claims 3-8, wherein the flange portion extends from the sleeve portion at a position between the first sleeve section and the second sleeve section.

10. A mixer body comprising a barrier engagement portion for interaction with the sleeve portion of the device of any preceding claim.

11. The mixer body of claim 10, wherein the barrier engagement portion is of a base of the mixer body.

12. The mixer body of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the barrier engagement portion is a substantially cylindrical barrier engagement portion.

13. The mixer body of any one of claims 10-12, wherein the barrier engagement portion comprises a groove or furrow for receiving a barrier-engaging seal.

14. The mixer body of any one of claims 10-13, comprising a groove or furrow for receiving a cover-engaging seal for engagement with a cover of or for the mixer body.

15. A system comprising the device of any one of claims 1-9; and the mixer body of any one of claims 10-14.

16. The system of claim 15, comprising a barrier-engaging seal extending between the barrier engagement portion of the mixer body and an inner surface of the sleeve portion of the device.

17. A mixer tap comprising the system of claim 15 or claim 16.

18. A method of installing tapware in a wall, including a step of positioning the sleeve portion of the device of any one of claims 1-9 over at least a part of the mixer body of any one of claims 10-14, and positioning a barrier-engaging seal to extend between the barrier engagement portion of the mixer body and an inner surface of the sleeve portion of the device.

19. The method of claim 18, including a step of positioning the flange portion of the device against a surface of the wall.

20. The method of claim 18 or claim 19, including a step of trimming the sleeve portion of the device before and/or after to positioning the sleeve portion over the mixer body.