CN107227769B

CN107227769B - Device for fixing a faucet on a surface

Info

Publication number: CN107227769B
Application number: CN201710418224.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: K·费恩利
Original assignee: Kohler Mira Ltd
Current assignee: Kohler Mira Ltd
Priority date: 2012-09-18
Filing date: 2013-09-18
Publication date: 2020-05-19
Anticipated expiration: 2033-09-18
Also published as: GB2505951A; CN104812969A; EP2898152A1; GB201216602D0; GB2544658B; GB2544658A; GB2505951B; WO2014045033A1; EP2898152B1; CN107227769A; GB201620646D0; CN104812969B; HK1212405A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for fixing a faucet on a surface. The apparatus comprises: one or more elongate coupling members (17a, 17b) coupleable to the plumbing fitting (7) so as to extend, in use, through the opening (13) in the countertop (5); and one or more fastening members (27a, 27b) cooperating with the coupling members (17a, 17b) on the underside of the table top (5). The fastening members (27a, 27b) are connected to the clamping plate (23) to provide a subassembly, wherein the fastening members (27a, 27b) are axially retained relative to the clamping plate (23) and are rotatable relative to the clamping plate (23).

Description

Device for fixing a faucet on a surface

The present application is a divisional application of an invention patent application having an application number of 201380059531.1 (international application number PCT/GB2013/052444), an international application date of 09 and 18 in 2013, entitled "device for fixing a faucet on a surface".

Technical Field

The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to mounting of plumbing fittings on a countertop having a surface with an opening for a water supply connectable to the plumbing fittings. The invention has particular, but not exclusive, application to the installation of faucets such as faucets, valves and mixers.

Background

Faucets are typically mounted on the countertop of plumbing fixtures such as basins, sinks or tubs. Typically, faucets are secured to countertops from below, which often involves mounting several components from the underside of the countertops. Access to the underside of the countertop is often limited by the limited available workspace. As a result, installation can be very difficult and may require two people, one to hold the faucet in place on a countertop and another to secure the faucet from below the countertop.

In view of the above, there is a need for an improved apparatus, system and method for mounting a plumbing fitting on a countertop that will overcome or at least alleviate the problems and disadvantages described above, and that can simplify installation by allowing an installer to mount the plumbing fitting to the countertop without assistance, and that can make installation faster.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for mounting a plumbing fitting on a countertop having a surface with an opening, the apparatus comprising: at least one elongate coupling member coupleable to the plumbing fitting so as to extend through the opening in the countertop in use; and a base arranged, in use, on the underside of the table top; and at least one rotatable fastening member connected to the base, wherein the elongate coupling member and the fastening member have cooperating threaded portions to secure the plumbing fitting to the countertop in use by tightening the fastening member to urge the base against the underside of the countertop.

This may be the case: the fastening member is axially retained relative to the base and is rotatable relative to the base. The fastening member may be axially retained in a form-fitting manner.

The elongated coupling member may have an externally threaded portion for connecting the elongated coupling member to the plumbing fitting. For example, the elongate coupling member may be connected to a threaded hole in the underside of the plumbing fitting.

The elongated coupling member may have another externally threaded portion for connecting the elongated coupling member to the fastening member. For example, the elongated coupling member may be connected to a threaded hole in the fastening member.

This may be the case: the elongated coupling member includes a rod having externally threaded portions at opposite ends for connection to the plumbing fitting and to the fastening member.

The base may be configured to seat around the opening on an underside of the deck when the fastening member is tightened. The deck may be clamped between the pipe fitting and the base by: tightening the fastening member with the plumbing fitting seated on top of the countertop to urge the base against the underside of the countertop.

The base may comprise a plate and the fastening member may be rotatably connected to the plate. The plate may be rigid. The fastening member may be directly connected to the plate. The base may comprise a spacer or similar spacing element between the plate and the underside of the table top. The gasket may be resilient.

The fastening member may be configured to be tightened by hand. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening member may be configured to be tightened by means of a tool. For example, the fastening member may have an outer profile that facilitates tightening by hand and/or with a tool. Thus, the fastening member may have a hexagonal outer profile which can be grasped by hand and which can also be engaged with a tool to tighten the fastening member. In this way, the fastening member can initially be tightened by hand and finally a secure fixing of the pipe fitting to the table top is achieved with the aid of a tool.

The fastening member may comprise a nut engageable with the externally threaded portion of the elongate coupling member to secure the pipe fitting by tightening the nut. The nut may have a bore for receiving the externally threaded portion of the elongated coupling member.

The bore may have a lead-in portion and an internal threaded portion, wherein the external threaded portion of the elongated coupling member is a clearance fit in the lead-in portion and engages with the threaded portion to tighten the fastening member.

The nut may be rotatably connected to the plate by any suitable means. The connector device may axially retain the nut in a form-fitting manner. The connector means may provide a permanent connection or a releasable connection. For example, the head of the nut may be inserted through a hole in the plate and permanently secured by forging or releasably secured by a removable retainer such as a circlip. In this way, a subassembly of the plate and a fastening member may be provided, wherein the fastening member is axially retained relative to the plate and is rotatable relative to the plate. The fastening member may be axially positioned and retained relative to the plate. Combining the plate and the fastening member in a sub-assembly facilitates the installation of the plumbing fitting by a single person in a simple manner.

The nut may be pivotally and rotatably connected to the plate by any suitable means so that the nut can be unscrewed (tip) to clean the external threaded portion of the elongated coupling member and then screwed back and onto the external threaded portion of the elongated coupling member.

More than one elongated coupling member and fastening member may be provided. The mating threads may be configured such that fewer turns are required to tighten at least one of the fastening members. In this way, the time to install the pipe fitting can be reduced.

In one embodiment, two elongated coupling members and two fastening members are provided. One of the fastening members has a shorter threaded portion than the other fastening member so that the fastening member can be tightened with fewer turns. Alternatively or additionally, one of the elongate coupling members is shorter than the other elongate coupling member, so that the associated fastening member can be tightened with fewer turns.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for mounting a plumbing fitting on a countertop having a surface with an opening, the apparatus comprising: at least two elongate coupling members coupleable to the plumbing fitting so as to extend through an opening in the countertop in use; and a base arranged, in use, on the underside of the table top; and at least two fastening members connected to the base and cooperating with the coupling member to secure the pipe fitting to the countertop, wherein the cooperating threads of the coupling member and the fastening members are configured such that fewer turns are required to tighten at least one of the fastening members.

The apparatus of the second aspect of the invention may employ any of the features of the apparatus of the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing a plumbing fitting on a countertop having a surface with an opening, the method comprising: providing an elongated coupling member; attaching the elongated coupling member to a plumbing fitting; positioning the plumbing fitting on top of the countertop such that the elongated coupling member extends through the opening in the countertop; providing a base comprising a rotatable fastening member; positioning the base on an underside of the deck; and rotating the fastening member to engage the elongate coupling member and the complementary threaded portion of the fastening member to tighten the fastening member to urge the base against the underside of the deck.

The method may comprise providing at least two elongate coupling members connectable to the plumbing fitting and at least two fastening members rotatably connected to the base for engagement with the elongate coupling members. The method may comprise providing the elongate coupling member and the fastening member with cooperating threads configured to enable at least one fastening member to be tightened with a reduced number of turns. The method may comprise connecting the or each fastening member to the base such that the or each fastening member is axially retained relative to the base and is rotatable relative to the base.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a fixing kit for mounting a pipe fitting on a countertop having a surface with an opening, the fixing kit comprising: at least one elongate coupling member coupleable to the plumbing fitting so as to extend, in use, through the opening in the countertop; and at least one rotatable fastening member engageable with the elongate coupling member on the underside of the countertop to urge the base against the underside of the countertop, wherein the at least one fastening member and the base are connected or connectable to rotate the at least one fastening member relative to the base, whereby in use the plumbing fitting can be secured to the countertop by tightening the fastening member to urge the base against the underside of the countertop.

The at least one fastening member may be connected to the base so as to be axially retained relative to the base and rotatable relative to the base. The fixation kit may comprise any of the features of the device according to the first or second aspect of the invention. The fixation kit may be adapted for performing the method according to the third aspect of the invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for mounting a plumbing fitting on a countertop having a surface with an opening, the system comprising: at least one elongate coupling member connectable to a plumbing fitting and having a threaded portion which, in use, extends through an opening in the counter top with the plumbing fitting located thereon; a base positioned, in use, on an underside of the deck; and at least one fastening member engageable with the threaded portion of the elongate coupling member, the fastening member being attached to the base and being rotatable relative to the base so as to engage the threaded portion of the elongate coupling member, whereby in use the plumbing fitting can be secured to the countertop by tightening the fastening member to urge the base against the underside of the countertop.

The at least one fastening member may be attached to the base portion such that the at least one fastening member is axially retained relative to the base portion and is rotatable relative to the base portion. The system may comprise any of the features of the apparatus according to the first or second aspect of the invention. The system may be adapted to perform the method according to the third aspect of the invention. The system may employ a fixation kit according to the fourth aspect of the invention.

Drawings

Other features, advantages and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which is provided for illustrative purposes only. Many variations and modifications of the exemplary embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention is therefore not limited to the exemplary embodiments which will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plumbing fitting;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the components of a securement kit embodying the present invention for mounting the pipe fitting of FIG. 1 on a countertop;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a subassembly of the fixation kit shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pipe fitting and securing kit in an assembled state, with the deck omitted for clarity;

fig. 5 is a view in the direction of arrow a in fig. 4 with mesas added in cross section;

fig. 6 is a view in the direction of arrow B in fig. 4 with mesas added in cross section; and

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting and securing kit in an assembled state with the addition of a table top.

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a fixing kit 1 for mounting a pipe fitting 3 on a table top 5. In this embodiment, the plumbing fitting 3 is a faucet and the counter top 5 is a basin. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to faucets and that the securing sleeve may be used for the installation of other plumbing fittings. It will also be appreciated that the invention is not limited to use with basins, but rather that the fixing kit may be used to mount plumbing fixtures on other countertops including sinks or bathtubs or countertops.

The tap 3 may be a mixer tap and has a body 7 for connection to a hot water source and a cold water source (not shown). A valve mechanism (not shown) housed in the body 7 is operable by a control handle 9 mounted on the body 7 to control the flow rate and temperature of water delivered to a spout 11, the spout 11 having an outlet (not shown) for water discharge. Such valve mechanisms and control handles are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described further herein.

The faucet body 7 is adapted to be positioned on the upper surface 5a of the basin 5 around the opening 13 in the basin 5. The gasket 15 is preferably interposed between the faucet body 7 and the upper surface 5a of the basin 5. The gasket 15 may be made of rubber or similar material and is preferably resilient.

The fixation kit 1 comprises one or more (in this embodiment two) elongated coupling members, for example in the form of rods, attached at one end to the tap body 7. For example, the threaded portions of the

rods

17a, 17b may be screwed into two tapped

blind holes

19a, 19b extending in the axial direction from the lower side of the tap body 7. When the faucet 3 is mounted on the upper surface 5a of the basin 5, the

rods

17a, 17b pass through the opening 13 in the basin 5. The

rods

17a, 17b may be made of metal or alloy or plastic.

The fixation kit 1 further comprises a base 21 adapted to be placed on the lower surface 5b of the basin 5 around the opening 13 in the basin 5. The base 21 comprises a clamping plate 23 and an optional gasket 25 interposed between the clamping plate 23 and the lower surface 5b of the basin 5. The clamping plate 23 may be made of metal or alloy or plastic and is preferably rigid. The gasket 25 may be made of rubber or similar material and is preferably resilient.

The clamping plate 23 has one or more (in this embodiment three) formations 23a, for example in the form of integrally formed projections, spaced around the peripheral edge, and the shim 25 has a corresponding plurality of aligned formations 25a in the form of, for example, integrally formed recesses 25a, which recesses 25a receive the projections 23a to locate the shim 25 relative to the clamping plate 23. The number of projections 23a and recesses 25a may be varied or replaced by any other means of positioning the spacer 25 relative to the clamping plate 23.

The fixation kit 1 further comprises one or more (in this embodiment two) fastening members in the form of e.g. nuts, which are attached to the clamping plate 23 by any suitable means, preferably directly to the clamping plate 23, such that the fastening members are axially positioned and held with respect to the clamping plate 23 and are rotatable with respect to the clamping plate 23. Any means for achieving this may be employed. For example, in this embodiment, each

nut

27a, 27b has a

head

29a, 29b, preferably of reduced cross-section. The

heads

29a, 29b may be cylindrical. The

heads

29a, 29b extend through apertures 31a, 31b in the clamping plate 23 and have

annular grooves

33a, 33b in which retainers, such as

circlips

35a, 35b, are received to releasably secure the nuts 27a, 27b to the clamping plate 23. In this way, the clamping plate 23 is positioned between each

circlip

35a, 35b and the body of the associated

nut

27a, 27 b. As a result, the nuts 27a, 27b are axially positioned and held in a form-fitting manner relative to the clamping plate 23 and are able to rotate relative to the clamping plate 23. Any other means for axially positioning and retaining the nuts 27a, 27b relative to the clamping plate 23 while allowing the nuts 27a, 27b to rotate relative to the clamping plate 23 may be employed.

In this way, the clamping plate 23 with the attached nuts 27a, 27b and, if provided, the washer 25, forms a sub-assembly that is easy to handle during installation. When the faucet 3 is mounted on the basin 5, the nuts 27a, 27b are free to rotate relative to the clamping plate 23 to engage with the

rods

17a, 17b inserted through the opening 13 in the basin 5. Attaching the nuts 27a, 27b to the clamping plate 23 allows the nuts 27a, 27b to be axially positioned and retained while being rotatable relative to the clamping plate 23 to prevent the nuts 27a, 27b from being inadvertently separated from the clamping plate 23. This has advantages for the manufacturer, supplier and installer. For example, parts can be prevented from being lost during transportation, storage and installation. Furthermore, there are fewer parts for assembly during installation.

In use, the

levers

17a, 17b are attached to the faucet body 7 and the faucet body 7 with the washer 15 on the underside is seated on the upper surface 5a of the basin 5 with the

levers

17a, 17b extending through the opening 13 in the basin 5. The clamping plate 23 with the

washers

27a, 27b suspended from the clamping plate 23 positions the washer 25 on the upper surface below the opening 13 to align the nuts 27a, 27b with the lower ends of the

rods

17a, 17 b. The nuts 27a, 27b have axial through holes extending from one end to the other end of the nuts 27a, 27 b. Each through hole preferably has a lead-in

portion

37a, 37b and a threaded

portion

39a, 39 b. The

introduction portions

37a, 37b are disposed above the threaded

portions

39a, 39 b. The threaded ends of the

rods

17a, 17b have a clearance fit in the lead-in

portions

37a, 37b, and nuts 27a, 27b rotatably engage the threaded

portions

39a, 39b with the threaded ends of the

rods

17a, 17 b. The clamping plate 23 and the washer 25 are lifted by tightening nuts 27a, 27b on the

rods

17a, 17b to be seated on the underside 5b of the basin 5 and secure the tap 3 to the basin 5. The nuts 27a, 27b preferably have a hexagonal or other suitable external shape that allows tightening by hand and/or by a suitable tool such as a wrench or socket.

The threaded

portions

39a, 39b of the nuts 27a, 27b may have different lengths. The lead-in

portions

37a, 37b of the nuts 27a, 27b may have different lengths. The combined length of the threaded portion 39a and the introduction portion 37a of the nut 27a may be the same as the combined length of the threaded portion 39b and the introduction portion 37b of the nut 27 b. In this embodiment, the threaded portion 39b of the nut 27b has a length shorter than the length of the threaded portion 39a of the nut 27a, while the introduction portion 37b of the nut 27b has a length longer than the length of the introduction portion 37a of the nut 27 a. The combined length of the threaded portions and the introduction portions of the two nuts is the same. This arrangement allows one nut to be started before the other nut and reduces the number of turns to tighten the nut with the shorter threaded portion (and/or the longer lead-in portion), which reduces the installation speed. In some embodiments, threaded

portions

39a, 39b may have the same length, and/or lead-in

portions

37a, 37b may have the same length. In certain embodiments, the lead-

ins

37a, 37b are removed from one or more nuts 27a, 27 b. Alternatively or additionally, one of the

rods

17a, 17b may have a shorter length than the other rod, so that the associated nut can be tightened with fewer turns, which increases the speed of installation.

Incoming hot and cold water sources (not shown) may be connected through openings 13 in the basin 5 to inlets (not shown) located on the underside of the faucet body 7. For this purpose, the clamping plate 23 has cut-outs 41 to accommodate the hot and cold water sources, while the gasket 25 has larger cut-outs 43 to accommodate the

rods

17a, 17b and the hot and cold water sources. The washer 25 also provides clearance between the

heads

29a, 29b of the nuts and the underside 5b of the basin 5 for rotating the nuts 27a, 27b to secure the faucet 3 to the basin 5. In a variation (not shown), the clamping plate may be configured to provide clearance between the

heads

29a, 29b of the nuts and the underside 5b of the basin 5 for rotating the nuts 27a, 27b to secure the faucet 3 to the basin 5.

The hot and cold water sources may be flexible hoses configured to be connected to the inlets by any suitable means. For example, the hose may be provided with a connector that is screwed into an inlet in the underside of the tap body 7 or with a connector that is push-fit into an inlet in the underside of the tap body 7. The hot and cold water sources may be connected to the inlet before the faucet 3 is secured to the basin 5 or, more preferably, after the faucet 3 is secured to the basin 5.

The features of the fixation kit may provide any of the following advantages:

mounting the tap in a simple manner by one person

Faster installation

Easier alignment of the faucet on the basin

It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the fixation kit may include one or more rods that are attached to the pipe fitting with a corresponding number of nuts rotatably mounted on the clamping plate. Each rotatable nut may be permanently fixed to the clamping plate. For example, the head of the nut may extend through a hole in the clamping plate and be forged or otherwise configured to secure the nut to the clamping plate such that the nut is axially positioned and retained relative to the clamping plate and is rotatable relative to the clamping plate. The following can be done: a quick/release screw/nut may be used to secure the clamping plate to the underside of the basin. The following can be done: each nut is pivotally and rotatably connected to the clamping plate by any suitable means so that the nut can be unscrewed to clean the external threaded portion of the elongated coupling member and then screwed back and onto the external threaded portion of the elongated coupling member. The following can be done: as described in the exemplary embodiment, the stem is connected to the body of the pipe fitting. Alternatively, the pipe fitting may comprise a separate base mounting element fixed to the countertop, wherein the body of the pipe fitting is connectable to the base mounting element. The following can be done: the plumbing fittings are connected to a hot water source and a cold water source. Alternatively, the plumbing fitting may be connected to a hot water source only or a cold water source only. The following can be done: plumbing fittings include any type of faucet for controlling water flow and/or water temperature, such as fittings for faucets, valves, mixers, and the like.

As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and the like are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with the ordinary use of the term as accepted by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed subject matter pertains. Those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will appreciate that these terms are intended to allow description of some of the features described and claimed, and are not intended to limit the scope of the features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or unreasonable modifications or variations of the described and claimed subject matter are considered within the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

It should be noted that the term "exemplary," as used herein to describe various embodiments, is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The reference positions of elements used herein are used to describe the orientation of the various elements in the drawings. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are also encompassed by the present disclosure.

It is specifically noted that the construction and arrangement of the plumbing fitting as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present inventions.

It is also specifically noted that any feature of the subject matter disclosed herein relating to any aspect of the invention may be employed alone or in combination with any other feature, and the invention extends to encompass any feature or combination of features disclosed herein as well as equivalents thereof suitable for carrying out the invention in any aspect of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for mounting a plumbing fitting on a countertop having a surface with an opening, the apparatus comprising: at least one elongate coupling member coupleable to the plumbing fitting so as to extend through the opening in the countertop in use; a base arranged, in use, on an underside of the deck; at least one rotatable fastening member comprising a nut, the fastening member being connected to the base, wherein the base comprises a plate, the fastening member being rotatably connected to the plate by means of a head of the nut extending through a hole in the plate; and a shim located between the plate and an underside of the countertop, wherein the elongate coupling member and the fastening member have cooperating threaded portions such that, in use, the plumbing fitting is secured to the countertop by tightening the fastening member to urge the base against the underside of the countertop, and wherein the nut is pivotally and rotatably connected to the plate such that the nut can be unscrewed to clean a threaded portion of the elongate coupling member and then screwed back and onto the threaded portion of the elongate coupling member, and wherein at least one of the shim and the plate is shaped to provide a gap between the head of the nut and the underside of the countertop for rotating the nut.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated coupling member has an externally threaded portion for connecting the elongated coupling member to the plumbing fitting.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the elongated coupling member is connectable to a threaded hole in an underside of the plumbing fitting.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elongated coupling member has an externally threaded portion for connecting the elongated coupling member to the fastening member.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the elongated coupling member is connectable to a threaded hole in the fastening member.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elongate coupling member comprises a rod having externally threaded portions at opposite ends for connection to the pipe fitting and to the fastening member.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the base is configured to: the base is positioned around the opening on the underside of the deck when the fastening member is tightened in use.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the table is clamped between the pipe fitting and the base in use by: tightening the fastening member with the plumbing fitting seated on top of the countertop to urge the base against the underside of the countertop.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plate is rigid.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gasket is resilient.

11. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the fastening member is configured to be tightened by hand.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the fastening member is configured to be tightened with a tool.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fastening member has an outer profile that facilitates tightening by hand and/or with a tool.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the fastening member has a hexagonal outer profile that is manually graspable and further engageable by a tool to tighten the fastening member.

15. The apparatus of any of claims 1-3, wherein the fastening member comprises a nut having a bore for receiving the threaded portion of the elongated coupling member.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the bore has a lead-in and an internally threaded portion, wherein the threaded portion of the elongated coupling member is a clearance fit in the lead-in and is engageable with the threaded bore portion to facilitate tightening of the fastening member.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the nut is rotatably connected to the plate by means providing a permanent or releasable connection.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the head of the nut is permanently secured by forging or releasably secured by a removable retainer.

19. A method of installing a plumbing fitting on a countertop having a surface with an opening, the method comprising: providing an elongated coupling member; attaching the elongated coupling member to a plumbing fitting; positioning the plumbing fitting on top of the countertop such that the elongated coupling member extends through the opening in the countertop; providing a base comprising a rotatable fastening member, wherein the base comprises a plate and a washer, the fastening member comprises a nut and the fastening member is rotatably connected to the plate by means of a head of the nut extending through a hole in the plate, the washer being located between the plate and an underside of the table top; positioning the base on an underside of the deck; and rotating the fastening member to engage the elongated coupling member and the complementary threaded portion of the fastening member to tighten the fastening member and urge the base against the underside of the deck, and wherein the nut is pivotally and rotatably connected to the plate such that the nut can be unscrewed to clean the threaded portion of the elongated coupling member and then screwed back and onto the threaded portion of the elongated coupling member, and wherein at least one of the washer and the plate is shaped to provide clearance between the head of the nut and the underside of the deck for rotating the fastening member.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing at least two elongated coupling members connectable to the plumbing fitting and at least two fastening members rotatably connected to the base for engagement with the elongated coupling members.

21. A securement kit for mounting a plumbing fitting on a countertop having a surface with an opening, the securement kit comprising: at least one elongate coupling member coupleable to the plumbing fitting so as to extend through the opening in the countertop in use; at least one rotatable fastening member comprising a nut, the at least one rotatable fastening member being engageable with the elongated coupling member on the underside of the deck so as to urge the base against the underside of the deck; and a shim between the plate and an underside of the deck, wherein the at least one fastening member and the base are connected or connectable to rotate the at least one fastening member relative to the base, the base comprising a plate, the fastening member being rotatably connected to the plate by means of a head of the nut extending through a hole in the plate, so that in use the plumbing fitting can be secured to the deck by tightening the fastening member to urge the base against an underside of the deck, and wherein the nut is pivotally and rotatably connected to the plate so that the nut can be unscrewed to clean a threaded portion of the elongate coupling member and then screwed back and onto the threaded portion of the elongate coupling member, and wherein, at least one of the washer and the plate is shaped to provide a gap between the head of the nut and the underside of the table for rotating the nut.

22. A system for mounting a plumbing fitting on a countertop having a surface with an opening, the system comprising: at least one elongate coupling member connectable to a plumbing fitting and having a threaded portion, the at least one elongate coupling member extending, in use, through an opening in the counter top with the plumbing fitting located thereon; a base positioned, in use, on an underside of the deck; at least one fastening member comprising a nut engageable with the threaded portion of the elongate coupling member, the fastening member being attached to the base and rotatable relative thereto to engage the threaded portion of the elongate coupling member, the base comprising a plate to which the fastening member is rotatably connected by means of a head of the nut extending through a hole in the plate, such that in use the plumbing fitting can be secured to the countertop by tightening the fastening member to urge the base against the underside of the countertop; and a washer located between the plate and an underside of the table top, and wherein the nut is pivotally and rotatably connected to the plate such that the nut can be unscrewed to clean a threaded portion of the elongated coupling member and then screwed back and onto the threaded portion of the elongated coupling member, and wherein at least one of the washer and the plate is shaped to provide clearance between the head of the nut and the underside of the table top for rotating the nut.