EP1555350A1

EP1555350A1 - Mounting plate, assembly of a mounting plate with a fitting, as well as a method for installing at least one fitting using such a mounting plate, a plug and the use of a plug

Info

Publication number: EP1555350A1
Application number: EP05075111A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Albert Leonard Veenma
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-01-16
Filing date: 2005-01-17
Publication date: 2005-07-20
Also published as: NL1026953C1

Abstract

A mounting plate for mounting at least one fitting of a water pipe or the like in a wall, wherein the mounting plate extends in one plane, is flat and is provided with a front side which, in mounted condition, faces away from the wall and with a rear side which, in mounted condition, abuts against the wall, the at least one fitting, when connected to the plate, extends substantially at the rear side of the plate. The invention also provides a method for providing fittings in a wall while utilizing the mounting plate according to the invention. In addition, the invention provides a plug. The invention further provides an assembly of at least one plug and at least one matching fitting.

Description

One aspect of the invention relates to a completely new auxiliary means for mounting fittings in a wall.

Known is the so-called gemini (twin) bracket for mounting fittings in a wall. Such a bracket has a form which is represented in Fig. 1 of the present application. Such brackets are used for mounting fittings at a fixed center distance, which is of importance for, for instance, mounting mixing taps with hot and cold water supply. A problem of the known gemini bracket is mounting it correctly. First, a large recess is to be provided in the wall for receiving the two fittings and the bracket therein. As, in general, the recess is cut from the wall, it is not easy to provide this with a flat "bottom" against which the bracket is secured. As a result, it regularly happens that the centerline of the fittings does not extend perpendicularly to the plane of the wall. Consequently, when mounting the mixing taps on the fittings, the mixing tap does not extend perpendicularly to the wall, which, from an aesthetic viewpoint, is particularly undesired. Another drawback is that the irregularly shaped recess is often the cause of the fittings not being situated precisely at the same height. In order to eliminate such imprecision, often, so-called eccentric adapters are utilized, whose feed centerline is staggered with respect to the centerline of the discharge. In practice, such adapters are indicated with the term S-adapters. Thus, the mixing tap can still be mounted in a horizontal position. A drawback of the use of such eccentric adapters is that the tap comes to hang still further from the plane of the wall and that large tap rosettes are to be utilized to hide the adapters from view.

The invention contemplates a new auxiliary means for mounting fittings in walls with which above-mentioned drawbacks are solved and provides, to this end, a mounting plate for mounting at least one fitting of a water pipe or the like in a wall, wherein the mounting plate extends in one plane and is provided with a front side which, in mounted condition, faces away from the wall, and with a rear side which, in mounted condition, abuts against the wall, while, when connected to the plate, the at least one fitting extends substantially at the rear side of the plate.

As the fitting extends substantially at the rear side of the plate in a condition connected to the plate, a recess is to be provided in the wall only for the benefit of the at least one fitting. The plate itself is secured against the surface of the wall and, as a result of the fact that the mounting plate is flat, will therefore extend substantially parallel to the wall. This results in, inter alia, the centerline of the at least one fitting extending perpendicularly to the wall, which, in turn, will result in a tap to be mounted on the fitting extending perpendicularly to the wall as well. As the mounting plate is installed on the frontal face of the wall, and, most often, a cover layer is applied to the wall, such as for instance a layer of plaster onto which, in turn, tiles are secured, it is not necessary that the mounting plate is removed after the fittings have been secured by, for instance, a filler. Furthermore, the plate can simply be rotated on the frontal face of the wall so that when, for instance, two fittings are to be provided at equal height for mounting, for instance, a mixing tap, it can simply be effected that the fittings are accurately positioned at equal height by positioning the mounting plate correctly.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the mounting plate has dimensions such that it is possible to mount the plate level to the wall even when recesses have been provided in the wall for including the at least one fitting therein, in order that the plate extends exactly parallel to the wall.

As the mounting plate has considerable dimensions, it is virtually excluded that the plate is connected to the wall in a position that is not parallel to the wall. The limited surface of the gemini brackets and the additional drawback that, in general, these brackets extend completely in a recess in the wall, often results in the centerlines of the fittings not extending perpendicularly to the plane of the wall. It is this very problem that is solved by the mounting plate according to the invention, and more in particular with a mounting plate having considerable dimensions.

Further elaborations of the mounting plate according to the invention are described in the subclaims and will be clarified hereinafter with reference to the drawing.

The invention also provides a method for mounting at least one fitting in a wall, utilizing a mounting plate according to the invention wherein, in the wall, at least one recess is provided for including a fitting therein, while subsequently, a mounting plate with at least one fitting is secured to the wall such that the at least one fitting is situated in the at least one recess and the plate extends parallel to the main face of the wall, the fitting being connected to a pipe, while then, the recess is filled with the aid of a filler for securing the fitting in the wall.

By using the method according to the invention, it is provided that the centerline of the fitting will always extend perpendicularly to the wall, which, when for instance afterwards a tap is mounted on the fitting, results in the tap extending perpendicularly to the wall. In particular when the mounting plate is provided with two fittings situated at a desired center-to-center distance from each other, with the aid of the method according to the invention, it can be effected that the fittings are situated at the same horizontal level and both extend exactly perpendicularly to the plane of the wall. As the fittings are situated exactly at the desired horizontal level, a mixing tap can directly be mounted on the fittings without, thereto, eccentric adapters being required for horizontal adjustment of the mixing tap. This has as a further advantage that much smaller rosettes can be used with the tap, which is particularly favorable from an aesthetic viewpoint. During mounting, the fitting can be coupled and/or positioned to the mounting plate in different manners, for instance with a suitable nut or plug.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, after application of the filler, the wall can be provided with a cover layer such as for instance a layer of plaster. Optionally, prior to the application of the cover layer, and after the at least partial hardening of the filler, the mounting plate can be demounted from the at least one fitting while leaving the at least one fitting behind in the wall so that the mounting plate can be removed from the wall and be used again for a following job. Further, the at least one fitting can for instance be sealed off by a suitable plug or sealing cap.

The invention also relates to an assembly of a mounting plate according to the invention and at least one fitting, optionally further provided with a portion of filler. Such an assembly or set of parts can be sold as a unit, so that an installer has all parts required at hand for mounting a mixing tap. The assembly may likewise comprise one or more sealing caps for sealing the at least one fitting. Further, the assembly can for instance be provided with one or more plugs for, during mounting, centring fittings on the mounting plate and/or sealing off one or more fittings.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a wall provided with at least one assembly according to the invention, which is provided while utilizing the method according to the invention.

The invention further relates to a plug, for instance a plug usable as coupling plug, centring plug and/or sealing cap in an assembly according to the invention.

A plug usable as sealing cap is known from practice and is supplied in different standard sizes for cooperation with, at least sealing off, standard fittings. A drawback is that often during assembly operations, it appears that a required plug of a particular size is not available. The present invention intends solving this problem.

According to one aspect of the invention, a plug is characterized to this end by the features of claim 21.

According to the invention, the plug is integrally provided with at least two plug parts designed for cooperation with fittings of different sizes, preferably standard sizes.

Thus, the plug yields at least two different plug sizes, for instance for capping fittings of at least two different sizes. Therefore, the plug provided by the invention is a universal plug which is particularly suitable for use in, for instance, situations in which it is unknown in advance which size fittings will be used and/or which size caps will be required. According to a further elaboration of the invention, the plug is furthermore advantageously suitable for centring a fitting relative to a hole of a mounting plate.

One aspect of the invention relates to a completely new plug, for instance to be used as sealing of fittings in a wall, and/or as an above-mentioned coupling plug, centring plug and/or sealing cap.

From practice, a steel plug usable as sealing cap is known. This known plug is supplied in different standard sizes for cooperation with a suitable standard fitting, for instance for temporarily sealing off this fitting in a fluid-tight manner. A drawback of the known plug is that, often, it is only during the assembly operations that it appears that a required plug of a required size is not available. A further disadvantage is that it costs relatively much time to have the known plug link up with the fitting in a watertight manner. To this end, generally, tape, for instance Teflon wrapping material, is provided between the plug and the fitting, which costs much time. Moreover, such tape is to be removed again when the plug has been removed from the fitting, which also costs much time. Hence, the use of the known plug is relatively expensive with respect to the associated labour costs, and also with respect to the consumption of the tape mentioned.

The present invention contemplates solving the problems mentioned of the use of the known plug, at least partly. In particular, the invention contemplates providing an assembly with which a plug can be provided on a particular fitting relatively inexpensively, rapidly and preferably in a watertight manner. According to one aspect of the invention, to this end, an assembly is provided which assembly provides at least one plug and at least one matching fitting, while the plug is manufactured entirely from plastic, this plug being provided with at least one coupling part with thread for coupling the plug to the thread of the matching fitting, the at least one coupling part being integrally provided with a collar part extending behind the thread of the coupling part such that the collar part can be reached by a part of the thread of the fitting during coupling of the plug and fitting, said collar part and the thread of the matching fitting being designed to form a fluid-tight sealing when the thread is tightened on the collar part.

In this manner, the plug can be provided on the fitting relatively rapidly and simply, while the integral collar part of the plug and the thread of the fitting can directly link up in a fluid-tight manner without the use of additional material such as tape. The plug is a one-piece plastic part and can therefore, moreover, be manufactured relatively inexpensively, for instance by means of injection moulding. The integral collar part of the plug can be designed in various manners. In a particularly simple design, the collar part has a smooth outside, with which the thread of a suitable fitting can form a fluid-tight connection.

The collar part can simply be designed to deform when the thread of a matching fitting is tightened thereon, such that under the influence of this deformation the fluid-tight connection is formed.

A rather direct manner of deformation that can easily be obtained by the thread of the fitting during assembly, depending on the design of the collar part, involves the thread of a fitting grinding into the collar part. In that case, the deformation of the collar part comprises that an end part of the fitting thread grinds into the collar part in a tight-fitting, clearance-free manner, which appears to lead to a surprisingly reliable, strong fluid-tight connection. In that case, the fluid-tight connection appears to withstand, for instance, relatively high hydrostatic pressures of a few bars, for instance approximately 6 bars or more. Furthermore, in this manner, the collar part of the plug can exert a particular holding force on the fitting in order that an undesired loosening of the plug can be prevented.

According to a further elaboration of the invention, the plug is integrally provided with at least two coupling parts designed for cooperation with fittings of different sizes, while each of the at least two coupling parts is integrally provided with a collar part mentioned for forming a fluid-tight sealing with the thread of the matching fitting when this thread is tightened on this collar part.

As a result, the plug is the multifunctional. The plug can be used, for instance, to cap fittings of at least two different sizes. Thus, the plug provided by the invention is a universal plug which is particularly suitable for, for instance, use in situations in which it is unknown in advance which size fitting is used and/or which size cap will be required.

One aspect of the invention provides a plug of an assembly according to any one of claims 35 - 50. With this plug, the above-mentioned advantages can be achieved. Further, the invention provides the use of a plug for coupling a fitting to surroundings or a different part, for centring a fitting and/or for sealing a fitting off in a fluid-tight manner.

The invention will presently be clarified with reference to four exemplary embodiments which are described hereinbelow with reference to the drawing.

Figs. 1a and 1b show a front view and a top plan view, respectively, of a known gemini bracket;

Fig. 2 shows a front view of a first exemplary embodiment of a mounting plate;

Fig. 3 shows a front view of a second exemplary embodiment of a mounting plate;

Fig. 4 shows a mounting plate secured to a wall;

Fig. 5 shows a cross-section along the line V-V of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a universal plug according to the invention;

Fig. 7 shows the exemplary embodiment represented in Fig. 6, provided with sealing rings;

Fig. 8 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a universal plug;

Fig. 9 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a mounting plate;

Fig. 10 shows a perspective side view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 11 shows a perspective side view, at a different angle, of the plug of the exemplary embodiment represented in Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 shows a bottom view of the plug represented in Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 shows a top plan view of the plug represented in Fig. 11;

Fig. 14 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the plug represented in Fig. 11; and

Fig. 15 shows a side view of the plug represented in Fig. 11.

The known gemini bracket represented in Figs. 1a and 1b comprises a U-shaped, bent bracket to which two fittings are secured. The surface with which the bracket abuts in the recess is so small that it cannot be guaranteed in any manner that, after the bracket has been placed in the recess cut from the wall, the fittings extend perpendicularly to the plane of the wall. Also, placing the fittings at an equal horizontal level is often not successful with the known gemini plate.

The exemplary embodiment represented in Fig. 2 of a mounting plate comprises a cross-shaped plate element 1 in which a first pair of

holes

2, 3 and a second pair of

holes

4, 5 is included. The diameter of the first pair of

holes

2, 3 is suitable for receiving ½-inch fittings therein. The center-to-center distance between the

holes

2, 3 is 153 mm. The diameter of the second pair of

holes

4, 5 is suitable for receiving 3/8-thread fittings therein. The center-to-center distance between the

holes

4, 5 is 120 mm. In the mounting plate 1, further holes 7 ― 10 are provided for allowing screws to pass, with the aid of which the plate 1 can be secured to the wall M. It will be clear that the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2 is intended for mounting fittings at a fixed distance such that, thereupon, a mixing tap can be connected to it. The one fitting will be connected to a hot water pipe and the other fitting will be connected to a cold-water pipe.

The exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3 shows a mounting plate for mounting one single fitting. The mounting plate comprises a plate-shaped element 11 in which a hole 12 is provided in which a fitting can be secured. The diameter of the hole 12 is, for instance, suitable for receiving ½-inch fittings or 3/8-thread fittings. Further, the single mounting plate 11 is also provided with holes 13 - 16 for securing the plate on the wall by means of screws.

The exemplary embodiment of a mounting plate shown in Fig. 9 comprises a cross-shaped plate element 51 in which a first pair of

holes

52, 53 and a second pair of

holes

54, 55 are included. The diameter of the first pair of

holes

52, 53 is suitable for receiving ½-inch fittings therein. The center-to-center distance between the

holes

52, 53 is 153 mm. The diameter of the second pair of

holes

54, 55 is suitable for receiving 3/8-thread fittings therein. The center-to-center distance between the

holes

54, 55 is 120 mm. Further, in the mounting plate 1, one further, central hole 56 is provided which has a diameter which is suitable for receiving ¾-inch fittings. Furthermore, the mounting plate is provided with holes 57 for allowing screws to pass with the aid of which the plate 51 can be secured to the wall M.

Fig. 4 shows the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2 in a condition when secured to the wall. It is clearly visible that screws 17, 18 are provided in the

holes

8, 10 for connecting the plate 1 with the wall M. Before the plate is secured to the wall, recesses 19, 20 are provided in the wall. Further, with the aid of

nuts

23, 24, two

fittings

21, 22 are connected with the mounting plate 1. As will be described in the following with reference to Figs. 6 ― 8, the fittings may likewise be coupled to such a mounting plate with, for instance, suitable plugs.

Just after or during installation of the mounting plate 1 to the wall M, the

pipes

25, 26 can be connected with the associated

fittings

22, 21. After the connection has been effected, the

recesses

19, 20 in the wall M can be filled with filler 27. For the sake of clarity, the recess 19 in Fig. 4 has not yet been filled with filler.

It is clearly visible in Fig. 4 that the dimensions of the mounting plate 1 and hence it surface is great such that in mounted condition, the mounting plate must extend parallel to the wall surface of the wall M. Therefore, this has as a result that the centerlines L of the outflow openings of the

fittings

21, 22 extend perpendicularly to the plane of the wall M.

Optionally, the mounting plate can also have a different shape than the represented cross-shape. Possibly, a triangular shape or a rectangular shape of the mounting plate could be possible. Furthermore, the plate can also be provided with one, two, three, four or more holes for receiving fittings therein. Further, the distance between the holes in the mounting plate 1 can deviate from the above described.

After the filler 27 has hardened, or has at least partly hardened in the

recesses

19, 20, the nuts 23, 24 can be loosened and the

screws

17, 18 can be removed, whereupon the mounting plate can be removed. After this, optionally, a cover layer can be applied over the wall M, such as for instance a layer of plaster or a layer of tiles. On the other hand, it is also possible to not remove the mounting plate 1 and to apply the cover layer over the mounting plate 1.

The mounting plates can be manufactured from, for instance, plastic or metal and are not preferably not relatively thin. A thickness in the range of 0.2 - 3.0 mm can be considered, depending on the material that is used. It is self-evident that the holes are provided in the plate such that, with the fitting mounted in the mounting plate, a centerline of a fitting extends perpendicularly to the front and rear side of the mounting plate.

The mounting plate can be supplied in combination with, for instance, two fittings and filler, so that the installer has a complete set for mounting a mixing tap. Further, the mounting plate can be supplied with, for instance, one or more suitable plugs for coupling fittings to the mounting plate.

Fig. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a universal plug 100, which is suitable, for instance, for use in an assembly provided by the invention, for instance for coupling, centring or sealing, during assembly, one or more fittings to a mounting plate. The plug 100 can also be universally used for other purposes, for instance independently of the mounting plate mentioned.

As clearly shown in Fig 6, the present plug 100 is integrally provided with two

plug parts

101, 102 extending next to the other. The centerlines of these two

plug parts

101, 102 coincide. The plug 100 has the form of a trapezoid, at least in side view. The one plug part 101 has a greater diameter than the other plug part 102. Preferably, the one plug part 101 is designed for cooperation with a ½-inch (19 mm) fitting. The other plug part 102 is preferably designed for cooperation with a 3/8-thread (15 mm) fitting. Both plug

parts

101, 102 are provided with

grooves

103, 104 for receiving the sealing rings 105, 106 as is represented in Fig. 7. These sealing rings are designed to form, after assembly, a fluid-tight or watertight connection between the plug 100 and a fitting screwed thereon.

In the exemplary embodiment, an end face of the plug part 101 with the larger diameter is provided with a screw head and/or bolt head 107. During use, with appropriate tools, the plug 100 can be engaged via this screw head and/or bolt head 107. On the other hand, such a screw head and/or bolt head 107 may for instance be provided between the two

fitting parts

101, 102, at a position indicated with P. Preferably, the plug 100 comprises, for instance, a stopper or a cap so that the plug 100 can be used, for instance, for capping fittings of an installation in a fluid-tight, gastight and/or liquid-tight manner or the like. The plug 100 shown in Figs. 6 and 7 is particularly suitable to be used and/or supplied in situations in which it is not known in advance which size fitting will be required. As stated, the plug suitable for, for instance, coupling one or more fittings to a mounting plate, for instance for providing the fittings in a wall.

Fig. 8 shows a different design of a plug 200 according to the invention. Viewed from left to right in the drawing, the present plug is provided with a first plug part 201, a centring piece 202, a second plug part 203 and a third plug part 204. Preferably, the second plug part 203 and the third plug part 204 have the same size as the plug parts of the exemplary embodiment represented in Fig. 6. Preferably, the first plug part 201 is designed for cooperation with a ¾-inch (26 mm) fitting. Therefore, this universal plug 200 is suitable for cooperation with fittings of three different sizes fitting. The centring piece 202 has a greater diameter than the diameter of the first plug part 201.

As is represented in Fig. 8, during use, the plug 200 can for instance be arranged with the first plug part 201 in the central hole 56 of the mounting plate 51, represented in Fig. 9. Then, via an opposite side of the mounting plate 51, a fitting (not shown) can be screwed onto the first plug part. The fitting is then provided in a direction indicated with Q. Here, the plug 200 ensures a desired positioning, at least centring, of the fitting. After the fitting has been provided on the plug 200, - if desired ― the fitting may be fixed on the mounting plate 51, for instance by soldering the fitting to the plate 51. On the other side, the fitting can, for instance, not be secured to the mounting plate. Then, by means of the mounting plate, the fitting can be provided at a desired position in or on a wall as already discussed in the above. The fitting can then be secured to, for instance, a water pipe or the like, for instance by soldering or the like. If desired, the plug 200 and/or mounting plate can then be removed from the fitting. On the other side, the plug 200 can be left on the fitting for a desired period of time, as cap for capping the fitting. The first exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 6 - 7 can be used in a corresponding manner as auxiliary means for mounting fittings on a mounting plate or the like, in particular for the purpose of placing the fitting in a wall.

Fig. 10 shows an exemplary embodiment of an assembly of a plug and a number of fittings according to the invention. The exemplary embodiment represented in Fig. 10 comprises a rotationally symmetric plug 301 and a first 302a, a second 302b and a third matching fitting 302c. The plug 301b represented in Fig. 10 is suitable for, for instance, coupling, centring or sealing off, during assembly, one or more fittings to a mounting plate, as described hereinabove. Figs. 11 ― 15 shows various other views of the plug 301 of the assembly.

During use, one or more of the fittings 302 may or may not be in a condition mounted to a pipe system, for instance water pipe system, not represented in Fig. 10. The fittings 302 can each be designed in a different manner in various shapes.

The plug 301 represented in Figs. 10 ― 15 is manufactured from a suitable plastic, for instance PVC, PP or a different suitable plastic. The plug 301 is for instance manufactured in an advantageous, relatively inexpensive manner by means of an injection molding process, or in a different manner. Viewed in axial plug direction, the plug 301 is integrally provided with, successively: a first coupling part 311, a second coupling part 312, an integral intermediate part 320 and a third coupling part 313. The first coupling part 311 has a smallest diameter, the third coupling part 313 a greatest diameter and, of the three

coupling parts

311, 312, 313, the second coupling part 312 has an intermediate diameter. The intermediate part, which can serve, for instance, as centring piece 320, extends between the second and

third coupling part

312, 313, and has a greater diameter than the third coupling part 313. These

coupling parts

311, 312, 313 and the intermediate part 320 are concentrically aligned relative to each other.

Each

coupling part

311, 312, 313 of the plug 301 is provided with an

external thread

314, 315, 316 for coupling the plug 301 to the internal thread 303a, 303b, 303c of a matching fitting 302a, 302b, 303c. In Fig. 10, the internal thread 303a, 303b, 303c of the fittings 302a, 302b, 303c is indicated with dotted lines.

Preferably, the

coupling parts

311, 312, 313 of the plug 301 are designed for cooperation with

fittings

302a, 302b, 302c with standard sizes. The first coupling part 311 can for instance be intended for cooperation with a 3/8-thread (15 mm) fitting 302a, the second coupling part 312 can for instance be designed for cooperation with a ½-inch (19 mm) fitting 302b, and the third coupling part can be designed for cooperation with a ¾-inch (26 mm) fitting 302c. Naturally, uses of other combinations of sizes and/or use of other standard sizes are possible.

The intermediate part 320 of the plug 301 is a concentric, cylindrical plug part, provided at the outside with friction enhancing ribs 326. The ribs 326, extending in the exemplary embodiment in axial direction, can serve as, for instance, grip, additional grip or the like, for engagement of tools such as fastening tongs or the like.

Furthermore, the present elaboration of the plug 301, shown in Figs. 10 ― 15, is not provided with an axial passage. To this end, an end face of the plug 301 is provided with a sealing wall 305. Therefore, the plug 301 can be used to serve as, for instance, a sealing cap or stopper.

As further shown in Figs. 10 ― 15, each

coupling part

311, 312, 313 of the plug 301 is also integrally provided with a

collar part

321, 322, 323 extending behind the

respective thread

314, 315, 316 of that

coupling part

311, 312, 313. Each

collar part

321, 322, 323 mentioned is completely provided with a threadless, smooth outside. During coupling of the plug 301 and the fitting 302a, 302b, 302c, each

collar part

321, 322 or 323, respectively, can be reached by thread 303a, 303b or 303c, respectively, of a matching fitting 302a, 302b or 302c.

According to the invention, each collar part is further designed for forming a fluid-tight sealing with the thread 303 of the matching fitting 302 when an end part of this thread 303 is tightened on that

collar part

321, 322, 323. In particular, each

collar part

321, 322, 323 is designed to deform plastically when thread 303a, 303b or 303c, respectively, of a matching fitting 302a, 302b or 302c, respectively, is tightened thereon, such that under the influence of this deformation, the fluid-tight sealing is formed.

With the exemplary embodiment, a very good sealing is achieved in that each

collar part

321, 322, 323 of the plug 301 and each matching fitting 302 are designed in material such that during mounting, the thread 303 of the fitting 302 can grind into the

collar part

321, 322, 323 over a particular distance for forming this fluid-tight sealing. Preferably, to this end, each fitting 302 is manufactured from relatively solid, rigid material, in particular from metal or an alloy, for instance steel, while the plug 301 is manufactured from the plastic mentioned. The thread 303 of each plug 302 is designed to be sufficiently sharp to grind into a

matching collar part

321, 322, 323 of the plug 301.

To obtain a good fluid-tight connection, in which a fitting with thread can easily grind into a collar part of a matching coupling part of the plug, preferably, the diameter of the

collar part

321, 322, 323 gradually increases, viewed in an axial plug direction away from the matching

thread

314, 315, 316 of the respective coupling part. Such a shape of the collar parts is clearly visible in Figs. 10 ― 15. Here, at least the outside of each

collar part

321, 322, 323 is designed to be, in particular, frustoconical and/or trumpet-shaped.

During use, for instance the plug 301 is tightened by the first coupling part 311 on the first fitting 302a, and/or vice versa. When the thread 303a of the fitting reaches the collar part 321 of the first coupling part 311 of the plug 301, the thread 303a easily grinds into this collar part 321 over a particular distance, at least when the plug 301 is rotated further relative to the fitting 302. Thus, in a very simple manner, directly, without additional auxiliary material such as sealing tape or separate rubber sealing rings, a durable, strong, fluid-tight coupling between the plug 301 and this first fitting 302a is obtained.

In a corresponding manner, the plug 301 may be used for rapidly, sealing off the second fitting 302b or the third fitting 302c in a fluid-tight manner, utilizing the second coupling part 302b or third coupling part 302c, respectively.

It is advantageous when during use, the plug 301 is detachably coupled to a fitting 302. The plug 301 can then be used for temporarily, at least for a particular, desired period, sealing off the fitting 302 in a fluid-tight manner. After use, the plug 301 can then simply be uncoupled from the fitting 302, in order that the fitting 302 remains available for, for instance, coupling particular items to, for instance a pipe, tap and/or the like.

The plug provided by the present invention is particularly suitable to be used for instance in combination with the method and/or auxiliary means described in the above and/or in the claims for installing at least one fitting in a wall while utilizing, for instance, a mounting plate. However, the plug can also be used for other purposes.

It is clear that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described, but that various modifications are possible within the framework of the invention as defined by the claims.

A plug as mentioned can be manufactured from, for instance, different, suitable materials, for instance one or more metals, alloys, plastics and/or the like. During assembly operations for instance, a number of metal plugs can be used, for instance for coupling a number of fittings to a mounting plate. Subsequently, one or more plugs can be replaced by relatively inexpensive plastic plugs, for, for instance, sealing off one or more fittings or the like.

The

plug

100, 200, 301 may for instance comprise a cap for capping a fitting. In addition, the

plug

100, 200, 301 may for instance be provided with an axial passage for allowing fluid to pass.

Further, the

plug

100, 200, 301 may be provided at an end face with parts known per se for coupling pipes or the like to the

plug

100, 200, 301.

Furthermore, a mounting plate or the like can be provided which mounting plate is integrally provided with one or more of said plugs 100,200, 301 for holding fittings in desired positions, for instance in that one or more suitable plugs have been fixed, welded or likewise provided on suitable positions to the mounting plate.

On different positions, the plug can be provided with a suitable screw head and/or bolt head. Such a head can for instance be provided at an end face of the plug, or comprise a middle part of the plug. In the latter case, the head may for instance extend between two of the coupling parts.

The plug may for instance be provided with only one coupling part, but is preferably provided with two, more preferably with three, four or more coupling parts for cooperation with fittings of different sizes.

The plug may for instance be provided with one, two or more coupling parts which, each separately, can be designed in different manners.

Further, each plug can for instance be supplied together with one or more matching fittings, or, conversely, separately therefrom.

In this application, the term "fitting" should be understood broadly. For instance, the term "fitting" includes the wording "a passage provided with thread". In particular aspects of the invention, the fitting can for instance be a separate part. In addition, the fitting can for instance be fixedly connected to a particular object, for instance pipe, tap, mounting plate or other object, be coupled to a particular object and/or form part of such an object.

A collar part of the plug and the thread 303 of the matching fitting 302 may be designed for forming a fluid-tight sealing when the thread 303 is tightened to that collar part. Here, for instance a liquid-tight sealing can be obtained for use in, for instance, water pipe systems, but a gastight sealing is also possible.

Further, a plug can be provided with, for instance, external thread or with internal thread, or with internal thread and external thread, to fit on different types of fittings.

Claims

A mounting plate for mounting at least one fitting of a water pipe or the like in a wall, wherein the mounting plate extends in one plane, is flat and is provided with a front side which, in mounted condition, faces away from the wall and with a rear side which, in mounted condition, abuts against the wall, while the at least one fitting, when connected to the plate, extends substantially at the rear side of the plate.
A mounting plate according to claim 1, wherein the mounting plate has dimensions that are such that mounting the plate in flat condition on the wall is possible, even when recesses have been provided in the wall for receiving the at least one fitting therein, in order that the plate extends exactly parallel to the wall in an accurate manner.
A mounting plate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plate is relatively thin such that it can be included in a layer of plaster to be applied to the wall afterwards.
A mounting plate according to claim 1, wherein the plate is provided with at least two holes with a diameter suitable for mounting the desired fitting, while the mutual center-to-center distance between the holes determines the center-to-center distance between the fittings.
A mounting plate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diameter of the holes is suitable for mounting ½-inch (19 mm) fittings.
A mounting plate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diameter of the holes is suitable for mounting 3/8-thread (15 mm) fittings.
A mounting plate according to claim 4, wherein the center-to-center distance between two holes is approximately 150 mm, for instance 153 mm.
A mounting plate according to claim 4, wherein the center-to-center distance between two holes is approximately 120 mm.
A mounting plate provided with two pairs of holes, wherein the center-to-center distance between the one pair is approximately 150 mm and the distance between the other pair is approximately 120 mm.
A mounting plate according to any one of the preceding claims, provided with three holes, wherein the center-to-center distance between a first and a second hole is approximately 150 mm and the center-to-center distance between the first and a third hole is approximately 120 mm.
A mounting plate according to claim 3, wherein the thickness of the plate is in the range of 0.2 - 3 mm.
A mounting plate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it has been manufactured from metal or plastic.
A mounting plate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one hole has been provided in the plate such that, with the fitting in a condition mounted in the mounting plate, a centerline of a fitting extends perpendicularly to the front and rear side of the mounting plate.
A mounting plate according to any one of the preceding claims, provided with at least one hole with a diameter that is suitable for mounting %-inch (26 mm) fittings.
An assembly of a mounting plate according to any one of the preceding claims and at least one fitting.
An assembly according to claim 15 and further provided with a filler for the purpose of filling a recess in the wall in which, in mounted condition, the fittings are received.
A method for placing at least one fitting in a wall, utilizing a mounting plate according to any one of claims 1 - 14, wherein in the wall at least one recess is provided for receiving a fitting therein, while subsequently, a mounting plate with at least one fitting is secured to the wall such that the at least one fitting is situated in the recess and the plate extends parallel to the main surface of the wall, the at least one fitting being connected to a pipe while, thereupon, the at least one recess is filled by means of a filler for securing the at least one fitting in the wall.
A method according to claim 17, wherein, subsequently, the wall is provided with a cover layer such as, for instance, a layer of plaster and/or a tile wall.
A method according to claim 18, wherein, prior to the application of the cover layer and after at least partial hardening of the filler, the mounting plate is demounted from the at least one fitting while leaving the at least one fitting behind in the wall.
A wall provided with at least one assembly according to claim 15 or 16 that is provided utilizing the method according to any of claims 17 - 19.
A plug, for instance suitable for use in an assembly according to claim 15 or 16 and/or in a method according to any one of claims 17 - 19, wherein the plug (100; 200; 301) is integrally provided with at least two plug parts (101, 102; 201, 203, 204; 311, 312, 313) which are designed for cooperation with fittings of different sizes.
A plug according to claim 21, wherein one of the plug parts (101) is designed for cooperation with a ½-inch (19 mm) fitting.
A plug according to claim 21, or 22, wherein one of the plug parts (102) is designed for cooperation with a 3/8-thread (15 mm) fitting.
A plug according to any one of claims 21- 23, wherein one of the plug parts (201) is designed for cooperation with a ¾-inch (26 mm) fitting.
A plug according to any one of claims 21 - 24, provided with a centring piece extending between two of said plug parts (202; 320) that has a greater diameter than the plug part with the greatest diameter.
A plug according to any one of claims 21- 25, wherein at least one of said plug parts (101, 102) is provided with a groove (103, 104) for receiving a sealing ring (105, 106).
A plug according to any one of claims 21 - 26, wherein an end face of the plug (100) is provided with a screw head and/or bolt head (107).
A plug according to any one of claims 21 - 26, provided with a screw head and/or bolt head (107) extending between two of said plug parts (101, 102).
A plug according to any one of claims 21- 27, designed for sealing off fittings.
An assembly according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the assembly is also provided with at least one plug according to any one of claims 21 - 29.
The use of a plug according to any one of claims 21- 29 for coupling a fitting to a surroundings, centring it and/or sealing it off.
A method according to any one of claims 17 - 19, utilizing at least one plug according to claim 29, wherein the at least one plug is provided on the at least one fitting for sealing off the fitting.
A method according to any one of claims 17 - 19, utilizing at least one plug according to any one of claims 21 - 29, wherein the mounting plate is provided with at least one hole for mounting a suitable fitting, while the fitting is coupled to the mounting plate by means of the plug.
An assembly of at least one fitting and at least one plug according to any one of claims 21- 29.
An assembly of at least one plug and at least one matching fitting, for instance an assembly according to claim 34, wherein said plug (301) is manufactured entirely from plastic while said plug (301) is provided with at least one coupling part (311, 312, 313) with thread (314, 315, 316) for coupling the plug (301) to thread (303) of one said matching fitting (302), while the at least one coupling part (311, 312, 313) of the plug (301) is integrally provided with a collar part (321, 322, 323) extending behind the thread (314, 315, 316) of that coupling part (311, 312, 313) such that the collar part can be reached by a part of the thread (303) of said fitting (302) during coupling of the plug (301) and fitting (302), said collar part (321, 322, 323) and the thread (303) of the matching fitting (302) being designed for forming a fluid-tight sealing when the thread (303) is tightened on that collar part (321, 322, 323).
An assembly according to claim 35, wherein said collar part (321, 322, 323) of the plug (301) is substantially provided with a threadless, preferably smooth, outside.
An assembly according to any one of claims 35- 36, wherein each said collar part (321, 322, 323) of the plug (301) is designed to deform when thread (303) of a matching fitting (302) is tightened thereon such that under the influence of this deformation, said fluid-tight sealing is formed.
An assembly according to any one of claims 35 - 37, wherein said collar part (321, 322, 323) of the plug (301) and a matching fitting (302) are designed such that, during mounting, the thread (303) of the fitting (302) grinds into said collar part (321,322, 323) over a particular distance for forming said fluid-tight sealing.
An assembly according to any one of claims 35 - 38, wherein the diameter of said collar part (321, 322, 323) gradually increases, viewed in an axial plug direction away from the thread (314, 315,316) of the respective coupling part (311, 312, 313).
An assembly according to any one of claims 35 - 39, wherein each said collar part (321, 322, 323) is of frustoconical and/or trumpet-shaped design.
An assembly according to any one of claims 35 - 40, wherein the plug (301) is integrally provided with at least two coupling parts (311, 312, 313) which are designed for cooperation with fittings of different sizes, while each of the at least two coupling parts (311, 312, 313) is integrally provided with a said collar part (321, 322, 323) for forming a fluid-tight sealing with the thread (303) of the matching fitting (302) when this thread (303) is tightened on that collar part (321, 322, 323).
An assembly according to claim 41, wherein said plug (301) is provided with an integral intermediate part (320), for instance a centring part, extending between two of said coupling parts (311, 312, 313), which intermediate part (320) preferably has a greater diameter than the coupling part (323) with the greatest diameter.
An assembly according to claim 42, wherein said intermediate part (320) is provided with friction enhancing ribs (326).
An assembly according to any one of claims 35 ― 43, wherein an end face of the plug is provided with a screw head and/or bolt head.
An assembly according to any one of claims 41 ― 44, provided with a screw head and/or bolt head (320) extending between two of said coupling parts (311, 312, 313).
An assembly according to any one of claims 35 ― 45, wherein one of said coupling parts (311, 312, 313) of said plug (301) is designed for cooperation with a ½-inch (19 mm) fitting.
An assembly according to any one of claims 35 ― 46, wherein one of the coupling parts (311, 312, 313) of said plug (301) is designed for cooperation with a 3/8-thread (15 mm) fitting.
An assembly according to any one of claims 35 - 47, wherein one of the coupling parts (311, 312, 313) of said plug is designed for cooperation with a ¾-inch (26 mm) fitting.
An assembly according to any one of claims 35 ― 48, wherein said plug (301) is not provided with an axial passage, for instance for serving as sealing cap or stopper.
An assembly according to any one of claims 35 ― 49, wherein said fitting (302) has been manufactured from metal or an alloy.
A plug of an assembly according to any one of claims 35 ― 50.
The use of a plug according to claim 51 for coupling a fitting to a surroundings or other part, for centring a fitting and/or for sealing a fitting off in a fluid-tight manner.
An assembly according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the assembly is also provided with at least one assembly according to any one of claims 35 - 50.