GB2309285A

GB2309285A - Quick change tap

Info

Publication number: GB2309285A
Application number: GB9601139A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kevin Charles Forsey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-01-19
Filing date: 1996-01-19
Publication date: 1997-07-23
Also published as: GB9601139D0

Description

QUICK CHANGE TAP This invention relates to a quick change tap.

The invention of the tap is nothing new, conventional washer type or ceramic disc. To change a tap - especially bath taps, panels need to be removed, working space is limited, and all other taps to be changed can be time consuming and awkward, all because the tap casting is all in one. Thus labour needed to complete the job of fitting new taps can be more expensive than the taps themselves. This can often deter new taps being fitted.

According to the present invention the tap body is separate to the spigot fixing, which fixes to the pipe work and the bath, basin, sink etc. This only needs to be done once and would only take the same time as to fit a conventional tap. All tap changes after would be simple and quick.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Reference to Fig. 1 shows the existing type tap above line XX-1. Below line XX is the new quick change part of the tap -2. 2 would be part of the same casting as top section of tap 1. Top section of tap, i.e. 1 and 2, would be the female section.

Bottom section 3 the spigot or male section would initially be fixed to 8, - 8 being the bath, basin, sink etc. screwed by std lock nut A, then std pipe fitting screwed to thread 9. This would then stay as a fixed fitment from then on. New taps would be std fitment allowing all designs to fit male spigot 3.

To fit new tap I would be pushed on to 3, a new lubricated 'O' Ring 5 could be fitted if required to give seal. C/L--6 would line up when grubscrews are fitted to secure male and female 1-2 completing tap fitting.

Claims

1. A quick change tap comprising a tap body with female fitting, to be fitted to a male fixed section using an 'O' Ring seal and grub screw alignment arrangement to secure and release.

2. A quick change tap as claimed in 1 wherein fixed section male could have guides to aid location of two sections.

3. A quick change tap as claim I or 2 wherein the guide means is on the female section of tap.

4 A quick change tap wherein the top section could be replaced by a female blank, fitment or female tap body - but blank only.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows As per our telephone conversation of the above date, I would like to amend the claims on my application as follows:1. A quick change tap comprising a tap body with a female fitting, to be fitted to a male fixed section using an '0' ring seal, grub screw alignment to secure and release.

2. A quick change tap as claimed in 1 but wherein the securing mechanism could be a spring loaded clip to secure and release.

3. A quick change tap as claimed in 1 and 2 wherein the male could have location guides, or the female could have location guides, or both.

4. A quick change tap wherein the top section (tap) could be replaced by a female blank.

5. The male fitting would always be standard, thus a whole range of taps and or fitments would then complement.

6. A quick change tap wherein the male fitment could be moulded to the:- bath, basin, sink, bidet, etc.

7. A quick change tap wherein the male fitment could be of a permanent fixture to pipes below.

8. A quick change tap as in 1 & 2 and 4 - 7 wherein the design would complement all types of taps - mixers and single.

9. The male section would be of2 standard sizes - V2, and 3/4".