GB2359120A

GB2359120A - Connection arrangement for the water inlet of a shower unit

Info

Publication number: GB2359120A
Application number: GB0029688A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew John James
Original assignee: NewTeam Ltd
Current assignee: NewTeam Ltd
Priority date: 2000-01-28
Filing date: 2000-12-06
Publication date: 2001-08-15
Anticipated expiration: 2020-12-06
Also published as: GB2359120B; GB2359120C; GB0029688D0; GB0001885D0

Abstract

A pipework connection arrangement 10 for connecting the water inlet 17 of a shower unit 16 or of other water receiving apparatus to a water supply pipe 19 comprises a tubular swing arm 11 connected to a swivelling elbow connection 12. The swing arm extends radially from the swivelling elbow connection for swinging the outer end of the arm to a required position for connection to the water supply pipe. Preferably the swing arm is of variable axial length, eg through telescopic construction, and the outer end of the swing arm may carry an outer elbow 14. The outer elbow may be capable of angular movement through the provision of a swivel connection 22.

Description

2359120 NEW1309.UK 1 TITLE: PIPEWORK CONNECTION ARRANGEMENT This invention

relates to a pipework connection arrangement, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to such a connection arrangement for instantaneous electric showers.

Typically instantaneous electric showers require replacing after several years in service. This length of time is dependent on the amount of usage of a shower and the water conditions in the area in which the shower is fitted. Consumers may also wish to replace a shower before the end of its normal operating life, for example, when decorating, or when a new model becomes available having new or improved features.

Due to developments in shower technology and the number of different makes of shower available, when a shower is replaced it is often the case that the water supply pipework connection arrangement of the new replacement shower is different from that of the older shower. Consequently, the existing water supply pipework to the shower has to be altered in order to match up with the water pipework connection arrangement of the replacement shower, causing extra inconvenience and expense.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved pipework connection arrangement or means whereby variation between water supply pipework and the water inlet of a shower unit or of other water receiving apparatus or fitment can be readily accommodated in facilitating connection between the water supply pipework and inlet in a time saving and effective manner. This and other practical advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description.

According to the present invention a pipework connection arrangement for connecting the water inlet of a shower unit or of other water receiving apparatus comprises a tubular swing arm adapted to have a swivelling elbow connection with a said inlet whereby the arm extends radially from the swivelling elbow connection for swinging the outer end of the arm to a required position for connection to water supply pipework.

NEW1309.UK 2 Preferably the outer end of the arm carries an elbow for connection to water supply pipework which outer elbow is mounted for swivelling movement relative the arm for angular positioning of the elbow for said connection to water supply pipework.

A practical embodiment of the pipework connection arrangement in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Figure 1 is a front view of the pipework connection arrangement in position of use; Figures 2 - 6 are further front views of the pipework connection arrangement of Figure 1, each showing the swivel connection arrangement in different positions of use, and Figure 7 is an underside plan view on an enlarged scale indicating a typical extent of connection arm swinging movement.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, the pipework connection arrangement generally indicated at 10 comprises a tubular arm 11 having a swivel connection elbow 12. The elbow 12 is connected to the inlet 17 of a conventional instantaneous electric water heater assembly of shower apparatus, part of which is indicated generally at 16, by means of a swivel connection 18.

The swivel connection 18 is sealed with an 0-ring (not shown) in a watertight manner and enables angular movement of the elbow 12 and swing arm 11 to take place relative to the inlet 17 of the heater assembly 16.

The outer end of the arm 11 is also shown carrying an outer swivel elbow 14 which is provided with a speed fit fitting 20 for connection to water supply pipework indicated at 19. Alternatively, a conventional fitting such as a nut and olive (not shown) may be provided. The inner end of the elbow 14 is mounted on the arm 11 by means of a swivel connection 22 shown positioned along the arm. The swivel connection 22 so provided about the axis of the 25 arm 11 enables relative angular movements to take place between the elbows 12 and 14. The NEW1309.UK 3 plane of horizontal angular movement of the elbow 12 at the, swivel connection 18 and the arm 11 is substantially perpendicular to the vertical plane of angular movement of the swivel connection 22 of the elbow 14.

The elbow 12 is shown provided with a solenoid operated valve 24 for controlling the supply of water to the water heater assembly 16. Electrical connecting spades 26 are provided extending from the valve 24 for connection with electrical supply cables (not shown).

The instantaneous electrical water heater assembly 16 is typically that of an electric shower and includes a pressure switch 30, a flow valve 32 and a heated cylinder (not shown), known as a "can".

In Figure 1 the arm 11 and elbow 14, are shown in a position with the elbow 14 connected to water supply pipework indicated at 19 and provided through the bottom right-hand side of the casing 28 from below. However, by means of the swivel connections 18, 22, the position of the outer elbow 14 can be readily changed to match existing water supply pipework as necessary. Further connection positions of the outer elbow 14 can be seen in Figures 2 to 6. Figure 7 shows the angular swinging movement of the arm 11 between the positions shown in Figures 1 and 2. In Figure 2 the elbow 14 is positioned for connection to a water supply pipe 19 provided through the bottom left-hand side of the casing 28 from below.

Figures 3 and 4 show the positions of the elbow 14 where the water supply pipe 19 is provided through the back or rear of the heater casing 28 at the left or right of the latter.

Finally, Figure 5 shows the elbow 14 positioned to receive a water supply pipe 19 from the left-hand side upper part of the casing 28, and Figure 6 shows the elbow 14 positioned to receive a water supply pipe 19 from the right-hand side upper part of the casing 28.

Connection at intermediate angles between the above mentioned lower, rear and upper positions is also possible.

NEW1309.UK 4 In order to further facilitate search universal connection of the outer elbow 14 to a water supply pipe 19, the arm 11 may be of variable axial (i.e. radial) extent such as by telescopic construction with suitable water tight sealing e.g. at the swivel mounting 22.

As will be apparent from the foregoing the connection means or assembly 10 enables connection to a shower unit or other water receiving apparatus or fitment to be readily and quickly carried out in a universal manner usually without any re-direction or alteration of existing water supply pipework. Furthermore, the connection arrangement is of compact form for accommodation in position of use within the casing 28.

NEW1309.UK

Claims

1 1. A pipework connection arrangement for connecting the water inlet of a shower unit or of other water receiving apparatus to water supply pipework comprising a tubular swing arm adapted to have a swivelling elbow connection with a said inlet whereby the arm extends radially from the swivelling elbow connection for swinging the outer end of the arm to a required position for connection to water supply pipework.

5.

2.

A pipework connection arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the outer end of the arm carries an elbow for connection to water supply pipework which outer elbow is mounted for swivelling movement relative to the arm for angular positioning of the outer elbow for said connection to water supply pipework.

3. A pipework connection arrangement according to claim 2 wherein swivel mounting for the outer elbow is located at a position along the swing arm.

4. A pipework connection arrangement according to any of the preceding claims wherein the or each swivelling elbow connection is substantially through 900 A pipework connection arrangement according to any of the preceding claims wherein the plane of swinging movement of the swing arm is substantially at right angles to the plane of swivelling movement of the outer elbow.

1 6. A pipework connection arrangement according to claim 5 wherein the plane of swinging movement of the arm is substantially horizontal in use and the plane of swivelling movement of the outer elbow is substantially vertical.

7.

A pipework connection arrangement according to any of the perceiving claims wherein the swivelling elbow connection of the arm for connection to a said inlet is arranged to carry a water supply control valve such as a solenoid operated valve.

NEW1309.UK 6 8. A pipework connection arrangement according to iany of the preceding claims wherein the swing arm is of variable axial (i.e. radial) extent such as by telescopic construction.

9. A pipework connection arrangement when substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

10. A pipework connection arrangement according to any of the preceding claims when fitted to, or incorporated with, a heater assembly of shower apparatus.