GB2454506A

GB2454506A - Mounting means for tap

Info

Publication number: GB2454506A
Application number: GB0722033A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Illingworth
Original assignee: ABODE HOME PRODUCTS Ltd
Current assignee: ABODE HOME PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date: 2007-11-09
Filing date: 2007-11-09
Publication date: 2009-05-13
Anticipated expiration: 2027-11-09
Also published as: GB0722033D0; GB2454506B

Abstract

A tap or similar fluid control means is provided with a body portion 10, a base portion 16 and a retaining portion 20. The retaining portion 20 is initially temporarily secured to an underside of a supporting surface 18 adjacent a bore through the surface. The base portion 16 is disposed above the surface and is secured to the retaining portion by means of fixing means such as a bolt 34.

Description

Fluid Dispensing Means The present invention relates to fluid dispensing means, in particular to taps and more especially to water taps for intended for location on or adjacent sinks, washbasins, baths and the like. The invention relates in particular to taps constructed to promote easy fitting to the point of use.

A typical tap comprises a tap body, at least one inlet, at least one valve, at least one outlet and at least one flow path which connects the inlet(s), valve(s) and outlet(s). The inlet is used to provide the supply of liquid or gas to the valve. The valve controls the release or flow of fluid from the tap outlet. The outlet is used to direct the release of fluid.

Generally, the valve, outlet and flow path are situated within the tap body. The tap inlet is often in the form of a threaded shaft defining an internal bore which communicates with the fluid flow path of the tap body. The threaded shaft is used to connect the tap unit to the fluid supply and may also be used to fix the tap unit to a surface. More commonly, a separate threaded stud, washer and fixing nut are provided for fixing the tap unit to a surface.

The installation and commissioning of current designs of tap requires simultaneous fitting actions above and below the sink or worktop, often in awkward and inaccessible spaces.

This requires a high level of skill and gives rise to a number of potential problems.

Therefore, the fitting of prior art taps can be time consuming and costly in terms of skilled labour. The task of fitting of prior art taps can be difficult for non-professional plumbers and can lead to a number of common mistakes being made.

One such problem with the installation of prior art taps arises in that the diameter of the tap holes formed in bathroom and kitchen sinks, washbasins, work surfaces and the like is generally greater than the diameter of the inlets of the tap. Prior art taps are not designed to self-centre in the tap hole. This means that taps may be fitted in the tap hole * S : 30 off-centre which can lead to a water leaking through from the top of the work surface to e:.** beneath the tap due to a poor seal being formed between the tap body and the washbasin, sink or work surface. Additionally, if a tap is fitted off-centre it can quickly S. *S * S * * * become loose.

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Prior art taps can be difficult to tighten either upon initial installation, or if they become loose during service, as pipes and other obstacles may prevent access to the fixing nut which is intended to retain the tap body in its position of use. Additionally, the space underneath a washbasin, sink, bath, work surface or the like is often extremely limited which makes access difficult.

The removal of prior art taps for repair or replacement can also be difficult, time consuming and costly for the reasons stated above.

There is therefore a need for an improved tap installation system.

The present invention therefore seeks to provide a tap installation apparatus or system which self-centres in the tap hole. The invention further seeks to provide a tap installation apparatus or system which does not require simultaneous fitting actions above and below the surface to which the tap is fitted. The invention also seeks to provide a tap installation apparatus or system which reduces the level of skill required to install or remove a tap and/or simplifies the process and/or reduces the amount of time taken to install or remove to tap system. Still further, the invention seeks to provide a tap installation apparatus or system which reduces the need to work in awkward and cramped areas beneath the surface to which the tap is fitted. In addition, the invention seeks to provide a tap installation apparatus or system which is easier to tighten. The invention still further seeks to provide a tap installation system which reduces the likelihood of leaking.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for mounting a fluid dispensing means at a through hole or bore on a mounting surface wherein the mounting surface has an upper face and a lower face, the mounting apparatus comprising: a base portion, which is configured to be disposed on the upper face of the mounting surface and is configured to have a fluid dispensing device mounted thereon; a lower retaining portion, which is configured to be disposed on the lower face of the mounting surface; and * 30 a fixing means for fixing the base portion to the lower fixing portion and further wherein the base portion and lower fixing portion are configured to receive the fixing means.

In preferred embodiments the fixing means acts to urge the base portion and lower retaining portion together.

Preferably the fixing means is configured for cooperative engagement with the lower retaining portion and more especially the fixing means comprises a threaded fixing bolt and the lower retaining portion includes a threaded bore.

Preferably the lower retaining portion includes an opening adapted to allow the passage of one or more fluid flow pipes therethrough and more especially the opening is positioned substantially in the centre of the lower retaining portion.

In further preferred embodiments the lower retaining portion comprises a first face and a second face and wherein the first face is operatively juxtaposed with the lower face of the mounting surface.

Preferably the lower retaining portion comprises a raised shoulder extending upwardly from the first face and wherein the external profile of the shoulder is sized and shaped to correspond to the internal profile of the hole in the mounting surface.

Preferably the lower retaining portion includes a gasket and more especially one side of the gasket is attached to the lower retaining portion and the other side of the gasket is adhesive.

In one preferred variation the adhesive side of the gasket is initially covered by removable release paper.

In preferred configurations the gasket is arranged between the first face of the lower retaining portion and the lower face of the mounting surface thereby to form a seal.

It is particularly preferred that the gasket is a double-sided self adhesive gasket.

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Preferably the base portion is adapted to be sealingly mounted to the upper face of the mounting surface.

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*.S.*S * * Preferably the base portion includes an 0-ring or gasket positioned to lie in use between the base portion and the surface. ***

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Preferably the base portion includes an opening adapted to allow the passage of one or more pipes therethrough and more especially the opening is positioned substantially in the centre of the lower retaining portion.

Preferably the base section includes a further sealing means adapted to form a water-tight seal between the fluid dispensing means and the base portion, when the fluid dispensing means is mounted onto the base portion.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided fluid dispensing system configured for attachment at a through hole or bore to a mounting surface wherein the mounting surface has an upper face and a lower face, the system comprising: a fluid dispensing means; a base portion, which is configured to be disposed on the upper face of the mounting surface and is configured to have the fluid dispensing means mounted thereon; a lower retaining portion, which is configured to be disposed on the lower face of the mounting surface; and a fixing means for fixing the base portion to the lower retaining portion and further wherein the base portion and lower fixing portion are configured to receive the fixing means.

In preferred embodiments the system comprises one or more feature as defined above in connection with embodiments and preferred variations and configurations of the first aspect of the invention.

Preferably in this aspect of the invention the base portion further comprises means for fixing the fluid dispensing means to the base portion.

Preferably the fluid dispensing means is a tap.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a kit comprising a fluid dispensing system configured for attachment at a through hole or bore to a mounting * surface, wherein the mounting surface has an upper face and a lower face, the fluid S * 30 dispensing system comprising: a fluid dispensing means; a base portion, which is configured to be disposed on the upper face of the mounting surface and is configured to have the fluid dispensing means mounted thereon; * a lower retaining portion, which is configured to be disposed on the lower face of the mounting surface; and a fixing means for fixing the base portion to the lower retaining portion and further wherein the base portion and lower retaining portion are configured to receive the fixing means.

Preferably the kit further comprises one or more fluid inlet pipes for connection to the fluid dispensing means.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of filling a fluid dispensing system at a through hole on a mounting surface comprising: providing a tap hole in the mounting surface; providing a lower retaining portion comprising an adhesive gasket; attaching the lower fixing portion to a lower face of the mounting surface; positioning a base portion on the upper face of the fixing surface; fixing the base portion to the lower fixing portion; and fixing a fluid dispensing means to the base portion.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will be made, by way of example only, to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a rear view of a fluid dispensing arrangement according to the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the fluid dispensing arrangement of the invention, shown rotated through about 900 with respect to Figure 1; Figure 3 is an underneath view of the arrangement of Figures 1 and 2 p. ps p **S Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the dispensing arrangement of Figures 1, 2 S...

and 3; * .

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Figure 5 is a sectional view of a mounting portions of the arrangement of the invention; ** : * Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of mounting portion of the arrangement of the invention; and Figure 7 is a perspective view showing fluid supply pipes and connectors for use with the arrangement of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, the arrangement 100 of the present invention comprises a tap body 10 which includes (or has connectable thereto) hot and cold inlet pipes 12, 14. The tap body 10 communicates with a dispensing portion (not shown) which may or may not be integral with the tap body, for directing the flow of water, for example into a sink or washbasin. The tap body 10 also includes fluid flow control devices, more especially valves, (not shown) to control the flow of water through the tap. The arrangement 100 further comprises a base portion 16 which is mounted in use on a supporting surface 18. The supporting surface 18 may be any suitable supporting surface, such as a worktop, or a surface of a sink, washbasin or a bath. The surface 18 includes a through bore 18b. Bore 18b is conventionally nominally 35mm in diameter. In the case of mounting the arrangement of the invention directly on sanitary ware such as a washbasin, the bore 18b is pre-formed at the manufacturing stage. In other cases, such as mounting on a worksurface, it may be necessary to prepare the bore with, for example, a suitable drill or the like. A retaining portion 20 is arranged in use beneath the surface 18.

The retaining portion 20 comprises a component 22 which also defines a though bore.

The component 22 is preferably, but not necessarily, circular in plan, and defines a bore 22a which is also preferably circular. Bore 22a includes a through portion 22b which is sized to accommodate inlet pipes 12, 14. The component 22 also includes an upstanding circular flange or shoulder 24 arranged about the margin of the bore. The component 22 also carries a fixing washer or gasket 26. The shoulder 24 and the washer 26 are so sized that the shoulder 24 stands proud of the washer 26. The washer 26 is attached to the component 22 by suitable means such as adhesive. The retaining portion 20 is also provided with suitable means for attachment of the retaining portion 20 to the underside 1 8a of the surface 18. Preferred such means are an adhesive layer on the upper surface of the washer 26. The adhesive layer is preferably strong enough temporarily to attach the retaining portion 20 to the underside 18a of the surface 18, but * *** permanent attachment is also possible. ** * * S * * *S

Base portion 16 is placed in use on the upper surface 18c of the surface 18 so that it lies at the bore 18b directly above the retaining portion 20. Base portion 16 includes a * * through bore or passage 16a formed in an upstanding generally cylindrical portion 16c.

The bore 16a communicates with bore 18b of retaining portion 18. Base portion 16 carries a resilient seal 17 such as an 0-ring, washer or gasket which is urged in use against the upper surface 18c to form a seal between the surface 18 and the base portion 16. Passage of water from the upper surface 18c through the bore 18 is thus prevented when the base portion 16 is secured in its position of use.

The base portion 16 and retaining portion 20 are provided with co-operating means which act to secure the base portion 16 in its position of use. Thus, the component 22 of retaining portion 20 includes a land or web 28 which is located in bore 22a. Land or web 28 is preferably formed integrally with component 22. Thus land 28 is defined by a margin which is coincident with the diameter of the bore 22a and a face 28a which forms a chord of bore 22a. Land 28 further comprises an internally threaded bore 30.

Passage 16a similarly includes a land or web 32 which is fixedly attached to, or preferably formed integrally with, the base portion 16. Land 32 also comprises a through bore which is preferably plain (i.e. not threaded). A threaded bolt 34 is configured to pass through the bore in land 32 and to engage the internal thread of bore 30. Head 34a of bolt 34 engages land 32 so that as bolt 34 is tightened in bore 30, the base portion 16 and retaining portion 20 are urged together. The head of bolt 34 is provided with a formation suitably shaped to co-operate with a tightening tool such as a spanner, screwdriver, Allen key or the like. Base portion 16 is thus securely mounted on surface 18 with seal 17 placed in compression. In an alternative, less preferred, arrangement, the bore 30 is a plain bore and the bore in land 32 is threaded. Bolt 34 is then inserted from below, passing through bore 30 and engaging threaded bore of land 32. The head of the bolt thus engages the underside of land 28.

The external shape of the shoulder 24 is sized to correspond to the internal shape of the lower portion of bore 16a in base portion 16. Bore 16a may include a rebate 16b (Figure 5) which is sized to accommodate shoulder 24. Thus, in the preferred case where the bore 16a and the shoulder 24 are circular, the external diameter of the shoulder 24 is sized to conform with the internal diameter of the bore 16a (or rebate 16b, as the case may be). On tightening of bolt 34, shoulder 24 enters bore 16a (or rebate 16b as the * *** case may be). In this way, the position of the base portion 16 with respect to the retaining portion 20 is fixed. In a preferred configuration, bore 16a includes rebate 16b and rebate 16 is sized to conform with both the bore 18b of the surface 18 and the shoulder 24. Thus in the preferred case of a circular bore 18b and circular shoulder 24, * the external diameter of shoulder 24 is substantially equal to the internal diameter of bore 18b and also substantially equal to the internal diameter of rebate 16b.

Tap body 10 includes a cavity which is configured to receive upstanding part 16c of base portion 16 so that in use at least upstanding part 16c is concealed from a user's view.

Upstanding part 1 6c retains one or more 0-rings or gaskets 36 which form a resilient liquid-tight seal between the tap body 10 and the base portion 16 when the tap body 10 is located on the base portion 16. For securing the tap body 10 to the base portion 16, the upstanding portion 1 6c of the base portion 16 is provided with a groove 38 which preferably (but not essentially) extends around the whole circumference of the upstanding portion 16a. Tap body 10 is provided with one or more threaded bores 40 in the side wall 1 Oa thereof each of which bores 40 accommodates a grub screw 42. The bores 40 are so positioned that, with the tap body 10 mounted on the base portion 16, tightening of the grub screws 42 causes leading end portions of the grub screws 42 to enter the groove 38, so ensuring that the tap body 10 is firmly mounted on the base portion 16 and that relative movement between the base portion 16 and the tap body 10 is resisted. Of course suitable securing means other than grub screws 40 may alternatively be used. Base portion 16 is also provided with an anti-rotation formation or pin 44 which most preferably extends upwardly from land 32. Pin 44 is configured to enter a corresponding recess formed in the underside of the tap body 10, so preventing rotation of the tap body 10 with respect to the base portion 16.

In use of the arrangement of the invention, the retaining portion 20 is first secured to the underside of surface 18 (by means of adhesive washer 26) with the shoulder 24 located in bore 18b. Bolt 34 is then passed through the bore in land 32. Preferably a friction washer is provided between the bolt head and the land 32. Bolt 34 is then screwed into threaded bore 30 and tightened to urge the base portion 16 towards the retaining portion 20. Before the bolt 34 is fully tightened base portion 20 is located flush against the surface 18. On further tightening, shoulder 24 enters bore 16a (or rebate 16b if present) and seal 17 is placed in compression. Base portion 16 and retaining portion 20 are thereby secured together, the co-operation of the shoulder 24 and the bore 16a or rebate 16b ensures that the base portion 16 and the retaining portion 20 are correctly positioned with respect to one another and that relative lateral movement between the two is S.*S prevented. An important advantage of the arrangement of the invention is that fitter does not need to access both the underside and the top side of the surface 18 at the same time. Provision of the retaining element 20 on the underside of surface 18 so that it is at least temporarily secured in place before any other component part are fitted, together with the provision of the securing bolt and associated bores, means that after the securing portion 20 is fitted, access to the underside of the surface 18 is no longer necessary.

Next, if not already fitted, the hot and cold water pipes 12, 14 are attached to the tap body 10. The pipes 12, 14 are passed through the bore 16a of the base portion 16, the bore 18b of the surface 18 and the bore 22b of retaining portion 20 and the tap body 10 is mounted on the base portion 16. In preferred arrangements, the tap body 10 and the pipes 12, 14 are configured so that the pipes 12, 14 are a screw fit into the tap body 10.

For example, the pipes 12, 14 may be provided with metal end portions 50 each having an external thread 52 which co-operates with a corresponding internal thread of the tap body. The end portion 50 is also preferably provided with one or more sealing means, for example in the form of 0-rings 54. Desirably the pipes 12, 14 are made from a plastic material which can be cut without specialist tools or specialist skills. The pipes 12, 14 are desirably colour coded so that a user can readily determine which is the hot water pipe (which may be red), which is the cold water pipe (which may be blue) and which, if used, is for some other type of water such as filtered water (which may pipe be green, for

example).

On mounting of the tap body 10 on the base portion 16, the anti-rotation pin 44 is received in its corresponding recess in the tap body. Gaskets 36 ensure a smooth and positive fit between the tap body 10 and the base portion 16. With the tap body 10 positioned on the base portion 16, the grub screws 42 are tightened so that they enter groove 38. Groove 38 is preferably provided with inclined walls so that tightening of the grub screws 42 assists in pulling the tap body 10 fully onto the base portion 16 so that it becomes flush with the base portion 16. Preferably the grub screws 42 and their corresponding bores 40 are discreetly located to the rear of the tap body 10, that is, out of a user's direct line of sight.

Finally, the inlet pipes 12, 14 are cut to the required length and connected to the water supply pipes. In a preferred variation, the pipes 12 14 are connected to the supply pipes by push-fit connectors 56 (which are known in the art per Se) which are desirably supplied along with the arrangement of the invention. The pipes 12, 14 when made from a plastic material are of sufficiently low cost that they can be supplied in a length which is greater than that likely to be required in any typical application. A user is thus able to cut *:* the pipes to a convenient and appropriate length on installation.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. p. S **S S... S * ** S S* * *.

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Claims

Claims: 1. Apparatus for mounting a fluid dispensing means at a through hole or bore on a mounting surface wherein the mounting surface has an upper face and a lower face, the mounting apparatus comprising: a base portion, which is configured to be disposed on the upper face of the mounting surface and is configured to have a fluid dispensing device mounted thereon; a lower retaining portion, which is configured to be disposed on the lower face of the mounting surface; and a fixing means for fixing the base portion to the lower fixing portion and further wherein the base portion and lower fixing portion are configured to receive the fixing means.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fixing means acts to urge the base portion and lower retaining portion together.
3. The apparatus of claim I or claim 2, wherein the fixing means is configured for cooperative engagement with the lower retaining portion.
4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the fixing means comprises a threaded fixing bolt and the lower retaining portion includes a threaded bore.
5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the lower retaining portion includes an opening adapted to allow the passage of one or more fluid flow pipes therethrough. I. I ***
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the opening is positioned substantially in the * *** centre of the lower retaining portion. * S.
7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the lower retaining portion comprises a first face and a second face and wherein the first face is operatively . juxtaposed with the lower face of the mounting surface. .5
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the lower retaining portion comprises a raised shoulder extending upwardly from the first face and wherein the external profile of the shoulder is sized and shaped to correspond to the internal profile of the hole in the mounting surface.
9. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the lower retaining portion includes a gasket.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein one side of the gasket is attached to the lower retaining portion and the other side of the gasket is adhesive.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the adhesive side of the gasket is initially covered by removable release paper.
12. The apparatus of any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the gasket is arranged between the first face of the lower retaining portion and the lower face of the mounting surface thereby to form a seal.
13. The apparatus of any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the gasket is a double-sided self adhesive gasket.
14. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the base portion is adapted to be sealingly mounted to the upper face of the mounting surface.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the base portion includes an 0-ring or gasket positioned to Ii in use between the base portion and the surface.
16. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the base portion includes an opening adapted to allow the passage of one or more pipes therethrough.

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17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the opening is positioned substantially in the centre of the lower retaining portion.

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18. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the base section includes a further sealing means adapted to form a water-tight seal between the fluid dispensing means and the base portion, when the fluid dispensing means is mounted onto the base portion.
19. A fluid dispensing system configured for attachment at a through hole or bore to a mounting surface wherein the mounting surface has an upper face and a lower face, the system comprising: a fluid dispensing means; a base portion, which is configured to be disposed on the upper face of the mounting surface and is configured to have the fluid dispensing means mounted thereon; a lower retaining portion, which is configured to be disposed on the lower face of the mounting surface; and a fixing means for fixing the base portion to the lower retaining portion and further wherein the base portion and lower fixing portion are configured to receive the fixing means.
20. The system of claim 19, further comprising the feature(s) of one or any permitted combination of claims 2 to 18.
21. The system of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the base portion further comprises means for fixing the fluid dispensing means to the base portion.
22. The system of any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the fluid dispensing means is a tap.
23. A kit comprising a fluid dispensing system configured for attachment at a through hole or bore to a mounting surface, wherein the mounting surface has an upper face and a lower face, the fluid dispensing system comprising: a fluid dispensing means; a base portion, which is configured to be disposed on the upper face of the mounting surface and is configured to have the fluid dispensing means mounted thereon; * *** a lower retaining portion, which is configured to be disposed on the lower face of the mounting surface; and a fixing means for fixing the base portion to the lower retaining portion and further wherein the base portion and lower retaining portion are configured to receive the fixing means. *
24. A kit as claimed in claim 24 further comprising one or more fluid inlet pipes for connection to the fluid dispensing means.
25. A kit as claimed in claim 24 wherein the fluid inlet pipes are made form a plastic or like material which can be cut to length without specialist tools.
26. A kit as claimed in claim 24 or 25 wherein the fluid inlet pipes are colour coded in accordance with the type or condition of the water to be conveyed thereby.
27. A method of fitting a fluid dispensing system at a through hole on a mounting surface comprising: providing a tap hole in the mounting surface; providing a lower retaining portion comprising an adhesive gasket; attaching the lower fixing portion to a lower face of the mounting surface; positioning a base portion on the upper face of the fixing surface; fixing the base portion to the tower fixing portion; and fixing a fluid dispensing means to the base portion.
28. An apparatus, system or kit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of Figures ito 6. S.

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