GB2523569A

GB2523569A - Water delivery apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2523569A
Application number: GB1403467.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Illingworth
Original assignee: ABODE HOME PRODUCTS Ltd
Current assignee: ABODE HOME PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date: 2014-02-27
Filing date: 2014-02-27
Publication date: 2015-09-02
Anticipated expiration: 2034-02-27
Also published as: GB2523569B; GB201403467D0

Abstract

A tap apparatus 10 having a tap body 12, a dispensing spout 14 that extends from the tap body and at least one treated water flow path 18A/18B extending through the tap body and dispensing spout to an outlet 16 at an outlet end of said spout remote from the tap body. The treated water flow path is connectable to a source of treated water 27 at an end remote from the outlet. The tap apparatus further has a control arrangement operable to change the treated water flow path between a non-flow condition in which treated water cannot flow through the treated water flow path and a flow condition in which treated water can flow through the treated water flow path for dispensing from the outlet. The control arrangement includes a first element 28A located in the tap body and a second element 28B located externally of the tap body, a flow condition being achieved only when said first and second elements are in a defined positional relationship. The treated water may be boiling, chilled, sparkling or filtered water.

Description

Water Delivery Apparatus [0001] This invention relates to a tap or faucet apparatus and in particular to such an apparatus which is adapted or configured to deliver water of different types through a single spout or outlet unit. In particular embodiments the apparatus is configured to deliver boiling water. A safety arrangement can be provided which can help to prevent unintended delivery of boiling water. In particular embodiments, the safety arrangement can include a remote element which requires to be brought into proximity with the tap apparatus, such as in a particular configuration, in order to permit the delivery of boiling water.

[0002] As used herein, the term "boiling water" includes boiling and near boiling water, that is, water at a temperature at or close to boiling point. Near boiling water can have a temperature in excess of about 95°C, such as in excess of 97°C or in excess of 99°C.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Boiling water taps as such are well known in the art. In some common arrangements, a boiling water tap is provided as a separate, discrete, tap which dispenses only boiling water. This has been seen as inconvenient and possibly aesthetically undesirable, and efforts have been made to provide a single tap which can dispense, for example, ordinary hot and cold water and boiling water via a common tap body and neck or spout.

[0004] Taps are also known which are configured to dispense ordinary hot and cold water and in addition treated water via a common tap body and neck or spout. The treated water can be, for example, softened water, filtered water or carbonated water. Some further known taps have been constructed to dispense hot and cold water and boiling water via a common tap body and neck or spout. Clearly, the more different types of water which are to be dispensed by a single tap unit, the more complex the construction of the tap unit must become. For example valve control arrangements must be provided for each water type and which can also allow mixing of hot and cold water so that a user can obtain a water flow of a desired temperature. In some circumstances, such as the provision of treated water (including boiling water), it may be necessary to provide discrete flow paths through a common tap body and neck or spout, so that different types of water cannot mix before delivery from the outlet of the neck or spout.

[0005] Ideally, where a number of different water flows are provided through a single tap unit, the operation of the tap unit should be made as simple as possible, for example such that the use of the tap unit is intuitive for a user. Typically such a tap unit can have two or three user operable levers to control different water flows, each lever having one or more different movement possibilities (e.g. different rotational movement directions or both linear and rotational movements) for the control of different water flows.

[0006] Where boiling water is provided, conventional systems have provided a water heating arrangement located near to the tap, such as under the sink where the tap is located. The water heating arrangement has often included a pressurised tank for the boiling water configured such that boiling water flows through the tap unit to the delivery outlet when a corresponding valve of the tap unit is opened. Such pressurised arrangements can be disadvantageous in terms of the enhanced safety requirements necessitated by very hot water under pressure, and also because of additional maintenance requirements. More recently, pumped systems have been proposed where boiling water is stored by a heating arrangement in a reservoir which is substantially at atmospheric pressure and where boiling water is transferred from the reservoir to the tap until by the operation of a pump.

[0007] For the dispensing of boiling water it is a clear necessity to provide some sort of safety mechanism which prevents or deters unintended dispensing of the boiling water from the tap unit such as could lead to a scalding accident. Such safety mechanisms are typically directed at preventing inadvertent dispensing of boiling water by young children or those who may have impaired capacity. In a typical construction, a combination of levers must be moved, or a single lever must be moved through more than one type of movement (e.g. a depression and a rotation) in order for boiling water to be dispensed. Electronic tap units are known which require the repeated pressing of an operating button, for example, in order to dispense boiling water. However a disadvantage of all these safety systems can be that a child can learn the necessary operational steps, so that a potentially dangerous dispensing of boiling water can potentially still occur. The requirement to perform multiple operations in order to dispense boiling water is also an inconvenience for most users.

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a tap or faucet apparatus configured for dispensing a plurality of water types, including boiling water, and which tap apparatus overcomes or at least mitigates some or all of the disadvantages of the above

prior art.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0009] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a tap apparatus having a tap body, a dispensing spout extending from the tap body; at least a treated water flow path extending through said tap body and dispensing spout to an outlet at an outlet end of said spout remote from said tap body, said treated water flow path being connectable at an end thereof remote from the outlet to a source of treated water and control arrangement operable to change said treated water flow path between a non-flow condition in which treated water cannot flow through the treated water flow path and a flow condition in which treated water can flow through the treated water flow path for dispensing from said outlet, wherein said control arrangement a includes a first element located in the tap body and a second element located externally of the tap body, the first element forming no part of the treated water flow path, and said flow condition being achieved only when said first and second elements are in a defined relative positional relationship.

[0010] Thus the first and second elements can adopt any of a large multiplicity of relative positional relationships in which the flow condition is not achieved, but only in the defined relative positional relationship is the flow condition achieved.

[0011] To achieve the defined relative positional relationship the position of the second element relative to the first element can be confined to a predetermined relatively small, local spatial area or region, as compared to a much larger spatial area or region which the second element can occupy relative to the first element in which the defined relative positional relationship is not achieved.

[0012] In some preferred embodiments the first element can be substantially immovably located within the tap body and the second element is moveable with respect to the tap body.

[0013] In some preferred embodiments said change of the treated water flow path between the non-flow and the flow condition is not consequent upon direct or indirect physical contact or physical connection between the first and second elements.

[0014] In some preferred embodiments the second element can be located wholly externally of the tap body.

[0015] In some preferred embodiments the second element can be free to move with respect to the tap body in any direction.

[0016] In some preferred embodiments the second element can have no physical connection to the tap body or dispensing spout.

[0017] In some other preferred embodiments the second element can be connected to the tap body or dispensing spout by a flexible string, tether, cord, wire oi the like.

[0018] In some preferred embodiments, when in the defined relative positional relationship, the first and second elements can be separated by less than a pre-defined distance. Such pre-defined distance can, for example, be 10cm or less, such as 8 cm or less or 5 cm or less and in some embodiments, 2cm or less.

[0019] In some preferred embodiments, when in the defined relative positional relationship, the first and second elements can be in a specified spatial relationship relative to each other. The defined spatial relationship can include both proximity and the relative position in space of the first and second elements.

[0020] In some preferred embodiments the first element can be an electrical switch which is switchable in response to its relative positional relationship with the second element, the electrical switch adopting an on condition in which the treated water flow path is caused to adopt a flow condition in which treated water can flow through the treated water flow path and an off condition in which the treated water flow path is caused to adopt a non-flow condition in which treated water cannot flow through the treated water flow path, said on condition of the electrical switch being adopted when the electrical switch and the second element are in the defined relative positional relationship.

[0021] In some preferred embodiments the electrical switch can preferentially adopt the off condition and can adopt the on condition only when said first and second elements are in said defined relative positional relationship.

[0022] In some preferred embodiments the electrical switch can be a reed switch and the second element can be, or can include, a magnet.

[0023] In some other preferred embodiments the second element can includes an RFID tag and the electrical switch can include a transmitter/receiver for the REID tag.

[0024] In some further preferred embodiments the electrical switch can include a wireless transmitter configured to transmit a wireless signal of a first type when the electrical switch adopts the on condition and to transmit no signal or a signal of a second type when the electrical switch adopts the off condition, the wireless signal being receivable by a flow controller operable to start and stop the flow of treated water.

[0025] In some preferred embodiments said treated water can be boiling or near boiling water.

[0026] In some other preferred embodiments said treated water can be selected from chilled, carbonated, filtered and softened water.

[0027] In some further preferred embodiments the tap apparatus can include a first treated water flow path for boiling or near boiling water and a separate treated water flow path for one or more of chilled, carbonated, filtered and softened water. In some of these further preferred embodiments only said boiling water flow path can be controlled by said control arrangement.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a boiling water delivery apparatus comprising a tap apparatus as defined in the first aspect of the invention and a water heating apparatus.

[0029] In some preferred embodiments of the second aspect of the invention the water heating apparatus can include a heated water tank and a pump configured to transfer boiling water from the heated water tank to the tap apparatus.

[0030] In some preferred embodiments of the second aspect of the invention the boiling water delivery apparatus can further comprise a control device configured to cause the pump to transfer boiling water from the water tank to the tap apparatus only when the first and second elements are in the defined relative positional relationship.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a view of a tap according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a view of a portion of a tap body of a tap according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a section through a tap according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a section through a tap according to an embodiment of the invention, including a portion D indicated at an enlarged scale; and Figure 5 shows schematically a boiling water tap system according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Referring now to the drawings a tap 10 of the invention can include a tap body 12 and a spout or neck 14. Spout or neck 14 can terminate at an outlet 16 distal from the tap body 12. Spout 14 can include at least one through passage or conduit 18 for transferring water from a water supply to the outlet 16. In preferred arrangements, a plurality of conduits 18 is provided, so that different types of water can have a discrete flow path through the tap 10 whereby mixing of different types of water is avoided. In one convenient arrangement, an inner pipe or conduit 1 8A can be provided within the spout so that a first water flow can be within the pipe or conduit 1 8A and another water flow (or other water flows respectively) 1 BB can be within the spout 14 and outside the pipe 1 BA.

[0033] Tap body 12 can include an operating lever 20, or a plurality of operating levers 20, which can control the flow(s) of water by opening and closing flow control valves 28A, 28B (which can be of known type) located within the tap body. In typical arrangements, two or three operating levers 20 can be provided, depending for example on the number of water flows which the tap 10 is configured to control.

[0034] In typical arrangements, the tap 10 is provided with a hot water feed 22 and a cold water feed 24 which connect to one or more flow control valves such as valves 28A, 28B arranged within the tap body 12. At least one further feed 27 for treated water can be provided which can in some embodiments couple only with the inner pipe 1BA. In other embodiments a feed of treated water may connect to the flow 1BB within the spout 14.

[0035] In some preferred embodiments where a (or the) further feed 27 is a feed 26 of boiling water, the further feed 26 can couple directly to the inner pipe 18A (or other discrete conduit through the spout 14) without passing through a flow control valve. Such an arrangement can be seen in particular in Figure 3. In these arrangements, flow control for the boiling water is provided by means other than a valve in the tap body 12, as is discussed below.

[0036] Referring in particular to Figure 5, there is shown schematically an exemplary arrangement for providing multiple water flows though a tap 10. In the example shown, input flows to the tap 10 are cold mains water, hot water, filtered water and boiling water.

[0037] Hot water can be provided from a hot water feed 22 comprising heated mains water. The heated mains water can be provided in any conventional manner. The hot water feed can pass through a non-return valve 50 and then a flow control valve 28A.

Cold water feed 24 can also pass through a non-return valve 50 and then to flow control valve 28A. Flow control valve 28A can be configured to provide, at any given time, a flow of hot water, a flow of cold water or a flow of mixed hot and cold water depending on user requirements. When flow control valve 28A is open mains water (hot, cold or mixed hot and cold) passes from valve 28A to conduit 18B through spout 14 and is dispensed through outlet 16 of spout 14.

[0038] Cold water feed 22 can also have a junction 51 arranged after the non-return valve 50. A first arm 51A of the junction can lead to flow control valve 28A in tap body 12 and a second arm SiB of the junction can lead to a water filter 52. From water filter 52 a filtered water feed 52A can lead to a second flow control valve 28B and thence (when valve 283 is open) to conduit 183 through spout 14 and outlet 16. In other arrangements a discrete conduit within spout 14 can be provided for filtered water.

[0039] The arrangement of Figure 5 also includes a water heating apparatus 100. Water heating apparatus 100 can include a water heating and storage tank 102 which can typically have a water containing volume of 10 litres or less, such as about 6 litres or about litres or about 4 litres and typically more than 2 litres. Tank 102 can include a water heating element 104.

[0040] Water heating apparatus 100 can conveniently include a manual drain 122 (useful for maintenance, for example) and an atmospheric vent 120.

[0041] An electronic control device 108 can be provided to control the operation of the water heating apparatus 100. Electronic control device 108 can control the operation of an inlet valve 106 for the supply 112 of cold water to the tank 102. Electronic control device 108 can also control the operation of a pump 110 operable to supply boiling water from the water heating apparatus 100 via a feed 116.

[0042] The cold water supply 112 is indicated in Figure 5 as being a supply of filtered water from filter 52 but other arrangements can be suitable.

[0043] In some preferred embodiments pump 110 can be a low pressure pump.

[0044] In one preferred arrangement as illustrated in Figures, boiling water feed 116 can be the further feed 26, or one of further feeds 26, for treated water and can couple directly to inner pipe 1 8A without the intervention of any valve or the like. Thus boiling water feed 116/26 can pass through valve body 12 without any interruption.

[0045] An electrical supply can be provided to the control device 108 and the heating element 104 and such other components of the apparatus 100 as may require it.

[0046] As noted, a flow path for boiling water can be provided from tank 102 via pump 110, conduit or feed 116/26 and inner pipe 1 8A to spout outlet 16. A control arrangement can be provided to control the flow of boiling water. The control arrangement can be a binary control in the sense that only an on/off condition is controlled, such that flow of boiling water is either allowed or prevented, with the rate of flow being determined by the configuration of pump 110.

[0047] In embodiments of the present invention, the flow control arrangement for the boiling water include a switching arrangement, at least a portion of which switching arrangement can be contained within the tap 10, and in particular within the tap body 12.

[0048] In embodiments of the invention, the flow control arrangement for the boiling water can provide enhanced safety by minimising the possibility of an inadvertent starting of the flow of boiling water.

[0049] In particular embodiments, the switching arrangement can include a remote element 150 which requires to be brought into proximity with the tap apparatus, such as in a particular configuration, in order to permit the delivery of boiling water.

[0050] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the switching arrangement can comprise a first element 152 located in the tap body and a second (remote) element 150 located wholly externally of the tap body. The switching arrangement can be configured to permit flow of boiling water only when said first and second elements (152, 150) are in a defined relative positional relationship. Said defined relative positional relationship can be, or can include, a proximity -that is, the positional relationship can be achieved when the first and second elements are separated by less than a specified distance.

[0051] In some preferred arrangements, the first element 152 can be an electrical or electronic switch which is switchable in response to its relative positional relationship with the second element between an off condition and an on condition. The off condition can be an open circuit condition and the on condition can be a closed circuit condition. First element 152 can be connected to the control device 108 by linkage (typically wires) 114.

Wires forming linkage 114 can form a low voltage data link. When the electrical switch (first element 152) is in the on (e.g. closed circuit) condition, control device 108 can cause pump 110 to commence operation, so that boiling water is supplied from tank 102 via line 116 to inner pipe 18A and thence to outlet 16.

[0052] In some preferred arrangements, the first element 152 adopts the on condition only when the first element 152 and remote element 150 are in the defined relative positional relationship, for example, when the first element 152 and the iemote element achieve the required proximity. First element 152 can be biased towards the off (e.g. open circuit) condition.

[0053] In some preferred embodiments, the first element 152 can be a reed switch and the second element 150 can be, or can include, a magnet configured to cause movement of the reed of the reed switch to an on (i.e. a closed circuit) condition when the reed switch and the magnet are in the desired relative positional relationship.

[0054] In other preferred embodiments the first element 152 can be an electronic switching arrangement. In exemplary such arrangements the second (remote) element can be, or can include, an SF10 tag or the like and the first element (electronic switch) 152 can include a transmitter/receiver configured to transmit a signal to and receive a signal from the RFID tag. In this arrangement the first and second elements can be configured such that the signal is received from the RFID tag by the transmitter/receiver only when the transmitter/receiver and the SF10 tag achieve a sufficiently close proximity -that is, when the SFID tag is brought sufficiently close to the tap body 12.

[0055] In further exemplary arrangements the first element 152 can be, or can be part of, a wireless electronic switching arrangement. First element 152 can include a wireless transmitter and, control device 108 (or, in alternative embodiments, pump 110) can include a wireless receiver configured to receive wireless signals from wireless transmitter of first element 152. When the first element 152 and the second element 150 achieve the defined relative positional relationship, the wireless transmitter can be configured to transmit a signal of a first type which can trigger the control device to cause the pump 110 to commence operation, so that boiling water is supplied from tank 102 via line 116. When the first element 152 and the second element 150 are in any position other than the defined relative positional relationship the wireless transmitter can be configured to transmit a signal of a second type which can trigger the control device 108 to cause the pump 110 to stop operation, so that boiling water is not supplied from tank 102. In a variation, when the first element 152 and the second element 150 are in any position other than the defined relative positional relationship the wireless transmitter can be configured to transmit no signal and the control device 108 can be so configured that in the absence of a signal from the wireless transmitter, the control device 108 causes the pump 110 to stop operation (or to remain in a stopped condition) so that boiling water is not supplied from tank 102.

[0056] In some alternative embodiments, the pump 110 can include a wireless receiver configured to receive wireless signals from wireless transmitter of first element 152, typically instead of having a wireless receiver of the control device 108.

[0057] In relation to Figure 5, an arrangement has been described which provides a flow of filtered water from the tap 10 in addition to hot water, cold water and boiling water. In further embodiments, flows other than, or in addition to, filtered water can be provided. For example, flows such as softened water, carbonated water, chilled water, collected rain water and the like can be provided, with suitable additional feed and valve arrangements as necessary.

[0058] Thus operation of the tap 10 of the present invention appears conventional to the user as regards the flows of hot, cold mixed hot/cold and filtered (or other treated) water.

The user simply moves the appropriate lever in the appropriated direction to control the flow of the chosen water type.

[0059] The provision treated water under the control of the control arrangement is most typically the provision of boiling water and hence the use of the apparatus of the invention is described in relation to the provision of boiling water, it being noted that the apparatus can be configured to deliver other types of treated water if required. Thus, the second (remote) element 150 can conveniently be in the form of a fob or "key" which, if required by the user (e.g. where young children are resident), can be kept or stored remote from the tap (such as in a drawer or cupboard or other suitably safe location) 10 until such time as boiling water is to be dispensed. At such time, the user can bring the fob 150 into proximity with the tap 10 to a position at which the defined relative positional relationship is achieved. The first element 152 can thus be caused to adopt the on (closed circuit) condition and the pump 110 can cause boiling water to be delivered from tank 102 to outlet 16. In some preferred arrangements, proximity of the fob 150 to the tap 10 may not be a sufficient condition for the delivery of boiling water. Thus it may in these embodiments be necessary for the fob 150 to be positioned adjacent a particular location on the tap body

12, for example.

[0060] In some arrangements, such as where the risk of an inadvertent initiation of the flow of boiling water is less, the fob 150 can be attached to the tap 10 by means which permit its movement, within a limited range, in substantially any direction. Such means can be, for example, a string, wire, cord, tether, or the like which can conveniently be coiled or stretchable (e.g. elastic). In this way, the fob 150 is always retained in a position generally near to the tap 10, but a specific action by the user to move the fob into the required relative positional relationship with the first element is still required in order to initiate the flow of boiling water.

[0061] In some further arrangements, the tap 10 can include provision for storage of the fob 150 on the tap 10 in a location which does not meet the defined relative positional relationship required to initiate the flow of boiling water. Such storage location for the fob 150 is thus distinct from the location of the fob relative to the tap body 12 required to cause the flow of boiling water and the fob 150 must be moved from the storage location by a user to a location having the defined relative positional relationship in order to start the flow of boiling water. In convenient examples, the tap 10 or tap body 12 may be provided with a holder such as a pocket or pouch to form such a storage location. In other convenient examples the tap 10 or tap body 12 may be provided with a location comprising a ferrous material at which the fob 150 can be attached and supported by virtue of its magnet.

[0062] In still further arrangements, the second element 150 can be directly mounted to the tap body 12 and moveably arranged with respect thereto or can be mounted to an element, such as a lever, moveably mounted to the tap body. For example, the second element 150 can form a local part of a ring or annulus (e.g. a small part relative to the ring as a whole) captively mounted to the tap body. Movement (e.g. rotation) of the ring to a specific angular position by the user can then be required to cause the first element 152 to adopt the closed circuit condition whereby the pump 110 initiates the flow of boiling water.

Alternatively, the second element 150 can form a local part of a lever (e.g. a small part relative to the lever as a whole) or the like mounted to the tap body and movement of the lever to a specific spatial position with respect to the first element 152 by the user can then be required to cause the first element 152 to adopt the closed circuit condition whereby the pump 110 initiates the flow of boiling water.

[0063] In preferred embodiments of the invention, any movement of the second element away for the specified positional relationship with the first element 152 (that is, the position in which the first element 152 adopts the closed circuit condition) can cause the first element 152 to adopt the open circuit condition such that the control device 108 stops the pump 110 and consequently stops the flow of boiling water.

[0064] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the second element 150 causes the first element 152 to change between the off (e.g. open circuit) and on (e.g. closed circuit) conditions remotely, that is, without any physical contact or connection between the first and second elements.

[0065] In some convenient embodiments there can be more than one defined positional relationship of the first and second elements which result in initiation of the flow of boiling water. For example, the first element 152 can in some embodiments adopt the condition (which can be the closed circuit condition in accordance with above described embodiments) in which the pump 110 is caused to initiate boiling water flow when the second element 150 is in either of two distinct spatial arrangements with respect to the first element 152. Such distinct spatial arrangement can, for example, be localised discrete positions on respective sides of the tap body 12.

[0066] In other arrangements, more than one first element 152 (such as two first elements) 152 can be provided at distinct spatially separate locations within the tap body.

At any onetime, the second element 150 can adopt the defined positional relationship with one of the plurality of first elements 152 thereby to cause the pump 110 to initiate the flow of boiling water. One suitable arrangement can be first and second reed switches forming first and second first elements 152, the first and second reed switches being in spaced apart location in the tap body 12, for example, the two reed switches can be located at diametrically opposed portions of the tap body 12.

[0067] The present invention in its various embodiments can avoid the necessity of providing a valve or the like for the control of the flow of boiling water within the tap body 12. An electrical switch (first element 152, e.g. a reed switch) is provided within the tap body 12, but the space required to accommodate such an electrical switch is far less than that required for a water flow control valve. Hence, by the present invention, space can be liberated within the tap body which provides a designer with enhanced flexibility, such as in terms of the outward aesthetic appearance of the tap 10 and/or in terms of the provision of added features, such as provision for flows of more types of treated water.

[0068] Also, because the boiling water can pass through the tap body without the need for any valve arrangement, or indeed any formation or component other than a pipe or conduit, heat transfer from the boiling water to the tap body is minimised. The tap body therefore remains cool even with prolonged delivery of boiling water. Thermal insulation of the tap body to prevent the tap body from becoming hot is thus not required and operational safety is thereby enhanced.

[0069] Although the present invention has been described in connection with the delivery of boiling water, and the present invention is particularly advantageous in this respect, the present invention in its various embodiments is also applicable to the delivery of other treated water (such carbonated, filtered or chilled water) and the delivery of such other treated waters by means of the apparatus of the invention is not precluded.

[0070] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and contain" and variations of them mean including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do 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.

[0071] 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. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments.

The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0072] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A tap apparatus having a tap body, a dispensing spout extending from the tap body; at least a treated water flow path extending through said tap body and dispensing spout to an outlet at an outlet end of said spout remote from said tap body, said treated water flow path being connectable at an end thereof remote from the outlet to a source of treated water and control arrangement operable to change said treated water flow path between a non-flow condition in which treated water cannot flow through the treated water flow path and a flow condition in which treated water can flow through the treated water flow path for dispensing from said outlet, wherein said control arrangement a includes a first element located in the tap body and a second element located externally of the tap body, the first element forming no part of the treated water flow path, and said flow condition being achieved only when said first and second elements are in a defined relative positional relationship.
2. A tap apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said change of the treated water flow path between the non-flow and the flow condition is not consequent upon physical contact or connection between the first and second elements.
3. A tap apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the second element is located wholly externally of the tap body.
4. A tap apparatus as claimed in any of claims ito 3 wherein the second element is free to move with respect to the tap body in any direction.
5. A tap apparatus as claimed in any of claims i to 4 wherein the second element has no physical connection to the tap body or dispensing spout.
6. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the second element is connected to the tap body or dispensing spout by a flexible string, tether, cord, wire or the like.
7. A tap apparatus as claimed in any of claims ito 6 wherein, when in the defined relative positional relationship, the first and second elements are separated by less than a pre-defined distance.
8. A tap apparatus as claimed in any of claims ito 7 wherein, when in the defined relative positional relationship, the first and second elements are in a specified spatial relationship relative to each other.
9. A tap apparatus as claimed in any of claims i to 8 wherein the first element is an electrical switch which is switchable in response to its relative positional relationship with the second element, the electrical switch adopting an on condition in which the treated water flow path is caused to adopt a flow condition in which treated water can flow through the treated water flow path and an off condition in which the treated water flow path is caused to adopt a non-flow condition in which treated water cannot flow through the treated water flow path, said on condition of the electrical switch being adopted when the electrical switch and the second element are in the defined relative positional relationship.
10. A tap apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the electrical switch preferentially adopts the off condition and adopts the on condition only when said first and second elements are in said defined relative positional relationship.
11. A tap apparatus as claimed in claim 9 or 10 wherein the electrical switch is a reed switch and the second element is, or includes, a magnet.
12. A tap apparatus as claimed in claim 9 or 10 wherein the second element includes an REID tag and the electrical switch includes a transmitter/receiver for the REID tag.
13. A tap apparatus as claimed in claim 9 or 10 wherein the electrical switch includes a wireless transmitter configured to transmit a wireless signal of a first type when the electrical switch adopts the on condition and to transmit no signal or a signal of a second type when the electrical switch adopts the off condition, the wireless signal being receivable by a flow controller operable to start and stop the flow of treated water.
14. A tap apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said treated water is boiling or near boiling water.
15. A tap apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said treated water is selected from chilled, carbonated, filtered and softened water.
16. A tap apparatus as claimed in any of claims ito 16 including a first treated water flow path for boiling or near boiling water and a separate treated water flow path for one or more of chilled, carbonated, filtered and softened water.
17. A tap apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein only said boiling water flow path is controlled by said control arrangement.
18. A tap apparatus substantially hereinbefore defined with reference to any of Figures 1 to 5.
19. A boiling water delivery apparatus comprising a tap apparatus as claimed in any of claims ito 18 and a water heating apparatus.
20. A boiling water delivery apparatus as claimed in claim 19 wherein the water heating apparatus includes a heated water tank and a pump configured to transfer boiling water from the heated water tank to the tap apparatus.
21. A boiling water delivery apparatus as claimed in claim 20 further comprising a control device configured to cause the pump to transfer boiling water from the water tank to the tap apparatus only when the first and second elements are in the defined relative positional relationship.
22. A boiling water delivery apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 5.