GB2536874A

GB2536874A - A plumbing measurement device

Info

Publication number: GB2536874A
Application number: GB1504286.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Smith Sam
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-03-13
Filing date: 2015-03-13
Publication date: 2016-10-05
Anticipated expiration: 2035-03-13
Also published as: GB201504286D0; GB2536874B

Abstract

A plumbing measurement device for determining the correct placement of plumbing fittings, in particular the spacing of taps on a bath. The device has a rigid elongate plate with a plurality of spaced measurements, and at least two guide tabs extending from the plate. Preferably two guide tables are perpendicular so as to form a corner. The plumbing template device may have sets of measurement indicia, which may be coloured or otherwise stylised to indicate the pairs of measurements. The pairs of measurements may represent the common bath widths of 700mm, 800mm, and 850mm. There may be a second set of measurement indicia representing the depth of the bath lip. There may be lacunae in the plate, through which the desired tap or faucet placement can be marked directly onto the bath surface. The holes may be reinforced with a collar, allowing a drill to be used directly through the template onto the bath to create a guide hole for the tap insertion holes. The device may be of translucent plastics, or of cardboard, and may include a spirit level.

Description

A PLUMBING MEASUREMENT DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a plumbing measurement device, in particular a device for measurement in relation to spacings of plumbing fittings; more particularly but not exclusively a means of ascertaining the spacing and placement of taps for a bath end.

Background

Increasing choice in styling for sanitaryware means that the sanitaryware is often customisable, albeit of standard sizings.

In particular due to choice in taps or bath fillers, baths are often supplied wihout tap or filler holes.

There are three sizes for baths that are popular, 700mm, 800mm and 850mm wide.

Depending on the size of the bath, the location of taps varies. The width of the bath as well as the depth of the lip determines where tap holes should be drilled. Measuring and calculating this can prove tedious and can be time consuming.

The bath has a lip that runs around it, which is typically also in there sizes, 100mm, 25 90mm and 80mm at the tap end. The taps or fillers are generally placed 90mm from a centreline, drawn parallel to and equidistant the long sides.

It can be problematic for a user, such as a professional or domestic installer, to ensure that taps or fillers are correctly installed, as precise measurements need to be 30 taken, however curved surfaces, edges and marker points militate against accuracy in measurement.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Granted Korean patent KR 101 254 151 (LEE) discloses a faucet installing jig to enhance the accuracy of installation by maintaining the horizontal and vertical position of the faucet when installing. The faucet installing jig comprises a frame, a 5 guide rod, and a fixing pipe. The frame comprises a left and a right vertical plate and an upper and a lower horizontal plate. The left and right vertical plates are detachably combined with left and right faucets. The left and right faucets comprise an upper elbow, a vertical pipe, and a lower elbow. The fixing pipe unmovably fixes the faucet installing jig.

United States patent application US 5 848 478 (DUNCAN) discloses a template for use in the installation of water faucets and spouts having stems for attachment to said template adjacent to a sink or tub upon a plywood support upon which mortar and a decorative top surface are to be applied, said template comprising a border laving a perimeter and a series of plateau sections, providing for increased accessability to said stems below said template, each plateau section having geometrically centered holes configured therein and wherein each plateau section has a top and a bottom surface, both said top and bottom surface being elevated above said border forming a recess in said border and wherein each said plateau section is separated from an adjacent plateau section by an open channel in said border such that said plateau sections can be separated from one another by cutting segments of said border between said open channels and perimeter.

Granted European patent EP 0 798 085;GIBBONS et al) discloses a template for use in correctly positioning one or more pipes of pipework relative to a surface-mounted unit for installing said surface-mounted unit onto a mounting surface, said template including: one or more substantially circular first apertures, with an annular member removably and centrally mounted in the or each first aperture; wherein the or each annular member is provided with a centre aperture for guiding drilling of a centre hole, and, with the annular member removed, the or each first aperture is for guiding drilling of a hole which will accommodate a or the pipe of said pipework.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a plumbing measurement device comprising a substantially rigid elongate plate, flanked by at least two orthogonally extending guide tabs, wherein a first guide tab is situate to one end of the plate, and a second guide tab is situate to a side of the plate; wherein the plate comprises a plurality of spaced measurements.

Such measurements may be provided in a plurality of colours, to colour code appropriate measurements, for example where there measurements comprise equidistant measurements from the centreline. The device thereby provides an aid to measure accurately where tap holes should be drilled using a colour coded system.

Alternatively the colours may relate to width of the bath, and lip size.

Baths come in three sizes with three different lip depths. These dimensions may be comprised in measurements on the plate so as to allow a user to determine where 15 tap holes should be drilled. The device allows the user to measure the width and lip depth simultaneously to accurately plot where taps need to go.

A different colourway or style may be allocated to each dimension. When a measurement has been obtained for the width and lip depth, they will correspond to 20 two holes that match with the measurement colourway or style.

In some embodiments the measurements may be correlated to or indicative of lacunae through the plate, wherein the user is enabled to mark through the plate according to the measurements.

Such lacunae may be sized for a drill bit, such that for example a guide drill may be first drilled, whilst the device is in place, and a correctly sized hole drilled thereafter.

In alternative embodiments the lacunae may be sized for pencil marking, so that a 30 pencil or pen nib may be used through the lacunae Accordingly the lacunae and plate may be arranged for passage of a guide drill, wherein the lacuna will not be excessively damaged by contact with the drill bit.

For example in some embodiments the lacunae may have a metallic insert or collar, In other embodiments the plate may be formed in a metal or alloy.

In some embodiments the plate comprises transparent or translucent material, at least in part, in order that the user may be able to see previous markings or 5 measurements or otherwise regulate markings or measurements.

In some embodiments such material may be located close to the lacunae, for example in embodiments predominantly formed from opaque material such as metal, alloy or plastics. In some embodiments spacer or coating may be provided to underside of the plate in use so as to avoid scratching or damage during use, for example silicone studs.

In some further embodiments the device may be envisaged to be incorporated into further equipment, for example a spirit level.

In some embodiments the device may include a spirit level.

In some further embodiments the device may be envisaged to be disposable.

In some further embodiments the device may be envisaged to be constructed by a user for use, for example being formed in cardboard with folding tabs. Such tabs may be provided with fold-out braces.

Such embodiments may be provided in packaging or a magazine.

Brief Description of Figures

Figures 1 show isometric views of a first embodiment of the device; Figures 2 show isometric views of the embodiment of the device shown in Figures 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment of the device as shown in Figures 1; Figures 4 show top and bottom views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 35 respectively; Figure 5 shows an end view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 6 show detail views of the device in use; And Figure 7 shows an isometric view of the device in use.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown a device according to the present invention comprising a rigid elongate plate formed in 2mm thick translucent acrylic.

The device is a colour coded device that determines where tap holes should be put.

3 colours determine the dimension of the lip of the bath and 3 other colours determine the width of the bath. The intersection of the 2 colours results in the location of the tap holes. There are 12 holes in total to insert a pencil to mark where on the bath a hole should be drilled.

The plate includes guide tabs, arranged on the periphery of the plate to aid in placement of the device on the bath. There are 3 of such tabs to align the device accurately on the bath, wherein the tabs extend orthogonally from the plate with a first tab intermediate one long side, and second and third tabs arranged to two sides of a corner of the plate, the third tab being coplanar with the first tab, and the second tab being perpendicular to the first tab.

The arrangement will bring good stability as 3 faces meet to form the corner.

Dimension markings have been engraved and colour has been applied to represent 30 that specific dimension.

Tap holes are 2mm in diameter to mark the drill location with a marker or pencil.

3 bath widths (700mm, 800mm, 850mm) have their own individual colour, and 3 lip 35 depths have their own individual colour (80mm,90mm,100mm) In use the user will: Place the device adjacent to the corner of the bathtub.

Using the coloured increments, determine the width of the bathtub.

Using the coloured increments, determine the depth of the lip on the bathtub.

Using the two colours from the past measurements, find the two holes where these 10 colours meet to mark the centre point location for the drilled holes.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A plumbing measurement device comprising a substantially rigid elongate plate, flanked by at least two orthogonally extending guide tabs, wherein a first guide tab is situate to one end of the plate, and a second guide tab is situate to a side of the plate; wherein the plate comprises a plurality of spaced measurements.
2. A device according to claim 1 including three guide tabs extending from the plate, wherein two are perpendicular so as to form a corner.
3. A device according to either of claims 1 or 2 wherein a first set of measurements relate to a bath width.
4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the first set of measurements have their own individual colour.
5. A device according to claim 4 having wherein the first set of measurements is for bath widths of 700mm, 800mm and 850mm.
6. A device according to either of claims 1 or 2 wherein a second set of measurements relate to a bath lip depth.
7. A device according to any preceding claim having wherein the first set of measurements is for bath lip depths of 80mm, 90mm and 100mm.
8. A device according to claim 6 wherein the second set of measurements have their own individual colour.
9. A device according to any preceding claim having more than one set of measurements interrelated on the plate.
10. A device according to claim 9 wherein the plural sets of measurements are interrelated through colour.
11. A device according to claim 9 wherein the plural sets of measurements are interrelated through styling.
12. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising lacunae in the plate for marking a bath.
13. A device according to claim 12 wherein the lacunae include collars formed in a more resistant material than the plate.
14. A plumbing measurement device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.
15. A plumbing measurement device according to any of the preceding claims formed in translucent plastics.
16. A plumbing measurement device according to any of the preceding claims including a spirit level.
17. A plumbing measurement device according to any of the preceding claims formed in cardboard.
18. A plumbing measurement device according to claim 16 wherein the tabs include fold out braces.
19. A method of providing a disposable measurement device according to any of the preceding claims.