GB2544770A

GB2544770A - Apparatus and method of connecting a water supply pipe to fitting

Info

Publication number: GB2544770A
Application number: GB1520839.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Griffiths Daniel; Fearnley Karl
Original assignee: Kohler Mira Ltd
Current assignee: Kohler Mira Ltd
Priority date: 2015-11-25
Filing date: 2015-11-25
Publication date: 2017-05-31
Anticipated expiration: 2035-11-25
Also published as: WO2017089746A1; GB2544770B; GB201520839D0

Abstract

This invention provides an apparatus 100 for connecting a water supply pipe 104a, 104b extending from a support surface (102, Fig. 4) to a fitting 110. The apparatus comprises a support member 106 adapted to be secured to the support surface, such that the water supply pipe extends through an opening 112a, 112b in the support element. The support member comprises an engagement means engaging with the water supply pipe, such that the water supply pipe is fixed relative to the support surface before the fitting is connected to the water supply pipe. The device also comprises a connector 108 arranged to sealably connect the water supply pipe and the fitting. The engagement means may comprise first and second flexible clamps (122a, 122b, Fig. 2b). The sealing means (144, 148, Fig. 3) may comprise an elastomeric O-ring. A method for fitting the apparatus is also provided.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONNECTING A WATER SUPPLY PIPE TO A

FITTING

This invention relates to apparatus and method of connecting a water supply pipe to a fitting. The present invention has particular, but not exclusive, application to apparatus and method of connecting a water supply pipe extending from a support surface such as a wall to a valve such as a mixer valve for a shower.

When installing a shower, a valve must usually be attached to an existing water supply pipe. Such a water supply pipe may extend out from a wall to which the valve is to be fitted. The water supply pipe may, for example, be installed during a ‘first fix’ stage of the building process and left protruding from the wall for the valve to be installed at a later stage. One method of connecting the valve to the water supply pipe uses a collet that is compressed onto the pipe to grip the pipe when the collet is received in an inlet in the valve body by push-fit of the valve onto the pipe. During installation of the valve with this method the pipe can be pushed back into the wall when the valve is connected to the pipe. Another method of connecting the valve to the water supply pipe uses a compression joint that employs a compression nut that is connected to the valve and is tightened to compress a ring or ferrule to grip the pipe and provide a water tight seal. Installation of the valve with this method requires access behind the valve to tighten the compression nut which may increase the projection of the valve from the support surface. Also, once fitted, the ring or ferrule is difficult to remove without a specialist tool but access is often restricted preventing use of the tool. Both methods usually require the valve to be connected to two pipes, one for hot water and another for cold water, and this requires accurate spacing and alignment of the pipes to match the inlets in the valve body to enable the valve to be installed in the required orientation.

The present invention has been made from a consideration of the foregoing and seeks to provide apparatus and method of connecting a water supply pipe to a fitting that overcomes or at least mitigates one or more of the aforementioned problems and disadvantages of existing apparatus and methods.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides apparatus for connecting a water supply pipe extending from a support surface to a fitting, the apparatus comprising: a support member adapted to be secured to the support surface such that the water supply pipe extends through an opening in the support member; wherein the support member comprises an engagement means arranged to engage with the water supply pipe such that the water supply pipe is fixed relative to the support surface before the fitting is connected to the water supply pipe; and a connecting means arranged to sealably connect the water supply pipe and the fitting.

By allowing the water supply pipe to be secured before the fitting is sealably connected to the water supply pipe, movement of the pipe during the connecting process is prevented. This means that the water supply pipe is not pushed back towards the support surface when attaching the fitting, thus making the fitting easier and quicker to install without specialist tooling. The support member also helps to ensure correct alignment of the water supply pipe and allows a secure and reliable water tight seal to be formed.

Optionally, the engagement means may be arranged to move between a disengaged position in which the water supply pipe can be inserted through the opening and an engaged position in which a frictional coupling is provided between the support member and the water supply pipe. This allows the water supply pipe to be first fed through the support member such that the support member can be secured to the support surface. Once secured, the engagement means can be used to secure the water supply pipe in position.

Optionally, the engagement means may comprise a flexible clamp member having a contact surface arranged to engage with an outer surface of the water supply pipe when the engagement means is in the engaged positon. This allows a secure frictional coupling between the support member and the water supply pipe to be formed.

Optionally, the contact surface may be arranged to extend around at least part of the circumference of the water supply pipe. This may spread the load applied to the water supply pipe over a larger area to help improve the frictional coupling and to reduce the likelihood of the water supply pipe being damaged by the clamp member.

Optionally, the contact surface may comprise a first ridge arranged to extend at least part way around the circumference of the water supply pipe. The first ridge may be arranged to dig into the surface of the water supply pipe to improve the frictional coupling to the support member and securely hold the water supply pipe in place.

Optionally, the contact surface may further comprise a second ridge spaced apart from the first ridge in a direction along a length of the water supply pipe, the second ridge being arranged to extend at least part way around the circumference of the water supply pipe. By providing two spaced apart ridges, good alignment of the water supply pipe is encouraged by bringing the water supply pipe into a direction perpendicular to the support surface and the support member.

Optionally, the flexible clamp member may comprise a first end portion and a second end portion, and an engagement pin arranged to force the first end portion towards the second end portion to move the engagement means between the disengaged position and the engaged position. This provides a quick and efficient coupling between the support member and the water supply pipe.

Optionally, the engagement pin may comprise a threaded portion arranged to engage with the first end portion and a head portion arranged to engage with the second end portion, wherein the first end portion comprises an angled surface arranged to engage with the head portion, the angled surface being angled relative to an axis running perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the engagement pin. This may help prevent the threaded portion from becoming locked in the second portion when the clamp member is deformed.

Optionally, the connecting means may comprise a connecting member having a first sealing means arranged to sealably connect the connecting member to the water supply pipe and a second sealing means arranged to sealably connect the connecting member to the fitting. This allows the connection between the water supply pipe and the fitting to be a two-step process. This allows improved visibility of the sealing means during assembly and allows quick and easy installation of the fitting.

Optionally, one or both of the first and second sealing means may provide a push-fit seal. This allows a quick and efficient seal to be made whilst the water supply pipe is held in place by the engagement means to prevent movement of the water supply pipe.

Optionally, one or both of the first and second sealing means may comprise an elastomeric O-ring or other sealing method such as a lip seal.

Optionally, the apparatus may comprise a first securing means arranged to secure the connecting member to the support member. This allows the connecting member to be independently secured to the support member once the seal between them has been formed. This helps to prevent the seal being broken later during the installation process.

Optionally, the fitting may comprise a body having a recessed portion, the recessed portion being adapted to receive the support member and the connecting means when the fitting is in an assembled condition. This allows the connecting means and the support member to be hidden from view when the fitting is in an assembled condition.

Optionally, the apparatus may comprise a second securing means arranged to secure the fitting to the connecting member. This allows an independent connection between the fitting and the connecting member.

In a second aspect, the present invention proves an installation kit comprising a support member, and a connecting means according to the first aspect.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of connecting a water supply pipe to a fitting, the water supply pipe extending from a support surface, the method comprising the steps of: securing a support member to the support surface such that the water supply pipe extends through an opening in the support member; fixing the water supply pipe relative to the support surface via an engagement means of the support member; and sealably connecting the water supply pipe to the fitting via a connecting means.

Optionally, the fixing of the water supply pipe relative to the support surface may comprise moving the engagement means from a disengaged position in which the water supply pipe can be inserted through the opening to an engaged position in which a frictional coupling is provided between the support member and the water supply pipe. This allows the water supply pipe to be first fed through the opening to allow the support member to contact the support surface before it is secured to the support member.

Optionally, moving the engagement means into the engaged position may comprise forcing a contact surface of a flexible clamp member against an outer surface of the water supply pipe. This allows a secure frictional coupling between the support member and the water supply pipe to be formed.

Optionally, sealably connecting the water supply pipe to the fitting may comprise sealing the connecting means to the water supply pipe via a first sealing means followed by sealing the connecting means to the fitting via a second sealing means. This allows the connection between the water supply pipe and the fitting to be a two-step process.

Optionally, the method may further comprise securing the connecting means to the support member via a first securing means before connecting the fitting to the connecting means. This allows an independent connection between the connecting means and the water supply pipe.

Optionally, the method may further comprise securing a body of the fitting to the connecting means via a second securing means after connecting the valve to the connecting member. This allows an independent connection between the fitting and the connecting member.

The invention will now be described in more detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows an expanded view of apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2a and 2b show a view' of a support member of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a first cross section view of the apparatus of Figure 1 when in an assembled condition;

Figure 4 shows a second cross section view of the apparatus of Figure 1 when in an assembled condition; and

Figure 5 shows a method of connecting a water supply pipe to a fitting according to an embodiment of the invention.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, apparatus 100 for connecting water supply pipes 104a, 104b extending from a support surface 102 to a valve 110 is shown. The water supply pipes 104a, 104b may, for example, be provided to supply hot and cold water to a mixer valve for supplying temperature controlled water to a shower, but are not limited to this purpose. The support surface 102 may comprise a wall or other surface from which the water supply pipes 104a, 104b protrude and to which the valve 110 is to be attached. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the apparatus 100 is suitable for use with two water supply pipes 104a, 104b. However, this is only one such example and in other embodiments the apparatus 100 may be suitable for use with any number of water supply pipes as will be described later. The apparatus 100 comprises a support member 106 and a connecting means 108.

The support member 106 is shown separately in Figures 2a and 2b. The support member 106 comprises a plate which is adapted to engage with the support surface 102. The support member 106 may be secured to the support surface 102 via a fixing means such as screws or the like which pass through holes in the support member 106. It is to be understood that the number and position of the holes may be altered or replaced by an alternative fixing means such as glue or the like. In other embodiments, the support member 106 may be arranged to abut and press against the support surface 102 during connection of the valve 110, rather than being positively secured by the fixing means. The plate forming the support member 106 may have any suitable shape and is not limited to that shown in the figures. The plate may, for example, be shaped to correspond to the shape of the foot print of the valve 110 as will be described later.

The support member comprises two openings 112a, 112b for passage of the water supply pipes 104a, 104b. When the support member 106 is attached to the support surface 102, the water supply pipes 104a, 104b are arranged to extend through each of the openings 112a, 112b in the support member 106. The openings 112a, 112b may be spaced apart on the support member 106 to align the water supply pipes 104a, 104b in a predetermined spacing suitable for connection to the valve 110. The location and spacing of the openings 112a, 112b may be modified according to the particular valve being used. The openings 112a, 112b may further function as a marking guide to position holes in the support surface 102 through which water supply pipes 104a, 104b extend. In the described embodiment, the support member 106 comprises two openings, one for each of the two water supply pipes 104a, 104b. In other embodiments, the support member 106 may comprise only a single opening where the apparatus 100 is to be used with a single water supply pipe. In yet other embodiments, the support member 106 may comprise 3, 4, 5 or more openings to accommodate any suitable number of water supply pipes.

The valve 110 is adapted to receive water from the water supply pipes 104a, 104b. In the described embodiment, the valve 110 may comprise a mixing valve to mix hot and cold water for delivery to a shower head or the like as is known in the art. The water supply pipes 104a, 104b in such an embodiment may comprise a hot water supply pipe and a cold water supply pipe accordingly. The valve 110 of the described embodiment comprises a control valve assembly 116 for mixing hot and cold water for delivery to an outlet 118. The valve 110 further comprises a rotatory control knob 120 which is operable to control the temperature and flow rate of the water delivered to the outlet 118. This is however only one such example of a valve 110 that may be used with the apparatus 100 of the present invention. In other embodiments, the valve 110 may comprise any type of mixer valve which is to be connected to water supply pipes extending from a support surface.

The connecting means 108 is arranged to sealably connect the water supply pipes 104a, 104b to the valve 110. The connecting means 108 is arranged to provide a water tight seal between the ends of the water supply pipes 104a, 104b and the valve 110 such that water may flow from the water supply pipes 104a, 104b into the valve 110.

The support member 106 comprises an engagement means arranged to engage with the water supply pipes 104a, 104b. The engagement means is arranged to engage with the water supply pipes such that they are fixed relative to the support surface 102 before the valve 110 is connected to the water supply pipes 104a, 104b via the connecting means 108. This allows the water supply pipes 104a, 104b to be held securely in place while the valve 110 is connected. This helps to ensure that the water supply pipes 104a, 104b are not pushed back into (or in a direction towards) the support surface 102 as the valve 110 is pushed against the ends of the water supply pipes 104a, 104b to form a seal. Furthermore, the engagement means may help to prevent the water supply pipes 104a, 104b moving relative to the valve 110 by the movement of high pressure water running through the pipes. This may otherwise cause the seal to the valve 110 to be broken. The apparatus 100 is therefore quickly and efficiently installed and allows a secure water tight seal to be formed between the water supply pipes 104a, 104b and the valve 110 both static pressure conditions, i.e. when the valve is turned off but the system is still pressurised, and dynamic pressure conditions, i.e when the valve is turned on and water is flowing through the valve.

In the described embodiment, the engagement means is arranged to move between a disengaged position in which the water supply pipes can be inserted through the openings 112a, 112b and an engaged position in which a frictional coupling is provided between the support member 106 and each of the water supply pipes 104a, 104b. This allows the water supply pipes 104a, 104b to be first fed through the openings 112a, 112b in the support member 106 so that the support member 106 can be fixed to the support surface 102. The engagement means can then be moved to the engaged position to secure the water supply pipes 104a, 104b relative to the support surface 102. In order to provide the frictional coupling, the engagement means comprises a first flexible clamp member 122a and a second flexible clamp member 122b, each having a respective contact surface 124a, 124b arranged to engage with an outer surface of each of the water supply pipes 104a, 104b when the engagement means is in the engaged positon. Each of the flexible clamp members 122a, 122b are arranged to surround at least part of the circumference of each of the openings 122a, 122b so that they may engage with the water supply pipes 104a, 104b once they have been passed through the respective opening. Each of the contact surfaces 124a, 124b is therefore arranged to extend around at least part of the circumference of the outer surface of the respective water supply pipe 104a, 104b. This helps to provide a large contact area between the water supply pipes 104a, 104b and the flexible clamp members 122a, 122b to spread the load and provide a secure frictional coupling without crushing the water supply pipes 104a, 104b.

In the described embodiment, the contact surfaces 124a, 124b each comprise a first ridge 126a, 126b which is arranged to extend at least part way around the circumference of the respective water supply pipe 104a, 104b. Each of the first ridges 126a, 126b is arranged to press against the outer surface of the water supply pipes 104a, 104b when the clamp members 122a, 122b are forced against the respective water supply pipe 104a, 104b. The first ridges 126a, 126b may dig into the surface of the water supply pipes 104a, 104b in order to provide an improved frictional coupling and therefore help secure the water supply pipes 104a, 104b relative to the support surface 102. The contact surfaces 124a, 124b may each further comprise a second ridge 128a, 128b, each spaced apart from a respective one of the first ridges 126a, 126b in a direction along a length of the water supply pipes 104a, 104b (e g. spaced apart along an axis running through the centre of each of the openings 112a, 112b). The second ridges 128a, 128b are similarly arranged to extend at least part way around the circumference of the water supply pipes 104a, 104b and may engage with the water supply pipes 104a, 104b in the same manner as the first ridges 126a, 126b. The separation between the first ridges 126a, 126b and the second ridges 128a, 128b may assist in orientating the water supply pipes 104a, 104b in a position such that they extend perpendicularly from the support surface 102. This may allow easy alignment with the valve 110 and provide an improved seal between the valve 110 and the water supply pipes 104a, 104b. In other embodiments, further ridges may be provided on each contact surface or the ridges may be absent on one or both of the contact surfaces. In yet other embodiments, other shaped protrusions may be provided on each or both of the contact surfaces 124a, 124b to improve the frictional coupling. For example, in other embodiments the contact surfaces may comprise a rough or knurled surface in order to aid the frictional coupling between the clamp members 122a, 122b and the water supply pipes 104a, 104b.

In the described embodiment, each of the flexible clamp members 122a, 122b may be disposed around at least part of the circumference of each of the openings 112a, 112b. Each flexible clamp member 122a, 122b comprises an open loop comprised of a first end portion 130a, 130b, a loop portion 132a, 132b and a second end portion 134a, 134b. The support member 106 may further comprise one or more cut-out portions 136a, 136b arranged to surround at least part of the loop portions 132a, 132b and at least one of the end portions 130a, 130b, 134a, 134b. This allows the flexible clamp members 122a, 122b to move relative to the body (e.g. the plate) of the support member 106. In other embodiments, another flexible connection may be provided between the clamp members 122a, 122b and the body of the support member 106. In some embodiments, separate flexible clamp members 122a, 122b may be provided for each opening 112a, 112b in the support member 106. In other embodiments, the separate clamp members may be joined together to form a single clamp member arranged to secure all of the water supply pipes extending through the support member simultaneously.

The engagement means may be moved from the disengaged position to the engaged position by forcing the first end portion 130a, 130b and the second end portion 136a, 136b of each clamp member 112a, 112b towards one another so as to reduce the diameter of the respective loop portion 132a, 132b. In the described embodiment, each of the first end portions 130a, 130b and the second end portions 134a, 134b are force towards one another by the action of a pair of pins 140a, 140b. The pins 140a, 140b each comprise a head portion and a threaded portion, wherein the head portion is arranged to engage with the respective first end portion 130a, 130b and the threaded portion is arranged to engage with the respective second end portion 134a, 134b. The pins 140a, 140b are arranged to pass through a hole in each of the first end portions 130a 130b such that the head engages with a surface of the first end portions 130a, 130b. The second end portions 134a, 134b each comprise a threaded bore arranged to engage with the threaded portion of the pins 140a, 140b. Rotation of the pins 140a, 140b therefore forces the first end portions 130a, 130b and the second end portions 134a, 134b towards each other. In the described embodiment, the first end portions 130a, 130b comprise an angled surface arranged to engage with the head of each pin 140a, 140b, the angled surface being angled relative to axis running perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the respective pin 140a, 140b (i.e. are angled away from orthogonal to an axis running through the centre of the hole of the first portions). The angled surface helps to prevent the threaded portion of the pins 140a, 104b becoming locked in the threaded bore when the flexible clamp members 112a, 122b are deformed by tightening the pins 140a, 104b. In some embodiments, a single pin may be provided to force both the first end portions 130a, 130b towards both the second end portions 134a, 134b (e.g. the end portions may be attached together to form a single flexible clamp member arranged to engage with both water supply pipes, the single flexible clamp member being manipulated by a single pin).

In other embodiments, the engagement means may be adapted to suit the number of water supply pipes 104a, 104b. For example, the engagement means may comprise a single flexible clamp member in embodiments where only one water supply pipe is present. In other embodiments, a flexible clamp member may be provided for each water supply pipe to which the valve 110 is to be connected. The flexible clamp member arrangement shown in the figures is only one such example of an engagement means that may be provided on the support member to fix the water supply pipes relative to the support surface. In other embodiments, other frictional coupling mechanisms may be provided or other mechanisms for releasably connecting the water supply pipe and the support member may be provided.

In the described embodiment, the connecting means 108 comprises a connecting member arranged to provide a seal between the water supply pipes 104a, 104b and the valve 110. The connecting member may comprise a first pair of apertures 142a, 142b arranged to receive each of the water supply pipes 104a, 104b and a first sealing means 144 arranged to sealably connect the water supply pipes 104a, 104b to the connecting member. The connecting member may further comprise a second pair of apertures 146a, 146b arrange to engage with a pair of water inlets provided on the valve 110 and a second sealing means 148 arranged to sealably connect the connecting member to the valve 110. The first and second sealing means 144, 148 may each provide a push-fit seal so that the seals are conveniently formed by pushing the valve 110 and connecting member together. Movement of the water supply pipes 104a, 104b is prevented while the connecting member and the valve 110 are pushed together by the engagement means of the support member 106. In the described embodiment, both of the first and second sealing means 144, 148 comprise one or more elastomeric O-rings arranged to surround each of the first apertures and the second apertures of the connecting member to provide a quick and efficient push-fit seal. In other embodiments, the first and second sealing means 144, 148 may take other forms as would be apparent to the skilled person. In the described embodiment, the connecting means 108 is adapted for use with two water supply pipes 104a, 104b. This is however only one such example, and in other embodiments, the connecting member may comprise any number of first apertures to receive any number of water supply pipes 104a, 104b, and the connecting means may comprise any number of second apertures arranged to engage with any number of water inlets provided at the valve 110.

In the described embodiment, the connecting means 108 comprises a connecting member which is a separate component to the valve 110 and support member 106. This allows the apparatus 100 to be assembled in a two-part process in which a first seal is formed between the connecting member and the water supply pipes 104a, 104b, followed by a second seal being formed between the body of the connecting member and the valve 110. This helps to make the apparatus easier to install because the sealing means between the connecting member and the water supply pipes is visible during assembly. In other embodiments, the connecting means 108 may form part of the valve (e.g. the connecting member may be integral with the valve 110).

The apparatus 100 may further comprise a first securing means arranged to secure the connecting member to the support member 106. The first securing means may comprise a first locking pin 150 arranged to connect the support member 106 and the connecting member once the connecting member has been sealed to the water pipes 104a, 104b. The first locking pin 150 may be inserted through a hole in the support member 106 and may engage with a threaded bore provided in the connecting member. The first securing means may therefore connect the support member 106 and the connecting member before the connection to the valve 110 is made. This means that the water supply pipes 104a, 104b can be securely sealed to the connecting member before the final step of sealing the connecting member to the valve 110 is performed. In other embodiments, the first securing means may take a different form, and may for example comprise a snap-fit coupling or the like.

As can be seen in the figures, the valve 110 comprises a body having a recessed portion, the recessed portion being adapted to receive the support member 106 and the connecting means 108. The depth of the recessed portion may be such that the rear end of the valve body locates against the support surface 102 to conceal the support member 106 and the connecting means 108. This means that all fixings between the water supply pipes 104a, 104b and the apparatus 100 are concealed within the valve body once the valve 110 has been installed. This also provides a small and compact arrangement.

The apparatus 100 may further comprise a second securing means arranged to secure the body of the valve 110 to the connecting member. The second securing means may take a similar form to the first securing means and may comprise a second locking pin 154 arranged to be inserted through a hole in the body of the valve 110 and may engage with a threaded bore 156 provided in the connecting member. The second locking pin 154 may in some embodiments be inserted through an underside of the valve body (when the valve is connected to the water pipes) such that the second securing means is not visible during use.

The first and second securing means allow independent securing of the connecting member to the support member 106, and the connecting member to the valve 110. This allows easy assembly and disassembly so that parts can be serviced or replaced. In other embodiments, a single securing means may be provided to simultaneously connect the support member 106, the connecting member and the valve 110 to each other using, for example, a single locking pin. A method 200 of connecting a water supply pipe (or pipes) extending from the support surface 102 to the valve 110 is shown in Figure 5. The method comprises securing 202 the support member 106 to the support surface 102 such that the water supply pipes 104a, 104b extend through openings 112a, 112b in the support member 106. This may be done by passing the support member 106 over the water supply pipes 104a, 104b such that the water supply pipes extend through the openings in the support member 106.

Once the support member 106 has been secured to the support surface 102, the engagement means is used to fix 204 the water supply pipes 104a, 104b relative to the support surface 102. Fixing the water supply pipes 104a, 104b relative to the support surface 102 comprises moving the engagement means from the disengaged position to the engaged position in which a frictional coupling is provided between the support member 106 and the water supply pipes 104a, 104b. The engagement means is moved from the disengaged position to the engaged position by forcing the first and second end portions of each of the flexible clamp members towards one another as describe above. This is done by tightening each of the pins 140a, 140b until the water supply pipes 104a, 104b are tightly secured. This forces the contact surfaces 124a, 124b of the flexible clamp members 122a, 122b against the outer surfaces of the water supply pipes 104a, 104b.

The method further comprises the step of sealably connecting 206 the water supply pipes 104a, 104b to the valve 110 via the connecting means 108. As the water supply pipes 104a, 104b have been fixed relative to the support surface 102 by the engagement means, the water supply pipes 104a, 104b are prevented from being pushed back in a direction towards the support surface 102 when the valve 110 is connected. This means that a secure seal can be quickly and conveniently formed. Furthermore, the water supply pipes 104a, 104b are prevented from moving away from the valve by the action of pressurised water flowing through the pipes. This may otherwise cause the seal to be broken.

In the described embodiment, sealably connecting the water supply pipes 104a, 104b to the valve 110 comprises a two-step sealing process in which the connecting member is first sealed to the water supply pipes 104a, 104b via a first sealing means. At this stage, the first securing means can be used to securely fasten the connecting member to the support member. The connecting member is then sealably connected to the valve 110 via the second sealing means. Finally, the valve 110 may be secured to the connecting member using the second securing means.

While the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereto and that the invention has application for installation of a variety of types of valves. Furthermore, the invention may have application to other installations requiring a fluid connection between a supply pipe and a fitting, for example a tap or a connector such as a hose connector for a shower.

Moreover, it will be understood that the exemplary embodiments are not limiting on the scope of protection and that the principles and concepts described herein can be provided in different forms with the same or equivalent means for achieving the desired result. All such forms of the invention and means for achieving same are within the scope of the invention.

Additionally or alternatively, features and/or modifications of any of the embodiments described herein may be employed separately or in combination with features and/or modifications of any other embodiment.

Claims

1. Apparatus for connecting a water supply pipe extending from a support surface to a fitting, the apparatus comprising: a support member adapted to be secured to the support surface such that the water supply pipe extends through an opening in the support member; wherein the support member comprises an engagement means arranged to engage with the water supply pipe such that the water supply pipe is fixed relative to the support surface before the fitting is connected to the water supply pipe; and a connecting means arranged to sealably connect the water supply pipe and the fitting.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the engagement means is arranged to move between a disengaged position in which the water supply pipe can be inserted through the opening and an engaged position in which a frictional coupling is provided between the support member and the water supply pipe.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the engagement means comprises a flexible clamp member having a contact surface arranged to engage with an outer surface of the water supply pipe when the engagement means is in the engaged positon.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the contact surface is arranged to extend around at least part of the circumference of the water supply pipe.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the contact surface comprises a first ridge arranged to extend at least part way around the circumference of the water supply pipe.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the contact surface further comprises a second ridge spaced apart from the first ridge in a direction along a length of the water supply pipe, the second ridge being arranged to extend at least part way around the circumference of the water supply pipe.

7. Apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the flexible clamp member comprises a first end portion and a second end portion, and an engagement pin arranged to force the first end portion towards the second end portion to move the engagement means between the disengaged position and the engaged position.

8. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the engagement pin comprises a threaded portion arranged to engage with the first end portion and a head portion arranged to engage with the second end portion, wherein the first end portion comprises an angled surface arranged to engage with the head portion, the angled surface being angled relative to axis running perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the engagement pin.

9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the connecting means comprises a connecting member having a first sealing means arranged to sealably connect the connecting member to the water supply pipe and a second sealing means arranged to sealably connect the connecting member to the fitting.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein one or both of the first and second sealing means provide a push-fit seal.

11. Apparatus according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein one or both of the first and second sealing means comprise an elastomeric O-ring.

12. Apparatus according to claim 9, 10 or 11, further comprising a first securing means arranged to secure the connecting member to the support member.

13. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein, in use, the fitting comprises a body having a recessed portion, the recessed portion being adapted to receive the support member and the connecting means when the fitting is connected to the water supply pipes.

14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a second securing means arranged, in use, to secure the connecting means to the fitting.

15. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support member and connecting means are configured for connecting a pair of water supply pipes to the fitting

16. A kit comprising a support member and a connecting means according to any preceding claim.

17. A method of connecting a water supply pipe to a fitting, the water supply pipe extending from a support surface, the method comprising the steps of: securing a support member to the support surface such that the water supply pipe extends through an opening in the support member; fixing the water supply pipe relative to the support surface via an engagement means of the support member; and sealably connecting the water supply pipe to the fitting via a connecting means.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein fixing the water supply pipe relative to the support surface comprises moving the engagement means from a disengaged position in which the water supply pipe can be inserted through the opening and to an engaged position in which a frictional coupling is provided between the support member and the water supply pipe.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein moving the engagement means into the engaged position comprises forcing a contact surface of a flexible clamp member against an outer surface of the water supply pipe.

20. The method according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein sealably connecting the water supply pipe to the fitting comprises sealing a connecting member to the water supply pipe via a first sealing means followed by sealing the connecting member to the fitting via a second sealing means.

21. A method according to claim 20, further comprising securing the connecting member to the support member via a first securing means before connecting the valve to the water supply pipe.

22. A method according to claim 20 or claim 21, further comprising securing a body of the valve to the connecting member via a second securing means after connecting the valve to the water supply pipe.

23. Use of the apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 15, the kit of claim 16 or the method of any of claims 17 to 22 for connecting hot and cold water supply pipes to a mixer valve.

24. Apparatus or a kit or a method substantially as described herein with reference to, or as shown in, any one or more of the accompanying drawings.