GB2567247A

GB2567247A - An improved shut-off valve for a sanitary fitting

Info

Publication number: GB2567247A
Application number: GB1716536.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Edwin Broad James; Jonathan Taylor Christopher
Original assignee: Bristan Group Ltd
Current assignee: Bristan Group Ltd
Priority date: 2017-10-09
Filing date: 2017-10-09
Publication date: 2019-04-10
Anticipated expiration: 2037-10-09
Also published as: GB201716536D0; GB2567247B

Abstract

There is provided a sanitary fitting 10 comprising a connector (26, 28, figure 4) configured and arranged to enable a sanitary fitting body 12 to be removably attached thereto, the connector comprising a conduit (116, figure 5) arranged, in use, to be in fluid communication with a water source and having an outlet aperture (172, 174, figure 12). The outlet aperture configured to be in fluid communication with the interior of the fitting body when the fitting body is located on the connector, the connector further comprising a control valve arrangement including a valve member (108, figure 5). The valve member is movable in response to water pressure and/or water flow from a first position in which water flow from the outlet aperture is permitted to a second position in which water flow through outlet aperture is prevented. Wherein in the first position the valve member is located entirely within the conduit and in the second position at least a part of the valve member extends beyond the outlet aperture.

Description

An Improved shut-off valve for a sanitary fitting

The present invention relates to an improved shut off valve. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved shut-off valve for a domestic or commercial sanitary fitting.

Installation of taps, valves, shower units and other sanitary fitting is generally accomplished by connecting the sanitary fitting to one or more pipes which supply a fluid (usually water) from a mains fluid source.

Commonly, a sanitary fitting such as a tap is connected to a plumbing fixture (for example, a basin, bath or shower unit) or surface adjacent or above a plumbing fixture. The tap is attached to the top of the fixture (or outside of a wall surface) and the tap is connected directly to the pipe work or indirectly via one or more hoses beneath the plumbing fixture or, as a further variation, the tap and pipe(s) are connected to a mounting structure attached to the plumbing fixture.

In general, such connections between tap and pipework/hose are required to be secured with some form of tool. A lack of space in such circumstances makes connection difficult.

An alternative fluid fitting is disclosed in WO 2011/148195 and is sold in the form of the Bristan™ Easyfit tap mounting. The Easyfit design enables a tap mounting to be fixed to a plumbing fixture and tightened from above.

In all of the above situations a problem can occur when the sanitary fitting (e.g. a tap or shower unit) becomes detached from the connecting pipework. This may be through damage or incorrect assembly. In this situation, the mains fluid source is unlikely to be shut off before this occurs and so unexpected detachment of the sanitary fitting can cause potentially severe leaks and flooding.

Alternatively, a user may simply be looking to remove the sanitary fitting for repair or replacement. In this case, the mains supply needs to be shut off and the pipework water pressure reduced sufficiently before the work can take place. This may be inconvenient, particularly in larger establishments, for example schools and hospitals where many users may be directly affected.

It is known to provide shut-off valves in the form of non-return valves. Such valves are commonly used and often utilise a biasing member, for example a spring or other resilient means, to bias the valve into a position where the valve is normally closed but held open by a part of a tap. An example of this is shown in US 9,121,537. When the tap body is removed, the spring(s) close the valve.

However, known arrangements suffer from a number of technical problems. For example, the spring mechanisms may become blocked with dirt or detritus and cease to function correctly. Further, often these mechanisms may present a significant flow restriction in use. Finally, the springs (if functioning correctly) are always biased to a normally-closed position when the tap body is removed and are, in any event, located deep inside a housing or pipework. Therefore, the user has no indication of the current state of the water pressure, making a repair or replacement hazardous without further investigation. The present invention, in embodiments, addresses these issues.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sanitary fitting comprising a connector configured and arranged to enable a sanitary fitting body to be removably attached thereto, the connector comprising a conduit arranged, in use, to be in fluid communication with a water source and having an outlet aperture configured to be in fluid communication with the interior of the fitting body when the fitting body is located on the connector, the connector further comprising a control valve arrangement including a valve member movable in response to water pressure and/or water flow from a first position in which water flow from the outlet aperture is permitted to a second position in which water flow through outlet aperture is prevented, wherein in the first position the valve member is located entirely within the conduit and in the second position at least a part of the valve member extends beyond the outlet aperture.

In one embodiment, in the second position at least a part of the valve member protrudes externally of the connector.

In one embodiment, the valve member is linearly movable between the first and second positions.

In one embodiment, the valve member is freely movable between the first and second positions in the absence of water pressure and/or water flow.

In one embodiment, the sanitary fitting further comprises a fitting body, the fitting body being, in use, removably located on the connector.

In one embodiment, when the fitting body is located on the connector and water flow and/or pressure is present, the valve member is prevented from reaching the second position.

In one embodiment, a part of the fitting body is configured and arranged to prevent the valve member from reaching the second position when the fitting body is located on the connector such that, when the fitting body is located on the connector and water flow and/or pressure is present, the valve member is maintained in a third position intermediate to the first and second positions.

In one embodiment, in the third position water flow from the outlet aperture into the interior of the fitting body is permitted.

In one embodiment, in the third position the valve member does not extend beyond the outlet aperture.

In one embodiment, the sanitary fitting is further configured such that, when the fitting body is removed from the connector, the valve member is operable to move from the third position to the second position under water flow and/or pressure.

In one embodiment, the fitting body and connector are configured such that the valve member is operable to move to the second position under water flow and/or pressure before the fitting body is fully removed from the connector.

In one embodiment, the fitting body further comprises an inlet aperture delimited by a base portion of the fitting body, the inlet aperture being arranged to be located adjacent, and in fluid communication with, the outlet aperture when the fitting body is removably located on the connector.

In one embodiment, the base portion of the fitting body adjacent the inlet aperture is arranged to extend into the path of the valve member between the first and second positions to define the third position when the fitting body is removably located on the connector.

In one embodiment, the base portion comprises a flange arranged to surround the outlet aperture.

In one embodiment, the flange defines a chamber surrounding the outlet aperture when the fitting body is located on the connector.

In one embodiment, the valve member is, in use, linearly movable from the third to second positions and wherein the flange is dimensioned and arranged to be longer than the linear distance moved by the valve member between the third and second positions.

In one embodiment, the inlet aperture is narrower than the outlet aperture.

In one embodiment, the valve member comprises a valve seat and a valve stem, and wherein the valve stem comprises a valve conduit element configured and arranged to enable fluid flow therethrough, the valve conduit element forming at least a part of the flowpath from the water source to the interior of the fitting body.

In one embodiment, the valve conduit element is arranged to engage with the base portion of the fitting body to define the third position.

In one embodiment, the valve conduit element defines a fluid conduit dimensioned and arranged to correspond to the dimensions of the inlet aperture.

In one embodiment, one or more apertures are formed between the valve body and the valve conduit element to permit fluid flow into the valve conduit element.

In one embodiment, in the first position the valve member is spaced from the outlet aperture.

In one embodiment, the outlet aperture is shaped to enable a tool to be engaged therewith to enable manipulation of the connector and/or to enable to connector to be secured to a surface, plumbing fixture or other member.

In one embodiment, the outlet aperture and a portion of the conduit adjacent thereto is shaped to enable a tool to be engaged therewith, and wherein in the first position the valve member is spaced from the shaped portion.

In one embodiment, the valve member comprises a valve body and a valve stem.

In one embodiment, the valve body is arranged to engage with a valve seat formed in an interior wall of the conduit.

In one embodiment, the valve body further comprises a base portion configured and arranged to act as a flow restriction to enable movement of the valve member from the first position to the second position underwater pressure and/or water flow.

In one embodiment, the base portion has a concave profile.

In one embodiment, the valve stem is arranged to extend out of the outlet aperture in the second position.

In one embodiment, the valve stem comprises a valve conduit element configured and arranged to enable fluid flow therethrough, the valve conduit element forming at least a part of the flowpath from the water source to the interior of the fitting body.

In one embodiment, the connector comprises a mounting member for attachment of the sanitary fitting to a plumbing fixture, surface or structure.

In one embodiment, the mounting member is connectable to one or more pipes or hoses to connect to a water source.

In one embodiment, the mounting member comprises an upper mounting member and a lower mounting member arranged to be located either side of a plumbing fixture, surface or structure to secure the mounting member to the surface.

In one embodiment, the sanitary fitting comprises a tap or shower fitting and comprises at least one valve for control of water flow and at least one water dispensing outlet.

In one embodiment, the sanitary fitting comprises a tap fitting and the fitting body comprises a tap body.

In one embodiment, the tap body comprises at least one valve for control of water flow from the tap body and at least one water dispensing outlet formed in the tap body.

In one embodiment, the sanitary fitting further comprises a valve cartridge including the at least one valve, the valve cartridge being insertable into the tap body.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sanitary fitting comprising a connector configured and arranged to enable a sanitary fitting body to be removably attached thereto in use, the connector comprising a conduit arranged, in use, to be in fluid communication with a water source and having an outlet aperture configured to be in fluid communication with the interior of the fitting body when the fitting body is located on the connector, the connector further comprising a control valve arrangement including a valve member movable in response to water pressure and/or water flow from a first position in which water flow from the outlet aperture is permitted to a second position in which water flow through outlet aperture is prevented, wherein the valve member further comprises a valve body and a valve stem, the valve stem comprising a valve conduit element configured and arranged to permit water flow therethrough, the valve conduit element forming, in use, at least a part of the flowpath from the water source to the interior of the fitting body.

In one embodiment, the inlet aperture is narrower than the outlet aperture.

In one embodiment, the valve conduit element is arranged to abut a part of the fitting body to define a third position intermediate to the first and second positions.

In one embodiment, in the third position water flow through the valve conduit element, through the outlet aperture and into the interior of the fitting body is permitted.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a sanitary fitting suitable for use with the present invention in the form of a tap fitting and showing the tap fitting assembled on a plumbing fixture;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the tap fitting of Figure 2;

Figure 3 is an isometric view of a mounting section of the tap fitting of Figure 1 during attachment to a plumbing fixture;

Figure 4 is a further view of the mounting portion of Figure 3 during attachment to a plumbing fixture;

Figure 5 is an isometric sectional view through a mounting portion of a sanitary fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a section view through the sanitary fitting of Figure 5 showing a control valve in a first position;

Figure 7 is a section view through the sanitary fitting of Figure 5 showing a control valve in a second position;

Figure 8 is a section view through the sanitary fitting of Figure 5 showing a control valve in a third position;

Figure 9 is a three-dimensional section view of the sanitary fitting of Figure 5 with the control valve in the third position;

Figure 10 is a three-dimensional section view of the sanitary fitting of Figure 5 showing the control valve in the second position immediately after removal of a tap body from the sanitary fitting.

Figure 11 is a three dimensional view of an alternative sanitary fitting according to another embodiment of the present invention in the form of a bar shower fitting; and

Figure 12 is a three dimensional view of a sanitary mounting forming part of the sanitary fitting of Figure 11.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary sanitary fitting in the form of a tap fitting 10. Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the tap fitting 10 attached to a portion of a plumbing fixture 50. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the tap fitting 10.

The tap fitting 10 comprises a tap body 12 which includes, in this embodiment, a handle 14, a spout 16 and a tap mounting 18. A grub screw 20 (Figure 2) is used to secure the tap body 12 to the tap mounting 18.

The tap body 12 is shaped and arranged to be visually pleasing to a user and contains a cartridge valve mechanism (not shown). The valve mechanism is operable via the handle 14 to stop or permit water flow through the spout 16 (by vertical movement of the handle 14) and to control the temperature of the water (by horizontal rotation of the handle 14). However, the specifics of the valve mechanism are not material to the present invention and will not be discussed further here.

The tap mounting 18 is shown in more detail in Figure 2 and comprises an upper mounting part 22 and a lower mounting part 24. In use, when mounted on a plumbing fixture or other surface, the upper and lower mounting parts 22, 24 lie on either side of the plumbing fixture 50.

The tap mounting 18 further comprises first and second inlet connectors 26, 28. Each inlet connector 26, 28 has a respective internal bore and a respective upper end 30, 32. The second inlet connector 28 comprises a hexagonal aperture 34 (better shown in Figures 3 and 4) at the upper end 32 thereof.

The tap fitting 10 further comprises first and second hoses 36, 38. In use, the hoses 36, 38 are connected at one end to plumbing pipework (not shown) and at another end to the tap mounting 18. The precise nature of the hoses is not material to the present invention and the skilled person would be readily aware of variations that could be used. For example, the hoses could be eliminated and the tap mounting 18 could connect directly to the tap pipework.

Figures 3 and 4 show the tap mounting 18 during assembly (Figure 4) and when attached to a plumbing fixture 50 (Figure 5). As shown in Figure 4, a hexagonal Hex key can be inserted into the hexagonal aperture 34 of the second inlet connector 28 to assist in securing the tap mounting 18 to the plumbing fixture 50.

However, whilst the present exemplary embodiment shows and describes a particular type of tap mounting or sanitaryware fitting, the skilled person would readily understand that other types of mounting could be used with the present invention.

Figures 5 to 10 illustrate a control valve arrangement 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the control valve arrangement 100 is located within the tap mounting 18. However, the skilled person would readily be aware that the control valve arrangement 100 could be used in any suitable sanitaryware configuration, for example, within a tap or other sanitary fitting, or within related connecting pipework. The present invention is directed to provision of a control valve arrangement which is suitable for preventing water leakage when a portion of a sanitary fitting (for example, a tap outer body or housing, or a shower body or housing) is removed from a water supply fitting such as a connecting pipe or mounting portion attached to a connecting pipe.

Figure 5 shows a perspective section view of the control valve arrangement 100.

As shown, the second inlet connector 28 has an internal bore 102. The internal bore 102 has a substantially cylindrical portion 104 and a valve bore 106. The valve bore 106 is dimensioned and arranged to contain a valve member 108. The valve member 108 is constructed and arranged to translate back and forth within the valve bore 106 and part of the cylindrical portion 104 along the axis X-X shown in Figure 5.

The valve bore 106 comprises a tapered and substantially frustoconical valve seat 110 and a wider, cylindrical upper portion 112. A circumferential notch 114 is formed between the upper portion 112 and the valve seat 110. As described above, the cylindrical upper portion 112 terminates in the hexagonal aperture 34.

The valve member 108 comprises a valve body 116 and a valve stem 118. The valve stem 118 is substantially cylindrical and defines a fluid conduit as will be described later.

The valve body 116 comprises an O-ring seal 122 and a base surface 124. The O-ring seal 122 and valve body 116 are arranged to engage, in use, with the valve seat 110 to seal the internal bore and prevent fluid flow through and downstream of the valve seat 110 and valve body 116.

The base surface 124 has a concave lower profile and is arranged to provide a flow restriction in the internal bore 102. By virtue of this, in use, fluid pressure from water flow from upstream of the valve member 108 towards the aperture 34 will act on the base surface 124 and cause the valve member 108 to move upwards towards the aperture 34. In the absence of any other forces or restrictions acting on the valve member 108 (to be described later), this will cause the valve body 116 and O-ring seal 122 to engage with the valve seat 110 and prevent further fluid flow as will be described later.

The valve stem 118 comprises a substantially cylindrical inner surface 126 and an outer surface 128 comprising a notch 130 and a taper 132. The notch 130 is shaped and arranged to engage with the circumferential notch 114 as will be described later.

A pair of apertures 134 are formed in the wall of the valve stem 118 adjacent the valve body 116 to enable fluid flow around the valve body and into the interior of the valve stem 118.

The valve stem 118 is shaped and arranged to carry fluid within the region defined by the cylindrical inner surface 126 through to the aperture 34. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the valve stem 118 comprises an element, movable with respect to the valve bore 106 and internal bore 102, through which fluid can flow to the aperture 34. This reduces flow restrictions downstream of the valve body 116 and valve seat 110 relative to a valve stem located in the fluid flow and provides further protection against leaks as will be described later.

A pair of longitudinal cut-outs 136 is also provided which extend longitudinally along a part of the length of the conduit 116. The cut-outs 136 are provided to enable the valve stem 118 to be inserted into the valve bore 106 via the valve seat 110 through inward compression then outward expansion of the upper portions of the valve stem 118. This is assisted by the inward taper 132 on the outer surface 128 of the valve stem 118. However, this need not be the case and the valve stem 118 may be provided as a substantially cylindrical body with a substantially continuous interior surface as will be described later.

As set out above, in use, the valve member 108 is arranged to translate back and forth within the valve bore 106 and part of the cylindrical portion 104 between disengaged (minimum) and engaged (maximum) positions. These positions are shown in Figures 6 and 7 respectively.

Figure 6 shows the valve member 108 in a first (open, i.e. fully disengaged) position in which the valve body 116 is spaced from the valve seat 110 and the valve member 108 is spaced from the hexagonal aperture 34.

In this configuration, the valve member 108 is supported within the internal bore 102 by engagement of the notch 130 of the valve member 108 with the corresponding circumferential notch 114 formed between the upper portion 112 and the valve seat 110 which defines the lowest disengaged (i.e. first) position of the valve member 108 and prevents the valve member 108 from becoming detached and moving further within the internal bore 102.

The first position of the valve member 108 shown in Figure 6 is the position that the valve member 108 will take when the tap mounting 16 is held in a substantially vertical, upright position (i.e. when the aperture 34 is facing upwards) and when there is no fluid pressure acting on the base surface 124 of the valve body 116.

It can be seen from Figure 6 that, in the first, fully open position, the upper end of the valve stem 118 is spaced from the aperture 34 and located inside the internal bore. This provides access to the hexagonal aperture 34 to enable the tap mounting 16 to be fitted to a plumbing fixture 50 or other surface as shown in Figure 4 by means of a hex key.

Therefore, by utilising this configuration, the control valve arrangement 100 is unobtrusive and does not impede normal assembly of the tap fitting 10.

Figure 7 illustrates the valve member 108 in a second, fully closed (or fully engaged) position. This position will occur when, for example, fluid pressure is present in the pipework but no tap fitting is present. This may occur during assembly or due to damage or accidental removal of the tap body 12 without stopping the mains water supply. In this configuration, the water pressure acts on the base surface 124 to move the valve member 108 up into the fully engaged position. In this position, the valve body 116 is forced against the valve seat 110 to provide a seal and prevent fluid flow downstream of the valve seat and body 110, 116.

Therefore, the control valve arrangement 100 prevents, in the absence of a tap body 12 or similar element (to be described later), water leakage from the conduit.

In addition, as shown in Figure 7, in the second, fully closed, position the upper end of the valve stem 118 extends out of the aperture 34 such that a portion of the valve member 108 is visible. This has numerous safety and technical benefits. For example, a user is able to clearly see whether there is fluid pressure in the pipework and is then able to determine whether it is necessary to turn off the mains water source if, for example, the mounting 16 is to be removed for repair or replacement.

In other words, the projection of the valve member 108 beyond and out of the aperture 34 and away from the mounting portion 18 provides a clear visual indication to a user as to the state of water pressure in the pipework, whilst also providing protection against leaks due to removal of the tap body 12.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the respective positions the control valve arrangement 100 can take with and without water pressure in the connected pipework when the tap body 12 is disconnected from the tap mounting 16.

Figures 8 to 10 show the control valve arrangement 100 when the tap body 12 is fitted to the tap mounting 16. As shown, the tap body 12 has a base portion 60 which engages substantially conformally with the tap mounting 16.

The base portion 60 of the tap body 12 comprises one or more inlet ports 62. The inlet ports 62 define a substantially cylindrical region which is open at one end and has side walls 64 and an end wall 66. The end wall 66 has an inlet aperture 68 formed therein to permit water to flow into the interior of the tap body 12 to internal components thereof (e.g. a valve cartridge).

When the tap body 12 is attached to the tap mounting 16 as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the side walls 64 engage with O-rings 70 formed in the outer surface of the inlet connector 28 to form a seal and the end wall 66 abuts the hexagonal aperture 34 such that, in use, fluid can flow from the valve bore 106 through the inlet aperture 68 into the tap body 12.

As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the inlet aperture 68 has a smaller area and diameter than the aperture 34. Therefore, a part of the end wall 66 extends across the aperture 34. Further, the inlet aperture 68 has a smaller diameter than the valve stem 118 and so, when the tap body 12 is in place the valve member 108 is prevented from extending out of the aperture 34 by abutment with the end wall 66.

Therefore, when water pressure is present in the pipework and tap fitting 10, the water pressure will lift the valve member 108 to the position shown in Figure 8 where the valve body 116 is spaced from the valve seat 110 and the upper end of the valve stem 118 abuts the end wall 66.

Thus, in this configuration, the valve is held open such that water can flow around the open valve member 108, through the valve bore 102 and into the inlet aperture 68 to supply water to the tap fitting 12.

Further, the valve stem 118 is shaped and arranged such that the internal cylindrical inner surface forms a cylindrical chamber of substantially the same diameter as the inlet aperture 68. Whilst, in this embodiment, the cut-outs 132 enable some fluid flow into the region of the valve bore 102 externally of the valve stem 118 interior, this need not be the case and the valve stem 118 may define a cylindrical space enclosed at the sides and, when in abutment with the end wall 66 as shown in Figures 8 and 9, forms an enclosed fluid conduit between the valve seat 110 and the inlet aperture 68.

In both variations, this arrangement has numerous advantages. For example, the location and arrangement of the valve stem 118 surrounding the inlet aperture 68 but not covering any part of it eliminates any flow restriction downstream of the valve seat 110. This improves fluid flow and reduces the risk of damage or clogging which may occur in arrangements which have some form of blocking member directly in the fluid flow. This configuration may be particularly important in low pressure installations where flow rate is important: for example, taps or shower installations fed by a gravity tank.

In addition, the provision of a moveable fluid conduit attached to the valve body provides further advantages in terms of leak reduction and prevention. For example, the force on the base surface 124 of the valve body 116 will be in proportion to the water pressure in the internal bore 102.

Therefore, as the water pressure increases, the valve member 108 will be biased more strongly against the end surface 66 of the tap body 12 defining the inlet aperture 68. Consequently, the increased biasing force will create an improved seal under conditions where greater fluid pressure may result in a greater likelihood of leaks occurring. This “double protection” resulting from a double wall configuration of the valve stem 118 and inlet connector 28 can, therefore, potentially improve reliability.

As discussed in relation to Figures 8 and 9, the presence of a part of the tap body engaging with the valve member 108 maintains the valve member 108 in an open condition even in the presence of a fluid flow and with requiring any mechanical or hydraulic biasing elements such as springs or diaphragms.

Figure 10 illustrates the situation when the tap body 12 is being removed from the mounting 16 when the pipework is under fluid pressure. This may occur when the tap body 12 is damaged or faulty, or has been removed without first stopping the water supply.

As shown, when the end surface 66 of the tap body 12 is lifted away from the second connector 28, the valve member 108 rises under fluid pressure so that the valve body 116 engages with the valve seat 110 to seal the conduit and prevent further fluid flow.

The tap body 12 can now be safely removed without risk of flooding or water leakage. In addition, the valve stem 118 extends beyond the aperture 34 of the second connector 28 providing an easily-identifiable indication that there is water pressure in the system.

As shown in Figure 10, the amount by which the valve stem 118 of the valve member 108 extends beyond the aperture 34 of the second connector 28 is selected to be less than the length of the side walls 64 of the inlet port 62 of the tap body 12. This ensures that, as the tap body 12 is removed, that the valve member 108 is in the fully closed position prior to the side walls 64 of the inlet port 62 becoming separated from the walls of the second connector 28. This ensures that the water flow is shut-off before the tap body 12 is fully removed, preventing further leakage.

The above embodiment has been illustrated and described with reference to a tap fitting comprising a mounting on a plumbing fixture or other surface. However, the skilled person would readily appreciate that the present invention is applicable to a wider range of sanitary fittings and plumbing installations.

For example, there need not be a mounting portion in which a pipe is contained and the control valve arrangement 100 may simply be located in any suitable pipe or conduit which is then connected directly to a tap body or other sanitary fitting. In addition, multiple shut-off valve assemblies may be provided in a single tap body, for example, in the case of a mixer tap where hot and cold water supplies are provided.

Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a further sanitaryware example in which the present invention may be utilised.

Figure 11 shows a sanitary fitting in the form of a bar shower fitting 150. The bar shower fitting 150 comprises a shower body 152, plumbing fittings 154 and supply pipework 156.

The shower body 152 comprises a shower housing 158, a flow control selector 160 and a temperature selector 162 arranged at opposite ends of the shower housing 158. A port 164 extends from the shower housing 158 and can be connected to a shower head (not shown).

The plumbing fittings 154 are shown in Figure 12 with the shower housing 158 removed. As shown, a first set of connectors 166 are arranged to connect to the supply pipework

156, and a second set of connectors 168 are arranged to connect to the shower housing 158. A bracket 170 may be used to connect the arrangement to a wall surface.

A shut-off valve arrangement 200 may be located in any suitable position within the shower arrangement 150. For example, a shut-off valve may be located within one or more outlet apertures 172, 174 of the second connectors 168 such that, if the shower housing 158 was to come loose or be removed, then there would be no water leakages. This is shown in Figure 12 where the valve arrangement 200 is shown in a closed position (i.e. corresponding to the second position shown in Figure 7) within outlet aperture 172.

Whilst the embodiments of Figures 1 to 12 are intended to be illustrative of the types of sanitary or plumbing installations suitable for use with the present invention. However, the skilled person would readily be aware of alternatives and variations falling within the scope of the present application.

For example, whilst the above embodiments have been described with reference to a tap or shower fitting, the skilled person would readily understand that the present invention could be used with any suitable type of domestic or commercial sanitary fitting and that the specific nature of the sanitary fitting is not material to the present invention.

Further, the connector which is operable to connect to a sanitary fitting body may take a different form from that as described in the exemplary embodiments above. For example, whilst the embodiment of Figures 1 to 10 utilises a tap mounting which is securable to a plumbing fixture or surface and to which a tap body is attached, this need not be the case.

By way of alternative example, a connector may simply be provided in place of the above-described tap mounting. The connector may simply provide a connection to a removable tap body in the form of, for example, a screwthread, clamp or other securing mechanism. The connector need not secure itself to a surface or plumbing fixture. For example, this may be achieved through the tap body or another, separate, element. The connector may form part of a supply pipe, or may connect to appropriate hoses or pipes. The same applies to the shower fitting example of Figures 11 and 12. The skilled person would readily understand that variations may be provided within the scope of the present invention.

Further, the valve mechanism may take a different form from that as claimed. For example, whilst the above exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to a valve member that comprises both a valve conduit stem to enable fluid flow therethrough and a portion which extends out of an outlet aperture to provide a visual indication of water flow to a user, this need not be the case. These features may be provided independently and the combination, whilst advantageous, is not essential to the present invention.

In addition, whilst each embodiment has been shown and described with a single valve mechanism, this need not be the case. Multiple valve mechanisms may be provided, for example in separate or adjacent pipes (e.g. in both outlet pipes as shown in Figures 3 and 12).

Embodiments of the present invention have been described with particular reference to the examples illustrated. While specific examples are shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail, it should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed. It will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to the examples described within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sanitary fitting comprising a connector configured and arranged to enable a sanitary fitting body to be removably attached thereto, the connector comprising a conduit arranged, in use, to be in fluid communication with a water source and having an outlet aperture configured to be in fluid communication with the interior of the fitting body when the fitting body is located on the connector, the connector further comprising a control valve arrangement including a valve member movable in response to water pressure and/or water flow from a first position in which water flow from the outlet aperture is permitted to a second position in which water flow through outlet aperture is prevented, wherein in the first position the valve member is located entirely within the conduit and in the second position at least a part of the valve member extends beyond the outlet aperture.

2. A sanitary fitting according to claim 1, wherein in the second position at least a part of the valve member protrudes externally of the connector.

3. A sanitary fitting according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve member is linearly movable between the first and second positions.

4. A sanitary fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve member is freely movable between the first and second positions in the absence of water pressure and/or water flow.

5. A sanitary fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a fitting body, the fitting body being, in use, removably located on the connector.

6. A sanitary fitting according to claim 5, wherein when the fitting body is located on the connector and water flow and/or pressure is present, the valve member is prevented from reaching the second position.

7. A sanitary fitting according to claim 6, wherein a part of the fitting body is configured and arranged to prevent the valve member from reaching the second position when the fitting body is located on the connector such that, when the fitting body is located on the connector and water flow and/or pressure is present, the valve member is maintained in a third position intermediate to the first and second positions.

8. A sanitary fitting according to claim 7, wherein in the third position water flow from the outlet aperture into the interior of the fitting body is permitted.

9. A sanitary fitting according to claim 7 or 8, wherein in the third position the valve member does not extend beyond the outlet aperture.

10. A sanitary fitting according to claim 7, 8 or 9, further configured such that, when the fitting body is removed from the connector, the valve member is operable to move from the third position to the second position under water flow and/or pressure.

11. A sanitary fitting according to claim 10, wherein the fitting body and connector are configured such that the valve member is operable to move to the second position under water flow and/or pressure before the fitting body is fully removed from the connector.

12. A sanitary fitting according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the fitting body further comprises an inlet aperture delimited by a base portion of the fitting body, the inlet aperture being arranged to be located adjacent, and in fluid communication with, the outlet aperture when the fitting body is removably located on the connector.

13. A sanitary fitting according to claim 12, wherein the base portion of the fitting body adjacent the inlet aperture is arranged to extend into the path of the valve member between the first and second positions to define the third position when the fitting body is removably located on the connector.

14. A sanitary fitting according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the base portion comprises a flange arranged to surround the outlet aperture.

15. A sanitary fitting according to claim 14, wherein the flange defines a chamber surrounding the outlet aperture when the fitting body is located on the connector.

16. A sanitary fitting according to claim 15, wherein the valve member is, in use, linearly movable from the third to second positions and wherein the flange is dimensioned and arranged to be longer than the linear distance moved by the valve member between the third and second positions.

17. A sanitary fitting according to claim 16, wherein the inlet aperture is narrower than the outlet aperture.

18. A sanitary fitting according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the valve member comprises a valve seat and a valve stem, and wherein the valve stem comprises a valve conduit element configured and arranged to enable fluid flow therethrough, the valve conduit element forming at least a part of the flowpath from the water source to the interior of the fitting body.

19. A sanitary fitting according to claim 18, wherein the valve conduit element is arranged to engage with the base portion of the fitting body to define the third position.

20. A sanitary fitting according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the valve conduit element defines a fluid conduit dimensioned and arranged to correspond to the dimensions of the inlet aperture.

21. A sanitary fitting according to claim 18, 19 or 20, wherein one or more apertures are formed between the valve body and the valve conduit element to permit fluid flow into the valve conduit element.

22. A sanitary fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the first position the valve member is spaced from the outlet aperture.

23. A sanitary fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet aperture is shaped to enable a tool to be engaged therewith to enable manipulation of the connector and/or to enable to connector to be secured to a surface, plumbing fixture or other member.

24. A sanitary fitting according to claim 23 when dependent upon claim 22, wherein the outlet aperture and a portion of the conduit adjacent thereto is shaped to enable a tool to be engaged therewith, and wherein in the first position the valve member is spaced from the shaped portion.

25. A sanitary fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the valve member comprises a valve body and a valve stem.

26. A sanitary fitting according to claim 25, wherein the valve body is arranged to engage with a valve seat formed in an interior wall of the conduit.

27. A sanitary fitting according to claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the valve body further comprises a base portion configured and arranged to act as a flow restriction to enable movement of the valve member from the first position to the second position underwater pressure and/or water flow.

28. A sanitary fitting according to claim 27, wherein the base portion has a concave profile.

29. A sanitary fitting according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the valve stem is arranged to extend out of the outlet aperture in the second position.

30. A sanitary fitting according to any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein the valve stem comprises a valve conduit element configured and arranged to enable water flow therethrough, the valve conduit element forming at least a part of the flowpath from the water source to the interior of the fitting body.

31. A sanitary fitting according to claim 30, wherein one or more apertures are formed between the valve body and the valve conduit element to permit fluid flow into the valve conduit element.

32. A sanitary fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector comprises a mounting member for attachment of the sanitary fitting to a plumbing fixture, surface or structure.

33. A sanitary fitting according to claim 32, wherein the mounting member is connectable to one or more pipes or hoses to connect to a water source.

34. A sanitary fitting according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the mounting member comprises an upper mounting member and a lower mounting member arranged to be located either side of a plumbing fixture, surface or structure to secure the mounting member to the surface.

35. A sanitary fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sanitary fitting comprises a tap or shower fitting and comprises at least one valve for control of water flow and at least one water dispensing outlet.

36. A sanitary fitting according to claim 35, wherein the sanitary fitting comprises a tap fitting and the fitting body comprises a tap body.

37. A sanitary fitting according to claim 36, wherein the tap body comprises at least one valve for control of water flow from the tap body and at least one water dispensing outlet formed in the tap body.

38. A sanitary fitting according to claim 37, further comprising a valve cartridge including the at least one valve, the valve cartridge being insertable into the tap body.

39. A sanitary fitting comprising a connector configured and arranged to enable a sanitary fitting body to be removably attached thereto in use, the connector comprising a conduit arranged, in use, to be in fluid communication with a water source and having an outlet aperture configured to be in fluid communication with the interior of the fitting body when the fitting body is located on the connector, the connector further comprising a control valve arrangement including a valve member movable in response to water pressure and/or water flow from a first position in which water flow from the outlet aperture is permitted to a second position in which water flow through outlet aperture is prevented, wherein the valve member further comprises a valve body and a valve stem, the valve stem comprising a valve conduit element configured and arranged to permit water flow therethrough, the valve conduit element forming, in use, at least a part of the flowpath from the water source to the interior of the fitting body.

40. A sanitary fitting according to claim 39, wherein one or more apertures are formed between the valve body and the valve conduit element to permit fluid flow into the valve conduit element.

41. A sanitary fitting according to claim 39 or 40, wherein the valve member is linearly movable between the first and second positions.

42. A sanitary fitting according to claim 39, 40 or 41, wherein the valve member is freely movable between the first and second positions in the absence of water pressure and/or water flow.

43. A sanitary fitting according to any one of claims 39 to 42, further comprising a fitting body, the fitting body being, in use, removably located on the connector.

44. A sanitary fitting according to claim 43, wherein the fitting body further comprises an inlet aperture delimited by a base portion of the fitting body, the inlet aperture being arranged to be located adjacent, and in fluid communication with, the outlet aperture when the fitting body is removably located on the connector.

45. A sanitary fitting according to claim 44, wherein the inlet aperture is narrower than the outlet aperture.

46. A sanitary fitting according to claim 45, wherein the valve conduit element defines a fluid conduit dimensioned and arranged to correspond to the dimensions of the inlet aperture.

47. A sanitary fitting according to any one of claims 39 to 46, wherein the base portion of the fitting body adjacent the inlet aperture is arranged to extend into the path of the valve member between the first and second positions to define the third position when the fitting body is removably located on the connector.

48. A sanitary fitting according to any one of claims 43 to 47, wherein when the fitting body is located on the connector and water flow and/or pressure is present, the valve member is prevented from reaching the second position.

49. A sanitary fitting according to claim 48, wherein the valve conduit element is arranged to abut a part of the fitting body to define a third position intermediate to the first and second positions.

50. A sanitary fitting according to claim 49, wherein in the third position water flow through the valve conduit element, through the outlet aperture and into the interior of the fitting body is permitted.

51. A sanitary fitting according to any one of claims 43 to 50, further configured such that, when the fitting body is removed from the connector, the valve member is operable to move from the third position to the second position under water flow and/or pressure.

52. A sanitary fitting according to claim 51, wherein the fitting body and connector are configured such that the valve member is operable to move to the second position under water flow and/or pressure before the fitting body is fully removed from the connector.

53. A sanitary fitting according to any one of claims 39 to 52, wherein one or more apertures are formed between the valve body and the valve conduit element to permit fluid flow into the valve conduit element.

54. A sanitary fitting according to any one of claims 39 to 53, wherein the connector comprises a mounting member for attachment of the sanitary fitting to a plumbing fixture, surface or structure.

55. A sanitary fitting according to claim 54, wherein the mounting member is connectable to one or more pipes or hoses to connect to a water source.

56. A sanitary fitting according to claim 54 or 55, wherein the mounting member comprises an upper mounting member and a lower mounting member arranged to be located either side of a plumbing fixture, surface or structure to secure the mounting member to the surface.

57. A sanitary fitting according to any one of claims 39 to 56, wherein the sanitary

5 fitting comprises a tap or shower fitting and comprises at least one valve for control of water flow and at least one water dispensing outlet.

58. A sanitary fitting according to claim 57, wherein the sanitary fitting comprises a tap fitting and the fitting body comprises a tap body.

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59. A sanitary fitting according to claim 58, wherein the tap body comprises at least one valve for control of water flow from the tap body and at least one water dispensing outlet formed in the tap body.

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60. A sanitary fitting according to claim 59, further comprising a valve cartridge including the at least one valve, the valve cartridge being insertable into the tap body.