GB2585706A

GB2585706A - Sanitary fitting with improved orientation location

Info

Publication number: GB2585706A
Application number: GB1910068.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Gossington Matthew; Jonathan Taylor Christopher; Ryan Shipp Matthew
Original assignee: Bristan Group Ltd
Current assignee: Bristan Group Ltd
Priority date: 2019-07-12
Filing date: 2019-07-12
Publication date: 2021-01-20
Anticipated expiration: 2039-07-12
Also published as: GB201910068D0; GB2585706B

Abstract

A component, such as a cover or shroud 20, for a sanitary fitting (which may be a tap or spout outlet), that forms part of the outer surface of the fitting and is required to have a specific rotational alignment. It is comprised of a first part 26 which is threaded 30 and screws to the sanitary fitting and second part 24 which is secured to the first part so that it will not rotate. The two parts may then form a whole object or body. The method of securing the two parts may be by press fitted connectors on the two parts. One connecter may be a groove (36a figure 5) and the other a projection (36b figure 5) that fits into the groove. These may extend part or all the way around the two parts and the parts may interlock by teeth 38 a and b. The fitting may be square or rectangular and may be formed of metals and/or plastics. Methods of assembling and disassembling the component are also disclosed.

Description

Sanitary Fitting with Improved Orientation Location The present invention relates to a sanitary fitting with improved registration and location. More particularly, the present invention relates to a surface structure component for a sanitary fitting such as a tap or shower 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.

It is known in the art to provide parts of sanitary fittings which are attached by means of a screw thread. A screw thread is a well-known, secure and convenient way to assemble parts of a sanitary system such as a tap and/or shower unit.

However, a drawback of screw thread systems is that it is difficult to provide accurate rotational registration of parts connected by the screw thread when the screw thread is in a fully secured position. In many situations utilising screw threads, this may not be an issue. However, for screw thread attachments for shapes which do not have infinite degrees of symmetry (for example, shapes which are not cylindrical or spherical) or for which alignment and/or registration of the part in question is important, misalignment of parts can be an issue. For example, where such a part of a sanitary fitting is visible in use, for example the body or spout of a tap, or a part of a shower fitting facing a user, this may lead to a poor user experience.

Consider, for example, a part of a sanitary fitting which includes a logo or name (e.g. hot/cold indicators) and which is attached by means of a screw thread. Since it is difficult to provide accurate registration of screw thread-connected parts, it may commonly be the case that, when the part is secured to an appropriate tightness, the logo is rotationally offset from a desired position. This leads to the undesirable choice between an offset logo or a correctly-located logo but with a part which is not correctly or fully secured. In both instances, the user experience is poor.

Therefore, there are limitations in the art which limit the scope and utilisation of screw thread-connected sanitary part fittings. The present invention, in embodiments, aims to address these issues.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a surface structure component for a sanitary fitting, the surface structure component forming at least a part of the external surface of the sanitary fitting in use and comprising: a first part comprising at least one screw thread having a thread axis and configured for connection to a complementary screw thread on the sanitary fitting; a second part connectable to the first part in a selected rotational orientation with respect to the thread axis and first part and forming at least a part of the external surface of the sanitary fitting in use, the surface structure component further comprising a coupling arrangement configured and arranged to secure the first and second parts together such that said selected rotational orientation is maintained.

In one embodiment, the first and second parts when connected form a substantially unitary body.

In one embodiment, the coupling arrangement comprises a securing arrangement to prevent movement between the first and second parts in a direction parallel to the thread axis.

In one embodiment, the securing arrangement comprises a first connector on one of the first or second parts and a second complementary connector on the other of the first or second parts.

In one embodiment, the first and second connectors are press-fitted.

In one embodiment, the first connector comprises a projection and the second connector comprises a channel arranged to receive the projection.

In one embodiment, the first connector comprises an annular projection extending around at least a part of the circumference of the first or second part and the second connector comprises a complementary annular channel extending around at least a part of the circumference of the other of the first or second part.

In one embodiment, wherein the coupling arrangement comprises an interlocking arrangement to prevent rotational movement between the first and second parts about the thread axis.

In one embodiment, the interlocking arrangement comprises a first interlock part on one of the first or second parts and a second complementary interlock part on the other of the first or second parts.

In one embodiment, the first and second interlock parts each comprise a plurality of interlocking teeth extending around at least a part of the circumference of the first or second parts.

In one embodiment, a plurality of interlocking teeth are formed on the first part and extend around the full circumference of the first and/or second part.

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

In one embodiment, the surface structure component forms an external mounting forming part of the external surface of the tap body.

In one embodiment, part of the surface structure component forming part of the external surface of the tap body comprises one or more markings necessitating visual alignment with parts of the tap body.

In one embodiment, the surface structure component forms a spout outlet fitting.

In one embodiment, the external surface of the spout outlet fitting has a substantially square or rectangular shape.

In one embodiment, the first and/or second part is formed from metal or a plastics material.

In one embodiment, the first and/or second part is formed from a plastics material comprising ABS.

In one embodiment, the first and/or second part is formed from a metal selected from the group of: brass; aluminium; zinc or stainless steel.

In one embodiment, the first and second parts are formed from different materials.

In one embodiment, the first part is formed from a plastics material and the second part is formed from metal.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for assembly of a surface structure component according to the first aspect, the method comprising: a) Threading the screw thread of the first part onto the screw thread of the sanitary fitting until a desired tightness is achieved; and b) Press fitting the second part to the first part in a desired rotational orientation.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises: c) removing the first and second parts of the surface structure component as a unitary body. d)

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a tap comprising a shroud fitting part according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a fully-assembled shroud fitting part according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the shroud fitting part; Figure 4 shows a section view through the assembled shroud fitting; Figure 5 is a magnified view of a part of Figure 4; Figure 6 shows a section through the shroud fitting when assembled on a tap base; Figure 7 shows a magnified view of a part of Figure 6; Figure 8 shows a tap spout forming part of a tap fitting and including a spout outlet according to an embodiment; Figure 9 shows a spout outlet fitting according to an embodiment in a fully fitted state; Figure 10 shows an exploded view of the spout outlet fitting of Figure 9; Figure 11 shows a section view of the spout outlet fitting according to an embodiment in a fully fitted state; and Figure 12 shows a section view similar to Figure 11 but showing the spout outlet connected to the tap spout shown in Figure 8.

Figures 1 to 7 illustrate an embodiment of the present invention for use with an exemplary sanitary fitting in the form of a tap fitting 10. Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the tap fitting 10. The tap fitting 10 comprises a tap body 12 and a handle 14.

The tap body 12 includes, in this embodiment, a substantially cylindrical main body 16 and a spout 18.

The tap body 12 further comprises a shroud fitting 20. The shroud fitting 20 forms a part of the outer surface of the tap body 12 and is fitted by means of a screw thread (shown in later figures) to the main body 16. The shroud fitting 20 has, in this embodiment, a curved substantially frustoconical outer surface and includes a visual indication element 22.

The visual indication element 22 may comprise any suitable visual element designed to convey information to a user; for example, the name of the tap or manufacturer of the tap, or information such as hot or cold logos, icons or images or a direction in which the tap handle 14 should be turned to turn the tap on or off.

The information or images contained and/or conveyed by the visual indication element 22 are not material to the present invention and any suitable element may be used. However, the visual indication element 22 represents a feature of the shroud 22 for which rotational alignment with the remainder of the tap 10 is required.

In other words, it is necessary for the visual indication element 22 to be located in a specific predetermined position with respect to the remainder of the tap 10. In the example of Figure 1, it is desired that the visual indication element 22 is located at a portion of the tap 10 facing a user in normal use. It is also desired that the visual indication element 22 is centred along an axis of the spout 18 to provide a pleasing visual symmetry.

The shroud fitting 20 is shown separated from the remainder of the tap 10 in Figures 2 to 7. Figure 2 shows the entire shroud fitting 20, fully assembled. Figure 3 shows an exploded view. Figure 4 is a section view through the assembled shroud fitting 20, and Figure 5 is a magnified view of a part thereof. Figure 6 shows a section through the shroud fitting 20 when assembled on a tap base 16 and Figure 7 shows a magnified view of a part of Figure 6.

The shroud fitting 20 comprises a first part 24 and second part 26 (Figures 2 and 3) which are connected in use to form the shroud fitting 20.

As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the first part 24 has an outer surface 28 which forms at least a part of the outer surface of the sanitary fitting 10 in use. In the embodiment, the first part 24 comprises an outer surface 28 which in this embodiment has a generally frustoconical form and forms part of the outer surface of the tap body 12 when connected to the main body 16.

The second part 24 comprises a screw thread 30 which is operable to connect to a complementary screw thread 32 (Figures 6 and 7) located on the main body 16 of the tap body 12.

The first and second parts 24, 26 are arranged to connect to one another by way of coupling means 34. The coupling means 34 are configured to ensure that the first and second parts 24, 26 are maintained in a fixed rotational position with respect to one another.

The coupling means 34 fulfil two distinct functions, namely to a) ensure that the first and second parts 24, 26 are releasably connected together and b) when so connected, to ensure that the first and second parts 24, 26 are held in rotational registration with respect to one another, i.e. the first and second parts 24, 26 when so connected cannot rotate with respect to one another. In this embodiment, the screw threads 30, 32 are arranged about a thread axis X-X (Figure 5) such that rotation about the axis X-X causes the threads to engage or disengage depending upon the direction of rotation.

The coupling means 34 are arranged to prevent rotation about the same axis X-X when the first and second parts 24, 26 are so connected.

The coupling means 34 comprise securing means 36 and interlocking means 38.

The securing means 36 comprises an annular groove 36a located on the first part 24 which received an annular projection 36b located on the second part 26. When the first and second parts 24, 26 are connected the annular projection 36h is located within the annular groove 36a and secures the first and second parts 24, 26 together. The first and second parts 24, 26 are thus releasably secured but can only be released upon application of a significant force.

The interlocking means 38 comprises a set of teeth or grooves 38a (Figure 3) located on the first part 24 which, in use, engages with a complementary set of teeth or grooves 38b on the second part 26.

The teeth/grooves 38a, 38b cooperate to prevent the first and second parts 24, 26 from being rotated relative to one another when the first and second parts 24, 26 are attached.

In the embodiment shown, the teeth 38a extend around only a portion of the circumference of the first part 24 whereas the teeth 38b extend around the full circumference of the second part 26. However, this need not be the case and the skilled person would be readily aware of variations which could be used. For example, the teeth 38a could extend around the full circumference of the first part 24, or the teeth 38b could extend around only a portion of the circumference of the second part 24. Any suitable configuration of teeth could be used -the teeth may be grouped in sections such that two separate groups of teeth are provided on the circumference of the first part 24 and/or the second part 26.

In addition, other interlocking elements or securing means could be used. For example, whilst the securing means are described as push-or press-fitted, this need not be the case and more permanent connectors may be implemented. Alternatively, different connectors from those described may be used. What is desirable is that the first and second parts can be connected easily without additional tools or components in a desired or selected rotational orientation with respect to one another and to the thread axis X-X and thereafter the first and second parts behave effectively as a unitary component.

For the interlocking means, grooves, lugs or pins could be used instead of teeth elements. Alternatively the interlocking means 38 could comprise other complementary locking shapes or designs to ensure that rotational movement cannot occur between these parts. Essentially, interlocking parts having non-circular shapes can be used to prevent rotation.

The arrangement of this embodiment has significant advantages over known screw thread-connected parts because the first part 24 which forms part of the outer housing (and thus contributes to visual appearance of the sanitary fitting) can be positioned securely in a desired rotational registration without the need to precisely align screw thread elements or manufacture screw thread elements to precise tolerances. This improves the utility of the fitment and improves the user experience.

The shroud fitting 20 is assembled in use as follows. Firstly, the second part 26 is fitted to the main body 16 by means of the complementary screw threads 30, 32. Once the second part 26 has been screw-fitted onto the main body 16, the first part 24 can be push fitted in a desired rotational orientation (e.g. with the visual indicator 22 in a desired position as shown in Figure 1) to engage the two parts of the securing mechanism 36a, 36b and the teeth 38a, 38b of the rotational lock 38.

When so connected, the first and second parts 24, 26 are connected together in a fixed desired orientation unique to the particular sanitary fitting 10 used. The shroud fitting 20 can then be removed from the main body 16 by unscrewing the shroud fitting 20 from the main body 16 and removing the shroud fitting 20 as a single unit. This results in a single shroud fitting 20 which is essentially bespoke to the specific sanitary fitting 20 it is used on.

Whilst, as described above, the first and second parts 24, 26 are in principle releasable, the force required to do this may in practice be sufficiently high that separation of the parts may only occur when deliberate large forces are applied. In other words, in normal use the first and second parts 24, 26 are essentially semi-permanently attached and function as a single piece after connection.

However, this need not be the case and the design could be so modified that either the first and second parts 24, 26 are not separable thereafter, or the connection force could be modified to ensure release in response to lighter applied forces.

The present invention has general applicability to many types of product or sanitary fitting. A further exemplary embodiment is described with reference to Figures 8 to 12.

Figures 8 to 12 show a spout outlet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 shows a part of a sanitary fitting in the form of a tap 50. The tap 50 has a spout 52 having a rectangular cross section and sharp, well defined planar surfaces 52a and a spout outlet 52b as shown. Such a square cross section is desirable in, for example, designer tap ranges. In order to complement the square shape, a square spout outlet fitting 54 according to an embodiment is provided.

The spout outlet fitting 54 is arranged to be screw-fitted to the tap spout 52 (described later). Clearly, the square spout outlet design needs to be aligned such that the sides of the square are parallel with the planar sides 52a of the square-section spout 52 to be visually appealing. Consequently, any misalignment resulting from varying tolerances in the screw threads will be visually apparent and aesthetically undesirable.

Figure 9 shows the spout outlet fitting 54 in a fully assembled form. Figure 10 shows the spout outlet fitting 54 in exploded form. Figure 11 shows a section view of the fully assembled spout outlet fitting 54 and Figure 12 shows a section of the fully assembled spout outlet fitting 54 attached to the tap 50.

The spout outlet fitting 54 comprises a first part 56 and a second part 58 which are connected in use to form the spout outlet fitting 54. The first part 56 forms at least a part of the outer surface of the tap spout 52 in use. In this embodiment, the first part 56 comprises an outer surface 60 which in this embodiment has a generally square form with rounded corners and which tapers gently inwards towards a lower surface thereof. The outer surface 60 forms part of the outer surface of the tap spout 52 when connected thereto.

The second part 58 comprises a screw thread 62 which is operable to connect to a complementary screw thread 64 (Figure 12) located on the tap spout 52. It is noted here that the second part 58 is generally cylindrical whereas the first part 56 has a different, square shape. It is an advantageous aspect of the present invention that allows for a wide variety of external shapes whilst ensuring accurate and secure screw thread fitment of parts.

In a similar manner to the first embodiment, the first and second parts 56, 58 are arranged to connect to one another by way of coupling means 66. The coupling means 66 are configured to ensure that the first and second parts 56, 58 are maintained in a fixed rotational position with respect to one another.

As for the first embodiment, the coupling means 66 fulfil two distinct functions, namely to a) ensure that the first and second parts 56, 58 are releasably connected together and b) when so connected, to ensure that the first and second parts 56, 58 are held in rotational registration with respect to one another, i.e. the first and second parts 56, 58 when so connected cannot rotate with respect to one another.

In this embodiment, the screw threads 62, 64 are arranged about a thread axis Y-Y (Figure 12) of the spout outlet 52b such that rotation about the axis Y-Y causes the threads to engage or disengage depending upon the direction of rotation.

The coupling means 66 are arranged to prevent rotation about the same axis Y-Y when the first and second parts 56, 58 are so connected.

The coupling means 66 comprise securing means 68 and interlocking means 70.

As for the first embodiment, securing means 68 comprises an annular channel 68a located on the second part 58 which receives an annular projection 68b located on the first part 56. The annular channel 68a is defined between two annular projections which define the channel 68a therebetween.

When the first and second parts 56, 58 are connected the annular projection 68b is located within the annular channel 68a (as shown in Figures 11 and 12) and secures the first and second parts 56, 58 together. The first and second parts 56, 58 are thus releasably secured but can only be released upon application of a significant force. Thus the first and second parts 56, 58 behave effectively as a unitary part which is bespoke to a given sanitary fitting.

As for the first embodiment, interlocking means 70 comprises a set of teeth or grooves 70a located on the first part 24 which, in use, engages with a complementary set of teeth or grooves 70b on the second part 58.

The teeth/grooves 70a, 70b cooperate to prevent the first and second parts 56, 58 from being rotated relative to one another when the first and second parts 56, 58 are attached.

In the embodiment shown, the teeth 70b extend around only a portion of the circumference of the second part 58 whereas the teeth 70a extend around the full inner circumference of the second part 58. In this embodiment, the teeth 70b extend around approximately 20% of the circumference of the second part 58. In specific embodiments, the teeth extend around 22% of the circumference.

In this embodiment, the teeth 70b are provided at two diametrically opposed portions of the circumference of the second part 58. This can be seen from Figure 10 where the other set of teeth (unlabelled) are shown on the right hand side of the second part 58.

However, this need not be the case and the skilled person would be readily aware of variations which could be used. For example, the teeth 70b could extend around the full circumference of the first part 56, or the teeth 70a could extend around only a portion of the circumference of the second part 58. Any suitable configuration of teeth could be used -the teeth may be grouped in sections such that two separate groups of teeth are provided on the circumference of the first part 56 and/or the second part 58.

In addition, other rotational locking elements could be used. For example, grooves, lugs or pins could be used instead of teeth elements. Alternatively the interlocking means 70 could comprise other complementary locking shapes or designs to ensure that rotational movement cannot occur between these parts.

Figures 9 and 11 show the first and second parts 56, 58 secured to one another to form the spout outlet fitting 54. Figure 12 shows the spout outlet fitting 54 in fully assembled form attached to the complementary screw thread 64 on the tap spout 52.

As shown, the spout outlet fitting 54 is assembled in use as follows. Firstly, the second part 58 is fitted to tap spout 52 means of the complementary screw threads 62, 64. Once the second part 58 has been screw-fitted into the spout outlet 52b of the tap spout 52, the first part 56 can be push fitted in a desired rotational orientation (e.g. so that the sides of the square spout surround are parallel to the sides of the tap spout 52) to engage the two parts of the securing mechanism 68a, 68b and the teeth 70a, 70b of the interlocking means 70.

When so connected, the first and second parts 56, 58 are connected together in a fixed desired orientation unique to the particular sanitary fitting 50 used.

The above embodiments describe two alternative arrangements which utilise a two part assembly where a first part is screw-fitted and a second part forms part of the outer surface of the sanitary fitting and so is visible in normal use.

The first and second parts 24, 26; 56, 58 may be formed from any suitable material. In embodiments, both the first and second parts 24, 26; 56, 58 may be formed from a plastics material. In an example, the plastics material is ABS. However, other plastics materials may be used as is well known to the skilled person.

Alternatively, the first and second parts 24, 26; 56, 58 may be formed from metal. A non-exhaustive list of suitable metals may be: brass, zinc, aluminium or stainless steel.

In addition, the arrangement of the present invention enables efficient and cost-effective use of materials. For example, dissimilar materials may be used for the first and second parts 24, 26; 56, 58 as required.

As an example, in embodiments the internal part of the two part assembly (in the first embodiment, the second part 26 and in the second embodiment, the first part 56) may be formed from plastics material (for example, ABS) whilst the part forming part of the outer surface of the sanitary fitting (in the first embodiment, the first part 24 and in the second embodiment, the second part 58) may be formed from metal (for example, brass, zinc, aluminium or stainless steel).

By providing this arrangement, cheaper, easier to fabricate materials may be used for the internal parts whilst the parts visible in use and forming part of the exterior of the sanitary fitting can be made from more expensive but more visually appealing materials.

By providing the arrangement of the present invention, a useful trade-off can be achieved by utilising dissimilar materials for the different component parts. This enables compromises between material strength, cost and appearance to be achieved within a single part which cannot be achieved with conventional approaches.

However, the present invention is not limited to the specific arrangements and embodiments disclosed. Any suitable form of sanitary fitting may be used with the invention; for example, a tap, bath tap, shower unit, bar shower or any other sanitary fitting which has at least a part connectable through a screw thread fitting and which has an external surface visible to a user in normal use.

Further, whilst the above exemplary embodiments have described a shroud fitting and a spout outlet fitting, other fittings may be contemplated. For example, any part of the external body of a shower fitting or tap fitting may be connected using the arrangement and method of the present invention.

The skilled person would readily be aware of variations which fall within the scope of the present claims.

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

CLAIMS1. A surface structure component for a sanitary fitting, the surface structure component forming at least a part of the external surface of the sanitary fitting in use and comprising: a first part comprising at least one screw thread having a thread axis and configured for connection to a complementary screw thread on the sanitary fitting; a second part connectable to the first part in a selected rotational orientation with respect to the thread axis and first part and forming at least a part of the external surface of the sanitary fitting in use, the surface structure component further comprising a coupling arrangement configured and arranged to secure the first and second parts together such that said selected rotational orientation is maintained.
2. A surface structure component according to claim 1, wherein the first and second parts when connected form a substantially unitary body.
3. A surface structure component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling arrangement comprises a securing arrangement to prevent movement between the first and second parts in a direction parallel to the thread axis.
4. A surface structure component according to claim 3, wherein the securing arrangement comprises a first connector on one of the first or second parts and a second complementary connector on the other of the first or second parts.
5. A surface structure according to claim 4, wherein the first and second connectors are press-fitted.
6. A surface structure component according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first connector comprises a projection and the second connector comprises a channel arranged to receive the projection.
7. A surface structure component according to claim 6, wherein the first connector comprises an annular projection extending around at least a part of the circumference of the first or second part and the second connector comprises a complementary annular channel extending around at least a part of the circumference of the other of the first or second part.
8. A surface structure component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling arrangement comprises an interlocking arrangement to prevent rotational movement between the first and second parts about the thread axis.
9. A surface structure component according to claim 8, wherein the interlocking arrangement comprises a first interlock part on one of the first or second parts and a second complementary interlock part on the other of the first or second parts.
10. A surface structure component according to claim 9, wherein the first and second interlock parts each comprise a plurality of interlocking teeth extending around at least a part of the circumference of the first or second parts.
11. A surface structure component according to claim 10, wherein a plurality of interlocking teeth are formed on the first part and extend around the full circumference of the first and/or second part.
12. A surface structure component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sanitary fitting comprises a tap body.
13. A surface structure component according to claim 12, wherein the surface structure component forms an external mounting forming part of the external surface of the tap body.
14. A surface structure component according to claim 12 or 13, wherein part of the surface structure component forming part of the external surface of the tap body comprises one or more markings necessitating visual alignment with parts of the tap 30 body.
15. A surface structure component according to claim 12, wherein the surface structure component forms a spout outlet fitting.
16. A surface structure component according to claim 15, wherein the external surface of the spout outlet fitting has a substantially square or rectangular shape.
17. A surface structure component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second part is formed from metal or a plastics material.
18. A surface structure component according to claim 17, wherein the first and/or second part is formed from a plastics material comprising ABS.
19. A surface structure component according to claim 17, wherein the first and/or second part is formed from a metal selected from the group of: brass; aluminium; zinc or stainless steel.
20. A surface structure component according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the first and second parts are formed from different materials.
21. A surface structure component according to claim 20, wherein the first part is formed from a plastics material and the second part is formed from metal.
22. A method for assembly of a surface structure component according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: a) threading the screw thread of the first part onto the screw thread of the sanitary fitting until a desired tightness is achieved; b) press fitting the second part to the first part in a desired rotational orientation.
23. A method for assembly of a surface structure component according to claim 22, further comprising: c) removing the first and second parts of the surface structure component as a unitary body.