GB2592837A

GB2592837A - Tap fitting

Info

Publication number: GB2592837A
Application number: GB1802933.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Mcnicholas Michael
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-02-23
Filing date: 2018-02-23
Publication date: 2021-09-15
Also published as: GB201802933D0

Abstract

An apparatus for securing a tap body to a plumbing fixture, such as a sink or basin, comprises a base fitting 201 comprising at least one inlet opening 202A/B for receiving a flow of water. The base further comprises at least one fastening aperture 203A/B for securing the base to the fixture. At least one fastening mechanism is provided on front and rear facing surfaces of the base, the fastening mechanism enabling the tap body to be secured to the base. The fastening mechanism may comprise at least one fastening hole 304A/B or a screw thread. The tap body may include a sliding collar to fit over the base and the inlet opening may extend to form an inlet channel 305A/B which may comprise an internal thread. A corresponding method includes the step of positioning the base into a fixture aperture, with the base extending partially above and below the fixture. Also claimed is an apparatus and method for securing a tap body to a fixture, comprising a tap body having an inlet opening with an internal connection mechanism for connecting to at least one inlet pipe.

Description

Tap Fitting

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application represents the first application for a patent directed towards the invention and the subject matter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to apparatus for securing a tap body onto a plumbing fixture such as a sink or basin and a method of installing a tap body onto such a plumbing fixture.

Taps are well known in the art as providing means to allow a controlled water supply to a desired location. Commonly, taps are used in domestic environments to provide mains water to sinks, basins, baths or other plumbing fixtures whenever a user requires. Ensuring that taps are securely connected in these environments is important to a user, as, if taps are not connected adequately, leaks can occur which can lead to flooding or damage to property.

Recent developments in tap fittings have focussed on providing systems which lead to easier fitting of taps so that qualified professionals, such as plumbers, can fit taps more accurately and quickly. Several problems occur with currently known systems.

In one known system, a tap mounting is positioned through an aperture of the plumbing fixture and screwed into place with the tap being attached thereafter and secured by two grub screws. A problem with this particular system is that firstly, the grub screws are positioned to the rear of the tap arrangement which can make them difficult to secure as taps are usually fitted against a wall. The tap mounting is also designed to be positioned in one orientation, which means the grub screws must always be fitted at the rear of the tap.

Secondly, over time, the grub screws work loose as they are not adequately secured to the tap mounting, and this leads to the tap falling off which in turn can cause flooding in a user's kitchen or bathroom. There is therefore a requirement for an improved fitting which addresses these problems while still permitting quick fitting for domestic taps.

In systems involving the fitting of bath taps in particular, a further difficulty arises when attempting to fit the taps as conventional fitting procedures require the tap to be positioned through an aperture in the bath and fixed in place prior to the water inlet pipe being attached. This means that in order to fit the water inlet pipe, a qualified professional, such as a plumber, has to get underneath the bath and fit the water inlet pipe to allow a flow of water to the tap. This is made more difficult given that most baths are fitted against a wall, meaning there is limited space for the operative to work in.

It is appreciated that, throughout the specification, the word tap is used to refer to any type of valve which controls water supply to outlets, in particular those which are used in domestic applications, such as in providing a water outlet to plumbing fixtures such as sinks, baths or basins. The word tap may also be interchangeable with faucet, spigot or other similar terms.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for securing a tap body to a plumbing fixture such as a sink or basin, the apparatus comprising: a tap body; and a base fitting comprising at least one inlet opening for receiving a flow of water, said base fitting further comprising at least one fastening aperture for securing said base fitting to a plumbing fixture; wherein said base fitting further comprises at least one fastening means on a front-facing surface and at least one fastening means on a rear-facing surface, said front-facing surface and said rear-facing surface being positioned opposite to each other; and each said fastening means being configured to enable said tap body to be secured to said base fitting.

In an embodiment, each said fastening means comprises at least one fastening hole and each said fastening hole is configured to enable said tap body to be secured to said base fitting.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing a tap body onto a plumbing fixture such as a sink or basin, said plumbing fixture comprising an aperture and said method comprising the steps of: connecting an inlet pipe to an inlet opening of a base fitting to enable a flow of water to be received; positioning said base fitting into said aperture such that said base fitting extends partly above said aperture and partly below said aperture; securing said base fitting to said plumbing fixture by inserting a fastening through at least one fastening aperture of said base fitting; and securing a tap body to said base fitting by utilising a fastening means on a front-facing surface or a rear-facing surface of said base fitting.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for securing a tap body to a plumbing fixture such as a sink or basin, the apparatus comprising: a tap body comprising at least one inlet opening for receiving a flow of water; and at least one inlet pipe connected to a corresponding said at least one inlet opening; wherein said inlet opening comprises an internal connection means for connection to said at least one inlet pipe.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing a tap onto a plumbing fixture such as a sink or basin, said plumbing fixture comprising an aperture and said method comprising the steps of: connecting an inlet pipe to an inlet opening of a tap body to enable a flow of water to be received; then positioning said tap body into said aperture such that said tap body extends partly above said aperture and partly below said aperture; and securing said tap body to said plumbing fixture by tightening a nut below said aperture and around said inlet opening; wherein said step of connecting an inlet pipe to an inlet opening comprises inserting said inlet pipe into said inlet opening and connecting said inlet pipe by an internal connection means.

Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed embodiments show the best mode known to the inventor and provide support for the invention as claimed. However, they are only exemplary and should not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims. Their purpose is to provide a teaching to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a conventional arrangement of a plumbing fixture incorporating a tap; to Figure 2 shows a base fitting which enables securement of the tap to a plumbing fixture; Figure 3 shows an alternative view of the base fitting of Figure 2; Figures 4A and 4B show embodiments of plates for securement of a tap body to a plumbing fixture; Figure 5 shows a method of installing a tap onto a plumbing fixture; Figure 6 shows a further schematic view showing a method of installing a tap onto a plumbing fixture; Figure 7 shows an operative securing the tap body in place; Figure 8 shows a sectional schematic side view through cross plumbing fixture; Figure 9 shows a embodiment; Figure 10 shows plumbing fixture; and base fitting in accordance with an alternative a further apparatus for securing a tap body to a Figure 11 shows an operative performing a method of installing a tap onto a plumbing fixture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 A conventional arrangement of a plumbing fixture incorporating a tap is shown with respect to Figure 1. Basin 101 provides a plumbing fixture which a user can fill with water for washing or cleaning purposes. Attached to basin 101 is a tap 102 which comprises a tap body 103.

The present invention provides an apparatus for securing the tap body 103 to a plumbing fixture such as basin 101 so as to more easily provide an easier and more efficient method for a qualified professional such as a plumber, to fit tap 102 to various plumbing fixtures.

In the embodiment plumbing fixture 101 takes the form of a basin. However, it is appreciated in alternative embodiments the plumbing fixture may comprise a sink, bath or other fixture for collecting water provided from tap 102.

In the embodiment, tap body 103 comprises a monobloc tap.

Monobloc taps provide an outlet which allows for both hot and cold water to be provided through a single tap. It is appreciated however that the present invention is configured to be able to be used with any other suitable tap body such as single taps, conventional bath taps, pillar taps or similar. Single taps provide either a hot or cold water outlet and are commonly provided in pairs.

As will be noted from the embodiment in Figure 1, basin 101 is conventionally mounted against a wall 104 with a comparatively small space between tap body 103 and wall 104. Furthermore, given that tap 102 extends through an aperture on a top surface 105 of basin 101 when plumbing fixture and tap 102 are fitted, it can be difficult for a qualified professional or operative to fit tap 102 from underneath the sink and in a way that they are not obstructed by wall 104.

Figure 2 Tap 102 of Figure 1 can be secured to a plumbing fixture such as basin 101 in accordance with the present invention. To enable securement of tap body 103 to basin 101, the apparatus comprises a base fitting 201. Base fitting 201 provides a means for securing tap body 103 to plumbing fixture 101 and further permits the flow of water therethrough when fitted to a plumbing fixture.

Figure 2 shows base fitting 201 in plan view showing a top surface which, when fitted, comes into contact with tap body 103.

Base fitting 201 comprises at least one inlet opening for receiving a flow of water. In the embodiment, base fitting 201 comprises two inlet openings 202A and 202B. In addition, base fitting 201 further comprises at least one fastening aperture for securing base fitting 201 to a plumbing fixture such as basin 101. In the embodiment, two fastening apertures 203A and 203B are provided which are configured to receive a suitable fastening, such as a screw which enables base fitting 201 to be secured to the plumbing fixture.

It is appreciated that any suitable arrangement of inlet openings and fastening apertures may be utilised. For example, in an embodiment, a single fastening aperture is utilised and a single inlet opening is utilised. In a still further embodiment, two inlet openings are provided however, one of the inlet openings is blocked off by a suitable divide such that in use, a single inlet opening is utilised for receiving a flow of water. Thus, in this way, base fitting 201 can be utilised for both single taps which are configured to provide an outlet for either hot water or cold water or, for example, monobloc taps which provide a mixing arrangement and require and require a flow of both hot and cold water into the tap body.

Figure 3 An alternative view of base fitting 201 is shown in Figure 3 in perspective view showing the side and top of base fitting 201.

Base fitting 201 again comprises two inlet openings 202 and two fastening apertures 203. In this view, it can be seen that base fitting 201 comprises a cylindrical top portion 301 having a front-facing surface 302 and a rear-facing surface 303. Front-facing surface 302 and rear-facing surface 303 are positioned opposite each other on cylindrical top portion 301. Front-facing surface 302 comprises at least one fastening means and, in this embodiment, the fastening means comprises at least one fastening hole 304. In the embodiment, base fitting 201 comprises fastening holes 304A io and 304B on front-facing surface 302.

In a similar manner, rear-facing surface 303 further comprises at least one fastening means on rear-facing surface 303. In the embodiment, if base fitting 201 as shown in Figure 3 was to be rotated about the centreline of the cylinder, rear-facing surface 303 would appear substantially similar to front-is surface 302. Thus, in this embodiment, front-facing surface 302 comprises two fastening holes 304 and rear-facing surface comprises two further substantially similar fastening holes which are arranged substantially symmetrically to the front-facing surface holes about a centre line of the base fitting 201.

In the embodiment, each of the fastening holes are configured to enable the tap body of a tap to be secured to base fitting 201. In this way, when fitted to a plumbing fixture, the tap body and consequently the tap are held securely in place to the base fitting 201 and plumbing fixture 101.

In the embodiment, inlet openings 202A and 202B extend from a 26 lower surface 304 of top portion 301 to form inlet channels 305A and 305B respectively. In the embodiment inlet channels 305A and 305B are connected by a cross member 306. In an embodiment, each of the inlet channels 305 comprise an internal thread which are configured to receive an inlet pipe with a screw thread fitting. In an alternative embodiment, the inlet channels comprise an alternative internal connection means such a when suitable for cooperating with a push fit connection provided on an inlet pipe. This will be discussed further with respect to Figure 8.

In this illustrated embodiment, base fitting 201 is configured to correspond to a cylindrical tap and thus cylindrical top portion 301 is shaped accordingly. It is appreciated that in alternative embodiments suitable for mounting alternative taps, base portion 201 may be alternatively shaped and may utilise square or oval cross sections or any other suitable cross sections depending on the tap to be fitted. In a still further embodiment, base fitting 201 comprises a cylindrical top portion as described, however, the tap body utilised with base fitting 201 comprises a corresponding cylindrical connection but its appearance comprises an alternative shape. For example, the tap body appears to be square-shaped in nature, however, a cylindrical connection is made underneath.

In the embodiment illustrated, front-facing surface 302 and rear-facing surface 303 both comprise a substantially smooth surface which is suitable for attachment of a push fit tap body. Thus, in use, a suitable push fit tap body can be pushed onto base fitting 201 for use. Tap bodies of this type include two legs on their underside which mutually co-operate with inlet openings 202. In this way, when a push fit tap body is pushed onto base fitting 201, the legs are inserted into inlet openings 202 and this assists in preventing rotation or twisting of the tap body. An alternative base fitting which is suitable for use with screw threaded tap bodies will be described further with respect to Figure 9.

Figure 4A and Figure 48 Figures 4A and 48 show two embodiments of suitable plates utilised with base fitting 201 to enable securement of a tap body to a plumbing fixture as previously described. It is appreciated that Figures 4A and 4B illustrate two example embodiments and that other suitable plates may be utilised in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 4A shows a plate 401 which, in use is configured to be secured to base fitting 201 by means of a suitable fastener such as a screw positioned through fastening apertures 203. To enable this, plate 401 is provided with a substantially rectangular cross section and two corresponding fastening holes 402 and 403 plate 401 further comprises a sprung clip 404 which extends from the sides of rectangular member 405.

Run clip 404 is configured to cooperate with inlet channels 305 in a manner that will be described further with respect to Figure 6.

Plate 401 further comprises a plurality of cushioning elements 406 which are fitted on the top of rectangular member 405. Cushioning elements 406 are configured to contact the plumbing fixture, which may be manufactured from a ceramic material and consequently protect the ceramic from any damage from plate 401 or base fitting 201. In addition, cushioning elements 406 also prevent vibration of plate 401 and assist in retaining plate 401 in position when in use. This assists in preventing a tap from becoming loose once secured to a plumbing fixture.

Figure 4B illustrates an alternative embodiment through plate 401 and illustrates a plate 407. In addition to a rectangular member 408 plate 401 further comprises a curved member 409. As previously, rectangular member 408 comprises at least one fastening hole and in this embodiment, comprises two fastening holes which correspond to the aforementioned fastening apertures 203. Similarly, plate 407 further includes sprung clip 411 which is configured to cooperate with inlet channels 305 of base fitting 201. Plate 407 further comprises a plurality of cushioning elements, again to prevent vibrations and any damage to the plumbing fixture.

It is appreciated that the examples shown in Figure 4 are not considered limiting to the disclosure and that other suitable plates which are configured to be secured to base fitting 201 by positioning a fastener through the fastening aperture of base fitting 201 can also be utilised in accordance with the invention.

Figure 5 Figures 5 to 8 will now describe a method of installing a tap onto a plumbing fixture such as sink or basin 101 wherein the plumbing fixture comprises an aperture through a top surface 105 which a tap is configured to fit therethrough.

An operative 501 is shown securing base fitting 201 to a plumbing fixture 101. It is appreciated that this method is shown in schematic form such that a cross section through the plumbing fixture reveals how the apparatus works to secure a tap in place.

Operative 501 has acquired a base fitting 201 and, prior to fitting base fitting 201 has connected two inlet pipes 502 and 503 to base fitting 201. In the embodiment, this step of connecting is performed prior to positioning the base fitting 201 into the aperture 504 of fixture 101. Thus, in the embodiment, inlet pipes 502 and 503 respectively are connected to inlet opening 202 of base fitting 201. Thus, when completed, this enables a flow of water to be received through inlet pipes 502 and 503 and into the tap body for supply to a user.

Once connected, the base fitting 201 is positioned into aperture 504 such that base fitting 201 extends partly above aperture 504 and partly below aperture 504. Once positioned, operative 501 secures base fitting 201 to plumbing fixture 101 by inserting a suitable fastening through at least one of the fastening apertures 203 of base fitting 201.

In the embodiment, fastening 505 comprises a screw which operative 501 inserts through fastening aperture and tightens by means of a suitable tool such as an electronic screwdriver 506.

Prior to this step, plate 401, 407 is positioned underneath base fitting 201 below aperture 504 of plumbing fixture 101. Thus, as operative 501 utilises tool 506 to screw fastening 505 in place, fastening 505 becomes inserted through a corresponding fastening hole, such as fastening holes 402 or 410 of the plate. This holds base fitting 201 in position by utilising plate 401, 407 to pull both base fitting 201 and plate 401, 407 together around fixture 101.

Figure 6 A further schematic view showing a method of installing a tap onto a plumbing fixture is shown with respect to Figure 6. Having secured base fitting 201 to plate 401 by means of fastener 505 thereby securing base fitting to plumbing fixture 101, tap body 601 can now be secured to base fitting 201. In the embodiment, tap body 601 is pushed onto base fitting 201 and secured to base fitting 201 by inserting fastenings 602 and 603 through fastening holes 304 on front-facing surface 302. In the embodiment, fastenings 602 and 603 are grub screws which are configured to extend through corresponding apertures in tap body 601 and then through fastening holes 304 of base fitting 201.

It is appreciated that the symmetric nature of the arrangement of fastening holes of base fitting 201 means that fastening 602 and 603 may be utilised from the front of the base fitting or the rear of the base fitting. In this way, base fitting 201 does not need to be positioned in a particular orientation and when fitting a tap, base fitting 201 can be positioned in either orientation such that an operative is able to suitably attach tap body 601 even if access to the rear of the fitting is limited such as by the presence of a wall.

In the embodiment, tap body 601 further comprises a collar 604 which is configured to slide over base fitting 201 once tap body 601 has been secured to base fitting 201.

In the embodiment, tap body 601 has been push fit over base fitting 201 with fastenings 602 and 603 being positioned ready for tightening. The process will be described further with respect to Figure 7.

Figure 7 Having secured base fitting 201 in place and push fit tap body 601 over base fitting 201, operative 501 utilising a tool 701, in the form of a screwdriver, is able to tighten fastenings 602 and 603 from the front of plumbing fixture 101. This provides an easy to access screwing process which also secures tap body 601 in place effectively.

Once secured in the manner illustrated in Figure 7, collar 604 can be moved to cover base fitting 201 by sliding collar 604 along tap body 601 and over fastenings 602 and 603. In particular, this addresses the problem with grub screws becoming loose as, in this way, collar 604 obscures fastenings 602 and 603 and consequently blocks grub screws 602 and 603 from becoming loose as they merely contact the inside of collar 604. This means that the grub screws cannot come away and the tap cannot loosen thereby causing breakage, leakage, or flooding.

Figure 8 A cross sectional side view through plumbing fixture 101 is shown in Figure 8 whereby tap 801 has been installed in place by means of base fitting 201. To a user, all that is seen of tap 801 is tap body 601 with the base fitting and inlet pipes being positioned under aperture 504 and collar 604 obscuring base fitting 201 which extends partly above aperture 504. The method can be completed by push fitting inlet pipes 502 and 503 into their corresponding connection points 802 and 803 which connect to hot and cold water supplies respectively. Thus, it is appreciated that inlet pipes 502 and 503 can easily be connected to inlet opening of base fitting 201 prior to fitting base filling 201 in position while the operative 501 is able to push fit inlet pipes 502 and 503 to connect the water supply to push fit connection means 802 and 803 once tap 801 has been fitted. It is further appreciated that operative 501 could easily push fit inlet pipes 502 and 503 into connections 802 and 803 at an earlier stage of the method.

Once fitted, base fitting 201 does not require replacement and can remain in place in plumbing fixture 101 for an indefinite period of time. However, if a user wishes to change the aesthetics of their kitchen, bathroom or similar, tap body 601 can be easily removed from base fitting 201 and replaced with an alternative design. When this change is made, inlet pipes 502 and 503 therefore do not need to be removed, and an operative is simply required to turn off the water supply to change the tap rather than disconnecting the inlet pipes or the base fitting.

Inlet pipes 602 and 503 may comprise a flexible hose, copper pipe, brass pipe, plastic pipe or a pipe of any other suitable material depending on requirements.

Figure 9 An alternative base fitting to base fitting 201 is shown in Figure 9. Base fitting 901 functions substantially similarly to base fitting 201 however, differs in that it is configured to be used with screw threaded tap bodies.

As with base fitting 201, base fitting 901 comprises at least one inlet opening 902 for receiving a flow of water and at least one fastening aperture 903 for securing base fitting 901 to a plumbing fixture such as plumbing fixture 101 described previously. Base fitting is suitable for use with both single taps and monobloc taps and any other suitable taps and it is appreciated that, as with base fitting 201, any other number of inlet openings or fastening apertures may be utilised depending on user requirements. Base fitting 901 comprises a front-facing surface 904 and a rear-facing surface 905 with front-facing surface 904 and rear-facing surface 905 being positioned opposite each other. As with base fitting 201, the front-facing surface and rear-facing surface comprises a fastening means and in this embodiment the fastening means comprises a screw thread 906 which extends across both front-facing surface and rear-facing surface 905. Screw thread 906 is configured to enable a corresponding screw threaded tap body to be secured to base fitting 901. In addition, given screw thread 906 extends around base fitting 901 in order to attach a tap body to base fitting 901 a tap body can simply be screwed onto base fitting 901 without being restricted by existing infrastructures such as a wall.

In a similar manner to base fitting 201, inlet openings 902 extend from corresponding inlet channels 907. Each of these inlet channels 907 may comprise an internal thread which enables a corresponding inlet pipe comprising a threaded connection means to attach to the base fitting 901. In an alternative embodiment, base fitting 901 comprises a push fit connection means and an inlet pipe is provided with a corresponding push fit connection means to enable attachment to base fitting 901.

In the embodiment, base fitting 901 comprises two inlet channels 907 which are connected by cross member 908.

Figure 10 A further apparatus for securing a tap body to a plumbing fixture such as sink or basin is described with respect to Figures 10 and 11. Tap body 1001 comprises an inlet opening 1002 for receiving a flow of water. The apparatus further comprises an inlet pipe 1003 which is connected to inlet opening 1002.

In the embodiment, inlet opening 1002 comprises an internal connection means 1004 which allows for connection to inlet pipe 1003. In the embodiment, internal connection means comprises an internal thread 1005 and inlet pipe 1003 comprises a corresponding external thread which enables inlet pipe 1003 to be screwed into internal connection means 1004 to hold inlet pipe 1003 in position.

In an alternative embodiment, internal connection means provides a push fit connection means which corresponds with inlet pipes which include push fit connection means on a first end. In both embodiments however, inlet pipe 1003 is configured to be inserted into the inside of inlet opening rather than fitted on the outside of inlet opening 1002.

In the embodiment, inlet opening 1002 further comprises an external thread 1006. In this way, it is appreciated that if an alternative inlet pipe is utilised it is possible to connect such an inlet pipe to the outside of inlet opening 1002. In the embodiment, inlet pipe 1003 comprises a flexible hose.

It is appreciated that any other suitable inlet pipe may be utilised for example a pipe comprising copper, brass or plastic or a pipe manufactured from any other suitable material.

The apparatus further comprises a fastening 1007 which, in the embodiment is a nut configured to cooperate with external thread 1006 so as to suitably install tap body 1001 to a plumbing fixture such as a sink or basin as will be described with respect to Figure 11.

Figure 11 Operative 1101 is shown in Figure 11 performing a method of installing a tap onto a plumbing fixture 1102. Plumbing fixture 1102 comprises an aperture 1103 through which the apparatus of Figure 10 can be positioned therethrough.

In order to fit tap body 1001 to plumbing fixture 1102 inlet pipe 1103 is pre-fitted to inlet opening 1102 of tap body 1101. Thus, in use this enables a flow of water to be received from inlet pipe 1103 through inlet opening 1002 and to a user via tap body 1001.

Once inlet pipe 1103 has been secured to tap body 1101, tap body 1001 can be positioned in aperture 1103 such that tap body 1101 extends partly above aperture 1103 and partly below aperture 1103. Thus, in this way inlet opening 1002 is extends below aperture 1103. Tap body 1001 is then secured to plumbing fixture 102 by tightening nut 1007 below aperture 1103 and around the external thread of inlet opening 1002.

In particular, it is important to note that the connection of inlet pipe 1003 to inlet opening 1102 comprises inserting inlet pipe 1103 into the internal connection means of inlet opening 1002. Thus, compared to conventional tap fittings inlet pipe 1003 fits on the inside of the tap body rather than the outside of the tap body. In this way, it is easier for operative 1101 to fit tap 1002 as nut 1107 is able to be positioned over both inlet pipe 1003 and inlet opening 1102. In known systems, nut 1007 must be fitted prior to fitting inlet pipe 1003. Thus, operative 1101 can use a conventional tool such as tube spanner 1104 to tighten nut 1107 with inlet pipe 1003 already in place. This provides a quicker and easier method of fitting such taps than conventional methods which require an operative to get in position under a plumbing fixture in order to fit inlet pipes once the tap body has already been positioned in place.

The apparatus is suitable for use in different applications such as with basins or baths. In monobloc applications, an M10 end fitting is normally used. In an example embodiment, the end fitting is therefore an M10 or M12 fitting in a basin application. In bath applications, for example, a larger width inlet pipe is utilised to enable an increased flow of water to be provided to the tap outlet and the bath. Thus, in this example, the end fitting is larger and may be an M16 end fitting or any other suitable fitting required in the application.

Claims

CLAIMSThe invention claimed is: 1. Apparatus for securing a tap body to a plumbing fixture such as a sink or basin, the apparatus comprising: a tap body; and a base fitting comprising at least one inlet opening for receiving a flow of water, said base fitting further comprising at least one fastening aperture for securing said base fitting to a plumbing fixture; wherein said base fitting further comprises at least one fastening means on a to front-facing surface and at least one fastening means on a rear-facing surface, said front-facing surface and said rear-facing surface being positioned opposite to each other; and each said fastening means being configured to enable said tap body to be secured to said base fitting.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each said fastening means comprises at least one fastening hole and each said fastening hole is configured to enable said tap body to be secured to said base fitting.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each said fastening means comprises a screw thread configured to enable a corresponding screw-threaded tap body to be secured to said base fitting.
4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said tap body comprises a sliding collar configured to slide over said base fitting to cover said base fitting once said tap body has been secured to said base fitting.
5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said at least one inlet opening extends to form an inlet channel.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said at least one inlet channel comprises an internal thread.
7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said base fitting comprises two inlet openings which extend to form two inlet channels, said two inlet channels being connected by a cross member.
8. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least one of said front-facing surface and said rear-facing surface includes a substantially smooth surface for attachment of a push fit tap body.
9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, said apparatus further comprising at least one inlet pipe connected to a corresponding at least one inlet opening.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said at least one inlet pipe comprises a threaded connection means at a first end for attachment to said base fitting.
11. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said at least one inlet pipe comprises a push fit connection means at a second end for connection to a water supply.
12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, said apparatus further comprising a plate configured to be secured to said base fitting by means of a fastener positioned through said fastening aperture.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said plate comprises at least one fastening hole corresponding to said at least one fastening aperture.
14. Apparatus according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein said plate comprises a sprung clip.
15. A method of installing a tap body onto a plumbing fixture such as a sink or basin, said plumbing fixture comprising an aperture and said method comprising the steps of: connecting an inlet pipe to an inlet opening of a base fitting to enable a flow of water to be received; positioning said base fitting into said aperture such that said base fitting extends partly above said aperture and partly below said aperture; securing said base fitting to said plumbing fixture by inserting a fastening through at least one fastening aperture of said base fitting; and securing a tap body to said base fitting by utilising a fastening means on a front-facing surface or a rear-facing surface of said base fitting.
16. A method according to claim 15, wherein said step of securing a tap body further comprises the step of: securing said tap body to said base fitting by inserting a further fastening through a fastening hole on a front-facing surface or a rear-facing surface of said base fitting.
17. A method according to claim 15, wherein said fastening means comprises a screw thread and said step of securing a tap body further comprises the step of: securing said tap body to said base fitting by screwing said tap body onto said base fitting by means of said screw thread.
18. A method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein said step of connecting an inlet pipe is performed prior to said step of positioning said base fitting.
19. A method according any one of claims 15 to 18, said tap body comprising a sliding collar and further comprising the step of: sliding said collar over said base fitting to cover said base fitting following said step of securing said tap body to said base fitting.
20. A method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, comprising the step of: positioning a plate underneath said base fitting below said plumbing fixture; wherein said step of securing said base fitting to said plumbing fixture also includes said fastening being inserted through a corresponding fastening hole of said plate.
21. A method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein said step of connecting an inlet pipe to an inlet opening comprises screwing said inlet pipe to said base fitting by means of a threaded connection means at a first end of said inlet pipe, said method further comprising the step of: push fitting said inlet pipe to connect to a water supply by means of a push fit connection means at a second end of said inlet pipe.
22. Apparatus for securing a tap body to a plumbing fixture such as a sink or basin, the apparatus comprising: a tap body comprising at least one inlet opening for receiving a flow of water; and at least one inlet pipe connected to a corresponding said at least one inlet opening; wherein said inlet opening comprises an internal connection means for connection to said at least one inlet pipe.
23. Apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said at least one inlet pipe comprises a flexible hose.
24. Apparatus according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein said internal connection means comprises an internal thread.
25. Apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein said inlet opening further comprises an external thread.
26. A method of installing a tap onto a plumbing fixture such as a sink or basin, said plumbing fixture comprising an aperture and said method comprising the steps of: connecting an inlet pipe to an inlet opening of a tap body to enable a flow of water to be received; then positioning said tap body into said aperture such that said tap body extends partly above said aperture and partly below said aperture; and securing said tap body to said plumbing fixture by tightening a nut below said aperture and around said inlet opening; wherein said step of connecting an inlet pipe to an inlet opening comprises inserting said inlet pipe into said inlet opening and connecting said inlet pipe by an internal connection means.