GB2607727A - A water dispensing Installation, and a method of assembling a water dispensing Installation - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a water-dispensing installation such as a thermostatic shower valve and comprises a body (4 figure 1) for connection to a supporting structure. A handle (6 figure 1) is connected to the body for control of water flow and/or water temperature through the shower. The handle comprises one or more panels or sections 52 having an outward facing engagement surface for engagement with a user’s hand in use. The one or more panels or sections are removably coupled to an underlying structure which is a cylindrical frame 50 to enable changing of panels or sections.

Description

A Water Dispensing Installation, and a Method of Assemblino A Water Dispensino Installation The present invention relates to a water dispensing installation and method of assembling a water dispensing installation. In embodiments, the invention relates to a shower, such as a bar shower. In embodiments, the invention also relates to a method of assembling a shower.

Water dispensing installations such as showers or taps typically comprise a body with one or more handles for the control of water flow within and through the installation. Bar showers are well known devices and typically comprise a body in the general form of a bar that is usually, but not always, fixed horizontally in place on a wall or partition and has one or more controls provided at one or both of its longitudinal ends. The shower is typically configured to receive inputs of hot water and cold water and to provide some means for regulating the temperature of the water output for a user.

Examples of bar showers are described in, DE102015010025A1, DE102015007456A1, GB2516897A, EP2388676A2, GB2451800B and CN20717872U.

Although the overall structure is a well-known construction the design, assembly and manufacture of water-dispensing installations such as bar showers is a complex process. Typically an outer housing is provided and then various waterways and controls are provided within the housing. These might be provided as an integral part of the housing or as a separate unit for arrangement within the outer housing.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a water-dispensing installation, comprising a body for connection to a supporting structure a handle connected to the body for control of water flow and/or water temperature through the shower, wherein the handle comprises one or more panels or sections having an outward facing engagement surface for engagement with a user's hand in use, wherein the one or more panels are removably coupled to underlying structure to enable changing of panels or sections.

I

A water-dispensing installation is provided that includes a body and a handle connected to the body for control of water flow and/or water temperature through the shower. The handle comprises one or more panels or sections having an outward facing engagement surface for engagement with a user's hand in use, wherein the one or more panels are removably coupled to underlying structure to enable changing of panels or sections. The underlying structure could, for example, be a frame, and the handle could include one or more removably coupled panels having an outward facing engagement surface for engagement with a user's hand in use. Such an arrangement is particularly beneficial as it provides the advantage that the field replaceable unit becomes the panel rather than the handles themselves. This means that replacing or fixing a handle can be easier and lower cost as replacement of the entire handle is not required. Furthermore overtime a user may decide that the grip on the handle is not suitable for purpose and so has the ability to change the panels without requiring change of the handles or even the installation itself.

Furthermore, during manufacture a common frame for the handle can be used with the panels varied according to specific application. This simplifies the manufacture of installations since the number of complex machined parts needed for assembly can be reduced. A common frame for a handle can be used and different handles ultimately produced with the use of different panels.

In an embodiment, the installation is a shower.

The invention described herein applies to any form of water dispensing installation including taps and showers In an embodiment, the shower is a bar shower and the body is generally bar-30 shaped.

The construction of bar showers is complex and it has been recognised that a user might want or need to be able to change the appearance or surface features of the handles without modifying other components of the shower. The present installation addresses this problem by providing handles that are made up of frames with panels as specified In an embodiment, the frame is generally cuboid and comprises longitudinal members for engagement with the one or more panels.

In an embodiment, the frame is square in cross section.

In an embodiment, the frame is generally cylindrical and the one or more panels is or are cylindrical and sized to fit around the frame.

This embodiment is particularly beneficial as it enable the advantages mentioned above to be achieved irrespective of the actual shape of the body of the bar shower. It is envisaged that bar showers having bodies of circular cross section, oval, triangular, trapezoidal or any other possible shape could be provided and the present embodiment would still enable the advantages mentioned above.

In an embodiment, the panels are provided with an external surface with patterning to define a grip for a user's hand.

In an embodiment, the panels are sized such that when in use in engagement with the frame they form a continuous surface with the body of the water-dispensing installation.

In an embodiment, the frame is shaped to receive a locking button.

In an embodiment, at least one of the side panels has an opening for the locking button.

In an embodiment, the water-dispensing installation is a bar shower and a handle is provided at each end of the bar-shaped body, wherein a handle at a first end is for controlling water flow and the handle at the second end is for controlling temperature of water flow through the shower.

In an embodiment, the one or more sections are substantially prismatic in cross section. In this example, the sections, when assembled on the water-dispensing installation define the handle in its entirety. In other words there is no need for a separate frame and then panels or other such elements to fit into or onto the frame.

Rather, the sections can be brought together and made to engage with some part of the shower itself such that the assembled sections will form the handle itself. This further simplifies the assembly and manufacture whilst still providing the advantages described above of facilitating variation in design and simplification of manufacture.

In an embodiment, the one or more sections have one or more cut-outs such that when assembled, the cut-outs define a recess for engagement with the underlying structure.

In an embodiment, the one or more panels or sections when in situ define the entire external surface of the handle with which a user's hand can engage. The assembled sections or panels define the entire external surface of the handle with which a user's hand can come into contact during operation of the water dispensing installation. In other words, it is not merely one small interchangeable element somewhere on a handle but the entire hand-engaging part of the handle that is defined by the sections or panels.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a water dispensing installation, such as a shower and more specifically such as a bar shower, comprising a body for connection to a supporting structure one or more handle connected to the body for control of water flow and water temperature through the installation, wherein the handles comprise a frame and one or more panels having an outward facing engagement surface for engagement with a user's hand in use, wherein the one or more panels are removably coupled to the frame to enable changing of panels on the frame.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling a water-dispensing installation, comprising: (a) providing a body for connection to a supporting structure; (b) providing a handle frame for connection to the body for control of water flow and/or water temperature through the water-dispensing installation, wherein the handle comprises a frame; and one or more panels having an outward facing engagement surface for engagement with a user's hand in use, wherein the one or more panels are removably coupled to the frame to enable changing of panels on the frame; (c) connecting the frame to the body and (d) either before or after (c), arranging within the frame one or more panels to form a continuous outer surface on the handle.

In an embodiment, the water-dispensing installation is a shower.

In an embodiment, the shower is a bar shower.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a water-dispensing installation, comprising a body for connection to a supporting structure wherein at least part of the body comprises one or more panels or sections having an outward facing engagement surface, wherein the one or more panels are removably coupled to underlying structure to enable changing of panels or sections. There is provided a water dispensing installation that is selectively configurable by the use of selectable and independently configurable sections or panels to define the outer surface.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a view of an example of a bar shower; Figure 2A is an exploded version of a bar shower handle including a control button; Figure 2B is an exploded view of a bar shower handle; Figures 3(1) to 3(4) show stages in assembly of the handle of a bar shower; Figure 4 shows a view of a chassis for the handle of a bar shower; Figures 5A and 5B show respectively front and rear views of panels for arrangement on a handle of a bar shower; Figures 6A and 6B, respectively, show a top view and a bottom view of the replaceable end face of a handle of a bar shower, Figure 7 shows a view of a second example of a bar shower having handles of generally circular transverse cross-section; Figures 8A and 8B show, respectively, exploded views of handles for use with the bar shower of Figure 7; Figures 9A to 9C show the steps in assembly of a handle of a bar shower; Figures 10A to 10C show views of the chassis and the panel for the handle of a bar shower of circular cross-section; Figures 11A and 11B show, respectively, a top view and a bottom view of the end panel for the handle of a bar shower, Figures 12A to 12C show different views of a handle assembly; Figures 13A to 13C show different views of a handle assembly; and, Figures 14A to 14C show different views of a handle assembly; The present description will relate largely to the specific example of a shower, in the form of a bar shower. However as will be appreciated, it relates also to other water dispensing installations such as taps which may be hot water taps, cold water taps or mixers.

Figure 1 shows an example of a bar shower. As can be seen, the shower 2 comprises a body 4 having handles Sat opposite ends thereof. Two inputs 8 and 10 are provided through which respectively, hot water and cold water are arranged, in use, to flow. The water from the inputs 8 and 10 is directed to a cavity (not visible in Figure 1) within the housing 4 where it is mixed and directed to an outlet 12 through which it flows and into an outlet hose 14 for use by a user.

As explained above, in general, the internal construction of the shower can be fairly complex and the outer body and handles is also difficult to manufacture.

Specifically, the handles are conventionally formed as generally unitary elements including components within them to enable them to perform their necessary functions. In general in water dispensing installations handles are desired that provide features for engagement by a user, such that by use of the handle a user is able to control the output from the installation. This can include control of water flow rate and/or temperature.

As will be explained below, the shower described herein comprises a modular handle made up of easy to manufacture components. This enables simplification of the manufacture of the handles and in particular facilitates the easier formation of patterning on the handles since it becomes possible to pattern a smaller component of the handle rather than a complete handle as has previously been required. In general, one or more external and changeable panels are provided for arrangement on a chassis or frame, or some other underlying structure which enables the handles to be fixed easily and additionally enables the design of the handle to be changed in accordance with a user's preference. The underlying structure could be a frame made up of plural rigid elements and that is arranged to connect to the shower itself, or alternatively could be some part of the shower itself. Indeed, in one example the underling structure may be a part, such as the spindle, of a thermostatic temperature control valve that typically is arranged to engage with a handle for control by a user.

Figure 2A shows an exploded view of a first example of a handle for a bar shower and Figure 2B shows a second example. The example of Figure 2A includes a button, to be described below, whereas the example of Figure 2B does not. It will be noted that the handle on the left of Figure 1 does not include a button, whereas the handle on the right does. This is because it is not uncommon in bar showers to provide one of the handles, or indeed both, with buttons to enable a degree of control of the amount of rotation that the handle is able to undertake.

It is also a way of providing a lock to ensure that the handle cannot be rotated beyond a certain point without depression of the button. This is useful when, for example, it may be desired to put some barrier to use of the handle so as to limit the degree to which the water can be turned hot. Such an arrangement is a useful safety mechanism since the button can be configured so that a typical child would not be able to operate it, or indeed an adult would not be able inadvertently to make the water hotter than the threshold temperature.

In Figure 2A, the handle includes a chassis 16 which provides a frame or underlying structure upon which or within which other components may be arranged.

Side panels 18 are provided which are selectively changeable. A top face plate is also provided which is similarly changeable. It will be appreciated that a common chassis 16 can be used with any number of differently patterned panels 18 and 20. In addition, the panels can be changed after a period of time if a user wants to change the appearance or configuration of the shower.

It is the panels 18 and 20 that largely determine the external appearance and the physical interface that a user has with the handle and therefore by providing the chassis and panel arrangement for the handle, flexibility is provided. Specifically, a manufacturer of a shower can provide a single chassis structure and enable a user to select different panels 18 and 20 so as, when assembled, to create what is in effect a different handle.

In the field of bar showers, the handles are typically manufactured either as part of the body or separately, but generally as unitary components. This means that the arrangement of or patterning on the handle is determined at the time of manufacture and the handle housing itself is a more significant component. By providing handles of this generally modular structure, it is possible to create a number of different bar shower handles without substantially changing the manufacturing process.

Referring to Figures 3(1) to 3(4), as can be seen, in Figure 3(1), an underlying structure in the form of a chassis or frame for a handle is provided. A panel 18 can be slid into position in the handle. In the example shown, the panel comprises rails 22, which are arranged to fit into grooves 24 formed within the chassis 16.

This ensures that the panel will be correctly registered and aligned with edges of the chassis. It is preferred that corner elements of the chassis are provided. The corner elements 26 define the outer limit of the envelope of the handle such that the panels 18, when arranged on the side faces of the chassis 16 will effectively fit within the elements 26.

Referring to Figure 3(2), as can be seen, the panel with an opening 28 for a button is slid into the vacant space in the chassis 16. A button, spring and pin are then inserted as appropriate to fix the button within the handle. Finally, as shown in Figure 3(4), the top panel 30 is put into place. This final stage usually is performed after the handle has been screwed into the shower itself. The top panel 30 includes tabs 32 arranged to press-fit into regions within the handle to ensure that the panel is securely in place.

In another example instead of a sliding engagement between the panels and the underlying structure, the panels can be press fit or snap fitted into engagement with the underlying structure. In one example instead of fixing by engagement of the slots and grooves, other fixing means can be used. One example is the use of magnetic fixing means. In other words one or more magnets are provided on the underlying structure and the panels are then made either of magnetic material themselves or a ferrous material that is attracted to the underlying structure. It is possible of course for the underlying structure to be simply metallic and the panels or sections to include permanent magnetic material to be attracted to the underlying structure.

In another example fixing means such as one or more screws or grub screws are used to fix the panels or sections to the underlying structure.

In one example, once the handle is assembled, the panels cannot be removed from the chassis such that they are permanently fixed. However the advantage from the presently disclosed bar shower derives from the fact that during assembly, any particular panels can be selected for insertion within the chassis. Thus, even though once assembled, the handle is of fixed patterning and therefore texture which affects the technical interaction with a user's hand, during assembly, by use of differently patterned or shaped panels, with a common chassis, a large number of different handles can be created.

Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of the chassis 16. The grooves 24 are sized and shaped to receive rails from the side panels 18 (not shown). A channel within the chassis is provided. The channel 34 is sized so as to receive the button. A central longitudinal channel 36 is provided to receive the pin which serves to lock the button in place.

As can be seen, the edge members 26 define the outer envelope and include angled sides 38 which generally define a recessed region for receiving a panel 18.

Referring to Figure 5A and 5B, the front and rear sides of a panel 18 are shown. The rails 22 are generally longitudinal but have a cross-section including a projecting lip 40. The lip 40, provides a lock to ensure that the panel, once slid into the chassis cannot be removed in a generally transverse direction. It can be slid out so long as the top panel is not in place, but if the top panel has been fixed, then this will effectively lock the side panels 18 into the chassis.

Looking again at Figure 4, the edge members 26 can be seen to include at their uppermost end, a flattened protrusion 46. This is sized and arranged to engage with slots 48 provided on the underside of the top panel 20 (see Figure 6B).

In general then, as described above, the bar shower provides a modular handle constructed so that panels with various finishes can be mounted onto the internal chassis. The ability to apply finishes to individual panels is particularly beneficial, as such panels are easier and quicker to manufacture than a single handle with finishes. Thus, tooling complexity during manufacture is minimised. In addition, a user is able to change the panels on the handle, once the shower has already been installed. This provides the ability to easily and conveniently refresh the appearance of a bar shower and does not require expert assistance in doing so.

Referring again to Figure 4, the chassis 16 in the example shown, includes the channel 34 for receiving the button. The interchangeability of the chassis 16 is again to be emphasised since, it will be appreciated that the side face of the chassis that includes the channel 34 also includes grooves 24 in the same way as the other sides of the chassis 16. Thus, it will be appreciated that a single and common chassis can be used irrespective of whether or not a button is to be arranged within the handle. This further simplifies manufacture and reduces part count in the assembly of a bar shower. It avoids the risk of the misuse of parts by a fitter.

Figure 7 shows a second example of a bar shower. Like components to those in Figure 1 can be quickly seen and understood. In this example, the transverse cross-section of the body of the bar shower is circular rather than square. What this means is that the handles are similarly cylindrical and therefore have cross-sections that are circular.

Looking at Figures 8A and 8B, the exploded versions of the handles are shown.

As can be seen, a chassis 50 is provided together with a panel 52, which, in this case, is a unitary cylindrical panel that is sized so as to fit on top of the chassis 50. The panel may be thought of as a cylindrical sleeve in this example in view of its unitary nature.

In the example of Figure 8A, the handle includes a button 54 together with a biasing spring 56 and a locking pin 58. A top plate 60 is provided including one or more tabs 62 for fixing the top plate with respect to the handle when assembled.

Figures 9A to 9C show the stages of assembly of a handle as described above with reference to Figure 8. The handle in this case is one that includes a button.

Initially, the button is assembled in the outer sleeve. The pin may be inserted to fix the button in position. The sleeve 52, with the assembled button and pin 58 is then slid onto the chassis 50. Once fitted, the top 60 can be clipped onto the other assembled components.

An enlarged view of the chassis and sleeve for the button example is shown in Figure 10A. In Figure 10A, as can be seen, a receiving groove or cut-out 64 is provided in the chassis for receiving the button.

As in the example described above with the square cross-section chassis, a common chassis can be used irrespective of whether the sleeve and handle as a whole will include a button. The groove 64 is open ended at the top 66 which enables an inward projection 68 on the sleeve, for housing the button, to fit into the chassis when the sleeve is slid onto the chassis from the outside.

The chassis includes a cylindrical lip 70, which serves to ensure that the sleeve is secured in place concentrically. Corresponding shaped engagement features are provided on the inner surface of the sleeve (not shown). A slot 72 is provided arranged to receive a finger 74 on the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve. Again, this ensures registration of the sleeve at the appropriate angular position.

Furthermore, the finger 74 functions as an anti-rotation rib.

Figure 10C shows the sleeve in greater detail. As can be seen, inwardly projecting arc-shaped radial elements 76 are provided on the inner cylindrical surface of the sleeve, which are arranged to snap fit into place on the chassis and to fix the sleeve in place. The finger or anti-rotation rib 74 projects inwardly, again, from the inner cylindrical surface of the sleeve. Furthermore, one or more sliders 78 are provided to further ensure the secure fitment of the sleeve on the chassis. The numerous features to ensure secure fitment, can mean that the sleeve fits onto the chassis without risk of misalignment.

Referring to Figures 11A and 11 B, as can be seen, the top plate 60 has a certain defined patterning. Given the independence of the top plate from the rest of the assembly, (as far as the outer surface is concerned) any patterning or shape can be selected.

Part-cylindrical or arc-shaped axially projecting tabs 78 are provided on the inner surface of the top plate 60, that are sized and configured to fit into openings or grooves within the chassis 50. As seen in Figure 10A in particular, the cylindrical grooves 71 are of determined sizes and angular spreads which mean that the lid 60 will in fact only fit in one particular way.

Figures 12A to 12C show different views of a handle assembly. In this example, an underlying structure 80 is provided which is a generally solid form. The specific example shown has an underlying structure in the form of a cylinder having one or more bayonet grooves 82 formed on its side. An overlaying shroud 84 is provided that is sized to fit over or around the top of the underlying structure 80. One or more corresponding projections (not visible in the figure) are provided on an internal surface of the overlaying shroud 84 which are arranged to slide into a corresponding bayonet groove 80 to enable engagement of the shroud 84 with the underlying structure 80. The underlying structure 80 includes an axial cylindrical recess 86 including a through hole (not shown), which is arranged in use to receive a fixing means, such as a screw 88. The fixing means is arranged to engage with a corresponding feature on the shower itself, which means that when it is fixed, rotation of the handle will cause a corresponding rotation on the shower to operate either a flow control mechanism and/or a temperature control component on the shower.

A top plate 90 is provided which is sized and arranged to fit on the end surface of the underlying structure to complete the outward facing external surface of the handle. One or more alignment means, such as recesses 92 are provided on an inner or end surface of the overlaying shroud to engage with corresponding keys 94 on the top plate 90. Preferably the recesses and keys are sized for an interference fit to enable easy fixing of the top plate on the handle.

Figures 13A to 13C show views of a further example of a handle assembly. In this example, again the underlying structure is a generally solid 3-dimensional shape, this time having a generally cubic or cuboid shape 96. The generally solid 3-dimensional shape 96 has one or more recessed grooves 98 formed on its sides. Overlaying panels are provided that are sized to fit over or on the underlying structure 96. One or more corresponding projections 102 are provided on one surface (an internal surface once in situ) of each of the overlaying panels 100 which are arranged to fit into a corresponding recessed groove 98 to enable engagement of the panel with the underlying structure 96.

The underlying structure 96 includes an axial recess 104 (cylindrical in this example) including a through hole (not shown), which is arranged in use to receive a fixing means, such as a screw 106. The fixing means 106 is arranged to engage with a corresponding feature on the shower itself, which means that when it is fixed, rotation of the handle will cause a corresponding rotation on the shower to operate either a flow control mechanism and/or a temperature control component on the shower.

A top plate 108 is provided which is sized and arranged to fit on the end surface of the cuboid underlying structure 96 to complete the outward facing external surface of the handle. As can be appreciated the entire outer surface of the handle with which a user's hand can in use engage, is formed of surface elements that are replaceable, either individually or all together.

Figures 14A to 14C show views of a further example of a handle assembly 110.

In this example a number of side sections 112 are provided, which when assembled with respect to an underlying structure form the handle. The sections 11 include outer surfaces 114 such that the sections themselves define the handle and its outer surface with which a user engages when assembled. Referring to Figure 14A, each of the side sections 112 is of generally prismatic form with a triangular cross section 116 with various cut-outs, to be described below. A can be seen, the sections interlock together to create the handle so that a frame as such is not needed. Of course underlying structure is required since the handle has to connect somehow to the shower. The underlying structure could though be part of the shower such as the spindle from a thermostatic control valve.

The cut-outs are both of quarter cylindrical shape as can be seen. An upper first cut-out 118, is sized and shaped such that when the side sections are assembled a cylindrical recess is formed, which is sized to receive a cylindrical projection 120 from a top plate 122.

A lower second cylindrical cut-out 124 is provided on each of the side sections which is arranged to engage with and/or surround some part of underlying structure (not shown), which may be a part of the shower itself. As in the example described above with reference to Figures 12 and 13, the lower cylindrical cut-out is arranged to engage with a corresponding feature on the shower itself, which means that when it is fixed, rotation of the handle will cause a corresponding rotation on the shower to operate either a flow control mechanism and/or a temperature control component on the shower.

Slots 124 and grooves 126 are provided on walls of the side sections 112 which enable them to fit together in use. A top plate 122 is provided having a downwardly projecting cylindrical part 120 sized to fit within the cylindrical recess formed by the combination of the upper cut-outs 118 on the side sections 112. A recess 128 is formed in the top plate 122 including a through hole (not shown), which is arranged in use to receive a fixing means, such as a screw 130. The fixing means 130 is arranged to engage with a corresponding feature on the shower itself, which means that when it is fixed, rotation of the handle will cause a corresponding rotation on the shower to operate either a flow control mechanism and/or a temperature control component on the shower.

Again, as can be appreciated the entire outer surface of the handle with which a user's hand can in use engage, is formed of surface elements or sections that are replaceable, either individually or all together.

As described throughout the present system of a modular handle has particular advantage since it facilitates the manufacture and variation in design of a handle. A corresponding method and system can be used for other parts of a shower assembly. For example the similar corresponding modular structure of one or more panels or sections and an underlying structure can be used in the formation of wallmount shrouds, bar shower nuts, targas and bar shower bodies themselves. In other words in one aspect there is provided a water-dispensing installation, comprising a body for connection to a supporting structure wherein at least part of the body comprises one or more panels or sections having an outward facing engagement surface, wherein the one or more panels are removably coupled to underlying structure to enable changing of panels or sections.

Embodiments of the present invention have been described with particular reference to the examples illustrated. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to the examples described within the scope of the present invention The following numbered clauses on pages 17 to 19 of the present description correspond to the claims of UK patent application no. 1915876.5 as filed. The claims of the present application as filed, which is divided from UK patent application no. 1915876.5, can be found on the subsequent pages 20 and 21 of the specification which begin with the heading "CLAIMS".

Clauses 1. A water-dispensing installation, comprising a body for connection to a supporting structure a handle connected to the body for control of water flow and/or water temperature through the shower, wherein the handle comprises one or more panels or sections having an outward facing engagement surface for engagement with a user's hand in use, wherein the one or more panels are removably coupled to underlying structure to enable changing of panels or sections.

2. A water-dispensing installation according to clause 1, in which the installation is a shower 3. A water-dispensing installation according to clause 2, in which the shower is a bar shower and the body is generally bar-shaped.

4. A water-dispensing installation according to clause 2, in which the underlying structure is a frame.

5. A water-dispensing installation according to clause 4, in which the frame is generally cuboid and comprises longitudinal members for engagement with the one or more panels or sections.

6. A water-dispensing installation according to clause 4 or 5, in which the frame is square in cross section.

7. A water-dispensing installation according to any of clauses 4 to 6, in which the frame is generally cylindrical and the one or more panels or sections is or are cylindrical and sized to fit around the frame 8. A water-dispensing installation according to any of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the panels or sections are provided with an external surface with patterning to define a grip for a user's hand. Is

9. A water-dispensing installation according to any of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the panels or sections are sized such that when in use in engagement with the underlying structure they form a continuous surface with the body of the water-dispensing installation.

10. A water-dispensing installation according to any of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the handle is shaped to receive a locking button.

11. A water-dispensing installation according to clause 10, in which at least one of the side panels or sections has an opening for the locking button.

12. A water-dispensing installation according to any of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the water-dispensing installation is a bar shower and a handle is provided at each end of the bar-shaped body, wherein a handle at a first end is for controlling water flow and the handle at the second end is for controlling temperature of water flow through the shower.

13. A water-dispensing installation according to any of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the one or more sections are substantially prismatic in cross section.

14. A water-dispensing installation according to clause 13, wherein the one or more sections have one or more cut-outs such that when assembled, the cut-outs define a recess for engagement with the underlying structure.

15. A water-dispensing installation according to any of clauses 1 to 14, in which the one or more panels or sections when in situ define the entire external surface of the handle with which a user's hand can engage.

16. A method of assembling a water-dispensing installation, comprising: (a) providing a body for connection to a supporting structure (b) providing underlying structure for connection to the body for control of water flow and/or water temperature through the water-dispensing installation; and one or more panels or sections having an outward facing engagement surface for engagement with a user's hand in use, wherein the one or more panels are removably coupled to the underlying structure to enable changing of panels or sections on the underlying structure; (c) connecting the underlying structure to the body and (d) either before or after (c), arranging with respect to the underlying structure one or more panels or sections to form a continuous outer surface on the handle.

17 A method according to clause 16, in which the water-dispensing installation is a shower.

18. A method according to clause 17, in which the shower is a bar shower.

Claims (14)

1. Claims 1. A water-dispensing installation, comprising a body for connection to a supporting structure a handle connected to the body for control of water flow and/or water temperature through the shower, wherein the handle comprises one or more panels or sections having an outward facing engagement surface for engagement with a user's hand in use, wherein the one or more panels are removably coupled to underlying structure to enable changing of panels or sections in which the underlying structure is a frame and in which the frame is generally cylindrical and the one or more panels or sections is or are cylindrical and sized to fit around the frame.
2. 2. A water-dispensing installation according to claim 1, wherein the panels or sections are provided with an external surface with patterning to define a grip for a user's hand.
3. 3. A water-dispensing installation according to claim lor 2, wherein the panels or sections are sized such that when in use in engagement with the underlying structure they form a continuous surface with the body of the water-dispensing installation.
4. 4 A water-dispensing installation according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the handle is shaped to receive a locking button.
5. 5. A water-dispensing installation according to claim 4, in which at least one of the side panels or sections has an opening for the locking button.
6. 6. A water-dispensing installation according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the water-dispensing installation is a bar shower and a handle is provided at each end of the bar-shaped body, wherein a handle at a first end is for controlling water flow and the handle at the second end is for controlling temperature of water flow through the shower.
7. 7. A water-dispensing installation according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the one or more sections are substantially prismatic in cross section.
8. 8. A water-dispensing installation according to claim 7, wherein the one or more sections have one or more cut-outs such that when assembled, the cut-outs define a recess for engagement with the underlying structure.
9. 9. A water-dispensing installation according to any of claims 1 to 8, in which the one or more panels or sections when in situ define the entire external surface of the handle with which a user's hand can engage.
10. 10. A water-dispensing installation according to any of claims 1 to 9, in which the water-dispensing installation is a shower.
11. 11. A water-dispensing installation according to claim 10, in which the shower is a bar shower.
12. 12. A method of assembling a water-dispensing installation according to any of claims 1 to 11, comprising: (a) providing a body for connection to a supporting structure (b) providing underlying structure for connection to the body for control of water flow and/or water temperature through the water-dispensing installation; and one or more panels or sections having an outward facing engagement surface for engagement with a user's hand in use, wherein the one or more panels are removably coupled to the underlying structure to enable changing of panels or sections on the underlying structure; (c) connecting the underlying structure to the body and (d) either before or after (c), arranging with respect to the underlying structure one or more panels or sections to form a continuous outer surface on the handle.
13. 13. A method according to claim 12, in which the water-dispensing installation is a shower.
14. 14. A method according to claim 13, in which the shower is a bar shower.