IE86961B1

IE86961B1 - Fluid flow control device

Info

Publication number: IE86961B1
Application number: IE20110185A
Authority: IE
Inventors: Andrew Finney Philip
Original assignee: Norcros Group Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2010-12-21
Filing date: 2011-04-14
Publication date: 2019-02-20
Also published as: GB201021633D0; GB2486659A; GB2486659B; IE20110185A1

Abstract

A fluid flow control device (10) is described for positioning adjacent an external surface of a wall or like structure, the device (10) including; an inlet (12) for connection to a supply of relatively hot water; an inlet (13) for connection to a supply of relatively cold water; a chamber (not shown) fluidly connected to the inlets (12; 13) for receiving relatively hot and relatively cold water; and an outlet (20) for mixed water, wherein the outlet (20) for mixed water is positioned on a part of the device (10) which in use faces the external surface of the wall or like structure. <Figure 1>

Description

Title: Fluid Flow Control Device Description of Invention This invention relates to a fluid flow control device and a method of installing such a device. The invention also relates to a system including such a device. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to fluid flow control devices in the form of sanitary devices, such as domestic showers and taps.

The invention has been devised to address certain shortcomings of prior art devices and their method of installation, particularly the visual appearance of and access to the component parts of the device once it has been installed, and its ease of installation. Prior art sanitary devices, such as mixer showers/bath mixers taps have an inlet for connection to a supply of relatively hot water, and an inlet for connection for supply to relatively cold water. The device includes a chamber where the hot and cold water are mixed to provide a desired outlet temperature for a user. There is also provided a manually adjustable control on the device so that the user can adjust the outlet temperature. Mixed water exits the device from an outlet, which takes the form of a tap outlet (which usually forms part of a body of the device), by way of additional pipe work to a fixed shower head or to a flexible shower hose. Where the outlet is connected via additional pipe work to a fixed shower head, the pipe work extends adjacent an external surface of the wall to which the device is connected (e.g. over the tiles of a bathroom wall) between the device and the shower head. This configuration of system has not altered for many years and is still the preferred method of connecting the outlet to a fixed shower head.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved fluid flow control device and an improved method of installing.

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a fluid flow control device for positioning adjacent an external surface of a wall, the device including; an inlet for connection to a supply of relatively hot water; an inlet for connection to a supply of relatively cold water; a chamber fluidly connected to the inlets for receiving relatively hot and relatively cold water; and an outlet for mixed water, wherein the outlet for mixed water is positioned on a surface of the fluid flow control device which in use faces the external surface of the wall and is configured for connection to a conduit which extends from the outlet for mixed water through the wall and behind the wall to a supply outlet.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a system for providing a water supply, the system including:a fluid flow control device connected adjacent an external surface of a wall, the device including; an inlet for connection to a supply of relatively hot water; an inlet for connection to a supply of relatively cold water; a chamber fluidly connected to the inlets for receiving relatively hot and relatively cold water; and an outlet for mixed water, wherein the outlet for mixed water is positioned on a surface of the fluid flow control device which in use faces the external surface of the wall, a supply outlet positioned remotely from the device; and a conduit connected at one end to the outlet of the fluid flow control device and at its opposite end to the supply outlet, wherein the conduit extends from the outlet for mixed water through the wall and behind the wall between the outlet of the fluid flow control device and the supply outlet.

According to a third aspect of the invention we provide a kit of parts for installing a fluid supply system, including a fluid flow control device including; an inlet for connection to a supply of relatively hot water; an inlet for connection to a supply of relatively cold water; a chamber fluidly connected to the inlets for receiving relatively hot and relatively cold water; and an outlet for mixed water, positioned on a surface of the fluid flow control device which in use faces an external surface of a wall; a supply outlet for positioning remotely from the device; and a conduit connectable at one end to the outlet of the fluid flow control device and at its opposite end to the supply outlet, wherein the conduit is configured to extend from the outlet for mixed water through the wall and, in use, behind the once the system has been installed.

Further features of the first, second and third aspects of the invention are set out in claims 4 to 13 appended hereto.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention we provide a method of installing a fluid flow control device adjacent an external surface of a wall, the device including; an inlet for connection to a supply of relatively hot water; an inlet for connection to a supply of relatively cold water; a chamber fluidly connected to the inlets for receiving relatively hot and relatively cold water; and an outlet for mixed water, wherein the outlet for mixed water is positioned on a surface of the fluid flow control device which in use faces the external surface of the wall, and the method including the step of connecting the outlet for mixed water to a conduit which extends from the outlet for mixed water through the wall and behind the wall to a supply outlet.

Further features of the fourth aspect of the invention are set out in claims 15 to 18 appended hereto.

Embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a system incorporating the device as shown in Figure 1; FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a system incorporating the device as shown in Figure 3; and FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1, this shows a fluid control device 10 in the form of a bath/shower mixer for use in a bathroom. The device 10 has a main body 11, and inlet 12 for connection to a supply of relatively hot water and an inlet 13 for connection to a supply of relatively cold water. In use, the inlets 12, 13 are connected to the hot and cold water supply pipes (not shown) by way of a threaded nut which engages a threaded section on the supply pipe. It should be appreciated, of course, that any other appropriate means of connection may be used, for example a push-fit fitting may be used to connect the inlets to their respective supply pipes.

The mixer 10 includes a axial rotatable flow control device 14 for controlling the flow of water through the device 10 and a separate rotatable control 15 for adjusting the ratio of hot and cold water which is mixed in the device 11, so that a user can control the outlet water temperature. The device 10 includes a bath tap formation 16 for mixed water which is connected to an internal chamber (not shown) inside the body 11. The chamber is connected to the inlets 12,13 and receives relatively hot and relatively cold water therefrom.

Advantageously the device 10 includes a further outlet 20 for mixed water, which is configured for connection to a conduit 21 which extends behind a wall or like structure to which the device 10 is connected (see Figure 2). As can be seen from Figure 2, the conduit 21 extends from the outlet 20 through the wall 28 and to a further supply outlet which in this example is a “fixed” shower head 30 positioned generally above the device 10 (although it could be positioned anywhere, as desired).

The device 10 includes a yet further outlet 18 for mixed water, which is positioned on a downwardly facing surface of the body 11 and is connected to a flexible conduit 19 which leads to a non-fixed shower 40.

Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, device 10 includes a user operable control for permitting a user to select whether mixed water exits through the tap outlet 16, the outlet 20 and/or the outlet 18 (i.e. any combination thereof). For example, if the user wishes to have a shower, he or she would use the control to ensure that water does not exit through the outlet 16 but is rather diverted through the outlet 18 and/or the outlet 20. If, alternatively, the user wishes to have a bath, he or she would use the control to divert mixed water through the outlet 16 rather than the outlets 18, 20, thus permitting the user to fill a bath with water.

The device 10, as can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, is configured such that the further outlet 20 is positioned on a part/surface of the device 10 which faces the external surface of the wall 28. This has the advantage of permitting the user to conceal or hide all or a significant portion of the conduit 21 which extends from the outlet 20 to the “fixed” shower head 30, thus rendering the system as a whole more visually pleasing and “cleaner” to the eye. In addition, concealing the conduit 21 is advantageous where the device 10 is installed in non-residential facilities (for example in leisure centres or gymnasiums). In such circumstances it is often the case that the external pipe work is vandalised by users and thus concealing as much of the pipe work as possible renders it more difficult for vandals to inflict damage on that pipe work. The system, once installed, is therefore more robust.

The method of installing the device 10 is also advantage because if in the case of a residential property, access can be gained to the rear side of the wall 28, the conduit 21 can be installed before the interior decorating work (e.g. tiling) has been carried out in the bathroom. Thus, in some circumstances, the method of installation in accordance with the present invention increases the speed of installation of such devices.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, these show a second embodiment of the device in accordance with the present invention. Features which are functionally identical to those in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 have been given the same reference numeral with the addition of 100. The device 100 is not provided with a bath tap outlet, but is provided with an outlet 118 to a shower 140 and an outlet 120 which faces the wall 128.

As is shown in Figure 4, the device 100 can be used as part of a system in which a conduit 121 is provided connecting the outlet 20 to a fixed shower head 130, where the conduit 121 extends behind the wall 128. Alternatively the device 100 could be configured such that the outlet 120 is connected to a supply outlet in the form of a remote (bath) tap which his positioned beneath the device 10 or at another location in the bathroom. In yet a further alternative embodiment, the outlet 120 may be connected both to a shower head 130 and to a separate tap outlet 116 and the system may be provided with a user control to divert water between the outlet 116 and the outlet 128 (and indeed the outlet 118).

Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention which is a modified embodiment from that shown in Figures 3 and 4. Features common to the device 100 have been given the same reference numerals with the addition of 100. The device 200 includes an outlet 216 which is connected directly to the body 211 of the device 200 and to its chamber. The outlet 216 is configured for connection to a flexible hose which is connected at its remote end to a shower head. The outlet 20 is connected by way of concealed pipe work behind a wall 228 to one of a fixed shower head 228, a further fixed tap outlet 216 or both. In the latter case, a user operable control may be provided to permit the user to select the outlet from which mixed water exits.

It should be appreciated that the three embodiments disclosed, and their various alternative features, are only shown as examples of how the invention may be implemented. It should be appreciated that although in the examples described separate connections are provided for the incoming hot and cold water, and a separate connection for the mixed water (for connection to a concealed conduit), it is possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, to combine two or more of the inlets/outlets. For example, the hot and cold inlets may be combined in a single inlet pipe with an appropriate divide between the incoming hot and cold water until the water enters the mixing chamber. That combined inlet may be provided in the either of the respective locations of the original hot and cold water supply inlets or in a different location. Alternatively, either of the hot or cold inlets may be combined with the mixed water outlet, again provided in either of the positions of the connections 12,13 or 20 (as shown in figure 1, for example) or in any alternative location, and with an appropriate divide therebetween. In this example the inlet water flows in one direction with the outlet mixed water flowing in an opposite direction. The flows can be either adjacent or coaxial, e.g. by the use of coaxial tubes.

Although not shown in the figures, the embodiments described above could be modified to include a yet further outlet for mixed water, which outlet is configured for connection to a further conduit which extends behind a wall or like structure. The further conduit may be connected to a further shower head or to a tap outlet. Thus, in this embodiment, the device includes two separate mixed-water outlets are positioned on the same of different parts of the device which in use face the external surface of the wall or like structure to which the device is connected.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms comprises and comprising and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. A fluid flow control device for positioning adjacent an external surface of a wall, the device including; an inlet for connection to a supply of relatively hot water; an inlet for connection to a supply of relatively cold water; a chamber fluidly connected to the inlets for receiving relatively hot and relatively cold water; and an outlet for mixed water, wherein the outlet for mixed water is positioned on a surface of the fluid flow control device which in use faces the external surface of the wall and is configured for connection to a conduit which extends from the outlet for mixed water through the wall and behind the wall to a supply outlet.

2. A system for providing a water supply, the system including:- a fluid flow control device connected adjacent an external surface of a wall, the device including; an inlet for connection to a supply of relatively hot water; an inlet for connection to a supply of relatively cold water; a chamber fluidly connected to the inlets for receiving relatively hot and relatively cold water; and an outlet for mixed water, wherein the outlet for mixed water is positioned on a surface of the fluid flow control device which in use faces the external surface of the wall, a supply outlet positioned remotely from the device; and a conduit connected at one end to the outlet of the fluid flow control device and at its opposite end to the supply outlet, wherein the conduit extends from the outlet for mixed water through the wall and behind the wall between the outlet of the fluid flow control device and the supply outlet.

3. A kit of parts for installing a fluid supply system, including a fluid flow control device including; an inlet for connection to a supply of relatively hot water; an inlet for connection to a supply of relatively cold water; a chamber fluidly connected to the inlets for receiving relatively hot and relatively cold water; and an outlet for mixed water, positioned on a surface of the fluid flow control device which in use faces an external surface of a wall; a supply outlet for positioning remotely from the device; and a conduit connectable at one end to the outlet of the fluid flow control device and at its opposite end to the supply outlet, wherein the conduit is configured to extend from the outlet for mixed water through the wall and, in use, behind the wall once the system has been installed.

4. A fluid flow control device, system or kit of parts according to any preceding claim wherein the supply outlet is a tap.

5. A fluid flow control device, system or kit of parts according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the supply outlet is a shower head.

6. A fluid flow control device, system or kit of parts according to any preceding claim wherein the conduit is connected to two or more supply outlets.

7. A fluid flow control device, system or kit of parts according to any preceding claim wherein means is provided to permit a user to select the outlet to be used to supply water.

8. A fluid flow control device, system or kit of parts according to any preceding claim wherein the outlet for mixed water is positioned on a part of the device which in use faces the external surface of the wall.

9. A fluid flow control device, system or kit of parts according to any preceding claim wherein the inlet for connection to a supply of relatively cold water is positioned on a part of the device which in use faces the external surface of the wall. 10. A fluid flow control device, system or kit of parts according to any preceding claim wherein the inlet for connection to a supply of relatively hot water is positioned on a part of the device which in use faces the external surface of the wall. 11. A fluid flow control device according to claim 1 wherein the two inlets are positioned on a part of the device which in use faces the external surface of the wall. 12. A fluid flow control device according to claim 1 or claim 11 wherein the two inlets and the outlet for mixed water are aligned with each other. 13. A fluid flow control device according to claim 1, 11 or 12 wherein the two inlets and the outlet for mixed water are spaced substantially equidistant from each other. 14. A method of installing a fluid flow control device adjacent an external surface of a wall, the device including; an inlet for connection to a supply of relatively hot water; an inlet for connection to a supply of relatively cold water; a chamber fluidly connected to the inlets for receiving relatively hot and relatively cold water; and an outlet for mixed water, wherein the outlet for mixed water is positioned on a surface of the fluid flow control device which in use faces the external surface of the wall, and the method including the step of connecting the outlet for mixed water to a conduit which extends from the outlet for mixed water through the wall and behind the wall to a supply outlet. 15. A method according to claim 14 wherein the supply outlet is positioned remotely from the fluid flow control device. 16. A method according to claim 14 or 15 wherein the supply outlet is a tap 5 or shower head. 17. A method according to claim 14, 15 or 16 wherein the conduit is connected to two or more supply outlets.

10. 18. A method according to claim 17 wherein the device includes means for permitting a user to select the outlet to be used to supply water.