NZ784166A - Plumbing Method and Apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

method for connecting a water dispensing device to a hard-line water supply, comprises replacement of a flexible braided hose by a hard-line connection using an apparatus comprising a substantially rigid, elongate conduit body (102) with a fluid passageway (104) extending therethrough between its first (105) and second (106) ends. The apparatus has at its first end a fluid outlet connection (108) configured to duplicate the fluid outlet of the flexible braided hose. The flexible braided hose is disconnected from the hard-line water supply and a water dispensing device such as a mixer tap. The first end (105) of the apparatus is then connected to the inlet of the water dispensing device, and the second end (106) of the apparatus is connected to the hard-line water supply, thereby providing a fluid connection between the hard-line water supply and the water dispensing device which does not include any length of flexible braided hose. first (105) and second (106) ends. The apparatus has at its first end a fluid outlet connection (108) configured to duplicate the fluid outlet of the flexible braided hose. The flexible braided hose is disconnected from the hard-line water supply and a water dispensing device such as a mixer tap. The first end (105) of the apparatus is then connected to the inlet of the water dispensing device, and the second end (106) of the apparatus is connected to the hard-line water supply, thereby providing a fluid connection between the hard-line water supply and the water dispensing device which does not include any length of flexible braided hose.

Description

PLUMBING METHOD AND APPARATUS FIELD The present disclosure relates to a plumbing method and apparatus, and especially to a plumbing method and apparatus which at least in preferred embodiments addresses problems encountered in the use of flexible braided hoses.

BACKGROUND Flexible braided hoses are commonly used to t water sing devices, for e mixer taps, to a hard-line mains water supply.

A known type of flexible braided hose comprises a flexible inner tube, for example of EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) or cross-linked polyethylene ed in an outer layer of braided stainless-steel filaments, with the inner tube being crimped at each end to an appropriate connection fitting. In an example for connecting a mixer tap to a mains water supply a downstream-end connection fitting provides a male screw thread which is adapted to connect to a female threaded fitting of the mixer tap, and an am-end connection fitting provides a female threaded connection nut to connect to a standard male-threaded outlet connections of n and/or basin pipework.

An advantage of using flexible hoses of this type to connect, for example, mixer taps to the water supply is that rapid and economical connection is facilitated, at least in part due to the use of threaded connections ng the need for brazed or soldered ng joints. It will be appreciated that the flexible nature of the hose allows connection of the mixer tap in a wide range of positions relative to the outlet connection of the pipework.

Use of flexible braided hoses has become popular, particularly over the last couple of decades. In lia it may be regarded as the primary way of ting mixer taps to kitchen and/or basin pipework. Indeed, it is considered difficult to source a modern monobloc mixer tap in Australia that is not provided with tion arrangements for attaching to respective hot- and cold-water flexible braided hoses.

However, it has become evident that in practice flexible braided hoses e undesirably rapidly over time, often leading to sudden failure and consequent escape of large amounts of water. Such failure is common, and has been widely reported by plumbers and by insurance companies. In recent years insurance companies have reported that failure of flexible braided hoses is the most common cause of water damage claims in Australia, and it has, for e been reported that 22% of water damage claims in lian households in 2016 resulted from failure of flexible braided hoses. It has been stated that failure (bursting) of a single flexible braided hose can result in inundation of 1,500L of water per hour to a property and that the resultant water damage can be in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Many plumbers and insurance ies end regular inspection and or replacement of flexible brained hoses. ement every two to five years has been recommended.

In relation to inspection, it can ably be expected that a sizeable proportion of flexible braided hoses which are in use will not be regularly inspected.

In relation to replacement, it is considered that many people will be reluctant to replace flexible braided hoses as often as is desirable, or merely t to do so.

One of the causes of premature failure of flexible braided hoses is considered to be imperfect installation so it is considered important to have installation or replacement performed by a plumber. In some jurisdictions it is a legal ement to have such work performed by a plumber or similar registered tradesperson. This makes regular and frequent replacement ntially more ive than the replacement cost of the le braided hoses.

Accordingly, it appears that failure of flexible braided hoses is a substantial problem, and is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future.

Accordingly, an aim of the present disclosure is to provide a plumbing method and/or a plumbing apparatus which, at least in particular embodiments, can substantially address, or at least mitigate, the frequent failure of flexible braided hoses, or which can at least provide a useful alternative to existing plumbing methods and/or apparatus.

SUMMARY According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of connecting a water dispensing device to a hard-line water supply, comprising: disconnecting, from the water dispensing device and from the hard-line water supply, a flexible braided hose which provides a fluid passageway between the hard-line water supply and the water dispensing device, and which has a hose connection arrangement at a first end thereof for connection to the water dispensing device to provide a substantially watertight tion between the flexible braided hose and the water supply ; providing an apparatus comprising a substantially rigid, elongate conduit body which defines a fluid passageway between a first end and a second end of the apparatus, and which has at the first end of the apparatus a fluid outlet connection configured to duplicate the fluid outlet of the flexible braided hose, and thereby to provide a watertight connection to an inlet of the water dispensing device which is configured for connection to the hose connection arrangement of the le braided hose; connecting the first end of the apparatus to said inlet of the water dispensing device to provide a substantially ight connection between the apparatus and the water dispensing device; and connecting the second end of the tus to the hard-line water supply to e a fluid connection between the hard-line water supply and the water dispensing device which does not include any length of flexible braided hose.

In an embodiment the water dispensing device is a mixer tap.

In an embodiment the method comprises removing the water supply device from a d position prior to connecting the first end of the apparatus to said inlet of the water dispensing device.

In an embodiment the method comprises removing the water supply device from a mounted position prior to necting the flexible braided hose from the water dispensing device.

In an embodiment connecting the second end of the apparatus to the hard-line water supply ses connecting the second end of the apparatus to soft copper tubing, and arranging the soft copper tubing to extend at least some of the distance between the second end of the apparatus and the hard-line water supply.

In an embodiment the method comprises replacing the water supply device in its mounted on prior to connecting the apparatus to the water supply.

In an embodiment said connecting the second end of the apparatus to the hard-line water supply comprises use of a compression connection.

In an embodiment said connecting the second end of the apparatus to the hard-line water supply comprises connecting the second end of the apparatus to soft copper tubing which extends at least some of the distance between the second end of the apparatus and the hard-line water supply.

In an embodiment the fluid outlet connection of the apparatus comprises a male threaded region.

In an embodiment the male ed region of the fluid outlet connection of the apparatus is configured to connect to a complementary female threaded inlet connection of the water dispensing device.

In an embodiment the male threaded region of the fluid outlet connection of the apparatus is between 6 mm and 26mm in .

In an embodiment the male threaded region of the fluid outlet connection of the apparatus is n 6 mm and 15mm in length.

In an embodiment the male threaded region of the fluid outlet connection of the tus is between 6 mm and 26mm in diameter.

In an embodiment the male ed region of the fluid outlet connection of the apparatus is n 6 mm and 15mm in diameter.

In an ment the male threaded region of the fluid outlet connection of the apparatus comprises an M8 thread configuration.

In an embodiment the male threaded region of the fluid outlet connection of the apparatus comprises an M10 thread configuration.

In an embodiment the male threaded region of the fluid outlet connection of the apparatus comprises an M12 thread configuration.

In an embodiment the male threaded region of the fluid outlet connection of the apparatus comprises a thread configuration which is 1/8 BSP, 1/4 BSP, 1/8 MP, or 1/4 MP.

In an embodiment the male threaded region of the fluid outlet connection of the apparatus comprises a thread configuration has a maximum external diameter which is within 20% of the maximum external diameter of at least one of an M8, M10, M12, 1/8 BSP, 1/4 BSP, 1/8 MP, or 1/4 MP thread configuration.

In an embodiment the male threaded region of the fluid outlet connection of the apparatus comprises a thread configuration has a maximum external diameter which is within 10% of the m external diameter of at least one of an M8, M10, M12, 1/8 BSP, 1/4 BSP, 1/8 MP, or 1/4 MP thread configuration.

In an embodiment the male threaded region of the fluid outlet connection of the apparatus comprises an M10 x 1 mm thread configuration.

In an embodiment the fluid outlet connection of the apparatus comprises an r sealing member.

In an embodiment the annular sealing member comprises an O-ring.

In an embodiment the elongate conduit body is formed substantially or ily from brass.

In an embodiment the elongate t body is formed substantially or primarily from DR rated brass.

In an embodiment the elongate conduit body is formed substantially or primarily from stainless steel.

In an embodiment the elongate conduit body is formed substantially or primarily from stainless steel, at least part of which has a surface coating. In a ular embodiment the e coating comprises nickel and/or chrome.

In an embodiment the elongate t body is formed substantially or ily from plastic.

In an embodiment the elongate conduit body is formed substantially or primarily from plastic, at least part of which has a surface coating. In a particular embodiment the surface coating comprises nickel and/or chrome.

In an embodiment the apparatus is manufactured by a process sing CNC machining.

In an embodiment the substantially rigid, elongate conduit body is between 20 mm and 150 mm in length.

In an embodiment the substantially rigid, te conduit body is between 20 mm and 70 mm in length.

In an embodiment the apparatus provides a tool engagement arrangement for engaging a torque-providing tool, to facilitate connecting the first end of the apparatus to said inlet of the water dispensing device.

In an embodiment the tool engagement arrangement comprises a cavity for receiving a driving part of said torque-providing tool.

In an embodiment the cavity comprises a tool-engaging region of the fluid passageway which has a non-circular erse-cross-sectional internal shape, configured to receive said driving part of said torque-providing tool.

In an embodiment the tool-engaging region provides a non-circular transverse-crosssectional internal shape in the form of a polygon with le sides.

In an embodiment the tool-engaging region provides a ntially hexagonal transverse-cross-sectional internal shape.

In an embodiment the tool-engaging region is configured to receive a driving part of a hex key.

In an embodiment the apparatus provides a fluid inlet connection arrangement at or nt the second end thereof.

In an ment the fluid inlet connection arrangement is adapted to e a substantially water tight connection to a pipe which is substantially circular in cross section.

In an embodiment the fluid inlet connection arrangement ses a male threaded region.

In an embodiment the male ed region of the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus is ured to connect to a complementary female threaded part of a compression nut.

In an ment the male threaded region of the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus is between 6 mm and 26 mm in length.

In an embodiment the male threaded region of the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus is between 6 mm and 15mm in length.

In an ment the male threaded region of the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus comprises a thread uration with greater er than an M8 thread configuration.

In an embodiment the male threaded region of the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus comprises a thread configuration with greater diameter than an M10 thread configuration.

In an embodiment the male threaded region of the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus has a er between 8 mm and 26 mm.

In an embodiment the male threaded region of the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus comprises a thread configuration which is 3/8 UN, 7/16 UN, or ½ UN.

In an embodiment the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus comprises a pipereceiving part of the apparatus which extends from the second end of the apparatus to a stop arrangement.

In an embodiment the stop arrangement is provided between 5 mm and 26 mm in from the second end of the apparatus.

In an embodiment the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus provides a connection configuration, configured to facilitate a sealed mechanical connection to a pipe which, in use, comprises a hard-line part of a water supply.

In an embodiment the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus provides a connection configuration, configured to facilitate a sealed mechanical connection which ses at least one of: a sealed compression connection, and; a sealed push fit connection; to a pipe which, in use, comprises a hard-line part of a water .

In an embodiment the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus comprises a push fit connection.

In an embodiment the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus ses a retaining member adapted to retain an end of a pipe in the pipe-receiving part of the apparatus.

In an embodiment the retaining member comprises a .

In an embodiment the retaining member is provided lly within the pipereceiving part of the apparatus.

In an embodiment the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus comprises a cam arrangement adapted to force the retaining member against the pipe.

In an embodiment the collar is provided generally within the pipe-receiving part of the Said pipe may, for example, be a soft copper pipe. Said pipe may, for example, be a plastic pipe.

In an embodiment the pipe-receiving part comprises a nd ing cavity which forms part of the fluid passageway.

In an embodiment the pipe-end receiving cavity is d by an internal wall surface of the apparatus.

In an embodiment the pipe-end receiving cavity is defined by an internal wall surface of the apparatus substantially at an axial region of the apparatus where an external wall surface of the apparatus provides a male threaded region of the fluid inlet connection.

In an embodiment the pipe-end receiving cavity provides a bevelled end wall part of the apparatus for bearing against an olive of a compression fitting.

In an embodiment the apparatus comprises a compression nut and a compression olive for connecting the second end of the apparatus to a pipe of a hard-line water supply.

In an embodiment the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus comprises a push fit tion.

In an embodiment the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus comprises a collar, collet or ring adapted to retain an end of a pipe in the eceiving part of the In an embodiment the collar is provided generally within the pipe-receiving part of the apparatus.

In an embodiment the method comprises: necting, from the water dispensing device and from the ine water supply, a hot-water flexible braided hose and a cold-water flexible braided hose, which provide respective fluid eways n respective hot- and cold-water hard- line water supplies and the water dispensing device; providing respective hot- and cold-water apparatuses, each comprising a substantially rigid, elongate conduit body which defines a fluid passageway between a first end and a second end of the respective and each of which has at the first end of the apparatus a fluid outlet connection configured to duplicate the fluid outlet of the respective flexible braided hose; connecting the first end of each tive apparatus to respective hot- and coldwater inlets of the water dispensing device to provide a substantially ight connections n the apparatus and the water dispensing device; and connecting the second end of each respective apparatus to respective hot and cold- water hard-line water supplies to provide respective a fluid connections between the hard-line water supplies and the water dispensing device which do not include any length of flexible braided hose.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a plumbing apparatus for replacement of a flexible d hose used to supply water to a water dispensing device, the apparatus comprising: a substantially rigid, elongate conduit body which defines a fluid passageway between a first end and a second end of the apparatus; wherein the apparatus has at the first end thereof a fluid outlet connection configured to duplicate the fluid outlet connection of a flexible braided hose, and thereby to provide a ight connection to an inlet of a water dispensing device which is configured for connection to a hose connection arrangement of said le braided hose.

In an embodiment the apparatus comprises a fluid inlet connection arrangement.

In an embodiment the fluid inlet connection arrangement is provided at the second end of the apparatus.

In an embodiment the fluid inlet connection arrangement is adapted to e a substantially water tight connection to a pipe which is substantially circular in cross section.

In an embodiment the fluid outlet connection of the apparatus comprises a male threaded region.

In an embodiment the male threaded region of the fluid outlet connection of the apparatus is configured to connect to a complementary female threaded inlet connection of the water dispensing device.

In an embodiment the male threaded region of the fluid outlet connection of the apparatus is between 6 mm and 26 mm in length.

In an embodiment the male threaded region of the fluid outlet connection of the tus is n 6 mm and 15 mm in .

In an embodiment the male threaded region of the fluid outlet connection of the apparatus comprises an M10 thread configuration.

In an ment the fluid outlet connection of the tus comprises an annular sealing member.

In an embodiment the annular sealing member comprises an O-ring.

In an embodiment the te conduit body is formed substantially or primarily from brass.

In an embodiment the elongate t body is formed ntially or primarily from DR rated brass.

In an embodiment the apparatus is manufactured by CNC machining.

In an embodiment the substantially rigid, elongate conduit body is between 20 mm and 150 mm in length.

In an embodiment the substantially rigid, elongate conduit body is between 20 mm and 70 mm in length.

In an embodiment the apparatus provides a tool engagement arrangement for engaging a torque-providing tool, to facilitate connecting the first end of the apparatus to said inlet of the water dispensing .

In an embodiment the tool engagement arrangement comprises a cavity for ing a driving part of said torque-providing tool.

In an embodiment the cavity comprises a tool-engaging region of the fluid passageway which has a non-circular transverse-cross-sectional internal shape, configured to receive said driving part of said torque-providing tool.

In an embodiment the tool-engaging region provides a non-circular transverse-crosssectional internal shape in the form of a polygon with le sides.

In an embodiment the ngaging region provides a substantially hexagonal transverse-cross-sectional internal shape.

In an embodiment the tool-engaging region is configured to receive a driving part of a hex key.

In an embodiment the fluid inlet connection arrangement comprises a male threaded In an ment the male threaded region of the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus is configured to connect to a complementary female threaded part of a compression nut.

In an ment the male threaded region of the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus is between 6 mm and 26 mm in length.

In an embodiment the male threaded region of the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus is between 6 mm and 15 mm in length.

In an ment the male ed region of the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus comprises a thread configuration with greater diameter than an M10 thread configuration.

In an embodiment the male threaded region of the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus has a diameter between 10 mm and 20 mm.

In an embodiment the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus comprises a pipereceiving part of the apparatus which extends from the second end of the apparatus to a stop arrangement.

In an embodiment the stop arrangement is provided between 5 mm and 26 mm in from the second end of the apparatus.

In an embodiment the pipe-receiving part comprises a pipe-end receiving cavity which forms part of the fluid passageway.

In an embodiment the pipe-end ing cavity is defined by an internal wall surface of the apparatus where an external wall surface of the tus provides a male threaded region of the fluid inlet connection.

In an embodiment the pipe-end receiving cavity provides a bevelled end wall part of the apparatus for bearing against an olive of a compression fitting.

In an embodiment the tus comprises a compression nut and a compression olive for connecting the second end of the apparatus to a pipe of a hard-line water According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a plumbing apparatus for ement of a flexible braided hose used to supply water to a water dispensing device, the tus comprising: a substantially rigid, elongate conduit body which defines a fluid passageway between a first end and a second end of the apparatus; wherein the substantially rigid, elongate conduit body has at the first end thereof a fluid outlet connection configured to t to a water inlet of the water dispensing device which is configured for connection to a hose connection arrangement of said le braided hose, to thereby provide a watertight tion to said inlet of said water dispensing device; and wherein the substantially rigid, elongate conduit body has at the second end thereof a fluid inlet which provides a connection configuration, configured to facilitate a sealed mechanical connection to a pipe which, in use, comprises a ine part of a water supply.

In an embodiment the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus provides a connection uration, configured to facilitate a sealed mechanical connection which comprises at least one of: a sealed compression connection, and; a sealed push fit tion; to a pipe which, in use, comprises a hard-line part of a water supply.

According to a fourth aspect of the t disclosure there is provided kit for facilitating replacement of first and second flexible braided hoses used to supply water to a water sing arrangement, the apparatus comprising: a first plumbing apparatus in accordance with either of the second or third aspects; a second ng apparatus in accordance with either of the second or third aspects.

In an embodiment the first plumbing apparatus has a greater length in the direction of elongation the elongate t body than does the second plumbing apparatus.

In an embodiment the kit comprises a first compression nut and a first compression olive for connecting the second end of the first apparatus to a pipe of a hard-line water supply, and a second compression nut and a second compression olive for connecting the second end of the second apparatus to a pipe of a hard-line water supply.

In an embodiment the kit comprises instructions for performing the method of the first aspect.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of connecting a water dispensing device to a water supply, comprising use of an apparatus in accordance with the second aspect.

According to a further aspect of the t sure there is provided a method of connecting a water dispensing device to a water supply, comprising use of a kit in ance with the third aspect.

It will be iated that features of any aspect or embodiment thereof may be incorporated mutatis mutandis into any other aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure will be described, by way of example, in the following Detailed Description of Embodiments which provides sufficient information for those d in the art to perform the ion. The Detailed Description of Embodiments is not to be ed as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary section in any way. The Detailed Description will make nce to the accompanying drawings, by way of example, in which: Figure 1 is a tic side view of an embodiment of a plumbing apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a schematic medial longitudinal cross-sectional view, on A-A, of the plumbing apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic first-end view of the plumbing apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a schematic second-end view of the plumbing apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a plumbing tus in accordance with the present disclosure; Figure 6 is a schematic medial longitudinal cross-sectional view, on A-A, of the plumbing apparatus of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a schematic side view of a compression nut for use with the plumbing apparatus of either of Figures 1 or 5; Figure 8 is a schematic medial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the compression nut of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a schematic end view of the ssion nut of Figure 7; Figure 10 is a schematic side view of a compression olive for use with the ng apparatus of either of Figures 1 or 5 and the compression nut of Figures 7 to 9; Figure 11 is a schematic medial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the compression olive of Figure 10; Figure 12 is a schematic end view of the ssion olive of Figure 10; Figure 13 is a schematic medial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the plumbing apparatus of Figure 1 with an end part of a pipe attached thereto by the compression nut of Figures 7 to 9 and the compression olive of Figures 10 o 12; Figure 14 is a schematic side view, with environment shown in cross section, of a water dispensing device in the form of a mixer tap with two flexible braided hoses attached thereto; Figure 15 is a schematic bottom plan view of the base of the mixer tap of Figure 14; Figure 16 is a schematic plan view of a horseshoe washer used to secure the mixer tap of Figure 14 in a mounted position; Figures 17 to 20 illustrate schematically steps in an embodiment of a plumbing method for replacing the flexible braided hoses of the mixer tap of Figure 14 with embodiments of apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure; Figure 21 is a schematic bottom plan view of the base of a different mixer tap to that illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, rating an alternative base configuration; and Figure 22 is a schematic plan view of a horseshoe washer used to secure a mixer tap having the base configuration rated in Figure 20.

ED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS With reference to the accompanying drawings embodiments of a plumbing method and apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure will now be described.

As illustrated in s 1 to 4, an embodiment of a plumbing apparatus, generally designated by the reference numeral 100 comprises a generally cylindrical substantially rigid, elongate conduit body 102. The conduit body 102 defines a fluid passageway 104 therein which extends therethrough, in the direction of elongation of the conduit body 102 between a first end 105 and a second end 106 of the conduit body 102. At the first end 105 of the conduit body 102 a fluid outlet connection arrangement in the form of an externally threaded outlet connection part 108 is provided. As will become evident in due course, the outlet connection part 108 is configured to ate the fluid outlet of a flexible braided hose (not shown, but included in Figures 14, 17 and 18) which a water inlet of a water dispensing device, which in this embodiment is a mixer tap (see Figures 14, 15 and 17 to 20) is configured to connect to, in order to provide a watertight connection to the hose. At the part of the outlet connection part 108 distal from the first end, the outlet connection part 108 provides a circumferential recess, which in use accommodates a sealing member in the form of an O-ring 110, to assist provision of a ight tion to the water dispensing device.

At the second end 106 of the conduit body 102 a fluid inlet connection arrangement in the form of an externally threaded inlet connection 112 is provided. The inlet connection 112 is configured to connect to an end of a pipe which forms part of a hard-line water supply, and in this embodiment to an end of a pipe which does not itself have specific connection es such as a threaded connection regions.

The pipe may be a pipe of soft (or ‘annealed’) copper, or any other suitable pipe material which provides some ability to be shaped between its tion to the rest of the hard-line water supply system (for example closer to an isolation valve) or may be a short length of vely rigid pipe (for example, but not limited to, copper pipe) which acts as a connector between the tus and the soft copper (or other material) supply pipe. Of course, other alternatives are possible, but it should be appreciated that the described embodiments allow connection of water dispending devices which are configured for use with braided flexible hoses to be ted to the water supply t any use of flexible braided hoses, so that the associated reliability problems, as discussed in the background section, can be avoided. For the es of the present disclosure, ‘hard-line’ parts are ered to include copper pipe, including soft copper pipe, and other pipes which may be regarded as rigid or semi-rigid, but which are somewhat shapable in order to allow the pipe to provide a pipework between desired points, in contrast to truly flexible hoses, such as flexible braided hoses, which are not ‘hard-line’ parts.

In the illustrated embodiment the inlet connection 112 is configured to connect to an end of a pipe which forms part of a hard-line water supply by means of a compression fitting, and to facilitate this has riate internal features, in addition to the external screw thread. As illustrated best in Figure 2, the inlet connection 112, provides a pipe-end receiving cavity 114, which is wider in transverse diameter that at least most of the rest of the fluid passageway 104. The pipe-end receiving cavity 114 terminates at its end distal from the second end 106 of the conduit body 102 at a stop arrangement, which in this embodiment is in the form of an internal shoulder 116. The nd receiving cavity 114 is open at the second end 106 of the conduit body 102, and the opening provides a bevelled (or radiused) edge 118, configured to contact a compression olive of a compression fitting. The nd ing cavity 114 is circular in transverse cross n, and configured to receive part of an olive of a compression fitting therein (in addition to the end of the pipe, as discussed above).

A part of the fluid passageway 104 which is adaxially adjacent the pipe-end receiving cavity 114, but slightly further from the second end 106, is hexagonal in transverse cross section, and configured to receive an end of a hex key, or similar torque imparting tool, and may thus be regarded as a providing a tool-engaging region 120 of the passageway 104. This facilitates rotation of the t body 102 about its longitudinal axis, which facilitates screwing the outlet connection part 108 into the water inlet of the water sing device. While ment with a hex key is considered convenient, cross sectional shapes other than hexagonal, for engagement of tools other than hex keys, could be used if desired. The toolengaging region 120 may terminate in a widened region 122 of the passageway 104 to reduce the likelihood of the tool ng wedged therein and/or to assist in ing a terminus of the tool ng region which is free from swarf, metal particles or other rable artifacts of machining.

An extension part 124 of the conduit body 102 extends between the tool-engaging region 120 and the outlet connection part 108. The extension part 124 may be substantially uniform in transverse cross-sectional shape.

Figures 5 and 6 rate an alternative embodiment, generally designated by the reference numeral 500. The ment 500 differs from the ment 100 only in that the extension part 524 of the embodiment 500 is substantially shorter than the extension part 124 of the embodiment 100, so that the ment 500 will not be tely described in detail. The difference in length assists in avoiding interference between compression nuts used to connect the second ends of the two embodiments to pipe ends, when two such apparatuses are connected to respective adjacent inlets of a water dispensing device which are close together. The difference in length particularly helps reduce the likelihood of interference when the compression nuts are tightened, by allowing the compression nuts to be offset in the longitudinal direction. It will be appreciated that the compression nuts are the widest parts of each apparatus 100, 500 and that the conduit bodies will be substantially parallel in their longitudinal ions, and spaced apart by the same distance as the distance between the inlets of the water dispending device (e.g. mixer tap). The parallel extension and rigid nature of the described embodiments dictates that the compression nuts would be close together if the fittings were the same length (in contrast to the inlet ends of flexible hoses which need not be close er in use).

As foreshadowed above, the apparatus, 100, 500, is adapted to connect to a pipe end via a compression joint. While compression joints for attaching pipes to plumbing which are suitably configured and which provide a male threaded end, are known per se and commercially available, an embodiment of a suitable ssion nut, generally designated 700 is illustrated in Figures 7 to 9, and an embodiment of a le compression olive, generally designated 1000 is illustrated in s 10 to The compression nut 700 is a hexagonal nut having a narrower opening 702 on a first side 704, sized to accept an end region of a pipe therethrough, and a cavity 706 with a female thread 708 adapted to be threaded onto the inlet connection 112 of the apparatus 100 (or the corresponding inlet tion of the apparatus 500) on a second, te, side 709.

The cavity 706 is greater in diameter than the opening 702 and the transition between the wider cavity and the narrower opening provides a part-conical abutment surface 710. The abutment surface 710 is adapted to be forced against one side of the compression olive 1000, as the compression nut is tightened onto the inlet connection 112, so that the other side of the compression olive 1000 is forced against the bevelled edge 118 of the g of the pipe-end receiving cavity 114 of plumbing apparatus 100, thereby ssing the compression olive t the pipe end and t the plumbing apparatus 100 to provide an effective and secure seal.

The compression olive 1000, as illustrated in Figures 10 to 12 is generally ring shaped defining a central, axially short, rical central void 1002 through which the pipe end extends in use. The material thickness at the axial centre of the compression olive 1000 is greater than the material thickness at the axial ends, so that the external surface of the compression olive provides a tapered or part conical outwardly facing first end e 1004 which in use engages one of the bevelled edge 118 and the abutment e 710, and a tapered or part conical outwardly facing second end surface 1006 which in use engages the other of the bevelled edge 118 and the abutment surface 710. Thus, in use, the compression olive is compressed both radially and axially, between the bevelled edge 118 and the abutment surface 710.

Figure 13 illustrates schematically, in axial, medial cross section, the compression nut 700 and compression olive 1000, in use to provide a compression joint between the apparatus 100 and a pipe end 1300.

It should be iated that although the bed embodiments are configured to utilise a compression joint, ative embodiments may be configured to utilise other forms of connection. For example, a push fit type of connection may be used at the second, inlet, end of an ative embodiment of apparatus. Push fit connections are well known per se in the plumbing industry, and an example of a push fit connection is described in US4637636A (to John D Guest), hed in 1987, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. An example embodiment of a push fit connection may, in summary, be considered to comprise a hollow body with an opening to receive a pipe, and a collet or the like, having resilient arms, which is adapted to encircle a pipe in the body to grip the pipe after it is pushed into the opening. The opening may be regarded as providing a pipereceiving part of the apparatus which can be configured to extend from the second end of the apparatus to a stop arrangement, provided by an inner end of the pipereceiving part, and to provide a pipe-end receiving cavity which forms part of the fluid passageway. The opening may provide a bevelled entry there to. A push fit connection may further comprise a cam arrangement is mounted in the body and engaged by the collet arms increase the force with which the arms bear against the pipe, and to thereby lock the tube in the body. The cam arrangement may be adapted to resist withdrawal of the pipe, and may be actuated and/or ed by manually operable member, for example by a screw engagement in the body.

As foreshadowed above, the apparatuses 100, 500 can be used to allow replacement of flexible d hoses with hard-line components.

Figure 14 rates schematically a water sing device, in the form of a mixer tap 1400, in mounted ready for use to a mounting surface 1402, which may be, for example, a work surface of kitchen cabinetry or part of a basin.

The mixer tab includes a mixer tap body 1404 which has a base 1406 located on the top of the mounting surface. Depending downwardly from the base 1406 and through a mounting hole 1408 in the ng surface 1402 there are first and second securing bolts 1410, 1412 and first and second flexible braided hoses 1414, 1416, which in use are connected to a water supply (not shown).

Figure 15 provides a schematic bottom plan view (not necessarily to scale) of the underside of the base 1406, and illustrates the first and second securing bolts 1410, 1412 which project perpendicular to a bottom surface 1418 of the base 1406, and first and second mixer tap water inlets 1420, 1422 in the form of threaded passageway openings for receiving threaded ends of the first and second flexible braided hoses 1414, 1416.

The mixer tap body 1404 is secured to the mounting surface 1402 by a retaining ring or washer 1424. An example of such a washer, in the form of a horseshoe , is illustrated in Figure 16. The washer is larger than the mounting hole 1408 which and provides respective first and second apertures 1426, 1428 for receiving the tive securing bolts 1410, 1412 therethrough. The horseshoe washer 1424 also es an opening 1430 which is open to one lateral side of the washer 1424, for e of the flexible braises hoses 1414, 1416 hrough. Locking nuts 1432, 1434 are threaded onto the securing bolts 1410, 1412 and tightened against the washer 1424, so that the mounting surface 1402 is clamped between the base 1406 and the washer 1424, thus securely mounting the mixer tap 1400 to the mounting surface 1402.

Figures 17 to 20 illustrate schematically steps in an embodiment of a plumbing method for replacing the first and second flexible braided hoses 1414, 1416 of the mixer tap 1400 of Figure 14 with embodiments of apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure.

Although in a variant it may be possible, it is considered undesirable to attempt to e the flexible braided hoses 1414, 1416 while the mixer tap 1400 remains in situ mounted to the mounting surface 1402. Thus a first step in the illustrated embodiment (after operation of any riate isolation valve and disconnection of the inlet ends of the le d hoses 1414, 1416 from the water supply) is to undo the locking nuts 1432, 1434 and remove the washer 1424 from the securing bolts 1410, 1412, as illustrated in Figure 17.

The mixer tap 1400 is then removed from the mounting surface 1402, including withdrawing the flexible braided hoses 1414, 1416 through the mounting hole 1408, as illustrated in Figure 18.

The flexible braided hoses 1414, 1416 are then disconnected from the mixer tap 1400, for example by unscrewing. The tuses 100, 500 are connected to the mixer tap inlets by threading the outlet connection parts (e.g. 108) into the inlets of the mixer tap 1400, ensuring that the O-ring is undamaged and correctly positioned. l manual connection is desirable to assist in avoiding incorrect connection, such as crossed s.

It is worth noting that some embodiments the apparatuses 100, 500 are intentionally made short in axial length to discourage attempts to attach them to the mixer tap without demounting and removal of the mixer tap, as such ts are considered to substantially increase the risk of incorrect connection. Compared to such embodiments the lengths of the apparatuses 100, 500 may be regarded as somewhat exaggerated for clarity. In some circumstances the length of at least the shorter of the two embodiments may be approximately the same as, or not much greater than, the thickness of the mounting surface 1402.

As discussed above, tightening may be performed by use of a hex key engaged with the tool-engaging region 120 of the passageway 104 of apparatus 100 (and corresponding tool-engaging region of apparatus 500). However, this does not preclude that, if desired, tightening may be performed by engagement of a suitable tool, such as suitable pliers, for example multi grip pliers, with the exterior of the apparatus 100, 500.

In an embodiment of the method the shorter embodiment 500 is used for the hot water connection and the longer embodiment 100 is used for the cold-water connection.

It is also preferred to connect the shorter embodiment 500 to the mixer tap 1400 before attaching the longer embodiment 100, as this avoids or reduces interference such as inadvertent contact of the hex key with the tus which is not being operated upon. Figure 19 shows the mixer tap 1400 at a stage in the method when the flexible d hoses 1414, 1416 have been replaced by the apparatuses 100, 500, and the mixer tap remains ted from the ng surface 1402. If desired and appropriate, prior to remounting the mixer tap 1400 on the mounting surface 1402, hard-line pipe parts (not , such as suitable lengths of soft copper pipe, may be attached to the respective second ends of the tuses 100, 500, for example using the compression fittings (or push fit arrangements) bed above. This is particularly appropriate if one or both of the tuses 100, 500 are axially short.

Figure 20 illustrates the mixer tap 1400, remounted to the mounting surface 1402 after the apparatuses 100, 500 have been connected thereto. As illustrated the securing bolts 1410, 1412 have been passed through the mounting hole 1408 and through the apertures 1426, 1428 of the washer 1424 and the g nuts 1432, 1434 have been tightened to remount the mixer tap 1400. The apparatuses 100, 500 have also been passed into, or through, the mounting hole 1408 and either the apparatuses 100, 500 themselves, or the hard-line pipe parts (not shown) attached thereto prior to ting, have been passed through the opening 1430 of the washer 1424.

The apparatuses 100, 500 can then be connected to the hard-line water supply, for example using soft copper piping, which may be attached to the apparatuses 100, 500 either before or after remounting of the tap, and which may be connected to the ine water supply, in accordance with plumbing industry standards and procedures. If hard-line (e.g. soft copper) piping parts have been attached to the apparatuses 100, 500 prior to remounting, the free ends of the hard-line piping parts can be connected to the rest of the hard-line water supply, in accordance with plumbing industry standards and procedures.

Of course, the above description of a ic embodiment is by way of example only, and many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the method may be applied to water dispensing s other than mixer taps, and an example of an alternative type of water dispensing device with which flexible braided hoses are often used is a toilet cistern.

Of course, the method is also applicable to alternative types of mixer tap to that bed above.

Again, by way of example, Figure 21 is a tic bottom plan view of the base 2100 of a different mixer tap to that illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, illustrating an alternative base uration in that only one securing bolt 2102 is provided.

Figure 22 is a tic plan view of a horseshoe washer 2200 used to secure a mixer tap having the base configuration illustrated in Figure 20, and consequently having only a single bolt aperture 2226.

Dimensions and the types of connection and screw threads used may also be varied as appropriate, including connections for nylon rather than copper pipes. However, some details of a particular embodiment consistent with the above ption will now be provided.

In a particular embodiment, for example the embodiment 100: the longer (cold water) apparatus 100 is 44.85 mm long and the shorter (hot water) apparatus 500 is 29.85 mm long; the first end outlet connection part 108 provides a metric 10M by 1mm thread, which is believed to be appropriate for most mixer tap inlet connections intended to receive a flexible braided hose; the O-ring conforms to BS903; the second end, inlet, connection 112 provides a ½ inch - 24 UNS thread for connection to the compression nut and ing to the hard-line of a water supply system; the tool-engaging region 120 is configured and ioned to receive a 6 mm hex key (sometimes known as a hex wrench or Allen key); the fluid passageway extending through the extension part 124 is 6 mm in diameter; the diameter of the pipe-end receiving cavity is about 8.1 mm, for receiving a pipe that is 8 mm in diameter, although embodiments in which the pipe-end receiving cavity is dimensioned to receive 5/16 inch, ¼ inch, and 6 mm pipes can be provided to accommodate differing requirements. gh, as stated above, having the first end outlet tion part 108 provide a metric 10M by 1mm thread is believed to be appropriate for most mixer tap inlet connections intended to receive a flexible braided hose, mixer taps (or other water dispensing devices) may provide other types and/or sizes of thread. For example, mixer taps having thread configurations suitable for receiving male threaded connectors of flexible hoses including (but not necessarily limited to) thread configurations M8, M12, 1/8 BSP, 1/4 BSP, 1/8 MP and 1/4 MP are currently commercially available and/or envisaged. ingly, alternative embodiments may provide first end outlet connection parts having any of these (or similar) thread configurations, as appropriate.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment both apparatuses comply with :2016 clause 2.3.3(c) and AS1567 C35200 material (also referred to as DR rated brass). It should be iated that alternative materials are possible, for example, lead-free brass or other brass , stainless steel, nickel/chrome plated ess steel, or a suitable plastic, with, if riate a le nickel/chrome or other surface coating, may be used.

The apparatus of the illustrated embodiments may be manufactured by CNC machining, and the planar internal surfaces that form the internal hexagonal crosssection of the tool-engaging region 120 may be formed by ing.

It will be appreciated that, as described above, two apparatuses (for example 100, 500) are used to replace the two flexible braided hoses associated with a mixer tap.

The two apparatuses may be packaged and supplied together as a kit. The kit may optionally include compression nuts and olives to facilitate attachment to the hardline water suppl, and may include instructions, for e describing how to perform the replacement described above with nce to Figures 14 to 20.

It will be appreciated that although the above detailed description has been set out with particular reference to installations in which flexible braided hoses have been previously installed, the present disclosure should be taken to include initial installation of mixer taps (or other water dispensing devices) which are intended for connection using flexible braided hoses, but using apparatus in accordance with the present sure rather than using flexible braided hoses. By way of example, an embodiment of a method for initial installation of a mixer tap may comprise the method described above for replacement of flexible braided hoses, but omitting the initial steps of removing the water dispensing device from the mounting surface and ng the flexible braided hoses.

In ance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less ic to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of” is used hout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or bed since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the

Claims (30)

1. A method of connecting a water dispensing device to a hard-line water supply, comprising: 5 disconnecting, from the water dispensing device and from the ine water supply, a flexible braided hose which provides a fluid eway between the hard-line water supply and the water dispensing device, and which has a hose connection arrangement at a first end thereof for connection to the water dispensing device to provide a substantially watertight connection between the flexible braided hose and 10 the water supply device; providing an apparatus comprising a substantially rigid, elongate conduit body which defines a fluid passageway between a first end and a second end of the apparatus, and which has at the first end of the apparatus a fluid outlet connection configured to duplicate the fluid outlet of the flexible braided hose, and thereby to provide a 15 watertight connection to an inlet of the water dispensing device which is configured for connection to the hose connection ement of the flexible braided hose; connecting the first end of the apparatus to said inlet of the water dispensing device to provide a ntially watertight connection between the apparatus and the water dispensing device; and 20 ting the second end of the apparatus to the hard-line water supply to e a fluid connection between the hard-line water supply and the water dispensing device which does not e any length of flexible braided hose.

2. A method according to claim 1, n the water dispensing device is a mixer tap. 25

3. A method according to either preceding claim, wherein the method comprises removing the water supply device from a mounted on prior to connecting the first end of the apparatus to said inlet of the water dispensing .

4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said connecting the second end of the apparatus to the hard-line water supply comprises use of a 30 compression connection.

5. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said connecting the second end of the apparatus to the hard-line water supply comprises connecting the second end of the apparatus to soft copper tubing, and arranging the soft copper tubing to extend at least some of the distance between the second end of the 5 apparatus and the hard-line water supply.

6. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid outlet connection of the apparatus comprises a male threaded region comprising an M10 thread configuration.

7. A method according to any preceding claim, n the apparatus that is 10 provided is in accordance with any of claims 9 to 25.

8. A method ing to any preceding claim, wherein the method comprises: disconnecting, from the water dispensing device and from the hard-line water supply, a hot-water flexible braided hose and a cold water flexible braided hose, which e respective fluid passageways between respective hot- and cold-water hard- 15 line water supplies and the water dispensing device; providing respective hot- and cold-water apparatuses, each comprising a substantially rigid, elongate conduit body which defines a fluid eway between a first end and a second end of the respective and each of which has at the first end of the apparatus a fluid outlet tion configured to duplicate the fluid outlet of 20 the respective flexible braided hose; connecting the first end of each respective tus to respective hot- and ter inlets of the water dispensing device to provide a substantially watertight connections between the apparatus and the water dispensing device; and connecting the second end of each respective apparatus to respective hot and cold- 25 water hard-line water es to provide respective a fluid connections between the hard-line water supplies and the water dispensing device which do not e any length of flexible d hose.

9. A ng apparatus for replacement of a flexible braided hose used to supply water to a water dispensing device, the apparatus comprising: a substantially rigid, te conduit body which s a fluid passageway between a first end and a second end of the apparatus; wherein the apparatus has at the first end f a fluid outlet connection configured to duplicate the fluid outlet connection of a flexible braided hose, and thereby to 5 provide a watertight connection to an inlet of a water dispensing device which is configured for connection to a hose connection arrangement of said le braided hose.

10. A plumbing apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein the apparatus comprises a fluid inlet connection arrangement provided at the second end of the 10 ntially rigid, elongate conduit body, which is adapted to provide a substantially water tight connection to a pipe which is substantially ar in cross section.

11. A plumbing tus in accordance with either of claims 9 or 10 wherein the fluid outlet connection of the apparatus comprises a male threaded region configured to connect to a complementary female threaded inlet connection of the water 15 dispensing device.

12. A plumbing apparatus in accordance with any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the fluid outlet connection of the tus comprises an annular sealing member, which comprises an .

13. A plumbing apparatus in accordance with any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the 20 elongate conduit body is formed substantially or primarily from brass.

14. A plumbing tus in accordance with any of claims 9 to 13, wherein the apparatus is manufactured by CNC ing.

15. A plumbing apparatus in accordance with any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the substantially rigid, elongate conduit body is between 20 mm and 70 mm in length. 25

16. A plumbing apparatus in accordance with any of claims 9 to 15, wherein the apparatus provides a tool engagement arrangement for engaging a torque-providing tool, to facilitate connecting the first end of the apparatus to said inlet of the water sing device, the tool engagement arrangement comprising a tool-engaging region of the fluid passageway which has a non-circular transverse-cross-sectional 30 internal shape, configured to receive said driving part of said torque-providing tool.

17. A plumbing apparatus in accordance with any of claims 9 to 16, wherein the male threaded region of the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus is configured to connect to a complementary female threaded part of a ssion nut.

18. A ng apparatus in accordance with any of claims 9 to 17, wherein the 5 male threaded region of the fluid inlet connection at the second end of the apparatus comprises a thread configuration with greater diameter than an M10 thread configuration.

19. A plumbing apparatus in accordance with any of claims 9 to 18, wherein the fluid inlet tion of the apparatus comprises a pipe-receiving part of the 10 apparatus which extends from the second end of the apparatus to a stop arrangement.

20. A plumbing apparatus in accordance with claim 19, wherein the fluid inlet connection of the apparatus is configured to facilitate at least one of: a sealed compression tion, and; a sealed push fit connection, to a pipe which 15 comprises a hard-line part of a water supply.

21. A plumbing apparatus in accordance with either of claims 19 or 20, wherein the pipe-receiving part comprises a pipe-end receiving cavity which forms part of the fluid eway.

22. A plumbing apparatus in accordance with claim 21, wherein the pipe-end 20 ing cavity is defined by an internal wall surface of the apparatus where an external wall surface of the apparatus provides a male threaded region of the fluid inlet tion.

23. A plumbing apparatus in accordance with either of claims 21 or 22, wherein the pipe-end receiving cavity provides a bevelled end wall part of the apparatus for 25 bearing against an olive of a compression fitting.

24. A plumbing apparatus in accordance with any of claims 9 to 23, wherein the apparatus comprises a compression nut and a ssion olive for connecting the second end of the apparatus to a pipe of a hard-line water supply.

25. A ng tus for replacement of a flexible braided hose used to supply 30 water to a water dispensing device, the apparatus comprising: a substantially rigid, elongate conduit body which defines a fluid passageway between a first end and a second end thereof; wherein the substantially rigid, elongate t body has at the first end thereof a fluid outlet connection configured to connect to a water inlet of the water dispensing 5 device which is ured for connection to a hose connection arrangement of said flexible braided hose, to thereby provide a watertight connection to said inlet of said water dispensing device; and wherein the substantially rigid, elongate conduit body has at the second end thereof a fluid inlet which provides a connection configuration, configured to facilitate a 10 sealed mechanical connection to a pipe which, in use, comprises a hard-line part of a water .

26. A kit for facilitating replacement of first and second le braided hoses used to supply water to a water dispensing arrangement, the tus comprising: a first plumbing apparatus in accordance with any of claims 9 to 25; and 15 a second plumbing apparatus in accordance with any of claims 9 to 25.

27. A kit in accordance with claim 26, wherein the first plumbing apparatus has a r length in the direction of elongation of the elongate conduit body than does the second plumbing apparatus.

28. A kit in accordance with either of claims 26 or 27, wherein the kit comprises a 20 first compression nut and a first compression olive for ting the second end of the first apparatus to a pipe of a hard-line water , and a second compression nut and a second compression olive for connecting the second end of the second apparatus to a pipe of a hard-line water supply.

29. A kit in accordance with any of claims 26 to 28, wherein the kit comprises 25 instructions for ming the method of any of claims 1 to 8.

30. A method of connecting a water dispensing device to a water supply, comprising use of an apparatus in accordance with any of claims 9 to 25 and/or a kit in accordance with any of claims 26 to 29.