WO2012007749A1

WO2012007749A1 - Plumbing apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2012007749A1
Application number: PCT/GB2011/051309
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen W. Finlay
Original assignee: Finlay Stephen W
Priority date: 2010-07-12
Filing date: 2011-07-12
Publication date: 2012-01-19
Also published as: GB201011697D0; GB2481981A

Abstract

A plumbing apparatus for fixing the position of a component which is to be connected to a conduit, the component having an annular portion for receiving the conduit, the plumbing apparatus comprising: a collar member which is connectable or connected to the annular portion, the collar member comprising a recess; and first and second planar plate members, each member having an aperture extending through the plane and configured to receive the annular portion and connected collar member, wherein the second plate member is slidable relative to the first plate member to engage with the recess of the collar member to fix the position of the component relative to the first plate member.

Description

PLUMBING APPARATUS

The present invention relates to plumbing apparatus. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to fitting taps to water pipes when there is limited access, such as for the fitting of bath taps.

It is well known that the fitting of bath taps and connecting them to the water supply can be problematic for a number of reasons. Conventionally, the tap must be secured to the bath by fastening a nut until it reaches the underside of the bath surface. It must then be connected to the water pipe, either using a threaded or a push fit connection. However, there is limited space under the bath to carry out these tasks and there may be a number of water or drainage pipes within the space. The conventional method of tightening a nut by rotating a spanner about a vertical axis can be difficult or even impossible. Certain tools, such as a basin spanner or crowfoot spanner, have been developed to assist in the task, but the task remains difficult in many applications. Also, it is often necessary to hold the tap above the bath to prevent it from rotating while fastening the nut below, and this can be awkward to perform. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a plumbing apparatus for fixing the position of a component which is to be connected to a conduit, the component having an annular portion for receiving the conduit, the plumbing apparatus comprising:

a collar member which is connectable or connected to the annular portion, the collar member comprising a recess; and

first and second planar plate members, each member having an aperture extending through the plane and configured to receive the annular portion and connected collar member,

wherein the second plate member is slidable relative to the first plate member to engage with the recess of the collar member to fix the position of the component relative to the first plate member. The plumbing apparatus may be configured for fixing the position of a tap valve having a tail portion for connecting to a pipe, hose or the like. The first plate member may be attachable or attached to an item so that the position of the component is fixed relative to the item. The item may comprise a bath or sink. The tap valve may be a water tap to be fixed in position at a bath or sink.

The collar member may be annular. The collar member may have an internal thread for connecting to an outer threaded annular portion of the component. The collar may include a head portion, such as a hexagonal head portion, for fastening the collar member to the annular portion. The collar member may include an aperture for receiving a fastener, such as a grub screw, for fixing the rotational position of the collar member relative to the annular portion. Alternatively, the collar member may comprise a portion of the component. The collar member may comprise the annular portion of the component, such as the tail of a tap valve.

The recess may extend around the circumference of the collar member. Alternatively, the recess may be provided at only one circumferential location of the collar member. A plurality of recesses may be provided at different circumferential positions of the collar member. The recess may be positionable at an appropriate location for receiving the second plate member. One or more spacers or a biasing member may be provided to allow the recess to be at the correct axial position for receiving the second plate member when fastened to the annular portion.

The first and second plate members may be parallel. The second plate member may be slidable relative to the first member in a direction which is parallel to the plane of the first and second plate members. The second plate member may be slidable relative to the first member between a first position in which the apertures of the first and second plate members are aligned and a second position in which an edge of the aperture of the second plate member extends into the aperture of the first plate member to engage the recess.

The aperture of the second plate member may have at least one straight edge portion for engaging the recess. Alternatively, the aperture of the second plate member may be circular in profile. The recess may have a crescent profile for receiving the circular edge of the aperture of the second plate member.

The first plate member may define a sleeve for receiving the second plate member. Alternatively, the first plate member may include guide means for permitting movement of the second plate member relative to the first plate member in only one direction.

The second plate member may be pullable away from the first plate member towards the second position. Alternatively, the second plate member may be pushable towards the first plate member and the second position. A handle member may be provided at the second plate member.

Each of the first and second planar plate members may have a second aperture extending through the plane and spaced apart in the direction of the plane from the first aperture. The plumbing apparatus may include a second collar member having a recess and which is connectable or connected to the annular portion of a second component. The second aperture may be configured to receive the annular portion and connected second collar member of the second component.

The second plate member may be slidable relative to the first plate member to engage with the recess of both the first and second collar members to fix the position of both the first and second components relative to the first plate member.

The plumbing apparatus may be attachable to a second component, such as a bath or sink unit, using attachment means. The attachment means may comprise an adhesive for bonding the bath or sink unit or may comprise one or more fasteners.

The attachment means may be adjustable. This allows a watertight seal to be created between the taps and the contact surface of the bath or sink unit. The attachment means may comprise a pressure plate which is movable to contact the contact surface of the bath or sink unit.

The attachment means may be provided at the first plate member. The attachment means may extend through the first and second plate members. The second plate member may include a slot to allow the attachment means to extend through the second plate member regardless of the position of the second plate member relative to the first plate member. Accordingly to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of fixing the position of a component which is to be connected to a conduit, the component having an annular portion for receiving the conduit, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a collar member comprising a recess at the annular portion; inserting the annular portion and collar member into each aperture of a first and a second planar plate member, each aperture extending through the plane of the plate member; and

sliding the second plate member relative to the first plate member such that the second plate member engages with the recess of the collar member to fix the position of the component relative to the first plate member. The method may include attaching the first plate member to an item, such as a bath or sink, so that the position of the component is fixed relative to the item.

The method may include providing a spacer or a biasing member at the annular portion interposing the body of the component and the collar member to locate the recess at the appropriate circumferential position for receiving the second plate member.

The method may include providing each of the first and second planar plate members with a second aperture extending through the plane and spaced apart in the direction of the plane from the first aperture. The method may include providing a second collar member having a recess at the annular portion of a second component. The method may include inserting the annular portion and collar member of the second component into each second aperture of the first and second planar plate member.

The method may include sliding the second plate member relative to the first plate member to engage with the recess of both the first and second collar members to fix the position of both the first and second components relative to the first plate member.

According to third aspect of the present invention there is provided a tap valve including a collar member in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

According to fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a bath or sink unit including first and second plate members in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a tap valve and a collar of a first embodiment of the plumbing apparatus; Figure 2 is a front view of the collar of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a plan view of first and second plate members in a first position; Figure 4 is a plan view of first and second plate members in a second position;

Figure 5 is a plan view of the second plate member of Figures 3 and 4;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a tap valve and a second embodiment of the plumbing apparatus;

Figure 7 is an exploded view of the tap valve and plumbing apparatus of Figure 6.

Figure 1 shows a component in the form of a tap valve 100 which has an annular portion in the form of an externally threaded tail 102 for connecting to a water pipe. A collar 20 of a plumbing apparatus 10 according to the invention is shown threaded to the tail in Figure 1 and shown separately in Figure 2. The collar 20 is cylindrical and includes a recess 22 at two circumferential positions (front and back of the collar with respect to the orientation of the tap 100). A hexagonal head 24 is also provided for fastening and unfastening the collar 20.

In this embodiment, the collar 20 is a separate component which is fastened to the tail 102. However, a tap valve could be provided which includes the collar feature. Figures 3 and 4 show first 30 and second 40 planar plates, with the second plate 40 shown separately in Figure 5. Each plate has a first 32, 42 and a second 34, 44 aperture extending through the plane of the plate. All of the apertures are generally of the same size and are sized to allow insertion of the tail 102 and collar 20. However, each aperture of the second plate 40 has a keyed portion 46 provided at the side of the aperture. At a first position, when the two plates overlie each other, each aperture of the first plate 30 aligns with an aperture of the second plate 40. The term "plate" is used as the plates have a length and width which are large relative to the depth. However, the first plate 30 is in fact a shallow box and forms a sleeve for the second plate 40. The second plate 40 is slidable within the sleeve. The second plate 40 includes a handle for pulling the plate. The plumbing apparatus can be used for fixing the position of two tap valves (hot and cold water) to a bath or sink. In this embodiment, the double aperture plates accommodate both taps. However, single aperture plates could be provided for the fitting of a single tap. In use, a collar 20 is first fastened to the tail 102 of each of the two tap valves 100. The collar is fastened so that the recesses of each collar 20 are positioned at a front and back of the tap valve 100, as shown in Figure 1 . If, when the collar 20 has been fully fastened, the recess is not in the correct position, one or more spacers or a spring mechanism can be used, between the collar 20 and the main body 106 of the tap 100, so that the recess is at the correct position when the collar 20 has been fully fastened.

Each tail 102 and collar 20 are then inserted into the aperture of the bath unit until the base 104 of the main body 106 abuts the upper surface of the bath unit. With the first and second plates at the first position, the plates are then introduced to the two tails 102 so that the tails extend through the apertures. The second plate 40 is then slid relative to the first plate 30. This causes the straight edges of the keyed portion 46 of each aperture of the second plate 40 to engage with each recess 22 of the collars 20, as shown in Figure 4. This fixes the position of the taps 100 relative to the first plate 30 and therefore the bath unit.

The taps 100 are therefore fixed in position without using a conventional nut fastened to the tail 102. This avoids the need to use a spanner in a confined space to tighten the nut. Also, the plate members provide a structural link between the two taps 102 which prevents rotation of the taps when the nut is being fastened to the water pipe.

Furthermore, if push fit connections are used between the tail 102 and water pipe, there is no requirement to use a spanner during fitting. If a single aperture plate is being used, the plate can be attached to the under-surface of the bath unit, such as using an adhesive. Alternatively, bath units could be provided which include the plate or plates at the under-surface of the bath unit. Figures 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of the invention. Like features are given like reference numerals.

As before, a collar 20 is screwed to the tail 102 of the tap valve 100. In this embodiment, a grub screw can be used to align the rotational position of the collar 20 relative to the tap valve 100. This is only required for single tap applications. A pipe fixing 26 is then screwed to the tail 102. This can be relatively long to facilitate removal of a push fit fixing. The assembly is then inserted through the bath aperture and the apertures of the first 30 and second 40 plates. The second plate 40 is slid relative to the first plate 30 to lock the tap valve 100 in place. Attachment means in the form of an adjustable pressure plate 50 can then be adjusted to form a seal.

Whilst specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that departures from the described embodiments may still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1 . A plumbing apparatus for fixing the position of a component which is to be connected to a conduit, the component having an annular portion for receiving the conduit, the plumbing apparatus comprising:

wherein the second plate member is slidable relative to the first plate member to engage with the recess of the collar member to fix the position of the component relative to the first plate member.

2. A plumbing apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured for fixing the position of a tap valve having a tail portion for connecting to a pipe or hose.

3. A plumbing apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the first plate member is attachable or attached to an item so that the position of the component is fixed relative to the item.

4. A plumbing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the collar member is annular and has an internal thread for connecting to an outer threaded annular portion of the component.

5. A plumbing apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the collar member comprises a portion of the component and comprises the annular portion of the component.

6. A plumbing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the recess extends around the circumference of the collar member.

7. A plumbing apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein a recess is provided at one or more discrete circumferential locations of the collar member.

8. A plumbing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, including one or more spacers or a biasing member to allow the recess to be at the correct axial position for receiving the second plate member when fastened to the annular portion.

9. A plumbing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second plate members are parallel.

10. A plumbing apparatus as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the second plate member is slidable relative to the first member in a direction which is parallel to the plane of the first and second plate members.

1 1 . A plumbing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second plate member is slidable relative to the first member between a first position in which the apertures of the first and second plate members are aligned and a second position in which at least one edge of the aperture of the second plate member extends into the aperture of the first plate member to engage the recess.

12. A plumbing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the aperture of the second plate member has at least one straight edge portion for engaging the recess.

13. A plumbing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first plate member defines a sleeve for receiving the second plate member.

14. A plumbing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each of the first and second planar plate members include a second aperture extending through the plane and spaced apart in the direction of the plane from the first aperture.

15. A plumbing apparatus as claimed in Claim 14, including a second collar member having a recess and which is connectable or connected to the annular portion of a second component.

16. A plumbing apparatus as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the second aperture is configured to receive the annular portion and connected second collar member of the second component.

17. A plumbing apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the second plate member is slidable relative to the first plate member to engage with the recess of both the first and second collar members to fix the position of both the first and second components relative to the first plate member.

18. A method of fixing the position of a component which is to be connected to a conduit, the component having an annular portion for receiving the conduit, the method comprising the steps of:

sliding the second plate member relative to the first plate member such that the second plate member engages with the recess of the collar member to fix the position of the component relative to the first plate member.

19. A method as claimed in Claim 18, including attaching the first plate member to an item so that the position of the component is fixed relative to the item.

20. A method as claimed in Claim 18 or 19, including providing a spacer or a biasing member at the annular portion interposing the body of the component and the collar member to locate the recess at the appropriate circumferential position for receiving the second plate member.

21 . A method as claimed in any of Claims 18 to 20, including providing each of the first and second planar plate members with a second aperture extending through the plane and spaced apart in the direction of the plane from the first aperture.

22. A method as claimed in Claim 21 , including providing a second collar member having a recess at the annular portion of a second component.

23. A method as claimed in Claim 22, including inserting the annular portion and collar member of the second component into each second aperture of the first and second planar plate member.

24. A method as claimed in Claim 22 or 23, including sliding the second plate member relative to the first plate member to engage with the recess of both the first and second collar members to fix the position of both the first and second components relative to the first plate member.