WO2014043749A1

WO2014043749A1 - Improvements in shower recesses and water distribution apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2014043749A1
Application number: PCT/AU2013/001060
Authority: WO
Inventors: Collin OPWALD
Original assignee: Maliform Pty. Ltd.
Priority date: 2012-09-18
Filing date: 2013-09-18
Publication date: 2014-03-27
Also published as: AU2013204303A1

Abstract

An apparatus is provided which allows for delivery of a supply of water, at controlled pressure/volume flow and temperature, including a mixer tap assembly (240) which is in fluid connection with supplies of both hot and cold water, and control means (250) operable to selectively and controllably actuate the mixer tap assembly to vary as desired the pressure/volume and temperature of the flow of water exiting the apparatus. The apparatus is especially suited for use in or with a shower recess on other bathing facility.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN SHOWER RECESSES AND WATER

DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general terms, to an improved shower recess or the like bathing/cleansing facility, and to an apparatus associated therewith for the controlled dispensing of water More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an improved apparatus, for use in such a shower recess or the like facility, which allows for the controlled distribution of water at a variable and/or desired temperature and pressure, with such apparatus being able to be actuated from either internally or externally of the shower recess or facility itself.

Throughout the following specification reference will be made to a particular and preferred embodiment of the present invention, for use in or as part of what is nowadays commonly or conventionally referred to as a shower recess or shower cubicle. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is under no circumstances to be considered to be limited to any preferred embodiment, or embodiments, described and/or referred to herein. Indeed an improved apparatus for dispensing water at a controlled yet variable rate of flow (pressure) and a controlled and yet variable temperature, in accordance with the present invention, lends itself to usage in a different variety of situations, locations and circumstances, as for example in baths and wash-basins, kitchen sinks, indeed any locale where a supply of water at an elevated temperature may be desired or required.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Shower recesses or the like facilities are commonplace these days. Whether in the home, in sporting pavilions/change rooms, in swimming pools and the like and/or in commercial offices and the like (to allow for workers/staff who engage in some form of physical exercise/pastime to clean/refresh themselves before returning to their work duties), such facilities are in increasing demand. Conventionally such facilities include, as principal components and housed within a suitable area, hereinafter termed "a shower enclosure or recess", a shower rose or the equivalent which is in fluid connection or communication with a supply of both hot and cold water, as well as a means - whether in the form of two taps (one for hot water and one for cold water supply), or a mixer tap or the like, which allows the user, once within the facility, to control or manipulate both the volume/pressure of flow and the temperature thereof to the rose for use. With existing facilities, the tap or the like control means is disposed to extend through a wall of the shower recess or facilities and in practical terms is only able to be actuated once the user is within the recess itself (or alternatively is able to reach into the recess). To minimise splashing, etc. the preferred practice is for the user to enter the recess, (if there is a door) and then go through the procedure of adjusting the volume and temperature of water flow to suit the user's needs. When the user has completed his/her shower, the reverse procedure is followed which results in reversal of the tap or other control means to turn off the flow of water, again whilst the user is still within the recess or enclosure itself. Conventionally, or more traditionally, a shower recess or facility will include respective hot and cold water taps, which the user has to turn off in sequence. More modem facilities, however, may have what are referred to as mixer taps, with a single tap protruding through the shower wall and the mechanics for mixing hot and cold supplies of water being located behind that wall. Circumstances have been known wherein, due to accident/inadvertence, a person within a shower recess or assembly has been scalded or burnt by incorrect turning on and/or off of the supply of hot water.

The present invention seeks to overcome the problems and disadvantages associated with the known art by providing an apparatus which allows for the user to selectively control the pressure/volume and the temperature of water flow via a shower rose into a shower recess or the like facility regardless of whether that user is located externally or internally of that shower enclosure or facility itself. The arrangement in accordance with the present invention, in an especially preferred embodiment, will also include means which will ensure that at no stage will the user be impinged upon by a flow of water at a temperature which is likely to give rise to damage to that user, as by burning or scalding. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided An apparatus for the controlled delivery of a supply of water to a workspace, said apparatus including: a mixer tap assembly, in fluid communication with independent supplies/inputs of hot and cold water, said mixer tap assembly being operable to deliver a flow of water at a desired temperature and pressure/volume to an outlet therefor; and control means associated with said mixer tap assembly and operable to allow for variation and control of either or both of the volume/pressure of water delivered to said outlet and/or the temperature of said water delivered to said outlet. In accordance with another aspect of present invention, therefore, there is provided a shower enclosure or the like facility, including: a rose; and means which allows for selective variation/control of the

volume/pressure and/or temperature of water exiting said rose, such variation/control being able lo be exercised from either internally or externally of the shower enclosure or the like facility. In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect reference will now be made to preferred embodiments of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention. The ensuing description is given by way of non-limitative example only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG.l is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment of Fig.1; FIG. 3 is a close-up view of a column of the apparatus in accordance with the invention, to be associated with a shower enclosure and to , house the apparatus;

FIG. 4 is an exploded sectional view of the column as shown in

Fig. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view along the line 5-5 of Fig.4;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an apparatus in accordance with this embodiment of the invention, as to be housed within the column of Fig.3;

FIG.7 is a view, similar to Fig.1 , but of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the embodiment of Fig.7;

FIG. 9 is a part sectional view of the apparatus in accordance with this embodiment of the invention for controlled dispensing of hot and cold water;

FIG.10 is a view from the rear of the embodiment of Fig.9;

FIG.l 1 is a top view of the embodiment of Figs.9 and 10;

FIG.12 is a sectional view taken along the line 12-12 in Fig.l 1 ;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.14 is a view of a further embodiment of a control apparatus in accordance with the present invention, shown mounted to a wail of a shown enclosure or recess; FIG.15 is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG.14;

FIG.16 is a further exploded view of the embodiment of FIG.15;

FIG.17 is a view of a further embodiment of a control apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG.18 is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG.l 7;

FIG.19 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of

FIG.17, and

FIG.20 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.17. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows one preferred embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention. There is shown a shower recess or the like, generally designated 1, such being of any suitable size and shape

(dimensions) and including a rose 2, again of any known type. With this embodiment the control means for controlling the volume and temperature of water exiting the rose 2 is housed within a column 3 which, in use. has a door, a glass partition or access means 4 for the shower recess 1 co-operating therewith in any known manner. The control means or mechanism mcludes an internal handle or lever 5 and an external handle or lever 6, protruding inwardly and outwardly respectfully from the column 3 of the shower recess 1 as shown. Such handles or levers 5 and 6 function in a manner to be described in more detail hereinafter. The arrangement includes suitable piping or conduit 7 for water extending between the rose 2 and the column 3 (shown in phantom)

As shown more clearly in FIG.2 the shower recess 1 includes a drain or the like means 8 to allow for egress/drainage of water therefrom. Tuming then to FIG.3, such shows a close - up view of the column 3 housing the control mechanism or apparatus in accordance with the present invention. The column 3 can be of any suitable cross-sectional shape, and made from any suitable material, as for example aluminium or, in another preferment, of a plastics material. It should be understood, however, that neither the material of construction of the column 3 nor the shape and configuration thereof are of the essence of the invention. The column 3 includes, at or in the vicinity of the uppermost or top end thereof, means 10 which are adapted in use to receive and releasably retain the shower rose 2 and associated plumbing/conduit 7. Such may be achi eved using any known means therefor.

The column 3 has associated therewith, and movable relative thereto, the internal and external operating handles or levers 5 and 6 respectively. Each of these preferably has associated therewith means intended to prevent ingress of water into the column 3 itself. In the preferred embodiment illustrated such is in the form of a shaped cover 1 1 which extends around at least part of the circumference of the column 3 and may be affixed thereto in any known manner and using any known means

Turning then to FIG.4, the column 3 has housed therewithin (shown in phantom) a mixer-tap 12 or the equivalent (any known and in use type), to allow for controlled mixing of hot and cold water to suit the requirements of the user. With this preferred arrangement movement of handles or levers 5 and 6 upwardly or downwardly, in the direction of the arrows, allows for control of the volume of flow of water to the rose 2 via the associated piping or conduit 7. On the other hand, movement of the handles or levers 5 and 6 in a substantially horizontal direction allows the user to vary/control the temperature of the water exiting the mixer tap 12 and passing to the rose 2 for use.

FIG.5 is a sectional view showing a mechanism in accordance with the invention for controlling the volume and temperature of water flow. The mixer tap 12 includes means 13 and 14 which are to be connected respectively to a supply of hot and cold water, as well as an outlet means 15 for the mixed water at the desired temperature, such to be in fluid communication with the rose 2 in any known manner and using any known means. A connecting member 16 interconnects the opposed handles or levers 5 and 6 and the mixer tap 12. In an especially preferred embodiment there may also be included a gland (or the equivalent).

FIG.6 then shows, in expanded or exploded view, the overall mechanism (including piping or ducting) which is to be housed within the column 3. The embodiment shown is suited for usage with two adjacent shower recesses, with the exit or outlet conduit 15 from the mixer tap 13 extending upwardly to a two-outlet junction 20.

FIGS. 7 to 13 show a further preferred embodiment of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention. As in the embodiment of

FIGS. 1 to 6 there is shown a shower recess or the like, generally designated 100, such being of any suitable size and shape (dimensions) and including a rose 101, again of any known type. With this embodiment the control means for controlling the volume and temperature of water exiting the rose 101 is boused within a column 102 which, in use, has a door, a glass partition or access means 103 for the shower recess 100 co-operating therewith in any known manner. The control means or mechanism includes an internal handle or lever 104 and an external handle or lever 105, protruding inwardly and outwardly respectfully from the column 3 of the shower recess 100 as shown. Such handles or levers 104 and 105 function in a manner to be described in more detail hereinafter. The arrangement includes suitable piping or conduit for the water 106 extending between the rose 2 and the column 3 (shown in phantom).

As shown the shower recess 101 includes a drain or the like means 107 to allow for egress/drainage of water therefrom. Tuming then to FIG.9, such shows a close - up view of the column 102 housing the control mechanism or apparatus in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The column 102 can be of any suitable cross-sectional shape, and made from any suitable material, as for example aluminium or, in another preferment, of a plastics material. It should be understood, however, that neither the material of construction of the column 102 nor the shape and configuration thereof are of the essence of the invention. The column 102 includes, at or in the vicinity of the uppermost or top end thereof, means (not shown) which is adapted in use, to receive and releasably retain the shower rose 101 and associated piping/conduit 106. Such may be achieved using any known means therefor.

The column 102 has associated therewith, and movable relative thereto, the internal and external operating handles or levers 104 and 105 respectively. Each of these preferably has associated therewith means intended to prevent ingress of water into the column 102 itself. In the preferred embodiment illustrated such is in the form of a shaped cover 107 which extends around at least part of the circumference of the column 102. In accordance with this preferred embodiment the column 102 includes, housed within as shown, two rack and pinion assemblies made up of rack 110 associated with the movable cover 107 of the internal handle or lever 104 and co-operating with a pinion 111 which, in turn is in drive connection with a further pinion 112 adapted, in use, to be in driving engagement and cooperate with a rack 113 associated with the movable cover 107 of the external handle or lever 105. In the preferred embodiment illustrated the pinion 111 functions to control the pressure/volume of flow of hot water from a supply thereof, whilst the other pinion 112 performs a similar function with a supply of cold water. The pinions 111 and 112 therefore function as controllable means for hot and cold water respectively.

The column 102, as shown for example in FIG.10, has associated therewith and extending therethrough piping/conduit 113, 114 in flow connection with supplies of hot and cold water respectively. The supply of mixed water, at the desired temperature, is then directed to the shower recess and rose 101 via piping/conduit 115.

FIG.l 1 is a sectional view showing the mechanism in accordance with the invention for controlling the volume/pressure and temperature of water flow,

FIG.12 then shows a cross-sectional view of the control apparatus in accordance with the present invention, with the pinions 111 and 112 offset. In FIGS . 14 to 20 there are as shown views of further preferred embodiments of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention, for controlling both the pressure or volume of flow and the actual temperature of water for use in a shower enclosure or recess 200. There is shown a wall 201 of such a shower enclosure or recess 200, in this instance including an array or tiles 202, of glass, ceramic or other suitable material. Disposed rearwardly of that wall 201 , and not shown, in accordance with standard plumbing practices will be conduits/pipes which are to be connected to sources/supplies of hot and cold water respectively. As with the earlier-described embodiments, but not shown in FIGS. 14 to 20 of the drawings, the shower recess 200 will include a shower rose or water outlet (of any known type). Suitable piping or conduits will be disposed behind the wall 201 , from the supplies of hot and cold water to the rose via the overall control apparatus.

The control apparatus in accordance with this preferred embodiment includes, as principal components, a wall plate 210 (in accord with conventional plumbing practices), tap body 220, co-operating sealing means 230, tap mixer or mixer tap assembly 240, control means 250 and end cap 260, such to be mutually disposed and interconnected as shown. The tap mixer or mixer tap assembly 240 may be of any known type, designed and intended to allow for selective and controlled variation of the flow of water - in terms of both its pressure and temperature - to the shower recess 200. As shown in the drawings the control means 250 includes an elongate member 251 which is attached, either releasably or fixedly, at each end thereof to a knob 252 or the like. The elongate member 251 has a shaped aperture 253 disposed substantially half-way along the length thereof and extending at least partially therethrough.

The mixer tap assembly 240 includes a shaped stem or spigot 241 which is adapted, in use, to be located within the aperture 253 of elongate member 251 of the control means 250. With particular reference to the drawings, for example, the arrangement is such that the control means or handle assembly 250 is movable selectively either transversely and/or rotatably. If moved transversely, in the direction of the arrows A-A as by the imposition of force (manually) to one of the knobs 252, then the stem or spigot 241 will be similarly moved whereby to allow for variation/adaptation of the volume of flow of water passing through the overall apparatus to the rose of the shower recess 200. If, on the other hand, the control means or handle 250 is rotated, in the direction of the arrows B-B, then such will rotate the stem or spigot 241 , to allow for

variation/adaptation of the respective flows of hot and cold water, thereby to allow for variation of the temperature of water exiting the rose into the shower recess 200.

One problem associated with the prior art arrangements is that, both when the supply of water is firstly initiated or is to cease or be interrupted, care needs to be taken to avoid unnecessary and undesirable scalding of the occupant of the shower enclosure. By way of example, when the user first uses the shower recess 200, if he/she inadvertently first turns on the supply of hot water - as could be done for example by a young child - the water exiting the rose may be at a temperature sufficiently high to cause damage, as by scalding. Alternatively, if when turning off the shower or tap the occupant accidentally or inadvertently turns off the supply of cold water fust, then the occupant could again be damaged/scalded.

The present invention overcomes this problem by ensuring that. when the supply of water is initiated, it firstly is cold water wliich passes to me rose and shower recess, with the temperature of the water in that flow being progressively increased, by adding a flow of hot water thereto, and also that, when the shower is being turned off, it is the supply of hot water which is first reduced in volume. Such, in an especially preferred embodiment, may be achieved by the selective use of half or quarter turn valves of any known type. With the arrangement of the present invention, the overall tap or dispensing apparatus has been designed to employ a seal (of any given type) between the tap handle or control means and the wall 201 of the shower recess or facility (made up of tiles or the like 202). Preferably the seal is of a rubber material, but it should be understood that the actual material of construction is not of the essence of the invention. The handle or control means 230 can be operated - either transversely and/or rotatably as described and shown - and the seal and sealing effect is maintained between the tap body and the wall/tiles due to the substantially spherical shape of such body.

Finally it is to be understood that the aforegoing description refers merely to preferred embodiments of the invention, and that variations and modifications will be possible thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the ambit of which is to be determined from the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for the controlled delivery of a supply of water to a workspace, said apparatus including: a mixer tap assembly, in fluid communication with independent supplies/inputs of hot and cold water, said mixer tap assembly being operable to deliver a flow of water at a desired temperature and pressure/volume to an outlet therefor; and control means associated with said mixer tap assembly and operable to allow for variation and control of either or both of the volume/pressure of water delivered to said outlet and/or the temperature of said water delivered to said outlet.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , further including means for reieasably attaching said apparatus to a surface of said workspace.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , further including a tap body assembly, made up of a tap body part and a mating end cap member, which tap body assembly is adapted to receive and reieasably retain said mixer tap assembly and said control means.

4. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 3 wherein said mixer tap assembly includes a shaped spigot which is adapted, in use, to co-operate with said control means.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said control means includes an elongate member having an aperture or discontinuity disposed substantially half-way along dimension the length thereof, said aperture or discontinuity being adapted to receive and reieasably retain said spigot of said mixer tap assembly.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said elongate member includes a gripping means at each end thereof.

7. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said control means is selectively and controllably rotatable, to actuate said mixer tap assembly whereby to allow for variation and/or control the temperature of water exiting said apparatus to said workspace.

8. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, wherein said control means is movable in a lateral direction to actuate said mixer tap assembly whereby to allow for variation and/or control of the volume flow (pressure) of water exiting said apparatus to said workspace.

9. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said workspace is a shower recess or the like bathing/cleansing facility (as hereinbefore defined).

10. A bathing/washing/cleaning enclosure or facility including: a water dispensing means; and an apparatus which allows for variation/control, either internally or externally of the shower enclosure or the like, of the

volume/pressure and/or temperature of water exiting said water dispensing means, as claimed in claim 1.

11. The enclosure or facility as claimed in claim 10, further including means for releasably attaching said apparatus to a surface of said workspace.

12. The enclosure or facility as claimed in claim 11 , further including a tap body assembly, made up of a tap body part and a mating end cap member, which tap body assembly is adapted to receive and releasably retain said mixer tap assembly and said control means.

13. The enclosure or facility as claimed in Claim 12, wherein said mixer tap assembly includes a shaped spigot which is adapted, in use, to co-operate with said control means.

14. The enclosure or facility as claimed in claim 13, wherein said control means includes an elongate member having an aperture or discontinuity disposed substantially half-way along the length dimension thereof, said aperture or discontinuity being adapted to receive and releasably retain said spigot of said mixer tap assembly.

15. The enclosure or facility as claimed in claim 14, wherein said elongate member includes a gripping means at each end thereof.

16. The enclosure or facility as claimed in Claim 15, wherein said control means is selectively and controllably rotatable to actuate said mixer tap assembly whereby to allow for variation and/or control the temperature of water exiting of said apparatus to said workspace.

17. The enclosure or facility as claimed in Claim 16, wherein said control means is movable in a lateral direction to actuate said mixer tap assembly whereby to allow for variation and/or control of the volume flow (pressure) of water exiting said apparatus to said workspace.

18. The enclosure or facility as claimed in claim 10, wherein said variation/control means is housed within a column or the like which constitutes a part of the external periphery of the shower enclosure or the like facility, said column or the like having associated therewith means allowing for selective and progressive control of the pressure and/or temperature of the water, one of said means extending inwardly into the shower enclosure and the other of said means protruding therefrom, to be accessible from outside the shower enclosure.

19. The enclosure or facility as claimed in Claim 18, wherein said variation/control means functions such that, when a supply of water to the enclosure or facility is initiated, water supplied is at a reduced temperature and may be selectively and progressively elevated in temperature.

20. The enclosure or facility as claimed in Claim 19, wherein when the supply of water to said water dispensing means is to be stopped, the volume/pressure of hot water being directed thereto is first effected.

21. The shower enclosure as claimed in Claim 20, wherein said variation/control means includes opposed handles or levers, disposed on said column and adapted to be selectively and progressively movable both upwardly and downwardly in the direction of the longitudinal axis of said column and horizontally backwards and forwards relative to said column.

22. The enclosure or facility as claimed in claim 21, wherein each said handle or lever has associated therewith, internally of said column, a rack.

23. The enclosure or facility as claimed in claim 22, wherein said column has disposed therewithin piping/conduit which is in flow connection with a supply of each of hot and cold water, to allow for mixing thereof to a desired temperature, wherein said mixing is achieved by the interaction of off-set pinions or toothed members one associated with each of said conduits for supply of hot and cold water, the arrangement being such that movement of the or each said lever or handle will give rise to interaction between associated rack and pinion sets, whereby to vary selectively control the pressure and/or temperature of water entering the control means and exiting the enclosure via the water dispensing means.