Abstract: A laminated article, for example a bath or shower-tray, is manufactured by providing a preformed shell, for example a thermoformed acrylic sheet, which shell is placed in a mould, together with, if required, a reinforcing board, for example of chipboard or plywood. The mould is then closed and materials are injected into the mould cavity which react to form a reinforcing layer on the shell. Preferably, the injected materials comprise a polyol reactant and an isocyanate reactant which form a layer of rigid polyurethane foam. A reinforcing agent, for example glass fibre, and a blowing agent may also be introduced into the mould cavity.

Abstract: A mixing tap for a kitchen sink or like comprises a functional assembly of water ways in a body with control valves enclosed in a shroud for aesthetic considerations. The shroud is generally tubular with a second part and these two parts meet about an axis of the control valve normal to the axis of the spouts 22 so that a seamless smooth exterior can be provided on the spout.

Abstract: A water tap has a closure member in the form of a rubber or like cup 34 located in a chamber in carrier 32. The base of the cup extends across the port 28 which is to be closed when the tap is in "off" condition and the base of the cup has a hole 38 registered with the port in that off condition. Hence water can flow into the cup and the water pressure in the cup acts to hold the cup on the seat whereas pressure in the port acts against the base of the cup in the opposite direction but on a smaller area of cup. Hence the higher the water pressure the better the seal.