Tap Body Attachment

There is provided an apparatus for attaching a tap body on to a sink. The apparatus comprises a tap body for positioning above an aperture on the sink and the tap body has at least one water pipe inlet port on a surface which is positioned directly above the aperture. The apparatus also comprises a fastening plate which is positioned underneath the aperture on the sink, and a securing means which is insertable through the tap body which secures the tap body and the fastening plate from above the sink. At least one water pipe inlet port is flush with the external surface of the tap body.

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Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part application from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/058,309 filed Oct. 21, 2013 and which claims priority from United Kingdom Patent Application No. 12 19 364.5 filed 26 Oct. 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus for attaching a tap body on to a sink, and also to apparatus for attaching a monobloc tap body on to a sink.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is known to attach a tap body or a monobloc (or mixer) tap body to a kitchen or bathroom sink using standard mounting methods. In the case, for example, of a monobloc tap body, such standard mounting methods usually require a 35 millimetre (1 and ⅜ inch) mounting hole in the sink. The monobloc tap is positioned above the 35 millimetre hole and secured from underneath the sink. Typically, a fixing plate is secured by a nut and a washer onto a fixing stud which is screwed into the tap body. A specially designed tube wrench is required for tightening. This process needs to be carried out underneath the sink, whilst at the same time ensuring that the alignment of the tap body with the sink is maintained. It is therefore clearly difficult to achieve sufficient tightening of the securing components underneath the sink whilst checking on the tap. The tap frequently works loose and the 35 millimetre hole is a small hole to work through to secure the tap. Furthermore, when a kitchen tap is fitted, this process requires the plumber to work inside a kitchen cupboard in order to fit the monobloc tap.

Although the problem of fitting a tap body or a monobloc tap body from underneath a sink is known and acknowledged, no satisfactory solution has yet been provided.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for attaching a tap body on to a sink, the apparatus comprising: a tap body for positioning above an aperture on said sink, said tap body having at least one water pipe inlet port on a surface configured to be positioned directly above said aperture, a fastening plate configured to be positioned underneath said aperture on said sink, and a securing means insertable through said tap body and configured to secure said tap body and said fastening plate from above the sink, wherein said at least one water pipe inlet port is flush with the external surface of said tap body.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of attaching a tap body on to a sink, comprising the following steps: connecting one or more water supply pipes into said tap body; inserting said one or more water supply pipes through an aperture in said sink; positioning said tap body above said aperture on said sink, said tap body having at least one water pipe inlet port on a surface configured to be positioned directly above said aperture; and wherein said water pipe inlet port is flush with the external surface of said tap body; positioning a fastening plate underneath said aperture; inserting a securing means through said tap body to secure said tap body and said fastening plate from above the sink; and connecting water spout to tap body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an illustration of a plumber fitting a standard bathroom tap;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a tap body fitted using apparatus embodied by the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a monobloc tap fitted using apparatus embodied by the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of the apparatus embodied by the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the apparatus in a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the apparatus in an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the monobloc tap body embodied by the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the fastening plate embodied by the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an alternative fastening plate embodied by the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a further alternative fastening plate embodied by the present invention; and

FIG. 12 shows a flow chart illustrating the method steps of fitting a tap embodied by the present invention.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1

A plumber 101 using apparatus of the prior art for attaching a standard tap body 102 on to a bathroom sink is shown in FIG. 1.

In this prior art example shown in FIG. 1, standard tap body 102 of the prior art is a monobloc tap body and requires a 35 millimetre mounting hole in the sink. Tap body 102 is fitted to the bathroom sink by being secured from underneath the surface. Typically, a fixing plate is secured by a nut and a washer onto a fixing stud which is screwed in to the tap body. At the same time, the tap body needs to be maintained in the correct position above the 35 millimetre mounting hole on the sink, which is a small hole to work through. This procedure is a difficult plumbing job as it is very awkward for plumber 101 to see what he/she is doing underneath the sink where it is dark and there is not much space. In the case of kitchen cupboards, it is particularly awkward as the tap body installation involves the plumber working inside a kitchen cupboard. Specially designed wrenches are required to aid this process but unfortunately the taps frequently work loose, thus requiring future additional work to tighten them. There are also health and safety risks posed to the plumber by working underneath the sink, especially in terms of back injuries. Additionally, working underneath the sink can mean it takes a significant length of time to mount a tap.

FIG. 2

A perspective view of a tap body 201 embodying the present invention is shown in FIG. 2. As will become apparent, tap body 201 can be firmly secured to a kitchen or bathroom sink from above the surface of the sink, which therefore circumvents the problem of the plumber carrying out the fitting from underneath the sink. There is no tightening of pipes or any requirement for use of tools underneath the sink. A sink may be any pool for the deposit of water, including a kitchen sink, bathroom sink or even a bath. As illustrated in FIG. 2, tap body 201 is firmly secured to bathroom sink 202. Aspects of the present invention therefore relate to both the tap and associated fixtures to allow the installation from above, and to the method of installation.

FIG. 3

A perspective view of a monobloc tap body 301 embodying the present invention is shown in FIG. 3. As will become apparent, monobloc tap body 301 can be firmly secured to a kitchen or bathroom sink or even a bath from above the surface of the sink, which therefore circumvents the problem of the plumber carrying out the fitting from underneath the sink. There is no tightening of pipes or any requirement for use of tools underneath the sink. As illustrated in FIG. 3, monobloc tap body 301 is firmly secured to bathroom sink 302. Aspects of the present invention therefore relate to both the tap and associated fixtures to allow the installation from above, and to the method of installation.

FIG. 4

A cross sectional view of a monobloc tap body embodying the present invention and apparatus for attaching such a tap on to a sink is shown in FIG. 4. A monobloc tap body 401 is placed in the appropriate position on the sink, above the aperture or tap mounting hole which is normally towards the back of the sink in a central position.

The monobloc tap body has two water pipe inlet ports 402. Water pipe inlet ports 402 serve to connect water supply pipes 404 to monobloc tap body 401. Water pipe inlet ports 402 are flush with the external surface of the monobloc tap body. Therefore, water pipe inlet ports 402 do not protrude beyond the external surface of the monobloc tap body 401. An alternative solution (not herein claimed) to water pipe inlet ports is locating collars which protrude to varying degrees beyond the external surface of the monobloc tap body 401. Locating collars may be part of the monobloc tap body or may be part of the water pipe once the water supply pipe is connected to the water pipe inlet port. In the claimed invention and illustrated embodiment, there are two water pipe inlet ports 402. The first water pipe inlet port 402 connects to a hot water pipe and the second water pipe inlet port 402 connects to a cold water pipe.

In the illustrated embodiment, a fastening plate is deployed. Fastening plate is configured to be positioned underneath the sink. In the illustrated embodiment in FIG. 4, fastening plate 403 comprises three circular holes in a linear arrangement, with two outermost holes and a central hole. The central hole is threaded in order to cooperate with threaded securing bolt 405 (see below). In an embodiment, fastening plate 403 can have a nyloc style locking nut on its lowermost surface to allow enhanced tightening. The thread of the central hole of the fastening plate is the same (or similar) to the thread inside the nyloc nut.

Water supply pipes 404 are connected to water pipe inlet ports 402. In the illustrated embodiment, water supply pipe 404 has a screw threaded end and also water pipe inlet ports 402 are screw threaded. Thus, each water supply pipe 404 is inserted into a water pipe inlet port 402 and turned to achieve a tight connection. Water supply pipes 404 are connected to water pipe inlet ports 402 of the monobloc tap body 401 before monobloc tap body 401 is positioned above the aperture or mounting hole on the sink. Water supply pipes 404 are inserted though aperture and tap body 401 is positioned above the aperture on the sink.

In alternative embodiments, fastening plate 403 may comprise one or more holes which may be in a linear or non-linear arrangement. In such embodiments, monobloc tap body 401 would be fabricated with water pipe inlet ports in a suitable arrangement to mirror the positioning of the non-linear holes in the fastening plate so as to allow the water supply pipes to be inserted through the holes of the fastening plate 403 and into the water pipe inlet ports 402.

In further alternative embodiments, fastening plate 403 may comprise two or more holes and they may be in a linear or non-linear arrangement.

In the illustrated embodiment, the securing means configured to secure the fastening plate from above the sink is a threaded securing bolt. Threaded securing bolt 405 passes through a hole in the top of monobloc tap body 401 when in position above the mounting hole or aperture on the sink and through the threaded central hole of fastening plate 403. Securing bolt is typically an M8 bolt but any other suitable bolt may also fall within the scope of the present invention. In a further embodiment, for example, the securing bolt is an M6 bolt. In further alternative embodiments, the securing means may be any threaded bolt or screw that can be tightened from above the sink. The threaded bolt or screw is preferably made from any material that will not contaminate drinking water. An advantage of using a stainless steel bolt is that it will not contaminate drinking water. Securing bolt 405 can be firmly tightened from above the surface of the sink, thereby eliminating the problems of the prior art in which the tightening of the securing components must be performed from underneath the sink. A handheld battery powered drill may be used to tighten securing bolt 405. When threaded securing bolt 405 is tightened into threaded fastening plate 403, fastening plate 403 moves upwards until it is firmly secured against the underside of the sink.

In each embodiment, washer 409 which may be a stainless steel washer or a copper washer or a brass washer is used in conjunction with the securing bolt or screw. Additionally, sealing washer 410 is fabricated, for example, from fibre or rubber, and is also used in conjunction with the securing bolt or screw and the washer as just described. This combination of securing bolt or screw plus washers 409 and 410 seals the inside of the tap to prevent water leaking out. Therefore, this combination of securing bolt or screw 405 plus washers 409 and seal 410 has a dual function, namely to secure the tap body from above the sink and also to seal the inside of the tap to prevent leakage of water.

However, in alternative embodiments, the securing means configured to secure the fastening plate from above the sink may be any suitable means known in the art.

In each embodiment, the fastening plate includes a hole which may or may not be central but which is configured to mutually cooperate with the securing means so as to tighten, secure and seal the apparatus together. To assist in this process, the hole may be threaded.

Also embodied in the invention is a seal on the fastening plate on the side configured to be facing the sink. This is advantageous, especially in the case of ceramic bathroom sinks, to prevent the fastening plate from coming into direct contact with the fastening plate. There is also a seal on the external surface of the tap body configured to be resting against the surface of the tap.

Once monobloc tap body 401 is firmly in situ, water spout 406, is screwed onto monobloc tap body 401.

Advantageously, all the tightening and screwing required to attach the tap body to the sink is done from above the sink. The only stage carried out underneath the sink is the positioning of the fastening plate. However, no screwing or tightening is carried out underneath the sink. The positioning of the fastening plate can even be done by feeling the location of water supply pipes 404 and then positioning fastening plate 403 without looking. There are therefore significant advantages to the plumber in not needing to bend down and work inside a kitchen cupboard or underneath a bathroom sink.

FIG. 5

An exploded view of the apparatus according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 5. In the illustrated embodiment, tap body 501 comprises a water pipe inlet port 502 on the underneath side of the body when body 501 is in position above the mounting hole on the sink. In the illustrated embodiment, tap body 501 comprises a central hole 503 for insertion of securing bolt 504 and attachment of water spout 505. Furthermore, tap body 501 comprises point of attachment for attaching water valve 506 and tap handle 507.

In the illustrated embodiment, there is no fastening plate. However, in alternative embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise a fastening plate, which may have two or more holes. These two or more holes may be, or may not be, in alignment. Where a fastening plate is used, the fastening plate is placed beneath the mounting hole of the sink and tap body 501 is placed above the mounting hole of the sink. Water pipe inlet port 502 of tap body 501 is configured such that it is aligned with a hole of the fastening plate.

The securing means configured to secure the tap body from above the sink may be any means known in the art. However, in the illustrated embodiment, a threaded securing bolt 504 is deployed. Threaded securing bolt 504 is then inserted through central hole 503 of tap body 501. Securing bolt 504 is typically an M6 or M8 bolt but any similar threaded bolt or screw that can be tightened from above, and that is made from material that will not contaminate drinking water, can be used. Securing bolt 504 is tightened from above the surface of the sink, which advantageously means that the plumber does not need to perform the tightening in an awkward space underneath the sink. As threaded securing bolt 504 is tightened into the threads of the central hole, washers such as a copper washer and a fibre washer are used to secure the securing bolt. The washers used may be a copper washer, a stainless steel washer, a fibre washer or a rubber washer. However, in each case the washer prevents leakage by helping securing and seal the apparatus in position. In this way, the securing means works to both secure and seal the apparatus in cooperation with the washers used.

FIG. 6

From here on in the description of the Figures, reference is made to monobloc taps. However, this is for illustration only, and the description may apply equally to regular single taps. An exploded view of the apparatus according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 6. In the illustrated embodiment, monobloc tap body 601 comprises two water pipe inlet ports 602 on the underneath side of the tap body when body 601 is in position above the mounting hole on the sink. Monobloc tap body 601 comprises a central hole 603 for insertion of threaded securing bolt 604 and attachment of water spout 605. Furthermore, monobloc tap body 601 comprises points of attachment 606 for attaching water valves 607 and tap handles 608.

In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus further comprises fastening plate 609, which itself has three holes. Fastening plate 609 is placed beneath the mounting hole of the sink and monobloc body 601 is placed above the mounting hole of the sink. Water pipe inlet ports 602 of monobloc tap body 601 are configured such that they are aligned with the two outermost holes of fastening plate 609. In an embodiment, fastening plate 609 can have a nyloc style locking nut on its lowermost surface to allow enhanced tightening. The thread of the central hole of the fastening plate is the same (or similar) to the thread inside the nyloc nut.

In the illustrated embodiment, water supply pipes 610 screw into a water pipe inlet port 602 on the monobloc tap body 601. This step is carried out away from the sink. Water supply pipes 610 are then inserted through an aperture in the sink. Tap body 601 is then positioned above the aperture.

Fastening plate 609 is positioned underneath the aperture. No tools or tightening of the fastening plate is carried out at this stage.

Threaded securing bolt 604 is then inserted through central hole 603 of monobloc tap body 601 and through the central hole of fastening plate 609 which is threaded. Securing bolt 604 is typically an M6 or M8 bolt but any similar bolt or screw that can be tightened from above, and that is made from material that will not contaminate drinking water, can be used. Securing bolt 604 is tightened from above the surface of the sink, which advantageously means that the plumber does not need to perform the tightening in an awkward space underneath the sink. As securing bolt 604 is tightened into the threads of the central hole, fastening plate 609 is secured to underneath side of monobloc tap body 601 and serves to prevent tap body 601 turning.

Once monobloc tap body 601 is secured firmly on sink, water spout 605 is attached to body 601

FIG. 7

An exploded view of the apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 7. Monobloc tap body 701 comprises two water pipe inlet ports 702 on the underneath side of the tap body when tap body is in position above the mounting hole on the sink. Monobloc tap body 701 comprises a central hole 703 for insertion of securing bolt 704 and attachment of water spout 705. Furthermore, monobloc tap body 701 may comprise points of attachment 706 for attaching water valves 707 and tap handles 708.

In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus further comprises fastening plate 709, which itself has three holes in an alignment. Fastening plate 709 has a central circular hole and two outermost semi-circular holes.

Water supply pipes 710 screw into a water pipe inlet port 702 on the tap body 701. Water supply pipes 710 are inserted through aperture on sink and monobloc tap body 701 is placed above the mounting hole of the sink. Fastening plate 709 is placed beneath the mounting hole of the sink. Water pipe inlet ports 702 of monobloc tap body 701 are configured such that they can align with the two outermost semi-circular holes of fastening plate 709.

Securing bolt 704 is then inserted through central hole 703 of monobloc tap body 701 and through the threaded central hole of fastening plate 709. Securing bolt 704 is typically an M6 or M8 bolt but may be any bolt or screw that can be tightened from above. Securing bolt 704 is tightened from above the surface of the sink, which advantageously means that the plumber does not need to perform the tightening in an awkward space underneath the sink. As securing bolt 704 is tightened, fastening plate is secured to underneath side of monobloc tap body 701 and serves to prevent the monobloc tap body 701 turning.

Once monobloc tap body 701 is secured firmly on sink, water spout 705 is attached to tap body 701.

FIG. 8

A perspective view of monobloc tap body 801 is shown in FIG. 8. In particular, the underside is shown. When in position on the surface of a sink above the mounting hole, water pipe inlet ports 802 are on the underside of monobloc tap body 801. Water pipe inlet ports 802 are typically 5 to 18 millimetres in diameter but any diameter to fit the diameter of a water pipe is within the scope of the invention. There are typically two water pipe inlet ports 802 to receive the two water supply pipes required for a monobloc tap, namely the hot pipe and the cold pipe. However, more than two water pipe inlet ports 802 is within the scope of the invention, such as three, four, five or six water pipe inlet ports should there be a corresponding plurality of water supply pipes.

Hole 803 receives securing bolt (not shown) which is inserted into monobloc tap body 801 from the top side (not shown).

FIG. 9

A fastening plate 901 is shown in FIG. 9, having three holes in a linear arrangement. In this illustrated embodiment of the present invention, holes are circular. However, in the event that pipes with a non-standard mouth were to be used, it is within the scope of the invention that the holes could be shaped to fit. Outermost holes 902 receive water supply pipes; the hot water supply pipe passes through a first of the outermost holes 902 and the cold water supply pipe passes through a second of the outermost holes 902.

Central hole 903 is threaded so as to enable it to receive the securing bolt (see 604 in FIG. 6). Securing bolt 604 is tightened from above the surface of the sink, which advantageously means that the plumber does not need to perform the tightening—which requires a tool such as a screwdriver or a wrench—in an awkward space underneath the sink. As securing bolt 604 is tightened, fastening plate 901 is secured to underneath side of the monobloc tap body and serves to prevent the monobloc tap body turning.

Fastening plate 901 can also be used as a template to draw around to enlarge the standard 35 millimetre mounting hole on the sink when required. The enlarged hole can be easier to work with than the standard 35 millimetre hole.

Furthermore, in newer sinks and baths made from a composite material, mounting holes are increasingly not present. Therefore, newer sinks and baths lend themselves ideally to the process of using the fastening plate 901 as a template to draw around to produce an appropriately sized mounting hole.

FIG. 10

A fastening plate 1001 is shown in FIG. 10, having three holes in a linear arrangement. In this illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the central hole 1003 is circular. The two outermost holes 1002 are semi-circular. The two outermost holes 1002 receive water supply pipes; the hot water pipe passes through the first outermost hole 1002 and the cold water pipe passes through the second outermost hole 1002. Central hole 1003 receives securing screw (see 604 in FIG. 6) as described for central hole 703 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 11

A fastening plate 1101 is shown in FIG. 11, having three holes in a non-linear arrangement. In this illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the central hole 1103 is circular. The two outermost holes 1102 are semi-circular. The two outermost holes 1102 receive water supply pipes; the hot water pipe passes through the first outermost hole 1102 and the cold water pipe passes through the second outermost hole 1102. Central hole 1103 receives securing screw (see 604 in FIG. 6) as described for central hole 703 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 12

A flow chart of a method of mounting a monobloc tap apparatus to a sink is illustrated in FIG. 12.

In step 1201, a water supply pipe(s) is connected into the water pipe inlet port(s) of the tap body. Both the water supply pipe(s) and the water pipe inlet port(s) may be screw threaded and therefore connected to each other by turning. Step 1201 is done away from the sink.

In step 1202, the water supply pipe(s) attached to the tap body is inserted from above through an aperture (or tap mounting hole) in a sink). No tools are required at this stage.

In step 1203, the tap body is positioned above the aperture (or tap mounting hole) on the sink. No tools are required at this stage.

In step 1204, the fastening plate is positioned underneath the aperture. No tools are required at this stage.

In step 1205, the securing means is inserted through the tap body and tightened by turning to secure the tap body and fastening plate from above the sink. A handheld battery powered drill may be used to tighten the securing means.

In step 1206, water spout is connected to tap body. In the embodied invention, water spout is connected to tap body by turning.

Claims

1. Apparatus for attaching a tap body on to a sink, the apparatus comprising:

a tap body for positioning above an aperture on said sink, said tap body having at least one water pipe inlet port on a surface configured to be positioned directly above said aperture,
a fastening plate configured to be positioned underneath said aperture on said sink, and
a securing means insertable through said tap body and configured to secure said tap body and said fastening plate from above the sink, wherein
said at least one water pipe inlet port is flush with the external surface of said tap body.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sink may be any pool for the deposit of water.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said sink may be a kitchen sink, a bathroom sink or a bath.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said securing means configured to secure said tap body from above the sink is a bolt or screw insertable through said tap body.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said fastening plate comprises one or more holes.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said fastening plate comprises two or more holes.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said two or more holes are aligned.

8. The apparatus according to claims 4, wherein said bolt or screw is insertable through said fastening plate through a hole of said one or more holes in said fastening plate.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a seal on fastening plate on side configured to be facing said sink.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a seal on said tap body on said surface configured to be positioned directly above said aperture.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising at least one washer for use with said securing bolt.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a sealing washer for use with said securing bolt.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one water pipe inlet port is screw threaded.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said tap is a monobloc tap.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said fastening plate comprises three or more holes, and further wherein an outer two of said three or more holes are each configured to receive a single water pipe.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said tap body comprises a first water pipe inlet port and a second water pipe inlet port configured respectively to receive a hot water pipe and a cold water pipe.

17. A method of attaching a tap body on to a sink, comprising the following steps:

connecting one or more water supply pipes into said tap body;
inserting said one or more water supply pipes through an aperture in said sink;
positioning said tap body above said aperture on said sink, said tap body having at least one water pipe inlet port on a surface configured to be positioned directly above said aperture; and wherein said water pipe inlet port is flush with the external surface of said tap body;
positioning a fastening plate underneath said aperture;
inserting a securing means through said tap body to secure said tap body and said fastening plate from above the sink; and
connecting water spout to tap body.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein said step of connecting one or more water supply pipes into said tap body comprises screwing said one or more water supply pipes into said tap body.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein said fastening plate comprises at least one hole.

20. The method according to claim 17, wherein said securing means for securing said tap body from above the sink is a bolt or screw insertable through said tap body.

21. The method according to claims 19, wherein said securing bolt or screw is insertable through said fastening plate through a hole of said one or more holes in said fastening plate.

22-23. (canceled)

Patent History
Publication number: 20140310869
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 23, 2014
Publication Date: Oct 23, 2014
Inventor: Michael Anthony McNicholas (Hartlepool)
Application Number: 14/259,606
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Faucet Or Spout (4/678); Plumbing Fixture Making (29/890.141)
International Classification: E03C 1/04 (20060101);