AU2020100992A4

AU2020100992A4 - Tapware

Info

Publication number: AU2020100992A4
Application number: AU2020100992A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Cameron Kenny
Original assignee: Ck Ind Design Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Ck Industrial Design Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-22
Filing date: 2020-06-11
Publication date: 2020-07-23
Anticipated expiration: 2028-06-11
Also published as: AU2020100992B4; AU2020277095A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to tapware. The tapware includes a valve assembly (e.g. in-wall valve / mixer body, whether it be a mixer or mixer diverter, etc.) and a waterproofing sleeve for fastening to the valve assembly. The waterproofing engages with a wall which forms a waterproof seal with the sleeve. A cover sleeve is provided for releasably fastening to the valve assembly. Advantageously, the cover sleeve can be released from the valve assembly and replaced during renovation, whilst the waterproofing sleeve remains in tact. Preferably, the waterproofing sleeve initially extends from the wall, and can be cut to a flush finish with the wall. 1 113 // 0 CNJ

Description

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CNJ TAPWARE TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to tapware. The present invention has particular, although not exclusive application to household tapware.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0003] Households invariably undergo renovation. In practice, bathrooms and kitchens are commonly renovated, which involves the removal of tapware. The removal of existing tapware is not straightforward, and often results in damage to waterproofing or the surrounding tiled wall which must then be completely replaced.

[0004] The preferred embodiment provides for tapware which is better suited to renovation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided tapware including: a valve assembly (e.g. in-wall valve / mixer body, whether it be a mixer or mixer diverter, etc.); a waterproofing sleeve for fastening to the valve assembly and for engaging with a wall which forms a waterproof seal with the sleeve; and a cover sleeve for releasably fastening to the valve assembly.

[0006] Advantageously, the cover sleeve can be released from the valve assembly and replaced during renovation, whilst the waterproofing sleeve remains in tact. Preferably, the waterproofing sleeve initially extends from the wall, and can be cut to a flush finish with the wall.

[0007] The waterproofing sleeve and cover sleeve may be concentrically fastened to the valve assembly. The waterproofing sleeve may have a greater diameter than the cover sleeve. The waterproofing sleeve and/or cover sleeve may threadably engage with the valve assembly.

[0008] The valve assembly may include a valve, and a turret body for extending from the valve assembly. The cover sleeve may cover the turret body.

[0009] The valve assembly may include a diverter spindle for being received in the valve. The valve assembly may include a retaining nut for coupling the spindle in the valve. The valve assembly may include a diverter handle extending from the cover sleeve and for diverting water flow. The diverter handle may be fastened to the cover sleeve using a grub screw. The tapware may include a diverter pin for being received in the valve assembly.

[00010] The valve assembly may include a mixer ceramic disc cartridge. The valve assembly may include a retaining nut for coupling the ceramic disc cartridge to the valve. The valve assembly may include a cap for capping the retaining nut. The valve assembly may include a handle for coupling to the ceramic disc cartridge. The handle may be coupled to the ceramic disc cartridge using a grub screw.

[00011] The tapware may include a diverter and a mixer. The tapware may include a cover plate for the diverter and a mixer. The tapware may include a fastener for fastening the valve assembly to the wall. The tapware may include a wall plug for receiving the fastener. The tapware may include O-rings to seal adjacent parts.

[00012] The wall may be tiled. The sleeves may be integrally formed from polymeric material.

[00013] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided tapware including: a base conduit mounted in a wall; and a waterproofing sleeve for fastening to the base conduit and for engaging with the wall which forms a waterproof seal with the sleeve.

[00014] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for installing tapware including: fastening a waterproofing sleeve to the valve assembly; and finishing a wall which forms a waterproof seal with the sleeve.

[00015] The method may further involve cutting the waterproofing sleeve flush with the finished wall. The finishing may involve tiling.

[00016] The method may involve releasably fastening a cover sleeve to the valve assembly.

[00017] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00018] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a drawing as follows:

[00019] Figure 1 is an exploded view of household mixer tapware in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[00020] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided household mixer tapware 100 as shown in Figure 1. The tapware 100 generally includes an upper diverter 102 for diverting water flow between a tap and a shower head, and a lower mixer 104 for mixing hot and cold water. Both the diverter 102 and mixer 104 extend outwards from a base valve assembly 106 in a tiled wall of a building.

[00021] The diverter 102 includes a waterproofing sleeve 16 for fastening to the valve assembly 106. The waterproofing sleeve 16 initially extends from the tiled wall which forms a waterproof seal with the sleeve 16. The diverter 102 further includes a cover sleeve 23 for releasably fastening to the valve assembly 106. The cover sleeve 23 covers and conceals a turret body 7.

[00022] Advantageously, the cover sleeve 23 can be released from the valve assembly 106 and replaced with a more modern sleeve 23 during renovation, whilst the waterproofing sleeve 16 remains in tact.

[00023] The outer waterproofing sleeve 16 and inner cover sleeve 23 are concentrically fastened to the valve assembly 106. Both sleeves 16, 23 have internal formations that threadably engage with the valve assembly 106.

[00024] The valve assembly 106 includes a base conduit valve 1, and the turret body 7 extends from the valve assembly 106 and the building wall. The valve assembly 106 further includes a quarter-turn ceramic disc spindle 5 for being received in the valve 1. A retaining nut 6 retains the spindle 5 in the brass valve 1. The valve assembly 106 further includes a diverter handle 25 extending from the cover sleeve 23 and for actuating to divert water flow. The diverter handle 25 is fastened to the cover sleeve 23 using a grub screw 24.

[00025] The tapware 100 also includes a diverter pin 3 for being received in the valve assembly 106.

[00026] The mixer 104 includes a waterproofing sleeve 13 for fastening to the valve assembly 106. The waterproofing sleeve 13 initially extends from the tiled wall which forms a waterproof seal with the sleeve 13. The mixer 104 further includes a cover sleeve 14 for releasably fastening to the valve assembly 106. The cover sleeve 14 covers and conceals a brass turret body 9, without touching any of the waterproofing membrane.

[00027] Advantageously, the cover sleeve 14 can be released from the valve assembly 106 and replaced with a more modern sleeve 14 during renovation, whilst the waterproofing sleeve 13 remains in tact.

[00028] The outer waterproofing sleeve 13 and inner cover sleeve 14 are concentrically fastened to the valve assembly 106. Both sleeves 13, 14 have internal formations that threadably engage with the valve assembly 106.

[00029] The valve assembly 106 includes a mixer ceramic disc cartridge 11. The valve assembly 106 also includes a retaining nut 12 for coupling the ceramic disc cartridge 11 to the valve 1. The valve assembly 106 also includes a cap 15 for capping the retaining nut 12. A handle 20 is provided for coupling to the end actuator of the ceramic disc cartridge 11. The handle 20 is coupled to the ceramic disc cartridge 11 using a grub screw 21, in turn, concealed by a button 22.

[00030] The sleeves 13, 14, 16, 23 are molded (i.e. integrally formed) from polymeric material, such as PVC. Waterproofing sleeves 13, 16 can be readily cut flush with the finished building wall. The tapware 100 also includes a cover plate 19 for covering the diverter 102 and mixer 104. Screw fasteners 18 are provided for fastening the valve assembly 106 to the building wall. The tapware 100 also includes wall plugs 17 for receiving respective fasteners 18.

[00031] The tapware 100 also includes O-rings 2, 4, 8, 10 to seal adjacent parts. The tapware 100 provides three types of waterproofing against cartridge malfunction. The turret bodies 7,9 and the waterproofing sleeves 13, 16 are sealed to the valve 1. O-rings (e.g. 10) that the turret cover sleeves 14, 24 slide over ensure that water leaking from the valve 1 will pass out of the front of the building wall.

[00032] A method for installing the tapware 100 is now briefly described.

[00033] Initially, the method involves fastening the waterproofing sleeves 13, 16 to the valve assembly 106 mounted in the unfinished building wall.

[00034] Next, the method involves finishing the building wall by laying tiling which forms a waterproof seal with outer cylindrical walls of the protruding waterproofing sleeves 13, 16. Typically, grout and sealant is used in the tiling to form the waterproof seal with the sleeves 13, 16.

[00035] Next, the method involves cutting the waterproofing sleeves 13, 16 flush with the finished tiled wall. The addition of the waterproofing sleeves 13, 16 protects the integrity of the water-proofing membrane that has been applied, and allows for the colour of the overall fitting to be changed out from front of wall by replacement of the cover sleeves 14, 23. There is no need to remove any tiles, sheeting or water-proofing to change the in-wall valve/ in-wall mixers.

[00036] Next, the method involves involve releasably fastening the cover sleeves 14, 23 to the valve assembly 106. The cover sleeves 14, 23 cover and conceal the glued turret bodies 7,9.

[00037] The tapware 100 allows for ease of installation when waterproofing, no disturbance to the waterproofing membrane during installation and most of all allows the ability to change the colour of the in-wall tapware by replacing the cover sleeves 14, 23 without removing a tile. Refurbishment can be performed as a DIY project, and the fact that there is no disturbance to the waterproof membrane means that there is no leakage behind the building wall.

[00038] Home owners can keep in trend without having to spend thousands of dollars on renovating just to change the color of tapware. The tapware 100 is ideal for the high rise market, which offers various color schemes and enables home owners to decide late in the building process. The product 100 is ideally suited to high-rise construction projects where the developer can off this product to their clients with a view to changing tapware at a later stage. The renovation market to allow the consumer to have the plumber install all of the in-wall mixers and provide the flexibility and time for the consumer to make their decision in their own time, not under pressure and then without options.

[00039] The water-proofing flanges of the valve 1, to which the waterproofing sleeves 13, 16 are fastened, is unique in the fact that it seals to the valve / in-wall mixer creating a secondary fail safe to the glued turret bodies 7,9. The diameter of the water-proofing sleeve 13, 16 allows for the turret cover sleeve 14, 23 to be installed and or removed with ease. The length also allows for various depths of in-wall installation and can be trimmed flush with the front on tile finish to ensure any leaks that may occur in the ceramic disk cartridge 11 disperse to front of wall.

[00040] The O-Ring 10 applied to the brass turret body 9 provides enough friction to hold the turret cover sleeve 14 in place and also acts as a 3rd water-proofing barrier in case of cartridge fail.

[00041] The separate areas to lock off any water from flowing to the back of wall, when the fit-off is required and all cover plates, end caps and handles are being installed the water-proof membrane is not disturbed in any form.

[00042] In summary, the improved tapware 100 offers: • guarantee that the water-proofing membrane is not penetrated or disturbed providing peace of mind. • three water-proofing measures to ensure water doesn't leak into back of wall. * consumers the flexibility to change the colour of their in-wall valves / mixer/mixer diverters from front of wall. • ability to change the colour of the in-wall items doesn't have to be done by a licenced plumber.

[00043] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many embodiments and variations can be made without departing from the ambit of the present invention.

[00044] The present invention is suited to in-wall mixers, mixer diverter units, spout and mixers on a plate and rose cover plates.

[00045] In one embodiment, the waterproofing sleeves 13, 16 need not be cut and are dimensioned to sit flush with the finished building wall.

[00046] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

[00047] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

APPENDIX PARTS BREAKDOWN

1. Brass In-Wall Valve 2. O-Ring 3. Diverter Pin 4. O-Ring 5. Y/Turn Ceramic Disk Spindle 6. Retaining Nut 7. Diverter Turret Body 8. O-Ring 9. Brass Turret Body 10. O-Ring 11. Ceramic Disk Cartridge 12. Retaining Nut 13. Turret Waterproofing Sleeve 14. Turret Cover Sleeve 15. End Cap 16. Diverter Waterproofing Sleeve 17. Wall Plug 18. Fixing!Screws 19. Mixer Diverter Cover Plate 20. Handle 21. Grub Screw 22. Button 23. Diverter Turret Cover Sleeve 24. Grub Screw 25. Diverter Handle

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. Tapware including: a base conduit mounted in a wall; and a waterproofing sleeve for fastening to the base conduit and for engaging with the wall which forms a waterproof seal with the sleeve.

2. Tapware as claimed in claim 1, wherein the waterproofing sleeve threadably engages with a valve assembly including the base conduit.

3. Tapware as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a wall forms a waterproof seal with the waterproofing sleeve.

4. A method for installing tapware including: fastening a waterproofing sleeve to a valve assembly; and finishing a wall which forms a waterproof seal with the waterproofing sleeve.

5. Tapware including: a valve assembly; a waterproofing sleeve for fastening to the valve assembly and for engaging with a wall which forms a waterproof seal with the sleeve; and a cover sleeve for releasably fastening to the valve assembly.

102 106

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