A water conduit

Abstract

A water faucet 10 and a connection arrangement 14 therefor, the connection arrangement having a body section 16. The body section comprises an inner core section 26 extending from the body section, th

Description

Field of the Invention This invention relates to a fluid conduit, particularly to a water faucet or a tap and, more especially to a kitchen or bathroom tap. Background to the Invention Water faucets, such as taps on sinks and bathrooms, are conventionally fitted into preformed apertures in the sink or bathtub; however, fitting the faucet normally requires access to both sides of the aperture, because respective parts are placed on each side of the aperture and connected to one another, with elastomeric seals being required on each side of the surface. This may be in the form of threaded sections that are screwed to each other to clamp around the sink or bath. If the seals are not properly located, there is a significant risk of water leaking through the surface. A problem with such existing arrangements is that installation is difficult, due to the depth of the sink unit or bathtub, and this is a particular problem with kitchen sinks. As such an installer will need to have access to both sides of the surface in which the faucet is being installed, and, oftentimes, two people are required. A further problem with conventional arrangements is that where threaded connections are used, they can loosen over time, leading to leaks. Summary of the Invention Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a connection arrangement having a body section, wherein the body section comprises: inner core section extending from the body section, the inner core section having an axial bore therethrough; outer expandable member coaxial with the inner core section and external thereof, a first end of the expandable member being proximal the body section and a second end of the expandable member being distal the body section; and an end element adjacent the distal side of the expandable member; wherein, an actuation mechanism is provided that can draw the end element towards the body section to axially compress the expandable member, resulting in radial expansion of the expandable member. The arrangement of the present invention provides a mechanism for securing a conduit, such as a water faucet, to a surface. It will be appreciated that when the end element is spaced away from the body section, the expandable member has a first, extended position, in which the diameter of the expandable member has a first dimension. When the end element is moved towards the body section, the expandable member is moved into a second, compressed position. In this second, compressed position, the expandable element is compressed axially and expands radially, which results in an enlarged diameter. Therefore, when the expandable element is in the first, extended position, it can pass through an aperture that is slightly larger than the diameter of the aperture. Subsequently, upon moving into the compressed position, the diameter of the expandable section is increased so that it is larger than diameter of the aperture. As a result, the arrangement cannot pass back through the aperture when in the second, compressed position. This locks the arrangement in place within a surface. The inner core section is arranged to reinforce the lower part of the arrangement and it also ensures that the expandable member, which is arranged around the inner core section, cannot expand inwardly. As a result, when the expandable member is compressed axially, it is forced to expand radially outwards. Thus, the inner core forces the expandable member to increase in diameter when compressed, preventing the arrangement from passing back through the surface, when installed. The actuation mechanism is, ideally, placed with in the body section, but it can be arranged adjacent or on the body section, depending upon the arrangement. Thus, it may be arranged externally of the body section in some situations. The body section may be provided with a flange that, when installed, is positioned adjacent the top of the surface in which the arrangement is located. A seal element may be positioned between the flange and the surface to reduce the risk of water ingress under the flange and through the aperture in the surface. The end element may be connected to the expandable member so that movement of the end element compresses the expandable element. In another arrangement, the end element may have at least one dimension that is larger than the diameter of the expandable material, or it may connect to a further element that compresses the expandable element when moved. Preferably, the expandable member is a resiliently yieldable material, such as an elastomeric material or rubber. Similarly, the expandable material may be a tubular seal element, and it may be provided with creases, ribs, folds or other elements that encourage a predetermined deformation upon compression of the tubular seal. Thus, the present invention provides a mechanism for securing a conduit or faucet to a surface from a single side, thereby removing the need to have access to both sides of the surface and requiring only a single person for installation. The actuation mechanism could be a lever and a cam arrangement, allowing for rotational or linear movement of the lever to induce movement in the cam. In such an arrangement, the cam may be attached to the end element by a rigid connector, so that movement of the cam results in movement of the end element. In a preferred arrangement, a flexible elongate element is connected to the end element and to the actuation mechanism. The use of a flexible elongate element, such as a wire, chain or string may extend from the actuation mechanism to the end element, although it will be understood that one or more intermediate connection pieces may be arranged between the parts. Advantageously, the flexible elongate element passes through the bore of the inner core section to connect with the actuation mechanism. By having the flexible elongate member passing through a bore in the inner core, the space within the inner core is maximised as only a small amount of space is required for the elongate element, thereby leaving more space for other parts to pass through the inner core. In a preferable arrangement, the actuation mechanism comprises a ratchet arrangement, the ratchet arrangement having a gear and pawl. It is more preferable that the gear is mounted upon a shaft and the elongate flexible element is a wire that is connected at one end to the shaft and wraps therearound upon rotation of the shaft, the other end of the wire being connected to the end element, such that rotation of the shaft adjusts the position of the end element, relative to the actuation mechanism. With a ratchet mechanism employed, the movement of the end element can be readily controlled, and it can be held in a desired position, thereby keeping the expandable element in the compressed position. Where the ratchet arrangement is employed, it is preferable that the shaft is rotated upon rotation of a tool. This allows for a removeable tool to be used to install the arrangement by rotating the shaft to operate the ratchet. As a result, a hex-key, screwdriver or other tool may engage with the shaft, or another element that is connected to the shaft, and upon rotation of the tool, the gear of the ratchet mechanism is rotated to move the end element towards the body section. Whilst a fixed handle could be provided, it is preferable that the ratchet control is removable to prevent inadvertent disengagement once the arrangement is installed. Similarly, having a removeable tool reduces the space required once the product is installed. It is particularly advantageous that a release mechanism is provided to release the pawl, thereby allowing extension of the expandable member. Should the connection arrangement require removal, it is useful to have a release mechanism, such as a button, that can release the biased pawl and disengage the same. This allows the expandable member to be moved back into the first, extended position, after which the arrangement can be removed from the surface in which it is installed, because the diameter of the expandable member is decreased to allow passage back through the aperture. In a particularly beneficial arrangement, the body section is provided with at least one aperture therethrough, and, preferably, at least one fluid conduit passes through the at least one aperture. Whilst it is envisaged that fluid may pass directly through the body section, using fluid conduits that pass through the body section allows for more than one fluid to pass through the faucet, for example, hot water and cold water. Conduits of this type are commonly known as “tap tail connectors” and they allow the passage of water through the connection arrangement, with a reduced risk of leakage. In one arrangement, a plurality of end elements is provided and where this is the case, it may be that a plurality of elongate flexible elements is provided that are connected to the end element. In this arrangement, more than one end element and / or flexible elements can be provided, thereby allowing the central part of the body section to be clear. A single shaft may connect to two or more flexible elements they may pass close to the internal periphery of the inner core section. The present invention extends to a water faucet comprising a water faucet connection arrangement as described herein. Thus, the invention may extend to a tap or other conduit arrangement that is provided with the connection arrangement described. This provides a faucet that can be easily fitted from the ‘top’ side of the sink or bath, making it quicker and easier to install such a device. The faucet may be created with a spout and water control valves connected to the body section, or they may be mounted upon the body section after installation. Brief Description of the Drawings An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a conduit connection arrangement in accordance with the present invention, in a first position; Figure 2 is cross-sectional view of the conduit connection arrangement of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front view of the arrangement of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a side view of a conduit connection arrangement of Figure 1, in a second position; Figure 6 is a cross-section view of the arrangement of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a front view of the arrangement of Figure 5; Figure 8 is a cross-section view of the arrangement of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a tap incorporating a connection arrangement of the present invention; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the tap of Figure 9; and Figure 11 is an enlarged view of part of Figure 10. Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments Figures 1 to 11 show a tap 10 having a spout section 12 and a connection arrangement 14. The connection arrangement 14 has a body section 16 that has an upper end 18 and a lower end 20. Adjacent the lower end 20 is a radially flange 22 that may have an elastomeric seal fitting thereunder. Within the body section 16 is a bore 24 that allows communication through the body section 16. An inner core section 26 extends from the lower end 20 of the body section 16 and coaxially with the bore 24 of the body section 16. The inner core 26 is provided with two slots 28 opposite one another. Arranged around the external surface of the inner core 26 is an expandable member 30. This is in the form of a tube or elastomeric material that has a first end 32 adjacent the flange 22 of the body section 16, and a second end 34 distal from the body section 16. The expandable member 30 extends along the inner core 26 so that the second end 34 of 17 04 25 the expandable member 30 is arranged to be positioned part way down the length of the slots 28 of the inner core 26. Also arranged coaxially with the inner core 26 and external thereof is an end element 36, which is positioned adjacent the second end 34 of the expandable member 30. The end element 36 may be affixed to the expandable member 30 at, or adjacent to, the second end 34 of the expandable member 30. Additionally, or alternatively, the end element 36 may extend radially so that it has a diameter larger than that of the expandable member 30. The end element 36 is provided with a bar 38 that extended across the diameter of the end element 36, with the bar being received within the respective slots 28 of the inner core 26. Thus, the bar 38 can move within the slots 28 of the inner core 26, and when the bar 28, and end element 36, moves towards the lower end 20 of the body section 16, the expandable member 30 is compressed axially. Due to the inner core 26 being located inwardly of the expandable member 30, when compressed axially, the expandable member 30 expands radially. Connected to the bar 38 of the end element 36 is a metal wire 40. The metal wire 40 extends towards the body section 16 through the bore 24. Within the body section 16 is an actuation mechanism 42, which is in the form of a ratchet arrangement comprising a gear wheel 44, which is mounted on a shaft 46. The shaft 46 is arranged within the body section 16, with the ends of the shaft 46 passing through the wall of the body section 16 so that the ends are accessible from externally of the body section 16. The ends of the shaft 46 are provided with recesses 48 for receiving a tool. In addition to the wire 40 being connected to the bar 38, it is also attached to the shaft 46. Engaging with the gear wheel 44 is a pawl 50, which is biased by a spring 52 so that one end of the pawl 50 engages with the teeth of the gear wheel 44. Thus, a ratchet arrangement is provided such that upon rotation of the shaft 46, the gear wheel 44 rotates and the pawl 50 prevents counter rotation of the gear wheel 44. The other end of the pawl 50 is provided with a release button 54 that, upon depression thereof, counters the bias of the spring 52 to disengage the pawl 50, thereby allowing counter rotation of the gear wheel 44. As will be appreciated, as the wire 40 is attached to the shaft 46, rotation of the shaft 46 will wind the wire 40 around the shaft, which, in turn, draws the end element 36 towards the lower end 20 of the body section 16, thereby axially compressing the expandable member 30. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, when the connection arrangement is in a first, noncompressed state, the expandable member 30 is extended and so has a first, diameter that is slightly greater than that of the inner core 26. In this state, the tap 10 and connection arrangement 14 can be placed through an aperture in a surface 56, such that the flange 22 is adjacent the top side of the surface 56. When in situ, a tool is engaged with the recess 48 and the shaft 46 is rotated to wrap the wire 40 around the shaft 46. At the same time, the actuation, or ratchet arrangement, 42 prevents the shaft 46 from counterrotating, thereby ensuring that the end element 36 is moved towards the body section 16 and does not move back away therefrom. As the wire is wound around the shaft 46, the expandable member 30 is compressed and it bugles outwards, as shown in Figures 5 to 8, thereby moving the arrangement into the second, compressed position. Figures 9 to 11 illustrate the tap 10 and connection arrangement, when installed into a surface 56. Due to the expandable member 30 having a diameter larger than that of the aperture in the surface 56 when in the compressed position, the tap is secured into the surface 56. It will be appreciated that as the user only requires access to the recess 48 during installation, the tap can be ‘top-fitted’, meaning that it can be installed from one side of the surface 56. In the tap 10 of Figures 9 to 11, a tail connector 58 is provided, which passes through the body section 16. When the tap 10 is installed into the surface 56, this tail connector 58 can be connected to a water supply to allow the tap to operate. For clarity, the valve arrangement on the tap is not shown, but the skilled person will understand how a tap according to the present invention will function to dispense water. As the expandable member 30 reaches up to the flange 22, it may not be necessary to employ a further seal on the under side of the flange 22; however, on some arrangements, it may be desirable to avoid water ingress between the surface 56 and the flange 22. Within the body section, a channel or guide may be used to allow the wire to flow freely therethrough. This could be in the form of a bar or pulley wheel. It will be appreciated that the arrangement may be used in respect of a shower fitting or other water conduit that can be installed into a surface through an aperture. Whilst water can flow through the water faucet connection arrangement, it is preferable that internal conduits are provide for the flow of fluid, which may be liquid or gas. In one arrangement, two conduits may pass through the connection arrangement, for example, a gas conduit and a water conduit, thereby allowing for sparkling water to be provided from the water outlet of the faucet. The invention may be applied to a container in which liquid or gas is held, for example a tank, a barrel or a keg. The invention has been described in respect of water; however, the present invention may be used in respect of a gas conduit or outlet, especially where internal gas conduits are used. Thus, the present invention may be applicable for securing a conduit into a surface, to provide a channel for fluid and / or smaller conduits. It will be appreciated that the inner core section may be elongated to provide a significant channel on the second side of the surface. Similarly, the inner core may be provided with a connection mechanism or part of a connection mechanism to allow a further conduit to be connected thereto. For example, the inner core may be provided with an internal or external thread, so that once installed in a surface a further pipe or hose can be connected to the inner core section. Whilst a rack and pinion may be used, a gear and a pawl arrangement is preferred, due to the smaller nature of the latter. It will be appreciated that the location and size of the gear and pawl may be adjusted according to the size and shape of the faucet and the intended purpose. 17 04 25

Claims

1. A water faucet connection arrangement having a body section, wherein the bodysection comprises:inner core section extending from the body section, the inner core section having an axial bore therethrough;outer expandable elastomeric seal member coaxial with the inner core section and external thereof, a first end of the expandable seal member being proximal the body section and a second end of the expandable seal member being distal the body section;an end element adjacent the distal side of the expandable seal member; wherein, an actuation mechanism is provided that can draw the end element towards the body section to axially compress the expandable seal member, resulting in radial expansion of the expandable seal member; andwherein the inner core section has two slots therein, each slot extending axially along the outside surface of the inner core section and the slots being arranged opposite one another, each of the slots having an opening at the end proximal the end element, andwherein the end element extends across the bore of the inner core section and protrudes through the two slots in the inner core section, such that movement of the end element in the slots compresses or extends the expandable seal member.

2. A water faucet connection arrangement according to claim 1, wherein a flexible elongate element is connected to the end element and to the actuation mechanism.

3. A water faucet connection arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the flexibleelongate element passes through the bore of the inner core section to connect with the actuation mechanism.

4. A water faucet connection arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a ratchet arrangement, the ratchet arrangement having a gear and pawl.

5. A water faucet connection arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the gear is mounted upon a shaft and the elongate flexible element is a wire that is connected at one end to the shaft and wraps therearound upon rotation of the shaft, the other end of the wire being connected to the end element, such that rotation of the shaft adjusts the position of the end element, relative to the actuation mechanism.

6. A water faucet connection arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the shaft is rotated upon rotation of a tool.

7. A water faucet connection arrangement according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein a release mechanism is provided to release the pawl, thereby allowing extension of the expandable seal member.

8. A water faucet connection arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the body section is provided with at least one aperture therethrough.

9. A water faucet connection arrangement according to claim 8, wherein at least one fluid conduit passes through the at least one aperture.

10. A water faucet connection arrangement according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of end elements is provided.

11. A water faucet connection arrangement according to claim 10, wherein a plurality of elongate flexible elements is provided that are connected to the end element.

12. A water faucet comprising a water faucet connection arrangement according to any preceding claim.

Images