A faucet apparatus

Abstract

A faucet apparatus comprises a supply device 99 and a faucet adaptor 20. The supply device comprises a body 1, a nut 5 and a through passage 22. A moveable valve 10 and a valve seat 7 are located in t

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a faucet apparatus, in particular an apparatus for providing easy to change faucets. Background In many societies across the world there is an increasing focus on aesthetic improvements in people’s environments. This can mean decorating spaces more frequently, and updating fixtures and fittings. Sanitary ware can be problematic to update and change, as it can problematic and costly to shut off water supplies to the sanitary ware so as to change it. Prior Art GB 2 567 247 (BROAD et al) discloses a sanitary fitting comprising a connector configured and arranged to enable a sanitary fitting body to be removably attached thereto, the connector comprising a conduit arranged, in use, to be in fluid communication with a water source and having an outlet aperture configured to be in fluid communication with the interior of the fitting body when the fitting body is located on the connect or, the connector further comprising a control valve arrangement including a valve member movable in response to water pressure and / or water flow from a first position in which water flow from the outlet aperture is permitted to a second position in which water flow through outlet aperture is prevented, wherein in the first position the valve member is located EP 3 165 686 (SANSUM et al) discloses a fluid delivery device comprising a mounting element for connection to a fluid supply and a body element mounted on the mounting element for controlling discharge of fluid from the device, the body element being detachable from the mounting element without disconnecting the mounting element from the fluid supply, and the mounting element including an isolator valve assembly havin g an open position to connect the fluid supply to the body element when the body element is mounted on the mounting element and a closed position to isolate the fluid supply when the body element is removed from the mounting element, wherein the isolator valve assembly moves between the open and closed positions as the body element is attached to and detached from the mounting element GB 0 107 000 (BROWN) discloses a domestic tap that can be easily be inserted into a base which incorporates a valve preventing the flow of water when the tap is not present, wherein the valve is sprung against a lip when closed, but is depressed by an actuator when the tap is present such that water can then flow through perforations in a valve cage and around actuator and the tap is sealed to the base by a rubber O ring and pressure spring. I Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a faucet apparatus comprising a supply device and a faucet adaptor, wherein the supply device comprises a body, a nut, a through-passage, a moveable valve and a valve seat, wherein the valve and valve seat are located in the through passage, and the adaptor is adapted to fit into the through-passage to move the valve. In some embodiments of the apparatus the apparatus comprises a nut which attaches the device to a structure, such as a basin surround or cabinet. In this way the apparatus enables the device to be installed in a cabinet, and the faucet or other fitting to be changed easily and conveniently according to preference and without requiring the water to be shut off. In some embodiments of the apparatus the apparatus comprises a retainer screw, wherein the device and adaptor may be envisaged to be predominantly held together by friction or interference or tolerance fitting, but the grub screw consolidates the fitting and / or prevents rotation. In some embodiments of the apparatus the apparatus comprises a plurality of through-passages, for example for mixer taps or similar. In some such embodiments of the apparatus it may be envisaged that the apparatus comprises a plurality of adaptors. In some embodiments of the apparatus the body is perforated by through-passages and is ovaloid in sectional profile. The ovaloid body may therefore prevent rotation and / or ensure that the fitting between the apparatus parts is correct. In some embodiments of the apparatus the adaptor is fitted to a faucet, for example permanently, whereby the faucet is purchased ready for use with the device. In some embodiments of the apparatus the adaptor comprises a threaded end, for screwing into the faucet. In some embodiments of the apparatus the apparatus comprises a retaining nut to secure the device to the faucet, preventing the apparatus coming apart. In further embodiments the apparatus comprises a bayonet fitting, and / or a cam or eccentric part between the device and adaptor, preventing rotation for example. According to further aspects of the present invention there is provided a faucet for apparatus substantially as described herein, or apparatus comprising a faucet with an adaptor, and a supply device. According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing a water supply comprising apparatus according to claim 11. A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which: Brief Description of Figures Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the apparatus shown 5 in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; 10 Figure 5 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 6 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 5; 15 Figures 7 show exploded isometric views of the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 5; Figures 8 shows front and side diagrammatic views of the embodiment of the 20 apparatus shown in Figure 5; And Figure 9 shows the embodiment of the supply device used in the embodiment o the 25 apparatus shown in Figure 5. Detailed Description of Figures 30 With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of a faucet apparatus generally comprising a supply device 99,199 and a faucet adaptor 20, wherein the supply device comprises a body 1,41, a nut 5,45, a through-passage 22,42, a moveable valve 10 and a valve seat 7, wherein the valve and valve seat are located in the through passage, and the adaptor is adapted to fit into the through-passage to 35 move the valve. In particular reference to the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 the supply device comprises a large screw threaded member 4, with a male thread. The thread has a large nut 5, which may be used to secure the device on a structure such as a basin surround. The nut screws the structure up against body 1, which body comprises a cylindrical part, with a larger diameter than the thread. The body comprises two O ring channels, which are provided in use with nitrile or silicone rubber O rings 2. Between these two channels there is an indented ring, which is adapted to accept a grub screw 3, which may be used to screw through the faucet to hold the apparatus together. In the top face of the body there is a circular cylindrical hole, being the entrance of the through-passage 6, for receipt of the adaptor 20. The hole contains two trapped O rings 12, which are used to hold the adaptor in the hole and thereby help to hold the apparatus together. The adaptor comprises a cylindrical part, which in further embodiments may have the O rings on the outer face. The adaptor has an open bore 22, through which water passes, into the through passage when the adaptor is engaged in the device, as is shown in Figure 1. The through-passage 6 includes a fixed annular valve seat 7, and a moveable valve 10. The moveable valve has a first conical end, an elongate core member and a distal end cap, which both have an external diameter larger than the internal diameter of the valve seat. The outer edge of the conical end has a channel for receipt of an O ring (not shown). It may be envisaged that in manufacture the end cap may be attached to the core in situ, for example with a screw. The distal end of the bore 22 comprises a reduced diameter stud 21 with an external thread, which allows the adaptor to screw into the faucet. The faucet is envisaged to include an internal cylindrical socket for receipt of the device, such that the adaptor extends axially in the socket. In use the adaptor is screwed into the faucet, and the faucet is placed onto the body of the device, such that the O rings in the bore and the body provide a friction or interference fit between the parts of the apparatus. It may be envisaged that the device and adaptor are cast in bronze or stainless steel. In particular reference to the apparatus shown in Figure 5 the device 199 comprises two through-passages 15, which pass through a cylindrical threaded member 44, having a nut 45, an enlarged cylindrical collar 49, and an oval-section body 41. The body has two channels for O rings 42 and an indented ring, for receipt of a grub screw 43. In particular reference to the embodiment of the supply device shown in Figure 9, the embodiment shows the device without the adaptors in the through-passages. The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

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