AU2021221591B2

AU2021221591B2 - A sealing device for plumbing

Info

Publication number: AU2021221591B2
Application number: AU2021221591A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mark Davis; Alexander RASO
Original assignee: Austworld Commodities Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Austworld Commodities Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-11-16
Filing date: 2021-08-25
Publication date: 2025-02-27
Anticipated expiration: 2041-08-25
Also published as: AU2025202941A1; AU2021221591A1

Abstract

A device for sealing of a mixer body is provided, the device comprising a sleeve portion for insertion over a mixer body; and a flange portion extending from the sleeve portion for positioning against a wall surface, wherein the sleeve portion of the device is or comprises a substantially waterproof barrier. Related systems, methods, and kits are also provided. 1/7 1000 1201 1203 1101 11 1200 1102 A ' 1100 1202 1211 Fig. 1 1201 1202 1105 10 1103 --I -1104 1200 Fig. 2

Description

1/7 1000 1201 1203

1101 11 1200

1102

A '

1100 1202 1211 Fig. 1 1201 1202

1105 10

1103 I -- -1104

1200

Fig. 2

A SEALING DEVICE FOR PLUMBING FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to a sealing device for plumbing.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates - although is not limited - to devices and systems for protecting against water leakage from plumbing pipes. This includes a sealing device for sealing an opening in a wall, a tap assembly, and a method of installing a tap assembly on a vertically extending wall.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Controlling water leakage is a fundamental issue for plumbing applications. Avoiding leakage at interfaces in walls, floors, and rooves etc. of plumbed buildings can present particular challenges.

[0004] For certain structure types, e.g. walls or floors formed from brick or stainless steel, some minor leakage may be tolerable even if undesirable. Other materials are significantly more sensitive to leakage. For example, wood and plasterboard material can be seriously damaged (in the short, medium, or long term) by even minor plumbing leaks.

[0005] Bathroom plumbing typically sees heavy use and can be particularly prone to leakage over time. Various strategies exist to avoid leakage at plumbing interfaces in bathrooms. For example, threads, rubber seals, and/or settable sealants are frequently used to control leakage from taps, faucets, showerheads, or drains into a wall or floor through which these components extend.

[0006] In modern residential showers, in-wall shower tap mixer bodies are often installed to allow for control of water flow and temperature using a single tap.

[0007] The reference to prior art in the background is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or suggestion that the referenced prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or in any other country or jurisdiction.

SUMMARY

[0008] Applicant recognises that existing in-wall plumbing installations with taps such as those found on shower walls can be susceptible to leakage into a wall cavity behind the shower wall.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a sealing device for waterproofing an internal wall of a building having a wall surface by sealing an opening in the wall surface through which a plumbing body extends out to a plumbing fixture, the device comprising a closed substantially cylindrical sleeve portion forming a substantially waterproof barrier made of a material suitable for sliding over a plumbing body, that does not have two adjacent ends that can be detached from each other to open up its cylindrical configuration, and a radial flange portion extending radially out from the sleeve portion for positioning against the wall surface, wherein the sleeve portion comprises a first sleeve section extending from a first open end thereof to the flange portion for sealing to the plumbing body, and a second sleeve section extending from a second open end thereof to the flange portion.

[0010] The sleeve portion may be made of a suitable material that is a metallic or plastics material. Further, the sleeve portion may comprise a substantially cylindrical wall circumferentially surrounding a substantially cylindrical sleeve passage.

[0011] The second sleeve section may be tapered along its length, e.g. along substantially its full length.

[0012] The flange portion may comprise a disc-like or circular flange, and the flange portion may comprise an indentation or groove extending circumferentially around the sleeve portion that is spaced radially inward of a peripheral edge thereof.

[0013] Further, the flange portion may extend substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve portion.

[0014] The flange portion may be malleably adjustable relative to the sleeve portion. That is, it may be able to be deformed out of its orientation extending substantially perpendicularly to the sleeve portion.

[0015] The sealing device may comprise any one or more of the features or combination of features of the sealing device defined in any other aspect of the invention.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a tap assembly mounted on a wall having a wall surface, comprising: a sealing device sealing an opening in the wall surface, the device comprising a sleeve portion that forms a substantially waterproof barrier and has an inner surface; and a radial flange portion extending radially out from the sleeve portion positioned against the wall surface, wherein the sleeve portion comprises a first sleeve section extending from a first open end thereof to the flange portion; and a second sleeve section extending from a second open end thereof to the flange portion; and a body projecting through the opening in the wall, the body having an outer surface and being received within the sleeve passage.

[0017] The seal may comprise a circumferential seal mounted on the outer surface of the body projecting out of the body into sealing engagement with the inner surface of the sleeve portion.

[0018] The body may be substantially cylindrical, e.g. circular cylindrical, and may define a groove on its outer surface for receiving and locating the circumferential seal on the body.

[0019] The circumferential seal may seal the body to the first sleeve section.

[0020] The circumferential seal may seal the body to the first sleeve section adjacent to the first open end of the sleeve portion.

[0021] The body may be configured to define at least one flow passage therethrough for conveying water from behind the wall surface, through the opening in the wall surface, towards a water outlet that is positioned on the wall surface outside of the wall.

[0022] Further, the body may be configured to define more than one flow passage therein for conveying water in a direction towards the water outlet.

[0023] The body may be configured to define flow passages for receiving hot and cold water, and for mixing the hot and cold water and delivering it to a mixer tap with a handle. In one form the body may comprise a mixer body or mixer cartridge.

[0024] The sealing device may comprise any one or more of the features or combination of features of the sealing device defined in any other aspect of the invention.

[0025] The body may comprise any one or more of the features or combination of features of the body described in any other aspect of the invention.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing a tap assembly on a vertically extending wall having a wall opening formed therein, comprising: providing a plumbing behind the vertically extending wall, the plumbing comprising a body configured to define at least one flow passage therethrough for conveying water through the wall opening towards a water outlet; providing a sealing device comprising a waterproof sleeve portion sized and configured to fit over the body, and a radial flange portion extending radially out from the sleeve portion, the sleeve portion comprising a sleeve section extending from a first open end thereof to the flange portion; mounting the sealing device by passing the first open end of the sleeve portion and the sleeve section over the body to receive at least part of the body, and sealing an inner surface of the sleeve section to an outer surface of the body; and sealing the flange portion to the outer surface of the wall whereby to form a substantially waterproof barrier for resisting leakage of water behind the vertically extending wall.

[0027] The sleeve portion may further comprise a further sleeve section extending from a second open end of the sleeve portion to the flange portion.

[0028] The body may comprise a circumferential seal on its outer surface, and sealing the sleeve section to the body may comprise sealing the body to the sleeve section with the seal.

[0029] The method may further comprise an initial step of measuring and cutting the sleeve section to a length that enables the flange portion to lie up against an outer surface of the vertically extending wall around the wall opening when the sleeve portion is fully inserted into the wall opening. This may be done by mounting the sealing device over the body and sliding it in as far as it can go, and then cutting it to size.

[0030] The method and/or the tap assembly may further comprise applying an outer wall covering over the wall surface and the flange portion that covers the further sleeve section. The tap assembly and/or the sealing device may comprise any one or more of the features or combination of features in any other aspect of the invention.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a device for sealing of a mixer body or the like, the device comprising a sleeve portion for insertion over a mixer body or the like, or a part thereof; and a flange portion extending from the sleeve portion.

[0032] The sleeve portion of the device comprises an inner surface for positioning adjacent a mixer body when the sleeve portion is inserted over the mixer body, and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. Suitably, the sleeve portion functions as a barrier that prevents, or at least substantially constrains, passage of water between the inner and outer surface thereof.

[0033] In embodiments, the sleeve portion of the device comprises one or more barrier walls around a channel for insertion over a mixer body. In embodiments, the sleeve portion comprises a substantially cylindrical barrier wall around a substantially cylindrical sleeve channel.

[0034] Suitably, the sleeve portion of the device has a first or back end; and a second or front end. In embodiments the first and second end of the sleeve portion are open ends. In an embodiment, the sleeve portion is tapered towards the second end.

[0035] Suitably, a first or back section of the sleeve portion extends from the first end of the sleeve portion; and a second or front section extends from the second end of the sleeve portion. In embodiments, the second end of the sleeve portion is tapered across substantially the full length of the second section of the sleeve portion.

[0036] Suitably, the flange portion of the device is adapted for placement adjacent or against a wall surface. In embodiments, the flange portion is a disc-like or circular flange.

[0037] Suitably, the flange portion comprises a flange rim distal to the sleeve portion of the device. In embodiments, the flange portion comprises an indentation or groove. Suitably, the flange groove extends around the flange portion at a position towards the flange rim.

[0038] In embodiments, the flange portion of the device extends from the sleeve portion over a plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve portion. The flange portion may be malleably adjustable relative to a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve portion.

[0039] In embodiments, the flange portion of the device extends from the sleeve portion at a position between the first section and the second section of the sleeve portion.

[0040] The sealing device may comprise any one or more of the features or combination of features of the sealing device defined in any other aspect of the invention.

[0041] According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a mixer body comprising a barrier engagement portion. Suitably, the barrier engagement portion is adapted to interact with a barrier in the form of the sleeve portion of the sealing device of the preceding aspect.

[0042] In embodiments, the barrier engagement portion is of a base of the mixer body. In embodiments, the barrier engagement portion is a substantially cylindrical barrier engagement portion.

[0043] In embodiments, the barrier engagement portion comprises a groove or furrow or the like for receiving a barrier-engaging seal. In embodiments, the barrier engagement portion comprises a barrier-engaging seal, such as a ring seal.

[0044] In embodiments, the mixer body of the current aspect comprises a groove or furrow or the like for receiving a cover-engaging seal for engagement with a cover of or for the mixer body. In embodiments, the mixer body comprises a cover engaging seal, such as a ring seal.

[0045] In embodiments, the cover-engaging seal, and/or groove or furrow therefor, is located on a wall of the mixer body. In an embodiment, the mixer body comprises at least two cover-engaging seals and/or at least two grooves or furrows therefor.

[0046] The mixer body may comprise any one or more of the features or combination of features of the body described in any other aspect of the invention.

[0047] According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising a device of an earlier aspect; and a mixer body of the preceding aspect.

[0048] Suitably, the system of the current aspect comprises a barrier-engaging seal extending between the mixer body and the inner surface of the sleeve portion of the device.

[0049] Suitably, the barrier-engaging seal extends between the mixer body and the sleeve portion at a position along the first section of the sleeve portion. In embodiments, the barrier-engaging seal extends between the mixer body and the sleeve portion at a position near to the first end of the sleeve portion.

[0050] Suitably, the barrier-engaging seal prevents, or at least substantially constrains, passage of water from the mixer body through the first end of the sleeve portion of the device.

[0051] According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a mixer tap comprising the system of the preceding aspect.

[0052] The sealing device may comprise any one or more of the features or combination of features of the sealing device defined in any other aspect of the invention.

[0053] The body may comprise any one or more of the features or combination of features of the body described in any other aspect of the invention.

[0054] According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a kit comprising the device of an earlier aspect and the mixer body of an earlier aspect.

[0055] In embodiments, the kit comprises at least one barrier-engaging seal, such as a ring seal. In embodiments, the kit comprises at least one cover-engaging seal, such as a ring seal.

[0056] In embodiments, the kit comprises a mixer body cover, such as a shower mixer tap cover. In embodiments, the kit comprises a handle, such as shower mixer tap handle.

[0057] Suitably, the system and kit is adapted for installation in a wall, such as a shower wall, wherein leakage of water from the mixer body into the wall is prevented or at least substantially resisted using the sealing device of a preceding aspect.

[0058] The system and/or kit may comprise any one or more of the features or combination of features of the sealing device defined in any other aspect of the invention.

[0059] The system and/or kit may comprise any one or more of the features or combination of features of the body including mixer body described in any other aspect of the invention.

[0060] The invention extends to a method of installing tapware, including a step of positioning the sleeve portion of the sealing device of a preceding aspect over at least a part of the mixer body of a preceding aspect.

[0061] Suitably, the step of positioning the sleeve portion of the device over at least a part of the mixer body includes positioning the inner surface of the sleeve portion against a barrier-engaging seal extending from the barrier engagement portion of the mixer body.

[0062] In embodiments, the method comprises installing tapware in a wall. In embodiments, the wall comprises wood and/or plasterboard. In embodiments, the wall in which the mixer tapware is installed is a shower wall.

[0063] In embodiments where the method comprises a method of installing tapware in a wall, suitably, the method may include a step of positioning the flange portion of the sealing device against a surface of the wall. In embodiments, the surface of the wall is an internal or interior surface of the wall. In embodiments, the surface of the wall is a plasterboard surface, such as a water-resistant plasterboard surface.

[0064] In embodiments, the method includes a step of applying a surface of or for the wall over the flange portion of the device. In embodiments, the surface is an exterior surface of or for the wall. In embodiments, the surface comprises a tile.

[0065] In embodiments, the step of applying the surface of or for the wall according to the method includes placing the surface adjacent the second section of the sleeve portion of the sealing device.

[0066] In embodiments, the method includes a step of trimming the sleeve portion of the sealing device before and/or after positioning the sleeve portion over the mixer body or a part thereof.

[0067] The sealing device may comprise any one or more of the features or combination of features of the sealing device defined in any other aspect of the invention.

[0068] The body may comprise any one or more of the features or combination of features of the body described in any other aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] A sealing device and tapware assembly in accordance with the invention may be implemented in several different forms. It will be convenient to hereinafter describe in detail several embodiments of the invention with reference to accompanying drawings. The purpose of providing this detailed description is to instruct persons having an interest in the subject matter of the invention how to carry the invention into practical effect. However, it is to be clearly understood that the specific nature of this detailed description does not supersede the generality of the preceding summary section. The Detailed Description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0070] Figure 1 sets forth a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a sealing device for sealing a body to an adjacent wall according to an aspect of the invention, device 1000.

[0071] Figure 2 sets forth a side view of the sealing device in Figure 1.

[0072] Figure 3 sets forth a longitudinal section view of a system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising a body 200 and a sealing device 1000 mounted over the body 2000.

[0073] Figure 4 sets forth a longitudinal section view of the mixer body 2000that has been plumbed into a shower wall and having a removable protective guard 50 thereon during installation.

[0074] Figure 5 sets forth the arrangement of Figure 4, wherein the sealing device 1000 is placed over the mixer body 2000.

[0075] Figure 6 sets forth a measurement of the proximity of a flange portion of the sealing device 1000 to the wall in the arrangement of Figure 5.

[0076] Figure 7 sets forth a side view showing how a sleeve portion of the sealing device 1000 is marked for trimming to fit the specific installation.

[0077] Figure 8 sets forth the arrangement of Figure 4, in which the sleeve portion has been trimmed so it has the correct length and tiles have been placed over the flange portion and against a shower wall 1.

[0078] Figure 9 sets forth the arrangement of Figure 8 wherein the guard 50 has been removed from the mixer body 2000 and a mixer tap 2 has been installed on the mixer body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] Figures 1 and 2 show a sealing device 1000 according to an aspect of the invention. The sealing device 1000 comprises a sleeve portion 1100; and a flange portion 1200. A longitudinal axis of the sealing device 1000 is indicated by axis A A' in Figure 1. The sealing device 1000 may alternatively be referred to herein as a 'barrier device', without limitation thereto.

[0080] The sleeve portion 1100 of the sealing device 1000 is a substantially waterproof cylindrical sleeve portion comprising a cylindrical sleeve wall 1101 surrounding a sleeve channel 1102. The sleeve wall 1101 of device 1000 has an inner channel surface 1111, and an outer channel surface 1112.

[0081] The sleeve portion 1100 further comprises first sleeve portion end or first end 1103, and second sleeve portion end or second end 1104. A first sleeve section 1105 of the sleeve portion 1100 extends from the first sleeve portion end 1103 to the flange portion 1200. A second sleeve section 1106 of sleeve portion 1100 extends from second sleeve portion end 1104 to the flange portion 1200.

[0082] The flange portion 1200 of the sealing device 1000 is a disc-like flange portion comprising first flange surface 1201 and second flange surface 1202, and a circumferential flange rim 1203. A flange groove 1211 extends around the first flange surface 1201 of the flange portion 1200, at a position near to the flange rim 1203.

[0083] The flange portion 1200 of device 1000 extends radially outward from a position between the first section 1105 and the second section 1106 of the sleeve portion 1100. The flange portion 1200 extends across or in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A' of the sealing device 10.

[0084] A system 100 according to the invention, is shown in Figure 3. The system 100 forms part of a shower mixer tap 2, installed in a shower wall, and a shower wall 1. The system 100 comprises device 1000, as hereinabove described, and a mixer body 2000 for mixing hot and cold water.

[0085] Figure 3 shows the system 100 forming part of a shower mixer tap 2 installed in a shower wall 1. As shown in Figure 3, the mixer body 2000 comprises a mixer cartridge 2100; a mixer body wall 2200; a mixer body base 2300; and a mixer body cap 2400.

[0086] The mixer body wall 2200 of the mixer body 2000 is a substantially cylindrical wall comprising a first mixer body wall end 2201, and a second mixer body end 2202. The first mixer body wall end 2201 and second mixer body wall end 2202 have internally threaded ends.

[0087] The mixer body wall 2200 further comprises a first mixer body groove 2203, and a second mixer body groove 2204. The first mixer body groove 2203 and the second mixer body groove 2204 comprise respective ring seals for engagement with a mixer body cover.

[0088] The mixer body base 2300 of the mixer body 2000 comprises a first mixer body base end 2301 for connection with a pipe or conduit, and a second mixer body base end 2302 for connection with the first mixer body wall end 2201. The first mixer body base end 2301 has an internally threaded end. The second mixer body base end 2302 has an externally threaded end.

[0089] The mixer body base 2300 further comprises a barrier engagement portion 2303. The barrier engagement portion 2303 is located adjacent to the second mixer body base end 2302 and extends laterally to the substantially cylindrical barrier engagement portion rim 2313. The barrier engagement portion rim 2313 comprises barrier engagement portion groove 2323 for receiving a ring seal.

[0090] The mixer body cap 2400 comprises a mixer body cap wall 2401, and a mixer body cap roof 2402. The mixer body cap wall 2401 comprises a substantially cylindrical, externally threaded wall for connection with second mixer body wall end 2202. The mixer body cap roof 2402 is a disc-like roof comprising central aperture 2412. The mixer cartridge peg 2101 of the mixer cartridge 2100 extends through a central aperture 2412 of the mixer body cap roof 2402.

[0091] In the system 100, the sealing device 1000 is inserted overthe mixer body 2000. More particularly, sleeve portion 1100 of the sealing device 1000 is inserted over a part of mixer body 2000 including the barrier engagement portion 2303 of the mixer body base 2300 and most of the mixer body wall 2200.

[0092] In the system 100, a barrier-engaging ring seal 110, is located within the barrier engagement portion groove 2323 of the mixer body base 2300 of the mixer body 2000 and extends between the groove 2323 and the inner channel surface 1111 of the sleeve wall 1101 of the sealing device 1000.

[0093] Typical installation of the sealing device 1000, the mixer body 2000, and the system 100, as described herein, into a shower wall (shower wall 1) for installation of the shower mixer tap (shower tap 2) will now be described.

[0094] As shown in Figure 4, the mixer body 2000 is initially connected to an outlet pipe (pipe 5) within the wall 1, and roughed-in to the wall 1. The threaded first mixer body base end 2301 is engaged with an outlet pipe 5 via a sealed, threaded fitting.

[0095] The mixer body base 2300 of the mixer body 2000 is located within the shower wall 1. The mixer body wall 2200 extends from within the shower wall 1 through the shower wall 1, to an outside of the shower wall 1 through an opening in the water-resistant plasterboard 10 forming the shower wall 1.

[0096] As shown in Figure 4, a mixer bodyguard (guard 50) is placed over the mixer body wall 2200, the mixer body cap 2400, and the mixer cartridge peg 2101 of the mixer cartridge 2100, for protecting these components during installation.

[0097] As shown in Figures 5, the sleeve portion 1100 of the sealing device 1000 is then placed over the mixer body 2000 so that the inner channel surface 1111 of the sleeve wall 1101 fittingly engages with the ring seal 110 located within the barrier engagement portion groove 2323 of the mixer body base 2300 of the mixer body 2000.

[0098] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, if a length of the first section 1105 of the sleeve portion 1100 reaches the first mixer body base end 2301 and spaces the first flange surface 1201 of the flange portion 1200 away from the water-resistant plasterboard 10, the first sleeve section 1105 first needs to be measured and trimmed to the appropriate length.

[0099] As shown in Figure 8, when first section 1105 of sleeve portion 1100 is of a suitable length or has been cut to a suitable length, the inner channel surface 1111 of the sleeve wall 1101 fittingly engages with the ring seal 110 and the first flange surface 1201 sits up against water-resistant plasterboard 10 forming the wall.

[0100] The flange portion 1200 is fixed to the water-resistant plasterboard 10 by applying adhesive (e.g. sealant glue) to first flange surface 1201 and/or installing one or more fasteners (e.g. screws) through the flange portion 1200 into the water resistant plasterboard 10.

[0101] As shown in Figure 8, when the sleeve portion 1100 of the sealing device 1000 is placed over the mixer body 2000, and the flange portion 1200 is fixed to the water-resistant plasterboard 10, a water-resistant sealant (sealant 11) is applied over water-resistant plaster board 10 and the flange portion 1200 fixed thereto. Subsequently, tiling is performed over the wall surface and the outer surface of the flange portion with tile grout (grout 12) and tiles (tiles 13). These tiles are placed adjacent the tapered second section 1106 of the sleeve portion 1100.

[0102] As shown in Figure 9, after tiling, the guard 50 is removed from the mixer body 2000, and a mixer body cover (cover 20) is attached to the mixer body 2000 by placing a wall of the mixer body cover 20 against the mixer body wall 2200 and screwing a cap of the cover 20 onto the mixer body cap 2400, wherein a mixer cartridge peg 2101 of the mixer cartridge 2100 extends through a central aperture of the mixer body cover 20.

[0103] Also shown in Figure 9, a shower mixer wall plate (wall plate 21) is placed around the mixer body cover 20 sitting up against the tiles 13. Additionally, a shower mixer tap handle (mixer tap handle 22) is attached to the mixer cartridge peg of mixer cartridge 2100, and the mixer tap handle 22 sits over the mixer body cap of the cover 20.

[0104] The sealing device 1000, the mixer body 2000, the system 100, and components thereof, may be formed using any suitable materials that are known in the art.

[0105] The sealing device 1000 is typically formed from a metallic material, such as a stainless steel or aluminium. The mixer body 2000 is typically formed from a metallic material, such as dezincification-resistant brass (DZR brass).

[0106] Other suitable materials may include metallic materials such as bronze, copper, cast iron, ductile iron, structural steel or other steel types, and metal alloys, and plastics such as PVC and CPVC. Seals, such as ring seals, of devices and systems as described herein are typically formed using rubber, including both natural and synthetic rubber, or plastics.

[0107] Various non-limiting advantages of at least certain aspects and/or embodiments described in the detailed description with reference to the drawings will now be described.

[0108] Advantageously, the system 100 is adapted to at least substantially prevent leakage of water from the mixer body 2000 into the interior or internal space of a wall in which the mixer body 2000 is installed, such as the shower wall 1.

Advantageously, a fitting engagement of the seal 110 with the inner channel surface 1111 of the sleeve wall 1101 forms a barrier to escape of water from the mixer body 2000 through the first end 1103 of the sealing device 1000.

[0109] The length of the first sleeve section of the sleeve portion can be adjusted by cutting the sleeve portion 1100 to a length that suits a particular in-wall installation. Thus, the sealing device can be adapted to various wall depths and dimensions from the wall surface to the pipe 5.

[0110] Advantageously, the sealing device 1000 can be adjusted for installation at various angles by malleably adjusting (or bending) the plane of the flange portion 1200 relative to the longitudinal axis A-A'.

[0111] Advantageously, the groove flange groove 1211 of the flange portion 1200 can accommodate or receive an adhesive or sealant, and/or act as a trap for water to stop it escaping.

[0112] Advantageously, the tapered second portion and/or second end 1106 of sleeve portion 1100 can facilitate tile installation and/or water run-off.

[0113] Advantageously, the flange portion 1200 is adapted for fixing to an inner surface of a wall, such as water-resistant plasterboard, using adhesive or fasteners or both.

[0114] Advantageously, the body 2000 has a specialised barrier engagement portion adapted for sealed, fitting engagement with a barrier, such as a sleeve portion 1100 of the device 1000, to at least substantially prevent water leakage from the mixer body 2000 into a wall, such as into the shower wall 1.

[0115] Advantageously, the body 2000 has two grooves within the body wall 2200 thereof, for accommodating two separate cover seals. This double seal arrangement is advantageous for at least substantially preventing a leakage of water from the mixer cartridge 2100 out of a mixer body cover, such as cover 20, placed over mixer body 2000 towards interior space of a wall, such as shower wall 1.

[0116] Advantageously, the ring seal 110 is relatively easy to install, remove, and replace.

[0117] It will be understood generally that the above description of embodiments of the invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. In some instances, well-known components and/or processes have not been described in detail, so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein.

[0118] Numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0119] In this specification, the use of the terms "suitable" and "suitably", and similar terms, is not to be read as implying that a feature or step is essential, although such features or steps referred to as "suitable" may well be preferred.

[0120] In this specification, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" are not to be read as singular indefinite articles or as otherwise excluding more than one or more than a single subject to which the indefinite article refers. For example, "a" seal includes one seal, one or more seals, and a plurality of seals.

[0121] In this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", and similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus, system, or method that comprises or includes a list of elements need not have those elements solely, and may well have other elements not listed.

[0122] In this specification, the terms "consisting essentially of' and "consists essentially of'are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion only to the extent that, if additional elements are included beyond those elements recited, the additional elements do not materially alter basic and novel characteristics. That is, an apparatus, system, or method that "consists essentially of' one or more recited elements includes those elements only, or those elements and any additional elements that do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the apparatus, system, or method.

[0123] In this specification, terms such as "above" and "beloW"; "front"and "back"; "top" and "bottom"; "leff'and "right"; "horizontaf'and verticalf',and the like, may be used for descriptive purposes. However, it will be understood that embodiments can potentially be arranged in various orientations, and that such relative terms are not limiting and may be interchangeable in appropriate circumstances.

[0124] In this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms "connection", "connected", "connecting", and the like, are not to be read as limited to direct connections and may also include indirect connections. For example, unless the context requires otherwise, a stated first component "connected" to a stated second component may be connected via, through, or by, one or more unstated components.

[0125] It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. All such modifications and variations thereto, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art, are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as is set forth herein. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A sealing device for waterproofing an internal wall of a building having a wall surface by sealing an opening in the wall surface through which a plumbing body extends out to a plumbing fixture, the device comprising a closed substantially cylindrical sleeve portion forming a substantially waterproof barrier made of a suitable material for sliding over a plumbing body, that does not have two adjacent ends that can be detached from each other to open up its cylindrical configuration, and a radial flange portion extending radially out from the sleeve portion for positioning against the wall surface, wherein the sleeve portion comprises a first sleeve section extending from a first open end thereof to the flange portion for sealing to the plumbing body, and a second sleeve section extending from a second open end thereof to the flange portion.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the sleeve portion is made of a metallic or plastics material.

3. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sleeve portion comprises a substantially cylindrical wall circumferentially surrounding a substantially cylindrical sleeve passage.

4. The device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second sleeve section is tapered along its length.

5. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the flange portion is a disc-like or circular flange.

6. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the flange portion comprises an indentation or groove extending circumferentially around the sleeve portion spaced radially in from a peripheral edge thereof.

7. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the flange portion extends substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve portion, and the flange portion is malleably adjustable out of its orientation extending substantially perpendicularly to the sleeve portion.

8. A tap assembly mounted on a wall having a wall surface, comprising: a sealing device sealing an opening in the wall surface, the device comprising a sleeve portion that forms a substantially waterproof barrier and has an inner surface; and a radial flange portion extending radially out from the sleeve portion positioned against the wall surface, wherein the sleeve portion comprises a first sleeve section extending from a first open end thereof to the flange portion; and a second sleeve section extending from a second open end thereof to the flange portion; a body projecting through the opening in the wall, the body having an outer surface and being received within the sleeve passage; and a seal sealing the outer surface of the body to the inner surface of the sleeve portion.

9. A tap assembly according to claim 8, wherein the seal comprises a circumferential seal mounted on the outer surface of the body projecting out proud of the body into sealing engagement with the inner surface of the sleeve portion.

10. A tap assembly according to claim 9, wherein the body is substantially cylindrical and defines a groove on its outer surface for receiving and locating the circumferential seal on the body.

11. A tap assembly according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the circumferential seal seals the body to the first sleeve section.

12. A tap assembly according to claim 11, wherein the circumferential seal engages with the first sleeve section adjacent to the first open end of the sleeve portion.

13. A tap assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the body is configured to define at least one flow passage therethrough for conveying water from behind the wall surface, through the opening in the wall surface, to a water outlet that is positioned on the wall surface outside of the wall.

14. A tap assembly according to claim 13, wherein the body is configured to define more than one flow passage therein for conveying water in a direction towards the water outlet.

15. A tap assembly according to claim 14, wherein the body is configured to define two flow passages for receiving hot and cold water respectively, and for mixing the hot and cold water and delivering it to a mixer tap with a handle.

16. A method of installing a tap assembly on a vertically extending wall having a wall opening formed therein, comprising: providing a plumbing behind the vertically extending wall, the plumbing comprising a body configured to define at least one flow passage therethrough for conveying water through the wall opening towards a water outlet; providing a sealing device comprising a waterproof sleeve portion sized and configured to fit over the body, and a radial flange portion extending radially out from the sleeve portion, the sleeve portion comprising a sleeve section extending from a first open end thereof to the flange portion; mounting the sealing device by passing the first open end of the sleeve portion and the sleeve section over the body to receive at least part of the body, and sealing an inner surface of the sleeve section to an outer surface of the body; and sealing the flange portion to the outer surface of the wall whereby to form a substantially waterproof barrier for resisting leakage of water behind the vertically extending wall.

17. A method of installing a tap assembly according to claim 16, wherein the sleeve portion comprises a further sleeve section extending from a second open end of the sleeve portion to the flange portion.

18. A method of installing a tap assembly according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the body has a circumferential seal on its outer surface and said sealing the sleeve section against an outer surface of the body comprises sealing the body to the sleeve section with the seal.

19. A method of installing a tap assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising measuring and cutting the sleeve section to a length that enables the flange portion to lie up against an outer surface of the vertically extending wall around the wall opening when the sleeve portion is fully inserted into the wall opening.

20. A method of installing a tap assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 19, further comprising applying an outer wall covering over the wall surface and the flange portion that covers the further sleeve section.