AU719173B2 - Sealing gasket - Google Patents

Description

S- WO 98/35176 PCT/AU98/00062 1 "SEALING GASKET" FIELD OF THE INVENTION THIS INVENTION is concerned with a sealing gasket for an opening in a wall or other structure where such opening is created, for example, to allow connection of a water outlet or a water flow control device such as a tap, water cock or faucet to an internal water pipe.

BACKGROUND ART In the provision of water services in buildings it is customary for internal pipes carrying water to be located in wall cavities or in other internal locations such as under floors or in sink or vanity basin cabinets.

In order to allow connection of a water outlet or water flow control device to an internal water pipe, it is necessary to provide access to an outer surface of a wall or other structure. Access to the outer surface is provided by creating a hole or aperture in the wall or other structure to allow penetration and subsequent attachment of a water outlet or water flow control device to the internal water pipe. Thus the internal water pipe may have a connection pipe which extends through the hole which is subsequently connected to the water outlet. In another arrangement, a tap body may be attached to the internal water pipe which tap body extends through the hole and is attached to a tap handle.

The hole created for the passage of the connection pipe or tap body is invariably of greater diameter than the connection pipe or tap body thereby creating a gap between the periphery of the hole and the connection pipe or tap body. If water pools around, flows through, or soaks into a surround area of the wall adjacent the hole, it is possible for moisture to penetrate the wall to thereby cause damage to the wall or adjacent structures. Thus water may penetrate internal wall cavities with little chance of the water escaping due to negligible air movement in the wall cavity. With time, destructive processes may begin which will eventually cause deterioration and damage to support structures such as studs or noggings. The resulting damage may be extensive and involve CrfAU9 /0 00 6 2 RECEIVED C 2 1998 2 considerable expense in rectification.

Some wall seals have been produced in order to combat the problem presented by such leakage. For example, German Patent No 4433411 describes a wall seal for sealing pipe passages through a wall wherein the wall seal is comprised of a ring seal of soft elastic material inserted between a pipe housing and a wall. This prior art wall seal however, is dependent on provision of an even surface for its sealing ability to be maximised and is therefore restricted in its capacity to seal across wall surface irregularities such as grooves created by the grouting between tiles.

DE 29612750 (Kraus) discloses a wall seal having a central aperture with a pair of sealing ribs located on the underside thereof in use. One sealing rib is located on the outer periphery of the wall seal and the other sealing rib is located intermediate the central aperture and the outer periphery. There is also included an external locating flange on the wall seal to facilitate location of a tap body in use. Therefore, Kraus only has a peripheral sealing function with respect to an adjacent wall. Kraus also, by possessing the external sealing flange exposes such flange in use, which is aesthetically unappealing. Such sealing flange has to be made in a variety of different diameters to accommodate different sizes of tap body or water outlet.

DE 3916752 (Kabel) describes a wall seal or gasket having a similar construction to the Kraus wall seal but adapted for use in a gas supply connection to a building. The same conclusions which apply to Kraus also apply toDE 3916752.

DE 1198624 (Jensen) discloses a sealing device for use in sealing engagement with a wall about a pipe which extends through the wall. The sealing device has a plurality of sealing ribs on its underside which engage with the wall and a raised central portion having an internal and separate sealing gland for engagement with the pipe. However, the raised central portion is not used for sealing purposes and this function is AMENDED SHEET

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i~ PcrA 9 0 0 0 6 2 pFCF(Ivrl n o iqqp 2/1 carried out by the internal sealing gland. This sealing device, therefore, requires two components in use which is expensive. Such sealing device also could not be used for sealing of a water outlet or tap body in a satisfactory manner.

JP 724503 (Sumitomo Wiring) and JP 081299 (Sumitomo Denso) reveal grommets for wire harness passages. The devices have limited application outside the field of automobiles and are restricted in their versatility.

Having regard to the foregoing, there is clearly a need for a versatile gasket having a central aperture for use in relation to the installation of taps or water outlets to a support pipe through a wall aperture. Such a gasket should provide a comprehensive sealing capacity having regard to the outer periphery of the gasket as well as the central aperture thereof in relation to prevention or inhibition of water leakage. It is considered that this need is satisfied by the present invention as hereinafter described.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a sealing gasket for a wall opening which is effective in operation and achieves effective inhibition or prevention of water leakage as hereinbefore described.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a sealing gasket for a wall opening to facilitate installation of a water outlet or water flow control device adjacent the wall opening, said sealing gasket comprising:a plate-like body having opposed broad surfaces to define, in use, an inner and an outer surface; an intermediate aperture extending between each of said broad surfaces; a centrally located sealing formation extending outwardly AMENDED SHEET !PEA/ AU crrAu 9 8 0 0 0 6 2 RECEIVED 0 2 SEP 1998 212 from the outer surface adjacent to and surrounding the intermediate aperture, said centrally located sealing formation being integral with the plate-like body and also engaging with the water outlet or water control device in use; and a plurality of sealing ribs located on said inner broad surface between the intermediate aperture and a peripheral edge of the body whereby, in use, each of said sealing ribs surrounds the wall opening to inhibit water penetration of the wall opening.

The intermediate aperture is also preferably located centrally of the body. The body may also preferably be annular whereby the peripheral edge is circular although this is not essential.

Preferably, the plate-like body is composed of an impermeable, resiliently deformable material such as rubber.

Each of the sealing ribs are preferably continuous or endless and are located on an inner surface of the sealing gasket in use.

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WO 98/35176 PCT/AU98/00062 3 Preferably, there is provided a vacuum space between each of the sealing ribs in use whereby a substantial amount of air in the vacuum space is excluded upon attachment of the water outlet or water flow control device to the internal water pipe which will result in compression of the sealing gasket.

In a further preferred embodiment, there is provided a centrally located sealing formation on the outer surface of the sealing gasket in use which may engage with an adjacent tap body or water outlet. This sealing formation may comprise in one form a central domelike protrusion which extends from and is continuous or co-extensive with the adjacent broad surface of the sealing gasket. The central protrusion may have an auxiliary reinforcing rib at its base. The central protrusion may also have an end aperture.

In another embodiment, the centrally located sealing formation may include an annular seal surrounding the end aperture.

In a further preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the plate-like body has an annular ridge to locate the sealing gasket with respect to an adjacent flange of a water outlet or water flow control device. The annular ridge may also contact an adjacent surface of the flange to provide a sealing function with respect to the flange.

The invention in another aspect includes a method of installation of a water outlet or a water flow control device to an internal water pipe through a wall opening, said method including the steps of: passing a connection pipe or valve housing such as a tap body through the wall opening; (ii) inserting the aforementioned sealing gasket over the connection pipe or valve housing so that the sealing gasket abuts a surface of the wall via the sealing rib(s) thereof; and (iii) attaching the water outlet or water flow control device or component thereof, such as a handle, to the WO 98/35176 PCT/AU98/00062 4 connection pipe or valve housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Reference may now be made to a preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in the attached drawings, wherein:- FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a sealing gasket of the invention; FIG. 2 is a part-sectional view of the sealing gasket taken along the line A-A of FIG. 1; FIG. 2A is a part sectional view of a modified sealing gasket to that shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a plumbing assembly which includes the water outlet or water flow control device, sealing gaskets of the invention, wall apertures and internal water pipe showing the method of installation of the sealing gaskets; FIG. 4 illustrates a part-sectional view of the sealing gasket as installed in combination with a flanged tap bonnet; and FIG. 5. illustrates a part-sectional view of the sealing gasket as installed in combination with a flanged tap bonnet having an internal spring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a top view of a preferred embodiment of a sealing gasket 1 which is circular in shape with a domed central protrusion 2 and an inner surface 2A and an outer surface 2B. The sealing gasket I is not necessarily circular in shape. The protrusion 2 may also have an end aperture 3A. There is also provided a central aperture 3B.

The domed central protrusion 2 is continuous with a platelike body 4 that extends radially to the peripheral edge 5 of the sealing gasket 1.

An annular ridge 6 rises from the outer surface 2B of the body 4.

WO 98/35176 PCTIAU98/00062 On the inner surface 2A an annular sealing rib 7 is provided which surrounds central aperture 3B. The sealing rib is preferably integral with body 4 and thus comprises impermeable, resiliently deformable material. In an alternative arrangement rib 7 may comprise a series of protuberances which coalesce under pressure to form a continuous waterproof barrier.

There is also provided an additional sealing rib 8 of similar characteristics to rib 7 and a vacuum space 7A between each of ribs 7 and 8. The central protrusion 2 may also have a lower reinforcing rib 9.

The ridge 6 preferably extends outwardly with respect to central protrusion 2 to facilitate the sealing function of ridge 6 with respect to flange 24A as shown in FIG. 4 where sealing contact is made with undersurface 35 of flange 24A at 24B and 24C.

In regard to FIG. 2A, there is shown a modified sealing gasket 1A omitting annular ridge 6 and central protrusion 2. In this sealing gasket 1A, there is provided sealing rib 4A surrounding central aperture 3 which seals against spindle 17 shown in phantom which is referred to in FIG. 3 hereinafter. There is also shown flange 24D having an inner surface 24E which extends slightly downwardly as shown to engage in sealing contact with gasket 1A at 24F and 24G.

In FIG. 3, there is provided an internal tap assembly comprising an end component 11 which has an elbow which has parts 12 and 13 extending at right angles to end component 11 which are attached to an upstream water pipe 14 and a downstream water pipe 15. There is also included a bracket 16 for attachment to an adjacent nogging (not shown). There is also provided a tap housing or body 17 which is screw threadedly attached to end component 11. The tap housing 17 as shown extends through a wall aperture similar to wall aperture 18 of wall 19 and there is also provided a stem 20 having a screw threaded end 21. Both housing 17 and stem 20 pass through central aperture 3 of sealing gasket 1 B and also pass through an internal passage 22 of bonnet 23 having a WO 98135176 PCT/AU98/00062 6 surround flange 24. Sealing gasket 1B is similar to sealing gasket 1A but includes ridge 6.

Both housing 17 and stem 20 pass through a central bore of a coil spring 26 and through an internal opening 27 in a tap handle 28. A threaded retaining nut 29 is screwably engaged with the screw threaded end 21, and a decorative cap 30 is inserted into a receiving recess 31 in the tap handle 28.

FIG. 3 also shows use of the sealing gasket in an alternative application. Water pipe 15 is connected to a threaded connection pipe 32 which extends through the wall aperture 18 and further passes through apertures 3A, 3B of sealing gasket 1. There is also provided a water outlet 33 in the form of a water spout with a flanged base 34 for screwthreaded attachment to connection pipe 32.

FIG. 4 illustrates a part-sectional representation of the sealing gasket 1 as installed in a tap assembly. A tap cover or bonnet 23A with a flanged base 24A is screw threadedly engaged with a tap housing 17A. The ridge 6 of the outer surface 2B of the sealing gasket I abuts internal surface 35 of tap cover 23A and is located inwardly of outer flange 37 of tap cover 23A. Aperture 3A of central protrusion 2 has an internal edge 36 which is in sealing contact with tap housing 17A. On tightening of the tap cover 23A, the body 4 of the sealing gasket 1 is compressed by flange 24A which also results in sealing ribs 7 and 8 sealing firmly against wall 19 and ridge 6 seals against internal surface of top cover 23A. There is also represented an alternative form of tap handle 28A which may be used in place of handle 28 shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a part-sectional view of the sealing gasket lB as installed with tap bonnet 23B with flange base 24B enclosing a spring 26. The tap handle 28 is applied and retained by installation of the retaining nut 29 and in the process the spring 26 is compressed by the tap handle 28 and consequently forces the tap bonnet 23B against the sealing gasket 1B which in turn is compressed in sealing fashion against WO 98/35176 PCT/AU98/00062 7 the wall 19. End component 11 is screw threadedly attached to tap housing 17 at 38. Sealing gasket 1 B omits domed central protrusion 2 so that a tap bonnet in the style of flanged bonnet 23B is not obstructed by the domed central protrusion 2 during installation of flanged bonnet 23B.

The outer diameter of the sealing gasket 1 may be such that it is substantially equal to the diameter of the tap bonnet 23A, 23B or other compressing fixture. Alternatively, the outer diameter of the sealing gasket 1 may be greater than the tap bonnet 23A, 23B or other compressing fixture and may be trimmed flush with the edge of the tap bonnet 23 or other compressing fixture after installation.

It is readily apparent to a skilled worker that the sealing gasket may be used in a similar fashion on other items such as vanity basins, sinks, or other emplacements where an aperture for a water outlet or a water flow control device is created through a wall like structure such as a part of a trough, sink, fountain or housing. Therefore, the term "wall", as used herein, also includes with its scope such wall like structures.

The advantages of the preferred embodiment over the prior art include the creation of a complete barrier between the wall cavity and the environment adjacent the outer surface of the wall 19. Further the sealing ribs are better able to accommodate irregularities in the wall surface while still providing an effective waterproof seal between the sealing gasket 1, 1A, 1B and wall 19. The provision of vacuum space 7A between sealing ribs 7 and 8 allows for efficient evacuation of air from space 7A after installation of the sealing gasket of the invention.

Claims (9)

1. (Amended) A sealing gasket for a wall opening to facilitate installation of a water outlet or water flow control device adjacent the wall opening, said sealing gasket comprising:- a plate-like body having opposed broad surfaces to define, in use, an inner and an outer surface; an intermediate aperture extending between each of said broad surfaces; a centrally located sealing formation extending outwardly from the outer surface adjacent to and surrounding the intermediate aperture, said centrally located sealing formation being integral with the plate-like body and also engaging with the water outlet or water control device in use; and a plurality of sealing ribs located on said inner broad surface between the intermediate aperture and a peripheral edge of the body whereby, in use, each of said sealing ribs surrounds the wall opening to inhibit water penetration of the wall opening.

2. (New) A sealing gasket as claimed in Claim 1 further comprising an annular seal on the outer surface located between the intermediate aperture and a peripheral edge of the plate-like body wherein said annular seal locates the sealing gasket with respect to an adjacent flange of a water outlet or water flow control device.

3. (New) A sealing gasket as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the annular seal is a ridge.

4. (Amended) A sealing gasket as claimed in any of Claims 1-3 wherein the intermediate aperture is located centrally in the body (Amended) A sealing gasket as claimed in any of Claims 1-3 wherein the body is annular.

6.(Renumbered) A sealing gasket as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sealing gasket is composed of impermeable, resiliently-deformable material. AMENDED SHEET -PEA/AU PC 9 8 0 0 0 6 2 RECEIVED 0 2 SEP 1998 9

7.(Renumbered) A sealing gasket as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there is provided a vacuum space between at least two of the sealing ribs whereby in use a substantial amount of air in the vacuum space is excluded.

8. (Amended) A sealing gasket as claimed in either of Claim 1 or 2 wherein the centrally located sealing formation is a dome-like protrusion extending from and continuous with the adjacent broad surface of the sealing gasket.

9. (Amended) A sealing gasket as claimed in Claim 8 wherein the centrally-located sealing formation has an auxiliary reinforcing rib at its base. A sealing gasket as claimed in Claims 8 or 9 wherein the centrally-located sealing formation has an end aperture.

11.(Amended) A method of installation of a water outlet or water flow control device to an internal water pipe though a wall opening including the steps of:- passing a connection pipe or valve housing such as a tap body through the wall opening; inserting a sealing gasket, as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 10 over the connection pipe or valve housing so that the sealing gasket abuts a surface of the wall via the sealing ribs thereof; and attaching the water outlet or water flow control device or component thereof, such as a handle, to the connection pipe or valve housing. 2AMENDED SHEET !PEA/AU