WO2006038012A2

WO2006038012A2 - Tap with self-cleaning operating means

Info

Publication number: WO2006038012A2
Application number: PCT/GB2005/003843
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeremy D Lenighan
Original assignee: Jeremy D Lenighan
Priority date: 2004-10-06
Filing date: 2005-10-06
Publication date: 2006-04-13
Also published as: WO2006038012A3; GB2434093A; GB0708045D0

Abstract

A tap (4) including operating means (8) for user control of the flow of the fluid from the spout, where at least part of the operating means is positioned in or adjacent the flow of fluid (9) from the tap at least when in the open condition, to enable the operating means to be cleaned by the fluid (9) passing through the tap.

Description

Tap with Operating Means

The invention to which this application relates is a tap for a fluid which provides improvements to hygiene and efficiency of use.

Although the following description refers almost exclusively to an elongate member positioned in or adjacent the flow of water from a tap, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the elongate member can be substituted for other mechanisms , and the tap can be used to control the flow of other fluids .

Taps are well known for controlling the flow of fluids such as water, and are commonly presented to a user on or adjacent a sink for hygienic purposes. When a tap is used by more than one person for the purpose of washing hands, there is a possibility of passing material and/or infection from one person to another due to contact of the user's hands, prior to and/or after cleaning, with the tap head and/or handle.

Some spouts can be rotated so that the water therefrom flows directly onto the tap to wash the same. However, a risk of contamination from the user handling the spout is then generated.

A number of methods exist to avoid such cross-contamination. One example, often found in hospitals, is the use of large handles, which can be used to turn taps on and off with the user's elbow. The disadvantage of this is that non-medically trained users may use their hands to manipulate the handle, potentially allowing the spread of contamination. Another example is the use of infra-red sensors on or adjacent taps which can be used to actuate valves on the taps to turn them on or o ff. However, such devices do not generally provide a means for adjusting the temperature of the water, and sensors are prone to malfunctioning thereby preventing the tap from operating correctly such that there may be no water presented or the water may not be turned off.

A further example is percussion taps, which are provided with a knob or button which allows the flow of water for a specific period of time when pressed. However, these taps do not allow the flow rate or temperature to be controlled, and do not prevent cross-contamination by users .

A further problem is that if the taps are perceived to be difficult to use the same may not be used at all which results in further hygiene problems .

Furthermore, in certain areas, cold water may be derived from a tank, and the water pressure associated therewith is relatively low. The water in tanks is also more likely to become contaminated compared to mains water. In other areas, the cold water may be at mains pressure, which can be relatively high. It may be that in the future, regulations will indicate that pressure valves should be fitted to taps to avoid spraying water in high pres sure areas, of particular importance if the water becomes contaminated.

In addition, a forthcoming regulation indicates that hot water temperature should be regulated independently of the taps used by the user, to avoid accidental scalding from a hot water tap, which may occur if a user is unfamiliar with a particular tap. It is also a present regulation that taps must be controllable by using the same with a fist, to enable disabled users to use the same.

The aim o f the present invention is to provide a tap which prevents the spread of cross-contamination by users.

A further aim of the present invention is to satisfy the regulation s hereinabove described.

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a tap with a spout, ad justable between an open fluid flow condition and a closed co ndition for controlling the flow of fluid, said tap including operating means for user control of the flow of the fluid from the spout, characterised in that at least part of the operating means is positioned in or adjacent the flow of fluid from the tap when in the open condition.

This alloxvs at least part of the operating means to be cleaned directly b>y the flow of fluid, or allows a user to easily divert fluid onto the operating means for cleaning.

Typically the operating means is mounted to a tap body, said body including a fluid flow channel and one or more valves moveable by the operating means between open and closed positions .

Typically the tap is provided with a cold water pipe and/or a hot water pipe, the flow and/or mixing of water through the tap being regulated by the operating means.

Typically the tap is positioned so that the fluid flows into a bowl, sink, bath or other drainage means located therebelow. Preferably the operating means is in the form of any or any combination of elongate members, levers, knobs, handles, buttons , and/or the like.

In one embodiment the operating means is provided in the form of an elongate member extending from the base of the tap body such that one end of the member is positioned in or adjacent the flow of fluid from the tap when the tap is opened.

Typically the elongate member is capable of moving, such as by pivoting, in a substantially vertical plane to control one of the rate of flow of fluid from the tap or control of the temperature o f the fluid and in a substantially horizontal plane to control the other of the rate of flow of fluid from the tap or control of the temperature of the fluid.

In one embodiment trie operating means can be adjusted such that the initial temp erature of the fluid when the operating means is located in a central position can be determined by the user.

Typically in this embodiment the operating means includes mating splines, allowing at least part of the elongate member to be detached and reattached in a particular position relating to a temperature determined by the user.

Alternatively, two elongate members are provided to control the rate of flow of fluid and/or the temperature of the fluid, by moving in a substantially vertical plane. In this embodiment each elongate member controls the rate of flow of fluid from one pipe, the fluids from both pipes thereby mixing in the spout of the tap. Thus the elongate member controls the flow and/or temperature of the water, and preferably protrmdes into the flow so that it is cleaned by the flow of liquid pas sing thereover automatically, preventing cross-contamination by a user's hands.

In one embodiment the or each elongate member is sloped or angled downwards when the tap i s switched off and/or on, so that any fluid on the elongate member is encouraged under gravity to move towards the end of the elongate member and may drip into the sink or bowl thetebelow.

In an alternative embodiment, the operating means can be in the form of an elongate member moving, such as by pivoting, in a substantially vertical plane for controlling the fluid flow rate, and including adjustment means r otatably mounted thereon for controlling the fluid temperature. Typically the axis of rotation of the adjustment means is s ubstantially defined by the lengthwise axis of the elongate me mber. Alternatively the axis of rotation of the adjustment means is substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the elongate member. In this embodiment the elongate member is typically angled downwards irrespective of the temperature and/or fluid flow rate.

In one embodiment the operating means is pivotally or rotationally mounted to allow the same to move in and out of the flow of water. In an alternative embodiment the operating means is mounted on the body of the tap via a ball and socket joint. In one embodiment the axis of rotation of the operating means is in a substantially horizontal plane.

In a further embodiment the operating means is extendable to allow the same to move in and out of the flow of water. In one embodiment the operating means is provided with an aperture or channel through which the fluid flows . When the operating means is operated by a user, the wate r passes at least partially through the aperture or channel but by intervention of the user's hand(s) , can be easily diverted over the same for cleaning, whilst capable of being operated without the user or operating means initially coming into contact with the water.

Typically in this embodiment the operating means is in the form of a loop , or includes an elongate portion and a loop portion provided thereon. Alternatively the operating means is U-shaped with the arms of the operating means defining an aperture or channel through which the water at least partially passes.

In a further embodiment the operating means is in the form of a plurality of pivotally mounted elongate members arranged in or adjacent to the flow of fluid from the tap when open.

In one embodiment the operating means repels or deters the collection of fluid.

In one embodiment the operating means is an elongate member with a distal end sloped or angled upwards when the tap is switched off and/or on, so that any fluid on the elongate member is biased away from the distal end of the elongate member. Typically the elongate member includes a portion which is sloped or angled upwards towards the body of the tap . Thus the elongate member includes an angle or is curved such that fluid thereon may drip into the sink or bowl therebelow from the bottom of the angle or curve. Typically in this embodiment the distal end of the elongate member is sloped or angled upwards irrespective of the temperature and/or fluid flow rate. In one embodiment movement of the operating means causes movement of the spout of the tap to maintain the operating means in oi" adjacent the flow of water from the spout.

Typically in this embodiment the operating means and spout are together rotationally mounted on the body of the tap.

Thus the tap can be operated to adjust the temperature and flow of fluid from the spout while maintaining the position of the operating means in or adjacent the flow of fluid.

With the operating means positioned as herein described, the flow of fluid either contacts the operating means directly or the fluid impacts on the operating means from the person's hands when they are using the operating means. In either case, the operating means can be operated while the user's hands are still positioned in the flow of fluid.

In one embodiment the one or more elongate members are

in cross-section towards the top of the cross-section than at the bottom. Thus the elongate members have an inverse tear-drop shape or inverse pear shape in cross-section to improve the flow of fluid thereon.

In a further embodiment at least the operating means includes a plurality of fine grooves to enable fluid to be repelled therefrom and remove dirt from the operating means. The grooves prevent the fluid from adhering to the operating means, the fluid instead forming small globules and running off the operating means.

In an alternative embodiment the operating means includes a plurality of channels thereon to allow the fluid to flow therealong, and thereby improve the flow of fluid from, the operating means. In one embodiment the spout includes an elongated opening to aerate the water. Aerated water flows over the operating means rather than splashing off the same, as smaller globules are formed, and it is therefore more efficient at cleaning the operating means .

Typically the tap is made of plastic, glass and/or metal.

In one embodiment the tap includes flow regulation means, typically in the form of a penny stop valve which can be selectively controlled to allow a limitation of the flow of water through the valve and/or tap, such that when the same is fully opened the flow which comes out need not be at maximum flow rate and therefore allows minimisation of the threat of potentially contaminated water droplets being sprayed.

In an alternative embodiment the tap includes pressure regulation means, typically in the form of an inline pressure reducing valve which can be selectively controlled to allow a limitation of the pressure of water through the tap, such that when the same is fully opened the flow which comes out need not be at full pressure and therefore allows minimisation of the threat of spray and/or spillage.

In one embodiment, the hot water tap includes temperature regulation means in the form of an adjustable thermostat, connected to the cold water tap or pipe and connected to the hot water supply to allow the mixing of the water supply through the tap to a predefined temperature.

In one embodiment the hot water tap includes a thermal safety cutout, typically adjustable to a specified temperature by a user. In one embodiment two taps are provided, each connected to one of the cold and hot water pipes .

In one embodiment, the operating means is capable of receiving hygiene means .

Preferably the hygiene means are detachably mounted on the operating means .

Typically the hygiene means are in the form of any or any combination of antibacterial discs, soap, cleanser, and/or the like.

Typically the operating means includes retention means to retain the hygiene means thereon.

Preferably the retention means are in the form of a knob, catch, bulbous end, extrusion, protrusion, and/or the like.

Preferably the operating means are provided with instructions thereon, indicating to the user that the operating means should be washed with fluid from the tap, thereby aiding hygiene by removing dirt and/or bacteria form the operating means.

In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a sink including one or more taps for allowing the flow of fluid from said one or more taps into the sink, said tap including operating means to control the flow of fluid, characterised in that at least part of the operating means is positioned such that the fluid emitted from the tap flows onto the operating means, or adjacent to at least a part of the operating means such that a user can divert the flow onto the same without contacting the operating means, and then into the sink. In one embodiment the operating means protrude to at least partially overlie the sink bowl.

In one embodiment, the operating means protrude from within the sink into the sink bowl, such that at least part of the same are positioned below the rim of the sink bowl.

In one embodiment the upper surface of the sink is positioned at a height of at least 900mm.

Conventionally, sinks are positioned at a height of 800mm, but this is disadvantageous to most users, particularly tall persons, as they have to bend to use the same and thus may increase the risk of back pain. In addition, the user's arms are typically angled downwardly in such a configuration, such that the sleeves of a user's clothing falls towards the sink and may get wet and/or contaminated, and prevent the user's wrists from being cleaned easily. By raising the sink to at least 900mm, the user's arms are typically angled upwardly with respect to the sink, and the user is less likely to have to stoop to use the same, which solves these problems. This is because where average user height may vary by 1 50mm, the level of the user's hands may only vary by 50mm in the same group. Raising the height of the spout also helps achieve this effect.

In a third aspect of the invention there is provided flow regulation means for a tap comprising a first rotating section and a second rotating section, each section including a channel to allow fluid to pass therethrough and rotatable to adjust the flow rate of fluid passing through the channel, characterised in that at least one of the sections is eccentrically mounted such that rotation of the same adjusts the distance between the sections. In one embodiment the second section is provided with a locking member which can be actuated to prevent rotation of the same, the position of the second section thereby preventing further rotation of the first section.

Thus, in performing maintenance, only the first section is adjusted to prevent fluid flow, so that when the maintenance task has been completed, the first section is adjusted back to the maximum position defined by the second section, already established as the appropriate flow rate, thereby preventing the flow rate being set too high following a maintenance task.

Specific embodiments of the invention are now described wherein:-

Figure 1 illustrates taps with operating means according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a tap with operating means according to an alternative embodiment of the invention

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of a tap with operating means according to a further embodiment of the invention

Figure 4 illustrates a schematic view of a tap with operating means connected to a bath and shower.

Figures 5- 15 illustrate taps with operating means in accordance with further embodiments of the invention.

In each figure similar reference numerals are used where appropriate to identify equivalent features. With reference to Figures l a-d, there is illustrated a sink 2 with a first tap 4 connected to the hot water pipe 24 and a second tap 5 connected to the cold water pipe 26. Each tap is provided with operating means in the form of a lever or elongate member 8 to control the flow of water 9 from the respective tap, and is located so that the end of the elongate member 8 is positioned adjacent the flow of water 9. The taps may also be fitted to a bath 36 as shown in Figure I c.

The elongate member 8 pivots up and down via pivoting means 12. The elongate member 8 is moved upwards to allow water to flow from the spout of the tap 4, and downwards to shut off the tap 4. Thus when the tap is switched off, the elongate member 8 is in a position where it is angled downwards with respect to the tap 4, such that any fluid left on the tap 4 drips off the end into the sink 2, rather than towards the tap and/or onto the surrounding surface.

The elongate member 8 may be provided with a knob 10 to allow the user to grip and move the elongate member 8 more easily, and also to allow a hygienic disc to be placed onto the elongate member. The hygienic disc has a hole through which the knob 10 can fit, and is retained on the elongate member 8 by the knob 10 or other suitable attachment means .

Instructions may be engraved on or adjacent the elongate member 8 and/ or tap 4, 5 indicating that the elongate member 8 and/or knob 10 should be washed during normal operation of the tap 4, 5.

The hot water pipe 24 may include an adjustable thermostat 18, connected to the cold water pipe 26, to regulate the temperature of water issued from the tap 4. The user can set the temperature on the thermostat 18 manually. The thermostat regulates the water temperature by adjusting the flow rate of the water from the cold pipe 26 to mix with the water in the hot pipe 24. The h ot water pipe 24 may also include a safety cut out 22 to prevent water above a specified temperature being issued from the tap 4.

The pipes may also include a pressure reducing valve or flow limiter 16 inline to prevent spraying of water from the sink if the tap s are turned on to allow maximum flow.

Figure I e indicates a conventional penny valve 40 which may be a ttached to the tap for limiting the flow. The valve includes a rotating section 42 with a channel that allows the flow of fluid in a first position, or can be rotated to reduce or prevent the flow of fluid in a second position. Typically, the section 42 includes a groove 44 for accepting a tool or coin to enable the user to rotate the section 42. Typically the longitudinal axis of the groove indicates the rate of flow of the fluid through the channel, such that for example, when the groove is parallel to the pipe, the channel is fully open and allows maximum fluid flow.

Figure I f illustrates an improved valve 16 with two rotating s ections, similar to that described above. The first section 46 includes a channel to allow fluid to pass therethrough, and allows the flow rate to be varied by rotating the same using the as sociated groove 48. The second section 50 is similar, and includes a locking member in the form of screw 54. The sections are eccentrically rotatably mounted, such that as they are rotated, the distance between the sections 46, 50 is adjusted. By locking the second section by actuating the screw 54, the maximum rotation allowed by the first section 46 can be set. Further rotation o f the first section is prevented by the position of the second section 50. The maximum flow rate can thus be established. Thus, in performing maintenance, only the first section 46 is adjusted to prevent fluid flow, so that when the maintenance task has been completed, the first section is adjusted bac k to the maximum position defined by the second section 50, already established as the appropriate flow rate. The valve 16 thus prevents the flow rate being set too high following a maintenance task, and ensures that a user switching a tap fully on will not waste water or be splashed by water due to the flow rate being se t too high.

Alternatively, the movement of the elongate member 8 could be restricted to provide a similar effect, or several penny valves 40 could be connected in series .

With reference to Figure 2, an alternative embodiment of the invention is indicated, where a single tap 104 is mounted on a sink 102 and is provided with hot and cold water pipes, the flow from the hot pipe being controlled by a first elongate member and from th e cold pipe by a second elongate member 108'.

In this example the flow of hot and cold water are kept separate in the body of the tap 104, and mix as they leave the spout 1 14. Again the elongate members 108, 108' are positioned so that they are automatically washed by the flow of water from the spout 114.

With reference to Figure 3, a further embodiment of the invention is indicated, where a tap 204 is provided on a sink 202, with a single elongate member 208 for adjusting the flow rate and temperature of the water flowing from the spout 214. The elongate member 208 is pivoted vertically to adjust the flow of water, and horizontally to adjust the temperature of the water. The elongate member 208 in this embodiment is mounted on the tap 204 using a universal joint to allow pivoting in both directions, although other mechanisms can be used to achieve the same effect, such as a ball and socket joint. The elongate member 208 may also be extendable to move a part of the same into and out of the flow o f water, as indicated by arrow 266.

In use, a person who wis hes to wash their hands comes to the sink 202 and pivots the elongate member 208 upwards to allow water to flow from the s pout 214. If the water is too hot, the elongate member 208 can be moved to the left to alter the mixing of the water in trie tap 204, thereby allowing more cold and/or less hot water to flow through to the spout 214.

The user washes their hands by placing their hands in the flow of water 9 , between the s pout opening and the elongate member 208. As the user washes their hands, water is diverted onto the elongate member 208, thereby ensuring the same is washed, therefore leaving the elongate member 208 clean and ready for use by the next person.

There is an optimum relationship between spout height and elongate member length.. If the spout is tall, the elongate member may be short as water can be diverted further. Similarly, if the spout is short, the elongate member 208 would have to be longer to allow water to be diverted onto the same, or the elongate member could b e placed directly in the flow of water 9.

The elongate member 208 may be positioned at a higher level than conventional systems to avoid the user bending over.

When the user has finished using the tap, the elongate member 208 is pivoted downward s, thereby shutting off the water.

Referring to Figure 4, a single tap 304 is mounted on a bath 336 in a similar fashion to tliat hereinbefore described. A bath 336 often has a shower moixnted thereabove, with a shower screen 334 that can fold from the in-use side position as illustrated, to an out-of-use position against the wall as indicated by arrow 338. The advantage of having one tap rather than the conventional two, is that it allows mor e space to manoeuvre the shower screen 334.

A separate set of controls 328 may b e provided to adjust the temperature and/or flow of water farom the shower, with a temperature control knob 330 to incre ase or decrease the water temperature and/or a flow control knob 332 to increase or decrease the water flow rate.

With reference to Figure 5, there is illustrated a tap 404 with a spout mounted on a base 406 and operating means in the form of a loop 408 with an aperture through, which water 409 emitted by the spout flows.

When a user washes their hands, they can easily divert water onto the loop 408 to wash the same and/or allow the user to remove anything from the operating means which may cause cross infection and/or contaminatio n. However due to the formation of the operating means they do not have to come into contact with the water to operate the loop 408. As such the risk of being scalded by hot water from the tap 404 is minimised.

With reference to Figure 6, a bas e 506 is indicated with operating means in the form of elo ngate members 508, 508' which can be operated independently to control the flow and/or temperature of water from the tap 504 .

With reference to Figure 7, a base 606 is shown with an elongate member 608 including an extension portion 660 with an aperture therein through which water flows as hereinbefore described. With reference to Figure 8, a base 706 is shown with an alternative loop 762 through a portion of which, water flows as hereinbefore described.

With reference to Figure 9, there is illustrated a tap with a base 806 and a spout 804, wherein the base 806 inchαdes an elongate member 808 mounted thereon such as a quarter-turn lever, which can be moved from side to side by the user in groove 812 to allow water to flow.

Referring to Figure 10, there is illustrated a tap 904 with a base 906 and a spout, wherein the base 906 includes rotating operating means in the form of a knob 964 mounted on an axle, such as a handwheel. Rotating the knob 964 controls the flow of water by simply actuating the valve within the ba.se 906.

With reference to Figures 11 a and b, there is illustrated a water tap with a body 1006 having a spout 1014 and operating means in this case in the form of an elongate member 1008 which is mounted on the body 1006 via a ball and socket joint. The ball and socket joint allows the elongate member to be both rotated, and raised and lowered, to allow both the flow and temperature of water flowing from the spout to be controlled. The elongate member 1008 is curved such that when in position on the tap, both ends of the elongate member face upwards .

The elongate member is positioned such that when fluid flows from the tap, the fluid impacts directly onto the elongate member or is diverted readily onto the elongate member by the user's hands when they are positioned in the flow of the fluid. In either case the fluid impacts onto the elongate member with a view to the fluid performing a cleaning action on the elongate member. In accordance with the invention the elongate member is provided so as to repel the fluid or deter the collection of fluid on the same. This means that in practice water which comes into contact with the elongate member 1008 as shown in Figures l l a and b will run to the lowest point of the curved section and drip into a sink placed therebelow and thereby leave none or very little residual water left on the elongate member.

The spout 1014 has an elongated opening at the distal end such that the water is aerated. The aerated water forms small er globules than non-aerated water and thus is less likely to splash off the elongate member. Instead, the water flows around the elongate member, cleaning dirt off the same before laving elongate member in the manner described above, due to the shape of the same.

To further improve the cleaning action, the operating means includes a plurality of fine grooves which are formed and directed so as to repel water from the elongate member ^"by directing the flow of the water on the elongate member to a point or points at which the water will leave contact with tlie elongate member.

With reference to Figures 12 and 13, alternative forms of the t ap are shown, with a body 1 106, provided with operating means in the form of elongate members 1108, 1108' which can be operated independently to control the flow and/or temperatmre of water from the spout 1114. The elongate members operate in a similar manner as previously described to allow the flow of fluid therealong to perform the cleaning action but at the s ame time are formed or indeed can be conditioned such as £or example by the application of a water repellent coating there on or being formed from water repellent material, so as to minimise the amount of fluid which is retained on the elongate members . By providing the water repellent characteristics so the cleaning effect of allowing the fluid to impact onto the elongate member can be obtained whilst also ensuring that the presence of the fluid itself does not cause contamination. Furthermore, the flow of the fluid from the elongate member encourages the dirt and debris to be removed.

With reference to Figure 14- 15, there is shown operating means in the form of as elongate member 1208 for a tap where the spout 1214 is rotationally mounted on the body 1206 of the tap via an upper section 1207. The elongate member 1208 is pivotally mounted on the upper section 1207 such that it can be angled up and down to adjust the flow of water from the spout 1214. As the elongate member is connected to the rotationally mounted upper section, the elongate member and spout can be rotated horizontally to adjust the temperature of the water flowing from the spout. As shown in Figure 15, the elongate member can be formed from two parts, each with a spline 56, 58 to allow the two parts to be mated together. Rotation of the vertical part 1207" adjusts the relative proportions of hot and cold water flowing through the tap and thus the temperature of the water emitted from the spout 1214. The horizontal part 1207' can thus be detached and reattached to the vertical part 1207" such that the initial temperature of the fluid when the operating means is located in a central position can be fixed by the user, for example at a hot but comfortable temperature of 42 degrees. A small screw (not shown) holds the parts together. This is useful for example where the pressure of the cold water is significantly higher than the pressure of the hot water, and the tap can be adjusted to balance or otherwise adjust the relative proportions of hot and cold water flowing through the tap accordingly. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention also includes further additional modifications made to the device which does not effect the overall functioning of the device, such as the provision of decoration, a fabric, plastic covering, or metal plating to provide improved aesthetic appearance, and/or the like.

Claims

1. A tap with a spout, adjustable between an open fluid flow condition and a closed condition for controlling the flow of fluid, said tap including operating means for user control of the flow of the fluid from the spout, characterised in that at least part of the operating means is positioned in or adjacent the flow of fluid from the tap when in the open condition.

2. A tap according to claim 1 characterised in that the operating means is pivotally or rotationally mounted, or extendable, to allow at least part of the operating means to move in and out of the flow of fluid.

3. A tap according to claim 1 characterised in that the tap includes a body, said body including a fluid flow channel and one or more valves moveable by the operating means between open and closed positions.

4. A tap according to claim 3 characterised in that the operating means and spout are together rotationally mounted on the body of the tap such that movement of the operating means causes movement of the spout of the tap to maintain the operating means in or adjacent the flow of water from the spout.

5. A tap according to claim 1 characterised in that the tap is provided with a cold water pipe and/or a hot water pipe, the flow and/or mixing of fluid through the tap being regulated by the operating means.

6. A tap according to claim 5 characterised in that an adjustable thermostat is provided connected to the cold and hot water pipes to allow the mixing of fluid through the tap at a predefined temperature

7. A tap according to claim 5 characterised in that the hot water pipe includes a thermal safety cutout adjustable to a specified temperature.

8. A tap according to claim 1 characterised in that the tap is positioned so that the fluid flows into a bowl, sink, bath or other drainage means located therebelow.

9. A tap according to claim 1 characterised in that the operating means is in the form of any or any combination of elongate members, levers, knobs, handles, and/or buttons.

10. A tap according to claim 1 characterised in that the operating means is provided in the form of at least one elongate member extending from the base of the tap such that one end of said elongate member is positioned in or adjacent the flow of fluid from the tap when the tap when in the open condition.

11. A tap according to claim 10 characterised in that the at least one elongate member is capable of pivoting in a substantially vertical plane to control the rate of flow of fluid from the tap.

12. A tap according to claim 10 characterised in that the at least one elongate member is capable of pivoting in a substantially horizontal plane to control the temperature of the fluid.

13. A tap according to claim 10 characterised in that the at least one elongate member is rotatably mounted or includes adjustment means rotatably mounted thereon for controlling the fluid temperature.

14. A tap according to claim 1 characterised in that the operating means is provided with an aperture or channel through which the fluid flows.

15. A tap according to claim 1 characterised in that the operating means can be adjusted such that the initial temperature of the fluid when the operating means is located in a central position can be determined by the user.

16. A tap according to claim 15 characterised in that the operating means includes mating splines, allowing at least part of the elongate member to be detached and reattached in a particular position relating to a temperature determined by the user.

17. A tap according to claim 1 characterised in that the operating means repels or deters the collection of fluid.

18. A tap according to claim 1 characterised in that the operating means slopes when the tap is in the open and/or closed condition such that any fluid thereon drips off.

19. A tap according to claim 1 characterised in that the operating means are wider in cross-section towards the top of the cross-section than at the bottom to improve the flow of fluid thereon.

20. A tap according to claim 1 characterised in that the operating means includes a plurality of fine grooves to enable fluid to be repelled therefrom.

21. A tap according to claim 1 characterised in that the operating means includes a plurality of channels thereon to allow the fluid to flow therealong.

22. A tap according to claim 1 characterised in that the spout includes an elongated opening to aerate the water.

23. A tap according to claim 1 characterised in that the tap includes flow regulation means and/or pressure regulation means .

24. A tap according to claim 23 characterised in that the flow regulation means is in the form of a penny stop valve which can be selectively controlled to allow a limitation of the flow of water through the tap .

25. A tap according to claim 23 characterised in that the pressure regulation means is in the form of an inline pressure reducing valve which can be selectively controlled to allow a limitation of the pressure of water through the tap .

26. A tap according to claim 1 characterised in that the operating means is capable of receiving hygiene means.

27. A tap according to claim 26 characterised in that the hygiene means are in the form of any or any combination of antibacterial discs, soap, and/or cleanser.

28. A tap according to claim 1 characterised in that the operating means are provided with instructions thereon, indicating to the user that the operating means should be washed with fluid from the tap, thereby aiding hygiene by removing dirt and/or bacteria from the operating means.

29. A sink including one or more taps for allowing the flow of fluid from said one or more taps into the sink, said tap including operating means to control the flow of fluid, characterised in that at least part of the operating means is positioned such that the fluid emitted from the tap flows onto the operating means, or adjacent to at least a part of the operating means such that a user can divert the flow onto the same without touching the operating means, and then into the sink.

30. A sink according to claim 29 characterised in that the operating means protrude into or over the sink.

31. A sink according to claim 29 characterised in that the upper surface of the sink is positioned at a height of at least 900mm.

32. Flow regulation means for a tap comprising a first rotating section and a second rotating section, each section including a channel to allow fluid to pass therethrough and rotatable to adjust the flow rate of fluid passing through the channel, characterised in that at least one of the sections is eccentrically mounted such that rotation of the same adjusts the distance between the sections.

33. A sink according to claim 32 characterised in that the second section is provided with a locking member which can be actuated to prevent rotation of the same, the position of the second section thereby preventing further rotation of the first section.