WO2007019615A1

WO2007019615A1 - Waste outlet fitting

Info

Publication number: WO2007019615A1
Application number: PCT/AU2006/001160
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Carroll
Original assignee: Vinidex Pty Limited
Priority date: 2005-08-12
Filing date: 2006-08-14
Publication date: 2007-02-22

Abstract

A waste outlet fitting (10) for connection between a waste outlet (12) and a drain pipe is provided. The waste outlet fitting (10) includes a main tubular member (16) having an open top end, adapted to be attached to the waste outlet (12) and act as a water inlet for the fitting (10), and a water outlet (18), located substantially at the bottom of the main tubular member (16) and adapted to be connected to the drain pipe. The main tubular member (16) further includes an inner tubular member (20) which surrounds and extends up from the water outlet (18). The waste outlet fitting (10) further includes a trap member (24) having a closed top end adapted to be supported within the main tubular member (16) such that the trap member (24) extends, from a position above a top of the inner tubular member (20), downwardly along a partial length of the inner tubular member (20), thereby enclosing the partial length of the inner tubular member (20) so as to form a water trap. In this arrangement, a water passage is formed from the water inlet, down between the main tubular member (16) and the outside of the trap member (24), up between the trap member (24) and the inner tubular member (20), and then within the inner tubular member (20) to the water outlet (18).

Description

WASTE OUTLET FITTING FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to waste outlet fittings for connection between, for example, waste outlets of water receptacles and drain pipes. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Waste outlet fittings are used to connect waste outlets from water receptacles, such as sinks, bath tubs, wash basins and the like, with drain or sewer pipes. There is a statutory requirement that a trap of some design be inserted within the drain line to prevent odorous gases from the drain or sewer flowing back through the waste outlet into the kitchen, laundry or bathroom, etc. The most popular traps in common use are water traps. Water traps essentially trap a body of water in the water passage between the waste outlet and the drain pipe. In this manner, water is able to flow from the waste outlet to the drain pipe but odorous gases are prevented from returning from the drain pipe to the waste outlet.

The most common type of water trap is called a P- or S-bend trap. However, P- and S-bend traps tend to take up a lot of space under a water receptacle. Therefore, where it is desirable to use the space under a water receptacle for storage, which is common for kitchen or laundry sinks or vanity units, much of this storage space is taken up with the P- or S-bend trap. In other circumstances, such as a sink mounted on a pedestal, where it is desirable to have the minimum amount of space taken up by the pedestal, the size of the pedestal can be dictated by the space taken up by the P- or S-bend trap.

In-line water traps, also known as 'bottle traps', have been proposed in an effort to minimise the space requirement. An example of a bottle trap is described in US Patent No. 3,725,964. This trap has an inlet, an outlet and an open top container in a substantially concentric arrangement. This arrangement does provide a more compact water trap than the P- or S-bend trap. Furthermore, the trap is able to be mounted at the waste outlet which saves on the amount of space taken up below the trap. However, the particular arrangement of components that make up the trap is cumbersome and does not lend itself to ease of installation or ease of manufacture. It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative waste outlet fitting incorporating a water trap which is compact and takes up minimum space beneath a water receptacle, and facilitates ease of installation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention there is provided a waste outlet fitting for connection between a waste outlet and a drain pipe. The waste outlet fitting includes a main tubular member having an open top end, adapted to be attached to the waste outlet and act as a water inlet for the fitting, and a water outlet, located substantially at the bottom of the main tubular member and adapted to be connected to the drain pipe. The main tubular member further includes an inner tubular member which surrounds and extends up from the water outlet. The waste outlet fitting further includes a trap member having a closed top end adapted to be supported within the main tubular member such that the trap member extends, from a position above a top of the inner tubular member, downwardly along a partial length of the inner tubular member, thereby enclosing the partial length of the inner tubular member so as to form a water trap. Wherein a water passage is formed from the water inlet, down between the main tubular member and the outside of the trap member, up between the trap member and the inner tubular member, and then within the inner tubular member to the water outlet.

Preferably, the trap member extends from a support structure which is adapted to releasably engage the main tubular member. Ideally, the support structure includes a threaded or interlocking portion for engaging a complementary internal threaded or interlocking portion on the main tubular member.

In exemplary embodiments, the waste outlet fitting further includes a tubular waste outlet member which is adapted to be inserted into the waste outlet and suspend from an edge of the waste outlet. Ideally, the tubular waste outlet can be attached to the support member, which in turn attaches the main tubular member to the waste outlet. The tubular waste outlet may be attached to the support member by way of a separate threaded or interlocking attachment member. A plug member can be provided, which engages the attachment member in a manner that facilitates turning the attachment member by turning the plug member.

The present invention advantageously provides a waste outlet fitting incorporating a water trap that facilitates ease of installation with minimal space requirements and promotes more space saving routing of the drainage piping. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a waste outlet fitting installed at a waste outlet;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the waste outlet fitting of Fig. 1 taken along A- A;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of an alternative waste outlet fitting arrangement;

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of a waste outlet member; Fig. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative form of waste outlet fitting; and

Fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a further alternative form of waste outlet fitting.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Fig. 1 shows a cross-section of a waste outlet fitting 10 attached to a waste outlet 12 of a water receptacle 14, such as a kitchen sink. The waste outlet fitting 10 has a main tubular member 16 having an open top end for attachment to the bottom of the waste receptacle 12 and enclosing the waste outlet 12. The preferred manner of attachment will be described later. Arranged at the base of the main tubular member 16 is a water outlet 18 which is able to be connected to a drain pipe (not shown). Enclosing the water outlet 18 and extending upwardly within the main tubular member 16 is an inner tubular member 20. The inner tubular member 20 is conveniently integrally formed with the main tubular member 16. It will be appreciated that the enclosed space outside the inner tubular member 20 acts as a reservoir where a volume of water will be trapped. This trapped volume of water having a maximum level 22 in line with the top of the inner tubular member 20. A trap member 24 having a closed top end is supported within the main tubular member 16. The trap member 24 is designed to extend from a position above the top of the inner tubular member 20 downwardly along a partial length of the inner tubular member 20. The trap member 24 effectively encloses the partial length of the inner tubular member 20 and forms a water passage through the trapped volume of water. In this manner the water trap is formed between the open top end of the main tubular body 16 and the water outlet 18.

At the top of the trap member 24 are radially extending webs 26 terminating in a ring-shaped member 28 having external threading. This external threading mates with complementary threading on the inner surface of the main tubular member 16. When the ring-shaped member 28 is screwed into place, as shown in Fig. 1 , the trap member 24 is supported in place to form the water trap. Water is then able to flow from the waste outlet, through the ring-shaped member 28, down the outside of the trap member 24, up the inside of the trap member 24, and down the inner tubular member 20 to the water outlet 18. It will be appreciated that this complementary threading arrangement is only one manner in which the trap member 24 can be supported and that other types of interlocking arrangements could be readily employed.

A preferred cross-sectional shape of the trap member 24 is shown in Fig. 2. In this form, the trap member has two parts 30 arranged to closely fit within the inner surface of the main tubular member 16, and two parts 32 arranged to closely fit the outer surface of the inner tubular member 20. This shape forms distinct downward water passages 34, and distinct upward water passages 36 to the top of the inner tubular member 20. It will be appreciated that this preferred closefitting form of the trap member 24 provides a secure structure for the water trap. However, it is anticipated that the trap member 16 could be formed in alternative cross-sectional shapes, such as the concentric circular shape shown in Fig. 3.

Turning back to Fig. 1 , the waste outlet fitting 10 includes a waste outlet member 40. The waste outlet member 40 has an external flange 42 adapted to rest on a depressed part 44 of the water receptacle 14 surrounding the waste outlet 12. This depressed part 44 is a common design feature of waste outlets 12. A sealing gasket 46 is arranged between the flange 42 and the depressed part 44. The waste outlet member 40 is effectively suspended within the waste outlet 12. The waste outlet member 40 is provided with a hole 48 via which an externally threaded attachment member 50 can be inserted. The attachment member 50 mates with an internally threaded mating portion 52 extending from the trap member 24. It will be appreciated that, by turning the attachment member 50, the main tubular member 16 is raised towards the water receptacle 14 and attaches the top open end of the main tubular member 16 to the waste outlet 12. The top open end of the main tubular member 16 includes a shoulder portion 54, upon which a gasket 56 is arranged to provide an effective seal between the water receptacle 14 and the main tubular member 16. Again, it will be appreciated that the complementary threading arrangement is only one manner for attachment and that other interlocking arrangements could be employed.

As shown in Fig. 4, the base of the waste outlet member 40 is designed to allow water to flow through. Preferably, the base includes a strainer portion 58, as partially shown, to capture any solids that may be found in the waste water flow. The base includes arms 60 which have recesses 62 formed on their bottom. These recesses are designed to mate with the webs 26 and assist in orientating the various components during installation. Turning back to Fig. 1 , a plug member 64 can be provided. The plug member 64 has a projection 66 arranged to engage a central bore in the attachment member 50. The plug member 64 is vertically displaceable to bring a sealing portion 68 into and out of engagement with the base of the waste outlet member 40 for blocking/unblocking the flow of water from the waste outlet 12. A locking arrangement (not shown) can be provided between the projection 66 and the central bore in the attachment member 50. This locking arrangement will permit the plug member 64 to be vertically displaceable with respect to the attachment member 50 but cause the attachment member 50 to be turned upon turning the plug member 64. It will be appreciated that this locking arrangement facilitates turning the attachment member 50 by way of the handle 70 on the plug member 64. The plug member 64 includes a strainer 72. In this manner the waste outlet fitting 10 includes double straining. Ideally, the strainer 72 on the plug member 64 has a smaller screening medium than the strainer 58 on the waste outlet member 40 so that as much solid matter as possible is caught in the plug strainer 72. It will be appreciated that solid matter caught by strainer 72 can be more readily removed for disposal by removing the plug member 64. Strainer 58 acts as a back-up to capture at least large solids when the plug member 64 is not in place.

The main tubular member 16 can be provided with an additional water inlet 74. It is expected that the additional water inlet 74 could adapted for attachment to, for example, a dishwasher water outlet or potentially another waste outlet from an adjacent water receptacle. In Fig. 5, there is shown alternative arrangement for the base of the main tubular member 16 in which the water outlet 112 is directed towards the side of the waste outlet fitting 10. This arrangement is suitable for most modern plumbing systems which have pipes arranged within the walls of a building. The water outlet 112 can be directed towards a wall-mounted pipe and save more space beneath the waste outlet fitting 10. Fig. 6 shows a further adaptation on this theme where the side-directed water outlet 212 is defined by a passage whose upper portion is located above the base of the main tubular member 16. Clearly this arrangement provides a more compact version of the waste outlet fitting 10 and saves even more space underneath. While the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that various modifications and changes could be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in terms of materials, the trap members would ideally be made from stainless steel and plastic materials. However, many other suitable materials could be used.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A waste outlet fitting for connection between a waste outlet and a drain pipe, said waste outlet fitting including: a main tubular member having an open top end, adapted to be attached to said waste outlet and act as a water inlet for said fitting, and a water outlet, located substantially at the bottom of said main tubular member and adapted to be connected to said drain pipe, said main tubular member further including an inner tubular member which surrounds and extends up from said water outlet; and a trap member having a closed top end, adapted to be supported within said main tubular member such that said trap member extends, from a position above a top of said inner tubular member, downwardly along a partial length of said inner tubular member, thereby enclosing said partial length of said inner tubular member so as to form a water trap, wherein a water passage is formed from said water inlet, down between the main tubular member and the outside of said trap member, up between said trap member and said inner tubular member, and then within said inner tubular member to said water outlet.

2. The waste outlet fitting according to claim 1 , wherein said trap member extends from a support structure, adapted to releasably engage said main tubular member.

3. The waste outlet fitting according to claim 2, wherein said support structure includes an _^ interlocking arrangement for engaging a mating interlocking arrangement on the main tubular member.

4. The waste outlet fitting according to claim 3, wherein said interlocking arrangement and said mating interlocking arrangement are complementary threaded portions.

5. The waste outlet fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a tubular waste outlet member, said waste outlet member being adapted to be inserted into said waste outlet and suspend from an upper edge surrounding said waste outlet.

6. The waste outlet fitting according to claim 5, wherein said tubular waste outlet member includes a strainer portion positioned across said water passage for capturing solid materials.

7. The waste outlet fitting according to claim 5 or 6 when dependent upon claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein said tubular waste outlet member is adapted to be releasably attached to said support member, thereby attaching said open top end of said main tubular member to said waste outlet.

8. The waste outlet fitting according to claim 7, wherein said tubular waste outlet member includes at least one recess adapted to engage at least one web member on said support member in order to orient the position of said tubular waste outlet member and said support member with respect to each other.

9. The waste outlet fitting according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said tubular waste outlet member is releasably attached to said support member by way of a separate attachment member which engages said tubular waste outlet member and said support member.

10. The waste outlet fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a plug member adapted to be displaced between a first position, in which the plug member blocks said water passage to prevent water flow therethrough, and a second position, in which said water passage is unblocked.

11. The waste outlet fitting according to claim 10, wherein said plug member includes a strainer portion.

12. The waste outlet fitting according to claim 10 or 11 when dependent upon claim 9, wherein said plug member is adapted to engage said attachment member, such that turning said plug member causes said attachment member to turn.

13. The waste outlet fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said main tubular member includes at least one additional water inlet.

14. The waste outlet fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said water outlet is directed towards a side of said main tubular member.

15. The waste outlet fitting according to claim 14, wherein an upper portion of said water outlet is located above the bottom of said main tubular member.

16. The waste outlet fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said trap member is shaped so that at least one portion of said trap member extends substantially alongside a side of said main tubular member and at least another portion said trap member extends substantially alongside said inner tubular member.

17. A waste outlet fitting substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.