WO2006074504A1

WO2006074504A1 - An adjustable waste connexion

Info

Publication number: WO2006074504A1
Application number: PCT/AU2006/000010
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Jones
Original assignee: Architectural Designer Products Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-01-12
Filing date: 2006-01-09
Publication date: 2006-07-20

Abstract

A waste connexion for a receptacle including a receptacle drain hole unit (200); the receptacle drain hole unit including a plughole seat (606) adapted to seat in a plughole in the receptacle; the receptacle drain hole unit including an extension skirt (612) carrying one or more overflow inlets (208); and a wastepipe connector (400) adjustably connectable to the receptacle drain hole unit by an adjustable connexion member (300).

Description

An Adjustable Waste Connexion

Technical field

[01 ] This invention relates to waste connexions, such as those used for sinks, basins and bathtubs.

[02] In this specification, the term "receptacle" is used to include basins, tubs, sinks, baths and the like.

Background art

[03] Existing waste connexions consist of a unitary plug hole and threaded pipe which connects to the wastepipe to form a discharge path.

[04] Because of differences in the design of receptacles, the waste connexions come in a variety of sizes. Some receptacles have an overflow path from an overflow opening near the upper rim of the receptacles to the waste connexion, and this requires an overflow aperture which connects the overflow into the discharge path. In some cases, these overflow apertures are formed as a channel which is an integral part of the receptacles, and accordingly the waste connexions need to be designed to accommodate the overflow channel. Recently, separate flexible plastic overflow pipes have come into use. Some receptacles do not have an overflow path, and these also need differently sized waste connexions.

[05] Waste fittings are generally provided in a range of sizes. For example, in Australia, bath tubs and basins generally fall into the following range:

32mm No Yes

[06] In addition, sinks are provided with a 50 mm waste hole. The various sizes of receptacles, in particular receptacles with varying wall thicknesses or special fittings, have made it necessary to have a range of waste connexions suitable for different receptacles.

[07] Thus plumbers and plumber suppliers need to carry a range of differently sized waste connexions to take account of these different size requirements. In addition, do-it-yourself handypersons may not understand the size requirements, and this can cause problems for the handyperson and the supplier when the wrong sized fitting is purchased.

[08] The waste pipe connexions can also vary between countries. For example, in Australia a 47mm o/d is commonly used, while in Europe, a 42mm o/d is common.

[09] As waste connexions are frequently installed in confined spaces, it can be difficult to access the connexion points, and, for example, sealing rings may not be seated properly or can be displaced during installation.

Disclosure of the invention

[10] This invention provides a waste connexion unit including a receptacle drain unit adjustably connected with a pipe connexion unit.

[1 1] According to a first embodiment there is provided a waste connexion for a receptacle which includes: a receptacle drain hole unit; the receptacle drain hole unit including a drain hole seat adapted to seat in a drain hole in the receptacle; and a wastepipe connector adjustably connectable to the receptacle drain hole unit by an adjustable connexion member. The receptacle drain hole unit can include an extension skirt carrying one or more overflow inlets. [12] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the receptacle drain hole unit includes an annular disc shaped portion adapted to seat with a plughole in a receptacle, and a cylindrical skirt.

[13] According to a third embodiment of the invention, the receptacle drain hole unit includes a first support means adapted to support the adjustable connexion member.

[14] According to a fourth embodiment of the invention, the waste pipe connexion includes a threaded cylindrical portion and a second support means adjusted to support the adjustable connexion member.

[15] According to a fifth embodiment of the invention, the adjustable connexion member includes a threaded rod.

[16] According to a sixth embodiment of the invention, the second support means includes a threaded hole adapted to receive the threaded rod, whereby the wastepipe connector can be moved along the threaded rod.

[17] According to a seventh embodiment of the invention, there is provided a waste connexion assembly including a waste connexion unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims assembled to a receptacle having a drain hole, the receptacle drain unit having a barrel which fits within drain hole to define a cavity therebetween, the assembly including a first seal sealing the upper end of the cavity and a second seal sealing the lower end of the cavity, the receptacle including an overflow channel extending from an upper part of the receptacle to the drain hole, the receptacle drain hole unit including one or more overflow apertures in fluid flow communication with the cavity.

[18] The overflow channel can be integral with the wall of the receptacle. [19] Alternatively, the overflow channel can be formed of a flexible pipe connecting an overflow aperture in the receptacle with the overflow aperture in the receptacle drain unit. Such an overflow pipe can be a stand-alone unit.

[20] The waste connexion can be provided with a first size and an adaptor can be provided to permit the waste connexion to be used with a range of fitting sizes.

[21 ] The waste/ connexion can also be used with different types of plugs.

[22] The waste connection can be used with a swivel plug.

[23] The waste connexion can be used with a "pop-up" plug.

[24] The waste connexion can be used with a standard plug.

[25] A sealing ring can be provided with a retaining rim to assist in maintaining the sealing ring in its proper location during installation.

Brief description of the drawings

[26] Figure 1 shows a waste connexion with a unitary plug hole and threaded pipe.

[27] Figure 2 illustrates a receptacle drain hole unit of a waste connexion according to an embodiment of the invention.

[28] Figure 3 illustrates the adjuster screw according to an embodiment of the invention.

[29] Figure 4 shows a side elevation of a pipe connector unit according to an embodiment of the invention. [30] Figure 5 shows a plan view of the pipe connector of Figure 4.

[31 ] Figure 6 illustrates a section view of a partly assembled waste connexion according to an embodiment of the invention.

[32] Figure 7 shows a plug arrangement suitable for use with the present waste connexion.

[33] Figure 8 is a perspective illustration of the geometry of the plug of Figure 8.

[34] Figure 9 shows an embodiment of one type of plug suitable for use with the invention;

[35] Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the drain hole unit.

[36] Figure 11 shows the waste connexion used with a pop-up plug.

[37] Figure 12 shows an alternative waste connexion.

[38] Figure 13 shows an alternative view of the waste connexion of the device of Figure 12.

[39] Figure 13 shows a sealing ring adapted for use with a waste connexion.

[40] Figure 14 shows a sealing ring adapted to assist in retaining the ring in place during installation.

[41 ] Figure 15 shows a section view of the sealing ring of Figure 14. [42] Figure 16 & Figure 17 show an adaptor for matching the waste connexion to different sized fittings.

Description of the embodiment of the invention

[43] Figure 1 shows a waste connexion including an annular flange 102 and a barrel 106. The barrel 106 carries a thread 108 adapted to connect to a waste pipe having an appropriate connector element (not shown). An overflow aperture 110 may also be provided.

[44] Figure 2 illustrates the plug hole 200 component of a waste connexion. The plug hole includes an annular flange 204, connected to a cylindrical barrel 212. The barrel 212 includes one or more overflow apertures 208 which are adapted to receive overflow from a receptacle.

[45] The lower end of the barrel 212 carries a spindle support 214 which may also double as a screen to limit the size of solid matter passing through the waste outlet. The spindle support 214 includes a spindle aperture 210 through which a spindle or screw stem (302 in Figure 3) can pass freely. The spindle aperture illustrated is circular, but may be of any shape which provides sufficient clearance for the spindle to pass.

[46] The barrel 212 is dimensioned to fit within an outlet aperture in the receptacle 600.

[47] The underside of flange 204 can be adapted to conform with an annular recess surrounding the outlet aperture in the receptacle 600. As seen in Figure 6, a gasket 606 can provide a watertight seal between the receptacle drain hole unit 200 and the receptacle 600. [48] Preferably the drain hole unit 200, or at least the upper flange 204 thereof, is made of a material having aesthetic appeal, such as chrome steel.

[49] A threaded screw 300 is shown in Figure 3. The screw has a head 304 and a threaded stem 306. The stem is sized to fit freely through hole 210 in the plug hole unit 200. A nut 308 is provided to fasten the screw 300 to the plug hole unit 200 as shown in Figure 6.

[50] Alternatively, the hole 210 may be threaded to match the thread of the screw 300.

[51 ] The threaded screw 300 can be made of the same material as the spindle support 214, or of a material which has a low galvanic differential therefrom to reduce corrosion.

[52] Figure 4 shows the waste pipe connector 400 in side elevation. The connector has an annular flange 404 which can be adapted to conform to the underside of a receptacle. For example, the flange 404 is of a truncated conic section to mate. A raised annular rim 402 surrounds the flange 404. A gasket (608 in Figure 6) can be provided to form a watertight seal in cooperation with flange 404.

[53] The pipe connector 400 includes a barrel 414 carrying a thread 416 adapted to mate with a connector arrangement (not shown) attached to a waste pipe. A hexagonal nut 412 is integrally formed with the pipe connector.

[54] The waste pipe connector 400 can be made of a different material from that of the drain hole unit 200. For example, the waste pipe unit can be made of brass or similar material. Alternatively, the waste pipe connexion unit 400 can be made of a plastics material. [55] The pipe connexion can be provided with an outside diameter to meet the standards of the country. Thus, in Australia, the o/d will be 47 mm, while in Europe, the o/d will be 42 mm. Alternatively a step up or step down adaptor can be provided to convert the connexion between the different sizes.

[56] Figure 5 shows a plan view of the waste pipe connector 400. The base of the barrel 414 (Figure 4) carries a cross-beam 510 which has a centrally located annulus 508 which has a central bore 506 which is threaded to mate with the thread of screw 300.

[57] Figure 6 illustrates a section through a partly assembled waste connection. A receptacle 600 has a hole located at its lowest point through which the receptacle drain hole unit 200 passes.

[58] The outer diameter of the barrel 212 of the drain hole connexion unit fits freely within the inner diameter of the barrel 414 of waste pipe connexion unit 400. The overflow aperture(s) 208 in the drain hole unit enable the cavity 612 and hence the overflow channel 604 to communicate with the inside of the barrel 212 of drain hole unit 200. Thus water from the overflow channel as well as water exiting from the receptacle via the plug hole can pass into the inside of the barrel 414 of pipe connexion unit 400.

[59] The position of the cross-support beam 510, and the length of the barrel 414, are chosen to accommodate the length of the barrel 212. This makes it possible to fit the waste connexion unit to a range of receptacles having differing wall thicknesses.

[60] A gasket 606 provides a watertight seal between the receptacle drain hole unit 200 and the receptacle 600.

[61 ] Screw 300 passes through hole 210 (Figure 2) in the lower end of receptacle drain hole unit 200. Nut 308 fastens the screw 300 to the receptacle drain hole unit. [62] The stem of screw 300 is screwed into the threaded hole 506 (Figure 5) so that the position of waste pipe connector 400 can be adjusted by screwing it up and down the screw stem.

[63] A gasket 608 forms a watertight seal between the lower surface of the receptacle 600 and the flange 404 (Figure 4) of the waste pipe connector 400 when the waste pipe connector 400 is screwed up against the gasket 608.

[64] The receptacle 600 includes an overflow outlet 602 which connects to on integral overflow channel 604. The overflow aperture 208 in the receptacle drain hole unit 200 receives the overflow from the overflow channel 604.

[65] The gasket 606 seals the upper end of an annular cavity 612 defined by the hole through the receptacle 600 and the outer wall of barrel 212 of receptacle drain hole unit 200. The overflow aperture 208 in the receptacle drain hole unit 200 is located in relation to the cavity 612 to drain off the overflow water.

[66] In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 10, the barrel overflow apertures 208 are omitted from the barrel 212 of drain hole unit 1000, so that the drain hole unit 1000 includes the flange 202 and the spindle support 1014. A shorter barrel 1012 is provided to enable the drain hole unit 1000 to be used with a plug of the type described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. However, by including the larger barrel 212 and the overflow apertures 208, the waste connexion unit is more readily adaptable to alternative receptacles such as those with external overflow pipes.

[67] The waste connexion arrangement embodying the invention provides adaptability of the overflow outlet 208 in relation to the overflow channel 604 (Figure 6). In particular, the cavity 612 formed between the receptacle drain hole unit 200 and the drain hole simplifies the alignment requirement for the overflow aperture 208. Because the overflow aperture 208 is contained inside the pipe connexion unit, the waste unit can be used with receptacles which have overflow channels and with receptacles which do not have overflow channels.

[68] The lower end of cavity 612 can be sealed by seal 608 or seal 608 can be dimensioned not to seal the cavity 612. In the case where the lower end of cavity 612 is not closed by seal 608, the overflow can discharge directly into the inside of the barrel 414 of the pipe connector 400. However, if the overflow occurs at too great a rate for the cavity 612 to discharge, the discharge will occur through aperture 208 as well.

[69] Figure 7 illustrates a plug unit 700 including a disc shaped captive plug 702 contained in a generally cylindrical plug housing 720. The housing 720 includes an annular recess 718 whose wall is a spherical section.

[70] The captive plug 702 has an upper surface 704, a lower surface 706, and a barrel shaped wall 710 which conforms to the spherical section 718 of the annular recess of the housing 720. The major diameter (the diameter of the central circumference 802 of Figure 8) of the plug 702 is smaller than the minor diameter 714 of the annular recess 718, but the thickness 716 of the plug 702 is such that the plug can only be removed from the recess 718 or inserted into the recess 718 when the plug is oriented substantially transverse to the axis of the cylindrical housing. An "O" ring 712, which projects beyond the wall of the plug, can be provided to provide a substantially watertight seal. Rather than being a purely spherical profile, the plug periphery can be profiled and dimensioned so as to pass through the minor circumference of the plug aperture when the plug is transverse to the axis of the barrel 212 but to be prevented from passing through the minor circumference when the plug is tilted more than a few degrees with respect to the axis of the barrel 212.

[71 ] Such a plug can be closed by aligning the plug 702 transverse to the axis of the housing 720, and can be opened by pressing on the edge of the plug 702 to cause it to rotate within the spherical section recess 718. While the major diameter of the plug 702 is smaller than the minor diameter of the recess 718, the plug is captive because the thickness of the plug 702 prevents its removal from the recess 718 when the plug is tilted, the diverging spherical wall 710 prevents the plug from being . gripped from above without a special tool. As shown in figure 9, the diagonal 902 from the surface 704 through the centre of the plug to the opposite surface is slightly greater than the minor diameter of the housing.

[72] Figure 11 shows an adaptation of the invention for use in cooperation with a pop-up plug 1112. The plug 1112 is provided with an operating mechanism 1114. The operating mechanism can be a spring. Alternatively, the operating mechanism 1114 can be a worm gear arrangement. Other suitable operating mechanisms are within the scope of the invention.

[73] An operating lever or button 1110 is accessible to the user at the top of the sink. The operating button 1110 is connected to the operating mechanism 1114 via a mechanical linkage 1108. The operating button 1110 can be moved between an open position and a closed position. Optionally, the operating button 1110 can be moved between the open and closed positions in a continuous manner to permit the plug to be placed in the fully open condition, the fully closed condition and any position in between.

[74] The linkage member 1108 can be one or linked rods, a stiff cable capable o transmitting both tensile and compressive force, a flexible rod or any other suitable linkage. In the embodiment of Figure 11, the linkage is connected to the operating mechanism via the drain path 1104. The operating button 1110 has a stem 1116 which is connected through an aperture 1118 in the upper wall of the basin.

[75] Figure 12 illustrates an alternative waste connexion 1200 embodying the invention which permits a smaller diameter waste pipe to be connected to the waste connection. As discussed in relation to Table 1, typical waste pipes can be 32 mm or 40 mm. [76] In the embodiment of Figure 12, the hexagonal nut section 1206 is elongated compared with that of Figure 4. This facilitates access to the nut 1206 in confined spaces.

[77] A tapered section 1208 is provided for the transition from the upper cross section to the lower threaded cross section 1210.

[78] Figure 13 shows an underneath view of the waste connexion of Figure 12, and illustrates details of the cross supports 1304 for the threaded nut 1302 which supports the elongated bolt 300 shown in Figure 3. The cross supports 1304 are located a short distance above the and of the threaded section. This distance can be of the order of 5 mm.

[79] A further difference between the waste connexion of Figure 12 and that of Figure 4 is that the embodiment of figure 4 includes a sealing ring retaining rim 504, whereas the embodiment of Figure 12 does not have this rim. The sealing ring 1400 of Figure 14 is adapted for use with the waste connexion 1200. The sealing ring 1400 includes a main body 1406 with a flat surface 1404 which is designed to sit on the upper face 1202 of the waste connexion 1200. The outer edge of the surface 1404 is provided with an upstanding rim 1402 which is designed to be an interference fit with the edge of the surface 1202. A section of the sealing ring is shown in Figure 15 which shows the body 1506, the flat surface 1504 and the rim 1506. The sealing ring 1400 is resilient, and the interference fit with the rim of the waste connexion 1200 assists in maintaining the sealing ring in place during installation.

[80] Figures 16 and 17 show an adaptor 1600 which can be used with the waste connexion of Figure 12 to permit a larger diameter waste pipe to be connected to the waste connexion 1200. The adaptor has an upper sealing surface 1604 which can support a sealing ring (not shown), to mate with the tapered portion 1208 of waste connexion 1200. The sealing ring can have a tapered section to match the taper of 1208, or the upper surface 1604 can be sloped inwardly to match the taper of surface 1208 and the sealing ring can be of uniform thickness. A hexagonal nut 1606 is provided for tightening the adaptor and an external thread 1608 permits connexions to larger diameter pipes. Figure 17 shows the internal thread 1702 and a 5 mm unthreaded lower space 1704.

[81 ] While the invention has been described with reference to specific combinations of integers, the invention may be implemented by the use of equivalent or substitute elements and in combinations thereof apparent to the skilled worker in the light of this specification.

Claims

1. A waste connexion for a receptacle which includes: a receptacle drain hole unit; the receptacle drain hole unit including a plughole seat adapted to seat in a plughole in the receptacle; the receptacle drain hole unit including an extension skirt carrying one or more overflow inlets; and a wastepipe connector adjustably connectable to the receptacle drain hole unit by an adjustable connexion member.

2. A waste connexion for a receptacle as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the receptacle drain hole unit includes an annular disc shaped portion adapted to seat with a plughole in a receptacle, and a cylindrical skirt.

3. A waste connexion for a receptacle as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the receptacle drain hole unit includes a first support means adapted to support the adjustable connexion member.

4. A waste connexion for a receptacle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the waste pipe connexion includes a threaded cylindrical portion and a second support means adjusted to support the adjustable connexion member.

5. A waste connexion for a receptacle as claimed in claim 4, wherein the adjustable connexion member includes a threaded rod.

6. A waste connexion for a receptacle as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the second support means includes a threaded hole adapted to receive the threaded rod, whereby the wastepipe connector can be moved along the threaded rod.

7. A waste connexion unit including a receptacle drain unit adjustably connected with a pipe connexion unit.

8. A waste connexion assembly including a waste connexion unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims assembled to a receptacle having a drain hole, the receptacle drain unit having a barrel which fits within drain hole to define a cavity therebetween, the assembly including a first seal sealing the upper end of the cavity and a second seal sealing the lower end of the cavity, the receptacle including an overflow channel extending from an upper part of the receptacle to the drain hole, the receptacle drain hole unit including one or more overflow apertures in fluid flow communication with the cavity.

9. An assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the overflow channel is integral with the wall of the receptacle.

10. An assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the overflow channel is formed of a flexible pipe connecting an overflow aperture in the receptacle with the overflow aperture in the receptacle drain unit.

11. A drain hole unit for a waste connexion as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the drain hole unit including an upper rim and a spindle support.

12. A pipe connexion unit for a waste connexion as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, the pipe connexion unit including an upper seal seat, a threaded barrel, and a threaded adjustment hole adapted to mate with an adjustment screw.

13. A sealing ring including a sealing body and a locating rim.

14. A sealing ring as claimed in claim 13, wherein the locating rim is adapted to form an interference fit with a sealing seat.

15. A waste connexion unit substantially according to any of the embodiments described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

16. A waste pipe connexion substantially according to any of the embodiments described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

17. A drain hole unit for a waste connexion substantially according to any of the embodiments described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

18. A sealing ring substantially according to any of the embodiments described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.