AU2002301785B2 - Drainage apparatus and method of installing drainage apparatus - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant: STARLIGHT SECURITY SYSTEMS PTY LTD Invention Title: DRAINAGE APPARATUS METHOD OF INSTALLING DRAINAGE

APPARATUS

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: 2 DRAINAGE APPARATUS METHOD OF INSTALLING DRAINAGE APPARATUS The invention relates to a drainage apparatus and method of installing drainage apparatus.

Drainage in shower units is required to function faultlessly for long periods of time with little or no maintenance. Shower drainage is normally achieved by connecting a substantially vertical drainage conduit to a plastic shower tray or waterproof membrane by fibreglassing them together, tiling over the shower tray or membrane and inserting the lower, narrower end of a drainage funnel into the drainage conduit, the drainage funnel being fitted into the tiling so its upper rim is flush with, and sealed into, the tiling. A problem with this method is that the connections between the drainage funnel and the tiling, and between the conduit and the shower tray or membrane, may lose their waterproof integrity. Because the end of the conduit is connected by the fibreglass to the shower tray or membrane, and the fibreglass extends over the angle (normally 90 degrees) formed between the shower tray floor and the conduit wall, the fibreglass at the angle is vulnerable to fracturing caused by relative movement of the conduit and the shower tray. Such fracturing is a common problem. If this occurs, any water from the shower which does not enter the drainage funnel, but instead passes from the tiling down the side of the drainage funnel may seep between the membrane or shower tray and the conduit, where it may cause water damage and/or attract termites (which are attracted by a moist environment).

An attempt to address this problem has involved provision of a member including a generally cylindrical \\BRIS1LhoeS\LeanneH\keep\speci\P41651 doc 1/11/02 3 drainage pipe part which can be fixed, in use, to a shower tray or membrane and descend to enter a drainage conduit of larger diameter than the drainage pipe. The top of the drainage pipe part opens into a collar, or flange, part which, in use, extends generally horizontally, and forms the means of connecting the drainage pipe to the shower tray or membrane. The collar part and pipe part are formed in one piece from plastic. The collar part has an annular raised section which encircles and is slightly spaced apart from the central aperture in the collar part which opens into the drainage pipe part. A waterproof fibreglass used to connect the collar part to the membrane is provided to extend outwardly from the outermost edge of the collar part (to form the waterproof lining of the shower area), and onto the collar part as far as the raised section, where it terminates and may be fibreglassed thereon. The narrow cylindrical bottom end of a drainage funnel is inserted to fit snugly into a friction fitting formed at the top of the pipe part. The friction fitting on the pipe part is provided by an inwardly projecting generally annular rim which extends a fraction of a millimetre towards the axis of the pipe part to provide generally circular constriction at the top of the pipe part which has an internal radius a fraction of a millimetre smaller than the internal radius of the pipe part. This friction fitting retains the narrow cylindrical bottom end of the drainage funnel in the drainage pipe part and the funnel extends upwardly and outwardly to form a drain hole which is, in use, provided flush with a tiled floor surface of the shower area. The tiles are provided, as normal, above the waterproof membrane. Small channels are provided in the circular constriction at the top of the drainage pipe part so that \\BP.IS1\home$\Leannekkeepkspeci\P47651 dc 1/11/02 4 water can drain from the collar portion into the drainage pipe part through the channels provided between the drainage funnel and the top of the drainage pipe.

The problem of fibreglass at the top of the drainage pipe fracturing is avoided because the right angle between the drainage pipe and the shower tray is provided by the preformed, one piece, pipe and collar element. However, because the channels provided to allow water to flow from the collar into the pipe are very narrow they can easily become blocked if the water running off the collar carries solid or particulate matter.

Drainage water not infrequently carries such matter in the form of pieces of grout or debris from the shower area.

If the channels become blocked or if the rate of flow of water onto the collar portion is greater than the rate of flow through the channels, the water level on the collar will rise and may reach the top of the raised section and begin to seep under the waterproof membrane which is layed substantially horizontally onto the raised section. Such water will then flow off the raised section under the membrane and will eventually drain away by an undesired route, such as down the outside of the drainage conduit.

For draining from tiled concrete floors, the drain cylinder or drain funnel is typically merely inserted into the drainage conduit in order to connect thereto. Thus, little or no protection is afforded against water passing through the tiled floor surface outside of but close to the drain cylinder, and such water may seep into the concrete floor or down the outside of the drainage conduit.

Therefore, there remains scope for an improved or at least alternative drainage apparatus and method of installing drainage apparatus.

\\BRIS1\hoCm.\LeanneE\keep\speci\P47651.dec 1/11/02 00 According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a

O

0drainage apparatus in the form of a kit for use in providing a drainage system, said kit

(N

b comprising:

;Z

a flange member including means to connect to a pipe member and a wall 5 defining an aperture in said flange member, said flange member having a flange surface which extends radially outward away from said aperture; and n a drain member for extending away from an area to be drained and receivable 00 in the aperture defined in the flange member; 0 wherein the drain member is dimensioned such that when it is received within N 10 the aperture of the flange member it is spaced from the wall defining the aperture for Sreceiving a sheet material in the space defined therebetween.

The drain member may be dimensioned to be spaced away from the wall of the flange member defining the aperture by a distance that enables an edge region of a sheet of waterproofing material extending across the flange surface to be snugly received in the space between the drain member and the flange. Thus the spacing of the wall from the drain member can be engineered to suit the properties, e.g.

thickness, of the waterproofing material being used to achieve a close fit.

The means to connect the flange member to a pipe member may be a portion of said flange member that is connected to a pipe member, so that the pipe member and flange member comprise a single integral unit.

Alternatively, the means to connect the flange member to a pipe member may be a suitably shaped part of the flange member adapted to cooperate with a pipe member so as to locate the flange member and the pipe member relative to each other. In this case, in use, an adhesive, solvent-welding compound or the like may be used to secure the pipe member and flange member relative to each other.

Preferably, the part of the flange member adapted to cooperate with a pipe member includes a radially extending rim adapted to engage the end surface of a 00 pipe member and one or more axially extending projections each having a radially 0 inner surface adapted to engage the outer surface of a pipe member.

Preferably, there is provided a single axially extending projection in the form of 5 a collar member. In this case, the collar member preferably extends from the underneath of the flange member and encircles the pipe member. This provides a n means of locating the flange member relative to a pipe (in which the flange member 00 r- can be secured to the pipe member, ego by adhesive or solvent welding) without any Oof the flange member extending inside the pipe. This avoids reducing the internal diameter of the pipe and thus facilitates the use of a loose fitting drain member with Sthe flange member.

Preferably, the wall of the flange member defining the aperture is configured so that in use there is provided a generally smooth surface extending from the flange surface into the aperture and axially along an inner surface of the pipe member.

Preferably, said generally smooth surface continues about the entire periphery of the aperture.

Preferably, said flange member has an upstanding rim enclosing said flange surface, said rim being adapted to prevent passage of a liquid from said generally flat surface over said rim.

Preferably, said rim extends around the radially outer periphery of the flange member.

Preferably, said flange surface provides a slight incline therein from said central aperture to said rim in order that in use, fluid on said flange surface will tend to flow under gravity towards said aperture.

Preferably, said flange surface includes means provided thereon to facilitate the flow of fluid on said flange surface towards said aperture.

00 Preferably, the means to facilitate the flow of fluid comprise grooves or 0 channels provided in the flange surface.

Preferably, said grooves or channels are directed substantially radially.

Bridging means may be provided in order to space apart the flange surface 'n and materials to be placed on or above the flange surface. In this case, it is preferred 00oo that the bridging means provide one or more fluid passageways in order to allow Ofluids on the flange surface to flow towards the aperture provided therein.

Said bridging means may comprise one or more sponge like members.

In use, the flange surface may be covered by a waterproof membrane. In this case, the bridging means is preferably provided above the membrane to space apart the membrane and materials to be placed on or above the membrane.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided drainage apparatus comprising: a flange member having means to connect to a pipe member, and having a generally central part defining an aperture in said flange member, said flange member having an outwardly extending flange surface which extends radially from the aperture; and wherein the part defining the aperture is configured so that, in use, there is provided a generally smooth surface extending from the flange surface into the aperture and axially along an inner surface of the pipe member.

Preferably, said generally smooth surface continues about the entire periphery of the aperture.

Preferably, said flange member has an upstanding rim enclosing said flange surface, said rim being adapted to inhibit passage of a liquid from said generally flat surface over said rim and said rim extends around the radially outer periphery of the flange member. Preferably, said flange surface is slightly inclined from said central 00 aperture to said rim, in order that fluid on said flange surface will tend to flow, under 0 0gravity, towards said aperture. Preferably, said flange surface includes means b provided thereon to facilitate in use the flow of fluid on said flange surface towards said aperture. Preferably, the means to facilitate the flow of fluid comprise grooves or 5 channels provided in the flange surface. Preferably, said grooves or channels are directed substantially radially.

00 Bridging means may be provided in order to space apart the flange surface Oand materials to be placed on or above the flange surface. In this case, it is preferred S 10 that the bridging means provide one or more fluid passageways in order to allow 0 fluids on the flange surface to flow towards the aperture provided therein. Said bridging means may comprise one or more sponge like members.

In use, the flange surface may be covered by a waterproof membrane. In this case, the bridging means is preferably provided above the membrane to space apart the membrane and materials to be placed on or above the membrane.

The means to connect the flange member to a pipe member may be a portion of the flange member that is connected to a pipe member, so that the pipe member and flange member are formed in a single integral unit.

Alternatively, the means to connect the flange member to a pipe member may be a suitably shaped part of the flange member adapted to cooperate with a pipe member so as to locate the flange member and the pipe member relative to each other. In this case, in use, an adhesive or the like may be used to secure the pipe member and flange member relative to each other.

The part of the flange member adapted to cooperate with a pipe member may include a radially extending rim adapted to engage the end surface of a pipe member and one or more axially extending projections each having a radially inner surface adapted to engage the outer surface of a pipe member.

00 Preferably, there is provided a single axially extending projection in the form of 0 a collar member. In this case, the collar member preferably extends from the b underneath of the flange member and encircles the pipe member. This provides a means of locating the flange member relative to a pipe (in which the flange member 5 can be secured to the pipe member, eg. by adhesive or solvent welding) without any of the flange member extending inside the pipe. This avoids reducing the internal trn diameter of the pipe and thus facilitates the use of a loose fitting drain member with 00 r- the flange member.

0 10 According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a drain Sassembly for operatively coupling a drain outlet on an area to be drained to a drain pipe, comprising: a flange member that is operatively coupled to the drain pipe including a wall defining an aperture, and having a flange surface extending radially outward from said aperture; a drain member mounted on the drain outlet and extending from the drain outlet into the aperture defined in the flange; and a sheet of material extending across the flange surface having an opening corresponding to the drain outlet and having an edge region surrounding the opening, the edge region of the material being received in the aperture of the flange member between the wall and the drain member.

The flange member may include any one or more of the features of the flange member defined in the first aspect of the invention above. Further the sheet material may be received within the aperture between the flange and the drain member with a tight fit to facilitate sealing the wall to the sheet material and to the drain member.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a method of connecting a drain outlet of an area to be drained to a drain pipe, including: providing a flange member having a wall defining an aperture therein and an upwardly facing flange surface extending radially away from the aperture; 00 connecting the flange member to the drain pipe so that said aperture is in fluid 0 connection with the drain pipe; b laying a sheet of flexible material which extends over the flange surface and

;Z

outwardly past the radial periphery of the flange surface, and which also extends into 5 the aperture in the flange member; and mounting a drain member on the drain outlet such that it extends down into the In aperture in the flange member such that the sheet material is positioned between the 00 wall and the drain member whereby to operatively couple the drain outlet to the drain Spipe.

Said method may include providing bridging means on the part of the waterproofing material which extends over the flange surface in order to space apart part of the membrane from materials to be placed on or above the membrane.

Preferably, the method includes use of an apparatus in accordance with the first and/or second aspects of the present invention.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing drainage apparatus in a floor comprising the steps of: providing a pipe member through which waste water may flow; providing a flange member having an upwardly facing flange surface extending radially away from the axis of the pipe member and having an aperture therein which is in fluid connection with the pipe member such that fluid that flows into the aperture will tend to flow into the pipe member; providing a drain member adapted to extend through the aperture and between the aperture and the floor surface, said drain member having a fluid passageway therethrough wherein the apparatus is formed so that fluid may drain off the flange member, between the flange member and the drain member and into the pipe member; and wherein a shower tray or waterproof membrane of the type used to line shower areas is not used.

00 Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, 0 Swith reference to the accompanying drawings in which: O Fig. 1 is an axial cross-sectional exploded view of a preferred embodiment of

;Z

drainage apparatus in accordance with the present invention, which could be included 5 in a kit for use in providing a drainage system; Fig. 2 is an axial cross-section showing the four elements of Fig. 1 spaced relative to each other as they might be in use; 00 Fig.s 3(c) and 3(d) show respectively top, axial cross-sectional, side Sand perspective views of the elements of a variation of the embodiment of Fig. 1; 1 10 Fig.s 4{c) and 4(d) show respectively top, axial cross-sectional, side, 0 and perspective views of 25 two of the four elements shown in Fig.s 3(a) to 3(d); Fig.s 5(b) and 5(c) show axial cross-sectional views of alternative embodiments of drainage apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Fig.s 6(b) and 6(c) show axial cross-sectional views corresponding to the embodiments of 5(b) and 5(c) and also show an example of the surrounding building materials with which the drainage apparatus may be used; and 12 Fig.s 7(a) and 7(b) show respectively a side view and a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. With reference to Fig.s 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of drainage apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a flange member generally designated 20 which has a generally central aperture 22, is generally circular in form and has an upstanding rim 26 extending about the outer periphery thereof. The flange member 20 has an upper flange surface 30 which is defined at its radially outer edge by the rim 26 and at its radially inner edge by a shoulder portion 32 thereof which defines the aperture 22. The shoulder portion 32 is shaped so that it provides a change in direction of approximately 90 degrees between the main part of the flange surface 30 and a bottom edge 33 of the shoulder portion 32. The flange surface 30 is not planar but is slightly radially inclined between the central aperture 22 and the rim 26 so that fluid which rests upon the flange surface 30 will tend to flow, under gravity, towards the aperture 22 (when the central axis of the flange portion, which corresponds in use to the central axis of a drainage conduit, is vertical). The flange member 20 has a flange bottom surface 31 defining the underside of the flange member as the upper flange surface 30 defines the topside of the flange member 20. Projecting from the flange bottom surface 31 close to the central aperture 22 but having a slightly larger radius than the central aperture, is a circular collar portion 34 in the form a cylindrical but axially short wall. Because the collar portion 34 has a slightly greater radius than the aperture 22, a portion of the flange bottom surface is provided between an inner surface 37 of the collar portion 34 and the bottom edge 33 of the shoulder portion 32, and this region forms a \\BIS1\homos\LeanneH keep\speci\P47E51.doc 1/11/02 13 radially extending rim 36 adapted to engage the circular end surface of a pipe member. The inner surface 37 of the collar portion 34 is adapted to engage the radially outer surface of a pipe member so that together the radially extending rim 36 and inner surface 37 form a means of connecting the flange member 20 to a pipe member. The lowest part of the inside surface 37 of the collar portion which is axially furthest from the flange member provides a bevelled edge 38 to facilitate insertion of a pipe member into the collar portion 34.

Fig.s 1 and 2 also show a pipe member, generally designated 40, which is generally cylindrical in shape and has a narrower lower cylindrical portion 42 and an upper wider cylindrical portion 46. The lower cylindrical portion has a lower first axial end 43 and an upper second axial end 44. The upper wider cylindrical portion 46 has a lower first axial end 47 which connects to the second axial end 44 of the lower cylindrical portion 42 and has an upper second axial end 48 axially spaced apart from the first axial end 47. The upper wider cylindrical portion 46 has a generally cylindrical outer surface 49a and a generally cylindrical inner surface 49b. The pipe member has a fluid passageway therethrough which is defined by the inner surface 49b of the upper cylindrical portion 46 and an inner surface 45 of the lower cylindrical portion 42. Between the inner surfaces 49b, 45 there is provided an inclined inner surface 50 which extends outwardly from the radially smaller inner surface 45 towards the radially larger inner surface 49b. The radially larger inner surface 49b is provided at the first axial end 47 thereof with a radially inwardly projecting shelf portion 52 which extends inwardly therefrom and terminates at a right angle to form an axially extending cylindrical inner surface 54 BRS\home\ LeanneM\ keep\mpec P47651 de 1/11/02 14 which extends axially a short distance to join the inclined inner surface 50. In use, the pipe member 40 as described is suitable for connection to other elements of a drainage system, hence its specific shape as described above. However, for the purposes of connection to the flange member it may be regarded mainly as fulfilling the purpose of a drain pipe or drainage conduit in that waste water which flows through the aperture 22 is directed down the fluid passageway of the pipe member 40. In practice, at least the narrower lower cylindrical portion 42 of the pipe member 40 would be connected to a drainage conduit (not shown) most suitably by insertion of the narrower lower cylindrical portion 42 into said conduit.

As shown in Fig.s 1I and 2, the apparatus further includes a drain member in the form of a drain cylinder which has a lower generally cylindrical part 62 with an outer diameter noticeably smaller than the inner diameter of the aperture 22 and a stepped rim part 64 at the axial top thereof, the widest part of which has a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the aperture 22.

The rim part 64 has a stepped inner portion 68 for receiving a circular drain grid 70. The drain grid includes a circumferential step 72 for cooperating with the stepped inner part 68 of the drain cylinder 60 and a plurality of cross pieces 74 which form a grid to allow the passage of fluid therethrough whilst preventing the passage of solid objects above a given predetermined size.

In use, as shown in Fig. 2, there is a substantial distance between the outer surface of the lower cylindrical part 62 of the drain cylinder 60 and the bottom edge 33 of the shoulder portion 32 which defines the aperture 22 in the flange member. This allows any fluid which escapes from the area to be drained externally \\BRTS1\homes\LeanneH keep\spec1\P47651.doc 1/11/02 15 of the drain cylinder 60, instead of through the central fluid passageway thereof, to escape to the pipe member (and thus to the drainage conduit) via the gap between the drain cylinder and the shoulder portion 32 of the flange member 20. In this embodiment this is also the gap between the drain cylinder 60 and the inner surface 49b of the pipe member.

Fig.s 3(a) to 3(d) and 4(a) to 4(d) show views of an alternative embodiment of apparatus for providing a drainage system in which the shape of the pipe member is different to the shape of the pipe member in the embodiment of Fig.s 1 and 2. Corresponding elements are designated by corresponding reference numerals but including the prefix digit 3. Fig.s 4(a) to 4(d) show views corresponding to the views of Fig.s 3(a) to 3(d) but with the drain cylinder and drain grid omitted. The reference numerals used in Fig.s 4(a) to 4(d) correspond to those used in Fig.s 3(a) to 3(d).

Fig.s 5(b) and 5(c) illustrate alternative embodiments of drainage apparatus in accordance with the present invention. In all three of these embodiments, a major difference to the embodiments of Fig.s 1 to 4 is that the flange member and the pipe member are formed as a single unit rather than two separate units which can connect together. Thus, referring to Fig. a flange member 520 is generally circular in form and is provided with a rim 526 which extends around the outer periphery of the flange member 520. The flange member 520 has a central aperture 522 and has an inclined upper flange surface 530 which extends between the rim 526 and the central aperture 522 and slopes towards the central aperture in order to encourage fluid to flow under gravity towards the central aperture. Where the flange member 520 \\BRISlbhome$\LeanneHlkeep\£peciP47651. doc 1/11f/02 r 16 defines the central aperture a shoulder portion 532 forms an angle of approximately 90 degrees so that the upper flange surface 530 transforms smoothly to an inner surface 549b of a pipe member 540. The pipe member 540 is generally cylindrical and the wall thereof extends axially away from the flange member 520. It will be appreciated that the pipe member 520 and the flange member 540 are, in this embodiment, integrally formed as parts of a single unit.

It will be noted that the shoulder portion 532 provides a smooth transition between the flange surface 530 and the pipe member inner surface 549b so that waterproof sheeting in the form of fibreglass or a waterproof membrane material will be more protected from damage when laid over the shoulder portion 532 than it would be if laid over a sharp angular or less smooth surface. After extending axially away from the flange member 520 for a short distance, the pipe member 540 reduces slightly in radius to form a generally cylindrical portion with a slightly smaller radius than the radius of the aperture 522. At the bottom end of the pipe member 540, there are provided first and second spaced apart annular projections 556, 557 which extend radially outwardly a short distance from the outside wall of the pipe member in order to form a groove 558 therebetween.

The groove 558 is suitable for accommodating an O-ring for effectively accommodating the pipe member in a drainage conduit.

The apparatus in Fig. 5(a) further includes a drain cylinder 560 which has a generally cylindrical portion 562 at a first lower axial end thereof and a short tapered portion 563 which extends upwardly and outwardly from the upper axial end of the cylindrical portion 562 \\BP.IS1'%\home$%\Leann &H\ke,\eci\P4 7651.do 1,'11/02 17 and which is provided at the upper end thereof with a stepped rim part 564. An inner portion 568 of the stepped rim part 564 is adapted to receive a drain grid 570. In use the cylindrical part 562 of the drain cylinder 560 extends through the aperture 522 and has a considerably smaller diameter than the aperture 522 so that it fits only loosely therein. The axially lowest part of the drain cylinder is located less loosely in the narrowed portion of the pipe member 540. Optionally, but as shown in Fig. radially inwardly extending lugs 559 may be provided on the inner surface 549b of the pipe member 540, for example, at the point where the pipe member 540 narrows. The purpose of the lugs 559 is to engage the outer surface of the cylindrical part 562 of the drain cylinder 560 in order to locate it radially with respect to the pipe member 540. In order to ensure that the fluid passageway between the outer surface of the drain cylinder 560 and the inner surface 549 of the pipe member 540 is not easily obstructed it is desired to keep the angular size of the lugs small. Thus, in a preferred embodiment there are provided four lugs spaced angularly equally about the inner surface 549b of the pipe member 540 with each lug having an angular size of approximately degrees, that is a size of about 3 percent of the circumference of the bore provided in the pipe member 540.

It will thus be appreciated that in use the lower cylindrical part 562 of the drain cylinder is sufficiently small in diameter that it can fit through the aperture 522 leaving a considerable gap to act as a fluid passageway between the outer surface of the lower cylindrical part 562 of the drain cylinder 560 and the inner surface of the shoulder 532 which defines the aperture 522. The gap is arranged to be adequate for this purpose even when \\BRIS1\'home$\LeanneH\keep\spec1\P47651.doc 1/11/02 18 fibreglass or membrane is also accommodated therein.

Referring now to Fig. the embodiment has considerable similarities to the embodiment of Fig. and thus only the differences will be discussed. The pipe member 540b of this embodiment has a substantially uniform diameter throughout its length rather than having a greater diameter and a smaller diameter portion. However, on an inner surface thereof there are provided four lugs 559b which project radially inwardly towards the axis of the pipe member 540b. The lugs 559b extend considerably further radially inwardly than the lugs 559 of the embodiment of Fig. 5(a) to effectively engage the smaller diameter drain cylinder 560b. The drain cylinder of Fig.

has a lower cylindrical part 562b with a considerably smaller diameter and a tapered part 563b which is greater in extent both radially and axially than the corresponding elements of the embodiment of Fig. Thus, in use, the tapered part 563b of the drain cylinder 560b may extend partially through the aperture 522b and the drain cylinder as a whole can be retained radially by frictional engagement of the innermost surfaces (not shown) of the lugs 559b with the outer surface of the lower cylindrical part 562b of the drain cylinder 560b. Again, it will be noted that a substantial fluid passageway is provided into and through the pipe member 540b even when the drain cylinder 560b is in place since, in use, a gap is provided between the drain cylinder 560b and the shoulder part 532b which defines the aperture. The elements will preferably be sized so that the axial position, in use, of the drain cylinder 560b will be such that the tapered portion 563b does not contact the shoulder portion 532b on the flange member 520b. This axial position is determined by the provision of mortar or some other tile fixing substance, \\BRSI\ home$\LeanneH keep\ spci \P4651.dc 1/11/02 19 plus the thickness of the tile as shown in Fig.s 6(a), 6(b) and 6(c) and discussed later. There is a minimum desired thickness for the tile adhesive in a shower unit (about 12 mm in most cases) and the skilled person will be able to determine the correct shape and dimensions.

It should also be noted that, in use, the axial position of the drain cylinder and fixing at that axial position is determined by the provision of mortar or other tile fixing substance which is also used to support the drain cylinder. It is thus not essential for the drain cylinder to be frictionally engaged with the inside of the pipe member wall or projections provided thereon.

With reference to Fig. 5(c) the general shape of the unit comprising the flange member 530c and pipe member 540c is similar to that of the embodiment of Fig. although the proportions are different. For example, the embodiment of Fig. 5(c) has a pipe member 540c which has a smaller diameter relative to the diameter of the flange surface 530c than is the diameter of the pipe member 540 of Fig. 5(a) compared to the diameter of the flange surface 530 in that embodiment. Also, the embodiment of Fig. 5(c) includes a greater axial length of the pipe member 540c having a slightly greater diameter, and a smaller axial length of the pipe member 540c having a smaller diameter, than the embodiment of Fig. However, it will be appreciated that these proportions may be freely altered, as required, without departing from the scope of the invention. It should also be noted that the pipe member 540c of Fig. 5(c) does not have lugs to engage a drain cylinder. The drain cylinder 560c in the embodiment of Fig. 5(c) has a relatively long and narrow lower cylindrical part 562c and a tapered part 563c which is greater in radial extent and axial extent than the \\BRISI\honeI\LeanneH\keep\speci \P47651 .doc 1/11/02 20 tapered part 563 of the embodiment of Fig. Also as can be seen from the drawings, in the embodiments of Fig.

and Fig. 5(c) the drain cylinders (which could be regarded as drain funnels due their funnel-like shape) do not include stepped outer portions at the axially upper ends thereof but instead include axially extending surfaces 565b and 565c respectively, which extend from the wider end of the tapered portions to the top axial end of the drain cylinders and form upper circular rims thereof.

The upper circular rims have radially extending surfaces 566b, 566c respectively across the tops thereof which, in use, fit flush with a tiled surface into which the drain cylinders 560b, 560c are set.

Fig.s 6(b) and 6(c) show respectively the embodiments of Fig.s 5(b) and 5(c) installed in situ in a drainage situation. The reference numerals used in Fig.s 5(b) and 5(c) are adopted respectively in Fig.s 6(b) and 6(c) to designate the same elements.

With reference to Fig. 6(a) drainage apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown as it would be installed on, for example, a tiled floor of a bathroom. The combined flange portion and pipe portion 520, 540 is provided with a rubber O-ring 580 located in the groove 558 and is inserted into a drainage conduit 610 so that the rubber 0ring seals against the inner wall of the drainage conduit.

The drainage conduit is set into a slab or floor 620 made of concrete and the flange member 520 is pushed into the concrete before it hardens so that the top of the rim 526 is generally level with the upper surface of the concrete floor 620. Above the concrete floor surface and the upper surface 530 of the flange portion 520, there is provided a layer of mortar or other tile locating and fixing material \\BRISli\home$.\LeanneH\keep\ peci\P47651 doc 1/11/02 21 630 and tiles 632, 634 are provided thereon to form the bottom surface of an area to be drained. The drain cylinder 560 is supported by the tile fixing material 630 and is positioned so that an upper surface thereof and the upper surface of the drain grid 570 are substantially level with the upper surfaces of the tiles 632, 634. As can be seen from Fig. any water which seeps between the drain cylinder 560 and the adjacent tiles will drain down onto the flange surface 530 and from there into the pipe member 540 and into the drainage conduit 610.

However, in the absence of the flange member 520, such liquid could seep down the outside of the drainage conduit 610. It should be noted that the provision of the O-ring seal between the drain cylinder 560 and the drain conduit 610 allows a degree of movement between the pipe member 540 and the drain conduit 610 without adversely effecting the functioning of the drainage system.

An envisaged alternative embodiment provides no O-ring or means on the pipe member to locate an O-ring but instead provides a plain cylindrical lower end to the pipe member 540 which is adapted to fit fairly snugly in the drain conduit 610 and can be secured thereto by, for example, solvent welding. It should be further noted that it may be desirable to coat the flange surface 530 with absorbent cement and apply sand or a quick material thereto before laying the tile fixing material 630 thereon in order to ensure good adhesion of the tile fixing material 630 to the flange surface 530.

Fig. 6(b) shows the embodiment of Fig. located in situ in the floor of a tiled shower area. An O-ring 580b is provided to seal the pipe member 540b to a drain conduit 610b which is embedded in a concrete floor 620b. Extending over the top of the flange portion 526b \\BRIS1\hcme$\LeareHkcep\peci\P47e51 dc 1/11/02 22 is a waterproof membrane 640b which extends out to the edge of the shower floor area in order to prevent ingress of moisture to the concrete floor 620b. The waterproof membrane 640b extends through the aperture 522b and a short axial way down the pipe member 540b. The tile fixing adhesive material 630b is layed on top of the membrane 460b and tiles 632b, 634b are set thereon to provide a tiled floor surface The drain cylinder 560b is set so that the top surface 566b thereof is substantially level with the top surface of the tiles 632b, 634b.

Fig. 6(c) shows the embodiment of Fig. 5(c) in situ in a floor of a shower area. The configuration is generally similar to that shown in Fig. 6(b) and similar elements will not be described in detail but are shown with corresponding reference numerals but suffixed with a rather than a The main dissimilarities will, however, be discussed and are as follows.

In the embodiment of Fig. 6(c) the flange member 520c is set into the concrete (having been placed before the concrete has set) so that the upper surface of the rim 526c is level with the upper surface of the concrete 620c.

This allows the membrane 640c to pass smoothly across the interface between the rim of the flange member 520c and the concrete floor 620c. However, it is not necessary to set the flange portion into the concrete floor and the embodiment of Fig. 6(b) shows the flange portion 520b merely positioned on top of the concrete floor 620b. This is convenient if the concrete floor has set before the flange member is fitted, and preferred embodiments facilitate such positioning by providing that the bottom surface of the flange portion extends substantially perpendicularly away from the axis of the pipe member 540, 540b, 540c. As illustrated, this mode of fitting might \\BRIS1\beeS.Lea fhne kkeekspec i \47E51 .doc 1111/02 23 require the membrane 640b to make a fairly sharp change of direction as it passes from the rim 526b of the flange portion 520b onto the concrete floor. However, in use and if desired, a means of support such as a bead of concrete or mortar could be provided to smooth the change in direction of the membrane 640b.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. there are provided bridging means in the form of a plurality of radially extending bridging members 671, 672 which extend radially across the upper surface 530c of the flange portion 520c. The bridging members 671, 672 are made from a material which is porous to water but which resists the flow of the tile locating and fixing material 630c therethrough. The bridging members thus provide a means to keep the upper surface 530c of the flange member 520c (or in this case the upper surface of the membrane 640c which is provided thereon) relatively free for water to flow over so that water thereon can flow to the aperture 522c even though the tile fixing and adhesive substance 630c is required to be provided above said flange in order to retain parts of the tiles 532c, 534c and the drainage cylinder 560c. The bridging members may be made from a sponge material and may be formed as elongate strips suitable for placing radially on the flange portion 520c.

Even if the sponge deteriorates with time, the cavities provided will remain and allow passage of water therethrough. Many other means of providing bridging means are envisaged and the essential features required of bridging members are that they keep the tile fixing and locating material away from the flange surface over which fluid can drain without unduly preventing the drainage of fluid thereover. The flange surface may include grooves or channels, preferably radially orientated, to facilitate \\BRIS1\homeS\LeanneH\keep\speci\P47651.doc 1/11:02 24 drainage of fluid towards the aperture.

Fig.s 7(a) and 7(b) provide, respectively, side and perspective views of the embodiment of Fig. In addition to the described embodiments, many other modifications and variations are possible and envisaged and it will be appreciated by the skilled person that the shapes and dimensions of the elements and the materials from which they are constructed may be varied in accordance with the requirements for various locations and situations. It should be noted that for installation in floors, such as bathroom floors, it is preferred to use a drain cylinder generally shaped as the drain cylinder in Fig. 1 which has little or no tapered region as this allows for a smaller distance between the flange member and the top surface of the drain cylinder, as is desirable in this situation. Drain cylinders with larger tapered sections are generally more suitable for use where there is to be a greater distance between the top surface of the flange member and the top surface of the tiled floor such as in the drainage area of a shower unit.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention thus provide drainage apparatus which provides advantages over at least some previous apparatus.

For use in showers, embodiments of the present invention can allow the impermeable membrane used to enter the pipe member. This greatly reduces the chance of seepage under the water impermeable membrane since such seepage would have to be vertically upwards. Some prior art systems provided an interface between a membrane and a horizontal portion of the apparatus which could allow water seeping substantially horizontally to pass under the membrane.

Furthermore, the use of a smoothly contoured shoulder allows the membrane to pass from the horizontal flange \\BRISb\homeS\LeanneH\keep\speci\P47651.doc 1/11/02 25 portion to the vertical pipe portion smoothly and with little risk of damage to the membrane once it hardens.

The provision of rubber O-rings between the pipe member and the drain conduit further reduces the likelihood of damage to the membrane even if there is some relative movement between the drain conduit and the flange portion.

Preferred embodiments are made from a plastics material but other materials could be used.

Embodiments of the present invention also provide advantages in providing draining apparatus for, for example, bathroom floors where the practice in the past has been to locate the drain cylinder directly into the drainage conduit which provides minimal protection against water which flows downwardly from the tiled surface but not through the bore of the drainage cylinder seeping down the outside of the drain conduit.

The words "comprising", "having", and "including" should be interpreted in an inclusive sense, meaning that additional features may also be added.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country.

Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Hil1\home$s\ LealeH\Jkeep'\speci P47651. d- 1/11/02

Claims (13)

1. A drainage apparatus in the form of a kit for use in providing a drainage system, the kit comprising: 5 a flange member including means to connect to a pipe member and a wall defining an aperture in said flange member, said flange member having a flange tr surface which extends radially outward away from said aperture; and 00oo a drain member for extending away from an area to be drained and receivable in the aperture defined in the flange member; wherein the drain member is dimensioned such that when it is received within the aperture of the flange member it is spaced from the wall defining the aperture for receiving a sheet material in the space defined therebetween.

2. Drainage apparatus as claimed in claim I, wherein the drain member is dimensioned to be spaced away from the wall of the flange member defining the aperture by a distance that enables an edge region of a sheet of waterproofing material extending across the flange surface to be snugly received in the space between the drain member and the flange.

3. Drainage apparatus as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the means to connect the flange member to a pipe member comprises a portion of said flange member that is connected to a pipe member, so that the pipe member and flange member comprise a single integral unit.

4. Drainage apparatus as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the means to connect the flange member to a pipe member comprises a suitably shaped part of the flange member adapted to cooperate with a pipe member so as to locate the flange member and the pipe member relative to each other.

5. Drainage apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the part of the flange member adapted to cooperate with a pipe member includes a radially extending rim adapted to engage the end surface of a pipe member and one or more axially extending projections each having a radially inner surface adapted to engage the outer surface of a pipe member. 00 O S6. Drainage apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein there is provided a e single axially extending projection in the form of a collar member. I 5 7. Drainage apparatus as claimed in any of claims 4 to 6, wherein an adhesive, solvent-welding compound or the like is used or provided to secure the pipe member and flange member relative to each other. 00 S8. Drainage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the wall N 10 defining the aperture is configured so that in use there is provided a generally Ssmooth surface extending from the flange surface into the aperture and axially along an inner surface of the pipe member.

9. Drainage apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said generally smooth surface continues about the entire periphery of the aperture. Drainage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said flange member has an upstanding rim enclosing said flange surface.

11. Drainage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said flange surface provides a slight incline therein from said central aperture to said rim in order that in use, fluid on said flange surface will tend to flow under gravity towards said aperture.

12. Drainage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the flange surface includes means provided thereon to facilitate the flow of fluid on said flange surface towards said aperture, said means comprising grooves or channels provided in the flange surface.

13. Drainage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein bridging means is provided in order to space apart the flange surface and materials to be placed on or above the flange surface in use. 00 14. A drain assembly for operatively coupling a drain outlet on an area to be 0 0drained to a drain pipe, comprising: (N b a flange member that is operatively coupled to the drain pipe including a wall defining an aperture, and having a flange surface extending radially outward from 5 said aperture; a drain member mounted on the drain outlet and extending from the drain outlet o into the aperture defined in the flange; and 00 a sheet of material extending across the flange surface having an opening 0 corresponding to the drain outlet and having an edge region surrounding the opening, the edge region of the material being received in the aperture of the Sflange member between the wall and the drain member. A drain assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the flange member is a flange member for use in the apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, and wherein the sheet material is received within the aperture between the flange and the drain member with a tight fit to facilitate sealing the wall to the sheet material and to the drain member.

16. A method of connecting a drain outlet of an area to be drained to a drain pipe, including: providing a flange member having a wall defining an aperture therein and an upwardly facing flange surface extending radially away from the aperture; connecting the flange member to the drain pipe so that said aperture is in fluid connection with the drain pipe; laying a sheet of flexible material which extends over the flange surface and outwardly past the radial periphery of the flange surface, and which also extends into the aperture in the flange member; and mounting a drain member on the drain outlet such that it extends down into the aperture in the flange member such that the sheet material is positioned between the wall and the drain member whereby to operatively couple the drain outlet to the drain pipe.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16 further including the step of providing bridging means on the part of the waterproofing material which extends over the 00 flange surface in order to space apart part of the membrane from materials to be 0 Splaced on or above the membrane.

18. A method as claimed in either of claims 15 and 16 wherein, the method 5 includes use of drainage apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to n 19. A method of installing drainage apparatus in a floor comprising the steps of: 00oo providing a pipe member through which waste water may flow; Sproviding a flange member having an upwardly facing flange surface N 10 extending radially away from the axis of the pipe member and having an aperture Stherein which is in fluid connection with the pipe member such that fluid that flows into the aperture will tend to flow into the pipe member; providing a drain member adapted to extend through the aperture and between the aperture and the floor surface, said drain member having a fluid passageway therethrough wherein the apparatus is formed so that fluid may drain off the flange member, between the flange member and the drain member and into the pipe member; and wherein a shower tray or waterproof membrane of the type used to line shower areas is not used. A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the method includes the use of drainage apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to

21. Drainage apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.