AU2003236433B2

AU2003236433B2 - Assembly for a drainage system

Info

Publication number: AU2003236433B2
Application number: AU2003236433A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Sydney Hawthorne
Original assignee: Plastec Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Plastec Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2002-08-23
Filing date: 2003-08-25
Publication date: 2008-03-20
Anticipated expiration: 2023-08-25
Also published as: AU2003236433A1

Description

O1 A PLUMBING FITTING FOR CONNECTING A WATER OUTLET TO A WATER DRAIN PIPE FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a plumbing fitting for connecting a water outlet to a water drain pipe for draining water away from the outlet. The invention also extends to a plumbing assembly that operatively connects a water outlet to a water drain pipe for draining water away from the outlet.

This invention relates particularly but not exclusively to a plumbing fitting and a plumbing assembly for connecting a water outlet of an installation such as a shower, a basin, a bath and a sink to a water drain pipe for conveying the drained water away from the installation. It will therefore be convenient to hereinafter describe this invention with reference to this example application. However at the same time it is to be clearly understood that the invention is capable of broader application.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION In modern houses plumbing pipes such as drain pipes for draining water away from water installations and into a drainage system such as a sewage system are typically located below the slab of the house. These drain pipes project up through the slab in a position which is in the general region of the house in which they are required. For example they will project up through the slab within the specific room of the house, and in the approximate position, in which they are required for coupling to a water installation.

It will readily be appreciated that it is extremely difficult to precisely position such a pipe coming up through the slab to enable it to be directly coupled to the associated water installation around its outlet.

As a direct consequence of this the water outlet of a water installation, such as a bath, a basin and a shower, is usually vertically and horizontally offset with regard to the position of the drain pipe to which it is to be connected.

Considerable plumbing work is therefore usually required by a plumber to couple the water drainage outlet of an installation to the drain pipe passing through the slab or 0 Z floor. In particular both the vertical and horizontal distances of offset of the outlet relative to the drainage pipe need to be determined by the plumber. The correct length of pipe has to be cut, and the right sized couplings have to be fitted at each end. Further allowance also has to be made for expansion in the pipe primarily due to a change in temperature.

In addition this plumbing work is often made more difficult by the fact that the plumber has very little vertical space to work in between the water outlet of the installation and an open upper end of the drainage pipe. This leads to cramped and awkward working conditions and the job can be difficult to carry out effectively, particularly if the plumber is not highly skilled. At the same time it will be readily appreciated that it is crucially important that the drainage outlet be efficaciously coupled to the drainage pipe in a way that resists any leakage of water from the pipes. Water leaks of this type can cause considerable damage and can be difficult to fix once wall tiles have been laid on the wall and a floor covering has been laid on the floor. Further the task of coupling the pipes needs to be simplified so that it can be accomplished within a short time frame. One way of dealing with the above problems has been to make a plumbing fitting which has an inlet which is able to be pivoted with respect to an outlet. The inlet is able to be connected to the bottom of a bath or basin and the outlet is then able to be rotated so that it is in alignment with a discharge pipe.

Although the above described offset connector has worked for some applications the extent of the offset that it is able to accommodate is limited. As such it will not be suitable for all applications where the extent of the offset is greater than the offset that can be provided by the connector.

In some instances it is still necessary to accurately measure and cut components so that they can interconnect the outlet of the offset connector with the inlet of the discharge pipe. This is a time consuming task which should be done with a great deal of precision in order to prevent the remeasuring and recutting of components which leads to a loss of time and wastage of materials.

3 0 Another way of dealing with these problems has been provided in WO 01/36756 whereby a flexible piping is arranged between two rigid couplings.

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However, such an arrangement may still suffer from water leakage. Further the number of individual components needed to effect the necessary coupling is still quite large and the coupling may be difficult to install. Further the plug and waste located in the drain outlet of the bath is separate from the first elbow coupling which is positioned beneath it.

The references to prior art above is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this piece of prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the art of plumbing fittings in Australia.

Clearly it would be advantageous if an assembly could be devised that ameliorated at least some of these shortcomings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a plumbing fitting for operatively connecting an outlet of a water installation having an edge region around the outlet, to a water drain pipe for draining water away from the outlet, the plumbing fitting comprising: a first elbow coupling having a water entrance and a water exit and defining a flow passage through the coupling from the entrance to the exit; a releasable grate element for mounting on the first elbow coupling adjacent to the entrance thereof and extending across the flow passage, the grate element being clamped to the first elbow coupling with the edge region sandwiched between the grate element and the first elbow coupling; a second elbow coupling having a water entrance and a water exit and defining a flow passage through the coupling from the entrance to the exit; and 4 a conduit defining a conduit flow path for extending between the first and second elbow couplings, the conduit having an upstream end for being operatively Z coupled to the first elbow coupling such that the exit of the first elbow coupling is in fluid communication with the conduit flow path, and a downstream end for being operatively coupled to the second elbow coupling such that the entrance of the second elbow coupling is in fluid communication with the conduit flow path.

The first elbow coupling may include a flange extending radially away from the entrance thereof around its circumference, and the grate element may be sized to extend across the flange to enable the edge region around the outlet of a water installation to be clamped there between to mount the installation to the first elbow coupling.

The first elbow coupling may include a wall having an internal surface defining said flow passage.

The first elbow coupling may include a spoked support and the releasable grate element may be mounted on the spoked support. The spoked support may be integrally formed with the wall of the first elbow coupling and the spoked support may comprise a plurality of spokes extending radially in from the internal surface of the wall.

In one form of the invention the spoked support may include a screw thread channel for facilitating mounting of the grate element thereto. In turn the grate element may include a screw that is threadingly received in the screw thread channel to releasably mount the grate element on the spoked support.

The spoked support may define an upper surface that lies substantially in a single plane and the grate element may lie across the upper surface of the spoked support.

In one embodiment of this form of the invention the spoked support may be positioned adjacent to the entrance of the first elbow coupling. The grate element may be substantially planar thereby rendering it suitable for installation on a water installation that is a shower tray.

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In another embodiment of this form of the invention the spoked support may be received within the flow passage spaced away from the entrance in the direction of the 0 Z flow passage. The grate element may comprise a plug receiving portion for mounting on the spoked support and receiving a plug, and a flange portion surrounding the plug receiving portion offset therefrom thereby rendering it suitable for installation on a water installation that has an outlet fitted with a plug to enable the outlet to be selectively closed during use.

In another form of the invention the first elbow coupling may have a screw thread formation formed on the internal surface of the wall, and the releasable grate element may include a complementary screw thread formation for engaging the screw thread formation on the wall thereby to mount the grate element on the first elbow coupling.

The grate element may include a grill portion that extends across both the flow passage and the flange of the first elbow coupling.

The grate element may further include a cylindrical body portion having an external surface extending substantially orthogonally to the grill portion. The body portion may define said complementary screw thread formation on said external surface for engaging said one screw thread formation on the first elbow coupling.

The first elbow coupling may include a first end pipe section towards the exit thereof, and a first collar section mounted on the first end pipe section having a wall portion spaced radially outward of the first end pipe section. The wall portion and the first end pipe section may define an opening within which an end of said conduit can be received with an interference fit whereby to operatively connect one end of said flexible conduit to said first elbow coupling.

The second elbow coupling may include a second end pipe section towards the entrance thereof, and a second collar section mounted on the end pipe section having a wall portion spaced radially outward of the second end pipe section. The wall portion and the second end pipe section may define an opening within which an end of said conduit can be received with an interference fit whereby to operatively connect one end of said flexible conduit to said first elbow coupling.

SThe conduit may be a flexible conduit and the flexible conduit may comprise a section of ribbed hose having a plurality of ribs on its outer surface. The flexible conduit Z together with the ribs may be sized to be snugly received with an interference fit within the openings defined between the collar section and the end pipe section on each of the first and second elbow couplings.

The flow passage defined in the second elbow coupling may be substantially free of other components.

The first elbow coupling may further include a receptacle for coupling to an overflow pipe from an overflow outlet of a bath or basin or sink. The receptacle may be capable of communicating with the flow passage of the associated elbow coupling.

The second elbow coupling may further include a receptacle for coupling to an overflow pipe from an overflow outlet of a bath or basin or sink. The receptacle may be capable of communicating with the flow passage of the associated elbow coupling.

Each receptacle may comprise a short pipe section which projects out transversely from the associated elbow coupling. Each short pipe section may include an internal wall closing off the short pipe section from the flow path through the associated elbow coupling. The internal wall can be selectively opened up when the receptacle is coupled to an overflow pipe to place the pipe section in flow communication with the flow passage in the associated elbow coupling.

The diameter of the entrance to the first elbow coupling may be greater than the diameter of the exit of the first elbow coupling. The flow passage defined across the first elbow coupling may decrease in a direction from the entrance to the exit.

The first elbow coupling with the integral spoked support may be made by a moulding operation. The moulding operation may be a single injection moulding operation. The spoked support including the screw thread channel may be moulded integral with the first elbow coupling.

The second elbow coupling may also be made by a moulding process, e.g. a single injection moulding operation. The flexible hose may typically be purchased as an off 0 Z the shelf item.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a plumbing assembly that operatively connects a water outlet of a water installation having an edge region surrounding the outlet, to a drain pipe for draining water away from the outlet, the IN plumbing assembly including: a first elbow coupling having a water entrance and a water exit and defining a flow passage through the coupling from the entrance to the exit; a releasable grate element mounted on said first elbow coupling adjacent to the entrance thereof and extending across the flow passage, the grate element being clamped to the first elbow coupling with an edge region sandwiched between the grate element and the first elbow coupling; a second elbow coupling having a water entrance and a water exit and defining a flow path through the second elbow coupling from the entrance to the exit, the water exit being received within an open end of a drain pipe whereby to operatively couple the flow path of the second elbow coupling to the drain pipe; and a conduit defining a conduit flow path extending between the first and second elbow couplings, the conduit having an upstream end that is operatively coupled to the first elbow coupling such that the exit of the first elbow coupling is in fluid communication with the conduit flow path and a downstream end that is operatively coupled to the second elbow coupling such that the entrance of the second elbow coupling is in fluid communication with the conduit flow path.

The first elbow coupling may include a flange extending radially away from the entrance thereof around its full circumference. The grate element may be sized to extend across the flange, and the edge region of the water installation may be clamped between the flange and grate element to mount the edge region to the first elbow coupling.

p The first elbow coupling may include a wall having an internal surface defining said flow passage.

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In one form of the invention the first elbow coupling may include a spoked support and the releasable grate element may be mounted on the spoked support. The spoked support may include a screw thread channel for facilitating mounting of the grate element thereto, and the grate element may include a screw that is threadingly received in the screw thread channel to releasably mount the grate element on the spoked support.

0 In one embodiment of this form of the invention the spoke support may be positioned adjacent to the entrance of the first elbow coupling and the grate element which extends across the upper surface of the spoked support and the flange may be substantially planar. This form may be installed on a water installation that is a shower tray.

In another embodiment of this form of the invention the spoked support may be received within the flow passage spaced away from the entrance in the direction of the flow passage. The grate element may comprise a plug receiving portion for mounting on the spoked support and receiving a plug, and a flange engaging portion surrounding the plug receiving portion. This form is suitable for installation on a water installation that has an outlet fitted with a plug to enable the outlet to be selectively closed during use. These installations include a bath, a basin and a sink In another form of the invention the first elbow coupling may have a screw thread formation formed on the internal surface of the wall, and the releasable grate element may include a complementary screw thread formation for engaging the screw thread formation on the wall thereby to mount the grate element on the first elbow coupling.

The grate element may include a grill portion that extends across the flow passage and the flange of the first elbow coupling and a cylindrical body portion having an external surface extending substantially orthogonally to the grill portion. The complementary screw thread formation may be formed on said external surface for 9 engaging said one screw thread formation on the internal surface of the first elbow coupling.

0 The conduit may be a flexible conduit and may include any one or more of the features of the conduit defined in the first aspect of the invention.

The first and second elbow couplings may include any one or more of the features of the plumbing fitting defined above in the first aspect of the invention.

C 10 According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a shower assembly including, a shower tray defining an outlet and a peripheral edge region around the outlet, and a plumbing assembly as defined above in the preceding aspect of the invention operatively mounted to the shower tray with the edge region sandwiched between the grate element and the first elbow coupling.

The plumbing assembly may include any one or more of the features of the plumbing assembly defined above in the preceding aspect of the invention.

According to yet another aspect of this invention there is provided a bath assembly including, a bath body defining an outlet and a peripheral edge region around the outlet, and a plumbing assembly as defined above in the preceding aspect of the invention operatively mounted to the bath body with the edge region sandwiched between the grate element and the first elbow coupling.

According to yet another aspect of this invention there is provided a basin or sink assembly comprising, a basin or sink body defining an outlet and a peripheral edge region around the outlet, and a plumbing assembly as defined above in the preceding aspect of the invention operatively mounted to the basin or sink body with the edge region sandwiched between the grate element and the first elbow coupling.

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SAccording to another aspect of this invention there is provided a plumbing fitting for connecting an outlet of a water installation having an edge region around the outlet, to a water drain pipe for draining the water away from the outlet, the plumbing fitting comprising: a first elbow coupling having a water entrance and a water exit and defining a flow passage through the coupling from the entrance to the exit; a releasable plug element for mounting on the first elbow coupling adjacent to the entrance thereof and extending across the flow passage, the releasable plug element being clamped to the first elbow coupling with the edge region sandwiched between the grate element and the first elbow coupling; a second elbow coupling having a water entrance and a water exit and defining a flow passage through the coupling from the entrance to the exit; and a conduit defining a conduit flow path for extending between the first and second elbow couplings, the conduit having an upstream end for being operatively coupled to the first elbow coupling such that the exit of the first elbow coupling is in fluid communication with the conduit flow path, and a downstream end for being operatively coupled to the second elbow coupling such that the entrance of the second elbow coupling is in fluid communication with the conduit flow path.

The first elbow coupling may include a flange extending radially away from the entrance thereof around its full circumference, and the grate element may be sized to extend across the flange to enable the edge region around the outlet of a water installation to be clamped there between thereby to mount it to the first elbow coupling.

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c- The plug may be a pop-up plug and may comprise a support and a cap or plug member that is displaceably mounted on the support. The cap may be displaceable 0 Z between a first position in which it permits the passage of water through the entrance to the flow passage and a second position on the support in which it resists the passage of water there through.

The first elbow coupling may have a screw thread formation formed on the internal surface of the wall.

The support may include a cylindrical body portion having an external surface, and the cylindrical body portion may define a complementary screw thread formation on said external surface for engaging said one screw thread formation on the first elbow coupling.

The support may further include a support flange portion that extends substantially orthogonally to the cylindrical body portion for extending across the flange of the first elbow coupling that is radially outward of the entrance thereof.

The support can be screwed into the first elbow coupling to mount it on the coupling and to clamp the edge region of the water installation between the support flange portion and the flange on the first elbow coupling.

The cap may define a plug flow path there through that communicates with the flow path extending through the first elbow coupling, so that the cap shuts off the plug flow path when in the lowered position to close the flow passage. The plug may include biasing means for biasing the cap to the raised position and a user may be required to overcome the biasing force to move the cap to the lowered position where it closes off the flow path.

The cap may be manually displaceable from the raised to the lowered position and the cap and/or plug may have check formations for checking the cap in each of the raised and lowered positions.

According to another aspect there is provided an assembly for a drainage system, particularly a plumbing system, said assembly comprising: 0 a first substantially shaped connection element having an entrance for receiving liquid, an exit for transmitting the liquid and a pipe section for guiding the liquid between the entrance and the exit, whereby the pipe section has arranged, on its exterior surface, a first raised collar section, the raised collar section and the pipe IN section forming a clamp there between, which clamp extends towards the exit of the (Ni first connection element; a second substantially shaped connection element having an entrance for receiving the liquid, an exit for transmitting the liquid and a pipe section for guiding the liquid between the entrance and the exit, the pipe section having arranged on its exterior surface a second raised collar section whereby the raised collar section and the pipe section form a clamp there between, which clamp extends towards the entrance of the second connection element; and a conduit extending between the first and second connection elements, a first end of the conduit releasably clampable between the exterior surface of the pipe section of the first connection element and an interior surface of the pipe section of the first connection element and an interior surface of the first raised collar section, a second end of the conduit releasably clampable between the exterior surface of the pipe section of the second connection element and an interior surface of the second raised collar section.

Such an assembly efficiently provides a substantially watertight system, the only components necessary being the connection elements and the conduit, whereby when the conduit is clamped at both ends between the collars and pipe sections of the connection elements, i.e. the flexible conduit ends being effectively sandwiched between the collar and pipe sections of the connection elements, further sealing elements such as screw collars, nuts, rubber washers and the like are superfluous to requirements.

13 Preferably a diameter of the entrance of the first connection element is at least substantially equal or greater than a diameter of the exit of this first connection 0 Z element.

Such an arrangement enables the mounting in place, under for example a pre-existing shower tray, of the assembly without the first connection element significantly protruding above the level of the shower tray which may necessitate the repositioning and the accompanying work and cost thereof.

In a preferred form the conduit is flexible and at least one of the connection elements is rigid, whereby preferably, the connection elements and the collars arranged thereon are integral.

The connection elements and the collars arranged thereon are injection moulded or extruded from plastic to provide a rigid and integral form.

Accordingly, the assembly provides a great deal of flexibility, enabling tradespeople to quickly and easily effect installation, whereby the integral combination of the connecting elements and the collars arranged thereon provide a substantially watertight clamp, between which ends of the flexible conduit are effectively sandwiched and held in position within the assembly.

The pipe section of the first, respective second connection elements preferably extend outward past the first and second raised collar sections, in order to ensure that the entrance, respectively exit of the flexible conduit are effectively kept open by the ends thereof being clamped between the collar and the pipe sections. In this manner the ends of the flexible conduit do not extend into the interior of the pipe sections of the connection elements, where they would be unsupported and liable to collapse and disturb the flow of water. The present arrangement ensures that this is very unlikely to occur.

The flexible conduit is preferably formed from a length of ribbed hose, wherein in a preferred embodiment, a number of the ribs arranged on the first, respectively second 14

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ends of the hose are fit securely and can be clamped between the raised collars and the connection elements.

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The ribbed hose also provides a degree of strength and flexibility to the assembly.

In order to prevent blockage, the entrance of the first connecting element may be provided with a releasable plug and/or grate element.

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Preferably the connection elements are rounded in their form whereby the connection elements and the flexible conduit are substantially circular in cross section.

According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided a substantially 'L' shaped connection element especially suited for drainage, in particular, plumbing systems, said element comprising an entrance for receiving liquid, an exit for transmitting the liquid and a pipe section for guiding the liquid between the entrance and the exit, whereby the pipe section has arranged, on its exterior surface, a raised collar section, the raised collar section and the pipe section forming a clamp there between, which clamp extends towards the exit of the first connection element.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a substantially 'L' shaped connection element especially suited for drainage, in particular, plumbing systems, said element comprising an entrance for receiving liquid, an exit for transmitting the liquid and a pipe section for guiding the liquid between the entrance and the exit, whereby the exit is arranged roughly at a right angle to the entrance, and a diameter of the entrance is at least roughly equivalent to or greater than a diameter of the exit.

The connection element according to the present invention may also be provided with a receptacle for connection with a bath overflow.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method for installing this assembly, comprising the steps comprising the steps of: arranging the connection elements in place; and

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pushing the ends of the flexible tubing between the collars and pipe >sections thereof, to clamp the tubing in place.

According to another related aspect of the invention, there is provided a plumbing connection element, which may be substantially shaped having an entrance for receiving liquid, an exit for transmitting liquid and a pipe section for guiding the liquid between the entrance and the exit, whereby a receptacle is arranged on the element for connection with an overflow outlet of a bath, for example.

As such, any overflow water can be directed away from the bath and carried away by the plumbing system through the same pipeline as water exiting the bath through the plug hole.

The entrance of the connection element according to the present invention may be provided internally with a screw thread. which corresponds with a screw thread of an auto plug, which auto plug may be further provided with a fixably displaceable cap arranged therewith, which cap is mo9veable between a first closed position, wherein the entrance for receiving liquid is closed, and a second position wherein the cap although still affixed to the auto plug, is open and allows water to escape through the collection element.

As such a retainable plug for a bath is provided, which plug remains affixed in the plug hole thereby preventing possible removal and loss thereof.

Furthermore the screw connection between the element and the autoplug allows a saving in height to be made.

The overflow receptacle preferably takes the form of a truncated pipe section, which pipe section is closed at an intersection with the connection element, and may be drilled through for example to create a junction between the overflow receptacle and the connection element by the end user when required.

16 N DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Z A plumbing fitting for connecting a water outlet of a water installation such as a bath, a O basin or a shower to a water drain pipe in accordance with this invention, and an assembly including the fitting in its assembled form, may manifest itself in a variety of q forms. It will therefore be convenient to hereinafter describe in detail several embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The q purpose of providing this detailed description is to instruct persons having an interest q in the subject matter of the invention how to carry the invention into practical effect.

However it is to be clearly understood that the specific nature of this detailed description does not supersede the generality of the preceding broad description. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a plumbing fitting in an assembled form in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view showing internal detail of the plumbing, assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of the plumbing assembly of Figure 1 shown operatively coupled to a shower tray and positioned beneath the outlet of the shower tray; Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of a plumbing fitting in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows a side view of the plumbing fitting shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the plumbing fitting of Figure 4 forming a plumbing assembly coupled up to a bath and positioned beneath the outlet of the bath; Figure 7 shows a side view of a plumbing assembly formed by the plumbing fitting of Figures 4 to 6 wherein the flexible conduit is bent significantly; 17

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Figure 8 shows an exploded perspective view of an elbow coupling for a plumbing fitting in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention; 0 OFigure 9 shows an exploded sectional side view of the elbow coupling shown in Figure 8; Figure 10 shows a perspective view of an elbow coupling for a plumbing fitting Iin accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention; Figure 11 shows a side view of the elbow coupling shown in Figure Figure 12 is a side view of an assembly formed by a plumbing fitting having the elbow coupling in Figure 10 coupled up to a bath and positioned beneath the outlet of the bath; Figure 13 shows a perspective view of an elbow coupling for a plumbing fitting in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention; Figure 14 shows a side view of the elbow coupling shown in Figure 13; Figures 15 and 16 are respectively perspective and side views of an elbow coupling that is a minor variation on the elbow coupling shown in Figures 13 and 14; Figure 17 is a perspective view of a plumbing assembly including the elbow coupling in Figures 15 and 16 shown operatively coupled to an overflow outlet on a bath and also to a flexible pipe for coupling to another elbow coupling; Figures 18 to 20 are respectively a perspective view, a side view and a sectional plan view of a coupling that is a yet further variation on the coupling shown in Figures 13 and 14; and Figures 21 and 22 are respectively a perspective view and a sectional side view of an elbow coupling that is a yet further variation on the elbow coupling shown in Figures 13 and 14.

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pIn Figures 1 to 3 a plumbing fitting according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The plumbing fitting 1 is 0 Z shown in an assembled form for connection to a water installation. The fitting 1 is particularly suitable for use on a water installation that is a shower.

The fitting 1 has a first or inlet elbow coupling in the form of a substantially shaped connection element 2, an outlet elbow coupling in the form of a similarly shaped second connection element 4, and extending there between a length of flexible conduit that is a hose 6 having ribs 8 arranged thereon. The foot and leg of the 'L' C 10 shaped connection elements 4, 6 may have substantially the same or mutually different lengths.

The first connection element 2 has an entrance 10 in the form of a circular opening and an exit 24 spaced away from the entrance 10. The element 2 includes a wall defining an internal surface 16 that defines a flow passage. The flow passage extends through the element 2 from the entrance 10 to the exit 24.

The first connection element 2 includes a spoked support 13 mounted on the interior wall and extending into the flow passage. The spoked support 13 also includes a circular screw thread channel 12 formed on the spoked support 13 and positioned in the flow passage. In the illustrated embodiment the spoked support 13 is formed integrally with the first connection element 2 and includes four integrated planar supports 14 extending from the screw thread channel 12 to the internal surface 16 of the wall of the element 2.

The first connection element 2 also includes a lip section or a flange 18 extending radially away from the flow passage adjacent the entrance thereof and a pipe section extending back from the flange or lip section 18. The circular entrance 10 is bound by the raised circular lip section 18 which extends radially outwardly from the entrance 10 proud of the pipe section 20 of the connection element 2.

The plumbing fitting also includes a grate element 26, e.g. in the form of a grill, mounted in the flow path adjacent to the entrance. The grate 26 is provided with a centrally arranged screw 28 which cooperates with the screw thread channel 12 to fixedly mount the grate 26 to the spoked support 13 and thereby to the connection >element 2 (see Figure 2).

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OThe circular grate element 26 is provided at an external underside thereof with a circumferentially extending radially outer cut away section 30 which fits over a circular inner ledge 32 of the entrance 10 of the connection element 2 when the grate 26 is fixed in position.

The diameter of the entrance 10 is greater than the diameter of the exit 24 of the connection element 2. For example the entrance diameter may be 80mm and the exit Ndiameter may be 50 mm. The diameter of the flow passage reduces progressively as it turns through ninety degrees within the connection element 2.

A circular collar 22 extends upwards and forwards over a foot of the of the pipe section 20 in the direction of the exit 24 (see Figure 2) of the connection element 2.

As is clearly shown in the sectional view shown in Figure 2 the collar 22 consists of a first, inclined integral support portion 34 arranged at about 45 degrees to the foot of the of a pipe section 40 of the element 2 and a cylindrical wall portion or end a wing section or wing portion 36 which extends in a direction towards the exit 24 of the element 2 substantially parallel with the pipe section 40. The pipe section 40 includes an exit section adjacent to the exit 24 and an intersection 42 where the collar 22 intersects with the pipe section The wing section 36 and the pipe section 40 extending from the intersection 42 form the jaws of a clamp or interference fit between which a section of the ribbed hose 6 towards one end thereof, can be received and operatively mounted to the element 2.

Optionally the ribbed hose 6 can be releasably clamped or adhered between the collar 22 and the pipe section In a further embodiment of the invention that is similar to Figure 1 but is not shown, the grate element 26 is fixed in place by a screw 28 extending through the wall of the connection element 2 opposite to the entrance 10 thereof. In this form the screw extends upwardly through a screw thread channel and then into the grate element 26.

Zu The second connection element 4 has a number of features in common with the connection element 2. For example the second connection element 4 has an Z entrance 48 and an exit 56 and an internal wall defining a flow passage extending Sfrom the entrance 48 to the exit 56.

Similarly, the second connection element 4 is provided with a collar 44 of similar Mconstruction to that described above the first connection element 2. The collar 44 IN consists of a truncated cone or inclined support section 46 and, a cylindrical wall portion or a wing section 50 extending there from towards an entrance 48 of the second connection element 4 arranged substantially parallel with a wall section 52 of the connection element 4. The wall section 52 extends from an intersection 54 with the truncated cone 46 of the collar 44 to project axially outwardly from the collar section 50 in the direction of the entrance 48 of the connection element 4.

In effect the collars 22, 44 take the form of a truncated cone, the noses of which have been cut off, mounted over the pipe sections of the connection elements 2, 4.

The second connection element 4 has an external profile 58 adjacent the exit 56 to effect connection thereof to further drainage elements if required. In particular the profile 58 can be sized to be received within a drain pipe. The connection element 4 has a rubber sealing O ring 59 mounted over its external profile 58 adjacent the exit 56 for operatively sealing the element 4 to the drain pipe within which it is received.

In use, as shown in Figure 3, the plumbing assembly shown in Figures 1 and 2 can be mounted on a water installation that is a shower tray around the outlet of the shower tray.

The first connection element 2 is mounted around the outlet of the shower tray and an edge region of the shower tray is sandwiched between the circular grate element 26 and the spoked support 13. This mounts the first connection element 2 to the shower tray and also seals the first connection element 2 to the shower tray around the outlet thereof.

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SThe ribbed hose 6 is cut to a suitable length. As shown in Figure 3 the flexible pipe 6 is cut to a length sufficient to accommodate the off-set between the drain pipe and the

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Z outlet. It also has some additional length so that it can extend if required and also contract if required. In this sense it also functions like an expansion joint in a conduit.

One end of the hose 6 is attached to the first connection element 2 and the other end is mounted to the second connection element 4. This can be accomplished in a number of ways including an interference fit with or without adhesive or solvent welding.

The second connection element 4 is operatively coupled to a drain pipe whereby to direct used water from the shower outlet into the drain pipe. To do this the profile 58 and the outlet of the second connection element 4 is inserted into an open upper end or inlet of a drain pipe as shown in Figure 3. The sealing O ring 59 on the profile 58 of the second connection element 4 seals the second connection element 4 up against the internal surface of the drain pipe.

Figures 4 to 7 show a plumbing assembly in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.

The second embodiment is structurally and functionally similar to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, and therefore unless otherwise indicated the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same components. The following description will focus on the differences between the two embodiments.

As with the embodiment in Figures 1 to 3, the entrance 10 of the first connection element 2 is provided with an integral spoked support 13 upon which a grate element may rest.

However in Figure 4 the portion of the flow passage adjacent the entrance 10 is clear and the spoked support 13 is recessed back from the entrance 10. The grate element is configured in a complementary fashion to define a recess 61 which is received within the flow passage of the first connection element 2 and rests on the spoked support 13. Thus the grate element 60 defines a plug recess within which a plug 62 can be snugly received when a user desires to resist the flow of water out of an associated bath. The plug 62 is typically made of a resilient material.

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The grate element 60 also includes a flange 63 extending radially away from the recess 61 that is offset in the direction of the flow passage from the portion of the grate element 60 that forms the recess 61.

The embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7 is particularly suited to use on water installations that are baths, basins and/or sinks.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7 the first connection element 2 and associated grate element 60 can be mounted around the outlet of a bath.

On installing an assembly according to the present invention, the tradesperson, e.g.

plumber, can simply arrange the connection elements 2 and 4 in their predetermined positions. An edge region around the outlet of the bath is clamped between the flange 63 on the grate element 60 and the flange 18 on the connecting element 2.

Thereafter the ends of the ribbed hose 6 are inserted into the openings defined between the associated collars and pipe sections of the connecting elements 2, 4 to be clamped therebetween with an interference fit.

If necessary the conduit 6 can also be solvent welded or adhered to the connection elements 2, 4 to make sure that the conduit 6 engages in a sealing fashion with the associated connection elements 2,4 to provide a substantially watertight assembly.

This installation can be accomplished very quickly and efficiently. Due to the fact that the connection elements 2, 4 are injection moulded, no local adhering or soldering is required and neither are any further sealing elements such as washers, nuts and the like required. Further no cutting and sizing of pipe sections is required.

In use a user can press a plug 62 into the plug recess 61 to shut off the flow of water out of the bath outlet. The plug 62 can then be manually pulled out of the plug recess 61 after use to permit water to flow out through the outlet of the bath and into the drain pipe after use.

Figures 6 and 7 also show particularly clearly how the flexible ribbed pipe 6 can be used to accommodate horizontal and vertical offset and also how the flexible pipe 6 is 0 z able to accommodate expansion and contraction in the pipe.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a first connection element or elbow coupling for a plumbing fitting in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention.

The fitting includes a first connection element 2 as shown and a second connection N element 4 like that in Figure 1 which is inserted into an upwardly opening inlet of a drain pipe. The fitting also includes a flexible conduit 6 in the form of a flexible hose N with ribs that can be cut to a suitable length and then operatively connected to the first and second connection elements 2, 4 in the manner shown in Figure 1.

The following description will focus on the features of the first connection element 2 as shown in Figures 8 and 9 that make it different from the element 2 in the first and second embodiments shown in the preceding figures. Unless otherwise indicated the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same components.

The first connection element 2 has an entrance or inlet 10 and an outlet or exit 24 and a wall having an internal surface 16 defining a flow passage from the inlet 10 to the outlet 24. The internal surface 16 has an internal screw thread formed thereon adjacent the entrance 10. The first connection element 2 also includes a radially outward extending connection flange 72 adjacent the entrance Put another way the first connection element 2 has a screw thread 70 arranged within the entrance 10 to the connection element 2, which screw thread 70 depends from a flange 72 flush with the entrance The assembly also includes a releasable grate element 26 that is mounted to the connection element 2 adjacent the inlet The releasable grate element 26 includes a grill portion 76 that extends across the flow passage adjacent the entrance 10 and also extends across the flange of the first coupling 2. The grill portion 76 has a face or operatively upper surface defining grate Z4 apertures or openings through which water can drain from the shower tray. In the illustrated embodiment the grill portion 76 comprises a plurality of integral spokes with 0 Z openings defined between the spokes.

The grill portion 76 includes a flange 80 that extends radially outward beyond the apertures and across the flange 72 of the element 2. The flange 80 co-operates with the connection flange 72 on the element 2 to clamp an edge region of the shower tray there between. This enables a sheet of material from a shower tray or the like to be clamped between the flange 80 on the grill portion 76 and the connection flange 72 to attach them together.

The grate element 26 also includes cylindrical body portion 78 having an external surface extending substantially orthogonally to the grill portion 76. The cylindrical body portion 78 has an external surface and defines a complementary screw thread formation 79 on the external surface for engaging the internal screw thread formation on the internal surface 16 of the wall of the element 2. This enables the grate element 26 to be screwed onto the first connection element 2 to operatively connect the two components 2, 26 to each other.

Thus the main difference between the Figure 8 embodiment and the Figure 1 embodiment is that the grate element 26 is screwed onto the internal wall surface 16 of the first connection element 2. It is not screwed onto a screw thread channel mounted in the flow passage on a spoked support that is moulded integrally with the first connection element 2.

Thus while the Figure 8 and 9 embodiment does not have a spoked support on the first connection element extending into the flow passage it does still have a grate element releasably mounted on the first elbow coupling adjacent to the entrance. This embodiment attaches sheet material from the shower thereto in the same way as for the Figure 1 embodiment and functions very much like the Figure 1 embodiment. The screw thread on the internal wall of the connection element and complementary screw thread on the grate merely provide variations or options in the manner of the releasable attachment of the connection element to the grate. Both embodiments are suitably efficacious in operation.

O

Further the first connection element has an overflow receptacle in the form of a short closed pipe section 74 is arranged in the bend of the connection element between the 0 Z entrance and the exit to extend outwardly therefrom substantially at right angles to both the entrance and the exit.

The overflow receptacle 74 can be connected to an overflow outlet of a bath for example by means of piping or a flexible tube.

IND

In use the fitting is mounted beneath a shower tray around the outlet thereof. The shower tray has an edge region around the outlet thereof that is positioned above the connection flange 72. The releasable grate element 26 is then screwed into the first connection element 2 by rotating engagement of the complementary screw thread formations 70, 79. This clamps the edge region between the flanges 72, 80 of the connection element 2 and the grate element 26.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a first connection element for a plumbing fitting in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

The plumbing fitting 1 has a first connection element 2 that has an inlet 10 and an outlet 24 and a wall having an internal surface 16 defining a flow passage from the inlet 10 to the outlet 24. The wall includes an internal screw thread 81 on its internal surface adjacent the inlet 10 that extends from a position adjacent to the inlet 10 in a direction along the flow passage to an intermediate point spaced away from the entrance The assembly 1 further includes a pop up plug 83 comprising a support 82 and a plug member 84.

The support 82 of the pop up plug 83 comprises a cylindrical body 86 with an external screw thread 88 mounted on the outer surface that is complementary to the internal screw thread 81 on the internal wall of the first connection element 2. The support 82 also includes a flange 89 extending away from the body 86 around the full circumference of the body 86. The flange 89 is sized and positioned to extend across the flange 72 on the connection element 2 when the plug 81 is screwed into the connection element 2.

O

O The plug member 84 is displaceable on the support 82 between a raised open position in which it permits the passage of water there through and a lowered closed position in which it resists the passage of water there through. The plug member 84 is manually moved between the open and closed positions by a user pressing down on t' the plug member 84 and then releasing it. The plug member 84 is physically tethered to the support 82 and thereby the rest of the first connection element 2. This prevents removal of the plug member 84 from the support 82 but still enables the plug member 84 to move between the open and closed positions. The structure and function of pop up plugs would be known to persons skilled in the art and accordingly it will not be described in further detail in this specification.

The first connection element 2 also includes an overflow receptacle 90 that projects transversely away from the wall of the element 2 orthogonally to both the inlet 10 and the outlet 24.

The fitting 1 also includes a flexible pipe 6 with ribs and a second connection element 4 that is the same as that described above in the earlier embodiments.

The assembled plumbing assembly mounted over the outlet of a bath is shown in Figure 12. During installation the first connection element 2 is mounted beneath the outlet of a bath. The plug 83 including both the support 82 and the plug member 84, is positioned inside the bath and is screwed down into the first connection element 2.

The edge region around the outlet of the bath is sandwiched and clamped between the flanges 89 and 72 on the plug 83 and the first connection element 2 respectively.

The flexible pipe 6 is then cut to length and a first end is operatively connected, e.g.

by solvent welding, to the first connection element 2 and an opposed end is operatively coupled to the second connection element 4. The second connection element 4 is passed into an upwardly opening drain pipe.

The overflow outlet on the bath can be operatively connected, e.g. by means of a flexible conduit to the overflow receptacle 90 which is then opened up to be in flow 0 Z communication with the flow passage in the first connection element 2.

In use if a user wants to fill up a bath they press the plug member 84 down into the closed position. This resists the flow of water out of the bath and into the first connection element 2. After the bath the user presses on the plug member 84 again IN and it pops up to the open position permitting water to drain out of the bath.

Figures 13 and 14 show a second connection element 4 that is a variation on the second connection element 4 shown in the earlier embodiments.

The second connection element 4 has an overflow receptacle 91 extending outward away there from that is orthogonal to both the inlet 48 and the outlet 56 thereof. That is the overflow receptacle 91 projects sideways out of the connection element 4. The overflow receptacle 91 is in the form of a short closed pipe section and is structurally similar to the receptacle 90 described above with respect to Figures 8 to 11.

Figures 15 to 17 illustrate a second connection element 4 that is a further variation on the second connection element shown in the Figure 13 embodiment.

The overflow receptacle 91 on the second connection element 4 is arranged substantially in an imaginary plane including the entrance 48 and exit 56 of the connection element 4. Further the receptacle 91 extends substantially at right angles to the entrance 48 and substantially continuous with the exit 56.

Figure 17 shows the element 4 operatively coupled to a flexible pipe 6 and an overflow pipe. As shown the overflow receptacle 91 is operatively coupled to an overflow pipe by means of a jubilee clip.

Figures 18 to 20 show a second connection element 4 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

0 The second connection element 4 is substantially in the form of a tapered cylindrical body with the inlet and the outlet in line with each other. Further an overflow z receptacle 91 extends outwardly from the cylindrical body. The overflow receptacle 91 projects upwardly out of the wall of the element 4 perpendicularly to both the inlet 48 and outlet 56 of the second connection element 4.

SFigures 20 and 21 illustrate a second connection element that is a variation on that Sshown in Figures 13 and 14. The connection element 4 has a receptacle 91 and the N external profile 58 thereof with sealing O-ring 59 is configured to enable it to be sealingly received within an outlet pipe.

It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Claims

2. A plumbing fitting according to claim 1, wherein the first elbow coupling includes a flange extending radially away from the entrance thereof around its circumference, and wherein the grate element is sized to extend across the flange to enable the edge region around the outlet of a water installation to be clamped there between.
3. A plumbing fitting according to claim 2, wherein the first elbow coupling includes a wall having an internal surface defining said flow passage.
4. A plumbing fitting according to claim 3, wherein said first elbow coupling includes a spoked support and the releasable grate element is mounted on the Z spoked support.
5. A plumbing fitting according to claim 4, wherein the spoked support is integrally formed with the wall of the first elbow coupling and comprises a plurality of spokes extending radially in from the internal surface of the wall.
6. A plumbing fitting according to claim 5, wherein the spoked support includes a screw thread channel for facilitating mounting of the grate element thereto, and the grate element includes a screw that is threadingly received in the screw thread channel to releasably mount the grate element on the spoked support.
7. A plumbing fitting according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the spoked support defines an upper surface that lies substantially in a single plane and the grate element lies across the upper surface of the spoked support.
8. A plumbing fitting according to any one claims 4 to 7, wherein the grate element is substantially planar thereby rendering it suitable for installation on a water installation that is a shower tray.
9. A plumbing fitting according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the spoked support is received within the flow passage spaced away from the entrance in the direction of the flow passage, and wherein the grate element comprises a recessed plug receiving portion for mounting on the spoked support and receiving a plug, and a flange portion surrounding the plug receiving portion offset therefrom thereby rendering it suitable for installation on a water installation that has an outlet fitted with a plug to enable the outlet to be selectively closed during use.
10. A plumbing fitting according to claim 3, wherein the first elbow coupling has a screw thread formation formed on the internal surface of the wall, and the releasable grate element includes a complementary screw thread formation for engaging the screw thread formation on the wall thereby to mount the grate element on the first elbow coupling.
11. A plumbing fitting according to claim 10, wherein the grate element includes a O Z grill portion that extends across the flow passage and the flange of the first elbow coupling, and a cylindrical body portion having an external surface extending substantially orthogonally to the grill portion, said complementary screw thread formation being formed on said external surface of the body portion.
12. A plumbing fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first elbow coupling includes a first end pipe section towards the exit thereof, and a first collar section mounted on the first end pipe section having a wall portion spaced radially outward of the first end pipe section, the wall portion and the first end pipe section defining an opening within which an end of said conduit can be received with an interference fit whereby to operatively connect one end of said conduit to said first elbow coupling.
13. A plumbing fitting according to claim 12, wherein the second elbow coupling includes a second end pipe section towards the entrance thereof, and a second collar section mounted on the end pipe section having a wall portion spaced radially outward of the second end pipe section, the wall portion and the second end pipe section defining a circular opening within which an end of said conduit can be received whereby to operatively connect one end of said conduit to said first elbow coupling.
14. A plumbing fitting according to claim 13, wherein the conduit is flexible and the conduit comprises a section of ribbed hose having a plurality of ribs on its outer surface, and the flexible conduit together with the ribs is sized to be snugly received with an interference fit within the openings defined between the collar section and the end pipe section on each of the first and second elbow couplings. A plumbing fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said first elbow coupling includes a receptacle for connection with an overflow outlet of a bath or basin or sink, or said second elbow coupling includes a receptacle for connection with an overflow outlet of a bath or basin or sink.
16. A plumbing assembly that operatively connects an outlet of a water installation having an edge region surrounding the outlet, to a water drain pipe for draining water 0 Z away from the outlet, the plumbing assembly including: a first elbow coupling having a water entrance and a water exit and defining a flow path through the coupling from the entrance to the exit; a releasable grate element mounted on said first elbow coupling adjacent to N the entrance thereof and extending across the flow passage, the grate element being clamped to the first elbow coupling with the edge region sandwiched between the grate element and the first elbow coupling; a second elbow coupling having a water entrance and a water exit and defining a flow path through the second elbow coupling from the entrance to the exit, the water exit being received within an open end of a drain pipe whereby to operatively couple the flow path of the second elbow coupling to the drain pipe; and a conduit defining a conduit flow path extending between the first and second elbow couplings, the conduit having an upstream end that is operatively coupled to the first elbow coupling such that the exit of the first elbow coupling is in fluid communication with the conduit flow path and a downstream end that is operatively coupled to the second elbow coupling such that the entrance of the second elbow coupling is in fluid communication with the conduit flow path.
17. A plumbing assembly according to claim 16, wherein the first elbow coupling includes a flange extending radially away from the entrance thereof around its full circumference, and the grate element is sized to extend across the flange, and wherein the edge region of the water installation is clamped between the flange and grate element.
18. A plumbing assembly according to claim 17, wherein the first elbow coupling includes a wall having an internal surface defining said flow passage.
19. A plumbing assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein said first elbow coupling includes a spoked support and the releasable grate element is Z mounted on the spoked support, and the spoked support includes a screw thread Ochannel for facilitating mounting of the grate element thereto, and wherein the grate element includes a screw that is threadingly received in the screw thread channel to releasably mount the grate element on the spoked support. IN 20. A plumbing assembly according to claim 18, wherein the first elbow coupling has a screw thread formation formed on the internal surface of the wall, and the releasable grate element includes a complementary screw thread formation for engaging the screw thread formation on the wall thereby to mount the grate element on the first elbow coupling.
21. A plumbing assembly according to claim 20, wherein the grate element includes a grill portion that extends across the flow passage and the flange of the first elbow coupling, and also a cylindrical body portion having an external surface extending substantially orthogonally to the grill portion, the body portion defining said complementary screw thread formation on said external surface for engaging said one screw thread formation on the first elbow coupling.
22. A shower assembly including: a shower tray defining an outlet and an edge region around the outlet; and a plumbing assembly as defined in claim 16 operatively mounted to the shower tray with the edge region sandwiched between the grate element and the first elbow coupling.
23. A bath assembly: a bath body defining an outlet and a peripheral edge region around the outlet; and 34 C a plumbing assembly as defined in claim 16 operatively mounted to the shower tray with the edge region sandwiched between the grate element and the first elbow 0 Z coupling.
24. A basin or sink assembly comprising: a basin or sink body defining an outlet and a peripheral edge region around the t' outlet; and a plumbing assembly as defined in claim 23 operatively mounted to the shower tray with the edge region sandwiched between the grate element and the first elbow coupling. A plumbing fitting substantially as herein described in any one of the embodiments described in the detailed description and illustrated in Figures 1, 4 or 9.