AU2003242498A1

AU2003242498A1 - Drain member

Info

Publication number: AU2003242498A1
Application number: AU2003242498A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Sydney Hawthorne; Andrew Hobbs; Allan Paul Perham
Original assignee: MAUREEN IRWIN
Current assignee: Irwin Maureen
Priority date: 2002-08-30
Filing date: 2003-08-29
Publication date: 2004-03-18
Anticipated expiration: 2023-08-29
Also published as: AU2003242498B2

Description

7

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant: MAUREEN IRWIN Invention Title: DRAIN MEMBER The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 2 DRAIN MEMBER The invention relates to drainage apparatus for use in a drainage system and especially, but not exclusively, to a drain member.

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. Typically, the drainage funnel is placed in the required vertical position relative to the drainage conduit and supported by concrete or screed. Unfortunately, if the concrete or screed deteriorates over time, the drainage funnel may lack support and forces applied to it, for example by persons using the shower area treading on the top of the funnel, may damage the drainage funnel and/or screed and compromise the integrity of the drainage system.

Therefore, there remains scope for an improved or alternative drainage apparatus and in particular, an improved or alternative drain member such as a drainage funnel.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a drain member having a first axial end which constitutes an inlet end and a second axial end which constitutes an outlet end, the drain member including a fluid passageway extending between the inlet end and the outlet end; wherein a portion at or adjacent the inlet end is wider than a portion at or adjacent the outlet end, and wherein a support structure extends from the wider portion in order to support the wider portion relative to a surface defining an aperture into which, in use, the H:\LeanneHMkeepspeci\P50415.SPEC.doc 29/08/03 3 outlet end of the drain member passes, and to space apart the wider portion from the surface.

Preferably the support structure extends in a generally axial direction.

Preferably the support structure extends from a region of the wider portion which is at or adjacent an outer perimeter of the wider portion.

Preferably the drain member is for use in a drainage system including a flange member having an aperture through which, in use, the narrower portion of the drain member extends and the support structure is adapted to extend, in use, substantially between the wider portion and a surface of the flange member.

Preferably, the support structure includes a drainage means to allow fluid to flow past the support structure. In this case the fluid is preferably allowed to flow past the support structure and into the aperture, external to the main fluid passageway.

Preferably, the drainage means comprises one or more fluid passageways extending through the support structure.

Preferably, the drainage means comprises at least one gap in the support structure.

Preferably, the support structure includes a plurality of spaced apart lugs or tabs.

Preferably, the support structure is in the form of a skirt.

Preferably, the support structure is a noncontinuous skirt.

The wider portion may include an inclined part.

The support structure may extend, in use, between the inclined part and the flange to support the drain member against the flange.

Preferably, in use, the drainage means allows fluid to drain from an outer part of the flange member towards the aperture in the flange member.

The drain member may include the flange member, H:\Lenn~heM\keep\speci\P5O415.SPEC.doc 29/08/03 4 so that the drain member and the included flange member are provided as a single unit.

The flange member may be fixed to or abut the narrower portion.

The support structure may be fixed at one axial end to the wider portion and at another end to the flange.

Preferably, the drain member is manufactured of plastic.

Preferably, the drain member is manufactured by the process of injection moulding.

Preferably, the drain member is manufactured separately from the flange member.

After manufacture, the flange member may be fixed to the drain member by the process of solvent welding.

In this case, the flange member is preferably fixed to the support structure by the process of solvent welding.

Preferably, the wider portion is adapted, in use to extend axially for a significant part of the vertical distance between an area to be drained and a flange or other surface upon which the support structure is supported.

Preferably, the support structure and the wider portion are together adapted to span the distance between the area to be drained and the flange or other surface.

Preferably, the drain member is provided with an upper member adapted, in use, to be fitted to the wider portion and which, during assembly of a drainage system, is adapted to be axially movable relative to the wider portion so that the axial distance between an upper surface of the upper member and the support structure may be varied by axial movement of the upper member. The upper member thus provides some axial adjustment for circumstances where the support structure and the wider portion are not sufficient to span the distance between the area to be drained and the flange or other surface.

Preferably, the upper member is a drain grid H:\LeanneH\keep\speci\P50415.SPEC.doC 29/0CS/03 5 support member.

Preferably, the upper member includes an axially extending collar portion which fits to an axially extending wall portion of the wider portion.

Preferably, the axially extending collar portion is generally cylindrical.

Preferably, the axially extending wall portion of the wider portion is generally cylindrical.

Preferably, the upper member includes at least one outer projection extending radially outwardly from the collar portion.

Preferably, the outer projection is adapted, in use, to support the upper member in a desired axial position.

Preferably, the upper member includes at least one inner projection extending radially inwardly from the collar portion.

Preferably, the inner projection is adapted to support a drain grid.

Preferably, the drain member is provided with a bridging means, which bridges the drainage means to protect the drainage means from construction materials which might otherwise block the drainage means when the drain member is being installed.

Preferably, the bridging means is made of a material, which after installation of the drain member, will disintegrate.

Preferably, the bridging means is made of paper.

Preferably, the wider and narrower portions of the drain member are generally coaxial.

Alternatively, axes of the wider and narrower portions may be offset.

The wider portion may include means to support a drain grid, and/or a drain grid support member.

The wider portion may be generally circular in radial cross-section at an axial end of the drain member.

Alternatively, the wider portion may have a H:\LeanneH\keep\speci\P50415.SFEC.doc 29/08/03 6 radial cross section of a different shape, preferably a substantially straight sided polygon. A square or rectangular cross-section is preferred.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided drainage apparatus in the form of a kit for use in providing a drainage system, said kit comprising: a flange member having means to connect to a pipe member, and having a generally central part defining an aperture, the flange member having a flange surface which extends radially from the aperture; a drain member having a first axial end which constitutes an inlet end, a second axial end which constitutes an outlet end and wherein a portion at or adjacent the inlet end is wider than a portion at or adjacent the outlet end, the drain member being adapted to extend, in use, from an area to be drained to the flange member and through the aperture therein; and a support structure adapted to extend, in use, substantially between the wider portion and the flange surface, in order to space apart the wider portion from the flange surface, and to support the drain member relative to the flange surface.

Preferably, the support structure is manufactured of plastic.

At least part of, the support structure may be fixed to the wider portion of the drain member.

At least part of, the support structure may be fixed to the flange surface of the flange member.

Preferably, the outer dimensions of the narrower portion of the drain member, which in use, extends through the aperture of the flange member, are smaller than the dimensions of the aperture, so that in use the narrower portion is spaced apart from the edge of the aperture.

Preferably, the fit is sufficiently loose that a water impermeable layer, preferably of the type used to line shower floor areas, can extend across a surface of H. \Leanne\keep\speci\P5O415.SPEc.doc 29/08/03 7 the flange and into the aperture therein, without preventing fitting of the drain member into the aperture.

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 comprises 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 the 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.

Alternatively, a resilient connection may be provided to connect the flange member to a pipe member.

The resilient connection may be an O-ring or a flexible joint.

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

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

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

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

In use, the flange surface may be substantially entirely covered by a waterproof membrane. In this case, H: LeanneH\keep\speci\P50415.SPEC.doc 29/08103 8 the support structure is preferably provided above the membrane.

Preferably, the kit includes an upper member adapted, in use, to be fitted to the wider portion and which, during assembly of a drainage system, is adapted to be axially movable relative to the wider portion so that the axial distance between an upper surface of the upper member and the support structure may be varied by axial movement of the upper member. The upper member thus provides some axial adjustment for circumstances where the support structure and the wider portion are not sufficient to span the distance between the area to be drained and the flange or other surface upon which the support structure is supported.

Preferably, the upper member is a drain grid support member.

Preferably, the axially extending collar portion is generally cylindrical.

Preferably, the inner projection is adapted to support a drain grid.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing drainage apparatus including the steps of: H:\LeanneH\keep\speci\P50415.SPEC.doc 29/08/03 9 providing a flange member having an upwardly facing flange surface extending radially away from an aperture provided therein; connecting the flange member to a drainage conduit so that the aperture is in fluid connection with a bore of the drainage conduit; providing a drain member having a wider portion and.a narrower portion, and which extends, in use, from an area to be drained into the aperture of the flange member; and wherein said drainage apparatus includes a support structure which extends, in use, between the wider portion of the drain member and the flange surface to space apart the wider portion from the flange surface, and to support the drain member relative to the flange surface.

Preferably, the method includes providing a flexible waterproofing material which extends over at least part of the flange surface and outwardly past the radial periphery of the flange surface.

Preferably, the flexible waterproofing material also extends into the aperture in the flange member.

Preferably, the method further includes providing a bridging means, which interacts with the support structure, to prevent a drainage means in the support structure from being inadvertently blocked by construction materials.

Preferably, the method includes use of a drainage member in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention and/or drainage apparatus in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed device, suitable for use in a drainage system, comprising a flange member including: means to connect to a pipe member; an aperture provided in a flange surface, H:\LeanneH\keep\speci\P50415.SPEC.doc 29/08/03 10 suitably for receipt of a part of a drain member therethrough; and a flange surface extending away from said aperture, for directing fluid towards the aperture; and a waterproof membrane bonded to a surface of the flange member.

Preferably the membrane extends further away from the aperture than the flange extends.

Preferably the membrane extends away from the aperture no more than thirty centimetres.

The membrane may be bonded to an upper flange surface of the flange member.

Alternatively, or additionally, the membrane may be bonded to an internal wall of a collar portion of the flange member.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing a flange member as part of a drainage system comprising the steps of providing a preformed device comprising a flange member with a waterproof membrane bonded thereto; and subsequently connecting the flange member to an outlet pipe member.

Preferably the method includes the further step of bonding a waterproof membrane, which in use, will extend across an area to be drained, to the waterproof membrane which forms part of the preformed device.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a drainage member which provides, in use, a facing surface adapted to incorporated flush into a tiled surface of an area to be drained, wherein the facing surface has a perimeter in the shape of a straight-sided polygon.

Such shapes are more easily incorporated into a tiled surface than shapes with curved sides.

The facing surface may be integral to the drain member, or may be formed by an attachment to the drain member.

The attachment may be a drain grid or drain grid support H:\LeanneH\kCeiA$i~eCi\P9O~15.SP~C.dOC 2~/C8/C3 11 member.

Preferably, the facing surface has a perimeter in the shape of a square or rectangle.

The facing surface may be the same in size as the tiles of the surface in which the drain member is to be incorporated.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of incorporating a drain member into a tiled surface including the step of using a drain member in accordance with the sixth aspect of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an axial cross-sectional exploded view of a preferred embodiment of drainage apparatus, which could be included in a kit for use in providing a drainage system; Figure 2A shows an axial sectional view of the elements of Figure 1 spaced relative to each other as they might be in use; Figure 2B shows an axial cross-sectional view of the elements of Figure 1 spaced in an alternative configuration; Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the elements of Figure 1, but with two of those elements spaced relative to each other as they might be in use; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of some elements of Figure 1 spaced relative to each other as they might be in use and shows a variation of one of the elements; Figure 5 shows an axial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of drainage apparatus; Figure 6 shows an axial cross-sectional view of a variation of the embodiment of Figure 4 including the position of a waterproof membrane; Figure 7 shows an axial cross-sectional view of H:\LeanneH\keep\speci\P50415.SPEC doc 29/08/03 12 an alternative embodiment including an alternative position for a waterproof membrane; and Figure 8 shows an axial cross-sectional view of a further alternative embodiment.

With reference to Figures 1 to 4, a preferred embodiment of drainage apparatus including a drain member is shown. In use, the drainage apparatus suitable for use in providing drainage to a tiled shower area includes or works in combination with a pipe member, generally designated 10. The drainage apparatus in use, and as illustrated, further includes, a flange member, generally designated 11 and a drain member, generally designated 12.

Drain member 12, flange member 11 and pipe member 10 are provided in fluid connection (best illustrated by Figure 2) so that fluid entering the top of the drain member 12 from an area to be drained, flows under gravity through the drain member 12, flange member 11 and pipe member and typically into a sewerage system.

Although various types of pipe member could be used a preferred pipe member 10 will be described. The pipe member 10 is generally cylindrical in shape and has a narrower lower cylindrical portion 22 and an upper wider cylindrical portion 20. The lower cylindrical portion has an upper first axial end 29 and a lower second axial end 30. The upper wider cylindrical portion 20 has an upper first axial end 25 and a lower second axial end 26 which connects to the first axial end 29 of the lower cylindrical portion 22. The first axial end 25 of the upper wider cylindrical portion 20 is axially spaced apart from the second axial end 26. The upper wider cylindrical portion 20 has a generally cylindrical outer surface 23 and a generally cylindrical inner surface 24. The pipe member has a fluid passage way therethrough which is defined by the inner surface 24 of the upper cylindrical portion 20 and an inner surface 28 of the lower cylindrical portion 22. In the small axial gap between the inner surfaces 24, 28 there is provided an inclined H:\LeanneH\keep\speci\P50415.SPEC doc 29/08/03 13 inner surface 31 which extends outwardly from the radially smaller inner surface 28 towards the radially larger inner surface 24. The pipe member 10 also has a radially outwardly projecting shelf 21 which is connected to the outer surface 23 of the upper wider cylindrical portion at its lower second axial end 26 such that the upper surface 32 of the shelf 21 forms a right angle with the outer surface 23 of the wider cylindrical portion 20 and the lower surface 33 of the shelf 21 forms a right angle with the outer surface 27 of the lower narrower cylindrical portion 22. In use, the pipe member 10 as described is suitable for connection to other elements of a drainage system, hence its specific shape as described above. In practice, at least the narrower lower cylindrical portion 22 of the pipe member 10 would be connected to a drainage conduit (not shown) most suitably by insertion of the narrower lower cylindrical portion 22 into the conduit.

As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the drainage apparatus also includes the flange member 11 which has a generally central aperture 44. The flange member 11 includes a flange 40 which is generally circular in form, extends radially from the aperture 44, and has an upstanding rim 43 extending about the outer periphery thereof. The flange 40 has an upper flange surface 41 which is defined at its radially outer edge by the rim 43 and at its radially inner edge by a shoulder portion thereof which defines the aperture 44. The shoulder portion 45 is shaped so that it provides a change in direction of approximately 90' between the main part of the upper flange surface 41 and an inner surface 54 of an upper portion 51 of a collar 50. The upper flange surface 41 is not planar but is slightly radially inclined between the central aperture 44 and the rim 43 so that fluid which rests upon the flange surface 41 will tend to flow, under gravity, towards the aperture 44 (when the central axis of the flange portion, which corresponds in use to the H:\LeanneM\keep\speciP50415.SPEC.dCC 29/08/03 14 central axis of a drainage conduit, is vertical). The flange 40 has a flange bottom surface 42 defining the underside of the flange as the upper flange surface 41 defines the top side of the flange 40. The collar 50 is generally cylindrical and the wall thereof extends axially away from the bottom surface of the flange 42.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, it will be noted that the shoulder portion 45 provides a smooth transition between the upper flange surface 41 and the inner surface 54 of the upper portion 51 of the collar so that waterproof sheeting in the form of fibreglass or waterproof membrane material will be more protected from damage when laid over the shoulder portion 45 than it would be if laid over a sharp angular or less smooth surface.

The collar 50 comprises an upper portion 51, a lower portion 52 and an inclined portion 53. The internal radius of the lower portion 52 is smaller than the internal radius of the upper portion 51, and the transition from the larger to the slightly smaller radius is provided by the inclined portion 53. At the bottom end of the lower portion 52 of the collar 50, there are provided first and second spaced apart annular projections 56 which extend radially outwardly a short distance from the outside wall of the collar 50 in order to form a groove 57 therebetween. The groove 57 accommodates an Oring 58. The outer radius of the lower portion 52 of the collar 50, including the O-ring 58, is slightly smaller than the radius of the upper wider cylindrical portion of the pipe member 10, such that in use the flange member 11 fits snugly in the pipe member 10, with the O-ring 58 engaging the inner surface 24 of the upper wider cylindrical portion 20 of the pipe member 10. The engagement of the O-ring 58 with the surface 24 provides a barrier against leakage from the pipe member. Alternative forms of connection for connecting the flange member to a pipe member, for example, the bottom part of the collar H:\LeanneH\keep\speci\P50415.SPEC.dC 29/08/03 15 could provide a plain spigot end 59 as illustrated in Figure 4, suitable for gluing or solvent welding to a pipe member. Alternatively a flexible joint formed of rubber or the like could be provided to accommodate relative movement of the pipe member 10 and the flange member 11.

Figures 1 to 4 also show a drain member, generally designated 12. The drain member 12 has a lower generally cylindrical part 60 to provide an outlet end thereof, an upper generally cylindrical part 61 to provide an inlet end and a ledge 62. The lower generally cylindrical part 60 has a smaller radius than the upper generally cylindrical part 61. The ledge 62 connects the bottom end of the upper generally cylindrical part 61 to the top end of the lower generally cylindrical part Notably, the radius of the upper generally cylindrical part 61 is greater than the radius of the generally central aperture 44. The ledge 62 has a lower surface which extends at approximately 900 from the lower generally cylindrical part Extending generally downwards from the lower surface 65 of the ledge 62 are a plurality of tabs, for example tabs 66 and 67 can be seen in Figure 2, but a number of additional tabs which cannot be seen in the drawings form a skirt which extends around, and down from, an outer part of the ledge 62. In use, the tabs 66, 67 are supported on the upper surface 41 of the flange 40 to space apart the upper generally cylindrical part 61, and to securely and stably support the drain member 12 relative to the flange member 11.

As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the apparatus further includes an upper member in the form of a drain grid support member 15 which supports a drain grid 14. The drain grid support member 15 comprises an outer projecting member in the form of a ring 80 which is connected to a circular member with an L-shaped cross-section 83. In use, as illustrated in Figure 2A, a lower surface 81 of the ring 80 is preferably supported on an upper edge of H: \LeanneH\keep\speci\P5O415.SPEC.dcc 29/CR,'O] 16 the upper generally cylindrical part 61 of the drain member 12. The ring 80 is fitted into the tiling 13 so that it is flush with, and sealed into, the tiling. The circular member with the L-shaped radial cross-section 83 has a collar portion in the form of an axially extending longer part 84 which in this configuration engages the upper surface 64 of the ledge 62 of the drain member 12, such that an outer surface of the longer part 84 engages the inner surface 63 of the upper generally cylindrical part 61 of the drain member 12. The circular member 83 includes an inner projection in the form of a radially inwardly extending shorter part 85. The circular member 83 is connected to the ring 80 such that a step 82 is provided. The step 82 is shaped so that in use it cooperates with an outer edge of the drain grid 14. A circumferential step 72 of the drain grid 14 interacts with a radially inner edge of the shorter part 83. The step 72 of the drain grid is formed in the lower surface of a drain plate 70. The drain plate has a plurality of slots 71 for the passage of fluid therethrough whilst preventing the passage of solid objects above a given predetermined size.

The configuration of Figure 2A is suitable if, as is desired, the axial extension of the upper generally cylindrical part 61 and the tabs 66, 67, 68 is as great as the distance between the top of the tiling 13 in the area to be drained and the flange 40. If this distance (or, in use, height) is greater than the axial length of the upper generally cylindrical part 61 and the tabs 66, 67, 68 then the additional axial length required can be provided by moving the drain grid support member 15 axially out of the upper generally cylindrical part 61 as shown in Figure 2B.

In this case, the lower surface 81 of the ring is supported not upon an edge of the upper generally cylindrical part 61 of the drain member 12, but by construction material such as screed 17 which is suitably positioned upon fitting of the drainage system. This H:\LeanneH\keep\speci\PS0415.SPEC.doc 29/08/03 17 arrangement provides more flexibility than the more compact configuration of Figure 2A, since different depths of screed and/or tiling can be accommodated. Movement of the drain grid support member 15 is minimal, in use, since it is supported against radial movement by the upper generally cylindrical part 61 of the drain member 12, and is supported against axial movement by the screed.

However, in use, it is preferred that the distance between the flange (or other surface upon which the tabs are supported) and the tiling should be substantially fully spanned by the drain member in the configuration shown in Figure 2A, since greater structural integrity is provided with less dependence upon the condition of the screed.

For aesthetic reasons, the drain grid 14 and the drain grid support member 15 are preferably made of a corrosion resistant metal. The pipe member 10, flange member 11 and drain member 12, however, are preferably manufactured out of plastic by the process of injection moulding.

In use as shown in Figure 2, there is a substantial difference in radial size between the outer surface of the lower generally cylindrical part 60 of the drain member 12 and the bottom edge of the shoulder portion 45 which defines the aperture 44 in the flange member 11. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 to 5, tabs 66, 67, 68 constitute a support structure and provide and maintain a space between the lower surface 65 of the ledge 62 of the drain member 12 and the upper flange surface 41 of the flange member 11. Between the tabs 66, 67, 68 are provided a plurality of gaps for example 90, 91, 92. The gaps form a drainage means in the support structure.

Although not all are visible in the drawings, the plurality of spaced apart tabs (or lugs) extends about the periphery of the underside of the ledge 62 to form a support structure which may be regarded as a noncontinuous skirt of the drain member 12. This provides stable support, although fewer tabs could be provided if HN\Leanneh\keep\speci\PS0415.SPEC.dcc 29/08/03 18 desired. In an alternative embodiment a continuous skirt could be provided and drainage means, such as weep holes, could be provided after fitting, for example by drilling.

If tabs that are small in angular extent (such as those illustrated) are provided, a minimum of three tabs, spaced at 120 degrees, may be provided, but a series of between four and sixteen tabs is preferred.

As shown in Figure 2, in use, for example in a shower area, the pipe member 10 (which may be considered a slab adaptor) is set in a concrete slab 16 in order to provide drainage through the slab 16. The flange member 11 is fitted to the pipe member 10 so that the ring 58 engages the inner surface 24 of the upper wide cylindrical portion 20 of the pipe member 10. The flange member is also set slightly into the slab 16 so that, in use, fluid may drain from the upper surface of the slab 16 onto the upper flange surface 41. A waterproof membrane (not shown in Figures 1 to 4) may be laid above the slab 16 extending onto and/or across the upper flange surface 16, so that fluid is prevented from contacting the slab 16. The membrane may extend into the collar 50 of the flange member 11. The membrane typically extends outwards to the edges of the area to be drained. The drain member 12 is then inserted so that the narrower, lower, generally cylindrical part 60 extends into the aperture 44 of the flange member 11 and so that the tabs 66, 67, 68 are supported upon the upper flange surface 41, either directly or via the membrane (not shown). The drain member is thus stably supported on the flange 40. Screed 17 is then provided around the upper generally cylindrical part 61 of the drain member 12, above the upper surface 41 of the flange. Tiling 13 is placed over the screed 17 and grouted so that the drain grid support member 15 is flush with, and grouted into, the tiling. The tabs 66, 67, 68 provide a support structure which spaces the upper generally cylindrical part 60 of the drain member 12 away from the upper flange surface 41.

H: \LeanneH\keep\speci\P50415.SPEC.doc 29/08/03 19 In normal use, fluid drains from the area to be drained through the central passage of the drain member 12 and into the pipe member 10. However, if the area to be drained is not in perfect condition, some fluid may seep through (or past the edges of) the tiling 13 and screed 17. Such fluid then seeps along the top of the slab 16, which is protected by a waterproof membrane (not shown) and onto the flange upper surface 41 (preferably covered by the membrane). Such fluid can then flow past the support structure formed by the tabs 66, 67, 68 by flowing or seeping through the gaps 91, 92, 93 into the aperture 44 in the flange member 11, between the inner surface of the collar 50 and the outer surface of the drain member 12 and hence into the pipe member 10. Thus, effective drainage of such fluid is achieved.

It will be appreciated that this embodiment allows a waterproof membrane (possibly fibreglass), used to line the area to be drained, to be provided over the upper surface 41 of the flange 40, under the tabs 66, 67, 68 and down along the inner surface of the collar 50 while still allowing the lower part 60 of the drain member 12 to be inserted into the collar 50. Alternatively, if desired the membrane can be provided to extend across the upper flange surface 41, up the tabs 66, 67, 68, and up the outside of the upper generally cylindrical portion 61 of the drain member 12. This option may be appropriate where preference, regulations or other factors require the membrane to have upwardly extending edges, or where it is not desired (or not feasible) that the membrane should extend through the aperture of the flange member 11. As a further alternative the membrane may terminate on the upper flange surface. Membrane configuration is discussed below with reference to Figures 6, 7 and 8.

The provision of the support structure formed by the plurality of tabs 66, 67, 68 allows the drain member 12 to be set firmly and stably upon the flange member 11.

The drain member 12 is thus, in use, supported against H:\LeanneH\keep\speci\P50415.SPEC.doc 29/08/03 20 axial movement. The drain member 12 is also supported against radial movement by the screed 17. The support structure supports the drain member even if the screed begins to break down or deteriorate, and still provides effective drainage from the flange upper surface. Without the support structure, the drain member 12 would not be securely located if the screed layer were not intact (for example because of damage or deterioration over time). In this case force applied to the drain member 12, for example by users of the area to be drained treading upon the drain grid 14 or drain grid support member 15, could damage the drain member 12 and/or further damage the screed.

In order to ensure that the gaps 90, 91, 92 are not inadvertently blocked by screed 17 (or other construction materials) during construction, the drain member 12 is preferably provided with degradable bridging means, such as a paper sleeve, which extends around the generally circular array of tabs 66, 67, 68 bridging the gaps between them. After construction, the bridging means degrades or disintegrates, leaving the gaps 90, 91, 92 unblocked.

Although not illustrated it will be appreciated that bridging means could be provided by, for example, using a suitable adhesive to adhere a suitably dimensioned strip of paper, so that the strip substantially covers all of the tabs 66, 67, 68 and thus bridges the gaps 90, 91, 92. Although paper is preferred, other suitable degradable materials could be used to provide bridging means. A suitable material should be sufficiently durable to protect the gaps from blockage by construction materials during the construction process, but sufficiently degradable to degrade over a reasonable period, especially in the presence of water.

An alternative to the embodiment described above is that the drain member 12 and flange member 11 are fixed together before installation so that they form a single H:\LeanneH\keep\speci\PS0415 SPEC d-C 29/0803 21 integral unit. In this embodiment the flange member 11 and the drain member 12 are preferably formed separately by injection moulding and are then fixed together by the process of solvent welding. The flange member 11 and drain member 12 may be fixed together via the tabs or skirt. In such an embodiment a membrane could not be extended into the aperture so extension of the membrane up the outside of the generally cylindrical portion 61 might be appropriate.

In a further embodiment (not illustrated), a drain member and flange member are provided with the support structure formed integrally with the flange member rather than the drain member. A generally circular array of tabs, preferably spaced apart from the aperture of the flange member could provide such a support structure. In a further embodiment, the support structure could be formed separately from a flange member and a drain member, for assembly at the time of installation. An annular member with a plurality of tabs projecting axially therefrom could provide such a support structure. The drain member and/or flange member could include means such as ledges, grooves or indentations to stably receive such a member. In a further embodiment one or more drain member tabs could be provided on the drain member in order to extend, in use, from the drain member to a flange member and one or more flange member tabs could be provided on the flange member in order to extend, in use, from the flange member to the drain member. In such an embodiment, the support structure is provided by a combination of the drain member tabs and the flange member tabs.

Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of apparatus for providing a drainage system in which the shape of the drain member is different to the shape of the drain member in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4. However the embodiment of Figure 5 does have similarities with the embodiments of Figures 1 to 4 and corresponding elements H. LeanneH\keep\speci\P50415 SPEC.doc 2910S/03 22 are therefore designated by corresponding reference numbers but including the prefix digit 2. The most significant difference between the drain member 212 of the embodiment of Figure 5 and the drain member 12 of the previous embodiment is that the central axis 275 of the lower generally cylindrical portion 260 of the drain member 212 is not co-aligned with the central axis 276 of the upper generally cylindrical portion 261. However, in use, the lower generally cylindrical portion 260 still fits through the central aperture 244 of the flange member 211. This means that the axis 276 of the upper generally cylindrical portion 261 is not co-aligned with the central axis of the central aperture 244. An advantage of this arrangement is that it provides some freedom to position the upper generally cylindrical part 261 even through the positions of the aperture 244, collar 250 and the lower generally cylindrical part 260 may be fixed.

Also, the drain member 212 of the embodiment in Figure 5 differs from the previous embodiment in that the ledge 262, which connects the bottom end of the upper generally cylindrical portion 261 to the top end of the lower generally cylindrical portion 260 is inclined. A plurality of tabs, for example 266 and 267, extend downwards from the bottom surface 265 of the ledge 262 to engage the upper surface 241 of the flange 240 of the flange member 211 or, if a membrane is provided to engage the membrane located upon the flange 240. The tabs thus space apart the upper generally cylindrical portion 261 from the flange 240, and support the drain member 212 relative to the flange member 211. In order to support the drain member 212 properly, the tabs 266, 267 are spaced equally distant from the central axis 276 of the upper generally cylindrical portion 261, and at or adjacent to the circumference of the upper generally cylindrical portion as in the embodiments of Figures 1 to Figure 6 illustrates a variation of the H\LeaneH\keep\seci\P50415.SPEC.doc 29/08/03 23 embodiment of Figure 5 in which a flange member 611 does not include a peripheral rim. As illustrated a waterproof membrane 680 extends across an upper surface of a flange 640, over a shoulder 645 which defines a central aperture of the flange member 611, and into the aperture 640.

Although for clarity the membrane 680 and flange member 611 are shown distinctly and slightly spaced apart, it will be appreciated that in use the membrane 680 will be intended to be firmly bonded to the flange member 611.

Figure 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which a drain member 712 and a flange member 711, are manufactured separately by injection moulding and are then formed into a single component prior to installation as part of a drainage system. The drain member 712 and flange member 711 are formed into a single component by solvent welding of a support structure in the form of a continuous skirt 766, formed on the drain member 712, to an upper surface of the flange member 711. Because the skirt extends around the bottom periphery of the upper wider portion 760 of the drain member 712, a waterproof membrane 780 which extends across an upper surface of a flange 740 cannot be placed in a central aperture 740 of the flange member 711. Instead the membrane 780 is laid up, and bonded to, the outside of the upper wider portion 760 of the drain member 712. In order to allow fluid to drain from the flange, weep holes 790 are then drilled or punched through the membrane 780 and the skirt 766. The rigidity of the connection between the flange member 711 and the drain member 712 prevents relative movement, avoiding damage of the membrane. Although, for clarity, the membrane 780 is shown distinctly and slightly spaced apart from the drain member 712 and flange member 711, it will be appreciated that in use the membrane 780 will be intended to be firmly bonded to the drain member 712 and flange member 711. The single component may be regarded as a drain member with an included flange member.

As further options the membrane could be laid H\LeanneH\keep\speci\P50415.SPEC.doc 29/08/03 24 only up onto the support structure, could be laid upon the flange to just abut the support structure, or could be positioned on the flange to stop short (that is radially outwardly) of the support structure.

It has been observed that in the past, during construction of a drainage system, adequate bonding of waterproof membranes to rigid plastic components has sometimes been difficult to achieve. In order to address this problem, in some preferred embodiments the flange member and/or drain member may be treated before installation to enhance bonding. Treatment may include coating with an adhesive or priming material, and/or roughening of the surface.

Alternatively, (or additionally) the flange member may be bonded to a piece of membrane prior to installation. This allows the bonding to take place under conditions that are much more easily controlled than those which prevail during actual installation of a drainage system. For example suitable levels of cleanliness, suitable bonding times and suitable levels of humidity, temperature and/or pressure can be applied. Thus it is considered highly beneficial to provide flange members with waterproof membrane already bonded thereto. Only a small section of waterproof membrane need be bonded to the flange member because during installation further membrane can be bonded to the pre-bonded membrane relatively effectively: it is generally considerably easier to bond membrane to membrane than to bond membrane to a plastic drainage component. In one embodiment the pre-bonded region of membrane completely surrounds the aperture in order to provide an effective seal and prevent fluid from seeping back under the membrane. Additionally or alternatively, the pre-bonded region may extend around the cylindrical inner surface of a collar of the flange member.

Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment in which a flange member 811 was provided with a pre-bonded membrane N:\LeanneH\keep\s~eci;P5O415.SEC.dQc~ 20/08,02 25 portion 881 before installation. During construction a main membrane portion 882, which lines the area to be drained is bonded to the membrane portion 881 at bonding region 883. The main membrane portion 882 and the prebonded membrane portion 881 may be supported on a concrete slab or shower tray, and it is therefore an option to have the flange member 811 provided with a radially small flange 840. In use the support structure of a drain member 812 rests upon one or other (or both) of the membrane pieces 881, 882, supporting the drain member 812 and spacing apart a wider portion 861 of the drain member from the slab or shower tray. Drainage means (not shown) is preferably provided to enable fluid to drain past the support structure. Of course, the flange member 811 could be provided with a larger flange than that shown in the embodiment of Figure 8.

A further consideration is that the wider upper portion of the drain member need not be generally cylindrical but may have any suitable desired radial cross sectional shape. One preferred embodiment has a square cross sectional shape, and it is envisaged that it could be sized similarly to a standard sized tile, so that it could take the place of a tile in a regular array of tiles. This would allow the drain member to be included in a tiled surface without the need to cut or shape any tiles to accommodate it, considerably easing installation.

Alternative sizes are envisaged for use with different standard tile sizes. Alternatively, other shapes could be provided. A rectangular cross sectional shape would be easier to integrate into a tiled surface than commonly used circular cross sectional drain members, avoiding the need to cut curves into tiles. Triangular, octagonal, hexagonal and other shapes could also be used if desired, and would require tiles to be cut only in straight lines.

A further alternative is to have the wider upper portion of the drain member circular, but to have the perimeter of the drain grid support member of an alternative shape. A H:\LeanneH\keep\speci\P50415.SPEC.doc 29/08/03 26 still further alternative embodiment (which does not aid with tiling) is to have the wider upper portion of the drain member and the drain grid support member circular, but adapted to receive a grid of an alternative shape. Of course the drain grid support member and also, if desired, the drain grid, could be formed as a single element with the drain member.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication 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.

H:\LeanneH\keep\speci\P50415 SPEC.doc 29/08/03

Claims

1. A drain member having a first axial end which constitutes an inlet end and a second axial end which constitutes an outlet end, the drain member including a fluid passageway extending between the inlet end and the outlet end; wherein a portion at or adjacent the inlet end is wider than a portion at or adjacent the outlet end, and wherein a support structure extends from the wider portion in order to support the wider portion relative to a surface defining an aperture into which, in use, the outlet end of the drain member passes, and to space apart the wider portion from the surface.

2. A drain member as claimed in claim 1 wherein the support structure extends in a generally axial direction.

3. A drain member as claimed in either preceding claim wherein the support structure extends from a region of the wider portion which is at or adjacent an outer perimeter of the wider portion.

4. A drain member as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the drain member is for use in a drainage system including a flange member having an aperture through which, in use, the narrower portion of the drain member extends and the support structure is adapted to extend, in use, substantially between the wider portion and a surface of the flange member.

A drain member as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the support structure includes drainage means to allow fluid to flow past the support structure.

6. A drain member as claimed in claim wherein the drainage means comprises one or more fluid passageways extending through the support structure.

7. A drain member as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the support structure includes a plurality of spaced apart lugs or tabs.

8. A drain member as claimed in any preceding H \caneHkee \pec \'5015- S20dcc 29/08/03 28 claim wherein the support structure is in the form of a skirt.

9. A drain member as claimed in claim 8 wherein the support structure is a non-continuous skirt.

10. A drain member as claimed in claim 4, or any preceding claim dependent upon claim 4 wherein the drain member includes a flange member, so that the drain member including the flange member is provided as a single unit.

11. A drain member as claimed in claim wherein the support structure is fixed at one axial end thereof to the wider portion and at another end to the flange.

12. A drain member as claimed in either of claims 10 or 11 wherein the flange member is manufactured separately from the rest of the drain member and wherein after manufacture of the flange member and the rest of the drain member, the flange member is fixed to the rest of the drain member by the process of solvent welding.

13. A drain member as claimed in claim 12 wherein the flange member is fixed to the support structure by solvent welding.

14. A drain member as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the wider portion is adapted, in use, to extend axially for a significant part of the vertical distance between an area to be drained and a flange or other surface upon which the support structure is supported.

A drain member as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least part of the wider portion has a radial cross-section in the shape of a substantially straight-sided polygon.

16. A drain member as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the support structure and the wider portion are together adapted to span the distance between an area to be drained and a flange or other surface upon which the support structure is support. H; \LeanneH\keep\speci\P50415.SPEC.dOC 29/08/03 29

17. Drainage apparatus including a drain member as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15 wherein the drainage apparatus further includes an upper member adapted, in use, to be fitted to the wider portion of the drain member and wherein said upper member, during assembly of a drainage system, is adapted to be axially movable relative to the wider portion of the drain member so that the axial distance between an upper surface of the upper member and the support structure may be varied by axial movement of the upper member relative to the drain member.

18. Drainage apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the upper member includes or a adapted to support a drain grid.

19. Drainage apparatus as claimed in either of claims 17 or 18 wherein the upper member includes an axially extending collar portion which fits to an axially extending wall portion of the wider portion.

Drainage apparatus as claimed in any of claims 17 to 19 wherein the upper member includes at least one outer projection extending radially outwardly from the collar portion and the outer projection is adapted, in use, to support the upper member in a desired axial position.

21. Drainage apparatus including a drain member as claimed in claim 5, or any claim dependent thereon, comprising the drain member and a bridging means provided on the drain member, which bridges the drainage means to protect the drainage means from construction materials which might otherwise at least partially block the drainage means when the drain member is being installed.

22. Drainage apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein the bridging means is made of a material which is adapted to disintegrate after installation of the drain member.

23. Drainage apparatus as claimed in claim 22 wherein the bridging means is made of paper.

24. Drainage apparatus in the form of a kit for H:\LeanneH\keep\speci\P50415.SPEC.doc 29/083/03 30 use in providing a drainage system, said kit comprising: a flange member having means to connect to a pipe member, and having a generally central part defining an aperture, the flange member having a flange surface which extends radially from the aperture; a drain member having a first axial end which constitutes an inlet end, a second axial end which constitutes an outlet end and wherein a portion at or adjacent the inlet end is wider than a portion at or adjacent the outlet end, the drain member being adapted to extend, in use, from an area to be drained to the flange member and through the aperture therein; and a support structure adapted to extend, in use, substantially between the wider portion and the flange surface, in order to space apart the wider portion from the flange surface, and to support the drain member relative to the flange surface.

Drainage apparatus as claimed in claim 24 wherein at least part of the support structure is fixed to the wider portion of the drain member.

26. Drainage apparatus as claimed in either of claims 24 and 25 wherein at least part of the support structure is fixed to the flange surface of the flange member.

27. Drainage apparatus as claimed in any of claims 24 to 26 wherein the outer dimensions of the narrower portion of the drain member, which in use, extends through the aperture of the flange member, are smaller than the dimensions of the aperture, so that in use the narrower portion is spaced apart from the edge of the aperture.

28. Drainage apparatus as claimed in claim 27 wherein the fit is sufficiently loose that a water impermeable layer, preferably of the type used to line shower floor areas, can extend across a surface of the flange and into the aperture therein, without preventing fitting of the drain member into the aperture. [:\LeanneH\kee~speci\P5C415.SPEC.doc 291CR/CS 31

29. Drainage apparatus as claimed in any of claims 24 to 28 wherein the means to connect the flange member to a pipe member is 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.

Drainage apparatus as claimed in any of claims 24 to 29 wherein a resilient connection is provided to connect the flange member to a pipe member, and wherein the resilient connection is an O-ring or a flexible joint.

31. Drainage apparatus as claimed in any of claims 24 to 30 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 and the generally smooth surface continues about the entire periphery of the aperture.

32. Drainage apparatus as claimed in any of claims 24 to 31 wherein the apparatus includes a drain member in accordance with any of claims 1 to 9.

33. A method of installing drainage apparatus including the steps of: providing a flange member having an upwardly facing flange surface extending radially away from an aperture provided therein; connecting the flange member to a drainage conduit so that the aperture is in fluid connection with a bore of the drainage conduit; providing a drain member having a wider portion and a narrower portion, and which extends, in use, from an area to be drained into the aperture of the flange member; and wherein said drainage apparatus includes a support structure which extends, in use, between the wider portion of the drain member and the flange surface to space apart the wider portion from the flange surface, and to support the drain member relative to the flange H.\LeanneH\keep\speci\P50415.SPEC .doc 29/08/03 32 surface.

34. A method as claimed in claim 33 wherein the method includes providing a flexible waterproofing material which extends over at least part of the flange surface and outwardly past the radial periphery of the flange surface.

A method as claimed in claim 34 wherein the flexible waterproofing material also extends into the aperture in the flange member.

36. A method as claimed in either of claims 33 or 34 wherein the method further includes providing a bridging means, which interacts with the support structure, to prevent a drainage means in the support structure from being inadvertently blocked by construction materials.

37. A method as claimed in any of claims 33, 34 or 36 wherein the method includes use of a drain member as claimed in any of claims 1 to 16 and/or drainage apparatus as claimed in any of claims 17 to 32.

38. A preformed device, suitable for use in a drainage system, comprising a flange member including: means to connect to a pipe member; a flange surface; an aperture provided in the flange surface, suitable for receipt of a part of a drain member therethrough; the flange surface extending away from said aperture, for directing fluid towards the aperture; and a waterproof membrane bonded to a surface of the flange member.

39. A preformed device as claimed in claim wherein the membrane extends further away from the aperture than the flange extends.

A preformed device as claimed in either of claims 38 or 39 wherein the membrane extends away from the aperture no more than thirty centimetres.

41. A preformed device as claimed in any of H:\LeanneH\keep\speci\P50415.SPEC.doc 29/08/03 33 claims 38 to 40 wherein the membrane is bonded to an upper flange surface of the flange member.

42. A preformed device as claimed in any of claims 38 to 41 wherein the membrane is bonded to an internal wall of a collar portion of the flange member, so that the membrane is adapted, in use, to extend across at least part of the flange surface, and into the aperture.

43. A method of installing a flange member as part of a drainage system comprising the steps of providing a preformed device comprising a flange member with a waterproof membrane bonded thereto; and subsequently connecting the flange member to an outlet pipe member.

44. A method as claimed in claim 43 wherein the method includes the further step of bonding a waterproof membrane, which in use, will extend across an area to be drained, to the waterproof membrane which forms part of the preformed device.

A drain member substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figs 1 to 4, 5 and 6, 7 or 8.

46. Drainage apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figs 1 to 4, and 6, 7 or 8. Dated this 29th day of August 2003 MAUREEN IRWIN By her Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH HACK Fellows Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia H: \Leane\kOCV.\ pe-i\R5Od 15SPECd-C 29/08/D3