AU2005100219A4 - Pipe Junction for Water Discharge Pipe - Google Patents

Description

Pipe Junction for Water Discharge Pipe Field of the invention The present invention relates to a pipe junction, in a water discharge pipe, for 00 5 connecting a water discharge hose to said discharge pipe. The water discharge hose emanates from a water discharging apparatus, such as a washing machine. In particular the invention relates to a pipe junction adapted to connect one of a number of different water discharge hoses, having different dimensions, to the discharge pipe.

Background to the invention (With the advent of the clothes washing machine in the 1950's, a typical laundry configuration was a concrete tub with two bowls and a washing machine standing along side.

In this arrangement, one bowl was generally used for soaking or washing etc and the other bowl received the discharge water from the washing machine. The discharge water was conveyed to the bowl by a discharge hose the end of which was hooked over the edge of the bowl. The discharge water then flowed out through a drainage hole in the base of the bowl and into a waste pipe located beneath the drainage hole. This drainage hole needed to be unplugged or monitored (in a suds-saving situation) to ensure that the bowl did not overflow.

Over time, a U-bend was incorporated into the end of the discharge hose to facilitate its placement over the edge of the bowl.

An alternate arrangement was to separate the washing machine totally from the laundry tub by providing a fully plumbed up-stand pipe into which the washing machine discharge hose was placed. This set up is not commonly used in Australia (although it is described in AS3500) but it is widely used in the USA.

Some time in about the 1970's, a washing discharge hose bypass pipe (hereinafter referred to as a bypass) was incorporated into the design of a typical stainless steel or plastic tub. This typically took the form of rigid pipe extending from a bypass hole in the top surface of the tub to a pipe junction in the waste pipe on the underside of the tub drainage hole. In this arrangement, the bypass hole has a substantially larger diameter than typical washing machine discharge hoses (of varying diameters) so that it is able to accommodate most of such hoses.

The rigid pipe which extends from the bypass hole generally has a diameter which is substantially the same as that of the bypass hole.

The pipe junction is typically a section of the discharge pipe having a side inlet consisting of a single cylindrical pipe section, in fluid communication with the discharge pipe, protruding from the discharge pipe. The diameter of the protruding cylindrical pipe section is generally about the same as the diameter of the rigid pipe. Typically, this cylindrical pipe S section is orientated at about 450 to the direction of the discharge pipe. In this arrangement, the end of the washing machine discharge hose is placed loosely in the bypass hole. Discharge water then flows from the discharge hose, into the bypass, through the pipe junction and then into the waste pipe (without entering the tub).

00 The purpose of this arrangement was to allow water to discharge to waste from the washing machine, bypassing the laundry tub and freeing up the tub to be used for other purposes (eg soaking or washing). By this arrangement, the earlier apparent need for two c-i bowls, as incorporated in most concrete tubs, was eliminated. The bypass effectively replaced S0 the second bowl in most situations thereby increasing space in the laundry. This arrangement also avoided accidental overflow of water from the tub onto the laundry floor if for example the tub's waste hole was plugged or blocked.

c,-i One problem with the above arrangement is that the end of the discharge hose sits loosely in the bypass hole and is, consequently, vulnerable to being knocked or displaced, which could result in significant volumes of water being discharged onto the laundry floor.

Also, in the above bypass arrangement, the inclusion of a bypass hole and the rigid pipe extending from the bypass hole to the pipe junction in the waste pipe, substantially increases the complexity of manufacturing the tubs and consequently this results in a substantial increase in costs.

Over the period of time that washing machines have been used, the water inlet hoses have typically been connected to taps above or to the side of the washing machine. In many instances, when washing machines have been installed in old laundries, the washing machine taps have been 'piggy backed' onto the in-wall laundry tub taps or supplementary external pipework run in the laundry to supply water.

In about the 1980's, a separate console was introduced that could be placed behind the laundry tub and cabinet thereby reducing the clutter of pipe-work. These consoles tend to be expensive, take up extra room and result in a bank of taps. In this arrangement, inlet hoses are typically connected to the side of the console and the bypass arrangements are generally as described above.

The prior art systems described above generally exhibit an unsightly clutter of hoses between the laundry tub and the washing machine. In many cases, the relevant water taps (which supply hot and cold water to the washing machine) are also visible above or beside the washing machine (or the tub). These add clutter to the laundry and the taps themselves are not always visually appealing. The solutions to date generally require extra floor space and are a costly option to implement.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed towards ameliorating the above problems in the prior art and providing a pipe junction, for use on or with a tub discharge pipe, adapted to be connected to one of a number of water discharge hoses having different dimensions. When used in conjunction with a laundry tub and cabinet arrangement the invention enables improved concealment of a discharge hose from a water discharging device, such as a washing machine.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of this invention, there is provided a pipe junction section, adapted to be connected to a water discharge hose for enabling discharge water from the hose to communicate with a water discharge channel, said pipe junction section comprising: a main channel adapted to communicate with said discharge channel; and two or more protruding connection ports in communication with said main channel; wherein said protruding connection ports have different dimensions, each adapted to be connected to a discharge hose of a compatible dimension.

As will be appreciated, the pipe junction section is adapted to be connected to, or formed as an integral part of a water discharge pipe which defines the discharge channel.

Typically, the pipe junction section is used in conjunction with such a water discharge pipe which is in fluid communication with the outlet of a sink or tub (such as a laundry tub). In such an arrangement, the pipe junction section may be positioned between the sink/tub outlet and the water discharge pipe. Alternatively, the pipe junction section may be located along the length of the water discharge pipe. The pipe junction section may be a stand alone section which is connected to the water discharge pipe or, alternatively, it may be integrally formed with the water discharge pipe.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each protruding connection port defines a hollow channel, the flow direction of which is offset from the flow direction of the main channel. The hollow channel of at least one of the protruding connection ports is preferably offset by between about 400 and 500 from the flow direction of the main channel. Preferably the hollow channel of each of the protruding connection ports is offset in this manner. It is further preferred that the extent of offset of the hollow channel is about 450 from the flow direction of the main channel. As will be appreciated, the above offset enables discharge water to enter the main channel from a side position whilst having momentum in a desired direction for discharging the water through the discharge channel.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the pipe junction section comprises two protruding channel ports, a first protruding channel port having an external diameter of between about 18mm and 24mm, and a second protruding channel port having an external diameter of between about 26mm and 32mm. In a typical preferred embodiment, the 0 first protruding channel port has an external diameter of about 21mm and the second protruding N channel port has an external diameter of about 29mm.

t As will be appreciated, the respective dimensions of the protruding connection ports and 5 the discharge hoses to which they are intended to be connected need to be compatible to 00 enable such connection. Accordingly, the actual dimensions of the protruding connection ports will generally be dependant upon the dimensions of typical discharge hoses to which the pipe 01 junction section is intended to be connected. The end of the discharge hose may be positioned N over the protruding connection port in which case, clamping means will normally be provided about the end of the hose to securely clamp it to the connection port. In this arrangement, it will be appreciated that the internal diameter of the hose will be greater (but not substantially greater) than the internal diameter of the protruding connection port. Typically, the internal diameter of the hose will be comparable to the external diameter of the protruding connection port, so that the end of the hose can be slid over the end of the connection port.

In an alternative embodiment, the discharge hose may be connected to the connection port by means of a separate connecting piece. In this embodiment, the connecting piece has a first end adapted to connect with the discharge hose and a second end adapted to connect with the protruding connection port. This arrangement may also include clamp means in order to further secure the connection at either or both the first end and/or the second end of the connecting piece. In one preferred embodiment, the first end of the connecting piece is dimensioned to be received within the end of the hose and held in place by frictional engagement with the inside surface of the hose. A clamp may be placed around this end of the hose in order further to secure this connection. The second end of the connecting piece is typically adapted to be slid over the protruding connection port. This may also be held in place by frictional engagement. Preferably, a clamp will be located about this second end so that it can be secured more tightly onto the connection port.

The different dimensions of said protruding channel ports enable the pipe junction section to be connected to water discharge hoses of differing dimensions. This is particularly advantageous in the laundry situation where different makes and models of washing machines have water discharge hoses of differing dimensions. By incorporating the pipe junction section of the invention into the water discharge channel, beneath a laundry tub, this enables water discharge hoses from any one of a number of different washing machines to be connected directly to the pipe junction section, thereby bypassing the laundry tub.

According to a further aspect of this invention, there is provided a pipe junction assembly comprising: a pipe junction section as described above; and a connecting piece for connecting said pipe junction section to an end of the a discharge hose; S wherein saidconnecting piece includes a first end adapted to be received and securely t engaged within the end of said hose and a second end adapted to be securely positioned over one of said protruding connection ports.

00 SThe above arrangement has the benefit of reducing the risks of tub overflow, for instance where a plug or other item is blocking the tub outlet. Also, the above arrangement enables a discharge hose to extend directly from a washing machine to the pipe junction section, in which (-i case the hose may pass through a side wall of a laundry tub and cabinet arrangement or through a wall located between the washing machine and the discharge pipe located beneath a laundry tub. This enables such discharge hoses to be largely concealed and this has substantial aesthetic benefits.

(-i Brief Description of the Drawings A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front-side view of a tub and cabinet arrangement alongside a typical washing machine showing a discharge hose from the washing machine connected to a pipe junction section according to this invention.

Figure 2 is a pipe junction section, showing 2 protruding connection ports, for use on or with a water discharge pipe.

Figure 3 is a close up side view of the pipe junction section shown in Fig 1, connected to a discharge hose by means of a connecting piece.

Figure 4 is an exploded view of the pipe junction section, the discharge hose, and the connecting piece shown in Fig 3.

Description of Preferred Embodiment A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the above drawings.

As shown in Figure 1, a laundry tub and cabinet arrangement is located alongside a clothes washing machine 30. The arrangement includes a tub 1 and'a cabinet portion 2 which defines a space 3 located beneath the tub 1. The cabinet portion 2 of the arrangement has two side walls 4A, 4B. In side wall 4A, there is a hole 5. Passing through this hole 5, are three hoses, being: a water discharge hose 10 for transferring discharge water from the adjoining washing machine S to a pipe junction section 20 forming part of (or connected to) a discharge pipe 9; 2 ingress hoses 11A, 11B for transferring hot and cold water from hot and cold taps to the t washing machine In the arrangement shown in Figure 1, the other side wall 4B also includes a hole

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although this is covered by a plastic disc 6. The plastic disc 6 is of substantially the same colour as the external surface of side wall 4B (typically white).

SThe above arrangement also includes a door 7 which, when closed, conceals the discharge pipe and hoses within the space 3 and which, when opened, allows access to the space 3.

The hole 5 of the side wall 4A (or 4B) is shown in Fig 2a. In this embodiment, the hole C has a substantially oval shape. As shown in Fig 2b, the hole 5 may be covered by the plastic disc 6.

Figure 2 shows a pipe junction section 20 according to this invention. The pipe junction section 20 is adapted to form part of (or be connected to) the discharge pipe 9 and to be positioned between said discharge pipe 9 and a discharge hole (not shown) located at the bottom of the tub 1. The pipe junction 20 has a central channel 21, a first side channel 22 and a second side channel 23. The first and second side channels are located within first and second protruding connection ports 22a, 23a, respectively Side channels 22, 23 are orientated at an angle of approximately 450 to the axis of central channel 21. The first side channel 22 and the first protruding connecting port 22a have greater diameters than those of the second side channel 23 and the second connection part 23a. First side channel 22 has an internal diameter of about 23.4mm. Second side channel 23 has an internal diameter of about 15.4mm. First protruding connection part 22a has an external diameter of 29mm and second protruding connection port 23a has an external diameter of 21mm. The different diameters of these protruding connection ports is so as to enable them to be able to be attached to discharge hoses of corresponding diameters. Typically, in use, only one of these connection ports will be connected to the discharge hose of the adjoining washing machine. Generally, the end of the connecting discharge hose will be positioned over the corresponding connection port 22a, 23a.

Figures 3 and 4 show an alternative connection arrangement which includes a separate connecting piece 30. This connecting piece 30 has a first end 31 which is adapted to be received within and frictionally engaged with the end of the discharge hose 10. This first end 31 can have an external thread 32 to enhance the frictional engagement. The second end 33 of the connecting piece 30 is adapted to be slid over the end of the protruding connection port 23a.

A clamp 35 may be placed over this second end 33 so as to better secure the connection between this second end and the connection port 23a. The connecting piece 30 may include a ridge portion 37 located circumferentially about the piece intermediate the first end 31 and the second end 32. This ridge portion 37 acts as a barrier to prevent the connecting piece 30 from entering too far into the discharge hose SAs can be seen from Figure 1, the above arrangement also readily enables the hot and cold water taps (which supply water to the washing machine) to be located within the space 3 of the cabinet portion. The ingress hoses 11A, 11B extend from the taps through the hole 5 and 00 are connected to inlet ports (not shown) of the washing machine 30. The discharge hose 10 is connected to an outlet port (not-shown) of the washing machine 30 and extends through the hole 5 and is connected to a protruding connection port 22a (or 23a) of the pipe junction section r 20. Thus, discharge water is able to flow directly from the washing machine 30, through the 0 discharge hose 10, into the pipe junction section 20 and .then out through the discharge pipe 9.

t As can be seen, the above arrangement enables unsightly taps and hoses to be located out of sight in the space 3 beneath the tub 1. As the discharge water is transported directly to the pipe junction section, this arrangement prevents any risk of overflow of the tub 1 occurring.

The above arrangement also does away with the need to have a separate bypass pipe extending between a top section of the tub and the discharge pipe as is common in prior art devices.

The plurality of protruding connection ports on the pipe junction section enable it to be used with a number of different makes and models of washing machines.

As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described: The presently described embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (4)

1. A pipe junction section adapted to be connected to a water discharge hose for enabling discharge water from the hose to communicate with a water discharge channel, said tpipe junction section comprising: oo00 5 a main channel adapted to communicate with said discharge channel; and Stwo or more protruding connection ports in communication with said main channel; wherein said protruding connection ports have different dimensions each adapted to be connected to a discharge hose of a compatible dimension.

2. A pipe junction section according to claim 1, wherein each protruding connection port 0 defines a hollow channel, the direction of which is offset from the flow direction of the main channel by between about 400 and 500.

3. A pipe junction section according to claim 2, wherein the hollow channel of at least one of the protruding connection ports is offset from the flow direction of the main channel by about 450.

4. A pipe junction section according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said section comprises two protruding connection ports, a first protruding connection port having an external diameter of between about 18mm and 24mm, and a second protruding connection port having an external diameter of between about 26mm and 32mm. A pipe junction assembly comprising: a pipe junction section according to any one of claims 1 to 4; and S a connecting piece for connecting said pipe junction section to an end of the discharge hose; wherein said connecting piece includes a first end adapted to be received and securely engaged within the end of said hose and a second end adapted to be securely positioned over one of said protruding connection ports.