AU2015200831A1 - Housing for recessed conduit reticulation and a method for reticulating a recessed conduit - Google Patents

Abstract

HOUSING FOR RECESSED CONDUIT RETICULATION AND A METHOD FOR RETICULATING A RECESSED CONDUIT Abstract A housing for recessed conduit reticulation, the housing comprising: at least one wall defining at least one conduit opening, the at least one conduit opening adapted for allowing the passage of at least a portion of a conduit therethrough in use, wherein: the housing is adapted for having an opening, the opening adapted for allowing access to the at least the portion of the conduit in use. _t 125 Figure 1

Description

1 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 Provisional Specification For The Invention Entitled: HOUSING FOR RECESSED CONDUIT RETICULATION AND A METHOD FOR RETICULATING A RECESSED CONDUIT The invention is described in the following statement: 2 Field of the Invention [1] The present invention relates to conduit reticulation apparatus and in particular to housing for recessed conduit reticulation and a method for reticulating a recessed conduit. [2] The invention has been developed primarily for use in/with water supply conduits and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use. Background [3] According to existing construction techniques, conduits are reticulated to various access points within a building, such as beneath the surface of a concrete slab, wherein proximate each respective access point within the building, the conduits are brought to the surface for connection. [4] However, bringing the converts to the surface results in exposed conduits which is not only unsightly, space consuming but also poses safety hazards. [5] The present invention seeks to provide Housing for recessed conduit reticulation and method for reticulating a recessed conduit, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative. [6] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. Summary [7] According to one aspect, there is provided housing for recessed conduit reticulation, the housing comprising at least one wall defining at least one conduit opening, the at least one conduit opening adapted for allowing the passage of at least a portion of a conduit therethrough in use, wherein the housing is adapted for having an opening, the opening adapted for allowing access to the at least the portion of the conduit in use. [8] The wall may be substantially circular. [9] Furthermore, the housing may further have a plate connected to the wall, wherein, in use, the plate is adapted for lying substantially flush with a surface. In this manner, the plate at least partially defines the opening. The plate may be substantially rectangular or square. [10] The housing may have at least one seal adapted for sealing a respective of the at least one conduit opening, such as a removable seal. In this manner, the at least one seal and the at least one conduit opening could be integrally formed, and wherein the at least one seal is removable by breaking a portion of a weakened region between the at least one seal and the at least one conduit opening. [11] The at least one conduit opening could be a plurality of conduit openings, such as having a pair of opposing conduit openings. Each of the opposing conduit openings may 3 have two conduit openings. The housing may further comprise a further pair of opposing conduit openings which may be offset by 900. [12] The housing may further comprise a backing connected to the wall which may be planar or domed. [13] There is also provided a method for reticulating a recessed conduit, the method comprising inserting at least a portion of a conduit into at least one conduit opening of the housing; and accessing the at least one conduit via an opening of the housing. The method may further comprise inserting the housing into a recess. [14] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings [15] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [16] Fig. 1 shows a top perspective view of Housing for recessed conduit reticulation in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [17] Fig. 2 shows a bottom perspective view of the housing of Fig. 1; [18] Fig. 3 shows a top view of the housing of Fig. 1; and [19] Fig. 3 shows the housing of Fig. 1 in situ. Description of Embodiments [20] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features. [21] Referring to figure 1, there is shown housing 100 for recessed conduit reticulation. As will become apparent from the description herein, the housing 100 provides advantages including advantages of providing for a neater and more readily accessible reticulation of conduits, such as fluid conduits such as water supply conduits. As such, in contradistinction with existing arrangements where conduits are laid within slabs, ceilings and the like and then brought to the surface of the slab or out of the ceiling for connection, the housing 100 provides a recess within the slab or within the ceiling into which the conduits can extend for connection purposes. In this manner, the use of the housing 100 provides for space-saving, ease of installation, ease of access and the like. [22] Figure 1 specifically shows a top perspective view of the housing 100. In a preferred embodiment, the housing 100 is made of plastic. [23] Figure 4 shows the housing 100 in situ wherein the housing 100 has been installed within a concrete slab or the like (not shown). Shown extending into the housing 100 are various conduits which may comprise hot and cold water conduits and the like. It should be noted that while water supply conduits are described herein with reference to a preferred 4 embodiment, it should be appreciated that the housing 100 may be adapted for the reticulation of other types of conduit also. [24] In use, it is preferred that a recess or the like be made for the housing 100 into which the housing 100 is inserted so as to become a permanent feature. For example, for use on a concrete slab, the housing 100 may be inserted into the concrete while the concrete is still setting so as to provide the permanent recess for the reticulation of the conduits. [25] Referring again to figure 1, the housing 100 comprises at least one wall 110 defining at least one conduit opening 125. In the embodiment shown, the wall 110 is substantially circular. In other embodiments, the housing 100 may comprise walls having a different configuration, such as a square configuration and the like. [26] In use, the conduits are inserted at least partially through respective conduit openings 125 for connection within the housing 100. [27] Referring to figure 2, the housing 100 comprises an opening 105 to provide access to the portions of the conduits extending into the interior of the housing 100 via the conduit openings 125. As such, in order to configure the reticulation of the conduits, the plumber or the like would access the conduits extending into the housing 100 via the opening 105. [28] Furthermore, and again referring to figure 1, the housing 100 comprises a plate 130 connected to the wall 110. In use, the plate 130 is adapted for lying substantially flush with the surface. For example, where the housing 100 is inserted into a concrete slab, the plate 130 is adapted to lie substantially flush with the surface of the concrete slab so as to not necessarily extend beyond the surface of the concrete slab so as to look unsightly or to create a safety hazard. [29] Referring again to figure 2, it is apparent that the plate 130 comprises an aperture therein substantially coinciding with the diameter defined by the wall 110 so as to partially define the opening 105. [30] While in the preferred embodiments, the plate 130 is substantially rectangular and especially square, in other embodiments, the plate 130 may take on differing shapes such as circular shapes and the like. [31] As is apparent from the drawings, the plate 130 may comprise one or more fastener engagements 135, such as fastener apertures, so as to allow for the fastening of the plate 130 to a surface. [32] In a preferred embodiment, the housing 100 comprises at least one seal for each conduit opening 125. In this manner, the seal for a particular conduit opening 125 may be removed if the use of the conduit opening 125 is required. As such, the housing 100 may comprise a plurality of conduit openings 125 and associated seals spaced around the perimeter of the wall 110. In use, should a particular conduit opening 125 be required, the seal may be removed from the conduit opening 125 so as to subsequently allow for the 5 insertion of a conduit therethrough. In this manner, the housing 100 does not necessarily provide unused voids openings into which debris may ingress or the like. [33] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one seal on the at least one conduit opening 125 is integrally formed, such as where the housing 100 is made by injection moulding process. In this manner, the sealers removable by breaking a portion of a week and region between the seal and the conduit opening 125. [34] Referring again to figure 4, there is shown the housing 100 comprising conduit openings 125 at opposing positions of the housing 100. In this manner, conduits may be inserted into the housing 100 substantially at right angles. Furthermore, at each position, two conduit 125 openings are provided so as to provide for the insertion of at least two parallel conduits for example. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the conduit openings 125 may be configured in other manners such as at 450 so as to allow for the insertion of conduits come in at the housing 100 from 450 angles. [35] Referring again that figure 1, the housing 100 further comprises a backing 140 to close off the interior of the housing 100. The backing 140 is located opposite the opening 105. In one embodiment, the backing is substantially planar but in other embodiments the backing may be substantially outwardly domed. [36] There is also provided a method for reticulate in a recessed conduit. The method comprises inserting at least a portion of a conduit into at least one conduit opening 125 of the housing 100 as described herein. The method further comprises accessing the at least one conduit via the opening 105 of the housing 105 for reticulating the conduit. [37] The method may further comprise the insertion of the housing 100 into a recess, such as into a wet concrete slab, or other suitably prepared recess.

6 Interpretation Embodiments: [38] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. [39] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. [40] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. Different Instances of Objects [41] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. Specific Details [42] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific 7 details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Terminology [43] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Comprising and Including [44] 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" are 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. [45] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising. Scope of Invention [46] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention. [47] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. Industrial Applicability [48] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the building construction industries.

Claims (19)

1. Housing for recessed conduit reticulation, the housing comprising: at least one wall defining at least one conduit opening, the at least one conduit opening adapted for allowing the passage of at least a portion of a conduit therethrough in use, wherein: the housing is adapted for having an opening, the opening adapted for allowing access to the at least the portion of the conduit in use.

2. Housing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wall is substantially circular.

3. Housing as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plate connected to the wall, wherein, in use, the plate is adapted for lying substantially flush with a surface

4. Housing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate at least partially defines the opening

5. Housing as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plate is substantially rectangular.

6. Housing as claimed in claim 5, wherein the plate is substantially square.

7. Housing as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one seal adapted for sealing a respective of the at least one conduit opening.

8. Housing as claimed in claim 7, wherein the seal is removable.

9. Housing as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one seal and the at least one conduit opening are integrally formed, and wherein the at least one seal is removable by breaking a portion of a weakened region between the at least one seal and the at least one conduit opening.

10. Housing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one conduit opening is a plurality of conduit openings.

11. Housing as claimed in claim 10, wherein the plurality of conduit openings comprises a pair of opposing conduit openings.

12. Housing as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of the opposing conduit openings comprises two conduit openings.

13. Housing as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a further pair of opposing conduit openings.

14. Housing as claimed in claim 13, wherein the pair and further pair of opposing conduit openings are offset by 900.

15. Housing as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a backing connected to the wall.

16. Housing as claimed in claim 15, wherein the backing is substantially planar

17. Housing as claimed in claim 15, wherein the backing is substantially domed

18. A method for reticulating a recessed conduit, the method comprising: inserting at least a portion of a conduit into at least one conduit opening of Housing as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17; and 9 accessing the at least one conduit via an opening of the housing.

19. A method as claims in claim 18, wherein the method further comprises inserting the housing into a recess.