AU2016101521B4

AU2016101521B4 - Drains

Info

Publication number: AU2016101521B4
Application number: AU2016101521A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Kamilo Saliba
Original assignee: BUILDING GROUP Pty Ltd
Current assignee: BUILDING GROUP Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-08-29
Filing date: 2016-08-29
Publication date: 2017-11-23
Anticipated expiration: 2024-08-29
Also published as: AU2016101521A4

Abstract

A floor waste comprises a recess for receiving water and a flange extending outwardly substantially perpendicularly from a wall of the 5 recess to provide alignment for a floor surface external to the recess. The wall extends above a level of the flange to provide alignment for the floor surface and the wall and/or the flange comprises one or more apertures to allow passage therethrough of water to the recess. 2869229vl

Description

TITLE

DRAINS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to drains. In particular, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to drain assemblies or waste assemblies used in the floors of bathrooms, showers, shower rooms and/or other areas where the drainage of water is required whether indoors or outdoors. In particular, the present invention relates to improvements in the Applicant’s certified Innovation patent 2012101600.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Floor wastes and drains are commonly found in bathrooms, showers, shower rooms and/or other areas where the drainage of water is required indoors or outdoors. Floor wastes and drains are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, designs and configurations, but most typically comprise a body with an inlet that allows the ingress of water and an outlet that communicates the water to a drainage system connected to the outlet. The body usually supports a grate, grate cover or grille comprising apertures smaller in size than the size of the inlet. The grate covers the inlet to prevent the inlet being a hazard and for aesthetic purposes whilst still allowing water to flow into the waste. The grate cover may be detachable to allow for cleaning and maintenance.

There is sometimes a slight incline in the floor surface toward the waste and/or the floor waste is typically positioned level with, or just below the floor surface to ensure there is a flow of water from the floor into the waste and the flow of water is not impeded.

However, one problem that exists with known floor wastes is that it can be time consuming and/or difficult for users to align the floor surface correctly with the floor waste. This is particularly a problem where the floor surface is in the form of tiles. Consequently, the tiles or other form of floor surface is not aligned accurately with the floor waste, which can result in poor drainage and/or spoil the aesthetic appeal. This problem is exacerbated when the floor waste is situated near a wall because the floor waste needs to be accurately aligned with both the floor surface and the wall surface.

Another problem encountered with some floor wastes, and in particular elongate floor wastes often used in showers or bathrooms, is that they can be difficult to secure to the drainage system extending underneath the floor.

Although the floor waste or drain described in the Applicant’s certified Innovation patent 2012101600 addresses or at least ameliorates the aforementioned problems, problems can occur when the Applicant’s floor waste or drain is not properly installed in accordance with instructions provided with the product. For example, incorrect installation can result in water not flowing into the floor waste or drain and remaining on the floor surface.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide an improved floor waste and/or floor waste assembly that addresses or at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems and/or provides a useful commercial alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally, embodiments of the present invention relate to floor wastes and/or floor waste assemblies comprising a recess for receiving water and a lip or flange extending from a wall of the recess. The lip or flange supports a floor surface or covering and in conjunction with the wall of the recess provide alignment for the floor surface or covering, and in particular for one or more tiles, around the recess. The wall and/or the flange comprise one or more apertures to allow passage therethrough of water to the recess.

Generally, embodiments of the present invention can comprise an outlet extending from a base of the recess, the outlet comprising a thread to facilitate the option of attaching various attachments of a drainage system thereto.

In one form, although not necessarily the broadest or only form, the present invention resides in a floor waste comprising: a recess for receiving water; and a flange extending outwardly from a wall of the recess to provide support for a floor surface external to the recess; the wall extending above a level of the flange to provide alignment for the floor surface; wherein the wall and/or the flange comprises one or more apertures.

Preferably, the wall and/or the flange comprise a plurality of evenly or unevenly spaced apertures to allow passage therethrough of water to the recess.

Suitably, the apertures are provided in one or more walls and/or in one or more flanges and preferably at least in opposing walls and/or flanges.

Suitably, the one or more apertures are circular, or semi-circular, or square, or rectangular or another shape or a combination thereof that allows the passage therethrough of water.

Suitably, one or more circular apertures are formed in sheet metal and the sheet metal is folded to form the floor waste such that one or more semicircular apertures are formed at least in the wall to allow passage therethrough of water to the recess.

Suitably, the floor surface comprises one or more tiles.

Preferably, an outlet extends from a base of the recess, the outlet comprising a thread to facilitate the attachment of a drainage pipe thereto.

Suitably, the thread is an external thread or an internal thread.

Suitably, the flange extends perpendicularly, or substantially perpendicularly, from the wall of the recess.

Suitably, the flange is continuous around a perimeter of the recess.

Suitably, a height of the wall from the flange to a top of the wall is comparable to a distance the flange extends from the wall.

Preferably, a base of the recess is below a level of the flange.

Preferably, the base of the recess is inclined in at least one direction toward an aperture in the base from which the outlet extends.

Suitably, the recess is rectangular, square, circular or other regular or irregular polygon in shape.

Further forms and/or features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein: FIG 1 is a perspective view of a floor waste according to embodiments of the present invention; FIG 2 is another perspective view of the floor waste shown in FIG 1; FIG 3 is a cross sectional view of the floor waste shown in FIG 1 in situ showing a floor covering; FIG 4 is a perspective view of the floor waste according to another embodiment; FIG 5 is a rendered perspective view of the floor waste shown in FIG 4; FIG 6 is a plan view of the floor waste shown in FIG 4; FIG 7 is a side view of the floor waste shown in FIG 4; FIG 8 is a cross sectional view of the floor waste shown in FIG 4; FIGS 8A-8D illustrate cross-sectional views of floor wastes according to alternative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a cover for the floor waste shown in FIG 10; FIG 10 is a perspective view of a floor waste for receiving the cover shown in FIG 9; and FIG 11 is a cross sectional view of the floor waste shown in FIG 10;

Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention relate to floor waste assemblies and floor wastes, in particular for use in bathrooms, showers and shower rooms both indoors and outdoors. Flowever, embodiments of the present invention are applicable to use in other applications where the drainage of water is required.

With reference to FIG 1, a floor waste 12 comprises a recess 16 for receiving water. The recess 16 comprises a base 18 and a wall 20 extending upwardly from the base 18. The base 18 comprises an aperture 22 therethrough and an outlet 24 extending from the base 18 and aligned with the aperture 22 to allow egress of water from the recess 16.

The floor waste 12 comprises a flange 26 extending outwardly from the wall 20 of the recess 16 to provide alignment and support for a floor surface, such as one or more tiles or other floor covering, external to the recess 16.

The integrated flange 26 enables users, such as trades people, and in particular tilers, to accurately, easily and therefore quickly align the floor surface with the floor waste 12 and provide a support for the floor surface.

In some embodiments, the flange 26 extends perpendicularly, or substantially perpendicularly, from the wall 20 of the recess 16. As shown in FIG 1, the flange 26 is continuous around a perimeter of the recess 16 to provide support and alignment for the floor surface on all sides of the floor waste 12. The flange 26 can also comprise rounded corners to avoid sharp edges that may be dangerous or may damage membranes typically used for sealing in wet environments. A height of the wall 20 from the level of the flange 26 to a top of the wall 20 is comparable to a distance the flange 26 extends from the wall 20. This size of flange 26 provides sufficient support for the floor surface and helps to ensure there is a flow of water from the floor surface down into the recess 16. It can be seen from FIG 3 that the base 18 of the recess 16 is at a lower level than the flange 26, which also aids the user in achieving the correct relationship between the floor surface and the floor waste 12. FIG 3 shows the floor surface in the form of tiles 27 supported by the flange 26 and aligned with the walls 20A, 20B of the floor waste 12. The top of tiles 27 are slightly higher than the top of the walls 20A, 20B to ensure there is water flow from the floor surface down into the floor waste 12. In some embodiments, the top of the tiles are at least 2.5mm above the top of the walls 20A, 20B. Although not shown, a sealing material, such as a silicone seal is provided between the flange 26 and the tiles 27 and between the wall 20 and the tiles 27.

As shown in FIG 1 and in FIG 3, the outlet 24 comprises a thread 28 to facilitate attachment of a drainage pipe (not shown) to the outlet. The thread can be an external thread as shown in FIGS 1 and 3, or can be an internal thread if required for the application. Thread 28 aids secure and accurate attachment of a drainage pipe to the floor waste 12.

With reference to FIG 2, it will be appreciated that the rectangular or elongate floor waste 12 as shown can be considered to have four walls 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D with walls 20A and 20B being parallel, or substantially parallel, walls 20C and 20D being parallel, or substantially parallel and walls 20A and 20B being perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular to walls 20C and 20D.

With reference to FIGS 2 and 3, the base 18 of the recess 16 is inclined in at least one direction toward the aperture 22 in the base to facilitate water flow in the recess to the aperture 22 and the outlet 24. In the embodiment shown in FIGS 2 and 3, base 18 is inclined in multiple directions toward the aperture 22. FIG 3 shows that base 18 is inclined from walls 20A and 20B on opposite sides of recess 16 down toward a longitudinal centre line 30 of the base 18. FIG 2 shows that base 18 is also inclined from walls 20C and 20D on opposite sides of recess 16 down toward a transverse centre line 32 of the base 18.

With reference to FIGS 4-8, another embodiment of the floor waste 12 comprises a recess 16 for receiving water, the recess 16 comprising a base 18 and a wall 20 extending upwardly from the base 18. Although not shown in FIGS 4-8, the base 18 can comprise an aperture 22 therethrough and an outlet 24 extending from the base 18 and aligned with the aperture 22 to allow egress of water from the recess 16, as shown in FIGS 1-3 and described herein.

The floor waste 12 comprises a flange 26 extending outwardly from the wall 20 of the recess 16 to provide alignment and support for a floor surface, such as one or more tiles, external to the recess 16 as described herein. The integrated flange 26 enables users, such as trades people, and in particular tilers, to accurately, easily and therefore quickly align the floor surface with the floor waste 12 and provide a support for the floor surface. The floor surface can be aligned with the wall 20.

As shown in FIGS 4-8, and with particular reference to FIG 8, the wall 20 of the recess 16 of the floor waste 12 can be stepped. For example, wall 20 can comprise vertical, or substantially vertical first wall portion 21A and vertical, or substantially vertical second wall portion 21B. A portion of the flange 26 couples, or extends between the first wall portion 21A and the second wall portion 21B. Flence, the embodiment of the floor waste 12 shown in FIGS 4-8 can be considered to have an external flange 26A and an internal flange 26B on both sides of the floor waste 12.

It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments the floor waste 12 shown in FIGS 4-8 can alternatively comprise a wall 20 that is not stepped such that first wall portion 21A and second wall portion 21B are vertically aligned, as shown in FIG 8A. In such an embodiment, the floor waste comprises an external flange 26A on both sides of the floor waste 12, but does not comprise an internal flange 26B on either side of the floor waste 12.

In a further alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG 8B, the external flange 26A is provided on one side of the floor waste 12 without the internal flange 26B. The opposite side of the floor waste 12 does not comprise the external flange 26A or the internal flange 26B.

In another alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG 8C, the external flange 26A is provided on one side of the floor waste 12 with the internal flange 26B. The opposite side of the floor waste 12 does not comprise the external flange 26A or the internal flange 26B.

In a further alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG 8D, the external flange 26A is provided on one side of the floor waste 12 with the internal flange 26B. The opposite side of the floor waste 12 does not comprise the external flange 26A, but comprises the internal flange 26B.

Further alternative embodiments of the floor waste 12 are envisaged comprising multiple steps, i.e. multiple internal flanges 26B on either or both sides of the floor waste.

It will be appreciated that such embodiments can also be formed by suitably folding or roll forming metal or molding a suitable plastics material or fibreglass.

To address, or at least ameliorate the problem of water not flowing into the floor waste or drain and remaining on the floor surface, for example due to incorrect installation of the floor waste, the wall 20 and/or the flange 26 comprises one or more apertures 33. In the embodiment shown in FIGS 4-8, the wall 20 and/or the flange 26 comprises a plurality of evenly spaced apertures 33 to allow the passage therethrough of water to the recess 16. In some embodiments centres of the apertures 33 are spaced 50mm apart, although other spacings between the apertures can of course be used. In alternative embodiments, the plurality of apertures 33 can be unevenly spaced. The apertures 33 are provided in one or more of the walls and/or in one or more of the flanges. In the embodiment shown in FIGS 4-8, the apertures 33 are provided at least in opposing walls 20 and/or flanges 26.

Whilst FIGS 4-8 do not show the floor waste 12 comprising end walls, as in the previous embodiment, the embodiment shown in FIGS 4-8 can comprise end walls, which can be provided with one or more apertures 33 or without such apertures 33. The end walls can be provided with or without the flange 26. Therefore, in some embodiments the floor waste 12 can be formed in long lengths and cut to the desired length. After cutting the floor waste to the desired length, the end walls can be affixed by any suitable known technique, for example by welding, if the floor waste is made from steel.

The one or more apertures 33 can be of any suitable shape providing they are of sufficient size to allow the passage of water therethrough. The apertures 33 can be, for example, 10mm in diameter although other sizes of the apertures 33 can of course be used. The apertures 33 can be, for example, circular or semi-circular. In the embodiment shown in FIGS 4-8, circular apertures 33 are formed in sheet metal and the sheet metal is folded, for example by roll forming, to form the floor waste 12 such that semi-circular apertures 33 are formed in the wall 20, specifically in the first wall portion 21 A, to allow passage therethrough of water to the recess 16. The sheet metal is folded such that semi-circular apertures 33 are formed in part of the external flange 26A. However, the sheet metal is folded such that an underside of the flange 26 blocks the semi-circular apertures 33 in the external flange 26A. Hence, water flows through the semi-circular apertures 33 in the first wall portion 21A into the recess 16. The internal flange 26B, second wall portion 21B, recess 16 and the other side of the floor waste are similarly formed by folding the sheet metal. In other embodiments, the apertures 33 can be other shapes, such as, but not limited to square or rectangular or another shape or a combination thereof.

In other embodiments, the floor waste 12 can be molded from any suitable plastic using known techniques.

Whilst the floor waste 12 is shown in FIGS 1-8 as being generally rectangular or elongate in shape, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited by the shape. The floor waste 12 can be, for example, square, circular or other regular or irregular polygon in shape. FIG 9 shows an example of a cover 44, and FIGS 10 and 11 show an example of a floor waste 12, for a floor waste assembly having a square shape.

The cover 44 comprises an upper surface 45 with apertures 46 to allow water to flow therethrough and side walls 47 extending from the upper surface 45. The cover 44 is received within the recess 16 of the floor waste 12 and is supported by the recess 16 such that the upper surface 45 of the cover 44 is vertically spaced apart from the base 18 of the recess 16. However, the cover 44 does not form part of the present invention.

The embodiment shown in FIGS 10 and 11 comprises many of the same features as the embodiment described above in relation to the embodiment shown in FIGS 1 -8, except that walls 20A-20D of recess 16 are of equal length and the base 18 of the recess 16 in this example is not inclined in at least one direction toward the aperture 22. Although the embodiment shown in FIGS 10 and 11 does not show the apertures 33 shown in FIGS 4-8, it will be appreciated that the embodiment shown in FIGS 10 and 11 can comprise one or more such apertures 33. FIG 11 also illustrates one method by which the flange 26 can be formed on the wall 20 of the recess 16 of the floor waste 12. In this embodiment, the floor waste 12 is made from a suitable metal, such as sheet stainless steel or an alloy, and the flange 26 is formed by folding of the sheet stainless steel or alloy, for example by roll forming. Flowever, it will be appreciated that other methods and materials can be used to form the floor waste 12 and the flange 26. For example, the floor waste including the flange can be molded from a suitable plastics material or formed using fibreglass.

Flence, the floor waste assemblies, floor wastes and wall accessories according to embodiments of the present invention address or at least ameliorate at least some of the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

The outwardly extending flange 26 of the floor waste 12 provides alignment and support for a floor surface, such as one or more tiles, external to the recess 14, which enables users to accurately, easily and therefore quickly align the floor surface, such as one or more tiles, with the floor waste 12 and provide a support for the floor surface. The flange 26 enables users to quickly and easily install a functional and watertight floor waste that is also accurately positioned with respect to the floor surface and therefore aesthetically pleasing. The wall 20 extends above a level of the flange to provide alignment for the floor surface. The one or more apertures provided in the wall and/or the flange 26 allow passage therethrough of water to the recess 14 in instances where the floor waste has not been installed correctly to prevent or at least minimise the amount water not flowing into the floor waste.

The thread 28 on the outlet 24 of the floor waste 12 facilitates secure, accurate and therefore easy attachment of a drainage pipe, or other part of a drainage system to the floor waste 12.

In this specification, the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising” or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system, method or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. It is to be appreciated by those of skill in the art that various modifications and changes can be made in the particular embodiments exemplified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A floor waste comprising: a recess for receiving water; an external flange extending outwardly from a wall of the recess to provide support for a floor surface external to the recess; the wall extending at least above a level of the external flange to provide alignment for the floor surface; wherein the wall and/or the external flange comprises one or more apertures allowing the passage of water therethrough into the recess; and wherein the floor waste is formed by folding a sheet of metal to integrally form the recess, the wall and the external flange.

2. The floor waste of claim 1, wherein: a plurality of the apertures are evenly or unevenly spaced along the wall and/or the external flange; and/or the one or more apertures are circular or semi-circular or square or rectangular or a combination thereof.

3. The floor waste of claim 1 or 2, wherein: a) the external flange extends perpendicularly, or substantially perpendicularly, from the wall; and/or b) the external flange is continuous around a perimeter of the recess; and/or c) a height of the wall from the external flange to a top of the wall is comparable to a distance the external flange extends from the wall; and/or d) the floor waste comprises an internal flange extending inwardly from the wall of the recess.

4. The floor waste of claim 3, wherein the wall comprises a first wall portion extending above the level of the external flange and a second wall portion extending below the level of the internal flange and the sheet metal is folded to form the external flange and the internal flange which extend between the first wall portion and the second wall portion such that the wall is stepped.

5. The floor waste of claim 1, wherein the sheet of metal is folded at: substantially 90 degrees to form the external flange and an external portion of the wall extending above the level of the external flange; and substantially 180 degrees inwardly to form an internal wall portion extending below the level of the external flange; and substantially 90 degrees to form the recess.