AU2017101260A4

AU2017101260A4 - Modular wastewater pipe assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2017101260A4
Application number: AU2017101260A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Shuning Huang
Original assignee: Buildom Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Buildom Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2017-09-14
Filing date: 2017-09-14
Publication date: 2017-10-26
Anticipated expiration: 2025-09-14
Also published as: WO2019051532A1; AU2018333832A1

Abstract

There is provided a modular wastewater assembly for stackable building units, comprising, a plurality of generally identical wastewater pipe units, whereby each wastewater pipe unit of said plurality of generally identical wastewater pipe 5 units, being configured to be located within a respective stackable building unit, each said wastewater pipe unit including multiple inlets and at least one outlet, said plurality of generally identical wastewater pipe units being stackable, wherein said at least one outlet of an overlaying wastewater pipe unit connects with one of said inlets of said underlying wastewater pipe unit. 26a 26b 26c 28a 28c 28b Figure 1

Description

MODULAR WASTEWATER PIPE ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a modular wastewater drainage system for stackable building units.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Buildings constructed from modular building units have become increasingly popular due to the reduced cost of construction per square metre and ability to transport or translocate the building. These modular building units can serve various purposes, including accommodation, office space, ablutions or as an educational space.

One of the advantages with modular building units is that they can be constructed offsite and then transported to where they are required, to form a building.

The modular building units can also have some of the services, such as electrical cables, preinstalled and many of the internal structures such as walls, kitchens and cupboards can be prefabricated prior to transport.

Another advantage with buildings constructed from modular building units is that they can be deconstructed with relative ease and moved to another location. This is especially advantageous where temporary accommodation or shelter is required.

The modular building units therefore have several advantages over the prior and conventional building methods.

However, buildings constructed from modular building units do suffer from some issues. For instance, once constructed a building comprising modular building units may be difficult to expand in size or add to, due to the pre-existing services, such as the plumbing, that may be difficult to access.

The term wastewater used throughout the specification should be given its usual definition and includes greywater and blackwater (sewage). Although the reader should appreciate that the invention could be separately used for wastewater or blackwater where required.

It should be appreciated that any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification is included solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention and should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art was widely known or formed part of the common general knowledge in the field as it existed before the priority date of the application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, but not necessarily the broadest or only aspect, there is proposed a modular wastewater assembly for stackable building units, comprising, a plurality of generally identical wastewater pipe units, whereby each wastewater pipe unit of said plurality of generally identical wastewater pipe units, being configured to be located within a respective stackable building unit, each said wastewater pipe unit including multiple inlets and at least one outlet, said plurality of generally identical wastewater pipe units being stackable, wherein said at least one outlet of an overlaying wastewater pipe unit connects with one of said inlets of said underlying wastewater pipe unit.

In another aspect of the invention there is proposed a modular wastewater assembly for stackable building units, comprising, a first pipework manifold including a plurality of inlets and an outlet, a second pipework manifold including a plurality of inlets and an outlet, and an intermediate length of pipe extending between said first pipework manifold and said second pipework manifold, wherein the intermediate length of pipe is connected to the outlet of said first pipework manifold, and is connected to one of said plurality of inlets of said second pipework manifold, wherein at least some of said plurality of inlets of the first and second pipework manifolds can be selectively connected to ablutions pipework of a respective stackable building unit.

Preferably, the outlet of the second pipework manifold is connected to or in fluid communication with a sewage or wastewater discharge apparatus.

At least some of said inlet of the first and second pipework manifolds are sealed or include a cap wherein an installer can rupture the seal or remove the cap to access a preferred inlet.

In a preferred form the pipework manifolds include inlets at different orientations, wherein an installer can select a suitable inlet to connect a relevant pipe thereto.

The pipework manifolds are for use in relation to ablutions that may include bathroom sink drains, shower drains, toilet drains, kitchen sink drains and laundry drains.

In one form an interconnection inlet is set above and coaxially aligns the outlet. The interconnection inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet by way of a curved conduit which bypasses the other plurality of inlets of the pipework manifold.

The pipework manifold may include a passageway that branches into several openings, wherein each of said several openings may act as an inlet, such that the multiple inlets lead to the outlet located at the end of the passageway.

In one form the passageway is configured to extending generally vertically and at least some of the inlets are perpendicular to the generally vertically passageway.

At least some of the inlets of the pipework manifold extend horizontally outwardly therefrom, wherein at least some inlets are perpendicular to other inlets of a respective pipework manifold on a horizontal plane.

The inlets of the pipework manifold may be of different sizes. In one form the pipework manifold could be generally understood to include three sides that are perpendicular to an adjoining side, wherein a large and small inlet extend outwardly from each of said three sides.

The intermediate length of pipe that extends between the first and second pipework manifolds can be of any length and may be cut to size by an installer. The intermediate length of pipe may be a single length of pipe or multiple lengths of pipe connected with corresponding joiners or junction members.

In another aspect of the invention there is proposed a plurality of modular building units each including a cavity for placement of a respective wastewater pipe unit therein, each respective wastewater pipe unit including a pipework manifold, wherein the modular building unit can be stacked such that the respective wastewater pipe units are connectable by way of the pipework manifolds to thereby form a modular wastewater assembly.

The pipework manifold is preferably injection moulded and constructed from a plastics material, such as but not limited to cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and chlorinated polyvinyl chlorine (CPVC). In one form at least some of the inlets are fabricated as blind ended tubes, whereby an installer is able to cut off the end of the required blind ended tube to access a selected inlet.

In another aspect of the invention there is propose a method of installing a wastewater system for stackable building units, including the steps of, providing a modular wastewater assembly comprising a plurality of generally identical pipework manifolds, each of the generally identical pipework manifolds comprising multiple inlets and an outlet, locating a first pipework manifold of said generally identical units, within a first building unit of said stackable building units, connecting an outlet of said first pipework manifold to a sewage system or wastewater discharge apparatus, the first pipework manifold directing wastewater from the first building unit toward the sewage system or wastewater discharge apparatus, locating a second pipework manifold of said generally identical units, within a second building unit of said stackable building units, connecting an outlet of said second pipework manifold to an inlet of said first pipework manifold, the second pipework manifold directing wastewater from the second building unit toward the sewage system or wastewater discharge apparatus via the first pipework manifold.

The above method wherein at least one building unit is stacked on the top of the second building unit, wherein a respective pipework manifold is connected to the second pipework manifold or an underlying pipework manifold whereby the wastewater is directed towards the sewage system or wastewater discharge apparatus via the first pipework manifold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate implementations of the invention and, together with the description and claims, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the pipework manifold of the present invention, illustrating the multiple inlets;

Figure 2 is a perspective of the pipework manifold of Figure 1 illustrating the multiple inlets in a sealed or closed arrangement;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the pipework manifold of Figure 1, illustrating the outlet, inlets, conduit and passageway;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the pipework manifold of Figure 1 connected to ablutions infrastructure within a building unit;

Figure 5 is a side view of one configuration of the modular wastewater assembly illustrating the connection of different types of pipework to the inlets and the interconnection of the pipework manifolds;

Figure 6 is a side view of one configuration of the modular wastewater assembly located within stacked building modules; and

Figure 7 is a side schematic view of a building comprising stackable building units with modular wastewater assembly installed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED AND EXEMPLIFIED EMBODIMENTS

Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. Dimensions of certain parts shown in the drawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purposes of clarity or illustration.

Referring to the drawings for a more detailed description, there is illustrated a modular wastewater drainage system 10, demonstrating by way of examples, arrangements in which the principles of the present invention may be employed.

As the reader will appreciate the modular wastewater drainage system 10 comprises a plurality of pipework manifolds 12, which could also be understood to be generally identical wastewater pipe units, and interconnecting lengths of pipe 14, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The pipework manifolds 12 are positionable within respective stackable building units 16, which each includes a pipe receiving cavity 18.

Turning back to Figures 1 and 2 there is illustrated one embodiment of the pipework manifold 12 for use in the modular wastewater drainage system 10.

The pipework manifold 12 includes an outlet 20 for fluid communication with a sewage system or wastewater discharge apparatus, an interconnection inlet 22 for fluid connection with an overlaying pipework manifold 12, and a plurality of inlets 26a, 26b, 26c, 28a, 28b, 28c, for connection with ablutions infrastructure within the building unit 16 in which the pipework manifold 12 is located or associated with.

As illustrated in Figure 3, the interconnection inlet 22 is in fluid communication with the outlet 20 by way of curved conduit 30, which bypasses the inlets 26a, 26b, 26c, 28a, 28b, 28c. A passageway 32 extends upwardly from where the curved conduit 30 branches off adjacent the outlet 20.

As illustrated in Figure 2, it is envisaged that the inlets 26a, 26b, 26c, 28a, 28b, 28c will be sealed or at least include a cap, wherein an installer can rupture the seal or remove the cap to access a preferred inlet. In this way depending upon the configuration or requirements of the ablutions infrastructure the drainage system can be easily tailored to suit.

The pipework manifold 12 may be injection moulded and constructed from a plastics material wherein the installer cuts off a blind end, as shown in Figure 2, to expose a selected inlet 26a, 26b, 26c, 28a, 28b, 28c.

As illustrated in Figure 5, an S-bend type pipe 34 may be connected to outlet 26a, which is obscured in the figures, however the reader should appreciate that the S-bend type pipe 34 may be connected to any of Inlets 26a, 26b or 26c. Inlets 26a, 26b, 26c, 28b are of a different diameter to inlets 28a, 28c which can be used to connect pipes of different sizes. It should be appreciated that the pipework 34, 36, 38, 40 and associated couplings in the figures are provided only for illustration purpose and other sized pipes or configurations could be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

As the reader will appreciate the inlets 26a, 26b, 26c, 28a, 28b, 28c at different orientations means that an installer can select a suitable inlet to connect a relevant pipe thereto.

As shown in Figure 4, pipework 36 is connected to a bathroom sink 42, including a sinkhole 44 and relevant tapware 46. The pipework 38 in the present embodiment is connected to a toilet 48. The reader will appreciate that the pipework manifold can be connected to different ablutions infrastructure, such as, bathroom sink drains, shower drains, toilets, kitchen sink drains and laundry drains.

As further illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the modular wastewater drainage system 10, includes appropriate boots or seals 50, 52, where the system passes through the floor/roof member 54 of the modular building unit 16.

To further illustrate the various configurations that can be used Figure 6 shows different pipe configurations connected to pipework manifolds 12a, 12b and 12c. It should be appreciated that these are only provided as for illustrative purposes and other configuration could be used.

As illustrated in Figure 7, the modular wastewater drainage system 10 can be used in a building 56 comprising stackable building units 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, with a modular wastewater assembly installed comprising respective pipework manifolds 12a to 12h, and interconnecting lengths of pipe 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, located within respective pipe receiving cavities 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d.

The pipework manifold 12a of building unit 16a is connected to a sewage system or wastewater discharge apparatus 58 located within or extending through the ground 60. The pipework manifold 12h of building unit 16d includes a cap or blind end (not shown) that can be removed or cut to access the drainage system 10 if another building unit or units are placed on top of the stacked building units.

The skilled addressee will now appreciate the advantages of the illustrated invention over the prior art. In one form the invention provides a pipework manifold 12 that can be used to easily connect different configurations of pipework and to interconnect drainage systems of overlaying modular building units of a building structure. The provision of various inlets that can be selectively accessed provides significant advantages over the existing prior art.

Various features of the invention have been particularly shown and described in connection with the exemplified embodiments of the invention, however it must be understood that these particular arrangements merely illustrate the invention and it is not limited thereto. Accordingly, the invention can include various modifications, which fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A modular wastewater assembly for stackable building units, comprising, a first pipework manifold including a plurality of inlets and an outlet, a second pipework manifold including a plurality of inlets and an outlet, and an intermediate length of pipe extending between said first pipework manifold and said second pipework manifold, wherein the intermediate length of pipe is connected to the outlet of said first pipework manifold, and is connected to one of said plurality of inlets of said second pipework manifold, wherein at least some of said plurality of inlets of the first and second pipework manifolds can be selectively connected to ablutions pipework of a respective stackable building unit.

2. The modular wastewater assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of inlets are positioned in different orientations, whereby an individual inlet can be selectively accessed to connect relevant ablutions pipework thereto.

3. A plurality of modular building units each including a cavity for placement of a respective wastewater pipe unit therein, each respective wastewater pipe unit including a generally identical pipework manifold, wherein the modular building unit can be stacked wherein the respective wastewater pipe units are connectable by way of the generally identical pipework manifolds to thereby form a modular wastewater assembly.

4. A method of installing a wastewater system for stackable building units, including the steps of, providing a modular wastewater assembly comprising a plurality of generally identical pipework manifolds, each of the generally identical pipework manifolds comprising multiple inlets and an outlet, locating a first pipework manifold of said generally identical units, within a first building unit of said stackable building units, connecting an outlet of said first pipework manifold to a sewage system or wastewater discharge apparatus, the first pipework manifold directing wastewater from the first building unit toward the sewage system or wastewater discharge apparatus, locating a second pipework manifold of said generally identical units, within a second building unit of said stackable building units, connecting an outlet of said second pipework manifold to an inlet of said first pipework manifold, the second pipework manifold directing wastewater from the second building unit toward the sewage system or wastewater discharge apparatus via the first pipework manifold.

5. The method of installing a wastewater system for stackable building units in accordance with claim 4, wherein the first and second pipework manifolds include selectably accessible inlets, wherein the selectably accessible inlets are sealed or include a cap whereby an installer can rupture the seal or remove the cap to access a preferred inlet.