AU2017101546A4 - A pipe branch piece - Google Patents

Abstract

(Figure 2) The present invention concerns a pipe branch piece for use in a wastewater downpipe in a multi storey building. The piece branch piece includes a conduit body configured to form a junction between an upper downpipe portion, a lower downpipe portion and at least one supply pipe from a storey of a multi-storey building. The pipe branch piece further includes a flow path defining member configured to longitudinally extend within the conduit body in a substantially vertical orientation to define a first flow path for wastewater flowing from an upper inlet opening to an opposed lower outlet opening and a second flow path for wastewater flowing from at least one supply pipe inlet opening to the lower outlet opening. The pipe branch piece includes a deflecting region located directly beneath the inlet opening and formed from an upper portion of the flow path defining member. The deflecting region includes at least one diverting protrusion protruding upwardly from the deflecting region and configured to at least partially divert wastewater flowing across the at least one diverting protrusion. The deflecting region further includes at least one ventilation passage defined at least partially beneath the at least one diverting protrusion and configured to enable air pressure equalisation between the first flow path and the second flow path. 110Oa 2222 154 230 110b 1121 3 Figure 2

Description

A PIPE BRANCH PIECE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe branch piece for use in wastewater downpipes, particularly for use with multi-storey buildings.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A pipe branch piece, also known as a stack diverter, is a shaped component typically found in downpipes fitted to multi-storey buildings. The piece is generally used to form a junction between a downpipe and a supply pipe extending from a storey of a multi-storey building.

[0003] Apart from forming a junction, a pipe branch piece is usually also configured to prevent a formation of negative pressure within a supply pipe connected to a downpipe via the piece. This negative pressure typically arises from wastewater flowing at high velocity within the downpipe and is, thus, particularly prevalent in multi-storey buildings. Indeed, in some scenarios, the negative pressure formed in the downpipes of multi-storey buildings can be so great that water may be siphoned out of a trap seal associated with a corresponding wastewater outlet, such as, e.g., a toilet, connected to a supply pipe from a storey of the building.

[0004] Pipe branch pieces have been developed that limit or reduce the formation of negative pressure by slowing the flow of wastewater falling within an associated downpipe. This has been achieved through the use of one or more slowing elements arranged within the piece.

[0005] However, a disadvantage with such pieces is that the slowing elements can negatively affect the performance of the pieces by impeding the volume flow of wastewater through the pieces. This, in turn, causes a back-up of wastewater within the pipe branch piece as well as the downpipe.

[0006] Consequently, pipe branch pieces have been developed that generally have larger dimensions to counter the slowing effect of slowing elements and achieve a comparable performance to a pipe branch piece without such elements. However, this, in turn, is undesirable since a larger installation space is required.

[0007] AU 2011224069 B2 discloses a pipe branch piece that claims to address the above disadvantages. However, the present inventor has found that the disclosed piece is overly complicated to manufacture and install, provides insufficient volume flow, and, due to multiple external features, such as, e.g., one or more bypass pipes, is prone to breakage.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide a pipe branch piece and parts thereof, a downpipe including the pipe branch piece and a method of use thereof, which may minimise or overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide a consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pipe branch piece for use in a wastewater downpipe in a multi-storey building, the pipe branch piece including: a conduit body for guiding wastewater flowing from an upper downpipe portion to a lower downpipe portion and from at least one supply pipe from a storey of the building to the lower downpipe portion, said body having an upper inlet opening connectable to the upper downpipe portion, an opposed lower outlet opening connectable to the lower downpipe portion and at least one supply pipe inlet opening connectable to the at least one supply pipe, said at least one supply pipe inlet opening located between the upper inlet opening and the lower outlet opening and orthogonally orientated relative to the upper inlet opening and the lower outlet opening; a flow path defining member configured to longitudinally extend within the body in a substantially vertical orientation to define a first flow path for the wastewater flowing from the upper inlet opening to the lower outlet opening and a second flow path for the wastewater flowing from the at least one supply pipe inlet opening to the lower outlet opening; a deflecting region located directly beneath the upper inlet opening and formed from an upper portion of the flow path defining member, said deflecting region configured to deflect wastewater flowing from the upper downpipe portion towards the first flow path; at least one diverting protrusion protruding upwardly from the deflecting region and configured to at least partially divert wastewater flowing across the diverting protrusion; and at least one ventilation passage defined at least partially beneath the at least one diverting protrusion and configured to enable air pressure equalisation between the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a conduit body for use or when used with the pipe branch piece of the first aspect, said conduit body having an upper inlet opening connectable to an upper downpipe portion, an opposed lower outlet opening connectable to a lower downpipe portion and at least one supply pipe inlet opening connectable to at least one supply pipe from a storey of the building, said at least one supply pipe inlet opening located between the upper inlet opening and the lower outlet opening and orthogonally orientated relative to the upper inlet opening and the lower outlet opening.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flow path defining member for use or when used with the pipe branch piece of the first aspect, said member configured to be received within a conduit body having an upper inlet opening, an opposed lower outlet opening and at least one supply pipe inlet opening, said member configured to define a first flow path for wastewater flowing from the upper inlet opening to the lower outlet opening of the conduit body and a second flow path for wastewater flowing from the at least one supply pipe inlet opening to the lower outlet opening of the conduit body, said member further including: a deflecting region configured to be located directly beneath the upper inlet opening and formed from an upper portion of the member, said deflecting region configured to deflect wastewater flowing from the upper inlet opening towards the first flow path; at least one diverting protrusion protruding upwardly from the deflecting region and configured to at least partially divert wastewater flowing across the diverting protrusion; and at least one ventilation passage defined at least partially beneath the at least one diverting protrusion and configured to enable air pressure equalisation between the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0012] Advantageously, the pipe branch piece of the present invention, in use, limits or reduces the formation of negative pressure in connected supply pipes while providing efficient volume flow by slowing a flow velocity of wastewater through the pipe branch piece with the deflecting region and the at least one diverting protrusion and by enabling air pressure equalisation between the first and second flow paths through the at least one ventilation passage. Moreover, the pipe branch piece of the present invention by being formed from PVC through injection moulding is more precisely formed than existing pipe branch pieces and is therefore able to be more readily connected to existing fittings and downpipe portions and/or pipes.

[0013] As used herein, the term “downpipe” refers to one or more pipes or pipe portions joined end-to-end to carry wastewater down a side of a building, typically to a drain or sewer.

[0014] Generally, downpipes extend externally down a side of a building in a substantially vertical orientation.

[0015] Typically, downpipes provide a conduit for a flow of wastewater to a drain.

[0016] As used herein, the term “supply pipe” refers to a pipe extending from a storey of a building and connectable at one end to a waste outlet, such as, e.g., a toilet, and at another end to a downpipe for drainage of wastewater. Typically, a supply pipe is connectable to a waste outlet via a trap seal.

[0017] Generally, negative pressure arises in supply pipes due to a high velocity flow of wastewater in a downpipe adjoined to the supply pipes. As mentioned above, in some scenarios, the negative pressure in the supply pipe may increase to the point that water is siphoned out of the trap seal associated with the supply pipe.

[0018] In principle, when wastewater flows down a downpipe it generally flows along an inner periphery of the downpipe thus defining a central column of air. The flowing movement of the wastewater along the inner periphery of the downpipe may cause the central column of air to be displaced in a pulsating movement. In this regard, the amount of pulsating movement directly correlates with wastewater flow velocity and a person skilled in the art will understand that large pulsating movements negatively effects the efficiency of a downpipe.

[0019] The conduit body of the pipe branch piece may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials. For example, the body may be formed from metal or plastic material or materials. Typically, however, the body may be formed from plastic material or materials, such as, e.g., high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), preferably PVC.

[0020] The body may include the inlet opening, the opposed outlet opening and at least one sidewall extending between the inlet opening and the outlet opening and defining the at least one supply pipe inlet opening.

[0021] The body may have a front configured to face a building when forming part of a downpipe fitted to the building, an opposed rear and opposed sides. The at least one supply pipe inlet may be defined in the at least one sidewall on any one of the front and opposed sides so as to be connectable to the at least one supply pipe from a storey of the building.

[0022] The at least one sidewall may include an internal surface and an opposed external surface. The at least one sidewall of the body may define a volume for accommodating a flow or flows of wastewater therethrough.

[0023] Generally, the body may have an elongate shape extending longitudinally between the inlet opening and the outlet opening.

[0024] Moreover, the body may preferably have a curved or partly curved shape that extends outwardly from each of the inlet opening and the outlet opening to a middle portion located therebetween, preferably to define the volume. Accordingly, the at least one sidewall may curve outwards from the inlet opening and the outlet opening to the middle portion.

[0025] The middle portion may have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. The rectangular cross-sectional shape having a long axis extending between the front and the opposed rear of the body.

[0026] Preferably, the at least one sidewall may include concave or convex contours, or combinations thereof.

[0027] The body may include strengthening ribs or indents, as is well known in the art. The body may include rounded corners extending between adjacent sidewalls. Similarly, the body may include rounded edges between adjacent sidewalls.

[0028] In some embodiments, the body may include at least one handle for handling the body and thus the pipe branch piece. The handle may be of any suitable size, shape and form. Typically, the handle may extend across the external surface of the at least one sidewall, preferably on an upper portion of the body.

[0029] In some embodiments, the body may include a tether point for tethering the body and thus the pipe branch piece to a line, anchoring device or the like. Like with the handle, the tether point may be of any suitable size, shape and form. Typically, the tether point may extend outwardly from the external surface of the at least one sidewall, preferably again on an upper portion of the body.

[0030] In preferred embodiments, the tether point may be in the form of a tab portion extending outwardly from the external surface of the at least one sidewall at a location adjacent to the upper inlet opening. The tab portion may include a central aperture for receiving a tether therethrough or the like. The tab portion may preferably be elongate and extend in a longitudinal direction across the external surface at least partially towards the lower outlet opening.

[0031 ] The conduit body may be of unitary construction or may be formed from two or more body pieces, for example.

[0032] For example, in some embodiments, the body may be formed from a lower body piece and an upper body piece connected to one another.

[0033] For example, in other embodiments, the body may be formed form a lower body piece, a middle body piece and an upper body piece connected to one another.

[0034] Generally, the body or body pieces may be formed by moulding, such as, e.g., injection or blow moulding, preferably injection moulding.

[0035] Each of the lower and upper body pieces may include one of the inlet opening and the outlet opening, a rim and at least one sidewall extending from the opening to the rim. The at least one sidewall may preferably curve outwards from the opening to the rim. The rim may extend from an outer edge portion of the at least one sidewall along an edge of the at least one sidewall.

[0036] The central body piece may include at least one supply inlet opening, a lower rim, and opposed upper rim and at least one sidewall extending between the lower rim and the upper rim. Each rim may extend from and along an edge portion of the at least one sidewall.

[0037] In some embodiments, the rims from the lower body piece and the upper body piece may be connectable to one another to form the conduit body.

[0038] In other embodiments, the rim of the lower body piece and the lower rim of the central body piece may be connectable and the rim of the upper body piece and the upper rim of the central body piece may be connectable to form the conduit body.

[0039] The rims may be connectable in any suitable way known in the art, preferably to provide a substantially water-tight seal.

[0040] For example, in some embodiments, the rims may be fastened together with at least one fastener. The at least one fastener may be of any suitable size, shape and form. The at least one fastener may include one or more mechanical fasteners and/or one or more chemical fasteners.

[0041] The one or more chemical fasteners may include a wet adhesive, a dry adhesive and/or double-sided adhesive tape that may extend between the rims or portions thereof.

[0042] The one or more mechanical fasteners may include threaded fasteners, which may extend through openings defined in or near the rims.

[0043] In other embodiments, the rims may connected together by a connecting mechanism or part of a connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism or part of the connecting mechanism may be of integral formation with each rim or an adjacent outer edge portion.

[0044] The connecting mechanism may include mateable male and female portions that couple together, such as, e.g., a threaded connection or an interference fit (snap fit) connection.

[0045] For example, in one such embodiment, one of the upper and lower body pieces may include a male formation associated with the rim of the edge portion configured to be at least partially inserted into or coupled with a female formation associated with the rim of the other of the upper and lower body pieces.

[0046] In another such embodiment, one of the upper and central body pieces may include a male formation associated with the rim of the edge portion configured to be at least partially inserted into or coupled with a female formation associated with the rim of the other of the upper and central body pieces.

[0047] Likewise, in another such embodiment, one of the central and lower body pieces may include a male formation associated with the rim of the edge portion configured to be at least partially inserted into or coupled with a female formation associated with the rim of the other of the central and lower body pieces.

[0048] In such embodiments, the male formation may be in the form of a narrower rim configured to be received in the female formation in the form of a wider rim, for example.

[0049] In some embodiments, the rims of body pieces may be welded together, preferably with solvent welding.

[0050] In some embodiments, the rims may be connected together with, or the connecting mechanism may include, a gasket or sealing member and/or sealing agent that is attached to or applied along one or both of the rims to be connected together to form a substantially water-tight seal. For example, the gasket or sealing member may be in the form of a strip of foam or rubber attached to one or both of the rims to be connected together. Any suitable sealing agent such as mastic sealant or the like may be used.

[0051] The upper inlet opening, the opposed lower outlet opening and the at least one supply pipe inlet opening may be of any suitable size and shape to be connectable to respective downpipe portions and supply pipes.

[0052] The openings may connect either directly or indirectly with the respective downpipe portions and supply pipes.

[0053] Each opening may generally include an associated collar to facilitate connection with a respective downpipe portion or pipe. The collar may be of any suitable size, shape and form.

[0054] The collar may or may not be integrally formed with the opening.

[0055] For example, in some embodiments, the collar may be a male or female threaded collar extending outwardly and at least partially about each opening and configured to threadingly engage with a corresponding threaded end of a respective downpipe portion or pipe.

[0056] In other embodiments, the collar may again extending outwardly and at least partially about each opening and include a flange extending about an outer edge of the collar. The flange may be connectable to a corresponding flange associated with an end of a respective downpipe portion or pipe. The flanges may be joined together with one or more threaded fasteners, wedges, clamps or other means of applying a compressive force.

[0057] In other embodiments, the collar may be in the form of a connecting mechanism or part of a connecting mechanism for connecting the openings and respective downpipe portions or pipes. The connecting mechanism or part of the connecting mechanism may or may not be integrally formed with each opening and/or respective downpipe portion or pipe.

[0058] The connecting mechanism may be as described above and may include mateable male and female portions that couple together, such as, e.g., a threaded connection, an interference fit (snap fit) connection or a bayonet-type connection, for example.

[0059] For example, in one such embodiment, each opening of the body may include at least one male formation associated with a periphery of the opening and configured to be at least partially inserted into or coupled to at least one female formation associated with an end of a respective downpipe portion or pipe.

[0060] Conversely, in another such embodiment, each opening of the body may include at least one female formation associated with the periphery of the opening and configured to at least partially receive or couple with at least one male formation associated with an end of a respective downpipe portion or pipe.

[0061] In some embodiments, the openings, the downpipe portions and/or pipes and/or fittings if present may be welded together, preferably with solvent welding.

[0062] The openings, collars, downpipe portions, pipes and/or any fittings if present, may also include a gasket or sealing member and/or a sealing agent that is attached to or applied along one or both of an end of a downpipe portion or pipe and the opening to which the downpipe portion or pipe is to be connected to form a substantially water-tight seal. The gasket, sealing member and/or sealing agent may be as described above.

[0063] Generally, each opening and each respective downpipe portion and pipe may have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape as is common in the art and may be of any suitable size to provide sufficient volume flow of wastewater.

[0064] For example, each opening may have a diameter of about 30mm, about 35mm, about 40mm, about 45mm, about 50mm, about 55mm, about 60mm, about 65mm, about 70mm, about 75mm, about 80mm, about 85mm, about 90mm, about 95mm, about 100mm, about 105mm, about 110mm, about 115mm, about 120mm, about 125mm, about 130mm, about 135mm, about 140mm, about 145mm or even about 150mm.

[0065] Typically, each opening may be provided in standard diameters, such as, e.g., about 32mm, about 40mm, about 50mm, about 65mm, about 80mm or about 100mm, for example.

[0066] In some embodiments, the body may include more than one supply pipe inlet for connecting to more than one supply pipe. For example, the body may include at least two supply pipe inlets, at least three supply pipe inlets, at least four supply pipe inlets, at least five supply pipe inlets, at least six supply pipe inlets, at least seven supply pipe inlets or even at least eight supply pipe inlets.

[0067] The supply pipe inlet openings may be located and arranged on the body in any suitable arrangement.

[0068] Typically, as indicated above, the supply pipe inlet openings may be located on the front and/or opposed sides of the body of the pipe branch pieces so as to be connectable to the supply pipes extending from a storey of a multi-storey building.

[0069] In some embodiments, for example, the pipe branch piece may include a pair of supply pipe inlet openings located on the front of the body. The pair may be arranged in a horizontal or vertical arrangement relative to one another, preferably a vertical arrangement. The supply pipe inlet openings may have the same diameter or different diameters. In preferred such embodiments, the pair of supply pipe inlet openings may include a first opening having 65mm diameter and a second opening having a 100mm diameter.

[0070] In other embodiments, the pipe branch piece may include three pairs of supply pipe inlet openings respectively located on the front and opposed sides of the body. Again, each pair may be arranged in a horizontal or vertical arrangement relative to one another, preferably a vertical arrangement. Also again, the supply pipe inlet openings may have the same diameter or different diameters. In preferred such embodiments, each pair may include a first opening having a 65mm diameter and a second opening having 100mm diameter.

[0071] In some embodiments in which the pipe branch pieces includes more than one supply pipe inlet opening, the pipe branch piece may further include at least one detachable cap for covering at least one unused said supply pipe inlet opening.

[0072] As indicated above, the pipe branch piece of the present invention further includes a flow path defining member configured to longitudinally extend at least partially within the body in a substantially vertical orientation to define the first flow path and the second flow path for wastewater flowing within the pipe branch piece.

[0073] The flow path defining member may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials. Like the body, the member may be formed from metal or plastic material or materials. Typically, the member may be formed from plastic material or materials, such as, e.g., HDPE or PVC, preferably PVC.

[0074] The member may be of unitary construction or may be formed from two or more member pieces connectable to one another.

[0075] The member may include a pair of opposed surfaces extending substantially parallel to one another and interconnected by opposing edges, including an upper edge (forming part of the upper portion), an opposed lower edge and opposed longitudinal side edges. The opposed surfaces may include a first flow path surface and an opposed second flow path surface.

[0076] Generally, the member may have an elongate plate-like shape extending longitudinally between the upper edge and the opposed lower edge. The member or at least a portion thereof may have a curved or angled shape.

[0077] For example, in some embodiments, the upper portion of the member may curve or angle towards the second flow path surface (or away from the first flow path surface) to preferably define the deflecting region. This will be described later.

[0078] In other embodiments, the member may have a curved shape with both the upper portion and an opposed lower portion curving or angling towards the second flow path surface (or away from the first flow path surface).

[0079] In some embodiments, the first flow surface of the member may also be curved in a lateral direction extending between the opposed side edges, preferably inwardly or concavely curved. Advantageously, the curved surface may at least partially facilitate in guiding wastewater along the first flow path and in slowing flow velocity.

[0080] In some embodiments, the entire member may be curved in a lateral direction extending between the opposed side edges. Typically, the opposed side edges may each curve or be angled towards the first flow path surface (or away from the second flow path). For example, the opposed side edges may be winged side edges. Advantageously, this may at least partially facilitate in guiding wastewater along the first flow path and in at least partially enhancing wastewater volume flow in the second flow path by creating greater volume in the second flow path.

[0081 ] The member may preferably extend entirely between opposed internal side surfaces of the body. In preferred embodiments, the opposed side edges of the member may abut against or rest against each internal side surface of the body, preferably to provide a substantially watertight seal.

[0082] The member may preferably be connectable to the body. The body member may be connectable in any suitable way so as to hold the member in the substantially vertical orientation to define the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0083] In some embodiments, the member may be fastened in place within the body by one or more fasteners, preferably to provide a substantially water-tight seal. The one or more fasteners may be of any suitable, size, shape and form. The one or more fasteners may include one or more mechanical fasteners and/or one or more chemical fasteners.

[0084] The one or more chemical fasteners may include a wet adhesive, a dry adhesive and/or double-sided adhesive tape that may extend between the side edges of the member and the internal surfaces of the sides of the body.

[0085] The one or more mechanical fasteners may include threaded fasteners.

[0086] In other embodiments, the member and the body may be connectable by a connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism or part of the connecting mechanism may be of integral formation with the member and/or the body.

[0087] The connecting mechanism may include mateable male and female portions that couple together, such as, e.g., a threaded connection, an interference fit (snap fit) connection or a hook-and-loop type connection.

[0088] For example, in one such embodiment, the internal surface of each side of the body may include at least one male formation configured to be at least partially inserted into or coupled with at least one female formation associated with each side edge or portion thereof of the member.

[0089] Conversely, in another such embodiment, the internal surface of each side of the body may include at least one female formation configured to at least partially receive or be coupled with at least one male formation associated with each side edge or portion thereof of the member.

[0090] In some embodiments, the body may include a female formation in the form of an elongate channel or groove at least partially extending in a substantially vertical direction along the internal surface of each side and the member may include a male formation in the form of a rail extending longitudinally along or near each side edge of the member. Each rail may be configured to engage and be retained within a respective said elongate channel or groove. Each rail may be moveable relative to the respective said elongate channel or groove, preferably slidable, so as to enable the member to be slid into position within the body when the pipe branch piece is being assembled.

[0091 ] The elongate channel or groove may be of any suitable cross-section, such as, e.g., C-shaped or U-shaped.

[0092] In some such embodiments, the elongate channel or groove may be defined in the internal surface of each side of the body.

[0093] In preferred other such embodiments, the elongate channel or groove may be defined upon the internal surface of each side of the body. For example, each elongate channel or groove may be defined by a pair of protrusions protruding outwardly from the internal surface of each side of the body and longitudinally extending parallel to one another at least partially along a length of the body.

[0094] The elongate channel or groove may include open ends or at least one end may be closed. For example, in some embodiments, the elongate channel or groove may include a closed lower end so as to prevent the rail and thereby the member from sliding out of position within the elongate channel or groove when connected.

[0095] In some embodiments, the rail may include a retaining member for retaining the rail and thereby the member in place when engaged within the elongate channel or groove. The retaining member may be of any suitable size, shape and form.

[0096] In some such embodiments, the retaining member may be in the form of a clip or hook associated with an end of the rail and configured to clip or hook over a corresponding end of one of the protrusions defining the elongate channel or groove. Preferably, the clip or hook may be associated with an upper end of the rail so as to hook or clip over an upper end of a corresponding protrusion defining the elongate channel or groove and prevent the rail and thereby the member from sliding out of position within the elongate channel or groove when connected.

[0097] In some such embodiments, the upper end of the protrusion may further include a slot in which at least a portion of the clip or hook is configured to be at least partially received when connected. The slot may be configured to snugly receive the at least a portion of the clip or hook. The slot may preferably be defined between the internal surface of the side of the body and the protrusion or part thereof.

[0098] In preferred embodiments, each rail may be defined on the second flow path surface of the member near a side edge so as to be engageable with a corresponding elongate channel or groove when the member is slid into position within the body.

[0099] In such embodiments, the retaining member associated with each rail and in the form of a clip or hook may extend from the upper end of each rail in a substantially lateral direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the rail, preferably at least partially towards the front of the body.

[00100] In some embodiments, the side edges of the member, the respective internal side surfaces of the body and/or the connecting mechanism may include a gasket or sealing member and/or sealing agent to provide the substantially water-tight seal between the member and the body.

[00101] The gasket, sealing member or agent may be attached to or applied along each of the side edges to form the substantially water-tight seal when connected or joined to an internal side surface. The gasket or sealing member may be in the form of a strip of foam or rubber attached to one or both of the rims to be connected together. Any suitable sealing agent such as mastic sealant or the like may be used.

[00102] In some embodiments, the side edges of the member may be welded to the internal side surfaces of the body, preferably solvent welded.

[00103] In some embodiments, the member may include an upper member piece and a lower member piece connectable to one another to form the member within the body. In such embodiments, each member piece may be associated with a body piece. For example, the upper member piece may be associated with the upper body piece or the central body piece and the lower member piece may be associated with the central body piece or the lower body piece.

[00104] As described above, each member piece may extend between opposed internal side surfaces of the body pieces to preferably provide a substantially water-tight seal. The member pieces may be connectable or fastened to the body pieces as described above, for example.

[00105] In some such embodiments, one of the upper and lower member pieces may be welded to the internal side surfaces of a respective body piece and the other of the upper and lower member pieces may be connectable to the one of the upper and lower member pieces. Preferably, the upper member piece may be welded to the internal side surface and the lower member piece may be connectable to the upper member piece.

[00106] The member pieces may be connectable in any suitable way so as to define the first flow path and the second flow path within the body.

[00107] In some embodiments, the member pieces may be fastened together by one or more fasteners. The one or more fasteners may include one or more mechanical fasteners and/or one or more chemical fasteners as previously described.

[00108] In other embodiments, the member pieces may be connectable by a connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism or part of the connecting mechanism may be of integral formation with member pieces.

[00109] As previously described, the connecting mechanism may include mateable male and female portions that couple together, such as, e.g., a threaded connection, an interference fit (snap fit) connection or a hook-and-loop type connection.

[00110] For example, in one such embodiment, the lower edge portion of the upper member piece may include at least one male formation configured to be at least partially inserted into or coupled with at least one female formation associated with an upper edge portion of the lower member piece.

[00111] Conversely, in another such embodiment, the lower edge portion of the upper member piece may include at least one female formation configured to at least partially receive or couple with at least one male formation associated with the upper edge portion of the lower member piece.

[00112] In preferred embodiments, the upper member piece may be welded to the internal side surfaces of the body and the lower member piece may be connectable to the upper member piece by a connecting mechanism and retained in place by a retaining member.

[00113] The retaining member may be of any suitable size, shape and form to retain the lower member piece in place when connected to the upper member piece.

[00114] Generally, the retaining member may be in the form of a protrusion protruding inwardly from at least one of the internal side surface of the body. The protrusion may have an upper surface defining a seat adapted to support at least a portion of the lower member piece and retain the lower member piece in place when connected to the upper member piece. The upper surface defining the seat may extend in a substantially perpendicular direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the body.

[00115] In preferred embodiments, the retaining member, in the form of a protrusion, may protrude inwardly from each of the opposed internal side surfaces of the body. Each protrusion may extend longitudinally at least partially along a length of the body and define a seat on the upper surface for supporting a lower corner of the lower member piece and retaining the lower member piece in place when connected to the upper member piece.

[00116] As indicated above, the deflecting region is configured to deflect wastewater received via the upper inlet opening of the body into the first flow path and is formed by the upper portion of the member. The deflecting region is additionally configured to slow a velocity of the wastewater flowing into and through the first flow path so as to, in use, reduce or limit the formation of negative pressure in the at least one supply pipe connectable to the piece branch piece.

[00117] The deflecting region may be formed by the member in any suitable way.

[00118] The deflecting region may or may not be integrally formed with the member.

[00119] Typically, however, the deflecting region may be formed by a curved or angled said upper portion of the member, preferably curved or angled towards the front of the body.

[00120] The upper portion may be curved or angled at any angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the body suitably configured to deflect the wastewater flowing from the upper inlet opening into the first flow path. For example, the upper portion may be curved or angled at an angle of about 20°, about 25°, about 30°, about 35°, about 40°, about 45°, about 50°, about 55°, about 60°, about 65° or about 70° relative to the longitudinal axis of the body. Typically, the upper portion of the member may be curved or angled at an angle of between about 30° to about 50° relative to the longitudinal axis of the body. Preferably, the upper portion of the of the member may be curved or angled at an angle of about 45° relative to the longitudinal axis of the body.

[00121] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that although the angle of the deflecting region relative to the longitudinal axis of the body has to be enough to deflect the wastewater to the first flow path and suitably slow the flow velocity of the wastewater, it cannot be too great so as to stall the flow of wastewater and increase the chance of wastewater backing up in the pipe branch piece.

[00122] The deflecting region may be located directly beneath the inlet opening of the body. In preferred embodiments, the deflecting region may be arranged and/or positioned such that it extends entirely beneath a cross-sectional area of the inlet opening. Advantageously, this ensures that most if not all wastewater flowing through the inlet opening flows across the deflecting region and is thus deflected and slowed.

[00123] As indicated above, the deflecting region includes at least one flow diverting protrusion protruding upwardly from the deflecting region for at least partially diverting and/or disrupting wastewater flowing across the protrusion. The at least one flow diverting protrusion is configured to at least partially facilitate the deflecting region in slowing the velocity of the wastewater flowing into and through the first flow path so as to, in use, reduce or limit the formation of negative pressure as described above.

[00124] The at least one flow diverting protrusion may be of any size, shape and form suitably adapted to disrupt wastewater flowing across the protrusion.

[00125] The at least one flow diverting protrusion may or may not be integrally formed with the deflecting region and/or the member, preferably the former.

[00126] In some embodiments, the at least one flow diverting protrusion may be in the form of substantially linear protrusion protruding upwards from the deflecting region and extending longitudinally in a lateral direction across the deflecting region. The linear protrusion may have a substantially rectangular shape. The linear protrusion may have rounded edges and/or corners.

[00127] In other embodiments, the at least one flow diverting protrusion may be in the form of a chevron-shaped protrusion protruding upwardly from the deflecting region, preferably with the apex of the chevron pointed towards the front of the body. Like the linear protrusion, the chevron-shaped protrusion may have rounded edges and/or corners.

[00128] In yet other embodiments, the at least one flow diverting protrusion may be in the form of an arc-shaped protrusion protruding upwards from the deflecting region, preferably with the ends of the arc-shaped protrusion pointed towards the rear of the body. The arc-shaped protrusion may be preferably be a circular arc- or semicircular arc-shaped protrusion. Again, the protrusion may have rounded edges and/or corners.

[00129] In preferred embodiments, the at least one flow diverting protrusion may be in the form of a ridged protrusion protruding upwardly from the deflecting region and having a ridge that extends longitudinally at least partially along the deflecting region and the member. The ridged protrusion may include a pair of opposed sides that slope or taper downwards from either side of the ridge towards the respective sides of the deflecting region and the member. The pair of opposing sides may slope or taper linearly or may curve down to the surface of the deflecting region.

[00130] In some embodiments, the pipe branch piece may include more than one diverting protrusion protruding upwardly from the deflecting region. For example, the pipe branch piece may include at least two diverting protrusions, at least three diverting protrusions, at least four diverting protrusions or even at least five diverting protrusions.

[00131] In such embodiments, the diverting protrusions may be arranged in any suitable arrangement atop the deflecting region. For example, in some such embodiments, the diverting protrusions may be arranged side-by-side across the deflecting region. In other such embodiments, the diverting protrusions may be arranged serially or in-line and spaced at least partially along a length of the deflecting region.

[00132] As indicated above, the pipe branch piece includes at least one ventilation passage defined at least partially beneath the at least one diverting protrusion. The at least one ventilation passage may be of any suitable size, shape and form to enable air pressure equalisation between the first flow path and the second flow path, typically with minimal wastewater flowing through the ventilation passage, preferably nil wastewater flowing through the ventilation passage.

[00133] Advantageously, by enabling pressure equalisation, flow-induced pressure pulsation is prevented or at least reduced and additionally negative pressure formation as described above is limited or reduced.

[00134] The at least one ventilation passage may typically provide a through passage between the first flow path and the second flow path, preferably through the deflecting region, so as to enable the air pressure equalisation between the first flow path and the second flow path.

[00135] Generally, the at least one ventilation passage may be sized and shaped such that it is at least partially covered by the at least one diverting protrusion. Preferably, the at least one ventilation passage is entirely covered by the at least one diverting protrusion when viewed from above through the upper inlet opening.

[00136] In some embodiments, the at least one diverting protrusion may provide a hooded opening to the at least one ventilation passage. The hooded opening may preferably face the rear of the body so as to minimise the ingress of wastewater into the at least one ventilation passage as wastewater flows into the upper inlet opening and over the at least one diverting protrusion into the first flow path.

[00137] In preferred embodiments, the at least one ventilation passage may be located entirely beneath the at least one diverting protrusion in the form of the ridged protrusion so that minimal if not nil wastewater flows through the ventilation passage into the second flow path. In such embodiments, the ridged protrusion may include the hooded opening in fluid communication with the at least one ventilation passage. Advantageously, the ridged protrusion at least partially facilitates in diverting wastewater flowing across the diverting protrusion around the hooded opening to thereby prevent the ingress of wastewater into the at least one ventilation passage.

[00138] In some embodiments, the at least one ventilation passage may include a one-way valve to prevent wastewater form flowing through the at least one ventilation passage to the second flow path.

[00139] In some embodiments, the at least one ventilation passage may include a mesh cover, screen or the like to at least partially prevent particulate and/or solid matter from clogging the at least one ventilation passage.

[00140] In some embodiments, the pipe branch piece may include more than one ventilation passage. For example, the pipe branch piece may include at least two ventilation passages, at least three ventilation passages, at least four ventilation passages, at least five ventilation passages, at least six ventilation passages, at least seven ventilation passages or even at least eight ventilation passages.

[00141] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a downpipe of a multi-storey building, said downpipe including at least one said pipe branch piece of the first aspect.

[00142] The downpipe may include one or more characteristics of the pipe branch piece as hereinbefore described.

[00143] Typically, the downpipe may include a pipe branch piece for each storey of the multistorey building.

[00144] Generally, the downpipe may be configured to be fitted to a multi-storey building having at least two storeys, preferably at least three storeys.

[00145] The downpipe may further include at least one expansion joint and/or inspection opening associated with each pipe branch piece. The at least one expansion joint and/or inspection opening may be associated with each pipe branch piece in any suitable way.

[00146] For example, the at least one expansion joint and/or inspection opening may be directly or indirectly connected to the pipe branch piece. The at least one expansion joint and/or inspection opening may be connected upstream or downstream of the pipe branch piece.

[00147] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of limiting or reducing a formation of negative pressure in a supply pipe connected to a downpipe of a multi-storey building, said method including: connecting the pipe branch piece of the first aspect between an upper downpipe portion, a lower downpipe portion and at least one supply pipe extending from a storey of the building.

[00148] The pipe branch piece and the downpipe may include one or more characteristics as hereinbefore described.

[00149] The pipe branch pieces may advantageously limit or reduce the formation of negative pressure by reducing flow velocity of wastewater flowing through the downpipe. Additionally, the pipe branch piece may prevent or at least reduce flow-induced pressure pulsation by enabling an equalisation of air pressure between the first flow path and the second flow path of the pipe branch piece thereby enhancing the efficiency of the downpipe.

[00150] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[00151] 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00152] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [00153] Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of a pipe branch piece according to an embodiment of the present invention; [00154] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the pipe branch piece as shown in Figure 1; [00155] Figure 3 is a sectional side view of the pipe branch piece as shown in Figures 1 and [00156] Figure 4 is an upper perspective view of a pipe branch piece according to another embodiment of the present invention; [00157] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the pipe branch piece as shown in Figure 4; and [00158] Figure 6 is a sectional side view of the pipe branch piece as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00159] Figures 1 to 3 show a pipe branch piece (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention for use in a wastewater downpipe for a multi-storey building.

[00160] The pipe branch piece (100) includes: a conduit body (110) for guiding wastewater from an upper downpipe portion to a lower downpipe portion and from at least one supply pipe to the lower downpipe portion; a flow path defining member (150; visible in Figures 2 and 3) configured to be received within the body (110) in a substantially vertical orientation to define a first flow path (310; shown in Figure 3) for wastewater flowing between the upper downpipe portion and the lower downpipe portion and a second flow path (320; shown in Figure 3) for wastewater flowing between the at least one supply pipe and the lower downpipe portion; a deflecting region (160; visible in Figures 2 and 3) formed from an upper portion of the flow path defining member (150) and configured to deflect wastewater flowing from the upper downpipe portion into the first flow path (310; shown in Figure 3); a diverting protrusion (170; visible in Figures 2 and 3) protruding upwardly from the deflecting region (160) and configured to divert wastewater flowing across the diverting protrusion (170); and a ventilation passage (180; visible in Figure 2) defined at least partially beneath the diverting protrusion (170; visible in Figures 2 and 3) to enable air pressure equalisation between the first flow path (310; shown in Figure 3) and the second flow path (320; shown in Figure 3).

[00161] Referring to Figure 1, the conduit body (110) is formed from plastic material, such as, e.g., PVC.

[00162] The conduit body (110) has an upper inlet opening (120) connectable to an upper downpipe portion, an opposed lower inlet opening (130) connectable to a lower down pipe portion and six supply pipe inlet openings (140) each connectable to a supply pipe.

[00163] The body (110) further includes at least one sidewall (112) extending between the inlet opening (120) and the outlet opening (130) and defining the six supply pipe inlet openings (140), which are orthogonally orientated relative to the inlet opening (120) and the outlet opening (130).

[00164] The body (110) has a front (113) configured to face a building when forming part of a downpipe fitted to the building, an opposed rear (114) and opposed sides (116).

[00165] The six supply pipe inlet openings (140) are defined in pairs on each of the front (113) and opposed sides (116) so as to each be connectable to a supply pipe from a storey of a building.

[00166] The at least one sidewall (112) includes an internal surface and an opposed external surface.

[00167] The body (110) has an elongate and substantially rounded shape extending longitudinally between the inlet opening (120) and the outlet opening (130).

[00168] The at least one sidewall (112) of the body (110) defines a volume for accommodating flows of wastewater therethrough. The body (110) curves outwardly from each of the inlet opening (120) and the outlet opening (130) to a middle portion located therebetween to define the volume.

[00169] The body (110) includes a tether point (190) for tethering the body (110) and thus the pipe branch piece (100) to a line, anchoring device or the like.

[00170] The tether point (190) is in the form of a tab portion (192) extending outwardly from the external surface of the at least one sidewall (112) adjacent to the upper inlet opening (120). The tab portion (192) includes a central aperture (194) for receiving a tether therethrough or the like. The tab portion (192) is elongate and extends in a longitudinal direction across the external surface at least partially towards the lower outlet opening (130).

[00171] Referring briefly to Figure 2, the body (110) is formed from an upper body piece (110a) and a lower body piece (110b) connectable to one another.

[00172] Each body piece (110a, 110b) is formed by injection moulding.

[00173] Each body piece (110a, 110b) includes an opening (120, 130), a rim (210) and the at least one sidewall (112) extending from the opening (120, 130) to the rim (210). For each piece (110a, 110b), the at least one sidewall (112) curves outwardly from the opening (120, 130) to the rim (210), which extends from an outer edge portion of the at least one sidewall (112) and along an edge of the at least one sidewall (112).

[00174] The rims (210) define the middle portion as discussed above, which has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape with a longitudinal axis extending between the front (113) and the opposed rear (114) of each of the body pieces (110a, 110b) or the body (110) when the pieces (110a, 110b) are connected together.

[00175] The rims (210) are connectable to one another to provide a substantially water-tight seal and form the conduit body (110).

[00176] In particular and as shown, the rim (210) of the upper body piece (110a) is configured to be received within the rim (210) of the lower body piece (110b). The overlapping rims (210) are then welded together with solvent welding to provide a substantially water-tight seal.

[00177] Referring back to Figure 1, each of the openings (120, 130, 140) is sized and shaped to be connectable to respective downpipe portions and supply pipes.

[00178] Each opening (120, 130, 140) includes a collar portion (180) extending outwardly and about each opening (120, 130, 140) to facilitate connection with a respective downpipe portion or pipe, typically via an associated fitting such as, e.g., an expansion joint.

[00179] The openings (120, 130, 140), the respective downpipe portions and/or pipes and/or fittings if present, are welded together with solvent welding as is common in the art.

[00180] As shown, each opening (120, 130, 140) has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and is provided in standard diameters of 65mm or 100mm.

[00181] In particular, each of the upper inlet opening (120) and lower outlet opening (130) has a diameter of 100m, whereas each pair of the supply inlet openings (140), arranged on the front (113) and sides (116) of the body (110), includes an upper supply pipe inlet opening having a diameter of 100mm and a lower supply pipe inlet opening having a diameter of 65mm.

[00182] Referring again to Figure 2, the flow path defining member (150) is configured to longitudinally extend at least partially within the body (110) in a substantially vertical orientation to define the first flow path (310; shown in Figure 3) and the second flow path (320; shown in Figure 3) for wastewater flowing within the pipe branch piece (100).

[00183] The flow path defining member (150) is of unitary construction and is formed from plastic material, such as, e.g., PVC.

[00184] The member (150) includes a pair of opposed surfaces extending substantially parallel to one another and interconnected by opposing edges, including an upper edge (152) (forming part of the upper portion), an opposed lower edge (154) and opposed longitudinal side edges (156). The opposed surfaces include a first flow path surface (151) and an opposed second flow path surface (153).

[00185] Generally, the member (150) has an elongate plate-like shape extending longitudinally between the upper edge (152) and the opposed lower edge (154).

[00186] Both the upper portion and an opposed lower portion of the member (150) curve or angle towards the second flow path surface (153; or away from the first flow path surface (151)).

[00187] As also shown, the member (150) curves in a lateral direction extending between the opposed side edges (156). The opposed side edges (156) curve or are angled towards the first flow path surface (151) to form winged side edges (156).

[00188] Advantageously, the winged side edges (156) together with the curved upper and lower portions facilitate in guiding wastewater along the first flow path (310; shown in Figure 3) and in enhancing wastewater volume flow in the second flow path (320; shown in Figure 3) by creating greater volume in the second flow path (320; shown in Figure 3).

[00189] The member (150) is sized and shaped to extend entirely between opposed internal side surfaces of the body (110) such that the opposed side edges (156) of the member (150) abut against or rest against each internal side surface of the body (110) to provide a substantially water-tight seal.

[00190] Figures 2 and 3 show that the member (150) is connectable to the body (110) in a substantially vertical orientation to define the first flow path (310; visible in Figure 3) and the second flow path (320; visible in Figure 3).

[00191] Referring briefly to Figure 2, the member (150) and the body (110) are connectable by a connecting mechanism including a female formation in the form of an elongate channel or groove (220) extending in a substantially vertical direction along the internal surface of each side (116) of the body (110) and a male formation in the form of a rail (230) extending longitudinally parallel to each side edge (156) of the member (150) on the second flow path surface (153) of the member (150).

[00192] In use, each rail (230) is configured to engage and be retained within a respective elongate channel or groove (220). The rail (230) is slidable so that the member (150) can be slid into position within the body (110) when the pipe branch piece (100) is being assembled (best shown in Figure 3).

[00193] Best shown in Figure 2, the elongate channel or groove (220) is formed upon the internal surface of each side (116) of the body (110) by a pair of protrusions (222). The protrusions (222) protrude outwardly from the internal surface of each side (116) of the body (110) and longitudinally extend parallel to one another at least partially along a length of the body (110).

[00194] The rail (230) includes a retaining member in the form of a clip or hook (232) associated with an upper end of the rail (230). The clip or hook (232) extends from the upper end of the rail (230) in a substantially lateral direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the rail (230) and is configured to clip or hook over a corresponding end of one of the protrusions (222) defining the elongate channel or groove (220).

[00195] The upper end of one of the protrusions (222) furthermore includes a slot (224) in which at least a portion of the clip or hook (232) is snugly received when the member (150) is connected to the body (110). Best shown in Figure 2, the slot (224) is defined between the internal surface of the side (116) of the body (110) and one of the pair of protrusions (222).

[00196] The side edges (156) of the member (150) can also be welded to the internal side surfaces of the body (110) with solvent welding.

[00197] Referring again to Figure 3, the deflecting region (160) is configured to deflect wastewater received via the upper inlet opening (120) of the body (110) into the first flow path (310) and is formed by the upper portion of the member (150).

[00198] The deflecting region (160) is additionally configured to slow a velocity of the wastewater flowing into and through the first flow path (310) so as to, in use, reduce or limit the formation of negative pressure in any supply pipes connectable to the piece branch piece (100).

[00199] The deflecting region (160) is integrally formed with the member (150). As previously indicated, the deflecting region (160 is formed from an upper portion of the member (150), which is curved or angled towards the front (113) of the body (110) at an angle of about 45° relative to a longitudinal axis of the body (110).

[00200] When the member (150) is connected to the body (110), the deflecting region (160) is located directly beneath the upper inlet opening (120) so that it extends entirely beneath a cross-sectional area of the inlet opening (120). Advantageously, this ensures that most if not all wastewater flowing through the inlet opening (120) flows across the deflecting region (160) and is thus deflected and slowed.

[00201] Best shown in Figure 2, the diverting protrusion (170) protrudes upwardly from the deflecting region (160) for at least partially diverting and/or disrupting wastewater flowing across the protrusion (170). The diverting protrusion (170) is configured to facilitate the deflecting region (160) in slowing the velocity of wastewater flowing into and through the first flow path (310; visible in Figure 3) so as to, in use, reduce or limit the formation of negative pressure as described above.

[00202] The diverting protrusion (170) is integrally formed with the deflecting region (160) and the member (150).

[00203] As shown, the protrusion (170) is in the form of a ridged protrusion protruding upwardly from the deflecting region (160) and having a ridge (172) that extends longitudinally at least partially along the deflecting region (160) and the member (150). The protrusion (170) further includes a pair of opposed sides (174) that slope or taper downwards from either side of the ridge (172) towards the deflecting region (160) and the member (150).

[00204] The protrusion (170) also defines the ventilation passage (180), which is defined beneath the protrusion (170). The ventilation passage (180) provides a through passage between the first flow path (310; visible in Figure 3) and the second flow path (320; visible in Figure 3), so as to enable the air pressure equalisation between the first flow path (310; visible in Figure 3) and the second flow path (320; visible in Figure 3).

[00205] As shown, the protrusion (170) advantageously minimises wastewater from flowing through the ventilation passage (180) by providing a hooded opening (176) to the ventilation passage (180). In use, the hooded opening (176) faces the rear (114) of the body (110) so that wastewater flowing into the upper inlet opening (120), flows over and around the protrusion (170) and into the first flow path (310; visible in Figure 3) to thereby prevent the ingress of wastewater into the ventilation passage (180).

[00206] Figures 4 to 6 show a pipe branch piece (400) according to another embodiment of the present invention for use in a wastewater downpipe for a multi-storey building.

[00207] Like with the other embodiment, the pipe branch piece (400) includes: a conduit body (410) for guiding wastewater from an upper downpipe portion to a lower downpipe portion and from at least one supply pipe to the lower downpipe portion; a flow path defining member (450; visible in Figures 5 and 6) configured to be received within the body (410) in a substantially vertical orientation to define a first flow path (310; shown in Figure 6) for wastewater flowing between the upper downpipe portion and the lower downpipe portion and a second flow path (320; shown in Figure 6) for wastewater flowing between the at least one supply pipe and the lower downpipe portion; a deflecting region (460; visible in Figures 2 and 3) formed from an upper portion of the flow path defining member (450) and configured to deflect wastewater flowing from the upper downpipe portion into the first flow path (310; shown in Figure 6); a diverting protrusion (470; visible in Figure 6) protruding upwardly from the deflecting region (460) and configured to divert wastewater flowing across the diverting protrusion (470); and a ventilation passage (480; visible in Figure 6) defined at least partially beneath the diverting protrusion (470; visible in Figure 6) to enable air pressure equalisation between the first flow path (310; shown in Figure 6) and the second flow path (320; shown in Figure 6).

[00208] Referring to Figure 4, the conduit body (410) is also formed from plastic material, such as, e.g., PVC.

[00209] The conduit body (410) has an upper inlet opening (420) connectable to an upper downpipe portion, an opposed lower inlet opening (430) connectable to a lower down pipe portion and six supply pipe inlet openings (440) each connectable to a supply pipe.

[00210] The body (410) further includes at least one sidewall (412) extending between the inlet opening (420) and the outlet opening (430) and defining the six supply pipe inlet openings (440), which are orthogonally orientated relative to the inlet opening (420) and the outlet opening (430).

[00211] The body (410) has a front (413) configured to face a building when forming part of a downpipe fitted to the building, an opposed rear (414) and opposed sides (416).

[00212] The six supply pipe inlet openings (440) are defined in pairs on each of the front (413) and opposed sides (416) so as to each be connectable to a supply pipe from a storey of a building.

[00213] The at least one sidewall (412) includes an internal surface and an opposed external surface.

[00214] The body (410) has an elongate and substantially rounded shape extending longitudinally between the inlet opening (420) and the outlet opening (430).

[00215] The at least one sidewall (412) of the body (410) defines a volume for accommodating flows of wastewater therethrough. The body (410) curves outwardly from each of the inlet opening (420) and the outlet opening (430) to a middle portion located therebetween to define the volume.

[00216] The body (410) includes a tether point (190) for tethering the body (410) and thus the pipe branch piece (400) to a line, anchoring device or the like. The tether point (190) is the same as provided on the earlier described embodiment.

[00217] Referring briefly to Figure 5, the body (410) is formed from an upper body piece (410a), a central body piece (410b) and a lower body piece (410c) connectable to one another.

[00218] Each body piece (410a, 410b, 410c) is formed by injection moulding.

[00219] Each of the upper body piece (410a) and the lower body piece (410c) includes an opening (420, 430), a rim (510) and the at least one sidewall (412) curving outwardly from the opening (420, 430) to the rim (510), which extends from an outer edge portion of the at least one sidewall (412) and along an edge of the at least one sidewall (412).

[00220] The central body piece (410b) includes an upper rim (510), an opposed lower rim (510) and at least one sidewall (412) extending therebetween. Each rim (510) extends from an outer edge portion of the at least one sidewall (412) and along an edge of the at least one sidewall (412).

[00221] The rims (510) are connectable to one another to provide a substantially water-tight seal and form the conduit body (410).

[00222] In particular and as shown, the rim (510) of the upper body piece (410a) is configured to be received within the upper rim (510) of the central body piece (410b) and the lower rim (510) of the central body piece (410b) is configured to be received within the rim (510) of the lower body piece (410c). The overlapping rims (510) are then welded together with solvent welding to provide a substantially water-tight seal.

[00223] Referring back to Figure 4, each of the openings (420, 430, 440) is sized and shaped to be connectable to respective downpipe portions and supply pipes.

[00224] As with the earlier embodiment, each opening (420, 430, 440) includes a collar portion (480) extending outwardly and about each opening (420, 430, 440) to facilitate connection with a respective downpipe portion or pipe, typically via an associated fitting such as, e.g., an expansion joint.

[00225] Referring again to Figure 5, the flow path defining member (450) is configured to longitudinally extend at least partially within the body (410) in a substantially vertical orientation to define the first flow path (310; shown in Figure 6) and the second flow path (320; shown in Figure 6) for wastewater flowing within the pipe branch piece (400).

[00226] The flow path defining member (450) includes an upper member piece (450a) and a lower member piece (450b) connectable to one another form the member (450) within the body (410). As shown, the upper member piece (450a) is solvent welded between the internal surface of each side (416) of the central body piece (410b) and the lower member piece (450b) is connectable to the upper member piece (450a) and retained in place by a retaining member in the form of a protrusion (630; visible only in Figure 6) protruding inwardly from the internal surface of each side (416) of the lower body piece (410c). This will be later described in detail with reference to Figure 6.

[00227] Like with the earlier embodiment, the member (450) includes a pair of opposed surfaces extending substantially parallel to one another and interconnected by opposing edges, including an upper edge (452) (forming part of the upper portion), an opposed lower edge (454) and opposed longitudinal side edges (456). The opposed surfaces include a first flow path surface (451) and an opposed second flow path surface (453).

[00228] Generally, the member (450) has an elongate plate-like shape extending longitudinally between the upper edge (452) and the opposed lower edge (454).

[00229] Both the upper portion and an opposed lower portion of the member (450) curve or angle towards the second flow path surface (453; or away from the first flow path surface (451)).

[00230] As also shown, the member (450) curves in a lateral direction extending between the opposed side edges (456). The opposed side edges (456) curve or are angled towards the first flow path surface (451) to form winged side edges (456).

[00231] As shown in Figure 5, the member pieces (450a, 450b) are connectable by a connecting mechanism including a female formation in the form of three openings defined on a lower edge of the upper member piece (450a) configured to receive or couple with a male formation in the form of three corresponding protrusions (560) extending upwardly from an upper edge of the lower member piece (450b).

[00232] Referring to Figure 6, the deflecting region (460) is configured to deflect wastewater received via the upper inlet opening (420) of the body (410) into the first flow path (310) and is formed by the upper portion of the member (450).

[00233] Like with the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the deflecting region (460) is additionally configured to slow a velocity of the wastewater flowing into and through the first flow path (310) so as to, in use, reduce or limit the formation of negative pressure in any supply pipes connectable to the piece branch piece (400).

[00234] The deflecting region (460) is integrally formed with the member (450) and is curved or angled towards the front (413) of the body (410).

[00235] When the member (450) is connected to the body (410), the deflecting region (460) is located directly beneath the upper inlet opening (420) so that it extends entirely beneath a cross-sectional area of the inlet opening (420). Advantageously, this ensures that most if not all wastewater flowing through the inlet opening (420) flows across the deflecting region (460) and is thus deflected and slowed.

[00236] The diverting protrusion (470) protrudes upwardly from the deflecting region (460) to at least partially divert and/or disrupt wastewater flowing across the protrusion (470). The diverting protrusion (470) is configured to facilitate the deflecting region (460) in slowing the velocity of wastewater flowing into and through the first flow path (310) so as to, in use, reduce or limit the formation of negative pressure as described above.

[00237] The diverting protrusion (470) is integrally formed with the deflecting region (460) and the member (450).

[00238] The protrusion (470) is in the form of a ridged protrusion protruding upwardly from the deflecting region (460). The protrusion (470) defines the ventilation passage (480), which is defined beneath the protrusion (470). The ventilation passage (480) provides a through passage between the first flow path (310) and the second flow path (320), so as to enable the air pressure equalisation between the first flow path (310) and the second flow path (320).

[00239] As briefly previously described, the retaining member for retaining the lower member piece (450b) in position when connected to the upper member piece (450a) is in the form of a protrusion (630) protruding inwardly from the internal surface of each side (416) of the lower body piece (410c).

[00240] The protrusion (630) includes an upper surface (632) defining a seat adapted to support the lower edge (454) of the member (450) at or near each lower corner to retain the lower member piece (450b) in place when connected to the upper member piece (450a). The upper surface (632) defining the seat extends in a substantially perpendicular direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the body (410).

[00241] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00242] 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, the appearance 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. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00243] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. A pipe branch piece for use in a wastewater downpipe in a multi-storey building, the pipe branch piece including: a conduit body for guiding wastewater flowing from an upper downpipe portion to a lower downpipe portion and from at least one supply pipe from a storey of the building to the lower downpipe portion, said body having an upper inlet opening connectable to the upper downpipe portion, an opposed lower outlet opening connectable to the lower downpipe portion and at least one supply pipe inlet opening connectable to the at least one supply pipe, said at least one supply pipe inlet opening located between the upper inlet opening and the lower outlet opening and orthogonally orientated relative to the upper inlet opening and the lower outlet opening; a flow path defining member configured to longitudinally extend within the body in a substantially vertical orientation to define a first flow path for the wastewater flowing from the upper inlet opening to the lower outlet opening and a second flow path for the wastewater flowing from the at least one supply pipe inlet opening to the lower outlet opening; a deflecting region located directly beneath the upper inlet opening and formed from an upper portion of the flow path defining member, said deflecting region configured to deflect wastewater flowing from the upper downpipe portion towards the first flow path; at least one diverting protrusion protruding upwardly from the deflecting region and configured to at least partially divert wastewater flowing across the diverting protrusion; and at least one ventilation passage defined at least partially beneath the at least one diverting protrusion and configured to enable air pressure equalisation between the first flow path and the second flow path.

2. The pipe branch piece of claim 1, wherein the conduit body includes a front configured to face the multi-storey building when forming part of the downpipe fitted to the building, an opposed rear and opposed sides.

3. The pipe branch piece of claim 2, wherein the at least one diverting protrusion is a ridged protrusion defining a hooded opening to the at least one ventilation passage.

4. The pipe branch piece of claim 3, wherein the hooded opening faces the rear of the body so as to minimise wastewater ingress flowing through upper inlet opening and into the second flow path via the at least one ventilation passage.

5. The pipe branch piece of claim 4, wherein the ridged protrusion diverts wastewater flowing across the protrusion around and away from the at least one ventilation passage. Date: 31 October 2017