AU2022221507A1 - Floor Waste - Google Patents

Abstract

A floor waste 10 comprises a hollow base 12 for location in a floor. An engagement portion 14 extends from an underside 16 of the base. The underside of the base further comprising an aperture 18 for drainage of water 5 from the hollow base. The floor waste also comprises a hollow connector 20 for connecting the base to a drainage fitting such that water passing through the aperture from the base is able to flow through the connector and into the drainage fitting. The connector is configured to locate adjacent to the engagement portion in-use. One of the engagement portion and connector 10 comprises at least one recess 28. The other of the connector and the engagement portion comprises at least one protuberance 30 that is arranged to locate in the recess to retain the connector to the base in use. 24 Y 00 m wn 0 r I) 00 -a-

Description

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FLOOR WASTE TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a floor waste for water drainage in wet areas such as showers, bathrooms, laundries, outdoor areas, etc. to enable water drainage. More particularly, the disclosure relates to the coupling between the floor waste and a hollow connector, the connector for connecting a base of the floor waste to a drainage fitting.

BACKGROUND ART

Floor wastes (otherwise known as floor grates and weir grates) are components that form a part of a drainage system in a variety of wet areas that require water drainage. Whilst floor wastes are primarily used for showers, bathrooms, laundries and outdoor areas such as verandas, balconies, patios, etc., they can be used for other applications.

A floor waste comprises a base tray (also known as a grate tray) and an insert for the base tray which may take the form of an insert tray or an insert grate. The base tray comprises a water outlet at its underside which takes the form of a section of pipe that may be integrally formed with the base tray. This outlet pipe is positioned into the open end of a drain pipe or into the opening of a so-called 'leak control flange', such that water can pass through the base tray and into the drainage system/fitting.

Floor wastes are required to come in multiple sizes and configurations depending on the waste to outlet drain connection requirements. For example, the size of (e.g. diameter) and the distance to the drain pipe or to the opening into the leak control flange can vary from site to site. As a result, a supplier as well as an installer of floor wastes can be required to carry a variety of floor waste stock. For example, the supplier/installer may need to carry a number of different base trays

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18991566_1 having outlets with a number of different diameters and lengths. This can increase complexity and cost.

It is to be understood that a reference to the prior and background art herein does not constitute an admission that the prior or background art forms a part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or any other country.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a floor waste and a connector for use in the floor waste. The connector and floor waste can be employed in the various applications as outlined above, although are not limited to such applications.

The floor waste as disclosed herein can comprise a hollow base (e.g. base tray or grate tray) for location in a floor. The hollow base can further comprise an engagement portion that extends from an underside of the base. The underside of the base can comprise an aperture for drainage of water from the hollow base. For example, the aperture can provide a water discharge opening adjacent and/or into the engagement portion.

The floor waste can also comprise a hollow connector that can connect the base to a drainage fitting (i.e. such as a drain pipe, leak control flange, etc.). The connector may function as an outlet for the base of the floor waste (i.e. to direct water exiting the base into the drainage fitting). The connector can extend the outlet at the base. In this way, water passing through the aperture from the base can flow through the connector and into the drainage fitting. The connector can be configured to be located adjacent to the engagement portion during use.

In accordance with the disclosure, one of the engagement portion and the connector can comprise at least one recess. The other of the connector and the engagement portion can comprise at least one protuberance. In use, each protuberance can be arranged to be located in the recess. In this way the connector can be coupled and retained to the base during use.

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The provision of a base and connector with a recess and protuberance configuration can enable the base to be used with a variety of different connector configurations. For example, the engagement portion that extends from the underside of the base can have a 'standard' size/configuration to which the connector is coupled. However, a remainder or the connector can vary in e.g. length and/or diameter. Thus, for each single base of the floor waste, the manufacturer can supply floor grates with a variation in the size and configuration of connectors, rather than having to carry a variety of bases for an individual floor waste. Accordingly, for a given application (e.g. fitting the floor waste to a plumbing pipe or leak control flange), the installer can select the most suitable floor waste with regards to the coupled connector (e.g. having an optimal length and/or diameter). Also, if needed, the connector can be cut to size (i.e. rather than having to alter the floor waste). Thus, the floor waste and connector can reduce stock inventory, manufactured costs and can increase flexibility.

In some embodiments, the connector may comprise a collar. The collar can be configured to locate adjacent to the engagement portion when in use. At least one recess or at least one protuberance can be located in a wall of the collar. For example, as explained above, the collar of the connector can also be 'standard' in size and/or matched to the engagement portion, whilst a remainder of the connector can be varied in size and configuration.

In some embodiments, the collar may be configured to surround the engagement portion in use. This means that water passing through the aperture flows into the collar rather than outside of the collar. The at least one recess or the at least one protuberance can be located in an internal wall of the collar.

In some embodiments, the protuberance (or each of the protuberances) may be located in and may project inwardly from the collar internal wall. For example, the or each protuberance can be formed out of the collar wall (e.g. deformed, punched, pressed, moulded, etc. out of the wall). For moulding, the collar may at least be formed from a plastics material (e.g. by injection moulding). Both the

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18991566_1 connector and base may be moulded (e.g. from a suitable plastic material). When each protuberance is formed out of the collar wall, the at least one recess may be defined in an external wall of the engagement portion. Whilst such a configuration can allow an effective engagement of the connector with the base, it may also help to prevent/minimise leakage of water between the collar and the engagement portion

In some embodiments, an internal surface of the collar and an external surface of the engagement portion may be provided with reverse tapers to facilitate a secure (e.g. water-tight) inter-engagement between the collar and engagement portion. Typically, the tapers reverse equally. Further, the reverse tapers may be formed with tolerances such that, in use, there is a minimal/minimised gap clearance between the collar and engagement portion. The reverse taper surfaces can inter engage when the or each protuberance locates in the (or a respective) recess. The provision of such tapers can serve to 'snugly' fit the collar to the engagement portion (i.e. once the or each protuberance locates in its recess), thereby preventing/minimising leakage of water between the collar and the engagement portion in use. The reverse tapers can further enhance coupling and retention of the connector to the base in use.

For example, the engagement portion may extend from the underside of the base as an inwardly tapering wall (e.g. an outside surface of the wall may taper inwardly). A wall of the connector can be outwardly tapered in a manner that generally corresponds to the inward tapering of the engagement portion wall (e.g. an inside surface of the collar may taper inwardly). In this way, the connector outwardly tapering wall can locate adjacent to (e.g. to interfere with) the engagement portion inwardly tapering wall while in use.

In some embodiments, the recess may be a groove that extends at least part way (e.g. fully) around a periphery of the engagement portion or the collar of the connector. Such a groove can receive each protuberance therein and can enable a secure fit to be established between the base and the connector (e.g. by virtue of

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18991566_1 each protuberance engaging (e.g. interferingly) with internal walls of the groove). The protuberance can take the form of a continuous peripheral formation that projects from either the collar internal wall or the engagement portion. Alternatively, the protuberance can take the form of a series of discontinuous peripheral formations that each project from either the collar internal wall or the engagement portion. Such discontinuous (i.e. discrete) peripheral formations may be spaced evenly around the collar internal wall or the engagement portion.

In some embodiments, the engagement portion of the base may be circular. For example, the engagement portion may surround and may e.g. define the aperture of the base. For example, the engagement portion can comprise a short circular outlet. Further, the engagement portion can be integrally formed (e.g. moulded or otherwise secured) with a remainder of the base. When in-use, water can drain through the aperture and into the engagement portion. The collar can also be circular to correspond to the engagement portion (e.g. an internal diameter of the collar can correspond to an external diameter of the engagement portion). The reverse tapers mentioned above may be provided around the internal diameter of the collar and the external diameter of the engagement portion to further facilitate a water-tight inter-engagement when coupled together.

In some embodiments, one of the engagement portion and connector may comprise two or more spaced protuberances. The other of the connector and the engagement portion can comprise one or a respective recess for the two or more protuberances. In this way, the connector and the engagement portion can be connected in predetermined manner to ensure or enhance a secure coupling.

When, for example, the connector and the engagement portion are each circular, a single recess located around one of the engagement portion and connector can be provided to receive therein the two or more protuberances. In this case, the connector can be connected to the engagement portion at random orientations thereof (e.g. the collar of the connector does not need to be attached to the engagement portion at a predetermined rotational orientation thereof).

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In some embodiments, the protuberance or each of the protuberances can be configured to snap fit into the at least one recess. For example, when each protuberance is located in the collar, it can ride over and be deflected outwardly by an external wall of the engagement portion until each protuberance aligns with the recess, whereupon it deflects (e.g. snaps) back towards it original orientation. An opposite deflection would occur when each protuberance is located in the external wall of the engagement portion. In either case, the snap fit allows for easy installation and also a secure fit between the base and the connector.

In some embodiments, each protuberance may comprise a portion that is formed out of a wall of one of the engagement portion and connector (e.g. deformed, punched, pressed, forged, moulded, etc. out of this wall). For example, the portion may take the form of a detent that projects from the wall. The detent can locate into the at least one recess to retain the connector to the base in use. As with the groove above, such a detent can enable a secure fit to be established between the base and the connector.

In some embodiments, the recess may be a groove that extends right around a periphery of the engagement portion or the connector. As outlined above, this would remove any limitations on the pre-positioning of each protuberance prior to connection (i.e. each protuberance can be engaged at various positions around the engagement portion or the connector because the groove is continuous especially the case when engagement portion and connector each have a circular profile).

In some embodiments, the floor waste may further comprise an insert (e.g. an insert tray or a grate insert). The insert may be configured to locate in and engage with the base to be retained in the base in use.

The insert can take a number of forms. For example, the insert may be a tray that is optionally hollow with sidewall(s) to locate thereon/therein a flooring material (e.g. that matches a remainder of the floor etc). When the insert is a tray, it can be

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18991566_1 configured such that a gap is defined between the insert and base around the periphery thereof, to provide a so-called 'weir' drain to the floor waste.

In another example, the insert may be a floor grate sized to locate within the base. Such a floor grate may be a snug fit with the base, whereby water passes through apertures defined with the gate.

In some embodiments, an underside of the insert can comprise an aperture for drainage of water into the base in use. In this manner, any water that is entrapped within the insert can drain out into the base.

In some embodiments, the insert may comprise one or more pins that can project from an underside of the insert in use. At least one of the pins may be configured to engage with a corresponding portion defined within the base to retain the insert in the base in use. For example, the pins may interlock with corresponding pedestals shaped to receive the pins of the insert to thereby secure together the insert and base.

In some embodiments, a hollow of the insert may be configured to retain a flooring material therein in use (e.g. that matches a remainder of the surrounding floor). This can enable the floor waste to blend in with the remaining floor, leaving only a small gap (i.e. weir) visible between the infill and the base. Such a gap is sufficient to enable the drainage of water.

In some embodiments, the base and the engagement portion may each have various cross-sectional profiles (e.g. circular cross-sectional profile). In other embodiments, the base may have a rectangular cross-sectional profile, whereas the engagement portion may have a circular cross-sectional profile. In yet other embodiments, the base and the engagement portion may each have a rectangular cross-sectional profile, in which case the connector also has a rectangular cross sectional profile. In further embodiments, the base may have an L-shape while the engagement portion has a rectangular profile. In some embodiments, the base may have a semi-circular profile while the engagement portion has a circular profile.

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Also disclosed herein is a connector for use in the floor waste as set forth above. The connector can be as defined as set forth above (i.e. it can comprise at least one recess, or at least one protuberance that is arranged to locate in the recess).

Also disclosed herein is a floor waste that comprises each of a hollow base and hollow connector which can be configured as set forth above. An external surface of the engagement portion of the base can comprise a taper, and an internal surface of the connector can comprise a corresponding matching taper. The tapers can be configured to inter-engage (e.g. interferingly) when the connector locates adjacent to the engagement portion in-use. This can facilitate securement of the connector to the engagement portion. The floor waste can be otherwise as defined above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1A is an upper side perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a floor waste in accordance with the disclosure.

Fig. 1B is an upper side perspective view of a first embodiment of a hollow connector in accordance with the disclosure, the connector having protuberances provided thereat.

Fig. 1C is an upper side perspective view of a second embodiment of a hollow connector in accordance with the disclosure, the connector having protuberances provided thereat.

Fig. 2A is an upper side exploded perspective view and Fig. 2B is a lower side exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a floor waste in accordance with the disclosure, the floor waste having an insert and a base, with Fig. 2A showing

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18991566_1 an embodiment of a hollow connector, and Fig. 2B showing another embodiment of a hollow connector, each connector for coupling to an underside of the base.

Fig. 3 is an upper side perspective view of a third embodiment of a hollow connector in accordance with the disclosure, the connector having protuberances provided thereat.

Fig. 3A is a part cross-sectional side detail of the hollow connector shown in Fig. 3, with Fig. 3A showing the protuberances in greater detail.

Fig. 4 is a cross sectional profile of a fully assembled floor waste comprising a base and hollow infill of the floor waste, and a connector in accordance with the disclosure secured to an underside of the base.

Fig. 5 is a lower side perspective partially exploded view of the assembled floor waste comprising base and hollow infill, and a connector in accordance with the disclosure detached from an underside of the base.

Figs. 6A to 6C respectively show side views of three differently sized connectors in accordance with the disclosure, each connector comprising the same sized collar for coupling to a base of a floor waste.

Figs. 7A and 7B show an upper and lower side perspective view of an infill of a floor waste in accordance with the disclosure, the infill comprising downwardly projecting posts for engagement with a base of the floor waste.

Fig. 8 shows an upper side perspective view of a base of a floor waste in accordance with the disclosure, the base comprising an inwardly projecting rim configured for engagement with the posts of the infill of Fig. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings and

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18991566_1 defined in the claims, are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

In the following detailed description, a floor waste is shown in the form of a weir grate 10 for location in the floor of wet areas. The floor waste can take other forms such as a drainage grate, floor drain, etc. The weir grate 10 shown in the Figures has both a circular and a square configuration but, as described below, it can have any number of other (e.g. polygonal, etc.) configurations. Components of the weir grate can be formed (e.g. moulded, machined, 3D-printed, etc.) from suitable plastic materials and/or formed from suitable metal/alloy and/or composite materials.

The weir grate 10 provides a path for water to enable the water to drain from a variety of wet areas such as showers, bathrooms, laundries and outdoor areas such as verandas, balconies, patios, etc. but is not limited to these applications. The weir grate 10 is designed to direct the water towards a drainage fitting, such as a drain pipe, leak control flange, etc. Generally, the floor of a wet area is graded such that there is a downward slope towards the weir grate 10 from remote parts of the wet area to enable the water to flow towards the weir grate 10 under the action of gravity.

Referring generally to the Figures, the weir grate 10 as disclosed herein comprises a hollow base in the form of a grate tray 12 located in use to finish flush with the floor surface. The grate tray 12 collects and directs water passing into the weir grate 10 towards an engagement portion thereof in the form of an outlet 14 (i.e. typically outlet 14 is located at an underside 16 of the grate tray 12, with the

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18991566_1 underside 16 sloping at its base 17 towards the outlet 14). The outlet 14 extends downwards in use from the underside 16 of the grate tray 12.

The grate tray 12 also comprises a hollow top section defined by an upper boundary wall 13 that extends up from the underside 16. The wall 13 defines a part of the 'weir' of the weir grate 10, together with a removable insert 32 (described below), the insert being received within the hollow defined by wall 13 to thereby complete the 'weir' of the weir grate 10.

In the embodiment of Fig 1A, the wall 13 has a circular profile whereas in the embodiment of Fig 5, the wall 13 has a square profile. Other polygonal, etc. profiles are also possible. As above, the grate tray 12 can be made of: plastic (e.g. moulded, machined, 3D-printed, etc.); metal (e.g. press-formed from sheet metal, machined, cast, 3D-printed, etc.); or composites (e.g. fibre-impregnated resins, etc.).

A hollow connector in the form of an extension piece 20 is configured to couple to the outlet 14 at underside 16, thereby coupling/attaching the extension piece 20 to the grate tray 12 via the outlet 14. The wall of the outlet 14 can be formed to have sufficient thickness and strength such that it does not break during engagement or in-use.

The underside 16 of the grate tray 12 has an aperture in the form of a hole 18 that acts as a water discharge opening into the outlet 14, to allow water to be directed towards the drainage fitting. Typically, the hole 18 is circular, however, other shapes such as rectangular, square, etc. are also contemplated. It should be noted that the underside 16 may also have a different shape to that of the hole 18. For example, as shown in Fig 5, the underside 16 has a square periphery compared to the circular shape of hole 18.

The extension piece 20 comprises two sections - an upper section in the form of a collar 22 and a lower section 24 that extends down from the collar 22 in use. The collar 22 of extension piece 20 is configured to surround the outlet 14 in use (see

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Fig. 4). In the embodiments shown, the collar 22 is circular and corresponds to the outlet 14 (i.e. an internal diameter of the collar 22 generally corresponds to an external diameter of the outlet 14). The collar 22 and lower section 24 are joined together by a sloping intermediate wall 26. The configuration of the extension piece 20 is such as to provide a funnelling action that directs water to the drainage fitting in use. In this regard, each of the collar 22 and lower section 24 are inwardly tapered moving from the upper section to the lower end of the extension piece 20 (see e.g. Fig. 4).

Referring specifically to Fig. 4, it will be seen that an external surface 15 of the outlet 14 is configured with an inward taper. Likewise, an internal surface 23 of the collar 22 is configured with an outward taper. Typically, the tapers are equally matched such that, when the collar 22 of the extension piece 20 is coupled (e.g. fitted) to the outlet 14, the tapered surfaces 15, 23 interferingly engage. This inter engagement can result in a watertight fit (e.g. to prevent or at least substantially minimise water leakage in use). Thus, in-use, the walls of outlet 14 and collar 22 can locate adjacent to one another (e.g. closely or snugly). This coupling is described in more detail below.

The extension piece 20 is configured to couple the grate tray 12 to a drainage fitting thus forming a path through which the water flowing through the hole 18 and outlet 14 of the grate tray 12 flows to the drainage fitting (i.e. a lower end of the extension piece 20 locates in and/or is connected with the drainage fitting). In use, the extension piece 20 extends downwardly from the grate tray 12 as shown in Fig. 4.

The extension piece 20 can be supplied in a range of sizes (e.g. different diameters), including different sizes of both collar 22 and lower section 24. A range of differently sized extension pieces 20 are shown in each of Figs. IB, IC, 2A, 2B and 6A to 6C. In this regard, the diameter of the lower section 24 is generally chosen to enable it to best be coupled with the particular drainage fitting at a given application.

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In accordance with the disclosure, the outlet 14 is configured to enable the grate tray 12 to readily and easily be connected/coupled to the extension piece 20. In this regard, and to facilitate this connection, the outlet 14 comprises at least one recess which, in the embodiments shown, takes the form of a groove 28 that extends peripherally (e.g. right around) a lower portion of the outlet 14. Further, the extension piece 20 comprises at least one protuberance in the form of a tab 30. In the embodiments shown, a number of discrete, evenly-spaced tabs 30 are provided (although one such tab may be sufficient). In practice, three such tabs 30 are evenly spaced (e.g. 120) around the collar 22 and this has been found to facilitate an optimal fitting of the extension piece 20 to the outlet 14.

During connection/coupling of the extension piece 20 to the grate tray 12, each tab 30 is able to be outwardly deflected by an outer wall of the outlet 14, until the tab aligns with the groove 28, whereupon the tab resumes its original shape/orientation, and so locates in the groove (i.e. to thereby secure the extension piece 20 to the grate tray 12). Such fitting can take the form of a snap-fit. The location of the groove 28 and tab(s) 30 is also such that, once the collar 22 of the extension piece 20 has been secured to the outlet 14, the tapered surfaces 15, 23 interferingly engage. Thus, the groove 28, tab(s) 30 and tapered surfaces 15, 23 work together to enhance coupling of the extension piece 20 has been secured to the outlet 14.

Either the groove 28 or tab(s) 30 can be located in an internal wall of the collar 22, although in the embodiments shown a number of tabs are typically located in the collar. In this manner, the external wall of the collar 22 will appear smooth with only the location of the tabs 30 being visible (see e.g. Fig. 3). As best shown in Fig. 4, such a configuration ensures that the collar 22 surrounds and covers the outlet 14 thereby preventing water from flowing outside of the collar.

As illustrated by Fig. 9., the location of each tab 30 along (e.g. up or down) the interior surface of the collar 22 can be varied, depending on the configuration of outlet 14. Likewise, the location of groove 28 on outlet 14 is varied accordingly.

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The groove 28 has a profile that is generally complementary to each tab 30, allowing the groove to receive and locate the tab 30 therein to facilitate a proper and secure engagement. However, it is not a requirement that the tab 30 and groove 28 should have exactly matching complementary surfaces.

As clearly shown in Fig. 3A, each tab 30 can comprise a portion that is formed out of a wall of the collar 22. For example, the collar wall can be formed (e.g. moulded), deformed, punched, pressed, forged, etc. to form the tab 30. As also shown in Figs. 3A and 9, the tab 30 is configured to define a detent 31 that projects in from the collar wall and is able to locate into the groove 28 to retain the extension piece 20 at the outlet 14. Multiple (e.g. three or more) detents 31 better secures the extension piece 20 to the outlet 14. The detent 31 of tab 30 comprises a raised (e.g. rounded or flat) central portion that is bounded by two sloping portions on opposite sides. The sloping portions enable the detent 31 to ride over the external wall of the collar 22, and to then pass into the groove 28. The sloping portions also enable the detent 31 to be forced out of the groove 28, should it be necessary to remove the extension piece 20 from the base tray 12. The detent 31 may have other profiles, such as a continuous curved surface that projects from the wall, etc.

In use, when the collar 22 of the extension piece 20 is pushed onto the outlet 14 (or vice versa), a first of the sloping portions of each tab 30 comes into contact with the external wall of the outlet 14, causing the tab 30 to be deflected outwardly. As the collar 22 is pushed further onto the outlet 14, the flat portion of the detent 31 of tab 30 contacts the external wall of outlet 14, allowing each tab to traverse across the wall. Eventually, the detent 31 of each tab 30 aligns with the groove 28, whereby each tab 30 will deflect (e.g. snap) back and locate into the groove 28, thereby securing the collar 22 to the extension piece 20. As above, the tabs 30 can be configured to snap-fit into the groove 28. The operation would be same when the tab(s) 30 are located on the external wall of the outlet 14 and the groove 28 is located in the collar 22. In either case, such snap fitting offers an

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18991566_1 easy method of installation that offers a secure fit between the grate tray 12 and grate extension piece 20.

In the embodiments shown, the groove 28 is formed within an external wall of the outlet 14, while each tab 30 is formed out of an internal wall of the extension piece 20. However, the groove 28 can instead be located on the internal wall of the extension piece 20, with the one or more tabs being formed out of an external wall of the outlet 14. Further, when just one tab 30 is employed, it can interact either with a groove or a single corresponding indentation (i.e. instead of a groove).

In the case of a circular outlet 14 and a circular collar 22, a single tab or multiple tabs 30 can interact with a single continuous groove 28, and the user can randomly orient the extension piece 20 and/or the grate tray 12 before engagement. This is because, the tab(s) 30 can sit anywhere along and around the groove 28. In this case, it is sufficient that the user simply ensures that each tab 30 is engaged with the groove 28. Alternatively, a number of tabs could each interact with respective single corresponding indentations (i.e. instead of a groove) but in such a case the user would need to properly align the tab(s) 30 with their corresponding indentations.

In the embodiments shown in Figs. IB, IC and 3, the extension piece 20 comprises four evenly spaced tabs 30 (i.e. each is located at 90 degrees with respect to an adjacent tab), each tab formed out of the internal wall of the collar 22. The number and spacing of tabs can be varied to include other angles (e.g. three tabs each located at 120 degrees to the other, five tabs located at 72 degrees to the other, etc).

The configuration of the grate tray 12 and extension piece 20 provides an adaptable system that can be fitted to a variety of drainage fittings such as a drain pipe, leak control flange, etc. Generally, drainage fittings come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, a drain pipe can have diameters ranging from 50 mm to 200 mm. Thus, a supplier or installer of these components needs to have 15

18991566_1 stock/inventory of the different sized grate trays 12 that have a corresponding sized outlet. A benefit of the presently disclosed system is that the need to carry a large amount of stock can be reduced or eliminated.

As shown by Figs. IB, IC, 2A, 2B and 6A to 6C, the extension piece 20 can be easily manufactured (e.g. moulded from plastic, pressed from sheet metal, spun from metal plate, etc.) into different sizes (e.g. diameters, lengths, etc.). Then, a user simply needs to select an appropriate floor grate with an appropriate coupled extension from a varying sized range of extension pieces 20, rather than needing to stock differently sized grate trays 12 (i.e. multiple different extension pieces 20 can be used with a standard grate tray type).

As also shown in Figs. 1A, 2A, 2B, 4, 7 and 8, the weir grate 10 further comprises an insert 32. The insert 32 is configured such that a gap is defined between the insert 32 and the grate tray 12 around a periphery thereof (i.e. to provide a 'weir' drain to the weir grate 10). When installed, the surface of insert 32(or flooring material thereon) is at the same level as the floor in which the base tray 12 is installed. Usually, the insert 32 is supplied together with the grate tray 12 and grate extension piece 20.

The insert 32 can take a number of forms. For example, the insert may be a tray 32 that is optionally hollow with sidewall(s). Such a hollow can locate a flooring material that can for example match the remainder of the floor. In another form, the insert 32 can take the form of a floor grate piece that is sized to locate in a snug fit within the grate tray 12 (i.e. water drains through apertures defined through the floor grate piece).

The insert 32 comprises an aperture 34 for drainage of water that may have passed into the insert (i.e. through the flooring material and/or through adhesive/grout that holds the flooring material in the insert), into the grate tray 12 in use. The water passing through aperture 34 can drop into the hole 18 of the grate tray 12.

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In order to locate in and engage with the grate tray 12, the insert 32 shown in the embodiments comprises at least one pin, and this case four pins (i.e. 36, 37, 42, 43) that project from an underside 38 of the insert 32. The pins 36 are configured to engage with a corresponding portion defined within the grate tray 12 to retain the insert 32 therein. For example, the pins can interlock with corresponding pedestals (e.g. that are shaped to receive the pins) of the grate tray 12 to secure together the insert 32 and the grate tray 12.

However, as shown in Fig.lA, 2A, 2B, 7 and 8, the four pins (36, 37, 42, 43) of insert 32 to the underside 38 comprise two sets of two pins, each with a distinct design. One set of pins (36, 37) each comprise a cut-out 41 in a side thereof, the cut-out 41 defining a latch 44 at the distal end of the pins 36, 37 (best shown in Figs. 7A and 7B). This gives rise to an upwardly facing latch surface 46 and a downwardly facing cut out surface 48 that generally are located facing each other. The other set of pins 42, 43 do not comprise the latch 44 but have only an L shaped cut out 38, and thus only a downwardly facing cut out surface 48.

The sloping wall 26 of the grate tray 12 is provided with an internal ledge 50 that projects inwardly and is located to form an internal periphery of the grate tray 12. The internal ledge 50 has 2 notches 58, 56 that can receive the pins 36, 37 with the cut-out 41 and latch 44. This internal ledge 50 has two surfaces - an upwards facing surface 52 and a downwards facing surface 54. The upwards facing surface 52 is configured to be level in use while the downwards facing surface 54 tapers downwards and away from the upwards facing surface 52. This enables the ledge 50 to act as a wedge.

During assembly, to engage the insert 32 with the grate tray 12, the pins 36 and 37 are located in the notches 58, 56 and the insert 32 is then rotated so that the upwardly facing latch surface 46 and the downwardly facing latch surface 48 of the pins 36, 37 engage respectively with the downwardly facing surface 54 and upwardly facing surface 52 of the internal ledge 50. Because the downward facing surface 54 of the ledge is progressively tapering downwards, this surface will

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18991566_1 eventually force the pin to stop rotation once the distance between surfaces 54 and 56 exceeds the distance between surfaces 46 and 48. In this position, the pins 36, 37 will be firmly held by frictional forces acting between the different surfaces in contact. The other two pins 42, 43 have rubber grommets 60 located within each downwardly facing surface 48 (see Fig. 7B) which engage in frictional contact with the upwardly facing surface 52 of the ledge 50 in use.

The flooring material retained in the recess of insert 32 is generally floor tiles adhered with tile adhesive. The benefit of an insert set up in this way is that the floor appears seamless after installation of this system, except for the weir gap defined between the insert 32 and the grate tray 12 for drainage of water. Such an arrangement provides an aesthetically appealing floor without compromising the functionality of drainage.

In the embodiments shown, the grate tray 12 and the outlet 14 each have a circular cross-sectional profile. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the grate tray 12 has a rectangular cross-sectional profile whereas the outlet 14 has a circular cross sectional profile.

In yet another embodiment, both the grate tray 12 and the outlet 14 can have a rectangular cross-sectional profile. In this case, the grate extension piece 20 would also have a rectangular cross-sectional profile.

Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure.

For example, the insert 32 can be configured to locate against the boundary wall 13 of the grate tray 12 when inserted. In this case, the resulting weir can have a crescent-moon shape. In another variation, when the insert 32 and the boundary wall 13 each have a square or rectangular profile, and when the insert locates against two wall portions of the boundary wall 13, the resulting weir can have a L shape.

18

18991566_1

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the floor waste and connector.

19

18991566_1

Claims (20)

1. A floor waste comprising:

a hollow base for location in a floor, an engagement portion that extends from an underside of the base, the underside of the base further comprising an aperture for drainage of water from the hollow base;

a hollow connector for connecting the base to a drainage fitting such that water passing through the aperture from the base is able to flow through the connector and into the drainage fitting, the connector being configured to locate adjacent to the engagement portion in-use;

wherein one of the engagement portion and connector comprises at least one recess, and the other of the connector and the engagement portion comprises at least one protuberance that is arranged to locate in the recess to retain the connector to the base in use.

2. A floor waste according to claim 1 wherein the connector comprises a collar configured to locate adjacent to the engagement portion in use, wherein the at least one recess or the at least one protuberance is located in a wall of the collar.

3. A floor waste according to claim 2 wherein the collar is configured to surround the engagement portion in use, wherein the at least one recess or the at least one protuberance is located in an internal wall of the collar.

4. A floor waste according to claim 3 wherein the or each of the protuberances is located in and projects inwardly from the collar internal wall, and wherein the at least one recess is defined in an external wall of the engagement portion.

5. A floor waste according to any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the recess is a groove that extends at least part way around a periphery of the engagement portion or the collar of the connector.

6. A floor waste according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the engagement portion of the base is circular and surrounds the aperture such that water draining therethrough in use passes through the engagement portion, and wherein the collar is also circular to correspond to the engagement portion.

7. A floor waste according to any one of the preceding claims wherein one of the engagement portion and connector comprises two or more spaced protuberances, and wherein the other of the connector and the engagement portion comprises one or a respective recess for the two or more protuberances.

8. A floor waste according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each of the protuberances is configured to snap fit into the at least one recess.

9. A floor waste according to claim 8, wherein each protuberance comprises a portion that is formed out of a wall of one of the engagement portion and connector, the portion defining a detent that projects from the wall, the detent locating into the at least one recess to thereby retain the connector to the base in use.

10. A floor waste according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the recess is a groove that extends right around a periphery of the engagement portion or the connector.

11. A floor waste according to any one of the preceding claims wherein an internal surface of the collar and an external surface of the engagement portion are provided with reverse tapers to facilitate inter-engagement between the collar and engagement portion, wherein the reverse taper surfaces inter-engage when the or each protuberance locates in the (or a respective) recess.

12. A floor waste according to claim 11, wherein the engagement portion extends from the underside of the base as an inwardly tapering wall, and wherein a wall of the connector is outwardly tapered in a manner that generally corresponds to the engagement portion inwardly tapering wall such that, in-use, the connector outwardly tapering wall locates adjacent to the engagement portion inwardly tapering wall.

13. A floor waste according to anyone of the preceding claims, the floor waste further comprising an insert that is configured to locate in and engage with the base to be retained therein in use.

14. A floor waste according to claim 12, wherein an underside of the insert comprises an aperture for drainage of water into the base in use.

15. A floor waste according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, the insert comprises one or more pins projecting from an underside of the insert in use, at least one of the pins being configured to engage with a corresponding portion defined within the base to retain the insert in the base in use.

16. A floor waste according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein a hollow of the insert is configured to retain a flooring material therein in use.

17. A floor waste according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein each of the base and the engagement portion have a circular cross-sectional profile.

18. A connector for use in the floor waste as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, the connector being as defined in any one of claims 1 to 16 to comprise at least one recess, or at least one protuberance that is arranged to locate in the recess.

19. A floor waste comprising:

a hollow base for location in a floor, an engagement portion that extends from an underside of the base, the underside of the base further comprising an aperture for drainage of water from the hollow base;

a hollow connector for connecting the base to a drainage fitting such that water passing through the aperture from the base is able to flow through the connector and into the drainage fitting, the connector being configured to locate adjacent to the engagement portion in-use;

wherein an external surface of the engagement portion comprises a taper, and wherein an internal surface of the connector comprises a corresponding matching taper, the tapers configured to inter-engage when the connector locates adjacent to the engagement portion in-use.

20. A floor waste according to claim 19, the floor waste being otherwise as defined in any one of claims I to 18.

30 26 Fig 1B 30 22 20 30 42 43 60 60 17 18 24 30 30 12 22 20 13

26 30

24 30 14 16 Fig 1A Fig 1C

Fig 2A Fig 2B

32 32

42 42 43 36 37 36 37 60 43 60 60 60 13 12 12 28

30 30 30 14

22 20 20

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31

C-C

22

30 30 C-C 24 Fig 3 (Fig 3A)

Fig 3A

30 31

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17 28 23 30 15 22

38 14 26

20 24

Fig 4

Fig 5 17 32

13 12

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Fig 7A Fig 7B 38

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30 31

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