AU652287B2 - Pipe accessory - Google Patents

Description

652 87 r o

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name of Applicant: BRIAN JAMES HOWARD Actual Inventor: BRIAN JAMES HOWARD Address for Service: H.R. HODGKINSON CO.

Patent Trade Mark Attorneys 26A Alfred Street MILSONS POINT NSW 2061 Invention Title: PIPE ACCESSORY Details of Associated Provisional Applications: Nos: PK 8892 filed 14 October 1991 PL 1757 filed 6 April 1392 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: THIS INVENTION relates to an apparatus used in conjunction with downpipes, although it may also be adapted for use with any other pipe which may become either blocked or requires cleaning.

Most buildings and houses or the like are provided with guttering which surrounds the perimeter of the roof and is used for catching precipitation run-off. Thus, rainwater or the like is channelled along the gutter to a downpipe where it is finally drained away.

A common problem associated with guttering and downpipes is that in addition to catching the precipitation, other debris, such as leaves or branches and even dirt and soil, .e ~may also become caught in the gutter or downpipe causing them to become blocked, thereby failing to function in the manner required. When cleaning, hosing the debris along the gutter causes it to flow into the downpipe further compounding the problem. As access into downpipes is considerably difficult, if not impossible, the above problems are of considerable inconvenience and disadvantage.

It is not only a disadvantage that debris lodged 'n a downpipe causes the drainage means to become ineffective, but it may also give rise to a possible safety hazard, especially in areas prone to bush fires or the like. The presence of dried leaves, twigs and so on caught within the downpipes and guttering, provides flammable material which may act as a fuel in the promotion of a house firc.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to obviate or at least mitigate the above problems by providing a means of viewing inside a dcwnpipe, in addition to a means for gaining access to the downpipe to prevent or help to prevent the blockage of downpipes. At the very least, the invention provides an alternative to presently known drainage methods.

In its broadest form the present invention comprises: an apparatus for enabling a person to view inside and/or have access to a downpipe comprising; support means connected to the downpipe for positioning between two sections of the downpipe in co-linear relationship therewith, including a socket type fitting which receives a door or shutter wherein the shutter or door is moveable within the support means between a closed position whereby no visual or physical access can be gained to the inside of the downpipe and an open position which enables viewing and/or physical access inside the downpipe via a passage which communicates between the support means and the inside of the downpipe; wherein the support means comprises a frame which forms a socket when fixed to a wall of the downpipe within which the shutter or door travels between said closed and open position.

:In a first embodiment of the invention, the support means of the apparatus comprises a frame and the access facility ooes e is a shutter located therein, wherein the frame is affixed within a wall of the downpipe, the shutter being operable between the open and closed position. Alternatively, the access facility may be provided in the form a hinged door or trap.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the support means of the apparatus comprises a socket type fitting adapted to be positioned between two sections of said downpipe in colinear relationship therewith and having an internal bore to provide communication between said sections therethrough, said socket accommodating the access facility for enabling viewing and/or access within the downpipe. Preferably, in this arrangement the said access facility comprises a shutter which may be in a closed position to enable the downpipe to function normally or In the open position to enable viewing and/or access within the downpipe. Alternatively, as with the previous embodiment, the access facility -nay be in the form of a hinged door or trap.

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With advantage, in either embodiment, the access facility generally or the shutter in particular may be transparent.

It will be readily appreciated that the apparatus of the invention may be supplied as a separate fitting or accessory for fitment to an existing downpipe installation or alternatively may be provided as an integral component in a length of downpipe for new or replacement installations.

The invention may also comprise a debris diverting means for diverting falling debris out of the downpipe. With advantage such debris diverting means may be inserted into the downpipe so that upon flushing of the downpipe, debris S'is caused to exit therefrom. In one embodiment this can be accomplished by utilising the shutter, which upon removal from its frame or socket may be inserted into suitable 5 grooves or slots in the said frame or socket to cause such diversion.

Alternatively the diverting means may be provided in the S form of a separate insertible plate of suitable geometry capable of being inserted into the open access facility to cause such diversion. With advantage the plate may be more •eeoc: S readily shaped so as to avoid any debris from passing thereabout and entering the lower reaches of the downpipe.

S Yet further, the invention also provides closing off means, whereby said downpipe above said closing off means may be closed off from said downpipe below said closing off means.

By reason of this feature, the invention may be employed to trap water within the total drainage facility for example the gutter and downpipe above the closing off means, creating a deterrent to the spread of fire.

One particular means for achieving this closing off is the provision of a widthwise slot above the access facility so that, in an appropriate embodiment, upon removal of the shutter from its frame or socket as the case may be, it can be inserted into the slot and across the internal passageway of the downpipe thereby closing it off. The slot may be conveniently located in a region of the downpipe or supporting frame or socket, so that it is behind the shutter when it is in its closed position to effectively seal off the slot during normal operation. Alternatively, and in particular where a shutter is not utilised, a separate plate or indeed the diverting plate, if available, may be inserted in the appropriate slot to close off the downpipe.

In order that a better understanding of the invention may be S. gained, hereinafter are described embodiments thereof, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1: is a front view of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention installed on a ~downpipe with the shutter in the closed position, oomoo FIGURE 2: is a front view corresponding to Figure 1 with the e o shutter in an open position, FIGURE 3: is a pictorial view of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 with the shutter removed and inserted as a debris diverter, FIGURE 4: is a sectional elevation of the frame in FIGURE 5: FIGURE 6: FIGURE 7: accordance with the embodiment of the invention as utilised in Figure 1, is a perspective view of the shutter as used in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, is a perspective view of a separate debris diverter for use with the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4.

is a pictorial view of a second embodiment according to the invention installed in a round downpipe; is a pictorial view corresponding to the alternative embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figure 7, installed in a rectangular downpipe with the shutter removed and inserted as a debris diverter, and is a pictorial view of a further alternative embodiment of the invention installed in a a a FIGURE 8: a 9*a* a FIGURE 9: downpipe.

Referring generally to Figures 1 to 6, a downpipe 1 is provided with a large rectangular aperture 2 in its front face. A frame 3 is screwed or otherwise fastened around the perimeter of the aperture 2 ane includes a groove 4 sized and adapted to enable a shutter 5 to be slid vertically up and down therein.

Alternatively, the shutter 5 may be designed to slide horizontally, this particular feature not being essential to the invention other than in accordance with the requirement that when the shutter is in a closed position, the downpipe 1 is abl- to function in its normal manner. Further, when the shutter is in an open position, the viewing and/or access means is enabled for a person who wishes to view or have inside access to the interior of the downpipe 1.

In the embodiment sh ~n in Figures 1 to 3, the shutter may be slid vertically within the frame and, in fact, totally removed from the groove 4 in the frame 3. The shutter 5 is provided with a lip 6 which acts as a handle or gripping means for the user.

As illustrated in Figure 3, the shutter 5 may also be used as a debris diverter 7. In this case the frame 3 is provided with a further groove or slot 8 towards the lower 15 part thereof. This enables the shutter 5 to be slid, or an Salternative debris diverter as illustrated in Figure 6 to be fitted, into the frame, being housed in the slot 8 at an angle inclined to the horizontal. In use, debris which is drained or washed through the downpipe 1 falls on the :20 diverter and is thereby deflected outwards through the aperture 2.

The shutter 5 is provided with notches or protrusions 9 along the front face thereof which enables the shutter 5 to o• be held in any one of a plurality of incremental positions including the closed position, which correspond to the extent to which the shutter may be opened. These same notches also hold the shutter in place when used as a debris diverter.

Other embodiments of a shutter may also be employed, such as, and for example only, a transparent shutter which acts as a window into the downpipe without the need to open the shutter or, alternatively, the shutter may be designed to pivot on a hinge attached to the frame.

As noted above a further embodiment of a debris diverter is shown in Figure 6. In this case, the debris diverter 10 is designed to ensure that there are no gaps between the internal sides of the downpipe and the perimeter of the diverter when in place. This minimal clearance ensures that no leaves or other debris are able to pass between the diverter and the internal sides of the downpipe when flushing out debris.

A chain or hook may be provided for storing and/or supporting this alternative debris diverter when not in use.

15 The invention as illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, may be used in the following way. Firstly, the shutter 5 may be opened to determine whether the downpipe 1 is, in fact, blocked by debris. If so, the shutter 5 may be pulled out of the frame S3 and used as a trowel to clean out the downpipe 1, at least in the vicinity of the apparatus. The shutter 5, or other debris diverter 10, may then be inserted into the slot 8 before hosing the gutters of a roif for cleaning purposes.

As the hose water and other debris are swept into the downpipe 1, the debris is diverted out of the downpipe by the debris diverter. Once the cleaning process has finished, the debris diverter 10 (or shutter 5 itself if used) may be removed and the shutter 5 replaced in a closed position.

In a further embodiment, the debris diverter may include 9 grate means for allowing water or liquid to pass therethrough while diverting larger debris, such as leaves or twigs, out of the downpipe.

Referring generally to Figures 7 to 9, in a second major embodiment, a downpipe 1 is cut to enable the insertion of the inventive apparatus generally described at 12. The apparatus 12 includes a socket fitting 13 sized to fit between the two sections la, 1b, being portions of the cut downpipe In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the downpipe is portrayed as being of circular cross-section, with the socket fitting 13 being substantially of a rectangular cross-section. While such profiles are suitable to the invention, the invention is by no means limited to these 15 shapes and is equally applicable to downpipes of any crosssection, just as the cross-section of the socket itself is also not so limited.

Nevertheless, in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, two circular lips 14, 15, integral with the socket 13, engage the top section of the downpipe la and lower section of the downpipe lb respectively.

On one particular side of the socket 13 is provided a shutter 16. In a preferred embodiment, the shutter is S" transparent enabling a viewing means within the interior of the socket, which is substantially hollow allowing throughflow of material within the downpipe 1.

The shutter 16 is also adapted to provide access into the internal area of the socket 13 and adjacent domwnpipe la/lb, V. 7 said access being provided by the ability of the shutter 16 to slide or pivot so as to cause the shutter 16 to move from a closed position to an open position. When the shutter 16 is in a closed position, the downpipe 1 is able to function in its normal manner. When the shutter 16 is in an open position, means for access into the socket 13 and adjacent downpipe la/lb is provided.

In a preferred embodiment, the shutter 16 may also be used as a debris diverter. For example, in the specific embodiment shown in Figure 7, the shutter 16 is pivotable about a hinge positioned horizontally slightly above the lower edge thereof. The hinge 18 provides pivoting means for the shutter 16 which enables the upper portion of the shutter 16 to pivot inwardly and towards the internal face of the opposing side of the socket 13. When in this position, the shutter 16 (thus acting as a debris diverter) is sloped at such an angle that debris falling down the downpipe and onto the shutter or debris diverter 16 is caused to slide outwardly of said socket 13 and away from said lower portion of the downpipe lb. That is, in use, debris which is drained or washed through the downpipe 1 falls on to the shutter/debris diverter 16 and is thereby deflected outwards through the aperture 11.

As illustrated in Figure 8, in an alternative embodiment, a removable shutter 16 may be provided, which doubles as an insertible diverting plate. In Figure 8, there is illustrated an embodiment comprising a socket 13 mounted on a rectangular downpipe la/lb. Like components of Figure 8 to those shown in Figure 7, are provided with the same reference numerals.

11 Referring generally to Figure 9, there is again illustrated a further embodiment similar to Figure 8, except that a slot 19 is provided in the front face of the socket 13 into which a further plate (not illustrated) or shutter 16 may be inserted for the purpose of providing a means of closing off the downpipe la above the socket 13. In particular, the plate or shutter 16 would act as a valve to trap water or the like within the downpipe and other drainage means.

Again, it is realised that the shutter 16 itself may be of such versatile design as to function as the aforesaid closing off plate, although thiF is by no means essential.

In use, at such time as there exists a fire or the threat of a fire, the closing off plate or shutter 16 may be used to close off the downpipe la above the apparatus of the :15 invention so as to prevent drainage or the flow of water therethrough. Water may then be hosed onto the roof of the house or building causing the drainage means including guttering above the inventive apparatus to fill with the water and act as a fire deterrent.

It will be readily appreciated that various further modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of this invention. No limi.tation of the invention with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should De inferred.

Claims (12)

1. An apparatus for enabling a person to view inside and/or have access to a downpipe comprising; support means connected to the downpipe for positioning between two sections of the downpipe in co-linear relationship therewith, including a socket type fitting which receives a door or shutter wherein the shutter or door is moveable within the support means between a closed position whereby no visual or physical access can be gained to the inside of the downpipe and an open position whici enables viewing and/or physical access inside the downpipe via a passage which communicates between the support means and the inside of the downpipe* wherein the support means comprises a frame which forms .a k t.- typ-' i socketkwhen fixed to a wall of the downpipe within which the shutter or door travels between said closed and open position.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the frame is SV'O-& r or affixed within a wall of the downpipe with theldoor er-tr being operable between the closed and open position.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, in which there is .also provided debris diverting means which may be inserted into the opened communication passage of the downpipe for diverting falling debris therefrom.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, in which the debris diverting means is provided in the form of a separate insertible plate of suitable geometry capable of being inserted into the passage to cause such diversion.

An apparatus according to claim i, in which there is also provided debris diverting means which may be inserted into the communication passage of the downpipe for diverting falling debris therefrom, achieved through utilisation of the shutter, which upon removal from its frame or socket may be inserted into suitable grooves or slots in the said frame or socket to cause such diversion. 12 1-4H^

6. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which there is also provided closing off means, whereby said downpipe above said closing off means may be closed off in separation from said downpipe below said closing off means.

7. An apparatus according to either one of claims 1 or 6 in which there is provided closing off means, whereby said downpipe above said closing off means may be closed off from said downpipe below said closing off means, the closing off means comprising a widthwise slot above the access facility so that upon removal of the shutter from its frame or socket as *the case may be, it can be inserted into the slot and across the internal passageway of the downpipe thereby closing it off.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7 in which the slot is located in a region of the downpipe or supporting frame or socket, so that it is behind the shutter when it is in its closed position to effectively seal off the slot during normal e0 operation.

9. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the access facility or a portion thereof is .g0 transparent.

10. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus is a separate fitting or accessory for fitment to an existing downpipe installation.

11. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the apparatus is provided as an integral component in a length of downpipe for use in a new or replacement installation.

12. An apparatus to enable a person to view inside or have access to the interior of a downpipe substantially as 13 "i 4 C C C C C. CC C C S tee. C C CC. C C C CCC. C CCC. CC.. CC C C C C CC.. CCC. C C .CC. C .C CCC. C described herein in conjunction with either figures 1 to 6 or figures 7 to '9. DATED this 1st day of June 1994. ,BRIAN~ JA1 ES HOWARD B y His Paten A Atony 14 ABSTRACT An apparatus is provided to enable a person to view inside and/or have access to a downpipe. The apparatus may be integral with a length of downpipe or made as a separate accessory for fitment thereto. Access is provided by means of a slidable shutter or hinged door incorporated in an appropriate frame for fixing in the wall of a downpipe or a socket or sleeve which replaces a section of the downpipe. Additional features include the provision of debris diverting means to facilitate flushing of the downpipe so 'that debris exits therefrom as well as a closing off arrangement to facilitate closing off the downpipe above the apparatus for water entrapment. Both these additional features may be achieved by inserting suitably shaped additional plates or in certain embodiments the shutter itself for example, into appropriately formed grooves or S. slots in the apparatus. S