AU705903B2 - Drain fitting - Google Patents

Description

DRAIN FITTING This invention relates to a drain fitting, in particular a fitting for closing and opening a drain pipe.

The most common method for closing a drain outlet in a receptacle such as a basin, bath or sink, is to use a plug which may be taken away from the receptacle so that it is not always conveniently to hand. Further, it is necessary to remove the plug by hand, so that when the receptacle contains very hot or very dirty water, this becomes difficult and/or unpleasant.

One solution is to attach the plug to the receptacle by a chain, which prevents removal of the plug from the vicinity of the receptacle, and which may be used to draw the plug from the drain outlet. However, the chain looks untidy when the plug is not in use, and may relatively easily be broken.

Another solution is to provide a plug which is permanently mounted in the drain ~outlet which may be raised or lowered to open or close the drain outlet via a remote actuating means. These "pop-up" plugs usually sit above the interior base of the receptacle, providing a space of a few millimetres between the plug and the drain outlet S around the periphery of the plug in the open position. By manipulating actuating means in the form of a rotating knob or push-pull rod which is often associated with a faucet built in to the receptacle, the plug may be lowered into the drain outlet to close it against the egress of liquid from the receptacle. Pop-up plugs are unsuitable for situations where particles such as food scraps may be in the liquid being retained, because such particles cannot fit between the plug and the outlet when the plug is in the open position, and tend to clog the outlet. In extreme cases, such particles may prevent the plug from sealing against the drain outlet properly. Further, the raised position of the open plug makes cleaning of the receptacle difficult, and modification of the receptacle is often necessary to have pop-up plugs fitted.

II C:\WINWORDJACKIE\RJSSELL\SPECIRMW\COMDRA N.DOC *1 3 Another type of closing means for drain pipes is similar to the pop-up plug, but is situated within the drain pipe, beneath the receptacle. Examples of this type of plug may be seen in AU-A-66157/81 and AU-A-77930/91. These types of plugs may also require modification to the receptacle for fitting. Because the plug does not project above the interior base of the receptacle, this type of fitting does not have the problem with cleaning which is experienced with the pop-up plug. However, the presence of the plug and/or the mechanism for opening and closing the plug results in a partial obstruction of the drain pipe even when open, reducing the flow of liquid through the drain pipe. This obstruction may result in clogging due to particles suspended in the liquid flowing through the drain pipe, and the fact that such clogging takes place within the drain pipe makes clearing of the particles very difficult. Because of this, plumbing regulations often prohibit the use of such devices.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or alleviate at least some of 1.5 the aforementioned difficulties. Accordingly the present invention provides a drain fitting having a plug means, including a conduit defining a flow-path for a fluid, and a valve member adapted to seal against a valve seat to prevent fluid flow through said conduit, wherein said valve member may be substantially withdrawn from said flow-path so as to allow fluid to flow therethrough without substantial obstruction from the plug 20 means.

The conduit and valve member may be formed of any suitable material; preferably polypropylene or polyvinylchloride plastics are used.

In one embodiment, the valve seat may be a shoulder formed on the internal periphery of the conduit, against which a valve member may seal. Preferably, the valve member abuts against the interior walls of the conduit to form a sealing engagement therewith. In this embodiment, the valve seat is formed by the interior walls of the conduit. Engagement between the body of the valve member and the conduit walls may be enhanced by a sealing member, such as a resilient O-ring, mounted on the body of the valve member.

1 C:\WINORD\ACKIE\RUSSELL\SPECIRJW\COMDRAIN.DOC Preferably, the conduit includes a first, upstream portion and a second, downstream portion. The first and second portions of the conduit are arranged so as to allow substantially unobstructed fluid flow from the first portion to the second portion.

The valve member may be moved to sealing engagement with the walls of the first or second portion, preferably the first portion, to prevent fluid flow from the first to the second portion of the conduit. The first portion is preferably adapted for connection with the drain outlet of an unmodified receptacle such as a sink, bath or basin.

Preferably, the valve member is in the form of a piston. The piston is adapted to closely conform to the interior shape and dimensions of the conduit so that it may be moved into sealing engagement therewith. Sealing may be enhanced by providing a resilient O-ring on the piston. In an embodiment where the piston engages a shoulder on the internal periphery of the conduit, the O-ring may be situated on the face of the piston so as to engage the shoulder as the piston abuts it. In preferred embodiments where the piston engages the side walls of the conduit, one or more O-rings may be mounted circumferentially about the body of the piston to enhance sealing engagement between the piston and the internal periphery of the conduit. In another embodiment, a section of the first portion of the conduit is provided with a longitudinal groove or protrusion which mates with the corresponding respective protrusion or groove in the valve member. This prevents rotation of the valve member relative to the first portion of the conduit.

The valve member may be withdrawn from the conduit into a holding chamber, in which the valve member is substantially removed from the flow-path defined by the conduit. Preferably, the holding chamber is formed by an extension of either the first portion or the second portions of the conduit beyond the intersection of the first and second portions of the conduit. More preferably, the first portion of the conduit terminates in a substantially horizontal section, which the second portion of the conduit meets at an angle. The holding chamber is formed from an extension of the first portion of the conduit beyond its intersection with the second conduit. The wall of the holding chamber remote from the intersection of the first portion of the conduit with the second portion of the conduit is preferably removable so as to allow access to the piston for II C:XWINWORDACKIE\RUSSELL\SPECIRJW\COMDRAN.DOC repair and the like. Preferably, the wall is screw mounted to the end of the holding chamber.

In use, the valve member is preferably biased toward a first position in which it seals with either the first portion or second portion of the conduit, preferably the first portion, so as to prevent fluid flow through the conduit. Biasing means use to bias the valve means may include hydraulic, pneumatic, magnetic or electric means but preferably the valve means is biased into the first position by means of a coiled spring.

Preferably, the biasing means is situated within the holding chamber provided there is still room to enable the valve means to withdraw substantially into the chamber to prevent obstruction of fluid flow in the conduit. This may be assisted by providing a cavity within the valve means in which the biasing means may be accommodated.

0.0 Alternatively, the biasing means may be outside the holding chamber but linked to the S• valve means via a shaft or the like which passes through an aperture in the holding chamber. It is preferred that suitable sealing means are provided where the shaft passes through the wall of the holding chamber to prevent leakage at this point. This may be further assisted by providing suitable sealing means on the valve member.

The valve member may be withdrawn into the holding chamber to a second position by retracting means which act against the biasing means. The retracting means is preferably lockable, so that the valve member may be held in the second position indefinitely.

The retracting means preferably includes a cable attached to the valve member.

This enables wide variety in the type and position of receptacle and drain fittings in which the invention may be used. The cable passes through an aperture in the holding chamber. To minimise the possibility of leaks, the valve member is preferably equipped with a further circumferential sealing means. The relative dimension of the conduit and the valve member are preferably such that the rear of the valve member and the further sealing means remains within the holding chamber even when the leading edge of the valve member is abutting the valve seat. In addition, sealing means may be provided about the aperture through which the cable passes.

11 C\WWORD\JACKE\RUSSELL\SPECIRW\COMDRAIN.DOC The end of the cable remote from the valve member is preferably attached to actuating means whereby the cable may be pulled so as to act against the biasing means so as to cause the valve means to move into the second position within the holding chamber. Preferably, the actuating means can be locked to retain the valve member within the holding chamber. The actuating means may be a device for direct manipulation by the user, or may be operated by means of a sensor for applications where hygiene is important. In a preferred embodiment, the actuating means includes a rotatable handle attached to a cam member, a cam follower, and a lever. The lever is adapted to translate movement of the cam follower into movement of the cable against the biasing means. By rotating the handle, the cam member is rotated to cause linear movement of the cam follower and movement of the cable against the biasing means.

It is preferred that the cam member and/or cam follower is provided with a detent S position, wherein they may be set to retain the valve member in the second position.

*o In another embodiment, the valve means may be biased into the second position and moved into the first position via a substantially rigid shaft. Modifications may be made to the actuating means to accommodate a pushing, rather than pulling action in this case.

The invention will now be discussed in relation to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 depicts a cross-section of the invention showing the valve member in a first, closed position, and Figure 2 depicts a cross-section of the invention showing the valve member in a second, open position.

The drawings show a conduit having a first portion 1 and a second portion 2 which is attached so as to allow fluid flow through a path-way defined by the conduit.

First portion 1 is provided with attachment means 3 which are adapted to connect the conduit to a sink, basin bath or the like (not shown). Conduit 2 is adapted to be connected to a standard short P-trap, double bowl connector or S-trap fitting. Valve means in the form of a piston 4 is provided which is slidably movable between a first position (Fig. 1) and a second position (Fig. 2).

IJJ C:\WINWORD\ACKIE\RUSSELL\SPECIRJW\COMDRAIN.DOC In the first position, piston 4 seals first portion 1 so as to prevent fluid flow from first portion 1 to second portion 2. Sealing is achieved between the interior walls of first portion 1 and the exterior of piston 4. To enhance fluid sealing between first portion 1 and piston 4, piston 4 is provided with a resilient O-ring 5. Piston 4 is biased towards the first position by a helical spring 6 which acts between piston 4 and wall 7 of the holding chamber 8.

Piston 4 is provided with attachment means 10 for attachment to cable 9. Cable 9 passes through an aperture 11 in wall 7 and is connected to actuating means 12. By manipulating actuating means 12, it is possible to exert force on cable 9 which acts against spring 6 to move piston 4 into the second position in holding chamber 8 (Fig. 2).

Fluid can then flow in a substantially uninterrupted fashion from first portion 1 to second S: portion 2 of the conduit.

Holding chamber 8 is preferably a continuation of first portion 1 beyond its intersection with second portion 2. Holding chamber 8 is sized to accommodate piston 4 so that piston 4 is substantially removed from the flow-path defined by first portion 1 and second portion 2. Holding chamber 8 is closed by wall 7 which is removable for ;0 servicing and cleaning of piston 4. An O-ring 20 may be provided to improve the sealing of wall 7 to holding chamber 8. Cable 9 passes through an aperture 11 in wall 7, and to minimise leakage from aperture 11, a further resilient O-ring 13 is provided near to the rear of piston 4. O-ring 13 seals holding chamber 8 and aperture 11 from oooo° the conduit, even when piston 4 is in the first position. Further sealing means, for example a resilient grommet, may be provided at aperture 11 if desired, although some allowance for the passage of air into and out of the holding chamber 8 in response to movement of piston 4 is desirable.

As depicted, actuating means 12 includes a handle 14 adapted for manipulation by human hand, a cam member 15 having a ramping surface thereon, a cam follower 16 having a complimentary ramping surface to cam member 15 and a lever 17 pivotable about a fulcrum 18. Cam member 15 and handle 14 are connected so that rotation of handle 14 causes rotation of cam member 15. Interaction between the 1 C \WINWORDU\ACKIERUSSELL\SPECIRJW\COMD RAINDOC 8 complimentary ramping surfaces of cam member 15 and cam follower 16 causes a linear movement of cam follower 16 in response to the rotation of cam member which in turn causes lever 17 to pivot about fulcrum 18. Cable 9 is connected to the end of lever 17 remote from cam follower 16, so that movement of cam follower 16 in one direction is translated to movement of cable 9 in the opposite direction. This movement of cable 9 may be used to move piston 4 into the second position in holding chamber 8 against the bias of spring 6.

Preferably cam member 15 and cam follower 16 have a detent position relative to each other in which movement of cam follower 16 in response to force exerted on cam follower 16 by spring 6 via cable 9 and lever 17 is prevented, thereby allowing piston 4 to be retained within holding chamber 8 until cam member 15 and cam follower 16 are moved from their respective detent positions. One means of providing a detent S: position is to form a dimple 19 in the ramping surface of cam follower 16 into which the ramping surface of cam member 15 may settle. Movement of cam member 15 from dimple 19 requires further movement of cam follower 16 against the force applied by spring 6, thereby requiring further rotation of handle 14 by user before piston 4 can return to the first position. A similar effect may be obtained by providing a dimple in cam member 15 instead of cam follower 16.

0:0. It is to be understood that various other modifications and/or alterations may be made to the specific components described herein without departing from the spirit of the invention.

.io..i JJ C:\WNWORDACKIE\RUSSELL\SPECnUW\COMDRAINDOC The claims defining the invention are as follows: 1. "A drain fitting including a conduit defining a flow-path for a fluid, the conduit having a first, upstream portion adapted for connection with the drain outlet of an unmodified sink, bath or basin, and a second, downstream portion; and a plug means including a valve member and optionally, biasing means and/or retracting means; wherein the valve member comprises a piston which is movable between a first position, in which it abuts against the interior walls of the first portion of the conduit to form a sealing engagement therewith, the interior walls of the first portion of the conduit forming a valve seat, and thereby preventing fluid flow from the first portion of the conduit to said second portion of the conduit; and a second position in which the piston is substantially withdrawn from said flow-path into a holding chamber so that fluid may pass substantially unobstructed from the first portion into the second portion." 2. A drain fitting according to claim 1, wherein one portion of the conduit is extended beyond the intersection with the other portion of the conduit to form the holding chamber.

3. A drain fitting according to either one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the valve member includes at least one sealing member adapted to improve sealing between the body of the valve member and the interior walls of the conduit.

4. A drain fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the valve member is 25 urged toward the first position in which it is in sealing engagement with the interior walls of the conduit by the biasing means.

A drain fitting according to claim 4, wherein the valve member maybe moved to the second position in the holding chamber by the retracting means which operate against the biasing means.

Kl .I f: ,1.IW.PI (M l IN 1)1(

Claims (4)

1. 6. A drain fitting according to claim 5, wherein the retracting means includes a cable connected to the valve member and passing through an aperture in the holding chamber to actuating means.
2. 7. A drain fitting according to claim 6, wherein the actuating means includes a handle adapted to be manipulated by the human hand which is attached to a cam, a cam follower and a lever, whereby rotating the handle causes rotation of the cam and linear movement of the cam follower, said linear movement being transmitted to the cable by the lever so as to move the valve member to the second position in the holding chamber.
3. 8. A drain fitting according to claim 7, wherein the actuating means may be moved to a detent position, in which position movement of the valve member due to the action of the biasing means is prevented until the actuating means is moved from the detent position. o*
4. 9. A drain fitting substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings. 0* DATED 1 April, 1999 PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Attorneys for: 25 KIM LOUISE FLEISCHER PAUL RICHARD FLEISCHER )IAC('KII- IWSP'I Mi)RAIN.(X ABSTRACT A drain fitting, including a conduit defining a flow-path for a fluid, and a plug means which includes a valve member adapted to seal against a valve seat to prevent fluid flow through said conduit, and optionally, a biasing means and/or retracting means, wherein said plug means may be substantially withdrawn from said flow path into a holding chamber, so as to allow fluid to flow along said flow path without substantial obstruction from the plug means, wherein said valve member is adapted to abut against the interior walls of said conduit to form a o* sealing engagement therewith, the interior walls of said conduit thereby forming the valve seat. o•: •wg.e =ei e ee°•°