CA2081980A1 - Hydrostatic drain plug - Google Patents
Hydrostatic drain plugInfo
- Publication number
- CA2081980A1 CA2081980A1 CA 2081980 CA2081980A CA2081980A1 CA 2081980 A1 CA2081980 A1 CA 2081980A1 CA 2081980 CA2081980 CA 2081980 CA 2081980 A CA2081980 A CA 2081980A CA 2081980 A1 CA2081980 A1 CA 2081980A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- valve member
- closed position
- sealing
- valve
- biassing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Abstract
A hydrostatic drain plug/outlet assembly comprises a hollow body (1) with an inlet port and an outlet port for connection to a fluid conduit. A slidable valve member (6) is movable between a locked open position and a locked closed position via an intermediate position at which the valve member (6) is urged into sealing engagement with a sealing member (3) by a spring (21) which supports a hydrostatic pressure of predetermined magnitude beyond which excess hydrostatic pressure is relieved by the valve member to prevent liquid overflow in a vessel. The valve member is moved between the locked open position and the locked closed position by rotation of valve member (6).
Description
2~8~ 9~U
WO91/16~, PCT/AU91/00178 HYDROSTATIC DRAIN PLUG
This invention is concerned with improved d-ain or waste plugs for liquid containing vessels.
The invention is partlcularly althougn not exclusively concerned with drain or waste plugs (hereinafter referred to generally as drain plugs) for use in association with waste outlets of hand basins, sinks, baths, spa baths, floor drains and the like in domestic and commercial buildings, laboratories and the like.
The simplest forms of drain plug in general use comprise a rigid or flexible frusto-conical plug adapted to engage in a frusto-conical neck of complementary shape in the neck of a waste outlet or alternatively a plug with a flexible flange adapted to engage an annular rim of a waste outlet.
While generally effective for their purpose in providing a msans to retain a body of liquid within a v^ssAl Ihene plugg suffsr a numhsr of disadvantages.
Both types of plugs referred to above form a seal under the pressure of a head of water in the vessel and as the depth of water increases, the effort required to remove the plug increases greatly. For children or aged or infirm persons this can be most inconvenient and in some cases quite dangerous.
Furthermore, if attention is distracted whilst filling a bath, hand basin or like vessels, the vessel may be allowed to overflow with disastrous conseauences SUBSTIT~JTE SHE~ET
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; ~ . -- ' .. . .
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WO91/l6~7 2 l, ~ ~ ~ 8 ~ PCT/AU91/00178.~
to carpets, furni6hings and buildlng structures both in domestic dwellings and multi-storey dwellings such as hotels, apartments etc.
A significant disadvantage associated with plugs of the above type ls that generally they are not captive and thus are easily lost, misplaced or, in the case of hotels and the like, stolen thereby necessitating costly frequent replacements. Although it is possible to make a drain plug captive by attachment of a cord or chain this is not always convenient and can be unsightly and difficult to clean.
There have been many attempts to overcome the disadvantages associated with prior art drain plugs.
Exemplary of these are Australian Patent applications 12445/52 and 36335/89, Australian Patent No. 213319, International Patent Application No. PCT/GB85/00345 (WO86/01100) and Australian Patent Application No.
66157/81.
Patsnt ,~pplic~ticn ~o. l~A45,'5~ cor.cerne a waste outlet having a rotatable plate with apertures selectively alignable with apertures in the body of the outlet. The plate is rotatable to open or close the waste outlet. This device is difficult and inconve~ient to operate, suffers from poor liquid sealing capacity and an exposed spring mechanism provides a lint .rap leading ultimately to poor drainage and blockage.
Patent Application No. 36335/89 describes a device similar to that of Patent Application No.
508STI rLJTE SH~
~ ~VO91~16~ 2 ~$ ~ PCT/A~I9l/00l78 12445/52 but comprises a removable plug assembly which is easily lost or stolen.
Australian Patent No. 213319 descrlbes a captive plug/waste outlet combination wherein sealing engagement of the plug is achieved by rotating the plug on a threaded shaft to raise or lower the plug relative to the mouth of the outlet. This device suffers from poor drainage, entrapment of lint and, in the open position, protrudes above the surface of the outlet _nereby causing the potential for injury in a bath or the like.
Patent Application No. PCT/GB8S/00345 describes a waste outlet comprising a cover plate attached to one end of a shaft and a plug attached at the other end of the shaft. The plug i9 urged into sealing engagement with an outlet aperture against a spring biassing means by pushing downwardly on the cover plate and rotating through 90 by means of a bayonet co-upling. Th~ a particulal devlc6 ~ 5 CGn3id6~ed .0 vc particularly prone to blockages due to entrapment of lint in both upper and lower spring mechanisms and such blockages would require a relatively diîficult dismantling to clear the blockage.
Each of the above types of plug/outlet combination are concerned with a plug which is subjected _o hydrostatic pressure which enhances the liquid seal and thus increases the di'ficulty of disengaging the plug under a head of water.
SU13~;Tl'rlJTE SH~E'r - - , .
-WO91/16~7 ~g ~ ~ PCT/A~'91/00178 ,~
Australian Patent Application No. 66l57/8ldescribes an hydraulically actuated plug which seals against the hydrostatic pressure of a head or water.
Apart from requiring an extremely expensive installation S to permit selective application of mains water pressure to actuate the plug, the system is prone to water leakages in the pressure actuation system, blockages and poor sealing in the presence of foreign matter.
Apart from Patent Application No. 36335/89 all of the aforementioned prior art waste plug/outlet combinations are subject to blockage by lint entrapment and require either removal of the waste pipe or complete dismantling of the plug/outlet combination for cleaning purposes.
lS It is an aim of the present invention to overcome or alleviate the problems of prior art waste plug/outlet combinations and to provide a novel waste plug/outlet with additional advantages.
~eco~-dillg ~o tne invention tnere is provided a waste plug/outlet apparatus for liquid retaining vessels, said apparatus including:-a hollow body portion having an inlet port and an outlet port, said outlet port being adapted for connection to a liquid conduit;
a sealing means associated with said inlet port;
a valve member movable between an open position spaced from said sealing means and a closed $-t68T~TlJTE SHE~T
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,~ WO91/16~ PCT/A~191/00178 position wherein said valve ~e~ber seali~gly engages against said sealing member; and, resilient biassing means to urge said valve member towards a closed position.
Preferably said apparatus includes locking means to selectively loc~ said valve member in an open position.
If required said apparatus may additionally or alternatively include locking means to Oelectively loc~
said valve member in a closed position.
The sealing means may comprise any suitable means which, in association with said valve member, forms a liquid tight seal ~o prevent ingress of liquid into said inlet port.
Suitably the ~ealing means is releasably attachable to said body portion to enable insertion to or withdrawal from the interior of said body portion of said valve member.
Pre,arabl-y said saalir.g m~ar.O cGmpri3aO a sealing surface which diverges inwardly of said body portion.
Suitably said sealing surface comprises a frusto-conical surface adapted to engage a complementary surface on said valve member.
Preferably said biassing means comprises a compression spring operative between said movable valve member and valve support member associated with said body portion.
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WO9~ ~7 2 l~ i PCT/AU91/00178 If requlred said biassing means may be adjustable to selectively vary the biassing force which urges said valve member towards a closed position.
Suitably a cover means is associated with saia biassing means to prevent, in use, contact between said biassing means and foreign matter entering said inlet port.
The valve means suitably comprises a rotatable member having a circular head portion with a frusto-conical sealing surface and a central valve shaft rotatably mounted in said valve support member.
Preferably said locking means comprises one or more projections extending perpendicularly to said valve shaft.
The locking means suitably includes one or more slotted reces6es a6sociated with said valve support member to receive a respective projection to selectively retain said valve member in an open or closed position.
Tho lock~ng maar.s m.ay alta_na.'vOlï o~
additionally comprise one or more ramped surfaces associated with said valve support member to engage said one or more projections to guide said valve member into a locked open and/or a locked closed position upon - rotation of said valve member.
Preferably grip means is provided on a normally upper surface of said valve member to facilitate rotation thereof.
Suitably said valve member is select1vely BST~'rlJTE s~e'r ,, , . , . . . .. , . ~ . ~ ..................... . .
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,~ WO91/16~/ 2 ~ a PCT/AI 9l,00l78 mova~le between a locked open positlon and a locked closed position via an intermediate unlocked positi0n wherein said valve member is urged into sealing engagement with said sealing means by biassing force of 5 ~redetermined magnitude.
If required said biassing means may comprise a compressible fluid or an incompressible fluid associated with a pressure accumulation means.
In order that the invention may be more readily understood, reference is now made to preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:-FIG 1 is a cross sectional view of a drainplug~waste outlet apparatus in the closed position FIG 2 show6 the apparatuE of FIG l in an open position FIG 3 shows the apparatus of FIGS l and 2 in an exploded perspective view FTG ~ shows a c_osz sectlor.~l view cf ~n alternative embodiment of the invention FIG 5 shows a cross sectional view of an actuating means for the embodiment of FIG 4.
Referring to FIGS 1-3, the drain plug/waste outlet comprises a body l having an externally threaded portion 2 to facilitate connection to a waste conduit (not shown). Removably located in the upper opening or mouth of body l is an annular sealing member 3 which engages an internally threaded portion 4 in the mouth of 18TITIJTE S~}~El' , . . . . .
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WO91/1~7 ?, ~ 319 ~ ~ PCT/AU91/00178 ~j body ;. About the inner periphery of sealing member 3 is a frusto-conical sealing face 5 which diverges inwardly of body 1.
Located within the hollow interior of body 1 is a valve member 6 slidably located in a valve support member 7. Valve support member 7 comprises a central portion 8 with an aperture 9 in which the valve member 6 is able to slide in a reciprocatory fashion. Extending radially from central portion 8 are spaced legs 10 which locate in recesses 11 formed on the inner wall of body 1 . , Valve member 6 comprises a circular cap 12 with a recess 13 in its upper surface. Within reces~ 13 is a finger grip portion 14 to facilitate rotation of valve member 6. About the periphery of cap 12 is located resilient seal 15 having a frusto-conical sealing surface 16 complemen~ary to sealing surface 5 on sealing member 3. Depending from the lower side of cap ;2 i3 a c-yllrldL~cal aha~. ;7 whicl-l slidabi-y loc~tes irl aperture 9 in valve support member 7. Also depending from the lower side of cap 12 is a circular wall 18 which in conjunction with hollow cylindrical shroud 19, forms a substantially sealed enclosure 20 housing a compression coil spring 21.
Shroud 19 had a central aperture 22 through which shaft 17 is able to slide. A cyl~ndrical pin 23 is inserted through an aperture in shaft 17 via opposed apertures 24 in shroud 19.
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~ WO91/1~7 2 ~ PCT/AU91t~178 Located within shroud l9 and between pin 23 and the central portion 8 of valve support member 7 is an annular ~oss 25 with opposed ~bayonet~ slots 26 (shown in FIG 3) ; FIG l shows the drain plug/wa6te outlet apparatus in a closed position whilst FIG 2 shows the apparatus in an open position.
The operation of the apparatus according to the invention will now be described with reference to The drain plug/waste outlet illustrated in FIGS 1-3 is readily fitted to sinks, hand ba6ins, baths, showers, spa baths and like in a conventional manner.
As shown in FIG 3, cap 12 i8 rotable between an "open"
lS position through an intermediate afill" position to a "closed" position.
In the closed position shown in FIG l, pin 23 rests upon the upper surface 26 of boss 25 and urges the res.lic--t scal 15 into sealir.g engasOu-.ant wit.. scal ,.g face 5 of sealing member 3 to prevent egres6 of water or the like through the waste outlet body l.
By rotating the cap 12 to the intermediate ~fill~ position, pin 23 is aligned with the upright portion of slots 26 whereby the valve member 6 may be pushed downwardly against the restoring force of spring 2l. By selecting a spring 2l having a predetermined restoring force sufficient to sùpport a given head of fluid pressure, the apparatus provides a very convenient S~8ST~T~J'rE SH~T
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~, . . ~ , WO91/1~7 2 0 3 1.3 ~ O PCT/AU91/00178~
overflow prevention means for liquid container such as laundry t~bs, hand basins, baths etc. When the liquid depth reaches a predetermined "safe" level, the pressure of the head of liquid above valve member 6 begins to exceed the restoring force of spring 21 and thus allows excess fluid to escape via the hollow interior of body 1. The apparatus according to the invention may be provlded with a plurallty of "standzrd" springs 21, each having a restoring force equivalent to a predetermined liquid depth in, say, a hand basin, a laundry tub and a bath. Alternatively spring compre6sion means (not shown) in the form of removable spacer or a threaded collar on shaft 17 may be provided to selectively vary the head of liguid able to be supported by the apparatus --in the "fill" posltion.
To empty the li~uid container to which the apparatus i8 fitted, cap 12 is pushed downwardly again~t .
the restoring force of spring 21 and then rotated to r~ablE 'ha .~G Gr.d~ c, p,r. 23 ~o O~a5a ... .ha laterally extending portion of slots 26 in boss 25 thereby retaining the valve member 6 in an open position.
While it will be readily apparent to a skilled addressee that the apparatus according to the invention is readily assembled and disassembled for manufacture, installation and maintenance purposes, there are other significant advantages.
The configuration of the plug/outlet assembly ~U88T1T~JTE S~
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~ .~ WO91/1~7 2 0 ~ ~ 9 ~ -~ PCTIAU91/0017B
permits a more rapid evacuation of liquid due to lack of restrictions in the flow path and also due to the ready formation of a "whirlpool~ effect at the mouth of the r outlet.
Furthermore, the shrouding of internal components which otherwise entrap lint, hair and other foreign matter reduces costly mai~tenance due to blockages and wear on movable components. In the event that maintenance is required the entire valve assembly is accessible and removable by removing sealing member 3 without the necessity for disconnecting the waste conduit attached to the apparatus.
FIG 4 illustrates further embodiments of the invention.
When the drain plug/wa6te outlet is to be used for floor drainage for, say, a shower or a parking lot where due to various circumstances a backflow of liquid - can occur, an optional surge float 30 may be attached to - th~ lowO- er.d o. .he shaft 3l attac~ed tu valve ~e~er 32. The surge float 30 urges valve member 32 into sealing engagement with sealing member 33 as the water level in the waste conduit 34 rises. If required, the volume of float 30 may be chosen to operate against a predetermined head of water to control ingress of liquid and to prevent further flooding of a floor surface.
FIGS 4 and 5 also illustrate yet another embodiment of the invention in the form of a remote opening or closing device. In FIG 4 the valve support s~U~
: ' ' ~: , - ,: : ' ,, ,~ , : .
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WO91/1~7 ~ ~ PCT/AU91/~178 member 34 has an integrally formed ~oss 35 in the form of a cylindrical body which slidingly supports the shaft 36 of valve member 32. Resilient "0" ring seals 37, 38 form fluid tight seals respectively between the shaft 36 and inner wall of boss 35 on the one hand and the outer wall of boss 35 and shroud 39 depending from valve member 32 on the other hand. Within the wall of boss 35 is a fluid conduit 40 which is in fluid communication with a conduit 4l via an aperture 42 in the lower portion of body 43.
When a source of pressurised fluid is supplied via conduit 4l valve member 32 is driven upwardly to seal against sealing member 33. By using a compressible fluid such as air, the valve member 32 may be driven into sealing e~gage~ent with sealing member with a predetermined force which is able to be overcome by an excess head of liquid above valve 32. Alternatively an incompressible fluid ouch as water, oil etc may be e~.ployed ir. conjunctior. wlth a di~ph-~. p-200'~-e accumulator or the like to provide a similar sealing force of predetermined magnitude.
FIG 5 shows a convenient form of remote control of the apparatus of FIG 4.
The pressurising device comprises a piston 40 and a cylinder 4l with a non return valve 42 which may be fitted behind a wall cladding material 43 otherwise recessed into a wall structure. Piston 40 comprises a large pushing cap 44 and a return spring 45. Cylinder ~S-IBSr~TlJrE S~E~T
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~,~ WO91/1~7 ~ 8 ~ PCT/AU91/00178 4l communicates with a chamber 46 via non return valve 42 and chamber 42 is adapted to connect to conduit 4l.
Connected to chamber 46 is a needle and jet assembly 47 to selectively allow pressurised air to be bled from chamber 46 and conduit 4l. The needle and jet assembly 47 is biassed into sealing engagement by a spring 48 the tension of which spring may be adjusted by rotation of the shaft 49 of the needle and jet assembly.
The drain plug/waste outlet apparatus of FIG 4 may be closed by a single push of cap 44 to close the valve member 32 with a predetermined hydrostatic relief pressure determined by the biassing force of spring 48 in the needle/jet assembly 47. Valve member 32 may be opened simply by withdrawing shaft 49 against the biassing force of spring 48. To assist in more rapid opening of valve member 32, the float 30 shown in FIG 4 may be replaced with a solid mass.
As no access i8 required to the top surface of val~v~ m2~e_ 3~ to oper. o- close the appara.us, ar.
aperture grate may be incorporated in the sealing member 33 if required.
The various embodiments of the apparatus according to the present invention are suitable for all domestic and commercial residential properties as well as nursing homes, hospitals and the like. The apparatus also has application in public facilities, floor drainage and industrial applications.
It will be readily apparent to a skilled SUE18TlTlJr SHle~T
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WO91/1~7 2 0 ~19 .i ~ PCT/AU91/00178 addressee that many modifications and variations may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.
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WO91/16~, PCT/AU91/00178 HYDROSTATIC DRAIN PLUG
This invention is concerned with improved d-ain or waste plugs for liquid containing vessels.
The invention is partlcularly althougn not exclusively concerned with drain or waste plugs (hereinafter referred to generally as drain plugs) for use in association with waste outlets of hand basins, sinks, baths, spa baths, floor drains and the like in domestic and commercial buildings, laboratories and the like.
The simplest forms of drain plug in general use comprise a rigid or flexible frusto-conical plug adapted to engage in a frusto-conical neck of complementary shape in the neck of a waste outlet or alternatively a plug with a flexible flange adapted to engage an annular rim of a waste outlet.
While generally effective for their purpose in providing a msans to retain a body of liquid within a v^ssAl Ihene plugg suffsr a numhsr of disadvantages.
Both types of plugs referred to above form a seal under the pressure of a head of water in the vessel and as the depth of water increases, the effort required to remove the plug increases greatly. For children or aged or infirm persons this can be most inconvenient and in some cases quite dangerous.
Furthermore, if attention is distracted whilst filling a bath, hand basin or like vessels, the vessel may be allowed to overflow with disastrous conseauences SUBSTIT~JTE SHE~ET
.
; ~ . -- ' .. . .
~ .
WO91/l6~7 2 l, ~ ~ ~ 8 ~ PCT/AU91/00178.~
to carpets, furni6hings and buildlng structures both in domestic dwellings and multi-storey dwellings such as hotels, apartments etc.
A significant disadvantage associated with plugs of the above type ls that generally they are not captive and thus are easily lost, misplaced or, in the case of hotels and the like, stolen thereby necessitating costly frequent replacements. Although it is possible to make a drain plug captive by attachment of a cord or chain this is not always convenient and can be unsightly and difficult to clean.
There have been many attempts to overcome the disadvantages associated with prior art drain plugs.
Exemplary of these are Australian Patent applications 12445/52 and 36335/89, Australian Patent No. 213319, International Patent Application No. PCT/GB85/00345 (WO86/01100) and Australian Patent Application No.
66157/81.
Patsnt ,~pplic~ticn ~o. l~A45,'5~ cor.cerne a waste outlet having a rotatable plate with apertures selectively alignable with apertures in the body of the outlet. The plate is rotatable to open or close the waste outlet. This device is difficult and inconve~ient to operate, suffers from poor liquid sealing capacity and an exposed spring mechanism provides a lint .rap leading ultimately to poor drainage and blockage.
Patent Application No. 36335/89 describes a device similar to that of Patent Application No.
508STI rLJTE SH~
~ ~VO91~16~ 2 ~$ ~ PCT/A~I9l/00l78 12445/52 but comprises a removable plug assembly which is easily lost or stolen.
Australian Patent No. 213319 descrlbes a captive plug/waste outlet combination wherein sealing engagement of the plug is achieved by rotating the plug on a threaded shaft to raise or lower the plug relative to the mouth of the outlet. This device suffers from poor drainage, entrapment of lint and, in the open position, protrudes above the surface of the outlet _nereby causing the potential for injury in a bath or the like.
Patent Application No. PCT/GB8S/00345 describes a waste outlet comprising a cover plate attached to one end of a shaft and a plug attached at the other end of the shaft. The plug i9 urged into sealing engagement with an outlet aperture against a spring biassing means by pushing downwardly on the cover plate and rotating through 90 by means of a bayonet co-upling. Th~ a particulal devlc6 ~ 5 CGn3id6~ed .0 vc particularly prone to blockages due to entrapment of lint in both upper and lower spring mechanisms and such blockages would require a relatively diîficult dismantling to clear the blockage.
Each of the above types of plug/outlet combination are concerned with a plug which is subjected _o hydrostatic pressure which enhances the liquid seal and thus increases the di'ficulty of disengaging the plug under a head of water.
SU13~;Tl'rlJTE SH~E'r - - , .
-WO91/16~7 ~g ~ ~ PCT/A~'91/00178 ,~
Australian Patent Application No. 66l57/8ldescribes an hydraulically actuated plug which seals against the hydrostatic pressure of a head or water.
Apart from requiring an extremely expensive installation S to permit selective application of mains water pressure to actuate the plug, the system is prone to water leakages in the pressure actuation system, blockages and poor sealing in the presence of foreign matter.
Apart from Patent Application No. 36335/89 all of the aforementioned prior art waste plug/outlet combinations are subject to blockage by lint entrapment and require either removal of the waste pipe or complete dismantling of the plug/outlet combination for cleaning purposes.
lS It is an aim of the present invention to overcome or alleviate the problems of prior art waste plug/outlet combinations and to provide a novel waste plug/outlet with additional advantages.
~eco~-dillg ~o tne invention tnere is provided a waste plug/outlet apparatus for liquid retaining vessels, said apparatus including:-a hollow body portion having an inlet port and an outlet port, said outlet port being adapted for connection to a liquid conduit;
a sealing means associated with said inlet port;
a valve member movable between an open position spaced from said sealing means and a closed $-t68T~TlJTE SHE~T
. .. , ~ . ..
2~ 9g~
,~ WO91/16~ PCT/A~191/00178 position wherein said valve ~e~ber seali~gly engages against said sealing member; and, resilient biassing means to urge said valve member towards a closed position.
Preferably said apparatus includes locking means to selectively loc~ said valve member in an open position.
If required said apparatus may additionally or alternatively include locking means to Oelectively loc~
said valve member in a closed position.
The sealing means may comprise any suitable means which, in association with said valve member, forms a liquid tight seal ~o prevent ingress of liquid into said inlet port.
Suitably the ~ealing means is releasably attachable to said body portion to enable insertion to or withdrawal from the interior of said body portion of said valve member.
Pre,arabl-y said saalir.g m~ar.O cGmpri3aO a sealing surface which diverges inwardly of said body portion.
Suitably said sealing surface comprises a frusto-conical surface adapted to engage a complementary surface on said valve member.
Preferably said biassing means comprises a compression spring operative between said movable valve member and valve support member associated with said body portion.
$~J8sT1TlJTE S~ET
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WO9~ ~7 2 l~ i PCT/AU91/00178 If requlred said biassing means may be adjustable to selectively vary the biassing force which urges said valve member towards a closed position.
Suitably a cover means is associated with saia biassing means to prevent, in use, contact between said biassing means and foreign matter entering said inlet port.
The valve means suitably comprises a rotatable member having a circular head portion with a frusto-conical sealing surface and a central valve shaft rotatably mounted in said valve support member.
Preferably said locking means comprises one or more projections extending perpendicularly to said valve shaft.
The locking means suitably includes one or more slotted reces6es a6sociated with said valve support member to receive a respective projection to selectively retain said valve member in an open or closed position.
Tho lock~ng maar.s m.ay alta_na.'vOlï o~
additionally comprise one or more ramped surfaces associated with said valve support member to engage said one or more projections to guide said valve member into a locked open and/or a locked closed position upon - rotation of said valve member.
Preferably grip means is provided on a normally upper surface of said valve member to facilitate rotation thereof.
Suitably said valve member is select1vely BST~'rlJTE s~e'r ,, , . , . . . .. , . ~ . ~ ..................... . .
-; ` , ~ ,.- , . . . `
- ` . ,.
,~ WO91/16~/ 2 ~ a PCT/AI 9l,00l78 mova~le between a locked open positlon and a locked closed position via an intermediate unlocked positi0n wherein said valve member is urged into sealing engagement with said sealing means by biassing force of 5 ~redetermined magnitude.
If required said biassing means may comprise a compressible fluid or an incompressible fluid associated with a pressure accumulation means.
In order that the invention may be more readily understood, reference is now made to preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:-FIG 1 is a cross sectional view of a drainplug~waste outlet apparatus in the closed position FIG 2 show6 the apparatuE of FIG l in an open position FIG 3 shows the apparatus of FIGS l and 2 in an exploded perspective view FTG ~ shows a c_osz sectlor.~l view cf ~n alternative embodiment of the invention FIG 5 shows a cross sectional view of an actuating means for the embodiment of FIG 4.
Referring to FIGS 1-3, the drain plug/waste outlet comprises a body l having an externally threaded portion 2 to facilitate connection to a waste conduit (not shown). Removably located in the upper opening or mouth of body l is an annular sealing member 3 which engages an internally threaded portion 4 in the mouth of 18TITIJTE S~}~El' , . . . . .
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WO91/1~7 ?, ~ 319 ~ ~ PCT/AU91/00178 ~j body ;. About the inner periphery of sealing member 3 is a frusto-conical sealing face 5 which diverges inwardly of body 1.
Located within the hollow interior of body 1 is a valve member 6 slidably located in a valve support member 7. Valve support member 7 comprises a central portion 8 with an aperture 9 in which the valve member 6 is able to slide in a reciprocatory fashion. Extending radially from central portion 8 are spaced legs 10 which locate in recesses 11 formed on the inner wall of body 1 . , Valve member 6 comprises a circular cap 12 with a recess 13 in its upper surface. Within reces~ 13 is a finger grip portion 14 to facilitate rotation of valve member 6. About the periphery of cap 12 is located resilient seal 15 having a frusto-conical sealing surface 16 complemen~ary to sealing surface 5 on sealing member 3. Depending from the lower side of cap ;2 i3 a c-yllrldL~cal aha~. ;7 whicl-l slidabi-y loc~tes irl aperture 9 in valve support member 7. Also depending from the lower side of cap 12 is a circular wall 18 which in conjunction with hollow cylindrical shroud 19, forms a substantially sealed enclosure 20 housing a compression coil spring 21.
Shroud 19 had a central aperture 22 through which shaft 17 is able to slide. A cyl~ndrical pin 23 is inserted through an aperture in shaft 17 via opposed apertures 24 in shroud 19.
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~ WO91/1~7 2 ~ PCT/AU91t~178 Located within shroud l9 and between pin 23 and the central portion 8 of valve support member 7 is an annular ~oss 25 with opposed ~bayonet~ slots 26 (shown in FIG 3) ; FIG l shows the drain plug/wa6te outlet apparatus in a closed position whilst FIG 2 shows the apparatus in an open position.
The operation of the apparatus according to the invention will now be described with reference to The drain plug/waste outlet illustrated in FIGS 1-3 is readily fitted to sinks, hand ba6ins, baths, showers, spa baths and like in a conventional manner.
As shown in FIG 3, cap 12 i8 rotable between an "open"
lS position through an intermediate afill" position to a "closed" position.
In the closed position shown in FIG l, pin 23 rests upon the upper surface 26 of boss 25 and urges the res.lic--t scal 15 into sealir.g engasOu-.ant wit.. scal ,.g face 5 of sealing member 3 to prevent egres6 of water or the like through the waste outlet body l.
By rotating the cap 12 to the intermediate ~fill~ position, pin 23 is aligned with the upright portion of slots 26 whereby the valve member 6 may be pushed downwardly against the restoring force of spring 2l. By selecting a spring 2l having a predetermined restoring force sufficient to sùpport a given head of fluid pressure, the apparatus provides a very convenient S~8ST~T~J'rE SH~T
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. . `
~, . . ~ , WO91/1~7 2 0 3 1.3 ~ O PCT/AU91/00178~
overflow prevention means for liquid container such as laundry t~bs, hand basins, baths etc. When the liquid depth reaches a predetermined "safe" level, the pressure of the head of liquid above valve member 6 begins to exceed the restoring force of spring 21 and thus allows excess fluid to escape via the hollow interior of body 1. The apparatus according to the invention may be provlded with a plurallty of "standzrd" springs 21, each having a restoring force equivalent to a predetermined liquid depth in, say, a hand basin, a laundry tub and a bath. Alternatively spring compre6sion means (not shown) in the form of removable spacer or a threaded collar on shaft 17 may be provided to selectively vary the head of liguid able to be supported by the apparatus --in the "fill" posltion.
To empty the li~uid container to which the apparatus i8 fitted, cap 12 is pushed downwardly again~t .
the restoring force of spring 21 and then rotated to r~ablE 'ha .~G Gr.d~ c, p,r. 23 ~o O~a5a ... .ha laterally extending portion of slots 26 in boss 25 thereby retaining the valve member 6 in an open position.
While it will be readily apparent to a skilled addressee that the apparatus according to the invention is readily assembled and disassembled for manufacture, installation and maintenance purposes, there are other significant advantages.
The configuration of the plug/outlet assembly ~U88T1T~JTE S~
, , .. ` ' :
.. : . ,, . . ,. . , . : . ,,. ~ .
... ... . . .. .
~ .~ WO91/1~7 2 0 ~ ~ 9 ~ -~ PCTIAU91/0017B
permits a more rapid evacuation of liquid due to lack of restrictions in the flow path and also due to the ready formation of a "whirlpool~ effect at the mouth of the r outlet.
Furthermore, the shrouding of internal components which otherwise entrap lint, hair and other foreign matter reduces costly mai~tenance due to blockages and wear on movable components. In the event that maintenance is required the entire valve assembly is accessible and removable by removing sealing member 3 without the necessity for disconnecting the waste conduit attached to the apparatus.
FIG 4 illustrates further embodiments of the invention.
When the drain plug/wa6te outlet is to be used for floor drainage for, say, a shower or a parking lot where due to various circumstances a backflow of liquid - can occur, an optional surge float 30 may be attached to - th~ lowO- er.d o. .he shaft 3l attac~ed tu valve ~e~er 32. The surge float 30 urges valve member 32 into sealing engagement with sealing member 33 as the water level in the waste conduit 34 rises. If required, the volume of float 30 may be chosen to operate against a predetermined head of water to control ingress of liquid and to prevent further flooding of a floor surface.
FIGS 4 and 5 also illustrate yet another embodiment of the invention in the form of a remote opening or closing device. In FIG 4 the valve support s~U~
: ' ' ~: , - ,: : ' ,, ,~ , : .
: . :
WO91/1~7 ~ ~ PCT/AU91/~178 member 34 has an integrally formed ~oss 35 in the form of a cylindrical body which slidingly supports the shaft 36 of valve member 32. Resilient "0" ring seals 37, 38 form fluid tight seals respectively between the shaft 36 and inner wall of boss 35 on the one hand and the outer wall of boss 35 and shroud 39 depending from valve member 32 on the other hand. Within the wall of boss 35 is a fluid conduit 40 which is in fluid communication with a conduit 4l via an aperture 42 in the lower portion of body 43.
When a source of pressurised fluid is supplied via conduit 4l valve member 32 is driven upwardly to seal against sealing member 33. By using a compressible fluid such as air, the valve member 32 may be driven into sealing e~gage~ent with sealing member with a predetermined force which is able to be overcome by an excess head of liquid above valve 32. Alternatively an incompressible fluid ouch as water, oil etc may be e~.ployed ir. conjunctior. wlth a di~ph-~. p-200'~-e accumulator or the like to provide a similar sealing force of predetermined magnitude.
FIG 5 shows a convenient form of remote control of the apparatus of FIG 4.
The pressurising device comprises a piston 40 and a cylinder 4l with a non return valve 42 which may be fitted behind a wall cladding material 43 otherwise recessed into a wall structure. Piston 40 comprises a large pushing cap 44 and a return spring 45. Cylinder ~S-IBSr~TlJrE S~E~T
,, , .
.. ., . . ~. . . . :. . . :
,.. . . . . ..
. .
.
~,~ WO91/1~7 ~ 8 ~ PCT/AU91/00178 4l communicates with a chamber 46 via non return valve 42 and chamber 42 is adapted to connect to conduit 4l.
Connected to chamber 46 is a needle and jet assembly 47 to selectively allow pressurised air to be bled from chamber 46 and conduit 4l. The needle and jet assembly 47 is biassed into sealing engagement by a spring 48 the tension of which spring may be adjusted by rotation of the shaft 49 of the needle and jet assembly.
The drain plug/waste outlet apparatus of FIG 4 may be closed by a single push of cap 44 to close the valve member 32 with a predetermined hydrostatic relief pressure determined by the biassing force of spring 48 in the needle/jet assembly 47. Valve member 32 may be opened simply by withdrawing shaft 49 against the biassing force of spring 48. To assist in more rapid opening of valve member 32, the float 30 shown in FIG 4 may be replaced with a solid mass.
As no access i8 required to the top surface of val~v~ m2~e_ 3~ to oper. o- close the appara.us, ar.
aperture grate may be incorporated in the sealing member 33 if required.
The various embodiments of the apparatus according to the present invention are suitable for all domestic and commercial residential properties as well as nursing homes, hospitals and the like. The apparatus also has application in public facilities, floor drainage and industrial applications.
It will be readily apparent to a skilled SUE18TlTlJr SHle~T
- - . : ,~ . - ~ .... ..
WO91/1~7 2 0 ~19 .i ~ PCT/AU91/00178 addressee that many modifications and variations may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.
S
$~1BsrlTlJTE SHEET
., . ~ . .
.: ~ :
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Claims (10)
1. A waste plug/outlet apparatus for liquid retaining vessels, said apparatus including:-a hollow body portion having an inlet port and an outlet port, said outlet port being adapted for connection to a liquid conduit;
a sealing means associated with said inlet port, a valve member movable between an open position spaced from said sealing means and a closed position wherein said valve member sealingly engages against said sealing member; and, resilient biassing means to urge said valve member towards a closed position.
a sealing means associated with said inlet port, a valve member movable between an open position spaced from said sealing means and a closed position wherein said valve member sealingly engages against said sealing member; and, resilient biassing means to urge said valve member towards a closed position.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including locking means to selectively lock said valve member in an open position.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 including locking means to selectively lock said valve member in a closed position.
4. An apparatus is claimed in any preceding claim wherein said biassing means is adjustable to selectively vary the biassing force which urges said valve member towards a closed position.
5. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a cover means is associated with said biassing means to prevent, in use, contact between said biassing means and foreign matter entering said inlet port.
6. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said valve means comprises a rotatable member having a frusto-conical sealing surface.
7. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said locking means comprises one or more projections extending perpendicularly to a shaft associated with said valve member.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein said locking means comprises one or more slotted recesses associated with a valve support member to receive a respective projection on said shaft to selectively retain said valve member in an open or closed position.
9. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said locking means comprises one or more ramped surfaces which engage with a corresponding surface during rotation of said valve member to guide said valve member into an open position or a closed position.
10. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said biassing means comprises a compressible fluid or an incompressible fluid associated with a pressure accumulation means.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUPK997490 | 1990-05-04 | ||
| AUPJ9974 | 1990-05-04 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2081980A1 true CA2081980A1 (en) | 1991-11-05 |
Family
ID=3775881
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2081980 Abandoned CA2081980A1 (en) | 1990-05-04 | 1991-05-02 | Hydrostatic drain plug |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2081980A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2017205974A1 (en) * | 2016-05-31 | 2017-12-07 | Les Produits Neptune Inc. | Bathtub with door and drain |
| GB2552659A (en) * | 2016-08-01 | 2018-02-07 | Mcalpine & Co Ltd | High flow drain control |
-
1991
- 1991-05-02 CA CA 2081980 patent/CA2081980A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2017205974A1 (en) * | 2016-05-31 | 2017-12-07 | Les Produits Neptune Inc. | Bathtub with door and drain |
| US10314440B2 (en) | 2016-05-31 | 2019-06-11 | Les Produits Neptune Inc. | Bathtub with door and drain |
| GB2552659A (en) * | 2016-08-01 | 2018-02-07 | Mcalpine & Co Ltd | High flow drain control |
| GB2552659B (en) * | 2016-08-01 | 2019-06-12 | Mcalpine & Co Ltd | High flow drain control |
| US10458104B2 (en) | 2016-08-01 | 2019-10-29 | Mcalpine & Co. Ltd. | High flow drain control |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |