GB2548919A

GB2548919A - Fitting

Info

Publication number: GB2548919A
Application number: GB1605620.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dalton Carol; Simmen Jonathan
Original assignee: Polypipe Ltd
Current assignee: Polypipe Ltd
Priority date: 2016-04-01
Filing date: 2016-04-01
Publication date: 2017-10-04
Anticipated expiration: 2036-04-01
Also published as: GB202104748D0; GB2548919B; GB2591199B; GB2591199A

Abstract

The fitting 10 comprises a main body 12 with an inlet 14 and an outlet 16, a non-return component 17 between the inlet and outlet and an outlet connector 18. The outlet connector is moveable between a first and a second position where the inlet of the outlet connector is in fluid communication with the outlet of the main body and wherein the alignment of the outlet relative to the main body differs between first and second positions. In another embodiment, the main body comprises first and second portions movably coupled to one another, wherein the outlet connector is movable relative to the main body between first and second positions such that alignment of the outlet of the outlet connector differs between the first and second positions. In another embodiment, the fitting comprises an inlet connector (32, figure 5) coupled to the inlet and a periphery at the inlet end of the one way valve is sealingly clamped between the main body and the inlet connector.

Description

FITTING

This invention relates to a fitting of the type intended for use as a non-retum device, particularly, but not exclusively, for use as a waste and/or odour trap for domestic and other plumbing installations.

Such non-retum devices are known, e.g. as described and illustrated in GB2352496, and are intended for use between the waste outlet of sinks, baths, shower cubicles and the like. Such devices are used to provide a barrier between the waste outlet and a waste pipe, thereby preventing the escape of unhealthy emissions and unpleasant odours back through the waste outlet.

The present invention provides additional advantages to those already provided by conventional non-retum devices of the kind referred to above.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a fitting as set forth in claim 1.

When the outlet connector is in the first position, the fitting can be readily installed in a vertical arrangement, i.e. with the inlet of the main body above the outlet of the outlet connector, as would be required for installations in which the waste outlet and waste pipe are directly aligned.

Advantageously, because the outlet connector is movable relative to the main body, the fitting can be configured to allow for installations wherein the waste outlet and waste pipe are not directly aligned, e.g. to take up any vertical misalignment. Moreover, the fitting can advantageously be installed with the main body in a horizontal or substantially horizontal alignment, with the outlet of the outlet connector offset from and arranged vertically inferior to the inlet of the main body, thereby preventing or substantially reducing the risk of pooling and stagnation within the fitting.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a fitting for use between a waste outlet and a waste pipe in a plumbing system, the fitting comprising: a main body defining a first end and a second end, and bore extending between said first end and said second end, wherein said first end defines an inlet of the main body and said second end defines an outlet of the main body; wherein the bore defines a tube for a non-retum component intended to serve as a one-way valve, for ensuring unidirectional flow of waste therethrough, in the direction from said first end of the main body to said second end of the main body; and further wherein the fitting includes an outlet connector mounted at said second end of the body, for connecting the fitting to a waste pipe, wherein the outlet connector has an inlet and an outlet, and is movable relative to the main body between first and second positions, wherein the inlet of the outlet connector is in fluid communication with the outlet of the main body in said first and second positions, and wherein alignment of the outlet relative to the main body differs between said first and second positions.

It will be understood that this further aspect of the invention has the same advantages as the first aspect of the invention, albeit that it covers a fitting where the non-return component of the first aspect has not yet necessarily been included.

Other aspects and exemplary features of the invention will be apparent from the claims and following description of embodiments, made by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view from one side of a fitting for use in a plumbing system;

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-section through the fitting of Figure 1, showing the outlet connector in a first position;

Figure 3 is similar to Figure 1, showing the outlet connector in a second position;

Figure 4 is a schematic cross-section through the fitting of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view through the inlet end of the fitting shown in Figures 1 to 4;

Figure 6 is a schematic side view of the fitting from Figures 1 to 5, showing the two portions of the main body in an articulated configuration;

Figure 7 is a schematic view from one side of another fitting for use in a plumbing system, showing the outlet connector in a first position;

Figure 9 is a schematic view from one side of yet another fitting for use in a plumbing system, showing the outlet connector in a first position; and

Figure 10 is similar to Figure 1, showing the outlet connector in a second position.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, a fitting is indicated generally at 10, intended for use between a waste outlet and a waste pipe in domestic or other plumbing systems. The fitting has a main body 12 defining a first end 14 and a second end 16. A bore 15 extends between said first end 14 and said second end 16. In use, the first end 14 defines an inlet end of the main body 12 and said second 16 end defines an outlet end of the main body 12.

As can be seen in Figure 2, a non-return component 17 extends within the bore of the main body 12. To that extent, the main body 12 defines a tube for surrounding the non-retum component 17. As is conventional with fittings of this type, the non-retum component is configured as a one-way valve, for ensuring unidirectional flow of waste therethrough, e.g. in a direction from said first end 14 to said second end 16.

An outlet connector 18 is mounted at said second end 16 of the main body 12, for connecting the fitting to a waste pipe. The outlet connector 18 defines an inlet 20 and an outlet 22.

As will be understood from a comparison of Figures 1 and 2 with Figures 3 and 4, the outlet connector 18 is advantageously movable relative to the main body 12 between first and second positions in which the inlet 20 is in fluid communication with the outlet end 16 of the main body 12, but wherein alignment of the outlet 22 relative to the main body 12 differs between said first and second positions.

More particularly, the fitting is configured so that a central axis of the outlet 22 moves relative to the main body 12 during movement of the outlet connector 18 between said first and second positions.

In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet connector 18 is configured so that a central axis of the outlet 22 is generally in line with a central axis of the inlet end 14 of the main body in the first position (e.g. as shown in Figures 1 and 2), and is comparatively offset or axially eccentric from the central axis of the inlet end 14 of the main body 12 in the second position (e.g. as shown in Figures 3 and 4).

To that end, the outlet connector 18 is rotatably coupled with the main body 12, and configured to allow the outlet 22 to be rotationally transitioned between the first position and the second position. Put another way, the fitting is configured so that the outlet connector 18 is arranged for rotation relative to the main body 12, such that rotation of the outlet connector 18 translates the outlet 22 to said second position.

As can be seen most clearly in Figures 2 and 4, the second end 16 of the main body 12 defines an opening, and an inlet end of the outlet connector 18 is rotatably received in said opening. More particularly, the opening at the second end 16 of the main body 12 is formed with or defines a circumferential groove or recess 24 on an internal surface thereof, and an inlet end of the outlet connector 18 defines a head 26, which is rotatably located in said circumferential groove or recess 24.

The fitting 10 is configured with the inlet end of the outlet connector 18 snap-fittingly engaged with the second end 16 of the main body 12. This provides a simple and easy to setup connection between the main body 12 and the outlet connector 18. More particularly, the opening at the second end 16 of the main body 12 includes an internal annular projection 28 over which the head 26 of the outlet connector 18 must pass, during snap-fitting engagement thereof, and which defines a stop for restricting axial movement of the head 26 relative to the main body 12. A seal 30 is provided between the outlet connector 18 and an internal surface of said opening at the second end 16 of the main body 12, e.g. in the form of an 0-ring located in a circumferential groove on said outlet connector.

In exemplary embodiments (e.g. as shown in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4), the inlet 20 and outlet 22 of the outlet connector 18 each have a central axis, wherein the central axis of the inlet 20 is off set or axially eccentric from said central axis of the outlet 22. An example of this can be seen clearly from Figures 2 and 4. Said central axes are parallel with respect to one another, and parallel with respect to a central axis of the inlet of the main body and/or a central axis of the outlet of the main body. In addition, the diameter of said inlet 20 is greater than the diameter of said outlet 22. Such a configuration ensures that the central axis of the outlet 22 is transitioned between different positions relative to the main body 12 (e.g. relative to a central axis of the main body inlet end 14, or a central axis of the main body outlet end 16), during rotation of the outlet connector 18.

In exemplary embodiments, such as those illustrated herein, the second position is achieved through rotation of the outlet connector through 180 degrees, e.g. relative to an axis of rotation of the outlet connector, as defined by the main body 12. In exemplary embodiments, rotation through a further 180 degrees, returns the outlet connector 18 to the first position. However, in other embodiments, the main body 12 and outlet connector 18 may be configured to cooperate, so that rotation beyond 180 degrees is not possible (meaning that a reverse rotation of 180 degrees is required to return the outlet connector to the first position).

The rotational arrangement of the outlet connector 18 with respect to the main body 12 allows for the outlet connector 18 to be easily moved from one position to the other via a simple rotation action, e.g. by hand.

It will be understood that when the outlet connector 18 is in the first position, the fitting 10 can be readily installed in a vertical arrangement, i.e. with the inlet directly above the outlet, as would be required for installations in which the waste outlet and waste pipe are directly aligned. In such a configuration, the flow of waste is permitted directly through the fitting 10, via the non-return component, with limited interference.

Advantageously, the fitting 10 can be configured to allow for installations wherein the waste outlet and waste pipe are not directly aligned, e.g. to take up any vertical misalignment, via movement of the outlet connector between said first position and said second position. Moreover, the fitting 10 can advantageously be installed with the main body 12 in a horizontal or substantially horizontal alignment. In such instances, it will be preferable to have the outlet connector arranged in said second position (e.g. as shown in Figure 3 and 4). As such, in exemplary embodiments, the fitting 10 is configured so that the outlet connector outlet 22 is offset from and arranged vertically inferior to the inlet end 14 or outlet end 16 of the main body 12 in the second position, thereby preventing or substantially reducing the risk of pooling and stagnation within the fitting 10.

In exemplary embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the main body 12 defines an inclined surface internal surface 19 extending downwardly in a direction from the inlet end 14 to the outlet end 16, when the central axis of the inlet and outlet ends 14, 16 are arranged horizontally, e.g. as can be seen from Figures 2 and 4. Moreover, the internal surface 21 of the bore extending through the outlet connector 18 is configured to be always arranged radially outboard of said inclined surface 19 when the outlet connector is in the second position (e.g. as shown in Figure 4), to ensure unhindered liquid flow between the main body 12 and the outlet connector 18, when the main body 12 is arranged 'horizontally' and the outlet connector 18 is in the second position.

Referring now to Figure 5, an inlet connector 32 is mounted to the main body 12, for connecting the fitting to a waste outlet. The inlet connector has a first end 34 and a second end 36, and defines a bore which is coaxial with the inlet end 14 of the main body 12. Such a configuration advantageously ensures a direct flow path for waste flowing between the waste outlet and the non-return component within the fitting 10.

The inlet connector 32 is arranged in secure engagement over the first end 14 of the main body 12. In particular, an external surface at the first end of the main body includes a projection 38, and one end of the inlet connector 32 is configured in locked engagement over said projection 38, e.g. via a hook or like formation 40. A periphery at an inlet end of the non-return component is sealingly clamped between an annular surface at the first end 14 of the main body 12 and an annular surface at the second end 36 of the inlet connector 32. Such a configuration allows for simple assembly and a straightforward mechanism to hold the inlet end of the non-return component in an open configuration

Referring back to Figure 1, the main body 12 takes the form of first and second portions 42, 44 movably coupled to one another. As such, the main body 12 is configurable between a first condition in which the inlet and outlet of the main body 12 are generally in line with one another (e.g. as shown in Figure 1), and a second condition in which the first and second ends 14, 16 are offset from one another (e.g. as shown in Figure 6).

More particularly, the first and second portions 42, 44 are rotatably coupled to one another. In this embodiment, the first and second portions are rotatably coupled to one another by means of a snap-fit arrangement between the first and second portions 42, 44. For example, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the first and second portions 42, 44 each define an interface, and a projection 46 on one of said interfaces is snap-fittingly received in a recess 48 on the other of said interfaces. During relative rotation of the first and second portions 42, 44, the interfaces slide relative to one another, in abutment or close arrangement. A seal 50 is provided within said recess 48, for sealing engagement with said projection 46 during relative rotation between said first and second portions 42, 44.

The fitting 10 is configured such that relative rotation between said first and second positions 42, 44 from said first position results in the inlet and outlet of the main body 12 being disposed in a condition orthogonal to one another in said second position. In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 12 is configured such said orthogonal condition is achieved after rotation of said first portion 42 through 180 degrees relative to said second portion 44, or vice versa. The interface of each of said first and second portions 42, 44 defines a closed loop. Moreover, each interface is arranged at an angle of 45 degrees to a central axis of the inlet of the main body 12.

Such a two-part main body 12 is advantageously more adaptable to installations wherein the waste outlet and the waste pipe are not in vertical alignment. In particular, the fitting 10 can also be connected between a waste outlet and a waste pipe that are at an angle of up to 90° to one another.

Another embodiment is illustrated in Figures 7 and 8. In this embodiment, the fitting 100 is substantially the same as the fitting 10, e.g. insofar as the configuration and functionality of the inlet and outlet connectors 18, 32. However, in this embodiment, the main body 12 of the fitting 100 does not consist of first and second portions which move relative to one another. Rather, the main body includes a section indicated at 52 which is of flexible construction, such that the first end 14 is movable with respect to the second end 16, or vice versa. Advantageously, such a configuration provides an adaptable fitting, e.g. capable of installations wherein the waste outlet and the waste pipe are not in direct alignment.

Moreover, the flexible section 52 of the main body 12 is configured to be extensible, e.g. for extending the distance between said first and second ends 14, 16 from a normal state in which the first and second ends are separated by a first distance (e.g. along a central axis of the main body 12) to an extended state in which the first and second ends 14, 16 are separated by a second distance greater than said first distance. Advantageously, such a configuration provides an adaptable fitting, e.g. capable of installation in a wider range of arrangements of waste outlet and waste pipe.

The main body 12 is tubular and of concertina construction, so can also be squashed to a degree, in order to reduce the distance between said first and second ends 14, 16 in said normal state. Such a construction provides for a flexible device that can be quickly and easily extended, or deformed.

In the illustrated embodiment of Figures 7 and 8, the flexible section 52 accounts for in the region of one third of the length of the main body, but may represent a lesser or greater proportion of said length in other embodiments, depending on the anticipated variance in axial misalignment between waste outlet and waste pipe, for example.

Figure 9 and 10 show a further fitting 200, which is substantially the same as the fitting 10 and 100, e.g. insofar as the configuration and functionality of the inlet and outlet connectors 18, 32. However, in this embodiment, the main body is a rigid tube, e.g. of a single part construction, so cannot be articulated in the manner of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6, or bent or otherwise extended/squashed in the manner of the embodiment of Figures 7 and 8.

In exemplary embodiments, the non-return component is a tube defining flexible impervious wall members of complementary shapes, disposed face-to-face in surface contact so that there is no through passage between them in their normal state. Moreover, the wall members are resiliently urged into the said normal state. It will be understood that the walls need to be held spaced from one another at an end of the device to define an inlet for ingress of fluid to an interface of said members. Furthermore, it will be understood that such a non-return device must be configured such that in-flowing fluid will force the said members apart to permit flow between them from the inlet and the other end of the device, whereas fluid flow in the opposite direction is prevented by close surface contact between the members. Examples of suitable devices are well-known in the art, e.g. as described in GB2352496, published in 2001.

Claims

1. A fitting for use between a waste outlet and a waste pipe in a plumbing system, the fitting comprising: a main body defining a first end and a second end, and bore extending between said first end and said second end, wherein said first end defines an inlet of the main body and said second end defines an outlet of the main body; a non-return component extending within said bore and configured as a oneway valve, for ensuring unidirectional flow of waste therethrough, in the direction from said first end of the main body to said second end of the main body; and wherein the fitting includes an outlet connector mounted at said second end of the body, for connecting the fitting to a waste pipe, wherein the outlet connector has an inlet and an outlet, and is movable relative to the main body between first and second positions, wherein the inlet of the outlet connector is in fluid communication with the outlet of the main body in said first and second positions, and wherein alignment of the outlet relative to the main body differs between said first and second positions.

2. A fitting according to claim 1, wherein the fitting is configured so that a central axis of the outlet moves relative to the main body during movement of the outlet connector between said first and second positions.

3. A fitting according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the outlet connector is configured so that a central axis of the outlet of the outlet connector is generally in line with a central axis of the inlet of the main body in the first position, and is comparatively offset or axially eccentric from the central axis of the inlet of the main body in the second position.

4. A fitting according to any preceding claim, wherein the inlet of the outlet connector has a greater diameter than the outlet of the outlet connector.

5. A fitting according to any preceding claim, wherein the inlet and outlet of the outlet connector each defines a central axis, wherein the central axis of the outlet is offset from the central axis of the inlet.

6. A fitting according to claim 5, wherein said central axes are parallel with respect to one another.

7. A fitting according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein said central axes are parallel with respect to a central axis of the inlet of the main body and/or a central axis of the outlet of the main body.

8. A fitting according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the outlet connector is rotatably coupled with the main body, and configured to allow the outlet of the outlet connector to be rotationally transitioned between the first position and the second position.

9. A fitting according to any preceding claim, wherein the fitting is configured so that the outlet connector is arranged for rotation relative to the main body, such that said rotation of the outlet connector translates the outlet from said first position to said second position.

10. A fitting according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the main body defines an axis of rotation of the outlet connector, and wherein the second position is achieved through rotation of the outlet connector through 180 degrees about said axis of rotation from said first position.

11. A fitting according to any preceding claim, wherein the second end of the main body defines an opening and an inlet end of the outlet connector is rotatably received in said opening.

12. A fitting according to claim 11, wherein the opening includes a circumferential groove or recess on an internal surface thereof, and an inlet end of the outlet connector defines a head, which is rotatably located in said circumferential groove or recess.

13. A fitting according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the fitting is configured with the inlet end of the outlet connector snap-fittingly engaged with the second end of the main body.

14. A fitting according to claim 13, wherein said opening at the second end of the main body includes an internal projection over which the head of the outlet connector must pass, during snap-fitting engagement thereof, and which defines a stop for restricting axial movement of the head relative to the main body when the head is snap-fittingly engaged with the main body.

15. A fitting according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein a seal is provided between an outer surface of the outlet connector and an internal surface of said opening at the second end of the main body.

16. A fitting according to claim 15, wherein the seal is an 0-ring mounted on said outlet connector and arranged for sealing engagement with said internal surface of the main body.

17. A fitting according to claim 16, wherein said 0-ring is located in a circumferential groove on said outlet connector.

18. A fitting according to any preceding claim, wherein the inlet and outlet of the outlet connector each have a central axis, wherein the central axis of the inlet is off set from said central axis of the outlet.

19. A fitting according to claim 18, wherein the diameter of said inlet of the outlet connector is greater than the diameter of said outlet of the outlet connector.

20. A fitting according to any preceding claim, wherein the fitting further includes an inlet connector mounted to the main body, for connecting the fitting to a waste outlet.

21. A fitting according to claim 20, wherein the inlet connector has a first end and a second end, and defines a bore which is coaxial with the inlet on the main body.

22. A fitting according to claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the inlet connector is arranged in a secure engagement over the first end of the main body.

23. A fitting according to any of claims 20 to 22, wherein an external surface at the first end of the main body includes a projection, and one end of the inlet connector is configured in locked engagement over said projection, e.g. via a hook or like formation.

24. A fitting according to any of claims 20 to 23, wherein a periphery at an inlet end of the nonreturn component is sealingly clamped between the main body and the inlet connector.

25. A fitting according to any preceding claim, wherein the main body comprises first and second portions movably coupled to one another, such that the main body is configurable between a first condition in which the inlet and outlet of the main body are generally in line with one another, and a second condition in which the first and second ends are offset from one another.

26. A fitting according to claim 25, wherein the first and second portions are rotatably coupled to one another.

27. A fitting according to claim 26, wherein the first and second portions are rotatably coupled to one another by means of a snap-fit arrangement between the first and second portions.

28. A fitting according to claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the first and second portions each define an interface, and wherein a projection on one of said interfaces is snap-fittingly received in a recess on the other of said interfaces.

29. A fitting according to claim 29, wherein a seal is provided within said recess, for sealing engagement with said projection during relative rotation between said first and second portions.

30. A fitting according to any of claims 25 to 29, wherein the fitting is configured such that relative rotation between said first and second positions from said first position results in the inlet and outlet of the main body being disposed in a condition orthogonal to one another in said second position.

31. A fitting according to claim 30, wherein the main body is configured such said orthogonal condition is achieved after rotation of said first portion through 180 degrees relative to said second portion, or vice versa.

32. A fitting according to any of claims 25 to 31, wherein each of said first and second portions defines and interface which defines a closed loop, and wherein each interface is arranged at an angle of 45 degrees to a central axis of the inlet of the main body.

33. A fitting according to any of claims 1 to 24, wherein the main body comprises a section of flexible construction, such that the first end is movable with respect to the second end, or vice versa.

34. A fitting according to claim 33, wherein the main body is configured to be extensible, for extending the distance between said first and second ends from a normal state in which the first and second ends are separated by a first distance (e.g. along the main body longitudinal axis) to an extended state in which the first and second ends are separated by a second distance greater than said first distance.

35. A fitting according to claim 33 or claim 34, wherein the main body is tubular and of concertina construction.

36. A fitting according to any preceding claim, wherein the non-return component is of the kind comprising a tube defining flexible impervious wall members of complementary shapes disposed face-to-face in surface contact so that there is no through passage between them in their normal state and resiliently urged into the said normal state, wherein the said walls are held spaced from one another at an end of the device to define an inlet for ingress of fluid to an interface of said members, and further wherein the non-return device is configured such that in-flowing fluid will force the said members apart to permit flow between them from the inlet and the other end of the device, whereas fluid flow in the opposite direction is prevented by close surface contact between the members.

37. A fitting for use between a waste outlet and a waste pipe in a plumbing system, the fitting comprising: a main body defining a first end and a second end, and bore extending between said first end and said second end, wherein said first end defines an inlet of the main body and said second end defines an outlet of the main body; a non-return component extending within said bore and configured as a oneway valve, for ensuring unidirectional flow of waste therethrough, in the direction from said first end of the main body to said second end of the main body; and wherein the main body comprises first and second portions movably coupled to one another, such that the main body is configurable between a first condition in which the inlet and outlet of the main body are generally in line with one another, and a second condition in which the first and second ends are offset from one another.

38. A fitting according to claim 37, wherein the first and second portions are rotatably coupled to one another.

39. A fitting according to claim 38, wherein the first and second portions are rotatably coupled to one another by means of a snap-fit arrangement between the first and second portions.

40. A fitting according to claim 38 or claim 39, wherein the first and second portions each define an interface, and wherein a projection on one of said interfaces is snap-fittingly received in a recess on the other of said interfaces.

41. A fitting according to claim 40, wherein a seal is provided within said recess, for sealing engagement with said projection during relative rotation between said first and second portions.

42. A fitting according to any of claims 37 to 41, wherein the fitting is configured such that relative rotation between said first and second positions from said first position results in the inlet and outlet of the main body being disposed in a condition orthogonal to one another in said second position.

43. A fitting according to claim 42, wherein the main body is configured such said orthogonal condition is achieved after rotation of said first portion through 180 degrees relative to said second portion, or vice versa.

44. A fitting according to any of claims 37 to 43, wherein each of said first and second portions defines and interface which defines a closed loop, and wherein each interface is arranged at an angle of 45 degrees to a central axis of the inlet of the main body.

45. A fitting according to any of claims 37 to 44, wherein the non-return component is of the kind comprising a tube defining flexible impervious wall members of complementary shapes disposed face-to-face in surface contact so that there is no through passage between them in their normal state and resiliently urged into the said normal state, wherein the said walls are held spaced from one another at an end of the device to define an inlet for ingress of fluid to an interface of said members, and further wherein the non-return device is configured such that in-flowing fluid will force the said members apart to permit flow between them from the inlet and the other end of the device, whereas fluid flow in the opposite direction is prevented by close surface contact between the members.

46. A fitting according to any of claims 37 to 45, an outlet connector is coupled with the second end of the main body.

47. A fitting according to claim 46, wherein one end of the inlet connector is held in snap-fitted engagement inside an opening at the second end of the main body.

48. A fitting according to claim 47, wherein a seal is provided at an interface between inlet connector and an internal surface of the opening at the second end the main body.

49. A fitting according to any of claims 37 to 48, wherein an inlet connector is coupled with the first end of the main body.

50. A fitting according to claim 49, wherein the inlet connector is arranged in a secure engagement over the first end of the main body.

51. A fitting according to claim 50, wherein an external surface at the first end of the main body includes a projection, and one end of the inlet connector is configured in locked engagement over said projection, e.g. via a hook or like formation.

52. A fitting according to any of claims 49 to 51, wherein a periphery at an inlet end of the nonreturn component is sealingly clamped between the main body and the inlet connector.

53. A fitting for use between a waste outlet and a waste pipe in a plumbing system, the fitting comprising: a main body defining a first end and a second end, and bore extending between said first end and said second end, wherein said first end defines an inlet of the main body and said second end defines an outlet of the main body; a non-return component extending within said bore and configured as a oneway valve, for ensuring unidirectional flow of waste therethrough, in the direction from said first end of the main body to said second end of the main body; and wherein an inlet connector is coupled with the first end of the main body, and a periphery at an inlet end of the non-retum component is sealingly clamped between the main body and the inlet connector.

54. A fitting according to claim 53, wherein the inlet connector is arranged in a secure engagement over the first end of the main body.

55. A fitting according to claim 54, wherein an external surface at the first end of the main body includes a projection, and one end of the inlet connector is configured in locked engagement over said projection, e.g. via a hook or like formation.

56. A fitting according to any of claims 53 to 55, wherein the non-retum component is of the kind comprising a tube defining flexible impervious wall members of complementary shapes disposed face-to-face in surface contact so that there is no through passage between them in their normal state and resiliently urged into the said normal state, wherein the said walls are held spaced from one another at an end of the device to define an inlet for ingress of fluid to an interface of said members, and further wherein the non-retum device is configured such that in-flowing fluid will force the said members apart to permit flow between them from the inlet and the other end of the device, whereas fluid flow in the opposite direction is prevented by close surface contact between the members.

57. A fitting according to any of claims 53 to 56, an outlet connector is coupled with the second end of the main body.

58. A fitting according to claim 57, wherein one end of the inlet connector is held in snap-fitted engagement inside an opening at the second end of the main body.

59. A fitting according to claim 58, wherein a seal is provided at an interface between inlet connector and an internal surface of the opening at the second end the main body.

60. A fitting substantially as herein described and illustrated in any one of Figures 1 to 6, Figures 7 and 8, and/or Figures 9 and 10.