GB2608114A

GB2608114A - Scupper liner

Info

Publication number: GB2608114A
Application number: GB2108874.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Herbert Hoffman William
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-06-21
Filing date: 2021-06-21
Publication date: 2022-12-28
Anticipated expiration: 2041-06-21
Also published as: GB2608114B; GB202108874D0

Abstract

A liner for a scupper comprises a moulded plastic insert 10 having a first end 11 conforming with the opening of the scupper within the enclosure to be drained and a second end 13 opening into the outlet (3, Fig 1) of the scupper. At least the first end of the liner is adapted to be adhesively bonded to an inner surface (2, Fig 1) of the scupper. A method of lining a scupper is also disclosed which comprises forming a plastics liner 10 with a passageway therethrough, and bonding at least a first end 11 of the liner to the opening of the scupper with the liner extending through the scupper to the outlet thereto.

Description

SCUPPER LINER

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a liner for a scupper and to a method of lining a scupper to prevent corrosion or pitting.

Background to the Invention

A scupper is an opening from within the containing wall of an open structure, such as the deck of a ship, allowing drainage of water therefrom.

Scuppers are typically provided in boats and ships to allow seawater from waves and spray, as well as rainwater, to drain from the deck into the sea.

They may consist of an opening through the bulwarks, but are now more commonly provided, particularly in steel-built ships, as a steel funnel structure set into the deck and opening flush with it. At the lower end of the funnel structure, a pipe leads the water to the exterior of the ship's hull.

A scupper can also be used to take grey and black water from cabins, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry, restrooms, and from any other area of the ship which may require discharge of any water/sewage or contaminated water. Grey water is water from wash basins, baths and showers and which is often discharged into containment tanks via pipes. Black water is water from flushing toilets and other such elements.

Scuppers are all placed on the floors of wet areas which either take wa-ter away directly, (as in a toilet) or on the floor of a kitchen where floors are washed etc. Scuppers are also fitted on every outside balcony deck of a ship to discharge rainwater as well as sea spray and sea water. So many of these scuppers are also at the mercy of chemical contamination and attack from chemical used in cleaning and laundry facilities.

A problem with all the above arrangements is that of corrosion of the scupper, especially through the action of seawater and various chemicals used in onboard cleaning (as per industrial cleaning as well as for cleaning for personal hygiene uses). Any occurrence of corrosion could give rise to the need for costly repairs. -2 -

There has now been devised a liner which overcomes and/or substantially mitigates the above referenced and/or other disadvantages associated with the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

According to the invention, there is provided a liner for a scupper comprising a moulded plastic insert having a first end conforming with the opening of the scupper within the enclosure to be drained and a second end opening into the outlet of the scupper, at least the first end of the liner being adhesively bonded to an inner surface of the scupper in use.

Preferably, the liner is configured to conform with the shape of the interior of the scupper. So, for example, where the scupper is in the form of a funnel, the liner is configured with a funnel shape. The liner may be adhesively bonded to the interior of the scupper over a portion or the whole of the external shape of is the liner.

The liner may be formed as a plurality of components, fitting together so as to provide a continuous lining for the scupper, or it may comprise a unitary moulded structure conforming to the interior shape of the scupper. It is suitably formed of a polymer such as polypropylene or polyethylene and may be bonded to the interior of the scupper by means of a polymeric sealant adhesive, for ex-ample of the type used in the construction industry. Other suitable materials for the liner include but are not limited to such as plastics, thermoplastics, GRE/GRP (Glass fibre or resin based).

The invention also provides a method of lining a scupper, comprising forming a plastics liner with a passageway therethrough, and bonding at least a first end of the liner to the opening of the scupper with the liner extending through the scupper to the outlet thereto.

Preferably the liner is bonded to the interior of the scupper along the length thereof.

The bonding is preferably achieved by using a polymeric sealant adhe-sive, for example applied in bead form by a mastic gun such that, when the liner -3 -is pressed into place, the sealant adhesive is spread into a thin film bonding the liner to the scupper and preventing ingress of water.

The bonding may additionally or alternatively be achieved by a polymeric sealing gasket, such as a rubber gasket or sealing washer or the like. The gas-ket is positioned in the space between at least the first end of the liner and the opening of the scupper. Insertion of the liner into the scupper thereby creates a seal between the two to prevent water ingress into the gap between the two. The invention provides a simple and effective way of preventing or reducing corrosion of scuppers, especially those in ships and boats, thereby extend-to ing the life of the scupper and reducing maintenance costs.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a known scupper of the type inset into a ship's deck; Figure 2 illustrates a first liner component; Figure 3 is a top plan view of a second liner component; Figure 4 is a side elevation of the component of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a part-sectional elevation of the scupper of Figure 1 with the liner installed; Figure 6 is a side elevation of a second embodiment of the liner; Figure 7 is a sectional perspective view of a third embodiment of the lin-er; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the liner of figure 7; Figure 9 is a sectional view of the liner of figure 7 inserted into a scupper; Figure 10 is a sectional perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the liner; Figure 11 is a view of the liner of figure 10 inserted into a scupper; Figure 12 is a perspective view of the liner of figure 10; Figure 13 is a sectional perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the lin-er; Figure 14 is a sectional perspective view of the liner of figure 13 inserted into a scupper; -4 -Figure 15 is a perspective view of the liner of figure 13 inserted into a scupper; Figure 16 is a sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the liner; Figure 17 is a sectional perspective view of the liner of figure 16; Figure 18 is a sectional perspective view of the liner of figure 16 inserted into a scupper; Figure 19 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the liner; Figure 20 is a sectional perspective view of the liner of figure 19 inserted into a scupper, and Figure 21 is a perspective view of the liner of figure 19 inserted into a scupper.

Detailed Description of the Illustrated Embodiment

Figure 1 illustrates a conventional form of scupper having a flange 1 which can be secured to, or inset into, a ship's deck. It is essentially in the form of a funnel, having an upper part 2 extending downwardly from the flange to a lower part 3 which is of narrower diameter than the upper end and which can be connected to pipework discharging externally of the ship's hull. The scupper is typically formed of steel and, being constantly exposed to seawater and air, is at risk of corrosion or, where stainless steel is used in the construction of the scupper, pitting. In this specification "upper" and "lower" refer to the normal ori-entation of the scupper when installed in normally horizontal deck of a ship. In a first embodiment of the invention, a two-part plastics liner consists of a sleeve section 4, as illustrated in Figure 2, and a base section 5, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. The sleeve section 4 is formed of a resilient plastics material such as polypropylene and is tubular with a slit 6 along its length so that it can be compressed to a diameter smaller than that of the upper part 2 of the scupper to enable it to be introduced into the scupper and then released so that the resilience of the material causes it to spring back into shape and to press against the inner surface of the upper part 2, the sleeve section of the liner 4 being dimensioned so as to form a continuous protective surface within the scupper. Adhesive is first applied to the inner surface of the upper part 2 of the scupper so as to hold the liner in place and seal against penetration of moisture. -5 -

The base section 5 comprises a bowl portion 7 with a tube portion 8 opening therefrom. The tube portion 8 extends downwardly into the lower part 3 of the scupper when the base section 5 is located in the upper part 2 of the scupper, adhesive being applied to the contact surface between the bowl por- tion 7 and the inner surface of the upper part 2 before insertion. The sleeve sec-tion 4 is then inserted so as to engage the base section 5, as shown in Figure 5. Figure 6 illustrates a second embodiment of the liner according to the invention, consisting of an integrally-moulded liner 10 having a first portion 11 dimensioned to fit into the upper part 2 of the scupper, a bowl portion 12 below the first portion and with a tube portion 13 extending downwardly therefrom, all the portions 11-13 being hollow and opening one into another so as to allow the passage of water therethrough. The liner 10 is inserted into the scupper with a layer of adhesive between at least the exterior of the first portion 11 and the internal surface of the upper part 2 of the scupper. This may be achieved by ap-plication of the adhesive to the scupper, the liner 10, or both, before the liner is pushed into place in the scupper.

Figures 7, 8 and 9 illustrate a third embodiment of the liner according to the invention, consisting of an integrally-moulded liner 20 having a first portion 21 dimensioned to fit into the upper part 201 of the scupper 200, a bowl portion 22 below the first portion and with a tube portion 23 extending upwardly there- from, all the portions 21-23 being hollow and opening one into another so as to allow the passage of water therethrough. The tube portion 23 returns back on itself so as to provide a downwardly extending opening 24. The liner 20 is inserted into the scupper 200 with a layer of adhesive between at least the exteri-or of the first portion 21 and the internal surface of the upper part 201 of the scupper 200. This may be achieved by application of the adhesive to the scupper 200, the liner 20, or both, before the liner 20 is pushed into place in the scupper 200. In this embodiment the scupper 200 has an upwardly extending internal wall 202, which is provided with an opening 203. When in place the tube portion 23 of the liner 20 extends around both sides of this wall 202, and the opening 24 is in line with the base of the liner 20 where the bowl portion 22 meets the tube portion 23. In use, once the liner 20 is positioned as described -6 -above, water flows into the bowl portion 22 and fills up until it reaches the top of the tube portion 23, which acts as an internal overflow. The water then overflows the tube portion and runs down the downward parts of the tube portion 23 and out of the opening 24. In this way the whole of the scupper 200 is protected from corrosion. Optionally and as shown in Figures 7-9, this embodiment com-prises three attachment lugs 25a, 25b and 25c. These lugs 25a, 25b and 25c are mounted equidistant from each other circumferentially around the rim of a lip portion 26. The lip portion 26 sits on top of the rim of the first portion 21 and is held in place there by downward extending clips 26a, 26b and 26c of each lug to 25a, 25b and 25c, which engage with respective protrusions on the wall of the first portion 21. Each lug comprises a female screw thread for receiving a screw or bolt in use. This therefore enables a cover to be mounted on top of the liner 20. This option is particularly useful as some scuppers are provided with inserts which hold similar lugs to attach the cover thereto. In use of the liner of the third embodiment, this insert is simply removed and replaced with the liner 20 which has mounted to it the lugs 25a, 25b and 25c for attachment of the same scupper cover in the same manner.

A fourth embodiment of liner according to the invention is shown in figures 10, 11 and 12. The liner is depicted as liner 30 and is substantially as de-scribed with respect to the liner 20 of the third embodiment, however it omits the lip portion from the top rim of the upper portion 31. The liner 30 has an upper portion 31 and bowl portion 32 and tube portion 33 as described above, but the tube portion 33 does not descend downwards after rising upwards. The opening 34 is therefore present at the uppermost part of the tube portion 33. This reduc-es the amount of material used for the liner 30. The liner 30 is mounted within the scupper 300 as described above for the scupper 200, and works in the same manner, except that water which overflows the opening 34, runs immediately down the inside of the scupper 300.

A fifth embodiment of liner according to the invention is shown in figures 13, 14 and 15. The liner is depicted as liner 40 and is substantially as described with respect to the liner 20 of the third embodiment, however it omits the lip portion from the top rim of the upper portion 41. The liner 40 has an upper portion 41 and bowl portion 42 and tube portion 43 as described with respect to line 20. The opening 44 is therefore present at the lowermost part of the tube portion 43. The liner 40 is mounted within the scupper 400 as described above for the liner 20, and works in the same manner.

A sixth embodiment of the liner according to the invention is shown in figures 16, 17 and 18. The liner is depicted as liner 50 and is substantially as described with respect to the liner 10 of the second embodiment, however the bowl portion as shown in the second embodiment is more planar in the sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment there is an integrally-moulded liner 50 having a first portion 51 dimensioned to fit into the upper part 2 of the scupper 500, an angled portion 52 below the first portion and with a tube portion 53 extending downwardly therefrom, all the portions 51-53 being hollow and opening one into another so as to allow the passage of water therethrough. The liner 50 is inserted into the scupper 500 with a layer of adhesive between at least the exterior of the first portion 51 and the internal surface of the upper part 2 of the scupper 500. This may be achieved by application of the adhesive to the scupper 500, the liner 50, or both, before the liner is pushed into place in the scupper 500.

A seventh embodiment of the liner according to the invention is shown in figures 19, 20 and 21. In the seventh embodiment the liner is generally desig-nated liner 60, and comprises an upper portion 61 and a bowl portion 62. The upper portion 61 has an opening 63 where the upper portion meets the bowl portion 62. The opening 63 is in the side of the upper portion 61. In use the liner 60 is mounted within the scupper 600 as described above, but this example of the liner 60 is designed to fit side-exit scuppers only of the type that can be seen in figure 20. The liner 60 is otherwise substantially as described above and mounted within the scupper 600 as is described above for the other embodiments. Such side scuppers 600 have a side opening through which water flows out, rather than an opening arranged in the bottom of the scupper. The side exit of the scupper can also be seen in figure 21 which shows the liner 60 inserted into the scupper 600. -8 -

The lip portion 26 described above is further applicable if required to each of the embodiments described herein. -9 -

Claims

CLAIMS1. A liner for a scupper comprising a moulded plastic insert having a first end conforming with the opening of the scupper within the enclosure to be drained and a second end opening into the outlet of the scupper, at least the first end of the liner being adhesively bonded to an inner surface of the scupper in use.
2. A liner according to Claim 1, configured to conform with the shape of the interior of the scupper.
3. A liner according to Claim 1 or 2, formed as a plurality of compo-nents, fitting together so as to provide a continuous lining for the scupper.
4. A liner according to Claim 1 or 2, comprising a unitary moulded structure.
5. A liner according to Claim 3 or 4, configured to conform to the in-terior shape of the scupper.
6. A method of lining a scupper, comprising forming a plastics liner with a passageway therethrough, and bonding at least a first end of the liner to the opening of the scupper with the liner extending through the scupper to the outlet thereto.
7. A method according to Claim 6, wherein the liner is as defined in any of Claims 1 to 5.
8. A method according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the bonding is by polymeric sealant adhesive and/or a polymeric sealing gasket.