GB2616045A

GB2616045A - Liquid collection apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2616045A
Application number: GB2202637.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mary Nakasenge Rose
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-02-25
Filing date: 2022-02-25
Publication date: 2023-08-30
Also published as: GB202202637D0

Abstract

An underfloor liquid collection apparatus comprising a plurality of channel sections 3, each section having a base (21 figure 5), two opposing side walls (22 figure 5) and first and second ends wherein the first and second ends configured to connect to adjacent channel sections to form an elongate drainage channel. The base of the channel section may comprise means to alter the width of a channel section between the side walls. The side walls may be foldable relative to the base. The side walls of the channel sections may comprise screw holes (39 figure 5C) to connect to adjacent channel sections, wherein a first end of a first channel section may overlap a second end of a second channel section when connected together. The drainage channels may be connected to an overflow conduit 5 and have an above ground outlet 25. A later embodiment relates to a system for monitoring leaks comprising an underfloor liquid collection apparatus connected to a pipe having an above ground outlet.

Description

Liquid collection apparatus The present invention relates to liquid collection apparatus. In particular the present invention relates to an underfloor water collection apparatus for the protection of buildings against water damage.

Leaks inside properties can cause significant damage both to the building and contents thereof. Such damage can be exacerbated if it occurs on an upper floor as water can cause damage on the floors below.

The present invention seeks to address this issue.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an underfloor liquid collection apparatus comprising: a plurality of channel sections each having a base with two side opposing walls, and first and second ends configured to connect to adjacent channel sections so as to form an elongate drainage channel defined by the base and side walls of the channel sections.

In some embodiments a base of a channel section comprises means to alter the width of a channel section between the side walls.

In some embodiments side walls of a channel section are foldable relative to the base.

In some embodiments channel sections comprise means to connect to adjacent channel sections.

In some embodiments a plurality of channel sections each comprise means for a first end of a first channel section to at least partly overlap a second end of a second channel section when connected together.

By providing means for a first end of a first channel section to at least partly overlap a second end of a second channel section an elongate channel that does not leak fluid may be created.

In some embodiments a plurality of channel sections each comprise: an indent positioned on an outer surface of the first end of the channel section; and an indent positioned on an inner surface of the second end of the channel section.

By providing inner and out indents at opposing end of a plurality of channel section, first and second ends of channel sections may be mated together with a first end of a first channel section overlapping a second end of a second channel section.

In some embodiments means to connect adjacent channel sections comprises apertures formed in the side walls adjacent first and second ends of the channel sections.

In some embodiments the apparatus comprises a plurality of connectors configured to connect ends of elongate drainage channels to an outflow conduit.

In some embodiments the apparatus is assembled into a plurality of drainage channels located between joists of a building, the drainage channels being connected to an outflow conduit.

In some embodiments the outflow conduit is connected to a pipe having an above-ground outlet.

In some embodiments the outflow conduit is connected to an overflow pipe.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing an underfloor liquid collection system comprising the steps of: a) providing the apparatus of any preceding statement of invention; b) installing a plurality of elongate drainage channels between joists of a building; c) installing an outflow conduit to drain liquid collected by the elongate drainage channels.

In some embodiments the method comprises the step of connecting the outflow conduit to a pipe having an above-ground outlet.

In some embodiments the method comprises the step of connecting the outflow conduit to an overflow pipe.

By connecting the underfloor liquid collection system to a pipe having an above-ground outlet, such as an overflow pipe, an inhabitant of a building may be provided with a visual warning that a leak is occurring as water may visibly drain from the overflow pipe. In the present specification an 'above-ground' outlet' is intended to mean that a free end of a pipe is situated above ground level such that a person may view liquid discharged therefrom.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for monitoring leaks comprising an underfloor liquid collection apparatus connected to a pipe having an above-ground outlet.

In some embodiments the pipe is an overflow pipe.

In order that the present invention may be more fully understood a specific embodiment will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows an isometric diagrammatic view of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, in use; Figure 2 shows an isometric diagrammatic view of the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, in use; Figure 3 shows an isometric diagrammatic view of the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, in use; Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the device for the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows four detail isometric views of the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; and Figure 6 shows a second isometric view of the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 1.

With reference to the figures there is generally shown an embodiment of apparatus and an associated system comprising an under-surface 1 liquid collection apparatus comprising plurality of collection devices 3, wherein each collection device comprises a rectangular elongate base, with two side walls 22 arranged to contact spaced apart support members 2 for the surface 1, wherein the devices 3 are inclined from a first end to a second end and wherein the second ends of the devices may be configured to drain into an outflow pipe 5.

The devices are envisaged to fit between supporting members 2 such as joists as shown, for example for use in suspended flooring systems, under a floor surface 1 as shown.

The apparatus of the present invention comprises a substantially planar device 3 with a long thin rectangular lateral base 21, and two vertically extending side walls 22, defining a first end that is higher in use, and with a consistent gradient to the second end in use.

In some embodiments therefore the width of the devices may be appropriate to standard joist spacings. In some embodiments the devices may be enabled to stretch or narrow according to required or desired spacing.

For example in some embodiments the devices may comprise a living hinge or fold, and/or extending side flaps or similar means to expand or reduce the width of the device.

The device and apparatus in general may be envisaged to be formed from thermoplastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or similar.

It may be envisaged that the device is enabled to progressively funnel liquid under gravity from a first end towards a second end, for example having a gradual or continuous incline in use.

In some embodiments the devices may be envisaged to be installed with a bubble level. In other embodiments the devices may include one or more bubble levels.

In the pictured embodiment the outflow pipe comprises a gutter 5, which gutter is arranged in use to travel along the second ends of the devices, leading towards an outlet or overflow pipe. The gutter is a semi-circular elongate plastic pipe as known in the art.

The second end of the device may be envisaged to comprise a connector. Such connector may be envisaged to connect the second of the device to a subsequent device, and/or to an outflow pipe.

In other embodiments as pictured the outflow provided by the gutter 5 is simply located below the ends of the devices 3 and is not connected thereto.

In use the outflow may be envisaged to be installed with a bubble level. In some embodiments the outflow comprises one or more bubble levels.

The apparatus may thereby collect any water that could have leaked from water tanks near the heating systems 6 or water from blocked sinks, toilet, shower, baths etc, or after a bad plumbing job, where this water normally leaks into the floor and collects above the ceiling above in the kitchen area in most houses. The gutters of the apparatus may be envisaged to run alongside existing drainage pipes 25.

It may be envisaged that if the apparatus of the present invention is put in place to occupy the space beneath the upper floors and just above the kitchen ceiling or any other relevant ceiling covering the whole surface area of the location of any water systems, it would collect any leaked water and this water will be let out of this apparatus via the outflow pipe, located lower than the devices and connected to the premises overflow pipes leading the water to flow out of the premises; and not into the ceiling.

The devices may be envisaged to be placed anywhere water may leak through a surface, particularly a substantially horizontal surface supported by spaced apart members. Advantageously coverage over an entire floor may allow for any leaks from a floor above to be collected.

The apparatus may be envisaged to be installed in any property with joist construction floors in particular.

This apparatus may be well-suited to new-build housing as piping and electrical circuitry may be arranged above the apparatus.

The apparatus as shown comprises the following parts: Collecting devices 3 Outflow gutter 5 connecting to soil pipe 4 As shown in Figure 5 the devices have overlapping joints enabling longer lengths of device, where the sides 22 of the device near one end have an indent 39 in an inner surface (i.e. the upper surface of base 21 and inner faces of side walls 22 that together form a channel for liquid), and the sides 22 of the device near the opposing end have an indent 38 in an outer surface (i.e. the lower surface of base 21 and out faces of side walls 22).

The device's may thereby be arranged in a line, and are flush fitting, so as to prevent leaking or collection spots.

Other piping and wiring can be added above channels that sit between the joists.

The length of the room determines how many devices are needed to cover the whole floor where simple repetition of the devices makes installation and manufacturing simple.

The sides have three spaced apart screw holes 23.

In use screws 24 may be used, either through or into the members to hold two devices together for quick installation and also to allow a user to adjust the angle of the device's drainage accordingly.

In use the outflow may be envisaged to pass through predrilled holes in the joist members, as shown in Figure 6. In other embodiments the outflow may pass below the members.

The apparatus is mainly composed of multiple repeating devices that interlock, forming a singular collection system.

A simple uniform shape allows for any number of devices to be added to adapt to the length of the floor coverage As shown in Figures 5 the devices are arranged to interlock and be screwed together in an interlocked state, so as to minimise overflow, leakage, trouble constructing or other problems. The screws may be used to connect devices together laterally as well as longitudinally.

As shown in Figure 6 the apparatus may be envisaged to be well adapted or adaptable to existing drainage systems or soil-pipe systems, and may thereby run in concurrent directions or locations.

Some further embodiments of the device may be corrugated, for example so as to provide more channelling, and/or so as to enable the width of the device to be accommodating of differences, where the device may be enabled to bow or bend laterally with greater robustness and flexibility.

In this specification an apparatus/method/product "comprising" certain features is intended to be interpreted as meaning that it includes those features, but that it does not exclude the presence of other features.

Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

Claims: 1. An underfloor liquid collection apparatus comprising: a plurality of channel sections each having a base with two side opposing walls, and first and second ends configured to connect to adjacent channel sections so as to form an elongate drainage channel defined by the base and side walls of the channel sections.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a base of a channel section comprises means to alter the width of a channel section between the side walls.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2 wherein side walls of a channel section are foldable relative to the base.
4. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein channel sections comprise means to connect to adjacent channel sections.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein a plurality of channel sections each comprise means for a first end of a first channel section to at least partly overlap a second end of a second channel section when connected together.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein a plurality of channel sections each comprise: a. an indent positioned on an outer surface of the first end of the channel section; and b. an indent positioned on an inner surface of the second end of the channel section.
7. The apparatus of any of claims 4 to 6 wherein means to connect adjacent channel sections comprises apertures formed in the side walls adjacent first and second ends of the channel sections.
8. The apparatus of any preceding claim comprising a plurality of connectors configured to connect ends of elongate drainage channels to an outflow conduit.
9. The apparatus of any preceding claim assembled into a plurality of drainage channels located between joists of a building, the drainage channels being connected to an outflow conduit.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the outflow conduit is connected to a pipe having an above-ground outlet.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the outflow conduit is connected to an overflow pipe.
12. A method of providing an underfloor liquid collection system comprising the steps of: a) providing the apparatus of claims 1 to 8; b) installing a plurality of elongate drainage channels between joists of a building; c) installing an outflow conduit for liquid collected by the elongate drainage channels
13. The method of claim 9 comprising the step of connecting the outflow conduit to a pipe having an above-ground outlet.
14. The method of claim 10 comprising the step of connecting the outflow conduit to an overflow pipe.
15. A system for monitoring leaks comprising an underfloor liquid collection apparatus connected to a pipe having an above-ground outlet.
16. The system of claim 15 wherein the pipe is an overflow pipe. 30