IL154866A - Cover for drains, pipe ends and the like - Google Patents

Description

οη>βιτι ii unf πηνρ ,npi .rniw fc iitDtt Cover for Drains, Pipe Ends and the Like Gili Peery C.173817 { Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to the caps or covers for drains, pipe ends and the like. In particular, the present invention is concerned with ' providing a simple and inexpensive cap or cover that enables the user to open or close a drain or pipe end in a simple manner. The present invention is also directed to such caps or covers that are retrofittable onto existing drains or pipe ends.

Background of the Invention It is common practice to provide a floor drain where such a floor is periodically covered in water, or where water is used for cleaning such floors. Examples include ceramic or marble floors, bathrooms, kitchens, and so on. Such drains may be covered with a grill or a cap. Such drains are often in the form of a cylindrical pipe that extends from the sewer system up to or just below floor level.

Grilles have openings that provide permanent communication between the outside of the drain, including the surrounding floor area, and the drain, thereby enabling liquids on the floor to be urged or flushed into the drain whenever required. However, because of the continual exposure provided by the grille, odours and even cockroaches and other insects often escape out of the drain, which is undesirable or may even pose a health hazard in living areas, kitchens and bathrooms. In any case, there is often a need to remove such grilles when access to the drain is needed.

Caps, on the other hand, provide a more or less sealing closure to a drain that is designed to prevent communication between the drain and the outside until the cap is removed. Thus, odours and insects and the like are prevented from leaving the drain when this is closed. However, the cap needs to be removed when it is required to flush liquids, typically water, into the drain. One 9. { common drain cover comprises a plastic cap in the shape of a sort-length cylinder that is received in the cylindrical upper section of the drain, and a disc-like top that protrudes from the floor when the cap is in place. The cap is tight-fitting in the drain and optionally comprises a circumferential rubber o-ring on the cylinder for sealing against the drain. While such caps are generally satisfactory for closing the drain, they do not provide full sealing, and the o-rings are usually removed because of the added difficulty posed in closing the drain. However, the major disadvantage with this cap lies in the removal process. Typically, a knife, screwdriver or similar tool must be wedged between the floor and the periphery of the disc portion of the cap that extends beyond the cylinder, and considerable force must be exerted in an upward direction to remove the cap. Often, the wedging and lifting procedure must be repeated at various locations around the periphery of the cap before this may be finally prised off the drain. It is not rare for the knife to slip and cause damage to the floor, tool or the cap itself, or indeed injury to the user or bystanders. While such caps may also be used for closing the ends of pipes, similar problems are encountered when removing the cap.

A rotating metal cap drain cover - both in the form of a cap and of a grille - is also known, having a cylindrical body with an external continuous screw thread. This requires a concentric metal ring, having complementary internal screw threads, to be cemented into the mouth of the drain. The cylindrical body of the cap has a closed end, which is flush with the floor when the drain is closed. Two diametrically opposed dimples are provided on the closed end, by means of which the user may place the ends of his fingers to rotate the cap to open or close the same. However, the threads are narrow and configured such as to require a large number of revolutions of the cap in order to open or close the same. No sealing means are provided; rather, the metal cap closes against the metal ring, and while this may prevent insects and the like from escaping from the drain, the same is not always the case for odours. This cap also has other disadvantages. The small dimensions of the threads often results in grit, dirt and other substances getting trapped therein, and blocking the relative { movement of the cap with respect to the ring. This results in more force being required to close or to open the cap, which is already poses considerably difficulties to the user. Also the cap may be improperly closed, and the protruding cap may pose danger in that people may trip over the same, and also increases communication between the drain and the outside. The small dimensions of the screwthreads, and the multiplicity thereof can sometimes cause difficulty in properly aligning the cap with the ring so that the cap may be screwed in. Further, such a cap is not easily retrofittable into existing drains, since some building work is required to install it into a drain, and is in any case it is not generally suitable for end pipes, sinks and so on. Also, the price of such caps tends to be much higher than the aforementioned plastic cap.

Similar problems are encountered with perforated caps or grille covers, i.e., caps in the form of grilles,_commonly used for drains in shower rooms, for example, to trap hair and other debris. While the emanation of odours and the free flow of insects through the apertures in the grille is unavoidable, there is often a need to remove the grille cover to access the drainage system. While similar solutions to that of the regular cap are found in the art, they also suffer from similar drawbacks.

An aim of the present invention is to provide a closure device that substantially overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of prior art caps, grille covers, other drain covers and the like. ' .

It is another aim of the present invention to provide an improved closure device, particularly for floor drains, that is relatively simple to install and that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

It is another aim of the present invention to such an improved device which is readily retrofittable to existing drains or pipe ends. "~ ^ { The present invention achieves these and other aims, and is directed to providing, an improved device for reversibly closing or sealing a drain or pipe end. In particular, the device may be advantageously configured to be retrofittable onto an existing floor drain or pipe end.

Other purposes and advantages of the invention will appear as the description proceeds.

Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to a closure device for a pipe end comprising: a ring member adapted for fitting at said pipe end and having a first sealing surface; and a cover member having a peripheral surface for abutment against said sealing surface or a sealing surface of said pipe end; wherein said cover member and ring member comprise suitable rotatable engagement means for enabling the said cover member to be rotatably engaged with respect to said ring member.

In the first embodiment, the cover member comprises a suitable male engagement means, and said ring member comprises a suitable female engagement means. The female engagement means may be in the form of at least two helical grooves on an inner surface of said ring member; each said groove extends from a first longitudinal end of the ring member up to a preset longitudinal depth along the ring member, which may be is less than or equal to the longitudinal length of the ring member. The grooves are substantially uniformly disposed with respect to said ring member, and the closure device may comprise 2, 3 or 4 or more said grooves. Optionally, the grooves are quasi-helical, and each groove further comprises a downstream stop against which the plug member is fixed when closed, and/or an upstream flare for facilitating { engagement of the cover member with the ring member. Further optionally, the grooves comprise an upstream longitudinally aligned portion such that the cover member is first engaged in a longitudinal manner before being rotated with respect to the ring member when closing the closure device.

Optionally, the ring member may further comprise a plurality of slits in the outer surface thereof, and the slits may be longitudinally aligned with said ring member and comprise a "V"-shaped section.

The cover member may comprise a generally thin disc-like top and a smaller diameter coaxial plug member depending therefrom from one lower side thereof such as to expose a generally annular surface on the said lower side. The cover member may comprise an upper side comprised of a substantially planar surface joined to the circumferential edge of the said top via a frustoconical surface. At least one of said frustoconical surface and said upper surface may comprise surface features or texturing to increase friction or enhance the mechanical contact between them and the user. These features may include ribs, protrusions, dimples or indentations on said surfaces. Optionally, the top comprises finger-engaging concavities along the circumference thereof. The top may be substantially circular, triangular, rectangular, polygonal, oval, or any other desired shape.

Optionally, the top comprises, a slot of a particular shape adapted for receiving a suitable tool having a longitudinal end in a form complementary to said slot, wherein such a tool may be engaged with said slot for facilitating twisting engagement or disengagement of cover member with respect to said ring member.

The male engagement means are typically in the form of two or more closure tabs which are provided corresponding the number of said grooves in said ring member. The tabs typically extend in a radial direction and are longitudinally { spaced from said peripheral surface, said tabs being adapted for helical movement within said grooves with respect to a longitudinal axis of the closure member when said cover member is rotatingly opened or closed with respect to said ring member. The tabs are substantially equi-spaced circumferentially with respect to said cover member, and each tab preferably comprises a curved portion in a substantially longitudinal direction joining a leading edge of said tab with the upper surface of the said tab. Optionally, each tab comprises a leading edge that curves in a circumferential direction towards a circumferential edge of said tab.

Alternatively, the cover member comprises a suitable female engagement means, and the ring member comprises a suitable male engagement means.

The closure device is particularly adapted for fitting in any one of a floor drain, a waste outlet fitting of sinks, basins, baths and the like, a free standing pipe having an open end, an opening of a tank and the like, electrical junction boxes, and the like.

The present invention is also directed to an improved pipe end comprising a substantially cylindrical internal surface and a free edge, and further comprising: a ring portion integrally formed on said cylindrical internal surface; and a cover member having a peripheral surface for abutment against said upper surface or a free edge of said pipe end; wherein said cover member and ring portion comprise suitable rotatable engagement means for enabling the said cover member to be rotatably engaged with respect to said ring portion.

The cover member comprises a suitable male engagement means, and said ring portion comprises a suitable female engagement means. The female { engagement means may be in the form of at least two helical grooves on an inner surface of said ring portion. Each said groove may extend from a first longitudinal end of the ring portion up to a preset longitudinal depth along the ring portion, wherein this depth is less than or equal to the longitudinal length of the ring portion. Preferably, the grooves are substantially uniformly disposed with respect to said ring portion, and the ring portion comprises 2, 3 or 4 or more said grooves. Optionally, the grooves are quasi-helical, and each groove further comprises a downstream stop against which the plug member is fixed when closed, and/or an upstream flare for facilitating engagement of the cover member with the said pipe end. Further optionally, the grooves comprise an upstream longitudinally aligned portion such that the cover member is first engaged in a longitudinal manner before being rotated with respect to the ring portion when closing the pipe end.

The cover member may comprise a generally thin disc-like top and a smaller diameter coaxial plug member depending therefrom from one lower side thereof such as to expose a generally annular surface on the said lower side. The cover member may comprise an upper side comprised of a substantially planar surface joined to the circumferential edge of the said top via a frustoconical surface. At least one of said frustoconical surface and said upper surface comprises surface features or texturing to increase friction or enhance the mechanical contact between them and the user. These features may include ribs, protrusions, dimples or indentations on said surfaces. Optionally, the top comprises finger-engaging concavities along the circumference thereof. The top may be substantially circular, triangular, rectangular, polygonal, oval, or any other desired shape.

Optionally, the top comprises a slot of a particular shape adapted for receiving a suitable tool having a longitudinal end in a form complementary to said slot, wherein such a tool may be engaged with said slot for facilitating twisting { engagement or disengagement of cover member with respect to said ring portion.

Typically, the male engagement means are in the form of two or more closure tabs which are provided corresponding the number of said grooves in said ring portion. The tabs extend in a radial direction and are longitudinally spaced from said peripheral surface, said tabs being adapted for helical movement within said grooves with respect to a longitudinal axis of the closure member when said cover member is rotatingly opened or closed with respect to said ring portion. Preferably, the tabs are substantially equi-spaced circumferentially with respect to said cover member.

Preferably, each said tab comprises a curved portion in a substantially longitudinal direction joining a leading edge of said tab with the upper surface of the said tab. Further preferably, each tab comprises a leading edge that curves in a circumferential direction towards a circumferential edge of said tab.

Alternatively the cover member comprises a suitable female engagement means, and the ring portion comprises a suitable male engagement means.

The pipe end may be particularly adapted for any one of a floor drain, a waste outlet fitting of sinks, basins,, baths andjbhe_like, a free standing pipe" having an open end, an opening. of a tank and the like, electrical junction boxes, and the like.

Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1 illustrates schematically a first embodiment of the present invention in exploded isometric view.

{ Figure 2 illustrates the embodiment of Figure 1 installed in a drain, in transverse cross-sectional view.

Figure 3 illustrates, in transverse cross-sectional view, an alternative embodiment for the cap of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 illustrates, in transverse cross-sectional view, another alternative embodiment for the cap of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 5(a) and Figure 5(b) illustrate schematically the interaction between the tab and groove of the embodiment of Figure 1 and 2, In Figure 5(a) during rotation of cap into the ring; and in Figure 5(b) at the end of travel therein.

Figure 6 illustrates, in transverse cross-sectional view, another alternative embodiment for the cap of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 7 illustrates, in partial cylindrical projection, the inner cylindrical surface of the ring member comprising fragmented quasi-helical grooves.

Figure 8 illustrates, in partial cylindrical projection, the inner cylindrical surface of the ring member comprising an alternative configuration for the grooves.

Figure 9 illustrates, in isometric top view, an alternative configuration of the cover member.

Figure 10 illustrates schematically a second aspect of the present invention in transverse cross-sectional view.

{ Figure 11 illustrates schematically a second embodiment of the present invention in exploded top isometric view. o Figure 12 illustrates schematically a second embodiment of the present invention in exploded bottom isometric view.

Figure 13 illustrates the embodiment of Figures 11 and 12 in transverse cross- sectional view.

Figures 14(a), 14(b) and 14(c) illustrate in- top view, top isometric view and 3 I' bottom isometric view, respectively, a grille cover that may be fitted in place of o the cap in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 13.

Description The present invention is defined by the claims, the contents of which are to be read as included within the disclosure of the specification, and will now be . described- y way of example with reference to the accompanying Figures. · The present invention relates to a device for reversibly sealing an end of a pipe, a drain or the like.. The device of the present invention is characterised in providing a ring member that may be sealingly fitted to the mouth of the drain, pipe and so on, enabling a rotatable cover member to be easily aligned with the drain opening, and thus it is also readily retrofittable into existing drains and the like, as will become evident fro the description hereinbelow. Preferably the cap or cover member may be fully sealed- or .fully opened- n typically less that one revolution thereof with respect to the ring member. The cover member may be impervious to liquids or alternatively may be in the form of a grille cover, providing communication between the drain and the outside via. suitable apertures on the grille cover. In another aspect of the invention, { the ring is provided integral with the end of Jhejnpe, or inside of the drain, and so on.

The term "pipe end" refers herein to an open end of drain, gutter or any pipe, and thus also includes pipe-like fittings that have an open end, including, for example, electrical junction boxes (particularly cylindrical ones) that are embedded in or mounted onto walls, ceilings, and include a (typically axially disposed) second pipe end that is closed, and optionally one or more openings typically transversely disposed with respect, to the pipe end axis. Such pipe ends are typically but not restricted to those of circular cross -section. Similarly, the term "drain" refers herein to any floor opening that offers' communication between the floor and an underfloor pipe.

While the present invention is described herein primarily with reference to a floor drain, it is also applicable to any pipe end, including said junction boxes, and to any waste outlet fitting for use with sinks, baths, basins and the like, and to any tank outlet fitting, and the like, mutatis mutandis.

A first embodiment and a second embodiment of the present invention are directed to a pipe end cover that is simple to install and is thus readily incorporated into new floor drains or refittable/retrofitable to any number of existing floor drains.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the closure device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, generally designated with the numeral (10), comprises a rotatable cap or cover member (20) and a static ring member (30), wherein said cover member (20) and ring member (30) comprise suitable rotatable engagement means for enabling the said cap to be rotatably engaged with respect to said ring member (30). The closure device (10) may be used in any suitable pipe end or drain by simply removing the exi_sting cap (if present), and then installing the ring member (30) into the pipe end typically with the 1 9. { cover member (20) in the closed position with respect to the ring member (30) with respect thereto, as described in more detail herein.

Thus, the static ring member (30) is adapted for fitting into the mouth of the drain (80), typically an end of a pipe (50) that extends up to the levef of the floor surface (90) or close thereto, such as to provide a seal between the mouth of the drain and the ring member (30). Optionally, the ring member (30) may be glued, heat welded, bonded or otherwise permanently fixed to the end (55). In the, first .embodiment, however, the^ring comprises an external dimension. typically a diameter, such as to provide an interference fit with the 6nd "(55) of the pipe (50). Thus, in the event that it may become necessary, the ring member (30) may be removed from the end (55). In the first embodiment, the ring member (30) is substantially tubular, haying an inside cylindrical surface (32), and an outside cylindrical surface (34) of diameter (D). The longitudinal length (L) of the ring member (30) is defined between the first end (31) and the second end (33) of the ring, and is typically less than the diameter (D), and conveniently the ratio D/L is about 4. However, this ratio may be considerably less than 4, or even greater than 4.

The said ring member (30), in conjunction with said cover member (20), comprises suitable rotatable engagement means for enabling the said cover member (20) to be rotatably engaged with respect to said ring member (30). In the first embodiment, the cap comprises any suitable male engagement means, while the ring member comprises any suitable female engagement means. In this embodiment, and by way of example, the ring member (30) comprises female engagement means in the form of at least two substantially helical channels or grooves (40) on the inner surface (32), each groove (40) extending from the first longitudinal tend (31) of the ring member (30) up to a preset' longitudinal depth along the ring member (30), this depth being less than or equal to the length (L) of the ring member (30). As best seen in Figure 5(a) and Figure 5(b), in the first embodiment, the grooves (40) are typically of 1 λ { substantially rectangular section, each groove (40) comprising an upper surface (42), lower surface (44) and side surface (46). Alternatively, the grooves (40) may be of any other suitable section. Alternatively, the grooves (40) may be quasi-helical, and each may comprise, for example, a downstream stop (35) against which the plug member is fixed when closed, and/or an upstream flare (36), for facilitating engagement of the cover member with the ring member (30), as exemplified in Figure 7. Additionally, or alternatively, the grooves (40) may have an upstream longitudinally aligned portion (46), as illustrated in Figure 8, so that the cover member (40) is first engaged in a longitudinal manner before being rotated with respect to the ring member (30).

The grooves (40) are substantially equi-spaced circumferentially. Thus, when there are two groves (40) (as illustrated in Figure 1), the grooves are 180° out of phase, in other words, the start of each of the grooves are diametrically opposed; with three grooves, the phase difference between adjacent grooves is 120°; with four grooves 90°, and so on. Conveniently, the depth of the grooves in the ring (40) is also length (L), and thus the grooves (40) extend to the second longitudinal end (33) of the ring member (30). Alternatively, the grooves (40) may j tend to a depth less than (L). Preferably, the grooves (40) extend approximately 180° around the inner surface (32), but may extend less, say to 90° or less, or further, say up to about 270° or about 360°, or even more, and have a suitable pitch. Alternatively, the grooves (40) may be in the form of a large number of equi-spaced helical or quasi-helical fragments.

The ring member (30) is fitted .onto the end (55) such that the first end (31) is flush or level with the floor surface (90) or close thereto. This is most easily accomplished by first engaging the cover member (20) with the ring member (30), and then smartly taping the assembled closure device (10) into the first end (55) until the cover member (20) makes contact with the floor surface (90), after this the cap may be removed or replaced as often as required, and the ring member (30) will be at the correct position relative to the pipe end (55) to 1.4 - - -- - { ensure that the cover member (20) will contact the floor surface (90). The ring member (30) is preferably made from an impermeable, plastics material or rubber-like material, preferably semi rigid or rigid/ Further, and'referriag to Figure 1, the ring preferably comprises on the outer cylindrical surface thereof, a plurality of slits (39). These slits (39) are preferably longitudinally aligned with the ring, as illustrated in the figure, and have ^a cross -section in the form of a "V" pointing to the longitudinal axis (100) of the ring member (30). These - ■ ·. ■ \ slits provide room for circumferentially compressing the ring member (30), and thus enabling he ring -niembVr (30) to be inserted into the end (55) even if this has contracted from the nominal dimension, for example as often occurs when the . pipe (50) is surrounded by cement that hardens. Preferably, the , ring member (30) comprises a rounded or frustp-conical outer edge ,(38) at the said second end (3,3), for facilitating entry of the ring member (30) into the pipe (50).

Optionally, the ring member (30) may comprise a grill or removable filter (not shown) at a lower part thereof, to trap solid material greater than a predetermined size and prevent the same from flowing into the tube (50).

In .the embodiment illustrated, particularly useful for closing _drains and other pipe ends, the cover member (20) is in the form of a cap that is typically impervious to liquids. The cover member (20) comprises a generally thin disc-like top (22) having a smaller diameter coaxial plu member (24) depending therefrom from one side (23) thereof. A generally' annular surface (25) is thus exposed on the said side (23)( limited on the inner perimeter by the cylindrical surface (27) of the plug member (24), and on the outer perimeter by the edge of the top (22). The^upper side of the top (22), i.e., the side that is exposed when fully engaged with the ring . member (30) comprises a substantially planar , surface (29) joined to the circumferential edge of the top (22) via a frustoconical surface (28). Alternatively the plug member (24) may be replaced with a cylindrical wall having a similar external cylindrical surface (27).

{ In this embodiment, the cover member (20) comprises male engagement means in the form of two or more closure tabs (60) which are provided corresponding to the two or more grooves (40), and the tabs (60) are substantially equi-spaced circumferentially. Thus, when there are two tabs (60) (as illustrated in Figure 1), the tabs are disposed at 180° one from the other, with three tabs, the angular difference between adjacent tabs is 120°, and so on.

Each tab (60) is joined to the plug member (24) via a web (62) that depends from the plug member (24) in a direction away from the top (22). Alternatively, the tabs (60) may be configured to protrude from the cylindrical surface (27) of a longitudinally extended plug member (24'), as illustrated, for example, in Figure 3. In each case the tab (60) may be joined via a radiused portion to improve the mechanical integrity of the joint. Each tab (60) extends outwards from the plug member (24) in a radial direction and is configured for rotational motion within the corresponding grove (40).

Thus, when it is desired to close the end (55), the cover member (20) is brought into axial alignment with the ring member (30) that is already fitted at said end (55). By loosely rotating the cap over the end (55), the tabs (60) soon engage with the relatively large grooves (40), and within one revolution of the cover member (20) thereafter, typically within half or about two-thirds of a revolution, the tabs (40) follow the grooves (60) and the cover member (20) descends such that the plug member (24) is accommodated within the cylindrical space of the ring member (30), and the, nnular surface (25) abuts against the floor surface (90). . . ' The tabs (60) each comprise an upper surface χ(64) and a lower surface (66) substantially coplanar with the top (22), that is, substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (100) of the device (10). Additionally, the leading edge (65) of the tab (60), i.e., the lateral edge that leads into the corresponding . I fi { groove (40) of the ring member (30) when the cap is rotated to the closing position with respect thereto, comprises a curved portion (69) in a substantially longitudinal direction joining with the upper surface, (64), as illustrated in Figures 5(a) and 5(b). The dimensions of the tab (40) and groove (60) are such that a small clearance (68) may exist between the curved portion (69) and the upper edge (42) of the groove (40) while the top is being rotated to To open the cover member (20), it is simply rotated in an opposite direction to the closing direction, and within a revolution or ess thereof, the cover member (20) completely disengages from the ring member (30).

Opening or final closing of the cover member (20) may be performed by pressing along the frustroconical surface (28) of the cover member (20), or indeed the upper surface (29) thereof, in an appropriate direction, typically with the tips of the fingers. Optionally,, the frustoconical surface (28) and/or the upper surface (29) may comprise surface features or texturing to increase { friction or enhance the mechanical contact between them and the user's hand. Such features may include ribs, protrusions or dimples on the surfaces, for example, or indentations (37), as illustrated in Figure 9, for example.

Optionally, and as illustrated in Figure 6, the top (22) may be formed such as to provide finger-engaging concavities (56) along the circumference thereof.

While the top (22) has been described as being substantially circular, it may be, alternatively, in any other desired shape, including triangular, rectangular, polygonal, oval, and so on.

Optionally, the top (22) may comprise on the said surface (28), particularly on the center thereof, a slot of a particular shape, such as an "X", star, rectangle or other polygon and the like, and a tool having a longitudinal end in a form complementary to the slot may be provided. By engaging the end of the tool in the slot, and twisting in the appropriate direction, the cover member (20) may be opened or closed.

The relatively large dimension of the grooves (40), and the fact that tabs (60) are used rather than an external thread, provide an excellent closing mechanism such that even if dirt gets lodged in the grooves (40), this does not interfere unduly with the relative motion between the tabs (60) and the grooves (40). The relatively short angular run of the grooves (40) substantially facilitates closing and opening of the drain.

Typically, the radial width of the grooves (40) may be about 5mm, and the longitudinal displacement between the upper surface (42) and the lower surface (44) may be about 5 mm. These dimensions are only exemplary, and may greater or smaller as required.

{ The leading edge (65) preferably also curves in a circumferential direction towards the circumferential edge (67) of the tab, to further facilitate the initial engagement of the tabs into the grooves when closing the cap. Further, this curvature provides a radial clearance of the leading edge (65) with respect to the side surface (46) of groove (40) and prevents premature and imperfect sealing that could occur if the leading edge (65) were instead rectangular.

The cover member (20) is preferably formed as an integral unit, typically from a plastic material, but may be made from any other suitable substantially impermeable material including metal, wood and fiberglass, for example. Optionally, at least the top (22). may be coloured and/or textured in a similar manner to the surrounding floor surface (90) for matching therewith. Optionally, the top (22) may be formed having a typically disc-like recess (58), which may be filled with a piece (59) of material similar in colour and/or texture to the rest of the floor surface (90), as illustrated in Figure 3. Alternatively, and as illustrated in Figure 4, the top (22) may be formed separately to the said plug member (24) and joined, reversibly or permanently, thereto, and thus these components may be made from different materials, with the material of the top (22) being as similar as possible to that of the floor surface (90), preferably. Similarly, the tabs (60) may be made as separate components and joined to the plug member (24), as illustrated in Figure 4, or integrally with the plug member as illustrated in Figure 1.

Optionally, the annular surface (25) may comprise a layer of sealing material (not shown) or an o-ring to enhance the sealing properties of the cover member (20) with respect to the floor surface (9.0).

Alternatively, the cover member (20) may be closed or sealed with respect to the inside cylindrical surface of the ring (30) via a suitable cylindrical sealing surface comprised on the plug member (24) rather than, or in addition to, the annular surface (25).

{ While the cover member (20) has been described as comprising one particular male engagement means, and the ring member (30) one particular female engagement means, it is clear that any other suitable and compatible male and female engagement means may be used.

Similarly, it is also clear that the ring member (30) may instead comprise any suitable male engagement means, while the cover member (20) and particularly the plug member (24) may comprise any suitable compatible female engagement means, in a similar manner to that described above, mutatis mutandis. In other words, the plug may comprise, for example, suitable screw threads on the external surface thereof, and the ring member suitable tabs, screwthreads or the like protruding from the internal surface thereof.

Similarly, and as will be described in more detail with respect to the second embodiment hereinbelow, both the ring member (30) and the cover member (20) (particularly the plug member (24)) may comprise any suitable compatible male engagement means, in a similar manner to that described herein, mutatis mutandis.

Thus, while the cover member (20) and ring member (30) of the pipe end cover (10) have been described in the context of a floor drain, the present invention may be correspondingly applied to a waste outlet fitting of sinks, basins, baths and the like, mutatis mutandis, wherein the surface of the sink replaces the floor surface (90). Similarly, the invention may also be applied mutatis mutandis to a free standing pipe having an open end, wherein the annular surface (25) of the cover member (20) abuts against the circular edge of the pipe opening or against the upper end (31) of the ring member (30). Similarly, the invention may also be applied to other types of openings, including those of tanks and the like, and also to electrical junction boxes mutatis mutandis. In S { ' the event that the original opening that it is desired to close is- not cylindrical, then the outer surface (34) of the ring member . (30) may be formed to complement the shape of the opening such as- to fit in the same.

In another aspect of the present invention, and referring to Figure 10, a pipe (50') is provided having a pipe end (55') comprising a ring- portion (30*), and a cap or cover member (20'), respectively similar to the ring member (30) and cover member (20) described above, mutatis mutandis, with the difference that the ring portion (30') is. formed integrally with, the said end (55'). In particular, said pipe (50') also comprises a closed second end, typically axially opposed to the said pipe end (55'). Further optionally, the pipe (50') also comprises access openings thereto, typically arranged orthogonally with respect to axis (100).

In a second embodiment of the present invention, and referring to Figures 11 to ;1S, the deyi.ee> generally- designated by. ths &timeraT ' (I WJ comprises- a ■ rotatable cap or cover member (120), and a ring member (130), substantially similar to that described herein with respect to the closure device- as described with respect to the first embodiment, mutatis mutandis, with the following ' differences.

In the second embodiment, the ring member (130) comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of spaced circumferential slots (139) on the outer surface tkereof, which give the appearance of a plurality of protruding rings (134) between adjacent slots. The slots (139) are typically of rectangular section, but may be of any other suitable section. In a similar manner to the longitudinal slits of the first embodiment, the circumferential slots (139) provide room for circumferentially compressing the ring mehiber (130), and thus enabling the-ring member (130) to be inserted into the end (55) even if this has contracted from the nominal dimension; for example as often occurs when the pipe (50). is surrounded by cement that hardens.- . Preferably, the ring member (130) { While in the foregoing description describes in detail only a few specific embodiments of the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto and that other variations in form and details may be possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention herein disclosed or exceeding the scope of the claims.

Claims (92)

1. 24 154866/4 for a pipe end comprising: a ring member adapted for press fitting within said pipe end and having a sealing surface; and a cover member having a peripheral surface of a diameter larger than that of the pipe end, said cover member suited for abutment against a floor surface and against at least one of said sealing surface and an end surface of said pipe end; said cover member and said ring member comprise suitable rotatable engagement means for enabling said cover member to be rotatably engaged with respect to said ring member.

2. A closure device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said cover member comprises a suitable male engagement means, and said ring member comprises a suitable female engagement means.

3. A closure device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said female engagement means is in the form of at least two helical grooves on an inner surface of said ring member.

4. A closure device as claimed in claim 3, wherein each said groove extends from a first longitudinal end of the ring member up to a preset longitudinal depth along the ring member.

5. A closure device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said depth is less than or equal to the longitudinal length of the ring member.

6. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein said grooves are substantially uniformly disposed with respect to said ring member.

7. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6, comprising 3 or 4 said grooves. 154866/2 25 {

8. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein said grooves are quasi-helical, and each groove further comprises a downstream stop against which the plug member is fixed when closed, and/or an upstream flare for facilitating engagement of the cover member with the ring member.

9. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein said grooves comprise an upstream longitudinally aligned portion such that the cover member is first engaged in a longitudinal manner before being rotated with respect to the ring member when closing the closure device.

10. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said cover member comprises a generally thin disc-like top and sfsmaller diameter . it coaxial plug member depending therefrom from one lower side>thereof such as to expose a generally annular surface on the said lower side.

11. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein said male engagement means are in the , form of two or more closure tabs which are provided on said plug member corresponding the number of said grooves in said ring member.

12. A closure device as claimed in claim 11, wherein said tabs extend in a radial direction and are longitudinally spaced from said peripheral surface, said tabs being adapted for helical movement within said grooves with respect to a longitudinal axis of the closure member when said cover member is rotatingly opened or closed with respect to said ring member.

13. A closure device as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein said tabs are substantially equi-spaced circumferentially with respect to said cover member. 154866/1 {

14. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein each said tab comprises a curved portion in a substantially longitudinal direction joining a leading edge of said tab with the upper surface of the said tab.

15. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein each said tab comprises a leading edge that curves in a circumferential direction towards a circumferential edge of said tab.

16. A closure device as claimed in claim. 1, wherein said cover member comprises a suitable female engagement means, and said ring member comprises a suitable male engagement means.

17. A closure device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cover member comprises a suitable first male engagement means, and said ring member comprises a suitable second male engagement means.

18. A closure device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said second male engagement means is in the form of at least two tabs on an inner surface of said ring member. '

19. A closure device as claimed in claim 18, wherein each said tab are helically arranged on said inner surface of said ring member.

20. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein said tabs are substantially uniformly disposed with respect to said ring member.

21. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 20, comprising 6 or 8 said tabs.

22. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein said tabs are in helical form. 154866/1 27 ί

23. A closure device as claimed in claim 22, wherein said tabs are substantially quasi-helical, and each tab further comprises a downstream stop against which the cover member is fixed when closed.

24. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein said cover member comprises a disc-like top and a smaller diameter coaxial plug member depending therefrom from one lower side thereof such as to expose a generally annular surface on the said lower side.

25. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein said cover member is substantially impervious to liquids.

26. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein said cover member comprises a plurality of apertures.

27. A closure device as claimed in claim 26, comprising at least one graspable opening adapted for engagement with the finger of a user to enable the said coyer member to be rotated with respect to the ring member.

28. A closure device as claimed in claim 27, wherein said opening is oval-shaped.

29. A closure device as claimed in claim 27 or 28, comprising two or more said openings.

30. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 29, wherein said first male engagement means are in the form of two or more screw thread helical fragments which are provided on said plug member corresponding to said tabs in said ring member. 154866/1 28 {

31. A closure device as claimed in claim 30, wherein said screw thread helical fragments project from said plug in a radial direction, said screw thread helical fragments being adapted for helical movement with respect to said tabs with respect to a longitudinal axis of the closure member when said cover member is rotatingly opened or closed with respect to said ring member.

32. A closure device as claimed in claim 30 or claim 31, wherein said screw thread helical fragments are substantially equi-spaced circumferentially with respect to said cover member.

33. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein said ring member further comprises a plurality of slits in the outer surface thereof.

34. A closure device as claimed in claim 33, wherein said slits are longitudinally aligned with said ring member.

35. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 33 or 34, wherein said slits comprise a "V"-shaped section.

36. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein said ring member further comprises a plurality of slots in the outer surface thereof.

37. A closure device as claimed in claim 36, wherein said slots are circumferentially aligned with said ring member.

38. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 36 or 37, wherein said slits comprise a rectangular-shaped section.

39. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein said cover member comprises an upper side comprised of a substantially planar surface joined to the circumferential edge of the said top via a frustoconical surface. 154866/1 9,9 {

40. A closure device as claimed in claim 39, wherein at least one of said frustoconical surface and said upper surface comprises surface features or texturing to increase friction or enhance the mechanical contact between them and the user.

41. A closure device as claimed in claim 40, wherein said features include ribs, protrusions, dimples or indentations on said surfaces.

42. A closure device as claimed in claim 40, wherein said top comprises finger-engaging concavities along the circumference thereof.

43. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 42, wherein said top is substantially circular, triangular, rectangular, polygonal, oval, or any other desired shape.

44. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 43, wherein said top comprises a slot of a particular shape adapted for receiving a suitable tool having a longitudinal end in a form complementary to said slot, wherein such a tool may be engaged with said slot for facilitating twisting engagement or disengagement of cover member with respect to said ring member.

45. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 44, further comprising a suitable filter.

46. A closure means as claimed in claim 45, wherein said filter is reversibly removable from said device.

47. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 46, particularly adapted for fitting in any one of a floor drain, a waste outlet fitting of sinks, - 30- 154866/3 basins, baths and the like, a free standing pipe having an open end, an opening of a tank and the like, electrical junction boxes, and the like.

48. A pipe end comprising an opening at one end thereof having a substantially cylindrical internal surface and a free edge, comprising: a ring portion integrally formed on said cylindrical internal surface; and a cover member having a peripheral surface of a diameter larger than that of the pipe end, said cover member suited for abutment against at least said free edge of said pipe end; wherein said cover member and said ring portion comprise suitable rotatable engagement means for enabling said cover member to be reversibly rotatably engaged with respect to said ring portion.

49. A pipe end as claimed in claim 48, wherein said cover member comprises a suitable male engagement means, and said ring portion comprises a suitable female engagement means .

50. A pipe end as claimed in claim 49, wherein said female engagement means is in the form of at least two helical grooves on an inner surface of said ring portion.

51. A pipe end as claimed in claim 50, wherein each said groove extends from a first longitudinal end of the ring portion up to a preset longitudinal depth along the ring portion.

52. A pipe end as claimed in claim 51, wherein said depth is less than or equal to the longitudinal length of the ring portion.

53. A pipe end as claimed in any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein said grooves are substantially uniformly disposed with respect to said ring portion. 154866/1 31 {

54. A pipe end as claimed in any one of claims 50 to 53, comprising 3, 4 or more said grooves.

55. A pipe end as claimed in any one of claims 50 to 54, wherein said grooves are quasi-helical, and each groove further comprises a downstream stop against which the plug member is fixed when closed, and/or an upstream flare for facilitating engagement of the cover member with the said pipe end.

56. A pipe end as claimed in any one of claims 50 to 55, wherein said grooves comprise an upstream longitudinally aligned portion such that the cover member is first engaged in a longitudinal manner before being rotated with respect to the ring portion when closing the pipe end.

57. A pipe end as claimed in any one of claims 50 to 56, wherein said cover member comprises a generally thin disc-like top and a smaller diameter coaxial plug member depending therefrom from one lower side thereof such as to expose a generally annular surface on the said lower side.

58. A pipe end as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 57, wherein said male engagement means are in the form of two or more closure tabs which are provided on said plug member corresponding the number of said grooves in said ring portion.

59. A pipe end as claimed in claim 58, wherein said tabs extend in a radial direction and are longitudinally spaced from said peripheral surface, said tabs being adapted for helical movement within said grooves with respect to a longitudinal axis of the closure member when said cover member is rotatingly opened or closed with respect to said ring portion.

60. A pipe end as claimed in claim 58 or claim 59, wherein said tabs are substantially equi-spaced circumferentially with respect to said cover member. 154866/1 32 {

61. A pipe end as claimed in any one of claims 58 to 60, wherein each said tab comprises a curved portion in a substantially longitudinal direction joining a leading edge of said tab with the upper surface of the said tab.

62. A pipe end as claimed in any one of claims 58 to 61, wherein each said tab comprises a leading edge that curves in a circumferential direction towards a circumferential edge of said tab.

63. A pipe end as claimed in claim 48, wherein said cover member comprises a suitable female engagement means, and said ring portion comprises a suitable male engagement means.

64. A pipe end as claimed in claim 48, wherein said cover member comprises a suitable first male engagement means, and said ring portion comprises a suitable second male engagement means.

65. A pipe end as claimed in claim 64, wherein said second male engagement means is in the form of at least two tabs on an inner surface of said ring portion.

66. A pipe end as claimed in claim 65, wherein said tab are helically arranged on said inner surface of said ring portion.

67. A pipe end as claimed in any one of claims 64 to 66, wherein said tabs are substantially uniformly disposed with respect to said ring portion.

68. A pipe end as claimed in any one of claims 64 to 67, comprising 6 or 8 said tabs. 1 54866/1 33 {

69. A pipe end as claimed in any one of claims 64 to 68, wherein said tabs are in helical form.

70. A pipe end as claimed in claim 69, wherein said tabs are substantially quasi-helical, and each tab further comprises a downstream stop against which the cover member is fixed when closed.

71. A pipe end as claimed in any one of claims 64 to 70, wherein said cover member comprises a disc-like top and a smaller diameter coaxial plug member depending therefrom from one lower side thereof such as to expose a generally annular surface on the said lower side.

72. A pipe end as claimed in any one of claims 48 to 71, wherein said cover member is substantially impervious to liquids.

73. A pipe end as claimed in any one of claims 48 to 72, wherein said cover member comprises a plurality of apertures.

74. A pipe end as claimed in claim 73, comprising at least one graspable opening adapted for engagement with the finger of a user to enable the said cover member to be rotated with respect to the ring portion.

75. A pipe end as claimed in claim 73, wherein said opening is oval-shaped.

76. A pipe end as claimed in claim 74 or 75, comprising two or more said openings.

77. A pipe end as claimed in any of claims 72 to 76, wherein said first male engagement means are in the form of two or more screw thread helical fragments which are provided on said plug member corresponding to said tabs in said ring portion. 154866/1 34 {

78. A pipe end as claimed in claim 77, wherein said screw thread helical fragments project from said plug in a radial direction, said screw thread helical fragments being adapted for helical movement with respect to said tabs with respect to a longitudinal axis of the closure member when said cover member is rotatingly opened or closed with respect to said ring portion.

79. A pipe end as claimed in any one of claims 48 to 78, wherein said cover member comprises an upper side comprised of a substantially planar surface joined to the circumferential edge of the said top via a frustoconical surface.

80. A pipe end as claimed in claim 79, wherein at least one of said frustoconical surface and said upper surface comprises surface features or texturing to increase friction or enhance the mechanical contact between them and the user.

81. A pipe end as claimed in claim 80, wherein said features include ribs, protrusions, dimples or indentations on said surfaces.

82. A pipe end as claimed in claim 81, wherein said top comprises finger-engaging concavities along the circumference thereof.

83. A pipe end as claimed in any one of claims 79 to 82 wherein said top is substantially circular, triangular, rectangular, polygonal, oval, or any other desired shape.

84. A pipe end as claimed in any one of claims 79 to 83, wherein said top comprises a slot of a particular shape adapted for receiving a suitable tool having a longitudinal end in a form complementary to said slot, wherein such a tool may be engaged with said slot for facilitating twisting engagement or disengagement of cover member with respect to said ring portion. 154866/1 . {

85. A pipe end as claimed in any one of claims 48 to 84, further comprising a suitable filter.

86. A pipe end as claimed in claim 85, wherein said filter is reversibly removable from said device.

87. A pipe end as claimed in any one of claims 48 to 86, particularly adapted for any one of a floor drain, a waste outlet fitting of sinks, basins, baths and the like, a free standing pipe having an open end, an opening of a tank and the like,' electrical junction boxes, and the. like.

88. A pipe end as claimed in any one of claims 48 to 87, wherein said pipe, end. comprises a closed end.

89. A pipe end as' claimed in claim 88, wherein' said' closed end is opposed to- said opening.

90. A pipe end as claimed in any one of claims 48 to 89, further comprising at least one second opening substantially orthogonal to said opening.

91. A closure device, substantially as described herein with reference to the appended figures.

92. A pipe end-, substantially as described, herein with reference to the . appended figures. #220092 For the Applicants