JP2008536033A - connector - Google Patents

Abstract

A bypass connector is provided that redirects liquid and suspended material through independent outlets.
A connector having an inlet and an outlet with an additional bypass portion. The bypass portion is operable between two configurations, a non-bypass configuration and a bypass configuration, and if the bypass portion is in a non-bypass configuration, allow liquid to exit from the outlet through the inlet, The bypass portion and at least a portion so that liquid can effectively be prevented from exiting the outlet by redirecting the liquid entering the inlet along the bypass portion and exiting the bypass outlet. A region of the inner surface of the overlapping connector.
[Selection figure] None

Description

  The present invention relates to a connector. In particular, but not limited to, a bypass connector that redirects liquid and suspended material through independent outlets.

  The present invention has a variety of different uses. In general, however, the present invention is envisioned to be used in connection with several liquid collection or disposal systems, but is not limited thereto. For ease of reference, the present invention will now be discussed in connection with the saddle of a saddle system.

  Many people use toxic chemicals to clean firewood systems or house roofs. Many of these chemicals or chemical residues are washed away into the dredging system and eventually settle into the drainage system via the downspout. These chemicals can destroy animal and plant life and therefore do not give satisfactory results.

  Currently, there are many types of bypass systems that can be used that can be incorporated into the downpipe of a dredge system, but all have drawbacks.

  For example, there is a bypass system composed of separate parts as described in US Pat. No. 5,119,849. The system has an inner plate that can occlude the vertical rod when cleaning the rod, and a second movable plate that guides the collected strips and water out of the rod. However, this system has many drawbacks. For example, many moving internal parts need to be realized (ie moved) before the system can effectively act as a bypass. Thus, if one of the parts breaks, rusts or becomes unusable, the system becomes inoperable. Furthermore, when the strips flow out of the outlet, there is no flow path through which the strips exit from the vertical fence. This is because it just falls by the downpipe. Some debris may be trapped between the plates, preventing efficient operation of the system.

  Another system that can be used is that shown in Australian patent application AU1994478901. The diversion device has a separate diversion plate and a separate guide plate. However, this system also incorporates many moving parts, which are prone to rust and breakage, making the system unusable. In addition, the shunt plate does not form a liquid tight seal, so there is a possibility that toxic chemicals used for cleaning the roof or fence system still flow down the outlet and enter the drainage system.

  Other bypass systems that can be used are similar to those shown in British Patent GB 2,234,285A, US Pat. No. 3,990,474, and European Patent EP 1,447,493 A1. All of these systems disclose a single bypass plate composed of a section having an inner plate and an outer plate. When the plate has a bypass configuration, the inner plate contacts the inner wall of the vertical wall, and the outer part acts as a guide plate. In use, this prevents strips from passing into the drainage system and / or diverts rainwater to an alternative location. When the bypass plate is not used (that is, when the bypass configuration is not used), the bypass plate is arranged so that the components of the plate are flush with the downpipe. Both the systems described in US Pat. No. 3,990,474 and European Patent EP 1,447,493 A1 utilize the capture and retention of bypass walls that are flush with the walls of the saddle. This can cause problems, particularly when the fasteners are broken or rusted and thus become unusable. In addition, the systems described in British Patent 2,234,285A, US Pat. No. 3,990,474 and European Patent EP1,447,493A1 all specify a bypass plate to produce the inner wall and seal of the downpipe. Friction is used to hold the position. Over time, due to seal wear and tear, or debris caught between the seal and the inner wall, this can prevent a clean seal from forming between the inner wall of the downpipe and the bypass plate. . Thus, if a toxic cleaning solution is used to clean the fence or roof, chemicals can leak between the bypass plate and the drainage system and enter the drainage system.

  Another bypass system available on the market is Marley's vertical shunt. This system basically works in the same way as the system described in the previous paragraph. However, the Marley shunt does not create a seal and does not effectively block the main outlet of the downpipe. Accordingly, the cleaning solution can enter the drainage system through a gap that exists between the diverted portion and the inner wall of the downpipe. Another disadvantage of the Marley system is that there is also an internal reinforcement section located in the center of the bypass section. If the strips flow down the downspout, they can be trapped in the downspout and block it.

  All references, including patents or patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference. None of the references are allowed to constitute prior art. According to a review of the bibliography, the author claims the right to challenge the accuracy and appropriateness of the cited document, and the applicant retains that right. Although this specification refers to a number of prior art publications, such references refer to any of these documents as part of the general knowledge shared in the art in New Zealand or any other country. It is clearly understood that no part is recognized.

  The term “comprising” is identified as having an exclusive or inclusive meaning under various authorities. In this specification, unless stated otherwise, the term “comprising” shall have a comprehensive meaning. That is, it is interpreted to include not only the parts listed and directly mentioned, but also other parts or elements not specified. This interpretation also applies when using the term “comprising” with respect to one or more steps of a method or process.

  It is an object of the present invention to address at least the above issues and disclose at least useful options.

  Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only.

According to one aspect of the invention,
An inlet and outlet, and a bypass outlet,
A bypass portion operable between a non-bypass configuration and a bypass configuration, wherein liquid is allowed to pass through the inlet and exit the outlet when in the non-bypass configuration;
A connector including
If the bypass portion is in a bypass configuration, the bypass portion can be effectively prevented from diverting out of the outlet by redirecting the liquid entering the inlet along the bypass portion and exiting the bypass outlet. It has the area | region of the inner surface of the connector which overlaps at least partially.

  In general, the connector may be in the form of a downright connector.

  It is envisioned that the connector may be of various shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  In general, the inlet and outlet of the connector may be openings that are generally located at the top and bottom of the connector.

  The bypass outlet may be in the form of an opening located on the side of the connector at a position intermediate the inlet and outlet. It is envisioned that the aperture may be a variety of different shapes and sizes without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  In general, the bypass portion may be in the form of a flap.

  Thus, for ease of reference, the bypass portion is simply referred to herein as a flap, but this is not considered limiting.

  In the preferred embodiment, it is envisioned that the flap may be configured to redirect the liquid and / or suspended material to form a fold that can be separated from the normal path of the passage through the outlet of the connector. For ease of reference, the liquid is described herein as water, and the suspended material is referred to herein as strips. However, these terms do not limit the scope of the invention in any way.

  In some embodiments, the sides of the flap may be at least partially curved or the flap may have sidewalls.

  In some embodiments, the flap and bypass outlet may allow water and / or strips to simply drain from the side of the connector.

  In a preferred embodiment, the flap can be connected to a trough or channel, etc., which guides water and / or debris exiting the bypass outlet to the desired location or storage area.

  In a preferred embodiment, the flap may have an inner portion and an outer portion.

  In other embodiments, the flap need only have an inner portion.

  In use, the flap may move to a non-bypass configuration to achieve free communication between the inlet and outlet. Thus, in a non-bypass configuration, the connector allows the downpipe to function in the normal manner.

  In a preferred embodiment, the flap can be moved so that the flap is oriented substantially parallel to the surface of the connector to achieve free communication between the inlet and outlet (ie, a non-bypass configuration).

  In a further embodiment, when the flap is in a non-bypass configuration, the inner portion of the flap can contact the inner surface of the connector and the outer portion of the flap can contact the outer surface of the connector.

  In a preferred embodiment, the flap can cover the bypass outlet if the flap is in a non-bypass configuration.

  In use, the flaps can also move to a bypass configuration to prevent communication between the inlet and outlet.

  Generally, the flap moves between a non-bypass configuration and a bypass configuration using a pivoting motion.

  In a preferred embodiment, the flap can pivot within the bypass outlet.

  In a preferred embodiment, the flap can also slide relative to the connector to pivot between a bypass configuration and a non-bypass configuration.

  It is envisioned that there may be a variety of different ways of configuring the region of the inner surface of the connector to at least partially overlap the bypass portion.

  In a preferred embodiment, when the flap is in a bypass configuration, the inner surface of the downpipe may have a region that extends over and abuts the top surface of the flap.

  The overlapping portions are preferably capable of forming a watertight seal.

  Preferably, the overlapping portion can hold the flap in place when the flap moves to the bypass configuration. In such embodiments, it is envisioned that this can be done through a flap having a protrusion that can be inserted into the mouth formed by the overlapping region between the inner surfaces of the connector. However, it is not considered to be limited to this.

  In some preferred embodiments, the overlapping portion may be in the form of a protruding lip.

  In another preferred embodiment, the overlapping portion may be in the form of a stepped portion on the inner surface of the connector. In such an embodiment, the stepped overlapping region can be formed as a result of a difference in inner diameter or cross-sectional dimension between the upper and lower portions of the connector.

  In other embodiments, the overlapping portions can extend substantially the entire circumference of the inner surface of the downspout.

  In some more preferred embodiments, the connector may have an internal water trap and an alternative bypass outlet associated with the trap, which is located between the bypass outlet and the inlet.

  In such an embodiment, the internal water trap captures the water entering the inlet and allows the water to pass through an alternative bypass outlet to be redirected toward a desired location, such as a storage tank. If the tank is full, or if the alternate bypass outlet is plugged, water entering the connector will overflow the trap and from the outlet or bypass outlet depending on whether the flap is in a bypass or non-bypass configuration. Get out. Thus, when the flap is in a bypass configuration, the water is redirected to exit the bypass outlet.

  The inner trap can take a variety of forms, preferably it is envisaged that the water trap can be generated by one or more additional inner walls that are some distance away from the inner surface of the connector.

  In further embodiments, the alternate bypass outlet can be coupled with a hose or other conduit to carry water to an alternate location.

Thus, the preferred embodiment of the present invention can have several advantages over the prior art as follows.
Create an effective bypass that prevents water and debris from passing through the outlet.
Preventing the strips from being trapped in the downspread connector by constructing the bypass portion from a single piece with no obstructing or supporting ribs.
Because there are fewer moving parts or fasteners, there is less risk of downspout connectors becoming inoperable due to mechanical failure.
The rainwater can be diverted from the roof and stored in a tank or can be diverted to an alternate location for storage or use.

  Further aspects of the present invention will be given by way of example only and will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

  In FIG. 1, there is a connector in the form of a downspout connector, generally indicated by arrow 1 and in a non-bypass configuration. The downspout connector 1 is actually substantially tubular.

  The downboard connector 1 has an inlet 2 and an outlet 3. The connector 1 has a bypass portion in the form of a flap 4 that is substantially parallel to the side of the downspout connector 1.

  In FIG. 2, there is a downspout connector 1 in a bypass configuration. The flap 4 has an inner part 5 and an outer part 6.

  In this embodiment, the flap 4 is moved by turning in the direction indicated by the arrow 7, and is turning around the turning point indicated by the arrow 8 as a whole. As a result, the inner portion 5 hits the overlapping area of the protruding lip 9 on the inner surface 23 of the connector 1. As the flap 4 moves, the bypass outlet 10 on the side of the downspout connector 1 is exposed.

  When using the vertical fence connector 1, the connector 1 is connected to a fence system of a house (not shown). Water as indicated by arrow 13 enters downpipe connector through inlet 2. When the flap 4 is in a non-bypass configuration as shown in FIG. 1, the water 13 passes through the outlet 3 as shown by the arrow 14 and enters the downpipe and drainage system (not shown).

  However, when the flap 4 is in the bypass configuration (FIG. 2), the water 13 entering the inlet 2 is redirected by the flap 4 as indicated by the arrow 15 and passes through the bypass outlet 10.

  With respect to FIG. 3, there is an alternative embodiment of downpipe connector 1 in a bypass configuration. For ease of reference, the same reference numbers used in FIG. 2 are used to indicate similar elements. However, this embodiment is different in that the overlapping region has a staircase 22 shape.

  In FIG. 4 there is another alternative embodiment of downpipe connector 1 in a bypass configuration. Again, for ease of reference, the same reference numbers used in FIG. 2 are used to indicate similar elements. As shown in this embodiment, the pivot point 8 of the connector has an additional flap 32 and the inner part 5 of the flap 4 has an additional flap 33. In this embodiment, it is also shown that there is an overlapping area like a protruding lip 30. The protruding lip 30 protrudes from the inner surface 23 of the connector 1 and forms a mouth 31 between the inner surface 23 of the connector 1 and the protruding lip 30. Further, the end portion of the inner portion 5 of the flap 4 has a lip 35-like projection.

  FIG. 5 shows an exploded cross-sectional side view of the flap 4 moving to the bypass configuration. Again, the same reference numbers used in the previous figures are used to indicate similar elements.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the connector 1 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Again, the same reference numbers used in the previous figures are used to indicate similar elements. This figure shows a detailed view of the inner part 5 of the flap 4. The flaps 32 and 33 of the connector 1 and the flap 4 are clearly visible, respectively. A space indicated by an arrow 34 between the wall of the connector 1 and the flap 32 is shown. This space is where the flaps 32 and 33 are connected to each other when the flap 4 is in a bypass configuration.

  In the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the downboard connector 1 has a bypass configuration. In order to achieve the bypass configuration, the flap 4 is first slid in the direction of the arrow 25, and then the flap 4 is pivoted about the pivot point indicated generally in the direction of the arrow 8, and the flap 4 is indicated by the arrow 7. The flap 4 is moved by moving it in the direction of the movement. When the flap 4 is in the bypass configuration, the lip 35 is inserted into the mouth 31. A flap 33 is also inserted into the space 34. Therefore, the insertion of the lip 35 into the mouth 31 helps to hold the flap 4 in place as well as the connection between the flaps 32 and 32 in the space 34.

  In FIG. 7, there is a further embodiment downspout connector 1 having a flap 4 (only partly shown), generally indicated by arrow 1 and in a non-bypass configuration. In this embodiment, the downarm connector 1 has a water trap 11 generated by an inner wall 20. The connector 1 also has an alternative bypass outlet 12. The alternative bypass outlet 12 is a tubular projection having a threaded outer surface to assist in connection to a hose (not shown).

  In use, water enters the inlet 2 and turns around between the downspout connector 1 and the internal trap 11 as shown by arrow 16. The water then turns through the alternative bypass outlet 12 as indicated by arrow 17. The water 17 enters a hose (not shown), which preferably directs the water to an alternative location, preferably a collection tank (not shown). When the tank is full (not shown), the water flows back through the internal trap, which overflows as shown by arrow 21, so that the water descends the connector and exits from the outlet 3. However, if the flap 4 is in a bypass configuration as shown in FIG. 2, water is directed out of a bypass outlet (not shown).

  While embodiments of the present invention have been described by way of example only, it will be understood that modifications and additions may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

FIG. 3 shows an external side view of a preferred embodiment of a connector in a non-bypass configuration. FIG. 3 shows an internal cross-sectional side view of a preferred embodiment of a connector bypass configuration. FIG. 6 shows an internal cross-sectional side view of a preferred alternative embodiment of a connector. FIG. 7 shows an internal cross-sectional side view of yet another preferred embodiment of a connector bypass configuration. FIG. 5 shows an exploded cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the connector as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the connector as shown in FIG. FIG. 9 shows an internal rear view of yet another preferred embodiment of a connector with an internal water trap and an alternative bypass outlet in a closed or non-bypass configuration.

Claims (38)

An inlet and outlet, and a bypass outlet,
A bypass portion operable between a non-bypass configuration and a bypass configuration, wherein the bypass portion allows liquid to pass through the inlet and exit the outlet when in the non-bypass configuration. Yes,
When the bypass portion has the bypass configuration, the liquid entering the inlet can be effectively prevented from exiting the outlet by changing the direction of the liquid along the bypass portion and exiting the bypass outlet. Thus, the connector is configured to have a region of the inner surface of the connector that at least partially overlaps the bypass portion. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector is a vertical connector. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bypass outlet is an opening disposed substantially on a side of the connector. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the bypass outlet is disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the bypass portion has an inner portion and an outer portion. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the bypass portion has only an inner portion. 6. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bypass portion forms a fold that can redirect liquid and / or suspended material away from the normal path of the passage through the outlet of the connector. . The connector according to claim 1, wherein the bypass portion has a side wall. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the side wall of the bypass portion is curved. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the bypass portion pivots between the non-bypass configuration and the bypass configuration. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bypass portion pivots within the bypass outlet. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the bypass portion slides relative to the connector to pivot between the bypass configuration and a non-bypass configuration. The connector according to claim 1, wherein a region of the inner surface of the connector partially overlaps the bypass portion when the bypass portion has a bypass configuration. The connector of claim 13, wherein the region of the inner surface of the connector extends over and abuts the upper surface of the bypass portion when the bypass portion is in a bypass configuration. 15. A connector according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the overlapping region forms a water tight seal. 16. A connector according to claim 13 or claim 15, wherein the overlapping region allows the bypass portion to be locked in place. 17. The connector according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the overlapping region is in the form of a lip that protrudes. The connector according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the overlapping region is in the form of a stepped portion on the inner surface of the connector. 19. The connector according to claim 13, wherein the stepped overlapping region is formed as a result of a difference in inner diameter or cross-sectional dimension between an upper portion and a lower portion of the connector. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the bypass portion allows water and / or strips to drain from the bypass outlet. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bypass portion is connected to a trough or flow path to guide the water and / or debris exiting the bypass outlet to a desired location or storage area. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the bypass portion can be moved to a non-bypass configuration. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the non-bypass configuration allows free communication between the inlet and the outlet. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the bypass portion moves to face substantially parallel to the surface of the connector to achieve free communication between the inlet and the outlet. When the bypass portion is in the non-bypass configuration, the inner portion of the flap can contact the inner surface of the connector, and the outer portion of the flap contacts the outer surface of the connector. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is capable of. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the bypass portion covers the bypass outlet when the bypass portion has the non-bypass configuration. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bypass portion has a bypass configuration to prevent communication between the inlet and the outlet. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bypass portion pivots between the non-bypass configuration and the bypass configuration. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector has an internal water trap. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector has an alternative bypass outlet associated with the trap disposed between the bypass outlet and the outlet. 32. The connector of claim 30, wherein the alternative bypass outlet is coupled to a hose or other conduit. 31. A connector according to claim 29 or claim 30, wherein the internal water trap captures all water entering the inlet and redirects the water through the alternative bypass outlet toward a desired location. The connector of claim 32, wherein the desired location is a storage tank. 33. A connector according to claims 29 to 32, wherein the inner trap is generated by one or more additional inner walls spaced a distance from the inner surface of the connector. Use of the connector according to any one of the preceding claims in a dredging system. A scissor system comprising the connector according to claim 1. A connector substantially as described and illustrated herein with reference to the accompanying drawings and accompanying examples. Use of a connector substantially as described and illustrated herein with reference to the accompanying drawings and accompanying examples.

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