NL2002354C2

NL2002354C2 - Stench trap assembly.

Info

Publication number: NL2002354C2
Application number: NL2002354A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Jered Nijhof
Original assignee: Wing Visions Holding B V
Priority date: 2008-12-19
Filing date: 2008-12-19
Publication date: 2010-06-22
Also published as: WO2010071437A1

Description

No. NLP184433A

Stench trap assembly BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a stench trap assembly which, when in its substantially horizontal position of use, 5 requires substantially the same amount of space to be installed as conventional discharge pipes not offering stench trap functionality.

Stench trap assemblies are widely known in the prior art, for instance WO 2006 065119 discloses a drain for 10 a liquid comprising a detachable pipe part provided with a stench trap, placed substantially horizontal in or in connection to a drainage pipe. The pipe part comprises positioning means for placing the pipe part in or in connection to the drainage pipe with a substantially 2 univocal orientation. In an embodiment of this prior art stench trap the pipe part comprises a first and second closing wall for closing off a lowermost section of the pipe part, and a third closing wall, placed in between and at a 5 distance from said first and second closing wall, for closing off an uppermost section of the pipe part, wherein the first, second and third closing wall, considered in a horizontal direction, overlap for forming a water seal. These walls are placed transversely to the longitudinal 10 direction of the pipe, hindering a smooth flow of water across these walls, and providing a edges which are smaller than the diameter of the pipe.

In W02005/111326 a tubular stench trap is disclosed having a partition wall which is accurately fitted 15 to a tube, joined in a sealed manner to the inner wall of the tube at narrow edges thereof and twisted around the longitudinal central axis thereof, whereby two channels are formed by said partition wall inside the tube. Due to the twisted partition wall, this tubular stench trap cannot 20 easily be formed using a vacuum forming process, and access to a part within the tube is at best difficult.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative stench trap which at least partially solves the problems associated with the prior art 25 inventions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 30

To this end, according to a first aspect the invention provides a waste pipe assembly having a circumferential wall with an inner surface thereof defining a passage for the flow of a liquid, comprising in the 35 longitudinal direction a first partial closure for, at least when the pipe is in a horizontal position of use, preventing the flow of liquid through an upper part of the passage 3 above the level of an underflow edge, a second partial closure arranged downstream of the first partial closure for, at least when the pipe is in a horizontal position of use, preventing the flow of liquid through a lower part of 5 the passage below the level of an overflow edge, wherein, at least in the horizontal position of use the level of the overflow edge is above the level of the underflow edge, wherein the overflow edge has a first end point and a second end point connecting the edge to opposing sides of the inner 10 surface of the circumferential wall, said edge at least partially protruding, preferably in the longitudinal direction, past said first and second points, and wherein said protruding part is spaced apart from the circumferential wall. The effective length of the overflow 15 edge versus the length of the waste pipe part comprising the partial closure, may thus be up to two times larger, or even more, than in the prior art as a liquid may flow across the entire length of the protruding part of the overflow edge.

An embodiment of the invention provides a waste 20 pipe assembly wherein the underflow edge has a first end point and a second end point connecting the edge to opposing sides of the inner surface of the circumferential wall, said edge at least partially protruding past said first and second points, and wherein said protruding part is spaced 25 apart from the circumferential wall. This embodiment offers the same advantages for the underflow edge as described above, and additionally offers the possibility of arranging the first and second partial closures in such a manner that they overlap partially when seen from above. This further 30 reduces the horizontal dimensions of a stench trap assembly according to the invention.

In an embodiment a distance between the protruding part and the circumferential wall of the first and/or second partial closures increases, preferably said distance 35 increases gradually, in the direction away from their respective first and second points. The resulting shape can reduce the flow resistance of the liquid, for example when 4 the shape is similar to the bow of a boat, and has good liquid flow velocity retaining properties.

In an embodiment, the second partial closure comprises an abutting surface for abutting a circumferential 5 wall. The second partial closure may thus be fittingly inserted in a tube, abutting the circumferential wall thereof.

In an embodiment at least the upstream facing surface of the first and/or second partial closure comprise 10 a concave surface. Such a surface may alter the direction of flow of a liquid while causing no or a minimum amount of backflow and only slight loss of velocity of the liquid. In a preferred embodiment the concave surface substantially runs from a position near the circumferential wall to the 15 overflow edge.

In an embodiment a downstream facing surface of the first and/or second partial closure comprises a convex surface. Preferably the convex surface runs substantially parallel to the concave surface. This simplifies production 20 of the first and second partial closures, and leaves some room within the waste pipe assembly in which liquid may move and/or be trapped. In an embodiment both the convex surface and the concave surface connect to the underflow or overflow edge. In an embodiment the convex and concave surfaces are 25 complementary.

In an embodiment the shapes of the concave surfaces of the first and second partial surfaces are substantially equal, simplifying production, construction and in some cases repair of the waste pipe assembly.

30 An embodiment of the waste pipe assembly comprises an underflow and/or overflow edge which are confined in respective substantially horizontal planes.

According to a second aspect the present invention provides a drain assembly comprising a drain having a 35 discharge opening and a waste pipe assembly as described above connected to the discharge opening.

According to a third aspect the present invention 5 provides a drain assembly comprising a drain having a discharge opening and a waste pipe having a circumferential wall with an inner surface thereof defining a passage for the flow of a liquid, wherein said assembly comprises, at 5 least when the assembly is in a horizontal position of use, a first partial closure for preventing the flow of liquid through an upper part of the passage above the level of an underflow edge, a second partial closure arranged in the waste pipe, downstream of the first partial closure, for 10 preventing the flow of liquid through a lower part of the passage below the level of an overflow edge, wherein the overflow edge has a first end point and a second end point connecting the edge to opposing sides of the circumferential wall, wherein the overflow edge is above the level of the 15 underflow edge and wherein the overflow edge protrudes at least partially past said first and second end points of the overflow edge, and wherein said protruding part is spaced apart from the circumferential wall. Such a drain assembly is especially convenient for instance when vertical space 20 required for an ordinary siphon is not available, or when it is desired to add a stench trap to a drain that is already in place. A stench trap may be added to an existing drain by simply replacing part of the discharge pipe with a waste pipe assembly of the invention.

25 In an embodiment the first partial closure is placed in the discharge opening, which is usually has standard dimensions and simplifies installation. It may then suffice to arrange the second partial closure downstream of the discharge opening to form a water trap.

30 In an embodiment the first partial closure is placed in the drain, allowing easy access to said closure. Preferably the first partial closure is adapted to be removably inserted in the drain and further comprises spacers for keeping the underflow edge at least partially at 35 a distance from a bottom surface of the drain. In case access to a further downstream part of the drain is desired, for example when it is clogged, the first partial closure 6 may be temporarily removed from the drain.

The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied, individually, wherever possible. These individual aspects, in particular 5 the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims, can be made subject of divisional patent applications.

10 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings, in which: 15 Figures 1A and IB show isometric views of a stench trap assembly according to the invention in unassembled and assembled form respectively, comprising from left to right a first and a second partial closure, an adapter element, figures 2A and 2B show a transparent top view and 20 a side view of the first partial closure of the stench trap assembly shown in figure 1A, figure 3A shows a transparent top view of the assembly of figure IB, figure 3B shows a cross sectional view of the 25 assembly along line IIIB of figure 3A, figure 4 shows an cross-sectional view of a first drain assembly according to the invention, figures 5A and 5B shows show a transparent top view and a side view of an alternative embodiment of the

30 first partial closure of the stench trap assembly shown in figure 1A

figure 6 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of a drain assembly according to the present invention, 35 figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the drain assembly of figure 6 in assembled form.

7

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A stench trap assembly in an unassembled state is shown in figure 1A. The assembly comprises a first partial 5 closure 100, which can be fittingly inserted into second partial closure 200, which in turn can be fittingly inserted into adapter element 300. The fitting connections between the parts are preferably tapered in the downstream direction S to provide a form closure in order to reduce the 10 likelihood of liquid seeping out of the connections. The inner surfaces of the first and second partial closures 100,200 and of the adapter element 300 together form a passage for the flow of a liquid.

The first partial closure comprises an outer 15 surface 101, and an inner surface 102 which defines a passage for the flow of a liquid. In the embodiment shown the inner surface comprises a segment of a tube. The inner surface 102 transitions into a concave surface 103 which extends in the downstream direction and closes off passage 20 of the assembly except at an underflow edge 104 which extends substantially in a plane parallel to the direction S and well below the longitudinal axis 10 of the first partial closure. The first partial closure 100 may be fittingly inserted into the second partial closure 200 such that the 25 outer surface 101 abuts the inner surface 202 of the second partial closure 200, forming a watertight connection. The first and second partial closures may be provided with a complementing notch 105 and recess 205 which may facilitate alignment of the assembly.

30 The inner surface 202 of the second partial closure extends in the downstream direction and then transitions into a concave surface 203 extending in the downstream direction as well. The concave surface 203 closes off the passage of the assembly except at an overflow edge 35 204 which extends substantially in a plane parallel to the direction S and well above the longitudinal axis 10 of the first and second partial closure. The second partial closure 8 200 may be fittingly inserted into the adapter element 300 in the same manner as the first partial closure may be inserted into the second partial closure.

When the stench trap is in its assembled form, as 5 shown in figure IB, the inner surface of the second partial closure 200 envelops the concave surface 103 of the first partial closure 100, and likewise the inner surface 302 of the adapter element 300 envelops the concave surface 203 of the second partial closure 200. Thus the assembled stench 10 trap shown in figure 3 forms a tube- or pipe-like structure in which two concave surfaces have been provided for guiding liquid towards their respective overflow and underflow edge. The shape of the concave surfaces 103,203 helps in smoothly guiding the liquid towards the edges 104,204 and minimizes 15 flow resistance of the liquid in the direction of flow as well as any backflow of water. Both concave surfaces 103, 203 are supported at their upstream end and are spaced apart from their proximate circumferential walls at their downstream end. The overflow 204 and underflow edge 104 20 protrude past their respective points of transition from their connected circumferential walls into the downstream direction S.

Figure 2A shows a transparent top view of an exemplary first partial closure of the stench trap assembly. 25 The underflow edge 104 has first and second end points 106 and 107 at which it is connected to the inner surface 102 of the circumferential wall. The cross-sectional area of the concave surface 103 decreases towards the downstream end of the partial closure, and is smaller than the cross-sectional 30 area of the inner surface 202 of the second partial closure 200. Because, in assembled form, the edge 104 is spaced apart from the circumferential wall 202 of the second partial closure 200, a liquid may flow across substantially the entire length of the edge 104 towards the second partial 35 closure 200. In figure 2B a cross-sectional view of the same partial closure is shown.

Figure 3A shows a transparent top view of an 9 embodiment of the stench trap in its assembled form and in its horizontal position of use. A liquid may enter the tube through the upstream end of the passage defined by the inner surface of the circumferential wall of the first partial 5 closure 100, and may then flow past the underflow edge 104. To facilitate installation this exemplary embodiment is marked with an indication 108 indicating which side of the assembly should be up and in which direction the direction of flow should be.

10 Figure 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled stench trap through the cross-sectional plane indicated by IIIB in figure 3A. When in use, the assembly may be sloped slightly downward (preferably about 1%) in the downstream direction. When a liquid is flushed from the 15 upstream end of the assembled trap towards the downstream part, most of the liquid will flow past the underflow edge 104, and then will then rise until level with the overflow edge 204, over which most of the liquid will then spill.

When arranged downstream of a reservoir or drain, 20 as shown in figure 4, some of the liquid will however be trapped between the underflow edge and the overflow edge thereby forming a water seal which blocks the upstream and/or downstream flow of gases beyond the underflow edge. The entire upstream space may be filled with the liquid up 25 to the level of the overflow edge. E.g. in the embodiment shown the liquid may fill some of the space between the second concave surface and the inner surface of the circumferential wall (202,302) of the tube. Having a relatively large portion of the stench trap filled with 30 liquid for forming the water seal helps to increase the dryout time for the water seal as large amount of liquid has to evaporate for it to dry out, and much of the volume into which the liquid can evaporate is taken up by the liquid. Any liquid trapped between the overflow edge and the 35 underflow edge may add to the dry-out time for the water seal, and the amount of liquid trapped may be increased by increasing the difference in height between the underflow- 10 and the overflow edges.

In figures 5A and 5B an alternative embodiment of a first partial closure 400 for the waste pipe assembly is shown. The width W of the concave surface 403 when viewed 5 from above decreases in the downstream direction S. This shape may enhance the flow of liquid across substantially the entire edge 404.

Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a drain assembly according to the invention. In this embodiment a 10 drain 500 acts as a reservoir for holding some of the liquid. The first partial closure comprises moon shaped part 509, which is removably be inserted into the drain 500 and has one or more underflow edges 504 under which the liquid must pass in order to reach the second partial closure 600 15 and then the pipe 700. A watertight connection between the drain and the second partial closure is formed by an adapter pipe 550 in combination with O-ring 511 and screw-connector 508. When assembled, the moon shaped part 509 is supported on spacers 510, which keep the underflow edge(s) 504 at a 20 distance from the bottom side of the inner surface 502 of the drain so that liquid may flow under said edge(s). A water seal is formed when a liquid fills the reservoir to a level above that of the one or more underflow edges 504. Liquid may rise up to the level of the overflow edge 604 of 25 the second partial closure, after which it will flow over said edge. Again, the overflow edge 604 of the second partial closure protrudes into the passage formed by inner surface 702 of the pipe 700, and the underflow edge 504 is located below the overflow edge when in the position of use. 30 For purposes of clarity the drain is shown open at both sides, but it will be understood that for forming a reservoir the sides must be closed. This embodiment may be integrated as a shower drain or the like, and offers the advantage that the moon shaped part is easily removable thus 35 providing a drain which is at least partially conveniently accessible for cleaning and/or unclogging purposes.

Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the drain 11 assembly of figure 6. Liquid may flow from the top of the drain 500 across the outer surface of first partial closure 509 past the first underflow edge(s) 504 and eventually past the overflow edge 604. Any liquid trapped above the level of 5 the underflow edge 504 forms a water seal. The drain assembly thus provided is easily accessible, and takes up no more vertical space than conventional tubing.

It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred 10 embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

A drain pipe assembly with a circumferential wall, an inner surface of which defines a passage for the flow of a liquid, comprising in a longitudinal direction of the drain pipe, and at least when the pipe is in a horizontal position of use, a first partial closure for preventing liquid flows through an upper portion of the passage above the level of a bottom edge, wherein the bottom edge has a first end point and a second end point connecting the edge on opposite sides of the circumferential wall, a second partial seal arranged downstream of the first partial closure for preventing liquid from flowing through a lower portion of the passage below the level of an overflow edge, wherein the overflow edge has a first and a second end point connecting the edge with opposite sides of the circumferential wall, wherein the overflow edge is above the level from the onde r-20 is a running edge, characterized in that the overflow edge extends at least partially beyond the first and second end points of the overflow edge in a downstream direction, the protruding part being spaced apart from the circumferential wall, and wherein the first The partial closure is adapted to be appropriately inserted into the second partial closure such that an outer surface of the by-pass wall of the first partial closure abuts an inner surface of the by-pass wall of the second partial closure, thus forming a watertight connection.

2. Drain pipe assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom edge protrudes in a downstream direction at least partially beyond the first and second end points of the bottom edge, the protruding part being spaced apart from the circumferential wall.

3. Drain pipe assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a distance between the projecting part and the circumferential wall becomes greater in the direction away from the first and second points.

A drain pipe assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second partial closures overlap at least in part when viewed from above.

A discharge pipe assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second partial closure comprises a connecting surface for connecting to the circumferential wall.

6. Drain pipe assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the upstream surface of the first and / or second partial closure comprises a hollow surface.

7. Drain pipe assembly according to claim 6, wherein the hollow surface extends substantially from a position near the circumferential wall to the overflow edge.

A drain pipe assembly according to claim 7, wherein a downstream surface of the first and / or second partial closure comprises a convex surface.

9. Drain pipe assembly according to claim 8, wherein the convex surface extends substantially parallel to the concave surface.

The discharge pipe assembly according to claim 7 or 8, wherein both the convex surface and the concave surface connect to the underflow or overflow edge.

A drain pipe assembly according to any of claims 6-10, wherein the shapes of the concave surfaces of the first and second partial closures are substantially the same.

12. Drain pipe assembly as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the underflow and / or overflow edge are included in respective substantially horizontal planes.

A drain assembly comprising a drain with a drain opening and a drain pipe assembly according to any one of the preceding claims connected to the drain opening. -o-o-o-