WO2010067049A2

WO2010067049A2 - Improved waste fitting

Info

Publication number: WO2010067049A2
Application number: PCT/GB2009/002825
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Kenneth Mcalpine; Christopher Mckendrick
Original assignee: Mcalpine & Co Limited
Priority date: 2008-12-08
Filing date: 2009-12-07
Publication date: 2010-06-17
Also published as: WO2010067049A3; GB0822326D0

Abstract

A waste fitting for a bath, a basin or a sink is described. The waste fitting comprises a control mechanism adapted to be fitted to a bath, basin or sink, the control mechanism including an activation device adapted to move along a activation device axis. The waste fitting further comprises a plug mechanism including a plug, the plug being adapted to seal a bath or sink outlet, the plug mechanism adapted to move the plug between an outlet open position and an outlet sealed position and a cable extending between the control mechanism and the plug mechanism, the cable transferring the movement of the activation device to the plug mechanism to raise the plug to the outlet open position. The waste fitting is arranged such that movement of the activation device is transferred to a first end of the cable, the activation device axis and the first end of the cable being co-planar.

Description

Improved Waste Fitting

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an improved waste fitting for a bath, a basin or a sink.

Background to the Invention

In recent times, remotely operated plugs for sealing baths, basins or sinks have become desirable. These plugs are advantageous to the user because the plug can be opened or closed without the user having to immerse their hand in water which may be in the bath, basin or sink without having to bend right over.

Remotely actuated plugs generally use the movement of a cable to operate a mechanism which controls the plug. In a conventional system, the cable is moved by grasping an actuator and moving the actuator in one direction to open the plug and the opposite direction to close the plug. Alternatively it is known to rotate the actuator to activate the plug. However, it has been found that, for example, if a bath is full of water, the full travel of the actuation device does not equate to an equal movement of the plug because of components bending and losses caused by transferring the motion of the actuator through complex mechanisms. In some cases, the mechanisms cannot convert a sufficient amount of the opening force applied to the cable to the plug to lift the plug against the weight of the water. Furthermore, it is known for the lifting mechanism to fail if it is actuated when a large weight bears on the plug, for example if a user is standing on the plug during actuation.

Conventional systems are also difficult for people of reduced dexterity to use. Grasping an actuator with sufficient strength to, for example, rotate it can prove challenging to some people.

Remotely actuated plugs are known to be combined with a bath, basin or sink overflow, the actuation system providing an aesthetically pleasing cover for the overflow. However conventional overflows also have drawbacks as having a remotely actuated mechanism together with a conduit to remove water from the overflow to the soil pipe results in a relatively deep arrangement which can be awkward to fit in the space behind an overflow. In addition the overflow conduit often requires the incorporation of a device, such as a universal joint, to allow it to be manipulated to fit different styles of bath as different models of bath vary leading to a variable size of cavity in which the overflow has to fit. Additionally, different overflow outlets require different overflow fittings. For example overflow outlets which are in a horizontal surface of a bath require a different fitting to outlets which are located in a more conventional position on a substantially vertical bath surface.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a waste fitting for a bath, a basin or a sink, the waste fitting comprising: a control mechanism adapted to be fitted to a bath, basin or sink, the control mechanism including an activation device adapted to move along a activation device axis; a plug mechanism including a plug, the plug being adapted to seal a bath or sink outlet, the plug mechanism adapted to move the plug between an outlet open position and an outlet sealed position; and a cable extending between the control mechanism and the plug mechanism, the cable transferring the movement of the activation device to the plug mechanism to raise the plug to the outlet open position, wherein the waste fitting is arranged such that movement of the activation device is transferred to a first end of the cable, the activation device axis and the first end of the cable being co-planar.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a waste fitting is provided in which a plug mechanism is operated remotely. The movement of the activation device transferred, by, for example, pressing the activation device, to the cable is maximised as they are co-planar. This maximises the amount of force available for raising the plug which is advantageous in a situation where, for example, a large downward force is applied to the plug by a volume of water. Such an arrangement also simplifies the interaction between the control mechanism and the cable by minimising the number of moving parts and the direction changes through which the motion has to be transferred and their associated losses.

Preferably, the control mechanism is adapted to be fitted to a bath, basin or sink overflow.

In alternative embodiments, the control mechanism can be fitted to any part of a bath, basin or sink.

Preferably the cable has a second end associated with the plug mechanism.

The cable may be moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. In one embodiment, in the extended position, the cable acts on the plug mechanism to move the plug between the outlet open position and the outlet sealed position, and/or vice versa.

Preferably the control mechanism is adapted to move the cable from the retracted position to the extended position.

The cable may be biased towards the retracted position. The cable may be biased towards the retracted position by a biasing means such as a spring or the like.

In a further alternative, the control mechanism may be adapted to move the cable from the extended position to the retracted position.

Preferably the plug is moved from the outlet open position to the outlet sealed position by applying a first push to the activation device.

Additionally, the plug is moved from the outlet sealed position and the outlet open position by a second push to the activation device.

Preferably, the waste fitting comprises a locking device adapted to hold the plug in either the outlet open position or the outlet sealed position.

Preferably, the locking device is a push-push locking mechanism. A push-push mechanism is a mechanism which is activated by a push force and deactivated by a push force, similar to the mechanism used in some ball point pens. The push-push locking mechanism comprises a body and an arm, the arm being moveable with respect to the arm between a deactivated position, in which one end of the arm is proximate the body, and a activated position, in which the end of the arm is distal the body. The arm moves from the deactivated to the activated position in response to a push force being applied to the push-push locking mechanism. The arm will remain in the activated position until a further push force is applied to the push-push locking mechanism, returning the arm to the deactivated position.

Preferably, the plug mechanism comprises the push-push locking mechanism.

In an embodiment, movement of the cable applies a push force to the push-push locking mechanism.

In this embodiment, the second end of the cable engages the push- push locking mechanism.

Alternatively, the control mechanism comprises the push-push locking mechanism.

In a different embodiment, movement of the activation device applies a push force to the push-push locking mechanism.

In this embodiment, the push-push locking mechanism may transfer the push force applied to the activation device to the first end of the cable.

The push-push locking mechanism may be fixedly attached to the cable.

Preferably, a first push on the activation device activates the push-push locking mechanism and the second push on the activation device deactivates the push-push locking mechanism.

Preferably the activation device is a button.

Preferably the waste fitting is arranged such that the activation device axis is a horizontal axis.

In one embodiment the cable first end lies in a vertical plane.

In this arrangement, the control mechanism includes a transmission unit to convert the horizontal movement of the activation device into a vertical force applied to the cable first end.

In one embodiment the transmission unit applies the force directly to the first end of the cable.

In one embodiment the transmission unit pivots to convert horizontal movement of the activation device into a vertical force applied to the cable.

In the embodiment in which the plug mechanism comprises the push- push locking mechanism, movement of the cable from the retracted position to the extended position applies a push force to the push-push locking mechanism. Preferably the push-push locking mechanism acts indirectly on the plug.

Preferably the push-push locking mechanism acts arm along a horizontal axis. Locating the push-push locking mechanism in a horizontal plane minimises the depth of the waste fitting in the under-bath area, an area in which minimum depth is desirable.

Preferably the plug mechanism comprises a transfer structure to transfer horizontal movement of the push-push locking mechanism arm as the push-push locking mechanism is activated into a vertical force applied to lift the plug towards the outlet open position.

In one embodiment, deactivating the push-push locking mechanism permits the plug to move to the outlet closed position under its own weight.

In an alternative embodiment, deactivating the push-push locking mechanism moves the plug to the outlet closed position.

Preferably the plug mechanism transfer structure includes a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism is provided so as that if an excessive downward force is applied to the plug in the outlet closed position, caused for example by a person standing on the plug, then the force applied by the push- push locking mechanism device as it is activated is not wholly transferred to the plug to prevent damage to the plug mechanism.

In one embodiment, the transfer structure comprises a first portion and the second portion, the first and second portions being joined by means of the clutch mechanism.

In this embodiment, the clutch mechanism might be, for example, a c-spring. If the force applied through one portion cannot be transferred to another portion then the c-spring opens permitting the first portion to move relative to the second portion.

Preferably, the control mechanism further comprises a housing and an overflow plate.

In one embodiment, the housing is adapted to be arranged, in use, behind the bath or sink overflow and the overflow plate is adapted to be arranged in front of the bath or sink overflow. In this way the wall of the bath or sink which surrounds the overflow can be sandwiched between the overflow plate and the control mechanism housing to secure the waste fitting to the bath or sink.

The overflow plate may be secured to the control mechanism housing by at least one bolt or screw. Using bolts or screws means that specialist fitting equipment is not required to secure the waste fitting to the overflow of the bath or sink.

In one embodiment, the activation device attaches to the transmission unit for transmission of the force applied to the activation device to the cable.

Preferably, the activation device is biased to return to a start position.

Preferably, the start position is flush with a control mechanism shroud.

Preferably, the activation device is threadedly attached to the transmission unit. A threaded attachment means that the displacement of the activation device surface from the overflow plate can be adjusted easily to accommodate different thicknesses of bath or sink wall whilst still ensuring the activation device external surface can remain flush with the shroud for an aesthetically appealing appearance.

Preferably, the shroud is releasably attachable to the overflow plate.

Preferably, the control mechanism housing comprises an inlet and an outlet.

Preferably, in use, the housing inlet is in fluid communication with a bath or sink overflow.

Preferably the waste fitting further comprises an overflow conduit.

Preferably, the overflow conduit is connected to the housing outlet.

Preferably the overflow conduit connects the waste fitting housing to, in use, a soil pipe. The waste fitting overflow conduit provides a conduit to permit water flowing through the bath overflow into the housing to be disposed of in a soil pipe.

Most preferably the overflow conduit inlet is in a plane parallel to the activation device axis. In one embodiment, the overflow conduit inlet and the housing outlet are on the side of the housing. Such an arrangement permits the overflow to be adjusted with respect of the housing to allow for different angles of the sides of the bath without the need for incorporating, for example, a universal joint type arrangement. Furthermore, incorporating the overflow into the side of the housing reduces the depth of the housing allowing the waste fitting to be fitted into a smaller space.

Preferably the overflow conduit is rotationally connected to the housing outlet. Rotationally connecting the overflow outlet to the housing outlet permits the waste fitting to be used in baths, sinks or basins in which the overflow, and therefore the housing inlet, are in either substantially vertical or substantially horizontal planes. In such cases, a waste fitting can be fitted to the overflow and the overflow conduit can be rotated with respect to the housing to facilitate connection of the fitting to the soil pipe.

Preferably, the overflow conduit rotates in a plane parallel to the activation device axis.

Preferably, the overflow conduit inlet is in a vertical plane having a normal which is perpendicular to a normal to a plane through the housing inlet.

In one embodiment, the cable is a 3mm cable.

Preferably the cable is adapted to slide within a sleeve.

In one embodiment the external diameter of the cable sleeve is 3.5mm.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an overflow fitting for a bath, a basin or a sink, the overflow comprising: a housing adapted to be fitted to a bath, a basin or a sink overflow , the housing having an inlet for receiving water flowing through said bath, basin or sink overflow and an outlet; and an overflow conduit providing fluid communication in use between the housing outlet and a soil pipe, wherein a normal to a plane through the housing inlet is perpendicular to a normal to a plane through the housing outlet.

In one embodiment, having the inlet and outlet in planes at right angles to each other, provides for a reduced depth of overflow housing.

Preferably the overflow conduit is rotationally mounted to the housing outlet. Providing a rotationally mounted conduit permits the overflow fitting to be used for overflows which are on a substantially vertical surface of a bath but also on a overflow which is in a horizontal plane. Some baths may incorporate a channel around an edge of the bath for receiving water which is overflowing from the bath. The channel delivers the water to an overflow, the entrance to which is on a horizontal plane. Having the overflow conduit rotationally mounted to the housing outlet permits the overflow fitting to be used in such a situation as the overflow conduit can be rotated to a position which facilitates connecting the overflow to a soil pipe.

Most preferably the overflow conduit can rotate about a normal to the plane through the housing outlet.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a waste fitting for a bath, a basin or a sink, waste fitting comprising; a control mechanism adapted to be fitted to a bath, basin or sink; a plug mechanism including a plug, the plug being adapted to seal a bath, basin or sink outlet, the plug mechanism adapted to move the plug between an outlet open position and an outlet sealed position in response to a signal from the control mechanism; a cable extending between the control mechanism and the plug mechanism, the cable transferring the signal from the control mechanism to the plug mechanism; and a clutch mechanism for disengaging the control mechanism from the plug mechanism.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a waste fitting is provided in which the plug mechanism can be disengaged from the control mechanism in the event, for example, that a weight is applied to the plug preventing the plug being lifted in response to the signal from the control mechanism. This arrangement prevents damage to the waste fitting in such an eventuality.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a waste fitting for a bath, basin or sink, the waste fitting comprising: a control mechanism adapted to be fitted to a bath, basin or sink, the control mechanism including an activation button; a plug mechanism including a plug, the plug being adapted to seal a bath, basin or sink outlet, the plug mechanism adapted to move the plug from an outlet open position to an outlet sealed position in response to a first push force being applied to the activation device and to move the plug from an outlet sealed into an outlet open position in response to a second push force being applied to the activation device; and a cable extending between the control mechanism and the plug mechanism, the cable transferring the first and second push forces applied to the activation device to the plug mechanism.

It will be understood that features listed in respect of one aspect of the invention my be equally applicable to other aspects and are not repeated for brevity.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a waste fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a front view of the control mechanism of the waste fitting of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an exploded view of part of the control mechanism of Figure 2

Figure 4 is a perspective cutaway view of the control mechanism of Figure 2 showing the cable in a retracted configuration

Figure 5 is a perspective cutaway view of the control mechanism of Figure 2 showing the cable in an extended configuration.

Figure 6 is a perspective partially cutaway view of the plug mechanism of the waste of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 is an exploded view of the plug mechanism of Figure 6

Figure 8 is a partially cutaway view of the plug mechanism of Figure 6 showing the push-push locking mechanism in a deactivated position; and

Figure 9 is partially cutaway view of the plug mechanism of Figure 6 showing the push-push locking mechanism in activated position.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Reference is firstly made to Figure 1 , a perspective view of a waste fitting, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, for a bath (not shown). The waste fitting 10 comprises a control mechanism 12 adapted to be attached to the overflow of the bath (not shown) and a plug mechanism 14 comprising a plug 16 for sealing the bath outlet (not shown). The plug 16 is moveable between an outlet open position (shown in Figure 8) and an outlet sealed position (shown in Figure 9).

The waste fitting 10 further comprises an overflow conduit 50, rotationally connected to the side of a control mechanism housing 30 to transfer water flowing into the housing 30 through the bath overflow to a soil pipe 52 (shown in broken outline). The overflow conduit 50 can be most clearly seen extending from the side of the control mechanism housing 30 in Figure 2.

Referring back to Figure 1 , the waste fitting 10 also comprises a 3mm diameter cable 18 extending between the control mechanism 12 and the plug mechanism 14. The cable 18 is adapted to transfer a push force applied to a control mechanism activation device 20, in the form of a button to the plug mechanism 14 to move the plug 16 from the outlet sealed position to the outlet open position. As can be seen most clearly from Figure 2, a first end 34 of the cable 18 lies on a plane 56 passing through an axis of the activation button 20. This axis 58 is also the axis of travel of the button 20 when the button 20 is pressed.

Referring now to Figure 3, an exploded view of part of the control mechanism 12 of Figure 1 , the "bath side" components of the control mechanism 12 comprise an overflow plate 80, the activation button 20, and a shroud 82. The edge of the bath overflow (not shown) is, in use, sandwiched between the overflow plate 80 and the housing 30. To secure the waste fitting 10 to the bath overflow, two screws 84 are provided which engage threaded bores (not visible) defined by the control mechanism housing 30, rotation of the screws 38 drawing the housing 30 and the overflow plate 80 together to sandwich the bath wall. Once secured, the shroud 82 is threaded on to an external thread 86 defined by an edge of the overflow plate 80.

Referring now to Figure 4, a perspective partially cutaway view of the control mechanism 12 of Figure 1 showing the cable 18 in a retracted configuration, the rest of the control mechanism 12 can be seen. The control mechanism 12 further comprises a control mechanism transmission unit 22. The transmission unit 22 is adapted to convert a horizontal motion of the activation button 20 into a vertical movement of the cable first end 34. The transmission unit 22 comprises the sleeve 24 which is threadedly connected to the activation button 20, a force transfer arm 26 which is rotationally mounted around a pivot 28 to the control mechanism housing 30, the force transfer arm 26 acting on a plunger 32 which engages the cable first end 34. The plunger passes through a seal 35 provided to prevent water leaking out of the housing 30. The control mechanism 12 further comprises a compression spring 36 the purpose of which will be discussed in due course.

When a user presses on the activation button 20, the button 20 and the sleeve 24 move towards a housing rear surface 38 along the axis of the activation button 20. This movement causes the force transfer arm 26 to pivot around the pivot 28 such that the plunger 32 moves downwards and acts on the cable first end 34 causing the cable 18 to move downwards in the direction of arrow "A", to an extended configuration shown in Figure 5. When the button 20 is released, the compression spring 36 which is attached to the cable 18, applies a push to the plunger 32, returning the button 20 to the position shown in Figure 4 and the cable 18 to the retracted configuration. The threaded connection between the button 20 and the sleeve 24 permits the position of the button 20 relative to the shroud 82 such that in the retracted configuration the button surface is flush with the shroud 82, as shown in Figure 4.

The effect of moving the cable from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration will now be discussed with reference to Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9, various views of the plug mechanism 14 of the waste fitting 10 of Figure 1. The plug mechanism 14 comprises a push-push locking mechanism 60, a plug 16 and a plug mechanism transfer structure 62. As the cable 18 moves to the extended position, the cable 18 operates the locking mechanism 60.

Referring particularly to Figures 8 and 9, the locking mechanism 60 comprises a body 64 and a stem 66 and can adopt one of two positions; a deactivated position shown in Figure 8 and an activated position shown in Figure 9. The locking mechanism stem 66 is rotationally attached to the plug mechanism transfer structure 62. Referring to Figure 7, the transfer structure 62 comprises an arm 68, a c-spring 70, a shaft 72 and a plug lifter 74. In use the plug lifter 74 is a fixed relative to the shaft 72 and comprises a surface 76 adapted to receive a plug stalk 78 (Figures 6 and 9). The shaft 72 is in turn connected to the arm 68 by means of a screw 80 and the c-spring 70.

Pressing the activation button 20 causes the cable 18 to move from its retracted position to its extended position, that is towards the locking mechanism 60, applying a push to the locking mechanism 60, moving the stem 66 from the deactivated position shown in Figure 8 to the activated position shown in Figure 9. Movement of the push-push locking mechanism stem 66 from the deactivated position (Figure 8) to the activated position (Figure 9) causes clockwise rotation of the shaft 72 and the plug lifter 74. The rotation of the plug lifter 74 lifts the plug 16 from the outlet sealed position shown in Figure 8 to the outlet open position shown in Figure 9, opening the bath outlet and allowing water to escape.

The button 20 is then released but the locking mechanism 60 stem remains in this activated position and the plug 16 remains raised.

When the user presses the button 20 again, the cable 18 once more moves to its extended position, applying a push to the locking mechanism 60, the locking mechanism 60 returning the stem 66 to the deactivated position shown in Figure 8 in response to this second push, in the deactivated position the plug 16 falls under its own weight to seal the bath outlet.

Essentially the locking mechanism 60 operates on a push-push system; a first push activates the locking mechanism 60 and a second push deactivates the locking mechanism 60, a mechanism similar to those used on ballpoint pens.

The c-spring 70 acts as a clutch device if, for example, a person is standing on the plug 16 when the control mechanism button 20 is pressed, the push-push locking mechanism 60 can still move from the deactivated position to the activated position. In this case the arm 68 still rotates however as the rotation of the shaft 72 is prevented by the weight acting downwards on the plug 16 and in turn on the plug lifter 74, the c-spring 70 opens up allowing the arm 68 to move relative to the shaft 72, which stays stationary, preventing damage to the plug mechanism 14.

Various modifications and improvements may be made to the above described embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, although the overflow conduit is shown as corrugated pipe, lengths of conventional pipe could be used. In a further alternative, the activation button 20 and the shroud 82 could be combined into a larger button of benefit to disabled users. Furthermore although the described embodiment is for connection to a bath overflow, an alternative embodiment may not incorporate the overflow features and be modified for mounting on the side of the bath, a basin or a sink or an upper surface of the bath, a basin or a sink.

Claims

1. A waste fitting for a bath, a basin or a sink, the waste fitting comprising: a control mechanism adapted to be fitted to a bath, basin or sink, the control mechanism including an activation device adapted to move along a activation device axis; a plug mechanism including a plug, the plug being adapted to seal a bath or sink outlet, the plug mechanism adapted to move the plug between an outlet open position and an outlet sealed position; and a cable extending between the control mechanism and the plug mechanism, the cable transferring the movement of the activation device to the plug mechanism to raise the plug to the outlet open position, wherein the waste fitting is arranged such that movement of the activation device is transferred to a first end of the cable, the activation device axis and the first end of the cable being co-planar.

2. The waste fitting of claim 1 , wherein the control mechanism is adapted to be fitted to a bath, basin or sink overflow.

3. The waste fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the cable has a second end associated with the plug mechanism.

4. The waste fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the cable is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position.

5. The waste fitting of claim 4, wherein , in the extended position, the cable acts on the plug mechanism to move the plug between the outlet open position and the outlet sealed position, and/or vice versa.

6. The waste fitting of either of claims 4 or 5, wherein the control mechanism is adapted to move the cable from the retracted position to the extended position.

7. The waste fitting of any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the cable is biased towards the retracted position.

8. The waste fitting of claim 7, wherein the cable is biased towards the retracted position by a biasing means such as a spring or the like.

9. The waste fitting of any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the control mechanism is adapted to move the cable from the extended position to the retracted position.

10. The waste fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the plug is moved from the outlet open position to the outlet sealed position by applying a first push to the activation device.

11. The waste fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the plug is moved from the outlet sealed position and the outlet open position by a second push to the activation device.

12. The waste fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the waste fitting comprises a locking device adapted to hold the plug in either the outlet open position or the outlet sealed position.

13. The waste fitting of claim 12, wherein the locking device is a push-push locking mechanism.

14. The waste fitting of claim 14, wherein the plug mechanism comprises the push-push locking mechanism.

15. The waste fitting of either of claims 13 or 14, wherein movement of the cable applies a push force to the push-push locking mechanism.

16. The waste fitting of any of claims 13 to 15, when dependant on claim 3, wherein the second end of the cable engages the push-push locking mechanism.

17. The waste fitting of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the control mechanism comprises the push-push locking mechanism.

18. The waste fitting of claim 17, wherein movement of the activation device applies a push force to the push-push locking mechanism.

19. The waste fitting of either of claims 17 or 18, wherein the push-push locking mechanism transfers the push force applied to the activation device to the first end of the cable.

20. The waste fitting of any of claims 13 to 19, wherein he push-push locking mechanism is fixedly attached to the cable.

21. The waste fitting of any of claims 13 to 20, wherein a first push on the activation device activates the push-push locking mechanism and the second push on the activation device deactivates the push-push locking mechanism.

22. The waste fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the activation device is a button.

23. The waste fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the waste fitting is arranged such that the activation device axis is a horizontal axis.

24. The waste fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the cable first end lies in a vertical plane.

25. The waste fitting of claim 24, wherein the control mechanism includes a transmission unit to convert the horizontal movement of the activation device into a vertical force applied to the cable first end.

26. The waste fitting of claim 25, wherein the transmission unit applies the force directly to the first end of the cable.

27. The waste fitting of either of claims 25 or 26, wherein the transmission unit pivots to convert horizontal movement of the activation device into a vertical force applied to the cable.

28. The waste fitting of any of claims 14 to 16, wherein where the plug mechanism comprises the push-push locking mechanism, movement of the cable from the retracted position to the extended position applies a push force to the push-push locking mechanism.

29. The waste fitting of claim 28, wherein the push-push locking mechanism acts indirectly on the plug.

30. The waste fitting of either of claims 28 or 29, wherein the push-push locking mechanism acts along a horizontal axis.

31. The waste fitting of claim 30, wherein the plug mechanism comprises a transfer structure to transfer horizontal movement of the push-push locking mechanism arm as the push-push locking mechanism is activated into a vertical force applied to lift the plug towards the outlet open position.

32. The waste fitting of claim 31 , wherein deactivating the push-push locking mechanism permits the plug to move to the outlet closed position under its own weight.

33. The waste fitting of claim 31 , wherein deactivating the push-push locking mechanism moves the plug to the outlet closed position.

34. The waste fitting of any of claims 31 to 33, wherein the plug mechanism transfer structure includes a clutch mechanism.

35. The waste fitting of claim 34, wherein the transfer structure comprises a first portion and the second portion, the first and second portions being joined by means of the clutch mechanism.

36. The waste fitting of either of claims 34 or 35, wherein the clutch mechanism might be, for example, a c-spring.

37. The waste fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the control mechanism further comprises a housing and an overflow plate.

38. The waste fitting of claim 37, wherein the housing is adapted to be arranged, in use, behind the bath or sink overflow and the overflow plate is adapted to be arranged in front of the bath or sink overflow.

39. The waste fitting of either of claims 37 or 38, wherein the overflow plate is secured to the control mechanism housing by at least one bolt or screw.

40. The waste fitting of any of claims 37 to 39 when dependant on 25 to 27, wherein the activation device attaches to the transmission unit for transmission of the force applied to the activation device to the cable.

41. The waste fitting of claim 40, wherein the activation device is biased to return to a start position.

42. The waste fitting of claim 41 , wherein the start position is flush with a control mechanism shroud.

43. The waste fitting of any of claims 40 to 42, wherein the activation device is threadedly attached to the transmission unit.

44. The waste fitting of claim 42, wherein the shroud is releasably attachable to the overflow plate.

45. The waste fitting of any of claims 37 to 44, wherein the control mechanism housing comprises an inlet and an outlet.

46. The waste fitting of claim 45, wherein in use, the housing inlet is in fluid communication with a bath or sink overflow.

47. The waste fitting of either of claims 45 or 46, wherein the waste fitting further comprises an overflow conduit.

48. The waste fitting of claim 47, wherein the overflow conduit is connected to the housing outlet.

49. The waste fitting of either of claims 47 or 48, wherein the overflow conduit connects the waste fitting housing to, in use, a soil pipe.

50. The waste fitting of any of claims 47 to 49, wherein the overflow conduit inlet is in a plane parallel to the activation device axis.

51. The waste fitting of any of claims 47 to 50, wherein the overflow conduit inlet and the housing outlet are on the side of the housing.

52. The waste fitting of any of claims 47 to 51 , wherein the overflow conduit is rotationally connected to the housing outlet.

53. The waste fitting of claim 52, wherein the overflow conduit rotates in a plane parallel to the activation device axis.

54. The waste fitting of any of claims 47 to 53, wherein, the overflow conduit inlet is in a vertical plane having a normal which is perpendicular to a normal to a plane through the housing inlet.

55. The waste fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the cable is a 3mm cable.

56. The waste fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the cable is adapted to slide within a sleeve.

57. The waste fitting of claim 56, wherein the external diameter of the cable sleeve is 3.5mm.

58. An overflow fitting for a bath, a basin or a sink, the overflow comprising: a housing adapted to be fitted to a bath, a basin or a sink overflow , the housing having an inlet for receiving water flowing through said bath, basin or sink overflow and an outlet; and an overflow conduit providing fluid communication in use between the housing outlet and a soil pipe, wherein a normal to a plane through the housing inlet is perpendicular to a normal to a plane through the housing outlet.

59. The overflow of claim 58, wherein the overflow conduit is rotationally mounted to the housing outlet.

60. The overflow of claim 59, wherein the overflow conduit can rotate about a normal to the plane through the housing outlet.

61. A waste fitting for a bath, a basin or a sink, waste fitting comprising; a control mechanism adapted to be fitted to a bath, basin or sink; a plug mechanism including a plug, the plug being adapted to seal a bath, basin or sink outlet, the plug mechanism adapted to move the plug between an outlet open position and an outlet sealed position in response to a signal from the control mechanism; a cable extending between the control mechanism and the plug mechanism, the cable transferring the signal from the control mechanism to the plug mechanism; and a clutch mechanism for disengaging the control mechanism from the plug mechanism.

62. A waste fitting for a bath, basin or sink, the waste fitting comprising: a control mechanism adapted to be fitted to a bath, basin or sink, the control mechanism including an activation button; a plug mechanism including a plug, the plug being adapted to seal a bath, basin or sink outlet, the plug mechanism adapted to move the plug from an outlet open position to an outlet sealed position in response to a first push force being applied to the activation device and to move the plug from an outlet sealed into an outlet open position in response to a second push force being applied to the activation device; and a cable extending between the control mechanism and the plug mechanism, the cable transferring the first and second push forces applied to the activation device to the plug mechanism.