WO2013022355A1

WO2013022355A1 - Waste traps and their componentry

Info

Publication number: WO2013022355A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2012/000141
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Leo Haynes; Gabriel Ioan Giurgiu; Michael John SUMNER
Original assignee: Lake Products Limited
Priority date: 2011-08-09
Filing date: 2012-08-09
Publication date: 2013-02-14
Also published as: NZ594498A; NZ625505A; AU2012294958B2; AU2017258943B2; AU2012294958A1; AU2017258943A1; NZ622008A

Abstract

This invention relates to a conduit or spigot fabrication comprising at least one protuberance or shoulder acting to keep a nut deployed locally to the end of the conduit or spigot for thread-wise engagement of the nut to a waste outlet or inlet; a slide nut or trap nut moulded and/or machined and/or evolved to have at least one continuous or discontinuous groove in its exterior in a plane perpendicular to the thread axis of the nut; a moulded annulus comprising a resilient material capable of being parted transversely along its longitudinal extent to provide one or both of a washer for a smaller size pipe, and/or washer for a larger size pipe, and a waste or water trap assembly and/or fabrication comprising linked conduiting able to provide a trap in at least one configuration utilising the conduit, nut and washer above

Description

"WASTE TRAPS AND THEIR COMPONENTRY"

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to water or waste traps and their componentry, in particular though not solely, to plumbing components assemblies and related procedures and methods, including but not limited to components used in trap assemblies.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

We have recognised that trap assemblies typified by those in New Zealand:

■ of the Dux Limited with its Dux "Fast Fit™" polypropylene waste system are reliant on acrylonitrile compression and sealing rings (see www.dux.co.nz/waste-water- traps), and

^■ of AQUALINE™ Space Traps (see www.aqualine.co.nz). The forms of these trap assemblies (including the form of their nuts) are typical of those of many manufacturers overseas (See Figures 19 and 21). We favour the less pronounced wider rib options widespread throughout the world.

Also to be found overseas are hybridised forms of the delicate high ribs of one or the lower wide ribs of the other.

Also, there are peripherally cylindrical rib variants that link the castellation provided by the axially extending peripheral ribs, whether of the delicate high rib kind or the lower wide rib kind. See Figures 20 and 21 hereafter.

Despite their availability in a swivellable 'P' and S' configuration, the trap assemblies of all such suppliers still provide some difficulties for users.

The present invention relates to providing aspects of the present invention whereby plumbers and do-it-yourself ("DIY") persons can overcome at least one or more of such difficulties.

A difficulty we recognise is that often the access to the waste fitting for attaching the trap nut captive to the spigot or conduit fitting is restricted and may only allow for one hand to be used. Difficulties often include:

^■ a long reach into fitting,

^■ one hand only able to enter space to tighten trap nut,

^■ restricted access through access panels, ^■ other restrictions e.g. floor joists and beams,

^■ typically under a bath where reaching in and between floor joists.

Typically the nut falls down to the bottom of the "U" and is located on the side of the hand location from the end of the trap.

It is at least an object of the present invention to provide a user with a useful choice.

It is therefore at least an object of the present invention to provide a water or waste trap and their componentry and/or which will go at least some way towards addressing the foregoing problems or which will at least provide the industry and/or public with a useful choice.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a conduit or spigot fabrication, said fabrication comprising at least one protuberance or shoulder of the conduit or spigot acting to keep a nut deployed locally to the end of the conduit or spigot for thread-wise engagement of the nut to a waste outlet or inlet. Preferably, said at least one protuberance or shoulder comprises a radially extending projection, continuous or discontinuous, about an exterior surface of the conduit or spigot, located at least in a region of the conduit or spigot to retain the nut locally of the conduit or spigot end for said thread-wise engagement. Preferably, said at least one protuberance or shoulder comprising

at least a first radially extending projection, continuous or discontinuous, about an exterior surface of the conduit or spigot, said first projection located substantially adjacent or in proximity to the end of the conduit or spigot; and at least a second radially extending projection, continuous or discontinuous, about an exterior surface of the conduit or spigot, said second projection located further away from the end of the conduit or spigot and away from the first projection(s). Preferably, the protuberance or shoulder are configured or dimensioned to prevent a nut from becoming deployed away from the local region adjacent or in proximity to the end of the conduit or spigot.

Preferably, the protuberance or shoulder provide for a limit or limits for retaining of the nut in a region of the conduit or spigot, the region defined between said limit and the end of the conduit or spigot or between at least a first limit (or first projection) and a second limit (or second projection).

Preferably, the conduit or spigot provides for an assembly (e.g. the conduit or spigot, whether reliant on any interposed washer(s) or not, and being, for example, all or part of an 'S' bend type trap), wherein the nut is captive on the conduit between two limits (or two protuberances or shoulders) at an end region thereof, one of said limits to provide a fluid tight connection to the conduit at that end region and the other of said limits to keep the nut at or near the end region.

Preferably, said nut is that as defined by any one of the aspects below.

Preferably, a moulded annulus or washer or compression seal as defined by any one of the aspects below may also be incorporated for sealing engagement between the nut and a threaded connection receivable of the nut.

In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a slide nut or trap nut (hereafter "nut") and conduit or spigot fabrication where at least one protuberance or shoulder of the conduit or spigot acts to keep the nut deployed locally to the end of the conduit or spigot for thread-wise engagement of the nut to a waste outlet or inlet.

In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a slide nut or trap nut (hereafter "nut") and conduit or spigot assembly (e.g. the conduit or spigot, whether reliant on any interposed washer(s) or not, and being, for example, all or part of an 'S' bend type trap), wherein the nut is captive on the conduit between two limits at an end region thereof, one of said limits to provide a fluid tight connection to the conduit at that end region and the other of said limits to keep the nut at or near the end region. In a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a waste or water trap assembly and/or fabrication comprising or including:

linked conduiting (or conduit) able to provide a trap in at least one configuration, and

a trap or slide nut at at least one end region of the linked conduiting, and a washer disposed at the one, or either one or both, end regions(s) to assist sealing upon a threaded connection of the linked conduiting (or conduit) by the nut to an outlet and/or inlet of a drainage system;

wherein at least one or more of the following applies:

said conduit is as defined in any one aspects one to three above,

said nut is as defined in any one of the aspects below,

said washer is as defined in any one of the aspects below.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a waste or water trap assembly and/or fabrication comprising or including:

a trap or slide nut at at least one end region of the linked conduiting, and a washer, compression seal, or compression ring disposed at the one, or either one or both, end regions(s) to assist sealing upon a threaded connection of the linked conduiting (or conduit) by the nut to an outlet and/or inlet of a drainage system;

wherein at least one or more of the following applies:

^■ at least one nut is provided with a groove, continuous or discontinuous, about its girth or circumference to assist sawing or cutting in a plane transverse to the thread axis,

^■ the nut has such groove, continuous or discontinuous, placed asymmetrically of the length of the thread,

^■ the nut has an inward retention flange end further from the groove, continuous or discontinuous, and then such groove is from the other end,

^■ the washer, seal or ring is a detached part of a moulding defining two types of detachable parts,

^■ the nut is able to be supported by an abutment with a component of the linked conduiting (or conduit) so as to be adjacent where it can conveniently be thread engaged to an outlet fitting or the like.

Preferably, the nut is a trap or slide nut and is provided at both end regions of the linked conduiting (or conduit). In a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a waste or water trap assembly and/or fabrication comprising or including:

a trap or slide nut at least at one end region of the linked conduiting, preferably both); and

optionally a washer, compression seal, or compression ring disposed at the one, or either one or both, end regions(s) to assist sealing upon a threaded connection of the linked conduiting (or conduit) by the nut to an outlet and/or inlet of a drainage system;

wherein at least one or more of the following applies:

■ the washer, seal or ring is a detached part of a moulding defining two types of detachable parts,

A difficulty we recognise is that often the thread on the waste is not long enough to allow the top slide nut on the trap to engage the end of the waste onto the top slide nut washer to create a seal. The reasons are often:

^■ different standards for waste fittings - i.e. European and Asian wastes generally have very short threads (3-7 mm).

^■ if the thickness of the sink, basin, bath or shower is different and if the thickness is too thick, after the "backnut" of the waste is tightened only a small amount of thread is left exposed (for example, as in Figure 18 to be compared to a standard installation in Figure 17).

Sometimes it is required to have a vertical distance to the weir of the trap. This can occur when a basin is replaced and the new one is slightly deeper or thicker than the original. The outlet of the trap must still line up, therefore the waste is cut shorter to accommodate the vertical height difference. A fix is a transverse cutting of the nut.

However, it is very difficult to cut a plastic nut exactly square as it is difficult to hold and cut as the hacksaw will tend to run with the threads.

It is also important that the cut location is in the best position, not too short and therefore cutting the trap spigot. The cut must be clean and make and/or allow for starting the nut onto the waste outlet's male thread easy. If the cut is not straight it is very hard not to cross-thread the female thread of the plastic slide or trap nut onto the male thread (waste fitting).

In a seventh aspect, the present invention relates to a slide nut or trap nut (hereafter "nut") characterised in that, or wherein, said nut has been moulded and/or machined and/or evolved to have at least one continuous or discontinuous groove (or other location profile (hereafter "groove")) in its exterior in a plane perpendicular to the thread axis of the nut. Preferably, said nut comprises said continuous or discontinuous said groove(s) circumferentially about the exterior surface.

Preferably, each of said groove(s) is a region of surface relief of the wall defining the nut. Preferably, each of said groove(s) is a region of thinned wall thickness compared to the average thickness of the remainder of the wall of the nut.

Preferably, the thinned wall thickness is sufficient so as to allow the nut to be threaded onto a connection with a suitable connecting torque without failure.

Preferably, each of said groove(s) is dimensioned to receive a blade of a cutting tool.

Preferably, each of said groove(s) is dimensioned to guide a bladed cutting tool in a cutting operation.

Preferably, each said groove(s) provides for an associated region of frangibility. Preferably, where the nut comprises a first section, and at least a second section defined by a first groove, and wherein each such subsequent groove defines a further section of the nut. Preferably, wherein each such nut section can be separated from adjacent nut sections in the region of adjoining groove(s).

Preferably, where the nut comprises a first section and a section second, separated by a single groove, the first section is of greater axial length than the second section.

Preferably, where a single groove is provided about the exterior of the nut, the groove is located asymmetrically of the length of the thread, or is located asymmetrically from the mid-point of the axial length of the nut. Preferably, wherein the nut is provided with said groove, said groove being continuous or discontinuous about its circumference or girth to assist sawing or cutting in a plane transverse to the thread axis.

Preferably, the nut exterior comprises one or more axially aligned, radially spaced apart, ribs or castellations.

Preferably, the ribs or castellations are finger grips for gripping by a user.

Preferably, said nut has an inward retention flange end further from the groove, said inward retention flange being continuous or discontinuous.

In an eighth aspect, the present invention also consists in an assembly or fabrication of a slide nut or trap nut ("nut") characterised in that, or wherein, the nut has been moulded and/or machined and/or evolved to have a continuous or discontinuous groove in its exterior in a plane perpendicular to the thread axis of the nut, and

a spigot or conduit to be held by the nut (whether through and/or involving compression packers(s), sealing ring(s), washer(s) and/or the like, or not).

Preferably the plane of the continuous or discontinuous groove is positioned on the nut, and the nut is captive, yet slidable, relative to the conduit or spigot sufficiently to allow cut through (whether a blade cut or a saw cut) beyond the end of the conduit or spigot. Another difficulty we recognise is that the waste pipe connector requires fitment of both 32 mm and 40 mm pipe or conduit. Therefore, all other manufacturers provide two washers separately for individual use (e.g. a 40 mm washer for 40 mm pipe and a 32 mm washer for 32 mm pipe). As such:

■ This requires more inventory.

^■ Often a washer is lost.

^■ Manufacturing process is in two parts.

^■ Assembly in factory is 1 additional part.

^■ Cost is increased - extra part and labour.

■ Packing of washers often deforms the second washer which is pushed into the nut housing leaving it in an oval shape.

In a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a moulded annulus, the moulded annulus comprises a resilient material capable of being parted (e.g. by cutting, tearing or other action) transversely along its longitudinal extent to provide one or both of:

a washer for a smaller size pipe, and/or

a washer for a larger size pipe. Preferably, optionally the washer for the larger size pipe size is axially shorter than that for the smaller pipe size. Alternatively, optionally the washer for the smaller size pipe is axially shorter than that for the larger pipe size.

Preferably, the moulded annulus comprises a lumen, said lumen having at least a first section of a first internal diameter and one or more additional sections, each additional section having the same or a different internal diameter to that of the first section.

Preferably, the moulded annulus comprises a lumen, said lumen having at least a first section of a first internal diameter and at least a second section of a second internal diameter different to the first internal diameter.

Preferably, between each of said lumen sections of different internal diameter the moulded annulus comprises a circumferentially extending frangible region such that each of such lumen sections are separable from each other.

Preferably, wherein between each such lumen section there is provided a line of weakness in or through the wall of the moulded annulus defining said lumens, said line of weakness being in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the moulded annulus. Preferably, said line of weakness provides for a frangible region extending substantially circumferentially about said moulded annulus. Preferably, an exterior surface of the moulded annulus has an interrupted contour form, each of said interruptions defining a surface for sealing.

Preferably, ribs extend from an exterior surface of the moulded annulus. Preferably, an exterior surface of the moulded annulus comprises one or more, or a series, of circumferentially (or radially outward) extending ribs projecting from the exterior surface.

Preferably, an internal surface of the moulded annulus is of a substantially uninterrupted contour.

Preferably, wherein at a terminal end of said moulded annulus, the internal surface comprises at least one radially inward extending projection or lip from a wall defining the lumen.

Preferably, wherein the radially inward extending projection or lip is a locator to locate an end of a conduit to be subsequently sleeved or housed within the lumen of the moulded annulus. Preferably, the radially inward extending projection or lip is a stop member, said stop member preventing over insertion of a conduit into the lumen.

Preferably, the rib or ribs are compressible or deformable to compress or deform in providing a sealing arrangement with a surface with which they contact.

Preferably, the radially inward extending projection or lip provides for a sealing surface with the cross-section of the end of a wall in contact therein or therewith.

Preferably, the each section of lumen with a different internal diameter of the moulded annulus may be dimensioned so as to receive a conduit of pre-determined external diameter. Preferably, a section of the lumen with a greater internal diameter has an internal diameter of 40 mm.

Preferably, a section of the lumen with a smaller internal diameter has an internal diameter of 32 mm.

Preferably, the moulded annulus is a polymeric material. More preferably, is an acrylic material, even more preferably is an acrylonitrile, such as a polyacrylonitrile. Preferably, the moulded annulus is formed or moulded of a material comprising a rubber, or is formed of a rubber.

In a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a moulded annulus in a resilient material capable of being parted (e.g. by cutting, tearing or other action) transversely along its longitudinal extent to provide one or both of:

a washer for a smaller size pipe substantially as shown in the drawings,

a washer for a larger size pipe substantially as shown in the drawings.

The present invention also relates to components to address each of such degrees irrespective of whether or not the components, sub-assemblies or assemblies that form aspects of the present invention are to be used together or not. Each of the above-noted aspects can be considered in isolation or in conjunction with any one or more component, sub-assembly or assembly of the present invention. It will be appreciated each of the above described aspects may be utilised in conjunction with details of the other aforementioned aspects. The further details of which are generally described herein.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both. As used herein the term "(s)" following a noun includes, as might be appropriate, the singular or plural forms of that noun.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term

"comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred form of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompany drawings in which : Figure 1A shows a trap assembly with a swivel capability in its 'S' rather than 'P' configuration and with a full depth slide nut or trap nut on the top end region of a spigot or conduit component.

Figure IB shows the arrangement of Figure 1A with the trap nut having been threadedly engaged to the male thread of an outlet fitting.

Figure 1C shows the arrangement of Figure IB where the trap nut was cut or sawn transversely through its surrounding groove as a cutting or sawing guide,

Figure 2 shows the arrangement of Figure 1A in sectioning.

Figure 3 shows the nut of Figures 1A and IB in isometric from below.

Figure 4 shows the nut of Figure 3 in side elevation.

Figure 5 shows the nut of Figures 3 and 4 in pan.

Figure 6 shows the nut of Figures 3 to 5 in elevation section A-A of Figure 5.

Figure 7 shows the moulded double washer, ring or the like annular member in isometric from above.

Figure 8 shows the member of Figure 7 inverted and in side elevation.

Figure 9 shows the member of figure 7 and 8 as a plan view to that of Figure 8.

Figure 10 shows an elevation view of the member as in Figure 7 as a section B-B with respect to Figure 9.

Figure 11 shows post cleavage, cutting, tearing, or the like a washer as might be used with, for example, a 40 mm diameter pipe.

Figure 12 shows post cleavage, cutting, tearing or the like a washer as might be used with, for example, a 32 mm diameter pipe.

Figure 12A shows in cross section a 32 mm washer on a 32 mm pipe inserted into the 40 mm trap. Figure 12B shows a 40 mm washer on a 40 mm pipe inserted into a 40 mm trap.

Figure 13 shows in isometric the U bend of the trap with spigot.

Figure 14 shows a slide elevation of the conduit or spigot of Figure 13.

Figure 15 shows a plan view of Figure 14.

Figure 16 shows the section at A-A, when rotated, and in elevation.

Figure 17 shows a standard installation of the trap connected easily to a standard basin waste.

Figure 18 shows an overflow basin where the base is a lot thicker allowing for the overflow and where the "trap" has had the trap nut shortened by cutting through the groove line on the nut in order to be able to fit with sufficient thread on the waste to engage the full length of the nut, tighten and seal onto the waste.

Figure 19 is typical of many wide rib nuts throughout the world.

Figure 20 is a variant of the form of Figure 19, i.e. with an encircling rib.

Figure 21 is typical of many narrow high rib nuts throughout the world.

Figure 22 is a variant of the form of Figure 21, i.e. with an encircling rib.

Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described with reference to accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows an "S' bend form of assembly and/or fabrication of a water or waste trap configuration, A.

As used herein the term "assembly" or "fabrication" should be considered as somewhat equivalent, although in the case of a fabrication there may need to be a sequence of creation of one of the components in order to enable assembly.

For example, the nut association with a component of the linked conduits of a trap assembly or fabrication may require some post-location distortion or other arrangement. In some embodiments, the captive association of the nut may be dependent upon the appropriate positioning of the washer, or a compression ring or seal.

In one embodiment, such as that shown in Figures 1A to 2, there is a linked series of conduits 1 made up of a primary component 2, the preferred embodiment of which is shown in Figures 13 to 16. The other major component is a secondary component 3 that supports a swivel link 4. A nut referred to herein as a "slide" or "trap" nut 5 is at the top end region of the component 2 to be thread engaged by its thread 6 to the male thread of an outlet 7, as shown for example in Figure IB. The nut 8 at the other end of the assembly or conduit or spigot can likewise be engaged in any known manner.

Different sealing arrangements can be employed in conjunction with each nut 5, 8 depending on how it is to associate with the remainder of the water or waste trap or drainage system assemblage. Shown as part of the component 2 (e.g. of polypropylene) is a support shoulder 9 or protuberance onto which the lower region 10 with its in-turned flange of the nut 5 can be supported.

Shown in Figure 2 is the interaction at 11 between the thread 6 of the trap nut 5 and the male thread of the outlet fitting 7. It will be appreciated the option for female threads can be utilised for such fittings.

In respect of the present invention, our product allows the installer to push the spigot into the waste and ensure the nut 5 is in close enough proximity to the end of the trap to allow finger movement (for example single-handed finger movement) of the nut 5 onto the beginning of the waste thread without needing to move the location of that one hand.

In such an installation, it is important to hold or place a hand (or other locator) on the trap to ensure trap spigot engagement into the waste while starting to turn the nut 5 onto the waste thread. The spigot engagement provides aliment of both parts to ensure less likelihood of cross threading of the nut 5 onto the waste thread.

The supporting protuberance 9 is shown as a full annulus shoulder or projection, but it will be appreciated that any equivalent continuous or discontinuous abutment or shoulder profile that is able to be readily moulded can be employed for the purpose.

An additional shoulder or protuberance 22 may additionally be provided. In this manner, a pair of limits 9, 22 are provided for retaining the nut 5 in a region local to the end of the conduit 2. Such a second protuberance 22 may additionally provide for a shoulder upon which the nut 5 may bear when in a threaded engagement with the outlet fitting 7, thereby helping to further ensure the conduit 2 remains in a locked location/position. The purpose of the supporting protuberance 9 is to hold the nut 5 until the thread is engaged with the outlet fitting 7. Thus, the nut 5 is supported in a proximity so that a single hand hold (or single-handed fitment or operation) allows sufficient movement with the fingers of the same hand to commence or initiate thread engagement. And, to thereafter allow sufficient turn of the nut to ensure an adequate mesh.

Figures 13-16 illustrate one embodiment of a conduit or spigot component 2 comprising the at least one protuberance or shoulder 9, 22 for location or retention of a nut. A feature of the nut 5, is the provision of the annular groove 13 at an asymmetric (or offset) position so that, if needed, a small end region 14 of the nut 5 can be removed by any convenient form of cutting. By way of example, a nut of a suitable material (e.g. polypropylene) can be left with a wall thickness of about 1.5 mm from the base of the groove 13. Such asymmetry or off-set for the groove or recess (or surface relief) can be provided in relation to the longitudinal length or axial length, i.e. the circumference of external surface provided by the nut 5. In various embodiments, the annular groove 13 can be continuous about the nut 5, or may be of discontinuous form, such that, application of a cutting implement allows for a clean cut or break of the small end region 14 from the nut 5, without interference to accessing of the thread of the nut 5 for subsequent threading engagement.

In the form of the nut as shown in the figures, preferably the nut has a continuous groove that not only provides a groove through the longitudinally extending ribs or castellations 15, but also into the intervening wall (e.g. flutes) between such ribs or castellations.

The castellations can be of any kind. For example, they can be protuberant ribs as in the Dux product range or they can be more circumferentially extensive formations, preferably of lower profile, as are common throughout the world and are often preferred by plumbers.

The cutting groove / location groove 13 enables the use of a sharp blade rather than a hacksaw to cut the nut, as the thickness of the plastic nut is provided in that region to be of thin enough dimension to be cut with a blade, but thick enough to give enough tensile strength to ensure the nut does not elongate when under load. Standard threaded connections in this industry may typically require a minimum torque of 30 + Nm. It should be noted Australian Standard AS2887 (1993) requires the nut to be

manufactured to an internal length of 12.7 mm. However, these nuts do not fit all waste thread lengths. In a further embodiment, there is provided a preferred annulus moulding 17 of a suitable resilient washer compression ring or seal material (e.g. acrylonitrile) is as shown in Figures 7 to 10 which is able to be cleaved by any appropriate process ranging from simple tearing apart, circumscribing with a blade (e.g. of a substantially rigid blade, such as a Stanley™ Knife) or other cutting implements. Preferably, avoided is the need for a hack-saw or other oscillating toothed cutting tool which can result in burred or uneven cuts, and may impede upon or compromise the thread's integrity or shape.

The resultant cleavage is to be on the plane indicated by numeral 16 shown in the sectional view of Figure 10. This plane 16 enables the component 17 to be readily parted into the form of the smaller section washer 18 as shown in Figure 11, or into the more longitudinally extensive seal arrangement 19, for example as shown in Figure 12, or to provide both such washer seal sections for use.

The following is a set of features, one or more of which may apply to the single washer embodiment described herein:

^■ "Tear off" by installer to make two washers, one which can be used, the other one of which can be used or discarded.

^■ Lower production cost.

^■ Less tooling cost.

■ Less material cost.

^■ Less labour assembly costs.

^■ No deformation of washers.

The design of the washer for a 32 mm pipe or conduit needs to support the pipe evenly and provide for sealing. For example, a 32 mm washer, such as that indicated by numeral 19, features ribs 21 that run around the diameter of the pipe to create more than one seal, more particularly Figure 12 illustrates a washer providing for four sealing surfaces or seals. An internal lip 20 can optionally be provided on the inside of the washer, such an internal lip 20 can be utilised to locate or stop the end of a pipe protruding too far into the trap and blocking the water pathway (for example, see Figure 12A). Further, in one embodiment, for example where the design of the 40 mm washer section 18, the design of the rib or ribs provided on the exterior surface can be of a wedge shape, as to provide a lock between the trap end and the pipe to create a seal (see for example Figure 12B).

Conduit or spigot fabrication

Further to the description above, in one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a conduit or spigot fabrication A. Such a fabrication comprises at least one protuberance or shoulder 9, 22 of the conduit or spigot 2 acting to keep a nut 5 deployed locally to the end of the conduit or spigot for thread-wise engagement of the nut 5 to a waste outlet or inlet 7.

The at least one protuberance or shoulder 9, 22 is generally a radially extending projection, which may be continuous or discontinuous, about an exterior surface of the conduit or spigot, and which is located at least in a region of the conduit or spigot to retain the nut 5 locally of the conduit or spigot end for subsequent thread-wise engagement.

It will be appreciated, the at least one protuberance or shoulder may comprise at least a first radially extending projection (such as 9), continuous or discontinuous, about an exterior surface of the conduit or spigot, the first projection located substantially adjacent or in proximity to the end of the conduit or spigot; and, at least a second radially extending projection (such as 22), continuous or discontinuous, about an exterior surface of the conduit or spigot, the second projection located further away from the end of the conduit or spigot 2 and away from the first projection(s) 9.

The protuberance or shoulder portions can be configured or dimensioned to prevent a nut 5 from becoming deployed away from the local region adjacent or in proximity to the end of the conduit or spigot. Further, the protuberance or shoulder can provide for a limit or limits for retaining of the nut 5 in a region of the conduit or spigot, the region defined between the limit and the end of the conduit or spigot or between at least a first limit (or first projection, say 9) and a second limit (or second projection, say 22).

The conduit or spigot provides for an assembly such as that indicated by A (e.g. the conduit or spigot, whether reliant on any interposed washer(s) or not, and being, for example, all or part of an 'S' bend type trap), wherein the nut 5 is captive on the conduit 2 between two limits (or two protuberances or shoulders) at an end region thereof. One of the limits to thereby provide for a fluid tight connection (e.g. 22) to the conduit at that end region and the other of the limits (e.g. 9) to keep the nut at or near the end region.

Slide nut or trap nut

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a slide nut or trap nut

(hereafter "nut") 5. Such a nut is moulded and/or machined and/or evolved to have at least one continuous or discontinuous groove (or other location profile (hereafter

"groove")) 13 in its exterior in a plane perpendicular to the thread axis of the nut 5. Such a nut 5 comprises the continuous or discontinuous the groove(s) 13

circumferentially about its exterior surface 23.

The groove(s) 13 is a region of surface relief of or in the wall 24 defining the nut 5. In various embodiments, the groove(s) 13 can be a region of thinned wall thickness compared to the average thickness of the remainder of the wall of the nut 5.

The thinned wall thickness is yet still sufficient so as to allow the nut 5 to be threaded onto a connection, such as 7, with a suitable connecting torque without structural failure of the nut at the groove 13.

The groove(s) 13 is advantageously dimensioned to receive a blade of a cutting tool, or is dimensioned to guide a bladed cutting tool in a cutting operation. The groove(s) 13 provides for an associated region defined by the groove 13 of frangibility.

Where the nut 5 comprises a first section (e.g. say 25), and at least a second section (e.g. say 14) defined by a first groove 13, and wherein each such subsequent groove defines or would define a further section of the nut 5 which is capable of being separated. For example, each such nut section (e.g. 14, 25) can be separated from adjacent nut sections in the region of adjoining groove(s) 13.

In one example, as shown specifically by figures 3-6, the nut 5 comprises a first section 25 and a section second 14, separated by a single groove 13, the first section 25 is of greater axial length than the second section 14. Where a single groove 13 is provided about the exterior surface 23 of the nut 5, the groove 13 can be located asymmetrically of the length of the thread, or is located asymmetrically from the mid-point of the axial length of the nut 5, for example as shown in figures 3, 4, 6.

From the above, it will therefore be appreciated a particular advantage of the nut is the provision of the groove 13, where the groove either continuous or discontinuous about its circumference or girth to assist sawing or cutting in a plane transverse to the thread axis of the nut 5.

The nut 5 exterior surface 23 may optionally comprise one or more (optionally) axially aligned, radially spaced apart, ribs or castellations. Such the ribs or castellations are finger grips for gripping by a user, or may provided for an improved frictional surface for a user's fingers.

Yet further, the nut 5 may comprise of an inward retention flange projection or lip 26 located further away from the groove 13, the inward retention flange 26 being

continuous or discontinuous. Washer, compression seal, ring

In yet a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a moulded annulus 17. Such a moulded annulus 17 comprises a resilient material capable of being parted (e.g. by cutting, tearing or other action) transversely along its longitudinal extent to provide one or both of:

a washer for a smaller size pipe, and/or

a washer for a larger size pipe.

Optionally the washer for the larger size pipe size is axially shorter than that for the smaller pipe size. Alternatively, optionally the washer for the smaller size pipe is axially shorter than that for the larger pipe size. Or vice versa.

The moulded annulus 5 comprises a lumen 27. The lumen 27 having at least a first section of a first internal diameter, such as that indicated by the section 28 and one or more additional sections, such as that indicated by section 18, each additional section having the same or a different internal diameter to that of the first section. The moulded annulus comprising the lumen 27 has at least a first section 28 of a first internal diameter and at least a second section 18 of a second internal diameter different to the first internal diameter. Located between each of the lumen sections of different internal diameter the moulded annulus comprises a circumferentially extending frangible region 16 such that each of such lumen sections are capable of being separable or separated from each other.

For example, between each such lumen sections there can be provided a line of weakness in or through the wall of the moulded annulus 17 defining the lumen of each such section of different internal diameter, the line of weakness being in a plane 16 perpendicular to the axis of the moulded annulus.

The line of weakness 16 provides for a frangible region extending substantially circumferentially about said moulded annulus.

An exterior surface of the moulded annulus 5 can have an interrupted contour form, each of the interruptions or ribs or projections 21 defining a surface for sealing. For example, ribs 21 can extend from an exterior surface of the moulded annulus.

An exterior surface of the moulded annulus 5 can comprises one or more, or a series, of circumferentially (or radially outward) extending ribs 21 projecting from the exterior surface. In another form, an internal surface of the moulded annulus 5 is of a substantially uninterrupted contour. In this manner, a smooth surface is provided for receiving or sleeving of a conduit therein.

Yet further, at a terminal end of the moulded annulus 5, the internal surface can comprise at least one radially inward extending projection or lip 20 from a wall defining the lumen 27. The radially inward extending projection or lip 20 can be used as a locator to locate an end of a conduit to be subsequently sleeved or housed within the lumen of the moulded annulus 5. The radially inward extending projection or lip 20 is a stop member, such a stop member preventing over insertion of a conduit into the lumen. Generally, the rib or ribs 21 may optionally be compressible or deformable to compress or deform in providing a sealing arrangement with a surface with which they contact. But, such ribs 21 may also be provided in a non-compressible form for the reasons mentioned previously.

The radially inward extending projection or lip 20 provides for a sealing surface with the cross-section of the end of a wall in contact therein or therewith.

Each each section of lumen with a different internal diameter of the moulded annulus 5 can be dimensioned so as to receive a conduit of pre-determined external diameter. For example, a section of the lumen with a greater internal diameter has an internal diameter of 40 mm; a section of the lumen with a smaller internal diameter has an internal diameter of 32 mm. It will be appreciated the moulded annulus can be formed of any suitable material, particularly preferred are polymeric materials. More preferably, are acrylic materials, and even more preferably are acrylonitrile, such as a polyacrylonitrile, materials or rubber materials. Waste or water trap

The arrangement B as shown in figures 17 and 18 illustrate an assemblage of a conduit or spigot fabrication 2 as defined above, in conjunction with a basin or sink 29, and the installation of a nut 5 as described located by protuberance or shoulders 9, 22. Further embodiments are additionally described above.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A conduit or spigot fabrication, said fabrication comprising at least one protuberance or shoulder of the conduit or spigot acting to keep a nut deployed locally to the end of the conduit or spigot for thread-wise engagement of the nut to a waste outlet or inlet.

2. The fabrication as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one protuberance or shoulder comprises a radially extending projection, continuous or discontinuous, about an exterior surface of the conduit or spigot, located at least in a region of the conduit or spigot to retain the nut locally of the conduit or spigot end for said thread-wise engagement.

3. The fabrication as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said at least one protuberance or shoulder comprises:

at least a first radially extending projection, continuous or discontinuous, about an exterior surface of the conduit or spigot, said first projection located substantially adjacent or in proximity to the end of the conduit or spigot; and

at least a second radially extending projection, continuous or discontinuous, about an exterior surface of the conduit or spigot, said second projection located further away from the end of the conduit or spigot and away from the first projection(s).

4. The fabrication as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protuberance or shoulder are configured or dimensioned to prevent a nut from becoming deployed away from the local region adjacent or in proximity to the end of the conduit or spigot.

5. The fabrication as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the protuberance or shoulder provide for a limit or limits for retaining of the nut in a region of the conduit or spigot, the region defined between said limit and the end of the conduit or spigot or between at least a first limit (or first projection) and a second limit (or second

projection).

6. The fabrication as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the conduit or spigot provides for an assembly (e.g. the conduit or spigot, whether reliant on any interposed washer(s) or not, and being, for example, all or part of an 'S' bend type trap), wherein the nut is captive on the conduit between two limits (or two protuberances or shoulders) at an end region thereof, one of said limits to provide a fluid tight connection to the conduit at that end region and the other of said limits to keep the nut at or near the end region.

7. A slide nut or trap nut (hereafter "nut") and conduit or spigot fabrication where at least one protuberance or shoulder of the conduit or spigot acts to keep the nut deployed locally to the end of the conduit or spigot for thread-wise engagement of the nut to a waste outlet or inlet.

8. A slide nut or trap nut (hereafter "nut") and conduit or spigot assembly (e.g. the conduit or spigot, whether reliant on any interposed washer(s) or not, and being, for example, all or part of an 'S' bend type trap), wherein the nut is captive on the conduit between two limits at an end region thereof, one of said limits to provide a fluid tight connection to the conduit at that end region and the other of said limits to keep the nut at or near the end region.

9. A slide nut or trap nut (hereafter "nut") wherein said nut has been moulded and/or machined and/or evolved to have at least one continuous or discontinuous groove (or other location profile (hereafter "groove")) in its exterior in a plane perpendicular to the thread axis of the nut.

10. The nut as claimed in claim 9, wherein the continuous or discontinuous said groove(s) is positioned circumferentially about the exterior surface.

11. The nut as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein each of said groove(s) is a region of surface relief of the wall defining the nut.

12. The nut as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein each of said groove(s) is a region of thinned wall thickness compared to the average thickness of the remainder of the wall of the nut.

13. The nut as claimed in claim 12, wherein the thinned wall thickness is sufficient so as to allow the nut to be threaded onto a connection with a suitable connecting torque without failure.

14. The nut as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein each of said groove(s) is dimensioned to receive a blade of a cutting tool.

15. The nut as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein each of said groove(s) is dimensioned to guide a bladed cutting tool in a cutting operation.

16. The nut as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein each said groove(s) provides for an associated region of frangibility.

17. The nut as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein the nut comprises a first section, and at least a second section defined by a first groove, and wherein each such subsequent groove defines a further section of the nut.

18. The nut as claimed in claim 17, wherein each such nut section is separaable from adjacent nut sections in the region of adjoining groove(s).

19. The nut as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 18, wherein the nut comprises a first section and a section second, separated by a single groove, the first section is of greater axial length than the second section.

20. The nut as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 19, wherein a single groove is provided about the exterior of the nut, the groove is located asymmetrically of the length of the thread, or is located asymmetrically from the mid-point of the axial length of the nut.

21. The nut as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 20, wherein the nut is provided with said groove, said groove being continuous or discontinuous about its circumference or girth to assist sawing or cutting in a plane transverse to the thread axis.

22. The nut as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 21, wherein the nut exterior comprises one or more axially aligned, radially spaced apart, ribs or castellations.

23. The nut as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 22, wherein said nut has an inward retention flange end further from the groove, said inward retention flange being continuous or discontinuous.

24. A moulded annulus, the moulded annulus comprising a resilient material capable of being parted (e.g. by cutting, tearing or other action) transversely along its

longitudinal extent to provide one or both of:

a washer for a smaller size pipe, and/or

a washer for a larger size pipe.

25. The annulus as claimed in claim 24, wherein

the washer for the larger size pipe size is of an axially shorter length than that for the smaller pipe size, or

the washer for the smaller size pipe is of an axially shorter length than that for the larger pipe size.

26. The annulus as claimed in claim 24 or claim 25, wherein said annulus defines a lumen, said lumen having at least a first section of a first internal diameter and one or more additional sections, each additional section having the same or a different internal diameter to that of the first section.

27. The annulus as claimed in claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the annulus defines a lumen, said lumen having at least a first section of a first internal diameter and at least a second section of a second internal diameter different to the first internal diameter.

28. The annulus as claimed in claim 26 or claim 27, wherein between each of said lumen sections of different internal diameter the moulded annulus comprises a circumferentially extending frangible region such that each of such lumen sections are separable from each other.

29. The annulus as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein between each such lumen section there is provided a line of weakness in or through the wall of the moulded annulus defining said lumen, said line of weakness being in a plane

perpendicular to the axis of the moulded annulus.

30. The annulus as claimed in claim 29, wherein said line of weakness provides for a frangible region extending substantially circumferentially about said moulded annulus.

31. The annulus as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 30, wherein the moulded annulus exterior surface has an interrupted contour form, each of said interruptions defining a surface for sealing.

32. The annulus as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 31, wherein ribs extend from an exterior surface of the moulded annulus.

33. The annulus as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 32, wherein the moulded annulus exterior surface comprises one or more, or a series, of circumferentially (or radially outward) extending ribs projecting from the exterior surface.

34. The annulus as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 33, wherein an internal surface of the moulded annulus is of a substantially uninterrupted contour.

35. The annulus as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 34, wherein at a terminal end of said moulded annulus, the internal surface comprises at least one radially inward extending projection or lip from a wall defining the lumen.

36. The annulus as claimed in claim 35, wherein the radially inward extending projection or lip is a locator to locate an end of a conduit to be subsequently sleeved or housed within the lumen of the moulded annulus.

37. The annulus as claimed in claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the radially inward extending projection or lip is a stop member, said stop member preventing over insertion of a conduit into the lumen.

38. The annulus as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein the radially inward extending projection or lip provides for a sealing surface with the cross-section of the end of a wall in contact therein or therewith.

39. The annulus as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 38, wherein the rib or ribs are compressible or deformable to compress or deform in providing a sealing

arrangement with a surface with which they contact.

40. The annulus as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 39, wherein each section of lumen with a different internal diameter of the moulded annulus may be dimensioned so as to receive a conduit of pre-determined external diameter.

41. The annulus as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 40, wherein a section of the moulded annulus has a lumen with a greater internal diameter, said greater internal diameter being about 40 mm.

42. The annulus as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 41, wherein a section of the moulded annulus has a lumen with a smaller internal diameter, said smaller internal diameter being about 32 mm.

43. The annulus as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 42, wherein the moulded annulus is, or is comprised of, one or more of: a polymeric material, an acrylic material, an acrylonitrile material, a polyacrylonitrile material, a rubber material.

44. A waste or water trap assembly and/or fabrication comprising or including:

a trap or slide nut at at least one end region of the linked conduiting (or conduit), and

a washer disposed at the one, or either one or both, end regions(s) to assist sealing upon a threaded connection of the linked conduiting (or conduit) by the nut to an outlet and/or inlet of a drainage system,

wherein at least one or more of the following applies:

said conduit is as defined in any one claims 1 to 6, and/or

said nut is as defined in any one of claim 7 to 23, and/or

said washer is as defined in any one of claims 24 to 43.