WO2014195913A1

WO2014195913A1 - A hydraulic outlet adapter

Info

Publication number: WO2014195913A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/062008
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pieter Albert HAYES; Vincent VERWEY
Original assignee: Hayes Pieter Albert; Verwey Vincent
Priority date: 2013-06-06
Filing date: 2014-06-06
Publication date: 2014-12-11
Also published as: ZA201304346B

Abstract

The invention relates to a hydraulic outlet adapter 10, 30 for a household appliance 22 such as a washing machine or dishwasher. The adapter 10 includes a mounting formation in the form of a cap 12 having a base 15 and a peripheral skirt 17 which depends from the base 15 and an attachment formation 14 in the form of a nozzle which is connected to the base 15 and protrudes away therefrom. The nozzle 14 defines an upstream inlet 18 and the skirt 17 defines a downstream discharge opening 19 which is in flow communication with the inlet 18. The nozzle 14 is connectable to a discharge hose 24 of the appliance 22 and the cap 12 is configured to engage a conventional outlet pipe 20 such that, in use, the adapter 10, 30 closes an open end of the outlet pipe 20 and prevents spillage of water therefrom.

Description

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A HYDRAULIC OUTLET ADAPTER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to plumbing. More particularly, it relates to adapters for pipes. BACKGROUND

Many households today include within its household contents various types of appliances of which the most commonly known includes dishwashers as well as washing machines.

As these appliances require water to operate, most households generally include a water supply to service various appliances as well as outlet pipes from which water can be discharged from the various appliances. However, in many instances, only one outlet pipe is provided, especially on older buildings and houses.

It is furthermore common cause that only one water supply is sufficient to supply various appliances, especially when the water pressure is sufficient. However, the same does not apply to the outlet of many of these appliances, especially appliances which discharge water via a water pump.

As only one outlet pipe is generally provided, a user is required to either insert one discharge hose at a time into the outlet pipe provided, alternatively, attempt to force at least two discharge hoses into an outlet pipe which in general ranges from between 40 and 50 millimeters in diameter.

A further problem occurs when the amount of water discharged is more than the water capable to be redirected by the outlet pipe, resulting in a "flush back" of water and spilling of water from the outlet pipe inlet. Various attempts have been made to resolve the aforementioned problems. For example, the discharge hoses of the various appliances have been shaped to include a plurality of ribs, which are capable „

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partly to engage with a periphery of the outlet pipe inlet so as to not dislodge from the outlet pipe and spill water on the floor.

A further design includes a sharp U-bent at the end of the discharge hose, which U- bent acts as a hook to engage with the periphery of the outlet pipe. However, as hereinbefore described, a problem is experienced when more than one discharge hose needs to be engaged with a single outlet pipe.

It is an object of the current invention to provide an hydraulic outlet adapter which can be retrospectively fit to an outlet pipe and which may at least partially alleviate some of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, there is provided a hydraulic outlet adapter for a household appliance, the adapter including:

a mounting formation; and

an attachment formation which is connected to the mounting formation, wherein the attachment formation is connectable to a discharge hose of a household appliance and defines at least one upstream inlet and the mounting formation defines a downstream discharge opening which is in flow communication with the inlet, the inlet having a cross-sectional area which is less than a cross-sectional area of the downstream discharge opening, the mounting formation being configured for engagement with a conventional outlet pipe.

In the context of this specification, the term "hydraulic" should be understood to mean Of or pertaining to water or other liquids in motion'.

The mounting formation may be in the form of a cap and the discharge opening defined by the cap may be circular in cross-section and have a diameter of between 35 and 80 millimeters. The inlet may have a diameter of between 12 and 30 millimeters.

In a prefer embodiment of the invention the cap is capable to engage with any outlet pipe having a diameter of between 30 and 50 millimeters The cap may be engageable with the outlet pipe by means of a suitable clip-fit, alternatively may be screw threaded.

The attachment formation or engagement means may be engageable with the discharge hose by means of a clamp formation.

The inlet may have a cross-sectional area which is less than 75% of the cross- sectional area of the downstream discharge opening. Furthermore, the inlet may have a cross-sectional area which is less than half of the cross-sectional area of the downstream discharge opening.

The mounting formation may be configured for engagement with the outlet pipe by means of a watertight interference fit. To this end, the mounting formation may be configured for engagement with the outlet pipe by means of a snap-fit or clip-fit. Furthermore, the mounting formation may be securable to the outlet pipe by means of an adhesive (e.g. PVC weld).

The attachment formation may include a plurality of ribs, at least one of which is inclined relative to the inlet, to restrict disengagement of the discharge hose. The ribs may extend along an external periphery of the attachment formation and may be axially spaced along an inlet axis.

The mounting formation may include screw thread engageable with complementary shaped screw thread provided on the outlet pipe. The attachment formation (engagement means) may be in the form of an L-shaped elbow piece which projects centrally from the mounting formation.

Alternatively, the attachment formation may define at least two upstream inlets, each of which is connectable to a discharge hose of an appliance and is in flow communication with the downstream discharge opening. Accordingly, the attachment formation may be in the form of T-piece having oppositely disposed inlets. To this end, the adapter may include a deflector which is arranged downstream of the inlets, the deflector being in register with the respective inlets and being configured to direct _Λ

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fluid from the inlets, incident upon the deflector, toward the discharge opening.

The adapter may include an orifice which openings an inner cavity of the adapter, which is in flow communication with, and extends between the inlet and the discharge opening, to atmosphere and permits breathing during use. The orifice may have a frusto-conical profile, a narrow end of which opens to atmosphere.

The mounting formation may include a base to which the attachment formation is connected and a peripheral skirt which depends from the base and defines the downstream discharge opening, the orifice being provided through the base.

The adapter may be retrofittable to a conventional outlet pipe.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by retrospectively fitting the cap onto an outlet pipe and engaging the various discharge hoses of appliances with the attachment formation (or engagement means) provided, that the cap firstly seals the outlet pipe and prevents any water from flushing back and spilling and secondly enables a user to connect more than one appliance discharge hose to a single outlet pipe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is now further described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an hydraulic outlet adapter for a household appliance in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional view of the outlet adapter of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a side elevation of the outlet adapter of Figure 1 , in use, including an enlarged perspective view of the adapter;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an hydraulic outlet adapter for a household appliance in accordance with the invention; and

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the hydraulic outlet adapter of Figure 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates an hydraulic outlet adapter 10 for a household appliance such as a washing machine or dishwasher. The adapter 10 includes a mounting formation in the form of a cap 12 having a base 15 and a peripheral skirt 17 which depends from the base 15 and an attachment formation (or engagement means) 14 which is connected to the base 15 of the mounting formation and protrudes away therefrom. The engagement means 14 defines an upstream inlet 18 and the skirt 17 defines a downstream discharge opening 19 which is in flow communication with the inlet 18.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the figures, the cap 12 is circular in cross-section having a diameter of between 30 and 80 millimeters. The engagement means 14 generally consists of an elongate nozzle or spigot which includes a plurality of peripherally extending, longitudinally spaced ribs 16 provided on an exterior surface of the nozzle, the ribs 16 being slightly inclined relative to a nozzle inlet axis X, to restrict disengagement of an outlet hose (not shown) of an appliance as will be hereinafter more fully described. The nozzle has a cross- sectional diameter between 12 and 30 millimeters.

In another embodiment of the invention (not shown), the engagement means is removably engageable with the cap 12 by means of a screw thread, alternatively, a clip fit.

Figure 3 illustrates the hydraulic outlet adapter 10 in use. In general, the outlet adapter 10 is secured over an outlet pipe 20 generally provided in kitchens or the like. An appliance 22, generally operable by means of water, includes an outlet hose 24 which is engageable with the engagement means 14 connected to the cap 12. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet hose 24 is engageable with the engagement means 14 and is secured in position by means of a clamp (not shown), alternatively, by way of an interference fit with the ribs 16.

The mounting formation of the outlet adapter 10 is configured for engagement with the outlet pipe 20 and, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, is merely bonded by means of an adhesive such as PVC weld (trade name). In another embodiment of the invention which has not been illustrated, the cap 12 of the outlet adapter is screw threaded and is engageable with a complementary shaped screw thread provided on the outlet pipe 20.

It will be appreciated that by removably engaging the outlet adapter 10 with the outlet pipe 20, it is possible for a user to remove same and replace as well as conduct maintenance on the outlet pipe 20. The adapter 10 further includes a vent hole or orifice 23 which is provided through the base 15 of the cap 12. The vent hole 23 has a frusto-conical profile and connects an inner cavity of the adapter 10 in flow communication with the surrounding atmosphere. A narrow end of the frusto-conical profile of the hole 23 opens to atmosphere. The hole 23 is sufficiently small to prevent leakage therefrom. The vent hole 23 prevents the formation of a vacuum inside the outlet pipe 20 and allows the adapter 10 to breathe as water is discharged through the pipe 20. Instead of having a linear nozzle, as has been illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the nozzle may be in the form of an elbow piece.

In a second embodiment of the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 30 in Figures 4 and 5, the engagement means 14 is in the form of a T-piece 32 having two oppositely disposed inlets 34 and 36 respectively. In figures 4 and 5, the same references numerals used above have been used again to refer to similar parts of the adapter 30. The T-piece 32 is in flow communication with a cap 38, as is more clearly illustrated in Figure 5.

A plurality of circumferentially extending, longitudinally spaced ribs 40 is also provided on each inlet 34 and 36. The ribs 40 are slightly inclined relative to an inlet axis Y to frictionally engage a hose (not shown) received over the ribs 40 and to restrict disengagement of the hose. The adapter 30 also includes a vent hole or orifice 23 which allows venting thus preventing the formation of an air block. As can best be seen in Figure 5, the T-piece 32 includes an inwardly disposed deflector 50 which extends transversely with respect to the inlet axis Y and is equidistant from either inlet 36, 34. The deflector 50 has a generally V-shaped cross- sectional profile and includes a pair of opposing concavely curved surfaces which serve to direct incident fluid toward the discharge opening 19 via a neck portion of the T-piece 32.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the engagement means may be flexible and may be twisted to take on a specific form in order to ensure easy engagement with the outlet hose 24 of the appliance 22. It will further be appreciated that the outlet adapter may be manufactured from any suitable material and in a preferred embodiment of the invention is manufactured from a plastics material which is either injection molded or extruded.

Suitable clamping means (not shown) may be utilized to secure the hose 24 of the appliance 22 to the engagement means 14 provided on the cap.

It will yet further be appreciated that the engagement means 14 (in a form of a nozzle) may be removed by merely unscrewing it from the cap and replacing it with an alternative designed engagement means, for example one which includes at least two inlets.

The hereinbefore described invention will at least partially alleviate some of the aforementioned problems and will enable a user easily to secure multiple outlet hoses to a single outlet pipe and will furthermore prevent flush back of water. The adapter 10, 30 also improves the overall aesthetic appearance of exposed portions of plumbing.

A further benefit of the hereinbefore described invention is that the outlet adapter 10, 30 may be retrospectively fitted to the outlet pipe 20 and as such it is not required to have a new outlet pipe 20 installed or modified.

Claims

1 . A hydraulic outlet adapter for a household appliance, the adapter including:

a mounting formation; and

2. The hydraulic outlet adapter as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the mounting formation is in the form of a cap and the discharge opening defined by the cap is circular in cross-section and has a diameter of between 35 and 80 millimeters, and wherein the inlet has a diameter of between 12 and 30 millimeters.

3. The hydraulic outlet adapter as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the inlet has a cross-sectional area which is less than 75% of the cross-sectional area of the downstream discharge opening.

4. The hydraulic outlet adapter as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the inlet has a cross-sectional area which is less than 50% of the cross-sectional area of the downstream discharge opening.

5. The hydraulic outlet adapter as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting formation is configured for engagement with the outlet pipe by means of a watertight interference fit.

6. The hydraulic outlet adapter as claimed in claim 5, wherein the mounting formation is configured for engagement with the outlet pipe by means of a snap-fit or clip-fit.

7. The hydraulic outlet adapter as claimed in claim 5, wherein the mounting formation is securable to the outlet pipe by means of an adhesive.

8. The hydraulic outlet adapter as claimed in claim 5, wherein the mounting formation includes screw thread engageable with complementary shaped screw thread provided on the outlet pipe.

9. The hydraulic outlet adapter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment formation includes a plurality of ribs, at least one of which is inclined relative to the inlet, to restrict disengagement of the discharge hose.

10. The hydraulic outlet adapter as claimed in claim 9, wherein the ribs extend along an external periphery of the attachment formation and are axially spaced along an inlet axis.

1 1 . The hydraulic outlet adapter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment formation is in the form of an L-shaped elbow piece which projects centrally from the mounting formation.

12. The hydraulic outlet adapter as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the attachment formation defines at least two upstream inlets, each of which is connectable to a discharge hose of an appliance and is in flow communication with the downstream discharge opening.

13. The hydraulic outlet adapter as claimed in claim 12, wherein the attachment formation is in the form of T-piece having oppositely disposed inlets.

14. The hydraulic outlet adapter as claimed in claim 13, which includes a deflector which is arranged downstream of the inlets, the deflector being in register with the respective inlets and being configured to direct fluid from the inlets, incident upon the deflector, toward the discharge opening.

15. The hydraulic outlet adapter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes an orifice which openings an inner cavity of the adapter, which is in flow communication with, and extends between the inlet and the discharge opening, to atmosphere and permits breathing during use.

16. The hydraulic outlet adapter as claimed in claim 15, wherein the orifice has a frusto-conical profile, a narrow end of which opens to atmosphere.

17. The hydraulic outlet adapter as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the mounting formation includes a base to which the attachment formation is connected and a peripheral skirt which depends from the base and defines the downstream discharge opening, the orifice being provided through the base.

18. The hydraulic outlet adapter as claimed in any of the preceding claims, which is retrofittable to a conventional outlet pipe.