WO2019211648A1

WO2019211648A1 - Waterless waste valve

Info

Publication number: WO2019211648A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/052981
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mondrean HATTINGH; Willem Gerhardus DE KOK
Original assignee: Purepro (Pty) Ltd
Priority date: 2018-04-30
Filing date: 2018-04-30
Publication date: 2019-11-07

Abstract

A waste valve for a waste drainage system is provided, the waste valve comprising a primary conduit body defining an inlet and an outlet and a diaphragm valve arrangement fitted proximate the inlet of the primary conduit body and extending into the primary conduit body. The valve arrangement comprises a pair of wall members to enable the flow of waste water into the valve arrangement, and an abutting portion in which the wall members define a self-sealing diaphragm in which the wall members abut against each other. The waste valve further includes an elbow adaptor fitted proximate the inlet of the primary conduit body, the elbow adaptor defining an inlet conduit connectable to a proximate item of sanitary ware and an outlet conduit connectable to the inlet of the primary conduit body, wherein the inlet conduit is arranged at an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to the outlet conduit.

Description

WATERLESS WASTE VALVE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a waterless waste valve having a self-sealing diaphragm, to prevent the escape of foul sewer air from a waste pipe in a waste drainage system.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Conventionally, sinks, baths, shower cubicles and the like are provided with waste traps to provide a barrier between the appliance and the waste pipe. These are intended to prevent the escape of unhealthy emissions and unpleasant odours.

Waste traps typically take the form of a bend in a waste pipe, the bend containing water. Water held in the bend prevents the release of gases and vapours from the waste pipe, whilst permitting passage of water.

Water traps, although simple and effective, tend to occupy a significant amount of space and may be difficult to install and maintain where space is limited. In addition, they tend to become blocked, dry out and can back-siphon. In addition, conventional water traps do not allow air into the waste drainage system, which causes gurgling. It is aim of the present invention to provide a waterless waste valve to address the above shortcomings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a waste valve for a waste drainage system, the waste valve comprising: a primary conduit body defining an inlet and an outlet; a valve arrangement fitted proximate the inlet of the primary conduit body and extending into the primary conduit body towards the outlet of the primary conduit body, the valve arrangement comprising a pair of wall members that define a tapering V-shaped body portion that tapers from the inlet of the primary conduit body, to enable the flow of waste water into the valve arrangement, and an abutting portion in which the wall members define a self sealing diaphragm in which the wall members abut against each other to define a default, closed position, with the wall members of the abutting portion being movable away from each other into an opened position to allow waste water to flow therethrough, but to then return to the default, closed position; and an elbow adaptor fitted proximate the inlet of the primary conduit body, the elbow adaptor defining an inlet conduit connectable to a proximate component and an outlet conduit connectable to the inlet of the primary conduit body, wherein the inlet conduit is arranged at an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to the outlet conduit.

In an embodiment, the portion of the elbow adaptor that extends between the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit is fitted with a protruding body that can be configured so as to define an overflow or secondary inlet into the primary conduit body. In an embodiment, the protruding body defines a plurality of external stepped formations to facilitate the secure fitting of a pipe.

In an embodiment, a first connector is provided proximate the outlet of the primary conduit body and a second connector is provided proximate the inlet conduit of the elbow adaptor.

In an embodiment, an outlet end portion of the primary conduit body comprises an enlarged diameter head to accommodate an adjacent pipe, so that the pipe is flush against a central portion of the primary conduit body, with the first connector comprising a threaded securing nut portion that is threadably securable to a complementary threaded portion of the enlarged head. The first connector further includes an inwardly extending flange, to enable a seal to be sandwiched between the flange and the very end of the enlarged head.

In an embodiment, the inlet conduit of the elbow adaptor includes an outwardly extending flange that is angled relative to the primary conduit body, at an angle of approximately 92.5 degrees, with the second connector comprising an inwardly extending flange located below the outwardly extending flange of the elbow adaptor, so that the second connector is loosely captured around the inlet conduit of the elbow adaptor.

The second connector further includes a threaded securing nut portion that is threadably securable to a complementary threaded portion of a pipe extending to the proximate component.

A seal is arranged to be sandwiched between the inwardly extending flange of the second connector and the outwardly extending flange of the elbow adaptor.

A third connector is provided to connect the inlet of the primary conduit body and the outlet conduit of the elbow adaptor, the third connector including an inwardly projecting lip that can clip over an outwardly extending flange provided on an inlet end portion of the primary conduit body. The third connector further includes a threaded securing nut portion that is threadably securable to a complementary threaded portion of the outlet conduit of the elbow adaptor. A diaphragm seat is provided between the end of the outlet conduit of the elbow adaptor and the opposing end of the primary conduit body, the diaphragm seat defining a recess to accommodate a securing rim provided on the valve arrangement.

In an embodiment, a pair of securing lugs are fitted on either side of the inlet, to which the spaced apart ends of the V-shaped body portion may be fixed, so as to keep the walls of a portion of the V-shaped body portion spaced apart from each other.

In an embodiment, the inlet of the body is fitted with a threaded connection, to receive a correspondingly threaded portion of an angled adaptor. In an embodiment, the outlet of the body is fitted with a universal connection and a plurality of sealing washers, to enable the waste valve to be connected to an adjacent component.

In an embodiment, the width of the valve arrangement extends the entire diameter of the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. In the drawings,

Figure 1 shows a side view of a waste valve for a waste drainage system, according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a side view taken along line A-A in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a side view taken along line B-B in Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of a waste valve for a waste drainage system, according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 shows an assembled, partly cut-away perspective view of the waste valve shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of the waste valve shown in Figure

5;

Figure 7 shows various views of a diaphragm used in the waste valve shown in

Figures 4 to 6; and Figure 8 shows a side view of a waste valve for a waste drainage system, according to a third embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a waste valve 10 for a waste drainage system is shown, comprising a plastic tubular body 12 defining an inlet 14 and an outlet 16, and a valve arrangement 18 accommodated within the body 12.

The valve arrangement 18 is fitted proximate the inlet 14 of the body 12 and extends into the body 12 towards the outlet 16 of the body 12. The valve arrangement 18 comprises a pair of flexible, resilient, water impervious wall members 20, 22 that define a tapering V-shaped body portion 24 and an abutting portion 26.

The tapering V-shaped body portion 24 tapers from the inlet 14 of the body 12, to enable the flow of waste water into the valve arrangement 18, as indicated by arrow 28.

In the abutting portion 26, the wall members 20, 22 define a self-sealing diaphragm 30 in which the wall members 20, 22 abut against each other to define a default, closed position. The wall members 20, 22 of the abutting portion 26 are movable away from each other into an opened position to allow waste water to flow therethrough, but to then return to the default, closed position. Thus, in use, incoming water will force the members 20, 22 apart to permit flow between them from the inlet 14 to the outlet 16. Water flowing in the opposite direction will be prevented from entering the valve arrangement 18.

In an embodiment, a pair of securing lugs 32, 34 are fitted on either side of the inlet 14, to which the spaced apart ends of the V-shaped body portion 24 may be fixed. This arrangement keeps the walls of a portion of the V-shaped body portion 24 spaced apart from each other. As best shown in Figure 1 , the inlet 14 of the body 12 is fitted with a threaded connection 36, to receive a correspondingly threaded portion of an angled adaptor 38, with an elbow adaptor/connector extending therebetween. Similarly, at the other end, the outlet 16 of the body 12 is fitted with a universal connection 40 and a plurality of sealing washers 42 (shown in Figures 2 and 3), to enable the waste valve 10 to be connected to an adjacent component.

In an embodiment, the width of the valve arrangement 18 extends the entire diameter of the body 12, as best shown in Figure 2.

Turning now to Figures 4 to 7, another version of a waste valve 50 for a waste drainage system, according to the invention, is shown. The waste valve 50 comprises a primary conduit body 52 defining an inlet 54 and an outlet 56. A diaphragm valve arrangement 58, similar to the one described above, is fitted proximate the inlet 54 of the primary conduit body 52, and extends into the primary conduit body 52 towards the outlet 56 of the primary conduit body 52.

The valve arrangement 58 comprises a pair of wall members 60 (typically made from a silicone material), as best shown in Figure 6, which define a tapering V-shaped body portion 62 that tapers from the inlet 54 of the primary conduit body 52, to enable the flow of waste water into the valve arrangement 58, and an abutting portion in which the wall members 60 define a self-sealing diaphragm in which the wall members 60 abut against each other to define a default, closed position. The wall members 60 of the abutting portion are movable away from each other into an opened position to allow waste water to flow therethrough, but to then return to the default, closed position.

The waste valve 50 further includes an elbow adaptor/connector 62 fitted proximate the inlet 54 of the primary conduit body 52. The elbow adaptor 62 defines an inlet conduit 64 connectable to a proximate component (an item of sanitary ware, typically, such as a basin, bath, shower urinal, sink etc.), and an outlet conduit 66 connectable to the inlet 54 of the primary conduit body 52. The inlet conduit 64 is arranged at an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to the outlet conduit 66, as best shown in Figure 6 (and which will be described in more detail further below). In an embodiment, the curved portion 68 of the elbow adaptor 62, which defines a secondary conduit body, that extends between the inlet conduit 64 and the outlet conduit 66 is fitted with a protruding body 70 that can be configured (typically by drilling a hole in the end wall 72) so as to define an overflow or secondary inlet (typically coming from an appliance, such as a dishwasher or washing machine) into the primary conduit body 52. In an embodiment, the protruding body 70 defines a plurality of external stepped formations 74 to facilitate the secure fitting of a pipe from the appliance, if need be.

In an embodiment, a first connector 76 is provided proximate the outlet 56 of the primary conduit body 52 and a second connector 78 is provided proximate the inlet conduit 64 of the elbow adaptor 62.

An outlet end portion 80 of the primary conduit body 52 comprises an enlarged diameter head 82 to accommodate an adjacent pipe 84 (as shown in Figure 6), so that the pipe 84 is flush against a central portion 86 of the primary conduit body 52. The pipe 84 is typically a PVC drain pipe. The first connector 76 comprises an internally threaded securing nut portion 88 that is threadably securable to a complementary threaded outer portion 90 of the enlarged head 82. The first connector 76 further includes an inwardly extending flange 92, to enable a flat seal 94 to be sandwiched between the flange 92 and the very end of the enlarged head 82, so as to sealingly and securingly accommodate the pipe 84 within the enlarged head 82.

In an embodiment, the inlet conduit 64 of the elbow adaptor 62 includes an outwardly extending flange 96 that is angled relative to the primary conduit body 52, at an angle of approximately 92.5 degrees. The second connector 78 comprises an inwardly extending flange 98 located below the outwardly extending flange 96 of the elbow adaptor 62, so that the second connector 78 is loosely captured around the inlet conduit 64 of the elbow connector 62, so that the second connector 78 is also angled at approximately 92.5 degrees relative to the primary conduit body 52. The second connector 78 further includes an internally threaded securing nut portion 100 that is threadably securable to a complementary externally threaded portion 102 of a pipe 104 leading to the proximate component (i.e. a basin or bath etc.).

The very end of the pipe 104 rests against the outwardly extending flange 96 of the elbow adaptor 62 (from above), so as to sealingly and securingly accommodate the pipe 104 within the second connector 78. A seal 106 is arranged to be sandwiched between the inwardly extending flange 98 of the second connector 78 and the outwardly extending flange 96 of the elbow adaptor 62.

A third connector 108 is provided to connect the inlet 54 of the primary conduit body 52 and the outlet conduit 66 of the elbow connector 62, the third connector 108 including an inwardly projecting lip 1 10 that can clip over an outwardly extending flange 1 12 provided on an inlet end portion 1 14 of the primary conduit body 52. The third connector 108 further includes an internally threaded securing nut portion 1 16 that is threadably securable to a complementary externally threaded portion 1 18 of the outlet conduit 66 of the elbow connector 62. A diaphragm seat 120 is provided between the end of the outlet conduit 66 of the elbow connector 62 and the opposing end of the primary conduit body 52, the diaphragm seat 120 defining a recess to accommodate a securing rim 122 provided on the diaphragm valve arrangement 58.

Conveniently, the waste valves 10, 50 are molded from polypropylene carbon black, which is UV resistant.

In addition, the valve arrangements 18 and 58 are unitary, solid bodies/components, thus making it relatively robust, and may be provided in different colours.

Figure 8 shows a variation of the waste valve 10 shown in Figure 1. In this variation, the waste valve 10’ includes a flexible and expandable/compressible piece of tubing 150, corresponding to an elbow adaptor/connector. A first connector 152 is provided to connect the tubing 150 to the body 12, and a second connector 154 is provided to connect the other end of the tubing 150 to an adjacent component. Flowever, the internal arrangement, and operation, within the body 12 is substantially the same as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The body 12 itself may also include a flexible and expandable/compressible piece of tubing 156, the end of which is fitted with a universal connection 158. The flexible and expandable/compressible pieces of tubing 150, 156 facilitate fitment of the waste valve 10’, and in particular eliminates the need to do any cutting.

The waste valves of the present invention has a compact and versatile design and is therefore ideal for confined areas; prevents the escape of foul sewer air; prevents backup of waste water; and ensures no gurgling.

Claims

1 . A waste valve for a waste drainage system, the waste valve comprising: a primary conduit body defining an inlet and an outlet; a valve arrangement fitted proximate the inlet of the primary conduit body and extending into the primary conduit body towards the outlet of the primary conduit body, the valve arrangement comprising a pair of wall members that define a tapering V-shaped body portion that tapers from the inlet of the primary conduit body, to enable the flow of waste water into the valve arrangement, and an abutting portion in which the wall members define a self-sealing diaphragm in which the wall members abut against each other to define a default, closed position, with the wall members of the abutting portion being movable away from each other into an opened position to allow waste water to flow therethrough, but to then return to the default, closed position; and an elbow adaptor fitted proximate the inlet of the primary conduit body, the elbow adaptor defining an inlet conduit connectable to a proximate component and an outlet conduit connectable to the inlet of the primary conduit body, wherein the inlet conduit is arranged at an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to the outlet conduit.

2. The waste valve of claim 1 , wherein the portion of the elbow adaptor that extends between the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit is fitted with a protruding body that can be configured so as to define an overflow or secondary inlet into the primary conduit body.

3. The waste valve of claim 2, wherein the protruding body defines a plurality of external stepped formations to facilitate the secure fitting of a pipe.

4. The waste valve of any preceding claim, wherein a first connector is provided proximate the outlet of the primary conduit body and a second connector is provided proximate the inlet conduit of the elbow adaptor.

5. The waste valve of claim 4 wherein an outlet end portion of the primary conduit body comprises an enlarged diameter head to accommodate an adjacent pipe, so that the pipe is flush against a central portion of the primary conduit body, with the first connector comprising a threaded securing nut portion that is threadably securable to a complementary threaded portion of the enlarged head.

6. The waste valve of claim 5, wherein the first connector further includes an inwardly extending flange, to enable a seal to be sandwiched between the flange and the very end of the enlarged head.

7. The waste valve of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the inlet conduit of the elbow adaptor includes an outwardly extending flange that is angled relative to the primary conduit body, at an angle of approximately 92.5 degrees, with the second connector comprising an inwardly extending flange located below the outwardly extending flange of the elbow adaptor, so that the second connector is loosely captured around the inlet conduit of the elbow adaptor.

8. The waste valve of claim 7, wherein the second connector further includes a threaded securing nut portion that is threadably securable to a complementary threaded portion of a pipe extending to the proximate component.

9. The waste valve of claim 8, wherein a seal is arranged to be sandwiched between the inwardly extending flange of the second connector and the outwardly extending flange of the elbow adaptor.

10. The waste valve of any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein a third connector is provided to connect the inlet of the primary conduit body and the outlet conduit of the elbow adaptor, the third connector including an inwardly projecting lip that can clip over an outwardly extending flange provided on an inlet end portion of the primary conduit body.

1 1 . The waste valve of claim 10, wherein the third connector further includes a threaded securing nut portion that is threadably securable to a complementary threaded portion of the outlet conduit of the elbow adaptor.

12. The waste valve of either claim 10 or 1 1 , wherein a diaphragm seat is provided between the end of the outlet conduit of the elbow adaptor and the opposing end of the primary conduit body, the diaphragm seat defining a recess to accommodate a securing rim provided on the valve arrangement.

13. The waste valve of claim 1 , wherein a pair of securing lugs are fitted on either side of the inlet, to which the spaced apart ends of the V-shaped body portion may be fixed, so as to keep the walls of a portion of the V-shaped body portion spaced apart from each other.

14. The waste valve of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elbow adaptor comprises a flexible and expandable/compressible piece of tubing

15. The waste valve of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary conduit body includes a flexible and expandable/compressible piece of tubing.