OVERFLOW PIPE SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention provides for a secondary overflow pipe and connector (10) connectable to a sewer system, the secondary overflow pipe increasing overall capacity of the sewer system during peak flows, the connector (10) connectable to a manhole (16) and shaped to define a funnel to reduce turbulence and facilitate a smooth flow pattern and maximum flow capacity.

Claims

1. The invention provides for a secondary overflow pipe and connector connectable to a manhole of a sewer system, the connector being shaped to define a funnel to reduce turbulence and ensure a smooth flow pattern and maximum flow capacity, the secondary overflow pipe increasing overall capacity of the sewer system during peak flows.

2. A secondary overflow pipe and connector as claimed in claim 1 wherein the connector includes a seal arrangement between the manhole surface and the connector to reduce leakage.

3. A secondary overflow pipe and connector as claimed in claim 2 wherein the seal arrangement is a bitumen seal.

4. A secondary overflow pipe and connector as claimed in claim 3 wherein the seal arrangement is a rubber seal arrangement.

5. A secondary overflow pipe and connector as claimed in claim 4 wherein the seal arrangement is cementitious.

6. A secondary overflow pipe and connector as claimed in claim 5 wherein the connector includes a flange, the flange being securable to the inside of the manhole.

7. A secondary overflow pipe and connector as claimed in claim 6 wherein the flange is securable to the outside surface of the manhole.

8. A secondary overflow pipe and connector as claimed in claim 7 wherein the secondary overflow pipe is connectable to the connector by a spigot and socket joint.

9. A secondary overflow pipe and connector as claimed in claim 8 wherein the secondary overflow pipe is connectable to the connector by means of a clip fit arrangement.

10. A secondary overflow pipe and connector as claimed in claim 9 wherein the connector and secondary overflow pipe include complementary shaped flanges which flanges is securable to each other.

11. A secondary overflow pipe and connector as claimed in claim 10 wherein the flanges are screw threated and engageable with each other.

12. A secondary overflow pipe and connector as claimed in claim 11 wherein the flanges includes multiple fasteners to ensure a secure connection.

13. A secondary overflow pipe and connector as claimed in claim 12, wherein a seal arrangement is provided between the connector and secondary overflow pipe to alleviate leakage.

14. A secondary overflow pipe and connector as claimed in claims 13 wherein the connector is securable to the operatively upper end of the manhole above the existing main pipe system so that during peak flows any excess sewerage which pushes up in the manhole is redirected via the connector and secondary overflow pipe system, effectively increase the capacity of the sewer system during peak.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0036] The invention is now further described by way of example.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the connector according to the invention;

[0038] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the connector according to the invention;

[0039] FIG. 3 is a top view of the connector secured within a manhole;

[0040] FIG. 4 is a side view of the connector secured within a manhole;

[0041] FIG. 5 is a front view of the connector secured within a manhole.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] In the following embodiments individual characteristics, given in connection with specific embodiments, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other embodiments.

[0043] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrates a connector 10 which is connectable to a sewer system, the connector 10 in turn connectable to a secondary overflow pipe (not shown) increasing overall capacity of a sewer system during peak flows.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the connector 10 includes a flange 12 terminating in a conduit 14 to resemble a bell mouth outlet. The conduit 14 is shaped to engage with a secondary overflow pipe (not shown). In a preferred embodiment of the invention the conduit 14 is connectable to the secondary overflow pipe by means of any suitable joinder means known in the art such as a clip fit, spigot and socket joint alternatively maybe screw threaded. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it be hereinbefore described joints between the conduit 14 and the secondary overflow pipe is by no means limiting and may any suitable joinder means be utilised.

[0045] It would furthermore be appreciated that the conduit outlet diameter may vary to accommodate various sizes of secondary overflow pipes.

[0046] It will yet further be appreciated that the design of the connector to resemble a bell mouth, alternatively a funnel ensures reduced turbulence and a smooth flow pattern to maximise flow capacity.

[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates the connector 10 securable within a manhole 16 by any suitable means. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the connector 10 is inserted through an opening provided or created in the manhole side wall 18 so that the conduit 14 extends through the side wall 18 and the flange 12 abuts and creates a natural seal between the inside wall of the manhole 16 to reduce leakage.

[0048] A seal arrangement (not shown) may be utilised and may be inserted between the flange 12 and the manhole inner wall 18.

[0049] During installation an opening is made along the cut out 20 within the side wall 18 of a manhole 16 which cut out 20 is generally oval in elevation view in order to securely accommodate and receive the connector 10 as is more clearly illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. It will be appreciated that the manhole 16 may be square alternatively round in cross section.

[0050] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the flange 12 is shaped to accommodate and complement the inner radius of the manhole in which it is to be secured, so that the flange 12 forms a natural seal between the side wall 18 of the manhole 16.

[0051] In some embodiments of the invention the seal arrangement consists of a bitumen seal, rubber seal alternatively cementitious.

[0052] In another embodiment of the invention the connector 10 is connectable to the outside of the wall 18 of the manhole 16. In this embodiment of the invention the flange 12 is shaped to accommodate and complement the outer radius of the wall 18 and is curable to the wall by means of initiative or fasteners known in the art.

[0053] In yet another embodiment of the invention the conduit 14 may include a flange portion which is connectable to a complementary shaped flange provided on the secondary overflow pipe. As was already hereinbefore set out the connection between the secondary overflow pipe and the connector may be any suitable joining means available in the art.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connector 10 is securable to the upper end of the manhole above the existing main pipe system so that during peak flows any excess sewage which pushes up in the manhole is redirected via the connector 10 and secondary overflow pipe system, effectively increase the capacity of the sewer system during peak. In a preferred embodiment of the invention overflow sewage may be redirected to the nearest manhole.

[0055] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that the connector and secondary overflow pipe allows for the effective increase in capacity of an existing sewer system without the need to replace the entire existing system, which may be extremely costly and yet further that he existing sewage flow is unaffected by this system.