Plumbing assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plumbing assembly for connecting a discharge connection of a fixture to a waste outlet, the assembly comprising a substantially rigid conduit trap portion (whether the trap portion forms a part of an S, P, U or J shaped conduit bend). The rigid conduit trap portion including an inlet and an outlet, and a substantially conformable or flexible conduit portion connectable to the rigid conduit trap portion at either of i) the rigid conduit trap inlet, or ii) the rigid conduit trap outlet. The rigid conduit trap portion and conformable or flexible conduit portion when assembled providing for a complete trap assembly.

Claims

1. A plumbing assembly for connecting a discharge connection of a fixture to a waste outlet, the assembly comprising: an upstream rigid conduit trap portion, the rigid conduit trap portion including a U-shaped form and comprising a fitting, and an inlet for coupling to a fixture, the inlet operable to receive water or liquid waste from the fixture, and an outlet, operable to discharge the water or liquid waste, the inlet comprising an extendable portion extending from the fitting; a downstream conformable or flexible conduit portion connectable to the outlet of the rigid conduit trap portion; wherein, when connected, the upstream rigid conduit trap portion and the downstream conformable or flexible conduit portion provide for a complete trap assembly, the complete trap assembly providing for a minimum weir height; wherein the extendable portion is configured to extend away from an end of the downstream conformable or flexible conduit portion; wherein a pre-determined maximum bending capability or a maximum bendable state of the conformable or flexible conduit portion defines a minimum inner bend radius, downstream of the outlet of the rigid conduit trap portion, the minimum inner bend radius and a lowest level of the rigid conduit trap portion defining the minimum weir height as more than about 50 mm; and wherein the conformable or flexible conduit portion and the extendable portion are configured to be repositioned relative to the rigid conduit trap portion, and repositioning of the conformable or flexible conduit portion and the extendable portion relative to the rigid conduit trap portion is configured to change the minimum weir height.

2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the conformable or flexible conduit portion comprises a first end and a second end, one of the ends connectable to the rigid conduit trap portion and the other of the ends connectable to a further plumbing fixture.

3. The assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first end defines an inlet to the conformable or flexible conduit portion, and the second end defines an outlet from the conformable or flexible conduit portion.

4. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rigid conduit trap portion provides for at least a part of a whole trap, and wherein the conformable or flexible conduit portion is at least one or more of conformed or bent or shaped or flexed to provide the remainder of a desired trap configuration or shape.

5. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the minimum weir height is a pre-determined height.

6. The assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the minimum weir height is at least a depth of seal of about 70 mm (5 mm), or at least about 75 mm (5 mm), or wherein the minimum weir height is a depth of seal of more than about 50 mm, or more than about 60 mm, or more than about 70 mm.

7. The assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the conformable or flexible conduit portion comprises at each of the first and second ends a rigid connection member for connection to the rigid conduit trap portion, or to a further plumbing fixture.

8. The assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the rigid connection member is one or more of: a threaded connector, a push-fit connector, a friction-fit connector.

9. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the conformable or flexible conduit portion is of a concertina-type construction, capable of extending in length from a compressed length state to a longer extended length state.

10. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the conformable or flexible conduit portion comprises a reinforcing material or structure, such that the conformable or flexible conduit portion may be conformed to a desired shape, or the desired shape may be retained by the conformable or flexible conduit portion once conformed or flexed to a desired shape or position.

11. A plumbing assembly for connecting a fixture to a waste outlet, the plumbing assembly comprising: an upstream rigid conduit trap portion comprising: a rigid conduit comprising: a rigid conduit inlet operable to receive waste from the fixture; and a rigid conduit outlet operable to discharge the waste; a U-shaped trap comprising: a trap inlet operable to receive the waste from the rigid conduit, the trap inlet comprising a trap inlet straight portion, the trap inlet configured to receive the rigid conduit such that the rigid conduit outlet is repositionable within the trap inlet straight portion; a trap outlet operable to discharge the waste; and a first bend surface located between the trap inlet and the trap outlet; and a fitting configured to be coupled to the U-shaped trap when the rigid conduit is received within the trap inlet and such that the rigid conduit is coupled to the U-shaped trap; and a downstream non-rigid conduit portion configured to be coupled to the trap outlet and operable to receive the waste from the U-shaped trap, the downstream non-rigid conduit portion configured to cooperate with the U-shaped trap to provide a minimum weir height when the downstream non-rigid conduit portion is coupled to the U-shaped trap and the downstream non-rigid conduit portion provides a second bend surface, the minimum weir height being more than about 50 mm and being defined between the first bend surface and the second bend surface, the downstream non-rigid conduit portion configured to be repositioned relative to the U-shaped trap when the downstream non-rigid conduit portion is coupled to the U-shaped trap so as to facilitate adjustment of the minimum weir height.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

(2) FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment of the invention, with rigid components of the trap shown in section view, such an arrangement known as a P-type trap, FIG. 1 shown with a corrugated type conformable or flexible conduit, and FIG. 2 shown with a non-corrugated type conduit

(3) FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an alternative configuration of the present invention demonstrating an S-type trap assembly of a rigid component and a conformable or flexible conduit component which together, when assembled, form the trap, with FIG. 3 shown with a corrugated type conformable or flexible conduit, and FIG. 4 shown with a non-corrugated type conduit.

(4) FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a further configuration of the invention, demonstrating another configuration in the formation of an S-type trap, FIG. 5 showing use with a corrugated type conformable or flexible conduit and FIG. 6 with a non-corrugated type conformable or flexible conduit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(5) The following description is provided with reference, though not solely, to the accompany figures.

(6) The present invention aims to provide an easier and simplified system for formation of a trap assembly, particularly for a do-it-yourself installer or user, although provision of this invention may also greatly assist more advanced installers of plumbing components and assemblies (e.g. refrigeration or air-conditioning or plumbing installers or installation applications).

(7) Provision of an assembly of a rigid trap component and a separate conformable or flexible trap component, which when these components are assembled together form a whole or complete trap assembly, allow for an arrangement where the conformable or flexible component can be more easily manipulated to fit into a tight or difficult shaped space (e.g. under a sink). Yet, the conformable or flexible conduit component allows for the achieving of a suitable trap with a minimum weir height or available height of for a liquid seal. Traditional rigid plumbing components often require holes to be cut in walls or the space where the trap is to be placedthis can be undesirable or not possible. Therefore, provision of a system which allows for a trap to be formed, yet which is not particular in being fitted in or to a particular space is advantageous.

(8) As shown for example in FIG. 1 (as well as the other figures), there is provided a plumbing assembly 1 for connecting a discharge connection (not shown) of a fixture (not shown) to a waste outlet (not shown). The assembly 1 comprises a substantially rigid conduit trap portion 2 (whether the trap portion forms a part of an S, P, U or J shaped conduit bend), the rigid conduit trap portion 2 including an inlet 3 and an outlet 4. A substantially conformable or flexible conduit portion 5 is connectable to the rigid conduit trap portion 2 at either of i) the rigid conduit trap inlet 3, or ii) the rigid conduit trap outlet 4. The rigid conduit trap portion 2 and conformable or flexible conduit portion 5 when assembled together provide for a complete trap assembly (whether as the S, P, U or J shaped trap).

(9) The conformable or flexible conduit portion 5 comprises a first end, such as that identified as item 6, and a second end, such as that identified as item 7, one of the ends (such as 6) connectable to the rigid conduit trap portion 2 and the other of the ends (such as 7) provided so as to be connectable to a further plumbing fixture or fitting. It will be appreciated that the identified first end 6 (or alternatively the second end 7) can define an inlet to the conformable or flexible conduit portion, and the second end 7 (or in the alternative, the first end 6) can define an outlet from the conformable or flexible conduit portion.

(10) In a preferred embodiment, the conformable or flexible conduit portion 5 has a pre-determined maximum bending capability or a maximum bendable state. This capability or state defines at a bend 8 an inner radius 9 that is at the conformable or flexible conduit's maximum compressible state. That is, the conformable or flexible conduit is not able to bend or be bent any further, for example without structural collapse of the conduit or other structural failure. It will be appreciated that a more conformable or more flexible conduit will allow for greater conformability or flexibility and more complex trap configurations may be managed. In the alternative, less conformable or less flexible conduit may be used, so long as there is sufficient conformability or flexibility that allows for a desired trap shape or configuration to be achieved.

(11) As shown by the figures, in this invention there is provided the rigid conduit trap portion 2 that provides for at least a part of a whole trap, and where the conformable or flexible conduit 5 provides for the remainder of the trap for forming of a whole trap. The conformable or flexible conduit 5 being at least conformed or bent or otherwise shaped or flexed to provide the remainder of the desired trap configuration or shape.

(12) Various desired trap configuration or shapes can be achieved, for example the generalised arrangements known as S, P, U or J traps may be particularly preferred, although it will be appreciated other trap configurations may be shaped as necessary.

(13) The complete or whole trap when assembled provides a weir height or available liquid seal height (h) (i.e. the trap) which is of a pre-determined height, for example a height which meets or achieves at least the minimum regulation for a particular application. For example, a weir height can be provided which has a depth of seal (h) of at least about 50 mm (5 mm), or at least about 70 mm (5 mm), or at least about 75 mm (5 mm), yet further, weir height provided can be a depth of seal of more than about 40 mm, or more than about 50 mm, or more than about 60 mm, or more than about 70 mm. It will be appreciated any weir height can be achieved by the use of the appropriate configuration of the rigid conduit and conformable or flexible conduit components.

(14) At each end of the conformable or flexible conduit portion 5 there is provided a substantially rigid connection member 10 for connecting or connection to a further plumbing fixture or fitting (not shown). The rigid connection member 10 can be any suitable connector, but for example may be one or more of: a threaded connector, a push-fit connector, a friction-fit connector. In an alternative, or in combination with the rigid connection member 10, there can be provided an insert for receiving a conduit in a sealing manner, for example an insert which can receive or accommodate different sized conduit (e.g. the insert can be compressible or may be arranged in a manner to receive different sized conduit).

(15) In various embodiments, the conformable or flexible conduit portion 5 may be of a concertina-type construction, capable of extending in length from a compressed length state to a longer extended length state. In yet further embodiments, the conformable or flexible conduit may be a smooth walled conduit (i.e. does not need to be of a concertina type or bellows or of a helically wound configuration).

(16) Alternatively, the conduit 5 can be of any suitable construction which enables provision of the conduit 5 which has a certain conformability or flexibility, or which when moved into a bent position, provides for a state where the bend 8 has an inner radius 9 that is at the conformable or flexible conduit's maximum compressible state. The bend 8 and inner radius shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be specific to those particular applications and a particular conformable or flexible conduit 5 that is used. It will be appreciated that, as shown in other figures such as 3-6 that conduit 5 of different either conformability or flexibility or of a conduit having a different maximum compressible state when in a bent condition may be used.

(17) The conformable or flexible conduit 5 in some variations can include a reinforcing material or structure (shown shown). In this manner, the conduit 5 may have enhanced ability to conform to a desired shape, or the desired shape may be retained by the conduit once conformed or flexed to that desired shape or into a certain position.

(18) Conduit of this invention is preferably of a material which is suitable to the application. For example, PVC conduit may be particularly preferably in commercial or residential plumbing applications, although it will be appreciated that conduit of different material characteristics may be provided depending on the application or intended use. For example, in industrial or automotive or aerospace applications the materials will need to be selected to comply with requirements or standards or safety provisions, or be able to cope with elevated or reduced temperatures of the types of liquid waste the conduit may come into contact with. Such material characteristics apply to both the rigid conduit 2 as well as the conformable or flexible conduit 5.

(19) With respect to the invention described herein, the rigid conduit portion 2 and the conformable or flexible conduit portion 5 are provided as separate components. When assembled, these components together provide for the whole of a trap or a complete trap assembly.

(20) In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a conformable or flexible conduit portion 5 comprising at a first end a first coupling for connection to a first plumbing fitting or fixture, and at a second end a second coupling for connection to a partial trap portion, at either of i) an inlet to the partial trap portion, or ii) an outlet to/from the partial trap portion.

(21) For example, FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a configuration where the conformable or flexible conduit 5 has one end connected to a fixture of fitting (e.g. the waste outlet from a sinknot shown), and where the other end of the conduit 5 is connected to the inlet of a partial trap portion (i.e. the rigid component 2). It will be appreciated that FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a configuration where the conformable or flexible conduit 5 is connected to the outlet of the partial trap (i.e. outlet of rigid component 2).

(22) Again, the invention provides for the conformable or flexible conduit portion to be assembled to a substantially rigid partial trap portion to form a complete or whole trap as part of a plumbing assembly.

(23) The first and second couplings can be a rigid connection member 10 as previously described. For example, the first and second couplings may be one or more of: a threaded connector, a push-fit connector, a friction-fit connector. As noted above, an insert may also be provided at or within each of the ends of the conduits for receiving or being coupled or connected to a further fitting or fixture. Such an insert (not shown) can be used to receive and seal with different conduit diameters.

(24) The characteristic of the conformable or flexile conduit are those as previously discussed, including: maximum bending capability or a maximum bendable state or maximum compressible state, the type of conduit (e.g. corrugated, extendible or non-corrugated or including additional components or structural reinforcement or reinforcing members), material properties of the rigid and conformable or flexible conduit components (e.g. depending on intended use or application).

(25) In yet a further embodiment there is provided a plumbing assembly 1 for connecting a discharge connection of a fixture to a waste outlet. Such an assembly includes a conduit comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first portion, such as a conformable or flexible conduit, comprises an entry and an outlet operable to retain a body of water between the entry and outlet, where the entry is adapted to connect to the discharge of the fixture. The second portion, such as the rigid conduit, comprises an entry and an outlet, where the entry is adapted to connect to the outlet of the first portion and the outlet is adapted to connect to the waste outlet.

(26) Like the above embodiments and accompanying description, the plumbing assembly 1 comprises an internal passage operable to provide a fluid passage from the fixture to the waste outlet. Such an internal passage being the lumen of the conduit providing fluid communication from the outlet of a fixture or fitting to the waste outlet.

(27) In yet another embodiment, the plumbing assembly 1 is for connecting a discharge connection of a fixture to a waste outlet. The assembly 1 comprises assembly of a rigid tube portion operable to receive water from the fixture and provide a water trap, with a flexible tube portion operable to fluidly couple water (or liquid waste) from the rigid tube portion to the waste outlet, wherein the flexible tube portion is adapted to flex to form a shape when installed and be resilient to changes in that shape caused by internal water flow.

(28) The above description of the invention provides for an assembly of components which allows for a trap to be provided. Such a trap can be more easily assembled by an installer given the conformable or flexible nature of at least one of the components used to form the trap. Alternatively or in addition, whilst the rigid component provides for a first part or portion (i.e. a partial part) of a trap to be assembled, the conformable or flexible conduit provides for the remainder of the parts or portions needed to a whole or complete trap to be provided. The conformability or flexibility of the conduit 5 allows for certain trap configurations to be attained at the desired of the installer.

(29) Advantageously, the conduit 5 has a certain conformance or flexible nature which limits the maximum bend of the conduit 5. In this manner, the bend 8 with the inner minimum radius 9 as shown in the figures may be provided at the maximum compressible state of the conduit 5. Such a conduit 5 is provided so that a user when installing the assembly 1 is provided with a first rigid component 2 which provides for a first part or portion of a trap to be assembled. The conduit 5 then provides for the remainder of the trap.

(30) The conduit 5 by virtue of its nature allows a user to conform the conduit 5 into the desired shape or configuration for a trap, yet the conduit is resistive to being bent or conformed to bent states more than a maximum compressible state required for the trap to be formed (i.e. a home handy man can attach the flexible conduit 5, bend the conduit 5 about or through 90 or 180 to provide for the desired trap configuration). Depending on the conduit 5 selected, such a conduit 5 may only allow for a maximum 90 bend or a 180 bend.

(31) The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms thereof. Modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.