BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
An example embodiment of the present invention should become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, described in connection with the accompanying figures
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example of a kit for assembling the device;
FIG. 2A is an isometric view of the device with the selection means in the first position;
FIG. 2B is an isometric view of the device with the selection means in the second position;
FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the device in FIG. 2A with the selection means in the first position and the panel in the first position;
FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the device in FIG. 2B with the selection means in the second position and the panel in the second position;
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an example of the shell and lid;
FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of the device of FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is another exploded isometric view of the device of FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is an exploded front view of an example spring loaded mechanism for the selection means;
FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an example of the selection means;
FIG. 9 is an exploded isometric view of the shell and lid of FIG. 4;
FIG. 10 is a magnified cross-sectional view of an example of the first drainage outlet and first shell outlet of FIG. 14;
FIG. 11 is a magnified cross-sectional view of the spring loaded mechanism of FIG. 14 engaged by an engagement section of the trough;
FIG. 12 is a side view of the kit of FIG. 1;
FIG. 13 is a top view of the kit of FIG. 1;
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the kit of FIG. 1 along line A-A;
FIG. 15 is a front view of the kit of FIG. 1;
FIG. 16 is a top view of an example of the shell;
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the shell of FIG. 16 along line D-D;
FIG. 18 is a front view of the shell of FIG. 16;
FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the shell of FIG. 16;
FIG. 20 is a side view of the shell of FIG. 16;
FIG. 21 is a top view an example of the trough;
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the trough of FIG. 21 along line E-E;
FIG. 23 is a magnified cross-sectional view of FIG. 22 of the second drainage outlet and engagement section;
FIG. 24 is a front view of the trough of FIG. 21;
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional side view of trough of FIG. 24 along line G-G;
FIG. 26 is an isometric view of the trough of FIG. 21;
FIG. 27 is a magnified cross-sectional side view of the support section of the trough of FIG. 25;
FIG. 28 is a side view of the trough of FIG. 21;
FIG. 29 is a top view of an example of a panel;
FIG. 30 is an isometric view of the panel of FIG. 29;
FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional front view of the panel of FIG. 29 along line I-I;
FIG. 32 is a magnified cross-sectional view of the apertures of the panel of FIG. 31;
FIG. 33 is a side view of the panel of FIG. 29;
FIG. 34 is a side view of the panel of FIG. 29;
FIG. 35 is top view of an example of a grate;
FIG. 36A is a cross-sectional view of the grate of FIG. 35 along line K-K;
FIG. 36B is a magnified side view of the protrusions of the grate of FIG. 36A.
FIG. 37A is an isometric view of the grate of FIG. 35 in a first position;
FIG. 37B is a magnified isometric view of the indents of the grate of FIG. 37A.
FIG. 38A is an isometric view of the grate of FIG. 35 in the second position;
FIG. 38B is a magnified isometric view of the protrusions of the grate of FIG. 38A.
FIG. 39A is a cross-sectional view of the grate along line S-S of FIG. 35;
FIG. 39B is a magnified view of a section of the end view of the grate of FIG. 39A.
FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a selection means panel along line M-M of FIG. 41;
FIG. 41 is a top view of the selection means panel of FIG. 40;
FIG. 42 is a side view of the selection means panel of FIG. 40;
FIG. 43 is an isometric view of the selection means panel of FIG. 40;
FIG. 44 is a top view of an example of a surround element;
FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the surround element of FIG. 44 along line N-N;
FIG. 46 is a front view of the surround element of FIG. 44;
FIG. 47 is a side view of the surround element of FIG. 44;
FIG. 48 is an isometric view of the surround element of FIG. 44;
FIG. 49 is a top view of an example of a button of the selection means;
FIG. 50 is a side view of the button of FIG. 49;
FIG. 51 is an alternate side view of the button of FIG. 49;
FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of the button of FIG. 49 along line O-O;
FIG. 53 is a magnified cross-sectional view of the button of FIG. 52;
FIG. 54 is an isometric view of the button of FIG. 49;
FIG. 55 is a top view of an example of a lid;
FIG. 56 is an isometric view of the lid of FIG. 55;
FIG. 57 is a front view of the lid of FIG. 55;
FIG. 58 is a side view of the lid of FIG. 55;
FIG. 59 is a semi-exploded view of the device of FIG. 2 installed in a receptacle;
FIG. 60 is a fragmentary perspective view of the device of FIG. 2;
FIG. 61 is a magnified fragmentary perspective view of the surround element and flange of the trough of the device in FIG. 60;
FIG. 62 is a front fragmentary view of the device of FIG. 60; and
FIG. 63 is a magnified fragmentary perspective view of the surround element and flange of the trough of the device in FIG. 62.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a packaged kit 10 for assembling a device 5 for selecting a drainage outlet 7, 8 for draining wastewater. As further shown by the exploded diagram of FIG. 6, the kit includes a shell 20, a trough 30, a panel 25, a selection means 16, and a grate 35. The kit can optionally include a lid (visible in FIG. 1) and a surround element 40. The kit 10 call be packaged such that the shell 20 and lid 85 contain the remaining components of the device 5 such that a kit 10 is relatively compact in a packaged state.
When the device 5 is assembled (as will be discussed in detail later), the device 5 includes a surface having drainage outlets 7, 8 including a first drainage outlet 7 and a second drainage outlet 8, and a selection means 16 which is actuable to allow selection of one of the drainage outlets 7, 8 for draining the wastewater.
The selection means 16 allows a user to select one of the drainage outlets 7, 8 to be used for draining the wastewater. In one form, one of the drainage outlets 8 drains the wastewater for reuse whilst the other drainage outlet drains the wastewater for disposal 7. The device 5 in this form can be configured to allow the user to select a drainage outlet 7, 8 to drain the wastewater in accordance with the quality of the wastewater, such that the wastewater can be reused or disposed.
The device 5 generally includes a mounting means 20 for mounting the apparatus adjacent to a receptacle 200 for receiving the wastewater, as shown in FIG. 59. The receptacle 200 can include a shower, a bath, a basin, a sink or any other device (generally domestic) which outputs wastewater.
The device 5 advantageously allows actuation of the selection means 16 whilst the receptacle 200 is in use by a user to thereby drain the wastewater from the receptacle 200. The mounting means 20 allows the device 5 to be mounted immediately adjacent the receptacle 200, or at least partially within the receptacle 200 such that the selection means 16 is advantageously actuable by a user from within the receptacle 200,
In one form, the device 5 can be provided as a drain for a shower. In use, the user may be showering using shampoo, and thus the user may actuate the selection means 16 whilst showering such that the wastewater is diverted to the first drainage outlet 7 for disposing of the wastewater. Whilst the user is not using shampoo, the user may actuate the selection means 16 whilst showering such that the wastewater is diverted to the second drainage 8 outlet allowing for the reuse of the wastewater, such as for irrigation.
FIGS. 2A and 2B show isometric drawings of the device 5 which can be formed from the above mentioned kit 10. Furthermore, FIGS. 3A and 3B show a general cross-sectional view of the operation of the device 5 formed from the above mentioned example kit 10.
In particular, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the shell 20 supports the trough 30 located within the shell 20, wherein outlets 71, 72 of the shell 20 are aligned width drainage outlets 65, 66 of the trough 30. The panel 25 is then located to rest on a support section 31 of the trough 30. The surround element 40 is placed, preferably mortared, on the flange portion 67 of the trough 30, as shown in FIGS. 60, 61, 62 and 63. The surround element 40 is substantially flush in height with the grate 35 and adjacent material such as tiles on the shower floor or the like. A gap can exist between the perimeter of the surround element 40 and the grate 35.
The grate 30 is then positioned on the flange portion 67 of the trough 30 such that the height of the grate 30 is flush with the surround element 40. As described in later detail, the grate 35 can be flipped over such that the grate 35 can accommodate timber slates, tiles, pebbles. The selection means 16 includes an actuation surface 15 and a selection panel 45 which is placed adjacent the grate 35 such as to abut the grate 35, The selection means 16 is operably connected to a portion of the panel 25 such that when the selection means 16 is actuated between first and second selection positions, the panel 25 pivots between first and second positions, allowing wastewater to drain to one of the drainage outlets 7, 8.
FIGS. 3A and 31 show a general functional operation of the device represented in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
In particular, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the selection means 16 is actuated to a first selection position, the panel 25 pivots to a first position such that the panel 25 is angularly tilted relative to the horizontal. When wastewater flows over the grate 35, the wastewater flows through the holes of the grid 36 and fall onto the panel 25 placed in the first position.
Due to the panel 25 being tilted and positioned in the first position, the wastewater is gravity fed (illustrated by arrow 75) along the panel 25 to apertures 27 located at a first end region 26 of the panel 25 where the wastewater is drained therethrough and falls into a first end of the trough 30 where the first drainage outlet 7 is located. Generally, when the selection means 16 is actuated to the first selection position, and the panel 25 is in the first position, the wastewater which is drained away is disposed.
In FIG. 33, the selection means 16 is actuated to the second selection position, wherein the actuation causes the panel 25 to be placed into the second position by pivoting the panel 25 about a pivot point such that the angular tilt of the panel 25 alters.
As wastewater falls onto the panel 25 via the grate 35, the wastewater flows in a different direction (illustrated by arrow 80) to that shown in FIG. 3A, wherein the wastewater on the panel flows to a second end region 26′ of the panel 25. Apertures 27′ in the second end region 26′ of the panel 25 allow the wastewater to flow therethrough and fall into a second end of the trough 30 where the second drainage outlet 8 is located for draining the wastewater Generally, when the selection means 16 is actuated to the second selection position, and the panel 25 is in the second position, the wastewater is drained away to be reused.
As can be seen from FIGS. 3A and 3B, the actuation of the selection means 16 to the first selection position or the second selection position causes the panel 25 to move between a first position and a second position which subsequently causes the wastewater to be drained to one of the drainage outlets 7, 8 according to the selected position of the selection means 16.
Each of the above-mentioned components of the device 5 will now be described in more detail below,
Selection Means
FIGS. 7 and 8 show an example of components forming the selection means 16. In particular, FIG. 7 shows an exploded diagram of an example of a spring loaded mechanism 50 for moving and biasing the selection means 16 between the first selection position aid the second selection position.
The spring loaded mechanism 50 can include a cover 100, a shaft 90, a spring 95, a ring element 105, and a screw 160. The shaft 90 is inserted and received in a void of the cover 100 The screw 160 releasably holds the shaft 90 in the void of the cover 100.
The spring loaded mechanism 50 is connected to an actuating surface 15 of the selection means 16, such as a surface of a button, as shown in FIG. 8. As also shown in FIGS. 49 to 54, the spring 95 rests within a void of the button 16, wherein a first terminal coil of the spring 95 rests against an inner surface of the void and a second terminal coil of the spring 95 rests against the shaft 90 and cover 100. The void of the button 16 including the spring 95 is operably connected to the shaft 90 and cover 100 such that when a force is applied to the actuating surface of the button 16, the spring loaded mechanism 50 moves between an extended position and a compressed position.
When the spring loaded mechanism 50 moves between the extended position and compressed position, the actuating surface of the button 16 moves between a raised state and a depressed state, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B respectively. Generally, actuation of the button 16 to the second selection position causes the button 16 to be in a depressed state, and actuation of the button 16 to the first selection position causes the button to remain in an elevated state.
The spring loaded mechanism 50 is generally engageable with an engagement section 60 of the trough 30. Generally, the ring element 105 can engage a hook component of the spring mechanism 50 and an end of the shaft 90 to facilitate the elevation and depression of the button 16. The cover has a threaded base which is received ill the engagement section 60 which includes a cooperating thread.
Due to the option of the device 5 being used as a drain in a shower 200 or the like, it is preferable that the selection means 16 is actuable with a user's foot so as to restrict ally bending motion by a user. The actuation surface 15 can include visual indicia 140 indicative of the button 16 being actuable with a user's foot. The visual indicia 140 may also be further able to facilitate traction between the user's foot and an actuation surface of the button 16 which is advantageous when the user's foot may be wet.
As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the spring loaded mechanism 50 of the selection means 16 is engaged with a portion of the panel 25 such that when the selection means 16 is actuated, the spring loaded mechanism 50 moves between an extended position and a compressed position causing pivotal movement of the panel 25 between the first position and second position.
As shown in FIGS. 40 to 43, the selection means 16 can include a selection means panel 45 which receivably surrounds the actuation surface 15 of the selection means 16. The selection means panel 45 is positioned so as to abut an end of the grate 35. The panel 45 has a void 47 which close-fittingly receives the actuation surface 15 of the selection means 16.
The panel 45 can include visual indicia 46 indicative of the first selection position and second selection position of the selection means 16. The visual indicia 46 associated with the first selection position is generally indicative of the wastewater being drained through the first drainage outlet 7 when the selection means 16 is positioned in the first selection position, and the visual indicia 46 associated with the second selection position is generally indicative of the wastewater being drained through the second drainage outlet 8 when the selection means 16 in positioned in the second selection position.
Panel
The panel 25 is generally configured to restrict the wastewater draining through at least some of the drainage outlets 7, 8 and/or facilitate the wastewater to drain through at least some of the drainage outlets 7, 8. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the panel 25 moves between a first position, wherein the wastewater is able to drain through the first drainage outlet 7, and a second position, wherein the waste-water is able to drain through the second drainage outlet 8, wherein the movement of the panel 25 is in accordance with the actuation of the selection means 16.
The movement of the panel 25 can include a pivotable movement, such that actuation of the selection means 16 causes the panel 25 to pivot between the first position and the second position. The pivot points of the pivotal motion of the panel can include the support section 31 located at the top of the trough 30, as shown in FIG. 27. Alternatively, it is envisaged that a portion of the raised section of the trough 55 that can be in contact with the panel 25 such that the panel 25 pivots about the raised section 55,
The first position and the second position of the panel 25 can include the panel 25 being angularly titled as shown in FIG. 3A and 3B to a first angle and a second angle respectively, thereby urging wastewater in contact with the panel to flow toward a pivoting end region 26, 26′ of the panel 25, wherein each pivoting end region 26, 26′ is positioned adjacent to one of the drainage outlets 7, 8.
As shown in FIGS. 29 to 32, each end region 26, 26′ of the panel 25 includes apertures 27 which allow wastewater in contact with the panel 25 to drain toward one of the drainage outlets 7, 8 of the surface in accordance with the actuation of the selection means 16.
As shown in FIG. 32, each aperture 27 includes an elevated rim 122 relative to the panel 25. The rim 122 a similar profile to that of a hole of a cheese grater. The rim 122 includes an irregular tilt relative to the panel 25 so that the rim 122 includes a first section 123 which is elevated compared to a second section 121 of the rim 122. When the panel 25 is tilted, wastewater which first comes into contact with the first section 123 of the rim 122 is substantially drained through the aperture 27 toward one of the drainage outlets 7, 8 and wastewater which first comes into contact with the second section 121 of the rim 122 is substantially restricted from draining through the aperture 27. This is generally known as the “tea-pot effect” where due to pressure differences between the relevant sections 123, 121 of the aperture 27, the wastewater is permitted or restricted from draining through the apertures 27.
In this configuration, the apertures 27 positioned adjacent the first drainage outlet 7 can be configured to substantially restrict wastewater in contact with the panel 25 to drain toward the first drainage outlet 7 when the panel 25 is positioned in the second position. Additionally, the apertures 27 positioned adjacent the second drainage outlet 8 can be configured to substantially restrict wastewater in contact with the panel 25 to drain toward the second drainage outlet 8 when the panel 25 is positioned in the first position.
As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the panel 25 includes one or more tabs 28 which engage the support section 31 of the trough 30, wherein actuation of the selection means 16 can cause pivotal movement of the panel 25 about the engaged support section 31. In an additional or alternative form, the panel 25 can rest against the raised section 55 of the base portion of the trough 30, wherein actuation of the selection means 16 causes pivotal movement of the panel 25 about a portion of the raised section 55 that can be in contact with the panel 25.
Trough
FIGS. 21 to 28 show an example of the trough 25. In one embodiment, the surface of the device 5 is a portion of a trough 25. Generally, the surface is a base portion of the trough 25. The trough 25 includes the first drainage outlet 65 and second drainage outlet 66.
As shown in FIGS. 22 and 27, the base portion includes a raised section 55, wherein the first drainage outlet 65 and the second drainage outlet 66 are located on opposing sides of the raised portion 55, The raised portion 55 facilitates separation of the wastewater which flows from the panel 25 toward the surface. Additionally or alternatively, the portion of the raised section 55 in contact with the panel 25 can serve as a pivot point of the pivoting movement of the panel 25.
As shown in FIGS. 25 and 27, the trough 25 includes a support section 31 for pivotally supporting the tabs 28 of the panel 25.
As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the base portion of the trough 25 includes an engagement section 60 which engages an end of the spring loaded mechanism 50 of the selection means 16.
As shown in FIGS. 25 and 28, the trough includes a flange portion 67 which is able to support the surround element 40 which is positioned thereupon.
Shell
FIGS. 16 to 20 illustrate the shell 20 of the device 5. The shell 20 is designed such that it substantially receives the trough 30 therewithin. The shell 20 generally includes a first shell outlet 71 for being in fluid communication with the first drainage outlet 65 of the trough 30, and a second shell outlet 72 for being in fluid communication with the second drainage outlet 66 of the trough 30, Generally, the first and second shell outlets 71, 72 coaxially align with the first and second outlets 65, 66 of the trough 20 when the trough 30 is received within the shell 20.
Grate
FIGS. 35, 36A, 36B, 37A, 37B, 38A, 38B, 39A and 39B show an example of the grate 35 for the device 5.
In particular, the grate 35 includes holes 36 provided therethrough to permit wastewater flowing over the grate 35 to flow through to the panel 25, The holes 36 can be positioned randomly over the grate 35. The grate 35 is a self-draining surface that allows wastewater to dissipate faster than a traditional round 100 mm drop-in grate due to the elongate surface area of the grate 35. The holes 36 are configured to allow the wastewater to flow therethrough, however, are configured to restrict appendages of children becoming caught therein.
As shown in FIGS. 37A, 37B, 38A and 38B, the grate 35 can include legs 39 which extend from the grate surface 35, Each leg 39 can include provisions 38. The protrusions 38 can be formed in the grate using a metal pressing process if the grate 35 is made from metal. Neighboring protrusions 38 define a recess, allow material such as tiles, timber, stone and pebbles to be placed in the recess and over the grate 35, allowing for alternate aesthetic appearances of the device 5 when installed, The protrusions 38 also define a gap between neighboring tiles, timber, stones or pebbles such that the water can flow through the gaps defined by each protrusion 38 to the grate surface 35 below,
In the instance when tiles, timber, stone or pebbles are not to be accommodated in recesses of the grate 35, the grate is orientated in a first position as shown in FIG. 37A such that the legs protrude 39 downwards relative to the grate surface 35. However, if tiles timber, stone and/or pebbles are to be placed over the grate 35, the grate 35 is orientated in a second position (as illustrated in FIG. 38A) by flipping over the grate 35 (ie 180 degree rotation) such that the opposing side of the grate surface 35 is facing upwards and that the legs extend 39 upwards from the grate surface 35. In this second position, the tiles, timber, stone or pebbles can be placed in the recesses defined by the protrusions 38 in the legs 39 of the grate 35.
Each leg can also include a curved section 37 as shown in FIG. 39B. When the grate 35 is positioned in the second position, and the tiles, timbers, stones or pebbles are positioned between neighboring protrusions 38, the tiles, timber, stones or pebbles can rest against the curved recess 37. This curved recesses 37 in each leg 39 prevent the tiles, timber, stones or pebbles from resting against the grate 35, and therefore preventing any blockage the holes 36 of the grate 35.
Surround Element
FIGS. 44 to 48 illustrate an example of the surround element 40 of the device 5.
The surround element 40 which is configured to be place, preferably mortared, onto the trough 30 during installation. The surround element 40 includes holes 41 which facilitate binding of the surround element 40 to the trough 40 when the mortared. The surround element 40 allows for tiles in the shover recess or the like to be cut and laid with precision in the shower recess or the like, Also, the surround element 40 facilitates that protection of the tiles which are adjacent to the grate 35, thus reducing the risk of the tiles being chipped or damaged during cleaning, showering, assembly and/or disassembly.
Lid
FIGS. 55 to 58 illustrate an example of the lid 85 of the kit 10.
In particular, the lid 85 includes a profile which corresponds to the recess of the shell 20. If the shell is made form material that may buckle during installation, the lid 85 can be placed into the shell 20 during installation such as to maintain a shape of the shell whilst the shell is being mortared. The lid 85 can include one or more holes 86 to allow a user to lift the lid 85 from the shell 20 once the installation of the shell 20 has been completed. The lid 85 can also facilitate housing the components of the device 5 within the shell 20 when the kit 10 is packaged
Installation of Device
An example method of installing the device 5 in a shower 200 will now be described, When installing the device 5, the shell 20 is generally attached to dual wastewater PVC plumbing outlets with PVC Solvent Cement prior to a concrete slurry being poured to form a concrete slab. The first shell outlet and second shell outlet are generally glued to different pipes, as shown in FIG. 59. In one form, the first shell outlet 71 may be glued to a blackwater pipe and the second shell outlet 72 may be glued to a greywater pipe.
Once the shell 20 has been glued to the dual waste outlets, the lid 85 is placed into a recess in the shell 20 such as to maintain the shape of the shell 20 whilst concrete slurry is poured. Once the lid 85 has been positioned into the recess of the shell 85, the concrete slurry is poured,
Next, the shell 20 can be waterproofed. The trough 30 is then placed within the mounted shell 20, wherein a mortar bed is packed around the perimeter of the trough 30. Once the trough 30 is level in the mortar, the surround element 40 is placed, preferably mortared, onto the trough 30. Tiles or the like cam then be over the base of the shower such that the tiles abut the surround element 40, The panel 25, grate 35 and selection means 16 is placed within the trough 30.
Variations
Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.
In one variation, the movement of the panel 25 may alternatively be provided in the form of a slidable movement such as to cover one of the drainage outlets 7, 8 and to permit wastewater to flow into the other drainage outlet.
In another variation, the trough 30 and shell 20 may be provided as an integral unit.
Optionally, the selection means 16 may include alternating visual indicia which displays the selection position of the selection means 16, For example, a rotating display may be provided with the selection means 16 which displays a recycled symbol and a disposal symbol. When the selection means 16 is in the first selection position, the disposal symbol of the display can be seen by the user whilst using the wastewater device 5. When the user actuates the selection means 16 to the second selection position, the display rotates to display the disposal symbol. This variation allows for the user to quickly determine which resultant drainage outlet 7, 8 the wastewater is being diverted to in accordance with the relative position of the selection means 16.
Although a preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Patent Application
20070261166
