DEVICE FOR SELECTING A DRAINAGE OUTLET FOR DRAINING WASTEWATER
The present invention provides a device for selecting a drainage aperture for draining wastewater. The device includes a surface having drainage outlets including a first drainage outlet and a second drainage outlet, and a selection means which is actuable to allow selection of one of the drainage outlets for draining the wastewater. The present invention also provides a method of installing and operating the device, and a kit for assembling the device.
The present invention relates to a device for selecting a drainage outlet for draining wastewater. In one particular form, the device includes a first drainage outlet and a second drainage outlet, wherein the device allows selection of one of the drainage outlets for draining the wastewater. The present invention also provides a kit for assembling the device, and a method for operating the device
BACKGROUND ARTWastewater generally includes dish, shower, sink, and laundry water. A proportion of this water can be reused for other purposes, such as landscape irrigation.
A number of greywater systems are known which divert portions of wastewater for reuse, These systems are installed outside a domestic house, such as installing the system to an existing wastewater pipe, or are at least installed a significant distance from devices which output wastewater (herein referred to as “wastewater devices”) such as showers, sinks, washing machines, basins, baths and the like.
A number of these systems include a valve which is operated by the user to select whether the wastewater is to be reused or to be disposed. It is generally inconvenient in particular situations for the user to exit the domestic house or travel a significant distance from the particular wastewater device in order to operate the valve prior to using the wastewater device.
Furthermore, it is disadvantageous for the user to have to remember to return to the valve after using the wastewater device in order to actuate the valve such that wastewater is not reused or disposed incorrectly.
Additionally, whilst the system diverts all incoming wastewater for reuse, blackwater output devices may also be simultaneously operational, and as such the blackwater received in these systems may be incorrectly reused.
Therefore, there exists a need for a device which can be operated by a user whilst using a wastewater device, which addresses or at least ameliorates problems inherent in the prior art.
The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification relates,
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTIONIn a first broad form, the present invention provides an device for selecting a
drainage outlet for draining wastewater, wherein the device includes:
a surface having drainage outlets including a first drainage outlet and a second drainage outlet; and
a selection means which is actuable to allow selection of one of the drainage outlets for draining the wastewater,
In one particular, but non-limiting, form, the device includes a mounting means for mounting the apparatus adjacent to a receptacle for receiving the wastewater wherein the device allows actuation of the selection means whilst the receptacle is in use by a user to thereby drain the wastewater from the receptacle.
In another particular butt non-limiting, form, the molting means allows the device to be mounted immediately adjacent the receptacle.
In another form, the mounting means allows the device to be mounted at least partially within the receptacle such that the selection means is actuable by a user from within the receptacle.
In one embodiment, the mounting means can be mounted to a receptacle including one of,
a shower;
a bath;
a basin; or
a sink.
Generally, the device includes a panel which the wastewater flows thereover which is configured to at least one of:
restrict the wastewater draining through at least some of the drainage outlets; and
facilitate the wastewater to drain through at least some of the drainage outlets.
In an optional form, the panel moves between a first position, wherein the wastewater is able to drain through the first drainage outlet, and a second position, wherein the wastewater is able to drain through the second drainage outlet, wherein the movement of the panel is in accordance with the actuation of the selection means.
In another optional form, the selection means has a first selection position and a second selection position, wherein actuation of the selection means to the first selection position causes the panel to move to the first position, and actuation of the selection means to the second selection position causes the panel to move to the second position.
In an optional embodiment, movement of the panel includes pivotable movement, such that actuation of the selection means causes the panel to pivot between the first position and the second position.
In another optional embodiment, the first position and the second position include the panel being angularly titled to a first angle and a second angle respectively, thereby urging wastewater in contact with the panel to flow toward a pivoting end region of the panel, wherein each pivoting end region is positioned adjacent to one of the drainage outlets.
In one aspect, each end region include apertures which allow wastewater in contact with the panel to drain toward one of the drainage outlets of the surface in accordance with the actuation of the selection means.
In another aspect, the apertures positioned adjacent the first drainage outlet are configured to substantially restrict wastewater in contact with the panel to drain toward the first drainage outlet when the panel is positioned in the second position,
In one particular, but non-limiting form, the apertures positioned adjacent the second drainage outlet are configured to substantially restrict wastewater in contact with the panel to drain toward the second drainage outlet when the panel is positioned in the first position.
In another particular, but non-limiting, from each aperture includes an elevated rim relative to the panel, wherein the rim includes an angular tilt relative to the panel so that the rim includes a first section which is elevated more than a second section of the rim relative to the panel, wherein when the panel is tilted, wastewater which first comes in contact with the first section of the rim is substantially drained through the aperture toward one of the drainage outlets, and wastewater which first comes into contact with the second section of the rim is substantially restricted from draining through the aperture.
In one embodiment, the surface is a portion of a trough, and wherein the panel substantially covers the trough.
In another embodiment, the surface is a base portion of the trough.
Optionally, the base portion includes a raised section, wherein the first drainage outlet and the second drainage outlet are located on opposing sides of the raised portion, wherein the raised portion facilitates separation of the wastewater which flows from the panel toward the surface.
Also optionally, the trough includes a support section for pivotally supporting the panel.
In one optional embodiment, the device includes a shell which substantially receives the trough within the shell.
In another optional embodiment, the device includes a grate which includes holes provided therethrough, wherein the grate is positioned above the panel, and wherein wastewater flowing over the grate drains though the holes toward the panel.
In one aspect, the device includes a surround element which is positioned on a flange of the trough, wherein the surround element is able to abut material adjacent the device.
In one particular, but optional form, the selection means is a button which can be actuable between the first selection position and second selection position,
In another particular, but non-limiting, form, actuation of the button to the second selection position causes the button to remain in a depressed state.
In one embodiment, actuation of the button to the first selection position causes the button to remain in an elevated state.
In another embodiment, the button is actuable with a user's foot.
Optionally, the button includes visual indicia indicative of the button being actuable with a user's foot.
Also optionally, the visual indicia is further able to facilitate traction between the user's foot and an actuation surface of the button.
In an optional embodiment, the button is spring loaded.
In another optional embodiment, the panel includes one or more tabs which engage the support section, wherein actuation of the selection means causes pivotal movement of the panel about the engaged support section.
In one particular, but non-limiting aspect, the button includes a spring loaded mechanism which is operably connected to an actuation surface of the button, wherein the spring loaded mechanism is engaged with a portion of the panel such that when the button is actuated, the spring loaded mechanism moves between an extended position and a compressed position causing pivotal movement of the panel.
In another particular, but non-limiting aspect, the base portion of the trough includes an engagement section which engages a first end region of the spring loaded mechanism.
In one optional form the panel rests against the raised section of the base portion of the trough, wherein actuation of the selection means causes pivotal movement of the panel about a portion of the raised section in contact with the panel.
In another optional form, the device includes a selection means panel which receivably surrounds an actuation surface of the selection means, wherein the selection means panel abuts the grate.
In a particular, but non-limiting embodiment, the shell includes a first shell outlet for being in fluid communication with the first drainage outlet, and a second shell outlet for being in fluid communication with the second drainage outlet
In another particular, but non-limiting embodiment, the selection panel includes visual indicia indicative of the first selection position and second selection position of the selection means.
In one optional form, the visual indicia associated with the first selection position is indicative of the wastewater being drained through the first drainage outlet when the selection means is positioned in the first selection position, and the visual indicia associated with the second selection position is indicative of the wastewater being drained through the second drainage outlet when the selection means in positioned in tie second selection position.
In a second broad form the present invention provides a kit for assembling a device for selecting a drainage outlet for draining wastewater, wherein the kit includes:
a shell for mounting to a receptacle;
a trough including a first drainage outlet and a second drainage outlet;
a panel including apertures for draining wastewater to one of the drainage outlets;
a selection means for selecting one of the drainage outlets to drain the wastewater; and
a grate having holes for draining liquid to the panel.
Optionally, the kit includesa surround element to abut material adjacent the device, and
a lid for maintaining a shape of the trough during installation.
In a third broad form, the present invention provides a method of operating a device for selecting a drainage outlet for draining wastewater, wherein the device includes a surface having drainage outlets including a first drainage outlet and a second drainage outlet; and a selection means which is actuable to allow selection of one of the drainage outlets for draining the wastewater, wherein the method includes actuating the selecting means whilst using a receptacle receiving the wastewater so as to select one of the drainage outlets which the wastewater is to drained through.
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
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.
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
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.
In particular, as shown in
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.
In particular, as shown in
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
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
As can be seen from
Each of the above-mentioned components of the device 5 will now be described in more detail below,
Selection MeansThe 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
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
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
As shown in
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.
PanelThe 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
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
The first position and the second position of the panel 25 can include the panel 25 being angularly titled as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
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
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
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
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
Each leg can also include a curved section 37 as shown in
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.
LidIn 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 DeviceAn 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
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.
VariationsOptional 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.
Claims
1. A device for selecting a drainage aperture for draining wastewater, wherein the device includes:
- a surface having drainage outlets including a first drainage outlet and a second drainage outlet; and
- a selection means which is actuable to allow selection of one, of the drainage outlets for draining the wastewater.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device includes a mounting means for mounting the apparatus adjacent to a receptacle for receiving the wastewater, wherein the device allows actuation of the selection means whilst the receptacle is in use by a user to thereby drain the wastewater from the receptacle.
3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the mounting means allows the device to be mounted at least partially within the receptacle such that the selection means is actuable by a user from within the receptacle.
4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the mounting means can be mounted to a receptacle including one of:
- a shower;
- a bath;
- a basin; or
- a sink.
5. The device according to any one of claims 1, wherein the device includes a panel which the wastewater flows thereover which is configured to at least one of:
- restrict the wastewater draining through at least some of the drainage outlets; and
- facilitate the wastewater to drain through at least some of the drainage outlets.
6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the panel moves between a first position, wherein the wastewater is able to drain through the first drainage outlet, and a second position, wherein the wastewater is able to drain through the second drainage outlet, wherein the movement of the panel is in accordance with the actuation of the selection means.
7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the selection means has a first selection position and a second selection position, wherein actuation of the selection means to the first selection position causes the panel to move to the first position, and actuation of the selection means to the second selection position causes the panel to move to the second position.
8. The device according to claim 6, wherein movement of the panel includes pivotable movement, such that actuation of the selection means causes the panel to pivot between the first position and the second position.
9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the first position and the second position include the panel being angularly titled to a first angle and a second angle respectively, thereby urging wastewater in contact with the panel to flow toward a pivoting end region of the panel, wherein each pivoting end region is positioned adjacent to one of the drainage outlets.
10. The device according to claim 9, wherein each end region include apertures which allow wastewater in contact with the panel to drain toward one of the drainage outlets of the surface in accordance with the actuation of the selection means.
11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the apertures positioned adjacent the first drainage outlet are configured to substantially restrict wastewater in contact with the panel to drain toward the first drainage outlet when the panel is positioned in the second position and wherein the apertures positioned adjacent the second drainage outlet are configured to substantially restrict wastewater in contact with the panel to drain toward the second drainage outlet when the panel is positioned in the first position.
12. The device according to claim 11, wherein each aperture includes an elevated rim relative to the panel, wherein the rim includes an angular tilt relative to the panel so that the rim includes a first section which is elevated more than a second section of the rim relative to the panel, wherein when the panel is tilted, wastewater which first comes into contact with the first section of the rim is substantially drained through the aperture toward one of the drainage outlets, and wastewater which first comes into contact with the second section of the rim is substantially restricted from draining through the aperture.
13. The device according to claim 1, wherein the surface is a base portion of a trough wherein the base portion includes a raised section, wherein the first drainage outlet and the second drainage outlet are located on opposing sides of the raised portion, wherein the raised portion facilitates separation of the wastewater which flows from the panel toward the surface.
14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device includes a grate which includes holes provided therethrough, wherein the grate is positioned above the panel, and wherein wastewater flowing over the grate drains through the holes toward the panel.
15. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device includes a surround element which is positioned on a flange of the troughs wherein the surround element is able to abut material adjacent the device.
16. The device according to any one of claims 1, wherein the selection means is a button which can be actuable between the first selection position and second selection position.
17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the button is actuable with a user's foot.
18. The device according to claim 14, wherein the grate includes legs extending therefrom, the grate being invertable so that the legs extend in an upward configuration defining a recess to accommodate at least one of:
- tiles;
- timber slats;
- stones; and
- pebbles.
19. A kit for assembling a device for selecting a drainage aperture for draining wastewater, wherein the kit includes:
- a shell for mounting to a receptacle;
- a trough including a first drainage outlet and a second drainage outlet;
- a panel includes apertures for draining wastewater to one of the drainage outlets;
- a selection means for selecting one of the drainage outlets to drain the wastewater;
- a lid which covers the shell when the shell is being mounted
- a surround element to abut material adjacent the device when installed; and
- a grate having holes for draining wastewater to the panel.
20. A method of operating a device for selecting a drainage aperture for draining wastewater, wherein the device includes a surface having drainage outlets including a first drainage outlet and a second drainage outlet; and a selection means which is actuable to allow selection of one of the drainage outlets for draining the wastewater, wherein the method includes actuating the selecting means whilst using a receptacle so as to select one of the drainage outlets which the wastewater is to drained through.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 24, 2006
Publication Date: Nov 15, 2007
Inventor: Amanda Burns (Harden-Murrumburrah)
Application Number: 11/563,049
International Classification: E03C 1/01 (20060101); A47K 4/00 (20060101);