Connector

Abstract

A connector which has an inlet and an outlet, along with an additional by-pass portion. The by-pass portion is moveable between two configurations; a non by-pass configuration and a by-pass configuration, wherein when the by-pass portion is in the non by-pass configuration this allows liquid to pass through the inlet and exit the outlet; and when the by-pass portion is in the by-pass configuration there is a region of the internal surface of the connector which at least partially overlaps the by-pass portion so that liquid entering the inlet can be redirected along the by-pass portion and out the by-pass outlet to effectively prevent liquid from exiting the outlet.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a connector. In particular, although this should not be seen as limiting, a by-pass connector that redirects liquid and/or suspended matter through an independent outlet.

BACKGROUND ART

The present invention may have a variety of different applications. In general however, it is envisaged the invention will be used in relation to a number of liquid collection or waste systems, although this should not be seen as limiting. For ease of reference, the present invention will now be discussed in relation to a down-pipe in a guttering system.

Many people use toxic chemicals to clean out their guttering systems or to clean the roof of their house. Many of these chemicals or residues from these chemicals may be washed into the gutter system and then end up in the drainage system via the down-pipe. These chemicals have the potential to destroy animal and plant life so this is not a satisfactory outcome.

At present whilst there are many types of by-pass systems available which can be incorporated into a down-pipe of a guttering system, these all have disadvantages.

For example, there are by-pass systems, such as the one described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,119,849 that consist of separate parts. This system has an internal plate that is capable of blocking off the down-pipe when the gutter is being cleaned and a second movable plate that directs the collected debris and water out the gutter. However, this system has numerous disadvantages. For example, it requires the implementation (i.e. movement) of many movable internal parts before the system can effectively act as a by-pass. Therefore if one of the parts is broken, rusted or unable to be used then the system is inoperable. Further, when the debris flushed out the outlet there is no channeling of the debris away from the down-pipe—as it simply falls down beside the down-pipe. There is also potential for some debris to get caught in between the plates, preventing efficient operation of the system.

Another available system is that shown in Patent Application AU 199478901. This diverter device has a separate diverter plate and a separate guide plate. However this system also incorporates many moveable parts that are prone to rust or breakage that may leave the system unusable. Further, the diverter plate does not form a liquid tight seal, therefore the possibility of toxic chemicals, used to clean the roof or spouting, still being able to flow down the outlet into the drainage system exists.

Other by-pass systems available are similar to those illustrated in Patent Numbers GB 2,234,285 A, U.S. Pat. No. 3,990,474 and EP 1,447,493 A1. All these systems disclose a single by-pass plate that consists of section that has an internal part and an external part. When the plate is in a by-pass configuration, an internal part contacts the internal wall of the down-pipe and an external part acts as to guide plate. When in use, this prevents debris from passing into the drainage system and/or diverts rain water to an alternative location. When the by-pass plate is not in use (i.e. in a non by-pass configuration), the by-pass plate is positioned so that the components of the plate lie flush with the wall of the down-pipe. Both systems described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,990,474 and EP 1,447,493 A1 rely on catches to hold the by-pass plate flush with the wall of the spouting. This has the potential to cause problems, particularly if the catch is broken or rusted and therefore can not be used. Further, all of the systems described in GB 2,234,285 A, U.S. Pat. No. 3,990,474 and EP 1,447,493 A1 rely on friction to hold the by-pass plate in place to create a seal with the internal wall of the down-pipe. Over time through wear and tear of the seal, or debris becoming lodged between the seal and the internal wall, this has the potential to prevent a clean seal from forming between the internal wall of the down-pipe and the by-pass plate. Thus, if toxic cleaning solutions are being used to clean the gutters or the roof, there is a chance chemicals could leak between the by-pass plate and down into the drainage system.

Another by-pass system available on the market is the Marley down-pipe diverter. This system essentially works in the same way as the systems described in the above paragraph. The Marley diverter however, does not create a seal or otherwise effectively block the main outlet of the down-pipe. Thus, cleaning solutions are able to enter the drainage system via a gap which exists between the diverter portion and the internal wall of the down-pipe. Another disadvantage with the Marley system is that there is also an internal reinforced section that is located in the centre of the by-pass portion. When debris is being flushed down the down-pipe, there is an opportunity for the debris to get caught up and block the down-pipe.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term ‘comprise’ may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term ‘comprise’ shall have an inclusive meaning—i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term ‘comprised’ or ‘comprising’ is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, there is a connector which includes:

• • an inlet and an outlet, as well as a by-pass outlet;
  • a by-pass portion which is moveable between a non by-pass configuration and a by-pass configuration wherein when the by-pass portion is in the non by-pass configuration this allows liquid to pass through the inlet and exit the outlet;
    characterised in that the connector is configured so that when the by-pass portion is in the by-pass configuration there is a region of the internal surface of the connector which at least partially overlaps the by-pass portion so that liquid entering the inlet can be redirected along the by-pass portion and out the by-pass outlet to effectively prevent liquid from exiting the outlet.

In general, the connector may be in the form of a down-pipe connector.

It is envisaged that the connector may come in a variety of shapes, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In general, the inlet and the outlet of the connector may be openings generally located at the top and the bottom of the connector.

The by-pass outlet may be in the form of an opening located on a side of the connector in a position intermediate the inlet and the outlet. It is envisaged that the opening may come in a variety of different shapes and sizes without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In general the by-pass portion may be in the form of a flap.

Therefore for ease of reference the by-pass portion will now simply be referred to as a flap however this should not be seen as limiting.

It is envisaged in preferred embodiments that the flap may be adapted to form a chute capable of re-directing liquid and/or suspended matter away from the normal route of passage through the outlet of the connector. For the ease of reference, the liquid will herein be described as water and suspended matter will herein be referred to as debris. However these terms should not be seen in any way as limiting the scope of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the sides of the flap may be at least partially curved or the flap may have side walls.

In some embodiments the flap and by-pass outlet may allow for water and/or debris to simply be ejected from the side of the connector.

In preferred embodiments the flap may connect with a chute or channel or such like which directs the water and/or debris exiting the by-pass outlet to a desired location or storage area.

In a preferred embodiment, the flap may have an internal portion and an external portion.

In other embodiments, the flap may only have an internal portion.

In use, the flap may be moved into a non by-pass configuration in order to achieve free communication between the inlet and the outlet. Thus, in the non by-pass configuration the connector allows a down-pipe to function in a normal manner.

In preferred embodiment, to achieve free communication between the inlet and the outlet, (i.e. the non by-pass configuration), the flap may be moved so that the flap is oriented substantially parallel with the surface of the connector.

In a further embodiment, when the flap is in the non by-pass configuration, the internal portion of the flap may contact the internal surface of the connector, and the external portion of the flap may contact with the external surface the connector.

In preferred embodiments, when the flap is in the non by-pass configuration, the flap may cover the by-pass outlet.

In use, the flap may also move into a by-pass configuration, to prevent communication between the inlet and the outlet.

In general, the flap moves between the non by-pass and by-pass configurations using a pivoting motion.

In preferred embodiments the flap may pivot within the by-pass outlet.

In preferred embodiments the flap may also slide with respect to the connector in order to pivot between the by-pass and non by-pass configurations.

It is envisaged there may be a variety of different ways in which a region of the internal surface of the connector is configured to at least partially overlap the by-pass portion.

In a preferred embodiment, when the flap is in by-pass configuration, there may be a region on the internal surface of the down-pipe that may extend over and abut the upper surface of the flap.

Preferably, the region of overlap may form a water tight seal.

Preferably, the region of overlap may retain the flap in place when the flap is moved into by-pass configuration. In such embodiments, it is envisaged that this may happen via the flap having a protrusion that may insert into an aperture formed by the region of overlap between the internal surface of the connector. However, this should not be seen as limiting.

In some preferred embodiments, the region of overlap may be in the form of a protruding lip.

In another embodiment, the region of overlap may be in the form of a stepped portion of the internal surface of the connector. In such embodiments the region of overlap of the step may be formed as a result of either: differing internal diameters, or cross sectional dimensions; between upper and lower parts of the connector.

In other embodiments, the region of overlap may run substantially around the circumference of the internal surface of the down-pipe.

In some further preferred embodiments the connector may have an internal water trap and an alternative by-pass outlet associated with the trap, located in between the by-pass outlet and the inlet.

In such embodiments the internal water trap captures water entering the inlet and allows water to be re-directed through the alternative by-pass outlet and towards a desired location such as a storage tank. If the tank is full, or if the alternative by-pass outlet is plugged, water entering the connector will spill over the trap and either out the outlet, or the by-pass outlet, depending on whether the flap is in the by-pass or non by-pass configuration. Thus, if the flap is in by-pass configuration, the water will be directed out the by-pass outlet.

It is envisaged that the internal trap may come in a variety of forms, preferably the water trap may be created via a further internal wall or walls separated a distance from the internal surface(s) of the connector. However, this should not be seen as limiting.

In a further embodiment, the alternative by-pass outlet may be coupled with a hose or other conduit to convey water to an alternative location.

Thus, preferred embodiments of the present invention may have a number of advantages over the prior art, which can include:

• • the formation of an effective by-pass which prevents water and debris from passing through the outlet;
  • the by-pass portion constructed from a single piece of material, without any obstructing or supporting rib(s) thus preventing debris from being trapped inside the down-pipe connector;
  • less risk of the down-pipe connector being inoperable through mechanical failure as there are few movable parts or catches;
  • the capacity of rain water to be redirected from the roof and stored in a tank or redirected to an alternative location for storage or use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows an external side view of one preferred embodiment of the connector in non by-pass configuration;

FIG. 2 shows an internal cross-sectional side view of one preferred embodiment of the connector by-pass configuration;

FIG. 3 shows an internal cross-sectional side view alternative preferred embodiment of the connector;

FIG. 4 shows an internal cross-sectional side view of yet another preferred embodiment of the connector by-pass configuration;

FIG. 5 shows an exploded cross-section side view of the embodiment of the connector as shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of the connector as shown in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 7 shows an internal back view of yet another preferred embodiment of the connector in closed or non by-pass configuration with an internal water trap and alternative by-pass outlet.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With respect to FIG. 1, there is a connector in the form of a down-pipe connector generally indicated by arrow 1 in a non by-pass configuration. The down-pipe connector 1 is substantially tubular in nature.

The down-pipe connector 1 has an inlet 2 and an outlet 3. The connector 1 has a by-pass portion in the form of a flap 4, which lies substantially parallel with the side of the down-pipe connector 1.

With respect to FIG. 2, there is a down-pipe connector 1 in by-pass configuration. The flap 4 has an internal portion 5 and external portion 6.

In this embodiment, the flap 4 has been moved via pivoting in the direction indicated by arrow 7 and pivots about a pivot point generally indicated by arrow 8. This causes the internal portion 5 to abut with a region of overlap in the form of a protruding lip 9 on the internal surface 23 of the connector 1. Moving the flap 4 exposes the by-pass outlet 10 on side of the down-pipe connector 1.

When the down-pipe connector 1 is in use, the connector 1 is connected to the gutter system of a house (not shown). Water, as indicated by arrow 13, enters the down-pipe connector through the inlet 2. When the flap 4 is in non by-pass configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, the water 13 is passed through outlet 3, as indicated by arrow 14, into the down-pipe and the drainage system (not shown).

However, when the flap 4 is in by-pass configuration (FIG. 2) the water 13 which enters the inlet 2 is re-directed, as indicated by arrow 15, by flap 4 to pass through the by-pass outlet 10.

With respect to FIG. 3, there is an alternative embodiment of a down-pipe connector 1 in by-pass configuration. For ease of reference the same reference numerals used as in FIG. 2 have been utilised to indicate like elements. This embodiment differs however, in that the overlapping region is in the form a step 22.

With respect to FIG. 4, there is another alternative embodiment of a down-pipe connector 1 in by-pass configuration. Again, for ease of reference the same reference numerals used as in FIG. 2 have been utilised to indicate like elements. As shown in this embodiment, the pivot point 8 of the connector has an additional flap 32 and the internal portion 5 of the flap 4 has an additional flap 33. Also shown within this embodiment, there is an overlapping region in the form of a protruding lip 30. The protruding lip 30 abuts from the internal surface 23 of the connector 1 to form an aperture 31 between the internal surface 23 of the connector 1 and the protruding lip 30. Further, the end of the internal portion 5 of the flap 4 has a protrusion in the form of a lip 35.

With respect to FIG. 5, there is an exploded cross-sectional side view of the flap 4 moving into by-pass configuration. Again, same reference numerals used as in the above figures have been utilised to indicate like elements.

With respect to FIG. 6, there is a perspective view of the embodiment of the connector 1 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Again, for ease of reference the same reference numerals used as in the above Figures have been utilised to indicate like elements. This Figure shows a detailed view of the internal portion 5 of the flap 4. Flaps 32 and 33 of the connector 1 and the flap 4 respectively can be clearly seen. The space indicated by arrow 34, which is between the wall of the connector 1 and the flap 32 is shown. This space is where flaps 32 and 33 connect together when flap 4 is in by-pass configuration.

The embodiment as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the down-pipe connector 1 is in by-pass configuration. In order to achieve the by-pass configuration, flap 4 is moved initially by a sliding the flap 4 in the direction of arrow 25 and then pivoting the flap 4 about the pivoting point indicated in the general direction of arrow 8 to move the flap 4 in the direction indicated by arrow 7. When the flap 4 is in the by-pass configuration, the lip 35 is inserted into the aperture 31. Flap 33 is also inserted into space 34. Therefore, the insertion of the lip 35 into the aperture 31 along with the connection between flaps 32 and 32 within space 34 assists to maintain flap 4 in place.

With respect to FIG. 7, there is a further embodiment down-pipe connector 1 as generally indicated by arrow 1 which has a flap 4 (only partially shown) in non by-pass configuration. In this embodiment, the down-pipe connector 1 has a water trap 11 which is created via an internal wall 20. The connector 1 also has an alternative by-pass outlet 12. The alternative by-pass outlet 12 is a tubular protrusion having a threaded outer surface, to assist with connection to a hose (not shown).

In use, water enters the inlet 2, and is directed between the down-pipe connector 1 and the internal trap 11 as indicated by arrow 16. The water is then directed through the alternative by-pass outlet 12, as indicated by arrow 17. Preferably the water 17 will enter a hose (not shown) which directs the water into an alternative location, preferably a collection tank (not shown). If the tank is full (not shown), water will be passed back up through the internal trap which will overflow as shown by arrow 21 so water passes down the connector and exits outlet 3. However, if flap 4 is in by-pass configuration as indicated in FIG. 2, the water will be directed out the by-pass outlet (not shown).

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector which includes an inlet and an outlet, as well as a by-pass outlet; a by-pass portion which is moveable between a non by-pass configuration and a bypass configuration wherein when the by-pass portion is in the non by-pass configuration this allows liquid to pass through the inlet and exit the outlet;

characterised in that the connector is configured so that when the by-pass portion is in the by-pass configuration there is a region of the internal surface of the connector which at least partially overlaps the by-pass portion so that liquid entering the inlet can be redirected along the by-pass portion and out the by-pass outlet to effectively prevent liquid from existing the outlet.

2. A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector is a down-pipe connector.

3. A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the by-pass outlet is an opening located substantially on a side of the connector.

4. A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the by-pass outlet is positioned intermediate the inlet and the outlet.

5. A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the by-pass portion has an internal portion and an external portion.

6. A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the by-pass portion only has an internal portion.

7. A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the by-pass portion forms a chute capable of re-directing liquid and/or suspended matter away from the normal route of passage through the outlet of the connector.

8. A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the by-pass portion has side walls.

9. A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side walls of the by-pass portion are curved.

10. A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the by-pass portion pivots between the non by-pass and by-pass configurations.

11. A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the by-pass portion pivots within the by-pass outlet.

12. A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the by-pass portion slides with respect to the connector in order to pivot between the by-pass and non by-pass configurations.

13. A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein a region of the internal surface of the connector partially overlaps the by-pass portion, when the by-pass portion is in by-pass configuration.

14. A connector as claimed in claim 13, wherein the region on the internal surface of the connector extends over and abuts the upper surface of the by-pass portion, when the by-pass portion is in by-pass configuration.

15. A connector as claimed in claim 13, wherein the region of overlap forms a water tight seal.

16. A connector as claimed in claim 13, wherein the region of overlap enables the by-pass portion to lock into place.

17. A connector as claimed in claim 13, wherein the region of overlap is in the form of a protruding lip.

18. A connector as claimed in claim 13, wherein the region of overlap is in the form of a stepped portion of the internal surface of the connector.

19. A connector as claimed in claim 13, wherein the region of overlap of the step is formed as a result of either: differing internal diameters, or cross sectional dimensions; between upper and lower parts of the connector.

20. A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the by-pass portion allows for water and/or debris to be ejected out the by-pass outlet.

21. A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the by-pass portion connects with a chute or channel to direct the water and/or debris exiting the by-pass outlet to a desired location or storage area.

22. A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the by-pass portion can be moved into a non by-pass configuration.

23. A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the non-bypass configuration allows free communication between the inlet and the outlet.

24. A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein to achieve free communication between the inlet and the outlet, the by-pass portion is moved so that it is oriented substantially parallel with the surface of the connector.

25. A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the bypass portion is in the non by-pass configuration, the internal portion of the flap may contact the internal surface of the connector, and the external portion of the flap may contact with the external surface the connector.

26-38. (canceled)