PLUMBING SIPHON

Abstract

A plumbing siphon for a sanitary ware, the plumbing siphon comprising an inlet segment formed with an inlet end coupleable to the sanitary ware, an outlet segment formed with an outlet end coupleable to a sewage main, and an intermediate segment comprising a strainer section extending outwardly with respect to the intermediate segment, wherein the strainer section terminates with an opening located above the lowermost point of the plumbing siphon.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/389,995, filed on 18 Jul. 2012, which is a U.S. Nationalization of PCT International Application No. PCT/IL2010/000652 filed on 12 Aug. 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/233,162 filed on 12 Aug. 2009 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/244,527 filed on 22 Sep. 2009, the contents of each of foregoing applications are incorporated herein, in their entirety, by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of invention relate to plumbing assemblies and in particular plumbing siphons used in conjunction with drain/waste plumbing pipes for different sanitary ware.

BACKGROUND

The term sanitary ware as used herein the specification and claims defines any such devices relating to or used in the disposal, especially of waterborne waste, such as, sinks, urine bowls and the like.

Siphons are fitted onto sanitary ware in order to prevent the egress of foul sewer gases and bad odor into washrooms, kitchens etc. A further purpose of siphons is to serve as a trap for articles accidentally dropped into the sanitary ware, so as to allow their collection. Those are often referred to as siphon traps.

Owing to its nature, a plumbing siphon is typically mounted below the sanitary ware, thus consuming space and being un-pleasing to the eye. Often such plumbing siphon are thus concealed within a service cabinet or by a concealment built around the piping.

A wide variety of prior art plumbing siphons are known in the art sharing the general concept of a structure having a flow path formed with an inlet connectable to the sanitary ware and an outlet connectable to a sewage main, with an intermediate liquid holding section.

SUMMARY

The disclosed subject matter is concerned with a plumbing siphon for a sanitary ware, said plumbing siphon comprising a generally S-like shaped tube having an inlet segment formed with an inlet end coupleable to the sanitary ware, an outlet segment formed with an outlet end coupleable to a sewage main, and an intermediate trap section; said inlet segment and outlet segment extend substantially parallel to one another.

According to another aspect of the disclosed subject matter there is disclosed a plumbing system extending from a sanitary ware mounted on a support wall, said system comprising a plumbing siphon formed as a generally S-like shaped tube having an inlet segment formed with an inlet end coupleable to the sanitary ware, an outlet segment formed with an outlet end coupleable to a sewage main, and an intermediate trap section; said inlet segment and outlet segment extend substantially parallel to one another.

Any one or more of the following features and designs may be incorporated in a plumbing siphon and plumbing system according to the disclosed subject matter:

• • the inlet segment and outlet segment are coaxial;
  • the inlet segment and outlet segment extend in one plane;
  • the plane is parallel to a rear end of the sanitary ware, said plane may typically extend parallel to a support wall bearing the sanitary ware;
  • an auxiliary inlet port may be fitted between the trap section and the inlet end;
  • the plumbing siphon may further comprise a sealable trap outlet port;
  • the inlet segment and outlet segment extend substantially vertically below the sanitary ware;
  • the trap section extends below said inlet segment;
  • the trap section comprises a manually operated fluid propelling unit. Such a unit is typically a volumetric pump, useful for example in case of clogging of the plumbing siphon and/or of the plumbing system;
  • the sealable trap outlet port and/or fluid propelling unit extend below the trap section, or laterally project from the plane of the plumbing siphon, at a bottom-most end of the trap section;
  • the inlet segment may be fitted with a laterally extending extension inlet segment;
  • the trap section is U-shaped and comprises two substantially parallel extending tube segments, one extending to the outlet segment via an inverted U-segment and the other extending towards the inlet segment via an inclined segment;
  • the plumbing siphon may be made of a unitary continuous plastic molded pipe;
  • the plumbing siphon may be fitted with a fluid propelling unit, as disclosed herein after
  • the plumbing siphon is rotatable about a longitudinal axis common to the inlet segment and outlet segment;
  • the plumbing siphon may be fitted with a flexible outlet pipe extending from the outlet port, said flexible outlet pipe may be integral with or attachable to the trap section;
  • intermediate the inlet segment and the trap section there is provided a strainer section fitted with a service opening;
  • the strainer section comprises a removable strainer member accessible through an extension pipe section with the service opening extending substantially upwards. According to one particular design, the extension pipe section is substantially vertical, extending coplanar and parallel to the inlet segment and outlet segment;
  • the strainer may be articulated or integrally manufactured with the removable cap (e.g. by a flexible or rigid connecting rod), such that upon withdrawal of the cap the strainer is removed therewith.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosed subject matter there is disclosed a fluid propelling unit for a plumbing siphon for use with a sanitary ware, comprising an inlet segment formed with an inlet end coupleable to the sanitary ware, an outlet segment formed with an outlet end coupleable to a sewage main, and an intermediate trap section; the fluid propelling element comprising a manually operated volumetric pump unit coupleable to the plumbing siphon for increase/decrease of the plumbing siphon volume.

Any one or more of the following features and designs may be incorporated in a fluid propelling unit according to the disclosed subject matter:

• • the volumetric pump unit may be detachable attachable to the trap section of the plumbing siphon. Alternatively, the fluid propelling unit is integrated with a plumbing siphon of the disclosed subject matter.
  • the volumetric pump unit comprises a flexible diaphragm deformable between a normal position and an inwardly, depressed position in which the volume of the plumbing siphon is reduced. The diaphragm may also be deformable into an outwardly extracted position.
  • the volumetric pump unit may be a flexible bellows type pipe deformable between a contracted position and an extracted position, fitted with a sealable free end.
  • at the contracted position the bellows are compact and extend substantially flush against one another. In this position, liquid and waste are prevented from accumulating between the bellows.
  • a closure member may be provided for securing the bellows pipe to a trap outlet port of the plumbing siphon, at its contracted position.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosed subject matter there is provided a plumbing siphon for a sanitary ware, the plumbing siphon comprising an inlet segment formed with an inlet end coupleable to the sanitary ware, an outlet segment formed with an outlet end coupleable to a sewage main, and an intermediate segment therebetween comprising a strainer section extending outwardly with respect to the intermediate segment, wherein the strainer section terminates with an opening located above the lowermost point of the plumbing siphon.

The intermediate segment is defined as a segment extending between the inlet segment and the outlet segment.

Any one or more of the following features and designs may be incorporated in a fluid propelling unit according to the disclosed subject matter:

• • the opening of the strainer section can be located above the outlet end.
  • the entire strainer section can be located above the lowermost point of the plumbing siphon.
  • a longitudinal axis of the strainer section can form an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the intermediate segment.
  • a longitudinal axis of the strainer section can be substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the intermediate segment.
  • a plumbing siphon can further comprise a removable member configured for being inserted into said opening of the strainer section.
  • the removable member can comprise a grasping portion and a trap portion, so that when the removable member is fitted within the strainer section the grasping portion extends along a majority of the strainer section.
  • the removable member can be fitted within the strainer section, the trap portion at least partially extends into the intermediate segment, allowing substantially all the liquid flowing through the intermediate segment towards the outlet segment to pass through the trap portion.
  • the trap portion of the removable member can be sized and shaped so as to closely fit inner walls of the intermediate segment surrounding a corresponding wall of the trap portion extending into the intermediate segment.
  • the trap portion of the removable member can be configured for allowing liquid to pass therethrough while trapping articles from said liquid.
  • the trap portion of the removable member can be shaped as a perforated or slotted basket configured for collecting the trapped articles therein.
  • the trap portion of the removable member can be a mesh of a predefined density.
  • the plumbing siphon can further comprise a removable cap for sealing the opening of the strainer section.
  • the cap can be attached to the removable member such that upon withdrawal of the cap the removable member is removed therewith.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosed subject matter there is provided a plumbing system extending from a sanitary ware, having a plumbing siphon comprising an inlet segment formed with an inlet end coupleable to the sanitary ware, an outlet segment formed with an outlet end coupleable to a sewage main, and an intermediate segment therebetween comprising a strainer section extending outwardly with respect to the intermediate segment, wherein the strainer section terminates with an opening located above the lowermost point of the plumbing siphon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand embodiments of the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a plumbing siphon in accordance with a first example of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 1B is a front view of the plumbing siphon in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a modification of the example illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a plumbing siphon in accordance with another example of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 4A is a front view of a modification of the example illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the example illustrated in FIG. 4A;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are a front view and a side view illustrating the installation of sanitary ware and a plumbing siphon system in accordance with the present disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a plumbing siphon in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, however fitted with a fluid propelling system at its closed position;

FIG. 6B illustrates the system of FIG. 6A in its pumping position;

FIG. 6C illustrates the system of FIG. 6A in its draining position;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a plumbing siphon in accordance with yet an example of a fluid propelling system in accordance with the disclosed subject matter

FIG. 8A illustrates a plumbing siphon according to an example of the disclosed subject matter, fitted with a flexible outlet pipe, the pipe at its contracted state;

FIG. 8B is a sectioned view of a lower part of the plumbing siphon and outlet pipe of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is an exploded view of the system illustrated in FIG. 8A, at the contracted position;

FIG. 8D illustrates the plumbing siphon of FIG. 8A, at its retracted position;

FIG. 8E illustrates the plumbing siphon of FIG. 8C with the pipe deflected;

FIG. 8F illustrates the flexible outlet pipe;

FIG. 9A illustrates a siphon system rotatable about its longitudinal axis, according to a first mounting configuration;

FIG. 9B illustrates a siphon system rotatable about its longitudinal axis, according to a second mounting configuration

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a siphon according to another example, fitted with a strainer section;

FIG. 10B is a perspective exploded view of the siphon of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10C is a longitudinal section through a siphon fitted with a strainer section;

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a sanitary system comprising a plumbing siphon fitted with a strainer section according to another example of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 12 is an exploded front perspective view of the siphon of FIG. 11;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are perspective side and top views, respectively, of a removable strainer of the siphon of FIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 14A is a perspective side view of the siphon of FIGS. 11 to 13B;

FIG. 14B is a perspective front view of the siphon of FIGS. 11 to 14A, schematically showing the removable strainer inserted therewithin;

FIG. 14C is a perspective side view of the siphon of FIGS. 11 to 14B, schematically showing the removable strainer inserted therewithin;

FIG. 14D is a top view of the siphon of FIGS. 11 to 14C; and

FIGS. 15A and 15B are front views of a siphon according to another example of the disclosed subject matter, showing a removable strainer thereof outside and inside the siphon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Turning first to the example illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B there is disclosed a plumbing siphon generally designated 10, for use in conjunction with a sanitary system (of which only a sanitary ware coupling section 12 is illustrated).

The plumbing siphon 10 has a generally S-like shape in the form of a continuous pipe formed with an inlet segment 16 having a threaded inlet end 18 coupleable to the sanitary ware (in the present example by the extension segment 12 though other possibilities are available too, e.g. flexible piping, etc.).

At the lower, opposite end of the plumbing siphon 10 there is formed an outlet segment 22 formed with a threaded outlet 24, which in turn is coupleable to a sewage main (not shown). In between the inlet segment 16 and outlet segment 22 there is a trap section 28 which is substantially an uprightly extending U-like segment adapted to constantly hold liquid so as to prevent egress of foul sewage gases and bad odor from the outlet end towards the inlet and from there towards the washroom, kitchen, etc.

The U-shaped trap section 28 comprises two substantially parallel extending tube segments 30A, extending to the outlet segment 22 via an inverted U-segment 32, and 30B extending towards the inlet segment 16 via an inclined segment 34.

As can be seen in the drawings, a longitudinal axis A_in of inlet segment 16 extends parallel to a longitudinal axis A_out of the outlet segment 22. Furthermore, as can be noticed in particular in FIG. 1A, the S-like shape pipe of the plumbing siphon 10 is co-planar and as will be explained hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, facilitates that the system be mounted in a wall-flush configuration, thus consuming minimal space under the sanitary ware and in an eye-pleasing manner.

Turning now to the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 2, there is illustrated a plumbing siphon 40 being substantially similar to the example disclosed in FIGS. 1A and 1B however wherein the outlet segment 44 extends substantially vertical, with its longitudinal axis A_in extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A_out of the outlet segment 46, with the provision of a laterally extending inlet end 48, fitted with a threaded coupling 50, for connection to a sanitary ware coupling segment collectively designated 52. Other design features of the plumbing siphon 40 are substantially similar with those disclosed in connection with the previous example.

The plumbing siphon illustrated in the example of FIG. 3 resembles the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B however with the distinction of the longitudinal axis A_in of the inlet segment 64 extends coaxial with the outlet longitudinal axis A_out of the outlet segment 68. Likewise, in the particular example of FIG. 3, the trap section 70 comprises two extension arms 72A and 72B both extending parallel to one another and parallel to the longitudinal axis A_in and A_out, all extending co-planar.

The arrangement of the plumbing siphon 60 disclosed in FIG. 3 provides substantially easy mounting and coupling to respective pipe segments of the plumbing system, namely the sanitary ware coupling segment 76 and sewage main (not shown) whereby the number of plumbing coupler elements—“records” may be reduced. For that purpose, it may be advantageous that the thread at the inlet end 65 and the thread at the outlet end 69 be in opposite directions.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A and 4B there is illustrated a modification of the plumbing siphon 60 illustrated in FIG. 3. In this example, the plumbing siphon generally designated 80 has substantially the same shape and principal configuration as disclosed in FIG. 3, namely wherein the longitudinal axis A_in of the inlet segment 82 extends coaxially with the longitudinal axis A_out of the outlet segment 86, with the entire structure of the plumbing siphon 80 extending co-planar, i.e. the intermediate trap section 88 is formed with two respective arm sections 84A and 84B extending co-planar and substantially with their longitudinal axes parallel to the longitudinal axes A_in and A_out.

However, the example of FIGS. 4A and 4B differentiates from the previous embodiment in that it comprises an auxiliary inlet port 90 extending above the intermediate trap section 88. Such an auxiliary inlet port may be used for coupling to the plumbing siphon a variety of inlet piping connected for example to a dishwasher, laundry machine, side sink, and the like. Further appreciated the auxiliary inlet port may be fitted at other locations of the plumbing siphon, such as for example at the outlet segment, or along the inclined segment 94 extending below the inlet segment 82 and above the trap section 88.

Furthermore, in the example of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the intermediate trap section 88 is fitted with a trap outlet port 96 sealable by a removable cover 98, typically screw coupled to the trap section. The trap outlet 96 is useful for maintenance of the system namely, cleaning and opening blocks, as well as the collecting of articles which may have accidentally dropped into the sanitary ware, such as rings, coins, and the like, which items will not flow into the sewage main but will rather collect and remain within the trap section 88.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a plumbing system in accordance with the disclosed subject matter generally designated 100 wherein the sanitary ware is wall-mounted sink 102 mounted such that its rear end 104 extends parallel to a supporting wall 106. The system further comprises a wall mounted plumbing cabinet 107 with a hot/cold water main supply 110, a plumbing siphon 116 in accordance with the present disclosed subject matter which is coupled at its inlet end 120, via a sanitary ware coupling segment 124 to the sink 102 and having its outlet segment 128 coupled to the sewage main (illustrated by dashed lines at 130).

It is noticed that the plumbing siphon 116 in accordance with the illustrated example is fitted with an auxiliary inlet port 134 coupled by a flexible pipe 136 to a dishwasher (not shown) and is further provided with a lateral sealable trap outlet port 140 serving also as a fluid propelling unit as will be discussed hereinafter.

It is seen that the plumbing assembly 100 is such that the plumbing siphon 116 extends substantially parallel to the support wall 106 and concealed within a plumbing cabinet 107, such that a utility cupboard (illustrated in FIG. 5B by dashed lines designated 109) has substantially no plumbing elements extending therethrough. Likewise, at the absence of such a cabinet, the plumbing box 107 may typically be concealed by an appropriate decorative cover (not seen).

In FIGS. 6A and 6B there is illustrated a fluid propelling unit in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. In the illustrated example, a plumbing siphon 160 is illustrated (only partially in FIG. 6B) said plumbing siphon being of same construction as disclosed in connection with FIGS. 4A and 4B. The plumbing siphon 160 comprises an inlet segment 164 and a coaxial outlet segment 166 with an intermediate trap-section 170 being a substantially U-like shaped piping fitted at its lowermost end with a trap outlet port 172.

The outlet trap 172 comprises a downwardly extended threaded neck 174 fitted at its lower end with a pipe section 178 securely attached to a bellows-pipe flexible pipe 182 the latter illustrated in FIG. 6B at its retracted position. A free end of the bellows pipe 182 is fitted with a stopper plug 186 (FIG. 6B) screw coupled to the free end or press fitted therein. A cover 190 is provided and is formed with an internal threading 192 fitted for screw coupling over the threaded neck portion 174 and for receiving the entire bellows pipe 182 with its respective stopper 186 at the fully contracted position as illustrated in FIG. 6A. The arrangement is such that when it is now required to service the plumbing siphon 160, e.g. for cleaning same, draining a blockage, removing any items which may have been trapped within the trap section 170, the cover 190 is opened and removed, allowing access to the stopper 186 as well as to extending of the bellows pipe 182, in the position of 6B.

As further illustrated in FIG. 6C, the length of the bellows pipe 182 may be such so as to facilitate directing the free end 183 of the bellows pipe 182 towards a collecting reservoir e.g. a bucket 185 or the like, to avoid spillage of waterborne waste.

It is noticed that removal of the cover 190 and gripping at the stopper 186 to displace the bellows tube 182 into its retracted position (FIG. 6B) and further back and forth such displacement between the retracted position (FIG. 6B) and the fully contracted position (FIG. 6A) along arrowed line 196 thus serves as a fluid propelling unit, namely a volumetric pump, which may be useful to overcome clogs which may occur at the plumbing siphon 160 or along the sanitary ware coupling segment 199 or in any segments extending between the plumbing siphon 160 and the sewage main (not shown).

It is appreciated that at the fully contracted position of the fluid propelling system (FIG. 6A) the bellows of the bellows pipe 182 are fully contracted namely extending flush against one another in a tight manner owing to the closing cover 190, ensuring that any liquid waste or other water borne waste does not accumulate therebetween, for sanitary reasons.

Facilitating displacement of the fluid propelling unit, namely bellows pipe 182 between its fully contracted position and its fully extracted position, along arrow 196, may be by means of appropriate handle 193 of stopper 186 (FIG. 6B).

Turning now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a plumbing siphon in accordance with yet a different example, generally designated 212, the plumbing siphon being substantially similar to the example discussed in connection with FIGS. 1A and 1B to which the reader is directed. However, the plumbing siphon 212 is fitted at its trap section 214 with a trap outlet port 216 fitted with a fluid propelling unit 220 in the form of a push-pipe volumetric pump of the type fitted with a flexible diaphragm (not seen) and a push-knob 226 designed for deforming said diaphragm between a detract position in which it reduces the internal volume of the system and a spontaneously projecting position as illustrated in FIG. 7 wherein the volume of the system increases, that being facilitated by means of an internal biasing element e.g. a coiled spring and the like. Thus, in use, a securing cap (not shown) is unscrewed from the threaded support neck 231, allowing the push button 226 to spontaneously project into the position of FIG. 7. Pressing the knob inwards and releasing it, and further repeating this action several times will cause fluid propelling within the system, thus overcoming any blocks which may occur therein.

With further attention now being made to FIGS. 8A to 8F there is illustrated a plumbing siphon system in accordance with yet an example of a disclosed subject matter, generally designated 250 wherein the plumbing siphon is similar to that disclosed in connection with the example illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In this example, the plumbing siphon has a longitudinal axis A_in of the inlet segment 254 extending coaxially with the longitudinal axis A_out of the outlet segment 256, with the intermediate trap section 258 extending co-planar with the inlet segment and the outlet segment, such that its two respective arms 260A and 260B extend co-planar and substantially with their longitudinal axes parallel to the longitudinal axes A_in and A_out. Also noted, the siphon is fitted with an auxiliary inlet 266 and a trap outlet port 268, with an outlet section 270 (FIG. 8B) extending downwards and formed with an external thread 272.

Screw coupled on the outlet 270 there is a bellows-type pipe 280 deployable between a contracted position (FIGS. 8A to 8C) and a retracted position (FIGS. 8D to 8F).

As can be seen with further detail in FIG. 8F, the outlet pipe 280 is fitted at its inlet end with a threading 285 for screw coupling to threading 272 of the trap outlet, and at its opposite end, namely the outlet end 287 is formed with a thread 289 for engagement with a sealing plug 290. The pipe 280 is a flexible bellows-pipe and is deployable between its normal contracted position (FIGS. 8A-8C) and its extended position (FIGS. 8D-8F) wherein it can be easily deflected for various purposes, for example to drain water borne waste directly into a collecting vessel e.g. bucket, or to collect any items which may have accidentally dropped through sanitary ware (not shown) and trapped within the trap section 258. It is appreciated that the pipe 280 may be easily removed from the plumbing siphon for treatment of the system, e.g. cleaning and the like. Likewise, the flexible tube 280 may be replaced by other types of tubes namely any flexible pipe not necessarily a bellows-type pipe.

Turning now to FIGS. 9A and 9B there are illustrated siphon systems in accordance with different examples of the disclosed subject matter, wherein the plumbing siphons are pivotally secured and rotatable about the longitudinal axis.

It is thus appreciated that the plumbing siphons disclosed in FIGS. 9A and 9B are of the type disclosed for example in connection with examples of FIGS. 4 and 8, namely wherein the inlet segment and the outlet segment are coaxial about a longitudinal axis thereof, typically vertically extending whereby the siphon is rotatable thereabout as will be discussed hereinafter.

In FIG. 9A the siphon system generally designated 300 comprises a plumbing siphon 304, of the type disclosed in FIG. 8A, wherein its inlet segment 306 is coupled via a coupling section 310 to the sanitary ware which in the present example is sink 314. The outlet segment 318 is coupled to the sewage main 320, wherein the coupling of both the inlet segments 306 and outlet segments 320 coaxially extend and are pivotally coupled to the respective couplings, as illustrated by arrowed lines 322 and 324, respectively.

In the present example, the siphon 304 is fitted at its trapped segment 330 with a flexible drain pipe 334, for example as disclosed in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 8.

In the normal course of operation, the siphon assembly is in the position as illustrated by solid lines, namely received within the cabinet 340. However, when it is desired to service the siphon system 300, the plumbing siphon 304 is pivotally rotated in direction of arrow 344, about 180°, whereby the outlet may now extend over a draining bucket 348 which by means of the retractable drain pipe 334 may now be drained. The second position is illustrated by dashed lines.

Turning now FIG. 9B there is illustrated a different example of a rotatable plumbing siphon wherein the plumbing siphon is of the type disclosed in connection with FIGS. 4 and 8 whilst the installation thereof is of the type disclosed in FIGS. 5A and 5B, namely an inlet wall mounting. The siphon of this example is mounted such that its inlet segment 410 and its outlet segment 412 are coaxially mounted about a substantially vertical axis wherein the inlet segment 410 is coupled through a coupling segment 416 to the sanitary ware, namely sink 418 whilst the outlet segment 412 is coupled to the sewage main 420. Both couplings of the inlet segment 410 and outlet segment 412 are pivotal couplings facilitating pivotal displacement of the siphon system 400 between a normal, operative position as illustrated by solid lines, wherein the plumbing siphon extends within an opening in the wall 423 and substantially parallel to the wall. However, when it is now desired to drain the system or services, the plumbing siphon is rotated about 90° degrees in direction of arrow 425, where the draining pipe 426 may now be extracted for draining into a collecting vessel e.g. bucket 428.

Turning now to FIGS. 10A to 10C there is illustrated a siphon according to another example of the disclosed subject matter, generally designated 500, having design features similar to those disclosed in connection with previous examples, e.g. in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4. For sake of clarity, like reference numbers have been designated as in FIG. 4, however shifted by 500.

The siphon 500 is further provided intermediate the inlet segment 582 and the trap section 588 with a strainer section 593 in the form of a substantially upright extending tube section, with its axis A_str coplanar and parallel with the longitudinal axis A_in of the inlet segment 582 and with the longitudinal axis A_out of the outlet segment 586.

The strainer section 593 extends between the inclined segment 594 (extending below the inlet segment 582) and above the vertical section 584B of the trap section 588, thus being in flow communication therebetween, wherein any material flowing in direction from the inlet 582 towards the trap 588 flows through said strainer section 593. The strainer section 593 is fitted with a threaded opening 595 for sealing by a screw-cap 597. it is noted that the opening 595 extends above a lowermost level of the inclined segment 594, i.e. above highest possible liquid level of the trap section, whereby liquid does not spill from the siphon upon opening cap 597.

Received within the siphon, namely at the straight, vertical section 584B of the trap section 588, there is a cup-like strainer element 601 fitted with a withdrawal ring which at the assembled position (FIG. 10C) extends adjacent the opening 595 and is easily accessible therethrough for removal of the strainer. The strainer may be a mesh of any desired density, ranging between a fine mesh up to a grid of only several obstructing elements. The strainer element 601 is received within the trap section 588 such that at least its top section 607 is snugly received within a corresponding inside wall section 609 of the strainer section 593, whereby the strainer element 601 is fixedly received within the siphon and substantially all liquids flowing through the device flow through the strainer element. Likewise, where the strainer element 601 slightly tapers (as see best in FIG. 10C) it is easily removed and returned back in place.

The arrangement is such that liquid flowing into the siphon through inlet 582 passes through the strainer section 593 such that particles/dirt/hair are trapped by the mesh and are easily removable by opening the cap 597, removing the strainer element 601, cleaning it and returning it.

The example of FIGS. 10A and 10B exemplifies and arrangement wherein the auxiliary inlet port 590′ is an integral part of an elbow coupler element 548. However, the auxiliary inlet port may just as well be articulated as part of the cap 597 (not shown) or as an extension from the vertical section 584B.

Turning now to FIGS. 11 to 14D, there is illustrated a siphon generally designated 700, according to other examples of the presently disclosed subject matter. For sake of clarity, reference numbers of elements similar to those described with reference to previously described embodiments have been designated as in FIGS. 10A to 10C, however shifted by 200.

The siphon 700 comprises an inlet segment 782 (FIGS. 12 and 14A to 14C), an outlet segment 786, an intermediate segment 784 therebetween, having a trap portion 788.

The siphon 700 forms a continuous member, which further comprises a strainer section 793 extending outwardly from the intermediate segment 784 and has a longitudinal axis A_S (FIG. 12) which forms an acute angle α with the longitudinal axis A_I of the intermediate segment 784, so that the whole strainer section 793 extends above the trap portion 788 of the intermediate segment 784.

The strainer section 793 is fitted with a threaded opening 795 for sealing by a screw-cap 797 (FIGS. 12 and 14B), and further comprises a removable strainer 801. The removable strainer 801 comprises a grasping portion 802 and a basket-like portion trap 804 (FIGS. 13A and 13B).

The grasping portion 802 is shaped as a handle allowing easy removal of the strainer 801 out of the strainer section 793. At the assembled position (FIGS. 14B and 14D) the grasping portion 802 extends adjacent the opening 795 and is easily accessible therethrough.

The basket-like trap portion 804 may be perforated, slotted or a mesh of any desired density, ranging between a fine mesh up to a grid of only several obstructing elements.

The basket-like trap portion 804 comprises a base 807 and a side wall 808 surrounding the base 807 (FIGS. 13A, 13B, 14C and 14D), which slightly tapers towards an end 804′ of the basket-like trap portion 804 (as seen best in FIG. 14C), so that the removable strainer 801 can be easily removed and returned back in place.

As best seen in FIGS. 14B and 14D, the removable strainer 801 is received within the strainer section 793 so that the basket-like trap portion 804 partially extends into the intermediate segment 784 and the side wall 808 is snugly received within a corresponding inside wall of the intermediate segment 784, so that the removable strainer 801 is fixedly received within the siphon 700 and substantially all liquids flowing through the device flow through the basket-like trap portion 804.

The grasping portion 802 of the removable strainer element 801 extends along the strainer section 793 towards the threaded opening 795, and slightly projects therefrom (FIG. 14D) so as to allow an access to the removable strainer 801 and easy removal and return thereof.

The arrangement is such that liquid flowing into the siphon 700 through inlet segment 782 passes through the basket-like trap portion 804 such that particles/dirt/hair are trapped thereby. The removable strainer 801 then can be easily removed from the strainer section 793 through the opening 795, cleaned and returned.

It is noted that since the strainer section 793 is inclined with respect to the intermediate segment 784 and the opening 795 is located above and spaced from the trap portion 788 of the siphon 700, liquid does not spill from the siphon upon opening cap 797.

Turning now to FIGS. 15A and 15B, there is illustrated a plumbing siphon 900, which is substantially similar to the siphon 700 described above with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14D, with only difference being in that the strainer section 993 is disposed such that when the removable strainer 1001 is inserted within the strainer section 993, the basket-like trap portion 1004 is located above and substantially adjacent the trap portion 988 of the siphon 900, i.e. at a location lower than that of the basket-like trap portion 804 of the siphon 700.

The siphon 900 also differs from siphon 700 in that the strainer section 993 forms a continuous member with the trap portion 998.

It is further appreciated that the strainer may be articulated or integrally manufactured with the removable cap (e.g. by a flexible or rigid connecting rod, such that upon withdrawal of the cap the strainer is removed therewith.

Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, Mutatis Mutandis

Claims

1. A plumbing siphon for a sanitary ware, the plumbing siphon comprising:

an inlet segment formed with an inlet end coupleable to the sanitary ware;

an outlet segment formed with an outlet end coupleable to a sewage main; and

an intermediate segment therebetween including a strainer section extending outwardly with respect to the intermediate segment, the strainer section terminating with an opening located above a lowermost point of the plumbing siphon.

2. The plumbing siphon according to claim 1, wherein the entire strainer section is located above the lowermost point of the plumbing siphon.

3. The plumbing siphon according to claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis of the strainer section forms an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the intermediate segment.

4. The plumbing siphon according to claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis of the strainer section is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the intermediate segment.

5. The plumbing siphon according to claim 1, further comprising a removable member configured for being inserted into the opening of the strainer section.

6. The plumbing siphon according to claim 5, wherein the removable member comprises a grasping portion and a trap portion so that when the removable member is fitted within the strainer section, the grasping portion extends along a majority of the strainer section.

7. The plumbing siphon according to claim 6, wherein, when the removable member is fitted within the strainer section, the trap portion at least partially extends into the intermediate segment, allowing substantially all the liquid flowing through the intermediate segment towards the outlet segment to pass through the trap portion.

8. The plumbing siphon according to claim 6, wherein the trap portion of the removable member is sized and shaped so as to closely fit inner walls of the intermediate segment surrounding a corresponding wall of the trap portion extending into the intermediate segment.

9. The plumbing siphon according to claim 6, wherein the trap portion of the removable member is configured for allowing liquid to pass therethrough while trapping articles from the liquid.

10. The plumbing siphon according to claim 6, wherein the trap portion of the removable member is shaped as a perforated or slotted basket configured for collecting the trapped articles therein.

11. The plumbing siphon according to claim 6, wherein the trap portion of the removable member is a mesh of a predefined density.

12. The plumbing siphon according to claim 1, further comprising a removable cap configured for sealing the opening of the strainer section.

13. The plumbing siphon according to claim 12, wherein the removable cap is attached to the removable member such that upon withdrawal of the removable cap the removable member is removed therewith.

14. The plumbing siphon according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the strainer section is located above the outlet end.

15. A plumbing system extending from a sanitary ware, the plumbing system comprising:

a plumbing siphon including: an inlet segment formed with an inlet end coupleable to the sanitary ware; an outlet segment formed with an outlet end coupleable to a sewage main; and an intermediate segment therebetween comprising a strainer section extending outwardly with respect to the intermediate segment, the strainer section terminating with an opening located above the lowermost point of the plumbing siphon.

16. The plumbing system according to claim 15, wherein the entire strainer section is located above the lowermost point of the plumbing siphon.

17. The plumbing system according to claim 15, wherein a longitudinal axis of the strainer section forms an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the intermediate segment.

18. The plumbing system according to claim 15, wherein a longitudinal axis of the strainer section is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the intermediate segment.

19. The plumbing system according to claim 15, further comprising a removable member configured for being inserted into the opening of the strainer section.

20. The plumbing system according to claim 19, wherein the removable member comprises a grasping portion and a trap portion so that when the removable member is fitted within the strainer section, the grasping portion extends along a majority of the strainer section.

21. The plumbing system according to claim 19, wherein, when the removable member is fitted within the strainer section, the trap portion at least partially extends into the intermediate segment, allowing substantially all the liquid flowing through the intermediate segment towards the outlet segment to pass through the trap portion.

22. The plumbing system according to claim 20, wherein the trap portion of the removable member is sized and shaped so as to closely fit inner walls of the intermediate segment surrounding a corresponding wall of the trap portion extending into the intermediate segment.

23. The plumbing system according to claim 20, wherein the trap portion of the removable member is configured for allowing liquid to pass therethrough while trapping articles from the liquid.

24. The plumbing system according to claim 20, wherein the trap portion of the removable member is shaped as a perforated or slotted basket configured for collecting the trapped articles therein.

25. The plumbing system according to claim 20, wherein the trap portion of the removable member is a mesh of a predefined density.

26. The plumbing system according to claim 15, further comprising a removable cap configured for sealing the opening of the strainer section.

27. The plumbing system according to claim 26, wherein the removable cap is attached to the removable member such that upon withdrawal of the removable cap the removable member is removed therewith.

28. The plumbing system according to claim 15, wherein the opening of the strainer section is located above the outlet end.