BUCKET TRAP

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to plumbing and drainage and, more particularly to floor waste provisions in commercial premises .

BACKGROUND

[0002] Increasing emphasis is being laid on the need to reduce pollution of the environment by contaminated waste water flowing into drainage systems from commercial premises. As one measure to ameliorate the introduction of fats and other semi-liquid or solid contaminants from entering waste water drainage systems, some authorities have mandated that floor wastes be fitted with traps which include a removable filter basket .

[0003] Such trap and basket systems designed for installation to existing floor waste installations are known. One known system comprises a housing or "bucket" in the form of a stainless steel cylinder fitted at the top with a collar and removable grate, and with a perforated base. A removable stainless steel mesh or perforated basket is provided as an insert.

[0004] A problem with this and like arrangements, is that the floor must be broken into to remove the existing floor waste grate fitting. This almost invariably causes damage to the upper end of the waste pipe which must be repaired with a joiner and new pipe section up to just below floor level. The bucket can then be lowered into the repaired (typically) PVC waste pipe and the concrete and water proofing around the floor waste restored. The floor must then be repaired around the collar and grate .

[0005]- Another problem with this type of installation is that the strainer at the bottom of the bucket is not removable so that once installed, it is impossible to gain access to the pipework below the bucket.

[0006] Yet a further problem with a stainless steel bucket and stainless steel insert basket, is that these are incompatible with fire collars where these are mandatory in multistorey structures. While these collars are able to cut through or crush a PVC waste pipe to provide a fire proof barrier in the floor opening, they cannot cut through or crush a stainless steel bucket, so that these buckets may allow a fire to spread between floors of a high- rise building.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to address or at least ameliorate some of the above disadvantages or provide a useful alternative.

Notes

[0008] The term "comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including", and not in the exclusive sense of

"consisting only of".

[0009] The above discussion of the prior art in the Background of the invention, is not an admission that any information discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention comprise a bucket trap which may be retrofitted to existing floor waste systems without disturbance of the floor waste fitting or of the

surrounding floor. Moreover, the bucket trap of the invention is readily removable for cleaning and for providing access to

pipework or a gully trap below the floor waste. [0011] Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there is provided a bucket trap for capture of fats and solids entering a floor waste; said bucket trap including a flexible housing able to be inserted through a fitting of an existing said floor waste.

[0012] Preferably, said flexible housing comprises a

cylindrical sleeve provided with a collar at an upper periphery of said sleeve; said cylindrical sleeve further provided with a perforated base at a lower end of said cylindrical sleeve. .

[0013] Preferably, said cylindrical sleeve, said collar and said base form an integral whole.

[0014] Preferably, -said housing is moulded from a rubber or other suitable elastomer material.

[0015] Preferably, said collar is further provided with an outwardly projecting peripheral lip.

[0016] Preferably, an outer diameter of said collar is

substantially equal to an inner diameter of a standard waste pipe.

[0017] Preferably, said outwardly projecting peripheral lip is flexed against the internal wall of the waste pipe to form both a seal and a friction interference fit with said waste pipe so as to secure said housing into an inserted position in said waste pipe.

[0018] Preferably, said bucket trap is further provided with an insertable basket; said basket comprising a perforated cylindrical sleeve closed at a lower end by a perforated base and provided with an outwardly projecting peripheral lip at an upper end of said perforated cylindrical sleeve.

[0019] Preferably, said outwardly projecting peripheral lip of said basket is sized so as to be supported by an internal shoulder of said housing when said basket is inserted into said housing for use.

[0020] Preferably, said bucket trap is further provided with a flexible insert ring; said insert ring si2ed to fit within said collar as a sliding fit; said insert ring supported within said collar by engagement with an internal shoulder of said housing for use.

[0021] Preferably, said flexible insert ring is moulded from a rubber or other suitable elastomer material.

[0022] Preferably, said basket is further provided with a handle; said handle adapted for lowering said basket into, and lifting said basket out of, said housing.

[0023] Preferably, said handle is of substantially semicircular shape; said handle provided at its outer ends with outwardly projecting lugs for engagement with diametrically opposed holes in a collar of said basket.

[0024] Preferably, said perforated cylindrical sleeve, said perforated base and said outwardly projecting peripheral lip form an integral basket element.

[0025] Preferably, said basket is moulded from a suitable polymer material.

[0026] In another broad form of the invention, there is

provided a method of fitting a trap to a floor waste; said trap including a flexible housing and a basket insertable into said housing; said method including the steps of:

(a) removing a grate from a fitting of said floor waste, (b) inserting said housing through said fitting into a waste pipe below said floor waste by deforming said flexible housing during insertion,

(c) lowering said basket into said housing,

(d) replacing said grate into said fitting.

[0027] In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of fitting a bucket trap to a waste pipe below a floor waste; said bucket trap including a flexible housing, a flexible insert ring and a basket; said insert ring and said basket insertable into said housing; said method including the steps of:

(a) removing a grate from a fitting of said floor waste,

(b) inserting said housing through said fitting into said waste pipe below said floor waste by deforming said flexible housing during insertion,

(c) inserting said flexible insert ring through said fitting by deforming said flexible insert ring and inserting said flexible insert ring into a collar of said housing,

(d) lowering said basket into said housing to seat a peripheral lip of said basket on an internal upper edge of said insert ring,

(e) replacing said grate into said fitting.

[0028] Preferably, said housing is comprised of an integrally moulded cylindrical sleeve, an outwardly projecting peripheral collar and a perforated base; said outwardly projecting peripheral collar provided with an outwardly projecting peripheral lip.

[0029] Preferably, said housing and said insert ring are sufficiently flexible so as to be able to pass through a

restricted opening of a floor waste; said housing and insert ring moulded from a rubber or other suitable elastomer material. [0030] Preferably, an external diameter of said collar is substantially equal to an internal diameter of a standard waste pipe; said outwardly projecting peripheral lip flexing against an internal wall of said waste pipe to provide a seal and a friction fit so as to retain said housing at an inserted position within said waste.pipe.

[0031] Preferably, said outwardly projecting peripheral lip of said basket is sized so as to be suspended from an internal shoulder of said housing when said basket is inserted into said housing for use.

[0032] Preferably, said outwardly projecting peripheral lip of said basket is sized so as to be suspended from an internal edge of said insert edge when said basket is inserted into said housing and said insert ring for use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a housing of the bucket trap according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,

Figure 2 is a side view of the housing of figure 1, Figure 3 is a side view of a basket according to a first embodiment of the invention, for use with the housing of figures 1 and 2,

Figure 4 is a partially sectioned side view of the assembly of housing of figures 1 and 2, and the basket of figure 3 installed for use,

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a bucket trap assembly according to the invention, Figure 6 is a sectioned side view of the bucket trap assembly of figure 5.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Firat Preferred Embodiment

[0034] As shown in figure 1 and 2, a bucket trap according to the invention, includes a housing (10) comprising a cylindrical sleeve (12) provided at its upper periphery (14) with a collar

(16) and closed at its lower end by a perforated base (18) . The collar (16) is further provided with an outwardly projecting peripheral lip (20) . The whole housing (10) of the bucket trap is integrally moulded from rubber or from another suitable elastomer material to form a flexible element,

[0035] The housing (10) is sized so as to be insertable into a standard PVC waste pipe (22) as shown in figure 4. Thus the collar

(16) has an outer diameter substantially equal to the internal diameter of the waste pipe (22) , When inserted, as shown in figure 4, the lip (20) is flexed against the internal wall of the waste pipe (22) to both form a seal and a friction interference fit with the waste pipe so as to secure the housing (10) in its inserted position in the pipe.

[0036] The bucket trap of the invention further includes a removable basket (26), shown in figure 3, for insertion into the housing (10) . The basket (26) may be made of any suitable material including stainless steel, but preferably is injection moulded from a suitable polymer material.

[0037] Basket (26) comprises a cylindrical sleeve (28) with an integral outwardly projecting lip (30) and base (32), with both the sleeve (28) and base (32) perforated to allow passage of water but capture fats and solids. The outwardly projecting lip (30) is so sized that the outer rim (34) of the lip is supported on the oloping- internal shoulder (36) (see figure 2) of the bucket trap (10), as can be seen in the partially sectioned view of figure 4. A handle (38) is provided by means of which the basket (26) may be lowered into, and lifted out of, the housing (10) .

Second Preferred Embodiment

[0038] In a second preferred embodiment, with reference to figures 5 an 6, a bucket trap 100 according to this embodiment of the invention, again includes a housing (110) as for the first preferred embodiment above, comprising a cylindrical sleeve (112) provided at its upper periphery with a collar (114) and closed at its lower end by a perforated base (116) . The collar (114) is further provided with an outwardly projecting peripheral lip

(118) . The whole housing (110) of the bucket trap is integrally moulded from rubber or from another suitable elastomer material to form a flexible element.

[0039] The housing (110) in this embodiment is also adapted to accept an insertable basket (120), but in this instance the basket

(120) is supported by an insert ring (122) with an outer diameter sized for insertion within the collar (114) as a sliding fit.

Insert ring is in turn supported within the collar (114) by

engagement with an internal shoulder (124) . Insert ring (122) is preferably formed of the same material as that used for the housing (110) and is sufficiently flexible to allow it to be deformed for passage through a floor waste opening.

[0040] Insert ring (122) allows a reduction in the diameter of the basket (120), which preferable is formed of a substantially rigid injection moulded polymer, to the extent that the basket (120) may be passed through a floor waste fitting.

[0041] Insert ring (122) may be provided in more than one size, that is, with outer diameters to suit slightly varying waste pipes, but with the same internal diameter for support of the basket (120) , In practice two rings are provided to allow for the difference in internal diameters of PVC and HDPE pipes of the same nominal size. The difference in diameters causes different degrees of compression on the flexible polymer housing (110) when inserted into either a PVC or HDPE waste pipe, thus altering the internal diameter of the housing at the collar 114.

[0042] As for the first embodiment described above, the basket (120) includes a collar (126) with an outwardly projecting lip (128) which allows the basket to be suspended from the inner upper edge (130) of an insert ring (122) .

[0043] The basket (120) of this embodiment is further provided with a fold-down handle (132), formed as a half circle and provided at its outer ends with outwardly projecting lugs (134) . These lugs project through diametrically opposing holes (136) provided in the collar (126) . The outer radius of the half circle handle (132) is such that once the basket has been inserted into position in the housing (110), the handle (132) may be rotated into the horizontal retained position within the collar (126) shown in figures 5 and 6. For removal of the basket, the handle may be rotated to a vertical position for lifting the basket from the ring and housing.

[0044] In both this second embodiment and the first described above, the bucket trap of the invention does not prevent the operation of a fire collar fitted at the floor slab between the storeys of a multi-storey building. Because the bucket trap and the insertable basket of the invention are constructed of

elastomer and polymer materials, a fire collar can crush the trap and provide the necessary fire barrier to close off a possible fire passage through the slab opening. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0045] Floor wastes (40) typically comprise a fitting (42) fixed into the floor surface (43) and provided with a removable grate (44), usually retained by bayonet elements of the fitting and, the grate .

[0046] The flexibility of the housing (10) of the grate seal bucket trap of the invention, permits it to be inserted through . the fitting (42) of an existing floor waste (40) and pushed into its desired position into the waste pipe (22) immediately below the floor waste (40) . Once the housing is in position,, the basket

(26) is lowered into the housing and is suspended in the housing by the collar (30) of the basket supported on internal shoulder

(36) of the housing or, in the case of the second embodiment, on the edge of the insert ring.

[0047] Thus the retro-fitting of a grate seal bucket trap according to the invention simply includes the steps of; removing the grate (44) from the existing floor waste (40), inserting the housing (10) through the fitting (42) and into the PVC pipe to the desired level, lowering the basket (26) into the housing (after fitting the insert ring in case of the second embodiment) and replacing the floor waste grate (44) .

[0048] By this means, the present invention obviates the difficult and disruptive requirements of breaking into the floor and reinstating and resealing the floor surface after fitting.

[0049] As well, the bucket trap of the invention is easily removable from below the floor grate for thorough cleaning of the bucket portion of the trap as required, and in addition, this ability to easily remove the trap can provide access to the pipework below.

[0050] The further important aspect of the invention is that it does not interfere with the operation of a fire collar when the bucket trap of the invention is used in multistorey buildings where fire collars have been installed. [0051] The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

BUCKET TRAP TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to plumbing and drainage and, more particularly to floor waste provisions in commercial premises.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Increasing emphasis is being laid on the need to reduce pollution of the environment by contaminated waste water flowing into drainage systems from commercial premises. As one measure to ameliorate the introduction of fats and other semi-liquid or solid contaminants from entering waste water drainage systems, some authorities have mandated that floor wastes be fitted with traps which include a removable filter basket.

[0003] Such trap and basket systems designed for installation to existing floor waste installations are known. One known system comprises a housing or "bucket" in the form of a stainless steel cylinder fitted at the top with a collar and removable grate, and with a perforated base. A removable stainless steel mesh or perforated basket is provided as an insert.

[0004] A problem with this and like arrangements, is that the floor must be broken into to remove the existing floor waste grate fitting. This almost invariably causes damage to the upper end of the waste pipe which must be repaired with a joiner and new pipe section up to just below floor level. The bucket can then be lowered into the repaired (typically) PVC waete pipe and the concrete and water proofing around the floor waste restored. The floor must then be repaired around the collar and grate.

[0005] Another problem with this type of installation is that the strainer at the bottom of the bucket is not removable so that once installed, it is impossible to gain access to the pipework below the bucket.

[0006] Yet a further- problem with a stainless steel bucket and stainless steel insert basket, is that these are incompatible with fire collars where these are mandatory in multistorey structures. While these collars are able to cut through or crush a PVC waste pipe to provide a fire proof barrier in the floor opening, they cannot cut through or crush a stainless steel bucket, 30 that these buckets may allow a fire to spread between floors of a high- rise building.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to address or at least ameliorate some of the above disadvantages or provide a useful alternative.

Notes

[0008] The term comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of "having" or including", and not in the exclusive sense of consisting only of".

[0009] The above discussion of the prior art in the Background of the invention, is not an admission that any information

discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention comprise a bucket trap which may be retrofitted to existing floor waste systems without disturbance of the floor waste fitting or of the

surrounding floor. Moreover, the bucket trap of the invention is readily removable for cleaning and for providing access to

pipework or a gully trap below the floor waste. [0011] Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there is provided a bucket trap for capture of fats and solids entering a floor waste; said bucket trap including a flexible housing able to be inserted through a fitting of an existing said floor waste.

[0012] Preferably, said flexible housing comprises a

cylindrical sleeve provided with a collar at an upper periphery of said sleeve; said cylindrical sleeve further provided with a perforated base at a lower end of said cylindrical sleeve.

[0013] Preferably, said cylindrical sleeve, said collar and said base form an integral whole.

[0014] Preferably, said housing is moulded from a rubber or other suitable elastomer material.

[0015] Preferably, said collar is further provided with an outwardly projecting peripheral lip.

[0016] Preferably, an outer diameter of said collar is

substantially equal to an inner diameter of a standard waste pipe.

[0017] Preferably, said outwardly projecting peripheral lip is flexed against the internal wall of the waste pipe to form both a seal and a friction interference fit with said waste pipe so as to secure said housing into an inserted position in said waste pipe.

[0018] Preferably, said bucket trap is further provided with an insertable basket; said basket comprising a perforated cylindrical sleeve closed at a lower end by a perforated base and provided with an outwardly projecting peripheral lip at an upper end of said perforated cylindrical sleeve.

[0019] Preferably, said outwardly projecting peripheral lip of said basket is sized so as to be supported by an internal shoulder of said housing when said basket is inserted into said housing for use.

[0020] Preferably, said bucket trap is further provided with a flexible insert ring; said insert ring si2ed to fit within said collar as a sliding fit; said insert ring supported within said collar by engagement with an internal shoulder of said housing for use.

[0021] Preferably, said flexible insert ring is moulded from a rubber or other suitable elastomer material.

[0022] Preferably, said basket is further provided with a handle; said handle adapted for lowering said basket into, and lifting said basket out of, said housing.

[0023] Preferably, said handle is of substantially semicircular shape; said handle provided at its outer ends with outwardly projecting lugs for engagement with diametrically opposed holes in a collar of said basket.

[0024] Preferably, said perforated cylindrical sleeve, said perforated base and said outwardly projecting peripheral lip form an integral basket element.

[0025] Preferably, said basket is moulded from a suitable polymer material.

[0026] In another broad form of the invention, there is

provided a method of fitting a trap to a floor waste; said trap including a flexible housing and a basket insertable into said housing; said method including the steps of:

(a) removing a grate from a fitting of said floor waste, (b) inserting said housing through said fitting into a waste pipe below said floor waste by deforming said flexible housing during insertion,

(c) lowering said basket into said housing,

(d) replacing said grate into said fitting.

[0027] In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of fitting a bucket trap to a waste pipe below a floor waste; said bucket trap including a flexible housing, a flexible insert ring and a basket; said insert ring and said basket insertable into said housing; said method including the steps of:

(a) removing a grate from a fitting of said floor waste,

(b) inserting said housing through said fitting into said waste pipe below said floor waste by deforming said flexible housing during insertion,

(c) inserting said flexible insert ring through said fitting by deforming said flexible insert ring and inserting said flexible insert ring into a collar of said housing,

(d) lowering . said basket into said housing to seat a peripheral lip of said basket on an internal upper edge of said insert ring,

(e) replacing said grate into said fitting.

[0028] Preferably, said housing is comprised of an integrally moulded cylindrical sleeve, an outwardly projecting peripheral collar and a perforated base; said outwardly projecting peripheral collar provided with an outwardly projecting peripheral lip.

[0029] Preferably, said housing and said insert ring are sufficiently flexible so as to be able to pass through a

restricted opening of a floor waste; said housing and insert ring moulded from a rubber or other suitable elastomer material. [0030] Preferably, an external diameter of said collar is substantially equal to an internal diameter of a standard waste pipe; said outwardly projecting peripheral lip flexing against an internal wall of said waste pipe to provide a seal and a friction fit so as to retain said housing at an inserted position within said waste pipe .

[0031] Preferably, said outwardly projecting peripheral lip of said basket is sized so as to be suspended from an internal shoulder of said housing when said basket is inserted into said housing for use.

[0032] Preferably, said outwardly projecting peripheral lip of said basket is sized so as to be suspended from an internal edge of said insert edge when said basket is inserted into said housing and said insert ring for use,

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein :

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a housing of the bucket trap according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,

Figure 2 is a side view of the housing of figure 1, Figure 3 is a side view of a basket according to a first embodiment of the invention, for use with the housing of figures 1 and 2,

Figure 4 is a partially sectioned side view of the assembly of housing of figures 1 and 2, and the basket of figure 3 installed for use,

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a bucket trap assembly according to the invention, Figure 6 is a sectioned side view of the bucket trap assembly of figure 5.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

First Preferred Embodiment

[0034] As shown in figure 1 and 2, a bucket trap according to the invention, includes a housing (10) comprising a cylindrical sleeve (12) provided at its upper periphery (14) with a collar

(16) and closed at its lower end by a perforated base (18) . The collar (16) is further provided with an outwardly projecting peripheral lip (20) . The whole housing (10) of the bucket trap is integrally moulded from rubber or from another suitable elastomer material to form a flexible element,

[0035] The housing (10) is sized so as to be insertable into a standard PVC waste pipe (22) as shown in figure 4. Thus the collar (16) has an outer diameter substantially equal to the internal diameter of the waste pipe (22) . When inserted, as shown in figure 4, the lip (20) is flexed against the internal wall of the waste pipe (22) to both form a seal and a friction interference fit with the waste pipe so as to secure the housing (10) in its inserted position in the pipe.

[0036] The bucket trap of the invention further includes a removable basket (26), shown in figure 3, for insertion into the housing (10) . The basket (26) may be made of any suitable material including stainless steel, but preferably is injection moulded from a suitable polymer material .·

[0037] Basket (26) comprises a cylindrical sleeve (28) with an integral outwardly projecting lip (30) and base (32), with both the sleeve (28) and base (32) perforated to allow passage of water but capture fats and solids. The outwardly projecting lip (30) is so sized that the outer rim (34) of the lip is supported on the eloping- internal shoulder (36) (see figure 2) of the bucket trap (10), as can be seen in the partially sectioned view of figure 4. A handle (38) is provided by means of which the basket (26) may be lowered into, and lifted out of, the housing (10) .

Second Preferred Embodiment

[0038] In a second preferred embodiment, with reference to figures 5 an 6, a bucket trap 100 according to this embodiment of the invention, again includes a housing (110) as for the first preferred embodiment above, comprising a cylindrical sleeve (112) provided at its upper periphery with a collar (114) and closed at its lower end by a perforated base (116) . The collar (114) is further provided with an outwardly projecting peripheral lip

(118) . The whole housing (110) of the bucket trap is integrally moulded from rubber or from another suitable elastomer material to form a flexible element.

[0039] The housing (110) in this embodiment is also adapted to accept an insertable basket (120) , but in this instance the basket (120) is supported by an insert ring (122) with an outer diameter sized for insertion within the collar (114) as a sliding fit.

Insert ring is in turn supported within the collar (114) by

engagement with an internal shoulder (124) . Insert ring (122) is preferably formed of the same material as that used for the housing (110) and is sufficiently flexible to allow it to be deformed for passage through a floor waste opening.

[0040] Insert ring (122) allows a reduction in the diameter of the basket (120), which preferable is formed of a substantially rigid injection moulded polymer, to the extent that the basket (120) may be passed through a floor wa3te fitting.

[0041] Insert ring (122) may be provided in more than one size, that is, with outer diameters to suit slightly varying waste pipes, but with the same internal diameter for support of the basket (120) . In practice two rings are provided to allow for the difference in internal diameters of PVC and HDPE pipes of the same nominal size. The difference in diameters causes different degrees of compression on the flexible polymer housing (110) when inserted into either a PVC or HDPE waste pipe, thus altering the internal diameter of the housing at the collar 114.

[0042] As for the first embodiment described above, the basket (120) includes a collar (126) with an outwardly projecting lip (128) which allows the basket to be suspended from the inner upper edge (130) of an insert ring (122) .

[0043] The basket (120) of this embodiment is further provided with a fold-down handle (132), formed as a half circle and provided at its outer ends with outwardly projecting lugs (134) . These lugs project through diametrically opposing holes (136) provided in the collar (126) . The outer radius of the half circle handle (132) is such that once the basket has been inserted into position in the housing (110), the handle (132) may be rotated into the horizontal retained position within the collar (126) shown in figures 5 and 6. For removal of the basket, the handle may be rotated to a vertical position for lifting the basket from the ring and housing.

[0044] In both this second embodiment and the first described above, the bucket trap of the invention does not prevent the operation of a fire collar fitted at the floor slab between the storeys of a multi-storey building. Because the bucket trap and the insertable basket of the invention are constructed of

elastomer and polymer materials, a fire collar can crush the trap and provide the necessary fire barrier, to close off a possible fire passage through the slab opening. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0045] Floor wastes (40) typically comprise a fitting (42) fixed into the floor surface (43) and provided with a removable grate (44), usually retained by bayonet elements of the fitting and, the grate.

[0046] The flexibility of the housing (10) of the grate seal bucket trap of the invention, permits it to be inserted through the fitting (42) of an existing floor waste (40) and pushed into its desired position into the waste pipe (22) immediately below the floor waste (40) . Once the housing is in position, the basket (26) is lowered into the housing and is suspended in the housing by the collar (30) of the basket supported on internal shoulder (36) of the housing or,, in the case of the second embodiment on the edge of the insert ring.

[0047] Thus the retro-fitting of a grate seal bucket trap according to the invention simply includes the steps of; removing the grate (44) from the existing floor waste (40), inserting the housing (10) through the fitting (42) and into the PVC pipe to the desired level, lowering the basket (26) into the housing (after fitting the insert ring in case of the second embodiment) and replacing the floor waste grate (44) .

[0048] By this means, the present invention obviates the difficult and disruptive requirements of breaking into the floor and reinstating and resealing the floor surface after fitting.

[0049] As well, the bucket trap of the invention is easily removable from below the floor grate for thorough cleaning of the bucket portion of the trap as required, and in addition, this ability to easily remove the trap can provide access to the pipework below.

[0050] The further important aspect of the invention is that it does not interfere with the operation of a fire collar when the bucket trap of the invention is used in multistorey buildings where fire collars have been installed. [0051] The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.