FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a connector for use in toilet waste flow systems. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Forming a good seal between a toilet pan and a waste pipe is crucial. If the seal fails then undesirable odours and even waste products can leak into the surrounding environment. The form, orientation and position of the toilet pan outlet along with the form, orientation and position of the waste pipe inlet may all impede the sealed connection between the toilet pan outlet and the waste pipe using rigid conduit.

Consequently, flexible connectors are now in common use to connect toilet pans to waste pipes.

Flexible connectors commonly comprise one collar for connection to the toilet pan waste outlet, a flexible conduit and another collar for connection to the waste pipe inlet. To provide a seal between the connector and the pan outlet, the first collar is commonly provided with one or more flexible annular ribs extending inwards. The annular ribs are attached at their outer circumference at intervals along an inner surface of the first collar. The inner diameter of the ribs is less than an outer diameter of the toilet pan waste outlet. The flexible ribs deform when the connector is inserted over the toilet pan outlet, such that the ribs provide circumferential contact between the outlet and the connector, sealing the connection. The collar for connection to the waste pipe inlet typically has a similar seal arrangement, however the flexible annular ribs extend outwards from the collar since the waste pipe collar is generally inserted into the waste pipe inlet.

Commonly the toilet pan outlet outer surface is cylindrical. However, the outer surface is often not perfectly cylindrical, for example toilet pan production processes often result in variations such as oval or partially oval waste outlets, or waste outlets with curved axis. These and other forms of misshapen toilet pan waste outlet can impede secure connection of the outlet to the connector.

Typically, application of the connector involves first one collar of the flexible connector being connected and the connector subsequently manipulated to enable the other collar to then be connected. Connection of the collars generally involves the collars being forced into inlets or over outlets. Connecting both collars of the connector generally requires movement in different directions, such that forcing the second collar into place may dislodge the first collar, jeopardising the integrity of the seal.

The collars are held in position by friction: between the collars and the inlet and outlet respectively. Since the levels of both friction and sealing are proportional to the normal force between the collars and inlet or outlet, there is a trade-off between ease of application of the collar and level of seal. Friction may be temporarily reduced during installation of the connector, for example using lubricants, or increased after

installation, for example by heating the collar to cause it to shrink. Such methods may aid installation of individual collars slightly, however, by definition, they also impede any subsequent removal of the collar, for example in the event the connector or toilet pan requires replacement or to gain access to the waste pipe. The form of the toilet pan and the location of the waste pipe connection may impede access to and/or vision of the waste pipe connection and/or the toilet pan connection. For example, back-to-wall toilet pans commonly involve awkward connections due to the proximity of a wall to the pan outlet and the obscuration of the outlet by the pan itself. Access to the waste pipe inlet may also be impeded, for example the inlet may be located behind an opening in a wall, or under a cistern.

Commonly the connector will be first attached to the toilet pan waste outlet using predominantly tactile feedback. The flexible connector is subsequently manipulated to connect to the waste pipe, often predominantly using tactile feedback.

Typically the seal is tested by flushing the toilet to identify any leaks. With impaired views of the connections, it is not always possible to identify small leaks and/or connections that are not robust and liable to fail in due course.

To improve access to and/or vision of the waste pipe and toilet pan outlet during connection and/or maintenance, the toilet pan is sometimes connected to the waste pipe prior to locating the toilet pan in its position of use. The toilet pan is connected to the waste pipe via the flexible connector and subsequently moved to the toilet's final position of use.

Any movement of the connector, for example during movement of the toilet pan, may cause the seal between the toilet pan and the connector to become dislodged, jeopardising the integrity of the seal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit for connecting a toilet pan waste outlet to a waste pipe, the kit comprising a connector, the connector including a sleeve portion adapted for connection to the outlet, wherein the sleeve portion is configured to form an axially extending contact surface with the outlet; and

a fastener, wherein the fastener is configured to apply a retaining force to the sleeve tending to retain the sleeve on the outlet.

In at least one embodiment, such a kit facilitates achieving and maintaining the secure connection of a toilet pan to a waste pipe inlet with a connector even when access to and/or vision of the connector is impaired. The fastener ensures that the toilet pan outlet connection remains secure even when the connector and/or the toilet pan are manipulated.

The fastener may be configured to adjust the retaining force.

The fastener may be configured to reduce the retaining force, for example to facilitate disconnection.

The fastener may be located on the connector prior to connection to the outlet. For example, the fastener may be placed around the sleeve of the connector, prior to connection to the outlet. Alternatively, the connector may first be connected to the outlet and the fastener subsequently applied.

The fastener may be selected from one or more of the following groups: tie wraps, hose clips, strapping, belts. Additionally, or alternatively, the fastener may comprise one or more hinged parts.

The fastener may be a distinct component or group of components separable from the connector. Alternatively, the fastener may be formed integral with the connector. For example, the fastener may comprise two or more flange surfaces adjustably separated. The fastener may be configurable to have an inner diameter larger than the largest outer diameter of the flexible connector. This enables the fastener to be applied to or removed from the connector after the connector has been connected at one end, even when the fastener is for use in cooperation with the already connected end of the connector.

Additionally or alternatively, the fastener may be applied in a discontinuous state, such that the fastener may be applied to or removed from the connector subsequent to connection of the connector at one or both ends.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a connector for connecting a toilet pan waste outlet to a waste pipe, the connector comprising:

a waste pipe connection portion;

a conduit portion; and

a toilet pan waste outlet connection portion, the toilet pan waste outlet connection portion including a sleeve portion wherein the sleeve portion comprises a substantially prismatic internal surface configured to form a substantially prismatic contact surface with the outlet.

The sleeve portion may be of a flexible material, for example a synthetic rubber or a natural rubber.

In at least one embodiment, the sleeve portion is flexible such that the internal surface is deformable to adapt to an outer surface of the outlet. For example, the internal surface may deform from a cylindrical to an oval shape.

The conduit portion may be flexible, for example comprising corrugated ribs. Alternatively, the conduit portion may be rigid, for example a length of pipe. The connector may further comprise a rigid annular portion, the rigid annular portion connecting the sleeve to the conduit portion.

The sleeve portion may be configured for receiving a fastener. For example, the sleeve may comprise one or more protrusions or indentations for locating the fastener. For example, ribs may restrict movement of the fastener parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. Additionally or alternatively, the ribs may provide guidance for ensuring the fastener is located with a central axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve.

The sleeve portion may comprise a flared opening. The inner diameter of one end of the sleeve portion opening may be larger than the outer diameter of the toilet pan waste outlet such that the sleeve can be more easily located on the outlet.

The sleeve portion inner surface may be substantially cylindrical. Additionally, or alternatively the sleeve portion may comprise a tapered internal surface, for example a frustoconical surface. The tapered internal surface may facilitate progressively increasing contact between the sleeve portion and the waste outlet as the sleeve is moved along the outlet during installation.

The sleeve portion inner surface may be substantially smooth or may comprise gripping elements. For example, the inner surface may comprise annular ribs.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for sealing a connector to a toilet pan waste outlet, the method comprising: applying a sleeve of the connector over the outlet; and

increasing friction between the sleeve and the outlet to retain the connector on the outlet, wherein the friction is increased by applying a force to the connector.

The force may be applied substantially radially to the connector, or the force may be applied circumferentially. The force may be adjustable.

The force may be applied permanently. Alternatively, the force may be applied temporarily.

The force may be applied using a fastener.

The method may include subsequently reducing the friction between the sleeve and the outlet.

The friction may be reduced by reducing the applied force.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective views of a toilet pan connector kit according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the kit of Figure 1 , with the connector of the kit in an extended state;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the kit of Figure 1 with the connector of the kit in a flexed state;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the kit of Figure 1 with the kit in use in combination with an exemplary toilet pan.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of part of the connector of Figure 1 , showing a sleeve portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is first made to Figures 1 , 2 and 3 showing perspective views of a toilet pan waste connector kit, generally depicted by reference numeral 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The connector kit 10 comprises a connector 12 and a fastener 30.

The connector 12 comprises a toilet pan waste outlet connection portion 20, a conduit portion 40 and a waste pipe connection portion 50. In the embodiment shown, the toilet outlet connection portion 20 is connected to the conduit portion 40 via a rigid annular portion 60 using a combination of an interference fit and a weld cap 62.

The waste pipe connection portion 50 is connected to the conduit portion 40 via a rigid annular portion 70.

The conduit portion is a flexible pipe of the type disclosed, for example, in US Patents 4,846,510 and 4,927,191 , and UK Patent 2,298,470. The pipe is flexible, in that it may be flexed to create up to 180° bends, and may also be axially extended or contracted. The pipe wall is also configured such that deformation of the pipe tends to be retained.

The toilet pan waste outlet connection portion 20 comprises a flexible sleeve 22. The sleeve 22 has a substantially cylindrical internal surface 24. The cylindrical surface 24 comprises a flared portion 26, easing insertion over the toilet pan waste outlet.

The fastener 30 is located on the outer surface of the sleeve 22 with the aid of sleeve ribs 28, which help maintain a longitudinal position of the fastener 30 on the sleeve 22 and ensure that a plane defined by the circumference of the fastener 30 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 22. In the embodiment shown, the fastener 30 is a worm drive hose clip, however it will be understood that the fastener 30 could equally be selected from the following exemplary groups: tie wraps, strapping, belts. The fastener 30 can be tightened or loosened using a screw 32. Tightening the screw 32 decreases the internal diameter of the fastener 30, causing the fastener 30 to circumferentially compress the sleeve 22. The sleeve 22 is made from a soft synthetic rubber such that the sleeve 22 deforms under compression from the fastener 30. The internal surface 24 of the sleeve 22 is radially pressed against the outer surface of the toilet pan waste outlet such that a cylindrical contact surface seals the connection of the waste outlet to the connector 12.

The waste pipe connection portion 50 comprises a flexible member 52. The flexible member 52 is made from a soft synthetic rubber and has a number of flexible annular ribs 54 projecting outwards. The ribs 54 have an inner diameter less than the waste pipe and an outer diameter greater than the waste pipe, such that the ribs 54 flex upon insertion of the portion 50 into the waste pipe, ensuring a seal between the connector 12 and the waste pipe.

As can be seen from Figure 2, the flexible portion 40 of the connector 12 comprises a number of corrugated ribs 42. The corrugated ribs 42 allow the length of the connector 12 to be adjusted. As illustrated in Figure 3, the corrugated ribs 42 also allow the connector 12 to bend as well as extend and are configured such that the flexible portion will retain its form when configured by an operator. The connector 12 may be used to connect, for example, a horizontal toilet pan waste outlet to a vertical waste pipe.

Figure 4 illustrates the kit 10 of figures 1 , 2 and 3 connected to a toilet pan 80. The connector 12 is connected to the toilet pan waste outlet 82 by the sleeve 22. The sleeve 22 has been manipulated over the outlet 82 and secured in place by the fastener 30, forming a seal between the outlet 82 and the connector 12. Tightening of the fastener 30

Figure 5 shows a cross section of a portion of the connector 12, including the sleeve 22 and part of the conduit portion 40. The sleeve ribs 28, the cylindrical surface 24 and a flared portion 26 of the sleeve are all shown. The flexible sleeve 22 has an annular disc 29 for attachment to the rigid annular portion 60. The rigid annular portion 60 comprises the weld cap 62 and an inner sleeve 64.

Various modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, although the sleeve described has ribs for locating the fastener, this could be nodules or grooves or any other suitable geometry for locating the fastener. Similarly, although the conduit portion described is a flexible pipe with corrugated ribs, this could be another form of flexible pipe or a rigid pipe, for example.