Background Art There are many occasions where it is necessary to form a junction in an existing pipeline. One way of forming a junction is to cut a section of the pipeline and incorporate a T-piece in the pipeline, from which a branch line can extend. While this can be a simple procedure in many instances, there can be occasions where it is not possible or alternatively inconvenient to cut an existing pipeline and insert a T-piece into it.

One particular application where there is a need to fit a branch line to a pipeline can be in relation to apparatus for removal of odours from toilets.

There have been various proposals for removal of odours from toilets. This is commonly done by way of extraction fans fitted into ceilings or walls of rooms which accommodate toilets, although it is not entirely effective as odours can linger for sometime.

A more effective system involves an arrangement whereby odours are removed directly from the toilet pan. There have been various proposals directed to removal of odours in such a way, many of which require a dedicated extraction path communicating with the interior of the toilet pedestal for the purposes of extracting the gaseous contents thereof.

With a view to avoiding the need for dedicated extraction path, there have also been proposals to utilise the pipe along which flushing water is delivered to the toilet pan from a cistern or other source, for the purposes of extraction of the gaseous contents. This has advantages in that the flushing pipe is in communication with the interior of the toilet pan and so avoids the need for dedicated plumbing communicating directly with the toilet pedestal. It is, however, necessary to establish a fluid connection through the wall of the flushing pipe so that an extraction line can communicate with it. The extraction line is connected to a suction source (such as an extraction fan) by which the gaseous contents can be extracted from the toilet pan.

In many cases, such an extraction apparatus is retro-fitted to an existing toilet and it is not convenient to cut the flushing pipe in order to make a fluid connection therewith to accommodate the extraction line.

It is against this background, and the problems and difficulties associated therewith, that the present invention has been developed.

Disclosure of the Invention According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a pipe attachment device for forming a junction in a conduit defining a flow path for fluid flow therealong, the device comprising a body having a first opening and a mounting surface adjacent the periphery of the first opening and means for retaining the body on the conduit with the first opening in fluid communication with an aperture in the side wall of the conduit such that the mounting surface sealingly engages the conduit.

Preferably, the mounting surface is profiled to sealingly conform to the outer surface of the side wall of the conduit.

Preferably, the mounting surface is configured as a saddle adapted to locate against the side wall of the conduit.

Preferably, the mounting surface is prepared from a pliable material such as rubber.

Preferably, the body is retained on the conduit by retaining means extending around the periphery of the conduit.

In one form of the invention, the retaining means is provided in the form of a saddle, adapted to overlay at least a portion of the body, thereby retaining the body on the conduit.

Where the retaining means is adapted to overlay at least a portion of the body, the retaining mears preferably overlays at least a portion of the mounting surface.

Where the mounting surface is configured as a saddle and the retaining means is provided in the form of a saddle, the retaining means preferably overlays the mounting surface.

The retaining means may be provided in the form of a retaining clip adapted to extend around the periphery of the conduit. The retaining means may alternatively be provided in other forms adapted to extend around the periphery of the conduit such as cable ties or wire.

Where the retaining means is provided in the form of a retaining clip adapted to extend around the conduit, the retaining clip may be of generally U-shaped configuration, with the free ends of the clip being adapted for engagement with the body.

The body may be provided with a second opening in fluid communication with the first opening by means of a passage defined therebetween, the second opening adapted to sealingly engage a second conduit. The engagement may be provided by any means known in the art including male or female engagement and including interference fit with or without the use of additional attaching members such as hose clamps, the use of complementary threads on the second opening and the second conduit or ferrules.

Where the second opening is adapted to engage the second conduit by female engagement, the second opening may be provided with an inwardly extending portion adapted to engage the outer surface of the second conduit to provide a sealing interference fit. Preferably, the inwardly extending portion is an annular portion.

In one form of the invention, the first opening is provided with a first stop adapted to engage the outer surface of the first conduit. The stop may be provided in the form of an inwardly extending annular step. The upper surface of the inwardly extending annular step provides a second stop which may inhibit the insertion of the second conduit into the flow path of the first conduit.

In one form of the invention, the body is further provided with a flow director extending into the flow path for interaction with fluid flow therealong, whereby fluid flow along the flow path in a first direction is directed by the flow director towards the communicating first opening and the aperture and fluid flow along the flow path in a second direction is directed further along the flow path, away from the communicating first opening and the aperture.

The flow director may comprise a hollow element defining a passage having a mouth which in use opens onto the flow passage in a direction confronting flow in the first direction, the passage also communicating with the communicating openings.

The hollow element may comprise a wall profiled to present a streamlined surface to oncoming fluid flow in the second direction.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for extraction of gaseous odours from a toilet bowl to which flushing liquid (such as water) is delivered along a flushing pipe, the apparatus comprising an extraction line connected to the flushing pipe by way of a pipe attachment device according to the first aspect of the invention.

Preferably, the extraction line is provided with a suction source which may be activated by any means known in the art including by manual activation of a switch near the toilet, manual activation of the light switch that may be found in a toilet or bathroom or automatic activation by a movement or weight sensor.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of two embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a toilet fitted with an extraction apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention for extraction of gaseous contents from the toilet pan; Figure 2 is an exploded view of a pipe attachment device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention used for establishing the junction between the extraction line and the flushing line ; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a junction providing a fluid connection between the flushing pipe of the toilet and an extraction line in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is an exploded view of a pipe attachment device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention used for establishing the junction between the extraction line and the flushing line ;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a junction providing a fluid connection between the flushing pipe of the toilet and an extraction line in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a junction providing a fluid connection between the flushing pipe of the toilet and an extraction line in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a side view of a junction providing a fluid connection between the flushing pipe of the toilet and an extraction line in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a side view of a junction providing a fluid connection between the flushing pipe of the toilet and an extraction line in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 9 is a schematic view of a toilet fitted with an extraction apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention for extraction of gaseous contents from the toilet pan.

Best Mode (s) for Carrying Out the Invention Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is amenable to variations and modifications other than those specifically described.

It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in the specification, individually or

collectively and any and all combinations or any two or more of the steps or features.

By way of example, the device of the present invention is described in the context of the extraction of odours from a toilet, although such should not be seen as limiting the generality of the foregoing description.

In Figures 1 to 3, there is shown an extraction apparatus 10 for removal of gaseous contents (odours) from a toilet 12 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

The toilet 12 comprises a toilet pan 14 of known kind fitted with a toilet seat 16. A cistern 18 is provided for delivery of flushing water to the toilet pan 14 by way of a flushing pipe 20 which opens onto the interior of the toilet pan 14. The cistern 18 and flushing pipe 20 are also of known kind.

The extraction apparatus 10 for extracting the gaseous contents from the toilet pan 14 utilises the flushing pipe 20 communicating with the interior of the toilet pan 14.

The extraction apparatus 10 comprises an extraction line 22, one end of which is connected at junction 24 to the flushing pipe 20, and the other end of which is connected to a suction source 26 of any appropriate kind, such as for example an extraction fan.

A pipe attachment 28 is provided at junction 24 for establishing a fluid connection between the flushing pipe 20 and the extraction line 22.

As best seen in Figures 2 and 3, the pipe attachment 28 comprises a body 30 having an interior passage 32. The body 30 has a mounting surface 34 at one end thereof onto which the passage 32 opens to define an opening 36. An annular recess 38 surrounds the opening 36. The mounting surface 34 is profiled to sealingly conform to the cylindrical surface of the side wall 42 of the flushing pipe 20. The other end of the body 30 is configured as a connector 44 onto which the end of the extraction line 22 is fitted.

The pipe attachment 28 further includes a flow director 46 and a clip 48.

The flow director 46 comprises an element 50 configured somewhat as a dome 52. The dome 52 has a peripheral wall 54. The base of the dome 52 is open to define an opening 56. The peripheral wall 54 of the dome 52 also incorporates an opening defining a mouth 58. The flow director 46 is adapted to be matingly received and supported in the recess 38 surrounding the opening 36 of the body 30, whereby the opening 56 in the flow director 46 communicates with the passage 32 defined within the body 30.

The peripheral wall 54 of the dome 52 presents a streamlined surface on the side thereof opposite to the mouth 58.

Fitting of the pipe attachment 30 requires a circular aperture 60 to be cut into the side wall 42 of the flushing pipe 20, the size of the aperture 60 corresponding generally to the size of the opening 36 in the body 30. With this arrangement, the pipe attachment 28 can be positioned with respect to the flushing pipe 20, with the opening 36 in the body 30 in registration with the aperture 60 in the side wall 42 of

the flushing pipe 20, and the flow director 46 extending into the flow passage 62 defined within the flushing pipe 20.

The flow director 46 is dimensioned so as to be smaller than the cross-sectional size of the flow passage 62 within the flushing pipe 20, whereby the peripheral wall 54 is spaced from the interior wall of the flushing pipe 20 thereby to define a gap 64.

The flow director 46 is oriented so that the mouth 58 thereof is facing downwardly to confront odorous gases flowing upwardly along the flushing pipe 20 from the toilet pan 14.

The retaining clip 48 is provided for securing the body 30 in position on the flushing pipe 20. The retaining clip 48 is of generally U-shaped configuration, having a pair of arm portions 66 and a bridge portion 68 extending therebetween, with the bridge portion 68 being of arcuate profile to conform to the circular profile of the flushing pipe 20. The free ends of the arm portion 66 are fitted with clasps 70 adapted for engagement against an annular shoulder 72 provided on the body 30 adjacent the connector 44.

The construction of the pipe attachment 28 ensures that it can be readily and conveniently fitted onto the flushing pipe 20. All that is required is to cut the aperture 60 in the side wall 42 of the flushing pipe 20, position the flow director 46 with respect to the body 30 so that the mouth 58 is facing in the appropriate direction, locate the body 30 on the flushing pipe 20 with the flow director 46 extending into the flushing pipe 20, the opening 36 in registration with the opening

60, and the mounting surface 34 in sealing engagement with the side wall 42 of the pipe 20. The clip 48 is then fitted to retain the pipe attachment 28 in place.

Once the extraction apparatus 10 has been fitted, the toilet 12 can be used in the usual way. When a flushing action is to be performed, the cistern 18 is actuated so as to deliver flushing water to the toilet pan 14 along the flushing pipe 20. The flushing water is able to flow along the flushing pipe 20, passing through the gap 64 between the flow director 46 and the interior wall of the pipe 20. In this way, the presence of the pipe attachment 28 does not adversely affect the flushing operation of the toilet. The streamlined profile presented by the peripheral wall 54 facilitates flow of the flushing fluid past the pipe attachment 28.

The presence of the flow director 46 ensures that flushing fluid flowing downwardly along the flushing pipe 20 flows past the junction 24 without entering the extraction line 22.

When gaseous contents are required to be exhausted from the toilet pan 14, it is merely necessary to activate the extraction device 26. Upon activation of the extraction device 26, a gaseous flow is established from the interior of the toilet pan 14, along that portion of the flushing pipe 20 below the junction 24 and then along the extraction line 22. At the junction 24, the flow director 46 directs the upward gaseous flow into the extraction line 22, as the mouth 58 thereof confronts the upward flow.

The suction source 26 may be activated by any means known in the art including manual activation of a switch or automatic activation by way of sensors. Such sensors may sense the movement of a user in the room in which the toilet is

situated or by weight upon the toilet seat. It is preferable that the extraction apparatus not be activated during flushing of the toilet.

In Figures 4 to 9, there is shown a pipe attachment 70 for use in an extraction apparatus 10 for removal of gaseous contents (odours) from a toilet 12 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The pipe attachments 28 and 70 are substantially similar and like numerals denote like parts.

As best seen in Figures 4 to 8, the pipe attachment 70 comprises a body 72 having an interior passage 74. The body 72 has a mounting surface 76 at one end thereof onto which the passage 74 opens to define an opening 78. The mounting surface 76 is profiled to sealingly conform to the cylindrical surface of the side wall 42 of the flushing pipe 20. The other end of the body 72 is configured as a connector onto which the end of the extraction line 22 is fitted.

The mounting surface 76 is configured as a saddle 82, adapted to locate against the side wall 42 of the flushing pipe 20 and is constructed from a pliable material such as rubber. The use of such a material assists in providing a sealing engagement between the mounting surface 76 and the side wall 42 of the flushing pipe 20.

Fitting of the pipe attachment 70 requires a circular aperture 60 to be cut into the side wall 42 of the flushing pipe 20, the size of the aperture 60 corresponding generally to the size of the opening 78 in the body 72. With this arrangement, the pipe attachment 70 can be positioned with respect to the flushing pipe 20, with the

opening 78 in the body 72 in registration with the aperture 60 in the side wall 42 of the flushing pipe 20.

The opening 78 is provided with an inwardly extending step 84, best seen in Figures 7 and 8. As shown in the Figures, the substantially vertical portion 86 of the step 84 contacts the peripheral edge 86 of the aperture 60 and extends into the flushing pipe 20. The vertical portion 86 helps to locate the body 72 against the flushing pipe 20.

The pipe attachment 70 is provided with retaining means 90 to retain the body 72 on the flushing pipe 20 and in particular, to sealingly engage the mounting surface 76 against the side wall 42 of the flushing pipe 20.

The retaining means 90 is configured as a saddle 92 with a centrally disposed hole 93 and opposed arms 94 extending around the periphery of the flushing pipe 20, terminating at tightening means 96, adapted to secure the retaining means 90 against the flushing pipe 20. The tightening means 96 comprises a male portion 98 at the end of the first arm 100 and a female portion 102 at the end of the second arm 104. The male 98 and female 102 portions are provided with complimentary teeth 106 such that movement of the male portion 98 within the female 102 is only possible in one direction substantially parallel to the direction of the arms.

The body 72 is provided with a second opening 108 in fluid communication with the first opening 78 by means of a passage 110 defined therebetween. The second opening 108 is provided with an inwardly extending annular portion 112 ada, oted to sealing : y engage the outer surFace 114 of the extraction line 22. ion a

particular example, the outer diameter of the extraction line is 27 mm and the inner diameter of the second opening at the annular portion is 25 mm.

Consequently, insertion of the extraction line 22 into the second opening 108 causes distortion of a portion of the second opening 108 and provides sealing engagement between the extraction line 22 and the body 72.

The inwardly extending step 84 of the opening 78 provides a substantially horizontal portion 116. The horizontal portion 116 may prevent the extraction line 22 being inserted too far into the body 72.

The construction of the pipe attachment 70 ensures that it can be readily and conveniently fitted onto the flushing pipe 20. All that is required is to cut the aperture 60 in the side wall 42 of the flushing pipe 20, locate the body 72 on the flushing pipe 20 with the vertical portion 86 of the step 84 extending into the flushing pipe 20, the opening 78 in registration with the aperture 60, and the mounting surface 76 in sealing engagement with the side wall 42 of the pipe 20.

The retaining means 90 is then placed over the body 70, the body passing through the centrally disposed hole 93. The saddle 92 of the retaining means 90 overlays the saddle 82 of the body 70. The first 100 and second 104 arms extend around the periphery of the flushing pipe 20 and the male portion 98 secures to the female portion 102 thereby securing the retaining means 90 to the flushing pipe 20. The extraction line 22 is then connected to the second opening 108.

Once the extraction apparatus 70 has been fitted, the toilet 20 can be used in the usual way. When a flushing action is to be performed, the cistern 18 is actuated so as to deliver flushing water to the toilet, pan 14 along the flushing pipe 20.

There are circumstances in which the length of the vertical portion 104 of the flushing pipe 20 in insufficient to attach a pipe attachment 28,70 in accordance with the present invention. Alternatively, the vertical portion 104 may be too close to a wall to attach the pipe attachment 28,70. Under these circumstances the pipe attachment 28,70 may be attached to the horizontal portion 106 of the flushing pipe 20, best seen in Figure 9. Where the pipe attachment 28,70 is attached to the horizontal portion 106 of the flushing pipe 20, the pipe attachment 28,70 should be attached to the uppermost surface of the horizontal portion 106 as shown in Figure 9.

Advantageously, a portion of the extraction line 22 near the junction 24 should be slightly raked to allow flushing water that may enter the extraction line 22 to drain into the flushing pipe 20.

From the forgoing, it is evident that the present embodiments provide simple yet highly effective arrangements for fitting an odour extraction apparatus to a toilet system. All that is necessary is to provide an extraction device and an extraction line which is coupled to the flushing pipe 20 of the toilet 12 by way of the pipe attachments 28 and 70.

It should be understood that while the pipe attachment according to the invention has been described in the embodiments as being part of an apparatus for extraction gaseous contents of a toilet, the pipe attachment may have applications in any other field where it is necessary or desirable to provide a fluid connection with a pipe or other conduit.

Improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise"or variations such as"comprises"or"comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.