AU2006202666B2 - Dry basket arrestor - Google Patents

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT APPLICANT: Larry Siu Chor Leung and Qing Wei Kong NUMBER: FILING DATE: INVENTION TITLE: DRY BASKET ARRESTOR The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: - -2 DRY BASKET ARRESTOR 5 Field of the Invention The invention relates to the area of pretreatment of domestic and trade wastewater and in particular, to a dry basket arrestor which is adapted to be suitable for use in both domestic and commercial sinks and functions to 10 screen wastewater in order to trap the solid debris within the device and prevent and/or reduce the amount of solid waste passing therethrough thus, maximising the effectiveness of wastewater treatment. Whilst the invention can be applied to any type of sink, for convenience 15 sake it shall be described herein in terms of domestic and commercial or industrial sinks where the invention is used for the pretreatment of wastewater. Background to the Invention 20 Within domestic and commercial sectors there is a large amount of solid waste that is dispensed along with the wastewater into the sewerage system and consequently into the environment. Thus, it has been necessary to develop pretreatment devices which are adapted to trap this 25 solid waste, such as food, debris or other foreign materials, and prevent or reduce the amount of solid water passing through with the wastewater into the sewerage systems to provide cleaner waterways. As a result, pretreatment devices commonly known as dry basket 30 arrestors, have been developed to trap solid waste from trade wastewater and allow the suspended solids to be removed from the device. The disadvantage of these devices is that they are fairly bulky and thus, can only be installed under a sink having a limited depth. In addition, once they have been in installed under the sink, there is little or no clearance -3 provided under the unit for cleaning of the floor under and/or around the sink. The dry basket arrestors of the prior art have provided an automatic spring 5 loaded shut off valve which is adapted to shut when the trap means of the device is removed for cleaning to stop solid waste from entering the trade waste system while any maintenance is being carried out on the device. The disadvantage with such a valve is that over time the valve will lose its tension and eventually fail to perform its intended operation. In addition, 10 the devices of the prior art utilize a ball valve which once again will deteriorate in performance over time. The prior art devices also fail to provide a means which enables a user to visually see and remove any solid waste or foreign material from the device with confidence. 15 Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a dry basket arrestor which is adapted to be installed under a domestic and/or commercial sinks and functions to screen wastewater such that solid debris is trapped within the device and prevented from passing 20 therethrough thus, maximising the effectiveness of waste treatment. Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a dry basket arrestor apparatus including: 25 a top flange portion, a body portion, at least one straining means, and a stop means whereby the arrestor provides a means of preventing and/or reduce the amount of solid waste and/or foreign material passing 30 therethrough. It is preferred that a first straining means be provided in the form of a basket which is adapted to have provided a plurality of apertures.

-4 It is preferred that a second straining means be provided on and/or connectable to a body portion of the apparatus and be adapted to collect any solid waste or foreign material that is not initially trapped by the basket. 5 It is further preferred that the second straining means includes a plate portion which is adapted to have a plurality of apertures. It is preferred that the apparatus further comprises at least one securing 10 member which is adapted to enable adjacent components of the apparatus to be secured together. It is preferred that the top flange portion have provided an outwardly extending flange which is adapted to sit and extend over a drainage hole 15 and surrounding annulus of a sink basin to ensure that all wastewater must pass through the apparatus. In a first aspect of the invention it is preferred that the stop means for a domestic sink is a plug device which is adapted to directly stop water 20 entering and flowing through the apparatus when the plug is in place such that, the sink can be filled with water or the apparatus can be cleaned and/or maintained. In a second aspect of the invention it is preferred that the stop means for a 25 commercial sink is a valve means which is adapted to prevent the flow of wastewater through the apparatus from entering a drainage system. It is further preferred that the valve means be a butterfly valve which is controlled by a T-shaped spindle arm. 30 In order that the invention may be more readily understood we will describe by way of non-limiting example of a specific embodiment thereof.

-5 In a further embodiment, the invention also extends to a dry basket arrestor apparatus including: a body portion, a first straining means which is adapted to be located at least partly 5 within the body portion, and a second straining means which is adapted to be located within the body portion and downstream from the first straining means, wherein the first straining means includes a first plurality of apertures which are configured to have an averaged first aperture size 10 and the second straining means includes a second plurality of apertures which are configured to have an averaged second aperture size; wherein the average second aperture size is less than the first averaged first aperture size thereby causing in use the second straining 15 means to strain particles which have passed through the first straining means; whereby the first and second straining means having differing aperture sizes allowing for successive straining of wastewater thereby providing a means of preventing and/or reducing the amount of solid waste and/or 20 foreign material passing therethrough. The invention also extends to a dry basket arrestor apparatus including: a body portion, a first straining means which is adapted to be located at least partly within the body portion, and 25 a second straining means which is adapted to be located within the body portion and downstream from the first straining means, wherein the first straining means includes a first plurality of apertures which are configured to have an averaged first aperture size and the second straining means includes a second plurality of 30 apertures which are configured to have an averaged second aperture size; wherein the average second aperture size is less than the first averaged first aperture size thereby causing in use the second straining -6 means to strain particles which have passed through the first straining means; and wherein the body portion is configured to direct any water entering the body portion towards the second straining means thereby 5 causing substantially all water passing through the body portion to flow at least through the second straining means; whereby the first and second straining means having differing aperture sizes allowing for successive straining of wastewater thereby providing a means of preventing and/or reducing the amount of solid 10 waste and/or foreign material passing therethrough. Brief Description of the Drawing Figures Figure 1 shows a total elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the 15 dry basket arrestor for a commercial application. Figure 2A shows a side exploded elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the dry basket arrestor for a commercial application. 20 Figure 2B shows a side exploded elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the dry basket arrestor for a domestic application. 25 Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of the dry basket arrestor according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 4A shows a side cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the second straining means of the dry basket arrestor for a 30 commercial application.

-7 Figure 4B shows a side cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the second straining means of the dry basket arrestor for a domestic application. 5 Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of the upper securing member of the dry basket arrestor according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 6A shows a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the 10 basket of the dry basket arrestor. Figure 6B shows a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the second straining means of the dry basket arrestor. 15 Figure 7 shows a top plan view of the butterfly valve and T-spindle arm of the dry basket arrestor according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 8 shows a top plan view of the plug of the dry basket arrestor 20 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Description of an Embodiment of the Invention In this embodiment, the invention provides a dry basket arrestor 1 which is 25 adapted to be suitable for use in domestic and/or commercial sinks and functions to screen wastewater in order to physically trap the solid debris within the device 1 and prevent and/or reduce the amount of solid waste passing therethrough thus, maximising the effectiveness of wastewater treatment. 30 The invention provides a dry basket arrestor apparatus 1 having a cylindrical body portion 2 which is adapted to be located and fitted beneath the main hole of a domestic or commercial sink basin which is adapted to -8 receive wastewater therethrough. The apparatus 1 is preferably made of a food grade stainless steel material, to ensure exceptional durability of the apparatus, or any other suitable 100% food grade material such that, the apparatus will comply with all national and/or international Food Act 5 Requirements and Standards. The use of a food grade stainless steel material will also ensure the only maintenance required will be the disposal of solid waste the apparatus 1 traps resulting in a cost-effective product in the maintenance of trade waste sewage quality. The dry basket arrestor apparatus 1 can also preferably have provided a BSP for copper or PVC 10 traps, and silicon sealed threading to further ensure the apparatus 1 of the invention meets International Standards. The invention preferably has provided a top flange portion 10 which can be integrally formed with or releasably connected to the body portion 2 of the 15 apparatus 1. The top flange portion 3 is preferably releasably connected to the body portion 2 and has provided an outwardly extending flange 11 which is adapted to extend outwardly from the top edge of the top flange portion 10, and is adapted to sit within and extend over the drainage hole and surrounding annulus 50 of a sink basin to ensure that all wastewater 20 must pass through the device and prevent wastewater from passing through between the sides of the apparatus and the edge of the drainage hole. Provided on the bottom of the top flange portion 10 is a threaded portion 12 having at least one thread provided thereon. 25 The apparatus 1 has provided at least one securing member which is adapted to connect secure adjacent components of the apparatus 1 together. A first securing member 20 is preferably adapted to releasably connect the body portion 2 of the apparatus 1 to the bottom of the top flange portion 10 beneath the sink basin. The securing member 20 is the 30 form of an annular member 20 which preferably has provided at least one aperture 21 which is adapted to receive a tool therethrough for tightening purposes to secure the apparatus 1 beneath the sink basin and provide a watertight seal and fixing. The securing member 20 preferably has -9 provided a threaded portion 22 having at least one thread along its inner wall which is adapted to be engageable with a complimentary threaded portion 3 provided on the outer surface of the body portion 2 and provide a watertight seal for the apparatus 1. 5 In a preferred embodiment, the body portion 2 may be releasably connected to the device such that it can be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance purposes. Provided on the outer surface of the body portion 2 is at least one threaded portion which is adapted to enable 10 releasable connection of the body portion 2 to adjacent components of the apparatus 1 via a securing member 20, 36 . A first threaded portion 3 preferably extends around the entire circumference of the top third of the body portion 2, whilst a second threaded portion 4 preferably extends along the entire circumference of the bottom third of the body portion 2. 15 The body portion 2 of the apparatus 1 preferably has provided a second upper threaded portion (not shown) having at least one thread thereon. The second upper threaded portion is preferably adapted to be engageable with and connected to a complimentary threaded portion 12 provided at the 20 bottom of the top flange portion 10 beneath the outwardly extending flange 11. It is envisaged that the body portion 2 may be adapted to connect directly to the threaded portion 12 of the top flange portion 10 or alternatively, the securing member 20 may be utilized to connect both members together via the threaded portion provided on its inner wall which 25 is adapted to enable it to be engageable with and/or connected to the top flange portion 10 and/or body portion 2 of the apparatus 1. The dry basket arrestor apparatus 1 preferably has provided at least one straining means which is adapted to enable solid waste or foreign material 30 to be trapped and removed from wastewater passing through the body 2 of the apparatus 1. A second straining means 30 may be provided on and/or be releasably connectable to a body portion 2 of the apparatus 1 and be adapted to collect any solid waste or foreign material that is not initially -10 trapped by a first straining means 6. The second straining means 30 is preferably releasably connected to the bottom of the body portion 2 of the apparatus 1. 5 The second straining means 30 of the dry basket arrestor 1 is preferably in the form of a connector member 30 which is adapted to provide a means for releasably connecting the body portion 2 of the device 1 to a sink assembly. The connector member 30 may have provided an upper portion 31 and lower portion 32 wherein the diameter of the upper portion 31 is 10 greater than that of the lower portion 32. The diameter of the upper portion 31 is preferably slightly larger that the diameter of the threaded portion 4 of the body portion of the device such that the upper portion 31 of the connector member 30 can be located over the threaded portion 4 provided on the body portion 2 of the apparatus 1 and secured thereto. 15 Provided along the inner wall of the upper portion 31 of the connector member 30 is preferably an upper threaded portion 33 which is adapted to be complimentary to the threaded portion 4 provided on the outer surface of the body portion 2 of the apparatus 1. Thus, when the threaded portion 20 33 of the upper portion 31 of the connector member 30 is located over the threaded portion 4 of the body portion 2 of the apparatus 1, the two threaded portions 33, 4 are engageable via rotation of at least one of the components to releasably connect the connecting member to the body portion 2 of the apparatus 1. 25 The second straining means 30 is preferably provided with a plate portion 34 extending across the body of the connector member 30. The plate portion 34 of the connector member 30 is preferably provided with a plurality of apertures 35. The straining means 30 thus functions as a 30 second means of filtration for the device 1 to trap any solid waste or foreign material in the wastewater passing therethrough. The apertures 35 of the straining means 30 may be such that they are designed to have a smaller diameter than those provided on a first means of filtration such that a finer -11 degree of filtration of the wastewater is able to be achieved. It is envisaged that the diameter of the body portion 2 may be substantial such that, the maximum amount of solid waste and foreign material can be collected before cleaning of the apparatus is necessary, and a user is able to easily 5 remove the solid waste and foreign material from within. Loosely attached to the bottom of the connector member 30 is preferably a second securing member 36. The securing member 36 is preferably in the form of an annular member which is adapted to be loosely attached to the 10 bottom of the connecting member 32 and/or body portion 2 and is adapted to releasably connect the connecting member 30 and/or bottom of the body portion 2 to the drainage pipeline of a sink assembly. The diameter of the annular member 36 is preferably slightly larger than the diameter of the lower portion 32 of the connecting member 30 and adjacent pipeline such 15 that it can be received over the pipeline and/or connecting member to secure the apparatus to the drainage pipeline of a sink assembly. Provided along the top inner edge of the annular member 36 is preferably rim (not shown) which is adapted to ensure that the annular member 36 remains loosely attached to the connecting member 30 and cannot fall away 20 therefrom. The lower portion 32 of the connecting member 30 is also preferably provided with an outwardly directed rim portion 38 which is adapted to retain an inwardly directed rim portion provided on the securing member 30. Provided along the inner wall of the annular member 36 may be a threaded portion (not shown) which is adapted to receive and engage 25 with a complimentary threaded portion which would be provided on a standard PVC and/or copper grease trap provided in a commercial sink assembly to enable the apparatus to be releasably connected to a sink assembly. In the case of domestic kitchens where there is no grease trap provided, it is envisaged that the apparatus would simply connect to the 30 drainage pipeline of the sink assembly via the bottom threaded portion 39. A first straining means provided by the apparatus 1 is preferably a cylindrical basket means 6 which is adapted to be located within the body -12 portion 2 of the apparatus 1. The basket means 6 preferably has provided a plurality of apertures 7 along the side and bottom walls which are adapted to allow wastewater to flow therethrough whilst trapping solid waste and foreign materials which are larger than the apertures 7 within 5 the basket 6 to be subsequently removed from the apparatus 1. The basket 6 also preferably has provided a bar 8 which extends longitudinally across the top of the basket 6 and provides a means for enabling a user to easily remove the basket 6 from the apparatus 1 to remove any debris that has been trapped within. The basket 6 has an increased diameter in 10 comparison to standard devices to enable easy access for removal of the basket 6 for emptying and cleaning. The larger size also ensures less frequent removal and replacement and allows reasonable flow rates to be maintained for longer periods. A separate spare basket 6 may be provided to facilitate immediate replacement of the basket 6 into the apparatus 1 15 and allow for thorough cleaning when necessary. The dry basket arrestor 1 preferably has provided a stop means which is adapted to shut off and cease water flow entering and flowing through the apparatus into the drainage pipeline. In the case of a dry basket arrestor 1 20 for domestic purposes, the stop means is preferably a plug device 9 which is adapted to be positioned and located directly over the apparatus 1 in the sink basin in the path of the drain hole such that, when the plug 9 is in place, no wastewater will be able to pass therethrough. The plug 9 enables the filling of a sink and/or conducting cleaning or maintenance of the 25 apparatus, and when not is place during normal use for wastewater to flow freely through the apparatus 1 of the invention. The plug device 9 may be of any suitable shape or dimensions provided that it completely covers the drainage hole. The plug device 9 may have provided a handle or the like which is adapted to assist a person in inserting or removing the plug 9. It is 30 envisaged that any suitable plug 9 may be employed and that the positioning of the stop means within the apparatus may be varied as desired.

-13 in the case of a dry basket arrestor 1 for commercial purposes, the stop means is preferably in the form of a valve means 40 which is adapted to shut off and cease water flow through the apparatus 1 into the grease trap and/or drainage pipeline. The valve means 40 is preferably a butterfly 5 valve 41 which is adapted to be positioned centrally within a housing 42 and is located directly in the path of the drain hole such that, when the valve 41 is in a closed position, no wastewater will be able to pass therethrough. The valve means 40 acts as a plug for the sink such that, the valve 41 can be in a closed position for the purposes of filling a sink and/or 10 conducting cleaning or maintenance of the apparatus 1, and in an open position during normal use for wastewater to flow freely through the apparatus 1 of the invention. The valve means 40 preferably has provided an o-ring seal which is made of rubber or any other suitable material. It is envisaged that this component will be replaceable. 15 The valve means 40 preferably has provided a turning mechanism 43 which is adapted to control the operation and movement of the butterfly valve 41 switching the valve 41 from a closed position to an open position and vice versa. In a preferred embodiment the turning mechanism 43 may 20 be a T-shaped spindle arm. The shape of the handle portion 44 may be varied as desired however, the T-shape is preferred for ease of handling particularly with wet or greasy hands. It is envisaged that the housing 42 may be provided in two parts which are adapted to be releasably connected to each other such that the bottom portion can be easily 25 disassembled to replace parts such as the spindle arm 43 or butterfly valve 41, without having to replace the entire apparatus 1. Provided at the top and bottom ends of the housing 42 for the valve means 41 is preferably an upper and lower threaded portion respectively. The upper threaded portion 45 is preferably adapted to be connected to the securing member 36 of the 30 connector member 30, whilst the lower threaded portion 46 is preferably adapted to connect to the grease trap and/or drainage pipeline of a sink assembly.

- 14 Whilst the shape of the dry basket arrestor 1 may vary as required, it is preferred that the apparatus 1 has a compact shape and design such that it can be applied to any existing or new commercial sink of varying depths to enable the process of effective on-site pre-treatment of trade 5 wastewater. It is also preferred that the apparatus 1 be compact to ensure that there is adequate clearance between the apparatus and floor to enable a user to easily clean the area under and around the sink for health and safety purposes and provide convenient access to the spindle arm 43. The compact design also ensures that there is minimal space between the 10 basket 6, straining means 30 of the connector member 30/ body portion 2 and valve means 40 to provide effecting trapping of solid waste and foreign material. In practice, the dry basket arrestor apparatus 1 is fitted to a sink having the 15 required diameter hole and preformed wide flat annulus area for installation. The top flange portion 10 of the apparatus 1 is inserted into the hole 50 provided in the sink with the threaded portion 12 facing downwardly such that it will be engageable with the complimentary upper threaded portion (not shown) provided on the inner wall of the body portion 20 2 of the apparatus 1. The body portion 2 can then be rotated to engage and connect the two portions together. The securing member 20 provided around the body 2 of the apparatus 1 is then rotated upwardly and fastened to create a watertight seal and stable fixing for the apparatus 1 beneath the sink. 25 The connector member 30 is then screwed upwardly onto the body portion 2 of the dry basket arrestor 1 and the securing member 36 below is screwed onto the upper threaded portion 45 of the valve means 41. All threaded portions are then sealed with silicon. The securing member 36 30 connecting the connector member 30 with the butterfly valve unit 40 has been designed to enable a good grip through the inclusion of vertical grooves 47 around its outer edge.

-15 Whilst the apparatus 1 has been discussed herein in terms of being comprised of separate parts which are adapted to be releasably connected to each other, it is envisaged that one or more of these parts could be integrally formed with an adjacent component. 5 The apparatus 1 of the invention serves to provide an effective solution to the food and production industry for on site pre-treatment of trade wastewater, and also assists the trade waste system in the overall processing cost of trade waste and water usage. 10 While we have described herein a particular embodiment of the dry basket arrestor 1, it is further envisaged that other embodiments of the invention could exhibit any number and combination of any one of the features previously described. However, it is to be understood that any variations 15 and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Claims (16)

1. A dry basket arrestor apparatus including: a body portion, a first straining means which is adapted to be located at least partly 5 within the body portion, and a second straining means which is adapted to be located within the body portion and downstream from the first straining means, wherein the first straining means includes a first plurality of apertures which are configured to have an averaged first aperture size 10 and the second straining means includes a second plurality of apertures which are configured to have an averaged second aperture size; wherein the average second aperture size is less than the first averaged first aperture size thereby causing in use the second straining 15 means to strain particles which have passed through the first straining means; whereby the first and second straining means having differing aperture sizes allowing for successive straining of wastewater thereby providing a means of preventing and/or reducing the amount of solid 20 waste and/or foreign material passing therethrough.

2. A dry basket arrestor apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second straining means includes a plate portion. 25

3. A dry basket arrestor apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the plate portion includes the second plurality of apertures to trap and suspend on the plate portion particles of any solid waste in wastewater passing therethrough and which have passed through the first straining means. 30

4. A dry basket arrestor apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the plate portion is profiled to allow a plug to be selectively sealingly engaged with the plate portion thereby to cover the second plurality of apertures and to seal the second straining means; wherein the plug is used to -17 selectively block wastewater exiting from the body portion into an associated drainage pipeline.

5. A dry basket arrestor apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 5 wherein a first straining means is a basket means; and wherein the first plurality of apertures are formed along a side and/or bottom wall of the basket.

6. A dry basket arrestor apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim 10 wherein the second straining means is positioned at a bottom end of the body portion of the apparatus.

7. A dry basket arrestor apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the second straining means is in the form of a connector member which is 15 adapted to be releasably connected to the bottom of the body portion of the apparatus.

8. A dry basket arrestor apparatus as claimed in claim 7 which further includes at least one securing member which is adapted to enable 20 adjacent components of the apparatus to be secured together.

9. A dry basket arrestor apparatus as claimed in claim 8 which includes a top flange portion and a first securing member; wherein the first securing member is adapted to secure the body portion to the top 25 flange portion of the apparatus.

10. A dry basket arrestor apparatus as claimed in claim 9 which includes a second securing member; wherein the second securing member is adapted to secure the connector member and to a drainage pipeline of 30 a sink assembly.

11. A dry basket arrestor apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein the sink assembly includes as sink basin having a drainage hole which is -18 defined by a surrounding annulus of the sink basin; wherein the top flange portion has provided an outwardly extending flange which is adapted to sit and extend over the drainage hole and surrounding annulus of the sink basin to channel all wastewater through the 5 apparatus.

12. A dry basket arrestor apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 which includes a valve means which is mounted downstream from the second straining means and which is adapted to block the flow of 10 wastewater through the apparatus when entering the drainage system.

13.A dry basket arrestor apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the valve means is a butterfly valve. 15

14. A dry basket arrestor apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the opening and closure of the butterfly valve is operated by a T-shaped spindle arm.

15. A dry basket arrestor apparatus including: 20 a body portion, a first straining means which is adapted to be located at least partly within the body portion, and a second straining means which is adapted to be located within the body portion and downstream from the first straining means, 25 wherein the first straining means includes a first plurality of apertures which are configured to have an averaged first aperture size and the second straining means includes a second plurality of apertures which are configured to have an averaged second aperture size; 30 wherein the average second aperture size is less than the first averaged first aperture size thereby causing in use the second straining means to strain particles which have passed through the first straining means; -19 and wherein the body portion is configured to direct any water entering the body portion towards the second straining means thereby causing substantially all water passing through the body portion to flow at least through the second straining means; 5 whereby the first and second straining means having differing aperture sizes allowing for successive straining of wastewater thereby providing a means of preventing and/or reducing the amount of solid waste and/or foreign material passing therethrough. 10

16.A dry basket arrestor apparatus as substantially described herein with reference to the drawing figures. 15