GB2382072A

GB2382072A - Tapping device

Info

Publication number: GB2382072A
Application number: GB0221825A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kristian Richard Hartley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-09-25
Filing date: 2002-09-20
Publication date: 2003-05-21
Also published as: GB0221825D0; GB0122975D0

Abstract

The connector 10 comprises a securement member 12 and a body having a fluid passageway therethrough. The connector 10 is arranged to be connected to fluid retaining means (fig 3, 11)and especially a water butt (11). The connector comprises resilient retaining members 18 which are inserted through an aperture in the wall of the water butt (11) to locate on the inside of the water butt (11). The securement member 12 is screwed along the shaft of the body towards the retaining members 18 in order to secure the connector 10 to the water butt (11). Accordingly, the connector 10 can be easily connected to the water butt by a single person with no requirement for special tools or any requirement to have access to the inside of the water butt (11) or to move or hold any members located inside the water butt (11). In addition, the water butt 11 has a fluid level indicator 90 which is external from the water butt 11 and projects upwardly from the connector 10. The fluid level indicator 90 comprises a tube which can be moved in order to release fluid from the water butt (11). A securement member or nut 12 is provided on a threaded shaft 16 in order to tighten the connector in place. The body may be secured to a tap. The resilient retaining members 18 snap fit through and aperture in the container 11.

Description

CONNECTOR Field of the Invention The present invention relates to connectors and a method of connecting apparatus and, in particular, a tap having a connect01 :, a method of connecting a connector to fluid retaining means, fluid retaining means having a fluid level indicator and a method of removing fluid from fluid retaining means.

Background to the Invention Conventional methods and apparatus for connecting taps to containers, in particular water butts, include forming a hole in the side of the water butt and pushing a threaded shaft of the tap through the hole. The connection is then secured by placing a nut onto the shaft from within the water butt and tightening the nut along the shaft thereby urging the tap and the nut to locate against the outer and inner walls of the water butt respectively. As the nut is finally tightened a waterproof seal is formed. However, with such methods it is necessary to hold both the tap and the nut. Since the water butt may have high walls, it may not be possible for a single person to hold both elements at the same time. Accordingly, the connection requires at least two people. This is, therefore, time consuming and inefficient. In addition, such conventional methods and apparatus always require access to inside the water butt.

Furthermore, with conventional water butts it is not evident how much liquid is contained therein. If the lid is releasable and replaceable then a prior method simply

includes removing the lid in order to view the amount of liquid. This can be difficult to judge when viewed from above especially in a relatively deep water butt or in poor lighting conditions. Such methods may also be inaccurate if the liquid is coloured and not clear.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a connector comprising a body, the body having a first end and a second end and a fluid passageway therethrough, the first end comprising retaining means to retain the connector to fluid retaining means having a first side and a second side, the retaining means being arranged, in use, to locate through an aperture in the fluid retaining means and to locate on the first side of the fluid retaining means, the connector comprising securement means whereby movement of the securement means towards the retaining means secures the connector to the fluid retaining means and wherein the securement means is located on the second side of the fluid retaining means.

Preferably, the retaining means is arranged to be inserted through the aperture from the second side of the fluid retaining means and may locate adjacent to the surface of the first side of the fluid retaining means.

The fluid retaining means may comprise a wall of a container and preferably a wall of a liquid container, and more preferably a wall of a water butt.

Preferably, the first side of the fluid retaining means is the inside of the container. Preferably, the second side of the fluid retaining means is the outside of the container.

Preferably the body is arranged, in use, to be secured to a tap mechanism. Preferably, the tap mechanism is arranged, in use, to locate adjacent to the second end of the body. The tap mechanism may be integral with the body.

The tap may have a tube which cooperates with the body to provide a fluid passageway therethrough. The tap may comprise a delivery tube or nozzle disposed at one end of the tube. The nozzle may have an actuating element located'-herein to allow or prevent passage of a fluid from the tube through the nozzle. The actuating element may have a fluid passageway provided therethrough. The fluid passageway through the actuating element may be arranged to selectively cooperate with the fluid passageway in the tube.

Preferably the securement means is arranged such that movement of the securement means away from the retaining means unsecures the connector from the fluid retaining means.

Preferably the securement means is arranged, in use, to move along the longitudinal axis of the body. Preferably,

the securement means is rotated in order to move along the body.

The body may comprise a threaded shaft. Preferably the threaded shaft is provided around at least a part of the external surface of the body.

Preferably the securement means comprises a member having a threaded portion defined on a face which is arranged, in use, to cooperate with the threaded shaft provided on the body.

Preferably the securement means comprises a nut.

Preferably the securement means comprises gripping means in order for the securement means to be gripped and moved.

The gripping means may comprise shaped portions in order for a suitable tool to engage the securement means. The gripping means may comprise two flat portions located substantially opposite, for example, the centres of the flat portions being 1800 offset from each other.

Preferably the securement means has sealing means provided thereon. The sealing means may be provided on the surface of the securement means which is arranged, in use, to abut the surface of the second side of the fluid retaining means. The sealing means may comprise an annular member and preferably comprises an 0-ring.

Preferably the sealing means comprises a resilient material. Preferably the sealing means comprises a waterproof material. Preferably, in use, the sealing means is urged against the surface of the second side of

the fluid retaining means to provide a watertight seal between the connector and the fluid retaining means.

Preferably, the securement means comprises an annular face. The annular face may have a recess for retaining the sealing means therein. Preferably, the annular face is arranged, in use, to be urged towards the surface of the second side of the fluid retaining means.

Preferably the retaining means comprises at least one retaining member.

Preferably the retaining means is arranged, in use, to move between a first position and a second position in order for the retaining means to be inserted through an aperture in the fluid retaining means. Preferably, once inserted through the aperture, the retaining means is arranged, in use, to return towards the first position.

Preferably the retaining means comprises a plurality of retaining members. Preferably the retaining members extend longitudinally from the first end of the body and may be spaced around the circumference of the body.

Preferably the or each retaining member comprises a resilient member.

The retaining means may comprise a spacer portion. The longitudinal extent of the spacer portion may substantially correspond to the thickness of the fluid retaining means. Accordingly, an abutment face on the first end of the body may locate adjacent to the surface of the second side of the fluid retaining means, in use.

Similarly, a retaining edge of the retaining means may locate adjacent to the surface of the first side of the fluid retaining means, in use. Preferably, the retaining edge is urged against the surface of the first side of the fluid retaining means, in use.

Preferably the or each retaining member comprises a shaped member. The shaped member may comprise a spacer portion and a retaining portion.

The retaining portion may comprise a leading edge, which may extend upwardly to a tapered receiving surface which may taper radially outwardly to a retaining edge which may extend radially inwardly therefrom.

Preferably, in use, the retaining edge of the or each retaining member is urged against the surface of the first side of the fluid retaining means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a tap having a connector, the connector being in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of connecting a connector to fluid retaining means having a first side and a second side comprising inserting retaining means of the connector through an aperture in the fluid retaining means to locate on the first side of the fluid retaining means and moving securement means of the connector towards the retaining means in order to secure the connector to the fluid

retaining means wherein the securement means is located on the second side of the fluid retaining means.

Preferably the connector is in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

Preferably the method comprises flexing the retaining means to enable the retaining means to be inserted through the aperture. Preferably, the method comprises flexing the retaining means by urging at least a part of the retaining means against the periphery of the aperture.

Preferably the method comprises rotating the securement means along a body of the connector.

Preferably the method comprises urging at least a part of the retaining means against the surface of the first side of the fluid retaining means.

Preferably the method comprises urging at least a part of the securement means against a second side of the fluid retaining means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid retaining means and a fluid level indicator, wherein the fluid level indicator is external of the fluid retaining means and comprises a conduit extending upwardly which is in fluid communication with the fluid inside the fluid retaining means to enable fluid in the fluid level indicator to be at the same level as the fluid located in the container.

Preferably, the conduit extends upwardly from a first end to a second end.

Preferably the fluid level indicator is arranged such that fluid flowing from the fluid retaining means enters the conduit through the first end of the conduit.

Preferably the conduit comprises a transparent material.

Preferably the second end of the conduit comprises a removable cover.

Preferably the first end of the conduit comprises connecting means.

Preferably the conduit comprises a flexible conduit.

Preferably the fluid container has a connector secured thereto.

Preferably the first end of the conduit is arranged, is use, to be connected to the connector. Preferably the first end of the conduit is arranged, in use, to be connected to a port provided on the connector. Preferably the port is arranged to be inserted through the first end of the conduit and may be arranged to retained therein through an interference fit.

Preferably the fluid level indicator is arranged, in use, to connect to a connector secured to the fluid retaining means.

Preferably the conduit is arranged, in use, to flex in order for the first end of the conduit to locate below the second end of the conduit.

Preferably the fluid level indicator is arrangeable to enable fluid to flow out of the fluid container.

The fluid retaining means may comprise a fluid container and preferably comprises a liquid container and more preferably comprises a water butt.

Preferably the fluid level indicator comprises securement means to releasably secure a part of the fluid level indicator to the fluid retaining means.

Preferably the securement means is arranged to releasably secure an upper part of the fluid flow indicator to the fluid retaining means.

Preferably the securement means comprises a clip.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of removing fluid from fluid retaining means, the fluid retaining means having a fluid level indicator in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention, the method comprising locating a second end of the fluid level indicator below the level of the fluid in the fluid retaining means in order for fluid to

flow out of the fluid retaining means through the fluid level indicator.

Preferably the method comprises flexing the fluid level indicator in order for fluid to flow out of the fluid retaining means through the fluid level indicator.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings that follow, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention connected to a water butt having an embodiment of a fluid level indicator secured thereto.

Figure 4 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a body.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a body.

Figure 9 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a body.

Figure 10 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a body.

Figure 11 is a cross-section of a preferred embodiment of a body.

Figure 12 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a body.

Figure 13 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of an actuating element.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an actuating element.

Figure 15 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of an actuating element.

Figure 16 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of an actuating element.

Figure 17 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a securement member.

Figure 18 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a securement member.

Figure 19 is a cross-section of a preferred embodiment of a securement member.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a securement member.

Figure 21 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a securement member.

Figure 2 is a cross-section of an alterative embodiment of a body.

Figure 23 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a body.

Figure 24 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a body.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment The connector 10 comprises a securement member 12 and a body having a fluid passageway therethrough comprising a cooperating shaft 14, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The connector 10 is arranged to be connected to fluid retaining means, for example the connector may connect a tap to a wall of a fluid container and especially a water butt 11. The wall of the water butt has a surface on the first side (inside of the water butt) and a surface on the second side (outside the water butt).

The cooperating shaft 14 comprises a threaded shaft 16 and retaining means in the form of push fit means. The push fit means comprises a plurality of retaining members in the form of resilient members 18 which project longitudinally from a first end of the cooperating shaft 14. The resilient members 18 can be removed radially inwardly by exerting a suitable force thereon. The resilient members 18 are moveable from a first position, on exertion of a force, to a second position and are arranged towards return to the first position when the force is removed. Accordingly, the radial extent of the retaining means is greater than the periphery of the aperture.

The resilient members 18 are shaped and have a leading edge 20 which extends upwardly to a tapered receiving surface 22 which tapers radially outwardly to a retaining edge 24 which extends radially inwardly therefrom. The resilient members 18 are arranged to be pushed through an aperture and to snap fit through the aperture in order to be retained therein. In use, the periphery of the aperture abuts the tapered receiving surface 22 of the resilient members 18. As the force is increased the resilient members 18 deflect or move radially inwardly as a result of the tapered receiving surfaces 22 and the resultant forces from pushing the connector 10 into the aperture.

Once the tapered receiving surfaces 22 extend on the inside of the surface, the resilient members 18 move radially outwardly towards the original position as a result of the force no longer being applied between the periphery of the aperture and the resilient member 18.

The retaining portion thereby clicks into place. The periphery of the aperture thereby locates in a spacer

portion of the retaining means which comprises a retaining annular recess 26 defined between the retaining edges 24 of the resilient members 18 and a retaining surface 30 on the first end of the threaded shaft 16, as shown in Figures 9 to 12.

The width of the retaining annular recess 26 may be in the order of the thickness of the container to which the connector 10 is to be connected. The width may be slightly greater than the thickness of the surface.

Once the resilient members 18 are in the second position on the inside of the surface, the resilient members 18 cannot simply be pulled out or withdrawn through the aperture as a result of the retaining edges 24.

However, the connector 10 may not be securely connected to the water butt 11 and a waterproof seal will not yet be provided between the tap and the water butt 11.

The securement member 12 or nut engaged on the threaded shaft 16 can then be tightened in order for the securement member 12 to move relative to the resilient members 18 and towards the resilient members and the wall of the water butt 11. The securement member 12 has a sealing member provided on the sealing surface thereof. The sealing member comprises an 0-ring made of a resilient material. The sealing surface comprises an annular surface, as shown in Figure 17 and Figure 19. The securement member 12 is tightened up against the surface of the water butt 11 until the sealing member provides a watertight seal between the connector 10 and the water butt 11. In this position, the annular sealing surface 81 and the sealing

member 84 are urged against the outer surface of the container whilst the retaining edges of the retaining portions are urged against the inner surface of the container.

As described above, the tap can be easily connected to the water butt 11 by a single person with no requirement for special tools or any requirement to have access to the inside of the water butt 11 or to move or hold any members located inside the water butt 11.

The components of the connecting apparatus will now be described in more detail.

As shown in Figures 1 to 12, the body includes retaining members in the form of resilient members 18 which extend from a first longitudinal end of the threaded shaft 16 and provide an annular recess 26. A fluid flow passageway in the form of a tube 40 extends from the second longitudinal end of the threaded shaft 16. The tube 40 extends to a delivery portion which comprises a delivery tube or nozzle 50 which extends downwardly and generally perpendicularly to the tube 40. The nozzle may have a tip 54 in order to direct the water flow out of the nozzle. In particular, the tip 54 enables conventional fittings, for example garden hose fittings, to be secured directly thereto.

The tube 40 has a port 42 located on an upper surface thereof. The port 42 is arranged to connect a fluid level indicator 90 in fluid communication with the fluid in the fluid container. Accordingly, the fluid level in the fluid lebel indicator 90 will be the same as the fluid level in the container. This enables users to quickly,

easily and accurately determine the level and volume of the fluid in the container.

As shown in Figure 3, the fluid level indicator 90 comprises a conduit 92 having a first end 93 and a second end 95. In use, fluid is able to flow from the container through the first end 93 of the conduit 92 in order for the level of the fluid in the fluid level indicator 90 to be the same as the fluid level in the container.

The conduit may comprise a flexible material which may be transparent or clear in order to enable a user to easily see the level of the fluid in the conduit. The conduit may be secured to the fluid container in order for the conduit to be generally vertical. The conduit may be secured at an upper end thereof by securement means in the form of a clip 96.

The conduit 92 may have a cover 94 located over the second end 95 or upper end. The cover 94 is removable. The fluid level indicator 90 may be used to remove fluid from the container by moving the upper end of the conduit to below the level of the fluid. Accordingly, the clip may initially need to release the conduit 92. The fluid level indicator can then be used as a conventional hose to in order to fill watering cans or buckets and the like which usually may not be able to be filled by the tap as a result of the lack of space below the tap.

The lower end or first end 93 of the conduit is connected to the port 42 of the connector. The port 42 is inserted into the first end 93 of the conduit 92 and is retained therein by an interference fit.

The fluid level indicator 90 may initially comprise an extended conduit which may be cut to the desired length once connected to the container.

Since the fluid level indicator is external from the container the user does not require access to the inside of the container. One advantage of this is that a lid or cover may be secured safely or locked to the container in order to prevent unauthorised access. The is, therefore, safer since, for example, children will not be able to access the inside of the container which may have contain relatively deep water.

As shown in Figure 13 to Figure 16, the actuating element 60 comprises a grip 62 and a body 66. The grip 62 comprises a planar member which is arranged to be manually gripped by a user in order to rotate the body 66 within the nozzle housing 52. The body 66 has a fluid passageway defined thereon. The body 66 comprises a hollow cylindrical body 66 having an upper closed end and a lower open end. The cylindrical hollow body 66 has an aperture 68 defined on the peripheral surface thereof.

Accordingly, fluid is able to flow through the aperture 68 and then through the body 66 and out of the lower open end of the body 66.

The body 66 of the actuating element 60 is housed in the nozzle housing 52 and can be rotated in order for the aperture 68 in the cylindrical body 66 to selectively cooperate with the opening of the tube 40 in order to selectively define a fluid passageway from the tube 40 out of the nozzle housing 52. The rotation of the actuating

element 60 can also control the amount of flow of the fluid. This is achieved by the aperture 68 partially corresponding with the tube 40 or wholly cooperating with the tube 40. The grip 62 may have ribs 64 or indentations defined thereon in order to improve the manual grip of the grip 62.

The actuating element 60 may also have sealing means in the form of an 0-ring sealing member 65 in order to provide a waterproof seal between the actuating element 60 and the nozzle housing 52. The nozzle housing has a sealing surface in the form of an annular recess 51 to cooperate with the sealing member 65. The sealing member 65 prevents fluid flowing upwardly through the nozzle housing 52. The O-ring also enables the actuating element 60 to rotate in the nozzle housing 52 whilst still providing a waterproof seal.

As shown in Figures 17 to 21, the securement means comprises a securement member 12 having grip means in the form of shaped portions defined in the securement member 12. The shaped portions may comprise flat portions 76 defined on opposing sides of the annular securement member 12 or nut.

The flat portions 76 may be located 1800 offset from each other, for example the centre of the first flat portion 76 and located 1800 around the annular member from the centre of the second flat portion 76. The gripping means improves the grip of the securement member 12. For example, a suitable tool (for example an adjustable spanner) may be able to grip the gripping means on the

securement member 12 in order to tighten or loosen the securement member 12 by providing a lever mechanism.

The gripping means may also comprise a plurality of ribs 74, which may be raised or indented, in order to enable the securement member 12 to be manually gripped.

The securement member 12 comprises an annular member or nut having an internal threaded portion 80 in order to engage on the threaded shaft 16 of the body. Accordingly, rotation of the nut relative to the cooperating shaft 14 moves the nut longitudinally along the cooperating shaft 14.

The nut has an annular recess 82 or groove in order to house and retain a sealing member 84 therein.

Accordingly, as the securement member 12 is moved towards the exte. ior of a container, the nut urges the sealing member 84 against the wall of the container to create a waterproof seal therebetween.

As shown in Figures 22 to 24, an alternative embodiment of a body of a connector comprises a groove or annular recess 17 for locating or housing sealing means, for example an 0-ring made of a resilient material. This 0-ring may be used instead of or as well as the sealing means provided

in the securement member 12. This 0-ring provides or improves the water-tight seal between the connector 10 and the water butt 11. In use, the 0-ring is squeezed and deformed between the securement member 12 and the outer surface of the water butt.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s). The invention extend to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims 1. A connector comprising a body, the body having a first end and a second end and a fluid passageway therethrough, the first end comprising retaining means to retain the connector to fluid retaining means having a first side and a second side, the retaining means being arranged, in use, to locate through an aperture in the fluid retaining means and to locate on the first side of the fluid retaining means, the connector comprising securement means whereby movement of the securement means towards the retaining means secures the connector to the fluid retaining means and wherein the securement means is located on the second side of the fluid retaining means.
2. A connector according to claim 1 in which the retaining means is arranged to be inserted through the aperture from the second side of the fluid retaining means.
3. A connector according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the retaining means locates adjacent to the surface of the first side of the fluid retaining means.
4. A connector according to any preceding claim in which the fluid retaining means comprises a wall of a container.
5. A connector according to claim 4 in which the fluid retaining means comprises a wall of a water butt.
6. A connector according to claim 4 or claim 5 in which the first side of the fluid retaining means is the inside of the container.

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7. A connector according to any one of claims 4 to 6 in which the second side of the fluid retaining means is the outside cf the container.
8. A connector according to any preceding claim in which the body is arranged, in use, to be secured to a tap mechanism.
9. A connector according to claim 8 in which the tap mechanism is arranged, in use, to locate adjacent to the second end of the body.
10. A connector according to claim 8 or claim 9 in which the tap has a tube which cooperates with the body to provide a fluid passageway therethrough.
11. A connector according to any preceding claim in which the securement means is arranged such that movement of the securement means away from the retaining means unsecures the connector from the fluid retaining means.
12. A connector according to any preceding claim in which the securement means is arranged, in use, to move along the longitudinal axis of the body.
13. A connector according to claim 12 in which the securement means is rotated in order to move along the body.
14. A connector according to any preceding claim in which the retaining means is arranged, in use, to move between a first position and a second position in order for the

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retaining means to be inserted through an aperture in the fluid retaining means.
15. A connector according to claim 14 in which, once inserted through the aperture, the retaining means is arranged, in use, to return towards the first position.
16. A connector according to any preceding claim in which the retaining means comprises a plurality of retaining members.
17. A tap having a connector, the connector being in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 16.
18. A method of connecting a connector to fluid retaining means having a first side and a second side comprising inserting retaining means of the connector through an aperture in the fluid retaining means to locate on the first side of the fluid retaining means and moving securement means of the connector towards the retaining means in order to secure the connector to the fluid retaining means wherein the securement means is located on the second side of the fluid retaining means.
19. A method according to claim 18 in which the connector is in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 17.
20. A method according to claim 20 in which the method comprises flexing the retaining means to enable the retaining means to be inserted through the aperture.
21. A method according to claim 20 in which the method comprises flexing the retaining means by urging at least a

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part of the retaining means against the periphery of the aperture.
22. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 20 in which the method comprises rotating the securement means along a body of the connector.
23. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 22 in which the method comprises urging at least a part of the retaining means against the surface of the first side of the fluid retaining means.
24. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 23 in which the method comprises urging at least a part of the securement means against a second side of the fluid retaining means.
25. Fluid retaining means and a fluid level indicator, wherein the fluid level indicator is external of the fluid retaining means and comprises a conduit extending upwardly which is in fluid communication with the fluid inside the fluid retaining means to enable fluid in the fluid level indicator to be at the same level as the fluid located in the container.
26. Fluid retaining means in accordance with claim 25 in which the conduit extends upwardly from a first end to a second end.
27. Fluid retaining means in accordance with claim 25 or claim 26 in which the fluid level indicator is arranged such that fluid flowing from the fluid retaining means enters the conduit through the first end of the conduit.

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28. Fluid retaining means in accordance with any one of claims 25 to 27 in which the conduit comprises a transparent material.
29. Fluid retaining means in accordance with any one of claims 25 to 28 in which the second end of the conduit comprises a removable cover.
30. Fluid retaining means in accordance with any one of claims 25 to 29 in which the conduit comprises a flexible conduit.
31. Fluid retaining means in accordance with any one of claims 25 to 30 in which the fluid container has a connector secured thereto.
32. Fluid retaining means in accordance with claim 31 in which the connector is in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 16.
33. Fluid retaining means in accordance with any one of claims 25 to 32 in which the conduit is arranged, in use, to flex in order for the first end of the conduit to locate below the second end of the conduit.
34. Fluid retaining means in accordance with any one of claims 25 to 33 in which the fluid level indicator is arrangeable to enable fluid to flow out of the fluid container.
35. A method of removing fluid from fluid retaining means, the fluid retaining means having a fluid level indicator

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in accordance with any one of claims 25 to 34, the method comprising locating a second end of the fluid level indicator below the level of the fluid in the fluid retaining means in order for fluid to flow out of the fluid retaining means through the fluid level indicator.
36. A method of removing fluid from fluid retaining means according to clam 35 in which the method comprises flexing the fluid level indicator in order for fluid to flow out of the fluid retaining means through the fluid level indicator.
37. A connector substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.
38. A tap substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.
39. A method of connecting a connector to fluid retaining means substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.
40. Fluid retaining means substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.
41. A method of removing fluid from fluid retaining means substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.