WO2025236036A1

WO2025236036A1 - Drainage apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2025236036A1
Application number: PCT/AU2025/050501
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hassan HAIDARI-VARASI
Original assignee: Innovative Product Inventions Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Innovative Product Inventions Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2024-05-13
Filing date: 2025-05-13
Publication date: 2025-11-20
Anticipated expiration: 2026-11-13

Abstract

A drainage apparatus comprising an elongate drainage channel for receiving and conveying a liquid and a drainage duct connectable to the drainage channel is described. The drainage channel comprises a base region, opposed walls extending upwardly from the base region for directing liquid flowing in the drainage channel, and an outlet aperture formed in the base region to drain liquid from the drainage channel. The drainage duct comprises a downwardly extending tubular portion having a top inlet configured to drain liquid from the outlet aperture of the drainage channel, a flange portion extending from the top inlet and configured to interface with at least the base region of the drainage channel and opposed connecting portions extending upwardly from the flange portion and configured to receive the drainage channel. The connecting portions are operable to connect with complementary connecting regions in the walls of the drainage channel to secure the top inlet of the drainage duct to the outlet aperture of the drainage channel.

Description

DRAINAGE APPARATUS

PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2024901397 titled “DRAINAGE APPARATUS” filed on 13 May 2024, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to draining arrangements for draining a surplus liquid. In a particular form, the present disclosure relates to a drainage arrangement for draining liquid such as water from a floor region.

BACKGROUND

[0003] It is often a requirement to drain a surplus liquid from a region to prevent flooding or damage from the liquid. A non-limiting example of this drainage requirement is the use of a drainage channel in the form of a gutter which is configured to receive water from a roof area and then convey the liquid away. In one example, a drainage duct in the form of a down pipe will be attached to an aperture in the gutter allowing the water to be further conveyed away from the gutter either for storage or to stormwater drainage.

[0004] In another non-limiting example, wet areas such as bathrooms and the like will require drainage of water from regions such as a shower alcove. Traditional bathrooms are typically equipped with a single drainage inlet in the floor which is connected to the building’s plumbing. As would be appreciated, these single inlet types of drainage arrangements typically have a reduced surface area for water collection, which can lead to water pooling if not designed and installed properly.

[0005] This has led to the use of drainage arrangements in the form of a drainage channel located in the floor which because of its extended length is able to collect and drain water from a greater floor region. These so-called “grate drains” are now commonly found in bathrooms, showers and other wet areas where drainage is necessary. These drainage channels still require connection to the building’s plumbing and this connection point can be a source of problems as the interface arrangement between the drainage channel and the building’s plumbing will require sufficient waterproofing and any slight movement of the drainage channel (eg, at one end) during installation or resulting from tiling of the floor region abutting the drainage channel, or even building movement, can cause misalignment and potentially compromise any waterproofing sealant used in the installation process. SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a drainage apparatus comprising: an elongate drainage channel for receiving and conveying a liquid, the drainage channel comprising: a base region; opposed walls extending upwardly from the base region for directing liquid flowing in the drainage channel; and an outlet aperture formed in the base region to drain liquid from the drainage channel; and a drainage duct connectable to the drainage channel comprising: a downwardly extending tubular portion having a top inlet configured to drain liquid from the outlet aperture of the drainage channel; a flange portion extending from the top inlet and configured to interface with at least the base region of the drainage channel; and opposed connecting portions extending upwardly from the flange portion and configured to receive the drainage channel, wherein the connecting portions are operable to connect with complementary connecting regions in the walls of the drainage channel to secure the top inlet of the drainage duct to the outlet aperture of the drainage channel.

[0007] In another form, the connecting portions of the drainage duct are operable to connect with complementary connecting regions in the walls of the drainage channel by a snap-fit arrangement.

[0008] In another form, the snap-fit arrangement comprises the connecting portions of the drainage duct having snap-fit engagement portions and wherein the connecting portions are operable to resiliently flex outwardly in a cantilever action to receive the drainage channel and return inwardly so that the snap-fit engagement portions of the drainage duct engage with cooperating snap-fit engagement portions of the complementary connecting regions of the walls of the drainage channel.

[0009] In another form, the snap-fit engagement portions of the connecting portions of the drainage duct comprise a protrusion and the cooperating snap-fit engagement portions of the complementary connecting regions of the walls of the drainage channel capture the protrusion.

[0010] In another form, the protrusion is inwardly facing towards a respective wall of the drainage channel.

[0011] In another form, the complementary connecting regions of the walls comprise a groove or recess that captures the inwardly facing protrusion. [0012] In another form, an external surface of a connecting portion of the drainage duct is configured to be substantially flush with an external surface of a corresponding wall of the drainage channel following connection to each other.

[0013] In another form, the corresponding wall of the drainage channel comprises an inset or indented portion having an inset width corresponding to a thickness of the connecting portion of the drainage duct so that the external surface of the connecting portion of the drainage duct is substantially flush with the external surface of the corresponding wall of the drainage channel following connection to each other.

[0014] In another form, the external surface of the connecting portion of the drainage duct lies within a same plane (or substantially co-planar) with the external surface of the corresponding wall of the drainage channel following connection to each other.

[0015] In another form, the top inlet of the drainage duct comprises an abutment surface that engages with the outlet aperture formed in the base region of the drainage channel to assist in preventing lateral movement of the drainage duct with respect to the drainage channel following connection.

[0016] In another form, the elongate drainage channel is formed as an extruded member.

[0017] In another form, the drainage apparatus is configured for installation in a floor region.

[0018] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a drainage apparatus comprising: an elongate drainage channel for receiving and conveying a liquid, the drainage channel comprising an outlet aperture formed in a base region to drain liquid from the drainage channel; and a drainage duct connectable to the drainage channel and comprising a downwardly extending tubular portion having a top inlet configured to drain liquid from the outlet aperture of the drainage channel, wherein the drainage channel and drainage duct are configured to be connected to each other by a snap-fit arrangement to secure the top inlet of the drainage duct to the outlet aperture of the drainage channel.

[0019] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a drainage apparatus comprising: an elongate drainage channel for receiving and conveying a liquid, the drainage channel comprising an outlet aperture formed in a base region to drain liquid from the drainage channel; a drainage duct connectable to the drainage channel and comprising a downwardly extending tubular portion having a top inlet configured to drain liquid from the outlet aperture of the drainage channel; and connecting portions of the drainage duct and complementary connecting regions in walls of the drainage channel are configured to connect the drainage duct to the drainage channel to secure the top inlet of the drainage duct to the outlet aperture of the drainage channel, wherein an external surface of the connecting portion of the drainage duct is configured to be substantially flush with an external surface of corresponding walls of the drainage channel following connection to each other.

[0020] In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides an elongate drainage channel for receiving and conveying a liquid, comprising: a base region; opposed walls extending upwardly from the base region for directing liquid flowing in the drainage channel, and an outlet aperture formed in the base region to drain liquid from the drainage channel, wherein the opposed walls comprise complementary connecting regions in the walls of the drainage channel operable to connect with connecting portions of a drainage duct to secure a top inlet of the drainage duct to the outlet aperture of the drainage channel.

[0021] In another form, the complementary connecting regions in the walls of the drainage channel are operable to connect to the connecting portions of the drainage duct by a snap-fit arrangement.

[0022] In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a drainage duct comprising: a downwardly extending tubular portion having a top inlet configured to drain liquid from an outlet aperture of a drainage channel when connected to the drainage channel; a flange portion extending from the top inlet and configured to interface with the drainage channel; and opposed connecting portions extending upwardly from the flange portion and configured to receive the drainage channel, wherein the connecting portions are operable to connect with complementary connecting regions in walls of the drainage channel to secure the top inlet of the drainage duct to the outlet aperture of the drainage channel.

[0023] In another form, the connecting portions of the drainage duct are operable to connect with complementary connecting regions in the walls of the drainage channel by a snap-fit arrangement.

[0024] In a sixth aspect, the present disclosure provides a method comprising: providing the drainage apparatus of the first or second aspect; connecting the elongate drainage channel to the drainage duct to secure the top inlet of the drainage duct to the outlet aperture of the drainage channel.

[0025] In another form, the method comprises applying a liquid sealant before connecting the elongate drainage channel and the drainage duct together.

[0026] A drainage installation comprising: the drainage apparatus of the first or second aspect; a grate insert; and end caps for the drainage channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drainage apparatus comprising a drainage channel and drainage duct in accordance with some embodiments;

[0029] FIG. 2 is an end sectional view of the drainage apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 following connection of the drainage channel and drainage duct;

[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a drainage installation comprising the drainage apparatus of FIGs. 1 and 2 in accordance with some embodiments;

[0031] FIGs. 4A and 4B are perspective views of grate inserts in accordance with some embodiments;

[0032] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another drainage apparatus comprising a drainage channel and drainage duct in accordance with some embodiments;

[0033] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the drainage apparatus illustrated in FIG. 5 following connection of the drainage channel and drainage duct;

[0034] FIG. 7 is an end view of the connected drainage apparatus illustrated in FIG. 6;

[0035] FIG. 8 is an end view of the drainage apparatus illustrated in FIG. 7 installed in a floor region in accordance with some embodiments;

[0036] FIG. 9A-9C are end views of a drainage apparatus having different sectional configurations in accordance with some embodiments;

[0037] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another drainage apparatus comprising a drainage channel, a drainage duct, and end caps in accordance with some embodiments;

[0038] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the drainage apparatus illustrated in FIG. 10 following connection of the drainage channel to the drainage duct, and the end caps to the drainage channel; and [0039] FIG. 12 is an end view of the connected drainage apparatus illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0040] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a top perspective view of a drainage apparatus 100 according to an illustrative embodiment prior to assembly or connection. In this example, drainage apparatus 100 is directed to a floor drainage application (eg, a bathroom floor, swimming pool, etc).

[0042] By way of overview, drainage apparatus 100 comprises an elongate drainage channel 110 for receiving and conveying a liquid and a drainage duct 150 connectable to the drainage channel 110 to drain liquid from the drainage channel 110. In this example, elongate drainage channel 110 comprises a base region 120 and opposed walls 130 extending upwardly from the base region 120 of channel 110 to direct the flow of any liquid in drainage channel 110. Drainage channel 110 further comprises an outlet aperture 140 formed in base region 120 to drain liquid (as indicated by arrows).

[0043] In this example, the base region 120 is substantially planar but as would be appreciated the base region may also have a curved (eg, arcuate) profile or even a non-regular profile. In another example, drainage channel 110 may have a part-circular profile where the base region and the opposed walls in profile form a continuous curve (eg, see FIG. 9C).

[0044] In this example, drainage duct 150 comprises a downwardly extending tubular portion 160 having a top inlet 165 that is configured to drain liquid into tubular portion 160 from the outlet aperture 140 of drainage channel 110. In this example, the top inlet 165 of tubular portion 160 is sized and shaped to match with the outlet aperture 140 of drainage channel 110.

[0045] Drainage duct 150 further comprises a flange portion 180 extending outwardly in this example from top inlet 165 which is configured to interface with at least the base region 120 of drainage channel 110. In this example, flange portion 180 is configured as a rectangular plate extending horizontally from the top inlet 165 having a width corresponding to the width of the base region 120 of drainage channel 110.

[0046] In one embodiment, drainage duct 150 further comprises opposed connecting portions 170 that extend upwardly from the flange portion 180 and configured to receive the drainage channel 110 and where the connecting portions 170 are operable to connect with complementary connecting regions located in walls 130 of drainage channel 110 to secure the top inlet 165 of drainage duct 150 to the outlet aperture 140 of drainage channel 110.

[0047] In one example, the connecting and complementary connecting portions may comprise apertures which are connected to each other by a fastener that is inserted through the aperture. In another example, connecting and complementary connecting portions comprise interlocking portions that interlock and connect with respect to each other. In yet another example, the connecting portion may comprise a female or male interlocking region and the complementary connecting portion comprises a male or female interlocking region where the female interlocking region retains the male region (eg, dowel pin and slot arrangement) following connection of the drainage channel 110 to drainage duct 150.

[0048] As would be appreciated, the connecting portions of drainage duct 150 function both to locate the drainage channel 110 with respect to the drainage duct 150 by virtue of receive the drainage channel 110 and further, by additionally connecting to the walls 130 of the drainage channel 110, an additional level of securement is provided to maintain the positioning of the top inlet 165 of the drainage duct 150 with the outlet aperture 140 of drainage channel 110.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 2, which shows an end view of the drainage apparatus 100 shown in FIG.

1 following connection of the drainage channel 110 and drainage duct 150. In one example, the connecting portions of the drainage duct 150 are operable to connect with complementary connecting regions in the walls 130 of the drainage channel 110 by a snap-fit arrangement.

[0050] In one example, the snap-fit arrangement may comprise the connecting portions 170 of the drainage duct 150 having snap-fit engagement portions and where the connecting portions 170 are operable to resiliently flex outwardly in a cantilever action to receive the drainage channel 110 and return inwardly to their original position so that the snap-fit engagement portions of the of drainage duct 150 engage or connect with cooperating snap-fit engagement portions of the complementary connecting regions of the walls 130 of the drainage channel 110.

[0051] In the example shown in FIGs. 1 and 2, each of the opposed upwardly connecting portions 170 are formed as extension or web members 175 that extend vertically upwards from flange portion 180 with a height extending partway up the corresponding wall of drainage channel 110. In this example, each extension or web member 175 terminates in an inwardly extending rib, inwardly facing lip, or protrusion, or an inwardly facing protrusion 171 forming a snap-fit engagement portion. Also in this example, the inwardly facing protrusion 171 is inwardly facing a respective wall 130 of the drainage channel 110, and the complementary connecting regions of the walls 130 comprise a groove or recess that captures the inwardly facing protrusion 171. Each of the corresponding walls 130 of drainage channel 110 include a horizontally extending groove or recess 131 forming a cooperating snap-fit engagement portion to protrusion 171 of drainage duct 150 that captures protrusion 171. In the example, where drainage channel 110 is formed as an extrusion (eg, aluminium, or plastic, or a composite material) then the recess 131 may be formed as a longitudinally extending groove or slot formed in the walls 130 of the drainage channel 110 as is the case here.

[0052] As would be appreciated, the respective snap-fit engagement portions and cooperating snap-fit engagement portions can be configured as required. As an example, instead of the connecting portions for the drainage duct 150 incorporating a protrusion, the snap-fit engagement portion may be configured as a recess and the walls 130 of the drainage channel 110 would then incorporate a cooperating snap-fit engagement portion in the form of a protrusion that fits within or is captured by the recess of connecting portions 170.

[0053] Similarly, while the connecting portions 170 shown in FIGs. 1 and 2 are indicated as extending along the edges of flange portion as wall or web portions, in other examples the connecting portions 170 may comprise one or more upwardly extending lugs having snap-fit engagement portions that engage or connect with cooperating snap-fit engagement portions in the walls 130 of drainage channel 110. In other examples, the snap-fit arrangement is configured to be manually releasable either by hand or the manual use of a tool to allow the drainage channel 110 and drainage duct 150 to be conveniently disconnected as required.

[0054] In this example, and further to locate and maintain the position of top inlet 165 of drainage duct 150 with respect to the outlet aperture 140 of drainage channel 110, drainage duct 150 comprises an abutment surface that engages with the outlet aperture 140 formed in the base region 120 of drainage channel 110 to assist in preventing lateral movement of the drainage duct 150 with respect to the drainage channel 110 following connection.

[0055] In one example, inlet 165 is configured to include an abutment surface in the form of an upwardly extending lip portion 166 that protrudes from flange portion 180 and having a height substantially corresponding to the thickness of base portion 120 of drainage channel 110 and which is further sized and shaped to match outlet aperture 140. In one example, lip portion 166 is formed as an edge of tubular portion 160 that extends above flange portion 180.

[0056] As can be seen from FIG. 2, in this example the snap-fit arrangement will positively connect the drainage channel 110 and drainage duct 150 together, as a result minimising the potential for these components to move with respect to each other and potentially compromise the operation of the drainage apparatus. [0057] Also seen from FIG. 2, in this example the upwardly extending lip portion 166 that protrudes from the flange portion 180 will also aid in minimising the potential for the drainage channel 110 and the drainage duct 150 from moving with respect to each other.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of a drainage installation 300 incorporating the drainage apparatus 100 illustrated in FIGs. 1 and 2. In this example, drainage installation 300 further comprises a grate insert 310 that is received within drainage channel 110 and opposed end caps 320 that are attached to the ends of drainage channel 110 to provide a liquid barrier and retain liquid in the channel 110 to be drained away. Also in this example, the drainage installation 300 comprising the components thereof, may be considered fluid distribution equipment for use within floor drains.

[0059] In this example, grate insert 310 is formed having a generally C-shaped channel configuration and comprises a top grate surface 315 including multiple lateral drainage slots or openings 312 for draining a liquid and downwardly extending side wall portions 318 (see FIG. 4A). Grate insert 310 is sized and shaped to match the configuration of the drainage channel 110 but leaving opposed longitudinally extending drainage apertures 316 on each side of the top grate surface 315 into which liquid may also be received and conveyed into drainage channel 110 by side wall apertures 319 (see FIG. 4A). As would be appreciated, the size and configuration of the drainage openings in the top grate surface may be varied as required (eg, circular or square openings).

[0060] Referring now to FIGs. 4 A and 4B, there are shown perspective views of example grate inserts comprising grate insert 410 (corresponding to grate insert 310 shown in FIG. 3) and grate insert 450. Grate insert 450 is formed having a generally H-shaped channel configuration with a planar tiling region 454 formed by the web portion of the H-shaped channel that extends between two opposed vertical sidewall portions 458. When installed, the tiling region 454 of grate insert 450 will be tiled leaving longitudinally extending drainage apertures between the tiling region and the side walls of the drainage channel 110 similar in this respect to grate insert 410.

[0061] It will be appreciated by those working in this area that the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 to 4B, where the connecting portions 170 are operable to resiliently flex outwardly in a cantilever action to receive the drainage channel 110 and return inwardly to their original position, thereby forming a securement mechanism, reduces the difficulty of installation of a drainage channel 110 to a drainage duct 150 when compared to current arrangements. As in current arrangements, similar securement mechanisms will comprise cantilever or snap fit arrangements on a comparable drainage duct that initially flex inwardly to receive a comparable drainage channel thereon before returning outwardly to their original position. The disadvantage of this ‘inwardly’ movement of securement mechanisms in current arrangements is that the comparable drainage channel that is installed thereon, will cover, contain, or encapsulate the inwardly moving cantilever or snap fit arrangement so that the workers in this area cannot visually confirm if the securement mechanism is intact, or not damaged, from the installation of the drainage channel. Thus, it is an advantage of the embodiment in the present disclosure, that as the connecting portions 170 are operable to resiliently flex outwardly and return inwardly to their original position, which is on the exterior of the drainage channel 110, the workers in this area can visually confirm that the securement mechanism is intact and not damaged.

[0062] Referring now to FIGs. 5 to 7, there are shown various views of a drainage apparatus 600 according to another embodiment where FIG. 5 shows the drainage apparatus 600 prior to connection of the drainage channel 610 and drainage duct 650 (similar to FIG. 1) and FIGs. 6 (perspective view) and 7 (end view) show the drainage apparatus 600 following connection.

[0063] Similar to drainage apparatus 100 illustrated in FIGs. 1 to 3, drainage apparatus 600 comprises an elongate drainage channel 610 for receiving and conveying a liquid and a drainage duct 650 connectable to the elongate drainage channel 610 to drain liquid from the elongate drainage channel 610. In this example, elongate drainage channel 610 comprises a base region 620 and opposed walls 630 extending upwardly from the base region 620 of channel 610 to direct the flow of any liquid in the drainage channel 610. Drainage channel 610 further comprises an outlet aperture 640 formed in base region 620 to drain liquid from the elongate drainage channel 610.

[0064] Drainage duct 650 in this embodiment further comprises a downwardly extending tubular portion 660 having a top inlet 665 that is configured to drain liquid into tubular portion 660 from the outlet aperture 640 of drainage channel 610. In this example, the top inlet 665 of tubular portion 660 is sized and shaped to match with the outlet aperture 640 of drainage channel 610.

[0065] By contrast to drainage apparatus 100 shown in FIGs. 1 to 3, the connecting portions of the drainage duct 650 and the corresponding walls 630 of the drainage channel 610 are configured so that they both present an external surface that is flush with respect to each other following connection. This is best seen in FIG. 7, which shows an end view of the connected drainage apparatus 600.

[0066] In this example, the external surface 670a of connecting portion 670 of the drainage duct is configured to be substantially flush with the external surface 630a of a corresponding wall 630 of the drainage channel 610 following connection of the drainage duct 650 to the drainage channel 610.

[0067] In this example, the corresponding wall 630 of the drainage channel comprises an inset or indented portion 639 having an inset width (W as shown in FIG. 7) corresponding to a thickness of the connecting portion 670 of the drainage duct 650 so that the external surface 670a of the connecting portion 670 of the drainage duct 650 is substantially flush (ie, lies in the same vertical plane) with the external surface 630a of the corresponding wall 630 of the drainage channel 610 following connection to each other.

[0068] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown drainage apparatus 600 installed in a floor region 800. In this example, the floor region 800 is tiled and comprises tiles 820 that are applied to a floor base 830. As can be seen by inspection, the flush surface presented by the side of drainage apparatus 600 allows the tiles 820 (or any equivalent floor covering) to be installed right up to the edge of drainage apparatus 600, as a result ensuring the cosmetic appearance of the drainage installation. This can be of particular importance in a domestic setting such as a bathroom where the cosmetic appearance is important, as well as the functional capability of the drain.

[0069] It will be appreciated by those working in this area that this flush surface presented by the side of the drainage apparatus 600 also reduces the difficulty of installation, as current arrangements, that comprise non-flush external surfaces, increase installation difficulty as tiles (or any equivalent floor covering) may require alternation or modification to accommodate for current drainage arrangements without flush external surfaces. It will also be appreciated by those working in this area that the flush external surface of the drainage apparatus 600 reduces the likelihood of damaging tiles (or any equivalent floor covering) installed right up to the edge of the drainage apparatus 600, as there are no protruding, or extending, portions. It will further be appreciated by those working in this area that current arrangements that comprise non-flush external surfaces, such as those with protruding or extending portions, increase the risk of inadvertently lifting, or unseating, tiles (or any other floor covering) installed right up to the edge of current arrangements. The flush surface presented by the drainage apparatus 600 of the present application alleviates this risk.

[0070] An installer (eg, a tiler or plumber) seeking to install an elongate drainage apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure would connect the drainage duct 150, 650 to the drainage channel 110, 610 by manually positioning the duct 150,650 to flex the connecting portions 170, 670 and manoeuvre the drainage channel 110, 610 so that the outlet aperture 140, 640 of the drainage channel 110, 610 is aligned to the top inlet 165, 665 of the drainage duct 150, 650. In the example, where the inlet 165, 665 includes the lip portion 166, 666 this will further assist in locating the drainage channel 110, 610 with respect to the drainage duct 150, 650. Following correct location of the drainage channel 110, 610, the snap-fit arrangement will operate to connect drainage channel 110, 620 to drainage duct 150, 650.

[0071] In various examples, the operator will also apply a liquid sealant prior to connecting the drainage duct and drainage assembly together to further assist in providing a liquid impervious seal between the two components. In embodiments of the present disclosure, where the external surface of connecting portion of the drainage duct is configured to be substantially flush with the external surface of a corresponding wall of the drainage channel, it will be appreciated by those working in this area, that the effectiveness of the applied liquid sealant is improved as the substantially flush external surfaces of the drainage assembly is right up to the edge of a floor covering, minimising the likelihood of the liquid sealant being incorrectly applied.

[0072] Referring now to FIGs. 10 to 12, there are shown various views of a drainage apparatus 700 according to yet another embodiment where FIG. 10 shows the drainage apparatus 700 prior to connection of the drainage channel 710 and drainage duct 750 (similar to FIGs. 1 and 5) and FIGs. 11 and 12 show the drainage apparatus 700 following connection.

[0073] This drainage apparatus 700 is largely similar to the drainage apparatus 600, as it comprises an elongate drainage channel 710 for receiving and conveying a liquid and a drainage duct 750 connectable to the elongate drainage channel 710 to drain liquid from the elongate drainage channel 710. This elongate drainage channel 710 comprises a base region 720 and opposed walls 730 extending upwardly from the base region 720 to direct the flow of any liquid in the drainage channel 710. Notably, this drainage channel 710 comprises a raised portion 780, which may be a raised edge, a ridge, a notch, a guiding portion, or a chamfered portion, that may be between the base region 720 and one, or both, the opposed walls 730 that aids in locating and restricting movement of a grate insert 950 inserted therein. It will be appreciated by those working in this area, that the raised portions 780 restricts movement of the grate insert 950, and reduces the difficulty in applying sealant, other waterproofing, and installation of tiles (or other flooring) required in addition to the drainage apparatus 700.

[0074] The remaining features of this drainage apparatus 700 are largely similar to those of drainage apparatus 600, and accordingly, those similar features are represented by like reference numerals, and will not be repeated.

[0075] By positively connecting the drainage channel 110, 610, 710 and drainage duct 150, 650, 750 together, a drainage apparatus 100, 600, 700 in accordance with the present disclosure will not just be solely reliant on a sealant or adhesive to connect the components together. This may be contrasted with current arrangements, where an installer must rely on the sealant (eg, silicone based sealant) to initially join the channel and duct components together and then further to maintain the joint or connection for the drain’s lifetime. Typically, an installer will first have to apply a silicone based sealant to join the components together and then wait to allow the sealant to cure over a typical 24 hour period before final installation.

[0076] In contrast, by securing or coupling the top inlet 165, 665, 765 of the drainage duct 150, 650, 750 to the outlet aperture 140, 640, 740 of the drainage channel 110, 610, 710 in accordance with the present disclosure, the likelihood of compromising any waterproofing sealant as a result of the installation process, or from any building or soil movement, or from just deterioration of the sealant is greatly reduced. As appreciated by those working in this area, any leakage from a drainage apparatus or arrangement can be a significant issue and costly to address, as regions of a floor may need to be removed to access the installed drainage apparatus for replacement or repair.

[0077] Additionally, the sealant may be applied, the drainage channel 110, 610, 710 and duct components 150, 650, 750 joined, and then the connected drainage apparatus 100, 600, 700 may be immediately installed (eg, after 5 minutes) without having to wait for any curing of the sealant given that the connection arrangement of the present disclosure will function to positively connect the components to be interlocked or engaged together while any sealant cures as a result reducing installation time and cost.

[0078] In another application in accordance with the present disclosure, not shown, the drainage channel may be in the form of gutter for draining water from a roofed area or the like and the drainage duct may be in the form of a downpipe that is connected to the side walls of the gutter in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0079] Referring now to FIGs. 9A-9C, there are shown end views of a drainage apparatus having different sectional configurations for the drainage channel and drainage duct in accordance with some embodiments.

[0080] In any one of the described embodiments, not illustrated in the FIGs., the drainage apparatus 100, 600, 700 may comprise a drainage connector, or drainage joint, that connects two elongate drainage channels 110, 610, 710 together to form a continuous elongate drainage channel 110, 610, 710. In this example, the drainage connector/joint, may comprise a base region and opposed walls extending upwardly from the base region, where the base region and the opposed walls form a region sized and shaped to receive drainage channels 110, 610, 710 therein. The opposing walls of the drainage connector/joint, comprise connecting portions, similar to the drainage duct 150, 650, 750, that correspond to the walls 130, 630, 730 of the drainage channel 110, 610, 710 to allow the drainage connector/joint to be an arrangement that positively fit two drainage channels 110, 610, 710 together to form a continuous elongate drainage channel. The connecting portions of the drainage connector/joint and the corresponding walls 130, 630, 730 of the drainage channel 110, 610, 710 are configured so that they both present an external surface that is flush, or substantially flush, with respect to each other following connection. It will be understood by workers in the area that each drainage channel 110, 610, 710 may comprise a drainage connector/joint at each end thereof, to connect a further drainage channel 110, 610, 710 thereto, so that the resultant continuous elongate drainage channel is suitable for the application of the drainage apparatus 100, 600, 700. [0081] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0082] It will be understood that the terms “comprise” and “include” and any of their derivatives (eg, comprises, comprising, includes, including) as used in this specification, and the claims that follow, is to be taken to be inclusive of features to which the term refers, and is not meant to exclude the presence of any additional features unless otherwise stated or implied.

[0083] In some cases, a single embodiment may, for succinctness and/or to assist in understanding the scope of the disclosure, combine multiple features. It is to be understood that in such a case, these multiple features may be provided separately (in separate embodiments), or in any other suitable combination. Alternatively, where separate features are described in separate embodiments, these separate features may be combined into a single embodiment unless otherwise stated or implied. This also applies to the claims which can be recombined in any combination. That is a claim may be amended to include a feature defined in any other claim. Further a phrase referring to “at least one of’ a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c.

[0084] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure is not restricted in its use to the particular application or applications described. Neither is the present disclosure restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A drainage apparatus comprising: an elongate drainage channel for receiving and conveying a liquid, the drainage channel comprising: a base region; opposed walls extending upwardly from the base region for directing liquid flowing in the drainage channel; and an outlet aperture formed in the base region to drain liquid from the drainage channel; and a drainage duct connectable to the drainage channel comprising: a downwardly extending tubular portion having a top inlet configured to drain liquid from the outlet aperture of the drainage channel; a flange portion extending from the top inlet and configured to interface with at least the base region of the drainage channel; and opposed connecting portions extending upwardly from the flange portion and configured to receive the drainage channel, wherein the connecting portions are operable to connect with complementary connecting regions in the walls of the drainage channel to secure the top inlet of the drainage duct to the outlet aperture of the drainage channel.

2. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connecting portions of the drainage duct are operable to connect with complementary connecting regions in the walls of the drainage channel by a snap-fit arrangement.

3. The drainage apparatus of claim 2, wherein the snap-fit arrangement comprises the connecting portions of the drainage duct having snap-fit engagement portions and wherein the connecting portions are operable to resiliently flex outwardly in a cantilever action to receive the drainage channel and return inwardly so that the snap-fit engagement portions of the drainage duct engage with cooperating snap-fit engagement portions of the complementary connecting regions of the walls of the drainage channel.

4. The drainage apparatus of claim 3, wherein the snap-fit engagement portions of the connecting portions of the drainage duct comprise a protrusion and the cooperating snap-fit engagement portions of the complementary connecting regions of the walls of the drainage channel capture the protrusion.

5. The drainage apparatus of claim 4, wherein the protrusion is inwardly facing towards a respective wall of the drainage channel.

6. The drainage apparatus of claim 5, wherein the complementary connecting regions of the walls comprise a groove or recess that captures the inwardly facing protrusion.

7. The drainage apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an external surface of a connecting portion of the drainage duct is configured to be substantially flush with an external surface of a corresponding wall of the drainage channel following connection to each other.

8. The drainage apparatus of claim 7, wherein the corresponding wall of the drainage channel comprises an inset or indented portion having an inset width corresponding to a thickness of the connecting portion of the drainage duct so that the external surface of the connecting portion of the drainage duct is substantially flush with the external surface of the corresponding wall of the drainage channel following connection to each other.

9. The drainage apparatus of either claims 7 or 8, wherein the external surface of the connecting portion of the drainage duct lies within a same plane (or substantially co-planar) with the external surface of the corresponding wall of the drainage channel following connection to each other.

10. The drainage apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the top inlet of the drainage duct comprises an abutment surface that engages with the outlet aperture formed in the base region of the drainage channel to assist in preventing lateral movement of the drainage duct with respect to the drainage channel following connection.

11. The drainage apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the elongate drainage channel is formed as an extruded member.

12. The drainage apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the drainage apparatus is configured for installation in a floor region.

13. A drainage apparatus comprising: an elongate drainage channel for receiving and conveying a liquid, the drainage channel comprising an outlet aperture formed in a base region to drain liquid from the drainage channel; and a drainage duct connectable to the drainage channel and comprising a downwardly extending tubular portion having a top inlet configured to drain liquid from the outlet aperture of the drainage channel, wherein the drainage channel and drainage duct are configured to be connected to each other by a snap-fit arrangement to secure the top inlet of the drainage duct to the outlet aperture of the drainage channel.

14. A drainage apparatus comprising: an elongate drainage channel for receiving and conveying a liquid, the drainage channel comprising an outlet aperture formed in a base region to drain liquid from the drainage channel; a drainage duct connectable to the drainage channel and comprising a downwardly extending tubular portion having a top inlet configured to drain liquid from the outlet aperture of the drainage channel; and connecting portions of the drainage duct and complementary connecting regions in walls of the drainage channel are configured to connect the drainage duct to the drainage channel to secure the top inlet of the drainage duct to the outlet aperture of the drainage channel, wherein an external surface of the connecting portion of the drainage duct is configured to be substantially flush with an external surface of corresponding walls of the drainage channel following connection to each other.

15. An elongate drainage channel for receiving and conveying a liquid, comprising: a base region; opposed walls extending upwardly from the base region for directing liquid flowing in the drainage channel, and an outlet aperture formed in the base region to drain liquid from the drainage channel, wherein the opposed walls comprise complementary connecting regions in the walls of the drainage channel operable to connect with connecting portions of a drainage duct to secure a top inlet of the drainage duct to the outlet aperture of the drainage channel.

16. The elongate drainage channel of claim 15, wherein the complementary connecting regions in the walls of the drainage channel are operable to connect to the connecting portions of the drainage duct by a snap-fit arrangement.

17. A drainage duct comprising: a downwardly extending tubular portion having a top inlet configured to drain liquid from an outlet aperture of a drainage channel when connected to the drainage channel; a flange portion extending from the top inlet and configured to interface with the drainage channel; and opposed connecting portions extending upwardly from the flange portion and configured to receive the drainage channel, wherein the connecting portions are operable to connect with complementary connecting regions in the walls of the drainage channel to secure the top inlet of the drainage duct to the outlet aperture of the drainage channel.

18. The drainage duct of claim 17, wherein the connecting portions of the drainage duct are operable to connect with complementary connecting regions in the walls of the drainage channel by a snap-fit arrangement.

19. A method comprising: providing the drainage apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 14; and connecting the elongate drainage channel to the drainage duct to secure the top inlet of the drainage duct to the outlet aperture of the drainage channel.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising applying a liquid sealant before connecting the elongate drainage channel and the drainage duct together.

21. A drainage installation comprising: the drainage apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 14; a grate insert; and end caps for the drainage channel.