Outlet device for sanitary fittings without overflow holes

Abstract

 An outlet device, specifically designed for sanitary fittings without overflow holes, comprises an outlet plug, the opening of which is driven by driving means calibrated on the water column weight, and adapted to open the plug as water achieves a set level.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an outlet device, in particular for sanitary fittings without overflow holes.

[0002] As is known, a sanitary fittings, such as a basin or bathtub comprises conventionally an overflow outlet hole for preventing water from overflowing.

[0003] However, also exist sanitary fittings which do not include the above mentioned overflow hole.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Accordingly, the aim of the present invention is to provide an outlet device allowing water to be automatically discharged as it achieves a preset maximum level, even in sanitary fittings not including a conventional overflow outlet hole.

[0005] Within the scope of the above mentioned aim, a main object of the invention is to provide such an overflow outlet device which is very reliable and safe in operation.

[0006] Another object of the invention is to provide such an outlet device which, in addition to having a safe and reliable operation, is also provided with very good aesthetic characteristics.

[0007] Yet another object of the invention is to provide such an outlet device which can be easily used for different types of sanitary fittings, having different height constructions.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, the above mentioned aim and objects, as well as yet other objects, which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by an outlet device, particularly for sanitary fittings without overflow holes, characterized in that said outlet device comprises an outlet plug, the opening of which is driven by driving means calibrated on the water column weight, and adapted to open said plug as water achieves a set level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent hereinafter from the following disclosure of a preferred, though not exclusive, embodiment thereof, which is illustrated, by way of an indicative, but not limitative, example in the accompanying drawings, where:

Figure 1 is a longitudinally cross-sectioned elevation view of the outlet device according to the invention, being shown in a closed condition thereof;

Figure 2 is a view similar to figure 1, but illustrating the subject device in a condition thereof opened by the water weight;

Figure 3 is a view similar to figure 2, but illustrating the subject device in a manually opened position or condition thereof;

Figure 4 is a view similar to figure 3, but illustrating the subject device in a different adjustment position for adjusting the load or urging of its spring;

Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the device according to the invention; and

Figure 6 is a further perspective view of the device according to the invention in an assembled condition thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0010] With reference to the number references of the above mentioned figures, the outlet device according to the present invention comprises a plug 4, inside said device, adapted to provide a closure through a gasket 5 designed for abutting on a suitable recess of an inner drain 3.

[0011] The inner drain 3 is tightly engaged, through a gasket 2, in an outer drain 10, assembled on the sanitary fitting and comprises, at the top thereof, a manual opening and closing mechanism 1, which is preferably of a type previously disclosed in a previous patent application to the same Applicant.

[0012] More specifically, the plug 4 comprises a hollow stem housing therein a spring 6, operating against a thread covering element 7 provided at an end portion of a lockable adjusting screw 9, which can be locked, at a desired or target position, on the outer drain 10 by a counter-nut element 8.

[0013] Thus, as this mechanism is closed, which condition is shown in figure 1, the water column level in the sanitary fitting will raise, thereby providing an increasing force urging the plug 4 from the top.

[0014] The plug 4 will be held in a closed position as far as the combined weight of water and of the plug will exceed the preload or pre-urging of the spring 6, as is clearly shown in figure 2.

[0015] Accordingly, by using the manual opening and closing mechanism 1, the plug 4 can be manually lowered, so as to overcome the resistance of the spring 6, thereby allowing the drain to be opened, as is clearly shown in figure 3.

[0016] By said mechanism 1, it is also possible to close the drain.

[0017] In this connection it should be pointed out that the subject device can be used in different types of sanitary fittings, of different operating construction.

[0018] In fact, it is possible to change the preload of the spring 6 by adjusting the adjustment screw 9, as in the shown embodiment, thereby presetting the maximum level to which water can raise.

[0019] It has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects.

[0020] In fact, the invention provides an outlet device for sanitary fittings without overflow hole, allowing to automatically open the drain as the water level achieves a given height.

[0021] In practicing the invention, the used materials, as well as the contingent size and shapes, can be any, depending on requirements and the status of the art.

Claims

1. An outlet device for sanitary fittings without overflow holes, characterized in that said outlet device comprises an outlet plug, the opening of which is driven by driving means calibrated on the weight of the water column, adapted to open said plug as water achieves a set level.

2. An outlet device, according to claim 1, characterized in that said outlet device comprises a plug, inside said device, adapted to provide a closure through a gasket abutting on an abutment seat of an inner drain.

3. An outlet device, according to claim 2, characterized in that said inner drain is tightly engaged, through a tightness gasket, in an outer drain mounted on the sanitary fitting.

4. An outlet device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said inner drain comprises, at the top thereof, a manual opening and closing mechanism.

5. An outlet device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said plug comprises a hollow stem housing a spring operating against a thread covering element arranged at an end portion of an adjustment screw.

6. An outlet device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said adjustment screw can be locked on said outer drain, at a target position, by a locking counter-nut element.

7. An outlet device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, as said mechanism is closed, said water column will raise in said sanitary fitting thereby providing an increasing force urging the plug from the top, said plug being held in a closed position as far as the weight of water and said plug overcomes the preload of said spring, thereby causing said plug to be lowered, said plug being manually operated, by said manual opening and closing mechanism, so as to overcome the resistance of said spring and allowing an opening of said drain, said plug being manually closed through said opening and closing mechanism.

8. An outlet device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said outlet device can be used for different sanitary fittings with different height constructions, since the preload of said spring can be changed by said adjustment screw, thereby setting a maximum level to be achieved by water.

9. An outer device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said outlet device comprises one or more of the disclosed and/or illustrated characteristics.

Drawing