Patent Publication Number: US-2023151598-A1

Title: Waste outlet

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a waste outlet, particularly for use in plumbing arrangements, for example, in basins, sinks, baths and showers. 
     BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION 
     Waste outlets are required in many plumbing systems, for example, in sinks, baths and showers to drain wastewater away. Such waste outlets are fitted into apertures that are either drilled or cast into the product and the waste outlet often has a first section and a second section that are affixed to one another. In order to install the waste outlet, access is required to both sides of the aperture so that silicone sealant can be applied to both sides of the aperture, so that the top section can be located in the aperture and then the second section is connected to the first section from the other side of the aperture, oftentimes by way of a threaded connection. 
     Where the waste outlet can be fitted prior to the product being installed, the fixing of the waste outlet to the product is less complicated, although it will often require two people; however, where the waste outlet is being replaced on a product that is in situ, the installation process is more complex and requires two people and/or considerable effort in installing the new part. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a waste outlet device having:
         a top section with an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet of the top section being in fluid communication with one another; and   a bottom section with an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet of the bottom section being in fluid communication with one another, with the bottom section further having a support section therein;   wherein the top section and the bottom section are both arranged, and preferably mounted, upon a substantially elongate member,   wherein a tubular seal element encloses the outlet of the top section and the inlet of the bottom section, and   wherein the top section and the bottom section are arranged on the elongate member such that the distance between the top section and the bottom section can be adjusted, which can compress or expand the tubular seal between the top section and the bottom section.       

     Thus, the present invention comprises a top section and a bottom section that are mounted on, and can be connected by, an elongate member, or shaft, and the seal section is arranged therebetween. The elongate member may be substantially rigid. The relative axial movement along the elongate member, between the top section and the bottom section, adjusts the shape and the width of the tubular seal and the waste outlet device can be locked into a product to provide an outlet for waste fluid. 
     The tubular seal, which is preferably elastomeric material or rubber, may be provided with creases, ribs, folds or other elements that encourage a predetermined deformation upon compression of the tubular seal. Thus, the tubular seal may fold, or concertina in a known manner, preferably with the excess material moving radially away from the axis of the tubular seal, thereby leaving the internal channel of the tubular seal relatively unobstructed. The tubular seal surrounds the periphery of the outlet of the top section so that liquid passing therethrough will enter into the tubular seal and pass through to the inlet of the bottom section. It will be appreciated that the top section may not be positioned inside the tubular seal but may drain into the tubular seal. For example, the top section may be cup-shaped or may be substantially planar, and in either case the outlet of the top section will be enclosed by the tubular seal to allow liquid to pass from the top section into the tubular seal. 
     Advantageously, the tubular seal has an extended position when the top section and bottom section are spaced apart, and a compressed position in which the top section and bottom section are brought closer to one another to compress the seal section and wherein, when in the compressed position, the seal has a larger width than when in the extended position. 
     The present invention allows for the seal to be placed into the extended position when the top section and the bottom section are moved apart and into a compressed position when the top section and the bottom section are brought together. As a result, the seal section can be narrowed to allow the bottom section to pass through the aperture in which it is to be fitted and, once the top section and bottom section are on respective sides of the aperture, the device can be manipulated into the compressed position. As the seal section increases in width, or expands radially, which may be due to it concertinaing, the waste outlet device becomes fixed in the aperture. The device can then be locked in place to prevent inadvertent removal or displacement. It will be appreciated that the increased width of the seal is, preferably, positioned on the outlet side of the aperture, which is to say, on the side through which water drains into a waste pipe, rather than proximal the source of water. 
     In one arrangement, the elongate member is provided with an external threaded portion and at least one of the bottom section and the top section is provided with a corresponding threaded section such that rotation of the elongate member adjusts the position of the top section and/or the bottom section relative to the other of the top section and/or the bottom section. 
     The use of a threaded section, which is preferably controlled from the water source side of the top section, allows for a good level of control over the position of the respective parts along the elongate member, especially the bottom section relative to the top section. 
     Thus, the parts can be brought together to move the seal into the compressed position in a controlled and predictable manner. The elongate member may, itself, rotate, or it may be that a sleeve is supplied therearound that is provided with the threaded section and that rotates. Accordingly, there the elongate member may be provided with an aperture, or recess, in which to receive a tool to rotate the elongate member. The tool may be in the form of a screwdriver, a hex key, a spanner or another tool that can engage the elongate member and rotate it. The elongate member may be shaped to accept more than one tool, for example, it may have a profile for a spanner and a slot for a flat-head screwdriver. 
     It will be appreciated that the rotational freedom of the bottom section will be limited by the tubular seal; however, it may be preferable to provide a further mechanism to reduce or prevent rotation of the bottom section relative to the top section, for example, one, two, three or more guide shafts between the two sections that may be positioned radially around the longitudinal axis of the water outlet device. Such guides may be fixedly connected to the top section, whilst the bottom section is able to slide or move along the same. Thus, the guides allow for relative movement between the parts, whilst reducing or preventing relative rotational movement between the two parts. 
     Alternatively, or additionally, the waste outlet is biased into either the compressed position or the extended position and, optionally, the bias may be in the form of a spring-bias. A compression or extension spring may be applied internally or externally to the elongate member to bias the top section and the bottom section to either the compressed position or the extended position. Thus, in order to move the device into the other position of the compressed position and the extended position, a force must be provided in the opposition direction. To that end, the force may be provided by way of a tool, which may be specific to the waste outlet or a regular tool, such as a screwdriver. The tool can be pushed through an aperture in the top section to force the bottom section away from the top section, thereby placing the tubular seal into the extended position. 
     In one embodiment, the top section is provided with a radially extending flange. The flange on the top section is, preferably, wider than the diameter of the aperture in which the waste outlet is being fitted, thereby preventing the top section from passing through the aperture. The flange may extend around the perimeter of the top section, or it may extend only partially therearound. It is also particularly advantageous that the tubular seal is provided with a top lip or flange, which is preferably radially extending. By providing a lip or flange to the seal, the top of the seal is more securely sandwiched between the top section and the surface to which the device is being fitted. 
     Preferably, the elongate member has a channel therethrough. Whilst the elongate member may be solid, providing a channel through the elongate member allows fluid to pass therethrough. Furthermore, the substantially elongate member may have a head section and a stem section and part of the head section adjacent the stem may be provided with a flange or skirt. Advantageously, the underside of the flange or skirt is provided with a curved profile. The flange or skirt of the bolt reduces the risk of a spanner or other tool from scratching the internal surface of the waste outlet device during installation. Similarly, the radius on the underside of the flange reduces the risk of visible scratched on the device during installation. The elongate member, or bolt, may be used independently of the waste outlet device and may have other applications. 
     In one arrangement, the top section is provided with an aperture through which the substantially elongate member can pass or engage. The top section may have an aperture through which the elongate member can be positioned. In such an arrangement, the top section acts in a similar manner to a washer; being mounted upon the elongate member, but not engaging therewith so that rotation of the elongate member does not rotate the top member. 
     Preferably, the bottom section is provided with a U-shaped rim surrounding the inlet of the bottom section, and one end of the tubular seal sits within the U-shaped rim. By having a rim in which the tubular seal can sit, when in the compressed position, the tubular seal forms a good seal with the bottom section to reduce the risk of leaking. Alternatively, or additionally, the tubular seal and the bottom section may fixedly connected, for example, they may be formed integrally with one another or connected to one another with adhesive. 
     The present invention extends to a method of installing a waste outlet comprising the steps of:
         providing a waste outlet according to any preceding claim;   putting the waste outlet into the extended position;   placing the waste outlet device into an aperture with the lower section on one side of the aperture and the upper section on the opposite side of an aperture;   adjusting the waste outlet into the compressed position.       

     The adjustment of the waste outlet into the compressed position may involve manipulation, movement or other action that allows the top section and the bottom section to move closer together. This may involve the application of a force to move the parts closer to one another or the removal of a force, which may be applicable where a bias is involved. 
     When the device is installed into a surface that has an aperture therein, due to the compressive forces acting upon the tubular seal, the tubular seal can form a substantially rigid seal adjacent the surface to reduce the risk of water leaking. In such an arrangement, the tubular seal, when put into the compressed position, is sandwiched between the top section and a first side of the surface and between the bottom section and a second side of the surface. Thus, the tubular seal can form a substantially watertight conduit through the surface. The tubular seal may be compressed in a concertina manner and held tight by the elongate member or biasing means on the second side. 
     When installed, liquid can flow through the surface from the inlet of the top section, through the aperture and out of the outlet of the second section. 
     The present invention also extends to a sink, shower tray or bath having a waste outlet as set out herein. It will be appreciated that the device may be installed in a substantially vertical position, such as in the main drain for a sink or bath or in the shower tray, and that it may also be installed in a substantially horizontal position, for example in a bath or sink overflow. Clearly, when installed horizontally, the top section and the bottom section may be considered a first section and a second section, respectively, rather than top section and bottom section. It will further be appreciated that such a waste outlet can be installed into an electrical device, such as a waste disposal, a dishwasher or a washing machine. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    shows a sectional view of a waste outlet device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    shows a further sectional view of the waste outlet of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    shows a sectional view of a waste outlet in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  4    shows a further sectional view of the waste outlet of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5    shows a side view of a second embodiment of the waste outlet of the present invention; 
         FIG.  6    shows a sectional view of the waste outlet of  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  7    shows a perspective view of bolt for use with the present invention; 
         FIG.  8    shows a side view of the bolt of  FIG.  7   ; 
         FIG.  9    shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  10    shows a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG.  9    in a first position; 
         FIG.  11    shows a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG.  9    in a second position; 
         FIG.  12 A  shows a first step of the device of  FIG.  9    being installed in a sink with an overflow arrangement; 
         FIG.  12 B  shows a second step of the device of  FIG.  9    being installed in a sink with an overflow arrangement; 
         FIGS.  13 A and  13 B  show another embodiment of the present invention in a first portion; and 
         FIGS.  14 A and  14 B  show the embodiment of  FIG.  13    in a second position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    show a waste outlet device  10  comprising a top section  12  and a bottom section  14 , both of which are mounted upon an elongate rigid shaft  16 . 
     The top section  12  is in the form of a concave cup shape having an arcuate side wall  18  that leads down to a drain aperture  20  at the lowest part thereof. The drain aperture  20  is provided with a strainer section  22  having an aperture in the centre, through which passes the elongate rigid member  16 , which is in the form of a threaded bolt  24  that has a slot  26  in the head  28  thereof. The internal surface of the aperture of the strainer section  22  is shaped to allow the threaded bolt  24  to rotate freely therein, although it will be appreciated that the internal surface could be threaded in some arrangements. The head  28  of the threaded bolt  24  is positioned adjacent the strainer section  22  and within the concave cup shape of the top section  12 . The shaft of the bolt  24  extends through the strainer section  22  and away from the head  28 . A radially extending flange section  29  is positioned at the top of the side walls  18 . 
     The bottom section  14  comprises a funnel-like shape having a side wall  30  and a drain outlet aperture  32  at the lowest part thereof. The side wall  30  of the bottom section has a straight section  30   a  and an arcuate section  30   b  that creates the funnel shape. Affixed to the side wall  30  and within the concave shape is a support section  34 , with the support section  34  having a hole  36  therein that is provided with an internal threaded section. 
     One end of a tubular seal  40  having an internal channel  42  is attached, preferably by adhesive, although it could be heat sealed or otherwise attached, to the periphery of the bottom section at a position on the side wall  30  that is distal from the drain outlet aperture  32 . The tubular seal  40  is, preferably an elastomeric material, although other materials may be employed, that can be concertinaed or compressed. The tubular seal  40  may be provided with ridges or ribs (not shown) that ensure that it compresses in a known manner such that the ‘folds’ of material extend radially so that the width of the tubular seal, or its diameter, increases whilst not impinging upon its internal channel. 
     To assemble the waste outlet device  10 , the bottom section  14  is connected to the top section by mounting the threaded section of the support section  34  upon the threads of the bolt  24  that extends from the top section  12 . Thus, the top section  12  and the bottom section  14  are arranged coaxially with one another. The second end of the tubular seal  40  is placed around the outlet of the top section  12 . The section end of the tubular seal  40  may be affixed to the external surface of the top section  12  to reduce the risk of fluid leaking out from between the top section  12  and the bottom section  14 ; however, the top section  12  can be placed adjacent the second end of the tubular seal  40  without being affixed thereto. 
     The position of the bottom section  14  relative to the top section  12  can be adjusted by rotation of the bolt  24 . Rotation of the threaded bolt  24 , which engages with the threads within the support section  34  of the bottom section  14  results in movement of the bottom section  14  along the length, or shaft, of the bolt  24 . It will be understood that as the bottom section  14  is moved away from the top section  12 , the tubular seal will be pulled, or stretched, into an extended position. Similarly, as the bottom section  14  is moved towards the top section  12 , the tubular seal  40  will be crumpled, concertinaed or compressed. As discussed herein, the tubular seal  40  is designed to ensure that the internal channel therein is not impinged or obstructed when it is compressed. 
     To install the waste outlet device  10  in a product  50  that has a waste aperture  52  therein, the waste outlet device  10  is placed into the extended position with the top section  12  and the bottom section  14  spaced apart sufficiently that the bottom section  14  and the tubular seal  40  are of a substantially similar width or diameter, and wherein that diameter is less than the diameter of the waste aperture of the product  50 . As the tubular seal  40  may be a flexible material, its width or diameter may be slightly larger than that of the bottom section. The bottom section  14  and the majority of the tubular seal  40  are then both placed within the waste aperture  52 , such that the bottom section  14  is on the opposite side of the waste aperture  52  than the top section  12 . Once the top section  12  and the bottom section  14  are on opposing sides of the waste aperture  52 , a tool (not shown) is used to engage the slot  26  in the head  28  of the bolt  24  and to rotate the bolt  24  in order to move the bottom section  14  towards the top section  12 , thereby compressing the tubular seal  40 . The tubular seal  40  compresses in such a manner than its width is increased, which, when the bottom section  14  is brought sufficiently close to the top section  12 , is larger than the diameter of the waste aperture  52 . As the diameter of the tubular seal  40  is larger than the diameter of the waste aperture  52 , the waste outlet  10  is locked onto the product  50 . The drain outlet aperture  32  of the bottom section  14  can be connected to a pipe, drain or other wastewater disposal. 
     To remove the waste outlet  10 , the bolt  24  is rotated to move the top section  12  away from the bottom section  14  to extend the tubular seal  40  and reduce its diameter, thereby enabling it to be pulled through the waste aperture  52 . 
     When installed, the bottom of the top section  12  sits within the top of the bottom section  14  with the tubular seal surrounding those parts. Thus, water is able to flow from the inlet of the top section  12 , through top section  12  and out of the outlet thereof, an subsequently into the inlet of the bottom section  14  and therethrough, leaving from the outlet of the bottom section, from which it then passes through the drain outlet aperture  32  and way from the product in which it is installed. Therefore, the top section  12  is in fluid communication with the drain outlet aperture  32  and the tubular seal  40  reduces the risk of leakage from the waste outlet device  10 . 
       FIGS.  3  and  4    show a second embodiment of the invention that is a similar arrangement to that shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   ; however, the bolt  24  is replaced by an elongate rigid shaft  60  and a compression spring  62  therearound. Numbering of the device shown in these figures is consistent with that of  FIGS.  1  and  2   , where possible. 
     The top section  12 , the bottom section  14  and the tubular seal  40  are the same as the embodiment of  FIGS.  1  and  2   . The elongate rigid shaft  60  is mounted upon the strainer section  22  of the top section  12  and the bottom section  14  is mounted upon the same elongate shaft  60  by placing the elongate shaft within the hole  36  of the support section  34 , such that the bottom section can move axially along the elongate shaft  60 . The end of the elongate shaft  60  that is distal from the top section  12  is provided with a stopper element  64 . The compression spring  62  is arranged around the elongate rigid shaft  60  and between the stopper element  64  and the underside of the bottom section  14 . Thus, the compression spring  64  biases the bottom section  14  towards the top section  12 , with the tubular seal  40  in the compressed position. 
     To install the waste outlet device of the second embodiment, a tool  66  is passed though the strainer section  22  of the top section  12  and that tool  66  presses against the support section  34  of the bottom section  14 . The force of the tool  66  pressing against the bottom section  14  compresses the compression spring  62 , thereby extending the tubular seal  40  and reducing its diameter. The waste outlet device can then be installed into an aperture in a product. Once in place, the tool  66  is removed from the waste outlet device and the compression spring  66  extends to force the bottom section  14  towards the top section  12 , thereby expanding the tubular seal  40  and fixing the device in place. 
       FIGS.  5  and  6    show a waste outlet device  80 , similar to that shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . The waste outlet device  80  has a top section  82  and a bottom section  84 , both of which can be mounted upon an elongate member. Whilst the elongate member is not shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   , it will be appreciated that the respected parts are mounted upon the elongate member in the same manner as that shown in the other embodiments. 
     The top section  82  in the form of a concave cup shape having a side wall  88  that leads down to a drain aperture  90 , which has a strainer section  92  therein. The strainer section  92  has an aperture  94  therein with substantially smooth internal walls. A radially extending flange section  96  is arranged at on the side wall  88  of top section  82 . The bottom section  84  comprises a funnel-like shape having a side wall  100  and a drain outlet aperture  102  at the lowest part thereof. A support section  104  is positioned between the inlet of the bottom section and the outlet aperture  102  and the support section  104  has a threaded aperture  106  therein. The support section  104  can be a single bar across the bottom section  84 , or it may be a strainer with multiple bars and apertures therein. A U-shaped channel  108  surrounds the side wall  100  of the bottom section  84  and is preferably coaxial therein. 
     A first end of a tubular seal  110  is inserted into, and sits within, the U-shaped channel  108  and the tubular seal extends beyond the top surface of the bottom section  84 . The tubular seal  110  may have a radially extending flange section at the second end thereof, and it will be appreciated that the first end may be provided with similar. 
     As with the other embodiments, the first section  82  and the second section  84  are mounted on an elongate member. In the extended position, the tubular seal  110  has a diameter sufficient to pass through an aperture in a surface to which the waste outlet device  80  is being fitted, for example, a sink, a shower tray or a bathtub, with the top section  82  arranged on a first side and the bottom section  84  positioned on a second, opposing side. Once, in place, the first section  82  and second section  84  are brought closer to one another, the tubular seal  110  is compressed and so extends outwardly on the second side of the surface. Thus, the radially extending flange  96  of the top section  82 , which has a larger diameter than the aperture into which the waste outlet device  80  is being fitted, is adjacent the first side of the surface, with the radially extending part of the tubular seal  110  sandwiched between the flange  96  of the top section  82  and the surface. On the second side, the bottom section  84  is adjacent the surface in which the device  80  is being fitted and the compressed and expanded tubular seal  110  is sandwiched between the bottom section held tightly adjacent the surface and the bottom section  84  and the second side of the surface. 
     When brought tightly together on respective sides of the surface, the radially extending flange  96  expands and is sandwiched between the top section and the bottom section with the surface therebetween. Due to the forces involved, a tight seal is created between the first end of the tubular seal  110  and the U-shaped channel  108  and between the second end of the tubular seal  110  and the radially extending flange  96  of the top section  82 . 
       FIGS.  7  and  8    show a bolt  120  having a head section  122  and a shaft section  124 . The head section has a hexagonal profile  126  for receiving a spanner and a slot  128  for receiving a flat-head screwdriver. It will be appreciated that other shapes may be employed for these profiles, such as a hexagonal internal profile for receiving a hex-key and/or a cross-headed screwdriver. The head section  122  is provided with a peripherally extending skirt  130 , which has a radius  132  on the underside. The shaft section  124  is provided with an external thread  134 , with an unthreaded section  136  adjacent the head section  122 , thereby allowing the bolt  120  to rotate smoothly within the top section. A channel  138  passes through the centre of shaft section  124  to allow fluid to pass through the bolt  120 . 
       FIGS.  9  to  12 B  show a further waste outlet arrangement  150 , having a top section  152  and a bottom section  154 . The arrangement  150  is more suited to installation in a bath or sink that has an overflow outlet to allow water to pass through the outlet of the bath or sink should the water receiving part thereof become too full. 
     The top section  152  has a cup-like portion  156  that has an aperture therein and that has a radially extending flange  158 , the flange  158  extending around the top surface of the cup-like portion. A skirt section  160  extends axially from the cup-like portion  156  in a direction away from the flange  158 . Thus, the top section  152  has an elongate axial extension, which is provided with apertures  162  therein, that allow fluid communication from outside the skirt section  160  into the skirt section  160 . As a result, the top section  152  has a first inlet in the form of an aperture in the cup-like portion  156  to allow water from a sink or path to drain through, and a second inlet in the form of apertures  162  in the skirt section  160  to allow water from an overflow  163  to pass into the top section  152 . Positioned between the skirt section  160  and the flange  158  is a seal  159 . 
     The end of the skirt distal from the flange  158  constitutes an outlet  164  of the top section  152 . The top section  152  further comprises a strainer element  166  with an aperture therethrough for receiving a bolt  168 . A head  170  of the bolt  168  is wider than the aperture of the strainer element  166 . The shaft of the bolt  168  has an external thread along at least part of its length. 
     The bottom section  154  comprises a substantially rigid cylindrical element  172  that is provided with apertures  174  in its wall, the cylindrical element  172  being attached to the first end of a tubular seal  176 . The tubular seal  176  extends axially and the second end of the tubular seal  176  is connected to an outlet element  178 , which comprises a support section  180 . The support section  180  has an aperture therein for receiving the bolt  168 , with the aperture having an internal thread that can engage with the external thread of the bolt  168 . The outlet element  178  of the bottom section  154  may be connected to, or integral with, an outlet pipe  182 . The outlet pipe may further be provided with a threaded section  184 , preferably, an external threaded section, to allow the outlet of the bottom section  154  to be connected to a drainpipe. 
     To install the waste outlet device  150 , the top section  152  and the bottom section  154  are mounted on the bolt  168  in a first, extended position, in which the tubular seal  176  is extended. The skirt section  160  extends towards, and into the cylindrical element  172  of the bottom section  154 , which the tubular seal  176  surrounding the outlet of the top section  152  and the inlet of the bottom section  154 . The apertures  162  of the skirt section  160  and the apertures  174  of the cylindrical element  172  are lined up, which may be undertaken by way of one or more protrusion and recess, or groove, on the respective parts. 
     When in the top section  152  and the bottom section  154  are mounted on the bolt  168  and the device  150  is in the extended position, the device is fed into the sink, bath, shower tray or other element  186  into which it is being fitted. Once the top section  152  is on one side of the surface into which the device  150  is to be fitted, and the bottom section  154  is on the other side of the surface, the bolt  168  is rotated to draw the support section of the bottom section  154  towards the top section  152 . This compresses the tubular seal  176 , and, due to the skirt  10  of the top section  152 , the tubular seal  176  expands radially outwards. The seal  159  of the top section  152  provides a seal between the device  150  and the first surface of the item into which the device  150  is being fitted and the expanded tubular seal  176  provides a seal between the second surface of the item into which the device  150  is being fitted. 
     It will be appreciated that once the device  150  is installed in its compressed state, the seal  159  of the top section  152  and the tubular seal  176  of the bottom section  154  reduce the risk of water egress. Any water flowing from the sink or bath into which the device may be installed will pass through the cup-like inlet  156  of the top section and through to the bottom section  154 . Similarly, water passing through the overflow  163  of the bath or sink  186  will pass through the lined-up apertures  162 / 174  and through to the bottom section  154 . 
       FIGS.  13 A to  14 B  show an embodiment of the present invention that is suitable for installation in a shower tray. The waste outlet device  200  has a top section  202  having an inlet  204  and radially extending flange  206  at the top of the inlet  204 . Extending axially from the flange  206  is an outer skirt element  208  that extends axially from the top section  202  to create a tubular outlet to the top section  202 . The top section  202  has an inlet  210  into which wastewater can pass. A crossbar (not shown) is provided across a diameter of the outer skirt element  208 , which has a connecting aperture therein. Substantially coaxial with the outer skirt element  208  and surrounding the same is a first end of a tubular seal  212 . The tubular seal  212  encloses the outlet of the top section  202 . The tubular seal  212  can be arranged that it is positioned under the flange  206 , and, in one arrangement, a portion of the tubular seal  212  also extends radially. 
     The device  200  further comprises a bottom section  214  that is connected to the second end of the tubular seal  212 , with the tubular seal  212  encompassing the inlet  216  to the bottom section  214 . Thus, water can pass from the top section  202  into the bottom section  214  via the tubular seal  212 . The bottom section  214  has an outlet  218  that is arranged to be non-parallel, or radial, to the axis of the inlet  216 . As a result, any water flowing into the bottom section  214  from one direction is redirected in a different direction. The bottom section  214  has a connecting recess  220  therein that constitutes a support section. The support section, or connecting recess  220 , is provided with an internal threaded portion  222  that can receive a bolt therein. 
     To install the device  200 , the device is put into the position shown in  FIG.  13    and it is inserted into an aperture in a shower tray. Subsequently, a threaded bolt  230  is passed through the connecting aperture in the crossbar of the top section  202  and the bolt is received, and engages with, the connecting recess  220  in the bottom section  214 . Upon tightening of the bolt  230  the top section and the bottom section are brought towards one another, which compresses the tubular seal  212 . As the tubular seal is compressed, it expands radially, and the tubular outlet  210  of the top section  202  ensures that when the tubular seal  212  is compressed during fitting, the seal  212  cannot compress inwardly and so it expands radially outwards from the device  200 . This ensures that the seal does not impede the internal flow path of the device  200 . It will be noted that where the tubular seal  212  extends radially adjacent the flange  206 , upon installation, it will be compressed between the flange  206  and the shower tray, thereby forming a seal. 
     Once the top section  202  and the bottom section  214  are connected in the shower tray, an insert  240  is provided. The insert  240  is in the form of a cup element, having an open upper face  242  and a closed lower face  244 . The insert  240  has an “n-shaped” recess so that it can sit upon the cross bar of the top section  202 . The insert  240  sits over the crossbar of the top section  202  and extends to sit cover the head of the bolt  230 . 
     Once the insert  240  is within the device  200 , a top cap element  250  is placed into the top section  202  of the device  200 . The cap element  250  comprises a top surface  252  and a spacer element  254 , so that the top cap element  250  engages with, and sits proud of, the top section  202 , and creates a gap G between the flange  206  and the cap element  208 , which allows water ingress into the top section  202  from a radial direction and or the axial direction. The top surface  252  may be provided with at least one aperture therein to allow water to pass through the top surface of the cap element  250 . The cap element  250  further comprises an inner tubular conduit  256  extending into the top section  202 . The inner tubular conduit  256  extends into the top section  202  and into the insert  240 , and so has a slot to receive the crossbar of the top section  202 . 
     The inner tubular conduit  256  creates a channel through which water can pass. Thus, when installed, water passes between the top surface  252  of the top cap element  250  and the flange  206  of the top section  202 . It then passes through the inner tubular conduit  256  and into the insert  240 . As the insert  240  is cup-like, it fills with water and subsequently, when full, the water passes over the top of the insert and into the bottom section of the device  200 . In doing so, the water then exits the device  200  through the outlet  218  and into any waste pipe that is connected thereto. The use of the insert creates a “U-bend” in the waste outlet  200  that allows a predetermined amount of water to be held in the device  200 , thereby creating a seal to prevent odours passing from the drain and through the top section of the device  200 . 
     Further adaptations may be included in the device set out herein. For example, it will be appreciated that a compression spring arrangement may be used in combination with the threaded bolt to provide a failsafe should the respective threads of the bolt and the bottom section disengage. Thus, the compression spring will assist with keeping the waste outlet device locked in place. 
     Whilst the invention set out herein is described in relation to sinks, basins, baths and showers, it could be applied to other situations, such as drains, containers and other applications where waste liquid is drained. 
     The head of the bolt may be removeable to reduce the risk of the waste outlet device being removed or loosened unintentionally. This is particularly beneficial where the bolt is provided with a channel therethrough to allow the flow of fluid through the bolt. 
     The tubular seal of the present invention may be in the form of telescopic elements that extend to form the tubular shape, or as referenced above, it may be constructed from a flexible material that is able to contract or compress in a known manner, whilst ensuring that its internal channel is sufficiently clear to allow the flow of fluid, particularly wastewater therethrough. 
     The invention has been described in relation to a threaded mechanism and a spring bias; however, the adjustment, manipulation or other movement of the relative parts may be put into effect by way of a ratchet mechanism, magnets, a rack and pinion arrangement or a further adjustment mechanism. 
     The top section, the tubular seal and the bottom section may be provided as separate elements that are connected to one another before installation of the waste outlet. In a preferred arrangement, the tubular seal may not be affixed to the top section, but instead it may be sandwiched between the radially extending flange of the top section and the product to which it is being installed. Due to the force created by the adjustment mechanism, for example the threaded sections when tightened, the flange may clamp down onto the seal to provide a sufficient seal between the respective parts. 
     The support section of the bottom section may be in the form of a second strainer element. 
     The internal shape of the top section may be sized and shaped to receive a plug, thereby enabling the top section to be blocked to retain water in a basin, sink or bath. 
     The outlet of the bottom section may be axial with the inlet, or it may be radial to the axis of the inlet to the bottom section. For example, it may be desirable to have the water enter the waste outlet from the top, but the water exist the water outlet sideways or in a direction that is not coaxial with the inlet. 
     Guides or slots and protrusions may be employed in the respective parts to reduce the risk of unwanted rotation therebetween. 
     The threaded bolt may be replaced with a different connection mechanism, for example, a bayonetted fitting that will connect the relevant parts. 
     An insert may be applied to any of the embodiments, particularly where a seal against odour may be required. 
     Features of one or more embodiment set out herein may be included into other embodiments set out herein.