Patent Description:
A liquid flow diverter may be used to collect a liquid (say rainwater) from a drainage pipe or a downpipe. The drainage pipe or the downpipe have generally applications with a building, gardens, and other similar installations. The liquid flow diverter may collect and communicate the liquid from the downpipe with a liquid reservoir (say a liquid storage tank). Such a liquid flow diverter may include a collection unit and a liquid outlet. The collection unit of the liquid flow diverter may be readily and removably inserted in any downpipe via a drill hole drilled through a wall of the downpipe.

An example of such a liquid flow diverter is provided by the <CIT> (hereinafter referred to as '<NUM> reference). The '<NUM> reference provides a water collection device for collecting water, in particular rainwater, in a downpipe. The water collection device includes a collection unit. The collection unit includes a collection groove made of an elastically deformable material that resets and which may be inserted into the downspout via a lateral insertion opening. The collection unit further includes a drainage socket with a drainage channel. The drainage socket may be connected to the collection groove and may be fixable on the downspout in the region of the insertion opening and via which collected water may drain out of the downspout. However, there is still a need for an apparatus or a method for easy, convenient, efficient, and safe retrofitting of the liquid flow diverter with the downpipe. The apparatus or the method may be such that the direct contact of the user with the sharp drill hole while inserting the collection unit of the liquid flow diverter in the downpipe may be substantially or completely prevented.

A further example of a device for catching and branching-off rainwater from a downpipe is disclosed in the US patent application <CIT> (hereinafter referred to as `<NUM> reference). The device includes a tensioning system for mounting and fixing a plug-in branch pipe at the downpipe. The tensioning system comprises a spigot nut, from which the plug-in branch pipe projects. In the course of the plug-in branch pipe a filter and/or metering device is optionally arranged from which a discharge piece projects. The optionally filter and/or metering device comprises a filter and/or metering pot incorporated into the plug-in branch pipe and a removable and/or at least rotational lid. The plug-in branch pipe with a sickle-shaped catching blade ahead projects into the downpipe. The plug-in branch pipe is fluid coupled to the downpipe via the spigot nut and a sleeve comprising engagement hooks. Hence, the '<NUM> reference discloses the sickle-shaped catching blade which is fluidically and unmovably connected to the plug-in branch pipe which is in turn unmovably connected with the discharge piece via the optionally filter and/or metering device. Additionally, the plug-in branch pipe is unmovably connected respectively fluid coupled to the downpipe via the tensioning system. Therefore, the '<NUM> reference discloses that the catching blade is fluid coupled to the downpipe by the plug-in branch pipe which in turn is non-movable relative to the catching blade.

However, in contrast to the present invention, the '<NUM> reference does not disclose that the liquid outlet allows fluid coupling of the liquid flow diverter with the downpipe, wherein the liquid outlet is slidably coupled with the first end of the body, such that the liquid outlet is slidable relative to the first end of the body between a first position and a second position. Therefore, there is still a need for a apparatus or a method for easy, convenient, efficient and safe retrofitting of the liquid flow diverter with the downpipe. The apparatus or the method may be such that the direct contact of the user with the sharp drillhole while inserting the collection unit of the liquid flow diverter in the downpipe may be substantially or completely prevented.

<CIT> discloses a fluid flow diverter according to Art. <NUM>(<NUM>) EPC.

In view of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved by a liquid flow diverter for a downpipe. The liquid flow diverter for the downpipe includes a body. The body includes a channel profile between a first end and a second end. The channel profile allows flow of a liquid therein. A liquid outlet is adapted to be coupled with the first end of the body. The liquid outlet allows fluid coupling of the liquid flow diverter with the downpipe. The liquid flow diverter is characterized in that the liquid outlet is slidably coupled with the first end of the body, such that the liquid outlet is slidable relative to the first end of the body between a first position and a second position. The liquid outlet is adapted to be fluidly de-coupled with the first end of the body in the first position. Further, the liquid outlet is adapted to be fluidly coupled with the first end of the body in the second position.

Thus, the present disclosure provides a liquid flow diverter that is fluidly coupled with a downpipe via a liquid outlet. The liquid outlet may further be fluidly coupled with a tap, or a liquid reservoir located even at a remote location, via a hose and the like for various domestic as well as industrial applications. The liquid outlet is slidable with respect to the body of the liquid flow diverter and may be used as a handle to make retrofitting of the liquid flow diverter with the downpipe as an easy, convenient, efficient, and safe process.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the first position and an intermediatory position of the liquid outlet relative to the first end of the body, an outflow of the liquid from the downpipe is automatically stopped. The liquid collected in the liquid flow diverter may not be accessed if the liquid outlet is not fluidly coupled with the body of the liquid flow diverter. Thus, in cases, where the coupling between the body of the liquid flow diverter and the liquid outlet is affected due to any external factors, the outflow of the liquid from the downpipe is automatically stopped. Thus, problems such as leakage and others may be prevented leading to judicious use of the liquid.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the liquid outlet includes a spout and a plurality of ribs, wherein the plurality of ribs allows to slidably couple the liquid outlet with the first end of the body. The sliding feature of the liquid outlet relative to the first end of the body may allow the liquid outlet to be used as the handle. The liquid outlet may be used to properly retrofit the liquid flow diverter with the downpipe. The liquid outlet may be used to properly position or arrange the body of the liquid flow diverter within a hollow space inside the downpipe such that the body collects maximum possible amount of the liquid for flow in the channel profile.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of ribs engages with a plurality of protrusions on the first end of the body. The plurality of ribs of the liquid outlet together with the plurality of protrusions on the first end of the body form an irremovable coupling between the body and the liquid outlet. The coupling allows the liquid outlet to slide to the first position and the second position relative to the body. However, the coupling may not be removed completely to separate out the liquid outlet and the body from each other.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the channel profile has a helix shape. The helix shape of the channel profile may allow the liquid therein to flow under the influence of gravity towards the liquid outlet of the liquid flow diverter. Thus, all the liquid collected in the channel profile may easily flow towards the liquid outlet and not stall within the channel profile.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for retrofitting the liquid flow diverter with the downpipe includes drilling a hole in the downpipe. The method further includes holding the liquid outlet of the liquid flow diverter such that the liquid outlet is adapted to be coupled with the body of the liquid flow diverter, wherein the body defines the channel profile between the first end and the second end. Furthermore, the method includes inserting the body inside the downpipe via the hole and manipulating an arrangement of the body inside the downpipe with the liquid outlet such that the body captures liquid inside the downpipe. The method is characterized in that the liquid outlet is slidably coupled with the first end of the body, such that the liquid outlet is slidable relative to the first end of the body between the first position and the second position. The liquid outlet is adapted to be fluidly de-coupled with the first end of the body in the first position. Further, the liquid outlet is adapted to be fluidly coupled with the first end of the body in the second position such that the liquid outlet, when in the second position, completes the retrofitting of the liquid flow diverter with the downpipe. The method is easy, convenient and safe to execute. A user may use the liquid outlet as the handle to properly insert the body of the liquid flow diverter inside the downpipe. Thus, the user may not get in direct contact with the sharp drill hole thereby preventing any potential injuries.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the retrofitting arrangement of the liquid flow diverter with the downpipe is additionally secured by a belt. The belt may adapt to the shape of the downpipe and consequently wrap around the downpipe to further strengthen the retrofitting arrangement of the liquid flow diverter with the downpipe.

Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:.

The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention are shown. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention may be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of structures and/or methods.

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the invention. For example, "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "side", "longitudinal", "lateral", "transverse", "upwards", "downwards", "forward", "backward", "sideward", "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward", "inner", "outer", "inward", "outward", "top", "bottom", "higher", "above", "below", "central", "middle", "intermediate", "between", "end", "adjacent", "proximate", "near", "distal", "remote", "radial", "circumferential", or the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the Figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise.

<FIG> illustrates a liquid flow diverter <NUM> for a downpipe <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>). The liquid flow diverter <NUM> may allow collection of a liquid from the downpipe <NUM> having an inner surface <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM>. The collected liquid may be transferred to a liquid reservoir (not shown) directly or via a hose (not shown), where the liquid reservoir may be installed at a far off or a remote location. The liquid collected by the liquid flow diverter <NUM> may be used for a wide range of applications such as, but not limited to, gardening, cleaning, and the like.

The liquid flow diverter <NUM> for the downpipe <NUM> includes a body <NUM>. The body <NUM> includes a first end <NUM>, a channel profile <NUM> for collecting the liquid and a second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the body <NUM> has a cylindrical shape or profile. However, actual implementation of the present disclosure may have the first end <NUM> of any shape and size without limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any manner. The body <NUM> includes the channel profile <NUM> between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. The channel profile <NUM> allows flow of the liquid therein. The first end <NUM> allows the liquid flowing in the liquid channel <NUM> to flow outside the body <NUM> of the liquid flow diverter <NUM>. The channel profile <NUM> includes a pair of side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and a bottom surface <NUM>.

A liquid outlet <NUM> is adapted to be fluidly coupled with the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The channel profile <NUM> of the present disclosure has a helix shape. However, actual implementation of the present disclosure may include the channel profile <NUM> of any shape and size as per the application requirement. The helix shape of the channel profile <NUM> may allow the liquid therein to flow under the influence of gravity towards the liquid outlet <NUM> of the liquid flow diverter <NUM>. Thus, all the liquid collected in the channel profile <NUM> may easily flow towards the liquid outlet <NUM> and not stall within the channel profile <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the body <NUM> may be made from a partly rigid material. In the context of the present disclosure, the partly rigid material refers to a material which may have at least some part of composition as a rigid material. In an embodiment, the partly rigid material may be a rigid material. The rigid material may be one or more of a polymer or a plastic. The polymer or plastic material may provide high strength, toughness, or resilience to the body <NUM>. The polymer or plastic material may also provide necessary flexibility for proper insertion of the body <NUM>, particularly the channel profile <NUM> in the downpipe <NUM>. The body <NUM> may preferably be made from a rigid hard plastic. Thus, channel profile <NUM> may not inadvertently excessively bend in the downpipe <NUM> during its insertion and may be positioned correctly or properly within the downpipe <NUM>.

In another embodiment, the partly rigid material may be a semi-rigid material. The semi-rigid material refers to a material which may have at least some part of composition as a flexible material along with having at least some part of composition as a rigid material. The semi-rigid material may showcase functional properties of both a rigid material and a flexible material and may provide a balance between fully rigid material and a fully flexible material. The present disclosure is not limited by any proportions of material composition for the semi-rigid material.

In some embodiments, the body <NUM> may also include a sealing element such as, but not limited to, an O-ring, a gasket, or any other similar sealing element suitable for usage with various aspects of the present disclosure. The sealing element may be disposed on the side wall <NUM> of the body <NUM> such that the sealing element may face and engage with the inner surface <NUM> of the downpipe <NUM>. The sealing element may facilitate good and thorough engagement of the body <NUM> with the downpipe <NUM>. The sealing element may provide benefits of adapting the channel profile <NUM> to the shape of the downpipe <NUM> and improving the ingress of the liquid in the channel profile <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sealing element may be made from one or more of a polymer or a rubber. In some embodiments, the sealing element may be removably mounted or assembled with the body <NUM> (or the channel profile <NUM>) of the liquid flow diverter <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the liquid outlet <NUM> is slidably coupled with the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The first end <NUM> further includes an outer surface <NUM> and an inner surface (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the first end <NUM> further includes a plurality of protrusions <NUM> on the outer surface <NUM> of the first end <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first end <NUM> may include an annular protrusion (not shown) on the outer surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first end <NUM> may include spiral threads (not shown) on the outer surface <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the liquid outlet <NUM> further includes a spout <NUM> and a plurality of ribs <NUM>. The material of the liquid outlet <NUM> may be same or different to the material of the body <NUM> as per the application requirement of the present disclosure. The plurality of ribs <NUM> may allow slidable coupling between the liquid outlet <NUM> and the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. Further, the spout <NUM> may allow access to the liquid collected from the downpipe <NUM>. The spout <NUM> may be fluidly coupled to a tap, or other liquid conveying sources known in the art without restricting the scope of the present disclosure in any manner.

The plurality of ribs <NUM> of the present disclosure are shown as three ribs. However, actual implementation of the present disclosure may include any number of ribs <NUM> depending on the application requirement of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the plurality of ribs <NUM> include a plurality of protrusions <NUM>. The plurality of protrusions <NUM> of the present disclosure are formed along the edges of each of the plurality of ribs <NUM>. The plurality of protrusions <NUM> of the present disclosure are U-shaped protrusions <NUM> formed along the edges of each of the plurality of ribs <NUM>. However, the actual implementation of the disclosure may include the plurality of protrusions <NUM> of any shape and size without limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any manner.

In some embodiments, the plurality of ribs <NUM> slidably engage with the plurality of protrusions <NUM> on the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM> to form slidable coupling between the liquid outlet <NUM> and the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The slidable engagement between the plurality of ribs <NUM> and the plurality of protrusions <NUM> may be accomplished by the slidable engagement between the plurality of protrusions <NUM> and the plurality of protrusions <NUM>. The plurality of protrusions <NUM> may slide on the outer surface <NUM> and the plurality of protrusions <NUM> may act as a sliding stop for the plurality of ribs <NUM> to prevent decoupling between the first end <NUM> and the liquid outlet <NUM>. Thus, the plurality of ribs <NUM> of the liquid outlet <NUM> together with the plurality of protrusions <NUM> form the slidable but irremovable coupling between the body <NUM> and the liquid outlet <NUM>. Further, the plurality of protrusions <NUM> may also prevent rotation of the body <NUM> in the downpipe <NUM> when the plurality of ribs <NUM> of the liquid outlet <NUM> are slid onto the outer surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions <NUM> may engage with the spiral threads or the annular protrusions on the outer surface <NUM> of the first end <NUM>.

Further as illustrated in <FIG>, the slidable coupling between the liquid outlet <NUM> and the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM> allows the liquid outlet <NUM> to slide to a first position "P1" and a second position "P2" relative to the body <NUM>. However, the coupling may not be removed completely to separate out the liquid outlet <NUM> and the body <NUM> from each other. The liquid outlet <NUM> is adapted to be fluidly de-coupled with the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM> in the first position "P1". The liquid outlet <NUM> is adapted to be fluidly coupled with the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM> in the second position "P2". Further, the liquid outlet <NUM> is adapted to be fluidly de-coupled with the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM> in an intermediatory position (not shown) such that the intermediatory position is any position of the liquid outlet <NUM> between the first position "P1" and the second position "P2".

Furthermore, the sliding feature of the liquid outlet <NUM> relative to the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM> may allow the liquid outlet <NUM> to be used as a handle such that the liquid outlet <NUM> allows fluid coupling of the liquid flow diverter <NUM> with the downpipe <NUM>. The liquid outlet <NUM> may be used to properly retrofit the liquid flow diverter <NUM> with the downpipe <NUM>. The liquid outlet <NUM> may be used to properly position or arrange the body <NUM> of the liquid flow diverter <NUM> within a hollow space "H" inside the downpipe <NUM> such that the body collects maximum possible amount of the liquid for flow in the channel profile <NUM>.

In some embodiments, in the first position "P1" and an intermediatory position of the liquid outlet <NUM> relative to the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM>, an outflow of the liquid from the downpipe <NUM> is automatically stopped. The liquid collected in the liquid flow diverter <NUM> may not be accessed if the liquid outlet <NUM> is not fluidly coupled with the body <NUM> of the liquid flow diverter <NUM>. The liquid collected in the liquid flow diverter <NUM> may not be accessed if the liquid outlet <NUM> is not in the second position "P2". In some embodiments, the first end <NUM> may include a pivotable shutter (not shown) pivotably biased to close an access to the channel <NUM>. Further, the liquid outlet may include a rod (not shown) such that in the second position "P2" of the liquid outlet <NUM>, the rod may strike the pivotable shutter to allow access to the channel <NUM> via the first end <NUM>. Likewise, in the first position "P1" and the intermediatory position of the liquid outlet <NUM>, the rod may not strike the pivotable shutter and the outflow of the liquid from the downpipe <NUM> is automatically stopped. However, the outflow of the liquid from the downpipe <NUM> may be automatically stopped in the first position "P1" and the intermediatory position of the liquid outlet <NUM> by any other suitable means known in the art without restricting the scope of the present disclosure in any manner.

Thus, in cases, where the coupling between the body <NUM> of the liquid flow diverter <NUM> and the liquid outlet <NUM> is affected due to any external factors, the outflow of the liquid from the downpipe <NUM> is automatically stopped. Thus, problems such as leakage and others may be prevented leading to judicious use of the liquid.

<FIG> and <FIG> together illustrate the various steps of a method <NUM> for retrofitting of the liquid flow diverter <NUM> with the downpipe <NUM>. The method <NUM> for retrofitting the liquid flow diverter <NUM> with the downpipe <NUM> includes a first step <NUM> of drilling a hole <NUM> in the downpipe <NUM>. The hole <NUM> may be drilled by any suitable process or tools known in the art. The present disclosure is not limited by choice of manner of drilling the hole <NUM> in any way.

The method <NUM> further includes a second step <NUM> in which the liquid outlet <NUM> of the liquid flow diverter <NUM> is held by a user such that the liquid outlet <NUM> is adapted to be coupled with the body <NUM> of the liquid flow diverter <NUM>. The body <NUM> includes the channel profile <NUM> between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> such that the channel profile <NUM> allows flow of the liquid collected in the downpipe <NUM>. Further, the liquid outlet <NUM> is slidably coupled with the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM>, such that the liquid outlet <NUM> is slidable relative to the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM> between the first position "P1" and the second position "P2". The liquid outlet <NUM> is adapted to be fluidly de-coupled with the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM> in the first position "P1". Further, the liquid outlet <NUM> is adapted to be fluidly coupled with the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM> in the second position "P2". In the second step <NUM>, the liquid outlet <NUM> of the liquid flow diverter <NUM> is in the first position "P1".

The method <NUM> further includes a third step <NUM> in which the liquid outlet <NUM> is in the first position "P1" relative to the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The third step <NUM> includes insertion of the body <NUM> inside the downpipe <NUM> via the hole <NUM>. Furthermore, the method <NUM> includes a fourth step <NUM>. In the fourth step <NUM>, an arrangement of the body <NUM> inside the downpipe <NUM> is manipulated such that the body <NUM> captures the liquid inside the downpipe <NUM>. After the fourth step <NUM>, a fifth step <NUM> is executed. In the fifth step <NUM>, the liquid outlet <NUM> is moved to the second position "P2" relative to the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The liquid outlet <NUM>, when in the second position "P2", completes the retrofitting of the liquid flow diverter <NUM> with the downpipe <NUM>. Thus, the liquid outlet <NUM> aligns with the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM> such that the liquid collected in the body <NUM> may be accessed for use with various industrial and domestic applications. The method <NUM> is easy, convenient and safe to execute. The user may use the liquid outlet <NUM> as the handle to properly insert the body <NUM> of the liquid flow diverter <NUM> inside the downpipe <NUM>. Thus, the user may not get in direct contact with the sharp drill hole <NUM> thereby preventing injuries.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the retrofitting arrangement of the liquid flow diverter <NUM> with the downpipe <NUM> is additionally secured by a belt <NUM>. The belt <NUM> may be made from any suitable material known in the art without limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any manner. The belt <NUM> may adapt to the shape of the downpipe <NUM> and consequently wrap around the outer surface <NUM> of the downpipe <NUM> to further strengthen the retrofitting arrangement of the liquid flow diverter <NUM> with the downpipe <NUM>.

The belt <NUM> includes a body portion 128A that wraps around the downpipe <NUM>. Further, the belt <NUM> includes a pair of engaging elements 128B on each end of the body portion 128A such that the pair of engaging elements 128B are fastened to a pair of fingers <NUM> using a pair of caps <NUM> after the body portion 128A is wrapped around the downpipe <NUM>. The pair of fingers <NUM> are provided as an extension on both ends of a ring <NUM>, which is part of the liquid outlet <NUM>. However, the belt <NUM> may be fastened or coupled to the liquid outlet <NUM> by any other means known in the art.

Thus, the present disclosure provides the liquid flow diverter <NUM> that is fluidly coupled with the downpipe <NUM> via the liquid outlet <NUM>. The liquid outlet <NUM> may further be fluidly coupled with the tap, or the liquid reservoir located even at a remote location, via the hose and the like for various domestic as well as industrial applications. The liquid outlet <NUM> is slidable with respect to the body <NUM> of the liquid flow diverter <NUM> and may be used as the handle to make retrofitting of the liquid flow diverter <NUM> with the downpipe <NUM> as an easy, convenient, efficient, and safe process.

Claim 1:
A liquid flow diverter (<NUM>) for a downpipe (<NUM>), the liquid flow diverter (<NUM>) comprising:
a body (<NUM>) defining a channel profile (<NUM>) between a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>), wherein the channel profile (<NUM>) allows flow of a liquid therein; and
a liquid outlet (<NUM>) adapted to be coupled with the first end (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>), wherein the liquid outlet (<NUM>) allows fluid coupling of the liquid flow diverter (<NUM>) with the downpipe (<NUM>);
the liquid outlet (<NUM>) is slidably coupled with the first end (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>), such that the liquid outlet (<NUM>) is slidable relative to the first end (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>) between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2);
wherein the liquid outlet (<NUM>) is adapted to be fluidly de-coupled with the first end (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>) in the first position (P1); and
wherein the liquid outlet (<NUM>) is adapted to be fluidly coupled with the first end (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>) in the second position (P2),
wherein the liquid outlet (<NUM>) includes a plurality of ribs (<NUM>), wherein the plurality of ribs (<NUM>) allows to slidably couple the liquid outlet (<NUM>) with the first end (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>) and engages with a plurality of protrusions (<NUM>) on the first end (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>),
wherein
this engagement forms an irremovable coupling between the body (<NUM>) and the liquid outlet (<NUM>).