WO2007118279A1

WO2007118279A1 - Plumbing fitting

Info

Publication number: WO2007118279A1
Application number: PCT/AU2007/000494
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Carroll
Original assignee: Vinidex Pty Limited
Priority date: 2006-04-19
Filing date: 2007-04-19
Publication date: 2007-10-25
Also published as: AU2007240123A1; EP2016234A1

Abstract

A plumbing fitting for connection between a drain pipe and a waste outlet assembly, the waste outlet assembly having an assembly inlet connected to a waste outlet, an elongate body extending below the waste outlet and an assembly- outlet arranged at a bottom portion of the body, wherein the assembly inlet and assembly outlet are in fluid communication, the plumbing fitting including: a fitting body defining a fluid passage between a fitting inlet and a fitting outlet, the fitting inlet being adapted to be attached to the assembly outlet and the fitting outlet being adapted to be connected to the drain pipe, such that, in use, a fluid path is provided between the waste outlet and the fitting outlet; wherein the fitting body is structured so that, when the fitting inlet is attached to the assembly outlet, a riser portion of the fitting body, defining part of the fluid passage, extends substantially alongside the outside of the elongate body and above the fitting inlet, thereby operatively forming a water trap in the fluid passage. Also disclosed is a method of providing a water or liquid trap between a waste water outlet and a drain pipe; the method including the formation of a body of water retained partly in a first plumbing fitting and partly in a second plumbing fitting connected to the first plumbing fitting; wherein an outlet of the second pluitibing fitting is located substantially above the connection between the first plumbing fitting and the second plumbing fitting; wherein the outlet of the second plumbing fitting is located substantially above the level of the connection between the first and second plumbing fittings.

Description

PLUMBING FITTING

The present invention relates to plumbing fittings and, in particular, fittings which are connected to waste outlet, assemblies of the type which extend below waste outlets . BACKGROUND

Waste outlet fittings, in general, are used to connect waste outlets from water receptacles, such as sinks, bath tufas, wash basins and the like, to drain or sewer pipes. There is a statutory requirement that a trap of some design be inserted within the drain line to prevent odorous gases from the drain or sewer flowing back through the waste outlet into the kitchen, laundry or bathroom, etc. The most popular traps in common use are water traps. Water traps essentially trap a body of water in the water passage between the waste outlet and the drainpipe. In this manner, water is able to flow from the waste outlet to the drainpipe but odorous gases are prevented from returning from the drainpipe to the waste outlet.

The most common type of water trap is called a P- or

S-bend trap. However, P- and S-bend traps tend to take up a lot .of space under a. water receptacle. Therefore, where it is desirable to use the space under a water receptacle for storage, which is common for kitchen or laundry sinks or vanity units, much of this storage space is taken up with the P- or S-bend trap..

Furthermore, P- and S-bend traps can prove difficult to clean. Solids in the waste water can settle in the trap's bend. A build up of solids can cause the trap to become clogged and disrupt water flow from the waste outlet to the drain. In order to clean and unblock the trap, the trap is required to be removed from service, which is a time consuming and involved exercise. The issue of loss of space is exacerbated if the trap is connected to an elongated waste outlet assembly. In

International PCT Application No. W02004/0791 09, there is shown an example of an elongated waste outlet assembly which illustrates the exacerbated problem. The assembly disclosed provides an elongated structure having an open top end, connected to a waste outlet, and an outlet disposed at the bottom end. The assembly also includes a basket arrangement for filtering solids from fluid flowing through the assembly from the waste outlet . However, the function of the assembly is less relevant to the problem concerned. The main problem is the elongate nature of the structure and how much space under the waste outlet is taken up by .the assembly itself . Bearing in .mind that a water trap is then required to be attached to the outlet at the bottom of the assembly, it will be appreciated that the combination of the assembly and the water trap will take up significant space under the waste outlet.

Other forms of water traps, known as 'bottle traps' , have been proposed in an attempt to minimise the space requirement of the trap itself. An example of such a water trap is disclosed in US Patent No. 3,725,964. This trap has a cylindrical outer body with an inlet and an outlet. Within the cylindrical body is an open top container which forms the water trap between the inlet and outlet. While this arrangemsnt does provide a more compact water trap than the F- and S-bend traps, it still has an appreciable length. Hence, when this type of trap is attached to a waste outlet assembly, the combination of the trap and the assembly still takes up a significant space under the waste outlet .

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fitting, for connection to a water outlet assembly, which provides a water trap while taking up reduced space beneath a water receptacle.

Notes

.The term "comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including", and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of". The above discussion of the prior art in the

Background of the invention, is not an admission that any information discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a plumbing fitting for connection between a drain pipe and a waste outlet assembly, the waste outlet assembly having an assembly inlet connected to a waste outlet, an elongate body extending below the waste outlet and an assembly outlet arranged at a bottom portion of the body, wherein the assembly inlet and assembly outlet are in fluid communication, the plumbing fitting including; a fitting body defining a fluid passage between a fitting inlet and a- fitting- outlet, the fitting inlet being adapted to be attached to the assembly outlet and the fitting outlet being adapted to be connected to the drain pipe, such that, in use, a fluid path is provided between the waste outlet and the fitting outlet; wherein the fitting body is structured so that, when the fitting inlet is attached to the assembly outlet, a riser portion of the . fitting body, defining part of the fluid passage, extends substantially alongside the outside of the elongate body and above .the fitting inlet, thereby operatively forming a water trap in the fluid passage.

Preferably, the riser potion is formed with a semicircular cross-sectional shape. The fitting body can be formed such that, when the fitting inlet is attached to the assembly outlet, the riser portion extends at an angle between 0°and 15° from vertical, and ideally at an angle of 8°.

In preferred embodiments, the fitting includes a removable base portion. The removable base portion may be in the form of a cap having threading which screwably mates with complementary threading on the fitting body.

In further preferred embodiments, the inlet includes a threaded attachment member which screwably mates with complementary threading at the assembly outlet to allow the fitting inlet and the assembly outlet to be attached. Similarly, the fitting outlet may include threading for mating with a complementary threaded connection member to allow the outlet to be connected to the drain pipe.

The present invention advantageously provides the means to form a, water trap for use with an elongated waste outlet assembly. Since the water trap is mainly formed, alongside the assembly, the fitting does not require to extend very far below the assembly, thereby saving space beneath the assembly. In preferred embodiments,, wherein a removable base portion is provided, by removing the base portion, solid waste building up at the base portion can be readily removed while the fitting remains installed. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided a plumbing fitting for connection between a solids and grease trap assembly of a waste water outlet, and a drain pipe; the fitting comprising a fluid conducting body provided at a first inlet end with an inlet opening and at a second outlet end with an outlet opening, and wherein the inlet opening has a substantially vertical axis and the outlet opening has a substantially horizontal axis; the outlet opening positioned substantially above the inlet opening when the fitting is in use.

Preferably, a water or liquid trap is formed within the solids and grease trap assembly and the plumbing fitting; the water or liquid trap forming a body of water extending through a lower portion of the solids and grease trap assembly and across the connection between the solids and grease trap assembly and plumbing fitting; the water or liquid trap extending upwardly to the outlet opening, of the plumbing fitting.

Preferably, the fluid conducting body includes an inlet chamber, a substantially horizontal lower chamber, and a riser portion extending between the lower chamber and an outlet chamber.

Preferably, the riser portion is of a length so as to position all of the outlet opening above the inlet opening_*

Preferably, the solids and grease trap assembly includes an elongate outer fluid conducting body depending from the waste water outlet; the elongate outer body connected at a first inlet end to the waste water outlet of a sink or similar fluid retaining receptacle, and connected at a second outlet end to the inlet opening of the plumbing fitting.

Preferably, the water or liquid trap comprises a body of water; a first portion of the body of water contained in a lower portion of the elongate outer body of the solids and grease trap assembly; a second portion of the body of water contained in the plumbing fitting.

Preferably, a. lower portion of the lower chamber is of circular cross section having a substantially vertical axis; the lower chamber open at its lower end and provided with a removable closure cap.

Preferably, the depth of the lower chamber is a minimum commensurate with a flow of. water or liquid, through the chamber equivalent to flow of water or liquid through the inlet opening. Preferably, a portion of an outer wall of the riser portion extends partially into the outlet chamber to provide a baffle; the top of the baffle determining the level of a body of water retained in the solids and grease trap and the plumbing fitting.

Preferably, the solids and grease trap assembly further includes a solids and grease trapping basket releasably retained in the elongate outer body; said basket including a control element for operation of a shut-off valve located in a lower portion of the outer body such that the shut-off valve is in closed position while the basket is absent from the assembly.

In another broad form of the invention there is provided a water trap for a waste water or liquid conduit between a water or liquid receptacle and a drainpipe; the water trap formed in a combination of a waste outlet assembly and a plumbing fitting connected to the waste outlet assembly; the waste outlet assembly including an elongate body extending downwardly from a waste outlet of the receptacle to an outlet opening; the plumbing fitting including an inlet opening connected to the outlet opening of the waste outlet assembly; respective outlet and inlet openings having a substantially vertical coismon axis; the plumbing fitting further including an outlet opening having a substantially horizontal axis, and wherein the outlet opening of the plumbing fitting is located at a substantially higher level than the inlet opening.

In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method for minimising intrusion by a water or liquid trap into a storage place below a sink or like water or liquid receptacle; the method including providing for retention of a body of water within a combination of a waste outlet assembly and a plumbing fitting connected to the waste outlet assembly; wherein the outlet of the waste outlet assembly and the inlet of the plumbing fitting have a common substantially vertical axis, and wherein an outlet opening of the plumbing fitting has a substantially horizontal axis; the outlet opening positioned substantially above the inlet opening. In still another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of providing a water or liquid trap between a waste water outlet and a drain pipe; the method including the formation of a body of water retained partly in a solids and grease trap assembly and partly in a plumbing fitting connected to the solids and grease trap assembly; and wherein an outlet of the plumbing fitting is located substantially above the connection between, the solids and grease trap assembly and the . plumbing fitting. In yet another broad form of the invention there is provided a method of providing a water trap below a waste water outlet where the waste water, outlet is fitted with a solids or grease trap assembly extending downwardly from the waste water outlet; the method including attaching a plumbing fitting to the solids or grease trap assembly such that the water trap is formed partly in the solids or grease trap assembly and partly in the plumbing fitting.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method of providing a .water or liquid trap between a waste water outlet and a drain pipe; the method including the formation of a body of water retained partly in a first plumbing fitting and partly in a second plumbing fitting connected to the first plumbing fitting; wherein an outlet of the second plumbing fitting is located substantially above the connection between the first plumbing fitting and the second plumbing fitting; wherein the outlet of the second plumbing fitting is located substantially above the level of the connection between the first and second plumbing fittings . Preferably, the first plumbing fitting comprises a substantially vertical straight section of tubing; the section of tubing adapted at a lower end for connection to an inlet opening . of the second plumbing fitting; the section of tubing- provided at an upper end with a collar for connection to the waste water outlet. Preferably, the first plumbing fitting is provided with a "T" junction; the "T" junction adapted for connection with a third plumbing fitting; the third plumbing fitting comprising" a substantially horizontal section of tubing; the substantially horizontal section of tubing provided at an outer end with an upward bend and a collar/ wherein the collar of the first plumbing fitting is adapted for connection to a first waste water outlet of a double sink installation and the collar at the upward bend is adapted for connection to a second waste water outlet of the double sink installation.

Preferably,- the first and second plumbing fitting are supplied as a kit. Preferably, the first second and third plumbing fitting are supplied as a kit.

In another broad form of the invention there is provided a method of providing a water trap below a waste water outlet where the waste water outlet is fitted with a first plumbing fitting extending downwardly from the waste water outlet; the method including attaching a second plumbing fitting to the first plumbing fitting such that the water trap is formed partly in the first plumbing fitting and . partly in the . second plumbing fitting. In a further broad form of the invention there is provided a kit comprising at least a first plumbing fitting and a second plumbing fitting; the kit providing a water trap between a waste water outlet and a drain pipe wherein the water trap comprises a body of water contained between the first plumbing fitting depending from the waste water outlet, and the second plumbing fitting; wherein the second plumbing fitting is connected at an inlet opening tα an outlet opening of the first plumbing fitting and wherein an outlet of the second plumbing fitting is located substantially above the inlet opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig, 1 is a cross-sectional view of a plumbing fitting;

Fig, 2 is a partial sectional plan view of the plumbing fitting of Fig. 1 taken along lines. X-X; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a cap for use with the open base portion of the fitting inlet of the fitting of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4. is a top plan view of the cap of Fig. 3; and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a plumbing fitting attached to a waste outlet assembly, Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a kit form of the invention; the kit comprising a connector element and the plumbing fitting of fig. I,

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a further kit form of the invention,' the kit in this instance comprising first and second connector elements and the plumbing fitting of fig. 1 to suit a double sink installation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED ErsODIMENTS First Preferred Embodiment The present invention lends itself to many different implementations, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The following example is intended only to illustrate one possible implementation. •

Figs. 1 and 5 show a plumbing fitting 10 in cross- section. The fitting 10 has an inlet 12, for attachment to an outlet of a waste outlet assembly 50, and an outlet 14 for connection to a drain pipe (not shown) .

In the context of the present invention,, a waste outlet assembly 50 is intended to mean an elongated structure which normally attaches to and extends below the waste outlet 52 of a water receptacle 54, such as a sink.

The waste- outlet assembly 50 will define a fluid path between the waste outlet 52 and an outlet, of the waste assembly. The outlet of the waste assembly being at the base of the waste assembly. As an illustrative example, the waste outlet assembly 52 could be a so-called basket assembly or "dry basket arrestor assembly which houses a basket in the fluid path to trap solids. However, it will be appreciated that the waste outlet assembly may simply be a length of pipe, if all that is required beneath the waste outlet 52 is a water trap. For the purposes of the present invention, the function of the waste outlet assembly is not important so long as the assembly has an elongated structure and defines a fluid path from a waste outlet 52 to an outlet at the assembly's base.

At the . fitting inlet 12 there is provided an exterior lip 16. The lip 16 allows an attachment member 56 to be s-lidably retained at the inlet 12. A preferred attachment member 56 would be an internally screw-threaded member which surrounds the inlet 12. The lower face of the lip 16 abuts the attachment member 56 to retain the member 56. The threading 58 of the attachment member 56 can engage an assembly outlet having complementary external threading 60, thereby attaching the inlet 12 to the assembly outlet. In such an arrangement, some sort of seal 62, such as a rubber ring gasket, would also be provided to ensure that the attachment is watertight. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the attachment of the inlet 12 to the assembly outlet could be provided in a number of alternative ways which provide a suitable watertight seal. As shown in Fig. 1, the inlet 12 leads directly to one side of a lower chamber 18 of the fitting 10. From the other side of the lower chamber 18, there extends a riser portion 20 leading to the fitting outlet 14. As shown in Fig. 2, the riser portion 20 has a semi-circular cross- section and is directed at a slight angular offset from the vertical. Fig. 1 shows the angular offset being 8°, however it is anticipated that this angle could be varied, for example, between 0° and 15 °, depending upon the size of the lower chamber 18. When the inlet 12 is attached to the assembly outlet, the riser portion 20 extends alongside the exterior of the waste outlet assembly 50 and a fluid path is formed between the waste outlet 52 and the fitting outlet 14. The semi-circular cross-sectional shape of the riser portion 20 together with the angular offset assist in accommodating the exterior of the waste outlet assembly 50 while keeping the ensemble compact. It will be appreciated that the semi-circular cross-sectional shape is just one preferred shape that can be used to keep the ensemble compact and that other shapes providing the same function of riser portion 20 could be used.

As shown in Fig. 1, the outlet 14 is provided with exterior threading 22., which allows the outlet 14 to. be connected to a pipe (not shown) or other form of fluid conduit to the drain by way of an internally threaded connection member (not shown) , similar to the type of attachment member useful for the inlet attachment.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the connection of the outlet 14 to the drain could be provided in a number of alternative ways which provide a suitable watertight seal.

At the outlet 14 there is provided an overflow wall 24. The top of the wall 24 defines the level of water which will become trapped in the fitting 10 when no water is flowing from the waste outlet 52. It will be appreciated that the volume of trapped water will also extend into the base of the waste outlet assembly 50 itself.

In less preferred embodiments, a wall 24 is not provided. In which case, the level of trapped water is defined by the lowermost level of the outlet 14.

As shown in Fig. 1, the lower chamber 18 has an open bottom 26. This open bottom 26 is normally closed by a removable base portion in the form of a cap 28, see Figs. 3 and 4. The cap 28 has internal threading 30 which mates with complementary external threading 32 at the lower chamber. A ring gasket (not. shown) would be provided to ensure the attachment of the cap to the lower chamber 18 is watertight. .

During normal use of the plumbing fitting 10, any solids flowing into the fitting 10 will tend to settle on the cap 28. If these solids are allowed to build up, the fluid path through the fitting 10 can become blocked. The removable cap 28 allows any such solids to be easily cleared while the fitting 10 remains in situ.

Projections 34 on the cap facilitate ease of gripping to screw or unscrew the cap 28. It will be appreciated that in less preferred embodiments,. where the removable base is not a necessary feature, the lower chamber 18 can be provided with a closed bottom. While the present invention has been described with reference to. a specific embodiment, it will be appreciated that various modifications and changes could be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Second Preferred Embodiment In a second preferred embodiment of the invention, a water trap for a connection between a waste outlet of a water receptacle and a drainpipe, is formed in combination between a solids and grease trap assembly and a plumbing fitting. With reference now to Fig. 1, a solids and grease trap assembly 150 is fitted to the waste outlet 152 in the bottom 153 of a water or liquid receptacle 154. In this example of a waste outlet assembly, the solids and grease trap assembly 150 comprises an outer elongate body 156 extending downwardly from waste outlet 152. A shut-off valve 158 is located in a lower portion of elongate body 156, and is operable between an open position

(as indicated in Fig. 6) and a closed position depending on the presence or absence of a solids and grease capturing basket 160. Basket 160 is removable from and replaceable in outer elongate body 1S6 by control element 162 rotatably mounted in the base of basket 160. Control element 162 is operable by activating mechanism 164.

Elongate body 156 is provided at its lower end with outlet opening 166, sized so as to mate with inlet opening

112 of plumbing fitting 110. Outlet opening 166 has a substantially vertical axis 167 and is provided with an external thread 117 adapted to accept screwed thereto an internally threaded retaining collar 156. Collar 156 is provided with an inwardly projecting annular ledge 157 which abuts annular ring or lip 116 of inlet opening 112 of fitting 110. A suitable annular seal such as for example an "0" ring (not shown) retained between the top surface of lip 116 and the annular edge of outlet opening 166 of the solids and grease trap assembly 150 to provide a watertight seal.

The axis 113 of inlet opening 112 is likewise substantially vertical. .Inlet opening 112 is located in an inlet chamber 111 communicating with a substantially horizontal lower chamber 118. The lower portion of lower chamber 118 is preferably of circular cross-section about substantially vertical axis 119, In at least on preferred form, lower chamber 118 is open at its underside and provided with a closure cap 128. Closure cap 128 i≤ provided with an internal thread 130 for engagement with an external thread 131 provided around the periphery of the lower end of lower chamber 118. An "O" ring or similar seal 133 provides a watertight connection between cap 128 and the open underside of lower chamber 118.

A riser portion 120, extends upwardly from lower chamber 118. Preferably, riser portion 120 is arranged at an angle from the vertical to provide clearance of the larger diameter of elongate body 156 of solids and grease trap 150 while keeping the diameter of lower chamber 118 within reasonable limits. To provide a cross-sectional area of riser portion 120 similar to the cross-sectional area of inlet opening 112 while maintaining the relatively small diameter of lower chamber 118, riser portion 120 is preferably shaped semi-circular in shape, as can be seen in Fig. 2. Riser portion 120 extends upwardly with its axis 125 lying in a substantially vertical plane common with the axes of inlet opening 112 and that of solids and grease trap assembly 150, as can also be best seen in. Fig. 2. Riser portion 120 extends into outlet chamber 126 provided with outlet opening 114. The axis 115 of outlet opening 114 is substantially horizontal and outlet opening 114 lies at. a level substantially higher than the level of inlet opening 112. Outlet opening 114 is provided with an external thread 122 for connection to a standard drain pipe (not shown) by a retaining collar and seal (not shown) as commonly used and well understood in the art.

Preferably, a section of the wall of riser portion 120 extends into outlet chamber 126 to form an overflow wall or baffle 124. It will be understood that, when interconnected as described, the lower portion of elongate body 156 of solids and grease trap 150, and those portions of plumbing fitting 110 up to the level of the top of baffle 124, form a water or liquid trap as shown in Fig. 6.

The preferred cross-sectional shape of lower chamber

118 provides a considerable area so that the depth of the chainber can be kept relatively shallow while providing for flow of water or liquid equivalent to that of inlet opening

112, riser portion 120 and outlet opening 114. Thus this arrangement provides for a water or liquid conduit below the level of the solids and grease trap assembly 150 with minimal intrusion into a storage space underneath receptacle 154.

A further advantage of the water or liquid trap formed by the present arrangement is that the trap can be readily cleaned by simply unscrewing the cap 128 while leaving the ensemble of solids and grease trap assembly 150 and plumbing fitting 120 in situ. Third Preferred Embodiment

In a further embodiment, the plumbing fitting may be provided in a kit form comprising of the plumbing-, fitting 110 and a connector element 210 as shown in Figure 7, Connector element 210 in this embodiment includes a substantially vertical straight section of tubing 212 adapted for connection to the inlet opening of plumbing fitting 210 in the manner previously described above and as best seen in fig 7. Connector element is provided at its upper end 214 with a connecting' collar 216 for screwed connection to a waste water or liquid outlet of a sink or other water or liquid retaining receptacle.

In this embodiment also, a water trap is formed by a body of water retained in both the lower portion of tubing 212 and in the riser portion 120 of plumbing fitting 110. Fourth. Preferred Embodiment:

Again in this fourth preferred embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 8, plumbing fitting 110 may be provided as a kit suitable for connection to a double sink installation (not shown) . In this instance the kit comprises the plumbing fitting 110, a first connector element 310 and second connector element 350. .

First connector element comprises .a substantially vertical straight section of tubing 312 provided at its upper end with a collar 316 for connection to the waste outlet of a first sink of the double sink installation. The lower end of tubing 312 is again adapted for connection to plumbing fitting 110 as previously described.

Tubing 312 in this instance incorporates a "T" junction at an intermediate point along the length of the section of tubing. The "T" junction is adapted to accept a substantially horizontal second tube section 352. Tube section 352 of second connector element 350 may be connected to the "T" junction simply as a glued joint, or by a collar and "0" ring arrangement as well understood in the art .

Outer end 354 of second connector element 350 is provided with an upward bend 353 provided with a similar collar 356 as provided for the upper end of first connector element 310, and adapted for connection to the waste outlet of the second sink of the double sink installation.

In this instance, both sinks of the double sink installation are serviced by a single water trap, which, as described in the previous embodiments above, comprises a body of water held in the communicating respective sections of the plumbing fitting 110 and in the lower portion of first connector element 312 and in riser element 120.

Claims

1. A plumbing fitting for connection between a drain pipe and a waste outlet assembly, the waste outlet assembly having an assembly inlet connected to a waste outlet, an elongate body extending below the waste outlet and an assembly outlet arranged at a bottom portion of the body, wherein the assembly inlet and assembly outlet are in fluid communication, the plumbing fitting including: a fitting body defining a fluid passage between a fitting inlet and a fitting outlet, the fitting inlet being adapted to be attached to the assembly outlet and the fitting outlet being adapted to be connected to the drain pipe, such that, in use, a fluid path is provided between the waste outlet and the fitting outlet; wherein the fitting body is structured so that, when the fitting inlet is attached to the assembly outlet, a riser portion of the fitting body, defining part of the fluid passage, extends substantially alongside the outside of the elongate body and above the fitting inlet, thereby operatively forming a water trap in the fluid passage.

2. The plumbing fitting according to claim 1, wherein the riser potion is formed with a semi-circular cross-sectional shape .

3, The plumbing fitting according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the fitting inlet is attached to the assembly outlet, the riser portion extends at an angle between 0° and 15" from vertical.

4. The plumbing fitting according to claim 3, wherein the angle is 8°.

5. The plumbing fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fitting includes a removable base portion.

6. The plumbing fitting according to claim 5, wherein the removable base portion is in the form of a cap having threading which screwably mates with complementary threading on the fitting body.

.

7. The. plumbing fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet includes a threaded . attachment member which screwably mates with threading at the assembly outlet to allow the fitting inlet and the assembly outlet to be attached.

8. The plumbing fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fitting outlet includes threading for mating with a complementary threaded connection member to allow the outlet to be connected to the drain pipe.

9. A plumbing fitting for connection between a solids and grease trap assembly of a waste water outlet, and a drain . pipe; the fitting comprising a fluid conducting body provided at a first, inlet end with an inlet opening and at a second outlet end with an outlet opening, and wherein the inlet opening has. a substantially vertical axis and the outlet opening has a substantially horizontal axis; the outlet opening positioned substantially above the inlet opening when the fitting is in use.

10. The plumbing fitting of claim 9 wherein a water or liquid trap is formed within the solids and grease trap assembly and the plumbing fitting; the water or liquid trap forming a body of water extending through a lower portion of the solids and grease trap assembly and across the connection between the solids and grease trap assembly and plumbing fitting; the water or liquid trap extending upwardly to the outlet opening of the plumbing fitting.

11. The plumbing fitting of claim 9 or 10 wherein the fluid conducting body includes an inlet chamber, a substantially horizontal lower chamber, and a riser portion extending between the lower chamber and an outlet chamber.

12., The plumbing fitting of claim 11 wherein the riser portion is of a length so as to position all of the outlet opening above the inlet opening.

13. The plumbing fitting of any one of claims 9 to 12 wherein the solids and grease trap assembly includes an elongate outer fluid conducting body depending from the waste water outlet; the elongate . outer body connected at a first inlet end to the waste water outlet of a sink or similar fluid retaining receptacle, and connected at a second outlet end to the inlet opening of the plumbing fitting.

14. The plumbing fitting of claim 13 wherein the water or liquid trap comprises a. body of water; a first portion of

S the body of water contained in a lower portion of the elongate outer body of the solids and grease trap assembly; a second portion of the body of water contained in the plumbing fitting.

15. The plumbing fitting of any one of claims 11 to 14 10 wherein a lower portion of the lower chamber is of circular cross section ha ving a substantially vertical axis; the lower chamber open at its lower end and provided with a removable closure cap.

16. The plumbing fitting of c any one of claims 11 to 15 J5 wherein the depth of the lower chamber is a minimum commensurate with a flow of water or liquid through the chamber equivalent to flow of water or liquid through the inlet opening.

17. The plumbing fitting of any one of claims 11 to 16 0 wherein a portion of an outer wall of the riser portion extends partially into the outlet chamber to provide a baffle; the top of the baffle determining the level of a body of. water retained .in the solids and grease trap and the plumbing fitting. 5

18. The plumbing fitting of any one of claims 13 to 17 wherein the solids and grease trap assembly further includes a. solids and grease trapping basket releasably retained in the elongate outer body; said basket including a control element for operation of a shut-off valve located in a lower portion of the outer body such that the shut-off valve is in closed position while the basket is absent from the assembly.

19. A water trap for a waste water or liquid conduit between a water or liquid receptacle and a drainpipe; the water trap formed in a combination of a waste outlet assembly and a plumbing fitting connected to the waste outlet assembly; the waste outlet assembly including an elongate body extending downwardly from a waste outlet of the receptacle to an outlet opening; the plumbing fitting including an inlet opening connected to the outlet opening of the waste outlet assembly; respective outlet and inlet openings having a substantially vertical common axis; the plumbing fitting further including an outlet opening having a substantially horizontal axis, and wherein the outlet opening o£ the plumbing fitting is located at a substantially higher level than the inlet opening.

20. A method for minimising intrusion by a water or liquid trap into a storage place below a sink or like water or liquid receptacle; the method including- providing .for retention of a body o£ water within a combination of a waste outlet assembly and a plumbing fitting connected to the waste outlet assembly; wherein the outlet of the waste outlet assembly and the inlet of the plumbing fitting have a. common substantially vertical axis, and wherein an outlet opening of the plumbing fitting has a substantially horizontal axis; the outlet opening positioned substantially above the inlet opening.

21. A method of providing a water or liquid trap between a waste water outlet and a drain pipe; the method including the formation of a body of water retained partly in a solids and grease trap assembly and partly in a plumbing fitting connected to the solids and grease trap assembly; and wherein an outlet of the plumbing fitting is located substantially above the connection between the solids and grease trap assembly and the plumbing fitting.

22. A method of providing a water trap below a waste water outlet where the waste water outlet is fitted with a solids or grease trap assembly extending downwardly from the waste water outlet; the method including attaching a plumbing fitting to the solids or grease trap assembly such that the water trap is formed partly in the solids or grease trap assembly and partly in the plumbing fitting.

23. A method of providing a water or liquid trap between a waste water outlet and a drain pipe; the method including the formation of .a body of water retained partly in a first plumbing fitting and partly in a second plumbing fitting connected to the first plumbing fitting; wherein an outlet of the second plumbing fitting is located substantially above the connection between the first plumbing fitting and the second plumbing fitting; wherein the outlet of the second plumbing fitting is located substantially above the level of the connection between the first and second plumbing fittings.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein the first plumbing fitting comprises a substantially vertical straight section of tubing; the section of tubing adapted at a lower end for connection to an inlet opening of the second pluinbing fitting; the section of tubing provided at an upper end with a collar for connection to the waste water outlet.

25. The method of claim 23 or 24 wherein the first plumbing fitting is provided with a "T" junction; the "T" junction adapted for connection with a third plumbing fitting; the third plumbing fitting comprising a substantially horizontal section of tubing; the substantially horizontal section of tubing provided at an outer end with an upward bend and a collar; wherein the collar of the first plumbing fitting is adapted for connection to a first waste water outlet of a double sink installation and the collar at the upward bend is adapted for connection to a second waste water outlet of the double sink installation.

26. The method of any one of claims 23 to 25 wherein the first and second plumbing fitting are supplied as a kit.

27. The method of any one of claims 23 to 25 wherein the first second and third plumbing fitting- are supplied as a kit.

28. A method of providing a water trap below a waste water outlet where the waste water outlet is fitted with a first plumbing fitting extending downwardly from the waste water outlet; the method including attaching a second plumbing fitting to the first plumbing fitting such that the water trap is formed partly in the first plumbing fitting and partly in the second plumbing fitting.

29. A kit comprising at least a first plumbing fitting and a second plumbing fitting; the kit providing a water trap between a waste water outlet and a drain pipe wherein the water trap comprises a body of water contained between the first plumbing fitting depending from the waste water outlet, and the second plumbing fitting; wherein the second plumbing fitting is connected at an inlet opening to an outlet opening of the first plumbing fitting and wherein an outlet of the second plumbing fitting is located substantially above the inlet opening.