WO2010088734A1

WO2010088734A1 - Drain inlet assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2010088734A1
Application number: PCT/AU2010/000119
Authority: WO
Inventors: Murray Norman Cook
Original assignee: Murray Norman Cook
Priority date: 2009-02-05
Filing date: 2010-02-05
Publication date: 2010-08-12

Abstract

A drain inlet assembly for mounting to a pipe opening through which fluid passes through. The drain inlet assembly comprises a housing having one end adapted to be connected to the pipe opening, a cover adapted to be slideably received in the opposite end of the housing. The cover is movable in an axial direction with respect to the housing to operate the closure mechanism, moving from an innermost position which prevents the flow of fluid to an outermost position which allows the flow of fluid. The assembly also comprises a resilient element which biases the cover to the outermost position. The assembly further comprises a valve element situated at the lower end of the assembly to prevent the back flow of fluid through the drain assembly.

Description

"Drain Inlet Assembly"

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a drain inlet assembly which can be associated with a drain such as the drain of a shower, bath or hand basin.

Background of the Invention

There are a significant number of people with somewhat reduced physical capacity who have difficulty in washing their feet in the confined quarters of a shower recess or the rounded and slippery surface of a bath-shower combination. Such people have difficulty in either bending down to clean their feet or balancing on one foot while they clean the other. In addition even an adult without disabilities can have difficulty in cleaning the soles of their feet within a shower cubical. Therefore there is a perceived need for a cleaning means to enable such people to clean their feet without the need to bend down or balance on one foot and various attempts have been tried. Examples include GB2,280,849 (Waters) showing a foot cleaning platform for use in the shower, AU78246/94 (Shower Mate Products NZ Ltd) for a foot cleaning brush, AU20885/95 (Norin) for a multi function paediatric device and US 5,575,034 (Biernacinski) foot cleaning and massaging mat system. While all of these attempt to provide a solution they nevertheless have problems.

Previous developments by the current inventor are disclosed in patent specifications WO 2005/063106 and WO 2008/052262, the text of these specifications are expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, which means that they should be read and considered by the reader as part of this text. That the documents, references, patent applications or patents cited in this text are not repeated in this text is merely for reasons of conciseness.

A problem associated with the current solutions to date do is that they do not provide a means to allow the drain to be plugged. This is obviously problematic when installed in bath tubs. It also presents a problem where waste pipes/drains do not incorporate means to prevent back flow of fluid or the escape of insects and odours through the drain into the bath tub or shower recess.

The discussion throughout this specification, of the background and prior art to the invention (including WO 2005/063106 and WO 2008/052262) is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

Disclosure of the Invention

It is an object of this invention to provide to ameliorate, mitigate or overcome, at least one disadvantage of the prior art, or which will at least provide the public with a practical choice.

Accordingly, the invention further resides in a drain inlet assembly for mounting to a pipe opening through which fluid passes therethrough, the drain inlet assembly comprises:

a housing having one end adapted to be connected to the pipe opening;

a cover adapted to be slidably received at another end of the housing, the cover being movable in an axial direction with respect to the housing to move between an outermost position and an innermost position;

a closure mechanism to selectively allow fluid to pass into the pipe, whereby when the cover is in the innermost position the closure mechanism is closed and fluid is prevented from passing into the pipe, whereby when the cover is in the outermost position the closure mechanism is open allowing fluid to enter the pipe; and

a resilient element located in the housing, the resilient element biasing the cover to the outermost position. The cover may also rotate with respect to the housing to move between an operating position whereby the cover is axially movable with respect to the housing, and a locked position whereby the cover is retained in the innermost position such that the closure mechanism is closed. In the operating position the cover may be moved between the outermost position and innermost position by applying a downward force thereon. Whilst in the locked position the closure mechanism is retained closed without having to maintain a downward force upon the cover. In the locked position no matter, such as fluid, insects or odour may pass through the pipe in either direction.

The cover may also rotate with respect to the housing to a removable position whereby the cover may be removed from the housing. This allows the cover to be easily removed and cleaned and also provides access to the other components of the drain insert assembly to allow replacement and cleaning of the various components.

The cover may provide a plurality of projections extending from an outermost axial face of the cover. The projections may be in the form of resilient bristles to provide a brush head and may extend beyond the housing such that in use a person may scrub the soles of their feet on the bristles for cleaning or similar purposes.

The closure mechanism may be located between the cover and the one end of the housing. The closure mechanism may comprise a first component and a second component whereby upon the cover reaching its innermost position the first component and second component provide a seal to prevent fluid passing therethrough.

The first component may comprise a concave cap which engages or is connected to the underside of the cover, the cap presenting a convex surface to the cover.

The second component may be in the form of a hollow annular element adapted to be received within the concave cap such that when the cover is in the innermost position an edge portion of the annular element seals against the concave surface of the cap. The second component may be formed integrally with the housing, may be positioned on a second abutment extending from the inner face of the housing or may be supported on an annular flange secured to the one end of the housing, or any other means.

The resilient element may be in the form of a set of resilient curved elements located at angularly spaced intervals around the housing. Preferably the resilient curved elements are configured such that they do not buckle when an axial load is applied thereto.

The housing may have an abutment extending from an inner face of the housing.

In one aspect of the invention the set of resilient curved elements extends from the underside of a Hp of the cover, and are adapted to operably engage with the abutment. The abutment may be positioned such that when the cover is in the outermost position, only the bristles extending from the cover protrude beyond the housing.

In another aspect of the invention the resilient element is in the form of an annular ring from which the set of resilient curved elements extend upwardly in an axial direction, the ring being adapted to be supported on the abutment to operably engage with the cover, biasing it to the outermost position.

In a further aspect of the invention the set of resilient curved elements extend upwardly from the annular element.

The one end of the housing may have a valve arrangement fitted thereto to prevent back flow of fluid when the cover is not in the innermost position. The valve arrangement may be in the form of a flap which is biased to block the pipe.

Accordingly, the invention further resides in a drain inlet assembly for mounting to a pipe opening to allow fluid to pass therethrough, the drain inlet assembly comprising a generally hollow tubular housing having an inner end which is engageable with the waste pipe, the housing supporting a grate-like cover, the cover being supported by the housing to be slidable axially within the housing, an inner face of the housing supports an annular element at a position spaced axially inward from the cover, the annular element defining an annular well space between the inner face and the inner edge of the annular element, the underneath of the cover supporting a cap element wherein the cap element is configured and arranged such that the cap is in abutting engagement with the annular element when the cover is in its innermost position whereby fluid is blocked from passing through the waste pipe, the cover being biased by a resilient means to an outermost position relative to the housing.

Preferably the tubular housing has an outer end which is to be mounted to the floor.

The cover may, in use, extend substantially across the waste pipe opening.

Preferably the cap is concave in shape. The lower edge of the cap may be received within the well space when the cover is at its uppermost and lowermost position.

Preferably the cover and the housing are formed with cooperating formations whereby the cover can be lowered to and retained in a lowermost position within the housing.

Preferably when the cover is at the outermost position the outermost axial face of the cover is substantially coplanar with the outer end of the housing.

According to a preferred feature of the invention the cover is associated with a brush head comprising a set of bristles extending from an outermost axial face of the cover.

According to a preferred feature of the invention the cover is provided with a skirt which extends axially from the inner face of the cover and is concentric with the inner face of the housing.

Preferably the inner face provides an abutment between the cover and the annular element. The abutment may be in the form of a rib. Preferably the resilient means comprises an annular resilient element located between the cover and the annular element,

According to a preferred feature of the invention the annular resilient element is fixed at one axial edge to the cover and wherein the axial edge of the resilient element remote from the cover is positioned to bear upon the abutment on the inner face wherein the abutment is located intermediate of the cover and the annular element. According to a preferred feature of the invention the annular resilient element is supported to lie between the inner face of the housing and the skirt, the width of the abutment being such that the annular resilient element is received in the space between the inner face of the housing and the skirt.

According to an alternative preferred feature of the invention the annular resilient element is fixed at the outer radial edge of the annular element and the axial edge of the resilient element which is proximate the cover bears upon the cover. According to a preferred feature of the invention the axial edge of the resilient element which is proximate the cover bears upon the axial edge of the skirt.

According to a further alternative preferred feature of the invention the annular resilient element is in the form of a separate ring adapted to act upon the cover to bias it to the outermost position.

According to a preferred feature of the invention the annular resilient element comprises a set of elements located at angularly spaced intervals around the housing. According to a preferred feature of the invention the resilient members are part circular in configuration.

According to a preferred feature of the invention the rib is substantially continuous and is provided with a gap. The rib may also be provided with an axial protrusion which is remote from the end face and one side of the gap, the protrusion extending in an opposed relation to the end face, wherein the skirt has a lug which is dimensioned to be receivable through the gap, the lug is spaced from the cover such that it is receivable against the remote face of the rib when the cover is in position within the housing and the cover is at its uppermost position. The rib may be formed with a cam portion configured such that when the lug is engaged with the remote face of the cam portion the cover is at its lowermost position. The lug and cam portion may comprise cooperating portions. According to a preferred feature of the invention the cam portion is located at one side of said gap, the other side of the gap having an axial protrusion which extends in a direction away from the one end.

According to a preferred feature of the invention the bristles of the brush head and the resilient elements are formed integrally with a base which overlies the cover. According to preferred feature of the invention the bristles, resilient elements and base are formed from a resiliently compressible material.

According to one embodiment the resilient members are received through openings through the cover and provided around the cover to lie proximate the perimeter.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention the base is formed with a collar which is received around the outer perimeter of the cover and is retained thereon by a clamping ring. According to preferred feature of the invention the base is removable from the cover.

According to a preferred feature of the invention the inner end of the housing is associated with a valve element which is pivotally supported from the inner end and is movable between a closed position at which it extends across the inner end and an open position at which it lies clear of the inner end, said valve element being biased to the closed opposition. According to a preferred feature of the invention the valve element is pivotally supported from a pivot located intermediate of the valve element, a closure portion to one side of the pivot being co operable with the inner end and a counterweight portion to the other side of the pivot and configured and arranged to gravitationally bias the closure portion to the closed position.

According to a preferred feature of the invention the annular element is removably supported by the housing. According to a preferred feature of the invention the cap is removably supported by the cover.

According to a preferred feature of the invention the valve element is removably supported by the inner end.

According to a preferred feature of the invention the outer end of the housing is provided with an outwardly directed radial flange. According to a preferred feature of the invention the flange has a substantially square outer profile

Accordingly, the invention further resides in a drain inlet assembly intended in use to be mounted to a floor to receive water on the floor and conduct it to a waste pipe, the drain inlet assembly comprising a generally hollow tubular housing having an inner end which is engageable with the waste pipe and an outer end which is to be mounted to the floor, the housing supporting a grating-like cover which is intended in use to extend across the end face at the one end, the cover being supported by the housing to be slidable axially within the housing, the inner face of the housing supporting an annular element at a position spaced axially inward from the cover, the annular element defining an annular well space between the inner face and the inner edge of the annular element, the underneath of the cover supporting a concave cap element wherein the cap element is configured and arranged such said cap is in abutting engagement with the annular element when the cover is in its innermost position and the lower edge of the cap is received within the well space when the cover is at its uppermost and lowermost position,, the cover and the housing being formed with cooperating formations whereby the cover can be lowered to a lowermost position within the housing and to be retained in the lowermost position, a resilient means comprising an annular resilient element located between the cover and the annular element, the cover being biased by the resilient means to an outermost position relative to the housing such that when at the outermost position the outermost axial face of the cover is substantially coplanar with the outer end of the housing and the brush head extends upwardly from the one end. Accordingly, the invention further resides in a drain inlet assembly adapted for mounting to a drain having an outer end portion, the drain inlet assembly comprising an annular housing adapted to be received within the outer end portion of the drain, the housing supporting a grating-like cover which is intended in use to extend across the drain, a brush head comprising a set of bristles extending from outermost axial face of the cover, the cover being supported by the housing to be slidable axially within the housing, a resilient means comprising a set of resilient axial members displaced angularly around the inner face of the housing such that upon removing a downward force applied to the cover the cover returns to a normal condition, the drain inlet assembly being movable between an open condition whereby fluid passes through the drain inlet assembly, and a closed position whereby fluid is unable to pass through the drain inlet assembly.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, the cover is biased to an outermost position relative to the housing such that the outermost axial face of the cover is substantially coplanar with the outer face of the housing.

According to a preferred feature of the invention the bristles are supported from a base having a grate-like configuration corresponding to the grate-like configuration of the cover, the base being supported from the cover such that their grate-like configurations are aligned, the base having the axial members thereon which are in opposed relation to the bristles. According to a preferred feature of the invention the bristles and axial members are formed integrally with the base. According to preferred feature of the invention the bristles, axial members and base are formed from a resiliently compressible material.

According to a preferred feature of the invention the axial members are configured to cause relative angular displacement of the cover within the housing on axial compression of the axial members. According to a preferred feature of the invention the central axes are angularly offset within a plane which is generally tangential to the perimeter at an acute angle relative to the plane of the base. According to a preferred feature of the invention, the housing comprises a cylindrical sleeve configured to be received and supported within the outer end portion of the drain.

According to a preferred embodiment, the bristles are resiliently deformable.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, the cover is removable from the housing.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, the housing is intended to be removable from the outer portion of the drain.

a housing having one end adapted to be connected to the pipe opening;

a cover adapted to be received at another end of the housing, the cover being adapted to move in an axial direction with respect to the housing to move between an outermost position, whereby fluid may enter the pipe, and an innermost position whereby fluid is prevented from passing into the pipe;

a resilient element located in the housing, the resilient element biasing the cover to the outermost position; and

a valve apparatus located adjacent the one end of the housing to prevent the backflow of fluid.

The invention will be more fully understood in light of the following description of several specific embodiments. Brief Description of the Drawings

The description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:-

Figure 1 is an upper isometric view of a drain inlet assembly according to the first embodiment;

Figure 2 is a lower isometric view of the drain inlet assembly according to the first embodiment;

Figure 3 is an exploded lower isometric view of drain inlet assembly according to the first embodiment;

Figure 4 is an exploded upper isometric view of drain inlet assembly according to the first embodiment;

Figure 5 is an exploded side elevation the drain inlet assembly according to the first embodiment;

Figure 6 is a sectional side elevation of the drain inlet assembly according to the first embodiment showing the cover in its uppermost position within the housing;

Figure 7 is a sectional side elevation of the drain inlet assembly according to the first embodiment showing the cover in its lowermost position within the housing;

Figure 8 is an exploded lower isometric view of drain inlet assembly according to the second embodiment and

Figure 9 is a sectional side elevation of the drain inlet assembly according to the second embodiment showing the cover in its lowermost position within the housing. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment

Each of the embodiments of the invention are directed to a drain inlet assembly comprising brush head adapted to be supported by a housing in order that it can be mounted to a drain of a shower recess or the like installation. Similar devices might also be applied to wash basins and other applications where it is appropriate to have a brush which is accessible to a user of the installation.

The assembly may be fitted to a pre existing drain by removing the grate covering the drain and replacing it with drain inlet assembly, or may be fitted to a pipe opening at the time of installation.

The first embodiment of the invention as shown at Figures 1 to 7 of the attached drawings comprises a brush assembly which is adapted for installation to the drain in a shower recess, or the like. As shown the drain brush 11 of the first embodiment comprises a housing 13, and a cover 15.

The housing 13 comprises a generally tubular hollow member 17 having an inner end 19 and an outer end 21. The inner end 19 is dimensioned to be sealing engageable with a waste pipe (not shown). The outer end is provide with an outwardly directed radial flange 23 which has an outer profile (in this case square) and which is intended to be fixed into the floor in the region immediately surrounding the waste pipe. The housing is formed of a suitable rigid plastics material. The flange 23 is intended to be received in the floor of the shower recess, bath or the like such that its outer axial face is generally flush with the floor.

In addition the inner face of the member 17 is formed at a position intermediate of its length with an abutment in the form of an inwardly directed rib 25 which extends around the inner face of the housing. The rib has a radial inner edge 27, an axial proximal face 29 proximate the one end of the housing and an axial remote face 31 remote from the one end of the housing. The flange is discontinuous in that it is formed with a pair of diametrically opposed gaps 33 One side of each gap is formed with a first axial protrusion 35 which extends axially from the flange away from the one end of the housing. The other side of each gap is formed with a second axial protrusion 37 which extends axially from the flange away from the one end of the housing. The first protrusion 35 is longer than the second protrusion 37.

In addition the rib 25 is formed with a cam portion 39 which comprises a thickened portion which extends from the first protrusion for a portion of the circular extent of the rib

The cover 15 is formed of a relatively rigid plasties material and has a substantially planar upper face which is formed as a grate and a cylindrical skirt 41 which depends from its lower face which is dimensioned to be received within the housing 13 to define a spacing therebetween. The diameter of the skirt 41 is a little less than the inner diameter of the rib 25 whereby when the cover is in position within the housing the skirt is in close sliding relationship relative to the rib. The cover is associated with a brush head 43 which has a base 45 which is overlies the grate of the cover and has a corresponding grate-like configuration in order that when the base is in position over the grate the grate-like configurations are aligned. The brush head is further provided with a set of bristles 47 which extend upwardly away from the base 45. The outer edge of the face of the base is formed with a collar incorporating an annular resilient element comprising a set of angularly spaced resilient members 51 which extend from the base axially over the outer face of the skirt 41. The resilient members are formed as part annular axial extensions of the base and they have a part annular configuration in order that they can be axially compressed. According to the embodiment the brush head is formed as a single integral body of a suitable resiliently compressible material and is moulded over the cover. As result the brush head incorporates the base, bristles, and resilient members. To facilitate the formation of the resilient members 51 the outer perimeter of the cover is formed with a set of apertures (not shown) through which the material of the brush head passes to form the resilient members 51.

The provision of the grate and the corresponding configuration of the base of the brush head 15 provides a set of apertures which enables waste-water to enter the drain inlet assembly through the drain brush assembly while bristles can serve to entrap fibrous material and the like to prevent its entry into the drain.

As indicated above the skirt 41 of the cover comprises a tubular member having an external diameter which is substantially equal to the internal diameter of the rib 25 of the housing 17. The exterior of the sleeve is formed with a pair of diametrically opposed lugs 55 which are located proximate the other end of the skirt. The lugs are dimensioned to be receivable through the gaps 33 in the rib 25 when the cover is inserted into the housing such that the lugs are brought into engagement with the rib. The spacing of the lugs 49 from the grate is such that when the lugs are engaged with the remote face 31 of the flange the outer end face of the base 41 is substantially co-planar with the one end of the housing and the bristles extend upwardly from the grate (see Figure 6). In addition when the lugs are engaged with the cam portion 39 of the rib 25 the outer axial face is located inward with the outer end face of the housing (see Figure 7).

The width of the resilient 51 members is such that when the lugs 55 are engaged with the remote face 31 of the rib 25 the lower face of the resilient members 53 are in engagement with the proximal face 29 of the rib 25 and serve to hold the cover in its outermost position as shown at Figure 6. . On pressure being applied to the brush head 15 the resilient members 51 will resiliently deform to allow the brush head to move inwardly into the housing.

In addition the inner end 19 of the housing is associated with a valve assembly 61 comprising a tubular extension 63 which is removably mounted to the inner end19 of the generally tubular hollow member 17. The lower end of the tubular extension supports a flap valve member 65 which is pivotally supported from the lower end of the tubular extension 63 for pivotable movement about a transverse pivot axis 67 which is intermediate of the valve member 65. The valve member 65 has a closure portion 69 at one side of the pivot axis and a counterweight portion 71 at the other side of the pivot axis. The closure portion has a configuration such that when it is received over the lower end of the tubular extension it closes the lower end. The counterweight portion is configured and has sufficient mass to bias the closure portion to the closed position however the mass is insufficient to hold the closure portion in the closed position on water being delivered into the drain inlet.

In addition the drain inlet assembly according to the embodiment incorporates a water trap which takes the form of an annular element 73 supported from the inner wall of the housing and a cap 75 supported from the inner face of the cover. The annular element 73 is formed at its inner edge with an upstanding edge portion 77 which serves to define an annular well space 79 between the upstanding edge portion 77 and the inner face of the housing 17. The cap 75 has a lower face which has a concave configuration and is dimensioned such that the lower edge of the cap is located within the well space 79. In addition the dimensions of the cap are such that when the lugs 55 are engaged with the cam portion 39 of the rib and the cap is in abutting engagement with the uppermost edge of the upstanding edge portion 77 of the annular element to seal off the drain outlet.

In application of the brush assembly, the housing 17 is first mounted into the outer end of a waste pipe such that the outer end is located level with the floor of the shower recess. The cover 15 with the brush head 13 applied thereto is then inserted into the housing 17, with the lugs 55 being aligned with the gaps 31 of the flange 23. With further depression of the cover into the housing the axial members are compressed until the lugs 55 move axially beyond the lower face of the cam portion 39 of the rib 25. With rotation of the brush assembly within the housing the lugs 55 are moved out of alignment with the gaps 33 and then the cover is released and allowed to move upwardly under the influence of the compression resilient members until the lugs contact the remote face of the cam portion 39 or the remote face 31 of the rib with further rotation of the cover, thereby retaining the cover within the housing 14. The longer second protrusions 33 prevent the brush head 16 from being rotated within the housing 14 such that the lugs become aligned with the gaps. Thus, the cover is provided with a bayonet-like mounting means permitting easy and quick removal and replacement from the housing for replacement and/or cleaning and where the lugs 55 can be selectively engaged with the cam portion of the rib to retain the cover in its inward position or can be engaged with the remote face 31 of the rib to be at its outermost position with the capacity to be resiliently depressed.

In use, when the user applies a foot against the brush head, it will move inwardly against the biasing of the resilient members 51. The resilient flexibility of the bristles and the resilient compressibility of the resilient members are balanced to achieve the desired feel. As the brush head is removable, it is easily replaceable in the event of damage or wear, or should a user require a different "feel".

As the apertures provided by the grate in the cover are interspersed within the area of the brush head provided with bristles and as a result the brush assembly of the first embodiment also acts to prevent some debris such as hair and dropped items from being washed into the drain and therefore serves a dual function.

The valve assembly serves to close the drain outlet when it is not in use which serves to prevent insects, vermin and odours from entering the drain inlet assembly from the waste pipe. If it is desired the valve assembly can be removed from the drain inlet assembly in circumstances where it is not required.

In addition the water trap provided by the annular element 73 and the cap 75 also serves to prevent insects, vermin and odours from entering the drain inlet assembly from the waste pipe. Furthermore if desired the drain inlet assembly can be closed by pushing the cover inwards and causing it to rotate such that the lugs are engaged with the thickened portion of the rib 25 and the cap is engaged with the upstanding edge portion 77. This is relevant in situations where the drain outlet is not likely to be used for a period of time during which the water in the water trap can evaporate and serves to prevent insects, vermin and odours from entering the drain inlet assembly from the waste pipe in such an event.

The second embodiment of the invention as shown at Figures 8 and 9 of the drawings is of very similar form as the first embodiment and the same reference numerals can be applied to the elements of the second embodiment which correspond with elements of the first embodiment. The essential difference in the second embodiment resides in the annular resilient element 51. In the case of the second embodiment the annular element 73 is formed from a resilient elastomeric or plastics material and the annular resilient element 51 is formed as an integral part of the annular element 73 at the outer radial edge of the annular element 73 whereby it extends axially from the annular element in the direction of the other end of the housing. The annular resilient element comprises three upstanding formations which are equi-angularly spaced around the rim. The annular resilient element 51 bears upon the inner edge of the skirt 41 of the cover 13

Furthermore the cam portion 39 is formed as a stepped portion of each rib intermediate of the gaps 33

The installation and use of the drain inlet assembly according to the second embodiment corresponds to that of the first embodiment

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. It will be recognized that the pattern of the grate is determined primarily by aesthetics rather than by functional requirements and may be varied without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, the relative heights of the bristles are selected to satisfy consumer choice and is not an aspect essential to the invention.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

ClaimThe Claims Defining the Invention is as Follows:

1. A drain inlet assembly for mounting to a pipe opening through which fluid passes therethrough, the drain inlet assembly comprises:

a housing having one end adapted to be connected to the pipe opening;

a resilient element located in the housing, the resilient element biasing the cover to the outermost position.

2. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 1 wherein the cover rotates with respect to the housing to move between an operating position whereby the cover is axially movable with respect to the housing, and a locked position whereby the cover is retained in the innermost position such that the closure mechanism is closed.

3. The drain inlet assembly according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the cover rotates with respect to the housing to a removable position whereby the cover may be removed from the housing.

4. The drain inlet assembly according to claims 1 , 2 or 3 wherein the cover provides a plurality of projections extending from an outermost axial face of the cover.

5. The drain inlet assembly according to claims 4 wherein the projections are in the form of resilient bristles to provide a brush head which extends beyond the housing.

6. The drain inlet assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the closure mechanism is located between the cover and the one end of the housing.

7. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 6 wherein the closure mechanism comprises a first component and a second component whereby upon the cover reaching its innermost position the first component and second component provide a seal to prevent fluid passing therethrough.

8. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 7 wherein the first component comprises a concave cap which engages or is connected to the underside of the cover, the cap presenting a convex surface to the cover.

9. The drain inlet assembly according to claims 7 or 8 wherein the second component is in the form of a hollow annular element adapted to be received within the concave cap such that when the cover is in the innermost position an edge portion of the annular element seals against the concave surface of the cap.

10. The drain inlet assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the resilient element is in the form of a set of resilient curved elements located at angularly spaced intervals around the housing.

11. The drain inlet assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the housing has an abutment extending from an inner face of the housing.

12. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 11 wherein the set of resilient curved elements extends from the underside of a lip of the cover, and are adapted to operably engage with the abutment.

13. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 11 wherein the resilient element is in the form of an annular ring from which the set of resilient curved elements extend upwardly in an axial direction, the ring being adapted to be supported on the abutment to operably engage with the cover, biasing it to the outermost position.

14.The drain inlet assembly according to claim 11 wherein the set of resilient curved elements extend upwardly from the annular element to operably engage the cover.

15. The drain inlet assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the one end of the housing had a valve arrangement fitted thereto to prevent back flow of fluid when the cover is not in the innermost position.

16. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 15 wherein the valve arrangement is in the form of a flap which is biased to normally block the pipe.

17. A drain inlet assembly for mounting to a pipe opening to allow fluid to pass therethrough, the drain inlet assembly comprising a generally hollow tubular housing having an inner end which is engageable with the waste pipe, the housing supporting a grate-like cover, the cover being supported by the housing to be slidable axially within the housing, an inner face of the housing supports an annular element at a position spaced axially inward from the cover, the annular element defining an annular well space between the inner face and the inner edge of the annular element, the underneath of the cover supporting a cap element wherein the cap element is configured and arranged such that the cap is in abutting engagement with the annular element when the cover is in its innermost position whereby fluid is blocked from passing through the waste pipe, the cover being biased by a resilient means to an outermost position relative to the housing.

18. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 17 wherein the tubular housing has an outer end which is to be mounted to the floor.

19. The drain inlet assembly according to claims 17 or 18 wherein the cover extends substantially across the waste pipe opening.

20. The drain inlet assembly according to claims 17, 18 or 19 wherein the cap is concave in shape, the lower edge of the cap being received within the well space when the cover is at its uppermost and lowermost position.

21. The drain inlet assembly according to any one of claims 17 to 20 wherein the cover and the housing are formed with cooperating formations whereby the cover can be lowered to and retained in a lowermost position within the housing.

22. The drain inlet assembly according to any one of claims 17 to 21 wherein the cover is associated with a brush head comprising a set of bristles extending from an outermost axial face of the cover.

23. The drain inlet assembly according to any one of claims 17 to 22 wherein the cover is provided with a skirt which extends axially from the inner face of the cover and is concentric with the inner face of the housing.

24. The drain inlet assembly according to any one of claims 17 to 22 wherein the inner face provides an abutment between the cover and the annular element.

25. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 24 wherein the abutment is in the form of a rib.

26. The drain inlet assembly according to any one of claims 17 to 25 wherein the resilient means comprises an annular resilient element located between the cover and the annular element.

27. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 26 wherein the annular resilient element is fixed at one axial edge to the cover and wherein the axial edge of the resilient element remote from the cover is positioned to bear upon the abutment on the inner face wherein the abutment is located intermediate of the cover and the annular element.

28. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 27 wherein the annular resilient element is supported to lie between the inner face of the housing and the skirt, the width of the abutment being such that the annular resilient element is received in the space between the inner face of the housing and the skirt.

29. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 26 wherein the annular resilient element is fixed at the outer radial edge of the annular element and the axial edge of the resilient element which is proximate the cover bears upon the cover.

30. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 29 wherein the axial edge of the resilient element which is proximate the cover bears upon the axial edge of the skirt.

31.The drain inlet assembly according to claim 26 wherein the annular resilient element is in the form of a separate ring adapted to act upon the cover to bias it to the outermost position.

32. The drain inlet assembly according to any one of claims 26 to 31 wherein the annular resilient element comprises a set of elements located at angularly spaced intervals around the housing.

33. The drain inlet assembly according to any one of claims 25 to 32 wherein the rib is substantially continuous and is provided with a gap.

34. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 33 wherein the is provided with an axial protrusion which is remote from the end face and one side of the gap, the protrusion extending in an opposed relation to the end face, wherein the skirt has a lug which is dimensioned to be receivable through the gap, the lug is spaced from the cover such that it is receivable against the remote face of the rib when the cover is in position within the housing and the cover is at its uppermost position.

35. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 33 or 34 wherein the rib is formed with a cam portion configured such that when the lug is engaged with the remote face of the cam portion the cover is at its lowermost position.

36. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 35 wherein the lug and cam portion may comprise cooperating portions.

37. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 35 or 36 wherein the cam portion is located at one side of said gap, the other side of the gap having an axial protrusion which extends in a direction away from the one end.

38. The drain inlet assembly according to any one of claims 26 to 37 wherein the bristles of the brush head and the resilient elements are formed integrally with a base which overlies the cover.

39. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 38 wherein the bristles, resilient elements and base are formed from a resiliently compressible material.

40. The drain inlet assembly according to any one of claims 17 to 39 wherein the inner end of the housing is associated with a valve element which is pivotally supported from the inner end and is movable between a closed position at which it extends across the inner end and an open position at which it lies clear of the inner end, said valve element being biased to the closed opposition.

41. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 40 wherein the valve element is pivotally supported from a pivot located intermediate of the valve element, a closure portion to one side of the pivot being co operable with the inner end and a counterweight portion to the other side of the pivot and configured and arranged to gravitationally bias the closure portion to the closed position.

42. The drain inlet assembly according to any one of claims 17 to 41 wherein the annular element is removably supported by the housing.

43. The drain inlet assembly according to any one of claims 17 to 42 wherein cap is removably supported by the cover.

44. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 40, 41 , 42 or 43 wherein the valve element is removably supported by the inner end.

45.A drain inlet assembly intended in use to be mounted to a floor to receive water on the floor and conduct it to a waste pipe, the drain inlet assembly comprising a generally hollow tubular housing having an inner end which is engageable with the waste pipe and an outer end which is to be mounted to the floor, the housing supporting a grating-like cover which is intended in use to extend across the end face at the one end, the cover being supported by the housing to be slidable axially within the housing, the inner face of the housing supporting an annular element at a position spaced axially inward from the cover, the annular element defining an annular well space between the inner face and the inner edge of the annular element, the underneath of the cover supporting a concave cap element wherein the cap element is configured and arranged such said cap is in abutting engagement with the annular element when the cover is in its innermost position and the lower edge of the cap is received within the well space when the cover is at its uppermost and lowermost position,, the cover and the housing being formed with cooperating formations whereby the cover can be lowered to a lowermost position within the housing and to be retained in the lowermost position, a resilient means comprising an annular resilient element located between the cover and the annular element, the cover being biased by the resilient means to an outermost position relative to the housing such that when at the outermost position the outermost axial face of the cover is substantially coplanar with the outer end of the housing and the brush head extends upwardly from the one end.

46.A drain inlet assembly adapted for mounting to a drain having an outer end portion, the drain inlet assembly comprising an annular housing adapted to be received within the outer end portion of the drain, the housing supporting a grating-like cover which is intended in use to extend across the drain, a brush head comprising a set of bristles extending from outermost axial face of the cover, the cover being supported by the housing to be slidable axially within the housing, a resilient means comprising a set of resilient axial members displaced angularly around the inner face of the housing such that upon removing a downward force applied to the cover the cover returns to a normal condition, the drain inlet assembly being movable between an open condition whereby fluid passes through the drain inlet assembly, and a closed position whereby fluid is unable to pass through the drain inlet assembly.

47. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 46 wherein the cover is biased to an outermost position relative to the housing such that the outermost axial face of the cover is substantially coplanar with the outer face of the housing.

48. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 46 or 47 wherein the bristles are supported from a base having a grate-like configuration corresponding to the grate-like configuration of the cover, the base being supported from the cover such that their grate-like configurations are aligned, the base having the axial members thereon which are in opposed relation to the bristles.

49. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 48 wherein the bristles and axial members are formed integrally with the base.

50. The drain inlet assembly according to claim 48 or 49 wherein the bristles, axial members and base are formed from a resiliently compressible material.

51. The drain inlet assembly according to any one of claims 46 to 50 wherein the axial members are configured to cause relative angular displacement of the cover within the housing on axial compression of the axial members. The drain inlet assembly according to claim wherein the central axes are angularly offset within a plane which is generally tangential to the perimeter at an acute angle relative to the plane of the base.

52. The drain inlet assembly according to any one of claims 46 to 51 wherein the housing comprises a cylindrical sleeve configured to be received and supported within the outer end portion of the drain.

53. The drain inlet assembly according to any one of claims 46 to 52 wherein the housing is removable from the outer portion of the drain.

54.A drain inlet assembly for mounting to a pipe opening through which fluid passes therethrough, the drain inlet assembly comprises:

a housing having one end adapted to be connected to the pipe opening;

a cover adapted to be received at another end of the housing, the cover being adapted to move in an axial direction with respect to the housing to move between an outermost position, whereby fluid enter the pipe, and an innermost position whereby fluid is prevented from passing into the pipe;

5.A drain inlet assembly as substantially herein described with reference to the drawings.