A waste liquid device

Abstract

The device comprising a main housing with a hollow interior region 9, a main inlet 20, to supply waste liquid, located towards the upper peripheral edge of the housing, an outlet 27 to supply liquid to a downstream waste liquid system. The outlet is located towards the upper edge of the housing aligned with the inlet. A first rodding port 24 communicates with the first inlet port a second rodding port 34 communicates with the main outlet. The first and second rodding ports are substantially aligned for facilitating rodding of waste liquid from the main inlet through the hollow interior. Plug members 40 may engage with the rodding ports, they may be connected by a mechanism 42 which releases or seals the plugs from / to the rodding ports. The interior may define a sump 17 and an upper portion located above the sump. The sump may be adapted to accommodate a container 63 which is adapted so that when waste liquid flows into the hollow interior it also flows into the container which can collect and retain solid matter and allows liquid to flow into the secondary outlet 30.

Description

The present invention relates to a waste liquid device, and in particular, though not limited to a waste water device for collecting solid matter, as well as grease therein as waste water flows through the waste liquid device. Waste liquid devices, such as waste water devices are known for collecting grease and solid matter, such as particles of solid matter or larger solids. Such waste liquid and waste water devices are commonly referred to as grease traps, and are commonly located in a pipeline connecting a water trap into which waste water is discharged from a kitchen sink to a waste water system where the waste water is subsequently treated before discharge into a river, the sea or a soak bed. Waste water may be delivered to such grease traps from such a water trap, into which waste water from a kitchen sink of a domestic kitchen, a commercial or industrial kitchen is discharged. Such grease traps may also be located in a pipeline through which waste water as well as grey water is flowing from domestic, industrial and commercial buildings. Additionally, the waste water and grey water may be fed to such grease traps from an Armstrong junction, which would typically be located upstream of the grease trap between the grease trap and a water trap. A problem with such grease traps is that in general, due to the construction of such grease traps in order for the efficient collection of grease, it is not possible to rod a waste water system downstream of the grease trap without removing the grease trap from the pipeline within which it is located. Since grease traps in general, are located in the ground with a handhole providing access to the grease trap covered by a lid, which generally, is located flush with the ground, the removal of a grease trap from a pipeline is a relatively difficult and onerous task, since in general, excavation of an area around the grease trap is required before the grease trap may be disconnected and removed from the pipeline within which it is located in order to allow rodding of a pipeline downstream of the grease trap. Furthermore, when rodding of the waste water system downstream of the grease trap has been completed, the grease trap must be reconnected into the pipeline, and the ground work in the area adjacent the grease trap must be reinstated. This, is undesirable. There is therefore a need for a waste liquid device which addresses this problem. The present invention is directed towards providing such a waste liquid device. According to the invention there is provided a waste liquid device comprising a main housing defining a main hollow interior region and an upper peripheral edge forming an open mouth to the main hollow interior region, the main housing comprising a main inlet port adapted for coupling the device to a supply of waste liquid, the main inlet port being located at a level towards the upper peripheral edge of the main housing and communicating with the main hollow interior region for accommodating waste water to the main hollow interior region, a main outlet port adapted for coupling to a downstream waste liquid system, the main outlet port communicating with the main hollow interior region for accommodating waste liquid from the main hollow interior region to the downstream waste liquid system, and being located at a level towards the upper peripheral edge of the main housing, and being substantially aligned with the main inlet port, the main outlet port defining or being located downstream of a weir at a level below the level of the main inlet port, a first rodding port in the housing communicating the main inlet port with the main hollow interior region, and a second rodding port in the housing communicating the main outlet port with the main hollow interior region, the first and second rodding ports and main inlet and outlet ports being substantially aligned with each other for facilitating rodding of the downstream waste liquid system from the main inlet port through the main hollow interior region of the device. Preferably, one plug member is provided releasably engageable with the second rodding port. In another embodiment of the invention two plug members are provided for engaging the respective first and second rodding ports. Advantageously, each plug member sealably engages the corresponding one of the first and second rodding ports. In one embodiment of the invention the plug members are connected by a connecting means. Preferably, the connecting means is adapted for facilitating disengagement of the respective plug members from the first and second rodding ports. In one embodiment of the invention the connecting means is operable in a first state with the plug members in a first state to accommodate entry of the plug members into the main hollow interior region through the open mouth of the main housing, and in a second state with the plug members in a second state engaged in the corresponding ones of the first and second rodding ports, and preferably, releasably retained in engagement with the first and second rodding ports by the connecting means in the second state thereof. Preferably, the plug members are releasably retained in the second state thereof in sealable engagement with the respective first and second rodding ports by the connecting means in the second state thereof. In another embodiment of the invention the connecting means is adapted for urging the plug members into the second state engaging the respective first and second rodding ports as the connecting means is being urged into the second state thereof. In another embodiment of the invention the connecting means comprises a linkage mechanism connecting the respective plug members, and preferably, the linkage mechanism comprises a pair of link members pivotally coupled adjacent respective proximal ends thereof about a main pivot axis, and preferably, the plug members are coupled to the respective link members at respective distal ends thereof. Advantageously, at least one of the plug members is pivotally coupled to the corresponding link member about a corresponding secondary pivot axis, and preferably, each secondary pivot axis extends substantially parallel to the main pivot axis of the linkage mechanism. In another embodiment of the invention the plug members are pivotally coupled to the respective link members about respective corresponding secondary pivot axes. In one embodiment of the invention the link members are pivotal about the main pivot axis from the first state thereof to the second state thereof. In another embodiment of the invention each plug member is pivotal relative to the corresponding link member about the corresponding secondary pivot axis from the first state of the plug member to the second state thereof as the link members are pivoting about the main pivot axis from the first state thereof to the second state thereof. In another embodiment of the invention the connecting means comprises a toggle mechanism for releasably retaining the plug members in the second state thereof. In another embodiment of the invention the link members are pivotal about the main pivot axis from the first state thereof with the link members defining an acute angle about the main pivot axis through an aligned state with the link members aligned to the second state with the link members defining an angle greater than 180° about the main pivot axis to toggle the plug members in engagement with the first and second rodding ports, and preferably, an angle just greater than 180°. In another embodiment of the invention a stop member is provided to limit pivotal movement of the link members about the main pivot axis from the aligned state thereof beyond the second state, and preferably, the stop member is provided to limit pivotal movement of the link members about the main pivot axis from the aligned state thereof beyond the second state thereof, so that the angle defined by the link members in the second state thereof does not exceed 185°, and preferably, does not exceed 184°, and advantageously, does not exceed 182°, and preferably, the angle defined by the link members about the main pivot axis in the second state thereof lies in the range of 181° to 185°, and preferably, is approximately 185°. In another embodiment of the invention the stop member is located on one of the link members and is engageable with the other one of the link members. Preferably, the stop member which is located on one of the link members is located on a part of the link member extending proximally beyond the main pivot axis. Preferably, a handle is coupled to one of the link members for urging the link members between the first and second states thereof. Preferably, the handle is located adjacent the proximal end of the corresponding one of the link members. In another embodiment of the invention each plug member comprises a plate member carrying a port engaging member, and preferably, each link member is connected to the plate member of the corresponding plug member. In one embodiment of the invention each link member comprises a metal link member, and advantageously, the plate member of each plug member comprises a metal plate. In another embodiment of the invention the port engaging member of each plug member comprises a resilient material adapted to sealably engage the corresponding one of the first and second rodding ports. In another embodiment of the invention the port engaging member of each plug member is secured to the corresponding plate member. In one embodiment of the invention the main hollow interior region defines a sump and an upper portion of the main hollow interior region located above the sump. In another embodiment of the invention the main housing comprises a base and a side wall extending upwardly from the base and terminating in an upper peripheral edge defining the upper peripheral edge of the main housing, the side wall defining with the base the main hollow interior region. In one embodiment of the invention a secondary inlet port is located in the side wall of the main housing communicating with the main inlet port for accommodating waste liquid from the main inlet port into the main hollow interior region, and preferably, the secondary inlet port is at a level below the level of the main inlet port. Preferably, the secondary inlet port is located in the side wall of the main housing communicating with the main hollow interior region through the upper portion thereof. Advantageously, the weir is located above the level of the secondary inlet port to maintain the level of the surface of the liquid in the main hollow interior region at a level above the level of the secondary inlet port in order to accommodate the collection of a layer of grease on the surface of the liquid in the main hollow interior region above the secondary inlet port. Preferably, an upper edge of the secondary inlet port is located at a level below the level of the weir lying in the range of 30mm to 70mm below the level of the weir, and preferably, lying in the range of 40mm to 55mm below the level of the weir, and ideally, at a level of approximately 47mm below the level of the weir. Advantageously, the secondary inlet port communicates with the main inlet port through a downwardly extending intermediate inlet pipe. In one embodiment of the invention a secondary outlet port is located in the side wall of the main housing communicating with the main outlet port for accommodating waste liquid from the main hollow interior region of the main housing to the main outlet port, the secondary outlet port communicating with the main outlet port through an intermediate outlet pipe extending downwardly from the main outlet port. Preferably, the secondary outlet port is located in the side wall of the main housing communicating with the main hollow interior region through the sump. In another embodiment of the invention the secondary outlet port is located in the side wall of the main housing at a level below the level of the weir communicating with the main outlet port via the weir for accommodating liquid from the main hollow interior region to the main outlet port. In one embodiment of the invention the weir is defined by the main outlet port, and preferably, the weir is at a level above the level of the secondary inlet port sufficient that the liquid level in the main hollow interior region defined by the weir is at a level above the level of the secondary inlet port. In one embodiment of the invention the level of the weir above the level of the secondary inlet port lies in the range of 30mm to 70mm, and preferably, lies in the range of 40mm to 55mm, and ideally, is at a level of approximately 47mm above the level of the secondary inlet port in order to permit the collection of a layer of grease on the surface of the liquid in the main hollow interior region above the secondary inlet port. In another embodiment of the invention the weir is at a level below the level of the main inlet port, to prevent the liquid level in the main hollow interior region rising to a level which would allow back-flow of liquid to the main inlet port when liquid is not being supplied to the main inlet port. In another embodiment of the invention the secondary outlet port is located at a level intermediate the base of the main housing and the level of the weir, and advantageously, the secondary outlet port is located closer to the base of the main housing than to the level of the weir. Preferably, the secondary outlet port is located in a portion of the side wall of the main housing defining the sump. Advantageously, the secondary outlet port is located adjacent but spaced apart just above the base of the main housing. In one embodiment of the invention the weir is located at a level below the main inlet port to retain liquid in the main hollow interior region to form a water trap preventing gas flow from the main outlet port to the main inlet port. In another embodiment of the invention the sump is adapted to accommodate a container defining a secondary hollow interior region and an open mouth to the secondary hollow interior region, the container being adapted, so that when located in the sump, waste liquid flowing into the main hollow interior region flows into the secondary hollow interior region of the container, and preferably, the container is adapted to collect and retain solid matter entrained in the waste liquid in the secondary hollow interior region of the container. Preferably, at least one outlet opening is located in the container for accommodating waste liquid from the secondary hollow interior region into the sump. Preferably, the at least one outlet opening is located in the container above the level of the second outlet port when the container is located in the sump. Preferably, the container comprises a base and a side wall extending upwardly from the base and terminating in an upper edge thereof, the side wall of the container defining with the base thereof the secondary hollow interior region. Preferably, the upper peripheral edge of the side wall of the container defines the open mouth to the secondary hollow interior region. Preferably, the at least one outlet opening located in the container is located in the side wall of the container. In one embodiment of the invention a plurality of outlet openings are located in the side wall of the container spaced apart circumferentially around the side wall. Preferably, an engagement ring extends around the side wall of the main housing and inwardly from the side wall into the main hollow interior region to define with the side wall and the base of the main housing, the sump, and preferably, the engagement ring is adapted to support the container thereon in the sump. In another embodiment of the invention the side wall of the container terminates adjacent the upper edge thereof in a radially outwardly extending upper lip, and preferably, the upper lip extends circumferentially around the side wall of the container. Preferably, the container is supported on the engagement ring by the upper lip extending from the side wall of the container. Advantageously, two or more spacer elements spaced apart circumferentially around the upper lip extending from the side wall of the container are located on the underside of the upper lip for engaging the engagement ring of the side wall of the main housing when the container is supported thereon. Preferably, the at least one outlet opening in the container is located at a level below the level at which the container is supported by the engagement ring of the side wall of the main housing. In another embodiment of the invention the container comprises a handle extending upwardly from the container through the main hollow interior region towards the upper peripheral edge defined by the main housing for gripping thereof for removal of the container from the main hollow interior region. In another embodiment of the invention a cover releasably engageable with the side wall of the main housing adjacent the upper peripheral edge thereof, releasably closes the open mouth of the main housing. In one embodiment of the invention the waste liquid device is adapted for receiving waste and / or grey water, and in particular, for receiving waste water with grease and solid matter entrained therein. Typically, the solid matter entrained in the waste water is particulate matter, for example, particulate matter resulting from chopped food waste. Preferably, the waste liquid device comprises a grease trap. The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the invention is that a waste liquid system, for example, a waste water system downstream of the waste liquid device to which the waste liquid device is connected through the main outlet port thereof, may be rodded through the waste liquid device without difficulty from a water trap or an Armstrong junction from which waste water flows to the waste water device. For example, a waste water system downstream of the waste liquid device may be rodded through the waste liquid device from the main inlet port thereof, without having to disconnect and remove the waste liquid device from the system. Rodding of a waste water system downstream of the waste liquid device may be carried out from an Armstrong junction or any other suitable rodding inlet upstream of the waste liquid device and through the waste liquid device. This is a significant advantage over waste liquid devices, for example, grease traps know heretofore, whereby in general, it has been necessary to disconnect the grease trap to enable rodding of a waste water system to which waste water is fed from the grease trap in order to satisfactorily rod the waste water system from either a water trap, an Armstrong junction or any other device upstream of the grease trap. Additionally, the intermediate inlet pipe and the intermediate outlet pipe may be readily and easily rodded through the first and second rodding ports of the waste water device. A further important advantage of the invention is achieved when the plug members which sealably engage the first and second rodding ports are connected by a connecting means, since the connecting means may be adapted to both engage and disengage the first and second rodding ports, without having to manually and individually engage the plug members in the respective first and second rodding ports. This advantage is particularly and advantageously achieved when the connecting means connecting the plug members are connected by a toggle mechanism. The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof which is given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a waste liquid device according to the invention, which in this embodiment of the invention comprises a waste water device, namely, a grease trap for collecting particulate matter and grease entrained in the waste water, Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the grease trap of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the grease trap of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the grease trap of Fig. 1, Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the grease trap of Fig. 1 on the line V-V of Fig. 2 with portions of the grease trap omitted, Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional side elevational view similar to that of Fig. 5 of the grease trap of Fig. 1, but with the grease trap fully assembled, Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional side elevational view similar to that of Fig. 6 of the grease trap of Fig. 1, but with a portion of the grease trap in a different state to that of Fig. 6, Fig. 8 is a perspective cross-sectional side elevational view similar to that of Fig. 6 of the grease trap of Fig. 1, but with a portion of the grease trap removed illustrating the flow of waste water through the grease trap, Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional side elevational view similar to that of Fig. 6 of the grease trap of Fig. 1, but with one portion of the grease trap removed and another portion of the grease trap being removed therefrom, Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the grease trap of Fig. 1, Fig. 11 is a side elevational view of the portion of Fig. 10 of the grease trap of Fig.1, Fig. 12 is a top plan view of the portion of Fig. 10 of the grease trap of Fig. 1, and Fig. 13 is an end elevational view of the portion of Fig. 10 of the grease trap of Fig. 1. Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a waste liquid device according to the invention, which in this embodiment of the invention comprises a waste water device provided in the form of a grease trap according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for collecting particulate matter and grease entrained in waste water, typically, waste water from a domestic kitchen, or a commercial kitchen, for example, a kitchen of a restaurant, hotel or the like. The grease trap 1 comprises a main housing 3 of plastics material, which preferably, is formed by a rotational moulding process, although, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the main housing 3 may be of any suitable material and formed by any suitable forming process. The main housing 3 comprises a circular base 5 and a main side wall 6 extending upwardly from the base 5 and terminating in an inwardly extending upper wall 7 extending circumferentially around and inwardly from the main side wall 6. The main side wall 6 with the base 5 defines a main hollow interior region 9, and the upper wall 7 terminates in an inner peripheral edge 8 which defines an open mouth 10 to the main hollow interior region 9. The upper wall 7 defines an upwardly facing cover receiving recess 11, and a cover 12 releasably engageable with the cover receiving recess 11 closes the open mouth 10, and in turn the main hollow interior region 9 of the main housing 3. A circular engagement ring 14 extends around and inwardly from the main side wall 6 at a level intermediate the base 5 and the upper wall 7 of the main housing 3. The engagement ring 14 defines with the base 5 and with a lower part 15 of the main side wall 6 a sump 17 in the main hollow interior region. An upper portion 19 of the main hollow interior region 9 is defined between the engagement ring 14 and the upper wall 7 along with a portion of the main side wall 6 extending between the engagement ring 14 and the upper wall 7. A main inlet port 20 of circular transverse cross-section is configured for coupling to a pipe carrying waste water to be connected to the grease trap 1. A main inlet pipe 21 of circular transverse cross-section extends from the main side wall 6 of the main housing 3, and terminates in the main inlet port 20. The main inlet pipe 21 and the main inlet port 20 extend from the main housing 3 at a level towards the upper wall 7 but are spaced apart downwardly therefrom. A secondary inlet port 22 formed in the main side wall 6 of the main housing 3 at a level below the level of the main inlet pipe 21 and the main inlet port 20 is connected to the main inlet port 20 by an intermediate inlet pipe 23 of circular transverse cross-section extending downwardly from the main inlet pipe 21 to the secondary inlet port 22 for accommodating waste water from the main inlet port 20 into the main hollow interior region 9. A first rodding port 24 of circular transverse cross-section is formed in and extends from a first recess 25 formed in the main side wall 6 of the main housing 3 at a level substantially similar to the level of the main inlet pipe 21. The first rodding port 24 is aligned with and communicates with the main inlet port 20 through the main inlet pipe 21 for accommodating a rodding rod (not shown) therethrough from the main inlet port 20. A main outlet pipe 26 of circular transverse cross-section extending from the main side wall 6 of the main housing 3 terminates in a main outlet port 27 also of circular transverse cross-section for coupling the grease trap 1 to a downstream waste water receiving system (not shown). The main outlet pipe 26 extends from the main housing 3 on the opposite side thereof to that of the main inlet pipe 21, and is substantially aligned with the main inlet pipe 21 and the main inlet port 20. In this embodiment of the invention the main outlet pipe 26 defines a weir 28 which will be described below for maintaining the level of water in the main hollow interior region 9 at a level above the level of the secondary inlet port 22 and just below the level of the main inlet port 20. A secondary outlet port 30 in the main side wall 6 of the main housing 3 extends from the main hollow interior region 9 at a level below the level of the weir 28. In this embodiment of the invention the secondary outlet port 30 extends from the main side wall 6 adjacent but spaced apart above the base 5 of the main housing 3, so that the secondary outlet port 30 extends from the sump 17 of the main hollow interior region 9. An intermediate outlet pipe 32 of circular transverse cross-section extending downwardly from the main outlet pipe 26 to the secondary outlet port 30 connects the secondary outlet port 30 to the main outlet port 27 for accommodating waste water from the sump 17 of the main hollow interior region 9 through the main outlet port 27 via the weir 28. In this embodiment of the invention the weir 28 defined by the main outlet pipe 26 is set at a height h relative to the secondary inlet port 22, see Fig. 5, so that the level of water in the main hollow interior region 9 is maintained by the weir 28 at a level sufficiently above the secondary inlet port 22 to allow collection of a layer 33 of grease on the surface of the water in the main hollow interior region 9 without blocking the secondary inlet port 22, see Fig. 8. In this embodiment of the invention the level of the weir 28 above the level of the upper edge 31 of the secondary inlet port 22, namely, the height h is approximately 47mm, see Fig. 5. Additionally, the weir 28 by maintaining the water level in the main hollow interior region 9 at a level above the secondary outlet port 30 forms a water trap in the main hollow interior region 9 thereby preventing gases from the downstream waste water system passing from the main outlet port 27 to the main inlet port 20. A second rodding port 34 of circular transverse cross-section is formed in and extends from a second recess 35 formed in the main side wall 6 of the main housing 3 at a level substantially similar to the level of the main outlet pipe 26. The second rodding port 34 is aligned with and communicates with the main outlet port 27 through the main outlet pipe 26 and is substantially aligned with the first rodding port 24 for accommodating rodding of the downstream waste water system (not shown) to which the main outlet port 27 is connected through the grease trap 1, in other words, through the main inlet port 20 and the main outlet port 27 thereof. The first rodding port 24 is provided with a tapered lead-in 36 from the first recess 25, and the second rodding port 34 is provided with a tapered lead-in 38 from the second recess 35, see Figs. 6 and 7, for sealably engaging respective plug members 40 for sealably closing the first and second rodding ports 24 and 34 when not required for rodding through the grease trap 1. Turning now to the plug members 40, and referring in particular to Figs. 6, 7, and 10 to 13, the plug members 40 are connected by a connecting means, in this case a connecting mechanism 42 which comprises a toggle mechanism for securely toggling the plug members 40 in the respective first and second rodding ports 24 and 34. Before describing the connecting mechanism 42, the plug members 40 will first be described. The plug members 40 are similar to each other, and each plug member 40 comprises a circular plate member 44 of steel, and a port engaging member 45 of a resilient material for resiliently and sealably engaging the first and second rodding ports 24 and 34 and the corresponding tapered lead-in 36 or 38 of the respective first or second rodding ports 24 or 34. The port engaging member 45 of each plug member 40 is secured to the corresponding plate member 44 by bonding and by screws (not shown) through screw accommodating openings 46 extending through the port engaging member 45 and opening 47 extending through the plate member 44. The connecting mechanism 42 comprises a linkage mechanism comprising a pair of link members 49 and 50, which are pivotally connected together adjacent respective proximal ends 51 thereof about a main pivot axis 52. A main pivot pin 53 extending through bores 54 in the link members 49 and 50 pivotally couple the link members 49 and 50 together, and define the main pivot axis 52 about which the link members 49 and 50 are pivotal. The link members 49 and 50 are pivotally connected adjacent respective distal ends 55 to the respective plate members 44 about respective secondary pivot axes 56 extending parallel to the main pivot axis 52. Pivot mounting brackets 57 secured to and extending from the plate members 44 of the respective plug members 40 are pivotally connected to the distal ends 55 of the corresponding ones of the link members 49 and 50 by secondary pivot pins 58 through bores 59 in the respective link members 49 and 50 and the corresponding pivot mounting brackets 57. The secondary pivot pins 58 define the respective secondary pivot axes 56. The link members 49 and 50 are pivotal about the main pivot axis 52 from a first state illustrated in Fig. 7 defining an acute angle a about the main pivot axis 52 with the plug members 40 in a first state configured for accommodating the plug members 40 and the connecting mechanism 42 into the main hollow interior region 9 of the main housing 3 through the open mouth 10 thereof, for in turn enabling entering and engaging the plug members 40 into the first and second rodding ports 24 and 34, through an aligned state illustrated in Fig. 11 with the link members 49 and 50 aligned with each other and defining an angle 0 of 180° about the main pivot axis 52, to a second state illustrated in Fig. 6 with the link members 49 and 50 defining an angle 9 greater than 180° about the main pivot axis 52 with the plug members 40 in a second state tightly and sealably engaged in the first and second rodding ports 24 and 34 and toggled therein. A stop member 60 is located on a portion 61 of the link member 49 adjacent the proximal end 51 thereof extending beyond the main pivot axis 52 and is engageable with the link member 50 on the opposite side of the main pivot axis 52 to that of the link member 49 for limiting pivoting of the link members 49 and 50 about the main pivot axis 52 from the aligned state beyond the second state for toggling the connecting mechanism 42 and in turn the plug members 40 in the second state thereof tightly and sealably engaged in the first and second rodding ports 24 and 34. The stop member 60 is configured to engage the link member 50 when the link members 49 and 50 have pivoted about the main pivot axis 52 beyond the aligned state thereof to the second state thereof to the angle 9. In this embodiment of the invention the stop member is adapted to engage the link member 50 when the link members 49 and 50 have pivoted beyond the aligned state to define an angle of approximately 185°, in order to retain the connecting mechanism 42 toggled in the second state thereof, and with the plug members 40 also toggled in the second state thereof tightly and sealably engaging the first and second rodding ports 24 and 34. A hand grip element 62 extends from the stop member 60 for operating the link members 49 and 50 between the first and second states thereof. A container 63 of a plastics material is removably located in the sump 17 of the main hollow interior region 9 and acts to collect solid matter, typically, particulate matter entrained in waste water passing through the grease trap 1 from the secondary inlet port 22 to the secondary outlet port 30. The container 63 comprises a circular base 64 of diameter less than the diameter of the sump 17. A side wall 65 extends around the base 64 and upwardly therefrom and terminates in a radially outwardly extending upper lip 66 which extends circumferentially around and outwardly from the side wall 65. The side wall 65 and the base 64 together define a secondary hollow interior region 67 within which the solid matter is collected. The inner periphery 68 of the upper lip 66 of the side wall 65 defines an open mouth 69 to the secondary hollow interior region 67 for accommodating waste water with entrained solids into the secondary hollow interior region 67 of the container 63. The container 63 is supported in the sump 17 by the engagement ring 14 extending inwardly into the main hollow interior region 9 from the main side wall 6 which supports the upper lip 66 of the container 63. A plurality of spacer elements 70 equispaced apart circumferentially around the upper lip 66 on the underside thereof, in this case four spacer elements 70, engage the engagement ring 14 for supporting the container 63 thereon. The height of the side wall 65 of the container 63 from the base 64 thereof to the upper lip 66 is such that when the container 63 is supported by the upper lip 66 on the engagement ring 14 with the spacer elements 70 located therebetween, the base 64 of the container 63 is spaced apart above the base 5 of the main housing 3. The outer diameter of the side wall 65 of the container 63 is of diameter just less than the diameter defined by an inner surface 71 of the engagement ring 14 extending into the main hollow interior region 9 of the main housing 3, so that the inner surface 71 of the engagement ring 14 slideably engages the container 63 to facilitate placement and removal of the container 63 in and from the sump 17 of the main housing 3 for emptying the solid matter collected therein from the container 63. At least one outlet opening, in this case a plurality of outlet openings 72 are formed in the side wall 65 of the container 63 adjacent but just below the upper lip 66. The outlet openings 72 are spaced apart circumferentially around the side wall 65 for accommodating waste water from the secondary hollow interior region 67 of the container 63 into the sump 17, and in turn to the secondary outlet port 30 and to the main outlet port 27. The outlet openings, 72 in the side wall 65 are of diameter of approximately 30mm. A handle 74 secured to the side wall 65 of the container 63 adjacent the upper lip 66 extends upwardly from the container 63 through the upper portion 19 of the main hollow interior region 9 towards the open mouth 10 defined by the inner peripheral edge 8 of the upper wall 7 of the main housing 3. The handle 74 is adapted to extend above the level of the water in the main hollow interior region 9 and any layer 33 of grease which may form on the surface of the water in the main hollow interior region 9, so that the handle 72 of the container 63 can be gripped without having to break the layer 33 of grease on the surface of the water. In use, the grease trap 1 is located in the ground with the upper wall 7 of the main housing 3 substantially flush with the level of the ground. The main inlet port 20 is connected to a pipe feeding the waste water into the grease trap 1 from, for example, an Armstrong junction, while the main outlet port 27 is connected to a pipe of a waste water system to which waste water from the grease trap 1 is to be fed. With the grease trap 1 located in the ground and connected to the waste water supply and the waste water system, the grease trap 1 is ready for use. The container 63 is lowered into the main hollow interior region 9 of the main housing 3 to the sump 17, with the handle 74 extending upwardly towards the open mouth 10 of the main housing 3, until the spacer elements 70 of the upper lip 66 of the container 63 engage the engagement ring 14 of the main housing 3, so that the container 63 is supported by the engagement ring 14 in the sump 17. The connecting mechanism 42 with the link members 49 and 50 in the first state and the plug members 40 also in the first state are entered into the main hollow interior region 9 through the open mouth 10. The plug members 40 are then aligned with the first and second rodding ports 24 and 34, and are urged into light engagement with the first and second rodding ports 24 and 34. While the plug members 40 are being lightly engaged with the first and second rodding ports 24 and 34, the link members 49 and 50 pivot about the main pivot axis 52 from the first state thereof towards the aligned state thereof. With the plug members 40 lightly engaging the first and second rodding ports 24 and 34, the hand grip element 62 is urged downwardly, to in turn urge the link members 49 and 50 to pivot through the alignment state about the main pivot axis 52 into the second state thereof for urging and toggling the plug members 40 into tight sealable engagement in the first and second rodding ports 24 and 34, and for retaining the plug members 40 in tight sealing engagement with the first and second rodding ports 24 and 34. The cover 12 is then secured in the cover receiving recess 11 of the main housing 3 for closing the open mouth 10 to the main hollow interior region 9. In normal use, waste water flows into the grease trap 1 in the direction of the arrows A of Fig. 8, through the main inlet port 20 and in turn through the main inlet pipe 21, the intermediate inlet pipe 23 and through the secondary inlet port 22 into the upper portion 19 of the main hollow interior region 9 of the main housing 3, and in turn into the secondary hollow interior region 67 of the container 63. The level of the waste water in the main hollow interior region 9 of the main housing 3 is maintained in the upper portion 19 thereof by the weir 28 in the main outlet pipe 26. Solid matter in the waste water is retained in the secondary hollow interior region 67 of the container 63, grease rises to the surface of the water and forms a layer 33 thereof on the surface of the water, and the remainder of the waste water flows through the outlet openings 72 in the side wall 65 of the container 63 into the sump 17. From the sump 17, the remainder of the waste water flows in the direction of the arrows A through the secondary outlet port 30, the intermediate outlet pipe 32, the main outlet pipe 26 and through the main outlet port 27 into the waste water system. When it is desired to rod the downstream waste water system through the grease trap 1 from, for example, an upstream Armstrong junction, the cover 12 is removed from the grease trap 1. The plug members 40 are disengaged from the first and second rodding ports 24 and 34 by urging the hand grip element 62 of the connecting mechanism 42 upwardly, to in turn pivot the link members 49 and 50 about the main pivot axis 52 upwardly from the second state thereof to the first state thereof with the plug members 40 in the first state thereof disengaged from the first and second rodding ports 24 and 34. With the link members 49 and 50 in the first state, the connecting mechanism 42 and the plug members 40 are removed from the main hollow interior region 9 through the open mouth 10. The downstream waste water system may then be redded through the grease trap 1 from the main inlet port 20 to the main outlet port 27. On completion of rodding of the downstream waste water system, the plug members 40 are again securely and sealably engaged in the first and second rodding ports 24 and 34 by the link members 49 and 50 of the connecting mechanism 42. When it is desired to remove grease from the main hollow interior region 9 of the main housing 3 and collected solid matter in the container 63, with the connecting mechanism 42 and the plug members 40 removed from the main hollow interior region 9, the container 63 is lifted upwardly by the handle 74 through the main hollow interior region 9. As the container 63 is being urged upwardly through the main hollow interior region 9, the layer 33 of grease which may have collected on the surface of the waste water in the upper portion 19 of the main hollow interior region 9 commences to break up, and is collected in the secondary hollow interior region 67 of the container 63 as it is being withdrawn upwardly through the main hollow interior region 9. On removal of the container 63 from the main hollow interior region 9 of the main housing 3, the grease and solid matter in the secondary hollow interior region 67 of the container 63 is disposed of in an appropriate manner. The container 63 is then returned to the sump 17 of the main hollow interior region 9 of the main housing 3 with the container 63 supported on the engagement ring 14. The plug members 40 are then sealably engaged in the rodding ports 24 and 34 and toggled therein by the connecting mechanism 42. Prior to returning the container 63 to the sump 17, should it be desired to rod the intermediate inlet pipe 23 which communicates the main inlet port 20 with the secondary inlet port 22 or to rod the intermediate outlet pipe 32 which communicates the secondary outlet port 30 with the main outlet port 27, while the container 63, the connecting mechanism 42 and the plug members 40 are removed from the main housing 3, the intermediate inlet pipe 23 may be rodded through the first rodding port 24, and the intermediate outlet pipe 32 may be rodded through the second rodding port 34. On completion of rodding, the plug members 40 are returned and sealably engaged in the first and second rodding ports 24 and 34 and are retained sealably engaged therein by the connecting mechanism 42 in the second state thereof. The cover 12 is then engaged in the cover engaging cover recess 11 in the upper wall 7. While the grease trap has been described as being of a specific shape and construction, the grease trap may be of any other suitable shape or construction, for example, the base of the main housing may be of square shape, rectangular shape, hexagonal shape or any other suitable shape, and the main side wall would be of a corresponding shape when viewed in plan view, as would the container be preferably correspondingly shaped. It will also of course be appreciated that the construction and connection of the main and secondary inlet ports and the construction and connection of the main and secondary outlet ports may be formed in any other suitable manner, besides that described. Additionally, the main and secondary inlet ports and the main and secondary outlet ports may be of any other suitable shape and cross-section shape, besides being of circular cross-sectional shape. Needless to say, the main inlet and outlet pipes and the intermediate inlet and outlet pipes may also be of any other suitable cross-section besides being of circular transverse cross-section. For example, the main inlet pipe and the main outlet pipe, as well as the intermediate inlet pipe and the intermediate outlet pipe may be of any suitable transverse cross-section, for example, square cross-section, rectangular cross-section, hexagonal cross-section or any other suitable crosssection, and additionally, the main inlet and outlet ports and the secondary inlet and outlet ports, would typically, though not necessarily be of corresponding transverse cross-section. Additionally, the main housing may be of any other cross-section in plan view besides circular, for example, square cross-section, hexagonal crosssection, rectangular cross-section or any other suitable cross section. While it is desirable, it is not essential that the grease trap be provided with a sump and a container in the sump to collect particulate matter entrained in the waste water, however, the provision of the sump and the container for collecting the particulate matter entrained in the waste water is particularly advantageous. While the waste liquid device has been described as comprising a waste water grease trap, the waste liquid device may be provided for use with any type of waste liquid besides waste water. It will also be appreciated that while it is advantageous that the waste liquid device is adapted to collect grease entrained in waste liquid, in some embodiments of the invention, the need to collect grease may not be required, and in other embodiments of the invention the need to collect solid matter or particles of solid matter may not be required. While the plug members have been described as being connected by a connecting means, in some embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that the plug members may not be connected by any connecting means, while in other embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that only one single plug member may be provided for engaging the second rodding port. Although, in general, it is preferable that a pair of plug members are provided, one for the second rodding port and one for the first rodding port. By providing a plug member in the first rodding port, there is no danger of waste water or other waste liquid being delivered into the main hollow interior region of the main housing at a level above the level at which a layer of grease may be formed, and since the layer of grease would most likely be impenetrable, water being delivered into the main hollow interior region through the first rodding port, would lodge on the layer of grease. Additionally, while the plug members have been described as being connected by a connecting means in the form of a linkage mechanism, any other suitable connecting means may be provided for connecting the plug member. It will also be appreciated that other suitable configurations of linkage mechanisms may be provided for connecting the plug members together. Needless to say, while it is advantageous that the connecting means incorporates a toggle mechanism, in some embodiments of the invention the connecting means may be provided without a toggle mechanism for toggling the plug members into the first and second rodding ports. It will also be appreciated that plug members of other shape and construction, besides the shape and construction of the plug members described, may be provided, and in general, the shape and construction of the plug members will be determined by the shape and cross-section of the first and second rodding ports.

Claims

1. A waste liquid device comprising a main housing defining a main hollow interior region and an upper peripheral edge forming an open mouth to the main hollow interior region, the main housing comprising a main inlet port adapted for coupling the device to a supply of waste liquid, the main inlet port being located at a level towards the upper peripheral edge of the main housing and communicating with the main hollow interior region for accommodating waste water to the main hollow interior region, a main outlet port adapted for coupling to a downstream waste liquid system, the main outlet port communicating with the main hollow interior region for accommodating waste liquid from the main hollow interior region to the downstream waste liquid system, and being located at a level towards the upper peripheral edge of the main housing, and being substantially aligned with the main inlet port, the main outlet port defining or being located downstream of a weir at a level below the level of the main inlet port, a first rodding port in the housing communicating the main inlet port with the main hollow interior region, and a second rodding port in the housing communicating the main outlet port with the main hollow interior region, the first and second rodding ports and main inlet and outlet ports being substantially aligned with each other for facilitating rodding of the downstream waste liquid system from the main inlet port through the main hollow interior region of the device.

2. A waste liquid device as claimed in Claim 1 in which one plug member is provided releasably engageable with the second rodding port.

3. A waste liquid device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which two plug members are provided for engaging the respective first and second rodding ports.

4. A waste liquid device as claimed in Claim 2 or 3 in which each plug member sealably engages the corresponding one of the first and second rodding ports.

5. A waste liquid device as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 4 in which the plug members are connected by a connecting means.

6. A waste liquid device as claimed in Claim 5 in which the connecting means is adapted for facilitating disengagement of the respective plug members from the first and second rodding ports.

7. A waste liquid device as claimed in Claim 5 or 6 in which the connecting means is operable in a first state with the plug members in a first state to accommodate entry of the connecting means and the plug members into the main hollow interior region through the open mouth of the main housing, and in a second state with the plug members in a second state engaged in the corresponding ones of the first and second rodding ports, and releasably retained in engagement with the first and second rodding ports by the connecting means in the second state thereof.

8. A waste liquid device as claimed in Claim 7 in which the connecting means is adapted for urging the plug members into the second state engaging the respective first and second rodding ports as the connecting means is being urged into the second state thereof.

9. A waste liquid device as claimed in Claim 7 or 8 in which the connecting means comprises a linkage mechanism connecting the respective plug members, the linkage mechanism comprises a pair of link members pivotally coupled together adjacent respective proximal ends thereof about a main pivot axis, the plug members being coupled to the respective link members at respective distal ends thereof about respective corresponding secondary pivot axes.

10. A waste liquid device as claimed in Claim 9 in which the connecting means comprises a toggle mechanism for releasably retaining the plug members in the second state thereof.

11. A waste liquid device as claimed in Claim 9 or 10 in which the link members are pivotal about the main pivot axis from the first state thereof with the link members defining an acute angle about the main pivot axis through an aligned state with the link members aligned to the second state with the link members defining an angle greater than 180° about the main pivot axis to toggle the plug members inengagement with the first and second rodding ports, and preferably, an angle just greater than 180°.

12. A waste liquid device as claimed in Claim 11 in which a stop member is provided to limit pivotal movement of the link members about the main pivot axis from the aligned state thereof beyond the second state.

13. A waste liquid device as claimed in Claim 12 in which the stop member is located on one of the link members and is engageable with the other one of the link members.

14. A waste liquid device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the main housing comprises a base and a side wall extending upwardly from the base and terminating in the upper peripheral edge of the main housing, the side wall defining with the base the main hollow interior region.

15. A waste liquid device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the main hollow interior region defines a sump and an upper portion of the main hollow interior region located above the sump.

16. A waste liquid device as claimed in Claim 14 or 15 in which a secondary inlet port is located in the side wall of the main housing communicating with the main inlet port for accommodating waste liquid from the main inlet port into the main hollow interior region, the secondary inlet port being at a level below the level of the main inlet port.

17. A waste liquid device as claimed in Claim 16 in which the secondary inlet port is located in the side wall of the main housing communicating with the main hollow interior region through the upper portion thereof.

18. A waste liquid device as claimed in Claim 16 or 17 in which the weir is located above the level of the secondary inlet port to maintain the level of the surface of the liquid in the main hollow interior region at a level above the level of thesecondary inlet port in order to accommodate the collection of a layer of grease on the surface of the liquid in the main hollow interior region above the secondary inlet port.

19. A waste liquid device as claimed in any of Claims 16 to 18 in which an upper edge of the secondary inlet port is located at a level below the level of the weir lying in the range of 30mm to 70mm below the level of the weir, and preferably, lying in the range of 40mm to 55mm below the level of the weir, and ideally, at a level of approximately 47mm below the level of the weir.

20. A waste liquid device as claimed in any of Claims 16 to 19 in which the secondary inlet port communicates with the main inlet port through a downwardly extending intermediate inlet pipe.

21. A waste liquid device as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 20 in which a secondary outlet port is located in the side wall of the main housing communicating with the main outlet port for accommodating waste liquid from the main hollow interior region of the main housing to the main outlet port, the secondary outlet port communicating with the main outlet port through an intermediate outlet pipe extending downwardly from the main outlet port.

22. A waste liquid device as claimed in Claim 21 in which the secondary outlet port is located in the side wall of the main housing communicating with the main hollow interior region through the sump.

23. A waste liquid device as claimed in any of Claims 15 to 22 in which the sump is adapted to accommodate a container defining a secondary hollow interior region and an open mouth to the secondary hollow interior region, the container being adapted, so that when located in the sump, waste liquid flowing into the main hollow interior region flows into the secondary hollow interior region of the container.

24. A waste liquid device as claimed in Claim 23 in which the container is adapted to collect and retain solid matter entrained in the waste liquid in thesecondary hollow interior region thereof.

25. A waste liquid device as claimed in Claim 23 or 24 in which at least one outlet opening is located in the container for accommodating waste liquid from the 5 secondary hollow interior region thereof into the sump.

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