Connector

Abstract

A connector which has an inlet and an outlet, along with an additional by-pass portion. The by-pass portion is moveable between two configurations; a non by-pass configuration and a by-pass configuration, wherein when the by-pass portion is in the non by-pass configuration this allows liquid to pass through the inlet and exit the outlet; and when the by-pass portion is in the by-pass configuration there is a region of the internal surface of the connector which at least partially overlaps the by-pass portion so that liquid entering the inlet can be redirected along the by-pass portion and out the by-pass outlet to effectively prevent liquid from exiting the outlet.

1 . A connector which includes an inlet and an outlet, as well as a by-pass outlet; a by-pass portion which is moveable between a non by-pass configuration and a bypass configuration wherein when the by-pass portion is in the non by-pass configuration this allows liquid to pass through the inlet and exit the outlet;
 characterised in that the connector is configured so that when the by-pass portion is in the by-pass configuration there is a region of the internal surface of the connector which at least partially overlaps the by-pass portion so that liquid entering the inlet can be redirected along the by-pass portion and out the by-pass outlet to effectively prevent liquid from existing the outlet.   
   
   
       2 . A connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the connector is a down-pipe connector. 
   
   
       3 . A connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the by-pass outlet is an opening located substantially on a side of the connector. 
   
   
       4 . A connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the by-pass outlet is positioned intermediate the inlet and the outlet. 
   
   
       5 . A connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the by-pass portion has an internal portion and an external portion. 
   
   
       6 . A connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the by-pass portion only has an internal portion. 
   
   
       7 . A connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the by-pass portion forms a chute capable of re-directing liquid and/or suspended matter away from the normal route of passage through the outlet of the connector. 
   
   
       8 . A connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the by-pass portion has side walls. 
   
   
       9 . A connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the side walls of the by-pass portion are curved. 
   
   
       10 . A connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the by-pass portion pivots between the non by-pass and by-pass configurations. 
   
   
       11 . A connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the by-pass portion pivots within the by-pass outlet. 
   
   
       12 . A connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the by-pass portion slides with respect to the connector in order to pivot between the by-pass and non by-pass configurations. 
   
   
       13 . A connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a region of the internal surface of the connector partially overlaps the by-pass portion, when the by-pass portion is in by-pass configuration. 
   
   
       14 . A connector as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the region on the internal surface of the connector extends over and abuts the upper surface of the by-pass portion, when the by-pass portion is in by-pass configuration. 
   
   
       15 . A connector as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the region of overlap forms a water tight seal. 
   
   
       16 . A connector as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the region of overlap enables the by-pass portion to lock into place. 
   
   
       17 . A connector as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the region of overlap is in the form of a protruding lip. 
   
   
       18 . A connector as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the region of overlap is in the form of a stepped portion of the internal surface of the connector. 
   
   
       19 . A connector as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the region of overlap of the step is formed as a result of either: differing internal diameters, or cross sectional dimensions; between upper and lower parts of the connector. 
   
   
       20 . A connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the by-pass portion allows for water and/or debris to be ejected out the by-pass outlet. 
   
   
       21 . A connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the by-pass portion connects with a chute or channel to direct the water and/or debris exiting the by-pass outlet to a desired location or storage area. 
   
   
       22 . A connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the by-pass portion can be moved into a non by-pass configuration. 
   
   
       23 . A connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the non-bypass configuration allows free communication between the inlet and the outlet. 
   
   
       24 . A connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein to achieve free communication between the inlet and the outlet, the by-pass portion is moved so that it is oriented substantially parallel with the surface of the connector. 
   
   
       25 . A connector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein when the bypass portion is in the non by-pass configuration, the internal portion of the flap may contact the internal surface of the connector, and the external portion of the flap may contact with the external surface the connector. 
   
   
       26 - 38 . (canceled)