Vented Sink Tailpiece

Inactive Publication Date: 2010-07-15
CANNON RICK ALLUS +1
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]A vented tailpiece is connected to a sink drain and a drainline trap as part of the sink drain line. A vent in the tailpiece releases air upstream of the drainline trap as the air is displaced by liquid flowing through the drain line. A retainer connected to the vent catches liquid escaping through the vent. The retainer may be fitted with an extension if necessary. An overflow valve, which is preferably a float valve, may be attached to the retainer and configured to prevent liquid from spilling out of the retainer if a problem in the drain line causes liquid to back up into the retainer. The vented tailpiece may conform to one or more of the common plumbing sizes so that it may replace unvented tailpieces in existing sink installations.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, an airlock occasionally forms on the underside of the catch, causing the sink to drain slowly by hindering or preventing the displacement of air from the tailpiece and piping, which is needed for liquid to flow out.
A downstream vent is difficult to add to an existing installation because the pipes downstream of the drainline trap are usually inside a wall and cannot be accessed.
More importantly, the downstream vent does not prevent the airlock under the sink catch from forming because the drainline trap is always filled with liquid, so that the problematic air is retained between the sink drain and the drainline trap.
However, the overflow channel is infrequently used, so it is common for mold, mildew, or bacteria to build up in the channel.
The buildup can cause a foul odor to emanate from the overflow port, and can also attract pests.
Further, the overflow port is an unwanted aesthetic distraction in vanity sinks.

Method used

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  • Vented Sink Tailpiece
  • Vented Sink Tailpiece
  • Vented Sink Tailpiece

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0015]Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a vented tailpiece for installation in a sink drain line. The components of the vented tailpiece may be made in varying dimensions to accommodate placement in any new or existing sink installations, such as those in residential, commercial, industrial, or medical environments. The vented tailpiece comprises a pipe 10 that may be made of any suitable plumbing material, including plastic such as polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”), and metals such as brass, stainless steel, copper, and zinc alloys. If the vented tailpiece is to be used in a medical environment, the pipe 10 and other components may be made of or coated in an antimicrobial material that is easily sterilized. The pipe 10 has a top end 11 that attaches to a sink drain and a bottom end 12 that attaches to a drainline trap. The pipe 10 may be threaded at the top end 11, the bottom end ...

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Abstract

A vented tailpiece that may be used in existing sink installations is connected to a sink drain and a drainline trap as part of the sink drain line. A vent in the tailpiece releases air upstream of the drainline trap as the air is displaced by liquid flowing through the drain line. A retainer connected to the vent catches liquid escaping through the vent. The retainer may be fitted with an extension if necessary. An overflow valve, which is preferably a float valve, may be attached to the retainer and configured to prevent liquid from spilling out of the retainer if a problem in the drain line causes liquid to back up into the retainer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of co-pending provisional application Nos. 61 / 204,637 and 61 / 204,638, both filed Jan. 9, 2009.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to plumbing devices. This invention relates particularly to an apparatus for improving the draining of liquid from a sink.BACKGROUND[0003]A typical sink installation comprises a sink with a drain connected to a tailpiece, the tailpiece connected to a drainline trap, such as a p-trap or s-trap, and the drainline trap connected to a drain elbow that connects to a drain pipe that transports liquid out of the installation to the sewer or other outlet. The sink drain is covered by a catch, such as a stationary grid cover or a pop-up stopper, to prevent articles from entering and clogging the piping. Unfortunately, an airlock occasionally forms on the underside of the catch, causing the sink to drain slowly by hindering or preventing the displacement of air from the tail...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): E03C1/12
CPCE03C1/1225E03C1/12
InventorCANNON, RICK ALLUSCANNON, HELENA
OwnerCANNON RICK ALLUS