Drain Cartridge Having Removable Valved System

Abstract

Various embodiments of a cartridge for regulating a fluid flow are described that include an upper housing, and an insert that is user-removable from the upper housing. The cartridge can include one or more valves that are biased in a closed position to prevent odors from escaping the cartridge. The cartridge can also include a fluid trap that is at least partially disposed within the cartridge or fluidly coupled thereto. An ultraviolet light can be inserted within the cartridge to disinfect a fluid passageway of the cartridge.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. patent application number 2008 / 0295233 to Fima (publ. December 2008), which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application with Ser. No. 60 / 932,700 filed on Jun. 1, 2007. This application also claims priority to co-pending U.S. provisional applications having Ser. No. 61 / 175,705 filed on May 5, 2009, Ser. No. 61 / 175,831 filed on May 6, 2009, Ser. No. 61 / 177,150 filed on May 11, 2009, Ser. No. 61 / 262,981 filed on Nov. 20, 2009, and Ser. No. 61 / 289,633 filed on Dec. 23, 2009. These and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The field of the invention is drains.BACKGROUND[0003]Current sanitation ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which a cartridge is presented that is sized and dimensioned to be received with a drain. As used herein, the term “drain” means a fluid outlet such as that found in urinals, sinks, tubs, floor drains, or other drains through which fluid can flow. The cartridge can advantageously replace other waterless urinal cartridges including, for example, those having oil or other low-density sealants. The cartridge can include one or more valves that advantageously eliminate the need for flushing water, while avoiding the problems associated with cartridges having low-density sealants. Advantageously, and in contrast to current waterless urinal cartridges having a low-density sealant, the cartridge can be used in urinals and other drains that utilize water to flush the drain, or chemicals to clean the drain housing and cartridge, without degradation of the valves or odor seal.

[0016]Preferred valves can be skirt valves, which possess numerous advantages over known one way valves such as umbrella valves and duckbill valves. For example, the skirt valve can be mounted about a stem or post to create a 360 degree opening that is less likely to be jammed by solid items. In addition, the skirt valve typically lacks a spoke to hold the center of the valve in place, and therefore lacks the problems associated with the spokes catching foreign objects. Furthermore, the skirt valve can have a thicker first portion that is coupled to a stem or post of the cartridge, and a thinner second portion that allows for greater flexibility of the valve. In this manner, the skirt valve can be (1) much more rigid than an umbrella valve to (a) keep the valve closed when not in use and (b) prevent back pressure in the drain pipe from opening the valve, while (2) the ends of the skirt valve are flexible to allow for fluid flow.

[0017]The valves can have a flexible, synthetic membrane that opens when a pressure on an upper surface of the valve exceeds a predetermined threshold. This is beneficial because the valves open when fluid is present on the surface of the valve, but otherwise remain closed. The valves advantageously allow urine or other fluid to pass through to a drain pipe while preventing potential sewer gas from permeating into a facility room or other environment. In addition, the valves can help prevent backflow in the drain pipe from causing damage, since the increased pressure downstream of the valves would force the valves closed and thereby prevent the backflow from exiting through the cartridge. In addition to skirt valves, it is contemplated that any commercially suitable valve(s) could be used including, for example, duck bill valves and umbrella valves. Alternatively, at least one valve could be a non-gravity flow valve including, for example, mechanical check valves and other one-way valves, ball valves, gate valves, and any other commercially suitable valve(s) and combination(s) thereof.

[0018]In some contemplated embodiments, the one or more valves can be disposed within a user-removable insert of the cartridge. In this manner, a user can easily access the drain pipe coupled to the cartridge by simply removing the insert, such as to eliminate any blockages found therein. This allows for a plumber's snake or other tool to be ran through the cartridge without requiring removal of the cartridge itself. In addition, disposed the valves within the insert provides easy access for cleaning and maintenance of the valves.

[0019]As a further protection against odors escaping from a drain pipe, the cartridge can be fluidly coupled to a P-trap or other fluid trap to provide an additional drain seal. In preferred embodiments, the fluid trap can be at least partially disposed within the cartridge. In certain contemplated embodiments, the fluid trap can be at least partially formed from insertion of the insert into the cartridge.

Problems solved by technology

Because of the need for frequent flushing, large amounts of water are often consumed, which can be problematic especially in areas with limited or no access to water.

The low-density sealant in these cartridges remains open to the atmosphere, which can be problematic as the sealant is depleted, and odors begin to permeate through the seal.

In addition, these cartridges typically require periodic replacement, which can add significantly to the waterless urinals' cost, especially in high traffic areas such as airports and stadiums.

Furthermore, the used cartridges are often hazardous and require properly disposal.

However, such valved systems typically retain a small amount of fluid in the valves after each use, which can cause odors to emanate from the valves.

In addition, the valves are generally prone to freezing in cold regions, and sticking.

In addition, the systems utilize only a single valve, which can be problematic if the valve is stuck open due to sticking or freezing, debris, or otherwise.

The Keller system also utilizes only a single valve and therefore suffers from the disadvantages discussed above.

The Wilson system is problematic as the system also utilizes a single valve.

In addition, the system lacks a removable core and therefore increases the time and cost for cleaning and maintenance of the valve and bypass unit.

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