Free-flow, animal blocking drain pipe end cap and method

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a drain pipe end cap comprising a fitting, for connection to the end of a drain pipe, and at least one gate, for allowing water and debris flow but deterring animal incursions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]NoneSTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]NoneTHE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT[0003]NoneBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]For as long as there have been drains and sewage systems there has been a problem of how to allow water and debris to exit the drain pipes while preventing animals from entering the pipes. To this day, blockage due to animals, animal debris, and other debris is a problem in residential housing drainage and gutter systems, farm field drainage systems, golf course drainage systems, and any place where polymer drainage and sewage pipes are used as part of the drainage system.[0005]Drain pipe end caps with gates to allow water and debris flow while preventing animals from entering the drain have been implemented in various forms over the years. Drain cap solutions usually include a significant number of moving parts. Most, if not all, require tools to install and employ, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a method for connecting a drain pipe end cap to a drain pipe. The end cap includes a fitting with a tubular structure and a pair of gate pivot tab bearing holes located at the leading end or distal end of the fitting. A gate is inserted into the tubular structure and aligned with the gate pivot tab bearing holes. The fitting is then connected to the drain pipe, which constraints further fitting distortion. This invention allows for a simpler and more secure connection between a drain pipe end cap and a drain pipe.

Problems solved by technology

For as long as there have been drains and sewage systems there has been a problem of how to allow water and debris to exit the drain pipes while preventing animals from entering the pipes.

To this day, blockage due to animals, animal debris, and other debris is a problem in residential housing drainage and gutter systems, farm field drainage systems, golf course drainage systems, and any place where polymer drainage and sewage pipes are used as part of the drainage system.

Most, if not all, require tools to install and employ, increasing the cost.

Many of these systems may be effective for larger animals but many appear less effective at keeping out mice, rats and other small rodents or vermin.

There are many products that allow fluid weeping, while preventing animal incursions but many of these solutions do not allow debris to leave the pipe, resulting in the pipe getting plugged with debris.

It becomes difficult to replace most systems if the mechanism breaks.

Existing solutions need to be affixed to the pipe, requiring tools, and these solutions collectively put strain on the pipe walls, over time ensuring that the pipe will break at or near the attachment point.

These last two points are particularly significant as drainage pipes are costly and cumbersome to replace, potentially requiring digging and replacing large sections of pipe.

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