Vent Valve Assembly

Abstract

Provided herein is an air vent valve (AAV) assembly that can include a body portion including a cap, a tail piece, and a flange with an intake opening, a flexible washer that can act as a seal against fluid flow, and a push seal that is inserted into a pipe or fitting of a drain, waste, and vent (DWV) system.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 414,237, filed October 7, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] [Technical Field] This disclosure relates to a ventilation system for use in venting drain, waste, and vent systems. [Background technology]

[0003] A typical plumbing system supplies water and carries away waste. Water is supplied to the plumbing fixtures under pressure, and drain pipes carry wastewater from the fixtures to a main drain, which then flows into a sewer system, septic tank, or the like. Ambient atmospheric pressure is typically maintained within the drainage system, and gases may be vented from the system through a vent pipe extending through the building's roof. A drainage system may be referred to as a drain-waste-vent system (or DWV) in that it drains water, carries away solid waste, and vents gases out of the system. Each plumbing fixture typically has a trap that contains water and prevents gases from entering the building through the fixture, such as a sink or bathtub. The trap in a typical fixture is connected to a drain pipe, which may have a diameter of, for example, 1.5 inches or 2 inches. Waste from toilets typically drains through a 3-inch or 4-inch diameter waste pipe connected to the main drain.

[0004] At each trap on the fixture, a vent extends from the drainage system to maintain atmospheric pressure. Other fixtures are typically vented by a secondary vent or revent, a 1.5 inch diameter pipe connected to the main vent, or may be vented by the main vent extending through the roof.

[0005] Venting a piping system allows make-up air to enter the system to prevent a vacuum from forming that would draw water from the trap into the drain. Thus, piping systems typically have at least one main vent and preferably a vent at each fixture. Plumbing codes typically specify requirements for venting piping equipment.

[0006] The use of roof vent pipes to provide make-up air when negative pressure occurs in drain and waste plumbing systems, such as when a sink is drained or a toilet is flushed, is now common practice in the building and plumbing industries. Installing vent pipes, especially secondary vents, is a time-consuming and expensive part of the building construction process. Particularly in home remodeling projects, for example, vent pipes are typically installed inside the wall structure and run to the main vent or through the roof. Furthermore, when wall space is limited, such as in pre-manufactured homes, mobile homes, and other vehicles with plumbing drain and waste systems, vent pipes can be cumbersome and difficult to install and access.

[0007] Building codes in some countries outside the United States permit the use of vent valve assemblies to vent drain and waste systems. Additionally, several states in certain geographic regions of the United States also permit the use of vent valve assemblies to vent drain and waste systems. However, the use of such valve assemblies is subject to various codes and requirements. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] A reliable venting valve assembly is required in low pressure plumbing drain and waste systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Provided herein is a vent valve assembly comprising: A cap (2), (i) an upper surface (4); (ii) the back surface (6); (iii) a cap wall (8) having an upper edge extending from the outer periphery of the upper surface, a bottom edge (10) defining a terminal end of the cap wall, a radially inner surface (12), and a radially outer surface (14); (iv) a grid (16) including grid posts (18), grid openings (19) representing voids between the grid posts, a top edge (20) extending from the back surface (6) of the cap, a bottom edge (22) spaced from the top edge, and grid walls (24) extending between the top edge (20) and the bottom edge (22), wherein the grid (16) extends around the back surface of the cap concentrically with the cap walls; a cap; A body portion (24), (i) a tail piece (25) including a bottom end (26), a top end (28), and an intermediate portion extending between the bottom end and the top end, the tail piece having a diameter sized for insertion into a pipe or fitting of a drain, waste, and vent system; (ii) a flange (30) extending radially from the upper end of the tail piece, the flange including a top surface, a bottom surface, an edge (31) extending between the top and bottom surfaces, a cap seat (32) positioned on the periphery of the top surface adjacent the edge for sealingly engaging the bottom edge (10) of the cap wall (8), and an inlet including inlet ribs (34), wherein an inlet opening (36) extends through the flange from the bottom surface to the top surface and is defined as a gap between the inlet ribs, at least some of the inlet ribs (34) including a valve seat member (38) on the top surface of the flange; a body portion including: a flexible washer (40) having a bottom surface, a top surface, an outer concentric edge extending between the top and bottom surfaces, and an inner concentric edge defining a central void and extending between the top and bottom surfaces; Including, when the pressure inside the tailpiece is not less than the ambient pressure outside the vent valve assembly, the flexible washer seats on the top surface of the flange and the bottom surface of the flexible washer contacts the valve seat member, thereby preventing fluid communication between the inside of the tailpiece and the ambient environment outside the vent valve assembly through the intake opening in the flange; When the pressure inside the tail piece is less than the ambient pressure outside the vent valve assembly, the flexible washer rises in a direction guided by contact of the outer concentric edge with the radially inner surface of the cap wall, or by contact of the inner concentric edge with the grid wall, or both, thereby enabling fluid communication between the inside of the tail piece and the ambient environment outside the vent valve assembly through the intake opening in the flange.

[0010] Also disclosed herein is a vent valve assembly comprising: A cap, (i) a top surface; (ii) a back surface; (iii) a cap wall having a top edge extending from an outer periphery of the top surface, a bottom edge defining a terminal end of the cap wall, a radially inner surface, and a radially outer surface; a cap; A main body portion, (i) a tail piece including a bottom end, a top end, and an intermediate portion extending between the bottom end and the top end, the tail piece having a diameter sized for insertion into a pipe or fitting of a drain, waste, and vent system; (ii) a flange extending radially from the upper end of the tail piece, the flange including a top surface, a bottom surface, an edge extending between the top and bottom surfaces, a cap seat positioned on the outer periphery of the top surface adjacent the edge for sealingly engaging the bottom edge of the cap wall, and an inlet including inlet ribs, wherein an inlet opening extends through the flange from the bottom surface to the top surface and is defined as a gap between the inlet ribs, at least some of the inlet ribs including a valve seat member on the top surface of the flange; a body portion including: a flexible washer having a bottom surface, a top surface, an outer concentric edge extending between the top and bottom surfaces, and an inner concentric edge defining a central void and extending between the top and bottom surfaces; A push seal mounted on the bottom end of the tail piece, (i) a first set of sealing ribs positioned on a distal portion of the push seal, each of the first set of sealing ribs extending radially from the tail piece to define a first sealing diameter that ensures a fluid seal between the first set of sealing ribs and an inner surface of a pipe or fitting of the drain, waste, and vent system having a first inner diameter when the tail piece is inserted therein; (ii) a second set of sealing ribs positioned on a proximal portion of the push seal, each of the second set of sealing ribs extending radially from the tail piece to define a second seal diameter, the second seal diameter being larger than the first seal diameter, to ensure a fluid seal between the second set of sealing ribs and an inner surface of a pipe or fitting of the drain, waste, and vent system having a second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter when the tail piece is inserted therein; a push seal, Including, when the pressure inside the tailpiece is not less than the ambient pressure outside the vent valve assembly, the flexible washer seats on the top surface of the flange and the bottom surface of the flexible washer contacts the valve seat member, thereby preventing fluid communication between the inside of the tailpiece and the ambient environment outside the vent valve assembly through the intake opening in the flange; When the pressure inside the tail piece is less than the ambient pressure outside the vent valve assembly, the flexible washer rises in a direction guided by contact of the outer concentric edge with the radially inner surface of the cap wall, or by contact of the inner concentric edge with the grid wall, or both, thereby enabling fluid communication between the inside of the tail piece and the ambient environment outside the vent valve assembly through the intake opening in the flange.

[0011] Also disclosed herein is a vent valve assembly comprising: A cap, (i) a top surface; (ii) a back surface; (iii) a cap wall having a top edge extending from an outer periphery of the top surface, a bottom edge defining a terminal end of the cap wall, a radially inner surface, and a radially outer surface; a cap; A main body portion, (i) a tail piece including a bottom end, a top end, and an intermediate portion extending between the bottom end and the top end, the tail piece having a diameter sized for insertion into a pipe or fitting of a drain, waste, and vent system; (ii) a flange extending radially from the upper end of the tail piece, the flange including a top surface, a bottom surface, an edge extending between the top and bottom surfaces, a cap seat positioned on the outer periphery of the top surface adjacent the edge for sealingly engaging the bottom edge of the cap wall, and an inlet including inlet ribs, wherein an inlet opening extends through the flange from the bottom surface to the top surface and is defined as a gap between the inlet ribs, at least some of the inlet ribs including a valve seat member on the top surface of the flange; a body portion including: a flexible washer having a bottom surface, a top surface, an outer concentric edge extending between the top and bottom surfaces, and an inner concentric edge defining a central void and extending between the top and bottom surfaces; Including, when the pressure inside the tailpiece is not less than the ambient pressure outside the vent valve assembly, the flexible washer seats on the top surface of the flange and the bottom surface of the flexible washer contacts the valve seat member, thereby preventing fluid communication between the inside of the tailpiece and the ambient environment outside the vent valve assembly through the intake opening in the flange; when the pressure inside the tail piece is less than the ambient pressure outside the vent valve assembly, the flexible washer rises in a direction guided by contact of the outer concentric edge with the radially inner surface of the cap wall, or by contact of the inner concentric edge with the grid wall, or both, thereby allowing fluid communication between the inside of the tail piece and the ambient environment outside the vent valve assembly through the intake opening in the flange; The total area of ​​the intake openings in the flange is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the tailpiece, vent valve assembly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1A] 1 provides a side view of one embodiment of a fully assembled air vent valve (AAV) assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a fully assembled air vent valve (AAV) assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 provides an exploded view of one embodiment of an assembly, showing the different components of the assembly individually. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 provides a side view of a further embodiment of an AAV assembly of the present invention. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 provides a side view of the cap portion of an AAV assembly of the present invention. [Figure 4A] 1 provides a diagram of a further embodiment of an AAV assembly or component thereof of the present invention, including a stop tab on the tail piece. [Figure 4B] 1 provides a diagram of a further embodiment of an AAV assembly or component thereof of the present invention, including a stop tab on the tail piece. [Figure 4C] 1 provides a diagram of a further embodiment of an AAV assembly or component thereof of the present invention, including a stop tab on the tail piece. [Figure 4D] 1 provides a diagram of a further embodiment of an AAV assembly or component thereof of the present invention, including a stop tab on the tail piece. [Figure 4E] 1 depicts a mechanical coupling that may be used in place of a push seal. [Figure 5A] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary push seal component according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] 1A-1D provide cross-sectional views of different exemplary push seal components according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5C] 1A-1D provide cross-sectional views of different exemplary push seal components according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5D] 1A-1D provide cross-sectional views of different exemplary push seal components according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5E] 1A-1D provide cross-sectional views of different exemplary push seal components according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5F] 1A-1D provide cross-sectional views of different exemplary push seal components according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5G] 1A-1D provide cross-sectional views of different exemplary push seal components according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 depicts an exemplary AAV assembly, with the cap and push seal prominently visible. [Figure 7] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of a body portion, including exemplary inner and outer diameters. [Figure 8] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of a body portion, including exemplary inner and outer diameters. [Figure 9A] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a flexible washer in a closed position resting on a valve seat. [Figure 9B] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a flexible washer in a closed position resting on a valve seat. [Figure 10] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of a complete AAV assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 provides a side view of a fully assembled AAV. [Figure 12] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of a complete AAV assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 1 provides a side view of a fully assembled AAV. [Figure 14] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of a complete AAV assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 15] 1 provides a side view of a fully assembled AAV. [Figure 16] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of a complete AAV assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 17] 1 provides a side view of a fully assembled AAV. [Figure 18]1 provides a cross-sectional view of a complete AAV assembly according to the present disclosure, including a push seal that includes two sets of sealing ribs. [Figure 19] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of a body portion according to the present invention. [Figure 20] 1 shows an exemplary body portion according to the present invention viewed from below so that the inlet rib and inlet openings are visible. [Figure 21] 1 shows an exemplary body portion according to the present invention from above, with the intake rib and intake openings also visible. [Figure 22] 1 depicts an exemplary cap with a grid. [Figure 23] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cap with a grid. [Figure 24] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary body portion and cap with an assembled grid. [Figure 25] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary body portion with a flexible washer resting on a valve seat. [Figure 26] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary body portion assembled with a cap and a flexible washer in a partially raised position. [Figure 27] 1 illustrates an exemplary body portion. [Figure 28A] 1 provides an exploded view of the cap, grid, flexible washer, body portion, and push seal components of an exemplary inventive AAV assembly. [Figure 28B] 1 provides an exploded view of the cap, grid, flexible washer, body portion, and push seal components of an exemplary inventive AAV assembly. [Figure 28C] 1 provides an exploded view of the cap, grid, flexible washer, body portion, and push seal components of an exemplary inventive AAV assembly. [Figure 29] 1 provides an exploded view of the cap, grid, flexible washer, body portion, and push seal components of an exemplary inventive AAV assembly. [Figure 30]1 provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary push seal featuring two sets of sealing ribs and an annular groove for receiving the lower end of the tail piece. [Figure 31] 1 shows an exemplary push seal featuring two sets of seal ribs and a pipe seal rib. [Figure 32] 1 shows an exemplary push seal featuring two sets of seal ribs and a pipe seal rib. [Figure 33] 1 provides an exploded bottom view of the cap and grid, flexible washer, body portion, and push seal components of an exemplary inventive AAV assembly. [Figure 34] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary AAV assembly of the present invention installed on the upper end of a pipe having an inner diameter into which a first set of sealing ribs of the AAV assembly fit to form a seal. [Figure 35] FIG. 1 provides a side view of an exemplary AAV assembly installed on the upper end of a 100 mm diameter AU pipe into which a first set of sealing ribs of the AAV assembly fit to form a seal. [Figure 36] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary AAV assembly of the present invention installed on the upper end of a pipe having an inner diameter into which a first set of sealing ribs of the AAV assembly fit to form a seal. [Figure 37] FIG. 1 provides a side view of an exemplary AAV assembly installed on the upper end of a 100 mm diameter TW pipe into which a first set of sealing ribs of the AAV assembly fit to form a seal. [Figure 38] FIG. 10 provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary AAV assembly of the present invention installed on the upper end of a pipe having an inner diameter into which a second set of sealing ribs of the AAV assembly fit to form a seal, with the pipe sealing ribs extending over the upper edge of the pipe. [Figure 39] FIG. 10 provides a side view of an exemplary AAV assembly of the present invention installed on the upper end of a TW120 mm pipe into which a second set of sealing ribs of the AAV assembly engage to form a seal, with the pipe sealing ribs extending over the upper edge of the pipe. [Figure 40] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary AAV assembly of the present invention installed on the upper end of a pipe. [Figure 41] FIG. 1 provides a side view of an exemplary AAV assembly of the present invention installed on the upper end of a TW 80 mm pipe. [Figure 42] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary AAV assembly of the present invention installed at the upper end of a pipe. [Figure 43] FIG. 1 provides a side view of an exemplary AAV assembly of the present invention installed on the upper end of an AU80mm pipe. [Figure 44] 1 provides a side view of an exemplary inventive AAV assembly in which a push seal includes two sets of seal ribs and a pipe seal rib. [Figure 45] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary body portion of an AAV assembly of the present invention. [Figure 46] 1 shows an exemplary body portion according to the present invention viewed from below so that the inlet rib and inlet openings are visible. [Figure 47A] 1 provides an illustration of an exemplary body portion according to the present disclosure, including a lattice seat; [Figure 47B] 1 provides an illustration of an exemplary body portion according to the present disclosure, including a grille seat; [Figure 47C] 1 provides an illustration of an exemplary body portion according to the present disclosure, including a grille seat; [Figure 48] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a cap of the present invention with a grid and a flexible washer in a rest (lowered) position. [Figure 49] 1 provides a cutaway perspective view of a cap of the present invention with a grid and a flexible washer in a rest (lowered) position. [Figure 50] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cap with a grid, a body portion, and a flexible washer positioned on a valve seat member, i.e., in a resting position. [Figure 51] 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of a body portion of the present invention with a flexible washer positioned on a valve seat member of the body portion; [Figure 52]1 provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cap with a grid, a body portion, and a flexible washer in a partially raised position. [Figure 53] 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary body portion according to the present invention; [Figure 54] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary push seal including two sets of sealing ribs, a pipe sealing rib, and an annular groove for receiving the bottom end of the tail piece of the body portion. [Figure 55] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary push seal including two sets of seal ribs, pipe seal ribs. [Figure 56A] 1 provides a perspective view of a grate including a lip at the lower end. [Figure 56B] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of a grid including a lip at the lower end. [Figure 57A] 1 depicts the assembly of a flexible washer and a rigid carrier ring. [Figure 57B] 1 provides a cutaway perspective view of an AAV assembly of the present invention with a flexible washer and carrier ring installed. [Figure 58A] 1 depicts a cutaway perspective view of an assembly of a flexible washer and a support ring adjacent the inner and outer periphery of the flexible washer. [Figure 58B] FIG. 1 provides a cutaway perspective view of an AAV assembly of the present invention with a flexible washer and support ring installed. [Figure 59A] 1 depicts an exemplary tailpiece embodiment that includes male threads that can be used to attach the lower end of the tailpiece to a bayonet connector or to a solvent weld adapter that can be attached to a pipe or fitting of a DWV system. [Figure 59B] 1 depicts an exemplary tailpiece embodiment that includes male threads that can be used to attach the lower end of the tailpiece to a bayonet connector or to a solvent weld adapter that can be attached to a pipe or fitting of a DWV system. [Figure 59C]1 depicts an exemplary tailpiece embodiment that includes male threads that can be used to attach the lower end of the tailpiece to a bayonet connector or to a solvent weld adapter that can be attached to a pipe or fitting of a DWV system. [Figure 59D] 1 depicts an exemplary tailpiece embodiment that includes male threads that can be used to attach the lower end of the tailpiece to a bayonet connector or to a solvent weld adapter that can be attached to a pipe or fitting of a DWV system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

[0014] When values ​​are expressed as approximations by use of the antecedent "about," it is understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. As used herein, "about X" (where X is a numerical value) preferably refers to ±10% of the stated value, inclusive. For example, the phrase "about 8" preferably refers to a value of 7.2 to 8.8, inclusive. As another example, the phrase "about 8%" preferably refers to a value of 7.2% to 8.8%, inclusive. Where present, all ranges are inclusive and combinable. For example, when a range of "1 to 5" is recited, the recited range should be interpreted as optionally including ranges such as "1 to 4," "1 to 3," "1 to 2," "1 to 2 and 4 to 5," "1 to 3 and 5," etc. Furthermore, when a list of options is expressly provided, such list can also include embodiments in which any of the options may be excluded. For example, when a range of "1 to 5" is stated, such statement can support a situation in which any of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 is excluded; thus, the statement "1 to 5" can support "1 and 3 to 5, but not 2," or simply "excluding 2." The phrase "at least about x" is intended to encompass both "about x" and "at least x." Also, when a parameter range is provided, it is understood that all integers within that range, and tenths thereof, are also provided by the present invention. For example, "2 to 5 hours" includes 2 hours, 2.1 hours, 2.2 hours, 2.3 hours, etc., up to 5 hours.

[0015] FIG. 1A shows a side elevational view, FIG. 1B depicts a side cross-sectional view, and FIG. 1C depicts an exploded view of an air vent valve (AAV) assembly 1 according to the present disclosure. As shown, the air vent valve assembly 1 includes a cap 2, a body portion 24, a flexible washer 40 that functions as a valve, and a push seal 42. The body portion 24 includes a tail piece 25 and a flange 30 that extends radially from the top of the tail piece. These basic components of the AAV assembly 1 are arranged as follows: the flexible washer 40 is positioned on the upper surface of the flange 30, and the cap 2 fits over the upper surface of the flange 30. The push seal 42 includes an annular central opening through which the tail piece 25 is inserted. FIG. 1C depicts a pre-assembly of the cap 2, flexible washer 40, body portion 24, and push seal 42, while FIGS. 1A and 1B depict these components in their assembled configuration.

[0016] The cap 2 includes a top surface 4 and a back surface 6. The cap 2 further includes a cap wall 8 having an upper end extending from the outer periphery of the top surface, a bottom edge 10 defining the end of the cap wall, a radially inner surface 12, and a radially outer surface 14. The cap is preferably sized to have an outer diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the flange 30 of the body portion 24. The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the cap 2 is preferably circular and, in any event, configured to match the shape of the flange 30. When fitted against the flange 30, the bottom edge 10 of the cap 2 forms a fluid seal, substantially preventing air from entering or exiting between the bottom edge 10 and the upper surface of the flange 30. As described more fully herein, the flow of air into or out of the interior of the body portion 24 is generally restricted to specific portions of the device by the configuration of the AAV assembly 1.

[0017] The cap 2 or any of its subcomponents (such as the grating 16) may be formed from any rigid material, such as a thermoplastic polymer including, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl acetate (PVA), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

[0018] Cap 2 includes a grate 16, which, in the assembled configuration of AAV assembly 1, extends from the back surface 6 of the cap to the point where it contacts cap seat 32 of flange 30. Grate 16 includes struts 18 and openings 19, the openings representing the voids between struts 18. Grate 16 can function as a barrier to insect intrusion from the drain, waste, and vent (DWV) system and out of AAV assembly 1; therefore, individual openings 19 are preferably sized to be too small to allow passage of insect species most likely to attempt to exit the DWV system.

[0019] In some embodiments, the lattice 16 is integral with the back surface 6 of the cap 2. This can mean that the lattice 16 is integrally formed with the back surface 6 of the cap 2, or that the lattice 16 fits securely into a recess or on a ridge in the back surface 6 of the cap 2. In other embodiments, the lattice 16 simply abuts the back surface 6 of the cap 2. Figures 28A-28C depict embodiments in which the lattice 16 is not integral with the cap 2. Throughout this disclosure, when we say that the cap includes or comprises a lattice, this is intended to encompass embodiments in which the lattice and the cap are provided as separate components (e.g., manufactured as separate components) but can be physically adjacent to one another when the AAV assembly is in an assembled state. As shown in Figure 3A, the back surface 6 of the cap 2 can include a ring-shaped ridge 52 that is concentric with the upper edge 20 of the lattice 16 and is sized so that the lattice 16 fits snugly around the ridge 52. In this manner, the ridge 52 ensures that the lattice 16 is properly centered on the back surface 6 of the cap 2. FIG. 3B provides a further view of cap 2 featuring ridge 52.

[0020] In some embodiments, the lattice 16 includes a lip 17 extending from the portion of the lattice 16 including the posts 18 and openings 19, the lip 17 defining a portion of the lattice 16 that seats against the upper surface of the flange 30 when the AAV assembly 1 is in an assembled state. FIGS. 56A and 56B provide perspective and cross-sectional views of the lattice 16 featuring the lip 17. In these embodiments, the lip 17 extends circumferentially around the base of the lattice 16 and has a smaller diameter than the lattice 16, thereby defining a circumferential ledge 23 at the point where the lip 17 meets the portion of the lattice 16 that includes the posts 18 and openings 19. The ledge 23 is configured to seat on a portion of the upper surface of the flange 30 of the body portion 24. As described below and depicted in FIG. 3 , the body portion 24 can include a lattice seat 54, upon which the bottom edge 22 of the lattice can rest when the cap 2 and lattice 30 are in an assembled configuration with the body portion 24. The grate seat 54 can also be configured so that the ledge 23 rests on the grate seat 54. Figures 47A-47C depict an embodiment of the body portion 24 including a grate seat 54 on which the ledge 23 can rest when the AAV assembly 1 is in the assembled state. Figure 57B also shows how the ledge 23 rests on the grate seat 54.

[0021] In certain embodiments, one or more vertically oriented lattice ribs 21 may be positioned circumferentially around the outer surface of the lattice 16. The lattice ribs 21 can provide spacing between the outer surface of the lattice 16 and the inner concentric edge of the flexible washer 40 when the AAV assembly 1 is in an assembled state. The spacing between the outer surface of the lattice 16 and the inner concentric edge of the flexible washer 40 can be useful in preventing the flexible washer 40 from getting stuck on or improperly oriented relative to the outer surface of the lattice 16 when the flexible washer 40 moves from its seated position on the top surface of the flange 30 to its raised position, or when the flexible washer 40 moves from its raised position back to its seated position on the top surface of the flange 30. FIG. 56A depicts an embodiment in which the lattice 16 includes lattice ribs 21. Throughout this disclosure, when flexible washer 40 is described as rising or falling in a direction guided by contact between an inner concentric edge of flexible washer 40 and a grid wall, the phrase "grid wall" can refer to the outer surface of the grid wall without the ribs, or to the portion of the grid wall that makes up grid ribs 21. In other words, if grid ribs 21 are provided on grid 16, the "grid wall" that can guide the rising or falling of flexible washer 40 can be one or more of the grid ribs themselves.

[0022] Body portion 24 includes tail piece 25 and flange 30. As mentioned above, bottom edge 10 of cap 2 fits against and forms a seal with cap seat 32 on the periphery of the top surface of flange 30. Cap seat 32 on flange 30 can be seen in the exploded view of AAV assembly 1 provided in FIG.

[0023] Radially inward of the cap sheet 32 ​​on the flange 30 is an air inlet including an air inlet rib 34 that defines an air inlet opening 36. The air inlet opening 36 extends through the flange from its top surface to its bottom surface. The configuration, i.e., shape and size, of the air inlet opening 36 and the air inlet rib 34 is not important so long as the openings allow sufficient airflow therethrough when the pressure inside the tail piece 25 is less than the ambient pressure outside the AAV assembly 1 (in which case the flexible washer is raised so as not to contact the air inlet rib 34). Airflow sufficiency is defined more fully below, but in some embodiments the total area of ​​the air inlet openings 36 is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the tail piece.

[0024] At the upper surface of flange 30, inlet rib 34 can include a valve seat member 38 against which a flexible washer 40 rests when the pressure inside tailpiece 25 is not less than the ambient pressure outside AAV assembly 1. As depicted in FIGS. 1B and 3 , for example, valve seat member 38 can include a tapered point to limit the contact area between inlet rib 34 and flexible washer 40. Nevertheless, even though contact between inlet rib 34 and flexible washer 40 may be limited by the configuration of valve seat member 38, this contact is sufficient for flexible washer 40 to provide a fluid seal when in a rest position to prevent airflow through inlet opening 36.

[0025] 3, at the juncture between the tail piece 25 (representing the upper end 28 of the tail piece 25) and the flange 30, the body portion 24 may include a grid seat 54 upon which the bottom edge 22 of the grid may rest when the cap 2 and grid 30 are in an assembled configuration with the body portion 24. The grid seat 54 extends around the entire upper surface of the upper end 28, thereby helping to position the grid 16 against the body portion 24.

[0026] 2 has an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of cap 2 (i.e., the distance between radially inner surface 12 of cap 2 and the directly opposing radially inner surface of cap 2) and defines a central void substantially the same as the outer diameter of lattice 16. Thus, movement of flexible washer 40 within AAV assembly 1 in use is guided by contact between an outer concentric edge of flexible washer 40 and the radially inner surface of the cap wall, by contact between an inner concentric edge of flexible washer 40 and the outer surface of lattice wall 24, or both.

[0027] In some embodiments, the underside 6 of the cap 2 may include a boss 56 to reduce the contact surface area between the top surface of the flexible washer 40 and the underside 6 of the cap 2. The presence of the boss may prevent the flexible washer 40 from sticking to the underside 6 of the cap 2 when the flexible washer is in the open position (i.e., when the pressure inside the tail piece is less than the ambient pressure outside the AAV assembly 1, causing the flexible washer to rise and no longer contact the inlet rib 34). The boss 56 may take any configuration effective to reduce the contact surface area between the top surface of the flexible washer 40 and the underside 6 of the cap 2. In one embodiment, shown in cross section in FIG. 3 , the boss 56 is in the form of a ring-shaped ridge concentric with the cap wall 8.

[0028] The flexible washer 40 may be formed from any flexible or semi-rigid material capable of forming a seal with the inlet rib 34 when the flexible washer 40 is in a rest position. Suitable materials include, for example, natural or synthetic rubber, silicone, neoprene, or any combination thereof. An exemplary synthetic rubber that may be used for the flexible washer is ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM).

[0029] In some embodiments, the flexible washer 40 can include a carrier ring 41 that can be removably or permanently attached to the inner periphery of the flexible washer 40. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 57A and 58B, the carrier ring 41 can be attached to the flexible washer 40 by receiving the inner periphery within a channel 43 of the carrier ring 41. The carrier ring 41 is preferably formed from a substantially rigid material (e.g., plastic) that provides rigidity and represents the rigid element of the flexible washer 40. Suitable materials for forming the carrier ring 41 include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl acetate (PVA), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or any combination thereof. The carrier ring 41 can contribute to the flexible washer 40's ability to avoid deviation from a single spatial plane and maintain a consistent shape during rise and fall as a result of pressure changes in the system, thereby ensuring that the flexible washer 40 functions properly as a seal.

[0030] The top surface of the flexible washer 40 can optionally include one or more upwardly extending, circumferentially disposed ribs 45. FIG. 58B depicts a flexible washer 40 featuring two upwardly extending, circumferentially disposed ribs 45. The ribs 45 may be integrally formed with the flexible washer 40 or may be formed separately from the flexible washer 40 and fixedly attached to the flexible washer 40 during assembly. The ribs 45 can create a gap between the top surface of the flexible washer 40 and the back surface 6 of the cap 2, thereby preventing the flexible washer 40 from sticking to the back surface 6 of the cap 2 when the flexible washer 40 is in the raised position.

[0031] In certain other embodiments, flexible washer 40 can include one or more substantially rigid support rings 47, which are attached to the top surface of flexible washer 40 to provide rigidity and represent the rigid element of flexible washer 40. Support rings 47 can contribute to the flexible washer 40's ability to avoid deviation from a single spatial plane and maintain a consistent shape during rise and fall as a result of pressure changes in the system, thereby ensuring that flexible washer 40 functions properly as a seal. Support rings can also create a gap between the top surface of flexible washer 40 and back surface 6 of cap 2, thereby preventing flexible washer 40 from sticking to back surface 6 of cap 2 when flexible washer 40 is in the raised position. Support ring 47 may have a substantially flat vertical profile, as shown in FIG. 58A, which depicts a cross-section of flexible washer 40 and support ring 47, and FIG. 58B, which depicts a cross-section of flexible washer 40 and support ring 47 positioned within the space defined by cap 2 and body portion 24 in an embodiment of AAV system 1 of the present invention. Suitable materials for forming support ring 47 include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl acetate (PVA), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or any combination thereof.

[0032] The tail piece 25 extends downwardly from the flange 30 from its top end 28 to its bottom end 26. The distance between the top end 28 and the bottom end 26 may be about 30 to about 60 mm, e.g., about 35 to 55 mm, or about 40 to 50 mm (including, for example, about 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or about 50 mm), or more generally, a length sufficient to allow insertion of a portion of the tail piece into a pipe or fitting of a DWV system. The outer diameter of the tail piece 25 may vary depending on the size of the pipe or fitting of the DWV system into which the tail piece will be inserted. For example, the outer diameter of the tail piece can be about 30-150 mm, e.g., about 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, or 150 mm. The inner diameter of the tail piece can also vary and can be about 25-140 mm, e.g., about 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, or 140 mm. Table 1 below provides exemplary inner diameters and corresponding outer diameters for certain embodiments. [Table 1]

[0033] The tail piece 25 can further include one or more stop tabs 58 positioned radially and projecting from the outer surface of the tail piece 25. FIGS. 4A-4D depict an embodiment featuring stop tabs 58 extending from the bottom surface of the flange 30 along a portion of the length of the tail piece 25. As shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, the stop tabs 58 can function to prevent the upper surface of the push seal 42 from interfering with the bottom surface of the flange 30, i.e., blocking the air intake opening 36 in the bottom surface of the flange 30, when the push seal 42 is attached to the bottom end 26 of the tail piece 25. In other words, the stop tabs 58 provide a stop along the length of the tail piece 25 beyond which the push seal 42 cannot move. The number of stop tabs 58 that can be provided on the outer surface of the tail piece 25 can be one, two, three, four, five, or more. When there are two or more stop tabs, the individual stop tabs are preferably regularly spaced from one another, but may alternatively be irregularly spaced. For example, if there are three stop tabs, they are preferably spaced at 120° intervals from one another around the outer surface of tailpiece 25. For users who prefer not to employ a push seal of the type provided by push seal 42, a mechanical coupler such as the type depicted in FIG. 4E may be used to connect tailpiece 24 to a pipe or fitting of a DWV system, and stop tabs 58 may provide a stop along the length of tailpiece 25 beyond which the mechanical coupler cannot travel to prevent the upper end of the mechanical coupler from interfering with the bottom surface of flange 30, i.e., blocking air inlet opening 36 in the bottom surface of flange 30.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 59A-59D, the tail piece 25 can include external threads 64. FIG. 59A shows the body portion 24 with the tail piece 25 provided with external threads 64. FIG. 59B shows the body portion 24 assembled with the cap 2, with the tail piece 25 of the body portion 24 having the external threads 64. The threads 64 can be used to attach the lower end of the tail piece 25 to a spigot connector 66, as shown in FIG. 59C, or to a solvent weld adapter 68, as shown in FIG. 59D, which can be attached to a pipe 70 or fitting of a DWV system. Generally speaking, the embodiment of the tail piece 25 including the external threads 64 is intended for users who prefer not to employ a force-fit seal of the type provided by the push seal 42. However, threaded tail pieces can also be adapted for use with force-fit seals such as the push seal 42.

[0035] Push seal 42 defines an inner channel having a circular cross-section into which tail piece 25 is inserted when AAV assembly 1 is assembled. An inward-facing surface of the inner channel forms a seal against the outer surface of tail piece 25 when tail piece 25 is inserted into the inner channel. As shown in the embodiment of push seal 42 depicted in Figures 5A-5D, the inner channel can include one or more ridges 60 that can ensure a seal against the outer surface of tail piece 25.

[0036] At least one set of sealing ribs protrudes radially from the outer surface of the push seal 42 (effectively from the tail piece 25). In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, only one set of sealing ribs 44a, 44b, and 44c is present. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, a first set of sealing ribs 44a, 44b, and 44c is present, and a second set of sealing ribs 46a, 46b, and 46c is also included. The number of sealing ribs per set may be up to 10, with two to five being preferred. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A-5C includes three sealing ribs per set. When more than one set of sealing ribs is present, each set may have a different number of sealing ribs. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1B, the first set of sealing ribs 44a, 44b, and 44c includes three members, and the second set of sealing ribs 46 includes two members.

[0037] When more than one set of sealing ribs is present, each set of sealing ribs projects radially outward a distance different from the distance projected by another set of sealing ribs. In particular, when more than one set of sealing ribs is present, the set of sealing ribs closest to the bottom end of the push seal 42 projects radially outward a first distance, and the set of sealing ribs more distal to the bottom end of the push seal 42 projects radially outward a second distance greater than the first distance. The purpose of providing each set of sealing ribs on the push seal is to enable the push seal to be used with at least two different sizes of pipe or fittings in a DWV system, i.e., to enable the push seal to form a fluid seal with a pipe or fitting of a DWV system having a first inner diameter via the first set of sealing ribs and to enable the push seal to form a fluid seal with a different pipe or fitting of a DWV system having a second inner diameter greater than the inner diameter of the other pipe or fitting via the second set of sealing ribs.

[0038] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 5A, the push seal includes sealing ribs 44a, 44b, 44c that project radially from push seal 42 and define a first seal diameter that ensures a fluid seal with the inner surface of a pipe having an inner diameter of 40 mm. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5B, the push seal includes sealing ribs 44a, 44b, 44c that project radially from push seal 42 and define a first seal diameter that ensures a fluid seal with the inner surface of a pipe having an inner diameter of 50 mm.

[0039] In the embodiment shown in Figures 5C and 5D, the push seal includes sealing ribs 44a, 44b, 44c that protrude radially from push seal 42 and define a first seal diameter that ensures a fluid seal with the inner surface of a pipe having an inner diameter of 40 mm, and push seal 42 also includes sealing ribs 46a, 46b, 46c that ensure a fluid seal with the inner surface of a pipe having an inner diameter of 50 mm.

[0040] The individual sealing ribs within a particular set need not protrude the exact same distance from the push seal 42. In fact, it may be advantageous for the individual sealing ribs within a particular set to vary in length incrementally, i.e., by a small amount relative to their overall length, e.g., by about 1-4 mm, e.g., by about 1, 2, 3, or 4 mm. For example, a gradual increase in the diameter of the sealing ribs from the bottom member to the top member of a particular set can create a better seal due to increased interference between each sealing rib and the inner surface of the DWV pipe / fitting, accommodate a wider range of DWV pipes / fittings (since inner diameters of a given nominal size may vary slightly depending on the pipe manufacturer), and improve the user experience while depressing the AAV unit by providing a tighter fit. Thus, in some embodiments, at least some of the individual members of a particular set of sealing ribs can vary in length relative to one another by about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, or 5%. In certain embodiments, the individual members may vary in length depending on their position within the set, for example, the bottom-most member of the set (i.e., the member closest to the lower end of the tailpiece and furthest from the flange of the body portion) has the shortest length, and the top-most member of the set (furthest from the lower end of the tailpiece relative to the other members of the set) has the longest length. In some embodiments, not all of the members of a particular set differ in length relative to one another. For example, some members may have the same length, and such members may differ in length from one or more other members of the set. In one example, a set of sealing ribs having three individual member ribs includes two bottom-most ribs that are the same length and a third, upper rib that differs in length compared to the first two ribs in that it is 2% longer than the first two ribs. In another embodiment, a set of sealing ribs having three individual member ribs includes a first lowermost rib having a first length, a middle rib having a second length that is about 2% longer than the first length, and a third upper rib having a third length that is about 2% longer than the second length.

[0041] Table 2 below provides exemplary seal diameters defined by each set of sealing ribs for certain embodiments. As shown in the table, each set of sealing ribs includes three separate members that vary in size relative to one another. The first-listed member is the bottom-most member of the set (i.e., the member closest to the lower end of the tailpiece and furthest from the flange of the body portion). [Table 2]

[0042] The seal ribs of the push seal 42 can have any desired cross-sectional shape. Figures 5A-5D show seal ribs 44 having one type of cross-sectional shape. Figures 5E-5F show seal ribs 44 having a different type of cross-sectional shape that is wider and more rectangular than the seal ribs of Figures 5A-5D.

[0043] The push seal 42 may also include a pipe seal rib 48 that projects radially from the push seal (effectively from the tail piece) to a radial distance greater than the inner diameter of the pipe or fitting into which the lower portion of the push seal 42 is inserted. As depicted in FIG. 1B , which shows an exemplary AAV assembly 1 inserted into a pipe in a DWV system, the pipe seal rib 48 forms a fluid seal with the upper edge of the pipe 33 b.

[0044] When two or more sets of sealing ribs are present, one of the sets of sealing ribs that is closer to the cap 2 than the first set of sealing ribs can help ensure a fluid seal at the upper edge of the pipe or fitting where the first set of sealing ribs are intended to form a fluid seal with the inner surface of the pipe or fitting. For illustrative purposes, FIG. 1B shows a first pipe 33a having a first inner diameter where a first set of sealing ribs 44a, 44b, 44c form a fluid seal when a push seal 42 is inserted, and FIG. 1B also shows a second pipe 33b having a second inner diameter (larger than the inner diameter of the first pipe 33a) where a second set of sealing ribs 46 form a fluid seal when a push seal 42 is inserted. The lower of the two sealing ribs 46 forms a fluid seal at the upper edge of the pipe 33a due to the fact that the sealing rib 46 protrudes radially from the push seal 42 a greater radial distance than the inner diameter of the pipe 33a.

[0045] In some embodiments, such as those depicted in Figures 5A, 5B, 5D, and 5G, push seal 42 includes a cylindrical inner channel through which tail piece 25 can be inserted from a top opening of the channel to a bottom opening on the opposite side of the channel. As also shown in Figures 5A, 5B, 5D, and 5G, the inner wall of push seal 42 that defines the inner channel can include one or more channel ribs 63 that improve the seal between push seal 42 and the outer surface of the tail piece (not shown).

[0046] 3 and 5C, the inner channel of the push seal 42 may include an annular groove 62 into which the distal or lower end of the tail piece 25 is inserted. Such embodiments may optionally include a channel rib 63.

[0047] The push seal 42 may be formed from any flexible or semi-rigid material capable of forming a seal with the interior surface of a pipe or fitting of a DWV system when inserted therein. Suitable materials include natural or synthetic rubber, silicone, neoprene, or any combination thereof. An exemplary material from which the push seal 42 may be formed is ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber.

[0048] The AAV assembly 1 according to the present disclosure is configured to allow a beneficially high airflow rate from the ambient environment outside the tailpiece 25 into the AAV assembly through the air intake openings 36 in the flange 30 and through the openings 19 in the grille 16 when the flexible washer is moved to an open position such that it does not rest on the air intake rib 34 of the flange 30, i.e., when the air pressure inside the tailpiece 25 is less than the ambient pressure outside the AAV assembly 1. The amount of airflow permitted by the presently disclosed configuration is greater than that of currently available commercially available vent valve assemblies. To ensure the desired airflow rate, in some embodiments, the AAV assembly 1 is configured such that the total area of ​​the grille openings 19 is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the tailpiece. In some embodiments, the AAV assembly 1 is configured such that the total area of ​​the air intake openings 36 in the flange 30 is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the tailpiece.

[0049] In some embodiments, the airflow into an AAV assembly 1 according to the present disclosure is greater than about 8 L / s when the flexible washer is moved to the open position. For example, the airflow may be about 8 to 40 L / s when the flexible washer is moved to the open position, e.g., about 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, or 40 L / s when the flexible washer is moved to the open position. The airflow may vary depending on the size of the tailpiece being used. For example, in one embodiment, if the tailpiece is adapted for use with a 50 mm DWV pipe or fitting, the airflow may be close to about 8 L / s. In other embodiments, when the tailpiece is adapted for use with an 80mm DWV pipe or fitting, the air flow may be closer to about 35 L / s.

[0050] [Embodiment] (1) A vent valve assembly comprising: A cap (2), (i) an upper surface (4); (ii) the back surface (6); (iii) a cap wall (8) having an upper edge extending from the outer periphery of the upper surface, a bottom edge (10) defining a terminal end of the cap wall, a radially inner surface (12), and a radially outer surface (14); (iv) a grid (16) including grid posts (18), grid openings (19) representing voids between the grid posts, a top edge (20) extending from the back surface (6) of the cap, a bottom edge (22) spaced from the top edge, and grid walls (24) extending between the top edge (20) and the bottom edge (22), wherein the grid (16) extends around the back surface of the cap concentrically with the cap walls; a cap; A body portion (24), (i) a tail piece (25) including a bottom end (26), a top end (28), and an intermediate portion extending between said bottom end and said top end, said tail piece having a diameter sized for insertion into a pipe or fitting of a drain, waste, and vent system; (ii) a flange (30) extending radially from the upper end of the tail piece, the flange including a top surface, a bottom surface, an edge (31) extending between the top and bottom surfaces, a cap seat (32) positioned on the periphery of the top surface adjacent the edge for sealingly engaging the bottom edge (10) of the cap wall (8), and an inlet including inlet ribs (34), wherein an inlet opening (36) extends through the flange from the bottom surface to the top surface and is defined as a gap between the inlet ribs, at least some of the inlet ribs (34) including a valve seat member (38) at the top surface of the flange; a body portion including: a flexible washer (40) having a bottom surface, a top surface, an outer concentric edge extending between the top and bottom surfaces, and an inner concentric edge defining a central void and extending between the top and bottom surfaces; Including, when the pressure inside the tail piece is not less than the ambient pressure outside the vent valve assembly, the flexible washer seats on the top surface of the flange and the bottom surface of the flexible washer contacts the valve seat member, thereby preventing fluid communication between the inside of the tail piece and the ambient environment outside the vent valve assembly through the intake opening in the flange; When the pressure inside the tail piece is less than the ambient pressure outside the vent valve assembly, the flexible washer rises in a direction guided by contact of the outer concentric edge with the radially inner surface of the cap wall, or by contact of the inner concentric edge with a grid wall, or both, thereby enabling fluid communication between the inside of the tail piece and the ambient environment outside the vent valve assembly through the intake opening in the flange. (2) A vent valve assembly as described in embodiment 1, wherein fluid communication between the inside of the tail piece and the surrounding environment is also through the lattice openings in the lattice. (3) The vent valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the total area of ​​the grille openings is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the tail piece. (4) A vent valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the total area of ​​the intake openings in the flange is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the tail piece. (5) A vent valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the intake ribs include an inner intake rib, a middle intake rib, and an outer intake rib, each concentrically arranged around the flange.

[0051] (6) A vent valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least some of the valve seat members of the inlet ribs include tapered points to limit the contact area between the inlet ribs and the flexible washer. (7) A vent valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the upper edge of the grid is integral with the back surface of the cap. (8) a push seal (42) mounted on the bottom end (26) of the tail piece (25); (i) a first set of sealing ribs (44a, 44b, 44c) positioned on a distal portion of said push seal (42), each of said first set of sealing ribs projecting radially from said tail piece to define a first sealing diameter that ensures a fluid seal between said first set of sealing ribs and an inner surface of a drain, waste, and vent system pipe or fitting having a first inner diameter when said tail piece is inserted therein; (ii) a second set of sealing ribs (46) positioned at a proximal portion of the push seal, each of the second set of sealing ribs projecting radially from the tail piece to define a second sealing diameter that is larger than the first sealing diameter and that ensures a fluid seal between the second set of sealing ribs and an inner surface of a pipe or fitting of a drain, waste, and vent system having a second inner diameter that is larger than the first inner diameter when the tail piece is inserted therein; 8. The vent valve assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 7, comprising: (9) The vent valve assembly of embodiment 8, further comprising a pipe seal rib (48) extending radially from the tail piece to define a third seal diameter, the third seal diameter being larger than the second seal diameter and ensuring a fluid seal at the upper edge of the pipe or fitting of the drain, waste, and vent system having a second inner diameter. (10) A vent valve assembly as described in embodiment 8, wherein one rib (44c) of the second set of sealing ribs ensures a fluid seal at the upper edge of the pipe or fitting of the drainage, waste, and vent system having a first inner diameter.

[0052] (11) A vent valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the flexible washer (40) further comprises a carrier ring (41) removably attached to the inner peripheral edge of the flexible washer. (12) A vent valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the flexible washer (40) further comprises one or more substantially rigid support rings (47) on the top surface of the flexible washer. (13) A vent valve assembly comprising: A cap, (i) a top surface; (ii) a back surface; (iii) a cap wall having a top edge extending from an outer periphery of the top surface, a bottom edge defining a terminal end of the cap wall, a radially inner surface, and a radially outer surface; a cap; A main body portion, (i) a tail piece including a bottom end, a top end, and an intermediate portion extending between said bottom end and said top end, said tail piece having a diameter sized for insertion into a pipe or fitting of a drain, waste, and vent system; (ii) a flange extending radially from the upper end of the tail piece, the flange including a top surface, a bottom surface, an edge extending between the top and bottom surfaces, a cap seat positioned on the periphery of the top surface adjacent the edge for sealingly engaging the bottom edge of the cap wall, and an inlet including inlet ribs, wherein an inlet opening extends through the flange from the bottom surface to the top surface and is defined as a gap between the inlet ribs, at least some of the inlet ribs including a valve seat member at the top surface of the flange; a body portion including: a flexible washer having a bottom surface, a top surface, an outer concentric edge extending between said top surface and said bottom surface, and an inner concentric edge defining a central void and extending between said top surface and said bottom surface; a push seal mounted on the bottom end of the tail piece, (i) a first set of sealing ribs positioned on a distal portion of the push seal, each of the first set of sealing ribs projecting radially from the tail piece to define a first sealing diameter that ensures a fluid seal between the first set of sealing ribs and an inner surface of a drain, waste, and vent system pipe or fitting having a first inner diameter when the tail piece is inserted therein; (ii) a second set of sealing ribs positioned at a proximal portion of the push seal, each of the second set of sealing ribs projecting radially from the tail piece to define a second seal diameter that is larger than the first seal diameter and that ensures a fluid seal between the second set of sealing ribs and an inner surface of a pipe or fitting of a drain, waste, and vent system having a second inner diameter that is larger than the first inner diameter when the tail piece is inserted therein; a push seal, Including, when the pressure inside the tail piece is not less than the ambient pressure outside the vent valve assembly, the flexible washer seats on the top surface of the flange and the bottom surface of the flexible washer contacts the valve seat member, thereby preventing fluid communication between the inside of the tail piece and the ambient environment outside the vent valve assembly through the intake opening in the flange; When the pressure inside the tail piece is less than the ambient pressure outside the vent valve assembly, the flexible washer rises in a direction guided by contact of the outer concentric edge with the radially inner surface of the cap wall, or by contact of the inner concentric edge with a grid wall, or both, thereby enabling fluid communication between the inside of the tail piece and the ambient environment outside the vent valve assembly through the intake opening in the flange. (14) The vent valve assembly of claim 13, wherein the total area of ​​the intake openings in the flange is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the tail piece. (15) The vent valve assembly of any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein the inlet ribs include an inner inlet rib, an intermediate inlet rib, and an outer inlet rib, each concentrically disposed around the flange.

[0053] (16) The vent valve assembly of any of claims 13 to 15, wherein at least some of the valve seat members of the inlet ribs include tapered points to limit the contact area between the inlet ribs and the flexible washer. (17) The vent valve assembly of embodiment 13, further comprising a pipe seal rib extending radially from the tail piece to define a third seal diameter, the third seal diameter being larger than the second seal diameter, ensuring a fluid seal at the upper edge of the pipe or fitting of the drain, waste, and vent system having a second inner diameter. (18) A vent valve assembly as described in embodiment 13, wherein one rib of the second set of sealing ribs ensures a fluid seal at the upper edge of the pipe or fitting for a drain, waste, and vent system pipe having a first inner diameter. (19) A vent valve assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the flexible washer (40) further comprises a carrier ring (41) removably attached to the inner periphery of the flexible washer. (20) A vent valve assembly according to any one of embodiments 13 to 18, wherein the flexible washer (40) further comprises one or more substantially rigid support rings (47) on the top surface of the flexible washer.

[0054] (21) A vent valve assembly comprising: A cap, (i) a top surface; (ii) a back surface; (iii) a cap wall having a top edge extending from an outer periphery of the top surface, a bottom edge defining a terminal end of the cap wall, a radially inner surface, and a radially outer surface; a cap; A main body portion, (i) a tail piece including a bottom end, a top end, and an intermediate portion extending between said bottom end and said top end, said tail piece having a diameter sized for insertion into a pipe or fitting of a drain, waste, and vent system; (ii) a flange extending radially from the upper end of the tail piece, the flange including a top surface, a bottom surface, an edge extending between the top and bottom surfaces, a cap seat positioned on the periphery of the top surface adjacent the edge for sealingly engaging the bottom edge of the cap wall, and an inlet including inlet ribs, wherein an inlet opening extends through the flange from the bottom surface to the top surface and is defined as a gap between the inlet ribs, at least some of the inlet ribs including a valve seat member at the top surface of the flange; a body portion including: a flexible washer having a bottom surface, a top surface, an outer concentric edge extending between said top surface and said bottom surface, and an inner concentric edge defining a central void and extending between said top surface and said bottom surface; Including, when the pressure inside the tail piece is not less than the ambient pressure outside the vent valve assembly, the flexible washer seats on the top surface of the flange and the bottom surface of the flexible washer contacts the valve seat member, thereby preventing fluid communication between the inside of the tail piece and the ambient environment outside the vent valve assembly through the intake opening in the flange; when the pressure inside the tail piece is less than the ambient pressure outside the vent valve assembly, the flexible washer rises in a direction guided by contact of the outer concentric edge with the radially inner surface of the cap wall, or by contact of the inner concentric edge with a grid wall, or both, thereby allowing fluid communication between the inside of the tail piece and the ambient environment outside the vent valve assembly through the intake opening in the flange; a total area of ​​the intake openings in the flange that is equal to or greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the tail piece. (22) The cap is a grid including grid posts, grid openings representing voids between the grid posts, a top edge extending from the back surface of the cap, and a bottom edge spaced from the top edge; a lattice wall extending between the top edge and the bottom edge, the lattice extending around the back surface of the cap concentrically with the cap wall; 22. The vent valve assembly of claim 21, further comprising: (23) The vent valve assembly of claim 22, wherein fluid communication between the interior of the tail piece and the ambient environment is also through the grid openings in the grid. (24) The vent valve assembly of any one of claims 22 to 23, wherein the total area of ​​the grille openings is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the tail piece. (25) A vent valve assembly according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the flexible washer (40) further comprises a carrier ring (41) removably attached to the inner periphery of the flexible washer.

[0055] (26) The vent valve assembly of any one of embodiments 21 to 24, wherein the flexible washer (40) further comprises one or more substantially rigid support rings (47) on the top surface of the flexible washer. (27) A method for selectively introducing air into a piping system, comprising: A method comprising inserting a portion of a vent valve assembly described in any one of claims 1 to 26 into an open end of a pipe of the piping system, said insertion forming a seal between the vent valve assembly and the end of the pipe.

Claims

1. 1. A vent valve assembly comprising: A cap (2), (i) an upper surface (4); (ii) a back surface (6); (iii) a cap wall (8) having an upper edge extending from the outer periphery of said upper surface, a bottom edge (10) defining a terminal end of said cap wall, a radially inner surface (12), and a radially outer surface (14); (iv) a grid (16) including grid posts (18), grid openings (19) representing voids between the grid posts, a top edge (20) extending from the back surface (6) of the cap, a bottom edge (22) spaced from the top edge, and grid walls (24) extending between the top edge (20) and the bottom edge (22), wherein the grid (16) extends around the back surface of the cap concentrically with the cap walls; a cap; A body portion (24) comprising: (i) a tail piece (25) including a bottom end (26), a top end (28), and an intermediate portion extending between said bottom end and said top end, said tail piece having a diameter sized for insertion into a pipe or fitting of a drain, waste, and vent system; (ii) a flange (30) extending radially from the upper end of the tail piece, the flange including a top surface, a bottom surface, an edge (31) extending between the top and bottom surfaces, a cap seat (32) positioned on the periphery of the top surface adjacent the edge for sealingly engaging the bottom edge (10) of the cap wall (8), and an inlet including inlet ribs (34), wherein an inlet opening (36) extends through the flange from the bottom surface to the top surface and is defined as a gap between the inlet ribs, at least some of the inlet ribs (34) including a valve seat member (38) at the top surface of the flange; a body portion including: a flexible washer (40) having a bottom surface, a top surface, an outer concentric edge extending between said top surface and said bottom surface, and an inner concentric edge defining a central void and extending between said top surface and said bottom surface; Including, when the pressure inside the tail piece is not less than the ambient pressure outside the vent valve assembly, the flexible washer seats on the top surface of the flange and the bottom surface of the flexible washer contacts the valve seat member, thereby preventing fluid communication between the inside of the tail piece and the ambient environment outside the vent valve assembly through the intake opening in the flange; When the pressure inside the tail piece is less than the ambient pressure outside the vent valve assembly, the flexible washer rises in a direction guided by contact of the outer concentric edge with the radially inner surface of the cap wall, or by contact of the inner concentric edge with a grid wall, or both, thereby enabling fluid communication between the inside of the tail piece and the ambient environment outside the vent valve assembly through the intake opening in the flange.

2. The vent valve assembly of claim 1 , wherein fluid communication between the interior of the tail piece and the ambient environment is also through the grid openings in the grid.

3. 3. The vent valve assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the total area of ​​the grille openings is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the tail piece.

4. 2. The vent valve assembly of claim 1, wherein a total area of ​​the intake openings in the flange is equal to or greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the tail piece.

5. The vent valve assembly of claim 1 , wherein the inlet ribs include an inner inlet rib, an intermediate inlet rib, and an outer inlet rib each concentrically disposed about the flange.

6. 2. The vent valve assembly of claim 1, wherein at least some of the valve seat members of the inlet ribs include tapered points to limit the contact area between the inlet ribs and the flexible washer.

7. The vent valve assembly of claim 1 , wherein the upper edge of the grille is integral with the underside of the cap.

8. a push seal (42) mounted on the bottom end (26) of the tail piece (25); (i) a first set of sealing ribs (44a, 44b, 44c) positioned on a distal portion of said push seal (42), each of said first set of sealing ribs projecting radially from said tail piece to define a first sealing diameter that ensures a fluid seal between said first set of sealing ribs and an inner surface of a drain, waste, and vent system pipe or fitting having a first inner diameter when said tail piece is inserted therein; (ii) a second set of sealing ribs (46) positioned at a proximal portion of the push seal, each of the second set of sealing ribs projecting radially from the tail piece to define a second sealing diameter, the second sealing diameter being larger than the first sealing diameter, to ensure a fluid seal between the second set of sealing ribs and an inner surface of a drain, waste, and vent system pipe or fitting having a second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter when the tail piece is inserted therein; 10. The vent valve assembly of claim 1, comprising:

9. 9. The vent valve assembly of claim 8, further comprising a pipe seal rib (48) extending radially from said tail piece to define a third seal diameter, said third seal diameter being larger than said second seal diameter to ensure a fluid seal at an upper edge of said pipe or fitting of a drain, waste, and vent system having a second inner diameter.

10. 9. The vent valve assembly of claim 8, wherein one rib (44c) of the second set of sealing ribs ensures a fluid seal at an upper edge of the pipe or fitting of a drain, waste, and vent system having a first inner diameter.

11. 2. The vent valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the flexible washer (40) further includes a carrier ring (41) removably attached to the inner periphery of the flexible washer.

12. 2. The vent valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the flexible washer (40) further includes one or more substantially rigid support rings (47) on the top surface of the flexible washer.

13. 1. A vent valve assembly comprising: A cap, (i) a top surface; (ii) a back surface; and (iii) a cap wall having a top edge extending from an outer periphery of the top surface, a bottom edge defining a terminal end of the cap wall, a radially inner surface, and a radially outer surface; a cap; A main body portion, (i) a tail piece including a bottom end, a top end, and an intermediate portion extending between the bottom end and the top end, the tail piece having a diameter sized for insertion into a pipe or fitting of a drain, waste, and vent system; (ii) a flange extending radially from the upper end of the tail piece, the flange including a top surface, a bottom surface, an edge extending between the top and bottom surfaces, a cap seat positioned on the periphery of the top surface adjacent the edge for sealingly engaging the bottom edge of the cap wall, and an inlet including inlet ribs, wherein an inlet opening extends through the flange from the bottom surface to the top surface and is defined as a gap between the inlet ribs, at least some of the inlet ribs including a valve seat member at the top surface of the flange; a body portion including: a flexible washer having a bottom surface, a top surface, an outer concentric edge extending between said top surface and said bottom surface, and an inner concentric edge defining a central void and extending between said top surface and said bottom surface; a push seal mounted on the bottom end of the tail piece, (i) a first set of sealing ribs positioned on a distal portion of the push seal, each of the first set of sealing ribs projecting radially from the tail piece to define a first sealing diameter that ensures a fluid seal between the first set of sealing ribs and an inner surface of a drain, waste, and vent system pipe or fitting having a first inner diameter when the tail piece is inserted therein; (ii) a second set of sealing ribs positioned at a proximal portion of the push seal, each of the second set of sealing ribs projecting radially from the tail piece to define a second sealing diameter, the second sealing diameter being larger than the first sealing diameter, to ensure a fluid seal between the second set of sealing ribs and an inner surface of a drain, waste, and vent system pipe or fitting having a second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter when the tail piece is inserted therein; a push seal, Including, when the pressure inside the tail piece is not less than the ambient pressure outside the vent valve assembly, the flexible washer seats on the top surface of the flange and the bottom surface of the flexible washer contacts the valve seat member, thereby preventing fluid communication between the inside of the tail piece and the ambient environment outside the vent valve assembly through the intake opening in the flange; When the pressure inside the tail piece is less than the ambient pressure outside the vent valve assembly, the flexible washer rises in a direction guided by contact of the outer concentric edge with the radially inner surface of the cap wall, or by contact of the inner concentric edge with a grid wall, or both, thereby enabling fluid communication between the inside of the tail piece and the ambient environment outside the vent valve assembly through the intake opening in the flange.

14. 14. The vent valve assembly of claim 13, wherein a total area of ​​the intake openings in the flange is equal to or greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the tail piece.

15. 15. The vent valve assembly of claim 13 or 14, wherein the inlet ribs include an inner inlet rib, an intermediate inlet rib, and an outer inlet rib each concentrically disposed around the flange.

16. 14. The vent valve assembly of claim 13, wherein at least some of the valve seat members of the inlet ribs include tapered points to limit the contact area between the inlet ribs and the flexible washer.

17. 14. The vent valve assembly of claim 13, further comprising a pipe seal rib extending radially from said tail piece to define a third seal diameter, said third seal diameter being larger than said second seal diameter to ensure a fluid seal at an upper edge of said pipe or fitting of a drain, waste, and vent system having a second inner diameter.

18. 14. The vent valve assembly of claim 13, wherein one rib of the second set of sealing ribs ensures a fluid seal at an upper edge of the pipe or fitting for a drain, waste, and vent system pipe having a first inner diameter.

19. 14. The vent valve assembly of claim 13, wherein the flexible washer (40) further comprises a carrier ring (41) removably attached to the inner periphery of the flexible washer.

20. 14. The vent valve assembly of claim 13, wherein the flexible washer (40) further includes one or more substantially rigid support rings (47) on the top surface of the flexible washer.

21. 1. A vent valve assembly comprising: A cap, (i) a top surface; (ii) a back surface; and (iii) a cap wall having a top edge extending from an outer periphery of the top surface, a bottom edge defining a terminal end of the cap wall, a radially inner surface, and a radially outer surface; a cap; A main body portion, (i) a tail piece including a bottom end, a top end, and an intermediate portion extending between the bottom end and the top end, the tail piece having a diameter sized for insertion into a pipe or fitting of a drain, waste, and vent system; (ii) a flange extending radially from the upper end of the tail piece, the flange including a top surface, a bottom surface, an edge extending between the top and bottom surfaces, a cap seat positioned on the periphery of the top surface adjacent the edge for sealingly engaging the bottom edge of the cap wall, and an inlet including inlet ribs, wherein an inlet opening extends through the flange from the bottom surface to the top surface and is defined as a gap between the inlet ribs, at least some of the inlet ribs including a valve seat member at the top surface of the flange; a body portion including: a flexible washer having a bottom surface, a top surface, an outer concentric edge extending between said top surface and said bottom surface, and an inner concentric edge defining a central void and extending between said top surface and said bottom surface; Including, when the pressure inside the tail piece is not less than the ambient pressure outside the vent valve assembly, the flexible washer seats on the top surface of the flange and the bottom surface of the flexible washer contacts the valve seat member, thereby preventing fluid communication between the inside of the tail piece and the ambient environment outside the vent valve assembly through the intake opening in the flange; when the pressure inside the tail piece is less than the ambient pressure outside the vent valve assembly, the flexible washer rises in a direction guided by contact of the outer concentric edge with the radially inner surface of the cap wall, or by contact of the inner concentric edge with a grid wall, or both, thereby allowing fluid communication between the inside of the tail piece and the ambient environment outside the vent valve assembly through the intake opening in the flange; a total area of ​​the intake openings in the flange that is equal to or greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the tail piece.

22. The cap is a grid including grid posts, grid openings representing voids between the grid posts, a top edge extending from the back surface of the cap, and a bottom edge spaced from the top edge; a lattice wall extending between the top edge and the bottom edge, the lattice extending around the back surface of the cap concentrically with the cap wall; 22. The vent valve assembly of claim 21, further comprising:

23. 23. The vent valve assembly of claim 22, wherein fluid communication between the interior of the tail piece and the ambient environment is also through the grid openings in the grid.

24. 24. A vent valve assembly according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the total area of ​​the grille openings is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the tail piece.

25. 22. The vent valve assembly of claim 21, wherein the flexible washer (40) further comprises a carrier ring (41) removably attached to the inner periphery of the flexible washer.

26. 22. The vent valve assembly of claim 21, wherein the flexible washer (40) further includes one or more substantially rigid support rings (47) on the top surface of the flexible washer.

27. 1. A method for selectively aerating a piping system, comprising:

10. A method comprising inserting a portion of the vent valve assembly of claim 1 into an open end of a pipe of the piping system, said insertion forming a seal between said vent valve assembly and said end of said pipe.

Images