Drain valve device

Abstract

Disclosed is a drain valve device configured for selective installation within a drainage pipe of a plumbing system in order to improve flow while mitigating against backflow and one or more from among pathogens, gases, odours and pests within the plumbing system.

Description

“DRAIN VALVE APPARATUS” BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The subject matter of this patent application relates generally to drainage devices and more particularly to drain valves configured as a siphon sealing protection device for removable installation within floor, sink and other drains of a plumbing system.

[0002] The following description includes information that may be helpful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any specific or implicitly referenced publication is prior art.

[0003] Applicant hereby incorporates by reference any and all patents and published patent applications cited or referred to in this application to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent with 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.

[0004] For reference, a variety of drains are used in commercial and residential plumbing contexts, essentially configured to remove or allow the flow of water or other fluids from a basin or surface and to a downstream wastewater system. Most of these drains, whether in the floor, in a sink, or similar, are annular with a flange that sits flush with the surface in which the drain hole is formed and with a body or throat extending downward from the surface of the drain hole and the drain flange that is in fluid communication with a drain pipe connected to the drain opposite its flange. Spanning the drain opening and thus somewhat coplanar with the drain flange or below the drain throat, a perforated cover or strainer is often formed. to prevent injury or foreign objects or debris from entering the drain, while still allowing fluid to flow.

[0005] Specifically, floor drains, which are effectively plumbing fixtures installed in the floor of a structure designed to remove any standing water from the surrounding area, typically range in size from two to six inches in internal diameter, with four inches being the most common, though sometimes as large as ten to twelve inches or more. These floor drains can be used in residential settings, particularly in basements, such as near hot water heaters or appliances like washing machines, but are more commonly part of commercial plumbing systems in bathrooms, locker rooms, or shower rooms, such as in gyms and similar facilities, kitchens, cooler areas, laundry facilities, such as in laundromats and in hotels and apartment buildings, and in pool decks and pump rooms.In facilities such as hospitals and clinics, the performance of any of these wastewater plumbing and drainage systems and the prevention or mitigation of backflow or the escape of pathogens, gases, odors, and pests through a siphon seal protection device is even more critical.

[0006] Typically, a trap is created within the piping or pipe downstream of a drain to prevent sewer gases and even insects from traveling through the drain and into the interior space. This is unsightly and even poses health risks due to pathogens and other harmful substances that can lodge in drain lines and plumbing systems. However, these traps are only marginally effective and, in some applications, simply do not comply with plumbing codes. In fact, particularly in the case of urinal drains, sanitation codes require urinals and other drains to provide a seal to contain gases and odors that develop in the drainage system. Typical seals include the well-known P-traps or S-traps, in which a residual portion of the flush water forms a seal that blocks the drain. Effectively eliminate odors downstream of the siphon seal. However, because the upstream portion of the drain pipe or system above the siphon seal communicates freely with the environment, frequent flushing is often necessary to eliminate residual urine and prevent any odors emanating from the siphon seals. And 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. “Waterless” or “water-free” urinals are becoming more necessary due to the growing concern about limiting unnecessary water use. Therefore, with a growing emphasis on water conservation, there is a growing interest in toilets and urinals designed to minimize the amount of water used, but which must still address concerns about gases, odors, pathogens, and pests that travel up and down the drain.

[0007] Various forms of drain valves for use in sinks, including kitchen sinks with garbage disposals, in floor drains, and in waterless urinals, each allowing the passage of wastewater and other fluids up, down, or through the valve, while simultaneously preventing or mitigating the passage of wastewater, as in a backflow or backpressure situation, or gases, odors, pests, etc., from rising through the valve, are known essentially as one-way valves, including duckbill valves, umbrella valves, float valves, check valves, and skirt valves. Examples of such drain valves are shown in U.S. Patent No. 1,137,516 to Moon, issued April 27, 1915, entitled "Sewer Trap," and in U.S. Patent No. 4,088,149 to Logsdon, issued May 9, 1978, entitled "Check Valve Structure for Use in Drains." In US Patent No.No. 4,180,875 to Wilson issued January 1, 1980, and entitled “Urine Disposal Bypass Unit,” in U.S. Patent No. 4,712,574 to Perrott issued December 15, 1987, and entitled “Vacuum-Breaking Valve for Pressurized Fluid Lines,” in U.S. Patent No. 6,401,266 to Mitchell et al. issued June 11, 1987. 2002 and titled “Waste Outlet Device”, in U.S. Patent No. 10,458,106 to Benesh et al. issued on October 29, 2019 and titled “Waterless Trap” and in U.S. Patent No. 11,384,853 to Noll et al. issued on July 12, 2022 and titled “Backflow Prevention and Method of Manufacture”.

[0008] Most notably, Fima's U.S. Patent No. 7,900,288, issued March 8, 2011, titled "Drain Cartridge Having Removable Valved System," discloses various embodiments of a cartridge for regulating fluid flow that includes an upper compartment and a user-removable insert from the upper compartment. The cartridge may include one or more valves that are bypassed in a closed position to prevent odors from escaping from the cartridge, and may also include a fluid trap that is at least partially disposed within or fluidly coupled to the cartridge. A U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20210101158, issued April 8, 2021, titled "Skirt Valve for Kitchen Sink, and Method of Disposing of Food," discloses apparatus, systems, and methods in which a valve mechanism is incorporated into a drain to reduce or prevent the emission of noise or food fragments from an operating garbage disposal.The valve mechanism is typically a skirt-shaped valve tilted to a closed position, placed inside a compartment and inserted into a drain so that food or fluid passes through the valve to a downstream grinding device. After the food or liquid passes through the valve, it closes.

[0009] While several of these earlier drainage devices aim to solve the same problem of allowing wastewater and other fluids, even those containing debris, to pass through the valve from above, such as in the context of a sink, floor drain, or urinal, while also blocking, preventing, or mitigating the backflow of any of these fluids, as well as the escape of related odors, gases, pathogens, pests, and even noise, with some of these devices even functioning to mitigate such problems to some extent or with some success, improvements are still needed, particularly in connection to the allowable or maximum flow rate through the valve device, even while providing other mitigation functions as noted.

[0010] Aspects of the present invention meet these needs and provide additional related advantages as described in the following summary. SUMMARY

[0011] Aspects of the present invention teach certain benefits in construction and use that give rise to the exemplary advantages described below.

[0012] The present invention solves the problems described above by providing a new and improved drain valve apparatus. In at least one embodiment, a drain valve apparatus is disclosed and configured for selective installation within a drain pipe of a plumbing system to improve flow while mitigating backflow and one or more pathogens, gases, odors, and pests within the plumbing system.

[0013] Other objects, features and advantages of aspects of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of aspects of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention will be briefly described in the following paragraphs:

[0015] The present invention discloses a drain valve apparatus configured for use as a siphon seal protection device within a plumbing system comprising: a valve housing having a housing proximal end and an opposing housing distal end with a passage therebetween, the valve housing comprising: a valve housing wall defining the passage and having a housing outer surface and an opposing housing inner surface formed by a helical groove; a valve housing support positioned within the passage between the housing proximal end and the housing distal end, the valve housing support valve housing having at least one support arm having a contoured proximally facing surface, and extending inwardly from the inner surface of the valve housing wall and terminating centrally within the passageway in an axially oriented posterior valve housing receiver having a tapered proximal surface; and a posterior valve housing having a valve collar receiver and extending distally from the posterior valve housing receiver;a skirt valve having a resilient bell-shaped valve body distally terminating at a distal end of the valve and having a proximal valve collar having a valve collar port configured for receipt in the valve collar receiver upon operative installation of the skirt valve in the posterior valve housing, such that the distal end of the valve seats against a valve seat portion of the inner wall of the valve housing proximal to the distal end of the housing, whereby the skirt valve is protected by the wall of the valve housing and selectively seals the passage;and a resilient outer gasket installed on the outer surface of the valve housing wall opposite the valve housing support, the outer gasket configured to accommodate and seal within a drain pipe of the plumbing system when the appliance is inserted therein, whereby upon insertion of the appliance into the drain pipe, the outer gasket and the skirt-shaped valve cooperate in mitigating against backflow and escape of pathogens, gases, odors, and pests from within the plumbing system, while the helical groove and the skirt-shaped valve cooperate to improve flow through the appliance within the drain pipe.;

[0016] The apparatus, in which the helical groove is left-handed so as to induce counterclockwise rotational motion in any fluid stream passing through the apparatus.

[0017] The apparatus, in which the helical groove is approximately three hundredths of an inch deep and approximately five hundredths of an inch wide.

[0018] The apparatus, wherein the helical groove comprises at least two complete threads around the inner surface of the housing.

[0019] The apparatus, wherein at least one support arm extends radially inwardly from the inner surface of the valve compartment wall proximal to the helical groove, such that the helical groove is positioned between the at least one support arm and the skirt-shaped valve.

[0020] The apparatus, in which the tapered proximal surface comes to a proximally oriented point.

[0021] The apparatus, in which a posterior valve compartment plug is inserted opposite the proximal posterior valve compartment receiver. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of the present invention. In such drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a first exemplary drain valve apparatus, according to at least one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken from line 3-3 in Figure 1, with the drain valve apparatus in a first operational mode, according to at least one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3 is a top perspective view of a second exemplary drain valve apparatus, according to at least one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view thereof, according to at least one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5 is a reduced-scale cross-sectional view thereof, installed in a drain and including an optional bioremediation device attached to the rear valve compartment plug.

[0028] The figures described above illustrate aspects of the invention in at least one of its exemplary embodiments, which are further defined in detail in the following description. Features, elements and aspects of the invention that are referenced by the same numbers in different figures represent equal, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects in accordance with one or more embodiments. More generally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings are schematic in nature and should not be taken literally or to scale in terms of material configurations, sizes, thicknesses, and other attributes of an apparatus in accordance with aspects of the present invention and its components or features, unless specifically set forth herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following discussion provides many examples of embodiments of the subject matter of the invention. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the subject matter of the invention is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the subject matter of the invention is also considered to include other combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0030] Although the subject matter of the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative embodiments, certain illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to any specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the subject matter of the invention should encompass all modifications, alternative embodiments, and equivalents that fall within the scope of the claims.

[0031] With general reference to FIGS. 1-4, there are shown perspective and cross-sectional views of two alternative exemplary embodiments of a drain valve apparatus 20 in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The drain valve apparatus 20 comprises, in such exemplary embodiments, a valve housing 30, an inner skirt-shaped valve 90 operatively installed to selectively seal within the valve housing 30 and an external gasket 100 installed in the valve housing 30 to sealingly install the drain valve apparatus 20 within a drain. As a starting point, it will be appreciated that such drain valve apparatus 20 may assume a number of forms, shapes, or configurations in addition to those shown, beginning with the annular features and general configuration, so that, unless otherwise indicated, these are to be understood as illustrative and not limiting. Even so, it will be appreciated that in most applications, and certainly in connection with typical plumbing applications, such drains and pipes with which a drain valve apparatus 20 in accordance with aspects of the present invention will interface are annular, and thus the drain valve apparatus 20, and particularly its features for mating, sealing, or otherwise contacting such annular plumbing fittings and components, are also annular.By way of further illustration and not limitation, in typical plumbing applications, such drains or drainpipes may have a nominal inside diameter in the range of one and a quarter inches (1.25 inches) to six inches (6 inches) or larger, with floor drains specifically generally ranging nominally from two to six inches (2-6 inches) in inside diameter, with four inches (4 inches) being most common. For relatively smaller sized drains or drainpipes, and therefore drain valve apparatus 20, such as nominally three inches (3 inches) and below, the valve housing support 50 for the skirt-shaped valve 90 positioned within the valve housing 30 may comprise a support arm 52 as shown in the first exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-2, and for relatively larger sized drains or drainpipes, and therefore drain valve apparatus 20, such as larger than three inches (3 inches).), the valve housing support 50 for the skirt-shaped valve 90 positioned within the valve housing 30 may comprise two support arms 52, as shown in the second exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 3-5, although again those technical. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such configurations of the valve housing support 50 are merely exemplary, and that relatively smaller drain valve apparatus 20 may further have two or more support arms 52, and relatively larger drain valve apparatus 20 may ultimately have one or more support arms 52 (only one support arm 52 or more than two support arms 52 versus the two support arms 52 illustrated), and any two or more support arms 52 may be in any orientation or angular position relative to one another and not necessarily one hundred eighty degrees (180°) apart as illustrated.

[0032] In a little more detail regarding exemplary embodiments of a drain valve apparatus 20 in accordance with aspects of the present invention, the relatively rigid valve housing 30 has an upper mouth or housing proximal end 32 and an opposing valve seat adjacent the housing distal end 34 with an axial flow passage 36 therebetween through the valve housing 30. The valve housing 30 itself comprises a substantially annular valve housing wall 40 having an inner surface 42 that effectively defines the flow passage 36, including the lower valve seat portion of the housing distal end 34 proximal inner surface 42, more about which is said further below, and an opposing outer surface 46 on which is seated or installed the outer gasket 100.In exemplary embodiments, the outer surface 46 of the valve housing is formed having circumferential ribs 48 configured to engage corresponding circumferential grooves 108 formed in the inner surface 106 of the outer gasket 100 for better retention of the outer gasket 100 in the valve housing 30, whether the outer gasket 100 is formed separately and installed in the valve housing 30 or otherwise. And the outer surface 102 of the outer gasket 100 is formed with one or more radially outwardly extending resilient circumferential flanges 104, which will be appreciated for compliance and sealing against the drain or pipe. on which drain valve apparatus 20 is installed, more on which is discussed below. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, on the one hand, such resilient circumferential flanges 104 thereby accommodate a degree of variation in the inside diameter (size and roundness) of the drain or pipe, such that the nominal inside diameters, and thus the sizes of drain valve apparatus 20 mentioned above, are just that (nominal), and specific drain valve apparatuses 20 can thus selectively and sealingly fit drains and pipes above and below such nominal sizes, depending on a number of factors. Likewise, it will be appreciated that the wider or greater the radial extent of one or more of these circumferential flanges 104, the greater the variety of drain or pipe sizes that can be accommodated.By way of illustration and not limitation, the width of the circumferential flanges 104 is typically on the order of one-quarter inch (0.25 in.), meaning that the nominal outside diameter or circumference of the circumferential flanges 104 is approximately one-half inch (0.5 in.) larger than the nominal outside diameter of the outer gasket 100 and the valve housing wall 40 axially below or distal to the outer gasket 100, resulting in a capability of the drain valve apparatus 20, at a given nominal size, to accommodate a variety of drains or pipes approximately plus or minus one-quarter inch (+ / - 0.25 in.), for example. And if a wider drain or pipe size range is desired for a single drain valve apparatus 20, one or more of the gasket circumferential flanges 104 may be relatively wider, such as one-half inch (0.5 in.).) or more, it being appreciated that in all of these scenarios, the thickness and spacing of the circumferential flanges 104 and the type of material of the outer gasket 100 are also factors in the pipe size range in which a given drain valve apparatus 20 can in practice be installed. Likewise, in certain plumbing contexts in which the pipe below a drain or fitting is in fact larger than the drain opening, it will be appreciated that by having circumferential flanges. 104 of flexible and resilient joints radially outside the valve housing 30 and the valve housing wall 40, in particular, the drain valve apparatus 20 can be pushed through the relatively smaller drain opening or mouth and into the relatively larger diameter pipe below, with the size or largest outer diameter of the relatively rigid valve housing wall 40 being the functional limitation of the installation.In any event, in a further exemplary embodiment of a drain valve apparatus 20 and its outer gasket 100 in accordance with aspects of the present invention, the upper or proximal circumferential flange 104 may be slightly larger than any other circumferential flanges 104 further down along the gasket 100 so that the relatively larger upper circumferential flange 104 may accommodate more fully within the mouth or opening of a drain, rather than the drain valve apparatus 20 being pushed further into the drain below its mouth. Each such drain valve apparatus 20 and its valve housing 30 and valve housing wall 40 specifically may have a nominal height of two inches (2 inches) to accommodate securely within most drains and pipes.Again, a variety of such configurations of a drain valve apparatus 20, in accordance with aspects of the present invention, including its outer gasket 100, for selectively accommodating and sealing the drain valve apparatus 20 within a drain or pipe, are possible in accordance with aspects of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

[0033] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-4, and particularly to the view of FIG. 1 illustrating the internal features of exemplary embodiments of a drain valve apparatus 20 in accordance with aspects of the present invention, it is first observed that the inner surface 42 of the wall of the valve housing 40 has a somewhat inwardly curved or convex shape between the upper or proximal end 32 and the opposite distal end of the housing 34, most pronounced, in fact, at the upper mouth and lower valve seat. the shape of the inner wall surface 42 of which will serve to enhance flow through the drain valve apparatus 20 as if having a Venturi effect and thus serve to effectively accelerate an incompressible fluid such as water passing through the center of the drain valve apparatus 20, the passageway 36 of which is therefore a slight constriction relative to the inlet 32 ​​and outlet. And with one or more support arms 52 angled upwardly or proximally from the valve housing support 50 of the valve housing 30 extending from an intermediate location along the inner wall surface 42 of the valve housing, it will be appreciated that the curved opening or mouth 32 of the valve housing 30 is thus completely unobstructed around its entire circumference for improved or optimized "overflow" flow into the drain valve apparatus 20.

[0034] Most notably, in terms of new and improved features of a drain valve apparatus 20 in accordance with aspects of the present invention, further related to the valve housing wall 40 formed along the inner surface 42 at an intermediate location and a helical groove 44, or a groove formed in the inner surface 42 in a helical or spiral pattern or configuration. In the exemplary embodiment, such groove 44 is left-handed so as to be counterclockwise or induce counterclockwise movement as viewed from above the drain valve apparatus 20, or looking into the drain valve apparatus 20 from the proximal or upper end or mouth 32 of the valve housing 30.It will be appreciated that such a groove 44 may thus serve to induce rotational or swirling motion into any fluid flow passing through the drain valve apparatus 20 and thereby cause or create a vortex effect within the fluid flow, further accelerating the fluid and enhancing flow through the drain valve apparatus 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the helical groove 44 is approximately three hundredths of an inch (0.03 in.) deep and approximately five hundredths of an inch (0.05 in.) wide. comprises at least two to three complete “threads” or bands around the inner surface 42, although it will be appreciated that other sizes, lengths, and configurations of any such helical groove 44 are possible in accordance with aspects of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. In exemplary embodiments, the helical groove 44 is located in the lower portion of the inner surface 42 of the valve housing wall below one or more support arms 52 nearest the distal or outlet end, and therefore the valve seat, and the adjacent wide end of the bell-shaped skirt valve 90, so as to encourage or induce such turbulent flow in or immediately above the skirt valve body 92 and further encourage such fluid flow over and around the resilient skirt valve body 92.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the incorporation of such a helical groove 44 on the inner surface 42 of the valve disrupts the conventional flow profile of the liquid, so that, although the primary flow remains oriented downward or axially through the drain valve apparatus 20, the helical design imparts a secondary circular or spiral flow pattern, thereby increasing fluid dynamics and improving drainage. Indeed, in a vertically aligned drain configuration, gravitational force generally dictates the descent of the liquid, but the helical groove 44 induces a centrifugal force due to the generated circular flow, which does not necessarily increase the gravitational acceleration inherently, but can still amplify the effective descent rate by reducing flow resistance.Similarly, angular momentum can again lead to the formation of a vortex or spiraling motion that creates a central low-pressure zone within the drain valve apparatus 20. This vortex can pull fluid through the drain 20 more efficiently, even separating the liquid column from the air column, or otherwise leading to better mixing of the fluid, or even introducing air into the flow, which would reduce the fluid's effective viscosity and facilitate relatively easier or greater flow. As a result, the fluid flows through relatively faster. of drain valve apparatus 20, and airlock scenarios, where air impedes fluid flow, are minimized, as discussed below relating to the venting aspects of the new and improved drain valve apparatus 20 in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, the kinetic energy associated with the rotary motion of the liquid ensures that it maintains a rapid and continuous descent through drain valve apparatus 20, with higher kinetic energy generally indicating greater velocity, facilitating faster drainage. It will be appreciated that the inherent kinetic energy induced by helical groove 44 also helps the fluid counteract or overcome minor obstructions or resistances within drain valve apparatus 20, such as small debris or slight surface roughness, ensuring a relatively smoother flow.It will further be appreciated that helical features such as groove 44 can have a pronounced effect on the fluid flow boundary layer and can rejuvenate and disrupt this layer, which in certain configurations can decrease drag within drain valve apparatus 20, subsequently propelling the fluid at relatively higher velocities. Fundamentally, the implementation of a spiral or helical groove 44 on the inner surface 42 of the wall of valve housing 40 undoubtedly positively influences the drainage characteristics of drain valve apparatus 20.The potential of such a helical groove 44 to increase effective drainage velocity depends on the design details, the prevailing flow dynamics, and the specific application of the drain valve apparatus 20, although in any event the strategic incorporation of such helical grooves 44 can substantially increase drainage effectiveness through the induction of kinetic energy and angular momentum, each playing essential roles in optimizing fluid flow, the kinetic energy encouraging a relatively stable and rapid descent, and the angular momentum, through the induction of a spiral flow, offering multiple advantages, from vortex formation to boundary layer disruption, all working synergistically to improve the... drainage process through the novel and innovative drain valve apparatus 20 in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

[0035] As also best appreciated from the cross-sectional view, again, one or more support arms 52 of the valve housing support 54 extend at an upward or proximal angle from an intermediate location along the inner surface 42 of the valve housing wall 40 to the axially oriented posterior valve housing receiver 62 of the valve housing support 50. Each support arm 52 has a generally curved, rounded, conical, or otherwise contoured surface 54 facing upward or proximally. As shown, the top of the posterior valve housing receiver 62 is formed having a tapered proximal surface 64 that somewhat comes to a proximally oriented point. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that generally a pointed object will sink or move through a fluid at a relatively faster velocity than a rounded object or, of course, a blunt object.The rate at which an object sinks or moves through a fluid such as water, or conversely, the rate at which water or another fluid moves over an object, depends on several factors, including the shape and surface area of ​​the object, as well as the viscosity and density of the fluid itself. However, all else being equal, a sharp object will generally move through a fluid faster than other shapes based on factors such as water resistance or drag, which in turn is a factor of the surface area exposed to the fluid flow or the volume of flow displaced by the object, and related effects of streamlining and pressure distribution. Thus, when a liquid drains over differently shaped surfaces, the rate at which it drains can indeed be affected by the shape of the surface, so there are a few reasons why liquid may indeed drain faster over a sharp surface than even over a rounded surface.First, the contact angle between a liquid and a surface affects how easily the liquid can move over that surface. with a pointed surface, such as the tapered proximal surface 64 of the posterior valve housing receiver 62, naturally provides less area for liquid to adhere to, thus reducing the effects of surface tension and allowing the liquid to move more easily. Second, and relatedly, the actual surface area in contact with the liquid can affect drainage; a pointed surface potentially has a relatively smaller wetted perimeter, which reduces the frictional forces acting on the liquid as it drains and can result in relatively more efficient drainage compared to a rounded surface where the liquid is in contact with a larger area.Third, and also related to the surface or contact area, a sharp surface provides a more direct path for the liquid to follow as it moves downward, while a rounded surface can cause the liquid to spread out and cover a larger area, which can slow drainage due to increased friction and a longer path over the surface. Fourth, as a liquid drains, it can naturally coalesce into streams, and on a sharp surface, these streams can form more easily as the liquid seeks the path of least resistance, which can lead to relatively faster drainage, as opposed to a rounded surface where the liquid can be more spread out and drain in a thinner, more uniform layer.Fifth, still regarding channeling effects, in certain circumstances, especially in narrow spaces, capillary action can increase or slow fluid flow. Sharp angles, such as the pointed tapered proximal surface 64, create capillary breaks, thus interrupting flow in tiny channels. Rounded surfaces can promote capillary flow, although in the context of large-scale drainage over a surface, these effects are generally minimal. Ultimately, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a pointed or tapered shape, such as the tapered proximal surface 64 of the posterior valve compartment receiver 62, is preferable to rounded shapes. or others, directed toward fluid flow from above, will further contribute to improved flow through drain valve apparatus 20. Although a particular shape or configuration of proximal tapered surface 64 is shown, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other shapes or tapers (angles) of such proximally oriented pointed surface 64 are possible in accordance with aspects of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

[0036] Continuing with reference to FIG. 1-4 and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 illustrating the internal features of exemplary embodiments of a drain valve apparatus 20 in accordance with aspects of the present invention, it can also be seen that the posterior valve housing receiver 62 central to the valve housing support 50 is further formed opposite the tapered proximal surface 64. The posterior valve housing 70, in turn, houses or operatively supports the skirt-shaped valve 90 centrally within the valve housing 30, as by the skirt-shaped valve collar 96, and specifically by the orifice 98 thereof, being positioned in an intermediate valve collar receiver 82 formed between the upper and lower or proximal and distal flanges 76, 78 of the posterior valve housing 70, between which the skirt-shaped valve collar 96 is retained.Thus positioned, the bell-shaped valve body 92 of the skirt-shaped valve 90 extends radially outward and downward or distally from the valve collar 96 such that the distal end of the valve 94 is vertically aligned with and adjacent to or in contact with the valve seat formed or defined on the inner surface 42 proximal to and adjacent to the distal end of the housing 34 of the valve housing to selectively seal the drain valve apparatus 20. Notably, the length and position of the skirt-shaped valve 90 and specifically its valve body 92 are such that the relatively thin and more flexible distal end of the valve body 92 is vertically displaced proximally from the distal end of the housing 34 of the housing to further seal within the valve seat portion of the valve. inner surface 42 of the housing wall, while not extending or being exposed distally beyond the distal end of the housing 34 of the valve housing 30, so as to protect the distal end of the valve skirt 94 and maintain its annular shape for proper seating against the valve seat, versus the distal end of the valve skirt 94 being at or distally beyond the distal end of the housing 34 and susceptible to damage or deformation.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although the posterior valve housing 70 is thus shown and described as being a separate component from the valve housing support 50 and installed within or attached to the posterior valve housing receiver 62, such posterior valve housing 70 or related geometry or features may also be formed integrally with the valve housing support 50 and thus with the valve housing wall 40 of the valve housing 30, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Even so, it will be appreciated that by forming the posterior valve housing 70 separately with the length of its proximal protrusion 74 to the proximal flange 76.

[0037] With respect to the venting or pressure equalization aspects of such drain valve apparatus 20 in accordance with aspects of the present invention as shown and described herein, it is first noted again that such features and functionality as mitigation against any airlock effects in which the air or pressure differential that may impede fluid flow through the drain valve apparatus 20 may thus contribute to better drainage or overall flow.Due to the effects of fluid and air flow and the upwardly inclined support arms 52, it is noted that, as a siphon seal protection device, the drain valve apparatus 20 according to aspects of the present invention, including its venting and pressure equalization features to improve flow, does not compromise its function as an auxiliary drain siphon protection measure, particularly during possible minor incidences of backflow in the plumbing system, while at the same time. They also mitigate against contaminants and pests that exit the plumbing system through the drain.

[0038] By way of further illustration and not limitation with respect to the venting or pressure equalization aspects of such a drain valve apparatus 20 in accordance with aspects of the present invention, it can also be seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 that offset proximal and distal transverse ports are formed in the posterior valve housing 70 and specifically in the valve collar receiver 82 between the proximal and distal flanges 76, 78 of the posterior valve housing to provide an optional additional pathway for the venting or pressure equalization functionality of the drain valve apparatus 20 depending on the state or position of the skirt-shaped valve 90 and its collar 96, which selectively covers / closes one of the proximal and distal transverse ports. In the standard state of the skirt-shaped valve 90, as shown in FIG.1 for the exemplary embodiment having a single support arm 52, it can be seen that the skirt-shaped valve 90 is in its resting position displaced or located downwardly or distally in the valve collar receiver 82 of the posterior valve housing as by gravity, or otherwise or course as a result of flow through the drain valve apparatus 20 from above, such that the skirt-shaped valve collar 96 is seated on the lower or distal flange 78 of the posterior valve housing and is therefore adjacent to and covering the lower or distal transverse port. As such, the exposed upper or proximal transverse port provides conduit for air flow and pressure equalization through the drain valve apparatus 20.And conversely, for the exemplary embodiment having a single support arm 52, when the skirt-shaped valve 90 travels upward in the aft valve housing 70, such as by the valve collar 96 sliding upward or proximally in the valve collar receiver 82, such as during minor backflow or backpressure in the downstream piping system, the valve collar 96 stops against the upper flange or. proximal 76 of the posterior valve compartment and covers the upper or proximal transverse orifice, now leaving the lower or distal transverse orifice open or exposed and allowing air flow or ventilation and pressure equalization through the lower or distal transverse orifice again. Notably, by having the valve collar 96 extending distally from the skirt-shaped valve body 92, as shown, when the skirt-shaped valve 90 is displaced upward, the exposed lower or distal transverse orifice is even less obstructed, or indeed sufficient clearance is provided between the posterior valve compartment 70 and specifically the valve collar receiver 82 and the underside of the skirt-shaped valve body 92.Furthermore, it will be appreciated that, geometrically, by having the skirt-shaped valve body 92 effectively extend from the upper or proximal end of the valve collar 96, the downward angle of the skirt-shaped valve body 92 may be relatively greater for the same overall diameter and height or length of the skirt-shaped valve body 92 to the valve seat immediately above the distal end of the housing 34, which relatively steeper slope of the skirt-shaped valve 90 further contributes to improved downward flow through the drain valve apparatus 20.Or for the same height or length of the skirt-shaped valve body 92, all else being equal relative to the posterior valve compartment 70 and the valve compartment wall 40, by positioning the skirt-shaped valve body 92 relatively higher in the valve collar 96, the overall skirt-shaped valve 90 is therefore higher within the valve compartment 30, and therefore its distal valve end 94 is proximal to the distal end of the valve compartment 34 of the valve compartment 30, which has advantages in protecting the shape and operation of the distal end of the relatively thin skirt-shaped valve 94, as explained above. Returning to the additional ventilation provided by the proximal and distal transverse ports of the posterior valve compartment, in an alternative configuration of the valve apparatus. In the case of drain valve 20, a back valve housing plug 88 may be installed at the lower end of the back valve housing in certain drainage or plumbing applications or industrial contexts so as to further prevent any possible backflow through drain valve apparatus 20. In the upwardly or proximally displaced state or position of skirt valve 90, as again shown, it will be appreciated that the exposed lower or distal transverse orifice still allows for some ventilation or pressure equalization above and below skirt valve 90. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of such one or more transverse orifice configurations are possible in accordance with aspects of the present invention, so that the exemplary configurations are to be understood as illustrative of the features and aspects of a drain valve apparatus 20 in accordance with aspects of the present invention and not limitative.

[0039] Turning to FIG. 5, it can be seen that here drain valve apparatus 20 is shown installed within a plumbing system S having a basic drain D including a vertical pipe P that intersects another pipe or conduit C within the plumbing system S and a drain cap V at the top at the inlet of the drain D, with the drain cap V and inlet / mouth positioned on and within the floor F and the vertical drain pipe P and the remainder of the plumbing system S being within the ground G below the floor F. Although such a generic plumbing system S is thus shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a drain valve apparatus 20 in accordance with aspects of the present invention may be employed in conjunction with a virtually infinite variety of plumbing configurations and contexts, such that the illustrated floor drain D should be understood as merely exemplary.In fact, sink, urinal, and other drains or plumbing systems now known or later developed, with or without a trap (not shown), may be used in place of the illustrated floor drain D, all subject to various local plumbing codes and other factors affecting the overall plumbing system S. It will be further appreciated. with reference to FIG. 5 that such drain valve 20 having flexible outer joint 100 with circumferential flanges 104 (FIG. 1-2) can be pressed into such drain opening or pipe P to any desired depth that is possible and practical, instead of seating at the mouth or inlet of drain D, which has advantages in use, thus permitting flow to drain D and specifically to the upper end of the drain pipe P through the perforated cap V and thereby a certain increase in the height of the column of water or other fluid within the pipe P above the drain valve apparatus 20 and again acting on the skirt-shaped valve 90 to improve the flow therethrough.

[0040] In forming drain valve apparatus 20 and particularly its valve housing 30, including the main valve housing wall 40 and support 50 and any subsequent valve housing 70, the skirt valve 90, and the outer gasket 100, it will be appreciated that any suitable materials and methods of construction now known or later developed may be employed, including, but not limited to, metals such as steel, aluminum, alloys, and the like, and a variety of plastics such as polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”), polyethylenes such as high-density polyethylene (“HDPE”) and low-density polyethylene (“LDPE”), polycarbonate, polyurethane, and other plastics, thermoplastics, thermosetting polymers, or rubbers, and the like, any such components being manufactured or formed by means of injection molding, casting, extrusion, machining, stamping,forming or any other technique now known or later developed. Likewise, such components may be formed integrally or may be formed separately and then assembled in any appropriate secondary operation employing any assembly technique now known or later developed, including, but not limited to, fastening, bonding, welding, overmolding or coining, pressing, fitting, dovetailing, or any other technique now known or later developed, later. Those skilled in the art will fundamentally appreciate that any such materials and methods of construction are encompassed within the scope of the invention, any exemplary materials and methods in connection with any and all embodiments being, therefore, illustrative and not limiting, including, for example, forming all relatively rigid parts from ABS plastic, such as the valve housing wall 40, the support 50 and the rear valve housing 70 and all relatively flexible or resilient parts from silicone rubber, such as the skirt-shaped valve 90 and the outer gasket 100 and optional rear valve housing plug 88.It is possible that one or more components of drain valve apparatus 20 may be infused with, or have their surface coated or treated with, a bioremediating, bioactive, antimicrobial, and / or antibacterial material or agent for additional beneficial effects when drain valve apparatus 20 is in use within a drain D or other portion of a plumbing system S as described herein. Dimensionally, the overall size and scale or proportionality of any drain valve apparatus 20 may again vary widely based on a number of factors and contexts—in the present exemplary floor drain context, again, the overall diameter of drain valve apparatus 20 may be nominally in the range of one and a quarter inches (1.25 inches) to six inches (6 inches) or larger, and the overall length or height may be in the range of one to three inches (1-3 inches).), although again other sizes and shapes or configurations are possible in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

[0041] Drain valve apparatus 20 according to aspects of the present invention meet, exceed, or conform to the Uniform Plumbing Code (“UPC”) and all applicable plumbing codes and standards, including but not limited to being certified to ASSE 1072-2007 standard entitled “Performance Requirements for Barrier-Type Siphon Seal Protection for Floor Drains,” which is generally accepted universally and adopted by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (“IAPMO”). Related seal and flow tests have been defined and conducted for such siphon seal protection devices under standards such as the WaterMark Technical Specification (“WMTS”), with WMTS-522-2018 being applicable as titled “Barrier-Type Floor Drain Siphon Seal Protection Devices.” Standard WMTS-522, Clause 9.3 is the “Device Valve Seal Integrity Test” and requires such drain valve 20 to retain its seal under a backpressure equivalent to a water column of 70 +5.-0 mm for 10 seconds, and standard WMTS-522, Clause 9.4 establishes a “Flow Test” for such drain valve apparatus 20 where, in accordance with EN 274.2, the device must be capable of discharging a flow rate greater than the maximum nominal flow rate of a faucet outlet per applicable plumbing code, wherein at "Test Level C" such flow rate is measured under a water column height of 120 + / - 2 mm for "waste outlets and traps for basins, bidets, shower trays, and kitchen sinks" and at "Test Level U" such flow rate is measured under a water column height of 300 + / - 2 mm for "waste outlets and traps for baths." Again, drain valve apparatus 20 according to aspects of the present invention in various sizes meet all such plumbing codes and standards. Specifically, with respect to the improved flow rate through such drain valves 20 as disclosed herein, the data in Table 1 below summarizes recent certified testing by an independent laboratory in accordance with the aforementioned WMTS-522 protocol, Clause 9.4.The demonstrated result is that the drain valve apparatus 20 according to aspects of the present invention includes the helical groove 44 and the new and improved rear valve housing receiver shape 62 and venting features including the enlarged support arm channels 52, and the second transverse port 86 of the rear valve housing have achieved improvements in flow rate ranging from approximately twelve percent (12%) to one hundred forty-five percent (145%), which is obviously significant. Table 1: WMTS-522, Clause 9.4 Flow Test Data

[0042] Aspects of this descriptive report may also be described as the following exemplary numbered modalities:

[0043] Drain valve apparatus configured for use as a siphon seal protection device within a plumbing system, the apparatus comprising: a valve housing having a housing proximal end and an opposing housing distal end with a passage therebetween, the valve housing comprising: a valve housing wall defining the passage and having a housing outer surface and an opposing housing inner surface formed by a helical groove;a valve housing support positioned within the passageway between the proximal end of the housing and the distal end of the housing, the valve housing support having at least one support arm having a contoured proximally facing surface, and extending inwardly from the inner surface of the valve housing wall and terminating centrally within the passageway at an axially oriented posterior valve housing receiver having a tapered proximal surface; and a posterior valve housing having a valve collar receiver and extending distally from the posterior valve housing receiver; a skirt-shaped valve having a resilient bell-shaped valve body distally terminating at a distal end of the valve and having a proximal valve collar having a valve collar port configured for receipt in the valve collar receiver upon operative installation of the skirt-shaped valve in the posterior valve housing, such that the distal end of the valve seats against a valve seat portion of the inner wall of the valve housing proximal to the distal end of the housing, whereby the skirt-shaped valve is protected by the wall of the valve housing and selectively seals the passage;and a resilient outer gasket installed on the outer surface of the valve housing wall opposite the valve housing support, the outer gasket configured to accommodate and seal within a drainpipe of the plumbing system when the appliance is inserted therein, whereby upon insertion of the appliance into the drainpipe, the outer gasket and the skirt-shaped valve cooperate in mitigating against backflow and escape of pathogens, gases, odors, and pests from within the plumbing system, while the helical groove and the skirt-shaped valve cooperate in improving flow through the appliance within the drainpipe.;

[0044] The apparatus as defined above, wherein the helical groove is left-handed so as to induce counterclockwise rotational motion in any fluid stream passing through the apparatus.

[0045] The apparatus as defined above, wherein the helical groove is approximately three hundredths of an inch deep and approximately five hundredths of an inch wide.

[0046] The apparatus as defined above, wherein the helical groove comprises at least two complete threads around the inner surface of the housing.

[0047] The apparatus as defined above, wherein at least one support arm extends radially inwardly from the inner surface of the valve compartment wall proximal to the helical groove, such that the helical groove is positioned between the at least one support arm and the skirt-shaped valve.

[0048] The apparatus, as defined above, in which the tapered proximal surface comes to a proximally oriented point.

[0049] The apparatus as defined above, wherein the rear valve compartment is further formed having at least one transverse port communicating with the valve collar receiver, the at least one transverse port being selectively covered by the skirt-shaped valve collar and when uncovered, allowing ventilation and pressure equalization above and below the skirt-shaped valve.

[0050] The apparatus as defined above, wherein the at least one cross-port comprises a distal cross-port that is uncovered when the skirt valve, and thus the skirt valve collar, displaces proximally in the rear valve compartment as in a backflow or backpressure event within the plumbing system, the distal cross-port permitting venting and pressure equalization above and below the skirt valve during such backflow or backpressure event.

[0051] The apparatus as defined above, wherein the at least one cross-port further comprises a proximal cross-port spaced proximally from the distal cross-port, the proximal cross-port being uncovered when the skirt valve and thus the skirt valve collar are in a standard distally displaced position in the rear valve housing as in a normal flow event within the plumbing system, the proximal cross-port allowing for venting and pressure equalization above and below the skirt valve during such a normal flow event in cooperation with the at least one through-port.

[0052] The apparatus as defined above, wherein the posterior valve compartment is further formed having a distal flange distally offset from the distal cross-port and a proximal flange spaced from the distal flange and proximally offset from the proximal cross-port, the distal flange and the proximal flange mating with the valve collar receiver of the posterior valve compartment and providing stops therefor for the skirt-shaped valve collar distally and proximally, such that when the skirt-shaped valve collar is adjacent to the distal flange, the proximal cross-port is uncovered and the distal cross-port is covered by the skirt-shaped valve collar as in the event of normal flow within the plumbing system, and further, when the skirt-shaped valve collar is adjacent to the proximal flange, the proximal cross-port is covered by the skirt-shaped valve collar,and the distal cross-hole is uncovered as in the event of backflow or backpressure within the plumbing system.

[0053] The apparatus as defined above, wherein: the posterior valve compartment is formed having a distal threaded projection.

[0054] The apparatus, as defined above, in which the inner surface of the valve compartment wall is convex.

[0055] The apparatus as defined above, wherein: circumferential ribs are formed on the outer surface of the valve housing wall; and circumferential grooves are formed on the inner surface of the outer gasket configured to receive the respective circumferential ribs when the outer gasket is installed on the valve housing wall with the inner surface of the outer gasket adjacent to the outer surface of the valve housing wall for better retention of the outer gasket in the valve body.

[0056] The apparatus, as defined above, in which offset circumferential flanges are formed and extend outward from the outer surface of the outer joint for better sealing within the drain pipe of the plumbing system.

[0057] A method of employing a drain valve apparatus as defined above, comprising the steps of: inserting the apparatus into a drain pipe of the plumbing system by interference fit between the resilient outer joint and the drain pipe; and selectively draining a fluid through the drain pipe, and thus the apparatus, either through the passage formed within the valve housing around the skirt-shaped valve or by deflection of the distal end of the skirt-shaped valve.

[0058] The method as defined above, wherein the step of inserting the apparatus into the drain pipe comprises inserting the apparatus to a depth within the drain pipe of at least one inch.

[0059] The method as defined above comprising, prior to the step of inserting the apparatus into the drain pipe, removing a cover over the drain pipe of a floor drain of the plumbing system.

[0060] The method as defined above comprising, after the step of inserting the apparatus into the drain pipe and before the step of selectively draining a fluid through the drain pipe and thus the apparatus, replacing the plug over the drain pipe of the floor drain of the plumbing system.

[0061] Kit comprising a drain valve apparatus as defined above.

[0062] The kit, as defined above, further comprising at least one rear valve compartment plug.

[0063] The kit, as defined above, further comprising instructional material.

[0064] The kit, in which the instructional material provides instructions on how to perform the method as defined above.

[0065] Use of a drain valve apparatus, as defined above, for selective installation of the apparatus within a drain pipe of a system plumbing to improve flow while mitigating backflow and one or more of pathogens, gases, odors, and pests within the plumbing system.

[0066] The use as defined above, wherein the use comprises a method as defined in any of the preceding embodiments.

[0067] In closing, with respect to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention as shown and described herein, it will be appreciated that a drain valve apparatus is disclosed and configured for selective installation within a drain pipe of a plumbing system to improve flow while attenuating backflow and one or more pathogens, gases, odors, and pests in the plumbing system. Because the principles of the invention may be practiced in numerous configurations beyond those shown and described, it should be understood that the invention is in no way limited by the exemplary embodiments and is capable of assuming numerous forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the particular construction geometries and materials disclosed, but may instead involve other functionally comparable structures or materials, now known or later developed, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0068] Certain embodiments of the present invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventor(s) for carrying out the invention. Variations from these described embodiments will, of course, become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor(s) expect(s) that those skilled in the art will employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor(s) intend(s) that the present invention be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the appended claims, as permitted by applicable law. Furthermore, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all their variations possible is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context.

[0069] Groupings of alternative embodiments, elements, or steps of the present invention should not be construed as limitations. Each member of the group may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included or excluded from a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability. When any inclusion or exclusion occurs, the specification is considered to contain the modified group, thus complying with the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0070] In some embodiments, numbers expressing quantities of components or ingredients, properties such as dimensions, weight, concentration, reaction conditions, and so on, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the inventive subject matter should be understood as being modified in some instances by terms such as “about,” “approximately,” or “roughly.” Therefore, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and the appended claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be interpreted in light of the number of significant digits reported and applying common rounding techniques.Although the numerical ranges and parameters that establish the broad scope of some embodiments of the inventive subject matter are approximations, the numerical values ​​established in any specific examples are reported with the greatest possible precision. The numerical values ​​presented in some embodiments of the inventive subject matter may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective test measurements.

[0071] Unless the context indicates otherwise, all ranges set forth herein should be construed as including their endpoints, and open-ended ranges should be construed as including only commercially practical values. The recitation of numerical ranges of values ​​herein is intended solely as a shorthand method of individually referencing each separate value within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value within a numerical range is incorporated into the specification as if recited individually herein. Likewise, all lists of values ​​should be considered as including intermediate values ​​unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0072] The use of the term "may" in reference to an embodiment or aspect of an embodiment also carries with it the alternative meaning of "may not." Therefore, if this specification discloses that an embodiment or aspect of an embodiment may be included as part of the inventive subject matter, then the negative limitation or exclusion clause is also explicitly understood, meaning that an embodiment or aspect of an embodiment may not be included as part of the inventive subject matter. Similarly, the use of the term "optionally" in reference to an embodiment or aspect of an embodiment means that such embodiment or aspect of the embodiment may be included as part of the inventive subject matter or may not be included as part of the inventive subject matter. The application of such a negative limitation or exclusion clause will be based on whether the negative limitation or exclusion clause is recited in the claimed subject matter.

[0073] The terms "a," "an," "the," and similar references used in the context of the description of the present invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to encompass both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. Furthermore, ordinal indicators—such as "first," "second," "third," etc.—for identified elements are used to distinguish between the elements and do not indicate or imply a necessary or limited number of such elements. elements, and not indicate a specific position or order of such elements, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0074] All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments of this document is intended solely to further clarify the inventive subject matter and does not represent a limitation on the scope of the otherwise claimed invention. No language in the application should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0075] It should be evident to those skilled in the art that many other modifications beyond those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts described herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, should not be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Furthermore, when interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted as broadly as possible, consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprise" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, used, or combined with other elements, components, or steps not expressly referenced. Where the claims of the specification refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C...and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element of the group, and not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

[0076] Although aspects of the invention have been described with reference to at least one exemplary embodiment, it should be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention should be construed only in conjunction with the appended claims. and it is clear here that the inventor(s) believe(s) that the claimed subject matter is the invention. CLAIMS 1. A drain valve apparatus (20) configured for use as a siphon seal protection device within a plumbing system (S), comprising: a valve housing (30) having a housing proximal end (32) and an opposing housing distal end (34) with a passageway (36) therebetween, the valve housing (30) comprising: a valve housing wall (40) defining the passageway (36) and having a housing outer surface (46) and an opposing housing inner surface (42) formed by a helical groove (44);a valve housing support (50) positioned within the passageway (36) between the proximal end (32) of the housing and the distal end of the housing (34), the valve housing support (50) having at least one support arm (52) having a contoured proximally facing surface (54) and extending inwardly from the inner surface (42) of the valve housing wall (40) and terminating centrally within the passageway (36) at an axially oriented posterior valve housing receiver (62) having a tapered proximal surface (64); and a posterior valve housing (70) having a valve collar receiver (82) and extending distally from the posterior valve housing receiver (62);a skirt-shaped valve (90) having a resilient bell-shaped valve body (92) distally terminating at a distal end of the valve housing (34) and having a proximal valve collar having a valve collar port (98) configured for receipt in the collar receiver; of the valve (82) in the operational installation of the skirt-shaped valve (90) in the rear valve housing (70), so that the distal end of the valve housing (34) rests against a valve seat portion of the inner wall of the valve housing proximal to the distal end of the housing (34), whereby the skirt-shaped valve (90) is protected by the wall of the valve housing (40) and selectively seals the passage (36);and a resilient outer gasket (100) installed on the outer surface (102) of the valve housing wall (40) opposite the valve housing support (50), the outer gasket (100) configured to accommodate and seal within a drain pipe of the plumbing system (S) when the apparatus (20) is inserted therein, whereby upon insertion of the apparatus (20) into the drain pipe, the outer gasket (100) and the skirt-shaped valve (90) cooperate in mitigating against backflow and escape of pathogens, gases, odors, and pests from within the plumbing system (S), while the helical groove (44) and the skirt-shaped valve (90) cooperate to improve flow through the apparatus (20) within the drain pipe.; 2. Apparatus (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the helical groove (44) is left-handed so as to induce counterclockwise rotational movement in any fluid flow passing through the apparatus (20). 3. Apparatus (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the helical groove (44) is approximately three hundredths of an inch deep and approximately five hundredths of an inch wide. 4. Apparatus (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the helical groove (44) comprises at least two complete threads around the inner surface (42) of the housing. 5. Apparatus (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one support arm (52) extends radially inwardly from the inner surface (42) of the valve housing wall (40) proximal to the helical groove (44), such that the helical groove (44) is positioned between the at least one support arm (52) and the skirt-shaped valve (90). 6. Apparatus (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the tapered proximal surface (64) comes to a proximally oriented point. 7. Apparatus (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that a posterior valve compartment plug (88) is inserted opposite the proximal posterior valve compartment receiver (62). SUMMARY “DRAIN VALVE DEVICE” A drain valve apparatus is disclosed and configured for selective installation within a drain pipe of a plumbing system to improve flow while mitigating against backflow and one or more of pathogens, gases, odors, and pests within the plumbing system.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A drain valve apparatus (20) configured for use as a siphon seal protection device within a plumbing system (S), comprising: a valve housing (30) having a housing proximal end (32) and an opposing housing distal end (34) with a passageway (36) therebetween, the valve housing (30) comprising: a valve housing wall (40) defining the passageway (36) and having a housing outer surface (46) and an opposing housing inner surface (42) formed by a helical groove (44);a valve housing support (50) positioned within the passageway (36) between the proximal end (32) of the housing and the distal end of the housing (34), the valve housing support (50) having at least one support arm (52) having a contoured proximally facing surface (54) and extending inwardly from the inner surface (42) of the valve housing wall (40) and terminating centrally within the passageway (36) at an axially oriented posterior valve housing receiver (62) having a tapered proximal surface (64); and a posterior valve housing (70) having a valve collar receiver (82) and extending distally from the posterior valve housing receiver (62);a skirt-shaped valve (90) having a resilient bell-shaped valve body (92) distally terminating at a distal end of the valve housing (34) and having a proximal valve collar having a valve collar port (98) configured for receipt in the collar receiver; of the valve (82) in the operational installation of the skirt-shaped valve (90) in the rear valve housing (70), so that the distal end of the valve housing (34) rests against a valve seat portion of the inner wall of the valve housing proximal to the distal end of the housing (34), whereby the skirt-shaped valve (90) is protected by the wall of the valve housing (40) and selectively seals the passage (36);and a resilient outer gasket (100) installed on the outer surface (102) of the valve housing wall (40) opposite the valve housing support (50), the outer gasket (100) configured to accommodate and seal within a drain pipe of the plumbing system (S) when the apparatus (20) is inserted therein, whereby upon insertion of the apparatus (20) into the drain pipe, the outer gasket (100) and the skirt-shaped valve (90) cooperate in mitigating against backflow and escape of pathogens, gases, odors, and pests from within the plumbing system (S), while the helical groove (44) and the skirt-shaped valve (90) cooperate to improve flow through the apparatus (20) within the drain pipe.; 2. Apparatus (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the helical groove (44) is left-handed so as to induce counterclockwise rotational movement in any fluid flow passing through the apparatus (20).

3. Apparatus (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the helical groove (44) is approximately three hundredths of an inch deep and approximately five hundredths of an inch wide.

4. Apparatus (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the helical groove (44) comprises at least two complete threads around the inner surface (42) of the housing.

5. Apparatus (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one support arm (52) extends radially inwardly from the inner surface (42) of the valve housing wall (40) proximal to the helical groove (44), such that the helical groove (44) is positioned between the at least one support arm (52) and the skirt-shaped valve (90).

6. Apparatus (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the tapered proximal surface (64) reaches a proximally oriented point.

7. Apparatus (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that a posterior valve compartment plug (88) is inserted opposite the proximal posterior valve compartment receiver (62).

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