Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
  • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
  • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
  • E03C1/12—Plumbing installations for waste water; Basins or fountains connected thereto; Sinks
  • E03C1/28—Odour seals
  • E03C1/29—Odour seals having housing containing dividing wall, e.g. tubular
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
  • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
  • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
  • E03C1/12—Plumbing installations for waste water; Basins or fountains connected thereto; Sinks
  • E03C1/28—Odour seals
  • E03C1/298—Odour seals consisting only of non-return valve
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
  • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
  • E03D13/00—Urinals ; Means for connecting the urinal to the flushing pipe and the wastepipe; Splashing shields for urinals
  • E03D13/007—Waterless or low-flush urinals; Accessories therefor

Definitions

• Contemplated cartridges have a housing, and preferably have an insert that is user- removable from the housing.
• the housing and the insert could be inner and outer chambers, upper and lower chambers, or left and right chambers, respectively, or other commercially suitable configuration(s).
• the cartridge housing can comprise an upper housing.
• the one or more valves can be gravity flow valves configured to be biased in a closed position, and at least partially opened by a pressure of a fluid against a surface of the valve.
• Such valves advantageously can operate without electricity, and function to create a closed system, where the valves close automatically once the fluid passes by the valves.
• at least one of the valves could be an electrically operated valve including, for example, by using a solenoid, a vibrator, or other commercially suitable devices.
• An exemplary discussion of a cartridge that utilizes a solenoid valve is discussed in U.S. Patent Appl. No. 2008/0295233 filed on May 28, 2008.
• the one or more valves can be used to regulate any commercially suitable fluid including, for example, water, urine, and combinations thereof.
• the term “gravity flow valve” means a valve in which the fluid flows through the valve primarily as a result of the force of gravity.
• the term “electrically operated” means using electricity to assist or control the opening and closing of one or more valves.
• an electrically controlled valve can include a solenoid
• an electrically assisted valve can include a gravity flow valve that is assisted in opening by use of a vibrator, a motor to drive an air multiplierTM or traditional fan, or other electrical device.
• the term “vibrator” is defined as any device that causes a vibration within the cartridge including, for example, turbines with offset weights, vibrating motors, and/or any combination(s) thereof.
• Preferred valves can be skirt valves, which possess numerous advantages over known one way valves such as umbrella valves and duckbill valves.
• the skirt valve can be mounted about a stem or post to create a 360 degree opening that is less likely to be jammed by solid items.
• the skirt valve typically lacks a spoke to hold the center of the valve in place, and therefore lacks the problems associated with the spokes catching foreign objects.
• the skirt valve can have a thicker first portion that is coupled to a stem or post of the cartridge, and a thinner second portion that allows for greater flexibility of the valve. In this manner, the skirt valve can be (1) much more rigid than an umbrella valve to (a) keep the valve closed when not in use and (b) prevent back pressure in the drain pipe from opening the valve, while (2) the ends of the skirt valve are flexible to allow for fluid flow.
• the valves can have a flexible, synthetic membrane that opens when a pressure on an upper surface of the valve exceeds a predetermined threshold. This is beneficial because the valves open when fluid is present on the surface of the valve, but otherwise remain closed.
• the valves advantageously allow urine or other fluid to pass through to a drain pipe while preventing potential sewer gas from permeating into a facility room or other environment.
• the valves can help prevent backflow in the drain pipe from causing damage, since the increased pressure downstream of the valves would force the valves closed and thereby prevent the backflow from exiting through the cartridge.
• any commercially suitable valve(s) could be used including, for example, duck bill valves and umbrella valves.
• at least one valve could be a non-gravity flow valve including, for example, mechanical check valves and other one-way valves, ball valves, gate valves, and any other commercially suitable valve(s) and combination(s) thereof.
• the one or more valves can be disposed within a user-removable insert of the cartridge. In this manner, a user can easily access the drain pipe coupled to the cartridge by simply removing the insert, such as to eliminate any blockages found therein. This allows for a plumber's snake or other tool to be ran through the cartridge without requiring removal of the cartridge itself.
• disposed the valves within the insert provides easy access for cleaning and maintenance of the valves.
• the cartridge can be fluidly coupled to a P-trap or other fluid trap to provide an additional drain seal.
• the fluid trap can be at least partially disposed within the cartridge.
• the fluid trap can be at least partially formed from insertion of the insert into the cartridge.
• the cartridge could include a locking mechanism attached to the underside of a cover to form a keyhole.
• the cover can have a plurality of openings through which fluid can flow.
• the locking mechanism can be coupled to at least two, and preferably four, locking bars that each engages an aperture within the cartridge wall to prevent removal of the cover.
• Springs can be coupled to the locking mechanism in a normally closed/locked position, such that the mechanism remains locked until the force of a key turning in the key hole deforms the springs and unlocks the locking mechanism.
• the locking mechanism could alternatively be coupled to a drain wall rather than the cartridge.
• the cover and locking mechanism are composed of stainless steel, although other metals and non- metals are also contemplated.
• Fig. 2 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a cartridge.
• FIG. 3 A is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a cartridge.
• Fig. 3C is an exploded view of the cartridge of Fig. 3A.
• Fig. 8 A is a bottom perspective view of yet another embodiment of an insert of a cartridge.
• Fig. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a cartridge having a rotor.
• Figs. 15A-15B are vertical cross-sectional views of one embodiment of a cartridge disposed in a floor drain.
• Cartridge 100 is preferably sized and dimensioned to fit within a drain recess, including, for example, drains found in sinks, floor drains and male or female urinals.
• the cartridge 100 preferably has a horizontal cross-section that is cylindrical in shape, the shape of cartridge 100 can be varied to correspond to the drain's shape.
• an adapter (not shown) can be used to adapt the cartridge 100 to the drain's shape.
• the top of cartridge 100 can be tapered inwardly and downwardly to facilitate fluid flow to opening 122.
• the outer portion 111 can include a threaded portion 145 onto which a nut 144 or other securing means can be coupled to the cartridge 100.
• a nut 144 or other securing means can be coupled to the cartridge 100.
• the cartridge 100 could be inserted into a drain, and then the nut 144 can be tightened until cartridge 100 is secured in place with respect to the drain.
• the insert 126 can include threads 127 that are configured to engage with threads 129 disposed on the inner portion 110 of upper housing 104. In this manner, the insert 126 can be removably threaded and thereby secured or removed from, the upper housing 104.
• other commercially suitable fasteners could be substituted for threads 127 and 129 such that the insert 126 can be removably inserted within upper housing 104.
• one or more O-rings 188 or other commercially suitable flexible seals can be disposed about insert 126. Alternatively, such flexible seal could be coupled to upper housing 104.
• the valves 136 and 138 can have a flexible, synthetic membrane that can comprise any commercially suitable material(s) including, for example, silicon fabric or other synthetic and/or flexible materials, or combinations thereof, which provide protection to the valves from significant damage or degradation by urine fluids and cleaning solvents.
• the valves thereby advantageously allow urine to pass through to the drain line without allowing odors to permeate up from the drain line.
• the second valve 138 can be disposed downstream of the first valve 136.
• the first and second valves 136 and 138 are separated by a distance less than or equal to six inches, and more preferably, less than or equal to three inches, as shown in Figure IA. All commercially suitable configurations are contemplated for the first and second valves 136 and 138, and preferably, the valves 136 and 138 are biased to be convex in the upstream direction.
• the first valve 136 is more rigid than the second valve 138.
• Cartridge 100 can further include a fluid trap 118 that is fluidly coupled to cartridge 100.
• the fluid trap 118 is at least partially disposed within the cartridge 100, and more preferably, in the lower section 106 as shown in Figures 1A-1B.
• the insert 126 can include an extended portion 128 that can be affixed to the insert 126, such that fluid trap 118 is created when the insert 126 is inserted within the cartridge 100.
• the insert 126 can comprise a single piece that includes extended portion 128.
• the fluid trap 118 can also be permanently formed within the cartridge 100 by use of a baffle or wall-like structure, as shown in Figure 4.
• the extended portion 128 is advantageous because the additional length assists in preventing cross-threading of the insert 126 when it is inserted into cartridge 100.
• Fluid trap 118 acts as a further barrier against odors emanating from the drain pipe in addition to first and second valves 136 and 138.
• cartridge 100 can have triple means of protection against odors.
• the fluid trap 118 can help prevent the possibility of backflow from the drain pipe exiting through cartridge 100 because any backflow would increase the pressure downstream of the valves 136 and 138 and thereby keeping them closed. This is particularly beneficial for urinals and floor drains, because these drains are disposed near or at ground level and are often the first drains to experience problems with backflow.
• Fluid outlet 124 can be fluidly coupled to the fluid trap 118 in the lower section 106, such that excess fluid can exit the fluid trap 118 through a drain pipe 172.
• the drain pipe 172 can be removably coupled to the cartridge 100 using threads 125 or other commercially suitably fasteners. Alternatively, the drain pipe 172 could be permanently affixed to the cartridge 100. The drain pipe 172 can be coupled to the cartridge 100 in any viable location.
• the insert 126 can have a stem 130 to which a cap 132 and valves 136 and 138 can be coupled.
• cap 132 can be coupled to the upper housing 104.
• Cap 132 preferably has a downwardly tapered outer perimeter that facilities fluid flow to opening 122, and can be sized and dimensioned to limit splash back of liquid hitting cap 132.
• the cap 132 can have a tamper proof configuration to help prevent unauthorized removal of the insert 126 and cap 132.
• the cartridge 100 can include an optional grate or other debris collecting screen member 134 having a plurality of holes such that screen member 134 can filter objects flowing through insert 126, and thereby limit the size of objects that can reach valves 136 and 138.
• the screen member 134 is preferably disposed between the cap 132 and the valves 136 and 138, although it is contemplated that the screen member 134 could be disposed outside of the insert 126 as well.
• the screen member 134 can function as a tool to assist in removing the insert 126 from the upper housing 104.
• An ultraviolet (“UV”) light emitter 148 can be disposed within the cartridge 100.
• the UV light emitter 148 is disposed such that ultraviolet light can be radiated on at least a portion of cartridge 100, and more preferably, at least a portion of a fluid passageway within cartridge 100 to thereby help disinfect that portion.
• the UV light emitter 148 is shown disposed within cartridge 100, it is contemplated that the UV light emitter 148 might be disposed adjacent to the cartridge such as that shown in Figure 1OA.
• Contemplated UV light emitters can emit UV light having a wavelength between 10 nm to 400 nm, more preferably between 100 to 300 nm, and most preferably between 220 to 270 nm.
• the cartridge 100 can include a lighting system having one or more LEDs or other commercially suitable light emitters 152 disposed to illuminate the cartridge 100, and preferably, a surrounding area of the cartridge 100.
• One or more of the light emitters 152 can emit light with a different predominant wavelength from the other light emitters 152, and preferably the light emitters 152 each predominantly emits a wavelength of light that differs by at least 50 nm from the wavelength of light predominantly emitted by the other light emitter.
• the terms "predominant" and predominantly” refer to the peak intensity of a band of wavelengths emitted by a light source.
• Preferred colors include green or blue, though specific colors could be chosen to match the aesthetics of the environment where the cartridge 100 is placed.
• Emitting distinct wavelengths of colors is advantageous as the color of light emitted by the light emitters 152 could be directed to change randomly, periodically, upon an external signal such as that of a remote computer, or upon the occurrence of one or more triggering events including, for example, detection of users, fluids, music or other sounds, or any combinations thereof.
• the cartridge 100 can include a lighting system having a character display that can present text, pictures, video, or other media or combinations thereof.
• the display is preferably composed of organic LEDs (OLEDs), all commercially suitable displays are contemplated.
• OLEDs organic LEDs
• the cartridge 100 could display one or more phrases or sentences, whether scrolling or stationary, including for example, news, an establishment's specials, random facts, etc.
• the display could include a game that is played by a user.
• Such displays can preferably be disposed on an upper surface 115 of upper housing 104, or cap 132.
• the light emitters 152 are preferably disposed within upper housing 104, it is contemplated that the light emitters 152 could additionally or alternatively be disposed externally to the cartridge 100.
• one or more light emitters could be disposed beneath the cartridge 100 that is composed of a luminescent plastic or other translucent or transparent material(s), such that the light emitted from the light emitters 152 could be radiated through the cartridge 100.
• the upper surface 115 can include a translucent or transparent portion 116 such that light from light emitters 152 can be radiated through transparent portion 116 and outside of cartridge 100.
• the translucent or transparent portion 116 can be fabricated from any commercially suitable material(s), and preferred materials include acrylic or other translucent or transparent plastics. Although transparent portion 116 can be sized and dimensioned to create a ring-shape about the opening 122, all configurations are contemplated.
• the light emitters 152 can be disposed on, or otherwise coupled to, a controller board 150, which preferably has at least partial control over at least one of light emitters 152, UV light emitter 148, and other electrical components of cartridge 100.
• the controller board 150 can be connected to the light emitters 152, UV light emitter 148, and other electrical components by a wireless connection such as WIFI, Bluetooth, infrared, or radio frequency, although wired connections are preferred.
• the cartridge 100 can include any necessary electronics, wiring, or circuitry to enable such wired or wireless connections with the controller board 150.
• the controller board 150 can comprise circuitry, and in some embodiments can include a processor and memory to run and store software instructions, respectively, such that the UV light emitter 148, the light emitters 152, and/or other components of the cartridge 100 can be controlled.
• the controller board 150 might activate the light emitters 152 and/or UV light emitter 148 at a predetermined interval (e.g., every minute, every hour, every day, etc.). More preferably, the controller board 150 could activate the light emitters 152 and/or UV light emitter 148 when the controller board 150 receives a signal from a sensor 153 that monitors for the presence of a person or fluid.
• the light emitters 152 and/or UV light emitter 148 could be activated for a continuous period such as during business hours, or for an amount of time after a user or fluid is no longer detected by a sensor 153.
• sensors including, for example, fluid sensors, temperature sensors, infrared sensors, optical sensors, capacitive sensors, proximity sensors, pressure sensors, inductive sensors, and/or combinations thereof.
• the sensor 153 is shown embedded into the translucent portion 116, the sensor 153 or an additional sensor could be located in any suitable location within the cartridge 100 provided the sensor can detect the presence of at least one of a fluid and a user. Alternatively, the sensor 153 could be disposed externally to the cartridge 100.
• Sensor 153 preferably communicates directly with the controller board 150, through indirect communication is also contemplated, such as by way of one or more intermediate components (not shown). Though preferred sensors 153 communicate over a wired connection, wireless connections are also contemplated.
• Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a cartridge 200.
• the cartridge can also include a circular UV lamp 548, although other configurations of UV lamps are contemplated including, for example, LEDs that produce UV light.
• a circular UV lamp 548 to enable UV lamp 548 to radiate UV light on an internal portion of the insert 526, the inner wall 510 of the housing 504, an optionally, the insert 526, can be composed of one or more translucent or transparent material(s).
• an embodiment of an insert 626 is shown that includes openings 622 disposed on a slanted upper surface 627 of insert 626. It is contemplated that the top 612 of insert 626 can be downwardly sloped to direct fluid toward openings 622.
• Figure 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment of an insert 726 that includes extended portion 728.
• the cartridge 900 can include a translucent portion 916 that can have a ring-shape, although other commercially suitable shapes are contemplated.
• the translucent portion 916 advantageously allows light from one or more light emitters (not shown) to radiate from the cartridge.
• the cartridge 900 can further include a cap 932 that can help direct fluid to opening 922 in cartridge 900.
• the cartridge 1000 can include blades 1054 that are coupled to the insert 1026 such that the blades 1054 can rotate about a stem 1030 of the insert 1026 similar to the rotation of a motor.
• Preferred blades 1054 are composed of magnetic or magnetizable materials.
• the blades 1054 could be composed of a non-magnetic material and include a magnet disposed within the blades 1054.
• a magnetic coil 1061 can be disposed within housing 1002 such that the coil 1061 can interact with the magnetic blades or magnets to thereby cause the blades 1054 to rotate.
• the cartridge 1000 can be coupled to a drain pipe 1072 such that fluid can flow through the cartridge 1000, exit through opening 1024, and flow into drain pipe 1072.
• the drain pipe 1072 can include a removable plug 1084 having a UV lamp 1048 disposed to irradiate UV light, and thereby help to disinfect, an interior of drain pipe 1072.
• a cable 1092 or other wiring can connect the UV lamp 1048 to a controller 1050 and/or power source (not shown).
• the cartridge can further include aperture 1091 through which a cable or other wiring (not shown) can be inserted to provide power and/or data to UV lamp 1048, light emitters 1052, and other electrical components of cartridge 1000.
• the floor drain 1500 can be disposed within a cement floor 1540, such that the grate 1534 can be flush with floor tiles 1542.
• the housing 1510 of the floor drain 1500 can include an outwardly extending portion 1514 configured to maintain the position of the housing 1510 with respect to the cement 1540. It is contemplated that the stem 1530 can be coupled directly to the grate 1534 such that the cartridge housing 1526 can be eliminated.
• the rim 1610 extends from core 1620 in a 360 degree manner.
• the rim 1610 can be tapered and include a first portion 1612 and a second portion
• the first portion 1612 of the rim 1610 can have an average thickness of between 0.001 - 0.05 inch (0.00254 - 0.127 centimeter), more preferably of between .001 - .01 inch (0.00254 - 0.0254 centimeter), and still more preferably of between 0.001 - 0.008 inch (0.00254 - 0.02032 centimeter).
• the second portion might have an average thickness of between 0.01 - 0.2 inch (0.0254 - 0.508 centimeter), more preferably of between .02 - .1 inch (0.0508 - 0.254 centimeter), and still more preferably of between 0.03 - 0.08 inch (0.0762 - 0.2032 centimeter).
• the specific thickness of the first portion 1612 and the second portion 1614 will depend on the diameter or length of the skirt valve 1600, and the specific application. For example, a skirt valve having a greater diameter might require a first portion having a greater thickness than a skirt valve having a shorter diameter.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
• Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
• Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)
• Physical Water Treatments (AREA)
• Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)
• Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)

Priority Applications (6)

Applications Claiming Priority (10)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=43050393

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (6)

Cited By (8)

Families Citing this family (2)

Citations (6)

Family Cites Families (22)

• 2010
  • 2010-05-04 CN CN201080029860.8A patent/CN102459972B/zh active Active
  • 2010-05-04 BR BRPI1011823A patent/BRPI1011823A2/pt not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2010-05-04 EP EP10772682A patent/EP2427677A4/en not_active Ceased
  • 2010-05-04 MX MX2011011707A patent/MX2011011707A/es active IP Right Grant
  • 2010-05-04 EP EP18193493.6A patent/EP3447202A1/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2010-05-04 AU AU2010246053A patent/AU2010246053B2/en active Active
  • 2010-05-04 WO PCT/US2010/033521 patent/WO2010129531A1/en active Application Filing

Patent Citations (6)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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