GB2474705A

GB2474705A - Drain trap for preventing the backflow of wastewater and odours by means of a float member

Info

Publication number: GB2474705A
Application number: GB0918667A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Yiu Kwok Tong; Kwai Hung Lam
Original assignee: Micro Tech Development Ltd
Current assignee: Micro Tech Development Ltd
Priority date: 2009-10-23
Filing date: 2009-10-23
Publication date: 2011-04-27
Anticipated expiration: 2029-10-23
Also published as: HK1150172A1; GB0918667D0; GB2474705B

Abstract

The present invention relates to a drain trap assembly for preventing the backflow of contaminated gases and odors from wastewater. The drain trap comprises an inlet pipe 1, an outlet pipe 2, and a drain trap device 3 disposed between the inlet and outlet pipes with a hollow body defining a fluid path. A float member 4 is disposed in the hollow body and moves between a seated and an unseated state and has a maximum outer circumference greater than a minimum inner circumference of an outlet end opening of the inlet pipe. A stopper element 7 is fixedly arranged in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow body just before the front of the inlet of the outlet pipe so that it can prevent the float member from entering the outlet pipe.

Description

Improved Drain Trap Assembly

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a drain trap, and more particularly to an improved drain trap assembly adapted for use in a wastewater drain system for preventing backflow of contaminated gases and bad odors from other downstream parts of the drain system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A drain trap assembly is usually employed in a wastewater drain system for allowing wastewater to drain from a sink or a tub while trapping a small volume of wastewater within a bend portion thereof, so as to prevent backflow of contaminated gases and bad odors from other downstream components of the wastewater drain system. However, such a backflow prevention mechanism will be broken when the wastewater in the bend portion was gone due to evaporation or siphonage.

To cope with the foregoing drawback, Hong Kong Short-term Patent No. HK 1106665A issued to the applicant of the present invention, which is fully incorporated herein for reference, discloses a drain trap assembly with an enhanced backflow prevention mechanism as shown in Fig. 1. The drain trap assembly comprises an inlet pipe 1, a drain trap device 3 and an outlet pipe 2. The drain trap device 3 has a lower end being fluidly communicated to the inlet pipe 1; a side wall being fluidly communicated to the outlet pipe 2; and a float member disposed therein; wherein the float member has a diameter larger than that of an outlet end opening of the inlet pipe 1 and thus will be retained thereon and seal the same to prevent backflow of contaminated gases and bad odors when there is no enough water inside the inlet pipe 1 to provide a sufficient buoyant force by which the float member will be floated up within the internal cavity of the drain trap device 3.

Further, a stopper mechanism, such as two blocking plates 7 fixedly arranged at opposite sides of the side wall of the drain trap device 3, is provided to prevent the float member from entering into the outlet pipe.

However, the sealing mechanism between the float member and the outlet end opening might be occasionally broken due to sludge or sediment accumulated around the outlet end opening such that a complete circumferential sealing between the float member and the outlet end opening could not be established. In addition, the blocking plates might promote a drain clog as they reduce substantially the diameter of the water passage and in turn the water flow rate therein. It is so much the worse when the float member is brought in close contact with the blocking plates by the water flow, which tends to result in an accumulation of sediment or objects of relatively large size and the accumulation of the same will easily lead to a clogging of the outlet pipe; while the stopper mechanism is ordinarily worn out or being damaged during a declogging operation, the entire drain trap device 3 needs to be replaced, such that additional parts and labor cost will be incurred therefrom. In this way, an improved drain trap assembly coping with the foregoing issues is highly desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to overcome at least partly the above defects in the prior art by providing a drain trap assembly adapted for use in a wastewater drain system for preventing backflow of contaminated gases and bad odors from other downstream parts of the drain system, which is relatively simple in configuration, low in cost, easy to maintain.

Accordingly, the technical solution of the present invention provided for the above object being an improved drain trap assembly for preventing backflow of contaminated gases and bad odors emanating from wastewater, comprising: r an inlet pipe configured to interconnect to a wastewater outlet of any fluid flow system; an outlet pipe configured to lead wastewater to a sewer line; and a drain trap device disposed between the inlet and outlet pipes, characterized in that the drain trap device includes a hollow body defining a fluid path, a lower end of which is fluidly communicated to the inlet pipe and a side wall thereon is fluidly communicated to the outlet pipe; a float member disposed in the hollow body floatably between a seated state where it is place on the outlet end opening of the inlet pipe to close the same, and a unseated state where it is floated up by buoyant force by drainage water when the drainage water of more than specific quantity flows into the hollow to open the outlet end opening as well as having a maximum outer circumference being more than a minimum inner circumference of the outlet end opening of the inlet pipe; and a stopper element fixedly arranged in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow body just before the front of inlet of the outlet pipe so that it can prevent the float member from entering into the outlet pipe.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lower portion of the hollow body is in the form of a funnel.

Preferably, a ring groove is provided on a circumferential surface of the lower portion of the hollow body.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the float member is spherical and hollow.

According to yet still another embodiment of the present invention, a seal ring is mounted in the ring groove, which includes an annular fitted part and a lip part in which the annular fitted part is fitted into the ring groove and the lip part is extended from the fitted part inwardly in a radial direction in the shape of a substantially conical ring that is to be brought into contact with an outer periphery of the float member. Preferably, the seal ring is made of an elastic material.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a seal cover is preferably provided on the hollow body so that assemblage, maintenance and cleaning are facilitated.

According to again another embodiment of the present invention, one end of the stopper element is preferably integrated with an annular ring in order to be mounted in the hollow body.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the stopper element is in the shape of an ice cone.

is According to embodiments of the present invention, the stopper element might be configurated and sized to stop the float member from entering into the outlet pipe.

According to the present invention, an improved drain trap assembly providing a more secured and cost effective backflow prevention of contaminated gases and bad odors from other downstream parts of the drain system is realized, which is simple in configuration, low in cost and easy in maintenance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The further objects, features, characteristics and effects of the present invention will be illustrated in more details by way of example with reference to the accompany drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a prior art drain trap assembly; Figure 2 is a schematic view of an improved drain trap assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 3 is a schematic view of a stopper element of the drain trap assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to figure 2, an improved drain trap assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The drain trap assembly of the present invention comprises an inlet pipe 1, an outlet pipe 2, a drain trap device 3, a float member 4, and a stopper element 7.

According to the embodiment, the inlet pipe 1 is configured to interconnect to an upstream wastewater outlet of any fluid flow system in a manner well known in the art. Similarly, the outlet pipe 2 is configured to lead wastewater to a downstream sewer line of a wastewater drain system in a known manner.

According to the present invention, the drain trap device 3 is disposed between the inlet and outlet pipes, and it includes a hollow body defining a fluid path, a lower end of which is fluidly communicated to the inlet pipe 1 and a side wall thereon is fluidly communicated to the outlet pipe 2.

Preferably, the drain trap device 3 is connected to the inlet pipe 1 by means of conventional screw coupling 5. Alternatively, the drain trap device 3 could be integrated with the inlet pipe 1. Similarly, the outlet pipe 2 might be connected to the drain trap device 3 by fluid sealant, or it could also be integrated thereinto.

In the embodiment, the float member 4 could be disposed in the hollow body floatably between a seated state where it is place on an outlet end opening of the inlet pipe 1 to close the same, and a unseated state where it is floated up by buoyant force by drainage water when the drainage water of more than specific quantity flows into the hollow to open the outlet end opening. As can be seen, the lower portion of the hollow body might be in the form of a funnel or it might be in any other forms as required. In addition, the float member 4 has a maximum outer circumference being more than a minimum inner circumference of the outlet end opening of the inlet pipe 1. Preferably, the float member 4 might be spherical and hollow, while it might be made from either plastic or metallic materials.

According to the embodiment, the stopper element 7 might be fixedly arranged in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow body just before the front of inlet of the outlet pipe so that it can prevent the float member 4 from entering into the outlet pipe 2.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a ring groove could be provided on a circumferential surface of the lower portion of the hollow body.

Preferably, an additional seal ring could be mounted in the ring groove, which includes an annular fitted part and a lip part in which the annular fitted part is fitted into the ring groove and the lip part is extended from the fitted part inwardly in a radial direction in the shape of a substantially conical ring that is to be brought into contact with an outer periphery of the float member 4 for ensuring that a complete circumferential sealing between the float member 4 and the outlet end opening of the inlet pipe 1 could be established in the absence of a primary liquid barrier formed by a sufficient amount of wastewater left in the inlet pipe 1, so as to form a secondary mechanical barrier to prevent backflow of contaminated gases and bad odors. Further, when backflow occurs, the seal ring tends to be in an intimate contact with the float member 4 due to the impact force of the backflow stream.

According to the embodiment, the seal ring might be made of an elastic material, such as silicon rubber.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, a seal cover is preferably provided on the hollow body so that assemblage, maintenance and cleaning are facilitated. The seal cover could be connected with the drain trap device in a threading or snap-fit manner well known in the art. When a drain clog occurs, the seal cover could be opened for easy removal of sediment accumulated therein. In addition, the seal cover also allows an easy replacement of a stopper element worn out ordinarily or being damaged during a declogging operation.

Referring to figure 3, a stopper element of the drain trap assembly 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Preferably, the stopper element might be configurated and sized to stop the float member 4 from entering into the outlet pipe 2 to avoid a system malfunction or a drain clog caused by an undesirable displacement of the float member 4. In the embodiment, the stopper element is in the shape of an ice cone with its free end and sharp end located in front of the outlet pipe 2, which might avoid the problems of accumulation of sediment or hair and in turn the clogging of the outlet pipe 2. Certainly, the conical-shaped stopper element could be in any other shape as required, such as a pin shape or a rod shape. The stopper element of the present invention will not hinder the flow of the wastewater passing by, as it occupies a relatively less space than that of the prior art and being spaced from the outlet pipe 2 by a predetermined distance to prevent the float member 4 from covering or blocking the outlet pipe 2, such that it will not reduce the diameter of the wastewater passage and the flow rate therein, in this way, sediment will not easily accumulate therein and the chances of clogging will be significantly reduced. Further, the stopper element also makes it possible to utilize an outlet pipe with a diameter larger than that of the float member 4 for even better drainage, though such modification might not be highly desirable in view of the fact that the float member will be flushed away with the wastewater flow via the outlet pipe 2 when the stopper element is unduly damaged. Preferably, one end of the stopper element might be integrated with an annular ring in order to be mounted firmly in the hollow body of the drain trap assembly 3. Further, at least one notch might be arranged at the annular ring for matching with at least one tab (not shown) arranged at corresponding location of the drain trap assembly 3, so as to establish a better engagement with the same.

s Alternatively, the stopper element might be detachtably mounted at the drain trap device or the annular ring fitted therein. In either case, the stopper element could be easily replaced with a new one whenever it was worn out or damaged in operation, which will lead to a big save in parts and labor costs in maintenance, in view of the fact that at least the original drain trap device 3 could be kept untouched in the course of maintenance caused by the failure of the stopper element. The configuration of the stopper element as shown in the figure will provide an optimum effect as it will not hinder the flow of wastewater and sediment therein, such that the sediment will unlikely accumulate on it and a drain clog will be avoided. Certainly, the stopper element could be arranged in any other locations around the side wall of is the drain trap device 3 as long as it could prevent the float member from entering into the outlet pipe 2. Further, the illustrated clearance between the stopper element and the lateral wall above the side wall will act as a buffering mechanism to minimize the longitudinal impact force of the wastewater stream on the stopper element, which will significantly increase the lifespan of the stopper element.

While the invention has been described with references to above preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, additions or deletions may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and its claims, and all such alteration andlor modification shall fall into the scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. A drain trap assembly for preventing backflow of wastewater, contaminated air and bad odors, comprising: an inlet pipe configured to interconnect to a wastewater outlet of any fluid flow system; an outlet pipe configured to lead wastewater to a sewer line; and a drain trap device disposed between the inlet and outlet pipes, characterized in that the drain trap device includes a hollow body defining a fluid path, a lower end of which is fluidly communicated to the inlet pipe and a side wall thereon is fluidly communicated to the outlet pipe; a float member disposed in the hollow body floatably between a seated state where it is place on the outlet end opening of the inlet pipe to close the same, and a unseated state where it is floated up by buoyant force by drainage water when the drainage water of more than specific quantity flows into the hollow to open the outlet end opening as well as having a maximum outer circumference being more than a minimum inner circumference of the outlet end opening of the inlet pipe; and a stopper element fixedly arranged in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow body just before the front of inlet of the outlet pipe so that it can prevent the float member from entering into the outlet pipe.
2. The drain trap assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the lower portion of the hollow body is in the form of a funnel.
3. The drain trap assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein a ring groove is provided on a circumferential surface of the lower portion of the hollow body.
4. The drain trap assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the float member is spherical and hollow.
5. The drain trap assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the float member is made of plastic or metallic materials.
6. The drain trap assembly as set forth in claim 1, 3 or 4 wherein a seal ring is mounted in the ring groove, which includes an annular fitted part and a lip part in which the annular fitted part is fitted into the ring groove and the lip part is extended from the fitted part inwardly in a radial direction in the shape of a substantially conical ring that is to be brought into contact with an outer periphery of the float member.
7. The drain trap assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein the seal ring is made of an elastic material.
8. The drain trap assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein the elastic material is silicon rubber.
9. The drain trap assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein a seal cover is preferably provided on the hollow body so that assemblage, maintenance and cleaning are facilitated.
10. The drain trap assembly as set forth in claim I wherein one end of the stopper element is preferably integrated with an annular ring in order to be mounted in the hollow body.
11. The drain trap assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein one end of the stopper element is detachtably mounted at the drain trap device or an annular ring fitted therein.
12. The drain trap assembly as set forth in claim 1, 10 or 11 wherein the stopper element is in the shape of an ice cone.
13. The drain trap assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein the stopper element is configurated and sized to stop the float member from entering into the outlet pipe.