DRAIN COVER APPARATUS

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to a drain cover apparatus. More specifically, this disclosure relates generally to a multi-layered drain cover apparatus.

Outdoor drains can become overrun with debris during downpours. The debris backs up and stops the water from draining properly or efficiently. When drains get backed up, it can lead to flooding which may lead to major damage in and around houses or other structures. As such, keeping a drain clear of debris and allowing a path for the water to continue to drain despite debris is needed. Drain covers have existed but a durable, weighted, and multi-faceted drain cover has not been available. Embodiments described herein have a drain cover with more than one grated section that water must pass through to make it to the drain. Each grated section allows for the filtering of debris of different sizes and shapes. It cannot always be predicted what type of debris may be present and the differing grated covers acting together can help eliminate the majority of typical debris that will be present near a drain.

The flexibility of embodiments to address different types of debris including leaves, branches, and other items that are caught up in major rainstorms allows for peace of mind for a user. It allows a user to place the drain cover and know that the cover will not be washed away because it is weighted enough to stay in place. Embodiments described herein allow for all different shape and size drains to be covered by a single device.

SUMMARY

The subject matter of the present application has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and disadvantages associated with conventional devices that have not yet been fully solved by currently available techniques. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present application has been developed to provide embodiments of a system, apparatus, and method that overcome at least some of the shortcomings of prior art techniques.

Disclosed herein is a drain cover apparatus. The drain cover apparatus includes an upper grate piece comprising a rigid structure with a first plurality of apertures extending through the rigid structure, a lower grate piece comprising a rigid structure with a second plurality of apertures extending through the rigid structure, and an alignment and support block that is configured to support the upper grate piece and align the upper grate piece with the lower grate piece while maintaining an air gap between the upper grate piece and the lower grate piece. The first plurality of apertures are shaped differently than the second plurality of apertures. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 1 of the present disclosure.

The drain cover apparatus further comprises a filter, wherein the filter is positioned between the upper grate piece and the lower grate piece. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 2 of the present disclosure, wherein example 2 also includes the subject matter according to example 1, above.

The filter is positioned between the alignment and support block and the lower grate piece. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 3 of the present disclosure, wherein example 3 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-2, above.

The rigid structure of the upper grate piece is a pyramidal structure. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 4 of the present disclosure, wherein example 4 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-3, above.

The alignment and support block is centered on the pyramidal structure. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 5 of the present disclosure, wherein example 5 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-4, above.

The first plurality of apertures are located on each side of the pyramidal structure. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 6 of the present disclosure, wherein example 6 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-5, above.

The second plurality of apertures are different in size. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 7 of the present disclosure, wherein example 7 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-6, above.

The upper grate piece and the lower grate piece are coupled together by a plurality of magnets. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 8 of the present disclosure, wherein example 8 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-7, above.

The upper grate piece and the lower grate piece are removably coupled to each other. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 9 of the present disclosure, wherein example 9 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-8, above.

The alignment and support block is configured to add weight to the drain cover apparatus. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 10 of the present disclosure, wherein example 10 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-9, above.

The lower grate piece comprises a recessed depression. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 11 of the present disclosure, wherein example 11 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-10, above.

The drain cover apparatus further includes a filter, wherein the filter is positioned in the recessed depression and further positioned between the alignment and support block and the lower grate piece. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 12 of the present disclosure, wherein example 12 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-11, above.

Disclosed herein is a drain cover apparatus. The drain cover apparatus includes an upper grate piece comprising a rigid structure with a first plurality of apertures extending through the rigid structure, a lower grate piece comprising a rigid structure with a second plurality of apertures extending through the rigid structure an alignment and support block that is configured to support the upper grate piece and align the upper grate piece with the lower grate piece while maintaining an air gap between the upper grate piece and the lower grate piece, and a filter positioned between the upper grate piece and the lower grate piece. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 13 of the present disclosure.

The lower grate piece comprises a recessed depression. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 14 of the present disclosure, wherein example 14 also includes the subject matter according to example 13, above.

The filter is positioned between the alignment and support block and the lower grate piece. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 15 of the present disclosure, wherein example 15 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 13-14, above.

The rigid structure of the upper grate piece is a pyramidal structure. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 16 of the present disclosure, wherein example 16 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 13-15, above.

The alignment and support block is centered on the pyramidal structure. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 17 of the present disclosure, wherein example 17 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 13-16, above.

The second plurality of apertures are different in size. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 18 of the present disclosure, wherein example 18 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 13-17, above.

The upper grate piece and the lower grate piece are coupled together by a plurality of magnets positioned near an outer edge of the upper or lower grate piece. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 19 of the present disclosure, wherein example 19 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 13-18, above.

The upper grate piece and the lower grate piece are removably coupled to each other. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 20 of the present disclosure, wherein example 20 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 13-19, above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the subject matter may be more readily understood, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the subject matter and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the drawings.

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded perspective view of a drain cover apparatus in a disassembled state, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a side cut-away view of the drain cover apparatus of FIG. 1 in a fully assembled state, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the drain cover apparatus in a fully assembled state, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the upper grate piece of the drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a top view of the upper grate piece of the drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of a lower grate piece of the drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the lower grate piece of the drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8 depicts a side cut-away view of the lower grate piece of the drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9 depicts a top view of a lower grate piece of the drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 depicts a side cut-away view of the lower grate piece of the drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of a lower grate piece of the drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 12 depicts a side view of the lower grate piece of the drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of the alignment and support block of the drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 14 depicts a bottom view of the alignment and support block of the drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 15 depicts a side view of the alignment and support block of the drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of the alignment and support block of the drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 17 depicts a side cutaway view of a drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 18 depicts a side cutaway view of a drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 19 depicts a close-up side cutaway view of a drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 20 depicts a top view of a drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 21 depicts a bottom view of a drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Throughout the description, similar reference numbers may be used to identify similar elements. Throughout this application, similar designations or vocabulary may be used to identify similar elements, although the breadth of this disclosure should be understood to incorporate any alternatives and variations referenced within the specification (including the claims) and the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments as generally described herein and illustrated in the appended figures could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure but is merely representative of various embodiments. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by this detailed description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussions of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, in light of the description herein, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the indicated embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The expression “configured to” as used herein may be used interchangeably with “suitable for,” “having the capacity to,” “designed to,” “adapted to,” “made to,” or “capable of” according to a context. The term “configured” does not necessarily mean “specifically designed to” at a hardware level. Instead, the expression “apparatus configured to . . . ” may mean that the apparatus is “capable of . . . ” along with other devices or parts in a certain context.

Disclosed herein is an apparatus. The apparatus includes a drain cover that is configured to be dismantled and reassembled when needed. The drain cover includes an upper grate piece and a lower grate piece. The upper grate piece is removably coupled to the lower grate piece such that they can be separated when needed to clean the apparatus when needed. The upper grate piece and the lower grate piece may be coupled together by magnets or other implements that will keep the upper grate piece in place but will also allow for the two pieces to be separated when needed. The two pieces align to make for easy reassembling of the apparatus.

Many embodiments also include a more fine filter that can filter smaller particles. The filter is positioned between the upper grate piece and the lower grate piece. The filter can be replaced easily in the dismantled state. Variations on embodiments are described throughout. Each variation may include some or many of the features of other embodiments. It should be noted that even if not described in a single embodiment, features of separate embodiments may be combined and a description of every permutation of features is not described merely for the sake of brevity.

While many embodiments are described herein, at least some of the described embodiments describe an apparatus. The apparatus includes a drain cover that is configured to be dismantled and reassembled when needed. In the dismantled condition, the apparatus can be cleaned or the filter can be removed and replaced. In many embodiments, the drain cover apparatus includes an upper grate piece and a lower grate piece. The lower grate piece may be removed from the upper grate piece or attached to the upper grate piece as needed. In addition, in some embodiments, the upper grate piece is made of component parts.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the Figure depicts a perspective view of a drain cover apparatus 100 in a fully assembled state, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. Although the drain cover apparatus 100 is shown and described with certain components and functionality, other embodiments of the drain cover apparatus 100 may include fewer or more components to implement less or more functionality.

FIG. 1 depicts a drain cover apparatus 100 including an upper grate piece 110 and a lower grate piece 120. The upper grate piece may be a rigid structure that includes a rigid pyramidal structure with a plurality of holes or openings or apertures 112. Although the upper grate piece is shown with a pyramidal structure other shapes are contemplated herein. The upper grate piece may be any one of similar shapes such as conical, square pyramidal, triangular pyramidal, pentagonal pyramidal, hexagonal pyramidal, octagonal pyramidal, nonagonal pyramidal, decagonal pyramidal, etc., or variations of these shapes.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper grate piece 110 includes four sheets 114 that are a generally triangular shape that are then coupled together to form the pyramidal shape. They may be welded together or coupled together by other means. FIG. 4 depicts the welded seams 113 that connect the sheets together. As discussed earlier, the upper grate piece 110 may be many different shapes. The general shape is raised or elevated in the center with lower perimeter edges. In the illustrated embodiment, the perimeter edges form a quadrilateral shape. The general shape is configured to correspond to the shape of the lower grate piece 120. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the raised center includes a square central aperture 115. This central aperture 115 may be other shapes in other embodiments. The central aperture 115 corresponds generally to the alignment and support block 140 (which is discussed in more detail below).

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper grate piece includes a plurality of apertures 112. The apertures 112 are located on each individual sheet 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the apertures 112 are a hexagonal through hole on the sheet 114. Other shapes and sizes are contemplated for the apertures 112. In some embodiments, the apertures are spaced in a particular array pattern. The illustrated embodiment includes four rows of apertures located near the perimeter edges of the upper grate piece 110. The illustrated embodiment also includes five rows of apertures located near the center of the upper grate piece 110. These rows are separated by a solid portion that runs between the two sets of rows. The solid portion may allow for greater structural stability for the upper grate piece 110. Other embodiments may include different repeating patterns. The apertures 112 are generally configured to allow water or liquid to pass through the upper grate piece while catching debris or larger objects and retaining the debris or larger objects outside of or above the upper grate piece 110.

The lower grate piece 120 is configured to attach or couple to the upper grate piece 110. As can be seen, the drain cover apparatus 100 may be used to cover an outdoor drain. Although the drain cover apparatus 100 is referred to here in relation to an outdoor drain, it is noted that the drain cover apparatus 100 may be used for any type of drain. The drain cover apparatus 100 will generally cover a drain and allow water or other liquid to drain properly without allowing the drain itself to be clogged with debris or larger objects. The upper grate piece 110 may be constructed of a strong and rigid material to support and cover the lower grate piece and other components of the apparatus.

The illustrated embodiment of the drain cover apparatus 100 also includes five magnets (125, 135) which function to couple the components together (the fourth magnet 125 is not visible in this exploded view. Although the illustrated embodiment utilizes magnets, other embodiments may utilize other ways to couple the components together including clips, screws, adhesives, bolts, or the like. It is noted that there are many ways to accomplish the coupling of the components and those mechanisms are not necessarily outlined in great detail herein. It is noted that the use of magnets allows for the upper grate piece 110 and the lower grate piece 120 to be removably coupled together. This allows the user to quickly decouple the upper grate piece 110 and the lower grate piece 120 and clean out or fix any internal components of the apparatus.

Returning to FIG. 1, the lower grate piece 120 is also a rigid structure with a central recessed depression 121 (in this case it is a square shaped recess which may be punched down) with, in this embodiment, four angled lip edges 123. In the illustrated embodiment, the recessed depression 121 is surrounded by four perimeter vertical walls 124 that form a perimeter around the recessed depression 121. An array of a second plurality of holes or openings or apertures 122. This second plurality of apertures 122 are through holes in the rigid structure that allow water or other liquid to drain properly while retaining any debris or objects that made it through the first plurality of apertures 112 on the upper grate piece 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first plurality of apertures 112 (of the upper grate piece 110) are shaped differently than the second plurality of apertures 122 (of the lower grate piece 120). In addition, the first plurality of apertures 112 are different in overall size from the second plurality of apertures 122. This allows for the straining of different size debris at the upper grate piece as opposed to the lower grate piece. The drain cover apparatus 100 is configured to funnel all water through both the upper grate piece and the lower grate piece before the water reaches the drain that the drain cover apparatus covers. All water or liquid will have to flow through the first plurality of apertures and then the second plurality of apertures. In the illustrated embodiment, there are also apertures 122 that are on the angled lip edges 123.

The angled lip edges 123 are configured to be angled and more particularly to be angled so that they are parallel to the four sides or sheets of the upper grate piece 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, the drain cover apparatus 100 includes four peripheral magnets 125 (three are visible) that are located on the lower grate piece 120 and more specifically are coupled to the angled lip edges 123. In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral magnets 125 are strips magnets that are screwed onto the angled lip edges 123 by screws 126. The peripheral magnets are configured couple together the upper and the lower grate pieces as they are secured to the lower grate piece and then the upper grate piece is attracted to the strip magnets. It is noted that the peripheral magnets 125 could be secured to the upper grate piece with the lower grate piece attracted to the magnets. The particular location of the magnets may be different in other implementations. In some embodiments, the magnets are positioned near an outer edge of the lower grate piece. In some embodiments, the magnets are positioned near an outer edge of the upper grate piece. In some embodiments, the magnets are positioned near an outer edge of the upper and lower grate piece.

Additionally, there is a central magnet 135 that, in this and some other embodiments, is configured to magnetize the alignment and support block 140 to the lower grate piece 120 with the filter 150 in place. Additionally, the alignment and support block 140 may be configured to align the upper grate piece (with the central aperture 115 of the upper grate piece 110 being aligned with the alignment and support block 140). In some embodiments, the alignment and support block 140 is configured to be a rigid central piece that can mechanically support the upper grate piece 110. Each sheet 114 may rest on the alignment and support block 140. In some embodiments, the upper grate piece 110 may be coupled to the alignment and support block 140. In some embodiments, the upper grate piece 110 may be removably coupled to the alignment and support block 140. In some embodiments, the upper grate piece 110 may just rest on the alignment and support block 140.

Some embodiments further include a filter 150. Not all embodiments include the filter 150. The filter 150 may have finer openings and be able to filter out finer particulates. Of course, the filter 150 may be whatever size is needed but may be sized to fit the recessed depression 121 of the lower grate piece 110. For many applications, the filter 150 may be removed and replaced over time and as needed. While many of the other components may be constructed to last, the filter 150 may become degraded more quickly and need to be replaced especially for applications where you need to filter out finer particulates. The filter 150 may be made out of many different materials.

FIG. 2 depicts a side cut-away view of the drain cover apparatus of FIG. 1 in a fully assembled state, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. Although the drain cover apparatus 100 is shown and described with certain components and functionality, other embodiments of the drain cover apparatus 100 may include fewer or more components to implement less or more functionality.

As can be seen, the alignment and support block 140 aligns the upper grate piece 110 with the lower grate piece 120. The upper grate piece 110 is also aligned with the lower grate piece 120 because the angled lip edges 123 also align with the individual sheets 114 of the upper grate piece 110. As can also be seen, the angled lip edges 123 are parallel with the sides of the upper grate piece 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, the central magnet 135 is secured to the alignment and support block 140 via screws 126 and the central magnet 135 magnetizes to or attracts the lower grate piece 120. As can be seen, the peripheral magnets 125 magnetize the lower grate piece to the upper grate piece. There is one for each pyramidal side. Although the illustrated embodiment is pyramidal in shape, other shapes and embodiments are contemplated herein including, but not limited to, shapes discussed previously. Although not specifically discussed, all or some of the features of each of the Figures herein may be combined to alter some of the features of this current Figure and is not specifically discussed just for the sake of brevity.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the drain cover apparatus in a fully assembled state, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. Although the drain cover apparatus 100 is shown and described with certain components and functionality, other embodiments of the drain cover apparatus 100 may include fewer or more components to implement less or more functionality. As shown, the upper grate piece 110 includes hexagonal apertures or openings throughout. The shape and design and size of these openings may be different for different embodiments. Although not specifically discussed, all or some of the features of each of the Figures herein may be combined to alter some of the features of this current Figure and is not specifically discussed just for the sake of brevity.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an upper grate piece according to one or more embodiments of the invention. Although the upper grate piece is shown and described with certain components and functionality, other embodiments of the upper grate piece may include fewer or more components to implement less or more functionality.

FIG. 5 depicts a top view of the upper grate piece 110 of the drain cover apparatus 100, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. As can be seen, the upper grate piece 110 includes a central aperture 115 that is sized and shaped to allow for the upper grate piece 110 to be set upon and rest on the alignment and support block 140. Although the upper grate piece 110 is shown and described with certain components and functionality, other embodiments of the upper grate piece 110 may include fewer or more components to implement less or more functionality. Although not specifically discussed, all or some of the features of each of the Figures herein may be combined to alter some of the features of this current Figure and is not specifically discussed just for the sake of brevity.

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of the lower grate piece 120 of the drain cover apparatus 100, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. Although the lower grate piece 120 is shown and described with certain components and functionality, other embodiments of the lower grate piece 120 may include fewer or more components to implement less or more functionality.

The lower grate piece 120 includes outer raised edges or angled lip edges 123 with small openings 122 on them. The lower grate piece 120 also includes a substantially flat interior (the recessed depression 121) with different size apertures 122 than those located on the angled lip edges 123. Additionally, the openings are different from the openings on the upper grate piece 110. The variation in shape and size of openings means that all the water will have to pass through at least two different sized and shaped openings to get to the drain. The variation allows for differing types of debris to be stopped before the debris can clog the drain itself. Although not specifically discussed, all or some of the features of each of the Figures herein may be combined to alter some of the features of this current Figure and is not specifically discussed just for the sake of brevity.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the lower grate piece 120 of the drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. FIG. 8 depicts a side cut-away view of the lower grate piece 120 of the drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. The cut-away view shows the thickness of the lower grate piece 120. Additionally, the punch down or recessed depression 121 is shown more clearly with the perimeter vertical walls 124 and the angled lip edges. Although the lower grate piece 120 is shown and described with certain components and functionality, other embodiments of the lower grate piece 120 may include fewer or more components to implement less or more functionality. Although not specifically discussed, all or some of the features of each of the Figures herein may be combined to alter some of the features of this current Figure and is not specifically discussed just for the sake of brevity.

FIG. 9 depicts a top view of a lower grate piece 120, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. Although the lower grate piece 120 is shown and described with certain components and functionality, other embodiments of the lower grate piece 120 may include fewer or more components to implement less or more functionality. The illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9 includes similar features to the illustrated embodiments previously shown and described. The shape and size of the second plurality of apertures 122. Additionally, each of the apertures also varies in shape and size from each other.

FIG. 10 depicts a side cut-away view of the lower grate piece 110 of FIG. 9, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. Although the lower grate piece 120 is shown and described with certain components and functionality, other embodiments of the lower grate piece 120 may include fewer or more components to implement less or more functionality.

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of the lower grate piece 120 of FIGS. 9 and 10, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. Although the lower grate piece 120 is shown and described with certain components and functionality, other embodiments of the lower grate piece 120 may include fewer or more components to implement less or more functionality.

FIG. 12 depicts a side view of the lower grate piece 120 of FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. Although the lower grate piece 120 is shown and described with certain components and functionality, other embodiments of the lower grate piece 120 may include fewer or more components to implement less or more functionality.

FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of an alignment and support block 140 of a drain cover apparatus 100, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. Although the alignment and support block 140 is shown and described with certain components and functionality, other embodiments of the alignment and support block 140 may include fewer or more components to implement less or more functionality.

The illustrated embodiment of the alignment and support block 140 is different from the alignment and support block 140 shown and described in the previous embodiments. The illustrated alignment and support block 140 includes four angled ledges 141. The four angled ledges 141 support the upper grate piece 110. The upper grate piece 110 may be coupled to the alignment and support block 140 via the through holes 143. The alignment and support block 140 also includes four support legs 142 and is open in the middle. The alignment and support block 140 gives the drain cover apparatus its structure and support. Weight may be added to the alignment and support block 140 with more material to help weigh down the drain cover apparatus 100. With added weight the drain cover apparatus 100 may be able to stay in place over drain and not be washed away in heavy rainfall.

In embodiments that utilize a filter 150, the alignment and support block 140 may rest on the filter 150. More specifically, the support legs 142 will rest on the filter in some embodiments as the filter 150 is positioned between the alignment and support block 140 and the lower grate piece 120.

FIG. 14 depicts a bottom view of the alignment and support block of FIG. 13, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. FIG. 15 depicts a side view of the alignment and support block of FIGS. 13 and 14, according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of an alignment and support block 140 of the drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. Although the alignment and support block 140 is shown and described with certain components and functionality, other embodiments of the alignment and support block 140 may include fewer or more components to implement less or more functionality.

In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment and support block 140 also includes four magnets 148 that are coupled to the support legs 142. The magnets 148 may be configured to magnetize the alignment and support block 140 to the lower grate piece. In some embodiments, the magnetization occurs through the filter 150. In some embodiments, there is no filter 150.

FIG. 17 depicts a side cutaway view of a drain cover apparatus with the alignment and support block shown, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. Although the drain cover apparatus 100 is shown and described with certain components and functionality, other embodiments of the drain cover apparatus 100 may include fewer or more components to implement less or more functionality.

In the illustrated embodiment, many features are similar to those described in embodiments above and are not repeated for the sake of brevity. Some of the features that are different are discussed herein. The lower grate piece 120 includes angled lip edges 123 and relatively flat central surface but does not include a recessed depression. The alignment and support block 140 rests directly on the flat central surface

FIG. 18 depicts a side cutaway view of another drain cover apparatus with the alignment and support block shown, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. Although the drain cover apparatus 100 is shown and described with certain components and functionality, other embodiments of the drain cover apparatus 100 may include fewer or more components to implement less or more functionality.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lower grate piece 120 now has a recessed depression 121 and set within the recessed depression 121 is a filter 150. The filter 150 is positioned between the alignment and support block 140 and the lower grate piece 120.

FIG. 19 depicts a close-up view of the side cut-away view of the drain cover apparatus similar to the drain cover apparatus shown in FIG. 2 (but could be applicable to FIG. 18), according to one or more embodiments of the invention. Although the drain cover apparatus 100 is shown and described with certain components and functionality, other embodiments of the drain cover apparatus 100 may include fewer or more components to implement less or more functionality. The close up shows better the interaction of the peripheral magnet 125 and the two grate covers. Additionally, the filter 150 is shown relative to the lower grate piece 120. Although not specifically discussed, all or some of the features of each of the Figures herein may be combined to alter some of the features of this current Figure and is not specifically discussed just for the sake of brevity.

FIG. 20 depicts a top view of the drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. Although the drain cover apparatus 100 is shown and described with certain components and functionality, other embodiments of the drain cover apparatus 100 may include fewer or more components to implement less or more functionality. Although not specifically discussed, all or some of the features of each of the Figures herein may be combined to alter some of the features of this current Figure and is not specifically discussed just for the sake of brevity.

The illustrated embodiment shows potential variations with differently arrayed and sized apertures utilized on the upper grate piece 110. The upper grate piece 110 may also include a handle 222 that is ergonomically friendly to hold and maneuver the drain cover apparatus 100 in some embodiments.

FIG. 21 depicts a bottom view of the drain cover apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. Although the drain cover apparatus 100 is shown and described with certain components and functionality, other embodiments of the drain cover apparatus 100 may include fewer or more components to implement less or more functionality. Although not specifically discussed, all or some of the features of each of the Figures herein may be combined to alter some of the features of this current Figure and is not specifically discussed just for the sake of brevity.

The illustrated embodiment shows the larger second plurality of apertures 122. Also visible through the second plurality of apertures 122, one can see some of the first plurality of apertures 112.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, the invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated. The scope of the invention is to be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the subject matter of the present disclosure should be or are in any single embodiment. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

In the above description, certain terms may be used such as “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” and the like. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object. Further, the terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”, when used with a list of items, means different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and only one of the items in the list may be needed. The item may be a particular object, thing, or category. In other words, “at least one of” means any combination of items or number of items may be used from the list, but not all of the items in the list may be required. For example, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean item A; item A and item B; item B; item A, item B, and item C; or item B and item C. In some cases, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean, for example, without limitation, two of item A, one of item B, and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; or some other suitable combination.

As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is indeed capable of performing the specified function without any alteration, rather than merely having potential to perform the specified function after further modification. In other words, the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function. As used herein, “configured to” denotes existing characteristics of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware which enable the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform the specified function without further modification. For purposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware described as being “configured to” perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being “adapted to” and/or as being “operative to” perform that function.

	Number	Date	Country
	63602368	Nov 2023	US
	63495287	Apr 2023	US

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