DRAIN FLOW VORTEX BREAKERS

BACKGROUND
Field

This development relates generally to systems, devices and methods for preventing the formation of vortices in liquids flowing down a drain. In particular, systems, devices and methods relate to drain flow vortex breakers having fins configured to inhibit circular flow of liquids flowing therethrough, preventing the formation of vortices in the fluid flow.

Description of the Related Art

Drain flow vortex breakers are used to prevent the formation of vortices in liquids flowing down a drain. The presence of such vortices can result in decreases in drainage flow rates, pressure losses in drains, amalgamation of particles flowing down drains, and erosion of drain bowls and drain pipes. Existing solutions to vortex breakers are complex and cannot be used with a wide variety of drains. Improvements to these and other drawbacks are therefore desirable.

SUMMARY

The following disclosure describes non-limiting examples of some embodiments of the disclosed technology. For instance, other embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods may or may not include the features described herein. Moreover, disclosed advantages and benefits may apply to only certain embodiments of the disclosed technology and should not be used to limit the disclosure.

Devices and methods are described for preventing vortices of liquids as they flow down the drain. The drain flow vortex breakers described herein can be secured to a drain cover or in the drain bowl.

In a first aspect, a drain flow vortex breaker apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the drain flow vortex breaker apparatus includes a plurality of fins extending radially outward from a central portion, the central portion extending along a longitudinal axis of the drain flow vortex breaker apparatus. In some embodiments, the drain flow vortex breaker apparatus includes a generally planar securement structure extending generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the drain flow vortex breaker apparatus. In some embodiments, the plurality of fins are secured to and extending from a first surface of the securement structure. In some embodiments, a second surface of the securement structure can be secured against an overlying drain cover to secure the drain flow vortex breaker apparatus to the overlying drain cover and prevent radial rotation of the drain flow vortex breaker apparatus relative to the overlying drain cover.

In some embodiments, the securement structure includes a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the plurality of apertures are configured to be aligned with at least a portion of a plurality of apertures in the overlying drain cover to receive at least one fastener extending through an aperture of the plurality of apertures of the securement structure and an aperture of the plurality of apertures of the overlying drain cover. In some embodiments, the securement structure is configured to be secured relative to the overlying drain cover using a plurality of bolts, each bolt of the plurality of bolts extending through an aperture of the plurality of apertures of the securement structure and an aperture of the plurality of apertures of the overlying drain cover. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures of the securement structure include a plurality of circular apertures. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures extending through the securement structure includes a combination of at least one linearly extending aperture, at least one curved aperture, and at least one circular aperture. In some embodiments, the securement structure is cylindrical. In some embodiments, the plurality of fins taper inward near a base of the plurality of fins. In some embodiments, the overlying drain cover is a flat drain cover and the plurality of fins are dimensioned to extend into an underlying drain bowl when the drain cover is secured to the underlying drain bowl. In some embodiments, the overlying drain cover is a raised drain cover and the plurality of fins are dimensioned to extend into an underlying drain bowl when the drain cover is secured to the underlying drain bowl.

In another aspect, a method for securing a drain flow vortex breaker apparatus in a drain is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a drain flow vortex breaker apparatus including: a plurality of fins extending radially outward from a central portion, the central portion extending along a longitudinal axis of the drain flow vortex breaker apparatus; and a securement structure overlying the plurality of fins. In some embodiments, the method includes securing an upper side of the securement structure relative to a bottom side of a drain cover; and securing the drain cover to a drain such that the plurality of fins extend into the drain.

In some embodiments, coupling the upper side of the securement structure with the bottom side of a drain cover includes: aligning a plurality of apertures extending through the drain cover with a plurality of apertures extending through the securement structure; and installing a plurality of bolts, each of the plurality of bolts extending through an aperture of the plurality of apertures of the drain cover and through an aperture of the plurality of apertures of the securement structure. In some embodiments, installing the plurality of bolts further includes installing a nut on each of the plurality of bolts. In some embodiments, securing the drain cover to a drain such that the plurality of fins extend into the drain includes securing the drain cover to a drain such that the plurality of fins are positioned at least partially within a drain bowl of the drain. In some embodiments, securing the upper side of the securement structure relative to a bottom side of a drain cover includes securing an upper side of the securement structure relative to a bottom side of a raised central portion of a raised drain cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the devices and methods described herein will be appreciated upon reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective, cross-sectional view of an example of a drain;

FIG. 1B is a side view of the drain of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a side view of an example of a raised drain cover with a shallow-sloping skirt;

FIG. 1D is a perspective, cross-sectional view of another example of a raised drain cover with a vertical dome, positioned over the drain bowl of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1E is a perspective, cross-sectional view of an example of a flat drain cover positioned over the drain of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a drain flow vortex breaker apparatus with a securement structure;

FIG. 2B is a top view of the drain flow vortex breaker apparatus with the securement structure of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a bottom view of the drain flow vortex breaker apparatus with the securement structure of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2D is a side view of the drain flow vortex breaker apparatus with the securement structure of FIG. 2A along a direction orthogonal to one of the fins;

FIG. 3A is an exploded, perspective view of the drain flow vortex breaker apparatus with the securement structure of FIG. 2A, a drain cover, and bolts;

FIG. 3B is an assembled, perspective view of the drain flow vortex breaker apparatus with the securement structure, the drain cover, and the bolts of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional, side view of the drain flow vortex breaker apparatus with the securement structure of FIG. 2A secured to a flat drain cover in the drain bowl of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional, side view of a drain flow vortex breaker apparatus with a securement structure secured to a raised drain cover in the drain bowl of FIG. 1A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although several embodiments, examples, and illustrations are disclosed below, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the concepts described herein extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments, examples, and illustrations and includes other uses of the disclosed technology and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Embodiments of the disclosed technology are described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner simply because it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments. In addition, embodiments of the disclosed technology can comprise several novel features and no single feature is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or is essential to practicing the embodiments herein described.

Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for preventing vortices of liquids as they flow down the drain. The drain flow vortex breakers described herein can be secured to a drain cover or in the drain bowl.

FIG. 1A is a perspective cross-sectional view an example of a drain 100. FIG. 1B is a side cross-sectional view of the drain 100 of FIG. 1A. The drain 100 can include an upper inlet section 110, which tapers inward toward a narrower drain body 120 beneath the upper inlet section 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet section 110 includes an upper cylindrical portion 112 extending generally orthogonal to a surrounding planar portion 118, and an inwardly tapering drain bowl 114, which may be a curved transition section, between the upper cylindrical portion 112 and the drain body 120. The drain body 120 can be an outlet to a pipe. In the illustrated embodiment, the drain body 120 includes a narrow (relative to a maximum diameter of the drain bowl 114), cylindrical portion extending from the drain bowl 114. The cross-sectional size of the drain 100 can generally decrease with increasing distance from the upper planar portion 118, although certain sections have a substantially constant cross-sectional shape over their height. The illustrated drain bowl is one representative shape, but in other embodiments, a drain bowl may have any other suitable shapes to form a transition between an inlet and an outlet, and embodiments of vortex breakers described herein may be adapted to disrupt circular flow of liquid flowing through the drain bowl to inhibit or prevent vortex formation within that liquid flow.

The drain 100 of FIG. 1A can be part of a roof drain, a sink drain, a shower drain, or another type of drain. The drain body 120 of the drain bowl can lead to a drain pipe, which can be of similar cross-sectional dimensions to the drain body 120. Liquids that flow into the drain bowl can form vortices as they descend toward the drain pipe. A vortex can cause potentially undesirable effects such as reduction of flow rate and pressure, erosion of the drain bowl and drain pipe, and amassing of solid particles. Advantageously, the systems, devices and methods described herein can reduce or break vortices to reduce or prevent these potentially undesirable effects.

FIG. 1C is a side cross-sectional view of a raised drain cover 122. The raised drain cover 122 can be placed over a drain bowl to prevent larger particles from entering the drain. The raised drain cover 122 can have a plurality of apertures formed therein to allow fluid to pass therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the raised drain cover 122 includes a raised central portion including a grate with a plurality of concentrically arranged curved apertures. In some embodiments, the raised drain cover 122 includes features described with respect to the devices described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,286,670, filed on Aug. 19, 2020 and titled “Roof Drain Cover”, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/384,513, filed on Jul. 23, 2021 and titled “Drain Cover Assembly”, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, or modifications thereof.

FIG. 1D is a perspective view illustration of another example of a raised drain cover 122′ positioned over a drain 100. The raised drain cover 122′ can extend over the entire inlet section 110 so that any fluid which flows into the drain 100 must flow through an aperture in the raised drain cover 122′.

FIG. 1E is a perspective, cross-sectional view of an example of a flat drain cover 124 positioned over the drain bowl of FIG. 1A. The flat drain cover 124 can be placed over a drain 100 to prevent larger particles from entering the drain. Like the top of the raised central portions of raised drain covers 122 and 122′, flat drain cover 124 can have a grate with a plurality of concentrically arranged curved apertures. In some embodiments, the flat drain cover 124 can be flush with the top of the inlet portion of the drain 100. In other embodiments, the flat drain cover 124 can sit slightly above or below the top of the drain 100.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a vortex breaker 200 with a planar securement structure 230 and a plurality of fins 202 extending downward therefrom. FIG. 2B is a top view of the vortex breaker 200 of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C is a bottom view of the vortex breaker 200 of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2D is a side view of the vortex breaker 200 of FIG. 2A along a direction orthogonal to one of the fins 202.

The securement structure 230 can be secured relative to a drain cover to secure the vortex breaker 200 in a drain at a location where the fins 202 will extend into the region at which a vortex may form in the drain. The securement structure 230 has an aperture pattern which is configured to, when positioned against a drain cover and aligned with the aperture pattern in the drain cover, provide a plurality of possible securement locations. The varied aperture pattern of the securement structure 230 allows the vortex breaker 200 to be used with a wide variety of drain covers having a wide variety of aperture patterns.

The aperture pattern may include, for example, apertures of various shapes, including curved apertures 232 extending over an arc at a substantially constant radial distance from a center of the vortex breaker 200, radially extending apertures 234 extending generally linearly away from the center of the vortex breaker 200, and circular apertures 236 at various locations in the securement structure 230. Other sizes and shapes of apertures, such as curved apertures which vary in radial distance from the circle along their length, or apertures of any other suitable size and/or shape. The apertures can be sized to permit a fastener or other structure to be inserted therethrough, as discussed in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the sizes of the apertures may vary, to allow fasteners of different cross-sectional sizes to be used, depending on the sizes of the apertures in the drain cover to which the vortex breaker 200 is to be secured.

The vortex breaker 200 can include fins 202 which can prevent the formation of vortices in the drain bowl. The securement structure 230 can be fixed above the fins 202. In some embodiments, the securement structure 230 can be substantially smaller than the drain cover, and can be designed to be bolted to the underside of the drain cover, generally centered relative to the underlying drain. In some embodiments, the securement structure 230 can be clipped onto the drain cover. In some embodiments, the securement structure 230 can be a strainer configured to prevent solid materials of a certain size from advancing down the drain. In some embodiments, the securement structure 230 can have an aperture pattern configured to not obstruct flow as it enters the drain. In the illustrated embodiment, the vortex breaker 200 includes a plurality of equally-spaced fins 202 that extend radially outward from a central portion 204 and downward from the securement structure 230. In the illustrated embodiment, the vortex breaker 200 includes three fins 202. In some embodiments, the vortex breaker can have one fin 202, two fins 202, three fins 202, four fins 202, five fins 202, six fins 202, seven fins 202, eight fins 202, or more than eight fins 202.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fins 202 extend from the central portion 204 to a radial position near the edge of the securement structure 230. In other embodiments, however, the fins 202 can extend beyond the outer edge or edges of the securement structure 230, while in still other embodiments, the securement structure 230 may extend beyond the outer edges of the fins 202. The central portion 204 at which the fins 202 can extend along a longitudinal axis of the vortex breaker.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fins 202 include an inwardly tapering portion 206 which begins near a base of each fin 202. The tapered portions 206 in the bottom corner of each fin 202 can be at the furthest radial distance from the central portion 204. The tapered portion 206 of the fin 202 can allow the fin 202 to better fit in certain drain bowls. For example, the tapered portions 206 of the fins 202 can conform to a narrow lower portion of a drain bowl.

The fins 202 have a height which is sufficient to extend below a water level in the drain under conditions in which a vortex may form. In such conditions, the water level may be close to or above the upper edge of the drain bowl. By extending through the water level at a location at or near the central axis of the drain bowl, circular flow of water, which can lead to vortex formation, can be inhibited by the fins 202, and a higher drain rate of the water can be maintained. Because some drain covers may be raised, and others may be generally planar, some embodiments may include fins 202 sufficiently tall that they can extend through the water level for both raised and flat drain covers, while in other embodiments, vortex breakers 200 may be optimized for one type of drain cover, with shorter fins intended to work with flat drain covers, and longer fins intended to work with raised drain covers. In still other embodiments, the fins 202 may be trimmed as needed to adapt to, for example, a flat drain cover over a shallow drain bowl. Because vortices will extend below the water level, a vortex breaker suspended from a generally planar drain cover at a level below the current water level can still disrupt the formation of vortices by inhibiting rotational fluid flow below the uppermost level of the water.

In some embodiments, the fins 202 can have a height of between approximately 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches, and in a particular embodiment may have a height of approximately 3 inches or approximately 2.938 inches. In other embodiments, the fins 202 may have a height of between approximately 2 inches and 4 inches, between approximately 1 inch and 4 inches, or between approximately 0.5 inches and 5 inches, although other embodiments may include fins with heights outside of these exemplary ranges, including fins greater than 5 inches or less than 0.5 inches. In some implementations, the fins 202 can have a width of approximately 0.025 inches, 0.05 inches, 0.075 inches, 0.1 inches, 0.15 inches, 0.2 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.35 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.45 inches, 0.5 inches, or greater than 0.5 inches. The tapered portion 206 of the fins 202 can have a length of 0.5 inches, 1 inch, 1.5 inches, 2 inches, 2.5 inches, 2.71 inches, 3 inches, 3.5 inches, 4 inches, 4.5 inches, 5 inches, or greater than 5 inches.

In some embodiments, the vortex breaker 200 can be made of metal, plastic, or polymer, or any other suitable material. The securement structure 230 can in some embodiments be circular, cylindrical, or disc-shaped, but any other suitable size and shape, such as a triangular securement structure, a rectangular securement structure, or a star-shaped securement structure may also be used in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the securement structure 230 can have a shape corresponding to a drain cover. In some embodiments, a cross-sectional size of the securement structure 230 may be substantially smaller than a cross-sectional size of a typical drain cover to which it is intended to be secured, as the fins 202 need only interrupt circular flow at the generally central region within the drain at which a vortex is likely to form in the absence of the vortex breaker 200. The securement structure 230 can be integral with the fins 202 and/or the central portion 204. In some implementations, the securement structure 230 can be coupled with the fins 202 and/or the central portion 204, for example with adhesive or a mechanical connection.

The securement structure 230 can include semicircular, or curved, apertures 232. In the illustrated embodiment, the securement structure 230 includes 18 semicircular apertures 232. In some embodiments, the securement structure 230 can include 12-24 semicircular apertures. In some embodiments, the securement structure 230 can include 6-30 semicircular apertures. In some embodiments, the securement structure 230 can include 1-35 semicircular apertures. The semicircular apertures 232 can be aligned along a radius of the securement structure 230, for example in a group of three semicircular apertures 232. The semicircular apertures 232 can be positioned circumferentially between the fins 202 such that the fins 202 do not impede water flow through the apertures 232.

The securement structure can include linear, or straight, apertures 234. In the illustrated embodiment, the securement structure 230 includes 3 linear apertures 234. In some embodiments, the securement structure 230 can include 1-5 linear apertures. In some embodiments, the securement structure 230 can include 1-10 linear apertures. In some embodiments, the securement structure 230 can include 1-20 linear apertures. The linear apertures 234 can be extend along a radius of the securement structure 230. The linear apertures 234 can be positioned circumferentially between the fins 202 such that the fins 202 do not impede flow through the apertures 234. The linear apertures 234 can be positioned circumferentially between sets of semicircular apertures 232.

The securement structure can include circular apertures 236. In the illustrated embodiment, the securement structure 230 includes 9 circular apertures 236. In some embodiments, the securement structure 230 can include 6-12 circular apertures. In some embodiments, the securement structure 230 can include 3-15 circular apertures. In some embodiments, the securement structure 230 can include 1-20 circular apertures. In the illustrated embodiment, three circular apertures 236′ are arranged around the center of the securement structure 230. In the illustrated embodiment, six circular apertures 236 are arranged radially outward from the central three circular apertures 236′. The circular apertures 236, 236′ can be positioned circumferentially between the fins 202 such that the fins 202 do not impede flow through the apertures 236, 236′. In some implementations, the circular apertures 236′ closer to the center of the securement structure 230 can be larger than the circular apertures 236 more radially outward from the center of the securement structure.

FIG. 3A is an exploded, perspective view of the vortex breaker 200 with the securement structure 230 of FIG. 2A, a drain cover 324, and fasteners 350. FIG. 3B is an assembled, perspective view of the vortex breaker 200 with the securement structure 230, the drain cover 324, and the fasteners 350 of FIG. 3A.

The top side of the securement structure 230 can be brought adjacent the bottom side of the drain cover 324. The vortex breaker 200 can be secured to the drain cover 324 using fasteners 350, which in the illustrated embodiment are bolts. The drain cover 324 is a non-limiting example of a drain cover. In some embodiments, the vortex breaker 200 can be coupled with another type of drain cover.

The drain cover 324 can be secured in place relative to a drain while coupled with the securement structure 230 to suspend the vortex breaker 200 within the drain. The securement structure 230 can be secured relative to the drain cover 324 to prevent radial rotation of the vortex breaker 200 relative to the overlying drain cover 324. Advantageously, this can cause the fins 202 to resist forces from fluid within the drain flowing in a circular pattern, which may lead to vortices forming in the drain.

The drain cover 324 can include semicircular apertures 326. The fasteners 350 can be aligned with apertures 326 of the drain cover 324. Additionally, the bolts 350 can be aligned with circular apertures 236 of the securement structure 230. The bolts 350 can extend through the apertures 326 of the drain cover 324 and aligned apertures of the securement structure 230. The bolt 350 can be fitted with a nut to couple the drain cover 324 to the securement structure 230. For example, tightening the nut can increase a clamping force to press the drain cover 324 and the securement structure 230 together. If the drain cover 324 includes wider apertures than the securement structure 230, or vice versa, washers can be used to assist in the securement of the securement structure 230 relative to the drain cover. In such an embodiment, frictional fit between the two due to the clamping forces may inhibit movement of the securement structure 230 relative to the drain cover 324, rather than direct interaction between the fasteners 350 and the edges of the apertures in the securement structure 230 and the drain cover 324.

As seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, three fasteners 350 are used in the illustrated embodiment to secure the securement structure 230 in place. In other embodiments, however, more or fewer fasteners can be used. The use of multiple fasteners at various locations across the securement structure 230 can increase the rigidity of the securement between the securement structure 230 and the drain cover 324, so that the fins 202 can better impede circular fluid flow within the drain. In some embodiments, fasteners other than bolts may also be used. For example, in some embodiments, wire, zip-ties, or other flexible fasteners may be inserted through the apertures in the securement structure 230 and the drain cover 324 and fixed tightly to retain the securement structure 230 in place without significant play.

The securement structure 230 may in some embodiments cooperate with the drain cover 324 to filter solid materials from entering the drain. The fins 202 can be sized to break vortices in the drain bowl while the securement structure 230 is coupled to the drain cover 324.

In other implementations, the vortex breaker may be secured to a drain cover by other structures, such as the use of support tabs which may extend upward from at least one of the fins, and may be integral with the fins. In some embodiments, a discrete securement structure such as the securement structure 230 may be omitted, while in other embodiments, the securement structure may be included in addition to support tabs to provide multiple securement options.

In some implementations, the vortex breaker 200 can have support tabs to secure the fins 202 to a drain cover. For example, the vortex breaker 200 can have support tabs that extend vertically upward from an upper portion of the fins 202. In some implementations, the support tabs can be structures that are shaped and dimensioned to engage another structure such as a grate of a drain cover to support the vortex breaker 200 by suspending or otherwise retaining the vortex breaker 200 in place. In some implementations, the support tabs can extend initially upwards but can bend at least partially horizontally at a point along their bodies, and in some embodiments can extend entirely horizontally or past the horizontal so that the end of the support tab bends slightly downward. In some implementations, the support tabs can be on all of the fins 202 or only on one or some of the fins 202. In some implementations, the support tabs can be on the securement structure 230. In some implementations, the support tabs can extend in the same clockwise direction, or counterclockwise, to allow for rotational engagement with the drain cover.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional, side view of the vortex breaker 200 with the securement structure 230 of FIG. 2A secured to a flat drain cover 424 in the drain 100 of FIG. 1A.

The drain cover 424 can be secured to the planar portion 118 of the drain 100. The vortex breaker 200 can be suspended in the drain 100 from the drain cover 424. For example, the securement structure 230 of the vortex breaker 200 can be coupled with the drain cover 424 using fasteners such as bolts, as described with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B. As discussed in greater detail elsewhere herein, however, the securement structure 230 of the vortex breaker 200 can be secured relative to the drain cover 424 using any other suitable securement method.

The fins 202 of the vortex breaker 200 can extend into the upper inlet section 110, the upper cylindrical portion 112, and/or the drain bowl 114. The fins 202 can prevent the formation of vortices as liquid enters the drain 100, for example as liquid flows from the drain bowl 114 to the drain body 120. The tapered portions 206 of the fins can be positioned in the drain bowl 114.

In the illustrated embodiment, the vortex breaker 200 is shown having a cross-sectional size which is close to the overall cross-sectional size of the drain bowl 114, for the purposes of illustration. However, in other embodiments, a substantially smaller vortex breaker 200, or a vortex breaker 200 with substantially shorter fins 202, can effectively prevent vortex formation within the drain. The cross-sectional size and depth of the vortex breaker can be reduced while still remaining effective at preventing vortex formation, as the vortices will form near the surface of the water near the central axis of the drain. As long as the fins extend into at least this critical area, the vortex breaker can improve the flow rate through the drain by inhibiting vortex formation.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional, side view of a vortex breaker 400 with a securement structure 430 secured to a raised drain cover 422 in the drain 100 of FIG. 1A.

The vortex breaker 400 can be identical to the vortex breaker 200 of FIGS. 2A-2D except that the fins 402 can be dimensioned so as not to extend into the drain 100 itself. In the illustrated embodiment, the fins 402 extend generally to the bottom of the raised drain cover 422, but in other embodiments, the fins 402 need not extend to the bottom of the raised drain cover. The raised drain cover 422 can be secured to the planar portion 118 of the drain 100. The vortex breaker 400 can be suspended in the drain 100 from the drain cover 422. For example, the securement structure 430 of the vortex breaker 400 can be coupled with the top portion of the raised drain cover 422 using bolts as described with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B. In some embodiments, the securement structure 430 of the vortex breaker 400 can be coupled with the drain cover 422 using hanging tabs.

In saturation conditions in which the prevention of vortex formation allows water to continue to drain at a high rate into the drain 100, the water level may be higher than the base of the raised drain cover 422. In some such conditions, the water may be 1-3 inches above the top of the drain 100, or even deeper, so that some or all of the raised drain cover is submerged. In such conditions, the vortex breaker 400 can be effective at disrupting circular water flow even if the fins 402 do not reach the base of the raised drain cover 422, as the vortex formation would occur at or near the top of the water level, which may be, for example, 2-3 inches above the base of the raised drain cover 422. A vortex breaker 400 which is considerably shorter and smaller than the raised drain cover can, if positioned near the longitudinal axis of the drain 100, be effective to inhibit vortex formation when the drain 100 is saturated by fluid.

While it is not necessary for the fins 402 to extend into the drain 100 itself, in other embodiments, the fins 402 of the vortex breaker 400 can extend into the upper inlet section 110, the upper cylindrical portion 112, and/or the drain bowl 114. The fins 402 can prevent the formation of vortices as liquid enters the drain 100, for example as liquid flows from the drain bowl 114 to the drain body 120, even if the fins 402 extend beyond the region in which vortices may form. The tapered portions 406 of the fins can be positioned in the drain bowl 114. The fins 402 can be sized to extend into the drain bowl 114 while the strainer 430 is coupled with the top portion of the raised drain cover 422. The fins 402 can extend through the body of the raised drain cover 422 to reach the drain 100.

In some implementations, a cross-sectional diameter of the vortex breaker 400 may be less than 75% of a cross-sectional diameter of a drain cover 422, less than 50% of a cross-sectional diameter of a drain cover 422, less than 40% of a cross-sectional diameter of a drain cover 422, less than 30% of a cross-sectional diameter of a drain cover 422, less than 25% of a cross-sectional diameter of a drain cover 422, or less than 20% of a cross-sectional diameter of a drain cover 422. In some embodiments, a length of the fins 402 of the vortex breaker 400 may be less than 200% of a height of a raised drain cover 422, less than 150% of a height of a raised drain cover 422, less than 100% of a height of a raised drain cover 422, less than 75% of a height of a raised drain cover 422, less than 50% of a height of a raised drain cover 422, or less than 25% of a height of a raised drain cover 422. Other embodiments outside of these ranges may also be used.

Other Embodiment(s)

Although this concept has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the concept extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the concept and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the embodiments have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this concept, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the concept. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the embodiments. Any methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the concepts herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above.

Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The headings used herein are for the convenience of the reader only and are not meant to limit the scope of the claims.

Further, while the methods and devices described herein may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the concept is not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but, to the contrary, the concept is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the various implementations described and the appended claims. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with an implementation or embodiment can be used in all other implementations or embodiments set forth herein. Any methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited. The methods disclosed herein may include certain actions taken by a practitioner; however, the methods can also include any third-party instruction of those actions, either expressly or by implication. The ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all overlap, sub-ranges, and combinations thereof. Language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “between,” and the like includes the number recited. Numbers preceded by a term such as “about” or “approximately” include the recited numbers and should be interpreted based on the circumstances (e.g., as accurate as reasonably possible under the circumstances, for example ±5%, ±10%, ±15%, etc.). For example, “about 3.5 mm” includes “3.5 mm.” Phrases preceded by a term such as “substantially” include the recited phrase and should be interpreted based on the circumstances (e.g., as much as reasonably possible under the circumstances). For example, “substantially constant” includes “constant.” Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are at standard conditions including temperature and pressure.

As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of”' a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: A, B, or C” is intended to cover: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B, and C. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be at least one of X, Y or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present.

Number	Date	Country
63468917	Jun 2023	US
63507949	Jun 2023	US
63508854	Jun 2023	US
63591649	Oct 2023	US

DRAIN FLOW VORTEX BREAKERS

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INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (4)