FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to plumbing fixture accessories, in particular to drain traps. More specifically, the present invention is an environment-friendly drain trap which includes a pair of access pipes that allow for a user to easily and quickly unclog and clean the drain trap without removing or uninstalling any pipe. This eliminates the need to use of any chemicals that are used for cleaning purposes, resulting in an environment-friendly apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Most people have dealt with a clogged drain with reference to a sink, a toilet, or any other plumbing fixture that discharges water. Hair is the most common culprit when it comes to clogged drains, but a variety of other things can clog a drain such as food, small objects, etc. Typically, people attempt to unclog the pipe by sticking a brush or a similar device down the drain to pull out any unwanted substances. In many cases, a brush may not fit down the drain because it is too small or the cap blocking the opening may not be removable. Furthermore, devices that are designed to fit down most drains are limited to pulling out only hair. Objects such as jewelry, small toys, etc. cannot be pulled out using these traditional devices and methods. An alternative option is to pour chemicals down the drain that will unclog the drain. The problem with said chemicals, also known as liquid drain openers, is that they are extremely toxic. For example, any chemicals that may poured the toilet will stay there for some time due to the fact that toilet bowl is filled with water and is slow to drain without flushing. The chemicals settle onto the porcelain and heat up while sitting in the ceramic bowl. This may cause the porcelain to crack or the concoction may even cause an explosion. In some instances, the chemicals build up in a clogged area and resultantly corrode the drain. With repeated use, these chemicals may eat their way through a pipe and cause leaks or a collapse of the entire plumbing system. Along with the potential of damaging the plumbing system and the environment, the active ingredients in these chemicals can cause serious, life-threatening symptoms to humans when exposed even for a short amount of time. For example, eyes and skin can be severely burned when the chemicals come into contact with them. Mixing cleaning chemicals together presents a whole new problem in itself. Combining various cleaners can create deadly gasses which may be deadly. An individual must worry about a multitude of side effects when using chemicals to unclog a drain.
The present invention solves the aforementioned problems by integrating a pair of access pipes into the drain pipe. A brush may be used to clean out the main pipe of the drain pipe through the pair of access pipes. Thus, the present invention eliminates the need to use of harmful chemicals to unclog a drain, eliminating all dangers and problems that are associated with chemical cleaners. Anything that falls into the drain, such as hair, jewelry, small objects, etc. can be easily retrieved or cleaned out at any time. By providing access openings in the drain trap, the present invention allows an individual to easily access the internal space within the drain pipe for cleaning or inspection.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention in the exploded state.
FIG. 3 is a right-elevation view of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a front-elevation view of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-section view taken about line A-A in FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a cross-section view taken about line A-A in FIG. 4 of a first access pipe, the second access pipe, and a U-shaped plumbing trap.
DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION
All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention is an alternative design for a drain trap. More specifically, the present invention is a drain trap that includes a pair of lateral access pipe for cleaning and inspection of the drain trap. The additional access pipe provides a user the ability to easily and effectively clean out the drain trap without impeding the flow rate or any major disassembly.
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the present invention comprises a U-shaped plumbing trap 1, a first access pipe 6, a second access pipe 9, a first sealing cap 19, a second sealing cap 20, and a cleaning brush 12. The U-shaped plumbing trap 1 is a piece of pipe that is attached to or integrated into a plumbing fixture that prevents sewer gases from entering into the space containing the plumbing fixture. More specifically, the U-shaped plumbing trap 1 comprises an inlet pipe 2, an outlet pipe 3, and a curved portion pipe 4. The inlet pipe 2 connects the present invention to the plumbing fixture and receives water being drained from the plumbing fixture. The outlet pipe 3 connects the present invention to an external plumbing system and expels water from the present invention to the external plumbing system. The curved portion pipe 4 is an elongated tubular structure bent into a semi-circular path that connects the inlet pipe 2 to the outlet pipe 3. The semi-circular design of the curved portion pipe 4 prevents sewer gasses from flowing from the outlet pipe 3 to the inlet pipe 2 as the curved portion pipe 4 retains a water barrier regardless if there is water flowing or not within the present invention. More specifically, the bent shape of the curved portion pipe 4 creates a localized low point that, in turn, traps and continuously retains a small amount of water received from the plumbing fixture. The trapped water creates a physical barrier in between the sewer pipe and the associated gasses within, and the interior space where the plumbing fixture is located. The inlet pipe 2 is in fluid communication with the outlet pipe 3 through the curved portion pipe 4. The U-shaped plumbing trap 1 may be configured into a variety of shapes and geometries including, but not limited to, S-shaped and J-shaped configurations.
The first access pipe 6 and the second access pipe 9 provide a means for easily accessing the interior space within the U-shaped plumbing trap 1 for cleaning and maintenance purposes. The first access pipe 6 and the second access pipe 9 are each an elongated tube. Referring to FIG. 3, the first access pipe 6 and the second access pipe 9 are positioned adjacent to the curved portion pipe 4. The first access pipe 6 laterally traverses into the curved portion pipe 4. Additionally, a main axis 8 of the first access pipe 6 is concentrically aligned with a sagittal plane 5 of the U-shaped plumbing trap 1; wherein the sagittal plane 5 symmetrically divides the U-shaped plumbing trap 1. This provides a more efficient access to the internal space of the U-shaped plumbing trap 1 through the first access pipe 6. Similarly, the second access pipe 9 laterally traverses into the curved portion pipe 4, opposite the first access pipe 6. Additionally, a main axis 11 of the second access pipe 9 is concentrically aligned with the sagittal plane 5 of the U-shaped plumbing trap 1. This provides the user with access to the interior space of the U-shaped plumbing trap 1 from two opposing sides. Resultantly, regardless of the orientation and configuration of the present invention under the plumbing fixture, the user is capable of accessing the interior space of the U-shaped plumbing trap 1. It is preferred that the first access pipe 6 and the second access pipe 9 are each sized to compliment the curved portion pipe 4. To allow the present invention to work as a normal plumbing trap, the first access pipe 6, the second access pipe 9, and the U-shaped plumbing trap 1 are all in fluid communication with each other.
During operations of the plumbing fixture the first access pipe 6 and the second access pipe 9 are closed off by the first sealing cap 19 and the second sealing cap 20, respectively. The first sealing cap 19 and the second sealing cap 20 are each a screw cap that seals off the first access pipe 6 and the second access pipe 9, respectively. More specifically, the first sealing cap 19 is adjacently attached to the first access pipe 6, opposite to the U-shaped plumbing trap 1 to seal off the first access pipe 6. It is preferred that the first sealing cap 19 is threadably attached to the first access pipe 6 to allow the user to easily attach and detach the first sealing cap 19. Similarly, the second sealing cap 20 is adjacently attached to the second access pipe 9, opposite the U-shaped plumbing trap 1 to seal off the second access pipe 9. It is preferred that the second sealing cap 20 is threadably attached to the second access pipe 9 to allow the user to easily attach and detach the second sealing cap 20. To access the interior space within the U-shaped plumbing trap 1, the user simply detaches, unscrews, either the first sealing cap 19 or the second sealing cap 20.
Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the present invention further comprises a cleaning brush 12. The cleaning brush 12 dislodges and removes debris, trash, hair, and other items trapped or lodged within the U-shaped plumbing trap 1. Continuous cleaning of the U-shaped plumbing trap 1 in turn prevents debris and other items from entering and possibly clogging up the external plumbing system. The cleaning brush 12 comprises a flexible rod 13, a plurality of bristles 16, and a handle ring 18. The plurality of bristles 16 acts as an engaging and abrasive element to physically dislodge debris and other items trapped within the U-shaped plumbing trap 1. The plurality of bristles 16 is distributed along the flexible rod 13, adjacent to a distal end 14 of the flexible rod 13. Additionally, the plurality of bristles 16 is radially connected around the flexible rod 13, thus orientating each of the plurality of bristles 16 perpendicular to the flexible rod 13 and thus extending away from the flexible rod 13. It is preferred that a length of each of the plurality of bristles 16 is greater than a radius of the U-shaped plumbing trap 1 to ensure that each of the plurality of bristles 16 is long enough to touch the inner surface during cleaning. Each of the plurality of bristles 16 is preferably a very thin, elongated cylindrical component made of strong, yet flexible material such as spring steel. Each of the plurality of bristles 16 may be tapered forwards or backwards. Additionally, each of the plurality of bristles 16 may contain additional bristles that are angled outwards to create a more effective cleaning element. The handle ring 18 acts as a gripping element for the cleaning brush 12, providing the user with an easy means for handling and managing the cleaning brush 12. The handle ring 18 is adjacently connected to a proximal end 15 of the flexible rod 13. The handle ring 18 is an annular ring although alternative designs may also be utilized.
During operations of the present invention, the cleaning brush 12 is stored external to the U-shaped plumbing trap 1, the first access pipe 6, and the second access pipe 9. In order to clean the U-shaped plumbing trap 1, the user may utilize either the first access pipe 6 or the second access pipe 9. For the first access pipe 6, the user first removes the first sealing cap 19 to expose an access aperture 7 of the first access pipe 6. Next, the user removably positions the cleaning brush 12 within the first access pipe 6, the curved portion pipe 4, and the second access pipe 9. To clean, the user moves the cleaning brush 12 within the U-shaped plumbing trap 1 to engage the plurality of bristles 16 with the internal surface of the U-shaped plumbing trap 1. For the second access pipe 9, the user first removes the second sealing cap 20 to expose an access aperture 10 of the second access pipe 9. Next, the user removably positions the cleaning brush 12 within the second access pipe 9, the curved portion pipe 4, and the first access pipe 6. To clean, the user moves the cleaning brush 12 within the U-shaped plumbing trap 1 to engage the plurality of bristles 16 with the internal surface of the U-shaped plumbing trap 1.
In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the present invention further comprises a first accordion-style pipe 25 and a second accordion-style pipe 26. The first accordion-style pipe 25 and the second accordion-style pipe 26 allow for the present invention to be installed in a variety of plumbing systems, configurations, and plumbing styles. The first accordion-style pipe 25 and the second accordion-style pipe 26 are each an elongated tube body with a plurality of ridges and a plurality of grooves distributed along the length the elongated tube body which allows the elongated tube body to stretch, compress, and bend. The first accordion-style pipe 25 is positioned adjacent to the outlet pipe 3, opposite the curved portion pipe 4. More specifically, the first accordion-style pipe 25 is concentrically integrated into the outlet pipe 3. The second accordion-style pipe 26 is positioned adjacent to the inlet pipe 2, opposite to the curved portion pipe 4. More specifically, the second accordion-style pipe 26 is concentrically integrated into the inlet pipe 2. Resultantly, the installment tolerances for the present invention are expanded as the first accordion-style pipe 25 and the second accordion-style pipe 26 allow for inlet pipe 2 and the outlet pipe 3 to be extended, bent, and compressed into a variety of configurations.
Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning brush 12 is prevented from getting trapped within the U-shaped plumbing trap 1 by either the first access pipe 6 or the second access pipe 9 through an interference fit configuration. The interference fit configuration comprises a first engagement element and a second engagement element and prevents the cleaning brush 12 from being pushed to far into the curved portion pipe 4 and possibly into the external plumbing system during cleaning. For the first access pipe 6, the first engagement element is a first annular lip 21. The first annular lip 21 is concentrically positioned within the first access pipe 6. Additionally, the first annular lip 21 is laterally connected to the first access pipe 6, adjacent to the first sealing cap 19. Complimentary to the first annular lip 21, the cleaning brush 12 further comprises a retaining disk 17 which acts as the second engagement element. The retaining disk 17 is a circular structure shaped complimentary to the first access pipe 6 and the second access pipe 9. The retaining disk 17 is positioned opposite to the plurality of bristles 16, along the flexible rod 13. Additionally, the retaining disk 17 is concentrically and laterally connected around the flexible rod 13. During cleaning through the first access pipe 6, the user inserts the cleaning brush 12 into the U-shaped plumbing trap 1 through the first access pipe 6 with the plurality of bristles 16 being positioned within the second access pipe 9. The user moves the cleaning brush 12 in and out of the U-shaped plumbing trap 1 to clear up debris. The retaining disk 17 prevents the cleaning brush 12 from accidentally fully sliding into the U-shaped plumbing trap 1 by being pressed against the first annular lip 21.
For the second access pipe 9, the first engagement element is a second annular lip 22. The second annular lip 22 is concentrically positioned within the second access pipe 9. Additionally, the second annular lip 22 is laterally connected to the second access pipe 9, adjacent to the second sealing cap 20. During cleaning through the second access pipe 9, the user inserts the cleaning brush 12 into the U-shaped plumbing trap 1 through the second access pipe 9 with the plurality of bristles 16 being positioned within the first access pipe 6. The user moves the cleaning brush 12 in and out of the U-shaped plumbing trap 1 to clear up debris. The retaining disk 17 prevents the cleaning brush 12 from accidentally fully sliding into the U-shaped plumbing trap 1 by being pressed against the second annular lip 22.
Referring to FIG. 5, the present invention may also comprise a first slip-joint washer 23. The first slip-joint washer 23 is preferably a tapered washer that is composed of silicone material that water-seals the first sealing cap 19. The first slip-joint washer 23 is concentrically positioned with the first access pipe 6 and is adjacently connected to the first sealing cap 19. More specifically, the first slip-joint washer 23 is connected to an inner surface of the first sealing cap 19. When the first sealing cap 19 is attached to the first access pipe 6, the first slip-joint washer 23 is pressed into the access aperture 7 of the first access pipe 6 by the first sealing cap 19 in order to create a water tight seal. Alternative devices and mechanisms may be utilized for the water seal in alternative embodiments of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 5, the present invention may also comprise a second slip-joint washer 24. The second slip-joint washer 24 is preferably a tapered washer that is composed of silicone material that water-seals the second sealing cap 20. The second slip-joint washer 24 is concentrically positioned with the second access pipe 9 and is adjacently connected to the second sealing cap 20. More specifically, the second slip-joint washer 24 is connected to an inner surface of the second sealing cap 20. When the second sealing cap 20 is attached to the second access pipe 9, the second slip-joint washer 24 is pressed into the access aperture 10 of the second access pipe 9 by the second sealing cap 20 in order to create a water tight seal. Alternative devices and mechanisms may be utilized for the water seal in alternative embodiments of the present invention.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
Patent Application
20180328012
