Patent Application
20230016973
The present invention relates generally to the field of devices used to prevent ice buildup. More specifically, the present invention relates to a vent pipe de-icing device that is primarily comprised of a first external pipe, a first internal pipe, a second external pipe, and a second internal pipe. The external pipes sit above the top surface of a septic, drier or exhaust fan vent pipe, and the internal pipes are positioned within the vent pipe. The internal pipes are connected to a hot water tank and pump that pumps hot water or mist through the pipes, such that the water or mist exits the external pipes and falls into the inside surface of the vent pipe. In this manner, the device can be used to continuously defrost or de-ice a vent pipe and prevent ice from building up to a point that it may clog the vent pipe. The invention can further be controlled by a mobile application, which allows a user to control when and how much water is pumped within the vent pipe at one time, or the application can be used to select different or set times of operations in an automatic mode. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
When a septic tank fills with human waste, air from the septic tank must vent out of the tank. If this venting does not occur, pressure within the tank will build, such that the flow of waste into the tank will cease, and the waste within the tank will back up through toilets or drains in the home through the septic tank services. To combat this, septic tank gases are typically vented back through the home and out a vent/vent pipe located on the roof of the home. In addition, exhaust fans from bathrooms and dryer vent pipes can release moisture which can freeze up during cold weather. However, vent pipes located in regions with cold winter climates are extremely susceptible to freezing, so much so that the vent pipes may become frozen shut due to the accumulation of moisture. When this occurs, the septic gases vent back into the home and waste may even back up through toilets or drains within the home. To remedy this problem, a user must typically climb a ladder onto his or her roof and thaw the vent pipe with a bucket of hot water, heater or other device. This is incredibly dangerous, especially in snowy and icy conditions that can cause an individual to easily slip and fall from a roof or while climbing the ladder up to the roof In addition, if a user slips and falls while carrying hot water, the water may spill on and burn the individual.
In an effort to avoid this dangerous practice, solar-powered defrosters known in the art may be used to defrost vent pipes. However, these products cannot function in cloudy or snow conditions, as they do not receive sufficient sunlight when these conditions occur. Therefore, these products can be ineffective. Individuals may also apply heat tape, or use electrical wires to apply heat to the vent pipes in order to avoid the freezing of the vent pipe. However, this may cause a fire hazard, and if there is an electrical short or break in the tape, the tape may not work, and repairing these devices is equally as unsafe as climbing onto a snowy and icy roof.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that prevents the freezing of septic, sewer, exhaust and other vent pipes. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a vent pipe de-icing device that allows a user to continuously defrost and prevent the freezing of a vent pipe. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a vent pipe de-icing device that allows a user to continuously defrost and prevent the freezing of a vent pipe, and the device cannot be rendered inoperable by cloudy or snowy weather conditions. Finally, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a vent pipe de-icing device that does not require a user to climb onto a roof to defrost a vent pipe.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a vent pipe de-icing device. The invention includes a first external pipe, a first internal pipe, a second external pipe, and a second internal pipe. The external pipes sit above the top surface of a septic vent pipe, and the internal pipes sit within the interior of the vent pipe. The internal pipes are connected to a hot water tank having a pump that pumps hot water or hot mist through the pipes, such that the water exits the external pipes and falls into the inside surface of the vent pipe.
In an alternate configuration, a hot air blower may be used to blow heated air into the interior of the vent pipe in order to keep the vent pipe from freezing up. In this manner, the device can be used to continuously defrost a vent pipe and prevent ice from forming. The device can further be controlled via a mobile application, which allows a user to control when and how much water or heated air is pumped within the device at one time.
In this manner, the vent pipe de-icing device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides an improved invention that can be used to prevent the freezing of septic, sewer, exhaust and dryer vent pipes or the flaps that are associated with the vent pipes. In doing so, the device also does not require that a user has to climb onto a roof to accomplish removing the ice from the vent. In addition, the device cannot be rendered inoperable by cloudy or snowy weather conditions and has a battery backup during periods of power outages. Finally, the device allows a vent pipe to be continuously defrosted to continuously prevent ice from forming inside the vent pipe. In this manner, the vent pipe de-icing device overcomes the limitations of existing methods and devices used to prevent ice from forming on a vent pipe known in the art.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a vent pipe de-icing device. The invention has a first external pipe, a first internal pipe, a second external pipe and a second internal pipe. In differing embodiments, the invention can be applied to an existing septic, sewer, bathroom exhaust or dryer vent pipe as a retrofitted assembly or may include a vent pipe with the other features of the device already integrated into the vent pipe. The first external pipe and the second external pipe sit outside and above the top surface of a vent pipe to which the invention is attached. Both pipes are hollow, are oriented generally parallel to the vent pipe and curve such that the second ends of each pipe contact one another. Both external pipes connect to a first internal pipe and a second internal pipe that are located below each external pipe.
In order to allow the first external pipe to attach to the first internal pipe and the second external pipe to attach to the second internal pipe, the first end of each external pipe has an opening that has a plurality of interior threads which engage a plurality of corresponding threads located on the opening of the first end of each internal pipe. The first end of each external pipe may also have a generally upside-down L or J-shaped bracket that contacts the top surface and outer surface of the vent pipe in order to further secure each external pipe to the vent pipe.
In order to allow the device to continuously defrost or de-ice the inside surface of a vent pipe, hot water or hot air must be pumped through the pipes via at least one hot water tank or hot air supply and pump. The second ends of both internal pipes attach to at least one hot water tank or hot air supply and pump by at least one hose or tubing such that the pump may constantly supply hot water or heated air to the pipes. In this manner, the hot water or heated air can exit the continuous openings of the external pipes that sit above the top surface of the vent pipe and be dispensed within the vent pipe such that the water or heated air contacts the inside surface of the pipe and prevents any ice from forming or thaws or melts any ice that has built up.
The pump further has a transmitter and a processor, such that the transmitter allows the pump to be in electrical communication with a mobile application via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Cellular, etc. The mobile application can then be used to control when the pump is operational and when and how much hot water or hot air is pumped or supplied into the pipes. The mobile application receives weather data from weather services such that the application can configure the pump to only pump water or supply heated air when the weather where the device is located falls below a certain temperature such as, but not limited to, 32° Fahrenheit. In this manner, the mobile application automatically activates the pump when needed to prevent the freezing of a vent pipe via communicating with the transmitter which then communicates with the processor within the pump that signals to the pump to begin and/or stop pumping.
Accordingly, the vent pipe de-icing device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it prevents the freezing of septic, sewer, exhaust or dryer vent pipes without requiring a user to climb onto a roof to do so or otherwise service the pipe. In addition, the invention cannot be rendered inoperable by cloudy or snowy weather conditions or power outages due to a power outage. Finally, the device allows a vent pipe to be continuously defrosted or de-iced to continuously prevent ice from forming inside the vent pipe. In this manner, the vent pipe de-icing device overcomes the limitations of existing methods and devices used to prevent ice from forming on a vent pipe known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that prevents the freezing of septic, sewer, bathroom exhaust and dryer vent pipes. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a vent pipe de-icing device that allows a user to continuously defrost and prevent the freezing of a vent pipe or to thaw or melt ice building up in a vent pipe. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a vent pipe de-icing device that allows a user to continuously defrost or prevent the freezing of or building up of ice in a vent pipe. The device is not susceptible to and cannot be rendered inoperable by cloudy or snowy weather conditions or power outages. Finally, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a vent pipe de-icing device that does not require a user to climb onto his or her roof or otherwise service the vent pipe to defrost or de-ice a vent pipe.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, includes a vent pipe de-icing device. The device has a first external pipe, a first internal pipe, a second external pipe, and a second internal pipe, and the external pipes sit or are positioned above the top surface of a c-vent pipe and the internal pipes sit within the vent pipe. The internal pipes are connected to a hot water tank or heated air supply pump that pumps hot water or supplies heated air through the pipes such that the water or air exits the external pipes and falls into the inside surface of the vent pipe. As a result, the device can be used to continuously defrost or de-ice a vent pipe and prevent ice from forming in the vent pipe. The invention can further be controlled via a mobile application, which allows a user to control when and how much water or air is pumped within the device at one time.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The invention 100 is further comprised of a first external pipe 110 and a second external pipe 150 that sit outside and above the top surface 14 of a vent pipe 12 the device 100 is attached to. Both pipes 110, 150 are hollow, and are oriented generally parallel to the vent pipe 12. Both pipes 110, 150 further curve such that the second ends 126, 166 of each pipe 110, 150 contact one another. The second ends 126, 166 may further be fixedly-attached to one another via a connecting member 140, as best seen in
In order to ensure the external pipes 110, 150 are retained on the vent pipe 12 during use, the first end 120, 160 of each external pipe 110, 150 may have a generally upside-down L or J-shaped bracket 122, 162. The bracket 122, 162 contacts the top surface 14 and outer surface 16 of the vent pipe 12 in order to further secure each pipe 110, 150 to the vent pipe 12 in a semi-permanent fashion. In an embodiment where the vent pipe 12 is part of the present invention, the pipes 110, 150 may simply be integrally formed to the vent pipe 12 (e.g., inseparable). Further, the exterior surface 1300, 1700 of the internal pipes 130, 170 may have at least one fastener 400 such as, but not limited to, a hook and loop fastener, a waterproof adhesive, a u-shaped clip, a u-shaped bolt, at least one magnet, or combination thereof that allows the pipes 130, 170 to be removably-attached to the inside surface 18 of the vent pipe 12. Internal pipes 130, 170 may further comprise a small drain hole below any point of freezing inside the vent stack to allow supply water to drain back down to prevent freeze up when the device 100 is not in use.
The mobile application 300 receives a plurality of weather data from a plurality of weather services, such that the application 300 can configure the tank and pump 190, 191 to only pump water or air 200 when the weather where the device 100 is located falls below a certain temperature such as, but not limited to, 32° Fahrenheit, or when the air temperature, such as where the roof line is located is at or below freezing and the ground temperature remains above freezing. In this manner, the mobile application 300 automatically activates the pump 190 when needed to prevent the freezing of a vent pipe 12 via communicating with the transmitter 192 which then communicates with the processor 194 within the pump 192 that signals to the tank, pump 190, 191 to begin and/or stop pumping. The mobile application 300 may also allow a user to configure the intensity, pressure, flow, and frequency of water or air 200 that enters the pipes 110, 130, 150, 170 in order to allow more or less water or air 200 to be used as needed, based on current weather conditions.
It should further be appreciated that the at least one pump 190 may be located in any area inside or outside of a home and may be concealed from view. In addition, the device 100 can be used on any septic, sewer, bathroom exhaust, or dryer vent pipe 12, regardless of if the pipe 12 is located on a roof 10 or in another outside area or surface of the structure. Finally, the pump 190 may receive a defrosting chemical in lieu of or in addition to hot water or heated air 200, that can be used to defrost and/or prevent ice from forming within the vent pipe 12.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “vent pipe de-icing device” and “device” are interchangeable, and refer to the vent pipe de-icing device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the vent pipe de-icing device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the vent pipe de-icing device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the vent pipe de-icing device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the vent pipe de-icing device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the vent pipe de-icing device 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/223,223, which was filed on Jul. 19, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63223223 | Jul 2021 | US |
