U.S. patent application number 10/626052 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-27 for floor drain with built-in sediment trap and removable gas trap.
Invention is credited to Ragsdill, Scott.
Application Number | 20050016094 10/626052 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34080328 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050016094 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ragsdill, Scott |
January 27, 2005 |
Floor drain with built-in sediment trap and removable gas trap
Abstract
The present invention comprises a floor drain with built-in
sediment trap for solids and removable gas trap assembly (403) for
trapping of gasses. The lid (406), optional basket (402), and gas
trap assembly (403) are removable by hand. Gas trap assembly (403)
is designed to be self aligning on the exit pipe (405) within the
drainage bowl (417) and of sufficient weight to remain effective
throughout the gas "push-through" process.
Inventors: |
Ragsdill, Scott; (Rockwall,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael G Cameron
Jackson Walker LLP
2435 N Central Expressway Suite 600
Richardson
TX
75080
US
|
Family ID: |
34080328 |
Appl. No.: |
10/626052 |
Filed: |
July 24, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/302.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03F 5/0407 20130101;
E03F 2005/0416 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/302.1 |
International
Class: |
E04F 017/04; E04B
001/70 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A drain assembly, comprising: a drainage bowl; an inlet to the
drainage bowl; the drainage bowl having a bottom wall and an
aperture through the bottom wall thereof; an exit pipe extending
into the aperture on the bottom wall of the drainage bowl with a
terminal end ending within the drainage bowl; a gas trap assembly;
the gas trap assembly having a first end, a second end and one or a
plurality of perpendicular side walls so as to form a volume
therein, a top wall covering the first end, the second end being
open; the gas trap assembly having members located within the first
end of its inner volume, attached perpendicular to the side walls
and orthogonal to the top wall; the gas trap assembly being adapted
to be placed within the drainage bowl; the gas trap assembly being
adapted to be placed with the inner top wall over the terminal end
of the exit pipe; the members within the inner volume of the gas
trap assembly being positioned over and contacting the terminal end
of the exit pipe; the relative location of the inner top wall and
side walls of the gas trap assembly to the outer wall and terminal
end of the exit pipe defining a passageway from the drainage bowl
into the exit pipe for conveying waste materials; and the
passageway formed by the relative location of the inner top wall
and side walls of the gas trap assembly to the outer wall and
terminal end of the exit pipe operable to create an aqueous barrier
when aqueous matter is sent through the passageway.
2. The drain assembly of claim 1, further comprising when the gas
trap assembly is seated over and on the exit pipe there is a length
of the lateral wall of the gas trap assembly that extends below the
terminal end of exit pipe, said configuration allowing aqueous
matter to flow along a drainage path into the exit pipe while also
forming the aqueous barrier between the exit pipe and the outer
environment.
3. The drain assembly of claim 1, further comprising a main housing
defining the drainage bowl.
4. The drain assembly of claim 3, further comprising: the main
housing, gas trap assembly and exit pipe being cylindrical in
shape; the main housing having a diameter greater than the diameter
of the gas trap assembly; and the gas trap assembly having a
diameter greater than the exit pipe.
5. The drain assembly of claim 3, further comprising a sediment
basket adapted to be positioned on top of the gas trap assembly
within the drainage bowl.
6. The drain assembly of claim 3, further comprising the main
housing and gas trap assembly being made of stainless steel.
7. The drain assembly of claim 3, further comprising the gas trap
assembly being made of cast iron.
8. The drain assembly of claim 3, further comprising the gas trap
assembly being made of a metallic material.
9. The drain assembly of claim 3, further comprising the gas trap
assembly being made of a metallic material.
10. The drain assembly of claim 3, further comprising the gas trap
assembly being made of a pvc, plastic or ABS type material.
11. The drain assembly of claim 3, further comprising the main
housing being made of a metallic material.
12. The drain assembly of claim 3, further comprising the main
housing being made of a pvc, plastic or ABS type material.
13. The drain assembly of claim 3, wherein the gas trap assembly is
adapted to self align on the exit pipe within the drainage
bowl.
14. The drain assembly of claim 3, wherein the gas trap assembly is
of sufficient weight to remain effective throughout the gas
"push-through" process.
15. The drain assembly of claim 3, wherein the gas trap assembly
has a means of being secured in place throughout the gas
"push-through" process.
16. The drain assembly of claim 3, wherein the means by which the
gas trap assembly remains secured in place comprises a
twist-to-lock mechanism.
17. The drain assembly of claim 3, wherein the gas trap assembly
has a handle coupled to the top of the outer wall of the top
end.
18. The drain assembly of claim 1, wherein the gas trap assembly is
of sufficient weight to remain effective throughout the gas
"push-through" process.
19. A floor drain assembly, comprising: a drainage bowl; an inlet
to the drainage bowl located adjacent the level of said floor and
an outlet below said inlet; the drainage bowl having a bottom wall
and an aperture through the bottom wall thereof; an exit pipe
extending from the subfloor into the aperture on the bottom wall of
the drainage bowl with a terminal end within the drainage bowl; a
gas trap assembly; the gas trap assembly having a first end, a
second end and one or a plurality of perpendicular side walls so as
to form a volume therein, a top wall covering the first end, the
second end being open; the gas trap assembly having members located
within the first end of its inner volume, attached perpendicular to
the side walls and orthogonal to the top wall; the gas trap
assembly being adapted to be placed with the first end up over the
exit pipe; the members within the inner volume of the gas trap
assembly being positioned over and contacting the terminal end of
the exit pipe; the relative location of the inner top wall and side
walls of the gas trap assembly to the outer wall and terminal end
of the exit pipe defining a passageway from the drainage bowl into
the exit pipe for conveying waste materials from a floor to a
subfloor drain; and the passageway formed by the relative location
of the inner top wall and side walls of the gas trap assembly to
the outer wall and terminal end of the exit pipe operable to create
an aqueous barrier when aqueous matter is sent through the
passageway.
20. A drain assembly, comprising: a drainage bowl; an inlet to the
drainage bowl; the drainage bowl having a bottom wall and an
aperture through the bottom wall thereof; an exit pipe extending
into the aperture on the bottom wall of the drainage bowl with a
terminal end ending within the drainage bowl; a gas trap assembly;
the gas trap assembly having a first end, a second end and one or a
plurality of perpendicular side walls so as to form a volume
therein, a top wall covering the first end, the second end being
open; the gas trap assembly being adapted to be placed within the
drainage bowl; the gas trap assembly having a means for being
supported over the terminal end of the exit pipe; the members
within the inner volume of the gas trap assembly being positioned
over and contacting the terminal end of the exit pipe; the relative
location of the inner top wall and side walls of the gas trap
assembly to the outer wall and terminal end of the exit pipe
defining a passageway from the drainage bowl into the exit pipe for
conveying waste materials; and the passageway formed by the
relative location of the inner top wall and side walls of the gas
trap assembly to the outer wall and terminal end of the exit pipe
operable to create an aqueous barrier when aqueous matter is sent
through the passageway.
21. The floor drain assembly of claim 20, further comprising when
the gas trap assembly is seated over and on the exit pipe there is
a length of the lateral wall of the gas trap assembly that extends
below the terminal end of exit pipe, said configuration allowing
aqueous matter to flow along a drainage path into the exit pipe
while also forming the aqueous barrier between the exit pipe and
the outer environment.
22. The floor drain assembly of claim 20, further comprising a main
housing defining the drainage bowl.
23. The floor drain assembly of claim 22, further comprising: the
main housing, gas trap assembly and exit pipe being cylindrical in
shape; the main housing having a diameter greater than the diameter
of the gas trap assembly; and the gas trap assembly having a
diameter greater than the exit pipe.
24. The floor drain assembly of claim 22, further comprising a
sediment basket adapted to be positioned on top of the gas trap
assembly within the drainage bowl.
25. The floor drain assembly of claim 22, further comprising the
main housing, sediment basket and gas trap assembly being made of
stainless steel.
26. The floor drain assembly of claim 22, further comprising the
main housing and gas trap assembly being made substantially of
stainless steel.
27. The floor drain assembly of claim 20, further comprising the
gas trap assembly being made substantially of cast iron.
28. The floor drain assembly of claim 20, further comprising the
gas trap assembly being made substantially of a metal alloy.
29. The floor drain assembly of claim 20, further comprising the
gas trap assembly being made substantially of plastic, ABS or pvc
based material.
30. The floor drain assembly of claim 20, further comprising the
gas assembly being made of a combination of metal and pvc type
material.
31. The floor drain assembly of claim 20, wherein the gas trap
assembly is adapted to self align on the exit pipe within the
drainage bowl.
32. The floor drain assembly of claim 20, wherein the gas trap
assembly is of sufficient weight to remain effective throughout the
gas "push-through" process.
33. The floor drain assembly of claim 20, further comprising the
gas trap assembly having a means of remaining secure throughout the
gas "push-through" process.
34. The floor drain assembly of claim 33, wherein the means by
which the gas trap assembly remains secure throughout the gas
"push-through" process comprises a twist-on lock mechanism.
35. The floor drain assembly of claim 20, wherein the gas trap
assembly has a handle coupled to the top of the outer wall of the
top end.
36. A gas trap assembly, comprising: a first end; a second end; one
or a plurality of side walls coupled between the first end and
second end; the first end having a top wall covering; the second
end being open; the first end, second end and coupled side wall(s)
forming an void therewithin; and the gas trap assembly being
adapted to be positioned such that the closed end of the gas trap
assembly can be positioned over the terminal end of an exit pipe so
as to define a passageway for waste material and form an aqueous
barrier between the exit pipe and the first end of the gas trap
assembly.
37. The gas trap assembly of claim 36, further comprising being
substantially cylindrical in shape.
38. The gas trap assembly of claim 36, further comprising being
made substantially of a metal alloy.
39. The gas trap assembly of claim 36, further comprising being
made substantially of stainless steel.
40. The gas trap assembly of claim 36, further comprising being
made substantially of cast iron.
41. The gas trap assembly of claim 36, further comprising having a
set of members, attached perpendicular to the inner lateral walls
and orthogonal to the inner top wall of gas the trap assembly; and
the members being adapted to sit on top an exit pipe and define a
passageway between the inner lateral wall and inner top wall of the
gas trap assembly and outer lateral wall(s) of the exit pipe.
42. The gas trap assembly of claim 36, further comprising when the
gas trap assembly is seated over and on the exit pipe there is a
length of the lateral wall of the gas trap assembly that extends
below the terminal end of exit pipe, said configuration adapted to
allow aqueous matter to flow along a drainage path into exit pipe
while also forming the aqueous barrier between the exit pipe and
the outer environment.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to floor drain
assemblies. The present invention is broadly concerned with an
improved floor drain assemblies of the type used in industrial
plants such as dairies, cheese plants, beverage, meat packing,
canning, chemical, pharmaceutical, packaging plants and warehouses
and in institutions such as laboratories and hospitals. The present
invention is adapted for use in any location that has a concern
with sewer gasses and germs and liquid borne contaminants More
particularly, the invention pertains to such drain assemblies which
include, beneath the drain inlet, a unique removable gas trap
assembly operable to retain gases, such as sewer gas, within an
exit pipe while allowing liquids and waste material, save for the
small amount that serves as a aqueous barrier, to drain into the
exit pipe. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
cylindrical in shape and made of stainless steel, but can be any
number of shapes and material and still achieve its technical
advantages.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Large industrial operations such as dairies, cheese plants,
beverage, meat packing, canning, chemical, pharmaceutical,
packaging plants and warehouses are faced with severe drainage
problems. Similar issues arise in institutions such as laboratories
and hospitals. The aqueous waste from such plants contains a high
percentage of particulates of various sizes which must be
discharged into the sanitary sewer system. The drainage system must
address two concerns. First, the particulate-laden waste must be
handled without clogging. Moreover, drain assemblies must be
designed to prevent or at least minimize the escape of sewer gases
and microorganisms from the sewage system back into the plant. For
example, Lysteria contamination from floor drains is a concern at
many meat packing houses.
[0003] Conventional drainage systems typically have a p-trap
installed, often as dictated by applicable plumbing codes. Traps
maintain a liquid barrier between the sewage system and the
interior plumbing of a building. Without a trap to seal off
plumbing fixtures, sewer gases, such as explosive methane gas can
find their way into a building. 19th-century plumbing systems often
failed to have traps, and the resulting smell was the first
notification that a dwelling had indoor plumbing.
[0004] Conventional gooseneck-type drain assemblies have proven to
be troublesome in the context of industrial applications. These
assemblies are prone to clogging, and they are susceptible to
significant microorganism contamination. Furthermore, they are
difficult to disassemble for maintenance and cleaning purposes.
There is accordingly a need for an improved floor drain assembly,
especially designed for industrial applications in order to handle
large volumes of particulate-laden waste streams and still obtain
the objectives of minimizing the escape of sewer gas and simple
disassembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention achieves advantages as a floor drain
with built-in sediment trap for solids and removable gas trap
assembly for trapping of gasses. The lid, optional basket, and gas
trap assembly of the present invention are removable by hand. In
one embodiment of the present invention the gas trap assembly is
designed to be self aligning on the exit pipe within the drainage
bowl and of sufficient weight to remain effective throughout the
gas trapping process.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
reference is made to the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 is an illustration of the disassembled parts of a
conventional floor drain assembly;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a side view illustration of a conventional floor
drain assembly showing the trap;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a conventional floor
drain assembly;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a cutaway side view of the present invention
showing the various components and drainage flow;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a view looking downward into one embodiment of the
drain assembly of the present invention without the gas trap
assembly or basket;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a second view looking downward into the drain
assembly of the present invention without the gas trap assembly or
basket;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the drain assembly of the
present invention with the gas trap assembly, basket and lid
nearby;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the gas trap assembly of
the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the gas trap assembly
of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a top view of the drain assembly of the present
invention with the gas trap assembly located therein; and
[0017] FIG. 11 is a top view of the drain assembly of the present
invention with the gas trap assembly and basket located therein;
and
[0018] FIG. 12 is a top view of the drain assembly of the present
invention with the gas trap assembly and basket located therein and
the lid placed thereon.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] FIG. 1 is an illustration of the disassembled parts of a
conventional floor drain assembly made of a plastic or
polypropylene material.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a side view illustration of a conventional floor
drain assembly showing trap 201. As seen in FIG. 2, the trap 201 of
drainage is the curved section of drain line that prevents sewer
odors from escaping into the atmosphere. Disadvantageously, the
trap 201 is fixed in position and cannot be easily removed to
unclog the drain or to engage in maintenance.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a conventional floor
drain assembly that has not been installed in a floor. The
conventional drain assembly has a lid 301 with holes for liquids to
flow and a trap 302 that serves as a aqueous barrier to gas.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a cutaway side view of the present invention
showing the various components thereof and the drainage flow path.
As seen therein, the present invention comprises a main housing
401, whose inner wall defines drainage bowl 417, and a gas trap
assembly 403. Optionally, a basket 402 to catch larger particulate
matter can be placed upon the gas trap assembly 403 within drainage
bowl 417. In the embodiment that includes the basket 402, the
drainage path 410 of substantially all of the aqueous matter
entering from the outer environment 423 into the drainage bowl 417
is through the basket 402, around the impervious outer top wall 414
and impervious outer lateral wall 416 of the gas trap assembly 403
into the inner cavity comprised of inner lateral wall 415 and inner
top wall 412 of the gas trap assembly 403 and into exit pipe 405.
Lid 406 is made to fit snugly within lip 409 so as to keep it from
falling into drainage bowl 417. In addition, the main housing 401
of the present invention can be adapted to existing trench drains
easier and more effectively
[0023] As can be seen in the exemplary embodiment, the main housing
401 has a radius (r) and lateral length (h) and is sunk into the
floor 407 so as to create the substantially cylindrical drainage
bowl 417 in the floor 407 with a volume of approximately pi*r*r*h.
A preferred shape of the main housing 401, optional basket 402 and
gas trap assembly 403 are cylindrical. Round shapes are less likely
to promote bacteria growth whereas corners as found in
parallelepipeds and prisms are breeding grounds for bacteria.
Furthermore, round shapes are less likely to cause cracks in
adjacent flooring materials, Nevertheless, if a non-circular drain
shape is required, the main housing, gas trap assembly could be
parallelepiped or prism and still covered within the scope of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a view looking downward into one embodiment of the
drain assembly of the present invention without the gas trap
assembly 403 or basket 402. FIG. 6 is a second view looking
downward into the drain assembly of the present invention without
the gas trap assembly 403 or basket 402. As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6,
exit pipe 405 extends into the drainage bowl 417 through aperture
418 in the bottom 408 of the main housing 401. The diameter of the
aperture 418 is just slightly larger than that of the diameter of
exit pipe 405 so as to allow a tight fit between the two. A seal or
other impervious material can be added, welded or coupled between
the outside lateral wall of exit pipe 405 and the aperture 418 at
their point of contact so as to keep liquids from seeping between
the two. As noted in FIG. 4, exit pipe 405 is an open cylinder that
extends into main housing drainage bowl 417, and gas trap assembly
403 is a closed cylinder. The diameter of gas trap assembly 403,
including its extensions 801 (as seen in FIG. 8), is less than the
diameter of the main housing 401 so as to permit the gas trap
assembly 403 to be freely inserted into the main housing 401 when
the lateral side walls of each are parallel. The diameter of the
exit pipe 405 is less than the diameter of the inner lateral wall
415 of gas trap assembly 403 so as to permit the open end of the
gas trap assembly 403 to be inserted over the exit pipe 405 when
the lateral side walls of each are parallel.
[0025] Referring back to FIG. 4, gas trap assembly 403 is adapted
to be positioned such that the closed end of gas trap assembly 403
is placed over the terminal end of exit pipe 405 that extends into
drainage bowl 417. A set of members, referred to as inner fins 411,
are attached, by weld in one embodiment, perpendicular to the inner
lateral walls 415 and orthogonal to the inner top wall 412 of gas
trap assembly 403. The inner fins 411 sit on top of the annular
shaped terminal end 421 of exit pipe 405 and define a passageway
between the inner lateral wall 415 and inner top wall 412 of gas
trap assembly 403 and outer lateral wall of exit pipe 405. One
skilled in the art would recognize that there are a variety of
configurations that are operable to keep the trap elevated above
the exit pipe and such alternative configurations are encompassed
with the present invention. For example, tabs can be fabricated on
top of the exit pipe versus on the bottom of the trap, and tabs of
another shape, such as round stock, long tabs or extensions on the
trap can extend all of the way to the bottom of the bowl.
[0026] When viewing the cutaway side view of the main housing 401,
exit pipe 405 and gas trap assembly 403, of FIG. 4, it can be seen
that when gas trap assembly 403 is seated over and on exit pipe
405, there is a length 419 of the lateral wall 415 of gas trap
assembly 403 that extends below the terminal end 421 of exit pipe
405. This length extension 419, coupled with the passageway defined
by the terminal open end 422 of gas trap assembly 403 and the
bottom wall 408 of main housing 401, with length 420, allow aqueous
matter to flow along the drainage path 410 into exit pipe 405 while
also forming an aqueous barrier 404 between the exit pipe 405 and
the outer environment 423.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the drainage assembly of the
present invention with the gas trap assembly 403, optional basket
402 and lid 406 nearby. As seen in FIG. 7, the lid 406, optional
basket 402, and gas trap assembly 403 are advantageously removable
from the drainage bowl 417 defined by main housing 401, by
hand.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the gas trap assembly
403 of the present invention. Optional members, referred to as
outer fins 413, serve to support optional basket 402 and to define
a passageway for aqueous material between basket 402 and around
impervious outer top wall 414 and impervious outer lateral wall 416
of gas trap assembly 403. One skilled in the art would recognize
that there are a variety of member configurations operable to
support optional basket 402 and such alternative member
configurations are encompassed with the present invention. For
example tabs can extend down from the bottom of the basket.
[0029] Handle 802 can be used to remove gas trap assembly 403 from
the drainage bowl 417 defined by main housing 401 by hand. Any
number of variations of the handle can be made and still fall
within the scope of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the gas trap assembly
403 of the present invention showing the inner lateral wall 415,
inner top wall 412 and inner fins 411. As seen in FIGS. 4, 8 and 9,
gas trap assembly 403 is designed to be self aligning and of
sufficient weight to remain effective throughout the gas
push-through process. In other words, the gas pressure required to
push the column of water 404 in the gas trap assembly 403 up and
"bubble" into the environment is less than the gas pressure
required to lift the gas trap assembly. One skilled in the art
would recognize that there are a variety of means for keeping gas
trap assembly 403 aligned and secured to prevent gas push through
and such alternative means are encompassed with the present
invention. For example the gas trap assembly can be secured by
using the weight of the basket to hold it down, or mechanically
fastening it with a fastener, such as a screw or bolt, or by
physically holding it in place by a "twist-to lock" method wherein
tabs sticking out from the trap assembly fit into grooves on the
inside of the bowl and then the trap is twisted to "lock" it onto
place.
[0031] Referring back to FIG. 4, inner fins 413 are attached
inside, and perpendicular to, the cylindrical inner lateral wall
415 and inner top wall 412. In one embodiment, inner fins 413 are
welded to the inner wall 415 and inner top wall 412. Edges 901 of
inner fins 413 rest upon the terminal end 421 of exit pipe 405.
FIG. 10 is a top view of the drain assembly of the present
invention with the gas trap assembly 403 and basket located
therein.
[0032] FIG. 11 is a top view of the drain assembly of the present
invention with the gas trap assembly 403 and optional basket 402
located therein.
[0033] FIG. 12 is a top view of the drainage assembly of the
present invention with the gas trap assembly 403, optional basket
402 located therein and lid 406 placed thereon.
[0034] As can be seen from the Figures and discussion herein, the
present invention achieves a variety of advantages over
conventional drain assemblies. No tools are required to disassemble
and remove the gas trap assembly 403, optional basket 402 and lid
406 from the drainage bowl 417 of the present invention. The use of
the present invention thus can contribute significantly to the
cleanliness and hygiene at food plants and at institutions such as
laboratories and hospitals. The present invention is less likely to
clog up than standard p-trap drains because the sedimentation area
and the gas drain are visible and accessible. Also, if the sediment
trap does get full and clogs, then the sediment can be visually
seen and physically removed before it enters the underground
plumbing systems where it can cause other problems. Because the gas
trap is removable, a plumber can expose the main drain line to
perform maintenance. This reduces manufacturing downtime. The novel
hand removable gas trap assembly 403 and removable optional basket
402 permit improved access to the drain for cleaning. As such, the
present invention allows clogs to be cleared faster and with proper
maintenance, can substantially prevent clogs from occurring.
Furthermore, the optional basket can be customized and easily
swapped to catch different sizes of particulate matter. One skilled
in the art would recognize that the present invention can be
fabricated in a variety of sizes and dimensions and such
alternative sizes and dimensions are encompassed with the present
invention. For example main housing drainage bowl 417 can be
oversized to create a larger sediment trap. Also, the heights of
drainage path 410 and inner fins 411 can be changed to increase or
decrease the "effective trap height" which effects the gas trap's
effectiveness. In other word, the length of length extension 419
can be varied to increase or decrease the amount of pressure
required to overcome the trap thus increasing or decreasing the
effectiveness of the trap.
[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the lid 406,
main housing 401, optional basket 402 and gas trap assembly 403 are
made of 304 stainless steel. Stainless steel is a preferred
material as it is resistant to acid, corrosion and staining.
However, other materials, such as heavy duty cast iron bodies and
high-grade nickel-bronze can be used to fabricate the present
invention, The gas trap assembly 403 can be made of any material as
long as the gas trap has enough mass to resist being lifted by the
gas pressure, or is otherwise configured so as to resist the gas
pressure through, for example, the use of twist-on or lock
mechanisms. These gas trap assembly 403 materials include cast
iron, metal alloys, including stainless steel, polyvinyl chloride
(pvc) ABS or related polymer or plastic. The gas trap minimum
weight is calculated based on the dimensions of the drain. For
example, a 4 inch drain and a 6 inch drain may have different
requirements. One gas trap assembly 403 in an embodiment of the
present invention weighs approximately fifteen (15) pounds. The
drain is further designed to be forklift rated, meaning a standard
forklifts can drive over it without damaging the drain.
Furthermore, lid 406 can be a standard stainless steel plate cover
with holes, or can comprise a bar type grating. Furthermore, the
steel plate cover can have a grate design that uses lettering,
holes or different shaped apertures.
[0036] The numerous innovative teachings of the present invention
are described with particular reference to an exemplary embodiment
of a main housing and removable gas trap assembly made of stainless
steel and both having a cylindrical shape. However, it should be
understood that the exemplary embodiment is only one example of the
many advantageous embodiments and innovative teachings herein. In
general, statements made in the specification of the application do
not necessarily delimit any of the various claimed inventions. For
example, a drain according to the invention may be designed with a
variety of dimensions. Moreover, some statements may apply to some
inventive features, but not to others. Detailed descriptions of
known functions and constructions unnecessarily obscuring the
subject matter of the present invention have been omitted for
clarity. The present invention is also described in terms of
various functional components. It should be appreciated that such
functional components may be realized by any number of hardware or
structural components configured to perform the specified
functions. For example, the present invention may be comprised in a
number of shapes or made of a variety of materials. Additionally,
the various components may be implemented in alternate ways, such
as, for example, with or without a sediment trap or strainer
basket. These alternatives can be suitably selected depending upon
the particular application or in consideration of any number of
factors associated with the operation of the drain or the location
of the drain. Such general applications that may be appreciated by
those skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure are not
described in detail herein. These and other changes or
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the
present invention, as expressed in the following claims.
* * * * *