U.S. patent application number 11/588050 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-01 for drain cover with fluid flow enhancer.
Invention is credited to Wade H. Arens, Olaf W. Mjelde.
Application Number | 20080098506 11/588050 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39328382 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080098506 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mjelde; Olaf W. ; et
al. |
May 1, 2008 |
Drain cover with fluid flow enhancer
Abstract
A fluid vortex inducing component adapted for placement between
an anti-vortex drain cover of a pool or spa and the underlying
drain. The device employs radially oriented blades to induce a
cyclonic or vortex flow to the plurality of individual linear fluid
streams traversing passages in the sidewall of the drain cover to
enhance fluid flow in the underlying drain. It may be installed as
a new part to existing or new drains or in a method for
retrofitting existing drains a component to induce the vortex to
drained water can be installed.
Inventors: |
Mjelde; Olaf W.; (San Diego,
CA) ; Arens; Wade H.; (Rancho Santa Margarita,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DONN K. HARMS;PATENT & TRADEMARK LAW CENTER
SUITE 100, 12702 VIA CORTINA
DEL MAR
CA
92014
US
|
Family ID: |
39328382 |
Appl. No.: |
11/588050 |
Filed: |
October 25, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/507 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/1218
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/507 |
International
Class: |
E04H 4/00 20060101
E04H004/00 |
Claims
1. A fluid vortex inducing component adapted for positioning
between a drain cover having a planar top component and a plurality
of fluid passages communicating through a sidewall forming a
plurality of linear fluid flows, and an underlying drain,
comprising: a plurality of blades extending from first ends
adjacent to a central portion of a cavity formed between said drain
cover and an engaged underlying drain, to distal ends adjacent to
said fluid passages communicating through said sidewall; said
blades having width extending in the direction of a central axis of
said underlying drain; pathways formed between pairs of said
blades, said pathways providing means to coerce fluid flow
communicated therein from said fluid passages to a rotational fluid
flow exiting toward said drain.
2. The fluid vortex inducing component of claim 1 further
comprising: said blades extending from a planar member; and said
planar member positioned between said planar top component of said
drain cover and said underlying drain.
3. The fluid vortex inducing component of claim 1 further
comprising: said blades extending for said width from an engagement
with a planar member, said planar member being a bottom surface of
said planar top component of said drain cover.
4. The fluid vortex inducing component of claim 3 further
comprising: said blades and said planar top component being a
unitary structure.
5. The fluid vortex inducing component of claim 3 further
comprising: said plurality of blades being adhesively engageable to
said bottom surface of said top component.
6. The fluid vortex inducing component of claim 2 further
comprising: means for positioning said planar member adapted
between said drain cover and said underlying drain and with said
distal ends of said blades positioned adjacent to said fluid
passages.
7. The fluid vortex inducing component of claim 6 wherein said
means for positioning said planar member comprises: a plurality of
tabs extending from a circumference of said planar member; and said
tabs adapted for sandwiched engagement between a base portion of
said drain cover and a mount for said base portion which surrounds
a communication with said underlying drain.
8. The fluid vortex inducing component of claim 1 wherein said
blades are substantially linear form said first ends to said distal
ends and radially oriented around said central axis at an angle to
said central axis, said radial orientation and said angle thereby
inducing said vortex to a single fluid flow communicated to said
drain formed of a plurality of individual fluid flows communicated
from said fluid passages between pairs of said distal ends of said
blades.
9. The fluid vortex inducing component of claim 1 wherein said
blades are curved between their first ends and their distal ends
and radially oriented around said central axis at an angle to said
central axis, said radial orientation and said angle thereby
inducing said vortex to a single fluid flow communicated to said
drain formed of a plurality of individual fluid flows communicated
from said fluid passages between pairs of said distal ends of said
blades.
10. The fluid vortex inducing component of claim 2 wherein said
blades are substantially straight and radially oriented at an angle
to said central axis adapted induce said vortex in fluid
communicated from said fluid passages; said planar member having a
mounting ring extending around a circumference of the distal ends
of said blades; and said mounting ring adapted for sandwiched
engagement between a base of said said drain cover and an
underlying mount for said base of drain cover.
11. The fluid vortex inducing component of claim 2 wherein said
blades are substantially linear form said first ends to said distal
ends and radially oriented around said central axis at an angle to
said central axis, said radial orientation and said angle thereby
inducing said vortex to a single fluid flow communicated to said
drain formed of a plurality of individual fluid flows communicated
from said fluid passages between pairs of said distal ends of said
blades.
12. The fluid vortex inducing component of claim 3 wherein said
blades are substantially linear from said first ends to said distal
ends and radially oriented around said central axis at an angle to
said central axis, said radial orientation and said angle thereby
inducing said vortex to a single fluid flow communicated to said
drain formed of a plurality of individual fluid flows communicated
from said fluid passages between pairs of said distal ends of said
blades.
13. The fluid vortex inducing component of claim 3 wherein said
blades are curved between their first ends and their distal ends
and radially oriented around said central axis at an angle to said
central axis, said radial orientation and said angle thereby
inducing said vortex to a single fluid flow communicated to said
drain formed of a plurality of individual fluid flows communicated
from said fluid passages between pairs of said distal ends of said
blades.
14. The fluid vortex inducing component of claim 4 wherein said
blades are substantially linear form said first ends to said distal
ends and radially oriented around said central axis at an angle to
said central axis, said radial orientation and said angle thereby
inducing said vortex to a single fluid flow communicated to said
drain formed of a plurality of individual fluid flows communicated
from said fluid passages between pairs of said distal ends of said
blades.
15. The fluid vortex inducing component of claim 4 wherein said
blades are curved between their first ends and their distal ends
and radially oriented around said central axis at an angle to said
central axis, said radial orientation and said angle thereby
inducing said vortex to a single fluid flow communicated to said
drain formed of a plurality of individual fluid flows communicated
from said fluid passages between pairs of said distal ends of said
blades.
16. The fluid vortex inducing component of claim 5 wherein said
blades are substantially linear form said first ends to said distal
ends and radially oriented around said central axis at an angle to
said central axis, said radial orientation and said angle thereby
inducing said vortex to a single fluid flow communicated to said
drain formed of a plurality of individual fluid flows communicated
from said fluid passages between pairs of said distal ends of said
blades.
17. The fluid vortex inducing component of claim 5 wherein said
blades are curved between their first ends and their distal ends
and radially oriented around said central axis at an angle to said
central axis, said radial orientation and said angle thereby
inducing said vortex to a single fluid flow communicated to said
drain formed of a plurality of individual fluid flows communicated
from said fluid passages between pairs of said distal ends of said
blades.
18. The fluid vortex inducing component of claim 3 wherein said
blades additionally provide means to reinforce said planar
component against damage from deflection.
19. An anti-vortex drain cover for a pool and spa comprising: a
drain cover adapted for engagement to a drain underlying a pool or
spa; said drain cover having a planar top planar component
supported by a plurality of ribs engaged to a base; said top planar
component having a top surface exposed to said pool when engaged to
an underlying drain, and having a bottom surface opposite said top
surface; said ribs defining a plurality of individual fluid
passages communicating through said sidewall; a plurality of blades
extending away from said bottom surface of said planar component;
said blades having first ends adjacent to a central portion of said
bottom surface and having distal ends opposite said first ends;
said distal ends terminating adjacent to said fluid passages
communicating through said sidewall; said distal ends of said
blades arranged in a plurality of pairs of similarly shaped said
blades; at least one of said passages positioned between each of
said pairs; and a rotational substantially singular fluid flow
being communicated to an underlying drain formed by a channeling of
a plurality of individual fluid flows communicated from said fluid
passages between each of a respective of said pairs, into said
singular fluid flow.
20. The fluid vortex inducing component of claim 19 further
comprising: said blades extending from said bottom surface of said
planar component providing means to reinforce said planar component
against deflection.
21. A method of retrofitting an anti-vortex drain cover mounted in
a pool or spa over an underlying drain to induce a singular
cyclonic flow form the product of individual linear water flows
communicating through individual fluid passages of said drain cover
using a vortex inducing component having a plurality of blades
extending away from a surface of a planar component with said
blades having first ends adjacent to a central portion of said
planar component and distal ends terminating adjacent to said fluid
passages, comprising the steps of: dismounting the drain cover from
its engagement to said underlying drain; positioning said vortex
inducing component to a mount between said drain cover and an
underlying drain; and remounting said drain cover to sandwich said
vortex inducing component between said drain cover and said
underlying drain.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention herein disclosed relates to drains for pools,
ponds, and spas. More particularly it relates to a device and
method for providing a drain cover which provides anti-siphon
characteristics above the drain cover to protect users of swimming
pools and spas and provides improved fluid flow characteristics of
fluid having traversed the drain cover and entering the underlying
drain.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Conventional pools, spas, ponds, and similar artificial
water holders are conventionally formed with a drain opening on
their bottoms at the lowest point on the bottom surface. Generally,
these drain openings communicate through the cement or gunite or
other material forming the pool or spa and connect the interior of
the pool or spa with an underlying conduit into which water may be
drained or is communicated to the filtration system to keep the
water clean. Typically water communicated through the drain opening
will be pumped through a filter and back into the pool or spa
through return lines which communicate therein.
[0003] The constant circulation of water through the drain opening
or openings in the bottom of the pool or spa tends to create a
suctional vortex adjacent to these drains. In order to prevent
injury or worse yet, drowning, most plumbing and safety codes
require that such drains are conventionally overlaid with a cover
that substantially eliminates this vortex action.
[0004] Unfortunately, most such covers tend to be utilitarian and
not pleasing to the eye. In order to meed conventional plumbing and
building and other applicable code requirements for vortex
prevention, anti-vortex drains and covers have been developed which
feature water flow characteristics that also tend to substantially
eliminate the suction and vortex formation above the mounted drain
cover. However, the structures which provide the vortex elimination
in existing drain covers also impede water flow into the underlying
drain below the drain cover once the water has traversed the drain
cover.
[0005] Consequently, because of the great attention paid to
eliminate water suction and vortexing adjacent to pool and spa
drains, water flow in the drain itself continues to be impeded
thereby requiring additional pumping of the fluid with increased
energy use resulting in reduced efficiency of the system.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,586 (Wright) teaches a drain cover that
is engageable over a drain opening that provides an overriding top
surface that allows the user to adhere surface material thereon to
match the surrounding surface. However, Wright's device is designed
to break up water flow through the cover into many small linear
flows substantially perpendicular to the center axis of the drain.
This is typical of conventional drain covers which reduce suction
and vortexing, inherently impeding water flow into and through the
aperture opening of the underlying drain. As noted above, this
decreases efficiency of the fluid flow and filtering system of the
pool or spa resulting in increased energy use.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,378,758 (Jacuzzi) discloses a similar
anti-vortex type cover which prevents the suction and vortexing
that could injure or harm swimmers. However, Jacuzzi too lacks any
provision to enhance the fluid flow once it has traversed the drain
cover.
[0008] As such, there is an ongoing need for a pool and spa drain
cover which is engageable over the conventional drain opening
communicating with the bottom of a pool or spa and prevents suction
and vortexing of water that might injure or harm users and
swimmers. Such a device should, however, in addition to
substantially eliminating the suction and vortexing above the
cover, enhance fluid flow once past the cover, to thereby enhance
the fluid flow into the drain aperture and onto the filtering
system. Such a device should also be adapted for easy engagement to
new pool and spa construction, or as a retrofit to the millions of
installed pool drains in the USA and throughout the world to
thereby decrease energy use through enhanced fluid flow generated
by the drain cover itself.
[0009] With respect to the above description, before explaining at
least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to
be understood that the invention is not limited in its application
to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the
components or steps set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The various apparatus and methods of
the invention are capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced and carried out in various ways which will be obvious to
those skilled in the art once they review this disclosure. Also, it
is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed
herein are for the purpose of description and should not be
regarded as limiting.
[0010] Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be
utilized as a basis for designing of other devices, methods and
systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
disclosed device. It is important, therefore, that the objects and
claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction and
methodology insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope
of the present invention.
[0011] Further objectives of this invention will be brought out in
the following part of the specification wherein detailed
description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention
without placing limitations thereon.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The device herein disclosed and described provides an
anti-vortex drain cover adapted to engage the drain opening
communicating with the bottom of a pool or spa or other water
holding component which has a drain and/or filtering system
attached. Above the top surface of the device all safety
requirements for suction and vortex elimination are met by the
dissection of fluid flow into smaller linear flows to provide a
safe environment for users of the pool or spa or other contained
water body.
[0013] The drain cover is provided with a base having a
circumference adapted to engage the attaching ring or other
engaging mount that interfaces between the drain cover and the
underlying drain below the plaster or gunite or fiberglass surface
that defines most pools and spas.
[0014] A planar top component having a top surface and a lower
surface is engaged to a mounting base by a plurality of ribs
communicating between the top component and the base. In between
the ribs are defined a plurality of passages which allow for water
or fluid flow therebetween, to communicate with the cavity formed
below the planar top component and above the underlying drain of
the pool or spa and onto the filtering system. Breaking up the
fluid flow traversing the cover by employing this plurality of
blades creates a plurality of small liner fluid flows through the
cover and into the cavity below the top component and above the
underlying drain. These small liner flows thereby prevent the
formation of a fluid vortex and suctional area adjacent to the top
surface of the cover and the surrounding pool or spa surface when
the device is operatively engaged to the drain.
[0015] In the cavity under the top planar component and behind the
ribs are positioned a plurality of straight and angled or
preferably curved blades, vanes or fins, (hereinafter blades)
depending on the construction and alignment with the incoming water
streams. The blades are formed in a first preferred embodiment as
part of the top planar component and project away from the lower
surface of the top planar component toward the underlying drain.
The blades radiate from a generally central portion of the bottom
surface and curve to their distal ends adjacent to the passages
formed between the ribs supporting the top component above the
base. These blades engage and coerce the many small individual
fluid flows past the ribs from the individual passages between the
ribs to a vortex or cyclonic flow of the fluid, to thereby provide
a means to induce a vortex to the aggregate fluid flow resulting
from the total individual fluid flows from all the individual
passages. The fluid flow into the drain as such has an efficiency
inducing vortex imparted to it, while the fluid flow above the
drain cover still has the safety factor of anti-vortex and suction
components.
[0016] In a first preferred mode of the device, the top component
is injection molded or otherwise formed in a unitary structure with
the blades projecting from the bottom surface toward the underlying
drain in a manner where each pair of blades at their distal ends is
adjacent to two or three individual passages defined by the ribs.
Thus, the two or three individualized and linear fluid flows
through the passages between the ribs are induced to be become a
portion of the total aggregate fluid flow vortex. This rotational
vortex fluid flow is induced by the blades radiating from the
center of the bottom surface of the drain cover. Of course more
blades can be employed to channelize fewer individual, or each, of
the individual passages between the ribs, and such is anticipated.
Experimentation has found that a fluid vortex is generated to
increase fluid flow in the underlying drain using the current
preferred mode and also saves material for the injection molding
process by using fewer blades. Of course more or fewer blades might
also be employed so long as they generate a vortex style flow in
the fluid flowing into the cavity below the top planar surface and
past the ribs supporting it.
[0017] Still further, the blades projecting from the bottom surface
of the top component also provide means to reinforce the central
area of the top component from fracture. This is especially
important when the device is employed in a pool or spa where users
might kick or stand on the cover during use and a crack or other
structural failure could have drastic consequences.
[0018] A second preferred embodiment is also provided as either a
retrofit to existing drains to induce a vortex fluid flow dynamic
to fluid having traversed past the ribs supporting the top surface
of the cover. This embodiment features a planar insert adapted for
mounting above the underlying drain and below the overlying drain
cover. A plurality of projecting tabs provide a means to hold the
insert in position; however, other means can be used to position it
properly in a sandwiched engagement. In this embodiment, the
central area of the insert would have blades projecting away from
the generally smooth planar surface in a similar manner as noted
above with each pair of blades, at their distal ends, being
adjacent to one or more individual passages defined by the ribs.
Thus, the individualized linear fluid flows through the passages
between the ribs are induced by the blades to become a portion of
the total aggregate fluid flow flowing in a vortex. Of course more
blades can be employed to channelize fewer individual fluid flows
through the small passages between the ribs, and such is
anticipated. Further, while the blades of the insert project upward
away from the underlying drain in this preferred mode of the
device, they would also work if projecting downward from the lower
surface of the insert so long as the distal ends of the blades are
aligned to capture and coerce the individual fluid flows coming
from the passages between the ribs.
[0019] An object of this invention is to provide a drain cover for
a pool or spa or fountain that substantially eliminates suction and
vortexing above the cover when installed with water flowing through
it to protect bathers.
[0020] Another object of this invention is to provide a drain cover
that employs a series of axis-traverse blades positioned below the
top surface of the drain cover and behind its supporting ribs which
induce a vortex to the fluid once safely past the drain cover.
[0021] An additional object of this invention is the provision of
such a drain cover that induces such a vortex to increase fluid
flow efficiency by imparting a cyclonic rotation to it in the
underlying drain and filter system to save energy.
[0022] A still further object of this invention is the provision of
such a drain cover with a finned bottom surface to provide
additional strength to the cover itself to resist cracking and
failure during use.
[0023] These together with other objects and advantages which
become subsequently apparent reside in the details of the
construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and
claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a
part thereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts
throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSOCIATED DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of a conventional
anti-vortex drain cover device showing the assembled device with
the base engaged over a conventional drain aperture and underlying
drain of a pool, spa, or fountain.
[0025] FIG. 2 depicts a side view through a conventional pool cover
exploded from a base mount on an underlying drain.
[0026] FIG. 3 depicts a bottom view of one favored embodiment of
the disclosed device showing the blades projecting from the bottom
surface of the cover shown similarly to FIG. 1, to coerce incoming
fluid through the rib defined passages of the side surface. The
blades may be radial, backwards curving or forwards curving
depending on the alignment with the incoming water streams and
vortex desired.
[0027] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of another favored
embodiment of the device adapted for positioning between existing
conventional drain covers and underlying drains to enhance fluid
flow.
[0028] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the device in an
embodiment that may be affixed to the lower surface of the
conventional drain covers shown in FIGS. 1-2 with adhesive or other
means of attachment for retrofit or formed thereon in a new
construction thereby becoming a new lower surface.
[0029] FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of the device having angled
radially oriented blades engaged from a center portion to distal
ends engaged to a mounting ring.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSED
DEVICE
[0030] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-6 disclose the
preferred embodiments of the disclosed drain fluid flow enhancing
device over the prior art of conventional anti-suction drain covers
shown in FIGS. 1-2.
[0031] As noted, the constant circulation of water through the
drain opening 12 or openings in the bottom of the pool or spa tends
to create a suctional vortex adjacent to these drains. In order to
prevent injury or worse yet, drowning, most plumbing and
construction codes require that such drains are conventionally
overlaid with a drain cover 14 that substantially eliminates this
vortex or suction that can hold swimmers underwater.
[0032] The drain cover 14 generally has a top component 15 having a
top surface 16 and a lower surface 18 engaged to a mounting base 20
by a plurality of ribs 22 communicating between the top component
15 and the base 20. In between the ribs 22 are defined a plurality
of passages 24 which allow for water or fluid flow therebetween, to
communicate with the cavity 26 formed below the planar top
component 15 and above the underlying drain 12 or drain aperture of
the pool or spa. The plurality of ribs 22 creates a plurality of
small liner fluid flows through the passages 24 and into the cavity
26 below the top component 15 and above the underlying drain, and
thereby prevents the formation of a fluid vortex and suctional area
adjacent to the top surface of the cover 14 as noted.
[0033] In all preferred embodiments of the device 10, a plurality
of blades 28 are operatively positioned in the cavity 26 under the
top planar component 15 with their distal ends adjacent to and
behind the ribs 22 defining the passages 24. Those skilled in the
art will realize the blades may be radial and angled, backwards
curving, or forwards curving, or of other configuration depending
on the alignment with the incoming water streams from the passages
24 and vortex desired and the vertical placement between the drain
12 and the top component 15. Consequently, any placement of blades
28 and the angling and curving thereof which provides a means to
create a fluid vortex or cyclonic flow from incoming fluid from the
passages 24, is anticipated within the scope of this invention.
[0034] The blades 28 are formed in a first preferred embodiment as
part of the top planar component 15 and project away from the lower
surface 18 of the top planar component 15 toward the underlying
drain 12. As depicted, the blades 28 radiate from a generally
central portion of the cavity 26 and curve to their distal ends
adjacent to the passages 24 formed between the ribs 22. The blades
28 thus provide means to coerce the many small individual linear
fluid flows from individual passages 24 to impart a vortex fluid
flow to the aggregate flow of fluid resulting from the total
individual fluid flows of the passages 24. Fluid flow into the
drain 12 from the cavity 26 has an efficiency-inducing vortex or
cyclonic flow imparted to it.
[0035] In a particularly preferred mode of the device 10 of FIG. 1,
blades project from the bottom surface 18 toward the underlying
drain in a manner where each pair of blades 28, at their distal
ends, is adjacent to two or three individual passages 24 thereby
coercing the individualized linear fluid flows through the passages
24 into the vortexed fluid flow to the drain 12. The blades 28
projecting from the bottom surface 18 also provide means to
reinforce the top component 15 against bending or cracking if
deflected by pressure.
[0036] A second preferred embodiment of the device is provided as
either a retrofit to existing drains such as in FIGS. 1-2 to induce
a vortex fluid flow dynamic to fluid flow having traversed the
cover. This embodiment features an insert style planar component 15
adapted for mounting above the underlying drain 12 and below the
overlying drain cover 14. A plurality of projecting tabs 32 provide
a means to position the planar component 15 in the chamber 26 with
the blades 28 operatively positioned to intercept and coerce the
fluid flow from the passages 24. Thus, the individualized linear
fluid flows through the passages 24 are induced by the blades 28 to
be become a portion of the total aggregate fluid flow flowing in a
vortex. Further, while the blades of the insert project upward away
from the underlying drain 12 in this preferred mode of this
embodiment, they would also work if projecting downward from the
lower surface of the planar component 15 of the insert so long as
the distal ends of the blades are aligned to capture and coerce the
individual fluid flows coming from the passages 14 between the ribs
22.
[0037] There is seen in FIG. 5, a perspective view of the device 10
using another mode of curved and radially extending blades 28
extending substantially to the center of the surface. This mode may
be formed to the bottom surface 18 much like that of FIG. 3 to gain
the improved flow, or may be formed into a base adapted for
adhesion to the bottom surface 18 that may be employed to retrofit
existing pool covers such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This mode of
the device 10 provides the curved radially extending blades 28 with
distal ends adapted for positioning to intercept one or preferably
a plurality of the individualized fluid flows from the passages 24
much like the other modes of the device. It may be engaged to the
bottom surface 18 of the conventional cover using glue or adhesive
or other means of attachment and impart the improved fluid flow to
existing covers. As with all embodiments of the device, the number
of blades 28 is determinate of their spacing at their distal ends
opposite the center of the device, and therefor the number of
passages 24 from which the flow is intercepted and enhanced. If
many blades 28 are formed, the device 10 could intercept each flow
from each passage 24; however, the current preferred mode
intercepts from two to four flows from passages 24.
[0038] FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of the device 10 which is also
adapted for retrofit of older drain covers or can be installed with
new ones. While in this embodiment of the device the blades 28 do
not provide reenforcement to the planar component 15 of the drain
cover which is preferred, the blades 28 may be angled to impart a
vortex to the water passing therebetween. A planar mounting ring 35
defines a perimeter edge and would be adapted to engage between the
drain cover and the underlying drain 12 in a sandwiched engagement.
Or, the tabs 32 of FIG. 4 might also be employed to provide support
under the drain cover and above the drain 12. The angled radially
oriented blades 28 have their first ends engaged from a center
portion and extend to distal ends engaged to the mounting ring 35
and would be positioned to engage and coerce one or preferably a
plurality of the individual incoming water streams through the
passages 24 into a cyclonic or vortex motion to increase water flow
through the system.
[0039] The components of FIGS. 4-6 are shown as modes of the device
10 especially adapted for retrofit of existing anti-vortex drain
covers to improve efficiency to induce cyclonic flow to the
individual linear water flows through individual ribbed fluid
passages on the drain cover. Also, the finish depicted could be
employed on the device shown in FIG. 3 where all fins 28 depend
from the center point in a curved path toward the perimeter
edge.
[0040] In a retrofit, as a method of accomplishing this task the
user would take the appropriate vortex inducing component having
the plurality of blades 28 extending away from a surface of a
planar component 15 with the blades 28 having first ends adjacent
to a central area and distal ends positioned to terminate adjacent
to one or preferably on both sides of a plurality of the 24 fluid
passages. The spacing of the paired distal ends would be
appropriate to coerce one or preferably a plurality of the
individual linear flows through fluid passages 24 into a single
vortex or cyclonic flow of the total aggregate fluid flow form all
the passages 24, to the underlying drain. The existing drain cover
14 would be dismounted and the vortex inducing component engaged to
be situated between the underlying drain 12 and the drain cover 14
with the distal ends of the blades 28 aligned to corral the
individual linear fluid flows from the passages 24. The drain cover
would then be remounted. The vortex inducing component would of
course be adapted to the mounting and the blades 28 appropriately
shaped to the size of the drain cover 14 being improved. For
standard sized drains this can be done easily on a mass scale where
the devices are adapted to fit the standard drain and cover
engagements and the length and number of blades 28 forming pathways
for the fluid flows from the passages 24 made appropriate to the
task. The overriding concern being positioning the distal ends of
the blades 28 to properly encounter and coerce fluid flows through
the passages 24 into the vortex communicated to the underlying
drain.
[0041] Further as noted above, the number of blades 28 can be
adjusted to form the number of pathways between the distal ends of
the blades 28 to direct the number of individual fluid flows from
respective passages 28. Currently between two and four individual
flows works very well, but depending on the size of the passages 24
and other factors, the number of individual flows from individual
passages 24 intercepted could be changed.
[0042] Although the invention has been described with respect to
particular embodiments thereof, it should be realized that various
changes and modifications may be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention. While the invention as
shown in the drawings and described in detail herein discloses
arrangements of elements of particular construction and
configuration for illustrating preferred embodiments of structure
and method of operation of the present invention, it is to be
understood, however, that elements of different construction and
configuration and other arrangements thereof, other than those
illustrated and described, may be employed in accordance with the
spirit of this invention. Any and all such changes, alternations
and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are
considered to be within the scope of this invention as broadly
defined in the appended claims.
[0043] Further, the purpose of the attached abstract is to enable
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally and
especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art
who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology to
determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence
of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is
neither intended to define the invention of the application which
is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to
the scope of the invention in any way.
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