U.S. patent application number 11/592483 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-08 for basement floor drain and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to DNI Realty, LLC. Invention is credited to Stephen Andras, John E. Walsh.
Application Number | 20080104910 11/592483 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39358492 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080104910 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Andras; Stephen ; et
al. |
May 8, 2008 |
Basement floor drain and method
Abstract
A basement floor drain for use in basement waterproofing
systems. The floor drain contains an upper chamber for collecting
water, and an air resistant lower chamber to promote the
establishment of a closed waterproofing system. A valve regulates
flow of water from the upper chamber to the lower chamber. An
outlet in the lower chamber may be fluidly connected to a basement
sump to facilitate extraction of collected water. A basket may be
included in a base of the upper chamber to protect the valve from
clogging, and the basket may be removable to aid cleaning. The
floor drain may be a modular assembly, multiple components of which
may be coupled for customizable size and functionality.
Inventors: |
Andras; Stephen; (Westport,
MA) ; Walsh; John E.; (Norfolk, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LOWRIE, LANDO & ANASTASI, LLP
ONE MAIN STREET, SUITE 1100
CAMBRIDGE
MA
02142
US
|
Assignee: |
DNI Realty, LLC
Westport
MA
|
Family ID: |
39358492 |
Appl. No.: |
11/592483 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/302.3 ;
52/302.7; 52/741.4; 52/747.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03F 5/0407 20130101;
Y10T 29/49826 20150115; Y10T 137/6988 20150401; E03F 5/0408
20130101; E03F 2005/0417 20130101; E04F 17/00 20130101; E04B 1/7023
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/302.3 ;
52/747.1; 52/302.7; 52/741.4 |
International
Class: |
E04F 17/00 20060101
E04F017/00; E04B 1/66 20060101 E04B001/66; E04G 21/14 20060101
E04G021/14 |
Claims
1. A basement floor drain, comprising: an upper chamber constructed
and arranged to collect water; an air resistant lower chamber in
fluid communication with the upper chamber; and a valve configured
to regulate flow of water from the upper chamber to the air
resistant lower chamber.
2. The drain of claim 1, wherein the valve comprises a
cantilever.
3. The drain of claim 1, further comprising a separator in a base
of the upper chamber, constructed and arranged to minimize clogging
of the valve.
4. The drain of claim 3, wherein the separator comprises a
basket.
5. The drain of claim 4, wherein the basket is configured to be
removably received by the base of the upper chamber.
6. The drain of claim 4, wherein the basket extends into the air
resistant lower chamber.
7. The drain of claim 4, wherein the basket comprises a detachable
lid having a plurality of apertures.
8. The drain of claim 4, wherein the valve comprises a cantilever
in mechanical cooperation with an outlet of the basket to regulate
flow of water from the upper chamber to the air resistant lower
chamber.
9. The drain of claim 1, further comprising a removable drain cover
coupled to the upper chamber and having a plurality of
apertures.
10. The drain of claim 1, wherein the air resistant lower chamber
includes an outlet to facilitate fluidly connecting the drain to a
basement waterproofing system.
11. The drain of claim 1, wherein the drain comprises a plurality
of detachable segments including a first detachable segment and a
second detachable segment.
12. The drain of claim 11, wherein the air resistant lower chamber
is coupled to the first detachable segment and the drain further
comprises a second air resistant lower chamber fluidly connected to
the second detachable segment.
13. The drain of claim 11, further comprising an end cap at a
distal end of the upper chamber.
14. The drain of claim 1, wherein a length of the drain is longer
than a width of the drain.
15. A method of assembling a basement floor drain, comprising:
providing a first floor drain element having an upper chamber
constructed and arranged to collect water, and having an air
resistant lower chamber in fluid communication with the upper
chamber; coupling the first floor drain element to a second floor
drain element; and installing the floor drain in a basement
floor.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein coupling the first floor drain
element to the second floor drain element comprises creating an
extended upper chamber.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising fluidly connecting
the extended upper chamber to an air resistant lower chamber of the
second floor drain element.
18. The method of claim 15, further comprising inserting a
removable basket into a base of the upper chamber.
19. The method of claim 15, further comprising applying an end cap
to a distal end of the extended upper chamber.
20. The method of claim 15, further comprising applying a removable
drain cover having a plurality of apertures to the upper
chamber.
21. A method of waterproofing a basement, comprising: installing a
floor drain into a floor of the basement, the floor drain having an
upper chamber constructed and arranged to collect water, and having
an air resistant lower chamber in fluid communication with the
upper chamber; and regulating flow of water from the upper chamber
to the air resistant lower chamber.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising fluidly connecting
the air resistant lower chamber to a basement sump to facilitate
extraction of collected water from the basement.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein installing the floor drain
comprises adjusting a length of the upper chamber.
24. The method of claim 21, wherein installing the floor drain
comprises fluidly connecting a second air resistant lower chamber
to the upper chamber.
25. The method of claim 21, wherein regulating flow of water from
the upper chamber to the air resistant lower chamber comprises
utilizing a one-way flow valve.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein utilizing a one-way flow valve
comprises utilizing a valve containing a cantilever.
27. A basement floor drain kit, comprising: a floor drain element
having an upper chamber constructed and arranged to collect water,
and having an air resistant lower chamber in fluid communication
with the upper chamber; and a first upper chamber extender element
constructed and arranged to increase an effective length of the
upper chamber to create an extended upper chamber.
28. The kit of claim 27, further comprising a valve for regulating
flow of water from the extended upper chamber to the air resistant
lower chamber.
29. The kit of claim 28, wherein the valve comprises a
cantilever.
30. The kit of claim 27, wherein the first upper chamber extender
element is substantially identical to the floor drain element.
31. The kit of claim 27, further comprising an upper chamber end
cap.
32. The kit of claim 27, further comprising a basket configured to
be removably received in a base of the upper chamber.
33. The kit of claim 27, further comprising a removable drain cover
defining a plurality of apertures.
34. The kit of claim 27, further comprising a second upper chamber
extender element.
35. The kit of claim 34, wherein a length of the first upper
chamber extender element is greater than a length of the second
upper chamber extender element.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] At least one embodiment of the present invention relates
generally to devices and methods for basement waterproofing and,
more particularly, to floor drains for use in basement
waterproofing systems.
[0003] 2. Discussion of Related Art
[0004] The potential for moisture in the basement of buildings is
of ongoing concern to homeowners, building contractors, and
structural engineers. Wetness in a basement can cause significant
structural damage, as well as promote the growth of harmful
bacteria, such as iron bacteria. The groundwater level may
periodically rise due to rain or melting snow, causing leakage at
cracks in foundation footings, structural interfaces, and up
through the basement floor. Sub-floor drainage conduits are
conventionally installed along the basement perimeter to convey
groundwater to a sump for extraction.
[0005] Water may also originate from above the basement floor.
Floor drains have been installed to collect such water, for
example, near basement plumbing fixtures and bulkhead stairs.
Traditional basement floor drains are molded or extruded in about
six foot pieces, and are typically cut to a desired length during
installation.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the invention
relates generally to an improved basement floor drain for use in
basement waterproofing systems.
[0007] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the invention
relates to a basement floor drain, comprising an upper chamber
constructed and arranged to collect water, an air resistant lower
chamber in fluid communication with the upper chamber, and a valve
configured to regulate flow of water from the upper chamber to the
air resistant lower chamber.
[0008] The valve may comprise a cantilever. The drain may further
comprise a separator in a base of the upper chamber, constructed
and arranged to minimize clogging of the valve. The separator may
comprise a basket which may be removably received by the base of
the upper chamber. The basket may extend into the air resistant
lower chamber and may comprise a detachable lid having a plurality
of apertures. The valve may comprise a cantilever in mechanical
cooperation with an outlet of the basket to regulate flow of water
from the upper chamber to the air resistant lower chamber. The
drain may further comprise a removable drain cover coupled to the
upper chamber and having a plurality of apertures. The air
resistant lower chamber may include an outlet to facilitate fluidly
connecting the drain to a basement waterproofing system. The drain
may comprise a plurality of detachable segments including a first
detachable segment and a second detachable segment. The air
resistant lower chamber may be coupled to the first detachable
segment, and the drain may further comprise a second air resistant
lower chamber fluidly connected to the second detachable segment.
The drain may comprise an end cap at a distal end of the upper
chamber. A length of the drain may be longer than a width of the
drain.
[0009] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the invention
relates to a method of assembling a basement floor drain,
comprising acts of providing a first floor drain element having an
upper chamber constructed and arranged to collect water, and having
an air resistant lower chamber in fluid communication with the
upper chamber, coupling the first floor drain element to a second
floor drain element, and installing the floor drain in a basement
floor.
[0010] Coupling the first floor drain element to the second floor
drain element may comprise creating an extended upper chamber. The
method may comprise a step of fluidly connecting the extended upper
chamber to an air resistant lower chamber of the second floor drain
element. The method may also comprise a step of inserting a
removable basket into a base of the upper chamber. The method may
further comprise a step of applying an end cap to a distal end of
the extended upper chamber. The method may still further comprise a
step of applying a removable drain cover having a plurality of
apertures to the upper chamber.
[0011] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the invention
relates to a method of waterproofing a basement, comprising acts of
installing a floor drain into a floor of the basement, the floor
drain having an upper chamber constructed and arranged to collect
water, and having an air resistant lower chamber in fluid
communication with the upper chamber, and regulating flow of water
from the upper chamber to the air resistant lower chamber.
[0012] The method may further comprise a step of fluidly connecting
the air resistant lower chamber to a basement sump to facilitate
extraction of collected water from the basement. Installing the
floor drain may comprise adjusting a length of the upper chamber.
Installing the floor drain may also comprise fluidly connecting a
second air resistant lower chamber to the upper chamber. Regulating
flow of water from the upper chamber to the air resistant lower
chamber may comprise utilizing a one-way flow valve. Utilizing a
one-way flow valve may comprise utilizing a valve containing a
cantilever.
[0013] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the invention
relates to a basement floor drain kit. The kit may comprise a floor
drain element having an upper chamber constructed and arranged to
collect water, and having an air resistant lower chamber in fluid
communication with the upper chamber. The kit may also comprise a
first upper chamber extender element constructed and arranged to
increase an effective length of the upper chamber to create an
extended upper chamber.
[0014] The kit may include a valve for regulating flow of water
from the extended upper chamber to the air resistant lower chamber.
The valve may comprise a cantilever. The first upper chamber
extender element may be substantially identical to the floor drain
element. The kit may comprise an upper chamber end cap, and a
removable drain cover defining a plurality of apertures. The kit
may further comprise a basket configured to be removably received
in a base of the upper chamber. The kit may still further comprise
a second upper chamber extender element. A length of the first
upper chamber extender element may be greater than a length of the
second upper chamber extender element.
[0015] Other advantages, novel features and objects of the
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of the invention when considered in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to
scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical
component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by
like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be
labeled in every drawing. Preferred, non-limiting embodiments of
the present invention will be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a basement floor drain installed as a
component of a basement waterproofing system in accordance with one
or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a basement floor
drain in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 2A illustrates a detailed view of a drain cover in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a cantilever valve
in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a removable basket of a basement floor
drain in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed view of the basket of FIG. 4
in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates the cantilever valve of FIG. 3 in
mechanical cooperation with the basket of FIG. 5 in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 6A illustrates the cantilever valve of FIG. 3 in
mechanical cooperation with the basket of FIG. 5 in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a floor drain
element in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an upper chamber
extender element in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
present invention;
[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates a modular floor drain in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the present invention; and
[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates a detailed view of an upper chamber end
cap in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] This invention is not limited in its application to the
details of construction and the arrangement of components as set
forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.
The invention is capable of embodiments and of being practiced or
carried out in various ways beyond those exemplarily presented
herein.
[0030] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the present
invention relates generally to an improved basement floor drain.
The floor drain may be effective in collecting water that
originates from above the basement floor in order to prevent
penetration of the basement structure. The floor drain may be
strategically installed in locations generally prone to basement
leaks and/or spillage. For example, the floor drain may be
positioned near bulkhead stairs, a clothing washer unit, a sink or
other basement plumbing fixture. The floor drain may be installed
so as to promote the flow of water towards the floor drain. For
example, the floor drain may be installed flush with the basement
floor, and the basement floor may be pitched towards the floor
drain.
[0031] The floor drain may be constructed of any material suitable
for its intended purpose. The floor drain material should be
durable and generally compatible with water, soil, concrete, and
any minerals or chemicals with which it may come into contact. In
some embodiments, the floor drain may be made of a polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) plastic. The floor drain may be of any desired shape
for a particular application. In at least one embodiment, for
example, the floor drain is generally rectangular in geometry. The
dimensions of the disclosed floor drain may also vary for different
applications. In general and without limiting the scope of the
present disclosure, a typical rectangular floor drain may be about
one foot high and between about four to six inches wide in
cross-section, and between about one to six feet in length.
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a floor drain 100 in accordance with one
or more embodiments of the present invention, positioned relative
to a basement floor 200, foundation wall 210 and a footing 220. The
floor drain 100 is installed generally flush with the basement
floor 200. While the floor drain 100 is exemplarily positioned
proximate to the foundation wall 210, it should be noted that the
floor drain 100 may be positioned elsewhere, such as towards the
middle of the basement floor 200. As illustrated, the floor drain
100 may be installed as part of a basement waterproofing system.
For example, the floor drain 100 may be fluidly connected to a
basement sump 240 via a conduit 230 to facilitate extraction of
collected water. In one embodiment, the conduit 230 may be
implemented using a conduit as described in copending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/471,867 to Andras which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Likewise, the
sump 240 may be implemented in accordance with copending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/529,060 to Andras which is also
hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0033] According to one or more embodiments, the floor drain 100
may include an upper chamber 110 and a lower chamber 120, as
illustrated in FIG. 2. The upper chamber 110 is generally open to
the interior of the basement, and may be constructed and arranged
to collect water from the surface of the surrounding basement
floor. The floor drain 100 may include a drain cover 130, as
detailed in FIG. 2A, having a plurality of apertures 135 through
which water may enter the upper chamber 110. The apertures 135 may
be of any size, shape and orientation, but should generally be
designed and positioned to both promote water entry and prevent
clogging. In at least one embodiment, the drain cover 130 may be
detachable, such as with a snap-off technique, to allow access to
the interior of the floor drain 100 for cleaning and/or
maintenance. The lower chamber 120 may be fluidly connected to the
upper chamber 110. In some embodiments, the lower chamber 120 may
be generally smaller than the upper chamber 110 in dimension.
[0034] According to one or more embodiments, the floor drain 100
may include a valve to regulate flow of water from the upper
chamber 110 to the lower chamber 120. Various types of valves
commonly known to those skilled in the art may be implemented. In
some embodiments, the valve may be a one-way valve, such as a
spring loaded ball valve. In other embodiments, the valve may
include a single movable component. For example, in at least one
embodiment, the valve may comprise a cantilever 140, as illustrated
in FIG. 3, to regulate flow of water from the upper chamber 110 to
the lower chamber 120.
[0035] The cantilever 140 may generally include a weighted portion
142 and a regulator 145. In some embodiments, the cantilever 140
may be configured to rotate about a pivot point. The weighted
portion 142 may balance the regulator 145 in a resting position
such that the regulator 145 blocks fluid passage from the upper
chamber 110 to the lower chamber 120. Water collected in the upper
chamber 110 may exert a force on the regulator 145 to overcome the
balance of the cantilever 140. Thus, the regulator 145 may be moved
away from its resting position, allowing fluid passage from the
upper chamber 110 to the lower chamber 120. In some embodiments,
the weight of about one to two teaspoons of water in the upper
chamber 110 may be sufficient to open the cantilever 140. When the
upper chamber 110 no longer contains a volume of water sufficient
to disrupt the balance of the cantilever 140, the weighted portion
142 will restore the balance and the regulator 145 will return to
its resting position to block fluid flow. Depending on the rate of
water collection in the upper chamber 110, the cantilever 140 may
be opened periodically or continuously. The regulator 145 may
contain a lip 148 to direct water towards the lower chamber
120.
[0036] According to one or more embodiments, the floor drain 100
may also include a separator in a base 115 of the upper chamber
110, constructed and arranged to minimize clogging of the valve.
For example, the separator may include a screen, filter or grate.
In at least one embodiment, the separator may comprise a basket 150
in a base 115 of the upper chamber 110, as illustrated in FIG. 4
and detailed in FIG. 5. The basket 150 may extend into the lower
chamber 120, and may generally be constructed and arranged to
minimize and/or prevent clogging of the valve. For example, the
basket 150 may be aligned with the valve to capture dirt and debris
as water passes from the upper chamber 110 to the valve. In some
embodiments, the base 115 may slope towards the basket 150 to
promote drainage of water from the upper chamber 110 through the
basket 150. The basket 150 may be removable for cleaning or
maintenance. The basket 150 may contain a lid 155 having a
plurality of apertures, such as a mesh or screen. The apertures
should generally be designed and positioned to both promote passage
of water and block debris. The lid 155 may be removable to allow
access to the interior of the basket 150, such as for cleaning.
[0037] In some embodiments, an outlet 158 of the basket 150 may
cooperate with the valve to regulate flow of water from the upper
chamber 110 to the lower chamber 120. For example, in embodiments
where the valve comprises a cantilever 140, the cantilever 140 may
function in mechanical cooperation with the outlet 158. In the
resting position for the cantilever 140, as illustrated in FIG. 6,
the regulator 145 may block the outlet 158, preventing fluid flow.
A force exerted by collected water in the upper chamber 110 may
disrupt the balance of the cantilever 140. The regulator 145 may be
moved away from the outlet 158 to an open position, as illustrated
in FIG. 6A, allowing fluid flow to the lower chamber 120. The
weighted portion 142 may eventually restore the balance of the
cantilever 140, returning the regulator 145 to its closed resting
position against the outlet 158. Beneficially, if the cantilever
140 was to become damaged for some reason, it would fall into the
lower chamber 120 leaving the outlet 158 open so as to prevent
basement flooding.
[0038] In at least one embodiment, the valve, such as the
cantilever 140, may be integrated into the structure of the basket
150. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the cantilever 140 may
be connected to the basket 150. A hinge or other mechanical
attachment 159 may join the cantilever 140 to the basket 150 and
may serve as a pivot point for the cantilever 140. Beneficially,
the valve may be accessed by simply removing the basket 150 from
the floor drain 100.
[0039] As discussed above, the floor drain 100 may be installed as
part of a basement waterproofing system. An outlet 125 in the lower
chamber 120 (FIG. 1) may be fluidly connected to a basement sump
via a sub-floor drainage conduit. In operation, water collected in
the upper chamber 110 may flow to the lower chamber 120 and may
then be conveyed to the basement sump via the sub-floor drainage
conduit for extraction from the basement structure.
[0040] In at least one embodiment, the lower chamber 120 may be
generally air resistant to promote the establishment of a closed
basement waterproofing system. Without wishing to be bound by any
particular theory, a closed system may serve to eliminate any
airflow path between sub-floor and above-floor levels. Such a
closed system may aid in containing radon gas and bacteria at the
sub-floor level. Additionally, the closed system may promote energy
conservation, such as by alleviating the need to dehumidify the
basement environment. The nature of the valve regulating flow
between the upper chamber 110 and the lower chamber 120 may
influence the extent to which the lower chamber 120 is air
resistant. For example, in some embodiments the lower chamber 120
may be about 99% air resistant. In embodiments wherein the valve
comprises a cantilever 140, the closed resting position of the
regulator 145, as well as the upper chamber 110 water level in the
open position, may serve to maintain air-resistance in the lower
chamber 120. The air resistant lower chamber 120 may be connected
to other components of a closed basement waterproofing system, as
discussed above, including a drainage conduit and sump.
[0041] In some embodiments, the disclosed floor drain 100 may be a
modular assembly, multiple components of which may be
interchangeably and detachably coupled together for customized
installation. A floor drain element 160, as illustrated in FIG. 7,
may have an upper chamber 110 constructed and arranged to collect
water, and have an air resistant lower chamber 120 in fluid
communication with the upper chamber 110. The floor drain element
160 may, for example, be about one foot in length. A valve may be
included in the floor drain element 160 to regulate flow of water
from the upper chamber 110 to the lower chamber 120. A basket 150
may also be included in the floor drain element 160 to protect the
valve from clogging. In some embodiments, the floor drain element
160 may be coupled to one or more upper chamber extender elements
170, as illustrated in FIG. 8, to increase an effective length of
the upper chamber so as to create an extended upper chamber. The
upper chamber extender elements 170 may be provided in various
lengths for design flexibility. For example, and without limiting
the scope of the present disclosure, a first upper chamber extender
element 170 may be about one foot in length, and a second upper
chamber extender element 170 may be about six inches in length. The
upper chamber extender element 170 may alternatively be
substantially identical to the floor drain element 160 of FIG. 7,
including an air resistant lower chamber.
[0042] Structural design features of components of the modular
floor drain 100, such as those defining a mating system, may be
used to assemble the components. In some embodiments, an assembly
system involving male and female mating sections or connectors may
facilitate assembly of the floor drain without requiring an
adhesive or mechanical attachment. For example, an end of a floor
drain element 160 may include a groove 200 configured to removably
receive a tongue 210 in an end of an upper chamber extender element
170. Depending on the nature of the mating features, a force may be
applied to ensure connection between the detachable floor drain
segments.
[0043] Any combination of floor drain components may be coupled to
assemble a floor drain with a desired length and/or functionality.
For example, a one foot floor drain element 160 may be coupled
between two one foot upper chamber extender elements 170 to create
a three foot assembled floor drain. In some embodiments, additional
six inch upper chamber extender elements 170 may be applied to each
end as illustrated in FIG. 9 to create a four foot assembled floor
drain. In other embodiments where it may be desirable to include a
second air resistant lower chamber, an additional floor drain
element 160 may be coupled into the floor drain design. Upper
chamber end caps 180, as detailed in FIG. 10, may be applied to
enclose distal ends 185 of an assembled floor drain 100. A single
drain cover 130 may be of a sufficient length to accommodate an
assembled floor drain or, alternatively, multiple drain covers 130
may be applied in series.
[0044] A floor drain kit may be provided for assembly of a drain in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
For example, the floor drain kit may include a floor drain element
having an upper chamber constructed and arranged to collect water,
and having an air resistant lower chamber in fluid communication
with the upper chamber. The kit may further include a valve, such
as a cantilever, for regulating flow of water from the upper
chamber to the air resistant lower chamber. The kit may also
include at least one upper chamber extender element. The upper
chamber extender elements may be of a variety of lengths to enable
customized installation. Some upper chamber extender elements may
serve solely to extend the upper chamber. Other upper chamber
extender elements may be substantially identical to the first floor
drain element, including an air resistant lower chamber. The kit
may include one or more end caps for enclosing distal ends of the
upper chamber of an assembled floor drain. A basket configured to
be removably received in a base of the upper chamber as discussed
above may be included. A removable drain cover defining a plurality
of apertures may also be provided in the kit.
[0045] Existing basement waterproofing systems may be retrofitted
in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
invention. For example, a preexisting basement floor drain may be
replaced with a floor drain constructed and arranged substantially
as described herein. Fluid connections may be made between the new
floor drain and other components of a preexisting basement
waterproofing system. Additional components, for example a drainage
conduit or basement sump, may also be replaced or installed as part
of a retrofit application.
[0046] In some embodiments, an antimicrobial agent, commonly known
to those skilled in the art, may be incorporated into the floor
drain material prior to molding or extraction in order to impart
antimicrobial properties to the resulting drain. For example, the
antimicrobial compound may be added in an amount of about three to
five percent by weight. Without wishing to be bound to any
particular theory, a basement floor drain having an antimicrobial
active surface may be effective in preventing the development of a
harmful biofilm thereon.
[0047] Other embodiments of the basement floor drain of the present
invention, and methods for its installation and use, are envisioned
beyond those exemplarily described herein.
[0048] As used herein, the term "plurality" refers to two or more
items or components. The terms "comprising," "including,"
"carrying," "having," "containing," and "involving," whether in the
written description or the claims and the like, are open-ended
terms, i.e., to mean "including but not limited to." Thus, the use
of such terms is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter,
and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items. Only the
transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially
of," are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively,
with respect to the claims.
[0049] Use of ordinal terms such as "first," "second," "third," and
the like in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself
connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element
over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are
performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim
element having a certain name from another element having a same
name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim
elements.
[0050] Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the
parameters and configurations described herein are exemplary and
that actual parameters and/or configurations will depend on the
specific application in which the systems and techniques of the
invention are used. Those skilled in the art should also recognize,
or be able to ascertain, using no more than routine
experimentation, equivalents to the specific embodiments of the
invention. It is therefore to be understood that the embodiments
described herein are presented by way of example only and that,
within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto,
the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described.
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