U.S. patent application number 12/764896 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-28 for gravity-assisted drain valve for restricting intake of mildew spores.
This patent application is currently assigned to Steven J. Hollinger. Invention is credited to Steven J. Hollinger.
Application Number | 20100269913 12/764896 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42991049 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100269913 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hollinger; Steven J. |
October 28, 2010 |
Gravity-assisted drain valve for restricting intake of mildew
spores
Abstract
A drain valve that prevents entry of odious airborne
particulates into the habited environment while allowing for
drainage of wastewater. The improvements include a disc with leaves
cantilevered from a perimeter lip allowing the valve to operate in
a drain with limited clearance between the opening and the drain
crosshair below, a structural brace that effectively seals the
center of the drain while allowing for through-passage of the drain
strainer bolt, a gap at the perimeter edge of each leaf to prevent
interference with an opposing edge, and rounded leaf edges and
rounded vertices to prevent snagging of hair follicles and other
draining matter. Also disclosed is a combined drain strainer and
drain valve, and a drain valve installable within a drain pipe
beneath the drain opening.
Inventors: |
Hollinger; Steven J.;
(Boston, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Steven J. Hollinger
21 Wormwood St. #215
Boston
MA
02210
US
|
Assignee: |
Hollinger; Steven J.
Boston
MA
|
Family ID: |
42991049 |
Appl. No.: |
12/764896 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61171561 |
Apr 22, 2009 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/215 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 137/3149 20150401;
E03C 1/298 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/215 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/10 20060101
E03C001/10 |
Claims
1. A drain valve installable on a wastewater drain having a
vertical drain pipe and a drain opening with an adjacent drain rim,
the drain valve comprising: a substantially flexible disc having a
perimeter rim portion and a central portion; the perimeter rim
portion having top and bottom surfaces and being adapted to
substantially sealingly engage the drain rim; the central portion
having a flexible leaf unified at its proximal end with the
perimeter rim portion and otherwise separated from remaining
surfaces such that the leaf is cantilevered over the drain opening;
and the cantilevered leaf having sufficient resilience in its
connection to the perimeter rim such that it collapses into the
drain opening with the weight of water droplets on its upper
surface and returns to a closed position upon the discharge of the
droplets into the drain opening.
2. The drain valve of claim 1 wherein: the central portion is
bisected by a brace portion unified at both ends with the perimeter
rim and having a cantilevered leaf on either side of the brace.
3. The drain valve of claim 2 wherein: said drain valve is
installable on a wastewater drain having a threaded drain strainer
bolt mated to a threaded crosshair in the drainpipe; and the brace
has hole at its center point such that the hole can accept the
through passage of the drain strainer bolt to align the drain valve
on center with the drain opening.
4. The drain valve of claim 2 wherein: the valve is a unified
construction.
5. The drain valve of claim 3 wherein: the valve is composed of a
polymeric material.
6. The drain valve of claim 1 wherein: a gap at the perimeter of
the cantilevered leaf prevents the leaf from snagging on burrs
produced during manufacture and particulate matter such as soapscum
adhering to the leaf and opposing edges during drainage.
7. The drain valve of claim 6 wherein: the gap at the perimeter of
the leaf has rounded endpoints and rounded vertices such that
debris is incapable of being wedged into an acute corner or snagged
on an acute point.
8. The drain valve of claim 7 wherein: the central portion is
bisected by a brace portion unified at both ends with the perimeter
rim and having a cantilevered leaf on either side of the brace.
9. The drain valve of claim 8 wherein: said drain valve is
installable on a wastewater drain having a threaded drain strainer
bolt mated to a threaded crosshair in the drainpipe; and the brace
has hole at its center point such that the hole can accept the
through passage of the drain strainer bolt to align the drain valve
on center with the drain opening.
10. The drain valve of claim 8 wherein: the valve is a unified
construction.
11. The drain valve of claim 9 wherein: the valve is composed of a
polymeric material.
12. A drain valve installable on a wastewater drain having a
vertical drain pipe and a drain opening with an adjacent drain rim,
the drain valve comprising: a drain strainer portion installable
over the drain opening having a plurality of small apertures and a
concave underside with a perimeter edge larger than the drain
opening; a substantially flexible disc having a perimeter rim
portion affixed to the underside of the drain strainer within the
perimeter edge and a central portion aligned over the drain
opening; the central portion having a flexible leaf unified at its
proximal end with the perimeter rim portion and otherwise separated
from remaining surfaces such that the leaf is cantilevered over the
drain opening; and the cantilevered leaf having sufficient
resilience in its proximal connection to the perimeter rim such
that it collapses into the drain opening with the weight of water
droplets on its upper surface and returns to a closed position upon
the discharge of the droplets into the drain opening.
13. The drain valve of claim 12 wherein: a gap at the perimeter of
the cantilevered leaf prevents the leaf from snagging on burrs
produced during manufacture and particulate matter such as soapscum
adhering to the leaf and opposing edges during drainage.
14. The drain valve of claim 13 wherein: the gap at the perimeter
of the leaf has rounded endpoints and rounded vertices such that
debris is incapable of being wedged into an acute corner or snagged
on an acute point.
15. The drain valve of claim 14 wherein: the central portion is
bisected by a brace portion unified at both ends with the perimeter
rim and having a cantilevered leaf on either side of the brace.
16. The drain valve of claim 15 wherein: said drain valve is
installable on a wastewater drain having a threaded drain strainer
bolt mated to a threaded crosshair in the drainpipe; and the brace
has hole at its center point such that the hole can accept the
through passage of the drain strainer bolt to align the drain valve
on center with the drain opening.
17. A drain valve for installation in a wastewater drain having a
vertical drain pipe and a drain opening, the drain valve
comprising: a cup installable inside the drain opening having a
cylindrical wall substantially sealing the inside wall of the
drainpipe and a floor; the cup floor comprised of a substantially
flexible disc having a perimeter rim and a central portion; the
central portion having a flexible leaf unified at its proximal end
with the perimeter rim portion and otherwise separated from
remaining surfaces such that the leaf is cantilevered over the
drain pipe; and the cantilevered leaf having sufficient resilience
in its proximal connection to the perimeter rim such that it
collapses into the drain pipe with the weight of water droplets on
its upper surface and returns to a closed position upon the
discharge of the droplets into the drain pipe.
18. The drain valve of claim 17 wherein: a gap at the perimeter of
the cantilevered leaf prevents the leaf from snagging on burrs
produced during manufacture and particulate matter such as soapscum
adhering to the leaf and opposing edges during drainage.
19. The drain valve of claim 18 wherein: the gap at the perimeter
of the leaf has rounded endpoints and rounded vertices such that
debris is incapable of being wedged into an acute corner or snagged
on an acute point.
20. The drain valve of claim 19 wherein: the central portion of the
cup floor is bisected by a brace portion unified at both ends with
the perimeter rim and having a cantilevered leaf on either side of
the brace.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is entitled to the benefit of Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/171,561, Gravity-assisted drain
valve for restricting intake of mildew spores, filed Apr. 22, 2009,
incorporated herein by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The invention has generally to do with drain valves, and
more particularly a valve that limits the entry of unhealthy
airborne particulates into the habited environment.
[0005] 2. Description of Related Art
[0006] A conventional backflow prevention devices such as a
backwater valves is a standard component of drainage and water
storage systems to restrict the backflow of sewage water, rainwater
or seawater of negative pressure from a rising water table, thus
protecting the habited environment from damage, unhealthy exposure
or contamination. Backflow prevention valves are installed within
the plumbing pipeline, between the main supply line and the private
service line. Access to a test cock provides means of performance
testing. Repair or replacement typically requires the attention of
qualified service personnel.
[0007] A backflow prevention device does not protect the habited
environment from exposure to contaminated water or unhealthy
airborne particulates existing in the pipes between it and the
drain opening.
[0008] A conventional drain trap protects the habited environment
from exposure to unhealthy airborne particulates and gases within
the plumbing system. The drain trap is a u-shaped section of pipe
in which a volume of standing water isolates the atmosphere within
the pipes from the atmosphere exposed to the habited environment.
The drain trap is typically situated within close proximity of the
drain opening in a sink, or after the drain shoe in household
shower and bathtubs. The drain trap does not protect the habited
environment from contaminated air existing in the area between it,
the drain shoe and drain opening.
[0009] Bathtub stoppers completely block the drain from entry of
odious particles. Drain stoppers are disadvantaged because they
must be manually removed to allow for drainage of graywater.
[0010] Semi-porous drain strainers are commonly employed to catch
debris before it enters the drain system. While a drain strainer
may alter airflow within the drain and thereby limit entry of
odious particulates, the holes in a drain strainer prevent the
device from substantially preventing or eliminating the entry of
particulates.
[0011] A conventional disposal drain shield installed with
household sink electric disposal units is a flexible device with
members such as channels or flaps that open with pressure exerted
by the gravity of draining water. The primary purpose of such a
shield is to block objects struck by chopping blades in the drain
from being projected out of the drain, while flexing to allow for
the downflow of wastewater and disposable material. Such a device
is installed as a component part of the disposal unit, drain and
drain shoe and is typically expected to survive for the life of the
disposal unit. Constructed of a material (i.e. rubber) that is
capable of managing the forces exerted on its lower surface by
projectiles within the disposal system, a disposal drain shield is
poorly equipped to provide significant prevention or elimination of
the passage of airborne particulates because of openings that exist
at the center of the drain and between channels. Further, because
disposal drain shields are not typically employed in bathtubs, no
solution for interfacing with a drain strainer bolt is provided.
Because disposal drain shields must allow for the rapid drainage of
liquids and solid waste, the drain shield typically has a 1/2'' to
1'' opening at the center of the drain when in its closed
position.
[0012] U.S. Patent 2009050546 describes a drain trap that prevents
the entry of noxious odors. The drain trap has a tubular shape with
a storage space requiring substantial clearance beneath the drain
opening for operation.
[0013] Chinese Patent CN 201183977 (Y) describes an insect-proof
floor drain. The drain has a hinged door which requires significant
clearance beneath the drain opening and is incapable of operating
in a drain having a drain strainer bolt passing through the center
of the drain.
[0014] Japan Patent JP2002339427 (A) describes a valve trap that
isolates the habited environment from exposure to gases, odors and
vermin. The drain valve has a hinged door which requires
significant clearance beneath the drain opening and is incapable of
operating in a drain having a drain strainer bolt passing through
the center of the drain.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The object of the invention is achieved by a flexible,
planar disc with a lip at its perimeter that sits above the
exterior lip of a conventional drain opening and below a
conventional drain strainer, having a leaf cantilevered from the
lip such that the weight of water droplets on its surface causes
the leaf to collapse into an open position, allowing drain water to
flow.
[0016] In another aspect of the invention, the disc may include a
coplanar crosshair brace with a central brace hole allowing for the
through-passage of a conventional drain strainer bolt for its
connection to a conventional drain crosshair in the drain; and
providing structural support to the disc; and being coplanar with
the lip and leaves of the disc, retaining the low-profile of the
disc; and by interface with the drain strainer bolt, maintaining
the leaves at exact center over the drain opening without
interfering with the operation of the leaves or drain strainer
bolt; and with its central brace hole conforming to the diameter of
the drain strainer bolt, minimizing opportunity for the entry of
odious airborne particulates into the household.
[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the collapsing portion
of the leaf is separated from opposing surfaces by a single slit,
thereby distanced from opposing edge by the width of the slit.
[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the collapsing portion
of the leaf is separated from opposing surfaces by a narrow gap,
thereby distanced from opposing edge by the width of the gap, where
the gap is of minimal width to allow the leaf to function free of
entanglement or interaction with the opposing edge while continuing
to perform its primary function in substantially limiting intake of
airborne particulates when the leaf is in a closed position.
[0019] In another aspect of the invention, the endpoints and
vertices of the gap between the leaves and opposing edges are
rounded to eliminate sharp corners in order to facilitate the
successful drainage of hair follicles and other particles and to
provide a self-cleaning function of each leaf as it sweeps past the
opposing edge.
[0020] In another aspect of the invention, the disc, leaves and
brace are of a unified construction.
[0021] In another aspect of the invention, the disc has a
reinforced lip which enables it to be installed above and outside
the drain opening while providing support to its leaf members.
[0022] In another aspect of the invention, the disc has one or more
dual-purpose leaves which serve both as leaves in the function of
the valve to protect the habited environment form exposure, and
also as tabs which can be bent or removed to allow for the
installation of the valve under a snap-in drain strainer.
[0023] In another embodiment of the invention, the disc exists at
the floor of cup inserted into a conventional drain opening with
the cup having a lip seated securely on the drain opening lip, so
that the disc exists below the floor of the tub, rather than
substantially flush with the surface of the drain opening, and so
the cup collects a small volume of drainwater above the leaves and
thereby acts as a trap to further limit the entry of unhealthy
particulates or gases.
[0024] In another aspect of the invention, the disc is combined
with a bathtub drain strainer cap, having a unified surface shared
between the disc at its perimeter lip and the drain strainer's
underside perimeter.
[0025] In another aspect of the invention, the disc is unified as
the lid of in-drain strainer basket, with the disc and a strainer
basket sharing a unified lip that sits flush with the lip of a
conventional drain opening, with the disc's leaves cantilevered
over the strainer basket and the strainer basket existing within
the drain opening, and the entire unit capable of sitting below a
conventional drain strainer cap.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 shows an example valve of this invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 shows the typical installation of an example valve of
this invention beneath a conventional drain strainer and above the
drain opening.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows two views of an example valve in its open
position with water droplets causing the valve leaves to
collapse;
[0029] FIG. 4 shows a magnified view of the leaf perimeter gap at
the perimeter edge of a leaf;
[0030] FIG. 5 shows an example combined drain strainer and drain
valve;
[0031] FIG. 6 shows an example drain valve cup;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] The need arises for a drain valve that limits the intake of
odious particulates such as mildew spores into the habited
environment while allowing for the normal drainage of fluids such
as bathtub drainwater. The need further arises for such a valve
that is easy to manufacture, disposable and easily replaced as a
do-it-yourself project by an untrained homeowner with no plumbing
experience and minimal tools. The need arises for such an intake
restrictor valve to be substantially flat so as to fit beneath a
conventional shower/bath drain strainer, to have a method for
opening and closing that does not interfere with the drain shoe
walls, the drain crosshair, the drain strainer and the centered
drain strainer bolt.
[0033] The valve of FIG. 1 is a substantially flat disc and has a
Perimeter Lip that is substantially circular and encompasses the
valve. The valve has two Drain Leaves 101 and 109. Brace 105 exists
across the perimeter, with Brace Hole 107 at its center. Gap 106
exists between the edge of leaf 109 and opposing edges on the
Perimeter Lip and Brace, and this gap is hereafter referred to as
the Leaf Perimeter Gap. The Leaf Perimeter Gap has Endpoints 104
and 110 and Vertex 102 between endpoints. Each leaf is cantilevered
at an area 103 that exists between the Perimeter Lip and the
central portion of the leaf.
[0034] The valve of FIG. 1 lies flat on the floor of a bathtub or
shower tub, disposed with respect to downward gravitational forces
so that the exterior, upward-facing surface of its leaves are
subject to the weight of water droplets on their surface, thereby
allowing the leaves to collapse and allow the release of the
droplets into the drain. The valve of FIG. 1 is typically installed
as shown at 200 in FIG. 2, beneath a conventional drain strainer
210 and above drain 220. Drain strainer 210, drain 220 and bolt 230
are shown as examples, not part of the valve of this invention.
[0035] Fully assembled, drain strainer bolt 230 passes through
drain strainer 210 and valve 200 into a centered threaded opening
in crosshair 221 of drain 220. As the bolt is tightened, Perimeter
Lip 205 is mated to upper surface 222 of drain 220. Bolt 204 passes
through a center hole in drain strainer 210 and through Center Hole
206 in valve Brace 204, keeping the valve centered over the drain
opening in drain 220.
[0036] When Leaves 202 and 203 of the valve of FIG. 2 are in their
closed position as shown, airborne particulates, notable spores of
mildew and other molds and fungi, are limited in entry into the
habited environment. Rather than being exposed in large
concentrations into the habited environment, the airborne
contaminants are restricted to an area within the drain shoe and up
to the trap. A fraction of these contaminants may be captured on
the pipe walls before being flushed through the system. Another
fraction may be aerated in contact with rushing drain water and
subsequently flushed through the system. A more significant portion
may be flushed in bubbles or air pockets pushed forward by a volume
of exiting drain water. The combined effect is to a) prevent the
exposure of the habited environment to the entire set of
contaminants; b) allow for the capture and flushing of a portion of
the airborne contaminants; and c) allow for the successful
fumigation of the pipes when the valve is used in conjunction with
a disinfectant.
[0037] The Perimeter Lip 108 of FIG. 1 sits above and outside an
ordinary shower or bathtub drain opening, centered in alignment
with the exterior lip of the drain. The Perimeter Lip may be
constructed of a rigid material or of the same material as the
leaves, with a flexing soft edge at 103 and 111 that provide just
enough support to allow the leaves to remain flat as they are
cantilevered inward and over the drain opening.
[0038] Leaves 101 and 109 may be constructed of a semi-rigid
material such as plastic of 5 mil thickness, which allows them to
be cantilevered over the drain opening; to flex downward under the
weight of water droplets on their exterior surface; and to return
from a collapsed position to a substantially flat (closed) position
after water has fallen into the drain. It is anticipated that
Leaves 101 and 109 may be constructed of a rigid material and
combined with a mechanical spring at the end of the leaf near the
lip that allows the leaves to dip into the drain and return to a
closed position.
[0039] Brace 105 provides support to offload forces acting on the
perimeter lip as the leaves are pressed downward by draining water.
An ordinary drain bolt, for example of the type shown at 230 in
FIG. 2, passes through Center Hole 107 in FIG. 1. Thus, Brace 105
works in combination with Center Hole 107 to provide a means to
maintain a centered orientation of the leaves over the drain
opening, thus allowing the leaves to be shaped at precise
tolerances with respect to the drain opening to maximize drainage
and performance.
[0040] Leaf Perimeter Gap 106, which measures approximately 1/2 mm
from leaf edge to its opposing edge, allows the leaves to dip and
return to closed position without interaction with the lip; and
allows the leaves to function without entanglement with spurs of
plastic or other artifacts produced on the lip edge during
construction of the valve; and allows the leaves to function
without entanglement with hair follicles or soap scum that collect
on the lip edge.
[0041] The Leaf Perimeter Gap also advantages the valve by allowing
for the release of small volumes of drain water, hair follicles and
small particles of waste mater in the drain water even when the
Leaf Perimeter Gap is in its closed position. The Leaf Perimeter
Gap further advantages the valve by allowing for a modicum of
evaporation and circulation of air within the drain and the
maintenance of equal air pressure between exterior and interior
environments. The total area of the Leaf Perimeter Gap on the valve
is a small fraction of the leaf area, thus ensuring that major
concentrations of mildew spores are suitably contained within the
drain shoe.
[0042] The shape of Leaf 109 and the disposition of the flexing
surface area at 103 allow the leaves to collapse into the drain
while avoiding contact with a center drain strainer bolt that
passes through Brace Hole 105. The distance between endpoints 104
and 110 that defines the flexing surface at 103 is critical in
providing support to the leaves; providing adequate flexure of the
leaves in a downward direction; and defines the direction of flex
while preventing the leaf from interacting with the drain strainer
bolt that passes through Brace Hole 105.
[0043] A view of the valve at 300 in FIG. 3 shows the valve in its
open position, as it would respond to water droplets falling on the
surface of leaves 301 and 302. Arrows show the downward direction
of the collapse of each leaf, the flexure at areas 303 and 304
where the leaves are cantilevered from Perimeter Lip 305. An
axonometric view of the same valve as shown at 310 in FIG. 3
provides an alternate perspective on how the leaves collapse
downward under the weight of water droplets applying downward force
upon them.
[0044] The valve at 400 in FIG. 4 is shown with two areas
magnified, namely the Leaf Perimeter Gap vertex region 401
magnified at 410 and the Leaf Perimeter Gap endpoint 402 magnified
at 420. These magnified views show the endpoints and vertices of
the Leaf Perimeter Gap which, by virtue of being rounded, allow for
the passage of hair and other particles that otherwise would be
snagged on sharp endpoints and corners or wedged in acutely angled
areas of the leaf edge. The rounded vertex at the distal end of the
cantilevered leaf and its rounded opposing edge on the perimeter
rim facilitates a self-cleaning function as the leaf sweeps past
the opposing surface each time it is actuated.
[0045] Magnified views 410 and 420 further illustrate that the Leaf
Perimeter Gap separates the edge of the leaf from its opposing
edge, rather than sharing a narrow slit between the leaf and its
opposing surface. The Leaf Perimeter Gap prevents interference
between a leaf and its opposing surface caused by burrs left from
die-cut manufacturing or by entanglement with buildup of particle
matter and soapscum.
[0046] In another embodiment of the drain valve of this invention,
the drain valves described by FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 can be
manufactured together with a drain strainer to produce a combined
drain strainer and drain valve. An example of this embodiment is
shown in FIG. 5. An axonometric view at 500 in FIG. 5 shows the
upper surface of a combined drain strainer and drain valve, with
drain valve shown in hidden lines attached to the underside rim of
the drain strainer. The example drain strainer of FIG. 5 is similar
to the type shown in FIG. 2 (where it was not part of the described
invention). An axonometric view of the underside of this example
combined drain strainer and drain valve is shown at 510 in FIG. 5.
Here, it is shown that while the drain valve and drain strainer may
be attached or unified at the perimeter rim, the leaves of the
drain valve are freely capable of dropping into the drain opening
when the drain strainer is secured above the drain.
[0047] The assembly at 520 in FIG. 5 shows the drain strainer bolt
as it would pass through the combined drain strainer and drain
valve into the drain opening, where the bolt would mate with the
drain crosshair. The bolt, drain and drain crosshair are shown as
examples and are not part of this combined drain strainer and drain
valve of this embodiment.
[0048] In another embodiment of the drain valve of this invention,
the valve sits at the floor of a cup which is itself installable
within a drain opening. The cup seals the walls of the drain
opening so that all drainwater runs into the cup and collects atop
the drain valve. As described with FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the drain
valve has leaves cantilevered so they collapse with the weight of
water.
[0049] An example of this embodiment is shown in FIG. 6. The drain
valve cup at 600 has a cylindrical shape with walls that match the
inside diameter of a drainpipe and a floor that has leaves of the
type described in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4. Here, however, the perimeter
rim of the drain valve does not sit over the drain opening exterior
rim, it is sealingly attached to the lower portion of the cup walls
to form the cup floor. The cup and floor fit within the drain
opening as shown in the assembly drawing at 610. The advantage of
the cup is that it is capable of collecting a small amount of water
before the leaves collapse, thus improving the ability of the valve
to seal the habited environment from the intake of airborne
particulates.
[0050] It is anticipated that the valve of this invention may have
any number of drain leaves, with varying shapes and responses to
gravitational force of drain water acting downwardly upon them. It
is also anticipated that drain leaves may themselves be slightly
cupped or have other 3-dimensional shapes which enable them to
capture and direct drain water flow while preventing backflow of
airborne or waterborne contaminants.
[0051] It is anticipated that the valve of this invention may be
combined with means for releasing a disinfectant, deodorizing
agent, pesticide or fumigating chemical into the drain shoe.
[0052] It is anticipated that the valve of this invention may be
combined with a bristled hair strainer below the drain opening and
may exist at the bottom of a hair strainer.
[0053] Although the primary embodiment of this invention is a round
disc, it is anticipated that the valve of this invention may have
rectilinear shapes, with a leaf that is suited to discharge water
into a rectilinear drain opening.
CONCLUSION
[0054] The foregoing Detailed description has disclosed to those
skilled in the relevant disciplines how to make and use the drain
valves of the invention and has also disclosed the best mode
presently known to the inventor of making and using such drain
valves. It will however be immediately apparent to those skilled in
the relevant disciplines that drain valves made according to the
principles of the invention may be implemented in many ways other
than the ways disclosed herein. For example, the drain valve may be
made of any present or future material that serves the cantilevered
leaves in flexing and returning to a closed state. Further, the
shape of the valve may take many forms, including non-planar forms.
For all of the foregoing reasons, the Detailed Description is to be
regarded as being in all respects exemplary and not restrictive,
and the breadth of the invention disclosed herein is to be
determined not from the Detailed Description, but rather from the
claims as interpreted with the full breadth permitted by the patent
laws.
* * * * *