U.S. patent application number 16/809492 was filed with the patent office on 2021-09-09 for washing machine drain box lint trap.
The applicant listed for this patent is James Black. Invention is credited to James Black.
Application Number | 20210277579 16/809492 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005118355 |
Filed Date | 2021-09-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210277579 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Black; James |
September 9, 2021 |
WASHING MACHINE DRAIN BOX LINT TRAP
Abstract
A washing machine lint trap has a long screen filter for
removing particulates from the wastewater discharge as it flows
therethrough and a rigid support rim coupled to the top side of the
long screen filter. The long screen filter has a top side
presenting an opening for insertion of a discharge drain hose
attached to a washing machine and side screen material through
which the wastewater flows while tapping particulates contained
within the wastewater. The rigid support rim engaging a top side of
a drainpipe to hold the lint trap in place when in use. The rigid
support rim provides a supporting force to the long screen filter
to keep the lint trap in place against the discharge flow of the
wastewater.
Inventors: |
Black; James; (West Allis,
WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Black; James |
West Allis |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005118355 |
Appl. No.: |
16/809492 |
Filed: |
March 4, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/10 20130101;
D06F 39/083 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 39/10 20060101
D06F039/10; D06F 39/08 20060101 D06F039/08 |
Claims
1. A washing machine lint trap for use in filtering wastewater
discharge in a residential setting, the lint trap comprises: a long
screen filter for removing particulates from the wastewater
discharge as it flows therethrough, the long screen filter having a
top side presenting an opening for insertion of a discharge drain
hose attached to a washing machine and side screen material through
which the wastewater flows while tapping particulates contained
within the wastewater; and a rigid support rim coupled to the top
side of the long screen filter, the rigid support rim engaging a
top side of a drainpipe to hold the lint trap in place when in use;
wherein the rigid support rim provides a supporting force to the
long screen filter to keep the lint trap in place against the
discharge flow of the wastewater.
2. The washing machine lint trap according to claim 1, wherein the
long screen filter accepts discharge drain hoses between 1 inch and
11/2 inches in diameter.
3. The washing machine lint trap according to claim 2, wherein the
rigid support rim has an inner diameter matching the opening within
the top side of the filter and an outer diameter greater than the
outer diameter of a drainpipe.
4. The washing machine lint trap according to claim 3, wherein the
rigid support rim is constructed of plastic and is at least 1 inch
thick.
5. The washing machine lint trap according to claim 2, wherein the
long screen filter catches particulates larger than 1 inch.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This application relates in general to an article of
manufacture for providing a lint trap for a washing machine
discharge hose into a drainpipe.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Washing machines use a discharge drain hoses to expel its
wastewater into a drainpipe that is connected to a sewer line in a
home. Many homes no longer use a utility sink having a large tub,
but rather utilize a simple drainpipe in a plumbing connection box.
The plumbing connection box typically also includes connections for
hot and cold water for the washing machine. Wastewater discharged
from a washing machine typically contains particulates that is
removed from clothing being washing. These particulates may also
include material fibers that were part of the clothing being
washed. These particulates flow through the discharge drain hose
and into the drainpipe along with the wastewater. These
particulates, over time, may build up and clog portions of the
drainpipe and related parts of the house's sewer lines.
[0003] The present invention attempts to address the existing
limitations in supporting a lint trap for a washing machine
discharge hose into a drainpipe according to the principles and
example embodiments disclosed herein.
SUMMARY
[0004] In accordance with the present invention, the above and
other problems are solved by providing an article of manufacture
for providing a lint trap for a washing machine discharge hose into
a drainpipe.
[0005] In one embodiment, the present invention is an article of
manufacture of for providing a lint trap for a washing machine
discharge hose into a drainpipe. A washing machine lint trap has a
long screen filter for removing particulates from the wastewater
discharge as it flows therethrough and a rigid support rim coupled
to the top side of the long screen filter. The long screen filter
has a top side presenting an opening for insertion of a discharge
drain hose attached to a washing machine and side screen material
through which the wastewater flows while tapping particulates
contained within the wastewater. The rigid support rim engaging a
top side of a drainpipe to hold the lint trap in place when in use.
The rigid support rim provides a supporting force to the long
screen filter to keep the lint trap in place against the discharge
flow of the wastewater.
[0006] The great utility of the invention is that an article of
manufacture may providing a lint trap for a washing machine
discharge hose into a drainpipe. The lint trap permits wastewater
discharge to flow through a screen material to catch particulates
while being held in place by a rigid support rim that prevents the
lint trap from moving down into the drainpipe while providing an
easy mechanism to remove and clean the lint trap.
[0007] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and
technical advantages of the present invention in order that the
detailed description of the invention that follows may be better
understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention
will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims
of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be
readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other
structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present
invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art
that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit
and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The
novel features that are believed to be characteristic of the
invention, both as to its organization and method of operation,
together with further objects and advantages will be better
understood from the following description when considered in
connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly
understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the
purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as
a definition of the limits of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Referring now to the drawings in which like reference
numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates one potential embodiment a lint trap for
a washing machine discharge hose into a drainpipe according to the
present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a lint trap for a washing machine
discharge hose for insertion into a drainpipe according to the
present invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a lint trap for a washing machine
discharge hose inserted into a drainpipe according to the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view and side view of an embodiment
of a lint trap for a washing machine discharge hose according to
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] This application relates in general an article of
manufacture for providing an article of manufacture of for
providing a lint trap for a washing machine discharge hose into a
drainpipe.
[0014] Various embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like
reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout
the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit
the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of
the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in
this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set
forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed
invention.
[0015] In describing embodiments of the present invention, the
following terminology will be used. The singular forms "a," "an,"
and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a needle"
includes reference to one or more of such needles and "etching"
includes one or more of such steps. As used herein, a plurality of
items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or
materials may be presented in a common list for convenience.
However, these lists should be construed as though each member of
the list is individually identified as a separate and unique
member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed
as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list
solely based on their presentation in a common group without
indications to the contrary. As used herein, the singular forms
"a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as
well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0016] It further will be understood that the terms "comprises,"
"comprising," "includes," and "including" specify the presence of
stated features, steps, or components but do not preclude the
presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, or
components. It also should be noted that in some alternative
implementations, the functions and acts noted may occur out of the
order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in
succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or
may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the
functionality and acts involved.
[0017] Concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be
expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be
understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience
and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not
only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the
range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or
sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value
and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a
numerical range of "50-250 micrometers should be interpreted to
include not only the explicitly recited values of about 50
micrometers and 250 micrometers, but also include individual values
and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this
numerical range are individual values such as 60, 70, and 80
micrometers, and sub-ranges such as from 50-100 micrometers, from
100-200, and from 100-250 micrometers, etc. This same principle
applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value and should
apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics
being described.
[0018] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing
quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight,
percent, ratio, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the
specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in
all instances by the term "about," whether or not the term "about"
is present. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the
numerical parameters set forth in the specification and claims are
approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties
sought to be obtained by the present disclosure. At the very least,
and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of
equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter
should at least be construed in light of the number of reported
significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.
Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting
forth the broad scope of the disclosure are approximations, the
numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as
precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently
contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard
deviation found in the testing measurements.
[0019] As used herein, the term "about" means that dimensions,
sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes and other quantities and
characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be
approximated and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting
tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and
the like and other factors known to those of skill. Further, unless
otherwise stated, the term "about" shall expressly include
"exactly," consistent with the discussion above regarding ranges
and numerical data.
[0020] The term "user" and "homeowner" refers to an entity, e.g. a
human, that operates a washing machine according to the present
invention in order to bring about a desired effect or outcome,
particularly provide the user a lint trip to a washing machine
discharge drain hose. In a particular case, the user is one that
operates a washing machine in a home. For such a user, the terms
"user" and "homeowner" may be used herein interchangeably.
[0021] In general, the present disclosure relates general an
article of manufacture for providing a lint trap for a washing
machine discharge hose into a drainpipe according to the present
invention. To better understand the present invention, FIG. 1
illustrates one potential embodiment a lint trap for a washing
machine discharge hose into a drainpipe according to the present
invention. A washing machine 105 uses a discharge drain hose 110 to
expel its wastewater into a drainpipe 104 that is connected to a
sewer line in a home. Many homes no longer use a utility sink
having a large tub, but rather utilize a simple drainpipe 104 in a
plumbing connection box 103. The plumbing connection box 103
typically also includes connections for hot and cold water (not
shown) for the washing machine 105.
[0022] Wastewater discharged from a washing machine 105 typically
contains particulates that is removed from clothing being washing.
These particulates may also include material fibers that were part
of the clothing being washed. These particulates flow through the
discharge drain hose 110 and into the drainpipe 104 along with the
wastewater. These particulates, over time, may build up and clog
portions of the drainpipe 104 and related parts of the house's
sewer lines.
[0023] A lint trap 101 of the present invention may be placed into
the drainpipe 104 between the discharge drain hose 110 and the
drainpipe to provide a barrier between the washing machine and the
sewer lines. The lint trap 101 is made of a screening material that
permits the wastewater to flow through the link trap while impeding
the particulates within this discharge. The lint trap 101 is easily
removable both from the drainpipe 104 and the end of the discharge
drain hose 110 to permit a homeowner to periodically clean and
remove any particulates caught within the lint trap before being
reinserted again before the next use of the washing machine. Use of
the lint trap 101 significantly reduces if not eliminates a need to
clear the drainpipe 104 of a blockage caused by a build-up of these
particulates.
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a lint trap for a washing machine
discharge hose for insertion into a drainpipe according to the
present invention. The lint trap 101 is shown above the drainpipe
104. Typically, the drainpipe 104 comprises a 2'' diameter pipe
into which a 1'-11/2'' discharge drain hose 110 is inserted. The
lint trap 101 is made of two components: a long screen filter 201
and a rigid support rim 202 that extends outward from the long
screen filter 201 a sufficient distance to completely cover the
outer diameter of the drainpipe 104. This rigid support rim 202
provides physical support structure that prevents the lint trap 101
from washing down into the drainpipe 104 as may occur with the use
of currently available lint traps.
[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a lint trap for a washing machine
discharge hose inserted into a drainpipe according to the present
invention. In this example embodiment, the discharge drain-hose 110
has been inserted into the long screen filter 201 of the lint trap
101 through the rigid support rim 202. Once together, the
combination of the lint trap 101 and the discharge drain hose 110
is inserted into the drainpipe 104 until the entire long screen
filter is within the drainpipe and the rigid support rim 202 has
come into contact with the top of the drainpipe. the combination of
the lint trap 101 and the discharge drain hose 110 may be removed
from the drainpipe 104 to clean the inside of the long screen
filter 201 of any particulates captured by prior use of the washing
machine 105 while the lint trap was in place.
[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view and side view of an embodiment
of a lint trap for a washing machine discharge hose according to
the present invention. The top view 401 shows the top of the rigid
support rim 202 with the inner portion of the long screen filter
201 shown therein. The side view 402 shows the lint trap 101 with
the rigid support rim 202 coupled to the top of the long screen
filter 201 to function as discussed above.
[0027] The long screen filter 201 typically possesses an inner
diameter greater than 11/2'' to accept standard sized discharge
drain hoses 110. The long screen filter also typically possesses an
outer diameter less than the 2'' drainpipe 104. Finally, the long
screen filter is sufficiently long in length to permit the
wastewater to flow freely out of the discharge drain hose 110 while
catching ant particulates contained therein. In a preferred
embodiment, the long screen filter as a mesh of ???, that is ??? in
diameter and ??? in length. Do you have a size you would recommend
as the size of the lint trap?
[0028] The rigid support rim 202 is a solid piece of material,
typically plastic that is ???" thick. The rigid support rim 202
typically possesses an inner through-hole that matches the diameter
of the long screen filter 201 and is large enough to accept the
1''-11/2'' discharge drain hose 110 and an outer diameter greater
than the drainpipe 104. The rigid support rim 202 provides a
supporting force to the long screen filter 201 to keep it in place
against the discharge flow of the wastewater.
[0029] The size, length, and screen material of the long screen
filter 201 and the inner and outer diameter of the rigid support
rim 202 may be varied to additional configurations to perform the
functions of the lint trap 101 according to the limitations recited
within the attached claims. The above description of these
components are for example and descriptive purposes in which the
present invention is to be limited only by the elements recited in
the claims.
[0030] It will be further understood that various changes in the
details, materials, and arrangements of the parts which have been
described and illustrated in order to explain embodiments of this
invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing
from embodiments of the invention encompassed by the following
claims.
[0031] In this specification including any claims, the term "each"
may be used to refer to one or more specified characteristics of a
plurality of previously recited elements or steps. When used with
the open-ended term "comprising," the recitation of the term "each"
does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or steps. Thus, it
will be understood that an apparatus may have additional, unrecited
elements and a method may have additional, unrecited steps, where
the additional, unrecited elements or steps do not have the one or
more specified characteristics.
* * * * *