Drain Trap

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 18/452,195 filed Aug. 18, 2023, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to a drain trap. More particularly, the subject matter relates to a device and method for preventing gas or odor from a drain, such as a shower or floor drain.

According to a described aspect, a drain trap includes an outer part including a circumferential wall, the outer part extending in an axial direction between an outer part upper end and an outer part lower end, the outer part including outer part radial threads proximate the outer part upper end, the outer part lower end forming a well configured to trap and retain fluid, the outer part further including at least one opening disposed in the circumferential wall. The drain trap further includes an inner part extending in the axial direction between an inner part upper end and an inner part lower end, the inner part including inner part radial threads proximate the inner part upper end configured to engage with the outer part radial threads of the outer part to attach the inner part to the outer part. The inner part upper end includes an upper opening and the inner part lower end includes a bottom opening such that fluid entering the inner part through the upper opening and leaving the inner part through the bottom opening is transferred into the well of the outer part when the inner part is attached to the outer part. The drain trap further includes a flat disk structure retained within the well that is configured to float in the fluid. The flat disk structure has a smaller dimension than a width of the well, and an equal or larger dimension than a width of the bottom opening of the inner part such that the flat disk structure is prevented from rising in the well by the inner part lower end. Fluid entering the drain trap accumulates in the well, and the fluid entering the drain trap is expelled from the drain trap through the at least one opening disposed in the circumferential wall.

A detailed description of the hereinafter described embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.

provide various views of component parts of a first drain trapaccording to one embodiment.

are views of an inner partof the drain trap. In particular,is a perspective view of the inner partof the drain trap,is a front view of the inner partof the drain trap,is a left side view of the inner partof the drain trapof,is a right side view of the inner partof the drain trap,is a rear view of the inner partof the drain trap,is a top view of the inner partof the drain trapof, andis a bottom view of the inner partof the drain trap.

As shown in, the inner partextends in an axial direction A between an inner part upper endand an inner part lower end. The inner partincludes inner part radial threads(shown in) proximate the inner part upper endconfigured to engage with outer part radial threads (shown in) of the outer partto attach the inner partto the outer part. The inner part upper endincludes an upper openingand the inner part lower endincludes a bottom openingsuch that fluid entering the inner partthrough the upper openingand leaving the inner partthrough the bottom openingis transferred into a well (shown in) of the outer partwhen the inner partis attached to the outer part.

At least one of the inner partand the outer partincludes a radial O-ring seatfor receiving an O-ring (not shown), where the O-ring is configured to create a seal between the drain trapand a fluid conduit (not shown). In the embodiment shown, the inner partincludes the O-ring seat. In the embodiment shown, the O-ring seatis includes a circumferential channel configured to receive the O-ring seal.

The upper openingof the inner part upper endof the inner partincludes a cross beam structureincluding an openingconfigured to mount a screen (not shown). The upper openingis configured to receive fluid from a reservoir into the drain trapthrough the mounted screen. The upper openingmay include a conical structure which is funnel shaped and configured to funnel water through the inner part. The cross beam structureextends across the conical structure. The openingmay include internal threads for receiving a bolt or screw for attaching the screen.

The inner partincludes a circumferential wall. The circumferential wallof the inner partincludes a first height H. The circumferential wallmay form a cylinder with a constant outer diameter along the height H. Alternatively, as shown, the circumferential wallmay have a reduced outer diameter as the circumferential wallextends away from the inner part upper end. Various shapes are contemplated for the circumferential wall. While the circumferential wall includes a circular circumference at any given location along the height H, other embodiments may include varying cross sectional shapes.

are views of an outer partof the drain trap. Specifically,is a perspective view of the outer partof the drain trap,is a front view of the outer partof the drain trap,is a left side view of the outer partof the drain trap,is a right side view of the outer partof the drain trap,is a rear view of the outer partof the drain trap,is a top view of the outer partof the drain trap, andis a bottom view of the outer partof the drain trap.

The outer partincluding a circumferential wall. The circumferentialwall of the outer partincludes a second height H. The second height His larger than the first height Hof the inner part. Thus, the outer partextends in the axial direction A between an outer part upper endand an outer part lower end.

The outer partincludes outer part radial threadsproximate the outer part upper end. The outer part radial threadsshown are external threads surrounding the exterior of the circumferential wallproximate the outer part upper end, and may be configured to screw into the inner part radial threadsdescribed herein above. The outer part lower endforms a wellconfigured to trap and retain fluid. The outer partfurther includes at least one openingdisposed in the circumferential wall.

The at least one openingin the circumferential wallmay be an array of openings disposed about the circumference of the circumferential wall. For example, the at least one opening may be four openings, as shown. Each of the four openingsincludes a vertical portion, a top horizontal portionextending in a first direction from the vertical portion, and a bottom horizontal portionextending in a second direction from the vertical portion, where the second direction is opposite the first direction. However, various other shapes and amounts of openings are contemplated. Whatever the shape and amount of openings, the openings may be configured to transfer fluid from within the confines of the outer partto the exterior of the outer partand into a fluid pipe, such as a shower drain or a floor drain or the like.

The wellmay be defined by a solid bottomof the outer part, and may hold an amount of water up to the bottom of the opening or openings. The bottom of the well may include a hook feature (not shown) configured to allow for ease of removal of the drain trapby deploying a second hook tool (such as a hook of a clothes hanger).

are views of the drain trapincluding both the outer partand the inner partbeing attached together. In particular,is a perspective view of the drain trapofincluding the outer partscrewed together into the inner part,is a front view of both components of the drain trap,is a left side view of both components of the drain trap of,is a right side view of both components of the drain trap,is a rear view of both components of the drain trap,is a top view of both components of the drain trap, andis a bottom view of both components of the drain trap.

At least one of the outer part upper endand the inner part upper endmay include a larger circumference than a circumference circumferential wallof the outer part. In the embodiment shown, the inner part upper endincludes the largest circumference of the drain trap, which provides for a mechanism to sit within the dimensions of a drain interface of a shower drain or a floor drain. In this manner, the drain trapmay be attachable, insertable or otherwise integrated into any type of fluid drain, such as a shower drain, a floor drain or the like.

In operation, fluid entering the drain trapthrough the upper openingof the inner partflows down through the circumferential wallof the inner partand out the bottom openingof the inner part, thereby being caught and accumulating in the wellat the bottom of the outer part. The fluid will then build in the welluntil the height of the fluid exceeds the height of the openingsin the outer part, whereby the fluid entering the drain trapis expelled from the drain trapthrough the openingsdisposed in the circumferential wallof the outer part.

The drain trapmay further include an O-ringmade of a deformable material. The O-ring may be deployed proximate the threads,of the inner partand the outer partin order to create a seal between the outer part and the inner part.

As shown, the height Hof the inner partmay provide for the circumferential wallof the inner partto extend below a bottom height of the openings. Thus, the water accumulating in the wellof the outer partwill accumulate at a level above the inner part lower endof the inner part. This ensure that water in the well provides a barrier against any odors arising from beneath the drain trapin the shower drain, floor drain or the like. The O-ringfurther helps to seal and prevent odors from escaping through the connection between the inner partand the outer part.

Referring now to, another drain trapis shown. In particular,is an exploded view of another drain trap, according to one embodiment.is a perspective view of the drain trapshowing a top of the drain trap, whileis a perspective view of the drain trapshowing a bottom of the drain trap, according to one embodiment. The drain trapincludes an inner part, an outer part, an O-ring sealand a rounded structure.

The inner partextends in an axial direction Abetween an inner part upper endand an inner part lower end. The inner partincludes inner part radial threadsproximate the inner part upper endconfigured to engage with outer part radial threadsof the outer partto attach the inner partto the outer part. The inner part upper endincludes an upper openingand the inner part lower endincludes a bottom openingsuch that fluid entering the inner partthrough the upper openingand leaving the inner partthrough the bottom openingis transferred into a well (shown in) of the outer partwhen the inner partis attached to the outer part(as shown in).

At least one of the inner partand the outer partincludes a radial O-ring seatfor receiving the O-ring. The O-ringis configured to create a seal between the drain trapand a fluid conduit (not shown). Unlike the embodiment shown in, in the embodiment shown in, the outer partincludes the O-ring seat. In the embodiment shown, the O-ring seatincludes a circumferential channel configured to receive the O-ring seal.

The upper openingof the inner part upper endof the inner partincludes a cross beam structureincluding an openingconfigured to mount a screen (not shown). The upper openingis configured to receive fluid from a reservoir into the drain trapthrough the mounted screen. The upper openingmay include a conical structure which is funnel shaped and configured to funnel water through the inner part. The cross beam structureextends across the conical structure. The openingmay include internal threads for receiving a bolt or screw for attaching the screen.

The inner partincludes a circumferential wall. The circumferential wallof the inner partincludes a first height H(shown in). The circumferential wallmay form a cylinder with a constant outer diameter along the height H. Alternatively, as shown, the circumferential wallmay have a reduced outer diameter as the circumferential wallextends away from the inner part upper end. Various shapes are contemplated for the circumferential wall. While the circumferential wall includes a circular circumference at any given location along the height H, other embodiments may include varying cross sectional shapes.

The outer partof the drain trapis shown including a circumferential wall. The circumferentialwall of the outer partincludes a second height H. The second height His larger than the first height Hof the inner part. Thus, the outer partextends in the axial direction Abetween an outer part upper endand an outer part lower end.

The outer partincludes outer part radial threadsproximate the outer part upper end. The outer part radial threadsshown are internal threads surrounding the interior of the circumferential wallproximate the outer part upper end, and may be configured to receive the inner part radial threads, which are external threads. The outer part lower endforms the well(shown in) configured to trap and retain fluid. The outer partfurther includes at least one openingdisposed in the circumferential wall.

The at least one openingin the circumferential wallmay be an array of openings disposed about the circumference of the circumferential wall. For example, the at least one opening may be four openings, as shown. Like the openingsdescribed herein above, each of the four openingsincludes a vertical portion, a top horizontal portion extending in a first direction from the vertical portion, and a bottom horizontal portion extending in a second direction from the vertical portion, where the second direction is opposite the first direction. However, various other shapes and amounts of openings are contemplated. Whatever the shape and amount of openings, the openings may be configured to transfer fluid from within the confines of the outer partto the exterior of the outer partand into a fluid pipe, such as a shower drain or a floor drain or the like.

The wellmay be defined by a solid bottomof the outer part, and may hold an amount of water up to the bottom of the opening or openings. The bottom of the well may include a hook featureconfigured to allow for ease of removal of the drain trapby deploying a second hook tool (such as a hook of a clothes hanger).

is a side view of the drain trapin a first configuration whileis a side cutaway view of the drain traptaken at arrows C-C. As shown the rounded structuremay be a sphere which rests within the wellwhen the drain trapis assembled and in operation. A circumference of the sphereis equal or larger than a circumference of the bottom openingof the inner part. The rounded structuremay be retained within the well. The rounded structuremay be configured to float in the fluid received into the well, such as water or the like. The rounded structurehas a smaller dimension (e.g., diameter) than a width of the well, and an equal or larger dimension (e.g., diameter) than a width of the bottom openingthe inner partsuch that the rounded structureis prevented from rising in the wellby the inner part lower end.

is a side view of the drain trapin a second configuration whileis a side cutaway view of the drain traptaken at arrows D-D. In the second configuration, the rounded structureto a maximum level, whereby the rounded structureis prevented from rising in the wellby the inner part lower end. This would occur in the instance that the well is full. Thus, when the wellis full and creating an odor bearer against any odors arising from beneath the drain trapin the shower drain (as described herein above), the rounded structure further creates an additional odor barrier via its physical structure sealing against the inner part lower endof the inner part.

While the rounded structurehas been shown as a hollow ball or sphere, any appropriate rounded shape is contemplated, such as an ellipsoid, egg shape, or the like. Whatever shape the rounded structureencompasses, the rounded structuremay be hollow or solid. Whatever the shape, the rounded structuremay be configured to float within the welland engage with the bottom openingof the inner partto create a seal therewith.

Furthermore, the rounded structuremay be made of a deformable or compliant material, such as a rubber or another appropriate polymer material in order to facilitate creating of a seal with the bottom openingof the inner part. However, the rounded structuremay be made of any material. While the rounded structureis shown as hollow, in other embodiments, the material may be a solid material, or may include a solid core which differs from the outer structure (such as a foam core).

Still further, the bottom openingof the inner partmay be beveled or angled, as shown in. The bevel of the bottom openingmay be angled with a corresponding angle which matches an angle of the rounded structurein order to facilitate sealing between the rounded structureand the bottom openingwhen the wellis full of fluid.

Referring now to, another drain trapis shown. In particular,is an exploded view of another drain trap, according to one embodiment.is a perspective view of the drain trapshowing a top of the drain trap, whileis a perspective view of the drain trapshowing a bottom of the drain trap, according to one embodiment. The drain trapincludes an inner part, an outer part, an O-ring sealand a flat disk structure.

The inner partextends in an axial direction Abetween an inner part upper endand an inner part lower end. The inner partincludes inner part radial threadsproximate the inner part upper endconfigured to engage with outer part radial threadsof the outer partto attach the inner partto the outer part. The inner part upper endincludes an upper openingand the inner part lower endincludes a bottom openingsuch that fluid entering the inner partthrough the upper openingand leaving the inner partthrough the bottom openingis transferred into a well (shown in) of the outer partwhen the inner partis attached to the outer part(as shown in).

At least one of the inner partand the outer partincludes a radial O-ring seatfor receiving the O-ring. The O-ringis configured to create a seal between the drain trapand a fluid conduit (not shown). Unlike the embodiment shown in, in the embodiment shown in, the outer partincludes the O-ring seat. In the embodiment shown, the O-ring seatincludes a circumferential channel configured to receive the O-ring seal.

The upper openingof the inner part upper endof the inner partincludes a cross beam structureincluding an openingconfigured to mount a screen (not shown). The upper openingis configured to receive fluid from a reservoir into the drain trapthrough the mounted screen. The upper openingmay include a conical structure which is funnel shaped and configured to funnel water through the inner part. The cross beam structureextends across the conical structure. The openingmay include internal threads for receiving a bolt or screw for attaching the screen.

The inner partincludes a circumferential wall. The circumferential wallof the inner partincludes a first height H(shown in). The circumferential wallmay form a cylinder with a constant outer diameter along the height H. Alternatively, as shown, the circumferential wallmay have a reduced outer diameter as the circumferential wallextends away from the inner part upper end. Various shapes are contemplated for the circumferential wall. While the circumferential wall includes a circular circumference at any given location along the height H, other embodiments may include varying cross-sectional shapes.

The outer partof the drain trapis shown including a circumferential wall. The circumferentialwall of the outer partincludes a second height H. The second height His larger than the first height Hof the inner part. Thus, the outer partextends in the axial direction Abetween an outer part upper endand an outer part lower end.

The outer partincludes outer part radial threadsproximate the outer part upper end. The outer part radial threadsshown are internal threads surrounding the interior of the circumferential wallproximate the outer part upper end, and may be configured to receive the inner part radial threads, which are external threads. The outer part lower endforms the well(shown in) configured to trap and retain fluid. The outer partfurther includes at least one openingdisposed in the circumferential wall.

The at least one openingin the circumferential wallmay be an array of openings disposed about the circumference of the circumferential wall. For example, the at least one opening may be four openings, as shown. Like the openingsdescribed herein above, each of the four openingsincludes a vertical portion, a top horizontal portion extending in a first direction from the vertical portion, and a bottom horizontal portion extending in a second direction from the vertical portion, where the second direction is opposite the first direction. However, various other shapes and amounts of openings are contemplated. Whatever the shape and amount of openings, the openings may be configured to transfer fluid from within the confines of the outer partto the exterior of the outer partand into a fluid pipe, such as a shower drain or a floor drain or the like.

The wellmay be defined by a solid bottomof the outer part, and may hold an amount of water up to the bottom of the opening or openings. The bottom of the well may include a hook featureconfigured to allow for ease of removal of the drain trapby deploying a second hook tool (such as a hook of a clothes hanger).

is a side view of the drain trapin a first configuration whileis a side cutaway view of the drain traptaken at arrows C-C. As shown the flat disk structuremay be a circular flat disk which rests within the wellwhen the drain trapis assembled and in operation. A circumference of the flat disk structureis equal or larger than a circumference of the bottom openingof the inner part. The flat disk structuremay be retained within the well. The flat disk structuremay be configured to float in the fluid received into the well, such as water or the like. The flat disk structurehas a smaller dimension (e.g., diameter) than a width of the well, and an equal or larger dimension (e.g., diameter) than a width of the bottom openingthe inner partsuch that the rounded structureis prevented from rising in the wellby the inner part lower end.

is a side view of the drain trapin a second configuration whileis a side cutaway view of the drain traptaken at arrows D-D. In the second configuration, the flat disk structureto a maximum level, whereby the flat disk structureis prevented from rising in the wellby the inner part lower end. This would occur in the instance that the well is full. Thus, when the wellis full and creating an odor bearer against any odors arising from beneath the drain trapin the shower drain (as described herein above), the rounded structure further creates an additional odor barrier via its physical structure sealing against the inner part lower endof the inner part.

While the flat disk structurehas been shown as a circular disk, any appropriate flat shape is contemplated, such as an oval, square, rectangular, a rounded square or rounded rectangle, or the like. Whatever shape the flat disk structureencompasses, the flat disk structuremay be flat and have a narrow or thin thickness. Whatever the shape, the flat disk structuremay be configured to float within the welland engage with the bottom openingof the inner partto create a seal therewith.

Furthermore, the flat disk structuremay be made of a deformable or compliant material, such as a rubber or another appropriate polymer material in order to facilitate creating of a seal with the bottom openingof the inner part. Moreover, the flat disk structuremay be made of any material that floats in liquid, such as wood or a composite. Still further, the bottom openingof the inner partmay be beveled or angled, as shown in.

Elements of the embodiments have been introduced with either the articles “a” or “an.” The articles are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “including” and “having” and their derivatives are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the elements listed. The conjunction “or” when used with a list of at least two terms is intended to mean any term or combination of terms. The terms “first” and “second” are used to distinguish elements and are not used to denote a particular order.

While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.