Drain Guard Assembly and System

The present disclosure relates to a drain guard assembly and a drain guard system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a drain guard assembly comprising a drain body, a gravel guard, and a removable cover.

Substantially flat outdoor surfaces traditionally have a means of draining accumulated precipitation to prevent damage from the weight or moisture of the precipitation, such as a drain. Such drains should provide a means of guarding the drain to prevent debris from entering, building up in, and clogging the drain. Drain guard systems may include a drain guard assembly having a drain body designed to fit within the drain and a cage-like cover extending over and connecting to the opening on the drain body. The cage-like design allows fluid to pass through the cover of the drain guard and into the drain while generally preventing the passage of debris into the drain. Additionally, drain guard systems can include pebbles arranged to cover a portion of the roof around the drain guard assembly. As the liquid flows toward the drain, the pebbles can trap debris in the spaces between the individual pebbles. The drain guard assembly cover may need to be removed to perform maintenance on the drain or on the drain guard assembly. Where the inlet of the drain body is substantially flush with the draining surface so as to allow flow from the draining surface into the drain, the attachment location of the cover to the drain body would also be directly adjacent to the surface of the roof. With the pebbles surrounding the drain guard assembly, the user would have to clear the pebbles abutting the drain guard cover to access the attachment location of the cover to the drain body. Users have a need for a drain guard assembly with a gravel guard attached between the inlet of the drain body and the cover thereby providing an attachment location for the cover above the surface of the roof. With the gravel guard, the cover can be released without having to clear the pebbles abutting the drain guard assembly. This gravel guard would also need to allow precipitation to pass through but generally obstruct debris.

With the foregoing in mind, one example of the present disclosure generally relates to a drain guard assembly and a drain guard system.depicts one example of the roof drain assemblyin an assembled state anddepicts one example of the roof drain assemblyin an exploded state. As shown, the roof drain assemblyincludes a drain body, a gravel guard, and a cover. Drain bodyand covermay mechanically engage with opposite sides of the gravel guardas shown in. Mechanically engage refers to the releasable fixation of two elements such as by means of fasteners, interlocking, threading, latching, etc. Gravel guardmay alternatively be integral with drain bodywhere integral refers to a permanent fixation such as through adhesives, welding, or co-forming where the combination of the two elements is considered to create one cohesive element.

depicts one example of the drain bodyof the embodiment of the roof drain assemblyshown in. Drain bodymay have an inletand an outletconnected by a conduit. As may be appreciated, the inletis configured to receive liquid (e.g., water) which is on the roof (e.g., the top surface of the roof) and the outletmay be configured to be coupled to a drainpipe system (not shown for clarity).

Inletmay have a cross-sectional geometry, such as, but not limited to, a square, circle, oval, polygon, etc. Outletmay have a cross-sectional geometry such as, but not limited to, a square, circle, oval, polygon, etc. The area within the cross-sectional geometry of the inletmay be larger than the area within the cross-sectional geometry of the outlet. The conduitconnecting the inletand outletmay include one or more tapered regions or tubes where the cross-sectional area of the conduitdecreases in the direction from the inletto the outlet. The tapered regions or tubes may have a convex taper and/or concave taper. The tapered regions or tubes may have a constant taper or may include a plurality of different tapers. Alternatively, the conduitmay have a constant cross-section (e.g., diameter) such that a 90 degree angle is formed between the inletand the conduit, and the cross-section (e.g., diameter) of the conduitmay correspond to the cross-section (e.g., diameter) of the outlet.

The drain bodymay also optionally include a flange. The flangemay extend outward along the perimeter of the inlet (e.g., radially outward along the edge of inlet). As discussed herein, a roofing membrane and/or gravel may be disposed on and/or above at least a portion of the flange. The flangemay be disposed outwardly (e.g., radially outwardly) beyond the gravel guardand/or the cover). The drain body(e.g., the flangeand/or the conduit) may also optionally include one or more apertures to receive fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, or nails or the like) to secure the drain bodyto the roof.

Optionally, the drain bodymay include one or more drain body connectorsconfigured to facilitate the mechanical engagement of drain bodywith gravel guard. The drain body connectorsmay include apertures (e.g., threaded apertures) configured to at least partially receive a fastener (e.g., a bolt or the like). The drain body connectorsmay also include a threaded stud, e.g., an upwardly extended threaded stud configured to engage with a nut or the like to removably secure the drain bodyto the gravel guard. Alternatively, gravel guardmay be integral with drain bodyat the inlet.

In at least one example, the drain bodymay include at least one gravel guard recess, notch, groove, or the like(hereinafter generally referred to a gravel guard recessfor the sake of convenience) configured to receive a portion (e.g., a bottom region) of the gravel guard. The gravel guard recessmay extend around all or a portion of the drain bodyand may aid in locating the gravel guardrelative to the drain body. In the illustrated example, the gravel guard recessmay be disposed radially inward and proximate to the flange. The support flangeof the gravel guard(discussed below) to be closer to (e.g., flush with) the flangeof the drain body, thereby reducing the build-up of fluid proximate to the gravel guard.

depicts another example of the drain bodyof the embodiment of the roof drain assemblyshown in. The drain bodymay have a plurality of ribs and/or channelsconfigured to be exposed to the flow of fluid (e.g., water) through the drain body. The plurality of ribs and/or channelsmay extend partially or completely between the inletand outlet. The plurality of ribs and/or channelsmay enhance flow of fluid (e.g., water) through the drain bodycompared to a smooth surface.

depicts one example of a gravel guardconsistent with the roof drain assemblyshown in. The gravel guardmay comprise a framehaving a top openingand a bottom opening. The framemay further include one or more castellationsseparated by a plurality of gaps. For example, the castellationsmay extend generally upward away from a top surfaceof support flange. The castellationsmay be solid and/or partially hollow. For example, an internal surfaceof the castellationsmay be hollow to reduce the amount of material used to form the gravel guard. Each castellationmay be separated from adjacent castellationsby two or more gaps. The gapsmay be disposed above the top surfaceof the support flangebetween adjacent castellations. The gapsmay be configured to allow fluid (e.g., water) to flow into the drain bodywhile generally preventing debris (e.g., stones, leaves, twigs, etc.) from passing into the drain body. The exact size and shape of the gapsand/or the castellationsmay therefore depend on the intended application. In general, the castellationsand gapsshould be sized and shaped to allow a sufficient amount of fluid to flow into the drain bodywhile generally preventing debris that could become stuck in the drain system from entering. In addition, the gravel guard(e.g., the castellations) should have an overall height H sufficient to generally prevent the stones/gravel proximate the roof drain assemblyfrom falling into the drain bodywhen the roof drain assemblyis installed in the roof and the coveris removed. As such, the overall height H of the gravel guardwill therefore depend on the intended application. One or more of the castellationsmay optionally have an inclined outer surfaceFor example, the inclined outer surfacemay cause the thickness T of the castellationto decrease along the height of the castellationfrom the bottom openingto the top opening.

As depicted in the embodiment shown in, the top openingmay generally be defined by the top surfaceof the castellationsand the bottom openingmay generally be defined by the bottom surfaceof the support flange. By way of non-limiting examples, the top openingand/or the bottom openingmay have a generally square, circle, oval, polygon, etc. cross-sectional geometry.

One or more of the castellationsmay include a benching surface. The benching surfacesmay be disposed on at least a portion of the top surfaceof the castellations. The benching surfacemay be configured to provide an interface that supports the coverto when the coveris secured to the gravel guard. In one example, each of the plurality castellationsat least partially defines a benching surface. Alternatively, one or more of the castellationsmay not include a benching surface. In this example, the castellationswhich do not include a benching surfacemay be shorter than the castellationswhich do have a benching surface. The non-benching surface castellationsmay define a gap between the gravel guard and coverconfigured to allow fluid (e.g., water) to flow into the drain bodywhile generally preventing the ingress of debris.

The bottom surfaceof the support flangemay be configured to removably secured to the drain body. In at least one example, the bottom surfaceof the support flangemay be configured to be at least partially received in the gravel guard recess() formed in the drain body. The bottom surfacemay be substantially continuously engage (e.g., contact) the drain body(e.g., the gravel guard recess). Alternatively, the bottom surfacemay contact the drain body(e.g., the gravel guard recess) at discrete regions which are separated by gaps. The gaps may be configured to allow fluid (e.g., water) to flow into the drain bodywhile generally preventing debris (e.g., stones, leaves, twigs, etc.) from passing into the drain body.

The gravel guardmay preferably include one or more guard connectorsconfigured to cooperate with the one or more drain body connectorsto facilitate the mechanical engagement of the gravel guardwith the drain body. The guard connectorsmay include apertures (e.g., threaded apertures) configured to at least partially receive a fastener (e.g., a bolt or the like). The guard connectorsmay also include a threaded stud, e.g., an upwardly extended threaded stud configured to engage with a nut or the like to removably secure the drain bodyto the gravel guard. In at least one example, one or more drain body connectorsincludes a threaded aperture and one or more the guard connectorsinclude an aperture. With reference to, a threaded bolt() may pass through the guard connectorsand threadably engage the drain body connectors. The boltmay include a head which is exposed on the upper surface of the roof drain assembly

Optionally, the gravel guardmay include one or more cover connectorsconfigured to facilitate the mechanical engagement of gravel guardwith the cover. The cover connectorsmay include apertures (e.g., threaded apertures) configured to at least partially receive a fastener (e.g., a bolt or the like). The cover connectorsmay also include a threaded stud, e.g., an upwardly extended threaded stud configured to engage with a nut or the like to removably secure the gravel guardto the cover. The cover connectorsmay be formed in one or more of the castellations. In at least one example, the cover connectorsmay optionally be formed in the benching surfaceof the castellations.

Optionally, the gravel guardmay include one or more guard alignment keysconfigured to facilitate the alignment of the gravel guardwith the coverupon mechanical engagement. The guard alignment keysmay be formed in one or more of the castellations. In at least one example, the guard alignment keysmay include one or more protrusions or tabs. The protrusion or tab may extend generally upwardly (e.g., away from the top opening). The protrusion or tab may be disposed along the internal surfaceof the castellations. Alternatively (or in addition), the guard alignment keysmay include one recesses or notches configured to receive a portion of the coverto align the gravel guardwith the cover.

While the gravel guardhas been illustrated having a plurality of castellations, it should be appreciated the plurality of castellations may be coupled together at by a web. The web may couple, for example, the top surfaceof the castellationstogether to form, for example, a substantially continuous mating or benching surfacebetween the gravel guardand the cover.

depict one example of the coverof the roof drain assemblyshown in. Coverincludes a cover flangeand one or more cover sidewallsextending from the cover flange. The cover flangeis configured to be removably secured to the gravel guardas described herein. In at least one example, the cover flangemay extend radially outward beyond the one or more cover sidewalls. For example, the cross-sectional dimensions of the cover flangemay be larger than the cross-sectional dimensions of the one or more cover sidewalls.

The cover sidewallsmay include a plurality of openingsdisposed between a plurality of ribs. The plurality of openingsare configured to allow fluid (e.g., water) to flow into the drain bodywhile generally preventing debris (e.g., stones, leaves, twigs, etc.) from passing into the drain body. The exact size and shape of the openingsmay therefore depend on the intended application. In general, the openingsshould be sized and shaped to allow a sufficient amount of fluid to flow into the drain bodywhile generally preventing debris that could become stuck in the drain system from entering.

The cover sidewallsmay optionally have an inclined outer surfacesuch that the outer cross-sectional dimension of the cover sidewallsis smaller as the distance away from the cover flangeincreases. In at least one example, the ribsmay have a generally triangular shape, with the hypotenuse defining the outer surface

The cover sidewallsmay extend all the way around the top surface of the cover. For example, the cover sidewallsmay form a generally dome shape. Alternatively, the covermay include a top wall. The top wallmay be solid or may include a plurality of openingsSimilar to openings, the openingsare configured to allow fluid (e.g., water) to flow into the drain bodywhile generally preventing debris (e.g., stones, leaves, twigs, etc.) from passing into the drain body. The exact size and shape of the openingsmay therefore depend on the intended application. In general, the openingsshould be sized and shaped to allow a sufficient amount of fluid to flow into the drain bodywhile generally preventing debris that could become stuck in the drain system from entering. The openingsandmay also be configured to allow air to vent out from the drain body(and the rest of the drain system) as water enters the drain body.

The bottom surfaceof the cover flangemay be configured to be removably secured to the castellations. For example, the bottom surfaceof the cover flangemay be configured to be removably secured to the top surfaceof the castellationssuch as, but not limited to, the benching surfaces, cover connectors, and/or cover alignment keys. By securing the coverto the top surfaceof the castellationsof the gravel guard, overall diameter of the coverrelative to the flangemay be maximized. In particular, prior roof drains include a cover/dome that is disposed that is disposed at least partially within the perimeter of a gravel guard/ring. As a result, the maximum cross-section of the cover/dome (e.g., proximate the interface between the cover/dome and the gravel guard/ring) is limited to the internal cross-section of the gravel guard/ring. The reduced cross-section of the cover/dome limits the amount of water that can flow into the roof drain. In addition, the reduced cross-section of the cover/dome is more prone to clogging because the overall surface is reduced compared to the present disclosure. In contrast, the cross-section of the coverof the present disclosure is not limited by the internal cross-section of the gravel guard. Instead, the cross-section of the coverof the present disclosure may be substantially the same as the cross-section of the of the gravel guardproximate the interface between the coverand the gravel guard.

In addition, by securing the coverto the top surfaceof the castellationsof the gravel guard, the entire (or substantially the entire) covermay be disposed above the gravel guard. Having the coverdisposed above the gravel guardmay allow the coverto be removed without having to remove the gravel guard. By way of a non-limiting example, substantially the entire coverbeing disposed above the gravel guard may include (but is not limited to) having the cover alignment keysdisposed below the top surface of the gravel guard.

In at least one example, the bottom surfaceof the cover flangemay be continuous surface extending all the way around the perimeter of the cover. Alternatively, the bottom surfaceof the cover flangemay be formed from a plurality of discrete regions which generally correspond to one or more of the castellations(e.g., but not limited to, the top surfaceof one or more of the castellations).

The cover flangemay optionally include one or more cover alignment keys. With reference to, the cover alignment keysmay be configured to cooperate with the guard alignment keysof the gravel guardto aid in aligning the coverrelative to the gravel guard. One or more of the cover alignment keysmay be located on at least a portion of the bottom surfaceof the cover flange. In at least one example, the cover alignment keysmay include one or more protrusions or tabs. The protrusion or tab may extend generally downwardly (e.g., towards the top openingof the gravel guardwhen installed). Alternatively (or in addition), the cover alignment keysmay include one recesses or notches. Of course, the cover alignment keysand the guard alignment keysare not limited to these configurations unless specifically claimed as such. In any case, the cover alignment keysand the guard alignment keysare configured to generally align the coverrelative the gravel guard.

The cover flangemay include one or more guard openings, notches and/or recessesdisposed in the outer perimeter of the cover flangewhich correspond (e.g., are aligned with) the locations of the one or more drain body connectorsand/or one or more the guard connectors. The guard openings, notches and/or recessesmay be sized and shaped to allow a tool to access the bolt() and/or allow the head of the boltto pass therethrough, thereby allowing the gravel guardto be removed from the drain body. Optionally, the gravel guardand the covercan be simultaneously removed from the drain bodywithout having to separately remove the coverfrom the gravel guard. The guard openings, notches and/or recessesmay also provide a convenient visual indicator to locate the positions of the bolts.

The cover flangemay include one or more cover retention regions. The cover retention regionsare configured to removably secure the coverto the gravel guard. As noted herein, the cover(e.g., the bottom surfaceof the cover flange) is configured to be removably secured to the gravel guard(e.g., the castellations). The cover retention regionsmay be configured to allow a retainer to removably secure the coverto the gravel guard. With reference to, the cover retention regionsmay be configured to be aligned with the cover connectors. In at least one example, the covermay be removably secured to the gravel guardusing one or more biased tabs or cams. The tabs or camsmay be configured to rotate to a release position (see) and a secured position (see). In the release position, the tabs or camsmay be aligned in a position that allows the coverto be mounted to or removed from the gravel guard.

In the secured position, the tabs or camsmay be moved (e.g., rotate and/or pivot) from the release position such that the tabs or camsare located above a portion of the cover(e.g., the cover flange). In at least one example, one or more biasing members (e.g., a bolt and/or a spring) may apply a compressive force against the tabs or camsthat biases/urges the tabs or camsagainst the cover(e.g., cover flange). Alternatively (or in addition), one or more biasing members (e.g., a bolt and/or a spring) may apply a rotational force against the tabs or camsthat biases/urges the tabs or camsagainst the cover(e.g., cover flange). For example, the rotational force may urge the tabs or camsagainst a shoulder or like.

In the illustrated example, a fastener(e.g., a bolt having a head) is configured to be threaded inserted into the cover connectorsof the gravel guard. As the fasteneris threaded into the cover connectors, the fastenerapplies a compressive force against the tabs or cams, thereby securing the coverto the gravel guardwhen the tabs or camsare in the secured position.

The cover(e.g., the cover flange) may optionally include a recessed regionthat is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the tabs or camswhen rotated into the secured position. The recessed regionmay include a generally arcuate recess and/or a semi-circular recess. The recessed regionmay aid in aligning the coverrelative to the gravel guard.

The cover retention regionsmay optionally include a notch(best seen in) configured to allow a portion of the tabs or camsand/or the head of a fastenerto pass through the cover(e.g., the cover flange) when the coveris removed from the gravel guard.

Turning now to, one example of the roof drain assemblyinstalled in a roof is generally illustrated. As can be seen, the drain bodyis inserted into a holeformed in the support surface (e.g., decking)of the roof. The drain bodymay be secured to the support surfacein any manner known to those skilled in the art such as, but not limited to, using a clampand clamp pin. A membrane(such as a waterproof membrane) may extend over at least a portion of the drain body(such as, but not limited to, the drain body flange) to generally prevent fluid (e.g., water) from getting underneath the roof drain assembly(e.g., between the drain bodyand the support surface). Gravel (e.g., stones or the like)may be placed on top of the membrane. The gravelmay extend over the top of the drain body, e.g., the drain body flange. The height H of the gravel guardmay be equal to or greater than the height G of the gravelproximate the roof drain assembly.

As used herein, the term “substantially” when used in reference to a value, a range, and/or a definition means +/−5% of the value, the end points of the range, and/or the absolute definition.

The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described (or portions thereof), and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such equivalents. Various features, aspects, and embodiments have been described herein. The features, aspects, and embodiments are susceptible to combination with one another as well as to variation and modification, as will be understood by those having skill in the art. The present disclosure should, therefore, be considered to encompass such combinations, variations, and modifications.