Multi-channel, ligation resistant drain cover and drain assembly

A drain assembly for providing a drain passage for fluid flow from a surface to the drainpipe of a plumbing system. The surface would typically be that of a structure such as that of a floor, a floor of a shower or floor of a bathtub. The drain assembly includes a multi-channel cove wherein each flow channel is configured or curved in such a way to prevent the passage of a ligation (e.g., wire, cord, or rope) through the channels to allow the ligation to be tied to the cover.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to ligation resistant drain, including a drain cover and associated drain assembly for use as a floor drain, sink drain, shower drain, bathtub drain, etc. In particular, the cover and assembly resist the ability to tie a ligation such as a wire, rope, string, shoelace, etc. through the fluid flow openings in the drain cover. Additionally, the drain includes separated fluid flow pathways that aid in the venting of the drain to facilitate fluid flow through the drain and cover assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention provides for a multi-channel, ligation resistant drain cover having a top side and a bottom side. The cover includes a top plate including a top surface, a bottom surface, a periphery, a first interior fluid flow opening extending between the top and bottom surface, and a first exterior fluid flow opening extending between the top and bottom surface and located between the interior fluid flow opening and the periphery. An exterior fluid guide wall extends from the bottom surface between the periphery and the exterior fluid flow opening. The exterior fluid guide wall includes a first diverter wall displaced from the bottom surface and extending at a first angle from the exterior fluid guide wall. An intermediate fluid guide wall extends from the bottom surface between the interior and exterior flow openings and includes a second diverter wall displaced from the bottom surface and extending at a second angle from the intermediate fluid guide wall. The exterior and intermediate fluid guide walls are located to form a curved exterior fluid flow channel extending from the top surface, through the exterior fluid flow opening and exiting at the bottom side of the cover at an exterior exit. An interior fluid guide wall extends from the bottom surface and cooperates with the intermediate fluid guide wall to form a curved interior fluid flow channel separate from the exterior fluid flow channel and extending from the top surface, through the interior fluid flow opening and exiting at the bottom side of the cover at an interior exit separate from and displaced from the exterior exit.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides for a multi-channel, ligation resistant drain assembly. The assembly includes an interface for creating a sealed fluid channel between a flow and drain pipe. The interface includes a flange for attachment to a floor surface which is joined to a tubular portion for attachment to a drain pipe. A drain cover is attached to the inlet of the interface. The cover includes a top plate including a top surface, a bottom surface, a periphery, a first interior fluid flow opening extending between the top and bottom surface, and a first exterior fluid flow opening extending between the top and bottom surface and located between the interior fluid flow opening and the periphery. An exterior fluid guide wall extends from the bottom surface between the periphery and the exterior fluid flow opening. The exterior fluid guide wall includes a first diverter wall displaced from the bottom surface and extending at a first angle from the exterior fluid guide wall. An intermediate fluid guide wall extends from the bottom surface between the interior and exterior flow openings and includes a second diverter wall displaced from the bottom surface and extending at a second angle from the intermediate fluid guide wall. The exterior and intermediate fluid guide walls are located to form a curved exterior fluid flow channel extending from the top surface, through the exterior fluid flow opening and exiting at the bottom side of the cover at an exterior exit. An interior fluid guide wall extends from the bottom surface and cooperates with the intermediate fluid guide wall to form a curved interior fluid flow channel separate from the exterior fluid flow channel and extending from the top surface, through the interior fluid flow opening and exiting at the bottom side of the cover at an interior exit separate from and displaced from the exterior exit.

Still another embodiment of the present invention provides for a multi-channel, ligation resistant drain cover. The cover includes a circular top plate including a top surface, a bottom surface, a periphery, three interior fluid flow openings extending between the top and bottom surface, and three exterior fluid flow openings extending between the top and bottom surface and located between the interior fluid flow opening and the periphery. An exterior fluid guide wall extends from the bottom surface between the periphery and the exterior fluid flow openings and includes a first diverter wall displaced from the bottom surface and extending at a first angle from the exterior fluid guide wall. An intermediate fluid guide wall extends from the bottom surface between the interior and exterior flow openings and includes a second diverter wall displaced from the bottom surface and extending at a second angle from the intermediate fluid guide wall. The exterior and intermediate fluid guide walls are located to form a curved exterior fluid flow channel extending from the top surface, through the exterior fluid flow openings and exiting at the bottom side of the cover at an exterior exit. An interior fluid guide wall extends from the bottom surface and cooperates with the intermediate fluid guide wall to form a curved interior fluid flow channel separate from the exterior fluid flow channel and extending from the top surface, through the interior fluid flow openings and exiting at the bottom side of the cover at an interior exit separate from and displaced from the exterior exit. Three interior dividing walls extend between the intermediate fluid guide wall and the interior fluid guide wall to form three separate interior flow paths through the interior fluid flow channel associated with each of the interior flow openings. Three exterior dividing walls extend between the intermediate fluid guide wall and the exterior fluid guide wall to form three separate exterior flow paths through the exterior fluid flow channel associated with each of the exterior flow openings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of a multi-channel ligation resistant drain assembly100, according to an exemplary embodiment. Drain assembly100includes a multi-channel ligation resistant strainer or drain cover102coupled to a drain body104with one or more tamper-resistant flat head screws106through fastener holes or locations108of cover102and anchoring into threaded nuts or inserts109in drain body flange130. In one embodiment, screws106include a head configured with six or more points in a star-shaped pattern enhance tamper resistance. A washer-shaped rubber seal or washer110and/or a fiber washer112to couple the drain body104to an underside of the floor. Drain body104forms a bridge to existing piping (e.g., interchangeably forms a fluid-tight seal with PVC, steel, copper, or other plumbing). A rubber sleeve114bridges drain body104over the joint to seal the connection.

Similarly, a clamping ring or compression nut116outside drain body104fastens drain body104to the floor. In some embodiments, drain assembly100is circular and defined radially from a central axis118. In some embodiments, cover102is a single integral or unitary part formed from casting, for example, a cast steel, such as a stainless steel casting.

FIG. 2shows an exploded perspective view of the drain assembly100ofFIG. 1. Cover102couples to drain body104via screws106. Rubber washer110extends around tubular portion120and is captured between the floor and fiber washer112. Fiber washer112is captured between rubber washer110and compression nut116. Compression nut116secures the drain body104to the floor. Internal compression ring124presses downward on rubber sleeve114to seal the joint between drain assembly100and the existing drain pipe. Internal compression ring124and rubber sleeve114cooperate to capture and/or secure the pipe within drain assembly100.

FIG. 3is a cross-sectional view and better illustrates the cooperation of internal compression ring124and rubber sleeve114to seal drain body104to existing pipe installation. Rubber sleeve114fits under internal compression ring124to bridge the joint between drain body104and the existing pipe. Bottom of drain body104may include a lip128that cooperates or couples to rubber sleeve114to retain sleeve114within drain body104. Similarly, an upper flange130of drain body104may be configured to couple to cover102.

With reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, ligation resistant drain cover102has an upper side or top surface132(FIG. 4) and a bottom126(FIG. 5). Cover102forms a disk or plate136that defines top surface132, e.g., on a top side of plate136. Cover102has a radially extending side profile about central axis118that forms a periphery138. In some embodiments, plate136is circular, and periphery138is defined radially about central axis118(FIG. 1). Bottom126defines a bottom surface140. Fluid flow openings142on top surface132lead to channels144that extend through cover102to communicate fluid from top surface132to bottom surface140, e.g., like a drain. In various embodiments, channels144are angled, curved, terminate at different locations, and/or are not in fluid communication with adjacent channels144to enhance the ligation resistance of cover102.

For example, interior and exterior fluid flow openings142aand142bcommunicate through cover102between top surface132and bottom surface140via interior and exterior channels144aand144b, respectively. Fluid, such as water, enters cover102in either interior or exterior fluid flow openings142aor142bon top surface132, passes through the respective interior or exterior channel144aor144band exits through an interior or exterior exit146aor146b, respectively. In other words, fluids that enter opening142pass through a corresponding channel144of cover102to an exit146on or near bottom surface140. In some embodiments, interior channel144avent drain cover102as exterior channel144breceives the drained liquid.

Exterior flow opening142bis located between interior fluid flow opening142aand periphery138and forms a separate exterior fluid channel144bthat is not in communication with interior fluid channel144a. Applicant has found that this configuration enhances ligation resistance by preventing the coupling of opposite ends of a rope (e.g., a shoelace) and prevents modification or alteration of drain cover102by a user.

In some embodiments, interior opening142aand exterior opening142bare displaced and/or angled relative to one another. Similarly, interior and/or exterior channels144aand/or144bmay be curved, angled, and/or terminate or end in different locations to enhance ligation resistance. For example, as shown inFIG. 6, an intermediate fluid guide wall148and an exterior fluid guide wall150define curvilinear boundaries for interior and exterior channels144aand144b. As shown inFIG. 6, exterior exit146bis elevated from interior exit146a.

Intermediate fluid guide wall148extends from a bottom of plate136between interior and exterior flow openings142aand142band terminates at an interior diverter wall152. Interior diverter wall152is displaced from bottom surface140and extends at an angle α from intermediate fluid guide wall148. Intermediate fluid guide wall148extends from plate136to form a curved interior fluid flow passage, or interior channel144a, which is separate from exterior fluid flow channel144b.

Similarly, exterior fluid guide wall150extends from a bottom surface of plate136between periphery138and exterior fluid flow opening142b. Exterior fluid guide wall150terminates at an exterior diverter wall154that is displaced or offset from bottom surface140. Exterior diverter wall154extends at an angle θ from exterior fluid guide wall150to define an exit angle, e.g., of a fluid or an inserted rope exiting drain102at exterior exit146b.

Intermediate and exterior fluid guide walls148and150are located to form a curved exterior fluid flow channel, or exterior channel144bthat extends from top surface132, through exterior fluid flow opening142band exits on the bottom surface140of cover102at interior and exterior exits146aand146b, respectively. Intermediate and/or exterior guide walls148and/or146can be radially defined from central axis118to include respective cylindrical portions and/or cylindrical or circular interior and/or exterior diverter walls152and/or154. In some embodiments, deflectors or diverters formed by diverter walls152and150are washer shaped.

In various embodiments, angle α is between 80° and 120°, specifically, between 90° and 110°, and more specifically 100°, such that interior diverter wall152is parallel with plate136. Similarly, in various embodiments, angle β is between 90° and 130°, specifically, between 100° and 120°, and more specifically 110°, such that exterior diverter wall154is parallel with plate136. In these embodiments, for example, exterior diverter wall154is angled in such a way that a rope inserted into exterior channel144bexits in a direction (e.g., angle (3) that is different from a direction (e.g., angle α) a rope inserted into interior channel144aexits. In this way, interior and exterior diverter walls152and154enhance ligation resistance.

Interior channel144aextends from top surface132, through interior fluid flow opening142aand exits on the bottom side of cover102at an interior exit146a. Interior exit146ais separate from and displaced from exterior exit146b. Similarly, interior channel144ais separate from and not in fluid communication with exterior channel144bto enhance ligation resistance. In some embodiments, interior exit146ais located further from the bottom surface140than exterior exit146b, for example, because interior channel144ais longer than exterior channel144b. In some embodiments, interior diverter wall152is displaced from exterior diverter wall154such that an offset156(FIG. 9) exists between interior diverter wall152and exterior diverter wall154. For example, interior exit146ais located further from the bottom surface140than exterior exit146b. In various embodiments, offset156is less than 2 inches, specifically less than 1 inch, and more specifically less than 0.5 inches. In various embodiments, offset156is between 0.25 inches and 1 inch, specifically between 0.4 inches and 0.75 inches, and, more specifically, is 0.50±0.05 inches.

FIG. 7shows another embodiment with additional channels144and/or walls160. In general, reference is made to openings142, channels144, and exits146, but additional independent openings242and/or342, independent channels244and/or344, and independent exits246and/or346may be used on drain cover102to generate additional independent flow paths158and thus increase ligation resistance. Flow paths158are voids or spaces in cover102that include openings142, channels144, and exits146and are independent and separate from other flow paths158. For example, two channels144may be in fluid communication and thus only define one flow path158. In other words, a single flow path158may have any combination of openings142, channels144, and exits146that are all in fluid communication with one another.

In various embodiments, two or three independent flow paths158can be defined through cover102. In some embodiments, each flow opening142defines a unique flow path158through a unique channel144and exit146. In other words, water that enters a first flow path158would enter through opening142, pass through channel144, and exit through exit146. Similarly, second and or third flow paths258and358are envisioned. For example, a second flow path258may include a second interior flow opening242athat is in fluid communication with a second channel244aand a second exit246a. Similarly, a third flow path358may include a third flow opening342athat communicates with third channel344aand third exit346a. Since each flow path158,258, and358is independent and separate, additional interior dividing walls160(e.g., two or three) extend between intermediate fluid guide wall148and intermediate fluid guide wall148form separate interior flow paths158,258, and358. In other words, dividing walls160separate interior fluid flow channels144,244, and344. Each flow path158,258, and358is independent and associated with one of the interior flow openings142a,242a, or342a, and one of the interior exits146a,246a, or346a.

Similar to the interior flow paths158, exterior flow paths158may be independent and separate. For example, a first exterior opening142bcommunicates with a first exterior channel144bthat exits at a first exterior exit146b. A second exterior flow opening242band/or third exterior flow opening342bcan be added with corresponding second and/or third exterior channels244band/or344band second and/or third exterior exits246band/or346b.

In a multiple flow path158configurations, channels244and/or344are the same as or similar to channel144except for the differences described. In contrast to channel144, channels244and/or344have independent flow paths158that are not in fluid communication with any other channel144,244, or344. Similar differences exist for openings142,242, and342, as well as exits146,246, and346. In this configuration, cover102has two exterior dividing walls160that extend between intermediate fluid guide wall148and exterior fluid guide wall150to form two separate exterior flow paths158through the exterior fluid flow channel144b,244b, and344b. Each flow path158,258, and358is independent and associated with one of the exterior flow openings142b,242b, and342b.

Drain assembly100and/or cover102can be configured as a new installation or as an improvement on an existing installation. Drain assembly100for a new or an existing installation may use the same components described above or may incorporate some or all of the differences described below.

In some embodiments, drain assembly100has an interface162(FIGS. 1 and 2) that creates a sealed fluid channel144between a flow source and a drain pipe to replace an existing drain (e.g., a channel144from top surface132to bottom surface140of cover102). Interface162is made from a suitable plumbing material, such as PVC, brass, and/or copper. The drain cover102interface162has flange130configured for attachment to a surface of a floor. Flange130couples to the surface (e.g., directly to the floor) to join a tubular portion120to the existing drain pipe. In some embodiments, drain cover102has fastener locations108to fit a conventional drain. For example, with reference toFIG. 2, tamper resistant screws106and/or tamper resistant nuts or inserts109are disposed at fastener locations108aon drain cover102and through fastener locations108bon flange130to couple with inserts109and secure a new or pre-existing drain installation.

In some embodiments, a plurality of tamper-resistant flat head screws106are inserted at a plurality of counter-sunk fastener hole locations108of cover102. Screws106are anchored at a plurality of threaded inserts109in a drain body104flange130. Tamper-resistant flat head screws106may be chamfered as shown to fit in the counter-sunk locations108and anchor in threaded inserts109of flange130. Inserts109can be new (e.g., with a new drain installation) or pre-installed (e.g., with a pre-existing installation). For example, cover102includes fastener locations108that are retrofit for an existing drain body104installation. Specifically, the illustrated embodiment shows at least three screws106inserted into at least three locations108on cover102. Screws106anchor in three inserts109on drain body104and/or flange130.

Drain assembly100may include a threaded clamping ring, the same as or similar to internal compression ring124. In contrast to the internal compression ring124described above, threaded compression or compression nut116couples with exterior tubular portion120that includes external threads164aconfigured to be engaged with internal threads164bof compression nut116and fasten drain assembly100to a floor. In this configuration, tubular portion120of drain assembly100couples to the existing installation by capturing a portion of the floor between flange130and threaded compression nut116.

FIG. 12shows various dimensions of drain cover102, according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, an outer diameter500of cover102is between 4 inches and 4.5 inches, specifically between 4.2 inches and 4.3 inches, and more specifically, is 4.25 inches with a tolerance of +0.00 and −0.03. An external opening drain diameter502of exterior openings142bis between 2.25 inches and 2.75 inches, specifically between 2.3 inches and 2.5 inches, and more specifically, is 2.43 inches±0.10 inches. An internal drain diameter504of internal openings142ais between 1.25 inches and 1.75 inches, specifically between 1.4 inches and 1.5 inches, and, more specifically, is 1.43 inches±0.10 inches. This orientation is designed to enhance ligation resistance by providing adequate spacing between exits146aand146bto prevent tying opposite ends of a rope through cover102.

In some embodiments, three fastener locations108are spaced on a fastener diameter506between 3.25 and 3.5 inches, specifically 3.38±0.1 inches. As shown, fastener locations108are evenly spaced, e.g., at approximately 120°. Similarly, four fastener holes may be used and spaced at approximately 90°. In some embodiments, spacing and/or locations of fastener holes may follow customary drain fitting dimensions so that cover102can be retrofitted to an existing drain installation. In some embodiments, countersunk fastener locations108are used to prevent manipulation of screws106after installation. For example, a shank diameter of 0.10 to 0.20 inches can have a countersink between 80° and 90°. Specifically, a shank diameter508of 0.15±0.03 inches with a countersink of 82.00°±2.00° may have a countersink diameter508of between 0.25 inches and 0.35 inches, and, more specifically, 0.31±0.03 inches.

FIG. 13is an isometric side view of drain cover102, according to an exemplary embodiment. A thickness510of top plate136is shown to be between 0.07 inches and 0.15 inches, specifically 0.11 inches. A length512from a bottom of plate136to exterior diverter wall154is between 0.5 inches and 1 inch, specifically between 0.60 inches and 0.80 inches, and more specifically, is 0.70 inches±0.05 inches. A length514from the bottom of plate136to interior diverter wall152is between 0.75 inches and 2 inches, specifically between 1 inch and 1.5 inches, and, more specifically, is 1.2±0.1 inches. For example, length512is 0.70±0.05 inches, and offset156is 0.5±0.05 inches for a total length514of 1.2±0.1 inches. Applicant has found that these dimensions enhance ligation resistance by increasing offset156while also not interfering with other dimensions of drain assembly100.

FIG. 13shows a curved deflector or interior diverter wall152with a wall thickness516of between 0.15 inches and 0.4 inches, specifically between 0.2 inches and 0.3 inches, and more specifically, 0.27 inches±0.03 inches. An outer diameter or width518of interior channels144ais between 1.25 inches and 1.75 inches, specifically between 1.5 inches and 1.7 inches, and, more specifically, is 1.63±0.05 inches. Similarly, an outer diameter520of exterior channels144bis between 2.5 inches and 3 inches, specifically between 2.6 inches and 2.8 inches, and more specifically, is 2.70 inches±0.05 inches. Lengths512and514, as well as widths518and520, enable placement of curvilinear channels144aand144bwithin cover102. Similarly, diverter wall thickness516enables a curvilinear exit146from either channel144.

FIG. 14is a cross-sectional side view taken along line11-11ofFIG. 7.FIG. 15is a detailed view of the cross-sectional area of circle B shown inFIG. 14.FIG. 15shows an exterior opening142bwith exterior channel144band exit146b. Exterior opening142bhas a width522of between 0.2 inches and 0.3 inches, specifically between 0.22 inches and 0.28 inches, and more specifically 0.25±0.1 inches. A channel width524defined by the minimum distance between opposing walls of channel144bis between 0.1 inches and 0.2 inches, specifically between 0.12 inches and 0.18 inches, and more specifically 0.14±0.1 inches. A width526of exit146bis shown to be between 0.1 inches and 0.2 inches, specifically between 0.12 inches and 0.18 inches, and more specifically 0.15±0.1 inches.

A depth528of a first bend530, measured perpendicularly from top surface132towards exit146, is between 0.40 inches and 0.60 inches, specifically between 0.45 inches and 0.55 inches, and more specifically is 0.50 inches±0.02 inches. Bends are any change in the direction of flow path158that is equal to greater than 60°. A depth532of a second bend534is between 0.60 inches and 0.65 inches, and specifically is 0.62 inches±0.01 inches. A depth536of a third bend538is between 0.65 inches and 0.75 inches, specifically between 0.68 inches and 0.72 inches, and more specifically, is 0.70 inches±0.01 inches. In some embodiments, exterior channel144bhas at least three bends (e.g.,530,534, and538) within a depth of 0.70±0.01 inches. Applicant has found that by increasing the number of bends ligature prevention is enhanced by increasing resistance to a rope passing through channel144, but without reducing the volume of water or other fluids that may pass through the channel144of drain assembly100.

FIG. 16is a cross-sectional side view taken along line11-11ofFIG. 7and shows interior opening142a, interior channel144a, and interior exit146a.FIG. 17is a detailed view of the cross-sectional area of circle C shown inFIG. 16. Similar toFIG. 16,FIG. 17shows interior opening142awith interior channel144aand exit146a. In various embodiments, a width540of opening142ais equal to a width540of interior channel144aand/or exit146a. Width540is between 0.10 inches and 0.30 inches, and specifically is between 0.14 inches and 0.26 inches, and more specifically is 0.25±0.1 inches. Interior channel144ahas a first bend542at a first depth544between 0.80 and 1.10 inches, specifically between 0.90 and 1.00 inches, and specifically, 0.96±0.2 inches. A second bend546is located at a second depth548between 1.10 inches and 1.20 inches, specifically between 1.15 inches and 1.18 inches, and more specifically, is 1.17±0.2 inches.

While the current application recites particular combinations of features in the claims appended hereto, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features described herein whether or not such combination is currently claimed, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths, and radii, as shown in the Figures, are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description. In various embodiments, the present disclosure extends to a variety of ranges (e.g., plus or minus 30%, 20%, or 10%) around any of the absolute or relative dimensions disclosed herein or determinable from the Figures.