Abstract:
A conduit cleaning method and apparatus for connection to a fluid inlet feed line and an outlet drain line utilizes a housing assembly having an inlet portion, an outlet portion, and a bight portion. The inlet and outlet portions have sloped leg sections which provide increased fluid flow through the bight to disperse accumulated debris. Rotatable shafts inside the housing accommodate paddles or jets to facilitate in retrieval or dispersal of obstruction.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for cleaning the fluid flow path in a conduit. The present invention may be utilized to clean drain lines in any application, whether commercial or residential, and is not necessarily limited to sewage systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for clearing a build-up in a trap within a drainage system which may be impeding the flow of fluid from the system discharge. The present invention has an embodiment wherein the dynamic for clearing the flow path is supplied by angular arrangement and orientation of the inlet and outlet piping legs of the apparatus. 
         [0002]    In most drainage systems, traps are provided to catch or collect materials passing through the system. In commercial and residential plumbing systems, traps are used to capture items falling into the drain, so that they do not pass directly through the drain line and into the main sewer system. They are also intended to block sewer gas bleed back into the building. However, the traps often accumulate excessive amounts of debris and build-up blocking the drainage flow through the system. 
         [0003]    Existing devices are cumbersome and ineffective. Many of these “solutions” create other problems for the user, including actually interfering with the drainage flow when not in operation. Any device which restricts the full volume flow through the bight of a trap when not in use potentially will cause more problem than it solves. 
         [0004]    The present invention provides embodiments to maintain a clean flow passage. In one embodiment, the design of the inlet and outlet passages provides unique flow characteristics so that the device has a self cleaning action. The design of the approach angle of the device and the exit angle of the outlet portion of the device is critical to the self cleaning nature of a trap. A typical trap system is generally U-shaped and has inlet and outlet piping that is substantially vertical in relation to the bight of the trap body. Fluid flowing into the conventional trap tends to migrate to the inside center of the pipe. When this happens, the inflowing fluid loses its ability to carry solids effectively. Furthermore, when the inflowing fluid reaches the substantially horizontal section of the trap or the bottom on the U-shape, the inflowing fluid has lost much of its energy and thus allows solids to remain in the bottom or nadir, of the trap. The present invention maximized the solids carrying ability of the inflowing and outflowing fluid. The inlet leg of one embodiment is designed to redirect the flow of the inflowing fluid and, thus, cause solids in the flow path turbulently to mix with the fluid so that solids may be removed efficiently as the fluid and solids exit the trap device. 
         [0005]    A further feature of the present design is the recessed trap area at the nadir of the trap. Since the incoming fluid flow has been directed by the angle of the inlet leg, an area of turbulence near the bottom of the trap is created that tends to “float” or maintain the dispersion of the solids so that the solids may be easily discharged through the angular outlet leg portion of the device. It should be further understood that the shape of the flow path is important to the removal of the solids. The present design provides a round or oval cross-section of the entire fluid flow path in the trap, which creates maximum flow efficiency. One trap design, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,385,799, utilizes parallel sides and a somewhat rectangular cross-section. Those skilled in the art will understand that parallel sided conduits create “dead” areas of lost flow energy which result in less turbulence and inefficient solids removal from the trap. 
         [0006]    In yet another embodiment, the user is able to rotate a cleaning or object retrieval member through the trap assembly bight without removing the trap body from connected plumbing and to position the cleaning or object retrieval member such that the full volume flow through the bight diameter is not restricted when the member is not being rotated through the flow path. The present invention may be manually operated or attached to a sensor system having a mechanism to periodically rotate the cleaning member either based simply on a selected time interval or dependent upon pressure or flow rate characteristics within the drain system. Additionally, the present invention provides an embodiment wherein the cleaning member rotates on a common journal with a fluid-driven power wheel or electric motor. 
         [0007]    Another unique feature of the present invention is that the device is transparent or translucent to allow the user to observe the condition of the trap to observe when cleaning may be required. This transparency or translucency also allows the user to observe an object dropped into the drain so it can be retrieved or otherwise removed. 
         [0008]    Another unique feature of the present invention provides for the application of a hydrophobic material which reduces the surface tension of the internal conduit which reduces the friction between the conduit wall and the fluid which improves its solids carrying efficiency. 
         [0009]    Another unique feature of the present invention provides for the application of an antibacterial material which will prevent the growing of bacteria in the trap area which can impede the fluid flow. 
         [0010]    Further yet, it has been found that the cleaning of the flow path may be facilitated by disposing a fluid jet adjacent the nadir of the flow path. Several embodiments of this “jet trap” are disclosed herein. 
         [0011]    While the present invention is described and illustrated in a preferred embodiment within a plumbing/sewer environment, it will be understood that the present invention could be adapted for use in industrial situations where product in a pipeline periodically may need to be flushed or wiped from the pipeline. In such situations, the present invention may not function as a trap, but rather as an inline cleaning or clearing apparatus. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates a prior art, well-known drain trap which may be connected to a sink and a drain line. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  shows a side elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention as it would be connected to a fluid inlet feed line and an outlet drain line. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention with a rotation member at a first position inside the housing assembly. The rotation member is shown in broken lines in a next position moving toward an object or debris in the nadir of the trap. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , wherein the object or debris has been scooped onto the rotation member and is being retrieved through the inlet using a hook or appropriate tool. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  shows the side elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , wherein the debris is being dispersed by the inflowing fluid from the inlet leg of the device. The debris is flowing out the outlet leg. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  shows one embodiment of the present invention with a sensing system connected to rotate the rotation member as appropriate. Further illustrated are weir distances maintained by the structural arrangement of the elements of the embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective of one embodiment of the present invention showing the two sections of the housing assembly, the rotation member, a one-direction ratchet mechanism, and a rotation knob. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a front elevation in cross-section of one embodiment of the present invention having an extended common journal which may be connected to a fluid turbine or electric motor to drive the rotation member. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is an illustration of a plumbing configuration for one embodiment of the present invention having a fluid jet mechanism. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  shows a partial cross-sectional view of a rotatable fluid jet mechanism disposed within the housing assembly. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention having a non-rotatable fluid jet mechanism. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  illustrates in side elevation cross-section a fluid jet journal of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  illustrates an end view cross-section of the jet journal of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a side elevation view of one embodiment of the fluid jet mechanism of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  shows a side elevation view of yet another of the fluid jet mechanism of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0027]      FIG. 1  illustrates a typical (prior art) drain trap  10  which attaches to a sink and drain line (not shown). The trap  10  has a U-shaped configuration with a generally vertical inlet  12  and outlet  14  piping leg sections each having a longitudinal axis L 1  and L 2  extending therethrough. Between the vertical legs  12  and  14 , in the bight  16  of the trap is a region H 1 , where there is a low energy of flow of water through the trap. The water flow WF into the bight from inlet leg  12  is focused in the center section of the leg and when it reaches the bight considerable flow energy has been lost. Thus in the conventional trap, debris falling to the nadir of the bight does not experience much agitation or turbulence. This is a reason for the development of clogs and build-ups which obstruct the flow of fluid through the trap. 
         [0028]    A basic embodiment  20  of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 2  in a side elevation view attached to an inlet feed line  21  and an outlet drain line  23 . It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that standard piping and conduit structures may be used to form the present invention. Circular or oval tubing may be utilized. A split housing assembly  22  may be made of rugged plastics or other suitable materials. The housing assembly may be transparent or translucent to improve the visibility of the conditions inside the housing assembly  22 . ( FIG. 7  illustrates the two halves  22 A and  22 B of the housing  22 .) 
         [0029]    The apparatus  20  is also provided with a tubular inlet portion  24 , a tubular outlet portion  26 , and a bight portion  28  connecting the inlet portion and the outlet portion thus forming a fluid flow path through the apparatus  20 . An inlet connector member  30  has a standard threaded coupling  32  at a first end for attachment to a complementary coupling on the inlet feed line (not shown). The inlet connector member has a generally vertical orientation when attached to the inlet feed line and a longitudinal vertical axis L 3  extends through the central tubular section of the inlet connector member. This short vertical connector member  30  enables the present invention to easily replace existing conventional traps. Member  30  allows for proper plumbing alignment and for the insertion of the inlet feed line into the connector member  30  for proper pipefitting. 
         [0030]    Unlike the conventional trap  10 , apparatus  20  has a sloped inlet leg portion  34  extending from a first end  36  at the connector member  30  to a second end  38  at the bight portion  28 . The inlet leg portion  34  is tubular with a circular or oval cross-section. A longitudinal axis  4  extends through the central part of the inlet leg portion at an inclined or sloped angle A. While improved operation may be achieved with low approach angles (greater than approximately 5°), it is believed that significant improvement is obtained with an inclined or sloped angle A in the range of from approximately 15° to a range of approximately 35° from the vertical longitudinal axis L 3  of the inlet connector member  30 . Maximum efficiency may be achieved when angle A is approximately 20°. 
         [0031]    Apparatus  20  further has a unique sloped outlet leg portion  40  extending from a first end  41  at an outlet connector member  33 . The outlet connector member  33  is similar to the inlet connector member  30  and has a thread coupling  35  for attachment to a complementary coupling on the outlet drain line (not shown). The outlet connector member  33  has a generally vertical orientation when attached to the outlet drain line and a longitudinal vertical axis L 5  extends through the central tubular section of the outlet connector member  33 . As with the inlet connector member  30 , the outlet connector member  33  allows for plumbing alignment and for insertion of the outlet drain line into the connector member  33  for proper pipefitting. 
         [0032]    Outlet leg portion  40  is tubular with a circular or oval cross-section. A longitudinal axis L 6  extends through the central part of the outlet leg portion at an inclined or sloped angle B. Again, there is improvement even when angle B is low (greater than about 5°). Significant improvement may be achieved with angle B in the range of from approximately 15° to a range of approximately 35° from the vertical longitudinal axis L 5  of the outlet connector member  33 . Maximum efficiency may be achieved when angle B is approximately 20°. 
         [0033]    This simple, but unique, angular configuration and arrangement of the inlet and outlet leg portions of the apparatus  20  provides for enhanced flow dynamics within the housing and especially the bight, thereby reducing buildups in the flow path of the device. 
         [0034]    Turning to  FIGS. 3 and 7 , one embodiment of the present invention includes a rotation member  54  within the chamber  46  of the housing assembly Member  54  moves an object or debris  61  from the bight up into the fluid flow path in inlet leg portion  34 . As would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, one end  57  of the journal  56  extends through a journal opening in the side of first housing half  22 A. The opening  62  is provided with journal bearing shoulder an appropriate seals to support the journal  56  and prevent leakage around the journal. A rotation hub or handle  60  may be affixed to the journal to assist the user in rotating the member  54 . The opposite end  59  of the journal  56  is appropriately supported and sealed in a support shaft bearing shoulder  68  in the second housing half  22 B. 
         [0035]    It should be further understood that the end  59  of journal  56  could be extended to project through the housing wall of half  22 B, the housing wall provided with appropriate seals and bearings so as to enable the rotation member  54  to be rotated or driven on either side of the housing assembly  22 . 
         [0036]    The rotation member  54  has a plurality of spaced apart teeth  70  extending radially from the journal  56 . Teeth  70  shovel, scrape or scoop debris or buildup from the flow path in the bight of the apparatus. A paddle member  80  is also provided on the rotation member  54 . Paddle  80  may be rigid or flexible as it extends radially from the journal  56 . The paddle trails the teeth  70  and, in operation, may wipe the inner bight walls during rotation moving loosened sludge or buildup out of the chamber  46  and into the inlet leg portion  34 .  FIG. 3  illustrates the movement of rotation member  54 , teeth  70 , and paddle  80  from a first position (out of the flow path) to a position near an object or debris  61 . The rotation of member  54  is one-direction movement (shown in  FIG. 3  as clockwise) from the outlet portion  26  toward the inlet portion  24 . The direction of rotation ensures that large objects or undispersed debris are not inadvertently urged toward the outlet drain line thereby potentially causing a blockage or plug which is outside of the reach or range of the rotation member. By moving debris toward the inlet portion, the fluid flow energy breaks up the debris into small segments allowing it to be more easily flushed from the apparatus. 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  shows a situation where the object or debris  61  has been scooped and moved to another position within the apparatus  20  at the inlet leg portion  34 .  FIG. 4  illustrates the use of an appropriate tool  90  to retrieve the object or debris by fishing downwardly through the inlet feed line into the inlet leg portion  34 . 
         [0038]    As previously discussed, the one-direction rotation of member  54  moves debris into the inlet leg portion  34  exposing the debris to the high energy fluid flow HF created by the angular configuration of the leg portions  34  and  40 .  FIG. 5  shows the debris dispersed as smaller segments  61   a . Segments  61  are moved by the turbulence generated in the fluid flow path. There is a reduced likelihood of large clumps of debris moving outside the reach or range of the member  54 . If a large clump is presented, it may be fished out of the path as shown in  FIG. 4 . Once the object or debris is removed from the flow path, rotation member  54  is further rotated (clockwise) to the start or rest position shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0039]    One-directional rotation is provided by the use of a ratchet mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Although a number of alternative mechanisms may be used, such as slip clutches and engaging dents,  FIG. 7  illustrates a simple two-part ratchet  72 . A number of projections  72  may be formed into the outer surface of housing half  22 A which cooperates with ratchet teeth  72   b  on ratchet hub  73 . Projection  72  may be on a separate plate affixed to the housing. Teeth  72   b  are sloped on one side and generally straight on the opposite side (as is well-known in the art) to allow the ratchet hub  73  to easily rotate in one direction (here clockwise) and restricting rotation in the counter direction. 
         [0040]    Rotation of member  54  may be accomplished manually or automatically.  FIG. 6  shows a schematic diagram of a sensor system connected to the present invention to activate a rotation device RD connected to the rotation member  54  within the housing.  FIG. 6  shows two sensors in the system which causes the member  54  to rotate through the path described above. The first is a pressure or flow sensing probe PS inserted into the inlet portion  24  of the housing  22 . The probe senses when a predetermined pressure or flow rate has been reached (indicating a restriction in fluid flow through the apparatus  20 ) and activates a motor or other driver RD through a pressure transducer PT. In combination, or in the alternative, a timer T may be attached to the rotation device (motor/driver) RD to periodically activate the motor/driver to rotate the member  54  within the chamber  46 . The timer system has the advantage of activating the operation of the apparatus before large buildups are accumulated. It should be understood that the operation of the apparatus may be achieved manually by using the hub  60  itself to rotate the journal. 
         [0041]      FIG. 6  also illustrates that the apparatus  20  of the present invention meets generally accepted plumbing codes. For example, a uniform code may state that each fixture trap shall have a water seal of not less than two (2) inches (51 mm) and not more than four (4) inches (102 mm) except where a deeper seat is found necessary by the authority having jurisdiction for special conditions or for special designs relating to handicapped accessible fixtures. In the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 6 , two locations must be taken into account when meeting the requirements of such uniform plumbing codes: 
         [0042]    a) Weir  1  (W 1 ) distance D: must be maintained to provide the minimum of 2 inches of water seal depth should the paddle  80  not seal in the upper chamber portion  46   a  or if the paddle is “parked” in a position that does not effect a seal in the upper chamber portion  46   a;    
         [0043]    b) Weir  2  (W 2 ) distance D 2  must be maintained to provide a maximum of 4 inches of water seal depth should the paddle  80  seal in the upper chamber portion  46   a  either intentionally with a seal such as a gasket or unintentionally by buildup of debris between the paddle  80  and the housing wall. Thus, unlike some prior art devices, the present invention meets the uniform codes. 
         [0044]      FIG. 8  illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention  230  in cross-section. The housing  232  for the rotation member  254  is adapted to include a power housing section  233 . In  FIG. 8 , the plastic housing halves are molded with the power housing section integral with the cleaning member housing section. The axle or rotation journal  256  is extended to include a turbine support journal portion  257  on which is secured a turbine or power wheel member  259 . The extended journal is provided with appropriate  8  support bearing  290 . the power housing section  233  is provided with an inlet portion  261  and an outlet port  263 . A driving fluid (liquid or gaseous) may be injected into inlet port  261  into power chamber  265  causing the turbine wheel  259  to rotate as the driving fluid is discharged through outlet port  263 . As the wheel  259  rotates, the journal turbine  257  rotates rotating the axle or rotation journal  256  and the rotation member  254 . One of ordinary skill in the art will understand the construction of a turbine or power wheel  259  as having fins or blades  280  extending radially from the wheel body  282  and positioned to convert the incoming energy from the driving fluid F to rotational energy at the turbine journal  257 . 
         [0045]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , an alternative driver could be a motor M appropriated coupled to the journal  257 . In many applications of the  FIG. 8  embodiment, the driving fluid is water which is flowing through the power housing  233 , out of outlet port  263 , and to a tub or shower. The drain from the tub or shower would have its drain line attached to the inlet feed line of the housing. Thus, it may only be appropriate to rotate the cleaning member when the tub/shower is being utilized and water is draining from the tub/shower. In such an application, the water being used for the tub/shower is the same water which is driving the turbine wheel and rotating the cleaning member. 
         [0046]    It has been further found that the rotation member inside the housing may be a fluid injection member (or jet) disposed adjacent the nadir of the bight portion.  FIGS. 9-15  illustrate various jet designs. 
         [0047]      FIG. 9  shows a plumbing configuration for one embodiment of the jet mechanism of the present invention. The jet-trap mechanism  100  is connected between the sink drain  102  and the drain line  104  by suitable couplings  103  and  105 . The jet-trap housing assembly  122  contains and supports a jet shaft  106 . Shaft  106  may be rotatable or non-rotatable as discussed below in relation to  FIGS. 10-13 . A fluid (typically water; but in some applications, it may be another liquid or a gas) is provided to the shaft  106  which injects the fluid into the housing  122 .  FIG. 9  shows the shaft being supplied water from the cold supply line  108 , but, again, hot water supply line  110  could be utilized. If potable water is supplied, a check valve or back flow valve  112  must be provide in accordance with uniform codes. 
         [0048]    A jet-trap water feed line and valve  114  is taken off the supply feed and directed to the jet-trap control valve  116 . From control valve  116 , the water enters the shaft  106  in housing  122  through jet-trap supply line  118 . As will be described in more detail below, the shaft  106  primarily injects fluid into the bight area from the direction of outlet side of the mechanism  100 . This ensures that the excess supplied fluid volume may drain out the outlet side while unclogging is attempted. 
         [0049]      FIG. 10  illustrates an elevation view of an embodiment of the jet design of the present invention in cross-section. This embodiment has a rotatable shaft member  106 . One of ordinary skill would understand that the shaft  106  is supported and sealed inside the housing  122  by appropriate bearing housings  120  and seals  121 . The front end  130   a  of the shaft  106   a  extends through the front bearing housing and is provided with a hub  160  to rotate the shaft  106 . As described above, rotation may be achieved manually or automatically. Jet-trap supply line  118  feeds fluid into shaft inlet  140  which communicates with a central vein or conduit  142  in the shaft  106 . Fluid is discharged into the bight portion of the apparatus  100  from jet ports  144  arranged radially around the shaft  106 .  FIG. 13  shows an end cross-sectional view of one arrangement of jet ports  144 . 
         [0050]    The rotatable shaft  106  may be provided with a one-direction ratchet mechanism described above to restrict rotation in the direction from the outlet side to the inlet side of the mechanism  100 . 
         [0051]    Some plumbing codes restrict moving parts in a drain trap.  FIG. 11  illustrates a non-rotatable jet shaft  106 . A vein plug  132  is inserted into vein  142  so that a common shaft may be employed in both rotatable and non-rotatable jet shafts. 
         [0052]    A more detailed drawing of the jet shaft  106  is shown in  FIG. 12 . The shaft is provided with O-ring grooves  145 . When a rotation device is used to rotate the shaft, thread  147  may be provided in conduit  142 . A splice member  149  is also utilized when necessary. 
         [0053]    Other embodiments of the present invention are shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . The tubed jet-trap  160  of  FIG. 14  is a simple addition to any drain trap to prevent debris from settling in the bight portion. An adaptor connection  171  is attached to the inlet feed line  21 . The adapter has a collar  172  to retain the neck section  173  of a jet tube  174 . Tube  174  extends downwardly through the inlet portion  24  of the trap  160  into the bight portion  28 . Jet ports  176  are provided at the distal end  177  of the tube to inject jet-supply fluid into the bight portion  28  to dislodge and disperse any clog. It will be noted that the jet tube injects fluid at the nadir of the trap near the bottom of any clog or buildup. Thus, injection from the inlet side of the trap is usually effective. 
         [0054]      FIG. 15  illustrates another jet mechanism  180 . Adjacent the bight portion  28 , an inlet nipple  181  is provided in the wall of the housing  22  in fluid communication with the bight portion. Appropriate plumbing is provided to supply jet-supply fluid through the nipple  181  into the housing. A valve  182  (may be rotatable or non-rotatable) is disposed inside the housing and in fluid communication with the nipple  181 . The valve may be constructed similar to the shaft  106  discussed above. A discharge nozzle  183  may be directed at any clog in the bight portion  28  to inject fluid to disperse an obstruction. The nozzle  183  may be rotated to various angular positions to cut and remove debris which may settle in the bight portion. Again, because the fluid is injected at the nadir near the bottom of the clog, the direction of injection may be from the inlet direction to the outlet direction. 
         [0055]    All of the embodiments discussed and described above provide a method for cleaning the fluid flow path between an inlet feed line and outlet drain line. The method includes providing an apparatus having a housing assembly forming a chamber with angular inlet and outlet leg portions having longitudinal axes extending therethrough at a sloped angle greater than about 5°, preferably in the range from approximately 15° to approximately 35°, or more preferably at approximately 20°, from the vertical as described above. The apparatus may be further provided with 1) a rotatable member disposed within the housing rotatable only in a direction from the outlet leg portion to the inlet leg portion or 2) a fluid injection member disposed within the housing adjacent the nadir of a bight portion of the housing. The method further includes the steps of attaching the apparatus in fluid communication with the inlet feed line and the outlet drain line. 
         [0056]    Although the invention has been described with reference to a specific embodiment, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. On the contrary, various modifications of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications, alternatives, and equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.