Abstract:
The present invention provides a method and device for preventing the formation of deposits in a drainage system ( 100 ). The device ( 10 ) includes a container ( 12, 212 ), connected by a flexible cord ( 20 ) to a stopper ( 22 ). An antimicrobial composition ( 24 ) is placed in the container and the container is inserted into a drain opening ( 102 ). The container moves to the bottom of the trap ( 106 ) of the drainage system. The container is preferably located at least partially beneath the water or drainage fluid ( 110 ) in the bottom of the trap. The cord and stopper prevent the container from moving beyond the trap. The cord and stopper allow for removal of the container from the drainage system, once the composition has been fully dispensed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     “This application is a divisional of copending application Ser. No. 09/845,629 filed on Apr. 30, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,538.” 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     (1) Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for preventing the formation of deposits in a drainage system. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method wherein a device containing a composition having an antimicrobial compound is positioned in the trap of a drainage system. The device is removable from the drainage system once the antimicrobial compound has been dispensed. 
     (2) Description of the Related Art 
     The drainage fluid created by the food industry contains a variety of substances which can create clogs in the associated drainage system. In particular, where sugars and refrigerated water are present in the drainage fluid such as with drainage systems connected to beverage dispensers and ice bins, yeast tends to grow in the trap of the drain where the drain fluid collects. The constant source of water and sugar in the trap creates an ideal environment for yeast to grow. As the yeast grows, it forms long chains or ropes which clog the drainage system. 
     In the past, the methods for providing antimicrobial compositions into a drain for preventing the formation of deposits involved either pouring a liquid or inserting a solid into the drain opening. However, in drains having a continuous drainage flow, the liquids and solids tended to be moved out of the drain quickly limiting their long term effectiveness. 
     The related art has shown various devices for dispensing disinfecting and/or deodorizing materials into drains. The devices are placed in, over or adjacent to the entrance of the drain such that the drainage fluid entering the drain flows over the device and thus, the drainage fluid is disinfected and/or deodorized. Illustrative are U.S. Pat. No. 3,112,499 to Thornton; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,019,346 and 5,312,624 to Richter et al and U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,415 to Van Vlahakis et al. 
     Thornton describes a device for disinfecting and/or deodorizing waste pipes. The device is mounted through the opening in the waste pipe. The device includes a tubular support with an integral head (flange). The disinfecting and/or deodorizing material is in solid form and is located within the tubular support. The integral head rests on the grid adjacent the opening in the waste pipe and prevents the device from completely entering the waste pipe and allows the device to be removed from the waste pipe. The disinfecting and/or deodorizing material is activated by water and other drainage fluid flowing around and through the device into the waste pipe. 
     The Richter et al patents describe a drain sanitizing article. The article includes a housing having a cavity within which is positioned the chemical sanitizer. A handle is connected to the housing. A tear strip facilitates the removal of a portion of the housing which allows the drainage fluid to contact the chemical sanitizer. The article is placed at the opening of the drain and sanitizes the water entering the drain to reduce food borne diseases. 
     Van Vlahakis et al describes a dispenser assembly for use in dispensing a urinal block composition. The dispenser assembly is placed in a fluid receptacle in such a manner that the chemical is supported above the normal fluid level. When the fluid level in the fluid receptacle rises, or turbulence in the receptacle is high, this fluid is able to make contact with the exposed undersurface of the urinal block. The fluid-soluble chemicals of the urinal block composition then dissolve in a preselected quantity into the receptacle area. 
     However, none of the above devices are intended to inhibit the growth of deposits in the drainage system. Further, none of the above devices are intended to be used in the trap of a drainage system to provide for dispensing the material primarily in the trap of the drainage system. 
     Also of interest is U.S. Pat. No. 644,142 to Mulherin which describes a trap having a receptacle formed at the lower end of the U-shaped trap. The receptacle includes a germicide or disinfecting material. To insert the germicide or disinfecting material, the receptacle is removed from the trap. However, this invention requires modification of the trap of the drainage system. The invention also requires outside access to the trap. 
     There remains the need for a device which allows an antimicrobial compound to be positioned in the trap of a drainage system to prevent the formation of deposits in the drainage system and which can be easily inserted and removed from the drainage system. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a method and device for preventing the formation of deposits in a drainage system. The device includes a container, an antimicrobial composition with a flexible cord extending between the container and a stopper. The antimicrobial composition is placed in the container and the container is inserted into an opening of the drainage system adjacent the trap. The container moves through the drainage system to the bottom of the trap. The container is preferably located at least partially beneath the water retained by the trap. The size of the stopper prevents the stopper from entering the opening of the drainage system and prevents the container from moving beyond the trap. The cord and stopper also allow for removal of the container from the drainage system, once the composition has been fully dispensed. 
     The present invention relates to a device for use in a drainage system having a trap to prevent clogging of the drainage system which comprises: a container having porous walls; a compound located in the container for inhibiting growth of microorganisms in the drainage system which can clog the drainage system; a flexible member connected to the container for removing the container from the drainage system; and a stop means connected to the flexible member to prevent the flexible member from completely entering the drainage system to allow for removal of the container from the drainage system. 
     Further, the present invention relates to a method for preventing clogging of a drainage system having a trap, which comprises the steps of: providing a device for use in a drainage system to prevent clogging of the drainage system which comprises: a container having porous walls; a compound located in the container for inhibiting growth of microorganisms in the drainage system which can clog the drainage system; a flexible member connected to the container for removing the container from the drainage system; and a stop means connected to the flexible member to prevent the flexible member from completely entering the drainage system to allow for removal of the container from the drainage system; inserting and positioning the container having the composition into the drainage system such that the container is in the trap of the drainage system; and removing the container from the drainage system by grasping the stop means and pulling the container from the drainage system once the composition is no longer effective in preventing the formation of the microorganisms. 
    
    
     The substance and advantages of the present invention will become increasingly apparent by reference to the following drawings and the description. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage dispensing machine  108  showing the device  10  of the first embodiment positioned in the trap  106  of the drainage system  100 . 
     FIG. 2 is a front view of the container  12  of the first embodiment. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container  212  of the second embodiment showing the package  218  having the composition  24 . 
     FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a trap  106  of a drainage system  100  showing the device  10  of the first embodiment positioned in the trap  106  of the drainage system  100 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The device  10  of the present invention is intended to be used in the trap  106  of a drainage system  100 . The drainage system  100  preferably includes a drain opening  102  with a trap  106  directly adjacent the opening  102  of the drainage system  100 . In the preferred embodiment, the drain opening  102  is a floor drain which receives drainage fluid  110  from a beverage dispensing machine  108  and preferably condensation from an ice bin  112  (FIG.  1 ). The device  10  could also be used in an air conditioning run off drain. The device  10  can be used in any drainage system  100  having a low point where the drainage fluid  110  collects such that deposits can grow. The drainage fluid  110  preferably includes sugar and refrigerated or cold water such that yeast can grow. The sugars are preferably a result of the beverages while the refrigerated water can be provided either from melting ice in the beverage dispensing machine  108  or condensation from the ice bin  112  for the beverage dispensing machine  108 . 
     The device  10  includes a container  12  or  212 , an antimicrobial composition  24 , a flexible cord  20  and a stopper  22 . In the first embodiment, the container or pouch  12  is constructed of a porous, fabric material which is durable and does not degrade in water or drainage fluid  110 . The container  12  is preferably constructed of fine mesh cloth. The composition  24  is inserted into the container  12  and the container  12  is sealed around the perimeter. The container  12  is preferably disposable. The container  12  can be of any size. In the second embodiment, the container  212  has an outer wall  212 A forming a hollow, inner chamber  212 C. The composition  24  is positioned in the inner chamber  212 C of the container  212 . The outer wall  212 A has openings  212 B which allows the drainage fluid  110  to flow into the inner chamber  212 C of the container  212  and into contact with the composition  24 . The container  212  preferably has top and bottom end caps  214  and  216 . At least one (1) of the end caps  214  or  216  is removable to allow for insertion of the composition  24  into the inner chamber  212 C of the container  212  (FIG.  3 ). The outer wall  212 A of the container  212  is preferably constructed of a plastic, polymeric material such as PVC which is durable, lightweight and will not degrade in water or the drainage fluid  110 . In both embodiments, the size and shape of the container  12  and  212  depends on the size (diameter) of the drainage system  100  and the drain opening  102 , the size of the trap  106  and the amount of composition  24  needed to effectively prevent deposit build up in the drainage system  100 . However, a rectangular or cylindrical container  12  or  212  is preferred, since it is generally easier to insert into the drain opening  102  and moves easier through the drainage pipes  104  to the trap  106 . A rectangular or cylindrical shape also allows for insertion of a larger amount of the composition  24  into the drainage system  100 . In both embodiments, the container  12  or  212  holds about 30 grams of the composition  24  for a standard drain. In the second embodiment, the container  212  has a diameter of about 1.0 inches (2.54 cm) and a length of about 4.0 inches (10.2 cm). The composition  24  is preferably in a powder, granular or solid form. In the second embodiment, if the composition  24  is in a powder or granular form, the composition  24  is preferably provided in an inner, porous package or pouch  218 . The inner package  218  can be similar to the container  12  of the first embodiment and is preferably constructed of a porous material which will not degrade in the water or drainage fluid  110 . The amount of composition  24  and the type of composition  24  used depends on a number of factors including the intended environment of application, i.e. the volume of drain flowage over time, the temperature of the drain flowage, the hardness of the contact water, the specific composition used and the concentration of other constituents (i.e. hardeners). The composition  24  is preferably an antimicrobial composition containing an antimicrobial compound or material. The composition  24  is preferably a slow release composition which is released upon contact with water or other drainage fluid. The composition  24  preferably inhibits the growth of microorganisms in the drainage system  100  and particularly the trap  106 . In the preferred embodiment, the composition  24  prevents the growth of yeast in the drainage system  100  caused by sugars and cold water of the drainage fluid  110 . Preferably, the composition  24  includes a quaternary ammonium compound having anti-yeast and anti-fungal properties such as the quaternary microbiocide B10-800 which contains 14.6% by weight N-Alkyl(C 14  50%, C 12  40%, C 16  10%)dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride and 21.8% by weight didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride. However, the composition  24  could include any material or compound which is capable of inhibiting yeast such as chlorine, cycloheximide, potassium sorbate or sodium benzoate. 
     The flexible cord  20  has opposed ends  20 A and  20 B and is attached at one (1) end  20 A to one (1) end of the container  12 . In the first embodiment, the cord  20  is secured through a hole  12 A in the end of the container  12 . In the first embodiment, the hole  12 A is not in communication with the composition  24 . In the second embodiment, the cord  220  is attached through a hole  214 A in the top end cap  214  of the container  212 . In the preferred embodiment, the cord  20  is attached to the container  12  or  212  such that when the container  12  or  212  is inserted and removed from the drainage system  100 , the container  12  or  212  moves essentially along the longitudinal axis of the drain pipe  104 . Thus, even if the container  12  or  212  is laying on its side in the trap  106 , the cord  20  will easily move the container  12  or  212  into an upright position such that the container  12  or  212  can be easily removed from the trap  106  and the drain pipe  104 . The cord  20  is constructed of a durable material which will not degrade in water or other drainage fluid  110 . The cord  20  is preferably a plastic coated rope. However, the cord  20  could be constructed of any flexible material such as nylon. The cord  20  could also be a chain. The cord  20  must be flexible such as to move around the curve of the trap  106  into the low point in the trap  106  and to easily pull the container  12  or  212  from the trap  106 . The length of the cord  20  depends on the distance from the drain opening  102  to the low point in the trap  106  of the drainage system  100 . The length of the cord  20  is such that the container  12  or  212  can be positioned in the water or other drainage fluid  110  in the trap  106  while the opposite end  20 B of the cord  20  extends beyond the drain opening  102 . Preferably, the container  12  or  212  is positioned in the trap  106  such that the container  12  or  212  is at least partially submerged in the water or other drainage fluid  110  remaining in the trap  106  when the drainage fluid  110  is not flowing and such that the drainage fluid  110  can flow around and through the container  12  or  212  when the drainage fluid  110  is flowing (FIG.  4 ). 
     The stopper  22  is provided at the opposite end  20 B of the cord  20 . The stopper  22  is of a size such that the stopper  22  can not fit into the drain opening  102 . In the preferred embodiment, the stopper  22  is a hollow ring having an outer diameter greater than the diameter of the drain opening  102 . The center opening of the hollow ring is preferably of such a size as to allow a user to grasp the ring to use the ring as a handle to remove the container  12  or  212  from the drainage system  100 . 
     To use the device  10 , a drain cover (not shown), if present, is removed from the drain opening  102 . Next, the container  12  or  212  is inserted into the drain opening  102 . While the container  12  or  212  is moving down through the drain pipe  104 , the user maintains a hold on the stopper  22  and preferably the cord  20 . The container  12  or  212  moves downward through the drain pipe  104  until it has reached the bottom or low point of the trap  106 . The user then tightens up on the cord  20  and pulls on the cord  20  slightly to ensure that the container  12  or  212  is not resting fully on the bottom of the trap  106  such as to optimize the amount of surface area of the container  12  or  212  which is in contact with the drainage fluid  110  in the trap  106  and flowing through the trap  106  (FIG.  4 ). In another embodiment, the distance between the drain opening  102  and the trap  106  is predetermined and the cord  20  is either marked to show the depth of entry or is of such a length that when the stopper  22  is adjacent the drain opening  102 , the container  12  or  212  is correctly positioned in the trap  106 . The container  12  or  212  is positioned in the trap  106  such that the container  12  or  212  and the composition  24  are in contact with the water and other drainage fluid  110  in the trap  106 . Preferably, the container  12  or  212  is positioned such that all of the container  12  or  212  is in contact with the water and other drainage fluid  110  in the trap  106 . The positioning of the container  12  or  212  in the water and other drainage fluid  110  in the trap  106  allows the composition  24  in the container  12  or  212  to act continuously to inhibit the growth of microorganisms even when the flow of drainage fluid  110  has stopped. 
     In the preferred embodiment, once the device  10  is correctly positioned in the drainage system  100 , the drain cap is replaced on the drain opening  102 . The stopper  22  on the end  20 B of the cord  20  prevents the cord  20  from completely entering the drain opening  102  and allows for removal of the device  10  from the drainage system  100 . Preferably, the cord  20  and stopper  22  do not interfere with the normal operation or normal configuration of the drainage system  100 . Once the composition  24  is completely dispensed and is no longer effective, the container  12  or  212  is removed from the drainage system  100 . To remove the container  12  or  212 , the user removes the drain cap, if present from the drain opening  102 . The user then grasps the stopper  22  or the cord  20  extending above the drain opening  102  and pulls upward pulling the container  12  or  212  from the drainage system  100 . The flexible nature of the cord  20  allows the container  12  or  212  to be easily removed from the drainage system  100 . In the preferred embodiment, a new device  10  or a recharged device  10  is immediately inserted into the drainage system  100 . In the first embodiment, the entire old or used device  10  can be discarded and the new device  10  inserted into the drainage system  100 . Alternatively, the used container  12  can be removed from the cord  20  and a new container  12  having a full supply of composition  24  can be reattached to the cord  20 . This eliminates the need to replace the cord  20  and stopper  22  each time. In the second embodiment, the top or bottom end cap  214  or  216  is removed from the container  212  and the used composition package  218  is removed and a new composition package  218  is inserted and the top or bottom end cap  214  or  216  is reattached. If a solid composition  24  is used, then the new solid composition  24  can be deposited directly in the inner chamber  212 C of the container  212 . 
     It is intended that the foregoing description be only illustrative of the present invention and that the present invention be limited only by the hereinafter appended claims.