Patent Publication Number: US-2009236001-A1

Title: Drain system for a motor vehicle

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/146,453 filed 22 Jan. 2009 and 61/036,096 filed 13 Mar. 2008, which applications are herein expressly incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     INTRODUCTION 
     The present teachings generally relate to a drain system for a motor vehicle. More particularly, the present teachings relate to a modular sewer drain system for emptying a holding tank of a motor vehicle such as a recreational vehicle (RV). 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Vehicles, including but not limited to recreational vehicles (“RVs” in the United States and “Caravans” in Europe), tractor trailers, airplanes, boats, trains, and the like, often incorporate sanitation systems for the comfort and convenience of the occupants. 
     Waste from the sanitation system may be stored in an on-board collection tank. Various arrangements have been employed for the period emptying of on-board collection tanks to a suitable storage location such as an underground tank or sewer. Examples of such arrangement include flexible hoses that may be stored in an external cabinet on the vehicle. Such hoses are connected to a discharge pipe on the vehicle and then manipulated to connect to an underground storage tank or the like. It is also known to provide a telescoping drain assembly for emptying on-board holding tanks. Such telescoping drain assemblies have proven to reduce associated mess and inconvenience involved with emptying of the holding tank. One example is shown and described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,779,650. U.S. Pat. No. 4,779,650 discloses a rotatable telescoping drain assembly permanently mounted to waste receptacle drain on the underside of a recreational vehicle. The assembly includes a swivel coupling unit attached to an axially extensible flow hose within a telescoping support tube assembly, a tie rod assembly connected to and extending between the tube assembly and the swivel coupling unit, and a discharge spout unit connected to the other end of the telescoping support tube and flow hose assembly which includes an internal valve. The telescoping tube assembly can be relatively telescoped, the swivel coupling relatively swiveled, and the tie rod relatively pivoted to locate the spout into the inlet of appropriate waste storage facility. During travel of the vehicle the discharge spout and drain assembly is supported within an enclosed cabinet mounted on the vehicle. U.S. Pat. No. 4,779,650 is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. While arrangements including those discussed above have proven to be successful for their intended applications, a continuous need for improvement with the pertinent art remains. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one particular aspect, the present teachings provide a drain system for transporting waste from a vehicle to a discharge location located spaced from the vehicle. The drain system may include first, second and third modular components. The first modular component may be adapted to coupling to the vehicle and may define a first male connection. The second modular component may include a waste transfer portion extending between a first end and a second end. The first end may define a first female connection and the second end may define a second male connection. The third modular component may include an angled central portion, a first end and a second end. The first end may define a second female connection. The second end may define a waste discharge end. 
     According to another particular aspect, the present teachings provide a drain system for transporting waste from a vehicle to a discharge location located spaced from the vehicle including a plurality of modular components and a common sealing member. The plurality of modular components interchangeable couple to define a path for transferring the waste from the vehicle to the discharge location. Each component of the plurality of components includes a least one of a male connection and a female connection. The common sealing member selectively seals one of the male connections or one of the female connections. 
     According to yet another particular aspect, the present teachings provide a drain system for transporting waste from a vehicle to a discharge location located spaced from the vehicle. The drain system includes a first component and a second component. The first component defines a waste discharge end. The second component defines a first end having an opening for receiving the waste discharge end of the first component and a second end for interfacing with a tubular intake of the discharge location. 
     Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a drain system for a motor vehicle. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the drain system for a motor vehicle of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a first modular component of the drain system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4A  is a side view of the first modular component of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 4B  is another perspective view of the first modular component of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a portion of a second modular component of  FIG. 1 , the second modular component shown operatively coupled with the first modular component. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the first and second modular components of  FIG. 5  shown prior to coupling. 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are perspective views of a cap in accordance with the present teachings, the cap operative for sealing one or more other components. 
         FIGS. 8A-8E  are various views of a third modular component of the drain system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 9A-9D  are various views of a fourth modular component of the drain system of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS ASPECTS 
     The following description of various aspects of the present teachings is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application or uses. 
     With initial reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a drain system in accordance with the present invention is illustrated and generally identified at reference character  10 . As will become more apparent below, the drain system  10  may provides a user with a system that can be quickly and easily assembled to have various functional capabilities for emptying holding tanks of motor vehicles to a location spaced from the vehicle such as a sewage disposal area. For example, the present teachings may be used to adapt an RV waste holding tank for emptying to a sewer. While particularly adapted for an RV, however, it will be understood that the present teachings are not so limited. In this regard, the present teachings have application for marine vehicles and other situations involving the transfer of waste or wastewater to a disposal area. 
     The drain system  10  may generally include a plurality of modular units or components. The modular components may generally include a first component  100 , a second component  200 , a third component  300 , and a fourth component  400 . The drain system  10  may further include a cap member  250 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2  and additional reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 A and  4 B, the first modular component or unit of the present teachings may comprise an RV fitting  100 . The first modular component  100  may generally function to couple a waste receptacle drain of a vehicle with the second modular component  200 . In this regard, the first modular component  100  may be integrally formed of any suitable material to generally include a first end  102  for coupling to the waste receptacle drain and a second end  104  for coupling to the second modular component  200 . 
     The first modular component  100  fitting may have a radial mechanism design for ergonomic and geriatric considerations. The actuation effort requirement may be low through part geometry and use of a compressible seal  107 . Positive detents  108  may be incorporated to cooperate with the waste receptacle drain and signal that connection has been made. 
     The first modular component  100  may include an integral grip surface. As illustrated, the first portion  102  of the first modular component  100  may include a plurality of radially extending segments  106 . In the embodiment illustrated, the plurality of radially extending segments  106  may include four segments. It will be appreciated, however, that a greater or lesser number of segments may be incorporated. The segments  106  may be equally spaced about the perimeter of the first portion  102  and may be formed to include grip surfaces. The grip surfaces may comprise a plurality of axially extending grooves. 
     The first modular component  100  may optionally incorporate a flex joint (not particularly shown). The flex joint may extend, retract and provide a rotational joint for positioning the next modular unit (e.g., the second modular component  200 ) to be connected. The coupler end may allow for connection in a free state without requiring a specific orientation. It provides an engagement point for the next modular component. The coupler mechanism may enable a user to more easily connect and disconnect the parts without rotation. Such infinite position attachment may create a coupling between parts in their free state with no twisting or bending. The first modular component  100  may have the ability to include many additional modular features but is not limited to a valve, a wash out assembly, a chemical introduction cartridge and a flex joint. 
     The second portion  104  of the first modular component may be generally cylindrical and may define a reduced diameter portion relative to the first portion  102 . The first portion  102  may include a plurality of detents  110 . The detents  110  may be radially spaced about the second portion  104 . The second portion  104  may define a male connection member for coupling with an adjacent modular component (e.g., the second modular component  200 ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the second modular component  200  may extend between adjacent modular components. The second modular component  200  may include, but is not limited to, a macerator, a telescoping tube set, and hose assemblies. These modular units may be coupled into the drain system independently or coupled to function together with a bypass/valve system. The system may allow the user to modify the system depending on a length of stay or particular hook-up. The modular units may remain coupled to each other for storage as a self-contained system. In situations where the user has limited space, the modular units may be decoupled in various lengths/combinations and stowed independently. 
     In the particular embodiment illustrated, the second modular component  200  includes a central hose member or waste transfer member  202 , a first end  204  and a second end  206 . The first end  204  may define a female connection member. The second end  206  may define a male connection member. The first end  204  may incorporate a latching arrangement for coupling to a male connection component of an adjacent modular component. The latching arrangement may be substantially similar to a latching arrangement of the third modular component  300  which is described further below. The male connection member of the second end  206  may be substantially identical to the male connection member of other components (e.g., of the first modular component  100 ) to facilitate variable interconnection between the various components. 
     The waste transfer member  202  may simply include a standard sewer hose. In various embodiments, the waste transfer member  202  may be tubular or flat and may further include a retractable, co-extruded material with or without an exoskeleton for protection and durability. The waste transfer member  202  may contain a plastic helix for improved product performance. An optional exoskeleton may be incorporated. In this regard, a plastic helix may be molded on an outside of a main body of the hose. The main body of the waste transfer member  202  may be formed of a flexible rubber that does not retain its form. The plastic helix may be flexible and form-retaining. 
     The second modular component  200  may include additional features such as a device to warn of a trip hazard, internal sprinkler/chemical introduction system for deodorizing and sanitizing, flow indicator and/or clean out capability. The components and features of this modular unit may be connected by mechanical fastening, chemical bonding or sequential molding. The second modular component  200  may include an optional tote, or be part of the tube set for storage. It may also be included in an integral storage compartment in the vehicle/source. 
     Attachment of the first modular component  100  to the second modular component  200  is shown particularly in  FIGS. 5 and 6 .  FIG. 5  shows the components  100  and  200  as they are connected.  FIG. 6  shows the components prior to connection. The latching of these components will be described further below with respect to the coupling between the second and third modular components  200  and  300  which will be understood to be substantially identical. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the cap member  250  is illustrated. The cap member  250  may be particular adapted for selective engagement with either a male connection component or a female connection component of one of the modular components of the present teachings. In this regard, the cap member  250  may define a first end or male end  252  and a second end or female end  254 . The cap member  250  may be attached to either end of the various modular components to provide sanitary storage. 
     The male end  252  may be sized and configured to be received by a female connection component of one of the modular components. In this regard, an outer diameter of the male end  252  may be formed similar to the male connection end of the various modular components of the present teachings. Conversely, the female end  254  may be sized and configured to be received by a male connection component of one of the modular components. An inner diameter of the female end  254  may be formed similar to the female connection end of the various modular components of the present teachings. Again, the common end wall  256  may serve to block flow through the adjacent modular component. 
     The cap member  250  may be integrally formed of any suitable material. The cap member  250  may be formed to include an integral tether  260  and an integral handle  262 . The handle  262  may radially extend from a main body portion of the cap member  250 . The integral tether  260  may extend about a portion of the periphery of the main body portion and may be secured to the main body portion at spaced apart points. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 8A through 8   e , the third modular component  300  will be described. The third modular component  300  may be a spout/nozzle for interconnecting the second modular component  200  with the fourth modular component  400 . For example, the third modular component  300  may general function for selective and releasably couple a waste transfer component (e.g., the second modular component  200 ) with a sewer adapter (e.g., the fourth modular component  400 ). Alternatively, the third modular component  300  may directly deliver waste to a remote location such as a stationary holding tank or sewer. 
     The third modular component  300  may include a first end  302 , a second end  304  and a central body  306 . The first end  302  may define a female connection component for selectively engaging a male connection component of an adjacent module. The second end  304  may define a waste discharge end. The central body  306  may orientate the first and second ends  302  and  304  at an angle relative to one another. As illustrated, the angle may be approximately 90 degrees. 
     As discussed above, the first end  302  may carry a latching arrangement for coupling adjacent components. The latching arrangement may comprise a universal coupling device that may eliminate the need for rotational attachment, resulting in improved durability and attachment performance. In this regard, the first end  302  may define an opening  308  adapted to receive a male connection component when the male connection component is advanced into the opening  308  in a generally axially direction. 
     The latching arrangement may include one or more cam lever locking mechanisms  312 . In the embodiment illustrated, the latching arrangement includes two substantially identical cam lever locking mechanisms  312 . The locking mechanisms  312  may be positioned on radially opposite sides of the first end  302 . The locking mechanism may include an integrally formed member having a first end or handle  314  and a second end  316 . 
     The first end  314  may be an enlarged, cantilevered end to reduce effort. The first end may be curved to generally follow the adjacent curvature of the third modular component  300 . The second end  316  may be pivotally coupled to the third modular component  300  and may include a cam portion  318  extending into the interior of the first end  302 . The cam portion  318  may be particularly adapted to cooperate with a male connection component of an adjacent modular component to secure the components upon rotation from a first position to a second position. The first position is shown in  FIG. 6 , for example. The second position is shown in  FIG. 5 , for example. To the extent not otherwise described herein, it will be understood that the latching mechanisms cooperate with adjacent male connection components in a conventional manner. 
     The third modular component  300  may be formed to integrally include a handle  320 . The handle  320  may comprise a strap extending between the first end  302  and the central portion  306 . A central portion of the handle may extend generally parallel to an adjacent portion of the third modular component  300 . The central portion may be formed to include grooves or other grip enhancing structure. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 9A-9B , the fourth modular component or sewer fitting  400  will be further described. The fourth modular component  400  may generally function to couple the third component  300  with a remote waste disposal area. As noted above, however, the third modular component  300  may alternatively be coupled directly to a sewer fitting bypassing the fourth modular component  400 . 
     The fourth modular component  400  may generally include a first end  402  defining an opening  404  for receiving the end  304  of the third modular component  300 . The fourth modular component  400  may further generally include a second end  404  defining a plurality of interface features for coupling to various tubular elements. In the embodiment illustrated, the second end  406  may define five integral interface features. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that a greater or lesser number of interface features may be incorporated. The integral interface features of the second end  406  may include a combination of threaded and unthreaded interface features of various diameters. 
     The fourth modular component  400  may additionally incorporate a handle  420 . The handle may be integrally formed with the remained of the fourth modular component  400 . As shown, the handle  400  may radially extend from the first end  402  of the fourth modular component  400 . A rim  422  of the first end  402  may define a depression  424  to assist the user. 
     The above description describes an exemplary construction incorporating the various teachings of the present system  10 . It will now be understood that alternative constructions may incorporate a greater number or a lesser number of modular components. Additionally, it will be understood that the various components may be interchangeable coupled within the scope of the present teachings. Further in this regard, while specific examples have been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalence may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present teachings as defined in the claims. The mixing and matching of features, elements and/or functions between various examples may be expressly contemplated herein so that one skilled in the art would appreciate from the present teachings that features, elements and/or functions of one example may be incorporated into another example as appropriate, unless described otherwise above. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the present teachings without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it may be intended that the present teachings not be limited to the particular examples illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode of presently contemplated for carrying out the present teachings but that the scope of the present disclosure will include any embodiments following within the foregoing description.