Patent ID: 12227932

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification. All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about,” in the context of numeric values, generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result). In many instances, the term “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Other uses of the term “about” (e.g., in a context other than numeric values) may be assumed to have their ordinary and customary definition(s), as understood from and consistent with the context of the specification, unless otherwise specified.

Although some suitable dimensions, ranges, and/or values pertaining to various components, features and/or specifications are disclosed, one of skill in the art, incited by the present disclosure, would understand desired dimensions, ranges, and/or values may deviate from those expressly disclosed.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It is to be noted that in order to facilitate understanding, certain features of the disclosure may be described in the singular, even though those features may be plural or recurring within the disclosed embodiment(s). Each instance of the features may include and/or be encompassed by the singular disclosure(s), unless expressly stated to the contrary.

A ligature mitigation drain will now be described with references inFIGS.1-14. Turning to the drawings, where the reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several figures, attention is first directed toFIG.1where a top perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown, illustrating its composition and the apparatus is generally indicated by reference character100. Ligature mitigation drain100comprises an outer ring102, inner ring104and termination ring106. Termination ring106is located inside of inner ring104and inner ring104is located inside of outer ring102, and configured so the top surface of each ring is flush with one another. Further, outer ring102and inner ring104are configured to create at an outer opening or gap130around inner ring104, which allows water or other such liquid to travel into said outer opening130, through drain100, and out the bottom of drain100into a drainpipe. Further, inner ring104and termination ring106are configured to create an inner opening or gap132around termination ring106, which provides additional drainage capability of drain100. Individually, outer opening130and inner opening132each allow liquid flow at rate of at least 2.5 gallons-per-minute (gpm), or 5 gpm combined, in order to meet building code requirements in many states, even if one of the openings is clogged with debris. If desired, termination ring106may further comprise termination opening134formed therethrough (and centrally located in the current embodiment) to provide additional drainage. In part, termination ring106is secured to inner ring104by an interference or transition fit and inner ring104is secured to outer ring102by an interference or transition fit, that is, all three rings are press fit together (see alsoFIG.8).

Turning toFIG.2, a cross section of an embodiment of the present invention along line2-2ofFIG.1is shown. Outer ring102further comprises at least one first post opening110formed therethrough the side of outer ring102of which a post116is secured through by an interference or transition fit. Inner ring104further comprises at least one second post opening120formed therethrough. Termination ring106also further comprises at least one third post opening122formed therein and located in-line with a second post opening120of inner ring104and also in-line with a first post opening110of outer ring102, enabling post116to extend through first post opening110, second post opening120, and third post opening122, thereby further securing outer ring102, inner ring104and termination ring106together and maintaining the top surface of each ring remains in-line with one another. In the current embodiment there are 3 first post openings110, 3 second post openings120, and 3 third post openings122. Each first post opening110in outer ring102is in the side of the ring (first cylindrical base160described below), located along the perimeter thereof and each is located equidistant from at least one other first post opening110. Likewise, each second post opening120on inner ring104is in the side of the ring (second cylindrical base164described below), located along the perimeter of the ring and located equidistant from at least one other second post opening120. In addition, each third post opening122on termination ring106is on the side of the ring (second ridge180described below), located along the perimeter of the ring and positioned equidistant from at least one other third post opening122.

Outer ring102further comprises at least one extension124, preferably 3, each located in-line with a first post opening110(first post opening110is formed through extension124, seeFIGS.3-4), wherein each extension124extends from the inner perimeter of outer ring102toward inner ring104, ultimately touching the exterior of inner ring104, ideally creating an interference or transition fit with inner ring104. Each extension124along with the interior perimeter of outer ring106and exterior perimeter of inner ring104create each outer opening130, thereby allowing liquid drainage through outer opening130. Likewise, Inner ring104further comprises at least one extension126(seeFIG.5) located in-line with second post opening120(second post opening120is formed through extension126) and extends from the inner perimeter of inner ring104toward termination ring106, ultimately touching termination ring106, ideally creating an interference or transition fit. Each extension126along with the interior perimeter of inner ring104and exterior perimeter of termination ring106define inner opening132, thereby allowing additional liquid drainage. As mentioned earlier, drain100is secured together by post116. Post116extends through a first post opening110in outer ring102, through outer ring102, extension124, second post opening120, inner ring104, extension126, into third post opening122(and thus into termination ring106). Post can be secured by known methods including interference fit, interference fit, or adhesive. Post116could also be a screw with the first post opening110, second post opening120, and third post opening122it extends through being threaded to operate with said screw threads. Outer ring102, inner ring104, and termination ring106may be made of any rigid or semi-rigid materials like plastic or metal, such as aluminum, copper, or stainless steel (or a composition of multiple materials).

Turning back toFIG.1, outer ring102further comprises at least one countersunk first aperture108formed therethrough the top surface of outer ring102. In the preferred embodiment three countersunk first apertures108are formed in outer ring102which allow a screw (shown inFIG.9as element118) to secure drain100to a drain body210via castle nut200(seeFIG.10). In the preferred embodiment there are 3 countersunk first apertures108configured in a triangular pattern through the top surface of outer ring102and each located between an extension124(3 in the current embodiment). Outer ring102further comprises a first cylindrical base160which further comprises at least one flat section162located along the outer perimeter of first cylindrical base160where each first post opening110is formed. Outer ring102further comprises lip158surrounding the top face and extending perpendicular to and away from first cylindrical base160and configured to allow the top face of outer ring102to lie flush with the top face of the surface surrounding drain body210.

Turning toFIGS.3and4, an exploded view and a side view of an embodiment of outer ring102, inner ring104and termination ring106is shown. Outer ring102further comprises second aperture150formed therethrough and centrally located in outer ring102. Inner ring104further comprises third aperture152formed therethrough, wherein third aperture152is centrally located in inner ring104. In the present embodiment second aperture150of outer ring102and third aperture152of inner ring104and termination ring106are all hexagon shaped of different sizes but they may all comprise other shapes desired including but not limited to circular, square, rectangular and octagonal.

Turning toFIG.5, a bottom view of an embodiment of outer ring102is shown, wherein outer ring102further comprises a profile166extending from the inside wall of first cylindrical base160and extending to second aperture150. Profile166may be angular or curvilinear and at least partially surrounds each extension124and each countersunk first aperture108. Each extension124extends from the bottom of the inside wall of first cylindrical base160to the top of profile166, where it blends into profile166. Turning back toFIG.3, inner ring104further comprises a top face170surrounding third aperture152and connected to a first tapered portion154surrounding the perimeter of top face170and extending downward at an angle to a first ridge172. First tapered portion154extends preferably at a 60 degree angle in respect to top face170, but any angle between 0 and 90 could be utilized if desired. First ridge172is ideally circular and extends around first tapered portion154, and extends perpendicular to and away from inner ring104. First ridge172further comprises at least one flat surface174where each second post opening120is located. Each flat surface174touches a corresponding extension124of outer ring102to create an interference or transition fit of inner ring104with outer ring102. Inner ring104further comprises a second cylindrical base164which extends from, and perpendicular to, first ridge172perpendicular. Second cylindrical base164is a smaller diameter than first tapered portion154.

Turning toFIG.6, a bottom view of an embodiment of inner ring104is shown (at least one first post opening110is not shown). Inner ring104further comprises a profile176extending from the inside wall of first ridge172and extending to third aperture152. Profile176may be angular or curvilinear and partially surrounds each extension126. Each extension126extends from the bottom of the inside wall of second cylindrical base164to the top of profile176, where it blends into profile176.

Turning back toFIGS.3-4, termination ring106further comprises a top face178surrounding termination opening134and is connected to a second tapered portion156surrounding the perimeter top face178and extending downward at an angle to a second ridge180. Second tapered portion156extends preferably at a 60 degree angle in respect to top face178, but any angle between 0 and 90 could be utilized if desired. Second ridge180is ideally hexagon shaped (or a matching shape to that of third aperture152is) with rounded corners and extends around second tapered portion156. Second ridge180further comprises at least one flat surface182where each third post opening122is located. Each flat surface182touches a corresponding extension of inner ring104to create an interference or transition fit of termination ring106with inner ring104. The angles of first ridge172and second ridge180further prevent a person from looking into the drain to determine whether they can create an anchor point, making it more difficult to utilize drain100for potential self-harm.

Turning toFIG.7, a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of termination ring106is shown (at least one third post opening122is not shown). Termination ring106further comprises a cylindrical base184which extends from second ridge180perpendicular to and away from top face178and is smaller in diameter than second ridge180. Cylindrical base184further comprises at least one rivet114extending from the bottom thereof and configured to secure a washer112(seeFIG.3) to drain100. Termination ring106is taller than outer ring102and about the same height as inner ring104.

As mentioned earlier, inner ring104is configured to secure inside outer ring102wherein second aperture150of outer ring102and first tapered portion154of inner ring104define and create outer opening130. Further, termination ring106is configured to secure inside inner ring104wherein second tapered portion156of termination ring106and third aperture152of inner ring104define and create inner opening132. Turning toFIG.8, a bottom view of an embodiment of outer ring102, inner ring104, and termination ring106stacked on top of each other before being press fit together is shown, illustrating how each ring fits together.

Turning toFIG.9, a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Drain100further comprises a washer112and at least one rivet114, wherein rivet114secures washer112to termination ring106and puts washer112in communication with base164of inner ring104. Washer112makes it more difficult for a person to pick drain100or wedge material around inner ring104or termination ring106of drain100(via outer opening130, inner opening132, or termination opening134) to create an anchor point for self-harm. Washer112is circular in shape with a diameter at least equal to that of the bottom diameter of inner ring104and comprises at least one fourth aperture140formed therethrough, preferably 3. Each fourth aperture140is curvilinear in shape and configured to order to allow liquid to flow through washer112via inner opening132. In addition, washer112may further comprise a central aperture142formed therethrough and centrally located in washer112may also be present in order to allow additional liquid drainage via termination opening134. Further, each fourth aperture140is located equidistant between the outer edge of washer112and the outer edge of central aperture142and arranged around central aperture142but could be located in any desired location. In the preferred embodiment two rivets114are used to secure washer112to termination ring106and are located in-line with one another and on either side of central aperture142.

Drain100prevents ligature device attachment in multiple ways, the first is through outer opening130. Initially, first tapered portion154of inner ring104guides a ligature device fed into the top of outer opening130away from inner opening132or termination opening134, first tapered portion154obscures a user's view when looking down into drain100, and inner ring104is taller (or thicker) than inner ring102, thus making it more difficult for a user to feed the ligature device back through inner opening132, termination opening134, or an opposing section of outer opening130in an attempt to utilize inner ring104or termination ring106as an anchor point. In addition, feeding a ligature device through inner opening132is also thwarted for a few reasons. First, washer112blocks and obfuscates a ligature device from threading down or up through washer112out of or into inner opening132. Second, second tapered portion156guides a ligature device away from termination opening134and into the bottom of washer112(a dead end), thereby effectively stopping the ligature device from any traveling further and pooling or curling around washer112. Third, second tapered portion156acts as a visual block to a user trying to understand where outer inner opening132may lead. Effectively, outer opening130extends a first distance, inner opening132extends a second distance, and termination opening134extends a third distance, where which each distance is a different amount, greatly reducing or eliminating the ability of a user to use drain100as an anchor point for a ligature device as ligature devices like a rope/etc. will not hold its shape enough to snake through openings of different heights easily.

Turning toFIG.10, an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Drain100may further comprise a castle nut200which is cylindrical in shape and includes threading208configured to allow castle nut200to screw into the interior threads212of a drain body210, which may already be installed in a surface and connected to a drainpipe214. Castle nut200is configured to operate with common sizes of drainpipe, such as 2 inch diameter, however any size could be made as desired to operate with a specific drain. Castle nut200further comprises at least two notches206formed along the top edge of nut200, and configured to receive a castle nut wrench (seeFIG.11), which allows castle nut200to be screwed into a drain body210. It is preferable that castle nut200is screwed into drain body210to a depth that allows the top surface of drain100to lie flush with the top surface of drain body210, creating a watertight seal with drain body210. Castle nut200can be configured to screw into virtually any drain body, such as for example an Oatey® 140 Series or Ferguson® PF-140NC branded body. Castle nut200further comprises at least one flange202with a threaded opening204formed therethrough and configured to align with a countersunk first aperture108of outer ring102, thereby allowing outer ring102, inner ring104and termination ring106to attach to castle nut200. Once castle nut200is secured in drain body210, then outer ring102, inner ring104and termination ring106(already assembled together) can be secured to castle nut200(and thus secured to drain body210) by lining up each countersunk first aperture108with a threaded opening204and fastening a screw118through each first aperture108and opening204combination. It is preferable to utilize tamper resistant screws, such as security or star shaped screws. Once each screw118is tightened, the threads208of castle nut and the threads212of drain body opening204are further forced to touch thereby creating a tighter seal and requiring a greater amount of torque to unscrew drain100(in addition to a special shaped screwdriver), making it more difficult to tamper with drain100for ligature device attachment.

Turning toFIG.11, a front view of an embodiment of castle nut wrench220is shown. Castle nut wrench220comprises a rectangular body with a protrusion224extending from each end, wherein each protrusion is configured to connect with a notch206of castle nut200. Wrench220allows a person to rotate castle nut200to secure it into a drain body210with internal threading212. Further, wrench220may further comprise orifice222formed therethrough and configured to receive a flathead screwdriver, or similar, to more easily allow a person to install or un-install castle nut200from drain body210.

Turning toFIG.12, a front view of an embodiment of thread key300is shown. Thread key300is used to determine the thread type, fine thread or coarse thread, of threads212of a drain body210that is already installed to a drainpipe214. Once the thread type of a drain body210is known, castle nut200can be configured with the matching/compatible fine or coarse thread type of drain body drain body210threading212so castle nut200(and thus drain100) can be retrofitted into an existing drain body210. Thread key300is generally rectangular in shape and comprises a first end312, a second end314, a first side316and a second side318. First side316further comprises at least one first tooth306and at least one fine space320located on at least one side of each first tooth306wherein each first tooth306is configured to fit in-between the threads208of a drain body210when threads208are fine. The at least one first tooth306is triangular shaped and may be cut into first side316. Turning toFIG.13, an enlarged detail indicated by line13-13ofFIG.12is shown. Each fine space320from one side of first tooth306to the adjoining side of a second first tooth306which defines space320is about 60 degrees. In the current embodiment there are ten (10) first teeth306located adjacent to first end312located in-line along first side316, but any number of first teeth and fine spaces may be utilized. Thread key300also comprises a symbol308located on at least one face of thread key300which indicate that at least one first tooth306and at least one fine space320are configured to align with a fine thread. In the current embodiment symbol308is the letter “F”. Second side318further comprises at least one second tooth302and at least one coarse space322located on at least one side of each second tooth302wherein second tooth302is configured to fit in-between the threads208of a drain body210when threads208are coarse. At least one second tooth306is trapezoidal shaped and may be cut into second side318. Turning toFIG.14, is an enlarged detail indicated by line14-14ofFIG.12is shown. Each coarse space322from one angled side of second tooth302to the adjoining side of a neighboring second tooth302which defines space322is about 29 degrees. In the current embodiment there are seven (7) second teeth302located adjacent to first end312located in-line along second side318, but any number of first teeth and fine spaces may be utilized. Thread key300also comprises a symbol304located on at least one face of thread key300which indicate that at least one second tooth302and at least one fine space322are configured to align with a coarse thread. In the current embodiment symbol304is the letter “C”. Thread key300may further comprise a passage310formed therethrough and centrally located near second end314, configured to allow secure thread key300to a structure, such as a keyring. Thread key300, wrench220, post116, castle nut200, and washer112may be made of any rigid or semi-rigid materials like plastic or metal, such as aluminum, copper, or stainless steel. Likewise, post116, castle nut200, and washer112may also be made of an

A method for installing a drain comprises the steps of: determining the thread type of a drain body, screwing a castle nut with a matching thread type into the drain body, placing a drain on top of the drain body, extending a fastener through the at least one opening in the outer ring of the drain and the at least one opening in the castle nut, and tightening the fastener to secure the drain and castle nut together so the top surface of the drain and the top surface of the drain body are flush. In addition, the step of determining the thread type of a drain body may further comprise using a thread key to determine if a drain body is a coarse or fine thread type.

While the present invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.