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WO2008067014A9 - Système de nettoyage pour distribuer automatiquement un agent de nettoyage - Google Patents

Système de nettoyage pour distribuer automatiquement un agent de nettoyage

Info

Publication number
WO2008067014A9
WO2008067014A9 PCT/US2007/079181 US2007079181W WO2008067014A9 WO 2008067014 A9 WO2008067014 A9 WO 2008067014A9 US 2007079181 W US2007079181 W US 2007079181W WO 2008067014 A9 WO2008067014 A9 WO 2008067014A9
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
drain
cleaning
pump
constructed
kit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2007/079181
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2008067014A2 (fr
WO2008067014A3 (fr
Inventor
Edward L Paas
Original Assignee
Johnson & Son Inc S C
Edward L Paas
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Johnson & Son Inc S C, Edward L Paas filed Critical Johnson & Son Inc S C
Publication of WO2008067014A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008067014A2/fr
Publication of WO2008067014A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008067014A3/fr
Publication of WO2008067014A9 publication Critical patent/WO2008067014A9/fr

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/12—Plumbing installations for waste water; Basins or fountains connected thereto; Sinks
    • E03C1/126—Installations for disinfecting or deodorising waste-water plumbing installations

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a cleaning system for automatically dispensing a cleaning agent, and more particularly, to a drain cleaning system and kit constructed to automatically introduce a cleaning agent into a drain system.
  • Drain systems are generally connected between a fluid dispensing fixture and a drain or waste handling system such as a sewer or septic system.
  • a U-shaped trap commonly referred to as a P-trap
  • the P-trap maintains a fluid barrier between the fixture and the connected waste system to prevent the egress of gases from the waste system into the facility via the fixture.
  • the P-trap also prevents the passage of certain solid materials, such as jewelry or the like, into the waste system and provides a relatively convenient point of recovery for such items.
  • the P-trap also has a tendency to collect solid waste materials, such as hair and soap residue.
  • Another solution involves the introduction of a drain-cleaning tool, often referred to as a "snake” or “plumbers snake” into the drain system.
  • a drain-cleaning tool often referred to as a "snake” or “plumbers snake”
  • a screen must be removed from a drain inlet to allow the snake to be introduced to the drain system. Skilled operation of the snake is often required to ensure efficient removal or break-up of the obstruction.
  • Another, means of drain cleaning involves the introduction of a drain cleaning agent into the drain system.
  • the drain cleaning agent is often chemical agents tailored to dissolve the material of the obstruction. These agents are often introduced to the blockage by introducing the agent to the fixture experiencing the inadequate drainage.
  • Such cleaning strategies require a user to maintain a quantity of the cleaning agent in a stored location for usage in the event of a blockage.
  • Such cleaning agents are also frequently only introduced to the drain system after a problem or blockage has occurred.
  • Such application allows the blockage to fully propagate thereby making the blockage that much more difficult to remove. Consequently, clearing the blockage with such agents often requires considerable amounts of the agent or more than one treatment of the agent. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a drain cleaning system that automatically and intermittently cleans a drain system to prevent blockage.
  • the present invention is directed to an automatic cleaning system that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.
  • One aspect of the present invention includes an automatic cleaning system having a reservoir for containing a cleaning material and a pump fluidly connected to the reservoir for dispensing the cleaning material to a drain.
  • a controller is connected to the automatic cleaning system for controlling operation of the pump.
  • a further aspect of the automatic cleaning system includes a collar constructed to engage the drain for sealingly connecting the pump to the drain. Another aspect defined the controller as configured for controlling any one of or combination of a time of operation of the pump, the duration of operation of the pump, and an amount of the cleaning material introduced to the drain.
  • a further aspect of the cleaning system includes a container constructed to support the reservoir and fluidly connect the reservoir to the pump. It is also appreciated that the controller as a timer.
  • Another aspect of the invention discloses a drain cleaning kit.
  • the kit includes a pump constructed to introduce an amount of a cleaning material to a drain and an adapter for fluidly connecting the pump to a drain.
  • a further aspect of the kit defines the adapter as one of a P-trap having a waste inlet, a waste outlet, and a cleaning material inlet for connecting to the pump for replacing a P-trap of the drain or a clamp constructed to engage the drain for forming an opening in the drain for fluidly connecting the pump to the drain.
  • the clamp is snap fittingly connected to the drain.
  • Another element of the kit is a seal constructed to be disposed between the clamp and the drain for forming a sealed connection with the pump.
  • the kit further includes a support constructed to receive a replaceable container of cleaning material or a container of cleaning material.
  • a support constructed to receive a replaceable container of cleaning material or a container of cleaning material.
  • An addition of the kit is a flexible conduit for fluidly connecting the pump to an amount of cleaning material and the drain.
  • the kit also preferably includes a controller for controlling any combination of an amount of cleaning material delivered, a time of introduction of the cleaning material to the drain, a duration that cleaning material is delivered to the drain, pump operation, a pump rate, or a pump stoke.
  • Yet another aspect of the invention includes a drain cleaning system having a container, delivery means, and a controller.
  • the container is configured to accommodate an amount of a drain cleaning agent and the delivery means moves the drain cleaning agent to a drain.
  • the controller controls operation of the delivery means to periodically deliver a desired amount of the drain cleaning agent to the drain.
  • Fig. 1 is an automatic cleaning system in place on a drain according to the present invention
  • Fig. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an automatic cleaning system according to the present invention
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an adapter of the automatic cleaning system shown in Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 4 is a top view of the adapter shown in Fig. 3;
  • Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the adapter shown in Fig. 3 being positioned about a drain
  • Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an opposite side of the adapter shown in Fig. 3 being positioned about the drain;
  • Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the adapter shown in Fig. 3 sealingly positioned about a drain;
  • Figs. 8 and 9 show the formation of a fluid passage through the adapter shown in Fig. 3;
  • Figs. 10-12 are perspective views of the connection of a fluid conduit with the adapter shown in Fig. 3;
  • Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the automatic cleaning system shown in Fig. 2 connected to a drain system;
  • Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an adapter for use with the automatic cleaning system shown in Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an automatic cleaning system according to the present invention with a solution container removed therefrom; and
  • Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 15 with the solution contained fluidly connected to the drain system.
  • FIG. 1 shows an automatic cleaning system 10 according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • Automatic cleaning system 10 is fluidly connected to a drain system 12 and includes a container or reservoir 14, a delivery means including a pump assembly 16 and a conduit 18, and an adapter 20.
  • Reservoir 14 is constructed to hold an amount of a cleaning material, or solution 22. Understandably, reservoir 14 may be replaceable or refillable to maintain a desired or operable amount of the cleaning solution 22.
  • Pump assembly 16 is fluidly connected to a discharge end 24 of reservoir 14.
  • a battery 26 powers pump assembly 16 to transfer solution 22 from reservoir 14 to drain system 12.
  • pump assembly 16 could be provided with an electrical connection such that the pump could be powered by an external power supply. It is further envisioned that pump assembly 16 could be constructed to be contained within reservoir 14 or submerged in solution 22.
  • Pump assembly 16 includes a controller 28 connected to a pump 25 and constructed to control the operation of the pump such that the pump delivers a desired amount of solution 22 to drain system 12.
  • a fitting 30 fluidly connects a discharge end 32 of pump 25 to conduit 18.
  • Conduit 18 extends between fitting 30 and another fitting or coupler 34 connected to adapter 20 and fluidly connects reservoir 14 to adapter 20.
  • Controller 28 may be configured to control any one of a time of operation of the pump, the duration of operation of the pump, a pump stroke, an amount of cleaning material introduced to the drain system 12, or a pump rate, to deliver a desired amount of agent at a desired time to the drain system.
  • Pump assembly 16 further includes a number of indicators 35 configured to indicate the operating condition of pump assembly 16.
  • Indicators 35 may be any of audible, tactile, or visual indicators and may indicate the amount of solution 22 in reservoir 14, the condition of battery 26, or the operating condition of controller 28.
  • Indicators 35 may be visual, such as a number of lights or light emitting diodes, audible, such as a tone or series of tones, or tactile, such as a vibration indication, and/or any combination thereof. Regardless of the operating modality, indicators 35 are configured to communicate operating condition information to a user.
  • Adapter 20 includes a waste inlet 36, a waste outlet 38, and a cleaning agent or solution inlet 40.
  • Solution inlet 40 includes a valve 42 constructed to prevent the flow of fluid from inside drain system 12 from flowing toward cleaning system 10.
  • a pair of collars 44, 46 secure adapter 20 to drain system 12 in a sealed manner.
  • Adapter 20 is generally U-shaped and is commonly referred to as a P-trap. As shown in Fig. 1, connection of cleaning system 10 to drain system 12 can be expedited by replacing the conventional single inlet, single outlet P-trap of a drain system with adapter 20 and connecting the conduit and pump assembly to the adapter.
  • FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of a cleaning system 50 according to the present invention.
  • Cleaning system 50 includes a replaceable or refillable container or reservoir 52, a support 54, a conduit 56 and an adapter 58.
  • Support 54 includes a pump 60 and a controller 62 configured to control operation of the pump.
  • a control or user input 64 is connected to controller 62 and configured to allow user configuration of the operation of controller 62 and pump 60.
  • a number of indicators 61 provide an indication of the operating condition of cleaning system 50.
  • Support 54 includes a cavity 66 constructed to receive reservoir 52.
  • a cleaning material, agent, or solution 68 contained in reservoir 52 is communicated to pump 60 through support 54.
  • support 54 could be constructed to allow solution 68 to be poured into cavity 66.
  • reservoir 52 is inverted and placed in support 54. In such a configuration, support 54 is constructed to automatically perforate reservoir 52 to fluidly connect reservoir 52 and pump 60.
  • Conduit 56 includes a first connector 70 and a second connector 72 constructed to fluidly connect pump 60 of support 54 and adapter 58.
  • adapter 58 is constructed to toollessly engage a drain system 12.
  • Adapter 58 includes a body 74 that extends between a first clip 76 and a second clip 78.
  • Body 74 is flexible to allow a drain pipe 80 of drain system 12 to pass between first clip 76 and second clip 78.
  • Each of first clip 76 and second clip 78 include a toothed interface 82, 83, respectively, constructed to be operatively engaged with one another.
  • toothed interfaces 82, 83 operatively engage one another to secure body 74 of adapter 58 about drain pipe 80 of drain system 12.
  • a gasket or seal 88 is positioned about a portion of an interior surface 90 of body 74.
  • a fitting 92 extends from body 74 proximate seal 88 and is constructed to engage second connector 72 to fluidly connect conduit 56 and adapter 58.
  • a passage 94 extends through fitting 92 and seal 88. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, fitting 92 and passage 94 are constructed to accommodate the passage of a drill bit 96 through the passage to form an opening into the flow path 98 of drain pipe 80. Having formed a hole through drain pipe 80, passage 94 is fluidly connected to the flow path 98 of drain pipe 80.
  • fitting 92 includes a threaded surface 100 constructed to engage connector 72 to fluidly connect conduit 56 and passage 94.
  • Connector 72 includes a valve 102 or back flow preventer constructed to allow the passage of fluid between drain pipe 80 and conduit 56 only in the direction indicated by arrow 104.
  • Such a construction prevents fluid that passes through drain pipe 80 from flowing into conduit 56.
  • connector 72 is constructed to engage fitting 92 and snugly engage adapter 58.
  • connector 72 engages adapter 58 such that a collar 106 of connector 72 is tight against adapter 58.
  • Such a construction ensures a sealed connection between conduit 56 and drain pipe 80 and prevents the passage of fluid contained in drain pipe 80 or conduit 56 to atmosphere.
  • connector 72 and adapter 58 is constructed to engage in a compression arrangement such that a ferrule and adjoining surfaces provide a sealed connection between conduit 56 and drain pipe 80.
  • cleaning system 50 is activated by user manipulation of an input 64. Actuation of input 64 primes pump 60 and initiates the automatic cleaning of drain pipe 80 according to the dispensing protocol as controlled by controller 62.
  • Support 54 is further provided with a view window 108 configured to allow a user to visually inspect the contents of reservoir 52 to determine when reservoir 52 needs replacement or refilling.
  • Support 54 may be provided with an optional alert or other indication providing an acoustic or visual indicator that fluid reservoir 52 should be exchanged or refilled.
  • Fig. 14 shows another embodiment of an adapter 110 for use with cleaning system 10. Similar to adapter 20 and unlike adapter 58, adapter 110 includes all of the perforations necessary for fluidly connecting automatic cleaning system 10 to a waste water flow path 112. Adapter 110 is provided as a drain stem or tailpipe 114 configured to cooperate with the construction of a drain assembly 116 associated with the fixture. Drain assembly 116 includes a drain housing 118 shaped to cooperate with a contour 120 of a fixture 122. Plumbers putty or a gasket 124 is disposed between an underside of drain housing 118 and fixture 122. Another optional gasket 126 and a nut 128 engage drain housing 118 from an underside 130 of fixture 122.
  • Adapter 110 is constructed to be fluidly connected to drain housing 118 and includes a first inlet or waste inlet 132, an outlet or waste outlet 134, and a second inlet or cleaning agent inlet 136 disposed therebetween.
  • Cleaning agent inlet 136 is constructed to engage cleaning system 10 and fluidly connect conduit 56 to waste water flow path 112 in a sealed manner.
  • adapter 110 may be provided as other drain assembly components such as a drain drop tube having a generally uniform and continuous construction from the interface with contour 120 to a P-trap.
  • Drain cleaning system 140 includes a removable container 142 constructed to engage a housing 144.
  • Housing 144 includes a first portion or section 146 and a second portion or section 148.
  • first and second housing portions 146, 148 are constructed to snap-fittingly engage one another such that a portion of a drain 150 is disposed therebetween.
  • a pair of tabs 152, 154 positioned on generally opposite sides of housing 144 is configured to secure first portion 146 to second portion 148.
  • a zip tie or other bifurcated connector could be provided to secure alternate portions 146, 148 of housing 144 to one another about drain 150.
  • a passage 155 is formed through first portion 146 of housing
  • housing 144 and provides a guide for a perforation tool 156 provided with cleaning system 140.
  • a user passes perforation tool 156 into passage 155 and rotated perforation tool 156 relative to housing 144 thereby forming an opening in drain 150 that is substantially aligned with passage 155.
  • Housing 144 is secured to drain 150 such that a sealed interface 158 is formed therebetween. Once an opening is formed in drain 150 proximate passage 155, container 142 is aligned with passage 155 and fluidly connected thereto to dispense the cleaning agent contained therein to drain 150 in a sealed manner.
  • Cleaning system 140 includes a delivery means or a controller 160 and a pump 161 configured to dispense a desired amount of cleaning agent to drain 150 at desired intervals.
  • Cleaning system 150 includes a number of indicators 162, 164, 166 that indicate the operating status of cleaning system 150.
  • Indicators 162, 164, 166 may be configured to indicate the amount of cleaning agent remaining, a power condition, an error condition, and/or a selected dosage. It is further appreciated that indicators 162, 164, 166 be provided as either optical indicators, such as light emitting diodes (LED's), acoustic indicators such as tone or sequences of tones, and/or tactile indicators such as vibrations of the like. Understandably, each of these indication modalities may have applications or uses that are more preferred to others.
  • LED's light emitting diodes
  • acoustic indicators such as tone or sequences of tones
  • tactile indicators such as vibrations of the like. Understandably, each of these indication modalities may have applications or uses that are more preferred to others.
  • cleaning system 150 is operated inside a vanity cabinet, it may be more preferred to provide an audible or tactile indicator of as to the operating condition of system 150.
  • audible or tactile indicator of as to the operating condition of system 150.
  • pedestal sink applications it may be more desired to provide a visual or other silent condition indicator.
  • a readily assessable condition indicator other than the visual inspection of container 142.
  • one or more of cleaning systems 10, 50, 140 and one or more of adapters 20, 58, 110 be provided as a kit such that the cleaning system can be tailored to the individual users preference. It is further envisioned that such a kit include an amount of cleaning agent.
  • the cleaning agent can be provided as a refill material or as a replacement cartridge.
  • the cleaning agent can be configured as one of more of enzyme based, bleach based, caustic based, depilatory based, or solvent based as the situation or application may demand. That is, it is appreciated that each of the cleaning agents has attributes and drawbacks that may make each agent more or less applicable to one or more types of applications. It is further appreciated that the agent containers can be configured to provide a desired amount of the cleaning agent at desired intervals.
  • each of drain cleaning agent systems 10, 50, 140 provide a highly functional drain cleaning system that can be quickly and efficiently integrated into a variety of drain assemblies and configurations.
  • an automatic cleaning system includes a reservoir, a pump, and a controller.
  • the pump is fluidly connected to the reservoir for dispensing a cleaning material contained in the reservoir to a drain.
  • the controller controls operation of the pump to provide automatic dispensing of the cleaning material to the drain.
  • Another embodiment of the invention includes a drain cleaning kit having a pump constructed to introduce an amount of a cleaning material to a drain and an adapter for fluidly connecting the pump to the drain.
  • a further embodiment of the invention includes a drain cleaning system having a container for containing an amount of a drain cleaning agent and delivery means for moving the drain cleaning agent to a drain.
  • a controller for controlling operation of the delivery means periodically delivers a desired amount of the drain cleaning agent to the drain.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
  • Feeding, Discharge, Calcimining, Fusing, And Gas-Generation Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de nettoyage automatique (10, 50,140) qui comprend un réservoir (14, 52) destiné à contenir un produit de nettoyage (68), une pompe (25, 60, 161), et un conduit (56) pour connecter de manière fluide le réservoir (14, 52) à un système (12, 80, 116) devant être nettoyé. Le système de nettoyage (10, 50, 140) comprend une unité de commande (28, 62, 160) pour distribuer automatiquement une quantité du produit de nettoyage (68) au système (12, 80, 116) devant être nettoyé.
PCT/US2007/079181 2006-09-22 2007-09-21 Système de nettoyage pour distribuer automatiquement un agent de nettoyage WO2008067014A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US84644206P 2006-09-22 2006-09-22
US60/846,442 2006-09-22

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008067014A2 WO2008067014A2 (fr) 2008-06-05
WO2008067014A3 WO2008067014A3 (fr) 2008-07-24
WO2008067014A9 true WO2008067014A9 (fr) 2008-09-25

Family

ID=39432576

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2007/079181 WO2008067014A2 (fr) 2006-09-22 2007-09-21 Système de nettoyage pour distribuer automatiquement un agent de nettoyage

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2008067014A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104389336A (zh) * 2014-11-17 2015-03-04 三明兴业科技（天津）有限公司 带有定量释放菌群装置的楼宇下水管道防堵塞系统
ES1211013Y (es) * 2018-03-26 2018-07-17 Martinez Miguel Angel Garrido Dispositivo ambientador desatascador automatizado para cespol de fregaderos, lavabos o similares
ES2676736B2 (es) * 2018-02-12 2019-08-09 Barbecho Sergio Jimenez Dispositivo desatascador y de limpieza de desagües
WO2020170256A1 (fr) * 2019-02-24 2020-08-27 Tel Hashomer Medical Research Infrastructure And Services Ltd. Système sanitaire antimicrobien
USD1069584S1 (en) 2023-01-27 2025-04-08 InSinkErator LLC Bottle for disposer fluid injection assembly

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3623167A (en) * 1970-02-16 1971-11-30 Marius H Syrenne Sanitary dispensers
US4893361A (en) * 1987-12-22 1990-01-16 Burns Paul H Drain trap ultrasonic vibration cleaning apparatus
DE4220230C2 (de) * 1992-06-20 1995-04-20 Erlen Elektrotechnik Elektroni Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Abtötung von pathogenen Keimen in sanitären Einrichtungen

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2008067014A2 (fr) 2008-06-05
WO2008067014A3 (fr) 2008-07-24

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