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US 12,181,056 B2Granted
Passive backflow prevention apparatus and associated toilet system and method
OwnerA Shane Alcorninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A passive backflow prevention apparatus includes a tubular base that has a non-planar end defining an opening. The passive backflow prevention apparatus also includes a flap assembly that includes a non-planar flap. The passive backflow prevention apparatus further includes a hinge that pivotably couples together the tubular base and the flap assembly such that the flap assembly is pivotable from an open position, in which the non-planar flap of the flap assembly is disengaged with the non-planar end to enable a fluid, flowing in a first direction, through the opening, to a closed position, in which the non-planar flap of the flap assembly is engaged with the non-planar end to prevent a fluid, flowing in a second direction, through the opening.
Claims18
A passive backflow prevention apparatus comprising:
- a tubular base, comprising a non-planar end that defines an opening, wherein the tubular base further comprises a circumferential recessed ledge at a second end of the tubular base, the second end is opposite the non-planar end;
- a flap assembly, comprising a non-planar flap;
- a hinge, pivotably coupling together the tubular base and the flap assembly such that the flap assembly is pivotable from an open position, in which the non-planar flap of the flap assembly is disengaged with the non-planar end enabling a fluid, flowing in a first direction, through the opening, to a closed position, in which the non-planar flap of the flap assembly is engaged with the non-planar end preventing a fluid, flowing in a second direction, through the opening;
- and
- a funnel, comprising an annular rim, a non-converging portion, and a converging portion which is interposed between the annular rim and the non-converging portion, wherein the non-converging portion sits in the circumferential recessed ledge.
2 more elements
A passive backflow prevention apparatus comprising:
- a tubular base, comprising a non-planar end that defines an opening;
- a flap assembly, comprising a non-planar flap;
- a hinge, pivotably coupling together the tubular base and the flap assembly such that the flap assembly is pivotable from an open position, in which the non-planar flap of the flap assembly is disengaged with the non-planar end enabling a fluid, flowing in a first direction, through the opening, to a closed position, in which the non-planar flap of the flap assembly is engaged with the non-planar end preventing a fluid, flowing in a second direction, through the opening;
- and
- a funnel, comprising an annular rim, a non-converging portion, and a converging portion which is interposed between the annular rim and the non-converging portion, wherein the tubular base is coupled to the non-converging portion such that the tubular base is a seamless extension of the non-converging portion.
2 more elements
A toilet system, comprising:
- a toilet;
- a toilet flange, comprising a receptacle and toilet-engaging slots, wherein the toilet flange is attached to the toilet;
- a passive backflow prevention apparatus, positioned between the toilet and the toilet flange, the passive backflow prevention apparatus comprising:
- a funnel, comprising an annular rim, a non-converging portion, and a converging portion, which is interposed between the annular rim and the non-converging portion;
- a tubular base, coupled to the non-converging portion of the funnel and comprising a non-planar end that defines an opening;
- a flap assembly, comprising a non-planar flap and a float fixed to the non-planar flap;
- and
- a hinge, pivotally coupling together the tubular base and the flap assembly such that the flap assembly is pivotable from an open position, in which the non-planar flap of the flap assembly is disengaged with the non-planar end, to a closed position, in which the non-planar flap of the flap assembly is engaged with the non-planar end,
- wherein:
- when positioned between the toilet and the toilet flange, at least a portion of the funnel, at least a portion of the flap assembly, and at least a portion of the hinge are positioned in the receptacle of the toilet flange;
- when the flap assembly is in the open position, a fluid, flowing in a first direction, through the toilet flange and away from toilet, is flowable through the opening;
- and
- when the flap assembly is in the closed position, a fluid, flowing in a second direction, through the toilet flange and toward the toilet, is not flowable through the opening.
10 more elements
A method of installing a toilet system, the method comprising steps of:
- coupling a toilet flange to a drain pipe;
- attaching the toilet flange to a floor;
- inserting a passive backflow prevention apparatus into a receptacle of the toilet flange such that a flap assembly of the passive backflow prevention apparatus passes through and is at least partially positioned within the receptacle of the toilet flange and the drain pipe, wherein the flap assembly is pivotable, within at least a portion of the receptacle and the drain pipe, from an open position to a closed position;
- and
- attaching a toilet to the toilet flange such that a wax ring of the passive backflow prevention apparatus is sandwiched between and forms a fluidic seal against the toilet flange and the toilet.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.