Combination P-trap, shutoff switch and cleanout fitting

Abstract

A combination P-trap, shutoff switch and cleanout fitting for installation in a drain line has a hollow generally cylindrical body with a central chamber, an integrally formed tubular inlet and outlet, and a removable cap with a depending float switch which is disposed in the chamber. The float switch is electrically connected between the thermostat and air handler unit. The inlet conducts liquid from a drain pan into the lower portion of the chamber beneath a partition and the outlet conducts water from the upper portion of the chamber into the downstream portion of the drain line. When the surface of the liquid in the chamber is above the partition the device functions as a P-trap to prevent backflow of undesirable gases and odors from downstream being drawn up through the drain line by the air conditioner recirculation fan and entering into the system. As long as the float switch is in a lowermost or intermediate position, power is supplied to the thermostat, and the air conditioner operates in a conventional manner. When the downstream portion of the drain line becomes obstructed, the level of liquid in the chamber and the float rises above the intermediate level to close the switch and interrupt the circuit to the thermostat, thereby shutting off the air conditioner and preventing the accumulation of further liquid in the drain pan which might otherwise overflow and damage ceilings, walls, and flooring. The cap and float switch can be removed to clean the chamber and/or blow the upstream or downstream portions of the drain line clear of the obstruction.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.