Sewage Backup Prevention Device

Abstract

A sewage backup prevention system is disclosed that enables an amount of sewage to exit an opening in a sewer cleanout instead of backing up into a finished portion of a residence or other building. The sewage backup prevention cap has a tapered body, contains no threads and fits loosely around and partially in a branch opening in the sewer cleanout. A backup in the sewer line will cause the sewage backup prevention cap to move upwardly from the branch opening thereby allowing an increasing amount of sewage to exit the sewer line.

Claims

1. A sewer backup prevention device comprising: a sewer cleanout; and a sewer cap comprised of a top ring and a body portion having an integrated air pocket.

2. The sewer backup prevent device as recited in claim 1, wherein the body portion is further comprised of an upper end having a first diameter and a lower end having a second diameter.

3. The sewer backup prevent device as recited in claim 2, wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.

4. The sewer backup prevent device as recited in claim 3, wherein the sewer cleanout is comprised of a branch and a pair of legs.

5. The sewer backup prevent device as recited in claim 4, wherein each of the pair of legs share a common longitudinal axis.

6. The sewer backup prevent device as recited in claim 5, wherein the branch has an upper surface, an opening and a longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the common longitudinal axis.

7. The sewer backup prevent device as recited in claim 6, wherein the top ring of the sewer cap rests on the upper surface.

8. The sewer backup prevent device as recited in claim 7, wherein the body portion is positioned within the opening of the branch.

9. The sewer backup prevent device as recited in claim 8, wherein a flow of an effluent through the pair of legs causes the body portion of the sewer cap to be repositioned.

10. The sewer backup prevent device as recited in claim 1 further comprising a cage.

11. The sewer backup prevent device as recited in claim 10, wherein the cage is positioned over the sewer cap and is attached to the sewer cleanout

12. The sewer backup prevent device as recited in claim 9 further comprising a sensor that is capable of sensing a movement of the sewer cap.

13. The sewer backup prevent device as recited in claim 12, wherein the sensor comprises a transmitter in wireless communication with a remote device.

14. A sewer cleanout cap comprising: a top ring having a first diameter; and a body portion having an upper end having a second diameter, a lower end having a third diameter, and an integrated air pocket, wherein the sewer cleanout device is devoid of a thread.

15. The sewer cleanout cap as recited in claim 14, wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter and the third diameter.

16. The sewer cleanout cap as recited in claim 15, wherein the second diameter is greater than the third diameter.

17. The sewer cleanout cap as recited in claim 16, further comprising a sensor positioned on a top surface of the top ring, wherein the sensor is capable of sensing a movement of the sewer cleanout cap

18. The sewer cleanout cap as recited in claim 16, wherein the sensor comprises a transmitter in wireless communication with a remote device.

19. A sewer backup prevention system comprising: a length of sewer; a sewer cleanout positioned along and in line with the length of sewer, the sewer cleanout comprising a branch having an opening therein; and a sewer cap positioned at least partially in the opening of the branch, wherein the sewer cap is comprised of a top ring having a first diameter and a tapered body portion having a variable diameter and an integrated air pocket, and further wherein the first diameter is greater than a largest diameter of the variable diameter.

20. The sewer backup prevention system as recited in claim 19, wherein a presence of a sufficient amount of sewage in the sewer line will cause the sewer cap to reposition itself relative to the branch.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the sewage backup prevention cap of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of one potential embodiment of the sewage backup prevention cap of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the sewage backup prevention cap of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the sewage backup prevention cap is about to be loosely installed in a “T” shaped sewer connection or cleanout;

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one potential embodiment of the sewage backup prevention cap of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the sewage backup prevention cap is loosely installed in a “T” shaped sewer connection or cleanout containing a flow of sewage therein;

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of one potential embodiment of the sewage backup prevention cap of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the entire sewage backup prevention cap is shown to be loosely installed in a cross-sectioned “T” shaped sewer cleanout and a cross sectioned motion limiting cage is attached to a branch of the cleanout over top of the sewage backup prevention cap; and

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the sewage backup prevention cap of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the sewage backup prevention cap is loosely installed in a “T” shaped sewer cleanout installed along a sewer line, and further wherein a sensor is positioned on a top surface of the sewage backup prevention cap that is in wireless communication with a remote smart device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0024] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a sewage backup prevention device that prevents or reduces the likelihood of a sewage backup into a home or other building having a sewer line, and therefore prevents carpet, wood and other flooring from being ruined and requiring extensive repairs and replacements. There is also a long felt need in the art for a sewage backup prevention device that can be used with an existing “T” shaped sewer cleanout, thereby not requiring significant or time consuming modifications to an existing sewer line, or experienced plumbers or technician for installation of the backup prevention device. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a generally “T” shaped sewage backup prevention device which is easily installable in new construction, and that eliminates the need to screw and unscrew the cleanout cap or valve to access the cleanout. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a sewage backup prevention device that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, offers unobstructed sewage flow through a sewer line and that is both safe and easy to use.

[0025] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the sewage backup prevention cap 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the sewage backup prevention cap 100 is comprised of a body portion 110 and a top ring portion 120. The body portion 110 and the top ring portion 120 are preferably integrally formed but are not required to be, and the body portion 110 may be fixedly or removably attached to the top ring portion 120 by any suitable means, such as an adhesive, threading, fasteners etc.

[0026] The body portion 110 is generally cylindrical in shape but tapered in diameter, and is comprised of a larger upper end 112, a narrower bottom end 114, a bottom surface 116 and an integrated air pocket 118, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. More specifically, the body portion 110 extends downwardly from the top ring portion 120, which is comprised of a top surface 122, a side surface 124 and a bottom surface 126. The diameter of the top ring portion 120 is larger than the diameter of the upper end 112 of the body portion 110 so that the bottom surface 126 of the top ring portion 120 extends outwardly from the upper end 112 of the body portion 110 around its entire circumference and rests on the sewer cleanout connection 300, as described more fully below. Similarly, the diameter of the upper end 112 of the body portion 110 is larger than the diameter of the lower end 114 of the body portion 110.

[0027] The top ring portion 120 is generally wider than the opening 312 of the sewage pipe cleanout 300 so that it is capable of resting thereon with the body portion 110 extending down into the opening 312, thus enabling a relatively loose fit between the two. No portion of the cap 100 device has any threads for mating engagement with the pipe cleanout 300 and the same is not affixed to the cleanout 300, thereby eliminating the screwing and unscrewing operation associated with prior art cleanout caps for attachment and removal and to access the interior of the sewer line.

[0028] Similar to the body portion 110, the integrated air pocket 118 contained within the body portion 110 is also tapered, and helps to center the cap device 100 within the opening 312 of the sewer cleanout 300. More specifically, the integrated air pocket 118 is wider near the upper end 112 of body portion 110, and narrower near the lower end 114 of the body portion 110. The integrated air pocket 118 allows the sewer cap device 100 to float in the top opening 312 of the sewage connection device 300 when the sewer line begins to fill with waste, for example, as part of a backup. More particularly, the presence of the air pocket 118 will cause the cap 100 to be floated upward and the taper of the body portion 110 will increase the opening between the branch leg 310 of the cleanout device 300 and the cap device 100 to permit an increasing amount of sewage to exit the sewer pipe at the cleanout 300, as opposed to backing up into a finished portion of a house or building.

[0029] As noted, the cap device 100 is designed to freely sit on top of opening 312 of the sewer “T” connector 300, wherein the top ring portion 120 is positioned outside and slightly above the branch opening 312, and the body portion 110 extends downwardly therefrom into the opening 312. The cap device 100 is preferably comprised of a relatively lightweight and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), PVC or ABS plastic with enough flex to ensure a loose fit between the cap device 100 and the sewer cleanout 300. Notwithstanding, the cap device 100 is not so limited and may also be comprised of other suitable materials provided that the same exhibit excellent strength, sufficient impact resistance and good chemical resistance. The cap 100 may also be made available in a large variety of sizes to suit various pipe materials and openings, and so that the body portion 110 of the cap device 100 can fit into a variety of unthreaded and threaded openings 312 of the sewage cleanout 300.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of one potential embodiment of the sewage backup prevention cap 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, both the body portion 110 and its integrated air pocket 118 are tapered from a larger upper end 112 to a smaller lower end 114 so that when the water/sewage level rises in the sewer line (e.g., due to a back-up), the cap 100 will float upwards (i.e., away from the sewer line) to create a larger and larger gap between the body portion and the branch 310 of the cleanout 300 to release increasing quantities of fluid/sewage therethrough. Similarly, gravity will cause the cap device 100 to drop back down into the opening 312 once the level of water/sewage in the sewer line recedes.

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the sewage backup prevention cap 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the sewage backup prevention cap 100 is about to be loosely installed in a “T” shaped sewer connection or cleanout 300. More specifically, the generally “T” shaped sewer connection or cleanout 300 is comprised of a branch 310 and pair of legs 320, 322, wherein each of the pair of legs 320, 322 are generally in line with one another and the sewer line, and further wherein the branch 310 is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pair of legs 320, 322 and the sewer line. The “T” shaped sewer connection or cleanout 300 is preferably comprised of a relatively lightweight and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), PVC or ABS plastic.

[0032] As also illustrated in FIG. 3, the diameter of the top portion top ring 120 of the cap 100 is wider than the diameter of the top branch opening 312, thereby allowing the top ring 120 to rest on the branch 310, wherein bottom surface 126 of the top ring 120 is in contact with the top surface 314 of the branch 310 and the body portion 110 extends downwardly into the opening 312 of the branch 310. This provides a relatively loose fit to the cap 100 when it is installed on/in the opening 312. Further, the tapered shape of the body portion 110 allows the air pocket 118 to be easily accommodated in the open space of the opening 312, and for the body portion 110 to float on the water/fluid flowing through the sewer pipe and the sewer “T” cleanout. The depth of the body portion 110 should be such that it extends through the branch 310 and near the center axis of the sewer pipe so that it can easily float and move upwards and downwards to periodically allow backed up sewage to exit the sewer cleanout device 300 at the branch opening 312.

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one potential embodiment of the sewage backup prevention cap 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the sewage backup prevention cap 100 is loosely installed in a “T” shaped sewer connection or cleanout 300 containing a flow of sewage 400. As shown, the top ring 120 of the cap device 100 covers the opening 312 and touches the top surface 314 of branch 310. Further, the tapered body portion 110 floats in the sewage 400 flowing within the sewage pipe and “T” cleanout 300. The floating nature of the integrated air pocket 118 allows the cap device 100 to be repositioned upward and downward in the branch opening 312 via the forces of gravity and/or buoyancy. Further, because the body portion 110 is tapered, as it moves upward (i.e., as if it were leaving the opening), the amount of space between the body portion 110 and the branch 310 increases to allow a larger volume of sewage 400 to pass therethrough. If the restriction in the sewer line clears, the cap 100 will drop back down into place via gravitational force.

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of one potential embodiment of the sewage backup prevention cap 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the entire sewage backup prevention cap 100 is shown to be loosely installed in a cross-sectioned branch member 310 of a generally “T” shaped sewer cleanout 300 and a cross sectioned motion limiting cage 500 is attached to the branch 310 of the cleanout 300 over top of the sewage backup prevention cap 100. More specifically, the cage 500 is preferably comprised of a wire frame formed from one or more vertical members 502 attached to one or more horizontal members 504. The one or more horizontal members 504 are positioned above the top surface 122 of the top ring 120 a sufficient distance to permit upward movement of the cap device 100 in the event of a sewer backup, but limit the cap's ability to completely be removed from the branch opening 310. The one or more vertical members 502 are attached to the horizontal member(s) 504 and extend downwardly therefrom to removably engage the cleanout device 300 to hold the cage in proper placement above and around the cap 100 (i.e., to prevent the cap from leaving the opening 312). The vertical members 502 should not otherwise interfere with the upward and downward movement of the cap 100 within the branch opening 312.

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the sewage backup prevention cap 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the sewage backup prevention cap 100 is loosely installed in a “T” shaped sewer cleanout 300 installed along a sewer line, and further wherein a sensor 600 is positioned on a top surface 122 of the top ring 120. More specifically, the sensor 600 is capable of sensing movement of the cap 100 and is further comprised of a transmitter 602 that is in wireless communication with a remote device 604, such as a smartphone, smart watch, computer, tablet or the like. Further, the wireless communication means can be any wireless communication means known in the art such as, but not limited to, Bluetooth, RFID, NFC, 5G, etc. Therefore, when a sewage backup occurs that causes the novel cap 100 to reposition upward within the “T” shaped branch opening 312, the sensor 600, upon sensing the upward motion of the cap 100, will trigger the transmitter 602 to issue a wireless alert or other communication to the user's smart device 604 so that the user can begin to take corrective action before the sewage backup extends into the finished portion of the house or other building.

[0036] The sewage backup prevention cap 100 of the present invention can be used in residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing systems, and does not obstruct the flow of sewage through a sewer line. The cap 100 may be manufactured in a variety of different colors and/or designs, and may further comprise logos, indicia, trademarks, geometric patterns, customizable colors and fonts on its surface. In one embodiment, the overall height of the cap 100, as measured between the top surface 122 of the top ring 120 and the bottom surface 116 of the body portion 110, can range from 4″-7″. The diameter of the top ring 120 as measured between the side surfaces 124 can range in between 4″-6″.

[0037] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “sewage backup prevention cap”, “plumbing system attachment”, “sewage backflow stop cap”, “threadless cap”, and “cap” are interchangeable and refer to the sewage backup prevention cap 100 of the present invention.

[0038] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the sewage backup prevention cap 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the sewage backup prevention cap 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the sewage backup prevention cap 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the sewage backup prevention cap 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the sewage backup prevention cap 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0039] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0040] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.