REPLACEMENT P-TRAP SYSTEM

Abstract

A replacement p traps for sinks, tubs and any other plumbing system that utilizes P traps in both residential and commercial settings. The present replacement system having a first threaded conduit segment that will engage with the existing free end of the pipe leading from the sink wherein such conduit includes at least one locking means, a second threaded conduit segment that will engage with the existing free end of the pipe leading to the sewer or septic system wherein such conduit includes at least one locking means, and a U shaped bend wherein each end of the bend includes at least one locking means and wherein each end of the bend is designed to connect with the first and second threaded conduits segments.

Claims

1. A replacement P trap system for sinks, tubs and any other plumbing system that utilizes P traps having plumping pipes, such replacement P trap system comprising: a. a first threaded conduit segment that will engage with a free end of a plumbing pipe wherein such first threaded conduit includes at least one releasable locking means; b. a second threaded conduit segment that will engage with the free end of a plumbing pipe wherein such conduit includes at least one locking means; c. a tubular U shaped conduit body having an exterior surface and an interior surface and having a first end and second end wherein the first end of the tubular U shaped conduit body having locking means releasably connects with the first threaded conduit and wherein the second end of the U shaped conduit body having locking means releasably connects with the second threaded conduit segment; and d. straining means.

2. The replacement P trap system of claim 1 wherein the locking means are comprised of a bracket assembly that is pivotally mounted to the first end of the tubular U-shaped conduit body and second end of the tubular U shaped conduit body.

3. The replacement P trap system of claim 2 wherein the locking means include an actuating bar that releasably connects the first end of the tubular U shaped conduit body connects with the first threaded conduit and the second end of the tubular U shaped conduit body connects with the first threaded conduit.

4. The replacement P trap system of claim 1 wherein the locking means are comprised of a latch assembly that is mounted to the first end of the tubular U-shaped conduit body and second end of the tubular U shaped conduit body.

5. The replacement P trap system of claim 1 wherein the straining means are comprised of a perforated disk.

6. A replacement P trap system for sinks, tubs and any other plumbing system that utilizes P traps having plumping pipes, such replacement P trap system comprising: a. a first threaded conduit segment; b. a second threaded conduit segment; c. a tubular U shaped conduit body having an exterior surface and an interior surface and having a first end and second end wherein the first end of the tubular U shaped conduit body having locking means releasably connects with the first threaded conduit and wherein the second end of the U shaped conduit body having locking means releasably connects with the second threaded conduit segment; and d. straining means.

7. The replacement P trap system of claim 6 wherein the locking means are comprised of a bracket assembly that is pivotally mounted to the first end of the tubular U-shaped conduit body and second end of the tubular U shaped conduit body.

8. The replacement P trap system of claim 7 wherein the locking means include an actuating bar that releasably connects the first end of the tubular U shaped conduit body connects with the first threaded conduit and the second end of the tubular U shaped conduit body connects with the first threaded conduit.

9. The replacement P trap system of claim 6 wherein the locking means are comprised of a latch assembly that is mounted to the first end of the tubular U-shaped conduit body and second end of the tubular U shaped conduit body.

10. The replacement P trap system of claim 6 wherein the straining means are comprised of a perforated disk.

11. A replacement P trap system for sinks, tubs and any other plumbing system that utilizes P traps having plumping pipes, such replacement P trap system comprising: a. a first threaded conduit segment; b. a second threaded conduit segment; c. a tubular U shaped conduit body having an exterior surface and an interior surface and having a first end and second end wherein the first end of the tubular U shaped conduit body having locking means releasably connects with the first threaded conduit and wherein the second end of the U shaped conduit body having locking means releasably connects with the second threaded conduit segment.

12. The replacement P trap system of claim 11 wherein the locking means are comprised of a bracket assembly that is pivotally mounted to the first end of the tubular U-shaped conduit body and second end of the tubular U shaped conduit body.

13. The replacement P trap system of claim 12 wherein the locking means include an actuating bar that releasably connects the first end of the tubular U shaped conduit body connects with the first threaded conduit and the second end of the tubular U shaped conduit body connects with the first threaded conduit.

14. The replacement P trap system of claim 11 wherein the locking means are comprised of a latch assembly that is mounted to the first end of the tubular U-shaped conduit body and second end of the tubular U shaped conduit body.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded front view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention including a strainer unit nesting in the top portion of one end of the U-shaped bend.

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention including a strainer unit nesting in the top portion of one end of the U-shaped bend.

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the locking means have been engaged.

[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the locking means have been engaged.

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the locking means have been disengaged.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The present invention is shown generally as 1 in FIG. 1. The replacement system of the present invention is comprised of a first threaded conduit segment 3 that will engage with the existing free end of the pipe (not shown) leading from the sink wherein such conduit 3 includes at least one locking means 5, a second threaded conduit segment 7 that will engage with the existing free end of the pipe (not shown) leading to the sewer or septic system wherein such conduit includes at least one locking means 5, and a U shaped bend conduit 9 wherein each end of the bend includes at least one locking means 5 and wherein each end of the bend is designed to connect with the threaded conduits segments.

[0019] The components of the present invention may be constructed of any metal material used for plumbing fixtures such as stainless steel, copper, or galvanized steel. Alternatively, the components may be constructed of plastic such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) or PEX pipe. The system may also be constructed of a combination of any such materials for ease of manufacture and minimization of costs.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the threaded conduit segments are threaded at the top portion of the segments to allow the threaded conduit segments to engage with the threaded free end of the pipe leading from the sink and the threaded free end of the pipe leading to the sewer or septic system of any plumbing system. The threaded conduit segments are sized to work with any existing plumbing fixtures and as such the segments are similar in diameter to the diameters of the existing pipes leading from the sink and leading to the sewer or septic system. The length of such segments are a predetermined length optimized for the segments to work universally with any plumbing drain system.

[0021] FIGS. 1, 4, 5, and 6 illustrate the releasable locking means 5 which allow the U-shaped bend 9 to be releasably connected to the free ends of the threaded conduit segments. In a preferred embodiment, the locking means are comprised of at least two bracket assemblies 11 that are pivotally mounted to each end of the U-shaped bend. The bracket assembly includes an actuating bar 13 which is fixed to two supporting members 15 that lie parallel to one another. Each supporting member 15 is pivotally mounted to the top portion of each side of the U-shaped bend 9 such that each set of supporting member 15 faces each other.

[0022] In order to install the replaceable p trap system, the first and second threaded conduit segments are threaded on to the existing free end of the pipe leading from the sink and the threaded free end of the pipe leading to the sewer or septic system. Once the segments are threaded on to the free ends of the pipes, the ends of the U-shaped bend are aligned with the free ends of the first and second conduit segment. The user then must actuate or lock the U-tube bend 9 with the free ends of the threaded conduit segments. Each of the threaded conduit segments possess at least two protrusions, projecting members or pins 17 wherein the at least one protrusion, projecting member or pin 17 is positioned on the front surface of such threaded conduit segment and at least one protrusion, projecting member or pin 17 on the opposite surface of each threaded conduit segment. Such protrusions, projecting members or pins 17 are sized to frictionally fit within the at least one notch, cutout, or recess 19 of the support members 15. In order to actuate the locking means, the user rotates the actuating bar 13 towards the center of the U-shaped bend. As the actuating bar 13 rotates, the at least two support members 15 also rotate such that the recess 19 becomes aligned with the at least two protrusions, projecting members or pins 17. As the user continues to push the actuating bar 13, the at least two protrusions, projecting members or pins 17 come into contact with the recess and as the user continues to rotate the actuating bar, the protrusion, projecting member or pin 17 becomes frictionally engaged with such recess 19 to lock the U bend shape into position as shown in FIG. 6. The recessed area of the supporting member may be shaped to further provide a ridge or other means to provide additional support to such locking means.

[0023] To release or disengage the locking means, the user may rotate the actuating bar away from the center of the U-shaped bend to disengage the bracket assembly from the at least one protrusion, projecting member or pin 17.

[0024] Although a preferred embodiment of the locking means is illustrated in the Figures, any conventional releasable locking means may be used, including but not limited to any fasteners, latches, clips, cam levers, or any lever and/or cam operated locking means.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the top portions of the U-shaped bend have sections 21 in which the diameter is larger than the diameter of the U bend at the bottom of the U bend. Such larger diameter sections are designed to allow the ends of the threaded conduit segments to fit within or nest within such sections. As shown in FIGS. 1,2, and 4, the wider diameter of such sections allows the ends of the threaded conduit segment to fit concentrically within such sections.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, at least two sealing gaskets are sized and shaped to seal the connection between the sections and the threaded conduit segments to provide a leak proof connection.

[0027] The replacement p trap system is further comprised of straining means 23 in order to filter out debris and solid items from entering the body of the U-shaped bend. The straining means 23 may be any conventional straining means including but not limited to a mesh, perforated disk, grate, or any other means to filter or trap debris. In a preferred embodiment, the straining means may be a perforated disk or member positioned in the end of the U-shaped bend located proximally to the threaded conduit segment that connects to the pipe leading to the sink. In one embodiment, the straining means may be constructed to allow the straining means to be disposable and replaceable.

[0028] The foregoing detailed description is given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art.