REMOTE AIR GAP ASSEMBLIES

Abstract

A fluid backflow prevention system for use with common household plumbing fixtures. A remote air gap assembly may be installed in a new or existing plumbing system to prevent fluid backflow and subsequent contamination. The remote air gap assembly includes an air gap housing, with an inlet, an outlet, a weep hole, a check valve, and an outlet cap. In an exemplary use, such a remote air gap assembly may operate in conjunction with a filtration faucet and may be installed under a counter, for example.

Claims

1. An air gap assembly for use with a plumbing fixture, the assembly comprising: an air gap housing including a floor and a sidewall extending from the floor to define a housing cavity; an inlet extending from the air gap housing and in fluid communication with housing cavity; an outlet extending from the air gap housing and in fluid communication with housing cavity; a weep hole extending from the outlet and in fluid communication with the outlet; and a check valve positioned in the outlet, wherein the check valve is shiftable between a first position such that an exit of the outlet and the housing cavity are in fluid communication, and a second position such that the outlet and the housing cavity are not in fluid communication, wherein when the check valve is in the second position, fluid entering the outlet is routed through the weep hole.

2. The air gap assembly of claim 1, wherein the inlet, the outlet, or both extend orthogonally from the floor of the air gap housing.

3. The air gap assembly of claim 1, wherein the weep hole extends orthogonally from the outlet.

4. The air gap assembly of claim 1, wherein the fixture is a sink mounted to a counter, and wherein the air gap assembly is configured to be mounted below or to an underside of the counter.

5. The air gap assembly of claim 4, wherein both the inlet and outlet extend downwardly from the air gap housing when the air gap assembly is mounted to the underside of the counter.

6. The air gap assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cover coupled to the air gap housing.

7. The air gap assembly of claim 1, further comprising an outlet cap coupled to an end of the outlet opposite the air gap housing.

8. The air gap assembly of claim 1, wherein the air gap assembly is formed of a 3D printed material.

9. An air gap assembly for use with a fixture, the assembly comprising: an air gap housing; an inlet extending from the air gap housing in fluid communication with an interior of the housing; an outlet extending from the air gap housing, the outlet including an outlet cap coupled to an end of the outlet, wherein the outlet cap is configured to be coupled to a fluid outlet line; a weep hole extending from the outlet and in fluid communication with the outlet; and a check valve positioned in the outlet.

10. The air gap assembly of claim 9, wherein both the inlet and the outlet extend orthogonally from a bottom wall of the air gap housing.

11. The air gap assembly of claim 9, wherein the weep hole extends orthogonally from the outlet.

12. The air gap assembly of claim 9, further comprising a second outlet cap interchangeable with the first outlet cap, wherein the second outlet cap is configured to be coupled to a second plumbing fixture different than the first plumbing fixture.

13. The air gap assembly of claim 9, further comprising a cover coupled to the air gap housing.

14. The air gap assembly of claim 9, wherein the air gap assembly is configured to be mounted to an underside of a counter.

15. The air gap assembly of claim 9, wherein the inlet is configured to be coupled to a fluid supply line.

16. The air gap assembly of claim 15, wherein the fluid supply line is a wastewater line, and wherein the fluid outlet line is a drain line.

17. A plumbing system comprising: a sink system mounted to a counter; a plumbing fixture operably coupled to the sink; and an air gap assembly coupled to the counter below the sink, the air gap assembly including an air gap housing, an inlet extending from the air gap housing and in fluid communication with an interior of the housing, an outlet extending from the air gap housing, a weep hole extending from the outlet and in fluid communication with the outlet, and a check valve positioned in the outlet, the check valve being configured to shift between a first position and a second position.

18. The plumbing system of claim 17, wherein, when the check valve is in the first position, the inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet via the air gap housing such that the system is configured to allow fluid to flow through the inlet and exit through the outlet, and wherein when the check valve is in the second position, the outlet is not in fluid communication with the air gap housing such that the system is configured to block fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet and allow fluid to exit through the weep hole.

19. The plumbing system of claim 17, wherein the sink system comprises a sink basin and a filtration faucet, and wherein the plumbing fixture comprises a filtration assembly.

20. The plumbing system of claim 19, wherein the system is configured such that wastewater from the filtration assembly is routed through the air gap assembly.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of examples of the disclosure in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a remote air gap assembly, according to an example;

[0010] FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of a remote air gap assembly, according to an example;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a remote air gap assembly in a normal operating condition, according to an example;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a remote air gap assembly in a backflow operating condition, according to an example;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a remote air gap assembly in a blocked outlet operating condition, according to an example;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a plumbing schematic of an exemplary use of a remote air gap assembly with a filtered faucet that does not have a weep hole, according to an example; and

[0015] FIG. 7 is a plumbing schematic of an exemplary use of a remote air gap assembly with a new filtered faucet that has a weep hole, according to an example.

[0016] While various examples are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular examples described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exploded perspective view of a remote air gap assembly 100 may generally including an air gap housing 102 having a housing floor 130, and one or more sidewalls 132, defining a housing cavity 103. A cover 104 may be removably or permanently coupled to the air gap housing 102 such that the housing cavity 103 may be enclosed between the cover 103 and air gap housing 102. Further, the cover 104 may include a cover edge 106 positioned along a perimeter of the cover 104. In a non-limiting example, the cover 104 and the air gap housing 102 may be rectangular in shape, however, other geometries may be considered, such as, for example, square, circular, triangular, or any shape. For example, in some implementations, the air gap housing 102 and cover 104 may be custom-shaped to fit in a specific location. Further, in some implementations, the cover 104 may be removably coupled to the air gap housing 102 by using a compression (snap) fit, or fasteners, like screws. In other implementations, the cover 104 may be fixed more permanently to the air gap housing 102, by using an adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or similar fixing technologies, for example.

[0018] The cover edge 106 may include a seal (not shown), such that when the cover 104 is coupled to the air gap housing 102, a water-tight seal may be formed between the cover 104 and air gap housing 102. In an example, the seal may be a rubber or silicone o-ring or gasket. In another example, the cover edge 106 may include a compressible material such that when the cover 104 is coupled to the air gap housing 102, a seal may be formed without an o-ring or gasket.

[0019] The remote air gap assembly 100 may include an inlet 108 defining an inlet cavity 109 which may be in fluid communication with the housing cavity 103. The inlet 108 may be configured to extend outward from the floor 130 of the air gap housing 102. In a non-limiting example, the inlet 108 may be shaped as a female or male connector, such that PEX/flexible tubing may be attached to the inlet 108. In other implementations, the inlet 108 may be configured to receive other sizes of tubing, or other standard plumbing fixtures and connectors.

[0020] The remote air gap assembly 100 may include an outlet 110 defining an outlet cavity 111. The outlet 110 may be configured to extend outwards from air gap housing 102 and the outlet cavity 111 may be in fluid communication with the housing cavity 103. In an example, the outlet 110 may extend from the air gap housing 102 in the same direction and same length as the inlet 108. The outlet 110 may be shaped as a female or male connector, such that tubing or other plumbing fixtures, connectors, pipes, or tubing of various sizes (male or female) may be coupled to the outlet 110.

[0021] The remote air gap assembly 100 may include a check valve 114 having an air gap housing side 116 in fluid communication with the housing cavity 103 and an outlet side 118 in fluid communication with the outlet cavity 111. The check valve 114 may be configured to fit between the air gap housing 102 and outlet 110 such that any fluid moving between the outlet 110 and air gap housing 102 moves through the check valve 114. Additionally, the check valve 114 may be configured to unidirectionally restrict flow from the outlet 110 to the air gap housing 102, while allowing flow from the air gap housing 102 to the outlet 110. The check valve 114 may be a swing check valve, lift check valve, ball check valve, dual plate check valve, diaphragm check valve, tilting disc check valve, stop check valve, or any other type of valve that allows flow in one direction, while eliminating or restricting flow in the other direction. The check valve 114 may be configured to fit between the outlet 110 and air gap housing 102 by a compression or interference fit, adhesive, threaded connection, or other coupling mechanisms. In a non-limiting, the check valve 114 may include an o-ring or gasket to form a radial or facial seal to prevent fluid from bypassing the check valve 114.

[0022] The remote air gap assembly 100 may include a weep hole 112 defining a weep hole cavity 113. The weep hole cavity 113 may be in fluid communication with the outlet cavity 111 and positioned on the side 116 of the check valve 114. In a non-limiting example, the weep hole 112 may be orthogonally connected to the outlet 110, although other configurations, e.g., angled or non-orthogonally, may be considered. The weep hole 112 may be shaped (male or female) to receive tubing, or other standard plumbing fixtures, connectors, pipes, or tubing of various sizes (corresponding male or female).

[0023] The remote air gap assembly 100 may include an outlet cap 120 that may couple to the outlet 110 at end opposite of the end coupled to the housing. The outlet cap 120 may define an outlet cap opening 122. The outlet cap 120 may be a seal, such as a gasket or o-ring, to create a sealed connection when coupled to the outlet such that fluid may not escape or enter between the outlet cap 120 and outlet 110 interface. Additionally or alternatively, the outlet cap 120 may be formed of a compressible material capable of forming a seal when coupled to the outlet 110. The outlet cap 120 may be shaped or otherwise configured to make a male or female connection with the outlet 110. In some implementations, the outlet cap 120 may be removably coupled to the outlet 110, for example by forming a connection or interference fit or threaded connection. In some implementations, an adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or other connection technique could be used to create a more permanent coupling.

[0024] The outlet cap 120 and outlet cap opening 122 may be used to reduce the size of the outlet 110. The outlet cap opening 122, for example, may be shaped to couple to tubing or other standard sized plumbing fixtures. In a non-limiting example, various interchangeable outlet caps 120 may define different types of outlet cap openings 122 such that the remote air gap assembly 100 may interface with different kinds of plumbing fixtures. In examples, the outlet cap 120 may be configured to provide support to the check valve 114 once the outlet cap 120 is coupled to the outlet 110.

[0025] In examples, the air gap assembly 100 may be formed of a polymer or plastic material that may be 3-D printed, injection molded, cast, or otherwise formed or combinations thereof. In one example, in which the air gap assembly is 3-D printed, the shape, the positioning of the inlet, outlet, and weep hole, or both of the remote air gap assembly may be customized to fit a desired location for installation. Additionally or alternatively, the air gap assembly 100 may be formed of a metal, metal alloy, or composite thereof, and can be machined, tooled, or otherwise formed or combinations thereof.

[0026] When assembled, in a non-limiting example, the air gap assembly 100 may be installed such that the inlet 108 and outlet 110 are both facing in a downward direction, towards the ground or floor. As previously mentioned, in an example, the weep hole 112 may be positioned orthogonal to the outlet 110. Alternatively, other configurations may be considered in which the inlet 108 and the outlet 110 are facing in different directions, the weep hole 112 is non-orthogonal to the outlet 110, or both.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 3-5, operation of the remote air gap assembly 100 is depicted by arrows to show the flow of a fluid throughout the remote air gap assembly 100. In an exemplary use, the fluid may be brine water that comes from a filtration system to be dispensed through a main drain line. In another example, the fluid may be used dishwasher fluid or grey water being dispensed to a main drain line. In other exemplary uses, the fluid may be any fluid to be dispensed in a main drain line while preventing an undesirable backflow from contaminating appliances or other clean fluid sources.

[0028] In a non-limiting example, and referring to FIG. 3, under normal operating conditions, fluid (F) may flow into the inlet 108. The fluid may then flow into the air gap housing 102 towards the outlet 110. The fluid may pass through the check valve (not pictured), which is in a position (e.g., open) configured to allow fluid to pass in this direction, and then exit the outlet 110, where it may be dispensed into a drain line, for example.

[0029] In a non-limiting example, and referring to FIG. 4, a backflow condition may occur, for example, due to a backflow from the municipality that plumbing is connected to, in which drain water flow may reverse, posing a potential contamination threat to plumbing fixtures and appliances connected to the drain line. Drain water may enter the remote air gap assembly 100 through the outlet 110. The drain water may fill the outlet cavity (not pictured) where it then exits the remote air gap assembly 100 through the weep hole 112. The check valve 114 may shift to a position (e.g., closed) to stop or block the drain water from flowing into the air gap housing 102 and inlet 108, thereby preventing the possible contamination of water supplies or devices in fluid communication with the remote air gap assembly 100.

[0030] In this use, the check valve 114 may allow the weep hole 112 to drain to a higher elevation, such as into a sink basin, than if no check valve were implemented, allowing the remote air gap assembly 100 to be placed in remote locations, such as under a counter, in a drawer or tip-out apron, or other remote locations. In an exemplary use, the remote air gap assembly 100 may be placed under a counter and the weep hole 112 may be connected to a drain of a sink above. The check valve 114 may then prevent back pressure from the higher elevation fluid from moving the backflow drain water into the air gap housing 102, out the inlet 108, and then into a clean device like water filtration system or dishwasher, for example.

[0031] In examples where the weep hole 112 is configured to drain to a lower elevation, the check valve 114 may act as a safety backup, because in this configuration, the air gap between the weep hole and air gap housing 102 should prevent the fluid from rising above the weep hole 112.

[0032] In a non-limiting example, and referring to FIG. 5, a blocked outlet 110 condition may arise, for example, if there was a blockage in the outlet cap opening (not pictured). Another example when a blocked outlet condition may arise is if there is a blockage somewhere further down the drain line causing a backup such that no more fluid may enter the drain line. In this operating condition, fluid may enter the remote air gap assembly 100 through the inlet 108 and then into the air gap housing 102. The fluid may then move through the check valve (not pictured) and out the weep hole 112.

[0033] In FIG. 6, a plumbing schematic of an exemplary plumbing system 600 is depicted and may include a remote air gap assembly 100 with a filtered faucet 150 that may not include a weep hole. In a normal operating condition (FIG. 3), a water line 152 may be connected to a water filter system 154. The water filter system 154 may filter the water and dispense filtered water 156 out the filtered faucet 150. Wastewater, or brine water 158, may be a biproduct of the water filter system 154 from filtering the water. The brine water 158 may be dispensed into the inlet 108 of the remote air gap assembly 100, which may be installed remotely, such as under the sink, or on top of the counter, for example. The brine water 158 may exit the remote air gap assembly 100 through the outlet 110. The outlet 110 may be fluidly connected to the drain water line 160 (either directly or indirectly), allowing the brine water 158 to be discarded.

[0034] In a backflow condition, in which the drain water line 160 reverses direction, the check valve (not pictured) of the remote air gap assembly 100 may prevent drain water from entering the air gap housing 102 and inlet 108, as previously described above. In such an exemplary use, the remote air gap assembly 100 may prevent drain water and/or brine water 158 from entering into the water filter system 154, which could potentially damage the water filter system 154 or contaminate filtered water. The drain water instead may exit the weep hole 112 of the remote air gap assembly 100. The weep hole 112 may be plumbed to a sink 162, which may allow the backflowing drain water to bypass the water filter system 154.

[0035] In a blocked outlet condition, the brine water 158 from the water filter system 154 may enter the remote air gap assembly 100 through the inlet 108. After moving across the air gap housing 102, the brine water 158 may enter the outlet 110, where a blockage in the outlet cap opening or drain water line 160 may restrict or stop further flow. The brine water 158 may then be expelled through the weep hole 112, which may be connected to a sink 162 (directly or indirectly). In such an operation, the bypass of the drain water line 160 may prevent a potential backflow of brine water 158 into the water filter system 154, which may damage the system 154 or contaminate filtered water 156.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 7, a plumbing schematic of an exemplary plumbing system 700 is depicted and may include a remote air gap assembly 100 with a filtered faucet 164 with a weep hole. In normal operating conditions, water from a water line 152 may be fluidly connected to a water filter system 154. The water filter system 154 may filter the water and the filtered water 156 is configured to be dispensed out the filtered faucet 164 with a weep hole. Wastewater, or brine water 158, may be a biproduct of the water filter system 154 from filtering the water. The brine water 158 may be dispensed into the inlet 108 of the remote air gap assembly 100, which may be installed remotely, such as under the sink, or on top of the counter, for example. The brine water 158 may exit the remote air gap assembly 100 through the outlet 110, which may fluidly connected (directly or indirectly) to the drain water line 160, allowing the brine water 158 to be discarded.

[0037] In a backflow condition, in which the drain water line 160 reverses direction, the check valve (not pictured) of the remote air gap assembly 100 may prevent drain water from entering the air gap housing 102 and inlet 108, as previously described above. In such an example, the remote air gap assembly 100 may prevent drain water and/or brine water 158 from entering the water filter system 154, which could potentially damage the water filter system 154 or contaminate filtered water 156. The drain water 160 instead may exit the weep hole 112 of the remote air gap assembly 100. The weep hole 112 may be plumbed via a weep hole line 164 to the weep hole (not shown) formed in the filtered faucet 164. The weep hole in the filtered faucet, for example, may dispense the drain water into the sink 162.

[0038] In a blocked outlet condition, the brine water 158 from the water filter system 154 may enter the remote air gap assembly 100 through the inlet 108. After moving across the air gap housing 102, the brine water 158 may enter the outlet 110, where a blockage in the outlet cap opening (not pictured) or drain line 160 may restrict or stop further flow. The brine water 158 may then be expelled through the weep hole 112, into the weep hole line 166 to the weep hole (not pictured) in the filtered faucet 164. In such an operation, the bypass of the drain water line 160 may prevent a potential backwash of brine water 158 into the water filter system 154, which may damage the system 154 or contaminate filtered water 156.

[0039] The schematics of FIGS. 6 and 7 are provided as non-limiting exemplary uses of the remote air gap assembly 100. It is to be appreciated that the remote air gap assembly 100 may also be used with other devices, like a dishwasher or garbage disposal, to prevent backflow or blockages from contaminating the device.

[0040] The present disclosure relates to fluid backflow prevention systems and associated operational modes for use with common household plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, filter systems, garbage disposals, water softeners, and dishwashers, to name a few. In an example, a remote air gap assembly may be installed in a new or existing plumbing system to prevent fluid backflow and subsequent contamination. The presently disclosed remote air gap assemblies may be placed below or above the counter and may be retrofittable with faucets. As a result, faucets may utilize sleeker designs because they no longer need an internal air gap. Additionally, the design and manufacturing costs of new faucets may be reduced because the internal air gap system is no longer needed. Also, the remote air gap assembly, when placed below the counter, may increase counter space and provide a more aesthetically pleasing kitchen design. Further, maintenance to a remote air gap assembly may be simpler, and if needed, it may be cheaper to replace a remote air gap assembly than replace an entire faucet with an internal air gap system.

[0041] The disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential attributes. Therefore, the illustrated examples should be considered illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. Any claims provided herein are to ensure adequacy of the present application for establishing foreign priority and for no other purpose.

[0042] Various examples of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These examples are given only be way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed disclosures. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the examples that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional examples. Moreover, while various material, dimensions, shapes, configurations, locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed examples, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed disclosures.

[0043] Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual example described above. The examples described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the examples are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various examples may comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual examples, as understood be persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one example may be implemented in other examples even when not described in such examples unless otherwise noted.

[0044] Any incorporation of reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

[0045] For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112 (f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms means for or step for are recited in a claim.