US20160320088A1

US20160320088A1 - Condensation p-trap with removable receptacle

Info

Publication number: US20160320088A1
Application number: US14/702,631
Authority: US
Inventors: Dexter Lau
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-05-01
Filing date: 2015-05-01
Publication date: 2016-11-03

Abstract

A condensation P-trap with a removable receptacle includes a base housing and the receptacle. The base housing includes a first side, a second side, a bottom portion and a top portion. A protruding inlet is disposed on the first side of the base housing to receive condensate water from a system dispersing the condensation (e.g., an air conditioning system) and a protruding outlet is disposed on the second side of the base housing at a substantially lower elevation to disperse overflowing condensate water. The receptacle is removably attached to the bottom portion of the base housing and fills with water such that the presence of the water prevents backflow to the system. Because the receptacle is removable, debris can be easily removed when the P-trap is serviced.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a condensation P-trap with a removable receptacle.
2. Description of the Related Art
An air conditioning system reduces the temperature of a volume of air by pushing it past an evaporator coil. Water vapor from the air condenses on the evaporator coil and drips into a drain pan. After collection in the drain pan, the condensate water is directed through a condensate drain line until finally exiting into a house drain or directly to the outside of the house. The drain line typically includes a trap, known as a P-trap, to prevent the air conditioning unit from drawing air from outside back into the air conditioning system by the air-conditioner fan.
A P-trap is given its name because it is shaped somewhat like the letter “P”. Typically, the outlet from the drain line is at a higher elevation than the outlet from the trap. A downwardly curved portion is filled with water and blocks air from being sucked back into the air conditioning system. However, over time, a P-trap may become clogged with debris. In fact, servicing a P-trap is a common reason for a service call. In some instances, the P-trap may be serviced by insertion of a brush through an opening in the trap. Sometimes, the entire P-trap must be removed or replaced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the disclosure relates to a condensation P-trap with a removable receptacle. The condensation P-trap with a removable receptacle includes a base housing and the receptacle. The base housing includes a first side, a second side, a bottom portion and a top portion. A protruding inlet is disposed on the first side of the base housing to receive condensate water from a system dispersing the condensation (e.g., an air conditioning system) and a protruding outlet is disposed on the second side of the base housing at a substantially lower elevation to disperse overflowing condensate water. The receptacle is removably attached to the bottom portion of the base housing and fills with water such that the presence of the water prevents backflow to the system. Because the receptacle is removable, debris can be easily removed when the P-trap is serviced.
In an embodiment, the base housing includes a separation wall forming a pair of chambers within the base housing. In this embodiment, one of the chambers directs the flow of water from the protruding inlet to the removable receptacle, and the other chamber directs the flow of water from the removable receptacle to the protruding outlet. In another embodiment, the condensation P-trap is substantially the same except that the separation wall is not included and the protruding outlet assumes a different shape. In this embodiment, the protruding outlet is L-shaped so as to extend from the base housing to just above or into the receptacle to disperse condensate water overflowing from the removable receptacle. In various embodiments, the condensation P-trap can include a magnetic overflow switch having a float that includes a magnet attached thereto that is capable of activating a switch to shut off the system or activate an alarm. In various embodiments, the condensation P-trap can include a bleeder hole disposed near the top portion of the base housing to expel gas and reduce pressure from the base housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For further understanding of the disclosure, reference will be made to the following detailed description of the present invention, which is accompanied with the following drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art condensation P-trap;

FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of a condensation P-trap with a removable receptacle, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2B illustrates an overhead view of the condensation P-trap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2C illustrates a close-up top view of the condensation P-trap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the condensation P-trap of FIG. 1 with the receptacle removed;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a condensation P-trap with a removable receptacle, according to another embodiment; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a condensation P-trap with a removable receptacle, according to yet another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a prior art condensation P-trap 10, is illustrated. As shown, the condensation P-trap 10 is connected to a drain line outlet 12 of an air conditioning system 11. A base tube 13 includes a downwardly curved portion 13A that is filled with condensate water that blocks air from being sucked back into the air conditioning system 11 since the amount of force to push the condensation out of the way is less than the negative pressure sucking it in. The base tube 13 may extend away from the air conditioning system 11. A condensation outlet 14 expels the condensation from the downwardly curved portion 13A away from the air conditioning system 11.
However, over time, the traditional condensation P-trap 10 may become clogged with debris. In fact, servicing the traditional condensation P-trap 10 is a common reason for a service call. In some instances, the traditional condensation P-trap 10 may be serviced by insertion of a brush through an opening in the trap or the like. In other instances, entire traditional condensation P-trap 10 has to be removed or replaced.
Referring to FIG. 2A, a side view of a condensation P-trap 100 with a removable receptacle 130, is illustrated. The P-trap 100 includes a base housing 110, a protruding inlet 120, a protruding outlet 140, a separation wall 160 and a bleeder hole 150. The removable receptacle 130 is attached to the base housing 110, preferably by threading so it can be easily removed for cleaning. Referring to FIG. 2B, an overhead view of the condensation P-trap 100, is illustrated. As shown, the base housing 110 is substantially cylindrical and the separation wall 160 forms a pair of chambers 162 within the base housing 110.
The base housing 110 may have a first side, a second side, a bottom portion and a top portion or the like. The base housing 110 may be made of a plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or a metal, such as copper, for example. In an embodiment, the P-trap 100 is constructed of PVC with base housing 110 having about a 2.75 inch outside diameter (OD) and a one-eighth inch wall. The separation wall 160 can be about one-eighth inch thick as well, for example. The height of the base housing 110 can be about 3.5 inches. The height of the receptacle 130 can be about 2 inches to about 5.75 inches. Although the receptacle 130 is shown with a substantially flat bottom, it can be curved. It is to be understood that the exact dimensions of the P-trap 100 described herein will depend on such factors as the capacity of the air conditioning system 112, the amount of expected condensation and the negative air pressure from the air conditioning system 112, as well as such factors as cost and aesthetics, etc. Where the P-trap 100 is made of a plastic, the base housing 110 and the receptacle 130 can be made using an injection molding process, for example. The protruding inlet 120 and the protruding outlet 140 can be separate pieces of piping slip jointed into corresponding holes, for example. Alternatively, the protruding inlet 120 and/or the protruding outlet 140 can be molded together with the base housing 110. Instead of using threading to join the base housing 110 and the receptacle 130, the base housing 110 and the receptacle 130 can be compression fitted, connected using interlocking parts, etc.
The protruding inlet 120 is disposed on the first side of the base housing 110 to receive condensation from an air conditioning system 112 dispersing the condensate water. The removable receptacle 130 is coupled on the bottom portion of the base housing 110 to receive the condensate water from the protruding inlet 120. The removable receptacle 130 may be removed from the base housing 110 to clean debris 135 collected over time. The protruding outlet 140 is disposed on the second side of the base housing 110 at lower a lower elevation than the protruding inlet 120. The protruding outlet 140 disperses overflowing condensate water 180 overflowing from the removable receptacle 130 to the outside of the base housing 110. The bleeder hole 150 may be disposed near the top portion of the base housing 110 to expel gas and reduce pressure (i.e., air) from the base housing 110. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A-2B, the condensation P-trap 100 includes the separation wall 160 that on one side directs the flow of water from the protruding inlet 120 to the removable receptacle 130, and on the other side directs the flow of water from the removable receptacle 130 to the protruding outlet 140.
Referring to FIG. 2C, a close-up top view of the condensation P-trap 100, is illustrated. In the event that the P-trap 100 fills with water 180 which potentially may flow back into the air conditioning system 112, an overflow switch 170 can be provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the overflow switch 170 is a magnetic overflow switch. The overflow switch 170 includes a float 172 having a permanent magnet attached thereto. When the level of the water 180 reaches the float 172, the float 172 starts to float on the water. As the water level continues to rise, the float 172 rises with the water 180. Eventually, the magnetic field generated from within the float 172 actuates the overflow switch 170. In an embodiment, electrical connectors 174 and 174′ from the air conditioning system 112 are electrically attached to the overflow switch 170, and activation of the overflow switch 170 causes the circuit to be opened. Accordingly, the air conditioning system 112 is turned off.
Referring to FIG. 3, a side view of the condensation P-trap 100 with the receptacle 130 removed, is illustrated. As shown, a bottom portion of the base housing 110 includes a externally threaded portion 118 and a top portion of the receptacle 130 includes an internally threaded portion 132, wherein the externally threaded portion 118 and the internally threaded portion 132 have respective male and female threads such that the receptacle 130 can be screwed on or off the base housing 110. To ensure a proper fit, a gasket 117 may be tightly fit between the base housing 110 and the receptacle 130, as shown. The gasket 117 may be made of rubber or other suitable material. In an embodiment, the threads 118, 132 each extend about 0.5 of an inch to an inch or more.
Referring to FIG. 4, a side view of a condensation P-trap 200 with a removable receptacle 130, according to another embodiment, is illustrated. The condensation P-trap 200 is substantially same as the condensation P-trap 100 except that the separation wall 160 is not included and the protruding outlet assumes a different shape. In particular, a protruding outlet 140′ is L-shaped so as to extend from the base housing 110 into the receptacle 130 to disperse condensate water 180 overflowing from the removable receptacle 130 outside the base housing 110. In this embodiment, the outlet 140′ may comprise a slip jointed separate piece of piping. Although the protruding outlet 140′ is shown extending into the removable receptacle 130, it could instead extend just above the removable receptacle 130.
Referring to FIG. 5, a side view of a condensation P-trap 300 with a removable receptacle 130, according to another embodiment, is illustrated. The condensation P-trap 300 is substantially same as the condensation P-trap 200 except that the L-shaped protruding outlet 140′ is not present. Instead, a protruding inlet 120′ takes the place of the protruding inlet 120, assuming a different shape. In particular, the protruding outlet 120′ is L-shaped so as to extend from the base housing 110 into the receptacle 130 to deposit condensate water 180. In this embodiment, the inlet 120′ may comprise a slip jointed separate piece of piping. Although the protruding inlet 120′ is shown extending into the removable receptacle 130, it could instead extend just above the removable receptacle 130.
While this invention has been described in conjunction with the various exemplary embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A condensation P-trap, comprising:

a base housing having a first side, a second side, a bottom portion and a top portion;

a protruding inlet disposed on the first side of the base housing to receive condensate from a system dispersing the condensation;

a removable receptacle coupled to the bottom portion of the base housing to receive the condensation from the protruding inlet, the removable receptacle removeable from the base housing; and

a protruding outlet disposed on the second side of the base housing that is disposed lower on the base housing than the protruding inlet, the protruding outlet dispersing overflowing condensation overflowing from the removable receptacle outside the base housing.

2. The condensation P-trap according to claim 1, further comprising a separation wall forming a pair of chambers within the base housing.

3. The condensation P-trap according to claim 1, further comprising an overflow switch.

4. The condensation P-trap according to claim 3, wherein the overflow switch is a magnetic overflow switch.

5. The condensation P-trap according to claim 4, wherein the magnetic overflow switch includes a float.

6. The condensation P-trap according to claim 5, wherein the float includes a magnet that is capable of activating a switch.

7. The condensation P-trap according to claim 1, wherein the base housing is made of plastic.

8. The condensation P-trap according to claim 1, wherein the base housing is made of metal.

9. The condensation P-trap according to claim 1, wherein the system is an air conditioning system.

10. The condensation P-trap according to claim 1, wherein the removable receptacle is coupled on the bottom portion of the base housing with corresponding threading.

11. The condensation P-trap according to claim 10, wherein the coupling further includes a seal.

12. The condensation P-trap according to claim 1, further including a bleeder hole.

13. A condensation P-trap, comprising:

a protruding inlet disposed on the first side of the base housing to receive condensation from a system dispersing the condensation;

a removable receptacle coupled on the bottom portion of the base housing to receive the condensation from the protruding inlet, the removable receptacle capable of being removed from the base housing; and

a protruding outlet disposed on the second side of the base housing that is disposed lower than the protruding inlet near the bottom of the base housing, the protruding outlet comprising an L-shaped pipe extending adjacent the removable receptacle.

14. The condensation P-trap according to claim 13, further comprising an overflow switch.

15. The condensation P-trap according to claim 13, wherein the overflow switch is a magnetic overflow switch.

16. The condensation P-trap according to claim 13, wherein the magnetic overflow switch includes a magnet that is capable of activating a switch.

17. The condensation P-trap according to claim 13, wherein the base housing is made of plastic or metal.

18. The condensation P-trap according to claim 13, wherein the system is an air conditioning system.

19. The condensation P-trap according to claim 13, wherein the removable receptacle is coupled to the bottom portion of the base housing with a plurality of corresponding threading.

20. A condensation P-trap, comprising:

a protruding inlet disposed on the first side of the base housing to receive condensation from a system dispersing the condensation, the protruding inlet comprising an L-shaped pipe extending adjacent the removable receptacle;

a protruding outlet disposed on the second side of the base housing that is disposed lower than the protruding inlet near the bottom of the base housing.