Water softener abstract
An air gap device for a water softener system, the device having
depending inner and outer skirt portions adapted to engage the inner
and outer surfaces of an upstanding relatively small standard size
waste standpipe, the outer skirt portion also being adapted to engage
the inner surface of an upstanding relatively large standard size
waste standpipe.
Water softener claims
What is claimed is:
1. An air gap device comprising:
a downwardly open body having a generally vertical flow axis and
an upper extremity which includes a substantially vertically oriented
fitting having a vertical axis and adapted for directing water from
a water softener line into the body along the vertical flow axis,
the body further having depending outer and inner skirt portions
which are spaced apart to define a cavity having confronting inner
surfaces adapted to engage the inner and outer surfaces of the upper
extremity of a relatively small standard size waste standpipe; the
outer skirt portion including an outer surface adapted to engage
the inner surface of the upper extremity of a relatively large standard
size waste standpipe; the body further including an air gap having
side edges and opening into the interior of the body, and a shield
spaced from and partially overlying the air gap opening to reduce
water splattering out of the air gap opening.
2. An air gap device according to claim 1 wherein the fitting comprises
a nozzle operative to shape the flow of water from the water softener
drain into a well defined stream for reducing water splattering
through the air gap opening.
3. An air gap device according to claim 2 wherein the nozzle includes
a vertical axis arranged parallel to the vertical flow axis of the
body.
4. An air gap device according to claim 1 wherein the upper extremity,
the outer and inner skirt portions and the shield are integrally
molded in one piece.
5. An air gap device according to claim 1 wherein the upper extremity
of the fitting is adapted to accept an O-ring to provide a water
tight fit with the water softener line.
6. An air gap device according to claim 1 wherein the upper extremity
of the body is defined by a top wall which includes an opening having
a vertical axis adapted to mount a tube in a substantially vertical
orientation for discharging reverse osmosis waste water into the
body along with water from the water softener line.
7. An air gap device according to claim 6 wherein the top wall
also includes supplemental vent openings into the body.
8. An air gap device according to claim 7 wherein the supplemental
vent openings are dimensioned to enable visual inspection of the
interior of the body.
9. An air gap device according to claim 6 wherein the vertical
axis of the opening for the tube is in axial alignment with the
vertical flow axis of the fitting of the body.
10. An air gap device according to claim 6 wherein the vertical
flow axis of the fitting of the body is located farther from the
shield than is the vertical axis of the opening for the tube.
11. An air gap device according to claim 1 wherein the outer skirt
portion includes vertically oriented, circumferentially spaced apart
slits to facilitate fitting of the outer skirt portion upon a standpipe.
12. An air gap device according to claim 1 wherein the side edge
portions of the shield include vertically oriented, radially inwardly
directed projections to form downward flow paths for water droplets.
13. An air gap device according to claim 1 wherein the side edge
portions of the inner skirt portion are located adjacent the side
edges of the air gap and include vertically oriented, radially inwardly
directed projections to form downward flow paths for water droplets.
14. An air gap device for coupling to a water softener drain line,
the device being adapted for vertical universal mounting to one
of a pair of standard size waste standpipes, the device comprising;
a downwardly open body having a generally vertical flow axis and
a top wall which mounts a vertically oriented nozzle for directing
water from a water softener line into the body along the vertical
flow axis, the body further having an upper outer portion having
a first diameter, and depending outer and inner skirt portions which
are spaced apart to define a cavity having confronting inner surfaces
adapted to engage the inner and outer surfaces of the upper extremity
of a relatively smaller standard size waste standpipe, the upper
extremity of the cavity being adapted to engage the upper end of
the smaller standard size waste standpipe; the outer skirt portion
including an outer surface having an outer diameter less than the
first diameter to thereby form a flange adapted to engage the upper
end of the larger standard size waste standpipe; the body further
including an air gap opening into the interior of the body, a shield
spaced from and partially overlying the air gap opening to reduce
water spattering from the vertically oriented nozzle out of the
air gap opening.
15. An air gap device according to claim 14 wherein the nozzle
is operative to shape the flow of water from the water softener
drain into a well defined stream for reducing water splattering
through the air gap opening.
16. An air gap device according to claim 14 wherein the top wall,
the outer and inner skirt portions and the shield are integrally
molded in one piece.
17. An air gap device according to claim 14 wherein the top wall
includes an opening adapted to mount a tube along a vertical axis
for discharging reverse osmosis waste water into the body along
with water from the water softener line.
18. An air gap device according to claim 17 wherein the vertical
axis of the tube is arranged parallel to the vertical flow axis
of the body.
19. An air gap device according to claim 14 wherein the top wall
also includes supplemental vent openings into the body.
20. An air gap device according to claim 14 wherein the nozzle
includes a vertical axis arranged parallel to the vertical flow
axis of the body.
21. An air gap device according to claim 14 wherein the outer skirt
portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart slit-like
openings enabling the outer skirt portion to flex inwardly and outwardly
whereby the outer skirt portion is adapted to develop an inward
bias upon the outer surface of the upper extremity of the relatively
smaller standard size waste standpipe, and an outward bias upon
the inner surface of the upper extremity of the larger standard
size waste standpipe.
Water softener description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an air gap device for a water
softener system, and particularly to an air gap device adapted for
attachment to both relatively small and relatively large standard
size waste standpipes, whether they are made of plastic or metal,
or are threaded or unthreaded.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A typical household water softener continuously treats incoming
water by passing it through a resin composition. Water flow through
the composition is periodically interrupted so that the resin composition
can be flushed with salt water to rejuvenate it. Backsiphoning of
the waste water flow into the household potable water system is
prevented by passing the waste flow through an air gap device prior
to discharging it into the waste standpipe.
The discharge of waste from a typical household reverse osmosis
system must also be directed through an air gap device to prevent
backsiphoning. Although it is not mandatory, it is desirable that
both the water softener and reverse osmosis waste water discharges
be directed through one air gap device for simplicity of operation,
reduced cost and ease of installation. Various devices are available
in the prior art to accomplish this, one such device being disclosed
in my U.S. Pat. No. 5592964. Analogous arrangements are disclosed
in my U.S. Pat. No. 5176165 and in U.S. Pat. No. 3411524 issued
to Robert E. Raine and to the present applicant.
The waste standpipe is usually located somewhere close to the water
softener drain line but it can be located elsewhere, and in some
cases extends into a wall box which is recessed into the wall for
convenience.
Most standpipes are made of galvanized steel pipe or polyvinyl
chloride plastic, and are typically made available in a smaller
diameter standard size of one and one-half inches, and a larger
diameter standard size of two inches. Of course, other materials
and sizes can be used if desired, but the two mentioned are very
commonly used.
Insofar as applicant is aware, there are no air gap devices in
the prior art that are adapted for connection to both threaded and
unthreaded metal and plastic waste standpipes of different standard
sizes.
Thus, if the air gap device has a threaded end fitting for threaded
connection to a threaded standpipe, it will fit only one size of
standpipe. Additional air gap devices are required for each different
size, presenting a stocking problem for both sellers and users.
On the other hand, if the air gap device is not threaded but has
a slip fit end, it can only be connected to a threaded standpipe
if it is forced onto or within the threads of the standpipe, depending
upon the diameter of the standpipe. However, this would not be desirable,
particularly in the absence of a generous overlap of the parts,
because the air gap device could be accidentally separated from
the standpipe, and also because water could leak past the threaded
area of the standpipe.
If the standpipe and air gap device are both unthreaded and made
of plastic, they can be permanently slip fitted together by using
a suitable adhesive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, an air gap device is provided
which prevents backsiphoning of waste water from a water softener
system and, if desired, also from a reverse osmosis (RO) potable
water system. The device is preferably made of corrosion resistant,
inexpensive plastic material molded in one piece for simplicity
of design and economy of manufacture. It can be molded to include
a threaded end fitting for threaded attachment in a vertical orientation
to a threaded waste water standpipe, but preferably the end fitting
is of the slip fit type. It can then be coupled to both threaded
and unthreaded waste standpipes. It can also include a receptacle
or opening for accepting relatively small tubing which forms the
drainage for RO waste water.
Both the RO receptacle and the end fitting are adapted to include
a nozzle for shaping the flow of water softener or RO waste water,
as the case may be, into a well defined, vertically directed stream.
This increases the system water flow capacity and reduces splattering
of the water softener waste water out of the air gap device. RO
tubing is preferably in coaxial alignment with the end fitting in
order to best direct RO and water softener waste discharge past
the opening in the air gap device.
The air gap device comprises a downwardly open body having the
necessary air gap opening to comply with plumbing codes. The body
also includes inner and outer depending skirt portions adapted to
be biased against the inner and outer surfaces of the upper extremity
of the smaller standard size waste standpipe, i.e. one and one-half
inches in diameter.
In addition, the outer surface of the outer skirt portion is also
adapted to be biased against the inner surface of the upper extremity
of the larger standard size waste standpipe, i.e. two inches. Accordingly,
the device is adapted for attachment to both standard size standpipes
without any structural modification.
To facilitate a good seal, the outer skirt portion may include
a plurality of circumferentially arranged slit-like openings to
enable the skirt portion to be deformed or flexed inwardly and outwardly.
The tendency of the skirt portion to return to its original or undeformed
state causes it to exert a firm bias or seating pressure against
the adjacent waste standpipe surface with which it is associated.
Another important feature of the invention is that the skirt portion
which is seated against the adjacent waste standpipe surface always
lies within the interior of that standpipe surface, whether the
standpipe is of the smaller or the larger standard size.
With the foregoing arrangement the present air gap device can be
configured for quick and easy coupling, without screw threads or
adhesive, to either of two standard sizes of metal or plastic waste
standpipe. Whether the standpipe is made of plastic or metal, some
portion of the air gap body will be firmly biased against the adjacent
surface or surfaces of the waste standpipe. Because the lower portions
of this unique design are always located inside the supporting standpipe,
any leakage or splatter will be kept within the supporting standpipe.
When a recessed wall box is used, the present air gap device easily
fits within the box recess into which the standpipe is inserted
or located.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent
from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the
features of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is side elevational view of the air gap device in its normal
vertical mounting position;
FIG. 2 is a top view of the air gap device;
FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the air gap device;
FIG. 4 is a view taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a view taken along the line 5--5 of FIG. 2 and illustrating
a portion of the threaded upper extremity of a standard smaller
size waste standpipe inserted within the outer skirt portion of
the air gap device; and
FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but illustrating a portion
of the threaded upper extremity of a standard larger size waste
standpipe engaged upon the outside of the outer skirt portion of
the air gap device.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, one embodiment of the present air
gap device is illustrated as it would appear when connected to water
treatment apparatus such as a water softener (not shown), a reverse
osmosis potable water system (not shown), and either a smaller standard
size waste standpipe 10 (as seen in FIG. 5) or a larger standard
size waste standpipe 12 (as seen in FIG. 6).
The air gap device is integrally molded of a suitable plastic material
in a one piece construction which includes a body 14 and a splatter
shield 16 spaced from but substantially overlying an air gap opening
18 provided in the body 14. The shield 16 substantially prevents
water from splattering out of the air gap opening 18 as it flows
past the opening, as will be seen.
The body 14 is cylindrical and downwardly open to enable the discharge
of waste water through its bottom into the associated standpipe.
The body 14 includes an upper extremity or top wall 20 which includes
a cylindrical, vertically oriented end fitting 22 having a suitable
bore which at its base is provided with a small opening constituting
a nozzle.
As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 the bore of the end fitting 22 is
preferably smooth or unthreaded so that a suitable flow straightening
element, nozzle or stream modifier can be slip fitted within it.
The stream modifier may be like that shown in my U.S. Pat. No. 5592964
comprising a plurality of radially outwardly oriented fins which
define a plurality of vertical passages that promote laminar flow
of the waste water through the nozzle along a vertical flow axis
23.
A water softener waste water drain line (not shown) may be attached
in any suitable fashion for discharge into the end fitting 22. For
this purpose, any means of connection may be used, depending upon
whether the drain line is flexible or rigid, its size, etc., including
slip fit with or without adhesive, compression fit, or the so-called
John Guest push-in type of fitting. Alternatively, if desired, the
top wall 20 could be molded to include a threaded boss to provide
for threaded connections to the air gap device, or various other
forms of connection may be used, as will be apparent to those skilled
in the art. Frequently where commercial polyvinylchloride (PVC)
slip fittings are slipped over the end fitting 22 a standard size
O-ring (not shown) can be installed within a groove 40 to provide
a leak tight port connection without any adhesives or the like.
The air gap body 14 includes integrally molded cylindrical inner
and outer skirts 24 and 26 respectively, which are coaxial and
spaced apart to define a cylindrical cavity 28. The lower edges
of the skirts are preferably feathered or tapered, as best seen
in FIG. 4 so that they will more easily fit over or within the
associated standpipe.
The cavity 28 has confronting inner and outer surfaces 30 and 32
respectively, which are adapted to engage the inner and outer surfaces
of the upper extremity of the small standard size waste standpipe
10 as seen in FIG. 5. It also is preferably characterized by different
diameters to form a collar or flange for engagement by the end of
the standpipe 10.
The outer surface of the outer skirt 26 is also adapted to engage
the inner surface of the upper extremity of a relatively large standard
size waste standpipe 12 as seen in FIG. 6 so that the air gap
device is immediately capable of association with either a standard
one and one-half inch standpipe, or a standard two inch standpipe
without need for any adjustment or modification. This arrangement
also minimizes water leakage at the joints where the skirts engage
the standpipes, the inner skirt 24 extending into the standpipe
10 as seen in FIG. 5 and the outer skirt 26 fitting within the
standpipe 12 in the arrangement of FIG. 6.
The generally rectangular air gap opening 18 is made at least one
inch in height to satisfy plumbing codes, and extends through both
the inner and outer skirts 24 and 26 to provide an unobstructed
venting passage into the interior of the body 14. Additional openings
34 are made in the top wall 20 to provide additional venting passages
and thereby further insure against backsiphoning. The openings can
also be used for visual inspection.
The water splatter shield 16 and skirt 34 are integrally molded
as part of the top wall 20. Shield 16 extends downwardly, and partially
overlies the air gap opening 18 to reduce splattering of water out
of the opening. Preferably its vertical free edges are inwardly
directed at 42 to maximize the capture of errant water droplets.
As will be apparent, use of a nozzle and a laminar flow stream modifier
(not shown) in the fitting 22 will further reduce such splattering.
Splattering is further reduced by a pair of vertically extending
small projections 41 extending along and integral with the skirt
34 along its entire length.
As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 a feature of the air gap device
is that it provides venting and back siphonage protection not only
for a water softener system, but also for a reverse osmosis system.
For this purpose the top wall 20 includes an opening 36 into which
usual three eighths inch flexible tubing extending from the waste
port of the reverse osmosis system can be press fitted. Such a press
fitted connection has been found to be adequate under the relatively
low pressure conditions present in the RO drain system.
The opening 36 is formed and arranged to mount the flexible RO
tubing in a vertical orientation, and, as illustrated, with its
vertical axis arranged parallel to the vertical axis of the usual
soft water waste discharge tubing which is connected to the end
fitting 22. This vertical orientation aligns the RO water flow with
the water softener flow and reduces turbulence and promotes laminar
flow, compared to a laterally oriented RO drain line. Although not
shown, the fitting 22 can also be molded so that it mounts on the
associated standpipe at a very slight tilt, no more than a few degrees
from vertical, so that the centerlines of the RO and soft water
waste flow paths tilt slightly away from the air gap opening 18.
This further minimizes water splattering out of the opening 18.
It has been found that a more reliable, relatively rigid mounting
of the air gap body 14 onto the associated standpipe is provided
by configuring and dimensioning the skirt portion 26 so that it
is biased or pressed against the standpipe. This is promoted by
providing the lower section of the skirt portion 26 with a plurality
of circumferentially arranged slit-like openings 38. These permit
the skirt portion 26 to bend or flex inwardly and outwardly. When
properly dimensioned in relation to the size of the associated standpipe,
the skirt portion develops an inward bias upon the outer surface
of a smaller size standard standpipe 10 when it is forced over the
standpipe or, in the case of a larger size standpipe 12 the skirt
portion develops an outward bias when it is forced within the standpipe
12. Although not shown, the skirt portion 26 can also be modified
"on the job" to provide a cut-out portion in the skirt
portion 26 between adjacent slits 38 to accommodate any obstructions
in the upper extremity of the standpipe, such as a weld bead.
From the foregoing it can be seen that the present air gap device
provides for universal attachment to the two most widely used standard
sizes of standpipe, whether the standpipe is made of plastic or
metal, and whether the standpipe is threaded or unthreaded.
While several forms of the invention have been illustrated and
described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. |