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| United States Patent
|
6,474,365 |
| Brown , et al. |
November 5, 2002 |
Overflow drain outlet cover system
Abstract
A system for covering drain pipe outlets, particularly, as they
exit a building. The system includes a band that is tightened around
the exterior of a pipe as it protrudes through the side of a
building. Attached to the band is a hinged cover which is sized to
entirely cover the pipe and hidden hinge. The cover may be covered
with material to match or complement the building exterior
surfacing, such as paint or stucco. In addition, the band portion
may also include one or more restictors, such as bars, to prevent
unauthorized access or debris from entering the pipe. The system
provides for multiple size covers and bands for a wide variety of
pipe sizes.
| Inventors: |
Brown; Kenneth E.
(Chandler, AZ), Brown; Cindy K. (Chandler, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
09/839,019 |
| Filed: |
April 21, 2001 |
| Current U.S.
Class: |
138/96R ;
137/360; 137/527.6; 4/211 |
| Current
International Class: |
E04D
13/04 (20060101); E04D 13/08 (20060101); F16K 015/03 () |
| Field of
Search: |
138/96R
137/527.8,527.6,360 4/211 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Primary Examiner: Brinson; Patrick
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman; Martin L.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A pipe cover system for a pipe end opening of a wall drain outlet
pipe, comprising, in combination: a) a cover structured and arranged
to substantially cover the wall drain outlet pipe end opening; b) an
attacher structured and arranged to attach said cover to the pipe
end opening; and c) a cover opening system structured and arranged
to allow flowing water to open said cover sufficiently to allow
flowing water to pass from the pipe end opening; d) wherein said
cover is further structured and arranged to hide said attacher and
cover opening system.
2. The pipe cover system according to claim 1, further comprising a
restrictor structured and arranged to assist in restricting unwanted
matter from entering the pipe end opening.
3. The pipe cover system according to claim 1, wherein said cover
opening system comprises at least one rotator structured and
arranged to rotatedly open said cover sufficiently to allow flowing
water to pass from the pipe end opening.
4. The pipe cover system according to claim 3, wherein said rotator
comprises at least one hinge structured and arranged to hingedly
connect said cover to said attacher.
5. The pipe cover system according to claim 1, wherein at least one
surface of said cover is structured and arranged to be bondable to a
coating.
6. The pipe cover system according to claim 5, wherein said at least
one surface of said cover is structured and arranged to be bondable
to a cementitious coating.
7. The pipe cover system according to claim 5, wherein said at least
one surface of said cover is structured and arranged to be bondable
to a paint coating.
8. The pipe cover system according to claim 4 wherein said cover and
said at least one hinge are structured and arranged such that said
at least one hinge supports said cover at a cover top portion and
allows rotation of said cover outwardly in such manner that when
flowing water gravitates from the pipe end opening to said cover,
said cover swings open sufficiently to allow flowing water to pass
from the pipe end opening.
9. The pipe cover system according to claim 8, wherein at least one
surface of said cover is structured and arranged to be bondable to a
coating.
10. The pipe cover system according to claim 9, wherein said
attacher further comprises a clamp structured and arranged to
substantially engage a circumference of the pipe end opening and be
tightened around the pipe end opening.
11. The pipe cover system according to claim 1, wherein said
attacher further comprises a clamp structured and arranged to
substantially engage a circumference of the pipe end opening and be
tightened around the pipe end opening.
12. The pipe cover system according to claim 4, wherein said
attacher further comprises a clamp structured and arranged to
substantially engage a circumference of the pipe end opening and be
tightened around the pipe end opening.
13. The pipe cover system according to claim 3, wherein said
attacher comprises said rotator.
14. The pipe cover system according to claim 1, further comprising:
a. a wall drain outlet pipe having a pipe end opening; b. wherein
said cover is attached to said pipe end opening by said attacher.
15. The pipe cover system according to claim 14 further comprising:
a) a building, having an exterior wall, substantially enclosing said
wall drain outlet pipe; b) wherein said pipe end opening is situated
adjacent said exterior wall; and c) wherein at least one surface of
said cover is structured and arranged to be bondable to a coating
visually matching said exterior wall.
16. A pipe cover system for a pipe end opening of a wall drain
outlet pipe, comprising, in combination: a) a cover structured and
arranged to cover the pipe end opening; b) wherein a surface of said
cover is structured and arranged to be bondable to a coating; and c)
at least one hinge structured and arranged so that said at least one
hinge, when attached with the pipe end opening, supports said cover
at a cover top portion, is hidden behind said cover top portion, and
allows rotation of said cover outwardly in such manner that when
flowing water gravitates from the wall drain outlet pipe to said
cover, said cover swings open sufficiently to allow flowing water to
pass from the pipe end opening.
17. The pipe cover system according to claim 16, further comprising
a circular band, with an adjustable tightener, said band being
structured and arranged to be tightened around an external surface
of the wall drain outlet pipe adjacent the pipe end opening.
18. The pipe cover system according to claim 17, wherein said hinge
connects said cover with said circular band.
19. A pipe cover system, for a pipe end opening of a wall drain
outlet pipe, comprising, in combination: a) a cover structured and
arranged to cover the pipe end opening, b) wherein a surface of said
cover is structured and arranged to be bondable to a coating; and c)
at least one hinge structured and arranged so that said at least one
hinge, when attached with the pipe end opening, supports said cover
at a cover top portion and allows rotation of said cover outwardly
in such manner that when flowing water gravitates from the wall
drain outlet pipe to said cover, said cover swings open sufficiently
to allow flowing water to pass from the pipe end opening d) a
circular band, with an adjustable tightener, said band being
structured and arranged to be tightened around an external surface
of the wall drain outlet pipe adjacent the pipe end opening, and
wherein said hinge connects said cover with said circular band; and
e) a restrictor attached to said circular band, said restrictor
being structured and arranged to assist in restricting unwanted
matter from entering the pipe end opening.
20. The pipe cover system according to claim 19 wherein: a. said
restrictor comprises at least one round bar; and b. wherein said
cover has a diameter about two inches greater than a diameter of the
pipe.
21. The pipe cover system according to claim 1 wherein said cover
has a diameter between about 1 inches and about 4 inches greater
than a diameter of the pipe.
22. The pipe cover system according to claim 1 wherein: a) said
cover consists of a substantially flat, substantially round disc; b)
wherein said cover is structured and arranged such that all that is
visible when viewing the pipe cover system from the front is said
substantially flat, substantially round disc.
Description
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to providing a system for covering a wall
drain outlet pipe, extending from the exterior wall of a building,
while allowing water flow from the pipe. In addition, the system
provides for a cover having a surface which is bondable to a coating
in order to provide a more aesthetically pleasing building exterior.
Typically, drain pipe outlets are used to allow water to be drained
either from a building rooftop, or a system within the building,
such as a fire sprinkler system or an air conditioning system.
Typically, drain pipe outlets range in size from about 2 inches in
diameter up to about 24 inches in diameter. They typically exit the
side of a building structure through a wall, thereby allowing the
water to flow towards a designated drainage area. The great majority
of these drain pipe outlets are roof drain outlets. Roof drain
outlets typically extend from the roof down through the inside of
the building to a point roughly twelve inches above ground, where
they exit to the building exterior. These roof drain outlet openings
are typically left uncovered such that the pipe outlet opening is
parallel with the face of the building exterior. The pipe outlet
openings are unsightly and detract from the building appearance.
Debris, vermin and even children may enter these uncovered pipe
outlets, potentially blocking them or providing an unsafe or
unsanitary condition.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide
a system for covering drain pipe outlets while not deterring from
their function.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a system which allows the drain pipe outlet cover to be
painted or coated with a material and/or color that blends in with
the building exterior.
It is another object and feature of the present invention to provide
such a system which provides a restrictor to restrict access to the
pipe outlets from debris and vermin.
It is yet another object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a system which provides a variety of sizes to fit
different pipe diameters.
It is still another object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a system which provides a simple installation.
A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to
provide such a system which is efficient, inexpensive, and handy.
Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent
with reference to the following descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there
is provided a pipe cover system for a pipe end opening of a wall
drain outlet pipe, comprising, in combination: a cover structured
and arranged to substantially cover the wall drain outlet pipe end
opening; an attacher structured and arranged to attach such cover to
the pipe end opening; and a cover opening system structured and
arranged to allow flowing water to open such cover sufficiently to
allow flowing water to pass from the pipe end opening. It also
provides such a system further comprising a restrictor structured
and arranged to assist in restricting unwanted matter from entering
the pipe end opening. And, it provides such a system wherein such
cover opening system comprises at least one rotator structured and
arranged to rotatedly open such cover sufficiently to allow flowing
water to pass from the pipe end opening. Further, it provides such a
system wherein such rotator comprises at least one hinge structured
and arranged to hingedly connect such cover to such attacher.
Additionally, it provides such a system wherein at least one surface
of such cover is structured and arranged to be bondable to a
coating; and, wherein such at least one surface of such cover is
structured and arranged to be bondable to a cementitious coating.
Also, it provides such a system wherein such at least one surface of
such cover is structured and arranged to be bondable to a paint
coating. Further, it provides such a system wherein such cover and
such at least one hinge are structured and arranged such that such
at least one hinge supports such cover at a cover top portion and
allows rotation of such cover outwardly in such manner that when
flowing water gravitates from such pipe to such cover, such cover
swings open sufficiently to allow flowing water to pass from the
pipe end opening. Even further, it provides such a system wherein at
least one surface of such cover is structured and arranged to be
bondable to a coating. Still further, it provides such a system
wherein such attacher further comprises a clamp structured and
arranged to substantially engage a circumference of the pipe end
opening and be tightened around the pipe end opening.
Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such attacher further
comprises a clamp structured and arranged to substantially engage a
circumference of the pipe end opening and be tightened around the
pipe end opening. And, it provides such a system wherein such
attacher further comprises a clamp structured and arranged to
substantially engage a circumference of the pipe end opening and be
tightened around the pipe end opening. It also provides such a
system wherein such attacher comprises such rotator. Even further,
it provides such a system further comprising: a wall drain outlet
pipe having a pipe end opening; wherein such cover is attached to
such pipe end opening by such attacher. Still further, it provides
such a system further comprising: a building substantially enclosing
such wall drain outlet pipe; wherein such pipe end opening is
situated at an exterior wall location of such building.
According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
there is provided a pipe cover system for a pipe end opening of a
wall drain outlet pipe, comprising, in combination: a cover
structured and arranged to cover the pipe end opening, wherein a
surface of such cover is structured and arranged to be bondable to a
coating; and at least one hinge structured and arranged so that such
at least one hinge, when attached with the pipe end opening,
supports such cover at a cover top portion and allows rotation of
such cover outwardly in such manner that when flowing water
gravitates from the wall drain outlet pipe to such cover, such cover
swings open sufficiently to allow flowing water to pass from the
pipe end opening. It also provides such a system further comprising
a circular band with an adjustable tightener, such band being
structured and arranged to be tightened around an external surface
of the wall drain outlet pipe adjacent the pipe end opening.
Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such hinge connects
such cover with such circular band. And, it provides such a system
further comprising a restrictor attached to such circular band, such
restrictor being structured and arranged to assist in restricting
unwanted matter from entering the pipe end opening. It also provides
such a system wherein: such restrictor comprises at least one round
bar; and wherein such cover has a diameter about two inches greater
than a diameter of the pipe.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the overflow drain outlet cover
system illustrated in a typical use on the side of a building,
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view, partially in section, of the overflow drain
outlet cover system, according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 3 is a front and back view of the overflow drain outlet cover
system, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the overflow drain outlet cover
system illustrating a restrictor, according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a side view, partially in section, of the overflow drain
outlet cover system illustrating the cover movement, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the overflow drain outlet
cover system, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the overflow drain outlet cover
system 20 illustrated in a typical use, installed on a pipe 22,
extending from the down-spout 24 of preferably, a roof drain,
installed along the inside portion of a building (embodying herein a
building substantially enclosing such wall drain outlet pipe) and
extending through the exterior side of a building 26 (embodying
herein wherein such pipe end opening is situated at an exterior wall
location of such building), according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention. Preferably, the pipe 22 extends such that the
pipe and pipe opening 27 (embodying herein a wall drain outlet pipe
having a pipe end opening) are at least two inches beyond the
building 26. The down-spout 24 may also extend from a fire sprinkler
system or other system where water 28 is to be released to the
building exterior 30.
FIG. 2 is a side view, partially in section, of an overflow drain
outlet cover 32, according to a preferred embodiment 34 of the
present invention. FIG. 3 is a front view 36 and back view 38 of the
overflow drain outlet cover 32, according to embodiment 34 of the
present invention. In reference to the above figures, preferably,
the overflow drain outlet cover 32 comprises a cover 40 (embodying
herein a cover structured and arranged to substantially cover the
wall drain outlet pipe end opening) attached to an attachment band
42 (embodying herein an attacher structured and arranged to attach
such cover to the pipe end opening) by means of a simple hinge 44
arrangement (embodying herein wherein such cover opening system
comprises at least one rotator structured and arranged to rotatedly
open such cover sufficiently to allow flowing water to pass from the
pipe end opening; and, also embodying herein wherein such rotator
comprises at least one hinge structured and arranged to hingedly
connect such cover to such attacher; and, also embodying herein
wherein such attacher comprises such rotator). Preferably, hinge 44
is mounted to cover 40 such that cover 40 hangs in about a vertical
position, as shown. Preferably, the hinge arrangement is such that
water 28 will flow freely from pipe 22 passing cover 40 (this
arrangement embodying herein a cover opening system structured and
arranged to allow flowing water to open such cover sufficiently to
allow flowing water to pass from the pipe end opening). Preferably,
a minimum amount of water pressure may push the cover 40 open,
allowing the water 28 to flow out of the pipe 22. Preferably, the
attachment band 42 consists of a circular shaped band 46 with
closure tabs 52 at each end (shown more clearly in FIG. 6), having
two aligned apertures 54 such that a closure adjusting bolt 48 and
nut 50 will fit through the two aligned apertures 54. Preferably,
circular band 46 is manufactured in multiple sizes such that it is
slightly larger than the pipe diameter to which it is intended to be
slip-fit over, and, as such, the circular band 46 may be tightened
around the pipe 22 by tightening the closure adjusting bolt 48 and
nut 50, in well-known ways (this arrangement embodying herein
wherein such attacher further comprises a clamp structured and
arranged to substantially engage a circumference of the pipe end
opening and be tightened around the pipe end opening). Preferably,
the circular band 46 requires a minimum length L of extended pipe 56
from the building face 58 to connect onto. The preferred minimum
length L of extended pipe 56 is about two inches. Additionally, in
order to hide the hinge 44, the cover 40 preferably extends a
minimum distance D from the attachment band 42 to the edge of the
cover 40. Preferably, distance D is no more than about two inches
(embodying herein wherein such cover has a diameter about two inches
greater than a diameter of the pipe).
In order to provide a finish on cover 40 that will preferably match
the finish of the exterior side of the building 26, cover 40 is
preferably made from paint-coat-treated galvanized steel.
Preferably, paint-coat-treated galvanized steel will accept paint,
exterior finish systems and cementitious materials, such as that
commonly referred to as stucco (embodying herein wherein at least
one surface of such cover is structured and arranged to be bondable
to a coating; and, wherein such at least one surface of such cover
is structured and arranged to be bondable to a cementitious coating;
and also, wherein such at least one surface of such cover is
structured and arranged to be bondable to a paint coating). Under
appropriate circumstances, other cover materials with respect to
coatable materials may be useful. Preferably, cover 40 may be
covered with a matching exterior finish to that of the building.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the overflow drain outlet cover
system 20 illustrating a restrictor 60 (embodying herein a
restrictor structured and arranged to assist in restricting unwanted
matter from entering the pipe end opening), according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the
restrictor 60 is shown installed horizontally in the attachment band
42. The restrictor 60 may be one or more preferably, round bars, as
shown, which are placed towards the front 62 of opening 64 such that
the attachment band 42 is still functionally able to attach to the
pipe 22 (this arrangement embodying herein wherein such restrictor
comprises at least one round bar; and, a restrictor attached to such
circular band, such restrictor being structured and arranged to
assist in restricting unwanted matter from entering the pipe end
opening). Preferably, the round bars are between one-half and
three-quarters inches in diameter, providing at least one, to one
and one-half inches of attachment on the attachment band 42 to
encircle pipe 22. Preferably, the restrictor 60 may be placed in any
combination of, for example, horizontal and vertical bars, so long
as the restrictor 60 does not block water flow from the pipe. The
pipe 22 and cover 40 may come in a variety of sizes. Preferably, the
pipe diameters and associated attachment band 42 sizes typically
range from about two inches, to about 24 inches in diameter. In
order to accommodate various local building codes and other such
authority, the overflow drain outlet cover system 20 may be adapted
such that the restrictor 60 adequately restricts access to the pipe
by, for example, children.
FIG. 5 is a side view, partially in section, of the overflow drain
outlet cover system 20 illustrating the cover 40 movement, according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, as
illustrated in FIG. 5, cover 40 swivels upward and outward as it
opens (embodying herein wherein such cover and such at least one
hinge are structured and arranged such that such at least one hinge
supports such cover at a cover top portion and allows rotation of
such cover outwardly in such manner that when flowing water
gravitates from such pipe to such cover, such cover swings open
sufficiently to allow flowing water to pass from the pipe end
opening).
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the overflow drain outlet
cover system 20, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. These figures further illustrate the parts and
connections of the described embodiment of the overflow drain outlet
cover system 20.
In reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, hinge 44 preferably comprises two
external tabs 62 and 64, each having an aperture 63 and 65,
respectively. External tabs 62 and 64 are preferably welded to cover
40, as shown. Hinge 44 further comprises two internal tabs 66 and
68, each having an aperture 67 and 69, respectively. Internal tabs
66 and 68 are preferably welded to attachment band 42, as shown.
Preferably, hinge 44 further comprises bolt 70, washer 72, washer
74, lock washer 76, nut 78 and sleeve 80. Preferably, as illustrated
in FIG. 6, bolt 70 passes through washer 72, external tab 64,
internal tab 69, sleeve 80, internal tab 67, external tab 63, washer
74 and lock washer 76. Preferably, nut 78 is threadably attached to
bolt 70 and is tightened in well-known ways, thereby connecting the
hinge 44.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and
sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims
as read in connection with the above specification.
Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and
the below claims.
* * * * *
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