US-12618475-B2 - Back flow valve

US12618475B2US 12618475 B2US12618475 B2US 12618475B2US-12618475-B2

Abstract

A novel backflow valve for use in homes and apartments, which can serve to prevent back flow such as when there is downstream clogging, is described herein. The operational part of the valve includes a washer maintained with the valve housing and a floatable ball wherein in the non-engaged position allows for the free draining of water, and in the engaged position, when drain water is backflowing into the valve housing, the ball floats and engages with the washer to seal the opening and prevent further backflow. There is a platform on which the floating device is in contact with, and allows a rolling motion, for a free flowing and unobstructed water flow when in the non-engaged position. Also described herein is a leak alert system which may be incorporated into the backflow valve assembly of the present invention.

Inventors

Pascual Hernandez Sanchez

Assignees

Pascual Hernandez Sanchez

Dates

Publication Date: 20260505
Application Date: 20240819

Claims (19)

1 . A back flow valve assembly comprising: a first coupling member at the intake end of a valve assembly; a second coupling member at the discharge end of the valve assembly; a central cylindrical body disposed between the first and second coupling members, wherein the coupling members and the central cylindrical body together defining a fluid passageway; a floatable ball positioned within the cylindrical central body; a washer having a restricted central opening, wherein the washer is positioned between the central cylindrical body and the first coupling member such that it can engage the floatable ball when the ball is in a raised position, to sealably close the central opening of the washer; wherein the second coupling member includes a central arm which extends into the interior of the coupling member, the length of the arm is sufficient to support and maintain the floating ball within the cavity of central body.
2 . The back flow valve assembly of claim 1 wherein when the floatable ball is in a lowered position, a fluid passageway within the valve is defined, allowing for the free flow of fluid through the valve.
3 . The back flow valve assembly of claim 1 wherein when the floatable ball is in a raised position, in engagement with the restricted central opening of the washer to close the opening, the backflow of fluids is prevented.
4 . The back flow valve assembly of claim 1 further comprising a wireless alarm system wherein the wireless alarm system comprises: at least one microcontroller, at least one leak sensor; and a wireless communication module; wherein the microcontroller is adapted to receive a signal from the at least one leak sensor; wherein the leak sensor is adapted to detect a fluid leak; wherein the wireless communication module is adapted to receive a signal from the microcontroller; wherein when the leak sensor detects a fluid leak and sends a signal to the microcontroller, the microcontroller sends a signal to the wireless communication module which in turn transmits an electronic alarm to at least one user such as through the user's electronic device.
5 . The back flow valve assembly of claim 4 wherein the electronic device is selected from the group consisting of: a computer, a tablet, and a smartphone.
6 . The back flow valve assembly of claim 4 wherein the wireless communication module is a short range wireless communication module.
7 . The back flow valve assembly of claim 4 wherein the wireless communication module is a wireless internet communication module.
8 . The back flow valve assembly of claim 4 wherein the wireless alarm system is configured to be usable with the user's electronic device to allow the user to configure the alarm system.
9 . The back flow valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the central arm includes a spherical platform.
10 . The central arm of claim 9 wherein the vertical axis of the spherical platform lies along the longitudinal axis of the valve body.
11 . The back flow valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the central arm is removable.
12 . A back flow valve assembly with a leak detection system, comprising: a first coupling member at the intake end of a valve assembly; a second coupling member at the discharge end of the valve assembly; a central cylindrical body disposed between the first and second coupling members, wherein the coupling members and the central cylindrical body together defining a fluid passageway; a floatable ball positioned within the cylindrical central body; a washer having a restricted central opening, wherein the washer is positioned between the central cylindrical body and the first coupling member such that it can engage the floatable ball when the ball is in a raised position, to sealably close the central opening of the washer; a leak sensor comprising a first pole and a second pole; a switch that is operably connected to the first pole and the second pole such that when the water level rises, the connection between the first pole and the second pole is broken, tripping the switch which then triggers an alarm signal.
13 . The back flow valve assembly of claim 12 wherein when the floatable ball is in a lowered position, a fluid passageway within the valve is defined, allowing for the free flow of fluid through the valve.
14 . The back flow valve assembly of claim 12 wherein when the floatable ball is in a raised position, in engagement with the restricted central opening of the washer to close the opening, the backflow of fluids is prevented.
15 . The back flow valve assembly of claim 12 wherein the signal can be turned on or off through use of a manual switch or a wireless or remote control switch.
16 . The back flow valve assembly of claim 12 , wherein the second coupling member includes a central arm which extends into the interior of the coupling member, the length of the arm is sufficient to support and maintain the floating ball within the cavity of central body.
17 . The back flow valve assembly of claim 16 wherein the central arm includes a spherical platform.
18 . A back flow valve assembly with a wireless leak detection system, comprising: a first coupling member at the intake end of a valve assembly; a second coupling member at the discharge end of the valve assembly; a central cylindrical body disposed between the first and second coupling members, wherein the coupling members and the central cylindrical body together defining a fluid passageway; a floatable ball positioned within the cylindrical central body; wherein the second coupling member includes a central arm which extends into the interior of the coupling member, the length of the arm is sufficient to support and maintain the floating ball within the cavity of central body; a washer having a restricted central opening, wherein the washer is positioned between the central cylindrical body and the first coupling member such that it can engage the floatable ball when the ball is in a raised position, to sealably close the central opening of the washer; an alarm system comprising: at least one microcontroller, at least one leak sensor; and a wireless communication module; wherein the microcontroller is adapted to receive a signal from the at least one leak sensor; wherein the leak sensor is adapted to detect a fluid leak; wherein the wireless communication module is adapted to receive a signal from the microcontroller; wherein when the leak sensor detects a fluid leak and sends a signal to the microcontroller, the microcontroller sends a signal to the wireless communication module which in turn transmits an electronic alarm to at least one user such as through the user's electronic device.
19 . The back flow valve assembly of claim 18 wherein the wireless alarm system is configured to be usable with the user's electronic device to allow the user to configure the alarm system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 63/628,768, filed on Aug. 21, 2023 and entitled “IMPROVED BACK FLOW VALVE.” The contents of the above application are hereby incorporated by reference herein. FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates generally to an improved back flow valve assembly, one suited for insertion into drain lines in a new residential construction, or incorporated into an already existing drain line, especially drains from sinks, tubs and the like to prevent unwanted backflow. Aspects of the invention also include embodiments of a leak sensor and alarm which may be implemented with the back flow valve assembly, and which, as an option, may also include the ability to communicate wirelessly such as through an application (or an “app”), via voice message, text message, email, and/or other communication methods to the property owner, manager, resident, person responsible for a dwelling, call center or other designated contacts in the event of a leak. BACKGROUND A frequent problem in multistory apartment buildings and two or more story homes is the problem of overflow when a sink faucet, tub shower head or spout on an upper floor is left running for an extended period of time. This is a particular problem where there exists a clogged drain downstream from the unit. In addition to the potential of overflow in the subject unit, when the unit is connected to a drain serving other units, overflow due to back flow can occur in those sinks, tubs, etc. connected at a point upstream of the clog in the drain system. And water is one of the most destructive elements to building interiors. When a leak incident occurs but is not timely addressed, the water consuming unit having the leak incident can suffer large amounts of water damage. There are currently on the market a number of back flow valves offered. One problem with these valves is that they are relatively expensive and cumbersome to install. Another is that while they prevent insects from entering inside an apartment through water pipes, they do not prevent flooding. Further, none have a floating device that can seal the drain at the first sign of water back pressure. Even further, none have a platform on which the floating device can be in contact with and roll, to allow free flowing and unobstructed water flow. What is needed is a new, simplified back flow valve assembly that is reliable, easy to assemble and install, and relatively inexpensive. There is also a need to have the option of an alarm or notification system that will send an audible or other notification signal when there is a leak detected. Water leak detectors and systems have been used in the industry for a variety of reasons, and under a variety of conditions. There has to be a way of communicating potential leak incidents to a property owner, manager, resident, or other person responsible for a dwelling or property. The invention including its various embodiments, improves on the deficiencies of the prior art and provides a novel backflow valve assembly, which also includes the option of having a leak alarm and notification system. SUMMARY OF INVENTION By way of this invention, a novel backflow valve is described which consists of a back flow valve assembly including an internal washer having a central opening and a freely movable, floatable ball, such that when water flows into the drain of a basin, etc. to which the assembly is connected, it is free to flow though the drain to the drain system beyond. On the other hand, if the downstream drain system becomes clogged, water filling the system will eventually back up to float the ball until it engages with the internal washer, thus forming a seal to cut off any further back flow. In one embodiment, the back flow valve consists of a cylindrical housing having a cylindrical coupler at each end of the housing so that the assembly may be connected in line with an existing drain system, with an extended arm or support rail that projects into the chamber of the housing to act as a support for the floatable ball positioned atop the rail. In one embodiment, the supporting rail is provided at its one end with a small pad (or platform), upon which the ball can be seated. In another embodiment, the combination arm and pad can extend to the center of the cylindrical valve assembly. In yet other embodiments the arm may extend across to the other side of the cylindrical assembly, and the platform can be circular, square, rectangular hexagonal, etc., or even spherical. The platform may be spherical to allow for the floatable ball to be in fluid motion with the platform, thereby further facilitating unobstructed water flow down the drain system. It is to be understood that the embodiments described herein are not limited to the details of construction, processes, or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the above summary and below description, or as illustrated