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  Anti-flushing diaphragmUSPTO Application #: 20070083989Title: Anti-flushing diaphragm Abstract: An elastomeric anti-flushing diaphragm (80) having a cantilevered peripheral rim (84) is supported by and resides under a diverter (52) which is placed directly over the main or primary drain opening (44) in a top wall (40) of a urinal cartridge (22). As liquid passes under the diverter, a negative pressure or suction is created on the underside (96) of the diaphragm. As the flow of liquid increases, the negative pressure increases to pull down the peripheral edge (rim 84) of the diaphragm on the top wall and to constrict the flow of liquid that can pass under it, thus limiting the amount of turbulence in the sealing fluid (30) within the cartridge and preventing its loss to an external drain tube (34). When the liquid flow is sufficient to rise above the diverter, as in the case of a bucket (100) of water (102) being poured into the urinal bowl, the water creates a positive pressure above the diaphragm, that is, on its upper side (94). This positive pressure, in concert with the negative pressure on the underside of the diaphragm, seals the peripheral edge of the diaphragm to the top of the cartridge, thereby blocking the main drain and diverts the liquid to smaller secondary openings (45) in the top wall which can operate otherwise as cartridge-removing tool holes and vent holes. The flow through the secondary openings allows slow drainage and no loss of sealant. When the pressure subsides or is reduced, the diaphragm returns to its normal position due to its elastic resiliency, and allows normal operation of the water free urinal without any restriction. (end of abstract) Agent: Law Offices Of Clark D. Gross - Los Angeles, CA, US Inventors: Michael Higgins, Michael Higgins, Robert Avetisian, Robert Avetisian, Erik B. Brown, Erik B. Brown USPTO Applicaton #: 20070083989 - Class: 004301000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Baths, Closets, Sinks, And Spittoons, Flush Closet, Urinals Only The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070083989. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/678,476 filed 6 May 2005, and U.S. NonProvisional Applications, Ser. No. 11/032,508 filed 9 Jan. 2005, Ser. No. 11/032,310 filed 9 Jan. 2005, and Ser. No. 11/032,307 filed 9 Jan. 2005. REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERAL SPONSORSHIP [0002] Not Applicable REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX [0003] Not Applicable [0004] 1. Field of the Invention [0005] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for preventing loss of sealant in a water free cartridge and, more particularly, such loss as may occur during larger than normal flow of wastewater and other fluids into the cartridge. [0006] 2. Description of Related Art and Other Considerations [0007] In water free urinal cartridges that utilize an oily sealant to prevent odors from escaping to the environment, it is important that all methods be employed to reduce, if not altogether avert, the loss of such sealant during use of the cartridge and to extend the life of such cartridges or, at a minimum, to reduce or avoid the need to replace the sealant. Among the several events that cause sealant loss, one that frequently occurs is the dumping or excessive flow of water or other fluid into the cartridge through the entry opening into the cartridge interior. The result of such excess fluid is that the rapid flow of the fluid creates turbulence in the sealant which then is caused to be forced into the drain and thus to be lost. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] The present invention is directed to address and overcome this and other problems by utilizing fluid instrumentation that cuts off fluid flow through the entry opening, preferably by a diaphragm-type valve. Briefly, a flexible sealing element is positioned over the top wall in which the entry opening is placed. The flexible sealing element (e.g., a diaphragm) includes a periphery (e.g., rim) surrounding the opening, which periphery is normally spaced from the top wall to permit a lesser sealant-disturbing quantity of fluid to flow through the opening into the enclosure. The sealing element is movable into contact with the top wall to form a fluid-tight seal therewith and thereby prevents the larger sealant-disturbing quantity of fluid from flowing into the cartridge through the opening. [0009] The preferred embodiment comprises a sealing element comprising a flexible diaphragm having a membrane that extends to a thickened rim, which defines the periphery and which extends in a normally spaced and unsealed disposition with respect to the opening. The diaphragm is supported by a fluid-diverting shell placeable on and spaced from the wall and over its opening therein, which shell is so configured as to redirect fluids in a circuitous path towards the entry opening. As liquid passes under the shell, a negative pressure or suction is created on the underside of the diaphragm. As the flow of liquid increases, the negative pressure increases to pull down the peripheral rim edge of the diaphragm and to constrict the flow of liquid that can pass under it, thus limiting the amount of turbulence in the sealing fluid within the cartridge and preventing its loss to an external drain pipe. When the liquid flow is sufficient to rise above the diverter, such as when a bucket of water is poured into the urinal bowl, the water creates a positive pressure above the diaphragm. This positive pressure, in concert with the negative pressure on the underside of the diaphragm, seals the peripheral edge of the diaphragm to the top of the cartridge, thereby blocking the main drain and diverts the liquid to smaller secondary openings which operate otherwise as cartridge-removing tool holes and vent holes. The flow through the secondary openings allows slow drainage and no loss of sealant. When the pressure subsides or is reduced, the diaphragm returns to its normal position due to its elastic resiliency, and allows normal operation of the water free urinal without any restriction. [0010] Other aims and advantages, as well as a more complete understanding of the present invention, will appear from the following explanation of exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view in partial section of an anti-flushing diaphragm supported by a urine diverter, and in its non-flexed and non-sealing disposition, as placed atop a urinal cartridge; [0012] FIG. 2 is a top view of the cartridge without the placement thereon of the assembled anti-flushing diaphragm and urine diverter; [0013] FIG. 3 is a cut-away perspective view of the assembled urinal cartridge, anti-flushing diaphragm and urine diverter, as depicted in FIG. 1, but rotated 180.degree. therefrom, as placed within a urinal; [0014] FIG. 4 is a partial view of the FIG. 3 depiction, looking downwardly thereon; [0015] FIG. 5 is a top view of the assembly comprising the urinal cartridge, anti-flushing diaphragm and urine diverter, as fitted within a housing, for enabling the integration of the urinal cartridge, anti-flushing diaphragm and urine diverter into the urinal; [0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly illustrated in FIG. 5, taken along section line 6-6 thereof, and with wastewater and a sealant floating thereon; [0017] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly illustrated in FIG. 5, taken along section line 7-7 thereof, and with wastewater and a sealant floating thereon; [0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the assembly shown in FIGS. 5-7; [0019] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the assembly as depicted, for example, in FIG. 7, but rotated 180.degree. therefrom; Continue reading... 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