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  Gravity flow drain extension for a condensation drain lineThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060185733. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to a gravity flow drain extension designed for connecting to an air conditioner's existing condensation drain line. The invention comprises an assembly of parts packaged together in a single convenient kit. Once installed, the invention effectively manages condensation runoff by carrying the water away from the house to a more desirable location for discharge. The runoff may be incorporated in a drip irrigation system, or simply fed to a catch basin or other suitable drain. [0002] During summer months, a home's air conditioning system can produce a considerable amount of condensation runoff--as much as three to five gallons per day is not uncommon. In most homes, a condensation drain line formed of PVC pipe extends from the AC unit located inside the home to a discharge point outside of the home. This discharge point is typically within 4-12 inches from the foundation. While many homeowners choose to ignore this slow drip or trickle of water, over the course of a day the amount of water discharged in this one location is not good for the foundation, and is not optimal for plants or vegetation close to the home. Over a more extended period, water may begin to pool, killing areas of the lawn and creating a rather muddy wet environment conducive to mosquitos and other insects, algae, mold growth, and fungal diseases. This runoff may also cause unnecessary settling of the foundation due to softening earth in and around the crawl space and footing. [0003] The present invention addresses this issue by providing a gravity flow drain extension designed to conveniently retrofit to the existing condensation drain line projecting from the home. The invention effectively manages and distributes the normal condensation runoff produced by the AC unit in a manner which is better for the homeowner and better for the surrounding environment. The invention is quickly and easily installed without special tools or the help of a professional. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a gravity flow drain extension designed for connecting to an air conditioner's existing condensation drain line to disperse water away from the exiting opening of the drain line to a more desirable location. [0005] It is another object of the invention to provide a gravity flow drain extension which is quickly and easily installed. [0006] It is another object of the invention to provide a gravity flow drain extension which includes an assembly of parts conveniently packaged and sold in a single kit. [0007] It is another object of the invention to provide a gravity flow drain extension which may incorporate a drip irrigation system for surrounding plants, bushes, shrubs, and other vegetation. [0008] It is another object of the invention to provide a gravity flow drain extension which is especially adapted for installation by the do-it-yourself homeowner. [0009] It is another object of the invention to provide a gravity flow drain extension which can be installed without special tools or professional assistance. [0010] It is another object of the invention to provide a gravity flow drain extension which delivers water to a desired location without creating an overly moist environment that promotes mold, algae, mosquitos, fungal diseases, and foundation settling. [0011] It is another object of the invention to provide a gravity flow drain extension which protects the structural integrity of the home or building's foundation. [0012] It is another object of the invention to provide a gravity flow drain extension which reduces soil erosion on slopes. [0013] It is another object of the invention to provide a condensation drain line which incorporates the present gravity flow drain extension. [0014] It is another object of the invention to provide an air conditioner system including a condensation drain line which incorporates the present gravity flow drain extension. [0015] It is another object of the invention to provide a method for managing water flow from a condensation drain line of an air conditioner system. [0016] It is another object of the invention to capture, store, and recycle condensation runoff for subsequent use in air coolant systems for attics and/or garages, land irrigation systems, washing cars, and other commercial, residential, and recreational uses. The water may be stored in an aboveground or underground tank and dispensed, as needed, for any desired application. [0017] These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing a gravity flow drain extension adapted for attachment to an exit opening of a condensation drain line projecting from an exterior wall of a building. The drain extension includes an extension line for receiving and transporting water. Means are provided for attaching an open connecting end of the extension line to the exit opening of the condensation drain line, such that water exiting the condensation drain line enters the extension line. The extension line defines at least one discharge opening downstream of its connecting end for dispensing water at a location away from the exit opening of the condensation drain line. This location may be at a catch basin, storm drain, a remote storage tank, or the like. A backflow preventer upstream of the at least one discharge opening prevents backflow of water into the condensation drain line. [0018] According to another preferred embodiment, the extension line includes an elbow fitting downstream of the open connecting end, and adapted for directing an angled gravity flow of water exiting the condensation drain line. [0019] According to another preferred embodiment, the extension line further includes a rigid decline section connected to the elbow fitting, and angled such that water moving downstream from the open connecting end maintains smooth continuous contact with a lower surface of the decline section. [0020] According to another preferred embodiment, the backflow preventer includes a tee fitting formed with the decline section. The tee fitting defines an open window facing away from the gravity flow of water, whereby any water build-up inside the extension line is diverted through the window prior to re-entry into the condensation drain line. [0021] According to another preferred embodiment, a mesh screen covers the window of the tee fitting to prevent entry of debris into the extension line. [0022] According to another preferred embodiment, the extension line includes a flexible tube section. Continue reading... Full patent description for Gravity flow drain extension for a condensation drain line Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Gravity flow drain extension for a condensation drain line patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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