SHOWER OUTFLOW DIVERSION SYSTEM

Abstract

In one embodiment of the disclosure, a shower outflow diversion system includes a collection platform having a top surface at a first elevation and a base surface, the platform having a thickness between the top surface and the base surface, the top surface defining a top channel network for collecting over-spray and channeling it to a collection platform outlet at a second elevation lower than the first elevation. Another embodiment includes a method of diverting shower outflow to a location other than the shower drain in the shower floor.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/153108, filed Apr. 27, 2015, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

For water conservation, shower drain water can often be reused (or recycled), for example, as landscape irrigation water. Shower water can typically collect and flow without a need for a pump for a shower pan at a first elevation to a deposit location at a second, lower elevation. However, there exists a need for a shower outflow diversion system for showers to capture and flow used shower water to the landscape, for example, in existing homes, where below the floor plumbing is inaccessible or alterations are undesirable. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directing to fulfilling this and other needs.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a shower outflow diversion system is provided. The shower outflow diversion system includes a collection platform having a top surface at a first elevation and a base surface, the platform having a thickness between the top surface and the base surface, the top surface defining a top channel network for collecting over-spray and channeling it to a collection platform outlet at a second elevation lower than the first elevation.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a shower outflow diversion system is provided. The shower outflow diversion system includes a collection platform having a top surface at a first elevation and a base surface, the platform having a thickness between the top surface and the base surface, the top surface defining a top channel network for collecting over-spray and channeling it to a collection well having a collection platform outlet at a second elevation lower than the first elevation; and a diversion drain system extending from the collection platform outlet to a diversion drain system outlet, wherein the diversion drain system outlet is at a third elevation, lower than the first elevation and the second elevation.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of diverting shower outflow to a location other than the shower drain in the shower floor is provided. The method includes providing in a shower a collection platform having a top surface at a first elevation and a base surface, the platform having a thickness between the top surface and the base surface, the top surface defining a top channel network for collecting over-spray and channeling it to a collection well having a collection platform outlet at a second elevation lower than the first elevation; the base surface at the same elevation as the shower floor; and draining outflow from the collection platform outlet to a diversion drain system outlet, wherein the diversion drain system outlet is at a third elevation, lower than the first elevation and the second elevation.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the collection platform may include a plurality of collection platform tiers stacked on top of one another.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the collection platform tiers may be selected from the group consisting of a collection platform tier, a base tier, and an intermediate tier.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the base surface may have a bottom channel network.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the base surface may have a gripping surface.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the shower outflow diversion system may further include a drain cover positionable on top of the top channel network.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the drain cover may be perforated.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the top channel network may include an over-spray collection network and a collection well.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the over-spray collection network may be sloped toward the collection well.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the collection well may include a filter.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the shower outflow diversion system may further include a diversion drain diversion drain system extending from the collection platform outlet to a diversion drain system outlet, wherein the diversion drain system outlet is at a third elevation, lower than the first elevation and the second elevation.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, at least a portion of the diversion drain system may include a flexible portion.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, at least a portion of the diversion drain system may include an inlet portion.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the inlet portion may include a tapered inlet end.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the inlet portion may include a plurality of air intake holes.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the shower outflow diversion system may further include one or more deflection panels couplable to the collection platform.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this disclosure will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a shower outflow diversion system in a shower in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure including three tiers;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the shower outflow diversion system of FIG. 1 including two tiers;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the shower outflow diversion system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an isometric bottom view of the shower outflow diversion system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the shower outflow diversion system of FIG. 1 with the drain plate removed showing the diversion drain system in the collection well; and

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the shower outflow diversion system of FIG. 1 showing the collection well filter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings where like numerals reference like elements is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed.

The following description sets forth one or more examples of a shower outflow diversion system and components thereof. Generally, embodiments described herein relate to shower outflow diversion systems for water conservation. A shower outflow diversion system in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure provides the ability to capture and flow used shower water to an existing landscape, for example, in existing homes, where below the floor plumbing is inaccessible or alterations are undesirable. The shower outflow diversion system includes a gravity flow system to transfer shower water to the outside landscape.

The shower outflow diversion system described herein may apply to shower water or to other types of shower fluid flow. The shower outflow diversion system may also be called a shower recycler system.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a shower outflow diversion system 20 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a collection platform 22 for collecting shower overspray O. The collection platform 22 has a top surface 24 at a first elevation and a base surface 26 at a second, lower elevation. In one embodiment, the base surface 26 of the collection platform 22 is at the same elevation as the floor of the shower S (see shower floor and drain D in FIG. 4). The collection platform 22 has a thickness 28 between the top surface 24 and the base surface 26 and includes a top channel network 30 defined in the thickness 28 and exposed on the top surface 24. (See top channel network 30 in FIG. 3.) In the illustrated embodiment, a shallow profile top channel network 30 can be used to achieve the minimal rise above the front curb needed for gravity flow to a desired diversion location.

The collection platform 22 is configured for collecting over-spray O from a shower S from the top surface 24 in the top channel network 30 and channeling the over-spray O to a collection well 32 located at an elevation below the top surface 24. The top channel network 30 is angled so that all collected fluid flows to the collection well 32 to prevent standing water from collecting in the channels of the top channel network 30. From the collection well 32, collected fluid travels out of the collection well outlet 36 through a diversion drain system 34 to a desired end location, such as a landscape.

As seen in the illustrated embodiments for FIGS. 1-3, the collection platform 22 may include a plurality of vertically stacked tiers 40, 42, and 44 to achieve gravity flow height needed to allow for fluid flow. The stack of tiers in the illustrated embodiment includes a collection platform tier 40, a base tier 44, and an intermediate tier 42. In some circumstances, fluid flow may be over the top of a front curb of a shower pad or stall, thereby requiring additional gravity flow height for the system 20. A tiered collection platform 22 helps the system to achieve the appropriate gravity flow height for a given application. Although shown as three stacked platform tiers 40, 42, 44 (FIG. 1) and two stacked platform tiers 40 and 44 (FIG. 2), a system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may include any number of tiers, including only one platform 40.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the plurality of vertically stacked platform tiers 40, 42, and 44 of the illustrated embodiment are interlocking platform tiers to prevent slippage between tiers. As seen in FIG. 3, the system 20 includes a plurality of pins 50 used to couple the stacked platform tiers 40, 42, and 44 together. The pins 50 are received in aligned holes 52 in each of the plurality of vertically stacked platform tiers 40, 42, and 44. Other interlocking interfaces between tiers are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, the base surface 26 of the base tier 44 includes treads (not shown) and a channel network 54 to allow platform over-spray to flow underneath the base-tier to the existing shower drain D. The treads provide a grip with the shower S floor surface when the shower outflow diversion system 20 is being used by a user. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the system 20 includes three tiers 40, 42, and 44. In an embodiment in which the system 20 includes only one tier, i.e., collection platform tier 40, the base surface 26 of the tier 40 may be configured to include treads and channels for water flow and grip optimization.

In accordance with embodiment of the present disclosure, the platform tiers 40, 42, and 44 may be constructed from rigid closed cell polymer material with sufficient elasticity to conform to the floor of the shower S when stood upon by a user.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the system 20 includes a perforated drain cover shown as a drain plate 60 for covering the top channel network 30. The drain plate 60 provides a standing platform for a user of the shower S. Perforations 62 allow for over-flow O to drain into the top channel network 30 in the collection platform 22. The perforations 62 are arranged and configured to prevent standing water during or after the shower. The drain plate 60 is configured to fit within and cover the entire top channel network 30 to prevent the user from tripping on the top channel network 30 while showering.

Also shown in FIG. 3 is an optional filter 64 positioned in the collection well 32 to filter hair or other debris from entering the collection well 32. In one embodiment, the filter 64 provides sufficient filtering for use with small diameter drip tubing in the landscape. FIG. 6 shows a view of the shower outflow diversion system 20 with the drain plate removed 60 and the filter 64 positioned in the collection well 32. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the filter 64 is made from polymer filter media and placed over the collection well 32. The filter 64 may self-conform to the sidewalls of the collection well 32.

As seen in FIG. 3, the diversion drain system 34 of the shower outflow diversion system 20 extends from the diversion drain system inlet at the collection platform outlet 36 to a diversion drain system outlet 38. To allow for the gravity flow of fluid, the diversion drain system outlet 38 is at a third elevation, lower than the first elevation of the top surface 24 of the collection platform 22 and of the elevation of the collection platform outlet 36.

The drain system 34 may be of any configuration to drain the fluid from the collection platform outlet 36 to the desired point of diversion. In that regard the diversion drain system may be sloped in elevation for gravity flow from the collection platform outlet 36 to the desired point of fluid diversion.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the diversion drain system 34 includes an inlet portion 70 coupled to collection platform outlet 36, an extended diversion drain portion 68, and a diversion drain system outlet 38. However, other diversion drain system configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet portion 70 has a plurality of holes 74 for top surface additional air intake and along the bottom surface for receiving diversion drain inlet fluid flow. The inlet portion 70 has a tapered inlet 76 to maximize intake flow capacity by reducing intake inflow turbulence. As the fluid flows transitions from the top channel network 30 to the collection well 32, the tapered inlet of the inlet portion 70 of the diversion drain system outlet 38 exposes more of the top pipe surface to inflowing fluid resulting in a less restrictive flow transition as compared with a straight end pipe

In one non-limiting example, at least a portion of the diversion drain system 34 may include flexible tubing 72 which can allow for convenient repositioning of the diversion drain system 34. The diversion drain system 34 may be configured to extend through an exterior wall, for example, to drip tubing in an outdoor landscape.

The diversion drain system 34 may include vented drains throughout the length of the diversion drain system 34. For normal flow to landscape, no additional venting may be required. In certain situations, venting is beneficial, for example, if flowing into an external tank system with fluctuating water level and multiple water sources. If water in the tank rises covering the discharge point, an air pocket will form against the submerged discharge point. Without a vent relief when the shower is used, the trapped air will restrict the inflowing fluid to the tank system. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the diversion drain system 34 may have an open top channel.

Referring to FIG. 3, the shower outflow diversions system 20 may further include one or more deflection panels 80 couplable to the collection platform. The deflection panel 80 of the illustrated embodiment includes a bendable crease 82 for bending along a 90-degree angle, thereby providing deflection protection on two sides of the shower outflow diversions system 20. Tabs 84 can be received within receiving pockets (not shown) on the top surface 24 of the collection platform 22. For additional deflection protection height, a second deflection panel (not shown) may be stacked on top of the first deflection panel 80, with tabs of the second deflection panel to be received within receiving pockets 86 on the top surface of the first deflection panel 80.

In use, shower outflow fluids can be diverted to a location other than the shower drain D. A collection platform 22 can be provided on a floor of a shower S, the collection platform 22 having a top surface 24 at a first elevation and a base surface 26, the platform having a thickness 28 between the top surface 24 and the base surface 26. The top surface 40 defines a top channel network 30 for collecting over-spray and channeling it to a collection well 32 having a collection platform outlet 36 at a second elevation lower than the first elevation. The base surface 26 can be at the same elevation as the floor of the shower S. Outflow from the collection platform 22 is piped through a diversion drain system 34 to a diversion drain system outlet 38, wherein the diversion drain system outlet 38 is at a third elevation, lower than the first elevation and the second elevation.

Advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure include a portable design that is easily lifted, moved, assembled and/or re-assembled without the use of tools.

While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A shower outflow diversion system, comprising:

a collection platform having a top surface at a first elevation and a base surface, the platform having a thickness between the top surface and the base surface, the top surface defining a top channel network for collecting over-spray and channeling it to a collection platform outlet at a second elevation lower than the first elevation.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the collection platform further includes plurality of collection platform tiers stacked on top of one another.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the collection platform tiers are selected from the group consisting of a collection platform tier, a base tier, and an intermediate tier.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the base surface has a bottom channel network.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the base surface has a gripping surface.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a drain cover positionable on top of the top channel network.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the drain cover is perforated.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the top channel network includes an over-spray collection network and a collection well.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the over-spray collection network is sloped toward the collection well.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the collection well includes a filter.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising a diversion drain system extending from the collection platform outlet to a diversion drain system outlet, wherein the diversion drain system outlet is at a third elevation, lower than the first elevation and the second elevation.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the diversion drain system includes a flexible portion.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the diversion drain system includes an inlet portion.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the inlet portion includes a tapered inlet end.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the inlet portion includes a plurality of air intake holes.

16. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more deflection panels couplable to the collection platform.

17. A shower outflow diversion system, comprising:

a collection platform having a top surface at a first elevation and a base surface, the platform having a thickness between the top surface and the base surface, the top surface defining a top channel network for collecting over-spray and channeling it to a collection well having a collection platform outlet at a second elevation lower than the first elevation; and

a diversion drain system extending from the collection platform outlet to a diversion drain system outlet, wherein the diversion drain system outlet is at a third elevation, lower than the first elevation and the second elevation.

18. A method of diverting shower outflow to a location other than the shower drain in the shower floor, the method comprising:

providing in a shower a collection platform having a top surface at a first elevation and a base surface, the platform having a thickness between the top surface and the base surface, the top surface defining a top channel network for collecting over-spray and channeling it to a collection well having a collection platform outlet at a second elevation lower than the first elevation; the base surface at the same elevation as the shower floor; and

draining outflow from the collection platform outlet to a diversion drain system outlet, wherein the diversion drain system outlet is at a third elevation, lower than the first elevation and the second elevation.