DEBRIS TRAP FOR USE IN LINEAR DRAINS

Abstract

A debris trap for use with a linear drain includes a body having an elongated configuration and defining a base and a back wall upwardly extending from the base. A plurality of prongs laterally extend from the body along a length of the base. The prongs arranged to both resiliently secure the debris trap within an internal channel of the linear drain and catch hair and other debris that enter the linear drain.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/431,310, filed Dec. 7, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Floors of shower rooms, garages, driveways, etc. are often equipped with linear drains for drainage therefrom. The floor must be installed with a slope toward the linear drain whereby water on the floor may flow toward and into the linear drain. The linear drain must similarly form a slope toward an opening so that water falling into the linear drain may travel to and flow out through the linear drain outlet. These systems however can be extremely difficult to clean and keep functioning properly. For instance, because linear drains have longer inlets and flow channels they tend to collect debris over a larger area, making them more problematic to maintain and require more frequent and comprehensive cleaning. They also tend to be more sensitive to debris and other flow obstructions due to smaller flow slopes. In addition, known cleaning methods can be rather complicated because of limited access to prior art linear drains.

There is thus a need for cleaning mechanisms and methods that are more convenient, effective, and better promote normal flow rates through linear drain systems.

SUMMARY

The disclosure describes various embodiments of a debris trap providing a construction and design that facilitate easier and more effective cleaning of linear drain systems. The embodiments described can include a debris trap having a body having an elongated configuration and defining a base and a back wall upwardly extending from the base. A plurality of prongs laterally extend from the body along a length of the base.

The prongs both resiliently secure the debris trap within an internal channel of a linear drain and catch hair and other debris that enter the linear drain before it reaches an outlet of the linear drain system. This beneficially makes cleaning of the linear drain easier as the debris trap can extend and catch debris along substantially the entire length of the internal channel outside of the outlet structure. Further, it does so without interrupting the visual appeal of the linear drain as the debris trap is hidden below an upper surface of the liner drain. It also makes the cleaning of the outlet less frequent and improves flow performance of the linear drain system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood regarding the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a top view of a linear drain assembly according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway view of the linear drain assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a debris trap according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the debris trap shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the debris trap shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the linear drain assembly of FIG. 1 with the cover removed for ease of reference.

FIG. 7 is another partial cutaway view of the linear drain assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is another partial top perspective view of the linear drain assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a prong according to another embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a prong according to another embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a prong according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

A better understanding of different embodiments of the disclosure may be had from the following description read with the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to like elements.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments are in the drawings and are described below. It should be understood, however, there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention covers all modifications, alternative constructions, combinations, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

It will be understood that unless a term is expressly defined in this application to possess a described meaning, there is no intent to limit the meaning of such term, either expressly or indirectly, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning. Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, embodiments of the debris trap can be implemented with a linear drain assembly. An exemplary linear drain assembly or linear drain 10 includes a drain body 12 having an outlet structure 14, an internal channel 16 (shown in FIG. 2) that intercepts the outlet structure 14, and a permanent structural cover 18 covering the internal channel 16 and the outlet structure 14. The outlet structure 14 is generally located at a center of the drain body 12 but can be placed at any point along the drain body 12 as along as the internal channel 16 directs water toward the outlet structure 14. The cover 18 defines a slotted inlet 20 that extends longitudinally and is in fluid communication with the internal channel 16. The drain body 12 defines a length extending between opposite longitudinal ends 22.

Optionally, the outer-sectional profile of the drain body 12 remains constant from at least one end of the drain body 12 to the outlet structure 14 and the drain body 12 can be made from or include ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride), or any other suitable material. This allows the length of the assembly 10 to be altered onsite by an installer using commonly available tools.

As seen in FIG. 2, the internal channel 16 can be concealed below the cover 18 and can include generally upright side walls 24, a bottom surface 26 connecting and extending between the sidewalls 24A, 24B and an upper surface 28 defined by a bottom surface of the cover 18. The internal channel 16 can extend in a longitudinal direction between longitudinal ends 22 of the drain body 12, but for the break provided by the outlet structure 14.

The bottom surface 26 of the internal channel 16 may be sloped downwardly running from the longitudinal ends 22 of the drain body 12 to the outlet structure 14. The internal channel 16 is thus in fluid communication with the outlet structure 14. The slope of the internal channel 16 causes water, for example, entering the internal channel 16 from the slotted inlet 20 to flow under the force of gravity to the outlet structure 14. This provides a fluid flow path which causes water which enters the internal channel 16 to flow downwardly into the outlet structure 14, upon falling into the outlet structure 14, the water can flow through the outlet structure 14 into a drain pipe (not shown) or other appropriate underdrain structure. Alternatively, at least a portion of the bottom surface 26 of the internal channel 116 may be substantially flat.

The internal channel 16 may have a width defined between the sidewalls 24A, 24B that gradually increases towards the outlet structure 14. This is advantageous because the internal channel 16 may receive water through the slotted inlet 20 along substantially the entire length of the internal channel 16. By gradually increasing the width of the internal channel 16 towards the outlet structure 14, the capacity of the internal channel 16 to carry the increasing volume of water increases.

As seen, the internal channel 16 can include different flow regions. For instance, the internal channel 16 may include an entrance flow region 16A and a main flow region 16B. The entrance flow region 16A is generally located below the slotted inlet 20 and may extend between the sidewalls 24A, 24B along the slotted inlet 20 and a row of cover supports 30. The cover supports 30 are positioned and spaced apart within the internal channel 16. The cover supports 30 are internally connected to and support the cover 18 extending over the internal channel 16, which, in turn, eliminates the need for external fasteners and/or holes. The cover supports 30 are shown having an elongate rectangular configuration but can exhibit any suitable configuration. This has the effect of improving the load distribution area between the cover 18 and the cover supports 30, which, in turn, can reduce stress concentrations within the cover 18. The entrance flow region 16A may exhibit any suitable volume and/or area. For example, to increase the volume of the entrance flow region 16A as desired, the cover supports 30 may be located further away from the sidewall 24A. This may help increase the inlet capacity of the assembly 10.

The main flow region 16B may be located completely or almost completely underneath the cover 18 and may extend between the sidewall 24A and the cover supports 30. The bottom surface 26 within the entrance flow region 16A may define a portion sloping downward toward the main flow region 16B such that water entering the internal channel 16 through the slotted inlet 20 can be directed laterally from the entrance flow region 16A toward the main flow region 16B. For instance, water entering the internal channel 16 through the slotted inlet 20 can travel along the entrance flow region 16A for a short distance and then move laterally through gaps present between the cover supports 30 and the main flow region 16B where a larger flow capacity may be present. This has the effect of moving water away from the slotted inlet 20, which, in turn, improves flow through the slotted inlet 20.

The assembly 10 can include a panel over which tile or other flooring may be installed that is repeatedly removable from the cover 18. The panel generally corresponds to an access hole 32 defined in the cover 18 located over the outlet structure 14. The access hole 32 can have a rounded triangular shape or any other suitable shape. It will be appreciated that the access hole 32 is sized and configured to provide adequate access to the outlet structure 14, but small enough such that removal of the panel is not overly cumbersome. This has the effect of avoiding the excessive weight and difficulty associated with removing known long linear drain covers. The access hole 32 can be sized and configured to allow at least one debris trap described below to be removed from the internal channel 16 via the access hole 32.

As seen, a pair of debris traps 34 can be removably positioned within the internal channel 16 below the slotted inlet 20. In use, the debris traps 34 are advantageously hidden within the assembly 10 to capture hair and other debris before it enters the main flow region 16B of the channel 16 and/or outlet structure 14, improving flow characteristics of the assembly 10. The debris traps 34 substantially extend along the entire length of the slotted inlet 20 beyond the outlet structure 14, capturing more debris over a greater length of the assembly 10, which, in turn, makes required cleaning of the internal channel 16 less frequent and easier. Further, the debris traps 34 are customizable in length to fit different sized assemblies and can be easily removed and replaced.

An example of the linear drain system 10 is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 9,382,701 and U.S. publication 2016/0305109. These disclosures are incorporated by reference and belong to the owner of this disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-8, an embodiment of a debris trap 100 includes an elongated body 102, a plurality of prongs 104 connected to and extending from the body 102, and a handle portion 106. The debris trap 100 can be a unitary piece of injection-molded plastic. In an embodiment, the debris trap 100 can comprise a durable and flexible polypropylene (PP) material or any other suitable material.

The debris trap 100 with prongs 104 are arranged to help catch hair and other debris that drops through the slotted inlet 20, without significantly obstructing flow of water through the drain body 12. As noted above, the debris trap 100 can be removed by pulling it out of the drain body 12, allowing a user to periodically lift the debris trap 100 out of the assembly 10, remove hair (and other debris) and clean the debris trap 100, then replace the debris trap 100 in the slotted inlet 20. In an embodiment, the debris trap 100 can be removed via the access hole 32 in the cover 18 or via upward rotation of the debris trap 100 about its longitudinal axis through the slotted inlet 20.

Cleaning the debris trap 100 is beneficially simple and straightforward. Hair and debris can be moved toward free ends of the prongs 104, where it slides off the prongs 104. This allows easy, unrestricted removal of debris from the debris trap 100. It should be understood, however, that the debris trap 100 disclosed herein can be used with drains having different configurations.

As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the body 102 includes a first portion or base 108 and a second part or back wall 110 upwardly extending from the base 108. The base 108 can be substantially normal to the back wall 110 or oblique to the back wall 110. The base and back wall 108, 110 can form an angle member.

Optionally, a transition 112 between the base 108 and back wall 110 can define a radius arranged to help reduce drag as water flows over the body 102. This also can help prevent debris from becoming lodged in the transition 112, making the debris trap 100 easier to clean.

The body 102 can further include one or more features to help maintain flow through the assembly 10. For instance, the bottom surface of the base 108 can define a protrusion 114 extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the base 108. In use, the debris trap 100 can be positioned within the slotted inlet 20 such that the protrusion 114 and a bottom surface of the prongs 104 engage with the bottom of the internal channel 16.

The protrusion 114 is sized and positioned to hold the bottom surface of the base 108 a distance from the bottom of the internal channel 16, forming a clearance between the base 108 and the bottom of the internal channel 16. This beneficially allows water to continue to flow under the debris trap 100 along a length of the entrance flow region 16A and/or into the main flow region 16B, which, in turn, helps maintain flow through the assembly 10 even when the debris trap 100 is engaged with the bottom of the internal channel 16. The protrusion 114 can comprise a plurality of protuberances or any other suitable structure. The protrusion 114 can extend along only portions or along the entirety of the base 108. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the debris trap 100 can be positioned within the slotted inlet 20 such that the debris trap 100 is suspended a height above the bottom of the internal channel 16 between the sidewall 24A and the supports 30.

The body 102 may also define a length L extending between a longitudinal end 120 and the handle portion 106. The length L can be between about 10 inches and about 60 inches (e.g., about 30 inches). In other embodiments, the length L can be greater or smaller. The back wall 110 defines a height H along the length L of the body 102. The height H of the back wall 110 can be defined between a bottom surface of the base 108 and a top end of the back wall 110 as shown in FIG. 4. In other embodiments, the height H1 of the back wall 110 can be defined between an upper surface of the base 108 and the top end of the back wall 110.

According to a variation, the height of the back wall 110 increases toward the handle portion 106. This is advantageous because as described above the bottom surface 26 of the internal channel 16 can be sloped downwardly running from the longitudinal ends 22 of the drain body 12 to the outlet structure 14, which, in turn, increases the height of the sidewall 24A in a direction toward the outlet structure 14. The change or variation in height of the back wall 110 can generally correspond to the change in height of the sidewall 24A along the length of the slotted inlet 20, improving the fit of the debris trap 100 within the slotted inlet 20. In other words, the height of the back wall 110 generally corresponds or mimics the height of the sidewall 24A along the length of the slotted inlet 20. In other embodiments, the back wall 110 can define a generally constant height along its length. In other embodiments, the back wall 110 can include one or more regions with a varying height and other regions with a constant height.

According to a variation, the length L of the debris trap 100 can be altered onsite by an installer using commonly available tools. For example, the body 102 can be selectively shortened by way of field cutting thereby moving a first longitudinal end 120 from a first position to a second position, the second position being closer to the handle portion 106.

Because of the cutting of the body 102, the distance between the first longitudinal end 120 and the handle portion 106 has shortened, and thus the first longitudinal end 120 has effectively moved from its original position. Because the height of the back wall 110 of the body 102 generally corresponds to the height of the sidewall 24A along the length of the slotted inlet 20, the debris trap 100 can thus be customized to fit the assembly 10 at any location between one of the longitudinal ends 22 and the outlet structure 14.

The back wall 110 further defines an inner surface 116 and an outer surface 118 opposite the inner surface 116. The inner surface 116 can include a linear section extending upwardly from the transition 112 and a section curving from the linear section toward the outer surface 118. The curved section of the inner surface 116 helps prevent drag of water flowing down onto the debris trap 100.

The outer surface 118 is arranged to face and engage the sidewall 24A of the internal channel 16 during use. The height and length of the outer surface 118 defines a greater surface area between the debris trap 100 and the sidewall 24A while the debris trap 100 is disposed in the slotted inlet 20, helping to prevent undesirable movement of the debris trap 100 within the slotted inlet 20. According to a variation, the outer surface 118 of the back wall 110 is substantially vertical, also sidewall 24A is substantially vertical. As described in more detail below, this in effect maintains the force of the back wall 110 against the sidewall 24A substantially normal to the sidewall 24A, which, in turn, helps limit or prevent involuntary upward movement of the debris trap 100 out of the slotted inlet 20. In an embodiment, the outer surface 118 can be planar.

A thickness T of the back wall 110 is defined between the inner and outer surfaces 116, 118. The back wall 110 can be generally more rigid than the prongs 104 of the debris trap 100. This greater rigidity can be achieved at least by increasing the thickness T of the body 102 through the back wall 110. Optionally, the body 102 can define a flexibility along its length arranged to facilitate insertion and/or removal of the debris trap 100 from the slotted inlet 20.

The prongs 104 will now be described in more detail in reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The prongs 104 can be integrally formed with the base 108 and spaced apart by spaces 128 along at least a portion of the length L of the body 102. At least some of the prongs 104 are arranged to extend between the base 108 and the cover supports 30 described above. In an embodiment, the prongs 104 have a substantially flat top surface 134, helping to encourage hair strands to bridge between prongs 104 rather than to pass through or between them, and a rounded or curved bottom surface 136 arranged to help accelerate water flow. In other embodiments, the bottom surface 136 can be substantially flat.

The spaces 128 between the prongs 104 are sized and arranged to allow water flow between the prongs 104 and to encourage hair strands to bridge between prongs 104 rather than to pass through or between them. The spaces 128 can be the same between different prongs 104 or can vary between different prongs 104. In other embodiments, the spaces 128 can have a constant width or a variable width along the length of the prongs 104.

The prongs 104 have a resilient configuration and can include one or more portions curved upwardly. Each prong 104 can include a first or generally linear portion 122 extending from the base 108 and a second or curved portion 124 curving upwardly from the linear portion 122 and terminating at a free end 126. In other embodiments, the second portion 124 can be angled upward from the linear portion 122 and terminate at a free end 126. In other embodiments, the first and second sections of the prong 104 can angle upward from the base 108. In yet other embodiments, the first section can be angled or curved upwardly and/or downwardly.

The linear portion 122 is generally more rigid than other portions of the prong 104. This greater rigidity can be achieved at least by increasing the thickness of the prong 104 through the linear portion 122. The enhanced rigidity of the prong 104 through the linear portion 122 helps resist undesirable movement of the debris trap 100 within the slotted inlet 20.

The upward curvature of the prongs 104 can define a radius of about 0.2 inches and about 0.6 inches (e.g., about 0.4 inches). According to a variation, a thickness of the prong 104 along its length is variable to direct flexing or deflection of the prong 104 toward to the curved portion 124. For instance, a thickness of the linear portion 122 can be greater than a thickness of the curved portion 124. In other embodiments, the thickness and/or width of the curved portion 124 tapers to direct flexing or deflection of the prong 104 toward a transition point 130 between the linear portion 122 and the curved portion 124. For instance, the thickness and/or width of the curved portion 124 can taper from the transition point 130 toward the free end 126. This helps ensure that at the front of the debris trap 100, the prongs 104 can both help maintain the position of the debris trap 100 between the sidewall 24A and the cover supports 30, and flex to resiliently load the debris trap 100 in such position.

The prongs 104 can be arranged to flex in both an axial direction and a transverse direction, facilitating insertion and removal of the debris trap 100 from the assembly 10. The number, spacing, and thicknesses of the prongs 104 can vary. Different numbers and sizes of prongs can be used. It is also appreciated that different curvature designs can be used, and the prongs can also be straight and arranged to flex or the prongs can be angled.

The handle portion 106 can include a handle member 144 and a connecting part 142. The handle member 144 can comprise an enlarged portion having a cylindrical or other ergonomic shape that allows a user to easily grip the handle portion 106, facilitating manual installation and/or removal of the debris trap 100 from the slotted inlet 20 by the user. The connecting part 142 is shown as an elongated section that curves away from the back wall 110 to position the handle member 144 a distance from the sidewall 24A during use, improving access to the handle member 144. While the connecting part 142 is shown being curved, in other embodiments, the locating part can be angled relative to the back wall 110, may form a right angle relative to the back wall 110, and/or may exhibit any other suitable configurations. It will be appreciated that the handle portion 106 can be located on either end of the debris trap 100, allowing the debris trap 100 to be adapted for use in the slotted inlet 20 on either side of the outlet structure 14.

A method of use of the debris trap 100 according to an embodiment will now be described in connection with FIGS. 6-8. FIG. 6 shows the assembly 10 with the cover 18 removed for ease of reference. In use, a user can grip the handle member 144 and install the debris trap 100 in the slotted inlet 20. The debris trap 100 can be installed in the slotted inlet 20 by introducing the longitudinal end 120 into the access hole 32 after the panel is removed and sliding or translating the debris trap 100 along a length of the entrance flow region 16A in a direction from the outlet structure 14 toward a longitudinal end 22. This translational movement can be continued until the handle member 144 is generally positioned over the outlet structure 14. As the debris trap 100 moves along the entrance flow region 16A, the prongs 104 can bend or flex laterally against the cover supports 30, helping to facilitate installation of the debris trap 100 in the slotted inlet 20.

Alternatively, the debris trap 100 can be inserted into the slotted inlet 20 vertically through the slotted inlet 20 itself. For instance, a user can grip the handle member 144 and position the free ends 126 of the prongs 104 along a length of the slotted inlet 20 with the back wall 110 positioned generally above the cover supports 30. The user can then rotate the prongs 104 around the edge of the slotted inlet 20 until the back wall 110 engages the sidewall 24A and the curved portion 124 of at least some of the prongs 104 engage the cover supports 30.

Once installed, the cover supports 30 flex or bend the curved portion 124 of at least some of the prongs 104 back toward the back wall 110, storing mechanical energy in the prongs 104. The stored energy or resilient properties of the prongs 104 can then force the back wall 110 back toward the sidewall 24A, which, in turn, loads or secures the debris trap 100 in the slotted inlet 20. This beneficially helps the debris trap 100 maintain or hold its position within the slotted inlet 20 when water and debris flow onto, over, and across the debris trap 100. As best seen in FIG. 7, the debris trap 100 can also be installed such that the top end of the back wall 110 is located a distance between the bottom surface of the cover 18. This advantageously helps hide or conceal the debris traps 100 within the assembly 10, maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the assembly 10. In addition, the visibility of any buildup of hair or other debris is substantially reduced. Optionally, the debris trap 100 can exhibit a same or similar color to that of the assembly 10, helping to hide the debris trap 100 within the slotted inlet 20.

It will be appreciated that two debris traps can be inserted into the slotted inlet 20, one extending in a first direction (e.g., to the left) from the outlet structure 14 and the other extending to in a second direction (e.g., to the right) opposite the first direction (shown in FIG. 1). As such, the debris traps can extend along substantially the entire length of the slotted inlet 20 and internal channel 16 outside of the outlet structure 14, enhancing the ability of the debris traps to remove hair and other debris that enter the slotted inlet 20.

As water flows into the slotted inlet 20, the water can flow over, under, and through the debris trap 100 into the entrance flow region 16A and main flow region 16B, and eventually toward the outlet structure 14. The prongs 104 substantially extending between the cover supports 30 and the sidewall 24A catch hair and other debris that drop through the slotted inlet 20, without significantly obstructing the flow of water through the internal channel 16. For instance, in an embodiment, the debris trap 100 can catch between about 50% and about 100%, about 70% and about 95%, or about 80% and about 90% (e.g., about 90%) of hair entering the slotted inlet 20. Further, the prongs 104 catch the hair and other debris before it can enter the main flow region 16B and outlet structure 14. This makes cleaning of the assembly 10 easier and cleaning of the main flow region 16B and outlet structure 14 less frequent.

One or both of the debris traps 100 are designed to be removable just by pulling them out of the assembly 10. As shown in FIG. 8, when the panel is removed from the cover 18, the handle members 144 can be easily grasped through the access hole 32. One or more of the debris traps 100 can then be pulled along the length of the entrance flow region 16A and out of the drain body 12 via the access hole 32.

Cleaning of the debris trap 100 can be simple and straightforward. Once caught by the prongs 104, hair and other debris can be slid toward the free ends 126 of the prongs 104, where it slides off the prongs 104. The radius of the prongs 104 helps hair and other debris to slide along the prongs 104 without snagging. This allows easy, unrestricted removal of debris from the debris trap 100.

As discussed above, the prongs 104 can exhibit any suitable configuration. FIGS. 9-11 illustrate alternative embodiments of the prongs. As shown in FIG. 9, a prong 150 can include a body 152 defining a width that tapers from a first end 154 (shown in FIG. 5) toward a free end 156 having a pointed configuration. The prong 150 can have a generally triangular shape with intersecting sides 158 extending between the first end 154 and the free end 156.

It will be appreciated that portions of the prong 150 can vary vertically relative to the first end 154. For instance, the body 152 can angle or curve upward from the first end 154 or the prong 150 can be generally flat until flexed upward by one of the cover supports 30. FIG. 10 offers a variation of a prong 160 having a rectangular configuration including parallel first and second ends 162, 164, and parallel sides 166 extending in a linear direction between the first and second ends 162, 164. The second end 164 can comprise a free end. Similar to the previous embodiment, one or more portions of the prong 160 can vary vertically relative to the first end 162. FIG. 11 offers another variation of a prong 170 having a slightly different configuration including parallel ends 172, 174, and parallel sides 176 extending along a spline between the ends 172, 174. In other embodiments, the prongs can have an S-like configuration curving both downwardly and upwardly along their length.

In other variations, the prongs can comprise any suitable member to load the debris trap in the slotted inlet, such as, for example, a torsion bar, flat spring, or other suitable member.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, the words “including,” “having,” and variants thereof (e.g., “includes” and “has”) as used herein, including the claims, shall be open ended and have the same meaning as the word “comprising” and variants thereof (e.g., “comprise” and “comprises”).

Claims

1. A debris trap for use in a linear drain comprising:

a body having an elongated configuration and defining a base and a back wall upwardly extending from the base; and

a plurality of prongs laterally extending from the body along a length of the base, the prongs having a resilient configuration and being arranged to resiliently load the debris trap within an internal channel of a linear drain and catch hair and other debris that drop into the internal channel.

2. The debris trap of claim 1, wherein the prongs are arranged to resiliently load the debris trap between a sidewall of the internal channel and a plurality of cover supports.

3. The debris trap of claim 1, wherein at least one protrusion is defined on a bottom surface of the base and arranged to form a clearance between the base and a bottom of the internal channel.

4. The debris trap of claim 1, wherein at least some of the prongs include a first portion extending from the base and a second portion that is only upwardly curved from the first portion.

5. The debris trap of claim 4, wherein a width of at least one of the prong varies along a length of the prong.

6. The debris trap of claim 4, wherein a width of the first portion is greater than the width of the second portion.

7. The debris trap of claim 4, wherein the second portion includes a free end that extends above the base.

8. The debris trap of claim 1, wherein the back wall defines a varying height.

9. The debris trap of claim 8, wherein the height of the back wall is arranged to taper away from an outlet structure of the linear drain.

10. The debris trap of claim 1, a top of the back wall is arranged to be located below a cover of the linear drain.

11. The debris trap of claim 10, wherein the prongs are arranged to be resiliently loaded between supports attached to the cover and the back wall engages with a sidewall of the internal channel.

12. The debris trap of claim 11, further comprising a handle portion connected to the body.

13. The debris trap of claim 12, wherein the handle portion includes a handle member arranged to allow a user to easily grip the debris trap via an access hole defined in the cover.

14. The debris trap of claim 13, wherein the handle portion includes a connecting portion extending between the body and the handle member, the connecting portion curving away from the back wall to position the handle member a distance away from the sidewall of the internal channel.

15. The debris trap of claim 1, wherein the debris trap is arranged to be introduced into the internal channel via a slotted inlet in fluid communication with the internal channel.

16. A linear drain system comprising:

a linear drain including a drain body, a cover connected to the drain body, an internal channel including at least one sidewall under the cover, and a plurality of cover supports supporting the cover; and

a debris trap for use in the linear drain comprising: a body having an elongated configuration and defining a base and a back wall upwardly extending from the base; and a plurality of prongs laterally extending from the body along a length of the base opposite the back wall, the prongs having a resilient configuration and being arranged to resiliently load the debris trap within the internal channel of a linear drain and catch hair and other debris that drop into the internal channel.

17. The linear drain system of claim 16, wherein the prongs are arranged to resiliently load the debris trap between the at least one sidewall of the internal channel and at least some of the cover supports.

18. The linear drain system of claim 16, wherein a height of the back wall is arranged to taper away from an outlet structure of the linear drain.

19. A debris trap for use in a linear drain comprising:

a body having an elongated configuration and defining a base and a back wall upwardly extending from the base;

a handle member connected to the body; and

a plurality of prongs laterally extending from the body along a length of the base opposite the back wall, the prongs having a resilient configuration and being arranged to resiliently load the debris trap within an internal channel of a linear drain and catch hair and other debris that drop into the internal channel.

20. The debris trap of claim 19, wherein the prongs are arranged to flex in both an axial direction and a transverse direction.