1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to vent and baffling devices for preventing the entry of rainwater and, more particularly, to a durable, rotating, water-diverting, small animal and insect entry-prohibiting sewer system ventilation cap.
2. Description of the Related Art
Within the related art, numerous applications exist for devices consisting of vents with panels which prevent the entry of water. However, restrictions to the practical application of these devices is governed by the Uniformed Plumbing Code, which prohibits any such cap from restricting the egress of methane gas from the plumbing system.
Similarly, it is a well-known fact that a great deal of rainwater enters the sanitary sewer system during a rainfall. While a portion of this rainwater enters from improperly connected storm drain systems, some of it obviously enters via the vent system located on the roofs of homes, offices, and any structure with a sanitary sewer connection. This influx of water is then routed to the septic system or to the nearest sewage treatment plant where it must be processed along with legitimate waste water. Such large amounts of water that require treatment, especially during heavy downpours, greatly reduce the efficiency of the treatment plants and in some cases may cause the discharge of raw sewage into our lakes, rivers and streams. Over sizing of the treatment facility has been one method of dealing with this problem in the past, but this leads to inefficiencies in the plant design and causes the waste of taxpayer dollars. Additionally, in areas where developments are taking place, expansions or new treatment facilities must be added just so surges when it rains can be handled. Finally, some locations have resorted to enforcement of criminal sanctions through inspections, both physical and robotic, for the purposes of identifying, preventing, or deterring illegal dumping or other intrusion of otherwise clean rain runoff into treatments streams.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which rainwater and other undesirables can be kept from entering sanitary sewer systems by way of roof vent openings.
In the related art, the following patents disclose a vent and baffle unit to provide an air passage to an attic. These include U.S. Pat. No. 4,269,007 issued in the name of Ward, U.S. Pat. No. 4,214,510 issued in the name of Ward, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,125,971 issued in the name of Ward.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,059 issued in the name of Sells describes a ventilating cap for a roof including a cover, a baffle, batts, or foam rubber blocks.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,964 issued in the name of Rheault discloses a static ventilator with louvers, a triangular base, and a cap for preventing anything from falling into it.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,513 issued in the name of Thomas et al. describes a roof structure with a ventilation device and a plurality of baffles for preventing the entry of rainwater.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,776 issued in the name of Sakamoto et al. discloses an exhaust air hood for reducing backflows.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,201,879 issued in the name of Steele describes a vent for enclosures that prevents the entry of water.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,647 issued in the name of Garries et al. discloses a ventilator system including an exterior panel and an interior baffle to prevent water from draining into it.
While ventilating cap and static ventilator devices are incorporated into this invention in combination, other elements are different enough as to make the combination distinguished over this related art.
Consequently, a need has therefore been felt for an improved but less complex mechanism that keeps rainwater out of sanitary sewer systems thereby reducing the loading on water treatment facilities and reducing pollution.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved sewer system ventilation cap.
It is a feature of the present invention to prevent the entry of rainwater into sanitary sewer systems thereby reducing the loading on water treatment facilities.
It is another feature of the present invention to prevent undesirables such as small animals, birds, insects and the like from entering the system.
Briefly described according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a durable, rotating, water-diverting, small animal and insect entry-prohibiting sewer system ventilation cap is disclosed, comprising a hollow main chamber forming a 90xc2x0 angle having an anterior end, a posterior end, and an upper portion. The upper portion of the main chamber is designed such that it measures 45xc2x0. The 45xc2x0 angle design prevents the entry of water through the main chamber. A screen of wire mesh is disposed within the interior of the anterior end of the main chamber to prevent the penetration of physical debris or particulates into the sewer system ventilation cap.
The posterior end is designed so as to slidably receive a secondary chamber of a generally linearly elongated tubular configuration. The secondary chamber comprises a first end and a second end. The first end slidably engages the posterior end of the main chamber in such a way to allow the main chamber to rotate 360xc2x0 around the secondary chamber when confronted by wind or storms. The main chamber""s ability to rotate 360xc2x0 allows for the evacuation of sewer gases, allows proper ventilation and prevents the entry of rain water through the main chamber. The warmth of the sewer gas prevents the main chamber from freezing.
The lower end of the secondary chamber is connected to a plumbing vent of a conventional sewer system.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a ventilation cap having grill work with a cover over the grill work is envisioned. The cover is of a dome-like configuration having a diameter so as to effectively shield the plumbing vent from the entry of rainwater and simultaneously allowing the sewer gases to vent. The grill work is comprised of several grill members of a linearly elongated rectangular configuration having a front end and a back end. The front ends of the grill members are coupled to the underneath portion of the cover and are collectively aligned so as to form a circular configuration. The back ends of the grill members are attached to the plumbing vent of a conventional sewer system.
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sewer system ventilation cap having baffles, drain holes, and an interior lip is envisioned. The baffles are of an elongated oval shape defining a hole therethrough and are located along the external circumferential surface of the sewer system ventilation cap. The baffles allow for the evacuation of sewer gases and allows the system to vent properly. The interior lip is located at the base and inside of the sewer system ventilation cap. Drain holes rest along the interior lip so as to allow the exit of any rainwater that has entered.
An advantage of the present invention is that it conserves natural resources and reduces pollution.
Another advantage of the present invention is the savings in time and manhours represented by the decreased water throughput required by a wastewater treatment systems that can be achieved if a significant number of structures incorporate the teachings of the present invention.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it postpones the expansion of existing sewer treatment facilities or prevents the construction of new sewer treatment facilities, in turn saving tax dollars.