AUTOMATIC BATHTUB OVERFLOW DRAIN SENSOR AND SHUTOFF SYSTEM

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/934,316, filed Nov. 1, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A bathtub overflow drain is a safety feature designed to prevent water from overflowing the tub and causing damage. The overflow drain is typically located near the top of the bathtub's wall, just below the rim. It connects to a pipe that leads to the main drain of the tub. When the water level rises and reaches the overflow drain, it flows into this pipe.

The overflow drain acts as a catchment area for excess water. If someone forgets to turn off the faucet or if the water level gets too high, the overflow is designed to divert the water ensuring it does not spill over the top edge of the tub. The drain usually has a cover that can be removed for cleaning, preventing clogs caused by debris or soap scum.

Conventional overflow drains, however, do not always work as intended, and the resulting flooding can often cause significant damage. Furthermore, even when overflow drains function properly, they may not provide sufficient warning or automatic protection against continued water flow that could overwhelm the drainage system.

The parent application disclosed an automatic flow switch system with a sensor positioned within a tee pipe connector below the overflow drain in the overflow drainpipe. The present invention relates to an improved automatic overflow prevention system that positions a sensor above the overflow drain opening, providing faster response times and easier installation while maintaining automatic water shut-off functionality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed an automatic bathtub overflow prevention system comprising a sensor positioned above a bathtub overflow drain opening and below the top edge of the bathtub. The sensor is configured to detect the presence or flow of water at the overflow drain location and communicate directly with a controller for automatically turning off the water supply valves to the bathtub in response to detecting overflow conditions.

This positioning provides several advantages over prior systems, including faster response times and its unique location to avoid faulty readings and or false alarms by detecting overflow conditions whereas the water volume can sometimes overwhelm the draining system. The sensor is specifically located at the at the top of a uniquely shaped overflow drain which allows water rise to a certain point without causing the tub to overflow when unattended. The system of the present invention allows simplified installation without requiring modification of existing plumbing infrastructure, and easier maintenance and sensor access.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an automatic bathtub overflow prevention system connected to a conventional bathtub in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the automatic bathtub overflow prevention system showing sensor positioning in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention relates to an automatic overflow prevention system that can turn off the water entering a bathtub when it detects overflow conditions at the bathtub overflow drain. Unlike the parent application which positioned a sensor within the overflow drainpipe system, the present embodiment positions the sensor above the overflow drain opening, providing improved response characteristics and installation benefits.

System Overview

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the automatic overflow prevention system of the present invention installed on a conventional bathtub. Bathtub 11 is connected to hot water supply line 14A and cold water supply line 14B. The hot water flows through pipe 14A, passes through electronic shut-off valve 16, and enters tub 11 via tub fill 30 or showerhead 12. Similarly, the cold water flows through line 14B, passes through electronic shut-off valve 16, and enters tub 11 via tub fill 30 or showerhead 12.

The automatic overflow prevention system 10 of the present invention comprises a controller 22 that is connected to electronic shutoff valves 16, as well as to sensor 24A. As shown in FIG. 2, sensor 24A is positioned above overflow drain opening 20B and below the top edge of tub 11, specifically positioned to detect water presence or flow at the overflow location before water enters the overflow drainpipe 20A.

Operation

When tub 11 is filling and water level enters the overflow drain 20B, sensor 24A is configured to detect this condition. In normal operation, the water level remains below the overflow drain 20B and sensor 24A remains inactive. However, when the water level rises to reach the overflow drain 20B, or when water begins to flow toward or into the overflow opening, sensor 24A detects this overflow condition and immediately sends a signal to controller 22.

Upon receiving the signal from sensor 24A, controller 22 promptly sends control signals to electronic valves 16 to shut off the water flow into tub 11, thereby preventing continued filling and potential flooding. This positioning allows the system to respond more quickly than systems that detect flow within the drainage system itself, as the sensor can detect overflow conditions at the earliest possible moment.

Technical Implementation

In a preferred embodiment, sensor 24A may comprise various sensing technologies suitable for detecting water presence or flow, including but not limited to:

• • Optical sensors that detect changes in light refraction or reflection when water is present;
  • Capacitive sensors that detect changes in electrical capacitance when water approaches;
  • Ultrasonic sensors that detect water surface proximity through sound wave reflection;
  • Conductivity sensors that detect the presence of water through electrical conductivity;

The sensor 24A is preferably an adjustable sensitivity device, allowing calibration for different tub configurations and water flow conditions. The sensor is connected to controller 22 via appropriate wiring, which may include low voltage wiring for safety and ease of installation.

Controller 22 may include programmable logic to prevent false triggering, such as delay timers that require detection of overflow conditions for a predetermined minimum time period before activating the shut-off valves. The controller may also include manual override capabilities and status indication features.

Electronic valves 16 are preferably solenoid valves connected to controller 22 via low voltage wiring, allowing rapid and reliable shut-off of both hot and cold water supplies when overflow conditions are detected.

Advantages Over Prior Systems

The present embodiment provides several significant advantages over the parent application and other prior systems:

• • Faster Response Time: By positioning the sensor above the overflow drain opening rather than within the drainage system, the system can detect and respond to overflow conditions immediately when water reaches the overflow level, rather than waiting for water flow within the drainage pipes.
  • Simplified Installation: The sensor positioning eliminates the need to modify existing plumbing infrastructure or install components within the drainage system, making installation more straightforward and less invasive.
  • Easier Maintenance: With the sensor positioned above the drain opening, it remains accessible for cleaning, calibration, and replacement without requiring access to internal plumbing components.
  • Reduced System Complexity: The direct communication path between sensor and controller eliminates intermediate components, improving system reliability and reducing potential failure points.
  • Universal Compatibility: The system can be readily adapted to various bathtub configurations without requiring specific drainage system modifications.

Installation Flexibility

While a conventional bathtub 11 is depicted in the Figures, it should be understood that the system of the present invention can be incorporated in any type of bathtub configuration. The key requirement is that sensor 24A is positioned above the overflow drain opening 20B but below the top edge of the tub 11, allowing detection of overflow conditions while remaining within the tub structure.

The sensor may be mounted using various attachment methods, including adhesive mounting, mechanical brackets, magnetic attachment, or integration into overflow connector 28, depending on the specific tub configuration and installation preferences.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims