MAGNETIC LEAK DIVERTER

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/738,700 entitled “MAGNETIC LEAK DIVERTER” and filed on Dec. 24, 2024 for Glenn Scheel, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to leak diversion for ceiling panels, and more particularly to a magnetic leak diverter.

BACKGROUND

Many commercial and industrial spaces have a ceiling panel configuration which relies on an overhead support structure. Above the overhead support structure there are various pipes, HVAC systems, electrical systems, and the like installed above. Within this overhead support structure, water leakage problems can occur. Management and mitigation of water leakage can help to reduce safety hazards, prevent mold and structural damage to the building, and prevent damage expensive equipment, furniture, and inventory.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus, system, and method that more effectively diverts ceiling leaks.

The subject matter of the present disclosure has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available ceiling leak diverters. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present disclosure has been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and method for diverting a ceiling leak using a magnetic ceiling leak diverter may overcome many or all of the above-discussed or other shortcomings in the art.

In some examples, a ceiling leak diverter includes a water barrier made of a substantially flexible, substantially water-resistant material and further includes an opening. The ceiling leak diverter includes at least one magnet coupled to the water barrier and positioned proximate to an outer perimeter of the water barrier, a funnel coupled to the opening of the water barrier, and a fluid-bearing conduit fluidically connected to the funnel.

In some examples, the at least one magnet is sewn into the water barrier of the ceiling leak diverter at a location within two inches of the outer perimeter of the water barrier.

In some examples, the at least one magnet includes sixteen magnets spaced equidistantly along the outer perimeter of the water barrier.

In some examples, the water barrier includes a waterproof cloth. In some examples, the water barrier is made of vinyl.

In some examples, the opening of the water barrier is substantially central to the water barrier.

In some examples, the water barrier is substantially rectangular. In some examples, the ceiling leak diverter includes at least eight magnets spaced along the outer perimeter of the water barrier. In some examples, the water barrier has a length of not less than 1 meter and not greater than 1.5 meters and a width of not less than 0.25 meters and not greater than 1 meter.

In some examples, the funnel is made of at least one of: polycarbonate, acrylic, high-density polyethylene, Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene, or a combination thereof.

In some examples, the water barrier includes a perimeter portion made of a first material and an inner portion made of a second material. In some examples, the at least one magnet is sewn into the first material of the water barrier.

In some examples, the ceiling leak diverter includes an adhesive adhering the at least one magnet to the water barrier.

In some examples, the funnel is fluidically open to the opening of the water barrier and includes a mouth coupled directly to the water barrier and an outlet fluidically connected to the fluid-bearing conduit.

In some examples, the fluid-bearing conduit includes a substantially flexible hose.

In some examples, a system includes a collection container and a ceiling leak diverter. In some examples, the ceiling leak diverter includes a water barrier made of a substantially flexible, substantially water-resistant material and further includes an opening. The ceiling leak diverter includes at least one magnet coupled to the water barrier and positioned proximate to an outer perimeter of the water barrier, a funnel coupled to the opening of the water barrier, and a fluid-bearing conduit fluidically connected to the funnel. The fluid-bearing conduit is fluidically open to the collection container.

In some examples, the at least one magnet of the ceiling leak diverter is sewn into the water barrier within two inches of the outer perimeter of the water barrier.

In some examples, at least one magnet includes at least sixteen magnets spaced equidistantly along the outer perimeter of the water barrier.

In some examples, the ceiling leak diverter includes at least eight magnets spaced equidistantly along the outer perimeter of the water barrier.

In some examples, the collection container includes at least one of a sink, a bucket, and a drain.

In some examples, the ceiling leak diverter is configured to be received by a slot of a grid-shaped ceiling framework.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the subject matter of the present disclosure should be or are in any single example of the subject matter. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an example is included in at least one example of the subject matter of the present disclosure. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example.

The described features, structures, advantages, and/or characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples and/or implementations. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to impart a thorough understanding of examples of the subject matter of the present disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific features, details, components, materials, and/or methods of a particular example or implementation. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain examples and/or implementations that may not be present in all examples or implementations. Further, in some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will be readily understood, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific examples that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical examples of the subject matter of the present disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is example a bottom perspective view of a magnetic leak diverter apparatus, according to examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is another bottom perspective view of the magnetic leak diverter apparatus of FIG. 1A, according to examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1C is a top plan view of the magnetic leak diverter apparatus of FIG. 1A, according to examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic leak diverter apparatus having an adhesive coupling a magnet to a water barrier, according to examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a hose of a magnetic leak diverter apparatus, according to examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a bottom perspective view of a magnetic leak diverter apparatus attached to a ceiling framework, according to examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B illustrates magnetics of a magnetic leak diverter apparatus attaching the magnetic leak diverter apparatus to a ceiling framework, according to examples of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 3C is a bottom perspective view of a magnetic leak diverter system without hosing, according to examples of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a side cross-sectional view of a magnetic leak diversion system, according to examples of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one example,” “an example,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example of the subject matter of the present disclosure. Appearances of the phrases “in one example,” “in an example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same example. Similarly, the use of the term “implementation” means an implementation having a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one or more examples of the subject matter of the present disclosure, however, absent an express correlation to indicate otherwise, an implementation may be associated with one or more examples.

Water leakage from the ceiling and/or roof of a building can pose a safety hazard to the building and individuals. Water leakage can come from a variety of sources above a ceiling, such as from a leaky pipe, condensation from overhead pipes or HVAC systems, or even a roof leak. Temporary diversion devices and systems such as drip pans can capture and redirect the water, but these reusable drip pans are rigid, making them harder to store, manage, and properly install. As such, examples of the present disclosure include a flexible ceiling leak diverter apparatus and system that help to improve ease of use and storage.

FIGS. 1A-C and 3A-C illustrate perspective views of a magnetic ceiling leak diverter 100 according to one or more examples of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-C and 3A-C, examples of the present disclosure include a magnetic ceiling leak diverter 100. The ceiling leak diverter 100 includes a water barrier 102. In some examples, the water barrier 102 is made of a substantially flexible, substantially water-resistant material and further includes an opening 104. The ceiling leak diverter 100 includes at least one magnet 106 coupled to the water barrier 102 and positioned proximate to an outer perimeter of the water barrier 102. The ceiling leak diverter 100 includes a funnel 110 connected to the opening 104 and a fluid-bearing conduit, such as a hose 112, fluidically connected to the funnel 110. In some examples, the hose 112 is substantially flexible.

In some examples, the water barrier 102 which is made of a substantially flexible, substantially water-resistant material. In some examples, the water-resistant material of the water barrier 102 is a waterproof cloth. In some examples, the water-resistant material of the water barrier 102 is a vinyl. In other example, the water barrier 102 is made of multiple composite materials to form a water-resistant material. In some examples, the water barrier 102 is made of at least two materials. In some examples, the water barrier 102 includes a first portion 114 made of a first material and a second portion 116 made of a second material. The first portion 114 includes the outer perimeter 108. In some examples, the first material is a relatively thin material compared to the second material. In another example, the first material is relatively rigid and has little to no elastic properties, while the second material is more elastic than the first material. Referring to FIG. 1B, in some examples, the first portion 114 has a maximum width w1 of not less than 2 centimeters (“cm”) and not greater than 16 cm and frames the second portion 116. In some examples, the water barrier 102 is made of a waterproof fabric. In some examples, the water barrier 102 is foldable and easily stored while not in use.

The water barrier 102 may be any number of shapes. In some examples, the water barrier 102 is substantially rectangular in shape, having two shorter sides opposite one another and two longer sides opposite one another and all sides having a perpendicular connection. In some examples, the water barrier 102 has a length l1 of not less than 1 meter and not greater than 1.5 meters and a width w2 of not less than 0.25 meters and not greater than 1 meter. In some examples, the water barrier 102 is rectangular, having the dimensions of a standard industrial ceiling tile, approximately 2 ft by 4 ft. In some examples, the water barrier 102 has dimensions that are multiples of the dimensions of a standard ceiling tile. In another example, the water barrier 102 is rectangular, having the dimensions to span two standard industrial ceiling tiles. In some examples, the dimensions are approximately 2 ft by 8 ft. In an alternative example, the dimensions are more square, approximately 4 ft by 4 ft. In some examples, the water barrier 102 has a substantially square shape. In another example, the water barrier 102 is relatively circular. In other examples, the water barrier 102 is triangular.

The water barrier 102 further includes an opening 104. In some examples, the opening 104 is substantially central to the water barrier 102, as shown in at least FIGS. 1A-C. In some examples, the opening 104 is offset from the water barrier 102 center.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-C, 3A-C, and 4, in some examples, the ceiling leak diverter 100 includes a funnel 110 that is coupled to the opening 104 of the water barrier 102. In some examples, the funnel 110 acts as a weight within the water barrier 102 to divert leak water towards and out of the funnel 110. Since the funnel 110 acts as a weight, the opening 104 may be located anywhere within the water barrier 102 so long as there is enough surface area of the water barrier 102 to channel leak water towards the opening 104 and out of the funnel 110. In some examples, the funnel 110 is a heavy or dense plastic such as polycarbonate, acrylic, high-density polyethylene, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), or the like. In other examples, the funnel 110 is a lighter plastic, such as polypropylene, low-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or the like. In yet another example, the funnel 110 is composed of metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass, or other durable, non-corrosive metals.

FIG. 2 illustrates a hosing 112 of a magnetic ceiling leak diverter 100, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure. In some examples, the hose 112 is highly flexible such that the hose 112 can be positioned in any a variety of patterns to divert the leaking water away from a ceiling to a disposal point, such as a container. In some examples, the hose 112 includes a flexible vinyl tubing. In some examples, the hose 112 is a flexible 1-inch vinyl tubing. In some examples, the hose 112 may come in a variety of lengths. In one example, the hose 112 has a length of approximately fifteen feet. In another example, the hose 112 has a length of six feet. The hose 112 length may come in any variety of lengths based on the needs of the overall system. In some examples, a length of the hose 112 is not less than 3 feet and not greater than 20 feet. In yet another example, the hose 112 is an extension of the funnel 110. In some examples, the hose 112 and the funnel 110 are of a monolithic construction. In some examples, the water barrier 102 and funnel 110 are of a monolithic construction. In some examples, the water barrier 102, funnel 110, and hose 112 are of a monolithic construction.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-C and 3A-C, in some examples, the magnetic ceiling leak diverter 100 further includes at least one magnet 106 along the outer perimeter of the water barrier 102. In some examples, the at least one magnet 106 is at a location proximate to the outer perimeter of the water barrier 102. In some examples, the at least one magnet 106 is within one inch of the outer perimeter of the water barrier 102. In some examples, the at least one magnet 106 is located within two inches of the outer perimeter of the water barrier 102. In some examples, the at least one magnet 106 is circular and is centered within a one-inch distance from the outer perimeter. In some examples, the at least one magnet 106 is rectangular such that one edge of the magnet 106 is substantially along the outer perimeter of the water barrier 102. In some examples, the at least one magnet 106 includes a combination of circular and rectangular magnets along the outer perimeter of the water barrier 102. In some examples, a location proximate to the perimeter 108 is a location within a distance from the outer perimeter 108 that is not greater than one fifth of the width w2 of the water barrier 102.

In some examples, the ceiling leak diverter 100 is substantially rectangular and includes at least four magnets 106. In some examples, each of the at least four magnets 106 is located proximate to a corner of the four corners of the water barrier 102. In some examples, each of the at least four magnets 106 is located proximate to an edge of the water barrier 102. In another example, the ceiling leak diverter 100 includes at least eight magnets 106 which are equidistantly spaced along the outer perimeter of the water barrier 102. In one example, a substantially rectangular ceiling leak diverter 100 includes at least eight magnets 106, four magnets are located in the corners and the remaining four magnets 106 are spaced such that the magnets 106 are centered along the corresponding edge of the perimeter. In some examples, the magnets 106 are arranged along the four edges of the water barrier 102 for a rectangular or square ceiling leak diverter 100. In one example, a rectangular ceiling leak diverter 100 includes sixteen equally spaced magnets 106. In some examples, more magnets 106 are located along the longer edges of a rectangle than along the short edges such that each magnet is equidistantly spaced along the outer perimeter of the water barrier 102. In some examples, the ceiling leak diverter 100 includes at least twenty magnets 106 equally spaced along the outer perimeter 108 of the water barrier 102, as shown in FIG. 1C.

In some examples, in non-rectangular ceiling leak diverters 100, the at least one magnet 106 is located along the outer perimeter of the water barrier 102. For example, in a triangular ceiling leak diverter 100, there are at least 3 magnets such that there is a magnet in each of the corners. In another example, the ceiling leak diverter 100 is substantially circular, having a plurality of magnets 106 spaced equidistant along the outer perimeter of the water barrier 102.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-C, in some examples, the magnets 106 are sewn into the outer perimeter 108. In some examples, a water barrier 102 may have multiple materials, one material for the outer perimeter portion and another material for the inner portion. The at least one magnet 106 is sewn into the perimeter portion. In some examples, the at least one magnet 106 is sewn into an individualized pocket or sleeve. In some examples, the pocket or sleeve may include sealing the edges with a seam sealer or silicone. In yet another example, the magnets are attached to the outer perimeter 108 using lamination or heat-sealing. In other examples, the magnets 106 are attached to the outer perimeter by more than one attachment method, such as the ones described above.

Referring to FIG. 1D, in some examples, the ceiling leak diverter 100 includes an adhesive 118 coupling the magnets 106 to the water barrier 102. In some examples, the magnets 106 are attached to the first portion 114 via the adhesive 118. In some examples, the adhesive 118 includes glue, silicone, or epoxy.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-C, in some examples, the ceiling leak diverter 100 is used in ceiling systems 200 having a variety of components. A ceiling system 200 may refer to any ceiling having at least one portion of the ceiling framework is configured to receive or retain a magnetic element, such as a metallic grid. In one example, the ceiling system 200 is a modular paneled ceiling framework designed to support and retain a plurality of ceiling panels 204 in a grid configuration. The framework includes a network of intersecting frame rails 202 suspended from an overhead structural surface. In some examples, the intersecting frame rails 202 may be made of a material having magnetic properties such as stainless steel or iron alloys. The intersecting frame rails 202 form a modular grid configuration which retains a ceiling panel 204. This ceiling construction allows individual panels 204 to be installed, removed, or replaced independently without disturbing adjacent panels or the surrounding framework. The paneled ceiling framework 200 may further incorporate features for acoustic attenuation, thermal insulation, lighting integration, aesthetic enhancement, or ease of access to plumbing, electrical, or HVAC components above the panels.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, in some examples, the magnetic force between the rails 202 and the magnets 106 holds the ceiling leak diverter 100 in place, such that the water barrier 102 covers the locations of one or more panels 204. In some examples, the funnel 110 and the hose 112 extend below the water barrier 102 and the rails 202.

FIG. 3B illustrates an attachment mechanism of the ceiling leak diverter 100. As such in FIG. 3B, in some examples, the magnets 106 can be aligned with and brought in proximity to the rails 202. In some examples, the magnets 106 are brought into magnetic contact with the rails 202 sequentially. In some examples, the magnetic force between the magnets 106 and the rails 202 is low enough such that the water barrier 102 can be manually pulled away from the rails 202 by a user.

In some examples, a method of use includes removing a ceiling panel 204, which has been affected by water leaking from above the panel 204, retained within the ceiling framework 200. Once the ceiling panel 204 has been removed, the method includes coupling the at least one magnet 106 of the ceiling leak diverter 100 to the ceiling framework 200. The method may further include ensuring the portion 114 of the ceiling leak diverter 100 is coupled to the ceiling framework 200 and the ceiling leak diverter 100 is arranged such that the funnel 110 points to the ground. Referring to FIGS. 3A-C and 4, in some examples, the method includes connecting a first end of the hose 112 to the funnel 110 of the ceiling leak diverter 100 and positioning the second end of the hose to a water collection container 402, such as a sink or bucket. The method further includes ensuring the connection between the funnel 110 and the hose 112 is secure such that now water will escape from the connection point. In some instances, the method may further include attaching the hose 112 to a wall, or other support structures, to prevent the hose 112 from accidentally being grabbed or caught by an outside force, such as a person, machine, or object. In some examples, the method may include cutting the hose 112 to the proper length so that there is not an excess of hose in the system 400.

Referring to FIG. 3C, in some examples, the hose 112 is removable from the funnel 110. Referring to FIG. 1A, in some examples, the funnel 110 includes a mouth 120 directly coupled to the water barrier 102 and fluidically connected to the opening 104 and an outlet 122 that is fluidically connected to the hose 112.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a side cross-sectional view of a magnetic ceiling leak diversion system 400, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure. According to at least example, the system 400 includes at least one ceiling leak diverter 100 and at least one collection containers 402. The system 400 is used within a ceiling that includes at least one ceiling frame 202 and at least one ceiling panel 204. The ceiling frame 202 is a metal framework of metal channels that interconnect with one another to create a grid. The ceiling frame 202 further supports ceiling tiles of panels, for example ceiling panel 204. The at least one ceiling panel 204 is removable from the ceiling frame 202. In at least one example, the ceiling leak diverter 100 fits in the ceiling frame 202 where at least one ceiling panel 204 has been removed. In some examples, the magnetic leak diverter 100 covers a defective ceiling panel 204. The ceiling leak diverter 100 magnetically secures to the ceiling frame 202. The ceiling leak diverter 100 is magnetically secured by the at least one magnet 106. Once secured, the hose 112 is moveable to various positions based on the final location for the leak water to be diverted to.

In some examples, the hose 112 is further coupled to the funnel 110 to divert water from one side of the water barrier 102 to another side of the barrier 102, away from the ceiling tile, and in some examples, into a collection container 402, such as a pail, bucket, or sink. In some examples, a liquid 404, such as water, is fed by gravity through an opening 406 in the ceiling framework 200, such as an opening in the ceiling tile 204, onto the water barrier 102, through an opening 104 in the water barrier 102, into a mouth 120 of the funnel 110, through the stem of the funnel 110, through an outlet 122 of the funnel 110, into and through the hose 112, and into the collection container 402.

The subject matter of the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described examples are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.