Drain Cartridge Having Removable Valved System

Abstract

Various embodiments of a cartridge for regulating a fluid flow are described that include an upper housing, and an insert that is user-removable from the upper housing. The cartridge can include one or more valves that are biased in a closed position to prevent odors from escaping the cartridge. The cartridge can also include a fluid trap that is at least partially disposed within the cartridge or fluidly coupled thereto. An ultraviolet light can be inserted within the cartridge to disinfect a fluid passageway of the cartridge.

1 . A cartridge for regulating a fluid flow, comprising:
 a cartridge housing;   first and second downwardly-sloping valves each of which are configured to be biased in a closed position; and   first and second downwardly-sloping valve seats, wherein a first end portion of the first valve is seated beneath the first downwardly-sloping valve seat when the first valve is in a closed position, and wherein a second end portion of the second valve is seated beneath the second downwardly-sloping valve seat when the second valve is in a closed position.   
     
     
         2 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second valves are gravity flow valves. 
     
     
         3 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , further comprising an insert that is user-removable from the cartridge housing, and wherein the first valve is disposed within the insert. 
     
     
         4 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , further comprising an ultraviolet light emitter disposed within the cartridge such that ultraviolet light is radiated on at least part of a fluid passageway of the cartridge. 
     
     
         5 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the cartridge housing further comprises a lip configured to receive a drain outlet conduit. 
     
     
         6 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second valves comprises a skirt valve having a tapered upper surface. 
     
     
         7 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the first valve has a first outer 5 mm edge interval having a first average thickness, and the second valve has a second outer 5 mm edge interval having a second average thickness, and wherein the first average thickness is less than 95% of the second average thickness. 
     
     
         8 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , further comprising a fluid trap that is at least partially disposed within the cartridge. 
     
     
         9 . The cartridge of  claim 3 , further comprising a fluid trap at least partially formed by insertion of the insert into the cartridge. 
     
     
         10 . A cartridge for regulating a fluid flow, comprising:
 a cartridge housing;   first and second downwardly-sloping valves each of which comprises a gravity flow valve;   wherein the first valve has a first outer edge interval, and the second valve has a second outer edge interval; and   wherein a rigidity of the first outer edge interval is less than a rigidity of the second outer edge interval.   
     
     
         11 . The cartridge of  claim 10 , wherein an average thickness of the first outer edge interval is less than an average thickness of the second outer edge interval. 
     
     
         12 . The cartridge of  claim 10 , wherein an average thickness of the first outer edge interval is less than 95% of an average thickness of the second outer edge interval. 
     
     
         13 . The cartridge of  claim 10 , wherein an average thickness of the first outer edge interval is less than 85% of an average thickness of the second outer edge interval. 
     
     
         14 . The cartridge of  claim 10 , wherein the first valve comprises a first outer 1 mm edge interval, and the second valve has a second outer 1 mm edge interval, and wherein a rigidity of the first outer 1 mm edge interval is less than a rigidity of the second outer 1 mm edge interval. 
     
     
         15 . The cartridge of  claim 10 , wherein the first valve comprises a first outer 5 mm edge interval, and the second valve has a second outer 5 mm edge interval, and wherein a rigidity of the first outer 5 mm edge interval is less than a rigidity of the second outer 5 mm edge interval. 
     
     
         16 . The cartridge of  claim 10 , further comprising an ultraviolet light emitter. 
     
     
         17 . The cartridge of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 first and second downwardly-sloping valve seats;   wherein a first end portion of the first downwardly-sloping valve is seated beneath the first downwardly-sloping valve seat when the first valve is in a closed position; and   wherein a second end portion of the second downwardly-sloping valve is seated beneath the second downwardly-sloping valve seat when the second valve is in a closed position.   
     
     
         18 . A skirt valve comprising:
 an inner portion and an outer portion;   wherein the outer portion comprises an outer 1 mm edge interval; and   wherein an average thickness of the inner portion is less than an average thickness of the outer portion.   
     
     
         19 . A cartridge for regulating a fluid flow, comprising:
 first and second valves; and   wherein each of the first and second valves comprises the skirt valve of  claim 18 .   
     
     
         20 . The cartridge of  claim 19 , wherein the first valve has a first average thickness, and the second valve has a second average thickness, and wherein the first average thickness is less than the second average thickness.