Gravity flow drain extension for a condensation drain line

Abstract

A gravity flow drain extension is adapted for attachment to an exit opening of a condensation drain line. The drain extension includes an extension line for receiving and transporting water. The open connecting end of the extension line is attached to the exit opening of the condensation drain line, such that water exiting the condensation drain line enters the extension line. The extension line defines at least one discharge opening downstream of its connecting end for dispensing water at a location away from the exit opening of the condensation drain line. A backflow preventer upstream of the at least one discharge opening prevents backflow of water into the condensation drain line.

1 . In combination with an air conditioning unit, a gravity flow drain extension comprising: 
 an extension line for receiving and transporting water, and having a connecting end operatively linked to said air conditioning unit;    said extension line defining at least one discharge opening downstream of its connecting end for dispensing water to a remote location away from said air conditioning unit; and    a backflow preventer upstream of said at least one discharge opening for preventing backflow of water towards said air conditioning unit.    
   
   
       2 . A combination according to  claim 1 , wherein said extension line comprises an elbow fitting downstream of the connecting end.  
   
   
       3 . A combination according to  claim 2 , wherein said extension line further comprises a rigid decline section connected to said elbow fitting, and angled such that water moving downstream from the connecting end maintains smooth continuous contact with a lower surface of said decline section.  
   
   
       4 . A combination according to  claim 3 , wherein said backflow preventer comprises a tee fitting formed with said decline section, and defining an open window facing away from the gravity flow of water, whereby any water build-up inside said extension line is diverted through said window.  
   
   
       5 . A combination according to  claim 4 , and comprising a mesh screen covering the window of said tee fitting to prevent entry of debris into said extension line.  
   
   
       6 . A combination according to  claim 1 , wherein said extension line comprises a flexible tube section.  
   
   
       7 . A combination according to  claim 6 , and comprising a plurality of spaced-apart drip emitters connected to said flexible tube section.  
   
   
       8 . A combination according to  claim 7 , and comprising means for closing an open free end of said flexible tube section.  
   
   
       9 . A combination according to  claim 8 , wherein said means for closing comprises a figure-eight clip.  
   
   
       10 . A method for managing condensation generated by an air conditioner unit, said method comprising the steps of: 
 operatively linking an extension line to the air conditioner unit, such that condensation generated by the air conditioner unit enters the extension line;    locating a discharge opening of the extension line away from the air conditioner unit; and    preventing backflow of water from the extension line towards the air conditioner unit.