Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02792317 2012-10-04
TUB OVERFLOW ASSEMBLY
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The disclosure generally relates to tub wastes or overflow assemblies.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The market is saturated with many types of bath waste/overflow
assemblies
for tubs and with the advent of expensive soaking and Jacuzzi style tubs, a
return to
the more traditional style of deep soaking tubs has become more desirable.
[0003] Standards for installation of bath tubs dictate that the centre of a
2.5" (63.5
mm) overflow must be 2.4" (61 mm) from the top of the tub, thus determining a
maximum achievable fill level for the tub. These standards are drafted to
ensure water
does not flow over the edge of a tub when a user enters the tub filled to its
maximum
achievable fill level. However, for the majority of users, even when they are
entering the
tub, the water level does not rise sufficiently to risk flowing over the edge
of the tub.
[0004] Furthermore, some conventional overflow assemblies extend out from the
wall of the tub to such an extent that they can be an obstruction to the
person using the
tub and can look aesthetically unappealing.
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SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] Several exemplary tub overflow assemblies are described herein.
Exemplary
tub overflow assemblies may contain all, some or none of the elements
discussed in this
Summary of the Disclosure.
[0006] An exemplary tub overflow assembly comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a
fluid
flow path between the inlet and the outlet. The inlet having a lowest point
adapted to
admit overflow water. The outlet adapted to be connected to a soil or waste
pipe. The
fluid flow path defining a minimum fluid flow level, the minimum fluid flow
level being
higher than the lowest point of the inlet.
[0007] The minimum fluid flow level of a flow path is the level to which fluid
has to
rise before the fluid can flow the entire length of the flow path, from the
inlet to the outlet.
[0008] By providing a flow path with a minimum fluid flow level which is
higher than
the inlet lowest point, it is possible to achieve a greater depth of water
within a tub than
is possible with conventional overflow assemblies in which the inlet lowest
point is the
same as or higher than the minimum fluid flow level of the flow path.
[009] An exemplary tub overflow assembly may comprise a housing, the housing
defining the fluid flow path.
[0010] The fluid flow path may comprise a first portion in communication with
the
assembly inlet and a second portion in communication with the assembly outlet.
[0011] The housing may include a structural element, the structural element
defining
the fluid flow path minimum fluid flow level.
[0012] The structural element may comprise a baffle, a wall, a weir or the
like.
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[0013] The structural element may separate the first fluid flow path portion
and the
second fluid flow path portion.
[0014] The structural element may be adjustable with respect to the housing.
[0015] In an exemplary tub overflow assembly, the structural element may be
integral with the housing.
[0016] The structural element may define an edge, the edge in use defining the
flow
path minimum fluid flow level.
[0017] In an exemplary tub overflow assembly, the inlet further comprises a
highest
point.
[0018] The minimum fluid flow level, in some exemplary tub overflow assemblies
may be between the inlet lowest point and the inlet highest point.
[0019] In alternative exemplary tub overflow assemblies, the minimum fluid
flow level
may be equal to or above the inlet highest point.
[0020] Where the second flow path portion is substantially vertical, the
length of the
structural member edge is more than 25% of the perimeter of the outlet. In one
preferred
exemplary tub overflow assembly, the second flow path portion is substantially
vertical.
Such an arrangement permits siphonic flow to be established and allows for
rapid
draining of the tub.
[0021] An exemplary tub overflow assembly may further comprise an inlet
shroud,
the inlet shroud adapted to be connected to the assembly housing, the housing
and the
inlet shroud, in use, sandwiching a portion of a tub wall defining a tub
opening. The tub
opening is an aperture incorporated into the wall of the tub to accommodate
the overflow
assembly. This tub opening is provided at the height set by the standards
governing the
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positioning of overflows. The inlet shroud is provided to secure the assembly
housing to
the tub and to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish to the tub surface.
[0022] The inlet shroud may define the assembly inlet.
[0023] In some exemplary tub overflow assemblies, the inlet lowest point is
defined
by the inlet shroud and may be vertically displaced from the lowest point of
the tub outlet.
Such an arrangement provides a further elevation of the overflow by raising
the level at
which water enters the overflow above the opening defined by the tub which
meets the
standard for positioning overflows on tubs.
[0024] An exemplary tub overflow assembly may further comprise an inlet cover.
[0025] The inlet cover may be adapted to be releasably connectable to the
housing.
Alternatively or additionally, the inlet cover may be adapted to be releasably
connectable
to the inlet shroud.
[0026] The inlet cover may be attached to the housing and/or the inlet shroud
by
means of a threaded connection, push fit connection, interference fit or any
suitable
connection means.
[0027] The inlet cover may be locatable within the inlet shroud.
[0028] Particularly, the inlet cover may define a surface, the inlet cover
being
locatable such that the inlet cover surface is flush with at least a portion
of an inlet
shroud surface.
[0029] Where the inlet cover is locatable within the inlet shroud, the cover
and the
shroud define a gap therebetween to allow water to flow into the assembly
inlet. Being
able to locate the inlet cover within the inlet shroud allows the assembly to
define a
minimal depth from the wall of the tub making the assembly aesthetically
pleasing.
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[0030] The gap defined by the cover and the shroud may extend around the
perimeter of the cover.
[0031] In an exemplary tub overflow assembly, the inlet shroud may define a
flange
adapted to be located in a tub opening. The inlet shroud may define a flange
having a
complementary profile to a tub opening profile. In this exemplary tub overflow
assembly,
the flange may be provided to fit neatly within the tub opening to maximize
the flow of
water through the opening and into the assembly inlet.
[0032] The inlet shroud may define a lip adapted to engage an internal tub
surface.
The inlet shroud lip provides a smooth transition from the tub surface to the
assembly
inlet.
[0033] The inlet shroud lip may define an external perimeter of the inlet
shroud.
[0034] The inlet shroud perimeter may have a different geometrical shape to
the inlet
shroud flange and the tub opening. Such an arrangement permits a tub to be
fitted with
an overflow assembly which has, for example, a rectangular external appearance
but fits
through a circular tub opening.
[0035] The assembly may further comprise a one-way valve.
[0036] The one-way valve may be located adjacent the assembly outlet. A one-
way
valve can be provided to prevent the back flow of odors or germs from the soil
stack.
The back flow of odors and/or germs can occur where, for example, a downstream
liquid
trap in the soil stack evaporates removing the barrier between waste products
and the
overflow assembly.
[0037] The one-way valve may be a duck bill valve.
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[0038] The tub overflow assembly may be sold as a retro-fit assembly for
existing
tub installations, for new tub installations or in combination with a tub.
[0039] The tub overflow assembly may be fitted to any tub, but is ideally
suitable for
a bath tub or a soak tub in which a person submerges their body.
[0040] In a second exemplary tub overflow assembly, there is provided a tub
overflow assembly, the tub overflow assembly comprising an inlet having an
inlet lowest
point, the inlet being adapted to admit overflow water and an outlet having an
outlet
lowest point, the outlet being adapted to be connected to a soil stack, the
outlet lowest
point being higher than the inlet lowest point.
[0041] In a third exemplary tub overflow assembly, there is provided a tub
overflow
assembly with an inlet having a lowest point that admits overflow water, an
outlet and a
fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet that defines a minimum fluid
flow level
that is higher than the lowest point of the inlet thus enabling a water level
in a tub fitted
with the assembly to rise above the overflow conventional draining height. An
exemplary
tub overflow assembly may include a baffle, a wall, a weir or similar
arrangement to
define the minimum fluid flow level within the fluid flow path. The minimum
fluid flow level
may be above a mid-point of the inlet.
[0042] An additional benefit of the concept is it may be possible for bath
manufacturers to reduce material in bath dimensions without compromising the
experience and depth of the bathing water.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] An exemplary tub overflow assembly will now be described with reference
to
the accompanying drawings in which:
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[0044] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary tub overflow assembly,
[0045] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary tub overflow assembly of
Figure
1 with the inlet cover removed,
[0046] Fig. 3 is a front view of the exemplary tub overflow assembly of Figure
1,
[0047] Fig. 4 is a section of the exemplary tub overflow assembly of Figure 1
taken
along the line 4-4 shown on Figure 3 and shown in situ with a tub, and
[0048] Fig. 5 is a section of the exemplary tub overflow assembly of Figure 1
taken
along the line 5-5 shown on Figure 3 and shown in situ with a tub.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] The following description and the referenced drawings provide
illustrative
examples of that which the inventor regards as his invention. As such, the
embodiments
discussed herein are merely exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit
the scope
of the invention, or its protection, in any manner. Rather, the description
and illustration
of these embodiments serve to enable a person of ordinary skill in the
relevant art to
practice the invention.
[0050] The use of "e.g.," "etc," "for instance," "in example," "for example,"
and "or"
and grammatically related terms indicates non-exclusive alternatives without
limitation,
unless otherwise noted. The use of "including" and grammatically related terms
means
"including, but not limited to," unless otherwise noted. The use of the
articles "a," "an"
and "the" are meant to be interpreted as referring to the singular as well as
the plural,
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to
"a fluid
flow path" includes two or more such fluid flow paths, and the like. The use
of "optionally,"
"alternatively," and grammatically related terms means that the subsequently
described
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element, event or circumstance may or may not be present/occur, and that the
description includes instances where said element, event or circumstance
occurs and
instances where it does not. The use of "preferred," "preferably," and
grammatically
related terms means that a specified element or technique is more acceptable
than
another, but not that such specified element or technique is a necessity,
unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise. The use of "exemplary" means "an example
of" and is
not intended to convey a meaning of an ideal or preferred embodiment.
[0051] Referring to the drawings, illustrated is a tub overflow assembly,
generally
indicated by reference numeral 10, for the attachment, or attachable, to or
through a tub
opening 12 in the tub wall 14 of a tub 16 (best illustrated in Figure 4). The
tub overflow
assembly 10 has a housing 18 that is attachable to an inlet shroud 50 through
the tub
opening 12. In the tub overflow assembly 10 illustrated in the Figures, the
housing 18
and the inlet shroud 50 are secured to each other by means of a pair of screws
52, 53
which clamp the tub wall 14 between the housing 18 and the inlet shroud 50 to
secure
the tub overflow assembly 10 in position, a seal being formed between the
housing 18
and the tub wall 14 by an elastomeric seal 70. While in this exemplary tub
overflow
assembly 10, a pair of screws 52, 53 comprise the fasteners utilized, a
skilled artisan will
be able to select an appropriate structure and material for the connection
between the
inlet shroud 50 and the housing 18 in a particular embodiment based on various
considerations, including the intended use of the tub overflow assembly, the
intended
arena within which the tub overflow assembly will be used, and the equipment
and/or
accessories with which the tub overflow assembly is intended to be used, among
other
considerations.
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[0052] The housing 18 and the inlet shroud 50 define an assembly inlet 20
having a
lowest point 22 (defined by the inlet shroud 50) that admits overflow water
from the tub
16. The housing 18 also has an outlet 24 communicable with a drain pipe
attachment 26,
which in turn, in use, is attached to a soil stack of waste pipe (not
illustrated). The
housing 18 defines a fluid flow path 30 between the assembly inlet 20 and the
outlet 24.
As is best illustrated in Figure 4, a minimum fluid flow level 32 of the fluid
flow path 30 is
higher than the lowest point 22 of the assembly inlet 20. A water level 44 in
the tub 16
must rise above the minimum fluid flow level 32 before water can flow to the
outlet 24.
[0053] In a preferred embodiment the fluid flow path 30 comprises a first
fluid path
30a in fluid communication with the assembly inlet 20 and a second fluid path
30b in
fluid communication with the outlet 24. A structural element 34, preferably in
the form of
a wall or weir or similar arrangement, is located between the first fluid path
30a and the
second fluid path 30b. The minimum fluid flow level 32 is defined by the
structural
element 34, the minimum fluid flow level 32 is particularly defined by a
structural element
upper edge 54. Referring to Figure 5, the second fluid path 30b is
substantially
rectangular cross-sectional shape, with the structural element 34 forming one
of the
longer sides of the shape. This structure has utility because as water rises
up the
structural element 34, it will pour over the upper edge 54 into the second
fluid path 30b
and due to the sudden volume of water entering the second fluid path 30b, it
is believed
siphonic flow will be set up causing the tub 16 to drain to the minimum fluid
flow level 32
more quickly.
[0054] The tub overflow assembly 10 further comprises an inlet cover 56
connected
to the housing 18 by a threaded bore 58 attached to the back of the inlet
cover 56, the
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bar passing through an aperture 60 defined by the inlet shroud 50. While a
threaded bolt
attached to the back of the cover is illustrated in the drawings,
alternatively the cover
could comprise an orifice for receiving a screw there-through, or the cover
could snap fit
onto the inlet shroud or other portion of the tub overflow assembly, or other
structure. A
skilled artisan will be able to select an appropriate manner of connecting the
cover to the
tub overflow assembly in a particular embodiment based on various
considerations,
including the intended use of the tub overflow assembly, the intended arena
within which
the tub overflow assembly will be used, and the equipment and/or accessories
with
which the tub overflow assembly is intended to be used, among other
considerations.
[0055] The inlet shroud 50 comprises an internal flange 62 which extends into
the
tub opening 12, the internal flange 62 defining the inlet lowest point 22. The
inlet shroud
50 also defines an external flange 64 with a chamfered edge 66, the chamfered
edge 66
engaging with the tub wall 14 and providing a smooth transition from the tub
wall 14 to
the inlet cover 56.
[0056] Referring to Figure 3, it will be noted that the inlet shroud 50
defines a lower
aperture 20a, and an upper aperture 20b. The lower aperture 20a defining the
inlet to
the lowest point 22. In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the
lowest point of the
inlet can be raised by, for example, manufacturing the inlet shroud with only
a single
aperture, being the upper aperture.
[0057] It is preferred that the minimum fluid flow level 32 is above a mid-
point 36 of
the assembly inlet 20.
[0058] In one exemplary tub overflow assembly, the tub overflow assembly
comprises an assembly inlet, an assembly outlet, and a fluid flow path. The
assembly
CA 02792317 2012-10-04
inlet having a lowest point adapted to admit overflow water. The assembly
outlet adapted
to be connected to a soil or waste pipe. The fluid flow path between the
assembly inlet
and the assembly outlet. The fluid flow path defining a minimum fluid flow
level. The
minimum fluid flow level being higher than the lowest point of the assembly
inlet.
[0059] In another exemplary tub overflow assembly, the tub overflow assembly
further comprises a housing, the housing defining the fluid flow path. The
fluid flow path
comprises a first portion in communication with the assembly inlet and a
second portion
in communication with the assembly outlet. The housing includes a structural
element,
the structural element defining the fluid flow path minimum fluid flow level.
The structural
element separates the first fluid flow path portion and the second fluid flow
path portion.
The second flow path portion is substantially vertical and the length of the
structural
member edge is more than 25% of the perimeter of the outlet assembly.
[0060] In another exemplary tub overflow assembly, the tub overflow assembly
comprises an inlet shroud, the inlet shroud adapted to be connected to the
housing, the
housing and the inlet shroud, in use, sandwiching a portion of a tub wall
defining a tub
opening therebetween. Preferably, the inlet shroud defines the assembly inlet.
Preferably,
the assembly inlet comprises a lowest point, wherein said lowest point is
defined by the
inlet shroud and wherein said lowest point is vertically displaced from the
assembly
outlet.
[0061] In another exemplary tub overflow assembly, the tub overflow assembly
comprises an inlet cover. The inlet cover is locatable within the inlet
shroud. The inlet
cover defines a surface, the inlet cover being locatable such that the inlet
cover surface
is flush with at least a portion of an inlet shroud surface. The inlet cover
is locatable
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within the inlet shroud, the inlet cover and the inlet shroud define a gap
therebetween to
allow water to flow into the assembly inlet. Preferably, the gap defined by
the inlet cover
and the inlet shroud extends around the perimeter of the inlet cover.
Preferably, the inlet
shroud defines a flange adapted to be located in a tub opening and having a
complementary profile to a tub opening profile, and the inlet shroud defines a
lip adapted
to engage an internal tub surface, the lip defining an external perimeter of
the inlet
shroud, the inlet shroud perimeter having a different geometrical shape to the
inlet
shroud flange and the tub opening.
[0062] In another exemplary tub overflow assembly, the tub overflow assembly
further comprises a one-way valve located adjacent the assembly outlet. It is
preferred
that the one-way valve be a duck bill valve.
[0063] Another exemplary tub overflow assembly comprises an inlet having an
inlet
lowest point, the inlet being adapted to admit overflow water; and an outlet
having an
outlet lowest point, the outlet being adapted to be connected to a soil stack,
the outlet
lowest point being higher than the inlet lowest point.
[0064] Any suitable structure and/or material can be used for the components
of an
exemplary tub overflow assembly, and a skilled artisan will be able to select
an
appropriate structure and material for the components in a particular
embodiment based
on various considerations, including the intended use of the tub overflow
assembly, the
intended arena within which the tub overflow assembly will be used, and the
equipment
and/or accessories with which the tub overflow assembly is intended to be
used, among
other considerations.
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[0065] It is noted that all structure and features of the various described
and
illustrated embodiments can be combined in any suitable configuration for
inclusion in a
tub overflow assembly according to a particular embodiment. For example, a tub
overflow assembly according a particular embodiment can include neither, one,
or both
of the upper aperture and the lower aperture described above.
[0066] Any suitable materials can be used to form the various components of
the tub
overflow assembly, and a skilled artisan will be able to select appropriate
materials for a
tub overflow assembly according to a particular embodiment based on various
considerations, including the environment within which the tub overflow
assembly is
intended to be used. The inventor has determined that conventional polymeric
and metal
materials are suitable for use in the various components of the tub overflow
assembly.
For example, the housing and associated components can be injection-molded
from
suitable plastics known in the art. The cover can be formed from metal
materials,
including stainless steel and other suitable metals. Materials hereinafter
discovered
and/or developed that are determined to be suitable for use in tub overflow
assembly
devices would also be considered suitable for use in a tub overflow assembly
according
to a particular embodiment.
[0067] The foregoing detailed description provides exemplary embodiments of
the
invention and includes the best mode for practicing the invention. The
description and
illustration of these embodiments is intended only to provide examples of the
invention,
and not to limit the scope of the invention, or its protection, in any manner.
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