Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
DRAIN ASSEMBLY FOR A BATHTUB AND THE LIKE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The traditional method of interconnecting a drain and associated plumbing to a
bathtub generally comprises engaging a flange associated with the drain pipe
to the
bottom surface of the bathtub while aligning an aperture of the flange and the
drain outlet
of the bathtub, which is a "blind" operation. Next, while maintaining the
position of the
flange, a strainer body, which includes an outwardly-extending flange, is
inserted into the
drain outlet and interconnected to the drain pipe wherein the strainer body
flange is
engaged on an inside surface of the bathtub. The strainer body has a threaded
outer
surface that interfaces with the threaded inner surface of the drain pipe.
Tightening the
strainer body onto the drain pipe rigidly mates the drain pipe to the bathtub.
Often, a seal
is also positioned between the drain pipe flange and bottom surface of the
bathtub. The
traditional installation method is cumbersome and difficult as it requires
multiple
components to be held in place during assembly.
In addition, traditional drain assemblies are difficult to test. More
specifically,
pipes associated with the bathtub drain and overflow outlet must be leak
tested after
installation. The leak test involves filling the entire plumbing system with
water by way
of a vent attached to the drain. After a predetermined amount of time, leaks
will be
apparent if the water level in the vent pipe falls. To perform the leak test,
the drain outlet
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and overflow port is plugged or otherwise sealed. Because of risk of damage,
plumbers
prefer not to use the final closure valve, i.e. stopper, to block the drain.
Hence, the
common testing method requires the removal of a plumber-supplied plug, which
adds a
step to the installation method.
Thus, a long felt need exists for a drain assembly that can be installed by
one
individual that also facilitates leak testing,
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a drain assembly that can
be
installed by one individual. More specifically, in one embodiment of the
present
invention a drain pipe having a threaded outer surface that receives a nut is
provided.
The upper edge of the drain pipe includes an outwardly-extending flange that
engages the
inner surface of the bathtub. The nut threadably engages the threaded portion
of the drain
pipe from beneath the tub which sandwiches the bottom wall of the bathtub
between the
flange and the nut. As used herein, a 'tub' may include, but is not limited
to, a bathtub, a
shower base, or any other fluid holding basin. Because the drain pipe is
positioned
within the outlet from inside the bathtub and affixed with the nut after the
drain pipe is
supported by the bottom surface of the tub, one individual can install the
contemplated
drain assembly. After associating the drain pipe to the tub, the plumber can
interconnect
the drain pipe to the drain plumbing.
In one embodiment, the drain pipe includes a -first end, a second end, and an
elbow positioned therebetween. In one embodiment, a maximum diameter of the
second
end, the elbow portion, and a substantial portion of the first end is less
than the diameter
of the drain port. Thus, the second end of the drain pipe can be placed
through the drain
port of the tub and effectively "hang" from the bottom surface of the tub.
More
specifically, the first end includes an annular flange that has a maximum
diameter that is
larger than the diameter of the drain port. When positioned in this fashion,
the threaded
portion will be positioned at least partially on the outside of the tub. The
threaded
portion has a maximum diameter that is less than the diameter of the drain
port, and is
configured to threadably receive a nut. A sealing element may be provided
between the
2
bottom surface of the tub and the nut to enhance the interconnection between
the tub and
the drain port.
In one embodiment, a drain pipe accommodates at least one of a selectively-
removable membrane, an integrated strainer body, and a drain closure. The
drain closure
is also selectively removable from the drain pipe. The drain closure, i.e.,
stopper, is
operatively interconnected to the drain pipe by a carrier post that is
interconnected to
cross bars integrated into or selectively associated with the drain pipe. For
example, the
crossbars of one embodiment are associated with a ring that is threadingly
secured to an
interior surface of the drain pipe or interference fit into the drain pipe.
Other embodiments of the present invention do not require a strainer body.
More
specifically, a tapped hole or boss for the receipt of a drain stopper may be
integrated into
the elbow or other portions of the drain pipe. Furthermore, crossbars and hubs
for
receiving drain stoppers may be integrated into the drain pipe. In still yet
another
embodiment of the present invention, crossbars for receiving a drain assembly
are
associated with the ring that fits within the drainpipe. The ring may be
interference fit
within the drain pipe or threadingly engaged to threads located in the
drainpipe.
Regardless of whether a strainer body or other member is used to receive a
drain
stopper assembly, embodiments of the present invention are able to receive
stoppers of
various types and manufacturers. More specifically, Push/Pull drain closure
devices,
which are disclosed in US Patent No. 6,418,570, Lift and Turn drain closure
devices,
which are disclosed in US Patent No. 5,758,368, and PressfloTM drain closure
devices,
which are disclosed in US Patent No. 6,226,806, may accommodated. This list is
not
exhaustive, and one of skill in the art will appreciate that other drain
closure devices may
be used in conjunction with the contemplated drainpipe without departing from
the scope
of the invention. Furthermore, claims concealing devices, such as Quick
TrimTm, which
is disclosed in US Patent No. 7,503,083 may be used with the drainpipe
disclosed herein.
It is another aspect of the present invention to reduce leak points in the
drain
assembly. More specifically, one embodiment a present invention employs an
elbow that
is integrally interconnected to a straight portion of drain pipe that
interconnects to the
plumbing system of the dwelling, for example. In this embodiment, the elbow is
fused,
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cast, or molded along with the linear portion of the drain pipe. Thus a cut is
eliminated,
which is often required to mate the linear portion of the drain pipe with the
elbow.
Further, a sealing joint is also eliminated. One of skill narrow appreciate
that the
reduction of the joints is advantageous.
The drain pipe, and related components may be made of common materials
utilized in the art, including, but not limited to, copper, PVC, plastic, or
any other suitable
material.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a drain assembly
adapted
for interconnection to a tub having a drain port formed in a bottom wall, the
drain port
having a diameter, the drain assembly comprising: a drain pipe including a
first portion, a
second portion, and an elbow portion positioned between, and integrally
connecting, the
first portion and the second portion, the first portion including an annular
flange and a
threaded portion positioned between the annular flange and the elbow portion,
wherein
the threaded portion, the elbow portion, and the second portion have a maximum
diameter that is less than the diameter of the drain port, and wherein the
annular flange
has a maximum diameter that is larger than the diameter of the drain port; a
nut
configured to threadably engage the threaded portion of the drain pipe to
secure the drain
pipe to the bottom wall of the tub; and a crossbar insert positioned within
said first
portion of said drain pipe.
It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a drain
elbow
adapted for interconnection to a tub having a drain port formed in a bottom
wall, the
drain port having a diameter, the drain elbow comprising: a first portion
including an
annular flange and an externally threaded portion, the annular flange having a
maximum
diameter that is larger than the diameter of the drain port; a second portion;
and an elbow
portion positioned between, and integrally connecting, the first portion and
the second
portion, wherein the externally threaded portion is positioned between the
annular flange
and the elbow portion, and wherein the externally threaded portion, the elbow
portion,
and the second portion have a maximum diameter that is less than the diameter
of the
drain port.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a drain elbow adapted
for
interconnection to a tub having a drain port formed in a bottom wall, the
drain port
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having a diameter, the drain elbow comprising: a first portion including an
annular flange
and an externally threaded portion, the annular flange having a maximum
diameter that is
larger than the diameter of the drain port; a second portion; an elbow portion
positioned
between, and integrally connecting, the first portion and the second portion,
wherein the
externally threaded portion is positioned between the annular flange and the
elbow
portion, and wherein the externally threaded portion, the elbow portion, and
the second
portion have a maximum diameter that is less than the diameter of the drain
port; and a
crossbar insert positioned within the first portion
The Summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as being
representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. The
present
disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the
Invention as well
as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description and no limitation as
to the scope
of the claimed subject matter is intended by either the inclusion or non-
inclusion of
elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Moreover,
reference made
herein to "the present invention" or aspects thereof should be understood to
mean certain
embodiments of the present disclosure and should not necessarily be construed
as
limiting all embodiments to a particular description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a drain assembly
interconnected to a bathtub;
Fig. 2 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a drain assembly
interconnected to a bottom wall of the bathtub;
Fig. 3 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a drain assembly
interconnected to a bottom wall of the bathtub;
Fig. 4 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a drain assembly
interconnected to a bottom wall of the bathtub;
Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a drain assembly
and a tee connector;
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a drain assembly
interconnected to a tee connector;
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Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a drain pipe of one embodiment of the present
invention;
Fig. 8 is atop plan view of Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 is a front elevation view of Fig. 7;
Fig. 10 is a right elevation view of Fig. 7;
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 7;
Fig. 12 is a detailed view of Fig. 11;
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a nut used by one embodiment of the present
invention;
Fig. 14 is a top plan view of Fig. 13;
Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 13;
Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a sealing element used by one embodiment of
the
present invention;
Fig. 17 is a top plan view of Fig. 16;
Fig. 18 is a side elevation view of Fig. 16;
Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 18;
Fig. 20 is a cross-section perspective view of one embodiment of a drain
assembly
including a drain closure threadably engaged to a cross bar insert;
Fig. 21 is a cross-section perspective view of one embodiment of a drain
assembly
including a membrane and a cross bar insert;
Fig. 22 is a cross-section elevation view of one embodiment of a drain
assembly
including a crossbar insert;
Fig. 23 is a cross-section elevation view of one embodiment of a drain
assembly
including a threaded cross bar insert;
Fig. 24 is a perspective view of a crossbar insert used in conjunction with
some
embodiments of the present invention;
Fig. 25 is a top plan view of Fig. 24;
Fig. 26 is a side elevation view of Fig. 24;
Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 26;
Fig. 28 is a cross-section elevation view of one embodiment of a drain pipe
including an integral crossbar for receipt of a drain stopper carrier;
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Fig. 29 is a cross-section elevation view of one embodiment of a drain pipe
including an upwardly-extending hub for receipt of a drain stopper carrier;
Fig. 30 is a cross-section elevation view of one embodiment of a drain pipe
including a threaded hole formed in the elbow portion that receives a drain
stopper
carrier;
Fig. 31 is a cross-section perspective view of a drain assembly including a
membrane, a nut, a sealing element, and a drain pipe having a concave inner
surface;
Fig. 32 is a cross-section elevation view of one embodiment of a drain
assembly
including a finishing plate and a drain closure interconnected to a drain
pipe; and
Fig. is 33 is a cross-section elevation view of one embodiment of a drain
assembly including downwardly-extending finishing plate with a drain closure
associated
therewith.
To assist in the understanding of the drawings, the following is a list of
components and associated numbering found in the drawings.
Components
Bathtub
6 Drain port
10 Bottom wall
14 Overflow port
18 Sidewall
22 Drain assembly
26 Overflow assembly
30 Tee connector
34 Drain pipc
38 Nut
47 Faucet
46 Interior wall
50 First end
54 Second end
55 Pipe adapter
56 Pipe
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=
Components
57 Primary drain
58 Annular flange
62 Threaded portion
66 Membrane
70 Upper surface
74 Lower surface
78 Elbow
82 Drain closure
86 Crossbar(s)
90 Cover
94 Crossbar insert
98 Hub
102 Threaded aperture
106 Carrier
110 Strainer body cover
114 Sealing element
118 Annular lip
122 Interior surface of drain pipe
126 Annular ring
130 Internally threaded portion
134 Threaded hole
13 8 Concave portion
1 42 Drain closure insert
1 46 Annular groove
150 Threads
154 Upper surface
158 Lower surface
162 Upper bulge
166 Lower bulge
170 Outer surface
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It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In
certain
instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the
disclosure or that
render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be
understood,
of course, that the claimed subject matter is not necessarily limited to the
particular
embodiments illustrated herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to Figs. 1-11, a bathtub 2 includes a drain port 6 provided in a
bottom
wall 10 and an overflow port 14 provided in a sidewall 18. A drain assembly 22
is
interconnected to the bottom wall 10 and associated with the drain port 6, and
an
overflow assembly 26 is interconnected to the sidewall 18 and associated with
the
overflow port 14. A tee connector 30 interconnects the drain assembly 22 and
the
overflow assembly 26. The drain assembly 22 includes a drain pipe 34, which
may be
generally L-shaped, that is attached to the bathtub 2 with a nut 38. The drain
pipe 34
has a first end 50 associated with the bottom wall 10 of the bathtub 2, and a
second cnd
54 that is interconnected to the tee connector 30. The first end 50 includes
an annular
flange 58 and an externally-threaded portion 62. A membrane 66 may be
interconnected
to the first end 50 of the drain pipe 34 to assist in leak testing.
The drain pipe 34 is interconnected to the bathtub 2 by first inserting the
second
end 54 through the drain port 6. The annular flange 58 is then engaged upon
the upper
surface 70 of the bottom wall 10. A sealant material, which would also create
a leak
barrier, may be placed on a lower surface of the annular flange 58 for further
securing the
annular flange to the bottom wall 10 of the bathtub 2. Next, a nut 38 is
placed over the
second end 54 of the drain pipe 34 and slid along the drain pipe 34 towards
the bottom
wall until it reaches the threaded portion 62 of the drain pipe 34. The nut 38
is threaded
onto the threaded portion 62 of the drain pipe 34 and tightened against a
lower surface 74
of the bottom wall 10 which rigidly connects the drain pipe 34 to the bathtub
2 around the
drain port 6. A sealing element (See Fig. 2, Reference No. 114, for example)
may
additionally be positioned between the nut 38 and the lower surface 74 of the
bottom wall
10.
9
The bottom wall 10 of the bathtub 2 is sandwiched between the annular flange
58
of the drain pipe 34 and the internally-threaded nut 38. After the first end
of the drain
pipe is interconnected to the bathtub 2, the second end 54 of the drain pipe
34 is
connected to a tee connector 30. The drain system which includes the drain
assembly 22,
overflow assembly 26, and tee connector 30, is then leak tested. Finally, a
drain closure
is operatively associated with the first end 50 of the drain pipe 34. In the
foregoing
manner, a single individual can interconnect the drain assembly 22 to the
drain port 6 of
the bathtub 2.
The membrane 66, or diaphragm, is sealed to the first end 50 of the drain pipe
34
at the annular flange 58 for leak testing. In one embodiment, the membrane 66
is
ultrasonically sealed to the first portion 50, and may be constructed of a
material that is
easily punctured or removable. For example, the membrane 66 may be constructed
of a
plastic material, flexible rubber, or the like. After a successful leak test,
a plumber can
remove the membrane 66 with a sharp object, as disclosed in related U.S.
Patent No.
8,302,220.
In most instances a drain closure 82 is associated with the first end 50 of
the drain
pipe 34. The drain closure 82 can be of any conventional type, including Lift
and Turn,
Foot-actuated, or PUSHPULLTM closures to name a few, which are referred to
above.
Likewise, a PRESFLOTM drain closure, such as the one described in U.S. Patent
No.
4,457,030 to Burry and U.S. Patent No. 6,226,806, can be used in conjunction
with some
embodiments of the present invention. The drain pipe 34 may include a crossbar
86 and
hub 98, which are typically found in strainer bodies. The hub secures a
carrier that
operatively receives the stopper. The crossbar 86 may be integrated into the
drain pipe or
otherwise interconnected thereto. A cover 90 may be secured to the flange 58
to
substantially cover the same and to provide a finished appearance. The cover
90 may be
comprised of a trim device that effectively conceals the annular flange 58 as
disclosed in
U.S. Patent No. 7,503,083 and related U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos.
2011/0209279 and 2013/0055494.
Figs. 3 and 4 show other methods interconnecting the drain pipe 34 to the
primary
drain 57. In Fig. 3, the drain includes an elbow that extends from the annular
flange 58.
CA 2838212 2017-06-29
The elbow 34 is interconnected to a pipe 56 by way of an adapter 55. The pipe
56 is also
interconnected to a tee connector 30 that connects the primary drain 57 to a
pipe
associated with the overflow assembly (see Fig. 1, for example). In Fig. 4,
the drain
assembly includes a vertically-oriented pipe that extends from the annular
flange 58. The
drain assembly 22 is interconnected directly to the tee connector 30 which is
also
interconnected to the primary drain 57 and to a pipe 56 associated with the
overflow
assembly. These two alternate methods of interconnecting the drain assembly 22
provide
more installation options and flexibility to the plumber. Those of skill in
the art will
appreciate that various other ways can be employed to interconnect the drain
assembly 22
to the overflow assembly and to the primary drain plumbing 57 of the dwelling.
For
example, the portions of the drain assembly 22 that interconnect to the tee
connector 30
or the primary drain 57 may be flexible as disclosed in U.S. 2008/0196161.
Figs. 6-12 show the drain pipe 34 of one embodiment of the present invention,
which is comprised of a first end 50 that includes the outwardly extending
flange 58. The
threads 62 referred to above are located under the flange 58. A second end 54
of the drain
pipe 34 is connected to the first end 50 by way of an elbow 78. Because space
is limited
below the bathtub, it is advantageous to minimize the size of the elbow.
However, the
elbow must be large enough to allow for installation onto the bathtub and to
accommodate the nut. In one embodiment of the present invention, the elbow 78
is
interconnected to the second end 54, which may be schedule 40 pipe, by way of
common
plumbing interconnection methods. In another embodiment of present invention,
the first
end 50, elbow 78, and second end 54 are created in one molding process and,
thus,
comprise a single unit. The second end 54 of one embodiment meets Schedule 40
dimensions and tolerances such that it can be received into common drain
fittings.
Further, the second end, which comprises a generally horizontal portion of the
drain pipe
34, may be angled about 0.25 relative to the horizontal plane defined by the
outwardly-
extending flange 58. Further, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the first end 50
may be
threaded on an inner surface thereof, which will be described in detail below.
In addition,
the first end may include a lip 118 for receiving the closure member, such as
a membrane
66, which will also be described below.
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The threads 62 are made in such a way to facilitate insertion of the drain
pipe 34
into the drain port of a bathtub In one embodiment of the present invention,
the threads
62 have squared or rounded off profile, i.e.. comprised of recessed
rectangles, such that
they fit easily within the bathtub drain port. Because the drain pipe must fit
through drain
port openings as small as about 2.0 inches in diameter, the threaded portion's
major
diameter cannot be larger than the diameter of the drain port. The minor
diameter of the
threaded portion cannot be smaller than the drain pipe diameter. The length of
the
threaded portion must be long enough to accommodate the bottom wall thickness
of the
bathtub, but small enough to not adversely affect the size of the elbow 78.
The drain pipe 34 of one embodiment of the present invention is made of PVC
per
ASTM D1784 ¨ 90, class 12454-13, and mechanically performs per ANSI/ASTM D-
2466-90A. Further, the drain pipe 34 may be made of white pigmented PVC that
may be
chrome plated.
Figs. 13-15 show the nut 38 used in some embodiments of the present invention.
The nut 38 includes internal threads 150 that selectively engage the exterior
threads of the
drain pipe. The nut 38 also includes generally frusto-conical upper surface
154 and lower
surface 158. The upper and lower surfaces may alternatively possess a
concavity for
receipt of a sealing member, which would be described in detail below with
respect to
Figs. 16-19. The internal diameter of the threads 150, which may have a
profile
commensurate of that of the drain pipe threads, are designed to fit over a
schedule 40
drain pipe and be able to traverse the elbow without binding or difficulty.
Figs. 16-19 show the sealing member 114 used with some embodiments of the
present invention. The sealing member 14 is designed to fit over the second
end 54 of the
drain pipe, transition around the elbow, and engaged the bottom surface of the
bathtub as
shown in Fig. 2. The sealing member 114 is held in place by the nut, which
squeezes the
sealing member 114 against the bottom surface of the bathtub when tightened.
The
contemplated sealing member 114 provides a tight connection, which may allow
installers to forgo the use of sealing putty. In one embodiment of the present
invention,
the seal is made of an elastomeric material having a density of about 0.0361
pounds per
cubic inch and weighs about 0.025 pounds. The surface area of the sealing
member 114 is
about 9.2 in.2 The sealing member 114 of this embodiment of the present
invention
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further may include an upper bulge 162 and a lower bulge 166 that are
positioned
internally to the outer surface 170 of the sealing member 114, The bulges are
designed to
interface with the frusto-conical surface of the nut to facilitate the tight
interconnection
between the drain pipe and the bathtub.
Fig. 20 depicts one embodiment of a drain assembly 22 that includes a drain
closure 82 interconnected to a crossbar insert 94. The crossbar insert 94
includes a hub
98 having a threaded aperture 102 configured to receive a threaded end of a
carrier 106
that slidingly receives the drain closure 82. The carrier 106 is inserted
through a strainer
body cover 110, which is interconnected to the flange 58. As in the
embodiments
described above, a nut 38 is threadably engaged onto the threaded portion 62
with a
sealing element 114 positioned therebetvveen.
Figs. 21 and 22 illustrate one embodiment of a drain assembly 22 that employs
a
membrane 66 and a crossbar insert 94 having a threaded hub 98. The membrane 66
is
positioned over at least a portion of the flange 58 or affixed to an annular
lip 118 of the
drain closure 34 at the first end 50 of the drain elbow 34. The annular lip
118 is formed
in the upper surface of the annular flange 58 as the flange 58 transitions to
the interior
surface 122 of the first end 50 of the drain pipe 34. In an alternative
embodiment, the
annular lip 118 is &tuned in an interior surface of the first end 50 of the
drain pipe 34.
The annular lip 118 can be configured to interconnect various devices to the
drain pipe
34, including, but not limited to, a membrane 66, a cover 110, and a strainer
body.
Referrine, to Figs. ¨22 and 23, various ways of positioning crossbars within
the
drain pipe are depicted. In one embodiment, the crossbar 94 is interference
fit into the
drain pipe 34. The crossbar insert 94 includes the at least one crossbar 86
that
interconnects an annular ring 126 to the hub 98. The hub 98 may include a
threaded
aperture 102 configured to threadably receive the threaded end of a carrier,
which
operatively receives a drain closure 82.
Referring to Figs. 23-27, a crossbar insert 94 includes a threaded annular
ring 126
that thrcadably engages a threaded portion 130 of the drain pipe 34. The
crossbar insert
94 may alternatively have a smooth outer surface for interference fit within
the internal
diameter of the drain pipe 34 as shown in Fig. 22. Alternatively, the
crossbars 86 may be
integrally formed in the drain pipe 34 as shown in Fig. 28.
13
Figs. 29 and 30 illustrate other methods of integrating a hub for the receipt
of a
drain closure mechanism with the drain pipe. In Fig. 29, an upwardly extending
hub 98
is integrally connected to the elbow 78 of the drain pipe 34. The hub 98
extends into an
interior space near the first end 50 of the drain pipe 34 and includes a
threaded hole 134
that receives a threaded end of the carrier 106.
Referring now to Figs. 31-33, various embodiments of a drain assembly 22
utilizing a drain closure 82 are provided. Fig. 31 depicts a drain pipe 34
that includes a
concave portion 138 formed in an interior surface 122 that is configured to
receive a
drain closure 82 that is snapped or interference fit within the concave
portion 138 of the
drain pipe 34. In one embodiment, the concave portion 138 of the drain pipe 34
receives
a PRESFLOTM drain closure. Also illustrated in Fig. 32, a cover 90, which
often includes
a strainer, may be interconnected to the drain pipe 34 to prevent hair from
entering the
drain pipe, for example. In one embodiment, the cover 90 is interference fit
into the
annular flange 58 and the annular lip 118 of the drain pipe 34.
Fig. 33 shows a drain closure insert 142 that is interconnected to the drain
pipe 34
and is capable of accommodating the drain closure device, such as a PRESFLOTM
drain
closure. The drain closure insert 142 may alternatively have exterior threads
that
selectively engage threads located on the inside of the drain pipe 34 similar
to that shown
in Fig. 23.
The drain assembly as described herein may be used in conjunction with a foot-
actuated drain stopper as taught by U.S. Patents Application Serial No.
13/912,421, filed
June 7, 2013. The drain stopper disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,758,368 (Lift
and Turn),
U.S. Patent No. 6,066,119 (PRESFLOW), and U.S. Patent No. 6,418,570
(push/pull),
may be used with respect to embodiments the present invention. Further,
inserts, which
conceal the outer surface of the outwardly extending flange of the drain pipe
may be used
in conjunction with embodiments of present invention. Such devices are
disclosed in U.S.
Patent No. 5,745,931 and U.S. Patent No. 7,503,083, and pending patent
applications
related thereto.
While various embodiments have been described herein in detail, it is apparent
that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those
skilled in the
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art. It is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations
are within the
scope and spirit of the claimed invention. as set forth in the following
claims.
