Strainer, Stopper, Plug Or Closure Patents (Class 4/286)
  • Patent number: 11851861
    Abstract: A sink includes a basin including a base wall and lateral walls adjoining the base wall. The basin includes a receiving area delimited by the base wall and the lateral walls. An insert plate separate from the basin is inserted into the receiving area and moved by a lifting device relative to the basin. A residual media discharge device discharges residual media from a top of the insert plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Wölfler, Benjamin Reu, Ingo Abels
  • Patent number: 11814831
    Abstract: A waste outlet having a top section, with an inlet and an outlet, and a bottom section, with an inlet and an outlet. The top section and the bottom section are both mounted upon a substantially elongate member. A tubular seal element encloses the outlet of the top section and the inlet of the bottom section and one of the top section and the bottom section is connected to the elongate member and the other of the top section and the bottom section is slidably mounted on the rigid elongate member so that it can slide therealong to adjust the distance between the respective sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: ELLSI LIMITED
    Inventor: Paul Delaney
  • Patent number: 11788267
    Abstract: A device used to conceal at least a portion of a wastewater strainer associated with a bathtub. More specifically, a plate having an opening therethrough is used to overlap a flange of the wastewater strainer wherein the opening in the plate generally coincides with an opening in the wastewater strainer so that the bathtub drain is unobstructed. The plate may include a downwardly extending lip to help facilitate orientation onto the flange of the wastewater strainer. The plate conceals the wastewater strainer, thereby facilitating reconfiguration of a bathtub as the existing wastewater strainer need not be removed and the plumbing system retested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 11781303
    Abstract: A wastewater drain assembly is provided that includes a selectively openable drain stopper. The wastewater drain assembly is interconnected to a fluid basin wherein a flange, which is interconnected to wastewater plumbing, is situated within the sink. The flange receives an insert that has a portion that conceals the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
  • Patent number: 11346095
    Abstract: A floor sink configured to be installed in a support surface includes a body including a first end, and a second end opposite the first end and configured to receive a pipe. The floor sink further includes a cavity extending through the body, and a flange coupled to the first end of the body and extending away from the cavity. The flange is configured to engage the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: ZURN INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Say, Lisa A. Barker
  • Patent number: 11325134
    Abstract: The invention involves an automatic shut-off waste disposer that may be activated with a control module, which utilizes a programmable automatic shut-off routine. This enables a user to turn on the garbage disposer and walk away without having to turn the disposer off. In exemplary embodiments, activation of the disposer includes actuation of a solenoid valve for injecting a stream of water flow into the dispenser chamber in order to facilitate a proper water flow while the disposer is actively disposing of food waste. In some exemplary embodiments, activation of the disposer may be achieved via a user-activated pneumatic actuator, which may be installed in proximity to the sink to which the disposer is coupled. In some exemplary embodiments, the disposer implements a sensor for automatically shutting of a motor of the disposer upon a predetermined event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Joneca Company, LLC
    Inventor: Edward Chavez
  • Patent number: 11280075
    Abstract: A disposal with above sink installation where the disposal can be inserted through a drain opening in a basin from above the basin. The disposal includes a housing, a grind assembly, a motor assembly, and a mount assembly. The mount assembly is operable to mount the housing to the drain opening in the basin. The mount assembly includes a flange and a securing mechanism. A diameter of the outer surface of the housing is less than a diameter of the drain opening in the basin. The housing is operable to be inserted through the drain opening in the basin from the top surface of the floor of the basin. The housing is operable to be secured to the drain opening in the basin from the bottom surface of the floor of the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: FB Global Plumbing Group LLC
    Inventors: Russell A. Ferqueron, Kevin A. Lumby, Eric J. Tonissen, Mark R. Vogliano
  • Patent number: 11220810
    Abstract: A device used to conceal at least a portion of a wastewater strainer associated with a bathtub. More specifically, a plate having an opening therethrough is used to overlap a flange of the wastewater strainer wherein the opening in the plate generally coincides with an opening in the wastewater strainer so that the bathtub drain is unobstructed. The plate may include a downwardly extending lip to help facilitate orientation onto the flange of the wastewater strainer. The plate conceals the wastewater strainer, thereby facilitating reconfiguration of a bathtub as the existing wastewater strainer need not be removed and the plumbing system retested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 11019965
    Abstract: A bathtub drain flange assembly includes a tubular drain flange fitting that has a radially-extending flange on an upper end and male threads on a lower end. A support structure in the lower end of the drain flange has an oversized or larger-than-normal opening, which is usually threaded. A reducing bushing is received in the opening and has a threaded bore that is one of a number of different sizes for receiving a plumbing device such as a drain stopper, a strainer or a drain cover. A bathtub drain flange kit includes a drain flange with a larger-than-maximum-standard size for an opening in the drain flange and two or more reducing bushings that fit properly in the opening and become fastened to the drain flange, where each of the reducing bushings provides a threaded bore that is a standard size for receiving a plumbing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: PF Waterworks LP
    Inventors: Harold Kent Beck, Sanjay Ahuja
  • Patent number: 10959512
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a garbage disposal cleaning brush. The brush can include a brush head, a splash guard, and a rod. The splash guard can include a shaft, a circular channel well and a lip extending from the outer wall of the circular channel well. The rod may be connected to the brush head and extending through the shaft of the splash guard. The shaft can include a first inner wall and a first outer wall. The circular channel wall can include a hold on a bottom surface, a second inner wall, and a second outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Thomas R. Bajek
  • Patent number: 10724225
    Abstract: A semi-round drain body includes an upper surface and a drain hole extending through the upper surface. The upper surface includes a first straight edge, a second straight edge disposed opposite to the first straight edge, a first curved edge, and a second curved edge disposed opposite to the first curved edge. The drain hole is disposed between the first and second straight edges and between the first and second curved edges. The first curved edge connects a first end of the first straight edge and a first end of the second straight edge to each other, and the second curved edge connects a second end of the first straight edge and a second end of the second straight edge to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: INFINITY DRAIN LTD.
    Inventors: Jonathan Brill, Alan Trink, Bhasnarine Ramkarran
  • Patent number: 10676911
    Abstract: A recessed point drain assembly is described. Embodiments of the recessed point drain assembly can include, but are not limited to, a base plate having a recess, a drain body adapted to be coupled to the base plate by a first plurality of fasteners, and a clamping collar adapted to be coupled to the drain by a second plurality of fasteners. A gasket can be sandwiched between the drain body and the clamping collar. Typically, a top of the recessed point drain assembly can be configured to be substantially flush with a top of a subfloor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: QD Holdings I LLC
    Inventor: Josef Erlebach
  • Patent number: 10612222
    Abstract: A device and method for diverting the flow of water and debris around a crossbar of a drain is disclosed. The device comprises a funnel with a flexible chute, a flexible ring, a bottom surface, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The funnel may also comprise a gasket. The flexibility of the chute and the ring allow the funnel to be compressed to fit drains of various diameters. The chute may contain one or more slits or one or more louvers. The bottom surface of the funnel sits on the crossbar of the drain and diverts the flow of water and debris to a quadrant of the drain. The funnel and gasket comprise a thermoplastic. The funnel may be manufactured by a single-step injection molding process, a multi-step injection molding process, a liquid silicone rubber molding or a cutting-and-folding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Inventor: Justin Hillsten
  • Patent number: 10612226
    Abstract: A splash prevention apparatus is disclosed. The splash prevention apparatus may be placed on a surface to capture satellite droplets that would result from a liquid impinging upon the surface. The splash prevention device is designed to be particularly effective when used inside a urinal to capture impinging urine. In embodiments, a splash prevention device includes a planar base pad, which may be designed to either fit the shape of the base of a urinal or to resemble other easily recognizable shapes. In embodiments, a pillar array extends from the planar base pad and the pillars may be made of a material that will bend when impinged upon by a stream of urine. Both the base pad and pillar array of a splash prevention device may be formed from rigid or deformable material. The pillar array may be arranged in a Cartesian or non-Cartesian pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Inventors: Randy C. Hurd, Tadd T. Truscott, Zhao Pan, Andrew S. Merritt
  • Patent number: 10590637
    Abstract: A device used to conceal at least a portion of a wastewater strainer associated with a bathtub. More specifically, a plate having an opening therethrough is used to overlap a flange of the wastewater strainer wherein the opening in the plate generally coincides with an opening in the wastewater strainer so that the bathtub drain is unobstructed. The plate may include a downwardly extending lip to help facilitate orientation onto the flange of the wastewater strainer. The plate conceals the wastewater strainer, thereby facilitating reconfiguration of a bathtub as the existing wastewater strainer need not be removed and the plumbing system retested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 10519637
    Abstract: Sinks and drains for sinks permitting the attachment of the drain to the sink such that the drain is substantially disposed below the top surface of the sink basin, and such that there is no discernable separation between the base of the sink basin and the drain when viewed from above the sink. A method of making a sink such that there is no discernable separation between the base of the sink basin and the drain when viewed from above the sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Elkay Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Daniel Keating Childs, Shawn Daly, Jonathan Chee Yeen Chong, Erik Lynch, Robert Zudic, Christopher Waas
  • Patent number: 10470615
    Abstract: A stopper of a bathroom sink or tub includes a shank removably connected to a base part which is connected to the sink or tub and has a drain hole. A cap is connected to the shank and has a flange that extends radially from the cap. A connection portion is formed on the underside of the flange. A seal part is connected to the connection portion and includes a support ring and a collar. The support ring has at least one hook member formed in the inner periphery thereof so as to be connected to the connection portion of the cap. A positioning portion extends from radially from the support ring. The collar is a rubber collar and has a groove in the inner periphery thereof. The positioning portion of the support ring is engaged with the groove to prevent the collar from deformation and generating noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Inventor: Chih-Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 10400436
    Abstract: The invention pertains to an odor trap, which comprises a first drainage channel situated between an inlet and an outlet, comprising, viewed in the flow direction, a first closing wall for the closing off of an uppermost part of the drainage channel and a second closing wall for the closing off of a lowermost part of the first drainage channel. The first and second closing walls, viewed in a horizontal direction, overlap. The odor trap comprises an elongated main body. The inlet substantially extends over the length of a first planar surface of the main body, which first planar surface is determined by the first closing wall. The second closing wall is situated in the main body. The outlet is situated in a second planar surface, situated opposite the first planar surface. The invention also pertains to a drain body and a drain assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: DE DENKFABRIEK BVBA
    Inventors: Peter Steylaerts, Patrick Steylaerts
  • Patent number: 10299395
    Abstract: An electrical device includes a housing with a flange. The flange has a top side, an opposite bottom side, and an outer side extending between the top and bottom sides. The flange defines a bolt aperture extending from the bottom side towards the top side. The flange includes a nut retention slot within the flange. The nut retention slot has a size and shape configured to receive a nut therein through an opening along the outer side of the flange. The bolt aperture is positioned relative to the nut retention slot to align with a threaded central bore of the nut disposed within the nut retention slot to allow insertion of a bolt through the bolt aperture into the threaded central bore of the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: TE Connnectivity Corporation
    Inventors: Clara Marguerite Rhodes, David Charles Strausser
  • Patent number: 10174488
    Abstract: A sink stopper may comprise an upper cap, a shaft, a pulling handle and a base. The base is configured to be installed in an upper portion of a pipe of a sink drain. Moreover, the base is adapted to cooperate with different sizes of gaskets to fit different sizes of pipes. The shaft has a first connecting section and a second connecting section to fit different sizes of connecting holes of a sink drain. Furthermore, the shaft has a tapered engaging section and a tightening section having the narrower diameter from top to bottom, so that, without external force, a C-shaped ring can firmly clamp on the engaging section or the tightening section, thereby preventing the upper cap from sliding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventor: Ta-Yu Yeh
  • Patent number: 10151088
    Abstract: A device used to conceal at least a portion of a wastewater strainer associated with a bathtub. More specifically, a plate having an opening therethrough is used to overlap a flange of the wastewater strainer wherein the opening in the plate generally coincides with an opening in the wastewater strainer so that the bathtub drain is unobstructed. The plate may include a downwardly extending lip to help facilitate orientation onto the flange of the wastewater strainer. The plate conceals the wastewater strainer, thereby facilitating reconfiguration of a bathtub as the existing wastewater strainer need not be removed and the plumbing system retested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 10117547
    Abstract: A sink accessory, comprising a flexible outer rim including a central area and a flexible webbing connected to the outer rim, the flexible webbing comprising a plurality of holes and an opening, wherein the flexible webbing at least partially occupies the central area of the flexible outer rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Umbra, LLC
    Inventor: Eugenie De Loynes
  • Patent number: 10106967
    Abstract: A removable strainer basket, a drain assembly incorporating the basket and a method of using the same. The drain assembly includes a flange assembly mounted in an aperture in a bottom wall of the receptacle. The flange assembly defines a bore therein and a stopper is engaged with the flange assembly and is selectively movable between open and closed positions. A strainer basket is removably positionable within the bore between a part of the stopper and a part of the flange assembly. The strainer basket defines a plurality of apertures therein and through which water is able to flow when the stopper is in the open position. The strainer basket captures hair strands and other articles entrained in the draining water. The basket is selectively removable from the flange assembly for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventor: Joseph A. Sebolt
  • Patent number: 10053845
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, and/or manufacture relating to a sink drain strainer for a sink drain body coupled to a drain pipe, the sink drain body coupled to a sink that defines a sink bottom, the sink drain strainer, in an operative embodiment, configured to be placed within a drain aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Nicholas Altimari
  • Patent number: 10036154
    Abstract: A urinal anti-splash device including an anti-splash body sized and shaped to couple to at least a portion of a urinal. The anti-splash body may include a first portion, a second portion opposite the first portion, a longitudinal length extending from the first portion to the second portion, and an upper surface extending the longitudinal length. The urinal anti-splash device also includes a base coupled to the first portion and configured to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular from the first portion. The urinal anti-splash device further includes a first plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the upper surface of the anti-splash body and a second plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the base, the second plurality of protrusions configured to extend in the direction substantially perpendicular from the first portion of the anti-splash body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey Scott Crevier
  • Patent number: 10024039
    Abstract: A drain strainer includes a base, a drain plate and a cover. The base includes a drainpipe, a surrounding wall located over the drainpipe, and a connecting portion horizontally connected with the drainpipe and the surrounding wall. The drain plate is mounted in the base and includes a rod recess formed at a center of the drain plate and multiple drainage holes formed through the drain plate. The cover is mounted in the rod recess of the drain plate. The drain strainer can decorate the interior of the kitchen or the bathroom, and is able to filter away dirt or hair easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Hsi-Min Cheng
  • Patent number: 9963862
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a drain strainer with a central longitudinal axis. A rigid base includes a radially outer base periphery, a radially inner base periphery, and upper and lower surfaces therebetween, and extending in a base plane transverse to the axis. A flexible, elastic membrane is coupled to the rigid base, and includes a perforate web extending in a membrane plane transverse to the axis. Also disclosed is a sink including the strainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Brasscraft Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Evan A. Carpenter-Crawford
  • Patent number: 9945106
    Abstract: A stopper assembly for a drain system of a fluid basin. The stopper head assembly includes a stopper head having a seal to sealingly engage the drain system of the fluid basin when the stopper assembly is moved from a drain position to a plug position and a strainer to strain fluid passing through the drain system when the stopper head is in a drain position. The stopper head assembly further includes a stopper body operably coupleable to a control element to move the assembly between the drain position and the plug position. The stopper body may be detachably coupled to the stopper head and/or the strainer to enable selective removal of the stopper head and the strainer from the stopper body when the stopper body is installed for use and coupled to the control element. Related methods, systems and components are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Naushad Ali
  • Patent number: 9885190
    Abstract: A safety system includes a sleeve fitted within a pool's suction line at its inlet. The sleeve terminates with a plate that resides within the suction line. The plate has holes formed therethrough. A housing defining distinct channels is fitted in the sleeve so that the distinct channels lie within the sleeve. Each of the distinct channels has a first opening on one end thereof and a second opening on another end thereof. The second openings reside in the sleeve. The first openings are in fluid communication with the water in the pool, and are distributed around a periphery of an area of the housing that prevents coverage of all the first openings when a human interacts therewith. A first sensor is coupled to the sleeve to sense pressure therein, and a second pressure sensor is coupled to the plate to sense pressure in one of the plates' holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA
    Inventors: John Dwight England, Anthony R. Kelley, Raymond J. Cronise
  • Patent number: 9848742
    Abstract: Providing an easy to install shower tray and drain assembly. The tray comprises a stepped upper surface and a receptor having at least one step for receiving the drain assembly. In certain embodiments, the drain assembly comprises a cup for securing the drain assembly to the receptor and to a drainage pipe, a clamping flange for securing a waterproof floor covering between itself and the cup, at least one seal for providing a watertight seal between the clamping flange and cup. The drain assembly may further comprise a grate, a grate retainer, and an adjuster for adjustably securing the grate retainer to the clamping flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Gary R. Phillips
  • Patent number: 9783968
    Abstract: Sinks and drains for sinks permitting the attachment of the drain to the sink such that the drain is substantially disposed below the top surface of the sink basin, and such that there is no discernable separation between the base of the sink basin and the drain when viewed from above the sink. A method of making a sink such that there is no discernable separation between the base of the sink basin and the drain when viewed from above the sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Elkay Manaufacturing Company
    Inventors: Daniel Keating Childs, Shawn Daly, Jonathan Chee Yeen Chong
  • Patent number: 9692165
    Abstract: A coaxial connector is manufactured to have a structure in which a first resin member is not easily separated from an external terminal. A coaxial connector according to the present disclosure includes a first resin member, a second resin member attached to the first resin member, a fixed terminal and a movable terminal disposed between the first resin member and the second resin member, and an external terminal attached to outer peripheries of the first resin member and the second resin member. The external terminal includes a cylindrical accommodating portion that accommodates the first resin member, and the first resin member includes a resin engagement portion. The resin engagement portion is engaged with the accommodating portion, so that separation of the first resin member is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryo Matoba, Shogo Tokoi, Teppei Masago, Shingo Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9657469
    Abstract: An adjustable lavatory drain assembly includes a receptor and a cover. The receptor includes a lower end and an upper end. The upper end of the receptor includes an outer flange. The cover is removably coupled to the upper end of the receptor. The cover includes a body having an opening defining a first flow path and a sleeve extending from a bottom surface of the body. The sleeve is adjustably coupled to the upper end of the receptor forming a circumferential gap between an upper surface of the outer flange and a bottom surface of the body. The cover is selectively adjustable relative to the receptor to increase or decrease the circumferential gap. The circumferential gap defines part of a second flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Cary D. Edmonds, Jeffrey A. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 9534365
    Abstract: Drain chain systems include a cap connected to a chain. The cap rests on a drain and can include holes to facilitate the passage of water through the cap. The cap can include a decorative shape. The chain is flexible and is placed in the drain, sometimes through a hole in a drain cover. The chain can be detachably connected to the cap by a coupling element to facilitate easy replacement of the chain, or can be integrally connected to the cap. During use, hair gathers on the chain. The chain is pulled out of the drain by the decorative cap positioned over the drain. The chain can be cleaned of entangled hair and reused, or the chain can be discarded with or without the cap, by either leaving the chain connected to the cap or by detaching the chain from the cap and replacing it with a new chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventors: Gifford L. Briggs, Jennifer Briggs
  • Patent number: 9493935
    Abstract: A support device to maintain a mounting assembly on the exterior of a sink flange engaged to a sink adapted to engage a garbage disposal. The support device employs a body portion engaged to one or a plurality of magnets. The body portion is adapted to engage with or upon the sink flange and thereby position the magnets to magnetically hold the mounting assembly upon the exterior of the sink flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Nic Walton
  • Patent number: 9428900
    Abstract: A drain assembly includes a drain body connected to a drain pipe such that the drain body is in fluid communication with the drain pipe; and a drain head assembly adjustably connected to the drain body such that the drain head assembly is in fluid communication with the drain body. The drain head assembly includes a shank adjustably connected to the drain body and a strainer assembly connected to the shank. The strainer assembly includes a strainer, an upper frame, and a lower frame connected to each other. The lower frame includes a connection feature that non-threadably and removably connects the strainer assembly to the shank. The drain assembly further includes a cover removably connected to the shank in a position over the shank and to at least partially define a void in a poured concrete slab around the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas R. Wroblewski, Christopher A. Majocka, William A. Verdecchia
  • Patent number: 9340988
    Abstract: A pool drain cover includes a center hub which can be rotated with respect to an outer portion. A twisting of the center hub causes multiple (e.g., three or more) engagement arm assemblies to extend such that their distal ends engage the inner surface of a pool drain pipe, thereby holding the pool drain cover in place. The distal ends of the engagement arms may be provided with an anti-slip coating such as, for example, vinyl, rubber, etc., and/or an anti-slip finish. Alternatively, a metal (e.g., stainless steel) tab extending from the distal end of each of the engagement arm assemblies can be provided. The engagement arm assemblies can be released by twisting the center hub in the opposite direction, thereby permitting the pool drain cover to be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Mick George Lyristakis
  • Patent number: 9234337
    Abstract: A foot-actuated drain stopper is provided that is interconnected to a strainer of a wastewater outlet of a bathtub. The foot-actuated drain stopper is interconnected to the strainer by way of an adapter that includes a hub that receives a carrier on which the foot-actuated stopper travels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: WCM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
  • Patent number: 9038204
    Abstract: A drain guard for a sink equipped with a garbage disposal having a flange attached to a surface of such sink and forming a sink drain opening includes a generally round and flat body member, a T-shaped grip attached to a top surface of the body member and a generally flat member extending outwardly and in a generally vertical direction from a bottom surface of the body member and which is capable of scraping solids from at least one of eating wear and such sink surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Barbara J. Walsh
  • Patent number: 9015870
    Abstract: A waste water insert has a wall surrounding a vertical bore. A horizontal flange extends outwardly from the upper end of the wall and has a lip formed on its outer periphery. The horizontal flange of the waste water insert is super-imposed over the horizontal flange of a waste water strainer located in a bathtub, sink or the like. The wall of the insert extends downwardly through the cylindrical wall of the waste water strainer with the two walls being spaced from each other by virtue of the cylindrical wall of the insert having a smaller diameter than that of the strainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 9015876
    Abstract: A waste water insert has a wall surrounding a vertical bore. A horizontal flange extends outwardly from the upper end of the wall and has a lip formed on its outer periphery. The horizontal flange of the waste water insert is super-imposed over the horizontal flange of a waste water strainer located in a bathtub, sink or the like. The wall of the insert extends downwardly through the cylindrical wall of the waste water strainer with the two walls being spaced from each other by virtue of the cylindrical wall of the insert having a smaller diameter than that of the strainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 9009876
    Abstract: A drain cover with a locking mechanism which includes a cylindrical body with a first end, a second end, an end wall at the first end and a peripheral sidewall that extends between the first end and the second end. The peripheral sidewall has an exterior surface and an interior surface which define an interior bore. Rotatable fasteners extend from the end wall to the second end. Drain cover is adapted to fit into a pipe. A cam member extends radially from each rotatable fastener. The cam member is movable from a release position to a locking position upon rotation of each rotatable fastener such that in the release position the cam member is spaced from an interior wall of the pipe and in the locking position the cam member is engaged with the interior wall of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Gabe Coscarella
  • Publication number: 20140325748
    Abstract: A device used to conceal at least a portion of a wastewater strainer associated with a bathtub. More specifically, a plate having an opening therethrough is used to overlap a flange of the wastewater strainer wherein the opening in the plate generally coincides with an opening in the wastewater strainer so that the bathtub drain is unobstructed. The plate may include a downwardly extending lip to help facilitate orientation onto the flange of the wastewater strainer. The plate conceals the wastewater strainer, thereby facilitating reconfiguration of a bathtub as the existing wastewater strainer need not be removed and the plumbing system retested.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 8875727
    Abstract: A drain assembly includes a drain head, which includes a flange and a cylindrical stem, with the flange extending outwardly from the cylindrical stem. The assembly also includes an adapter. The adapter is configured to engage the cylindrical stem of the drain head to adjustably support the drain head on the adapter and has a support flange, the support flange having a top surface. The assembly further includes a clip having a top end and a bottom end. The top end of the clip is connected to an underside of the flange of the drain head and the bottom end is configured to engage the top surface of the support flange of the adapter to permit downward adjustment of the drain head with respect to the adapter and prohibit upward adjustment of the drain head with respect to the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas R. Wroblewski, Christopher A. Majocka
  • Patent number: 8813272
    Abstract: A device used to conceal at least a portion of a wastewater strainer associated with a bathtub. More specifically, a plate having an opening therethrough is used to overlap a flange of the wastewater strainer wherein the opening in the plate generally coincides with an opening in the wastewater strainer so that the bathtub drain is unobstructed. The plate may include a downwardly extending lip to help facilitate orientation onto the flange of the wastewater strainer. The plate conceals the wastewater strainer, thereby facilitating reconfiguration of a bathtub as the existing wastewater strainer need not be removed and the plumbing system retested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Publication number: 20140182053
    Abstract: A pullable drain plug has a cap cover, a sealing disk, at least one center rod, a stopping clamp, a securing ring and a gripping end. The cap cover is provided with a protruding column, the protruding column having a positioning slot corresponding to the sealing disk, a central aperture disposed through the protruding column, the central aperture having a first threaded section at an upper opening and a tapered lower opening with a limiting flange. Each center rod has a main body, each main body has a different length. each main body has a neck portion connected to an enlarged end, and a first threaded portion and a second threaded portion, and the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion has different diameters. The stopping clamp is an elastic member and is C-shaped. The gripping end has a second threaded section and a containment space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: ALEXANDER YEH INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Li-Chen Huang
  • Publication number: 20140101834
    Abstract: A waste water insert has a wall surrounding a vertical bore. A horizontal flange extends outwardly from the upper end of the wall and has a lip formed on its outer periphery. The horizontal flange of the waste water insert is super-imposed over the horizontal flange of a waste water strainer located in a bathtub, sink or the like. The wall of the insert extends downwardly through the cylindrical wall of the waste water strainer with the two walls being spaced from each other by virtue of the cylindrical wall of the insert having a smaller diameter than that of the strainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. BALL
  • Patent number: 8607376
    Abstract: A waste water insert has a wall surrounding a vertical bore. A horizontal flange extends outwardly from the upper end of the wall and has a lip formed on its outer periphery. The horizontal flange of the waste water insert is super-imposed over the horizontal flange of a waste water strainer located in a bathtub, sink or the like. The wall of the insert extends downwardly through the cylindrical wall of the waste water strainer with the two walls being spaced from each other by virtue of the cylindrical wall of the insert having a smaller diameter than that of the strainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 8578523
    Abstract: A floor sink strainer arrangement adapted to fasten to a receptacle body of a floor sink. The strainer arrangement includes a strainer having a body and defining a slot therein for receiving a fastener, and a fastener arrangement attached to the strainer. The strainer is adapted to be received within the receptacle body of the floor sink. The fastener arrangement includes a support base and a longitudinal extending member attached to the base and extending therefrom, wherein the base is adapted to be secured to a drain pipe when the strainer is received within the receptacle body of the floor sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Ben Eichler, Douglas R. Wroblewski, Joseph Tripodi
  • Patent number: 8566976
    Abstract: An adjustable drain assembly is provided. The assembly includes a base that has a concave inner pivoting surface and a top surface. An upper member is present and has a bottom surface located above the top surface. The upper member may have a concave inner pivoting surface. A pivot component may be present and have a convex outer pivoting surface that engages the concave inner pivoting surface of the base and upper member. The pivot component may be configured for engagement with a cover member. The base may have a pipe engagement surface for engagement with a pipe that is located completely below the pivot component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Leveler Specifics, LLC
    Inventors: Jesse R. Evans, Bruce D. Niemitalo