Ell Having Fluid Communication With The Drain And Overflow Openings Of A Sink Or Bath Patents (Class 4/683)
  • Patent number: 10160013
    Abstract: A rinsing bath which can simplify a discharging structure of a rinsing liquid is disclosed. The rinsing bath includes an inner bath for storing the rinsing liquid, an overflow bath configured to receive the rinsing liquid overflowing the inner bath, a stopper for closing a drain hole provided on a bottom of the inner bath, an actuator configured to move the stopper between a closing position in which the stopper closes the drain hole and a opening position in which the stopper is away from the drain hole, a rinsing liquid supply pipe configured to supply the rinsing liquid into the inner bath, and a drain pipe coupled to a bottom of the overflow bath. The drain hole communicates between an inside of the inner bath and an inside of the overflow bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: EBARA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiko Sekimoto, Toshio Yokoyama, Kenichi Kobayashi, Kenichi Akazawa
  • Publication number: 20140352055
    Abstract: A drain actuation system that includes a cable to actuate a drain head or stopper is provided. More specifically, one end of the cable is associated with the drain without additional moving parts and another end of the cable associated with an overflow cap of an overflow system wherein rotation of the overflow cap selectively moves the cable to move the head of the drain. The internal components associated with the overflow end of the cable that allow it to actuate the drain are fully accessible through the overflow port of the plumbing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk, Kevin Hogan, Carl Riesco, William L. Carlson
  • Patent number: 8806671
    Abstract: A drain actuation system that includes a cable to actuate a drain head or stopper is provided. More specifically, one end of the cable is associated with the drain without additional moving parts and another end of the cable associated with an overflow cap of an overflow system wherein rotation of the overflow cap selectively moves the cable to move the head of the drain. The internal components associated with the overflow end of the cable that allow it to actuate the drain are fully accessible through the overflow port of the plumbing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk, Kevin Hogan, Carl Riesco, William L. Carlson
  • Patent number: 8782824
    Abstract: The invention provides a drain and overflow assembly for a tub having a drain opening and a overflow opening, including a main drainage pipe, a drain fitting having a drain inlet end configured to be connected to the drain opening and a drain outlet end configured to be connected to the main drainage pipe, a trap, an overflow receiving hub disposed between the trap and the drain inlet end, and a multi-purpose fitting including an overflow path having an overflow inlet end configured to be connected to the multi-purpose opening and an overflow outlet end configured to be connected to the overflow receiving hub, the multi-purpose fitting further including a cleanout path having a cleanout inlet end configured to be connected to the multi-purpose opening and a cleanout pipe end configured to be connected to the main drainage pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventors: Douglas M. Shoop, Buddy L. Ambrosia
  • Patent number: 8756724
    Abstract: An overflow cover assembly and kit for making same comprising at least a cover piece including a snap on section and a hanger which is configured to engage a bracket crossing and engaged over a port of an overflow system, the hanger mounting to the overflow port bracket using screws from the previous hanger engaged thereto and the cover piece being engaged to the hanger by two screws provided in the kit, the cover assembly accommodating replacement of either one or two screw cover embodiments and being provided in various finishes and in regular size or being oversized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventors: Var Lordahl, Bruce L. Graham
  • Patent number: 8584272
    Abstract: A system is provided for enhancing the interconnectability of a bathtub to a plumbing system. More specifically, provided is a flexible conduit and an overflow assembly that allows for a portion of the overflow assembly to be easily located with the wall of a bathtub. The flexible conduit provided allows for adjustability of the conduit to the openings of the bathtub. In addition, provided are methods and apparatus that facilitate testing of a plumbing assembly. Finally, an apparatus and methods are provided that protect portions of the finished bathtub assembly to decrease in the need for replacing said hardware. It is envisioned that aspects and inventions disclosed herein can be used in conjunction to facilitate the interconnection and protection of hardware associated with a bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Publication number: 20130133135
    Abstract: An improved drain actuates system that includes a cable to actuate a head or stopper of a drain. More specifically, one end of the cable is associated with the drain without additional moving parts and another end of the cable associated with an overflow cap of an overflow system wherein rotation of the overflow cap selectively moves the cable to move the head of the drain. The internal components associated with the overflow end of the cable that allow it to actuate the drain are fully accessible through the overflow port of the plumbing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: WCM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: WCM Industries, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8336132
    Abstract: An improved drain actuates system that includes a cable to actuate a head or stopper of a drain. More specifically, one end of the cable is associated with the drain without additional moving parts and another end of the cable associated with an overflow cap of an overflow system wherein rotation of the overflow cap selectively moves the cable to move the head of the drain. The internal components associated with the overflow end of the cable that allow it to actuate the drain are fully accessible through the overflow port of the plumbing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk, Kevin Hogan, Carl Riesco, William L. Carlson
  • Patent number: 8336131
    Abstract: An improved drain actuates system that includes a cable to actuate a head or stopper of a drain. More specifically, one end of the cable is associated with the drain without additional moving parts and another end of the cable associated with an overflow cap of an overflow system wherein rotation of the overflow cap selectively moves the cable to move the head of the drain. The internal components associated with the overflow end of the cable that allow it to actuate the drain are fully accessible through the overflow port of the plumbing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk, Kevin Hogan, Carl Riesco, William L. Carlson
  • Patent number: 8321970
    Abstract: A system is provided for enhancing the interconnectability of a bathtub to a plumbing system. More specifically, provided is a flexible conduit and an overflow assembly that allows for a portion of the overflow assembly to be easily located with the wall of a bathtub. The flexible conduit provided allows for adjustability of the conduit to the openings of the bathtub. In addition, provided are methods and apparatus that facilitate testing of a plumbing assembly. Finally, an apparatus and methods are provided that protect portions of the finished bathtub assembly to decrease in the need for replacing said hardware. It is envisioned that aspects and inventions disclosed herein can be used in conjunction to facilitate the interconnection and protection of hardware associated with a bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 8272082
    Abstract: Tub box systems, apparatus and methods of assembling in concrete floors under bath tubs. Tub boxes with water sealing members can include troughs/gutters about the perimeter edges of the tub box which collect water leakage between the tub box and concrete floors. Raised ribs on the outside of the tub boxes block water flowing on the surfaces of the tub box from reaching lower drain lines. Water barrier rings with flat outwardly extending sides and concentric raised ridges which attach about downwardly projecting drain bases underneath the tub box further prevent water leaks running down the drain bases. Fire stop material can be clipped about the drain bases and expand from heat to prevent fire from traveling upward around the drain lines in the concrete floors under bathtubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: MHubbard 09, LLC
    Inventor: Darrell W Price
  • Patent number: 8122533
    Abstract: The device has a housing (5) which comprises an opening (4) in which a button (15) is fixed on a receiving part (8) mounted movably in the housing (5). A fitting aid (36) is provided, with which the button (15) may be introduced into the opening (4) in the housing (5) and positioned in a recessed manner therein as well as being fixed to the receiving part (8). Sets of teeth (23, 27) on the receiving part (8) and on the button (15) enable simple and depth-adjustable fixing of the button (15) to the receiving part (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Geberit Technik AG
    Inventor: Martin Rudisser
  • Patent number: 8028357
    Abstract: A system is provided for enhancing the interconnectability of a bathtub to a plumbing system. More specifically, provided is a flexible conduit and an overflow assembly that allows for a portion of the overflow assembly to be easily located with the wall of a bathtub. The flexible conduit provided allows for adjustability of the conduit to the openings of the bathtub. In addition, provided are methods and apparatus that facilitate testing of a plumbing assembly. Finally, an apparatus and methods are provided that protect portions of the finished bathtub assembly to decrease in the need for replacing said hardware. It is envisioned that aspects and inventions disclosed herein can be used in conjunction to facilitate the interconnection and protection of hardware associated with a bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Publication number: 20100037392
    Abstract: An improved drain actuates system that includes a cable to actuate a head or stopper of a drain. More specifically, one end of the cable is associated with the drain without additional moving parts and another end of the cable associated with an overflow cap of an overflow system wherein rotation of the overflow cap selectively moves the cable to move the head of the drain. The internal components associated with the overflow end of the cable that allow it to actuate the drain are fully accessible through the overflow port of the plumbing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: WCM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk, Kevin T. Hogan, Carl F. Riesco
  • Publication number: 20080155745
    Abstract: A bathtub waste and overflow drain assembly comprises a fitting-T with at least two telescoping joints that do not require tightening to stop leaks. Telescoping sections are provided in a T-fitting that allow joint type connections with the drain and overflow assemblies. The drain and overflow fittings need only be roughly placed before or after the tub is set down. The joints allow the installer to pull the fittings below into place through the drain and overflow holes in the tub. The finish covers, gaskets, putty, and drain basket can then be installed from above to complete the job.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Eric Burr
  • Publication number: 20080047060
    Abstract: A control for a waste water drain in the bottom of a bathtub which has an overflow port above the drain in the end wall of the bathtub has a vertical drain pipe having upper and lower ends. A first fluid port is located at the upper end of the vertical drain pipe and a second fluid port is located below the first fluid port for connection to a bathtub waste water drain. A valve element is slidably mounted in the vertical drain pipe adjacent the second port and is movable between a lower position to close the second port to fluid flow, and an upper position which will open the second fluid port to fluid flow. An electrical motor system is mounted adjacent the first port. An elongated linkage connects the valve element to the motor so that the rotation of the motor will raise and lower the valve element. The vertical drain pipe is length-adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: WCM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: William T. BALL
  • Patent number: 7007319
    Abstract: An overflow device for a bathtub with an overflow inlet arranged for mounting in a conventional overflow hole of the bathtub and a valve connected between a water supply and a conventional bath tap. A spring can be used to change the valve from its open state to its closed state. A float and trigger lever can detect water that has entered the overflow inlet and trigger the device to change, using the stored spring energy, from a set state in which the valve is open to a triggered state in which the valve is closed. A manually operable resetting element can be operated by a user to replenish the spring with energy and return the device to the set state. The device can be permanently plumbed in and the bulk of the device can be hidden from view outside the bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventors: Andrew Peter Dunnett, Richard Thom
  • Patent number: 6732388
    Abstract: An overflow system suitable for use in controlling the level of water in, for example, a bathtub (3) is described. The overflow system comprises a conduit attached to the overflow outlet (21) of the bathtub (3) and is arranged so that when the bathtub (3) is overfilled, any excessive flow rate of overflow water through the conduit (19) is detected. The excessive flow rate is detected by arranging for the outlet (25) of the conduit to have a smaller maximum flow rate than the inlet (23) of the conduit so that water backs up within the conduit during an excessive flow rate condition. The backed up water may be detected by a reed switch (31) in conjunction with a magnetic float (27) in order to actuate a solenoid valve (9) to prevent any more water from entering the bathtub (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Watersave Enterprises Limited
    Inventor: Malachi C. McKenna
  • Patent number: 6675406
    Abstract: An overflow system in the bathtub has an overflow port and has a drain pipe in connection with the overflow port. A threaded flange has a stub shoulder on one end which is forced-fitted into a circular sleeve on the overflow port. The threaded flange has exterior threads on its outer surface and a thin diaphragm secured to the end thereof opposite to the stub shoulder. A large sealing washer embraces the outside of the circular flange on the overflow port and extends partially over the threads of the threaded flange. A large internally threaded nut is threadably mounted on the outer end of the threaded flange and compresses the sealing washer against a vertical flange on the port to seal the connection between the threaded flange and the port. A decorative cap is frictionally snapped into engagement with protrusions on the outer surface of the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 6609259
    Abstract: A drain assembly is provided that eliminates the need for reconfiguring of existing plumbing during installation of a deep-sink assembly while maintaining a suitable working height. The drain assembly including a hollow body, a valve within the body and a mount to operably connect the valve within the hollow body. The hollow body includes an inlet, an outlet, and an inner wall positioned between the inlet and the outlet. A fluid path enters the inlet of the body in a first direction and is diverted to a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction by the inner wall. The diverted fluid path exits the body moving in the second direction. The mount is located at least partially within the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Metcraft, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Cantrell
  • Patent number: 6415463
    Abstract: A drain stop and overflow mechanism that is particularly well-suited for use with a free-standing bathtub includes a drainpipe that can be connected to a water drain opening in the bathtub. A standpipe can be connected at a bottom end to a waste water line and also to the drainpipe. A sleeve provides an internal overflow system within the standpipe, and a plunger controlling drainage is positioned within the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Kallista, Inc.
    Inventor: Erich D. Slothower
  • Patent number: 6272699
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying a bathtub overflow drain to bypass potential leakage zones, i.e. between a bathtub liner and between connections of fittings through inserting a throat member from the innermost surface of the bathtub, which may be the innermost surface of a bathtub liner, to the interior of the standing portion of a drainpipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Aaron L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6173459
    Abstract: A control for a waste water drain in the bottom of a bathtub which has an overflow port above the drain in the end wall of the bathtub has a vertical drain pipe having upper and lower ends. A first fluid port is located at the upper end of the vertical drain pipe and a second fluid port is located below the first fluid port for connection to a bathtub waste water drain. A valve element is slidably mounted in the vertical drain pipe adjacent the second port and is movable between a lower position to close the second port to fluid flow, and an upper position which will open the second fluid port to fluid flow. An overflow cap is rotatably mounted adjacent the first port. An elongated linkage connects the valve element to the overflow cap so that the rotation of the cap in one direction will raise the valve element to the upper position, and rotation of the cap in the opposite direction will lower the valve element to the lower position. The vertical drain pipe is length adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 6148454
    Abstract: A control for a waste water drain in the bottom of a bathtub which has an overflow port above the drain in the end wall of the bathtub has a vertical drain pipe having upper and lower ends. A first fluid port is located at the upper end of the vertical drain pipe and a second fluid port is located below the first fluid port for connection to a bathtub waste water drain. A valve element is slidably mounted in the vertical drain pipe adjacent the second port and is movable between a lower position to close the second port to fluid flow, and an upper position which will open the second fluid port to fluid flow. An electrical solenoid is mounted adjacent the first port. An elongated linkage connects the valve element to the plunger of the solenoid so that the movement of the plunger in one direction will raise the valve element to the upper position, and movement of the plunger in the opposite direction will lower the valve element to the lower position. The vertical drain pipe is length-adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 5465434
    Abstract: A system for recycling water used in a bathtub/shower is disclosed. The system alternatively directs water drained from the shower or bathtub to either a recycled water storage tank or a sewer line. The water in the recyclable water tank is subsequently pumped to a sprinkler system or an outdoor faucet. The water is directed to either the sewer line or the storage tank through the use of a valve with a first inlet for accepting water from the drain of the bathtub, a second inlet for accepting water from the overflow drain of the bathtub, a first outlet leading to the sewer line, and a second outlet leading to the recycled water storage tank. The valve is operative for blocking either the first inlet, the first outlet or the said second outlet only, and all other parts remain open. The position of a rotatable element of the valve is controlled by a lever mounted on the bathtub overflow plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventor: John A. Coe
  • Patent number: 5458769
    Abstract: The floor drain comprises a drainage bowl (2) or outlet gutter with an upward facing inlet opening (4) and an outlet (5), comprises slots (9) or passageways having each a substantially vertical portion with a constant cross-section, and having each its entrance on a level with the inlet opening (4) and extends somewhat downwards and is adapted to be running to capacity by drainage of water from a floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Jorgen M. Johannessen
  • Patent number: 5394572
    Abstract: A bath drain outlet control having an actuator, a plunger valve for engaging a valve seat of a bath drain outlet, a linkage between the actuator and the plunger valve, including a one-way slip clutch enabling the linkage to be contractably adjustable, and a slip clutch deactuator movable into operative relationship with the one-way slip clutch to temporarily allow expansion adjustment of said linkage. The one-way slip clutch has an elongated rod forming part of the linkage, a retaining ring having a plurality of sloped spring fingers around the rod, having an inherent bias toward the rod, and having rod engaging ends normally allowing rod movement in a linkage-contracting direction therethrough but preventing reverse rod movement therethrough in a linkage-extending direction. A compressed O-ring engages the sloped spring fingers to add bias supplementing the inherent finger bias toward said rod and equalizing the bias of the spring fingers against the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Lakeshore Automatic Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Humphreys
  • Patent number: 5313677
    Abstract: A system for recycling water used in a bathtub/shower is disclosed. The system alternatively directs water drained from the shower or bathtub to either a recycled water storage tank or a sewer line. The water in the recyclable water tank is subsequently pumped to a sprinkler system or an outdoor faucet. The water is directed to either the sewer line or the storage tank through the use of a valve with a first inlet for accepting water from the drain of the bathtub, a second inlet for accepting water from the overflow drain of the bathtub, a first outlet leading to the sewer line, and a second outlet leading to the recycled water storage tank. The valve is operative for blocking either the first inlet, the first outlet or the said second outlet only, and all other parts remain open. The position of a rotatable element of the valve is controlled by a lever mounted on the bathtub overflow plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: John A. Coe
  • Patent number: 5236137
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning and flushing a conventional garbage disposal unit. A flow restricting valve replaces a conventional valve in the water seal trap in a kitchen drain line. The flow restricting valve is actuated by a pull-push plunger from outside the pipe. To clean the garbage disposal, the valve is closed and water back flows into the disposal unit for cleaning. When the valve is opened the garbage disposal unit can be flushed. Accordingly, the garbage disposal unit is easily cleaned and flushed, eliminating undesirable odors, without the need for a plumber's intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventor: Charles C. Coogan
  • Patent number: 5210886
    Abstract: A system for recycling water used in a bathtub/shower is disclosed. The system alternatively directs water drained from the shower or bathtub to either a recycled water storage tank or a sewer line. The water in the recyclable water tank is subsequently pumped to a sprinkler system or an outdoor faucet. The water is directed to either the sewer line or the storage tank through the use of a valve with a first inlet for accepting water from the drain of the bathtub, a second inlet for accepting water from the overflow drain of the bathtub, a first outlet leading to the sewer line, and a second outlet leading to the recycled water storage tank. The valve is a modified ball valve that either blocks the first outlet or the second outlet only, and all other parts remain open. The position of the ball portion of the valve is controlled by a lever mounted on the bathtub overflow plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventor: John A. Coe, III