Patents by Inventor Aaron LORKOWSKI
Aaron LORKOWSKI has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11946241Abstract: A drain assembly includes a drain body, barrel, plug, and gasket. The drain body has an interior surface defining a channel along an axis and having interior threads thereon. The barrel has a central body having an upper end, with a flange extending radially outward therefrom and defining a landing surface. The central body has opposed exterior and interior barrel surfaces having exterior and interior threads, respectively. The interior barrel surface defines a channel alignable with the axis. The exterior threads are engageable with the drain body interior threads for axially adjusting the barrel relative to the drain body. The plug has a top wall and an outer body extending axially downward therefrom to a stop surface. A portion of the outer body extends axially below the stop surface and has external threads engageable with the barrel interior threads. The gasket is sealingly receivable between the stop and landing surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2022Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Oatey Co.Inventors: Aaron Lorkowski, Jeffrey Zhang
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Patent number: 11746946Abstract: A system of pipe insulating sleeves includes a series of elastomeric foam insulating sleeves that are capable of opening up to, and beyond, 180 degrees, to accommodate and capture an undersink pipe. The disclosed system may include a number of different sleeves that are capable of coupling to one another at respective couplers so as to form the system. The sleeves may include fastening mechanisms to retain the sleeves in the closed configuration while capturing the pipe, so as to create a smooth, streamlined appearance that is aesthetically pleasing. Also disclosed is a method of installing the sleeves. The sleeves are made of an elastomeric foam material that has heat insulating properties, and which may also have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that make it particularly advantageous for use in undersink pipe insulating.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2019Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Oatey Co.Inventors: Aaron Lorkowski, Kai Zhang, Willie Perez
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Publication number: 20230272604Abstract: A system of modular boxes as shown and described can be interconnected directly to one another via connectors that are integrally molded with the sidewalls of the boxes. The connectors of the boxes may include fastener receiving apertures for receiving a stud-mounting fastener therethrough. The connectors are thin and flexible, such that insertion and forcible tightening of a fastener through the aperture will cause a compressive force to be exerted between the interconnected boxes to maintain their spatial relationship and to maintain their interconnection. A further feature of the modular boxes of the system are anti-rotation members and receivers that are integrally molded to the side walls of the boxes. The anti-rotation members and receivers interact with one another at the point of connection between the boxes to prevent the boxes from flexing, rotating, or otherwise moving with respect to one another post-installation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2023Publication date: August 31, 2023Inventors: Kenneth BROWN, Aaron LORKOWSKI
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Publication number: 20230250624Abstract: A drain assembly includes a drain body, barrel, plug, and gasket. The drain body has an interior surface defining a channel along an axis and having interior threads thereon. The barrel has a central body having an upper end, with a flange extending radially outward therefrom and defining a landing surface. The central body has opposed exterior and interior barrel surfaces having exterior and interior threads, respectively. The interior barrel surface defines a channel alignable with the axis. The exterior threads are engageable with the drain body interior threads for axially adjusting the barrel relative to the drain body. The plug has a top wall and an outer body extending axially downward therefrom to a stop surface. A portion of the outer body extends axially below the stop surface and has external threads engageable with the barrel interior threads. The gasket is sealingly receivable between the stop and landing surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2022Publication date: August 10, 2023Inventors: Aaron Lorkowski, Jeffrey Zhang
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Patent number: 11674292Abstract: A system of modular boxes as shown and described can be interconnected directly to one another via connectors that are integrally molded with the sidewalls of the boxes. The connectors of the boxes may include fastener receiving apertures for receiving a stud-mounting fastener therethrough. The connectors are thin and flexible, such that insertion and forcible tightening of a fastener through the aperture will cause a compressive force to be exerted between the interconnected boxes to maintain their spatial relationship and to maintain their interconnection. A further feature of the modular boxes of the system are anti-rotation members and receivers that are integrally molded to the side walls of the boxes. The anti-rotation members and receivers interact with one another at the point of connection between the boxes to prevent the boxes from flexing, rotating, or otherwise moving with respect to one another post-installation.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2020Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Oatey Co.Inventors: Kenneth Brown, Aaron Lorkowski
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Publication number: 20230167633Abstract: A drain assembly for connecting an island tub to a drainpipe is disclosed. The assembly accommodates tailpipes of different sizes and comprises a gasket disposed at least partially within a gasket chamber. The gasket has a first sealing portion being engageable with an end of a first tailpipe to create a fluid seal therebetween, and a second sealing portion being engageable with an outer surface of a second tailpipe to create a fluid seal therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2022Publication date: June 1, 2023Inventors: Aaron Lorkowski, Zhang Jian, Alexander Meyer, Matthew Siena
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Patent number: 11486119Abstract: A waste and overflow system for a bathtub includes an overflow assembly, a drain assembly, and a plumbing assembly. The overflow assembly or kit includes an elbow pipe attachable to the plumbing assembly, a seal member positioned between an end of the elbow pipe and the bathtub, and a retainer ring that is threadingly connected to the elbow pipe to sandwich the seal member between a portion of the elbow pipe and the outer surface of the bathtub. The overflow assembly or kit further includes a faceplate operatively connected to the retainer ring. The faceplate can be formed as a screwless faceplate directly connected to the retainer ring in a first operative mode or a screwable faceplate attached by a screw to an adapter that is connected to the retainer ring in a second operative mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2021Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Oatey Co.Inventors: Aaron Lorkowski, Jian Zhang, Blake Oatey, Matthew Siena, Christopher S. Graham
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Patent number: 11466442Abstract: The present invention relates to an air admittance valve (AAV) that operates automatically at low pressures to selectively open and close an air passageway between an inlet and an outlet. The AAV comprises a valve body having a centrally disposed, internal valve chamber in communication with the ambient environment, and having a valve seat. The AAV includes a sealing member having a flexible diaphragm that is fastened to a support ring, the ring defining one or more lugs on an outer periphery thereof. The AAV further includes a cap member within which the sealing member may be disposed, such that the one or more lugs may interact with an interior surface of the cap. The sealing member may selectively seal or unseal from the valve seat in response to pressure differentials between the inlet and the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2017Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: OATEY CO.Inventors: Aaron Lorkowski, Kenneth Brown, Kai Zhang
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Publication number: 20210388587Abstract: A waste and overflow system for a bathtub includes an overflow assembly, a drain assembly, and a plumbing assembly. The overflow assembly or kit includes an elbow pipe attachable to the plumbing assembly, a seal member positioned between an end of the elbow pipe and the bathtub, and a retainer ring that is threadingly connected to the elbow pipe to sandwich the seal member between a portion of the elbow pipe and the outer surface of the bathtub. The overflow assembly or kit further includes a faceplate operatively connected to the retainer ring. The faceplate can be formed as a screwless faceplate directly connected to the retainer ring in a first operative mode or a screwable faceplate attached by a screw to an adapter that is connected to the retainer ring in a second operative mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2021Publication date: December 16, 2021Inventors: Aaron Lorkowski, Zhang Jian, Blake Oatey, Matthew Siena, Christopher S. Graham
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Patent number: 11186977Abstract: A closet flange configured to secure a toilet to a drain pipe. The closet flange includes a body portion and a flange portion. The flange portion extends radially outward from an upper end of the body portion. The flange portion comprises at least one slot and a shoulder. The at least one slot extends along the flange portion from a receiving end to a retaining end. The at least one slot has an opening that extends from the receiving end to the retaining end. The shoulder is positioned below the opening of the at least one slot and extends from the receiving end to the retaining end. The shoulder includes a support surface that extends at an angle offset from the upper surface of the flange portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2020Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: OATEY CO.Inventors: Aaron Lorkowski, Jeffrey Zhang, Kenneth Brown
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Publication number: 20210317650Abstract: The present invention relates to an air admittance valve (AAV) that operates automatically at low pressures to selectively open and close an air passageway between an inlet and an outlet. The AAV comprises a valve body having a centrally disposed, internal valve chamber in communication with the ambient environment, and having a valve seat. The AAV includes a sealing member having a flexible diaphragm that is fastened to a support ring, the ring defining one or more lugs on an outer periphery thereof. The AAV further includes a cap member within which the sealing member may be disposed, such that the one or more lugs may interact with an interior surface of the cap. The sealing member may selectively seal or unseal from the valve seat in response to pressure differentials between the inlet and the outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2017Publication date: October 14, 2021Inventors: Aaron LORKOWSKI, Kenneth BROWN, Kai ZHANG
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Publication number: 20210262210Abstract: A bath waste and overflow drain system of the present disclosure may comprise both drain and overflow assemblies. The drain assembly generally includes a drain elbow, drain gasket, drain spud, drain trim, and drain stopper. The drain trim may possess weep channels that urge stagnated water from a periphery of the drain spud and into the drain. The overflow assembly generally includes an overflow elbow, overflow gasket, retaining nut, and overflow faceplate. The overflow faceplate may have bayonet channels that engage with a protrusion of the overflow elbow so as to accommodate variances in tub design when effecting an installation. The system according to an embodiment may also comprise test plugs of the overflow and drain varieties which are, together, operable to permit pressure-related tests of the system prior to completing an installation. The overflow and drain test plugs are simple to manipulate and install/remove with quick-engaging, complementary locking features.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2021Publication date: August 26, 2021Inventors: Shawn Heipp, Kenneth Brown, Douglas Buchan, Joshua Funk, Aaron Lorkowski, Kai Zhang
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Patent number: 11001996Abstract: A bath waste and overflow drain system of the present disclosure may comprise both drain and overflow assemblies. The drain assembly generally includes a drain elbow, drain gasket, drain spud, drain trim, and drain stopper. The drain trim may possess weep channels that urge stagnated water from a periphery of the drain spud and into the drain. The overflow assembly generally includes an overflow elbow, overflow gasket, retaining nut, and overflow faceplate. The overflow faceplate may have bayonet channels that engage with a protrusion of the overflow elbow so as to accommodate variances in tub design when effecting an installation. The system according to an embodiment may also comprise test plugs of the overflow and drain varieties which are, together, operable to permit pressure-related tests of the system prior to completing an installation. The overflow and drain test plugs are simple to manipulate and install/remove with quick-engaging, complementary locking features.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2018Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: OATEY CO.Inventors: Shawn Heipp, Kenneth Brown, Douglas Buchan, Joshua Funk, Aaron Lorkowski, Kai Zhang
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Patent number: 10975983Abstract: A system of supply valves according to the present invention may include a first and second supply valve, each of which is connectable to a terminal end of a water supply line so as to provide direct access to the water supply. The system may be disposed within a modular plumbing supply box, and the valves may be spaced from one another by a reduced separation, X1. Each supply valve of the system may further include a top portion and bottom portion that are interconnectable and which form a water-proof seal therebetween. The top portion may comprise ridges that cooperate with channels of the bottom portion when the two portions are interconnected to form passageways. The top and bottom portions may be positionally and rotationally locked to one another, for example, using a wireform clip and inserting legs of the wireform clip through the passageways.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2018Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: OATEY CO.Inventors: Kai Zhang, Aaron Lorkowski, Kenneth Brown
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Publication number: 20200308811Abstract: A system of modular boxes as shown and described can be interconnected directly to one another via connectors that are integrally molded with the sidewalls of the boxes. The connectors of the boxes may include fastener receiving apertures for receiving a stud-mounting fastener therethrough. The connectors are thin and flexible, such that insertion and forcible tightening of a fastener through the aperture will cause a compressive force to be exerted between the interconnected boxes to maintain their spatial relationship and to maintain their interconnection. A further feature of the modular boxes of the system are anti-rotation members and receivers that are integrally molded to the side walls of the boxes. The anti-rotation members and receivers interact with one another at the point of connection between the boxes to prevent the boxes from flexing, rotating, or otherwise moving with respect to one another post-installation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2020Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: Kenneth Brown, Aaron Lorkowski
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Publication number: 20200224401Abstract: A closet flange configured to secure a toilet to a drain pipe. The closet flange includes a body portion and a flange portion. The flange portion extends radially outward from an upper end of the body portion. The flange portion comprises at least one slot and a shoulder. The at least one slot extends along the flange portion from a receiving end to a retaining end. The at least one slot has an opening that extends from the receiving end to the retaining end. The shoulder is positioned below the opening of the at least one slot and extends from the receiving end to the retaining end. The shoulder includes a support surface that extends at an angle offset from the upper surface of the flange portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2020Publication date: July 16, 2020Inventors: Aaron Lorkowski, Jeffrey Zhang, Kenneth Brown
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Patent number: 10683645Abstract: A system of modular boxes as shown and described can be interconnected directly to one another via connectors that are integrally molded with the sidewalls of the boxes. The connectors of the boxes may include fastener receiving apertures for receiving a stud-mounting fastener therethrough. The connectors are thin and flexible, such that insertion and forcible tightening of a fastener through the aperture will cause a compressive force to be exerted between the interconnected boxes to maintain their spatial relationship and to maintain their interconnection. A further feature of the modular boxes of the system are anti-rotation members and receivers that are integrally molded to the side walls of the boxes. The anti-rotation members and receivers interact with one another at the point of connection between the boxes to prevent the boxes from flexing, rotating, or otherwise moving with respect to one another post-installation.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2018Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: OATEY CO.Inventors: Kenneth Brown, Aaron Lorkowski
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Publication number: 20190338884Abstract: A system of pipe insulating sleeves includes a series of elastomeric foam insulating sleeves that are capable of opening up to, and beyond, 180 degrees, to accommodate and capture an undersink pipe. The disclosed system may include a number of different sleeves that are capable of coupling to one another at respective couplers so as to form the system. The sleeves may include fastening mechanisms to retain the sleeves in the closed configuration while capturing the pipe, so as to create a smooth, streamlined appearance that is aesthetically pleasing. Also disclosed is a method of installing the sleeves. The sleeves are made of an elastomeric foam material that has heat insulating properties, and which may also have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that make it particularly advantageous for use in undersink pipe insulating.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2019Publication date: November 7, 2019Inventors: Aaron Lorkowski, Kai Zhang, Willie Perez
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Patent number: 10401252Abstract: A pneumatic test plug for clean-out tees and a method of testing a pipeline are disclosed. The pneumatic test plug includes a cap and a bladder. The cap has an inflation inlet and a testing fluid inlet. The testing fluid inlet provides a conduit for a testing fluid. The testing fluid may be a liquid or a gas. The bladder is in fluid connection with the inflation inlet. The bladder has an open end and a closed end. The open end receives air from the inflation inlet. The closed end is opposite the open end. The testing fluid inlet provides testing fluid through the cap and outside of the bladder. The inflation inlet provides a passageway to the bladder.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2015Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: OATEY CO.Inventors: Eric G. Hull, Dennis R. Young, Aaron Lorkowski, Paul R. Metcalfe, Scott E. Urban
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Publication number: 20180305910Abstract: A bath waste and overflow drain system of the present disclosure may comprise both drain and overflow assemblies. The drain assembly generally includes a drain elbow, drain gasket, drain spud, drain trim, and drain stopper. The drain trim may possess weep channels that urge stagnated water from a periphery of the drain spud and into the drain. The overflow assembly generally includes an overflow elbow, overflow gasket, retaining nut, and overflow faceplate. The overflow faceplate may have bayonet channels that engage with a protrusion of the overflow elbow so as to accommodate variances in tub design when effecting an installation. The system according to an embodiment may also comprise test plugs of the overflow and drain varieties which are, together, operable to permit pressure-related tests of the system prior to completing an installation. The overflow and drain test plugs are simple to manipulate and install/remove with quick-engaging, complementary locking features.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2018Publication date: October 25, 2018Inventors: Shawn Heipp, Kenneth Brown, Douglas Buchan, Joshua Funk, Aaron Lorkowski, Kai Zhang