DRAIN ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A drain assembly includes a main body including a substantially horizontal first wall extending in a longitudinal direction of the main body, a drainage channel depending from the first wall and extending in said longitudinal direction, a substantially vertical second wall depending from the first wall and extending in the longitudinal direction, and a first longitudinal end, the first wall, the drainage channel, and the second wall together forming a first attachment channel configured for receiving and attaching to a first attachment feature of an end device at the first longitudinal end.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a non-provisional application based upon U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/237,059, entitled “DRAIN ASSEMBLY”, filed Aug. 26, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to drain assemblies, and, more particularly, to linear drain assemblies.

2. Description of the Related Art

Water drains can be used in many different applications. One such application is a shower drain. A linear shower drain assembly is known which includes a linear drain body including a horizontal wall or flange from which a linear trough depends, the flange surrounding the trough. The trough is pitched such that water entering the trough drains from the longitudinal ends of the trough downwardly towards a vertical, generally cylindrical outlet which intercepts the trough and is wider in diameter than a width of the trough. An integral waterproofing membrane is factory-attached to the drain body around the whole perimeter of the trough. A stainless steel strainer (a drain cover) covers the trough and is coupled to the drain body during installation of the drain assembly.

What is needed in the art is a drain assembly which is field adjustable in length and can thus be selectively attached to at least one of a plurality of end devices at a plurality of positions along a length of at least one main body of the drain assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a drain assembly which is field adjustable in length and can thus be selectively attached to at least one of a plurality of end devices at a plurality of positions along a length of at least one main body of the drain assembly.

The invention in one form is directed to a drain assembly including a main body including a substantially horizontal first wall extending in a longitudinal direction of the main body, a drainage channel depending from the first wall and extending in said longitudinal direction, a substantially vertical second wall depending from the first wall and extending in the longitudinal direction, and a first longitudinal end, the first wall, the drainage channel, and the second wall together forming a first attachment channel configured for receiving and attaching to a first attachment feature of an end device at the first longitudinal end.

The invention in another form is directed to a method of using a drain assembly, the method including: providing a drain assembly including a main body which includes a substantially horizontal first wall extending in a longitudinal direction of the main body, a drainage channel depending from the first wall and extending in the longitudinal direction, a substantially vertical second wall depending from the first wall and extending in the longitudinal direction, and a first longitudinal end, the first wall, the drainage channel, and the second wall together forming a first attachment channel; receiving, by the first attachment channel, a first attachment feature of an end device at the first longitudinal end; and attaching the first attachment channel to the first attachment feature at the first longitudinal end.

An advantage of the present invention is that it is adjustable in length and can run continuously from wall-to-wall in a shower. The drain assembly is adjustable in length in that (a) the main body can be field cut (which can be readily accomplished considering that the drain assembly is made of PVC, or any other suitable material) to the desired length to reduce the length of the drain assembly, or (b) a plurality of main bodies can be coupled to one another in an end-to-end fashion, perpendicularly to one another, and/or at any predetermined angular relationship relative to one another (using junction members, corner members, and/or, more generally, coupling members) and thereby increase the overall length of the drain assembly (depending upon the environment in which the drain assembly is installed, a main body, then, can be field cut and also coupled with another main body).

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides that the shower floor may be pitched in only one or two directions; therefore, any size format tile on the shower floor is possible. Stated differently, a large drain tile can be used with the drain assembly of the present invention. For instance, 12 inch×12 inch or 16 inch×16 inch drain tiles can be used with the drain assembly of the present invention. By removing extra pitches/planes adjacent the drain assembly, a mosaic tile does not have to be used. By way of comparison, the largest mosaic tile is typically 3 inch×3 inch.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it is designed to work with most of the primarily used, existing shower floor systems already on the market. This allows the installers of drains the ability to use their current system and techniques.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it does not have a decorative drain cover (which can be in the form of a decorative grill). Without a decorative cover, the drain tile of the shower floor can come right next to the water channel of the main body of the drain assembly. Further, the bathroom industry overall is concerned with color coordination between such parts and items like faucets, shower door hardware, etc. The absence of a decorative drain cover allows the distributor the flexibility of not having to stock multiple pieces and finishes, which is often the source of warranty issues related to shower drains. Further, the absence of a decorative drain cover made of metal allows the drain assembly to be field cut as necessary by an installer of the drain assembly.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it does not necessarily provide that the waterproofing membrane is already integrated with the drain assembly prior to installation. Thus, the drain assembly can be field cut as necessary.

Yet another advantage is of the present invention is that it provides that a drain screen can optionally by slid from the underside into a substantially vertical drainage device of the main body of the drain assembly, the drainage device being configured for connecting to, for example, house plumbing.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it allows for wheel-chair accessibility into a shower.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the drain assembly does not include any steel or metallic parts.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the drainage channel of the main body of the drain assembly can be transversely cut therethrough when adjusting the length of the main body, the end device then being able to be secured to the new longitudinal end of the main body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a shower floor system including a drain assembly according to the present invention, the cross-section of the main body being taken along line 1-1 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a drain assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a drain assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, the main body of the drain assembly being shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the drain assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the main body of the drain assembly of FIG. 3, the floor endcaps of FIG. 3 being broken away;

FIG. 6 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the main body of the drain assembly of FIG. 5, the cross-section being taken longitudinally through the top dead center of the main body along line 6-6 of FIG. 5, a drain screen also being shown but not in cross-section;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the floor endcap of FIG. 3, the floor endcap being shown in relation to a subfloor;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a wall endcap according to the present invention, the wall endcap being shown in relation to a backerboard;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the wall endcap of FIG. 8 attached to the main body of FIG. 5, with portions of the main body being broken away;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the drain assembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the drain assembly of FIG. 10, with a portion of the main body of FIG. 10 being broken away;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a linear junction member according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the drain assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, the drain assembly including the linear junction member of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a corner member according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the drain assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, the drain assembly including the corner member of FIG. 14; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the drain assembly of FIG. 15.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a shower floor system 20 which generally includes floor joists 22, a subfloor 24 (such as a three-quarter inch plywood subfloor), a drain assembly 26 according to the present invention, an underlayment 25 (which can be, for example, concrete and serve to provide a slope, such as a two degree slope, of the surrounding floor to drain assembly 26), a drain pipe 27 (such as a two inch polyvinyl chloride drain pipe) which forms part of the environment to which drain assembly 26 connects and can be, for example, a part of house plumbing, a waterproofing membrane 28 (which can be painted on as a coating or can be a glued-on fabric member, the glue being bought with the membrane fabric), and ceramic floor tiles 30 mounted on top of the waterproofing membrane 28. As a fabric, waterproofing membrane 28 can have a seam (not shown) running in longitudinal direction 52 and positioned over subfloor 24. The structural features in FIG. 1 are not necessarily proportioned to correct size. Drain assembly 26 can be a drain for a shower, a pool, a sink, or the like. With regard to a swimming pool, drain assembly 26 could be applied to the perimeter of the swimming pool (this is provided merely by way of example and not be way of limitation). The drain assembly 26 discussed herein is in reference to a shower drain; this application of the drain assembly of the present invention, however, is provided by way of example and not by way of limitation. Drain assembly 26 is a slot/trough drain which can be installed into a tiled shower floor.

FIG. 2 shows that drain assembly 26 includes at least one main body 32 and at least one end device 34. Main body 32 can also be referred to as a drain body. Main bodies 32 and end devices 34 of drain assembly 26 can be made of polyvinyl chloride, of another polymer, or of any suitable material. In a shower application, for example, main body 32 provides drainage for water accumulating or falling on the shower floor (such as on tiles 30). As also shown in FIG. 2, drain assembly 26 can include at least two main bodies 32 joined together by an end device 34, each terminating end of drain assembly 26 also having attached thereto an end device 34. Depending upon the application, drain assembly 26 can optionally include three or more main bodies 32 coupled to one another in a straight line and/or at right angles using end devices 34C or 34D; such a coupling of three main bodies 32 could form a generally U-shaped drain assembly 26, by way of example. Further, each main body 32 can include two end devices 34 attached to the longitudinal ends 36 of the respective main body 32, as shown in FIG. 2. End device 34, as discussed below, refers generically to a floor endcap 34A, a wall endcap 34B, a linear junction member 34C, or a corner member 34D.

Main body 32, as shown in FIGS. 3-6, is a linear structure and includes a first longitudinal end 36 and a second longitudinal end 38 opposing first longitudinal end 36. Main body 32 includes a substantially horizontal first wall 40, a drainage channel 42, a substantially vertical second wall 44, a substantially vertical third wall 46, a substantially vertical drainage device 48, and substantially vertical support walls 50. Main body 32 can be a monolithic structure such that the main body 32 is a single piece made of the same material (i.e., polyvinyl chloride). Main body 32 is not formed monolithically with, or formed attached to, any of end devices 34; rather, end devices 34 (whichever ones are needed according to the application) are attached during installation of drain assembly 26 in a shower, for example, as disclosed herein. Main body 32 can be formed by injection molding (floor end device 34A, wall end device 34B, linear junction member 34C, and corner member 34D each can be formed as monolithic pieces and formed by injection molding as well). Main body 32 can have a full length for the transverse edge of first longitudinal end 36 to the transverse edge of second longitudinal end 38 of sixty inches (five feet) from the manufacturer.

First wall 40 extends in a longitudinal direction 52 of main body, longitudinal direction 52 being shown by double arrow 52. As shown in the drawings, first wall 40 can alternatively be viewed as two distinct walls which are spaced apart by drainage channel 42; however, for simplicity, first wall 40 is discussed herein as a wall in the singular, but it is understood that first wall 40 includes first and second sections (which are shown but not separately labeled in the drawings) which are coplanar relative to one another and spaced apart from one another by drainage channel 42. First wall 40 is flat. First wall 40 includes a plurality of fastener holes 54 which are spaced apart along both longitudinal sides of first wall 40; fasteners (not shown), such as screws, project respectively through fastener holes 54 and are used to mechanically fasten main body 32 to subfloor 24. First wall 40 further includes two adhesive channels 56 (which are shallow grooves formed into first wall 40) which extend in longitudinal direction 52 and parallel to one another (adhesive channels 56 can run from the transverse edge of first longitudinal end 36 to the transverse edge of second longitudinal end 38), which are spaced apart by drainage channel 42, and which are formed respectively on the two sections of first wall 40. Adhesive channels 56 are shallow and can be used to receive an adhesive to adhere waterproofing membranes 28 to first wall 40.

Drainage channel 42 depends from first wall 40 and extends in longitudinal direction 52. In depending from first wall 40, drainage channel 42 extends below the bottom surface of first wall 40. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, drainage channel 42 is open facing upwards and includes a generally U-shaped cross-section having two substantially vertical walls 58 and a substantially horizontal bottom wall 60 connecting and extending between the two vertical walls 58. Drainage channel 42 can also be referred to as a slot or trough. Drainage channel 42 is linear and runs at least substantially from first longitudinal end 36 to second longitudinal end 38, drainage channel 42 being intercepted by vertical drainage device 48; more specifically, drainage channel 42 runs from the transverse edge of first longitudinal end 36 to the transverse edge of second longitudinal end 38, but for the break provided by vertical drainage device 48. Drainage channel 42 is sloped; more specifically, drainage channel 42 is sloped (angled/pitched) downwardly running from first longitudinal end 36 to vertical drainage device 48, and similarly drainage channel 42 is sloped downwardly running from second longitudinal end 38 to vertical drainage device 48 (drainage channel 42 runs the full length of main body 32 except for being intercepted by vertical drainage device 48). Drainage channel 42 is thus in fluid communication with vertical drainage device 48. The slope of drainage channel 42 causes water, for example, entering drainage channel 42 to flow, under the force of gravity, to vertical drainage device 48. As such, drainage channel 42 thus provides a fluid flow path which causes water which enters drainage channel 42 to flow downwardly in drainage channel 42 to vertical drainage device 48; upon falling into vertical drainage device 48, the water flows through drainage device 48 and into the plumbing network of the environment into which drain assembly 26 is installed (such as house plumbing, of which drain pipe 27 is a part). FIG. 6 shows the sloped configuration of drainage channel 42. It is understood that the interior of the U-shaped channel can be formed such that the corners where the vertical walls 58 meet horizontal wall 60 are curved, rather than forming sharp right-angle corners. Tile 30 can be laid adjacent drainage channel 42, as indicated in FIG. 1.

Second wall 44 depends from first wall 40 and extends in longitudinal direction 52. In depending from first wall 40, second wall 44 extends below the bottom surface of first wall 40. Second wall 44 is attached to the bottom surface of first wall 40 and is perpendicular to first wall 40. Second wall 44 is linear and runs from the transverse edge of first longitudinal end 36 to the transverse edge of second longitudinal end 38; a portion of second wall 44 can merge with and form a part of drainage device 48. Second wall 44 is spaced apart from and runs parallel to drainage channel 42.

Third wall 46 is substantially identical to, and substantially mirrors, second wall 44. Third wall 46 depends from first wall 40, extends in longitudinal direction 52, and is spaced apart from and parallel to second wall 44 and drainage channel 42, drainage channel 42 being between second and third walls 44, 46. In depending from first wall 40, third wall 46 extends below the bottom surface of first wall 40. Third wall 46 is attached to the bottom surface of first wall 40 and is perpendicular to first wall 40. Third wall 46 is linear and runs from the transverse edge of first longitudinal end 36 to the transverse edge of second longitudinal end 38; a portion of third wall 46 can merge with and form a part of vertical drainage device 48.

First wall 40, drainage channel 42, and second wall 44 together form a first attachment channel 62. First attachment channel 62 is configured for receiving and attaching to a first attachment feature 66 of end device 34 at first longitudinal end 36 (more specifically, at the transverse edge of first longitudinal end 36). First attachment channel 62 is also configured for receiving and attaching to an attachment feature 66 (first and second attachment features 66 of each of end devices 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D are substantially identical) of end device 34 at second longitudinal end 38 (more specifically, at the transverse edge of second longitudinal end 38). First attachment channel 62 has a generally U-shaped cross-section. While drainage channel 42 is an upwardly facing U-shaped channel (the open portion of the U faces upwardly), first attachment channel 62 is a downwardly facing U-shaped channel (the open portion of the U faces downwardly). First attachment channel 62 is formed by the bottom surface of first wall 40, an outwardly facing surface of one vertical wall 58 of drainage channel 42, and an inwardly facing surface of second wall 44. First attachment channel 62 can also be referred to as a slot or trough. First attachment channel 62 is linear and runs at least substantially from the transverse edge 37 of first longitudinal end 36 to the transverse edge 37 of second longitudinal end 38; first attachment channel 62 can run from the transverse edge of first longitudinal end 36 to the transverse edge of second longitudinal end 38 except for being interrupted by vertical drainage device 48, as shown in FIGS. 3-6. Thus, first attachment channel 62 extends at least substantially a first length 68 running from vertical drainage device 48 to first longitudinal end 36 and a second length 70 running opposingly from vertical drainage device 48 to second longitudinal end 38. Similarly, first attachment channel 62 can be interrupted periodically by support walls 50, as shown in FIGS. 4-6. Even with these interruptions by vertical drainage device 48 and support walls 50, it is understood that first attachment channel 62 runs at least substantially from the transverse edge of first longitudinal end 36 to the transverse edge of second longitudinal end 38.

First wall 40, drainage channel 42, and third wall 46 together form a second attachment channel 64. Second attachment channel 64 is configured for receiving and attaching to a second attachment feature 66 of end device 34 at first longitudinal end 36 (more specifically, at the transverse edge of first longitudinal end 36). Second attachment channel 64 is also configured for receiving and attaching to an attachment feature 66 (first and second attachment features 66 of each of end devices 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D are substantially identical) of end device 34 at second longitudinal end 38 (more specifically, at the transverse edge of second longitudinal end 38). Second attachment channel 64 has a generally U-shaped cross-section. While drainage channel 42 is an upwardly facing U-shaped channel (the open portion of the U faces upwardly), second attachment channel 66 is a downwardly facing U-shaped channel (the open portion of the U faces downwardly). Second attachment channel 66 is formed by the bottom surface of first wall 40, an outwardly facing surface of one vertical wall 58 of drainage channel 42, and an inwardly facing surface of third wall 46. Second attachment channel 64 can also be referred to as a slot or trough. Second attachment channel 64 is linear and runs at least substantially from the transverse edge of first longitudinal end 36 to the transverse edge of second longitudinal end 38; second attachment channel 64 can run from the transverse edge 37 of first longitudinal end 36 to the transverse edge 37 of second longitudinal end 38 except for being interrupted by vertical drainage device 48, as shown in FIGS. 3-6. Thus, second attachment channel 64 extends at least substantially first length 68 running from vertical drainage device 48 to first longitudinal end 36 and second length 70 running opposingly from vertical drainage device 48 to second longitudinal end 38. Similarly, second attachment channel 64 can be interrupted periodically by support walls 50, as shown in FIGS. 4-6. Even with these interruptions by vertical drainage device 48 and support walls 50, it is understood that second attachment channel 64 runs at least substantially from the transverse edge of first longitudinal end 36 to the transverse edge of second longitudinal end 38. Second attachment channel 64 is substantially identical to, and substantially minors, first attachment channel 62. Second attachment channel 64 is spaced apart from and parallel to first attachment channel 62. Each end device 34 is selectively attachable to one of first longitudinal end 36 and second longitudinal end 36 by way of first and second attachment features 64, 66 and first and second attachment channels 64, 66. First and second attachment channels 64, 66, each of which can be referred to as slots, are thus formed on the underside of main body 32.

Vertical drainage device 48 is positioned between first and second longitudinal ends 36, 38 and intercepts drainage channel 42. Vertical drainage device 48 is in fluid communication with drainage channel 42; more specifically, vertical drainage device 48 is in fluid communication with both wings of drainage channel 42 (each wing running from a respective longitudinal end 36, 38 to vertical drainage device 48). FIGS. 4 and 5 show that vertical drainage device 48 can have a generally circular cross-section (a cylindrical piece) with a stepped diameter, vertical drainage device 48 being attached to drain pipe 27 of the surrounding environment (i.e., house plumbing). The stepped diameter of vertical drainage device 48 forms a shoulder 72 which provides a stop for stopping house drain pipe 27 and thus ensuring proper fitting of house drain pipe 27. Vertical drainage device 48 can be glued to the house drain 27 using, for example, a standard polyvinyl chloride rubber cement. Vertical drainage device 48 serves as a liquid outlet for main body 32 and thus for drain assembly 26.

FIG. 6 shows a drain screen 74 which can be included as part of the drain assembly 26 according to the present invention. FIG. 6 shows main body 32 with a cross-sectional slice taken through the top dead center of main body 32. FIG. 6 shows drain screen 74 installed into vertical drainage device 48 of main body 32, drain screen 74 not being shown in section. Drain screen 74 abuts shoulder 72 (which provides the stepped diameter of the vertical drainage device 48) of the vertical drainage device 48. The drain screen 74 is an optional structural feature of drain assembly 26 of the present invention; as such, drain screen 74 does not have to be used as a part of drain assembly 26. Vertical drainage device 48 can be formed longer when drain screen 74 is used, as opposed to when drain screen 74 is not used. Drain screen 74 (which can be variously referred to as a grate, a strainer, or a drain guard) serves as a screen to prevent objects of a predetermined size from draining into the drain pipe 27 of the surrounding environment. Drain screen 74 is not a decorative cover, such a decorative cover being omitted from the present invention; on the other hand, drain screen 74 can include decorative aspects. Drain screen 74 can be made of the same material (or another material) as the remaining portions of drain assembly; drain screen 74 can be made of polyvinyl chloride. Drain screen 74 can be formed as a separate piece relative to main body 32; in other words, drain screen 74 may not be formed integral or molded with main body 32 but may be an add-on piece relative to main body 32. Alternatively, drain screen 74 can be formed integral with (i.e., molded with) main body 32. As a separate piece, however, drain screen 74 can be slid into vertical drainage device 48—by way of the bottom opening of vertical drainage device 48—until drain screen abuts shoulder 72 of vertical drainage device 48. Drain screen 74 is thus sandwiched on one side by shoulder 72 of vertical drainage device 48 and on the other side by the drain pipe 27 of the environment; drain screen 74 is thereby held in place.

Main body 32 includes a plurality of substantially vertical support walls 50. Support walls 50 depend from first wall 40 and thus are attached to and extend below the bottom surface of first wall 40. Support walls 50 are parallel relative to one another and are perpendicular to second wall 44, third wall 46, and drainage channel 42. Each support wall 50 runs from the inwardly facing surface of second wall 44 to the outwardly facing surface of one vertical wall 58 of drainage channel 42 and then from the outwardly facing surface of the other vertical wall 58 of drainage channel 42 to the inwardly facing surface of third wall 46. Support walls 50 do not traverse through drainage channel 42, as this would form a blockage within drainage channel 42. Each support wall 50 is the same height as second and third walls 44, 46. Support walls 50 provide structural support and reinforcement to second wall 44, third wall 46, and drainage channel 42.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, 9-11, 13, and 15-16, end devices 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D attach individually to first and second longitudinal ends 36, 38 of main body 32 during installation of drain assembly 26 in the surrounding environment, such as a shower. Stated another way, any of end devices 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D can be selectively attached to first longitudinal end 36 or second longitudinal end 38, depending upon the needs of the installer during installation of drain assembly 26. For example, main body 32 can have end device 34A attached to first longitudinal end 36 and end device 34B attached to second longitudinal end 38. On the other hand, end device 34B can be attached to first longitudinal end 36, and end device 34A can be attached to second longitudinal end 38. Or, end device 34C can be attached to first longitudinal end 36, and end device 34D can be attached to second longitudinal end 38. End devices 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D, first and second longitudinal ends 36, 38 (along with first and second attachment channels 62, 64) can be selectively attached to one another in any combination, depending upon the needs of the installer. End devices 34C and 34D are not connectors for strainers; rather end devices 34C and 34D serve as connectors for main bodies 32.

End device 34 is selectively one of a floor endcap 34A, a wall endcap 34B, a linear junction member 34C, and a corner member 34D. Each end device 34 has two attachment features 66, which can be referred to as first and second attachment features 66. First and second attachment features 66 themselves are substantially identical to one another. Further, first and second attachment features 6 of each of floor endcap 34A, wall endcap 34B, linear junction member 34C, and corner member 34D are substantially identical to one another and are thereby selectively attached to main body. In other words, any of end devices 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D can be attached to main body 32 using first and second attachment features 66. First attachment feature 66 can attach to first attachment channel 62 or second attachment channel 64, depending upon whether the respective end device 34 is attached to first or second longitudinal end 36, 38. Similarly, second attachment feature 66 can attach to first attachment channel 62 or second attachment channel 64, depending upon whether the respective end device 34 is attached to first or second longitudinal end 36, 38. Thus, first and second attachment features 66 are connected respectively to first and second attachment channels 62, 64. Further, first and second attachment features 66 are connected respectively to first and second attachment channels 62, 64 using an adhesive therebetween; thus, end devices 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D can be directly glued to first and second attachment channels 62, 64. A primer can first be applied to end device 34, particularly to attachment features 66 and the areas of end device 34 surrounding attachment features 66 which are likely to come into contact with main body 32 when end device 34 is connected to main body 32; the primer can also be applied to the respective longitudinal end 36, 38 of main body 32 in the areas which are expected to come into contact with end device 34. After priming main body 32 and end device 34 as described, a glue can be applied to the same areas of main body 32 and end device 34. Then, end device 34 can be attached and thus adhered to main body 32. The primer used can be a standard PVC/ABS primer to clean main body 32 and end device 34; for example, the primer can be Weld-On® P-68 Primer by IPS Corp., the primer softening and preparing a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fitting surface, for example. The adhesive used can be a standard all-purpose clear PVC cement to welt main body 32 and end device 34 together (the adhesive can also be described as a standard PVC rubber cement); for example, the adhesive can be a heavy duty clear PVC cement by Oatey. The adhering action provided by this adhesive can provide a chemical weld such that the respective parts of main body 32 and end device 34 heat up and melt the two plastic pieces together permanently (i.e., main body 32 and end device 34 being made of polyvinyl chloride in one embodiment of the invention). Alternatively or in addition thereto, first and second attachment features 66 can form an interference fit with first and second attachment channels. The installer of drain assembly 26 can apply the primer and adhesive to attachment features 66, to attachment channels 62, 64, and to the entire respective longitudinal end 36, 38 (including the respective transverse edge 37 of longitudinal end 36, 38, transverse edge 37 formed by first wall 40, drainage channel 42, second wall 44, and third wall 46) during installation and then attach the respective end device 34 to the respective longitudinal end 36, 38.

Each of first and second attachment features 66 are generally U-shaped and are matingly received in first and second attachment channels 62, 64, the U-shape being upside down like first and second attachment channels 62, 64. Each of first and second attachment features 66 includes two substantially vertical fourth walls 76 and a substantially horizontal fifth wall 78 attached to fourth walls 76 therebetween. Fourth walls 76 are positioned adjacent respectively second wall 44, third wall 46, and drainage channel 42, fifth wall 78 being positioned adjacent first wall 40. More specifically, when end device 34 is placed on first longitudinal end 36 in first and second attachment channels 62, 64, one fourth wall 76 of first attachment feature 66 is adjacent the inwardly facing surface of second wall 44, the other fourth wall 76 of first attachment feature 66 is adjacent the outwardly facing surface of one vertical wall 58 of drainage channel 42, fifth wall 78 of first attachment feature 66 is adjacent the bottom surface of first wall 40, one fourth wall 76 of second attachment feature 66 is adjacent the inwardly facing surface of third wall 46, the other fourth wall 76 of second attachment feature 66 is adjacent the outwardly facing surface of one vertical wall 58 of drainage channel 42, and fifth wall 78 of second attachment feature 66 is adjacent the bottom surface of first wall 40. The adhesive between these walls of the attachment features 66 and these walls of main body 32 secures these walls together. A similar attachment (albeit turned around in orientation) of first and second attachment features 66 can occur on second longitudinal end 38.

As shown in FIGS. 3-4 and 7, floor endcap 34A includes a substantially vertical sixth wall 80 and a substantially horizontal seventh wall 82 attached to sixth wall 80. First and second attachment features 66 project from sixth wall 80. Sixth wall 80 is positioned adjacent first longitudinal end 36 (or, optionally, second longitudinal end 38). Seventh wall 82 can be attached to subfloor 24, as indicated in FIG. 7 (alternatively or in addition thereto, seventh wall 82 can be supported by underlayment 25, such as concrete). Seventh wall 82 can be positioned flush and level with first floor 40 of main body 32. Seventh wall 82 includes a plurality of fastener holes 54 for receiving fasteners (such as screws, which are not shown) to connect floor endcap 34A to subfloor 24. Floor endcap 34A provides a seal between main body 32 (or at least an extension of main body 32) and the associated surrounding structure (i.e., the subfloor, the shower base floor (such as the underlayment 25)). Sixth and/or seventh walls 80, 82 can be formed thicker or thinner as desired; a thicker sixth and/or seventh wall 80, 82 can provide greater rigidity. Because drainage channel 42 proceeds all the way to transverse edge 37 of longitudinal ends 36, 38, wall 60 of drainage channel 42 is always lower than the top surface of first wall 40 and is thus open extending longitudinally on longitudinal ends 36, 38; vertical sixth wall 80 of floor endcap 34A closes this opening and thus encloses drainage channel 42 along its vertical boundaries and thus further prevents water from falling off the longitudinal ends 36, 38 of main body 32. Main body 32 can thus also be cut advantageously transversely through drainage channel 42 along virtually any point along drainage channel 42, sixth wall 84 then enclosing the longitudinal ends of drainage channel 42.

As shown in FIGS. 8, 9-11, and 13, wall endcap 34B includes a substantially vertical eighth wall 84. First and second attachment features 66 project from said eighth wall 84. Eighth wall 84 is positioned adjacent first longitudinal end 36 (or, optionally, second longitudinal end 38). Eighth wall 84 can be attached to house framing structure (such as a stud) and/or to additional blocking (i.e., additional two inch×four inch wood) attached to the house framing structure (not shown) in a cutout 104 formed in backerboard 86 (such as drywall used on a shower wall to which shower wall tiles can be directly or indirectly affixed). Eighth wall 84 and first wall 40 abut one another perpendicularly. Wall endcap 34B provides a seal between main body 32 (or at least an extension of main body 32) and the associated surrounding structure (i.e., the backerboard 86). Eighth wall 84 can be formed thicker or thinner than as shown in FIG. 8, depending upon the application. For instance, eighth wall 84 can be formed to be as thick as the thickness of backerboard 86 (eighth wall 84 is shown as being thinner than backboard 86 in FIG. 8). Thus, the thickness of eighth wall 84 can coincide with the backerboard 86 of the environment. A thicker eighth wall 84 can provide greater rigidity and can facilitate installation. When wall endcaps 34B, for instance, are used on the longitudinal ends 36, 38 of a drain assembly 26, drain assembly 26 can run from wall-to-wall in the shower; as such, the shower floor need pitch in at most only two directions (pitching only towards the longitudinal sides of main body 32). Eighth wall 84 of wall endcap 34B includes fastener holes 54 for receiving fasteners (not shown), such as screws, to attach wall endcap 34B to the building studs and/or blocking that is added to the house framing during installation of drain assembly 26. Vertical eighth wall 84 wall 80 of wall endcap 34B closes the opening at the longitudinal ends 36, 38 of drainage channel 42 and thus encloses drainage channel 42 along its vertical boundaries and thus further prevents water from falling off the longitudinal ends 36, 38 of main body 32. Main body 32 can thus also be cut advantageously transversely through drainage channel 42 along virtually any point along drainage channel 42, eighth wall 84 then enclosing the longitudinal ends of drainage channel 42.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, linear junction member 34C is configured for coupling, and does couple, one main body 32 in a substantially straight line with another main body 32 (as shown in FIG. 13), both main bodies 32 being substantially similar to one another (as described above). By stating that both main bodies 32 are substantially similar to one another, this means that the main bodies 32 have the same design, but it is understood that one can be shorter than the other; this can occur, for example, during installation when one main body 32 needs to be shortened for the application by field cutting off a portion of that main body 32. Field cutting refers to cutting of the main body 32 by an installer who is installing drain assembly 26 in, for example, a shower, as opposed to any cutting that may occur at the manufacturer's facility. Main body 32 can be field cut using a square cut miter box to ensure a smooth square cut. Linear junction member 34C includes a substantially horizontal span 88 connecting first and second attachment features 66 together. Linear junction member 34C spans a joint 90 formed by the two main bodies 32 which abut one another in an end-to-end manner. Span 88 underlaps drainage channel 42 of each of these main bodies 32. First and second attachment features 66 of linear junction member 34C can be adhered to first and second attachment channels 62, 64 of each of the two main bodies 32 with the adhesive therebetween; alternatively or in addition thereto, first and second attachment features 66 can form an interference fit with first and second attachment channels 62, 64 of each of the two main bodies 32. Thus, drain assembly 26 can optionally be lengthened by coupling two main bodies 32 together in end-to-end fashion using linear junction member 34C. In so coupling two main bodies 32 together, the adjacent drainage channels 42 of the two main bodies 32 are aligned with one another and slope downwardly running away from joint 90; as such, separate vertical drainage devices 48 of the respective two main bodies 32 can be used to remove the water from the shower. Linear junction member 34C thus attaches to the respective undersides of the two main bodies 32 and further spans the two main bodies 32. Linear junction member 34C thus can be used to attach two five feet main bodies 32 together to form a linear drain assembly 26 which is ten feet long, this drain assembly 26 having a continuous drainage channel 42 the entire length of drain assembly (but for the holes formed by the respective drainage devices 48 in the two main bodies 32). Main body 32 can thus also be cut advantageously transversely through drainage channel 42 along virtually any point along drainage channel 42.

As shown in FIGS. 14-16, corner member 34D is configured for coupling, and does couple, one main body 32 substantially perpendicularly with another main body 32, both main bodies 32 being substantially similar to one another (as described above). Corner member 34D includes a substantially horizontal ninth wall 92, two corner drainage channels 94 angled perpendicularly relative to one another and depending from said ninth horizontal wall 92, a substantially vertical tenth wall 94 depending from said ninth wall 92, and a substantially vertical eleventh wall 98 depending from said ninth wall 92 and angled perpendicularly relative to said tenth wall 96. Ninth wall 92 is functionally equivalent to first wall 40. Ninth wall 92 defines a plurality of fastener holes 54 so that fasteners, such as screws (not shown), can fasten corner member 34D to subfloor 24. Ninth wall 92 also includes adhesive channels 56 on both sides of corner drainage channels 94 and thus angled perpendicularly relative to one another. Corner drainage channels 94 are functionally equivalent to drainage channel 42 of main body 32. Corner drainage channels 94 angle downwardly running from the place where corner drainage channels 94 connect with one another. Thus, at least a portion of corner drainage channels 94 are positioned below ninth wall 92. Because corner drainage channels 94 are angled this way, water in one corner drainage channel 94 runs away from water in the other corner drainage channel 94 (at a right angle). Corner drainage channels 94 are aligned respectively with drainage channels 42 of the two main bodies 32 which are coupled together by way of corner member 34D; stated another way, corner drainage channels 94 merge with and form corresponding slopes with drainage channels 42 of the two main bodies 32 which are coupled together using corner member 34D such that water flows, under the force of gravity, away from corner member 34D to the main bodies 32. Drain assembly 26 thus provides that water flows from corner member 34D to respective vertical drainage devices 48 of the two main bodies 32. Thus, corner member 34D provides for drainage of water from a shower floor, in a shower application for example. First and second attachment features 66 project from tenth wall 96. Eleventh wall 98 includes third and fourth attachment features 66 which project therefrom and which are substantially identical to first and second attachment features 66. First, second, third, and fourth attachment features 66 are received by and connected respectively to first and second attachment channels 62, 64 of the two main bodies 32 on the underside of the main bodies 32. Tenth and eleventh walls 96, 98 abut against second and third walls 44, 46 of the two main bodies 32. First, second, third, and fourth attachment features 66 can thus be adhered to first and second attachment channels 62, 64 of the two main bodies 32 using the adhesive described above; alternatively or in addition thereto, first, second, third, and fourth attachment features 66 can form an interference fit with first and second attachment channels 62, 64 of the two main bodies 32. Thus, two main bodies 32 can be coupled together at a right angle to one another using corner member 34D. Corner member 34D can be placed anywhere where drain assembly 26 needs to be extended at a right angle (i.e., in the corner of a shower). Corner member 34D thus provides for a smooth transition between drainage channel 42 and corner drainage channel 94 or provides a vertical wall 96, 98 for enclosing the respective drainage channel 42. Main body 32 can thus also be cut advantageously transversely through drainage channel 42 along virtually any point along drainage channel 42.

First and second attachment features 66 of any of the end devices 34 (as well as third and fourth attachment features 66 of corner member 34D) are selectively positionable between a first position 100 and a second position 102 along respectively first and second attachment channels 62, 64 of a respective main body 32. First position 100 corresponds to end device 34 being attached to first longitudinal end 36 when that portion of main body 32 extending between vertical drain device 48 and the longitudinal end 36, 38 to which end device 34 is to be attached has not yet been field cut. In other words, first longitudinal end 36 extends the same distance from vertical drainage device 48 as main body 32 was provided by the manufacturer of main body 32. Second position 102 corresponds to end device 34 being attached to first longitudinal end 36 when that portion of main body 32 extending between vertical drain device 48 and the longitudinal end 36, 38 to which end device is to be attached has been field cut. In other words, because of the field cutting of main body 32, the distance between vertical drainage device 48 and first longitudinal end 36 has shortened and, thus, first longitudinal end 36 has effectively moved from its original position (that is, first position 100) as provided by the manufacturer to an alternate position (that is, second position 102) as determined by the installer. Thus, first and second attachment features 66 (or third and fourth attachment features of corner member 34D) occupy second position 102 when first length 68 is selectively shortened by way of field cutting and thereby when first longitudinal end 36 is moved from first position 100 to second position 102, second position 102 being closer to vertical drainage device 48 than first position 100. Because first and second attachment channels 62, 64 run all the way from first longitudinal end 36 (as provided by the manufacturer) to vertical drainage device 48, second position 102 can be located anywhere between the first position 102 and adjacent vertical drainage device 48 (allowing enough space for first and second attachment features 66 to fully join with first and second attachment channels 62, 64), except where a support wall 50 may interfere with connecting first and second attachment features 66 with first and second attachment channels 62, 64; in such an instance, the cut along main body 32 has to be made in such a place that first and second attachment features 66 can fully join with first and second attachment channels 62, 64, without interference by a support wall 50. It is understood that such attachment of end devices 34 and shortening of main body 32 can occur also on second longitudinal end 38 of main body 32. It is further understood that, for example, a main body 32 can be shortened on one longitudinal end 36, 38 by field cutting and, on the other longitudinal end 36, 38, attached to a linear junction member 34C or a corner member 34D so as to lengthen the drain assembly 26 in that direction by coupling the main body 32 to another main body 32, which itself can be shortened and/or again coupled to another main body 32, as the application dictates.

In use, as the installation requires, end device 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D is selectively attached to main body 32 before main body 32 is placed in position relative to subfloor 24. Subfloor 24 can be plywood or concrete. End device 34 is glued to main body 32 using attachment features 66 and attachment channels 62, 64 in that attachment features 66 are positioned in corresponding attachment channels 62, 64 on the longitudinal end 36, 38 of main body 32. If end device 34C or 34D is used, the second main body 32 can be attached to the first main body 32 before or after the first main body 32 is in position relative to subfloor 24 as the application permits. In placing main bodies 32 in position on subfloor 24, vertical drainage device 48 is attached to the house drain pipe 27 and glued thereto. If drain screen 74 is used, drain screen 74 is securely sandwiched between shoulder 72 and house drain pipe 27. Fasteners (not shown), such as screws, can be placed in any fastening holes 54 of main bodies 32 and/or end devices 34 and fastened to subfloor 24. Shims can be used to level drain assembly 26. An adhesive can be applied to adhesive channels 56. End devices 34 can be secured to surrounding environmental structure as described above. Waterproofing membranes 28 can then be glued to the top surface of main bodies 32 using the glue the installer places in adhesive channels 56 (optionally, waterproofing membrane 28 can be a coating which is painted on). Underlayment 25 can be used to form the appropriate slope towards drain assembly 26; underlayment 25 can be concrete or another material. Ceramic tile 30 (such as relatively large ceramic tile 30) can be secured to the waterproofing membrane. While FIG. 1 shows the end of tile 30 nearest drainage channel being curved, it is understood that this portion of tile 30 can be formed by one or more angled straight edges (for instance, a vertical straight edge proceeding from the bottom edge of tile 30 being connected to an angled straight edge which connects to the top edge of tile 30). End devices 34 can be applied to any longitudinal end 36, 38 in any combination of end devices 34, as the installation requires. If the installation requires shortening one or more main bodies 32, the installer can field cut one or more longitudinal ends 36, 38 of a respective main body 32 in a direction perpendicular to longitudinal direction 52 and in a location such that support walls 50 or vertical drainage device 48 do not inhibit securely attaching attachment features 66 to attachment channels 62, 64. Main body 32, having longitudinally extending attachment channels 62, 64, can be field cut along virtually the entirety of first length 68 and/or second length 70 of main body 32. A square cut miter saw can be used to field cut main body 32.

One specific installation process can be described relative to installing drain assembly 26 into a concrete subfloor 24, drain assembly 26 including one main body 32 and wall endcaps 34B attached to each longitudinal end 36, 38. Concrete subfloor 24 can be prepared (broken so as to form appropriate holes therein) to receive drain assembly relative to house drain pipe 27. The PVC riser formed by house drain pipe 27 can be cut flush with the rough floor covering. The location for drain assembly 26 can be measured off of each wall/curb relative to house drain pipe 27. One or more respective longitudinal ends 36, 38 of main body 32 can be field cut by the installer so that main body 32 is cut to size (using a square cut miter box) according to the measurements taken; main body 32 should be cut a distance (possibly one-half inch, depending upon the thickness of eighth wall 84) less than the original measurement, this distance accounting for the thickness of the backerboard 86. The gap between the respective longitudinal end 36, 38 and the house framing structure allows for the installation of wall endcap 34B. Wall endcap 34B can be attached to the respective longitudinal end 36, 38 (without yet applying any primer or glue) to verify a tight fit of wall endcap 34B to longitudinal end 36, 38. Primer can be applied liberally to appropriate places of wall endcap 34B and main body 32, as described above. Then, adhesive can be applied liberally to appropriate places of wall endcap 34B and main body 32, as described above. Upon adhering wall endcaps 34B to main body 32, drain assembly 26 is ready to be installed. Upon placing drain assembly 26 on drain pipe 27, drain assembly 26 can be leveled using shims; drain assembly 26 must be installed level for proper performance. Drain assembly 26 can be installed by gluing drain assembly 26 (specifically, drainage device 48) directly to drain pipe 27 and, optionally, screwing down to the floor main body 32 using fastener holes 54 at a pre-drilled location (such fasteners are not always needed, such as if concrete is used under longitudinal sides of first wall 40 and the concrete levels drain assembly 26). The shower wall backerboard 86 can now be prepared. The backerboard 86 (which can also be considered to be drywall) is to be placed over the wall studs. Prior to doing so, the backerboard 86 needs to be cut so as to form a cutout 104 at the base of the backerboard 86, this cutout 104 shaped to receive eighth wall 84 of wall endcap 34B with little space between backerboard 86 and eighth wall 84; thus, the backerboard 86 of choice can be cut so as to leave a cutout 104 (which can also be referred to as a notch) the size of wall endcap 34B. Wall endcap 34 can be secured to additional blocking (additional 2 inch×4 inch pieces attached to house framing structure) using fasteners through fastener holes 54 (formed in eighth wall 84 by the manufacturer of wall endcap 34B) of wall endcap 34B, but the use of such fasteners is not always absolutely necessary. The backerboard 86 can now be installed per the manufacturer's recommendation. The cutout 104 formed in the backerboard 86, in conjunction with the size of eighth wall 84 (which can be formed wider than a transverse extent of main body 32), keeps water from coming in contact with the backerboard 86 and wicking up into the backerboard 86; thus, wall endcap 34 isolates backerboard 86 so that water from drainage channel 42 does not come into contact with the backerboard 86. It is noted that eighth wall 84 forms the vertical enclosing endwall for drainage channel 42; in other words, without eighth wall 84 being attached to longitudinal end 36, 38, then drainage channel 42 would have no way of stopping water from falling off the longitudinal end 36, 38 of main body in drainage channel 42 other than the sloped walls 60 of drainage channel 42 (unless additional efforts were taken to provide some sort of vertical wall for drainage channel 42). The shower base mud (concrete material) of choice can be used to create a flat sloped floor with at least two percent grade to allow for water to flow to main body 32. This mud can be leveled off and allowed to cure so as to form the underlayment 25. One-inch painters tape can be used to cover and thereby protect drainage channel 42 and drainage opening 48 while applying this mud and also while installing the waterproofing system. Once this sloped floor is dried, the sloped floor is ready for waterproofing. Fiberglass mesh tape can be used to cover over the top of eighth wall 84 (the portion sitting within the cutout 104 of the backerboard 86) and the transition to the backerboard 86. Spackling can be used to fill in joints between eighth wall 84 and backerboard 86 (eighth wall 84 can be formed as thick as the thickness of backerboard 86 so that eighth wall 84 in a sense forms a part of the backerboard 86); alternatively or in addition to the spackling, the waterproofing material used to coat the shower floor can also be used to cover over the fiberglass mesh. This way of installing wall endcap 34B can be done on both longitudinal ends 36, 38 (the other end can be another shower wall or a curb). Further, the shower base and the transition between the drain assembly 26 and the shower base can be waterproofed using the waterproofing system of choice. Such a waterproofing system can be a coating 28 which is painted onto the dried underlayment 25 (the concrete that was poured); such a coating 28 can be Laticrete Hydro Ban. When the waterproofing coating 28 dries, the shower base is ready to be tiled; the painters tape is removed to expose drainage channel 42. The tile 30 of choice is set directly over drain assembly 26 leaving only the width of drainage channel 42 exposed. The shower base can be completed using, for example (not by way of limitation), a 13 inch×20 inch tile in a running bond pattern. Thus, waterproofing membrane 28 (i.e., in the form of coating 28) and tiles 30 are laid across the longitudinal extent of main body 32 except for drainage channel 42.

According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, waterproofing membranes 28 (formed as a fabric or mesh) can be formed integral with main body 32. As such, one waterproofing membrane 28 can be attached by the manufacturer to the top surface of first wall 40 of main body 32 respectively along each longitudinal side of main body 32. This factory attachment can be accomplished using an adhesive to glue each waterproofing membrane 28 to the top surface of first wall 40 of main body 32. Alternatively, this factory attachment can be accomplished by embedding and thereby overmolding each waterproofing membrane 28 in first wall 40 of main body 32. Even with integrating waterproofing membranes 28, main body 32 and thus also waterproofing membranes 28 can be field cut to size.

The present invention further provides a method of using a drain assembly 26. The method includes: providing a drain assembly 26 including a main body 32 which includes a substantially horizontal first wall 40 extending in a longitudinal direction 52 of main body 32, a drainage channel 42 depending from first wall 40 and extending in longitudinal direction 52, a substantially vertical second wall 44 depending from first wall 40 and extending in longitudinal direction 52, and a first longitudinal end 36, first wall 40, drainage channel 42, and second wall 44 together forming a first attachment channel 62; receiving, by first attachment channel 62, a first attachment feature 66 of an end device 34 at first longitudinal end 36; and attaching first attachment channel 62 to first attachment feature 66 at first longitudinal end 36. Main body 32 includes a substantially vertical third wall 46 depending from first wall 40, extending in longitudinal direction 52, and being spaced apart from second wall 44 and drainage channel 42, drainage channel 42 being between second and third walls 44, 46, first wall 40, drainage channel 42, and third wall 46 together forming a second attachment channel 64, the method further including receiving, by second attachment channel 64, a second attachment feature 66 of end device 34 at first longitudinal end 36, and attaching second attachment channel 64 to second attachment feature 66 at first longitudinal end 36. Main body 32 includes a second longitudinal end 38 opposing first longitudinal end 36, and a substantially vertical drainage device 48 positioned between first and second longitudinal ends 36, 38 and intercepting drainage channel 48, first and second attachment channels 62, 64 extending at least substantially a first length 68 running from drainage device 42 to first longitudinal end 36 and a second length 70 running opposingly from drainage device 42 to second longitudinal end 38, the method further including attaching selectively end device 34 to one of first longitudinal end 36 and second longitudinal end 38 by way of first and second attachment features 66 and first and second attachment channels 62, 64. The method can further include positioning selectively first and second attachment features 66 of end device 34 between a first position 100 and a second position 102 along respectively first and second attachment channels 62, 64, first and second attachment features 66 occupying second position 102 when first length 68 is selectively shortened by way of field cutting and thereby when first longitudinal end 36 is moved from first position 100 to second position 102 which is closer to drainage device 48 than first position 100. First and second attachment features 66 are connected respectively to first and second attachment channels 62, 64 using an adhesive, each of first and second attachment features 66 including two substantially vertical fourth walls 76 and a substantially horizontal fifth wall 78 attached to fourth walls 76 therebetween, fourth walls 76 being positioned adjacent respectively second wall 44, third wall 46, and drainage channel 42, fifth wall 78 being positioned adjacent first wall 40. End device 34 is selectively a floor endcap 34A, a wall endcap 34B, a linear junction member 34C coupling main body 32 in a substantially straight line with another main body 32 which is substantially similar to one another, or a corner member 34D coupling main body 32 substantially perpendicularly with the other main body 32, first and second attachment features 66 of each of floor endcap 34A, wall endcap 34B, linear junction member 34C, and corner member 34D being substantially identical, and thereby being selectively attached to main body 32. When end device 34 is floor endcap 34A, floor endcap 34A includes a substantially vertical sixth wall 80 and a substantially horizontal seventh wall 82 attached to sixth wall 80, first and second attachment features 66 projecting from sixth wall 80, sixth wall 80 being positioned adjacent first longitudinal end 36. When end device 34 is wall endcap 34B, wall endcap 34B includes a substantially vertical eighth wall 84, first and second attachment features 66 projecting from eighth wall 84, eighth wall 84 being positioned adjacent first longitudinal end 36. When end device 34 is linear junction member 34C, linear junction member 34C includes a substantially horizontal span 88 connecting first and second attachment features 66 together, linear junction member 34C spanning a joint 90 formed by main body 32 and the other main body 32 abutting one another in an end-to-end manner, span 88 underlapping drainage channel 42 of each of main body 32 and the other main body 32. When end device 34 is corner member 34D, corner member 34D includes a substantially horizontal ninth wall 92, two corner drainage channels 94 angled perpendicularly relative to one another and depending from ninth wall 92, a substantially vertical tenth wall 96 depending from ninth wall 92, and a substantially vertical eleventh wall 98 depending from ninth wall 92 and angled perpendicularly relative to tenth wall 96, first and second attachment features 66 projecting from tenth wall 96, eleventh wall 98 including third and fourth attachment features 66 projecting therefrom and which are substantially identical to first and second attachment features 66, corner drainage channels 94 being aligned respectively with drainage channel 42 of main body 32 and the other main body 32, first, second, third, and fourth attachment features 66 being received by and attached respectively to first and second attachment channels 62, 64 of main body 32 and the other main body 32.

While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A drain assembly, comprising:

a main body including a substantially horizontal first wall extending in a longitudinal direction of said main body, a drainage channel depending from said first wall and extending in said longitudinal direction, a substantially vertical second wall depending from said first wall and extending in said longitudinal direction, and a first longitudinal end, said first wall, said drainage channel, and said second wall together forming a first attachment channel configured for receiving and attaching to a first attachment feature of an end device at said first longitudinal end.

2. The drain assembly of claim 1, wherein said main body includes a substantially vertical third wall depending from said first wall, extending in said longitudinal direction, and being spaced apart from said second wall and said drainage channel, said drainage channel being between said second and third walls, said first wall, said drainage channel, and said third wall together forming a second attachment channel configured for receiving and attaching to a second attachment feature of said end device at said first longitudinal end.

3. The drain assembly of claim 2, wherein said main body includes a second longitudinal end opposing said first longitudinal end, and a substantially vertical drainage device positioned between said first and second longitudinal ends and intercepting said drainage channel, said first and second attachment channels extending at least substantially a first length running from said drainage device to said first longitudinal end and a second length running opposingly from said drainage device to said second longitudinal end, said end device being selectively attachable to one of said first longitudinal end and said second longitudinal end by way of said first and second attachment features and said first and second attachment channels.

4. The drain assembly of claim 3, wherein said first and second attachment features of said end device are selectively positionable between a first position and a second position along respectively said first and second attachment channels, said first and second attachment features occupying said second position when said first length is selectively shortened by way of field cutting and thereby when said first longitudinal end is moved from said first position to said second position which is closer to said drainage device than said first position.

5. The drain assembly of claim 4, wherein said first and second attachment features are connected respectively to said first and second attachment channels using an adhesive, each of said first and second attachment features including two substantially vertical fourth walls and a substantially horizontal fifth wall attached to said fourth walls therebetween, said fourth walls being positioned adjacent respectively said second wall, said third wall, and said drainage channel, said fifth wall being positioned adjacent said first wall.

6. The drain assembly of claim 5, wherein said end device is selectively one of a floor endcap, a wall endcap, a linear junction member configured for coupling said main body in a substantially straight line with another said main body which is substantially similar to said main body, and a corner member configured for coupling said main body substantially perpendicularly with said other main body, said first and second attachment features of each of said floor endcap, said wall endcap, said linear junction member, and said corner member being substantially identical and thereby being selectively attached to said main body.

7. The drain assembly of claim 6, wherein said floor endcap includes a substantially vertical sixth wall and a substantially horizontal seventh wall attached to said sixth wall, said first and second attachment features projecting from said sixth wall, said sixth wall being positioned adjacent said first longitudinal end.

8. The drain assembly of claim 6, wherein said wall endcap includes a substantially vertical eighth wall, said first and second attachment features projecting from said eighth wall, said eighth wall being positioned adjacent said first longitudinal end.

9. The drain assembly of claim 6, further including said other main body, said linear junction member including a substantially horizontal span connecting said first and second attachment features together, said linear junction member spanning a joint formed by said main body and said other main body abutting one another in an end-to-end manner, said span underlapping said drainage channel of each of said main body and said other main body.

10. The drain assembly of claim 6, further including said other main body, said corner member including a substantially horizontal ninth wall, two corner drainage channels angled perpendicularly relative to one another and depending from said ninth wall, a substantially vertical tenth wall depending from said ninth wall, and a substantially vertical eleventh wall depending from said ninth wall and angled perpendicularly relative to said tenth wall, said first and second attachment features projecting from said tenth wall, said eleventh wall including third and fourth attachment features projecting therefrom and which are substantially identical to said first and second attachment features, said corner drainage channels being aligned respectively with said drainage channel of said main body and said drainage channel of said other main body, said first, second, third, and fourth attachment features being received by and connected respectively to said first and second attachment channels of said main body and said other main body.

11. A method of using a drain assembly, comprising:

providing a drain assembly including a main body which includes a substantially horizontal first wall extending in a longitudinal direction of said main body, a drainage channel depending from said first wall and extending in said longitudinal direction, a substantially vertical second wall depending from said first wall and extending in said longitudinal direction, and a first longitudinal end, said first wall, said drainage channel, and said second wall together forming a first attachment channel;

receiving, by said first attachment channel, a first attachment feature of an end device at said first longitudinal end; and

attaching said first attachment channel to said first attachment feature at said first longitudinal end.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said main body includes a substantially vertical third wall depending from said first wall, extending in said longitudinal direction, and being spaced apart from said second wall and said drainage channel, said drainage channel being between said second and third walls, said first wall, said drainage channel, and said third wall together forming a second attachment channel, the method further including receiving, by said second attachment channel, a second attachment feature of said end device at said first longitudinal end, and attaching said second attachment channel to said second attachment feature at said first longitudinal end.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said main body includes a second longitudinal end opposing said first longitudinal end, and a substantially vertical drainage device positioned between said first and second longitudinal ends and intercepting said drainage channel, said first and second attachment channels extending at least substantially a first length running from said drainage device to said first longitudinal end and a second length running opposingly from said drainage device to said second longitudinal end, the method further including attaching selectively said end device to one of said first longitudinal end and said second longitudinal end by way of said first and second attachment features and said first and second attachment channels.

14. The method of claim 13, further including positioning selectively said first and second attachment features of said end device between a first position and a second position along respectively said first and second attachment channels, said first and second attachment features occupying said second position when said first length is selectively shortened by way of field cutting and thereby when said first longitudinal end is moved from said first position to said second position which is closer to said drainage device than said first position.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said first and second attachment features are connected respectively to said first and second attachment channels using an adhesive, each of said first and second attachment features including two substantially vertical fourth walls and a substantially horizontal fifth wall attached to said fourth walls therebetween, said fourth walls being positioned adjacent respectively said second wall, said third wall, and said drainage channel, said fifth wall being positioned adjacent said first wall.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said end device is selectively one of a floor endcap, a wall endcap, a linear junction member coupling said main body in a substantially straight line with another said main body which is substantially similar to said main body, and a corner member coupling said main body substantially perpendicularly with said other main body, said first and second attachment features of each of said floor endcap, said wall endcap, said linear junction member, and said corner member being substantially identical, and thereby being selectively attached to said main body.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said floor endcap includes a substantially vertical sixth wall and a substantially horizontal seventh wall attached to said sixth wall, said first and second attachment features projecting from said sixth wall, said sixth wall being positioned adjacent said first longitudinal end.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein said wall endcap includes a substantially vertical eighth wall, said first and second attachment features projecting from said eighth wall, said eighth wall being positioned adjacent said first longitudinal end.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein said linear junction member includes a substantially horizontal span connecting said first and second attachment features together, said linear junction member spanning a joint formed by said main body and said other main body abutting one another in an end-to-end manner, said span underlapping said drainage channel of each of said main body and said other main body.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein said corner member includes a substantially horizontal ninth wall, two corner drainage channels angled perpendicularly relative to one another and depending from said ninth wall, a substantially vertical tenth wall depending from said ninth wall, and a substantially vertical eleventh wall depending from said ninth wall and angled perpendicularly relative to said tenth wall, said first and second attachment features projecting from said tenth wall, said eleventh wall including third and fourth attachment features projecting therefrom and which are substantially identical to said first and second attachment features, said corner drainage channels being aligned respectively with said drainage channel of said main body and said drainage channel of said other main body, said first, second, third, and fourth attachment features being received by and attached respectively to said first and second attachment channels of said main body and said other main body.