Multi-use one piece plumbing device and method thereof

Abstract

A one-piece plumbing device that allows easy installation for connection between sink drains having different diameters and sewer drains having different diameters. The one-piece device has a vertical end, a flexible neck, a connection, a trap section and a horizontal end. The vertical end has a first wall and a second wall having different diameters which accommodate different size sink drains. The flexible neck allows for ease of installation. The trap section has a rotatable joint to additionally ease the installation process. The horizontal end has an outer wall, a middle wall and an inner wall, each having different diameters and concentrically nested within each other for attachment to various size sewer pipes.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device for plumbing and method thereof. In particular, an improved one-piece device that provides a multi-use pipe assembly for use with a kitchen or bathroom sink that accommodates different size sewer pipes and different size drain pipes to facilitate quick and easy installation with a one piece device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

All sinks utilize multiple plumbing connections to a drain system. This plumbing usually involves drain fittings to connect the conduit to a sewer pipe, a trap, or U-shaped portion of the conduit, and a fitting to connect the conduit to the sink. Kitchen sink drains normally use a 1.5 inch diameter drain plumbing while bathroom sinks and other low-volume drains normally use a 1.25 inch diameter drain plumbing. Further, sewer pipes have varying sizes and are most commonly 1.5 inch, 1.75 inch or 2 inch in diameter. Prior art plumbing, such as drain fittings and traps, provide for connection to a specific diameter drain and/or sewer pipe. Further, prior art plumbing involves multiple pieces with a lengthy, complicated and precise installation process. Such prior art plumbing devices require custom sections to allow the plumbing to attach to the specific drain and pipe being used. Further, rigid conduit sections are difficult to install and require multiple pieces that are dimensioned with little tolerance. Still further, the same plumbing pieces cannot be versatilely used for the plumbing under a kitchen sink as for a bathroom sink due to the difference in diameter of the sewer and sink drain.

Therefore, there is a need for a one-piece under-sink plumbing assembly that can be utilized with various size drains and pipes and allows for easy and quick installation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a one-piece plumbing device that can be used both under a bathroom or kitchen sink to connect to the sewer pipe and allows an easy installation.

The plumbing device of the present invention comprises a vertical end, a flexible neck, a connection, a trap section and a horizontal end. The vertical end of the pipe has two concentric walls, the first wall has a one and a half (1.5) inch inner diameter and a smaller second wall having one and a quarter (1.25) inch inner diameter nestled therein. The first wall and the second wall allow connection to the vertical end to sink drains having different diameters. The flexible neck has a first end and a second end. The first end of the flexible neck is connected to the vertical end. The flexible neck is capable of extending up to sixteen (16) inches in any direction. The second end of the flexible neck is coupled to the trap section. The other end of the trap section is coupled to the horizontal end. The trap section has a rotatable joint that facilities maneuvering and ease of installation of the plumbing device. The horizontal end of the pipe has three concentric walls nested within. The outer wall has a two (2) inch inner diameter. Nested therein is the middle wall having a one and three quarter (1.75) inch inner diameter. Nestled therein is the inner wall, having a one and a half (1.50) inch inner diameter. The outer, middle and inner walls allow connection of the horizontal end to sewer pipes having different diameters. The horizontal and vertical ends optionally have rings or ribs to facilitate proper sealing around the sink drain and sewer pipe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention has been chosen for purposes of illustration and description and is shown in the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the one piece plumbing device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross section view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the vertical end of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross section view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1 of the horizontal end of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the drawings, wherein the same reference number indicates the same element throughout, there is shown in FIG. 1 a side view of the one piece plumbing device 100 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the plumbing device 100 comprises a vertical end 24, a flexible neck 10, a connection 20, a trap section 15 and a horizontal end 30. The vertical end 24, has a first edge 21 and a second edge 22. The vertical end 24 of the pipe has two concentric walls, a first wall 26 and a smaller diameter second wall 28. In an embodiment of the present invention the first wall 26 has a one and a half (1.5) inch inner diameter (diameter b) and the second wall 28 has a one and one quarter (1.25) inch inner diameter (diameter a). As shown in FIG. 2, the second wall 28 is concentrically nested within the first wall 26. The first edge 21 of the vertical end 24 is capable of attaching to a sink drain S of two different diameters. As shown in FIG. 3, the second wall 28 extends partially from the second edge 22 to the first edge 21 of the vertical end 24. The first wall 26 extends from the second edge 22 to the first edge 21 of the vertical end 24. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention the first wall 26 and the second wall 28 both extend fully from the first edge 21 to the second edge 22 of the vertical end 24 (not shown). The first wall 26 has a first flange 27 on the first edge 21 of the vertical end 24 that enables secure sealing of the plumbing device 100 with a sink drain pipe S (not shown). The second wall 28 similarly has a second flange 29 that enables sealing of the plumbing device 100 with a sink pipe S (not shown). The first flange 27 and second flange 29 may be made of rubber or the other pliable material known to one skilled in the art for sealing against a drain pipe.

A kitchen drainpipe, having a typical outer diameter of 1.5 inches is inserted into the vertical end 24 such that the kitchen drain pipe fits snuggly between the first and second walls 26 and 28. When used with a bathroom drain pipe having a typical outer diameter of 1.25 inches it is inserted into the vertical end 24, the outer surface of the bathroom drain pipe fits snuggly against the inner wall of the second wall 28.

The flexible neck 10 has a first end 12 and a second end 14. The second edge 22 of the vertical end 24 is coupled to the first end 12 of the flexible neck 10. The flexible neck 10 is an expandable neck such as a bellow hose that is capable of stretching in any direction. In an embodiment of the present invention, the flexible neck 10 is capable of stretching up to sixteen (16) inches. The flexible neck allows for easy installation as it may be moved in any direction to ease the installation process. The second end 14 of the flexible neck 10 is coupled to the trap section 15 by connection 20. Connection 20 couples the flexible neck 10 and the trap section 15 by glue, twist, clamp, threaded screw or any known fastening means known to one skilled in the art. The trap section 15 includes a U-shaped pipe which enables a water seal in the drain pipes to prevent sewer gases from entering the sink drain. Connection 20 may optionally be removed by having the flexible neck 10 coupled directly to the trap section 15.

In one embodiment of the present invention the trap section 15 has a rotatable joint 18 that facilities maneuvering of the plumbing device 100 and ease of installation. Joint 18 can be a snap fit with an o-ring there between or other connection types known to one skilled in the art.

The trap section 15 is coupled to the horizontal end 30. The horizontal end 30 has a first edge 31 and a second edge 32. As shown in FIG. 4 the horizontal end 30 of the pipe has three concentric walls, outer wall 34, middle wall 36 and inner wall 38. Inner wall 38 is nested within middle wall 36 which is nested within outer wall 34. In an embodiment of the present invention, outer wall 34 has an inner diameter of two (2) inches, middle wall 36 has an inner diameter of one and three quarter (1.75) inches and inner wall 38 has an inner diameter of one and a half (1.50) inches. Outer wall 34, middle wall 36 and inner wall 38 extend from the first edge 31 of the horizontal end 30 to the second edge 32 of the horizontal end 30. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention middle wall 36 and inner wall 38 may extend partially through the horizontal end 30. The second edge 32 of outer wall 34, middle wall 36 and inner wall 38 may include a flange (not shown) to facilitate proper sealing around the sewer pipe. This flange is similar to the first flange 27 and second flange 29 of the vertical end 24. Further, circular ribbings can be provided on the outer wall 34, middle wall 36 and inner wall 38 to improve sealing of the horizontal end 30 to the sewer pipe.

A bathroom sewer pipe having a typical outer diameter of 1.5 inches is inserted into the horizontal end 30 where the outer surface of the bathroom sewer pipe fits snuggly against the inside wall of the inner wall 38. When used with a bathroom or kitchen sewer pipe having a 1.75 inch outer diameter, the sewer pipe is inserted into the horizontal end 30 where the bathroom sewer fits snuggly between the inner wall 38 and middle wall 36. When used with a bathroom or kitchen sewer pipe having a 2 inch diameter, the sewer pipe is inserted into the horizontal end 30 where the sewer pipe fits snugly between the outer wall 34 and the middle wall 36.

The plumbing device 100 is easy to install even when obstacles arise such as the sink drain being close to the wall or far from the wall or the height of the drain or sewer pipe being located far from the drain. The rotatable joint 18 and the flexible neck 10 allow for easy installation regardless of the distance and location of the sink drain and the sewer pipe by allowing extension of the plumbing device 100 in any desired direction. The plumbing device 100 can be installed without the need for various different components having various sizes and precise measurements are not needed. Further, the plumbing device 100 allows for easy installation and replacement because it may be held by friction and can be installed, removed or replaced without the need for specific tools or the need for a skilled plumber.

Both the vertical and horizontal ends 24 and 30 are shown to have walls that are uniformly tubular. However, these walls may be slightly tapered such that a pipe inserted there between can be securely frictionally and sealingly held therein.

The one piece plumbing device 100 may be made of rigid PVC with rubber sealing. The flexible neck 10 may be constructed of a bellow hose made from plastic, rubber or metal with plastic lining.

To install the one piece plumbing device 100 of the present invention the sewer pipe is inserted into the horizontal end 30. Next, the sink drain S (not shown) is inserted into the vertical end 24. If the location of the sewer pipe and/or drain pipe requires, the plumbing device 100 may be extended or reduced by use of the flexible neck 10. Further, the rotatable joint 18 may be utilized to enable easy installation. To further secure the plumbing device 100 to the sink drain and sewer pipe, a removable clamp or may be used over the horizontal end 30 and vertical end 24.

The features of the invention illustrated and described herein are the preferred embodiments. Therefore, it is understood that the appended claims are intended to cover unforeseeable embodiments with insubstantial differences that are within the spirit of the claims.

Claims

1. A one-piece plumbing device for connecting a sink drain to a sewer pipe, comprising:

a vertical end having first and second concentric walls and first and second edges, said second wall having a smaller diameter than said first wall and is concentrically nestled within said first wall, and said first edge of said vertical end is adapted to receive a sink drain;

a flexible and expandable neck having a first end and a second end, said first end of said flexible neck is coupled to said second edge of said vertical end;

a trap section having first and second ends, said first end of said trap section is coupled to said second end of said flexible neck; and

a horizontal end having outer, middle and inner walls and a first edge and a second edge, said inner wall having a smaller diameter than said middle wall and is concentrically nestled within said middle wall, said middle wall having a smaller diameter than said outer wall and is concentrically nested within said outer wall, said first edge of said horizontal end is coupled to said second end of said trap section and said second edge of said horizontal end is adapted to receive a sewer pipe.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a connection coupling said second end of said flexible neck to said first end of said trap section.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said trap section being a ‘U’ shaped pipe.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said trap section having a rotatable joint.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said first wall of said vertical end having a 1.5 inch inner diameter and said second wall of said vertical end having a 1.25 inch inner diameter.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said first and second walls of said vertical end having first and second flanges, respectively, for sealing said vertical end around said sink drain.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said second wall of said vertical end extends partially from said second edge of said vertical end to said first edge of said vertical end, said first wall extending fully from said second edge to said first edge of said vertical end.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said flexible and expandable neck is extendable up to 16 inches.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein said outer wall of said horizontal end having a 2 inch inner diameter, said middle wall of said horizontal end having a 1.75 inch inner diameter and said inner wall of said horizontal end having a 1.5 inch inner diameter.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein said one-piece plumbing device is made of a plastic material.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein said first and second walls of said vertical end each having at least one rib to facilitate sealing said vertical end around said sink drain.

12. The device of claim 1 wherein said outer, middle and inner walls of said horizontal end each having at least one rib to facilitate sealing said horizontal end around said sewer pipe.

13. The device of claim 1 wherein said flexible and expandable neck being a bellow hose.

14. The device of claim 1 wherein said first and second walls of said vertical end each being cylindrically tapered.

15. The device of claim 1 wherein said outer, middle and inner walls of said vertical end each being cylindrically tapered.

16. A method of installing a one-piece plumbing device for connecting a sink drain to a sewer pipe, comprising the steps of:

a) providing a one-piece plumbing device comprises: i. a vertical end having first and second concentric walls and first and second edges, said second wall having a smaller diameter than said first wall and is concentrically nestled within said first wall, and said first edge of said vertical end is adapted to receive a sink drain; ii. a flexible and expandable neck having a first end and a second end, said first end of said flexible neck is coupled to said second edge of said vertical end; iii. a trap section having first and second ends, said first end of said trap section is coupled to said second end of said flexible neck; and iv. a horizontal end having outer, middle and inner walls and a first edge and a second edge, said inner wall having a smaller diameter than said middle wall and is concentrically nestled within said middle wall, said middle wall having a smaller diameter than said outer wall and is concentrically nested within said outer wall, said first edge of said horizontal end is coupled to said second end of said trap section and said second edge of said horizontal end is adapted to receive a sewer pipe;

b) inserting said sewer pipe into said horizontal end through said second edge of said horizontal end; and

c) inserting said sink drain into said vertical end through said first edge of said vertical end.

17. The method according to claim 16 wherein said trap section further having a rotatable joint, further comprising the step of rotating said rotatable joint of said trap section to facilitate insertion of said sewer pipe into said horizontal end and insertion of said sink drain into said vertical end.

18. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of securing said horizontal end around said sewer pipe with a fastening means.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of securing said vertical end around said sink drain with a fastening means.