TUB OVERFLOW ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The tub overflow assembly comprising an inlet, and outlet and a fluid flow path. The inlet having a lowest point adapted to admit overflow water. The outlet adapted to be connected to a soil or waste pipe. The fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet. The fluid flow path defines a minimum fluid flow level, the minimum fluid flow level being higher than the lowest point of the inlet.

Description

PRIORITY/CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/542,872, filed 4 Oct. 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure generally relates to tub wastes or overflow assemblies.

BACKGROUND

The market is saturated with many types of bath waste/overflow assemblies for tubs and with the advent of expensive soaking and Jacuzzi® style tubs, a return to the more traditional style of deep soaking tubs has become more desirable.

Standards for installation of bath tubs dictate that the centre of a 2.5″ (63.5 mm) overflow must be 2.4″ (61 mm) from the top of the tub, thus determining a maximum achievable fill level for the tub. These standards are drafted to ensure water does not flow over the edge of a tub when a user enters the tub filled to its maximum achievable fill level. However, for the majority of users, even when they are entering the tub, the water level does not rise sufficiently to risk flowing over the edge of the tub.

Furthermore, some conventional overflow assemblies extend out from the wall of the tub to such an extent that they can be an obstruction to the person using the tub and can look aesthetically unappealing.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Several exemplary tub overflow assemblies are described herein. Exemplary tub overflow assemblies may contain all, some or none of the elements discussed in this Summary of the Disclosure.

An exemplary tub overflow assembly comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet. The inlet having a lowest point adapted to admit overflow water. The outlet adapted to be connected to a soil or waste pipe. The fluid flow path defining a minimum fluid flow level, the minimum fluid flow level being higher than the lowest point of the inlet.

The minimum fluid flow level of a flow path is the level to which fluid has to rise before the fluid can flow the entire length of the flow path, from the inlet to the outlet.

By providing a flow path with a minimum fluid flow level which is higher than the inlet lowest point, it is possible to achieve a greater depth of water within a tub than is possible with conventional overflow assemblies in which the inlet lowest point is the same as or higher than the minimum fluid flow level of the flow path.

An exemplary tub overflow assembly may comprise a housing, the housing defining the fluid flow path.

The fluid flow path may comprise a first portion in communication with the assembly inlet and a second portion in communication with the assembly outlet.

The housing may include a structural element, the structural element defining the fluid flow path minimum fluid flow level.

The structural element may comprise a baffle, a wall, a weir or the like.

The structural element may separate the first fluid flow path portion and the second fluid flow path portion.

The structural element may be adjustable with respect to the housing.

In an exemplary tub overflow assembly, the structural element may be integral with the housing.

The structural element may define an edge, the edge in use defining the flow path minimum fluid flow level.

In an exemplary tub overflow assembly, the inlet further comprises a highest point.

The minimum fluid flow level, in some exemplary tub overflow assemblies may be between the inlet lowest point and the inlet highest point.

In alternative exemplary tub overflow assemblies, the minimum fluid flow level may be equal to or above the inlet highest point.

Where the second flow path portion is substantially vertical, the length of the structural member edge is more than 25% of the perimeter of the outlet. In one preferred exemplary tub overflow assembly, the second flow path portion is substantially vertical. Such an arrangement permits siphonic flow to be established and allows for rapid draining of the tub.

An exemplary tub overflow assembly may further comprise an inlet shroud, the inlet shroud adapted to be connected to the assembly housing, the housing and the inlet shroud, in use, sandwiching a portion of a tub wall defining a tub opening. The tub opening is an aperture incorporated into the wall of the tub to accommodate the overflow assembly. This tub opening is provided at the height set by the standards governing the positioning of overflows. The inlet shroud is provided to secure the assembly housing to the tub and to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish to the tub surface.

The inlet shroud may define the assembly inlet.

In some exemplary tub overflow assemblies, the inlet lowest point is defined by the inlet shroud and may be vertically displaced from the lowest point of the tub outlet. Such an arrangement provides a further elevation of the overflow by raising the level at which water enters the overflow above the opening defined by the tub which meets the standard for positioning overflows on tubs.

An exemplary tub overflow assembly may further comprise an inlet cover.

The inlet cover may be adapted to be releasably connectable to the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the inlet cover may be adapted to be releasably connectable to the inlet shroud.

The inlet cover may be attached to the housing and/or the inlet shroud by means of a threaded connection, push fit connection, interference fit or any suitable connection means.

The inlet cover may be locatable within the inlet shroud.

Particularly, the inlet cover may define a surface, the inlet cover being locatable such that the inlet cover surface is flush with at least a portion of an inlet shroud surface.

Where the inlet cover is locatable within the inlet shroud, the cover and the shroud define a gap therebetween to allow water to flow into the assembly inlet. Being able to locate the inlet cover within the inlet shroud allows the assembly to define a minimal depth from the wall of the tub making the assembly aesthetically pleasing.

The gap defined by the cover and the shroud may extend around the perimeter of the cover.

In an exemplary tub overflow assembly, the inlet shroud may define a flange adapted to be located in a tub opening. The inlet shroud may define a flange having a complementary profile to a tub opening profile. In this exemplary tub overflow assembly, the flange may be provided to fit neatly within the tub opening to maximize the flow of water through the opening and into the assembly inlet.

The inlet shroud may define a lip adapted to engage an internal tub surface. The inlet shroud lip provides a smooth transition from the tub surface to the assembly inlet.

The inlet shroud lip may define an external perimeter of the inlet shroud.

The inlet shroud perimeter may have a different geometrical shape to the inlet shroud flange and the tub opening. Such an arrangement permits a tub to be fitted with an overflow assembly which has, for example, a rectangular external appearance but fits through a circular tub opening.

The assembly may further comprise a one-way valve.

The one-way valve may be located adjacent the assembly outlet. A one-way valve can be provided to prevent the back flow of odors or germs from the soil stack. The back flow of odors and/or germs can occur where, for example, a downstream liquid trap in the soil stack evaporates removing the barrier between waste products and the overflow assembly.

The one-way valve may be a duck bill valve.

The tub overflow assembly may be sold as a retro-fit assembly for existing tub installations, for new tub installations or in combination with a tub.

The tub overflow assembly may be fitted to any tub, but is ideally suitable for a bath tub or a soak tub in which a person submerges their body.

In a second exemplary tub overflow assembly, there is provided a tub overflow assembly, the tub overflow assembly comprising an inlet having an inlet lowest point, the inlet being adapted to admit overflow water and an outlet having an outlet lowest point, the outlet being adapted to be connected to a soil stack, the outlet lowest point being higher than the inlet lowest point.

In a third exemplary tub overflow assembly, there is provided a tub overflow assembly with an inlet having a lowest point that admits overflow water, an outlet and a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet that defines a minimum fluid flow level that is higher than the lowest point of the inlet thus enabling a water level in a tub fitted with the assembly to rise above the overflow conventional draining height. An exemplary tub overflow assembly may include a baffle, a wall, a weir or similar arrangement to define the minimum fluid flow level within the fluid flow path. The minimum fluid flow level may be above a mid-point of the inlet.

An additional benefit of the concept is it may be possible for bath manufacturers to reduce material in bath dimensions without compromising the experience and depth of the bathing water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An exemplary tub overflow assembly will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary tub overflow assembly,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary tub overflow assembly of FIG. 1 with the inlet cover removed,

FIG. 3 is a front view of the exemplary tub overflow assembly of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a section of the exemplary tub overflow assembly of FIG. 1 taken along the line 4-4 shown on FIG. 3 and shown in situ with a tub, and

FIG. 5 is a section of the exemplary tub overflow assembly of FIG. 1 taken along the line 5-5 shown on FIG. 3 and shown in situ with a tub.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and the referenced drawings provide illustrative examples of that which the inventor regards as his invention. As such, the embodiments discussed herein are merely exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, or its protection, in any manner. Rather, the description and illustration of these embodiments serve to enable a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art to practice the invention.

The use of “e.g.,” “etc,” “for instance,” “in example,” “for example,” and “or” and grammatically related terms indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation, unless otherwise noted. The use of “including” and grammatically related terms means “including, but not limited to,” unless otherwise noted. The use of the articles “a,” “an” and “the” are meant to be interpreted as referring to the singular as well as the plural, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a fluid flow path” includes two or more such fluid flow paths, and the like. The use of “optionally,” “alternatively,” and grammatically related terms means that the subsequently described element, event or circumstance may or may not be present/occur, and that the description includes instances where said element, event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. The use of “preferred,” “preferably,” and grammatically related terms means that a specified element or technique is more acceptable than another, but not that such specified element or technique is a necessity, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The use of “exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey a meaning of an ideal or preferred embodiment.

Referring to the drawings, illustrated is a tub overflow assembly, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, for the attachment, or attachable, to or through a tub opening 12 in the tub wall 14 of a tub 16 (best illustrated in FIG. 4). The tub overflow assembly 10 has a housing 18 that is attachable to an inlet shroud 50 through the tub opening 12. In the tub overflow assembly 10 illustrated in the Figures, the housing 18 and the inlet shroud 50 are secured to each other by means of a pair of screws 52, 53 which clamp the tub wall 14 between the housing 18 and the inlet shroud 50 to secure the tub overflow assembly 10 in position, a seal being formed between the housing 18 and the tub wall 14 by an elastomeric seal 70. While in this exemplary tub overflow assembly 10, a pair of screws 52, 53 comprise the fasteners utilized, a skilled artisan will be able to select an appropriate structure and material for the connection between the inlet shroud 50 and the housing 18 in a particular embodiment based on various considerations, including the intended use of the tub overflow assembly, the intended arena within which the tub overflow assembly will be used, and the equipment and/or accessories with which the tub overflow assembly is intended to be used, among other considerations.

The housing 18 and the inlet shroud 50 define an assembly inlet 20 having a lowest point 22 (defined by the inlet shroud 50) that admits overflow water from the tub 16. The housing 18 also has an outlet 24 communicable with a drain pipe attachment 26, which in turn, in use, is attached to a soil stack of waste pipe (not illustrated). The housing 18 defines a fluid flow path 30 between the assembly inlet 20 and the outlet 24. As is best illustrated in FIG. 4, a minimum fluid flow level 32 of the fluid flow path 30 is higher than the lowest point 22 of the assembly inlet 20. A water level 44 in the tub 16 must rise above the minimum fluid flow level 32 before water can flow to the outlet 24.

In a preferred embodiment the fluid flow path 30 comprises a first fluid path 30a in fluid communication with the assembly inlet 20 and a second fluid path 30b in fluid communication with the outlet 24. A structural element 34, preferably in the form of a wall or weir or similar arrangement, is located between the first fluid path 30a and the second fluid path 30b. The minimum fluid flow level 32 is defined by the structural element 34, the minimum fluid flow level 32 is particularly defined by a structural element upper edge 54. Referring to FIG. 5, the second fluid path 30b is substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, with the structural element 34 forming one of the longer sides of the shape. This structure has utility because as water rises up the structural element 34, it will pour over the upper edge 54 into the second fluid path 30b and due to the sudden volume of water entering the second fluid path 30b, it is believed siphonic flow will be set up causing the tub 16 to drain to the minimum fluid flow level 32 more quickly.

The tub overflow assembly 10 further comprises an inlet cover 56 connected to the housing 18 by a threaded bore 58 attached to the back of the inlet cover 56, the bar passing through an aperture 60 defined by the inlet shroud 50. While a threaded bolt attached to the back of the cover is illustrated in the drawings, alternatively the cover could comprise an orifice for receiving a screw there-through, or the cover could snap fit onto the inlet shroud or other portion of the tub overflow assembly, or other structure. A skilled artisan will be able to select an appropriate manner of connecting the cover to the tub overflow assembly in a particular embodiment based on various considerations, including the intended use of the tub overflow assembly, the intended arena within which the tub overflow assembly will be used, and the equipment and/or accessories with which the tub overflow assembly is intended to be used, among other considerations.

The inlet shroud 50 comprises an internal flange 62 which extends into the tub opening 12, the internal flange 62 defining the inlet lowest point 22. The inlet shroud 50 also defines an external flange 64 with a chamfered edge 66, the chamfered edge 66 engaging with the tub wall 14 and providing a smooth transition from the tub wall 14 to the inlet cover 56.

Referring to FIG. 3, it will be noted that the inlet shroud 50 defines a lower aperture 20a, and an upper aperture 20b. The lower aperture 20a defining the inlet to the lowest point 22. In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the lowest point of the inlet can be raised by, for example, manufacturing the inlet shroud with only a single aperture, being the upper aperture.

It is preferred that the minimum fluid flow level 32 is above a mid-point 36 of the assembly inlet 20.

In one exemplary tub overflow assembly, the tub overflow assembly comprises an assembly inlet, an assembly outlet, and a fluid flow path. The assembly inlet having a lowest point adapted to admit overflow water. The assembly outlet adapted to be connected to a soil or waste pipe. The fluid flow path between the assembly inlet and the assembly outlet. The fluid flow path defining a minimum fluid flow level. The minimum fluid flow level being higher than the lowest point of the assembly inlet.

In another exemplary tub overflow assembly, the tub overflow assembly further comprises a housing, the housing defining the fluid flow path. The fluid flow path comprises a first portion in communication with the assembly inlet and a second portion in communication with the assembly outlet. The housing includes a structural element, the structural element defining the fluid flow path minimum fluid flow level. The structural element separates the first fluid flow path portion and the second fluid flow path portion. The second flow path portion is substantially vertical and the length of the structural member edge is more than 25% of the perimeter of the outlet assembly.

In another exemplary tub overflow assembly, the tub overflow assembly comprises an inlet shroud, the inlet shroud adapted to be connected to the housing, the housing and the inlet shroud, in use, sandwiching a portion of a tub wall defining a tub opening therebetween. Preferably, the inlet shroud defines the assembly inlet. Preferably, the assembly inlet comprises a lowest point, wherein said lowest point is defined by the inlet shroud and wherein said lowest point is vertically displaced from the assembly outlet.

In another exemplary tub overflow assembly, the tub overflow assembly comprises an inlet cover. The inlet cover is locatable within the inlet shroud. The inlet cover defines a surface, the inlet cover being locatable such that the inlet cover surface is flush with at least a portion of an inlet shroud surface. The inlet cover is locatable within the inlet shroud, the inlet cover and the inlet shroud define a gap therebetween to allow water to flow into the assembly inlet. Preferably, the gap defined by the inlet cover and the inlet shroud extends around the perimeter of the inlet cover. Preferably, the inlet shroud defines a flange adapted to be located in a tub opening and having a complementary profile to a tub opening profile, and the inlet shroud defines a lip adapted to engage an internal tub surface, the lip defining an external perimeter of the inlet shroud, the inlet shroud perimeter having a different geometrical shape to the inlet shroud flange and the tub opening.

In another exemplary tub overflow assembly, the tub overflow assembly further comprises a one-way valve located adjacent the assembly outlet. It is preferred that the one-way valve be a duck bill valve.

Another exemplary tub overflow assembly comprises an inlet having an inlet lowest point, the inlet being adapted to admit overflow water; and an outlet having an outlet lowest point, the outlet being adapted to be connected to a soil stack, the outlet lowest point being higher than the inlet lowest point.

Any suitable structure and/or material can be used for the components of an exemplary tub overflow assembly, and a skilled artisan will be able to select an appropriate structure and material for the components in a particular embodiment based on various considerations, including the intended use of the tub overflow assembly, the intended arena within which the tub overflow assembly will be used, and the equipment and/or accessories with which the tub overflow assembly is intended to be used, among other considerations.

It is noted that all structure and features of the various described and illustrated embodiments can be combined in any suitable configuration for inclusion in a tub overflow assembly according to a particular embodiment. For example, a tub overflow assembly according a particular embodiment can include neither, one, or both of the upper aperture and the lower aperture described above.

Any suitable materials can be used to form the various components of the tub overflow assembly, and a skilled artisan will be able to select appropriate materials for a tub overflow assembly according to a particular embodiment based on various considerations, including the environment within which the tub overflow assembly is intended to be used. The inventor has determined that conventional polymeric and metal materials are suitable for use in the various components of the tub overflow assembly. For example, the housing and associated components can be injection-molded from suitable plastics known in the art. The cover can be formed from metal materials, including stainless steel and other suitable metals. Materials hereinafter discovered and/or developed that are determined to be suitable for use in tub overflow assembly devices would also be considered suitable for use in a tub overflow assembly according to a particular embodiment.

The foregoing detailed description provides exemplary embodiments of the invention and includes the best mode for practicing the invention. The description and illustration of these embodiments is intended only to provide examples of the invention, and not to limit the scope of the invention, or its protection, in any manner.

Claims

1. A tub overflow assembly, the tub overflow assembly comprising;

an assembly inlet, the assembly inlet having a lowest point adapted to admit overflow water,

an assembly outlet adapted to be connected to a soil or waste pipe; and

a fluid flow path between the assembly inlet and the assembly outlet, the fluid flow path defining a minimum fluid flow level, the minimum fluid flow level being higher than the lowest point of the assembly inlet.

2. The tub overflow assembly of claim 1, further comprising a housing, the housing defining the fluid flow path.

3. The tub overflow assembly of claim 2, wherein the fluid flow path comprises a first portion in communication with the assembly inlet and a second portion in communication with the assembly outlet.

4. The tub overflow assembly of claim 2, wherein the housing includes a structural element, the structural element defining the fluid flow path minimum fluid flow level.

5. The tub overflow assembly of claim 4, wherein the structural element separates the first fluid flow path portion and the second fluid flow path portion.

6. The tub overflow assembly of claim 4, wherein the structural element defines an edge having a length, wherein the second flow path portion is substantially vertical, and wherein the length of the structural member edge is more than 25% of the perimeter of the outlet assembly.

7. The tub overflow assembly of claim 2, further comprising an inlet shroud, the inlet shroud adapted to be connected to the housing, the housing and the inlet shroud, in use, sandwiching a portion of a tub wall defining a tub opening therebetween.

8. The tub overflow assembly of claim 7, wherein the inlet shroud defines the assembly inlet.

9. The tub overflow assembly of claim 8, wherein the assembly inlet comprises a lowest point, wherein said lowest point is defined by the inlet shroud and wherein said lowest point is vertically displaced from the assembly outlet.

10. The tub overflow assembly of claim 7, further comprising an inlet cover.

11. The tub overflow assembly of claim 10, wherein the inlet cover is locatable within the inlet shroud.

12. The tub overflow assembly of claim 11, wherein the inlet cover defines an inlet cover surface, the inlet cover being locatable such that the inlet cover surface is flush with at least a portion of an inlet shroud surface.

13. The tub overflow assembly of claim 12, wherein where the inlet cover is locatable within the inlet shroud, the inlet cover and the inlet shroud define a gap therebetween to allow water to flow into the assembly inlet.

14. The tub overflow assembly of claim 13, wherein the gap defined by the inlet cover and the inlet shroud extends around the perimeter of the inlet cover.

15. The tub overflow assembly of claim 7, wherein the inlet shroud defines an inlet shroud flange adapted to be located in a tub opening and having a complementary profile to a tub opening profile.

16. The tub overflow assembly of claim 15, wherein the inlet shroud defines a lip adapted to engage an internal tub surface, the lip defining an external perimeter of the inlet shroud, the inlet shroud perimeter having a different geometrical shape to the inlet shroud flange and the tub opening.

17. The tub overflow assembly of claim 1, further comprising a one-way valve.

18. The tub overflow assembly of claim 17, wherein the one-way valve is located adjacent the assembly outlet.

19. The tub overflow assembly of claim 17, wherein the one-way valve is a duck bill valve.

20. A tub overflow assembly, the tub overflow assembly comprising:

an inlet having an inlet lowest point, the inlet being adapted to admit overflow water; and

an outlet having an outlet lowest point, the outlet being adapted to be connected to a soil stack, the outlet lowest point being higher than the inlet lowest point.