Adjustable Channel Drain Grate and Associated Methods

- Durst Corporation, Inc.

The present disclosure relates to an adjustable channel drain grate that includes a grate body and a plurality of support legs connected to the grate body. A height of each of the plurality of support legs can be adjustable relative to the grate body. In one embodiment, a plurality of apertures in the grate body and the plurality of support legs include complementary threads to permit adjustable threading of the plurality of support legs through the plurality of apertures. The present disclosure also relates to a method of adjusting a height of a channel drain grate.

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Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to adjustable channel drain grates and associated methods and, in particular, to channel drain grates including adjustable support legs for adjusting the height of the channel drain grates.

BACKGROUND

Residential and commercial buildings or properties often include channel drains that allow water to be transferred from a surface to a water piping system. For example, a residential building generally includes a channel drain around a swimming pool or in a shower to capture water and transfer the water into the piping system to prevent pooling of the water. As a further example, commercial buildings generally include channel drains to capture water runoff and transfer the water into the piping system, such as a sewer. Grates having a number of apertures passing therethrough are often used to cover channel drains to provide a safe and solid surface onto which a person or a vehicle can impart a force, while still permitting water drainage.

The configurations and dimensions of channel drains used in residential and commercial buildings or properties can vary. For example, the depths of channel drains can vary based on the thickness of tile used and/or uneven floor construction. The variability in channel drain configurations and/or dimensions can result in, for example, grates extending above or below the floor level, grates rocking within the channel drain, and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to an adjustable channel drain grate that includes a grate body and a plurality of support legs connected to the grate body. A height of each of the plurality of support legs can be adjustable relative to the grate body. In one embodiment, a plurality of apertures in the grate body and the plurality of support legs include complementary threads to permit adjustable threading of the plurality of support legs through the plurality of apertures. In another embodiment, a plurality of apertures in the grate body include a set screw mechanism for adjustably securing a position of each of the plurality of support legs. In still another embodiment, each of the plurality of support legs includes a plurality of breakaway segments and removal of one or more of the plurality of breakaway segments adjusts the height of the plurality of support legs. In still another embodiment, the grate includes a spring-loaded locking mechanism for adjustably securing a position of each of the plurality of support legs relative to the plurality of apertures.

The present disclosure also relates to a method of adjusting a channel drain grate that includes providing an adjustable channel drain grate. The adjustable channel drain grate includes a grate body and a plurality of support legs connected to the grate body. The method includes adjusting a height of each of the plurality of support legs relative to the grate body. The method further includes independently adjusting the height of each of the plurality of support legs relative to the grate body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing features of the present disclosure will be apparent form the following Detailed Description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the first embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the first embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the first embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the first embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the first embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate of FIG. 1 including rubber bases thereon;

FIG. 7 is a front cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the first embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate of FIG. 1 positioned within a channel drain;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the second embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the second embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a front cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the second embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate of FIG. 9 positioned within a channel drain;

FIG. 14 is a front cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a front cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a front cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 17 is a front cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate according to the present disclosure.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to adjustable channel drain grates and associated methods, as discussed in detail below in connection with FIGS. 1-15.

FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a first embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate 100 (hereinafter “grate 100”) in accordance with the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the grate 100. FIG. 2 is a side view of the grate 100. FIG. 3 is a top view of the grate 100. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the grate 100. FIGS. 5 and 6 are front views of the grate 100. FIG. 7 is a front cross-sectional view of the grate 100. FIG. 8 is a side view of the grate 100 within a channel drain 200.

The grate 100 includes a grate body 102. The grate body 102 can include a top surface 104, side surfaces 106 and bottom surfaces 108. The configuration of the top surface 104, the side surfaces 106 and the bottom surfaces 108 can define a substantially rectangular shape with an inner passage 110 extending therebetween. Although illustrated as a rectangularly-shaped grate 100, it should be understood that the grate 100 discussed herein can be configured as, e.g., circular, oval, triangular, square, and the like. The top surface 104 and the side surfaces 106 include a grid of bars 112 forming a plurality of holes 114, e.g., drain holes, passing through the top surface 104 and the side surfaces 106.

The bottom surfaces 108 can be in the form of L-brackets extending from the side surfaces 106 and partially extending along the bottom side of the grate 100. In particular, the bottom surfaces 108 can extend along the bottom side of the grate 100 parallel to the top surface 104, while maintaining a continuous gap or separation between the bottom surfaces 108 along the length L of the grate 100. It should be understood that during installation into a channel drain 200, the top surface 104 of the grate 100 can be substantially aligned with a ground level surface 208 such that water can drain or pass through the plurality of holes 112, through the inner passage 110, through the gap between the bottom surfaces 108, into the channel drain 200, and further into a water piping system.

Each of the bottom surfaces 108 includes a plurality of apertures 116 fowled therein. Each of the plurality of apertures 116 can be configured and dimensioned to receive therein one of the plurality of support legs 118. Although illustrated with eight apertures 116 and eight support legs 118, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the grate 100 can include any number of apertures 116 and support legs 118. For example, for longer grates 100 or grates 100 requiring additional stability, a greater amount of apertures 116 and support legs 118 can be used. As a further example, for shorter grates 100 or grates 100 requiring less stability, a smaller amount of apertures 116 and support legs 118 can be used. Optionally, the support legs 118 can include a foot or base 120 attached on a distal end 122, i.e., the end of the support legs 118 which contacts the drain base 202 of the channel drain 200 (see, e.g., FIGS. 6 and 8). The base 120 can be fabricated from, e.g., rubber, and the like, and can provide a rigid fit within a drain base 202 of a channel drain 200. The base 120 can also provide traction with the drain base 202 to prevent motion of the grate 100 within the channel drain 200. The base 120 can also dampen or eliminate any noise or rattle between the grate 100 and drain base 202 of the channel drain 200.

The apertures 116 and the support legs 118 can include complementary threads thereon such that the support legs 118 can be threaded into, through, and out of the apertures 116. For example, the apertures 116 can include female threads and the support legs 118 can include male threads along the outer surface of the cylindrical post. By threading the support legs 118 through the apertures 116, the support legs 118 can be connected to the grate body 102 and the length of the support legs 118 can be adjusted. It should be understood that any type or size of threads can be implemented for adjustable interaction between the apertures 116 and the support legs 118. For example, small threads can be implemented for fine adjustment of the length of the support legs 118 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108. As a further example, larger threads can be implemented for coarse adjustment of the length of the support legs 118 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108.

With reference to FIG. 5, the support legs 118 can define an overall height H1. However, the support legs 118 can be threaded into the apertures 116 to adjust the amount of the height H1 of the support legs 118 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108. In particular, the support legs 118 can be threaded into and through the apertures 116 until a top portion 124 of the support legs 118 abuts the inner surface of the top surface 104 of the grate 100. A height H2 between the inner surfaces of the top surface 104 and the bottom surfaces 108 can therefore define the range in which the support legs 118 can travel to adjust the amount of the height H1 of the support legs 118 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108.

The range in which the length of the support legs 118 can be adjusted can therefore be defined by a height H3. For example, the height H3 can be approximately 0.5 inches, although it should be understood that in some embodiments, the height H3 can be varied by changing the height H2 between the top surface 104 and the bottom surfaces 108 and/or changing the height H1 of the support legs 118. Thus, the potential maximum length of the support legs 118 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108 can be defined by the height H3 when the support legs 118 are initially threaded into the apertures 116. The potential minimum length of the support legs 118 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108 can be defined by the height H4 when the support legs 118 have been threaded through the apertures 116 such that the top portion 124 of the support legs 118 abuts the inner surface of the top surface 104. It should be understood that each of the support legs 118 can be adjusted independently of the other support legs 118 to properly stabilize the grate 100 within the channel drain 200.

In some embodiments, the height H1 of each of the plurality of support legs 118 can be dimensioned substantially equal relative to each other. A grate 100 with equally dimensioned support legs 118 can be used with channel drains having a substantially uniform depth. In some embodiments, the height H1 of some support legs 118 can be dimensioned longer than other support legs 118. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the two pairs of support legs 118 positioned near the center of the grate 100 can be dimensioned longer in height H1 than the two pairs of support legs 118 positioned near the edges of the grate 100. A grate 100 with unequal support leg 118 heights H1 can be used with channel drains 200 having an angled or varying depth (see, e.g., FIG. 8). Additional height H1 of the support leg 118 can thereby be provided near the deeper portions of the channel drain 200 to maintain the desired stability of the grate 100 within the channel drain 200.

With reference to FIG. 8, the grate 100 is positioned within a channel drain 200. The channel drain 200 includes a drain base 202, side walls 204 and a drain outlet 206. The channel drain 200 can be formed below the ground level surface 208, e.g., a tile surface, and the like. The length L (see, e.g., FIG. 3) of the grate 100 can initially be dimensioned to fit between the side walls 204 of the channel drain 200. The grate 100 can further be fitted or inserted into the channel drain to determine if an adjustment of the height of the support legs 118 is desired. If an adjustment of the height of the support legs 118 is desired, the grate 100 can be removed from the channel drain 200, the height of one or more of the support legs 118 can be adjusted, and the grate 100 can be reinserted into the channel drain 200 to determine if the adjustment adequately stabilized the grate 100 within the channel drain 200. In particular, the support legs 118 can be adjusted such that when inserted into the channel drain 200, the distal ends 122 of the support legs 118 evenly or uniformly abut against the drain base 202 to maintain the grate 100 stabilized within the channel drain 200. In addition, the support legs 118 can be adjusted such that when inserted into the channel drain 200, the top surface 104 of the grate 100 aligns with the ground level surface 208. It should be understood that this procedure can be repeated any number of times until the grate 100 is stabilized and/or properly aligned within the channel drain 200.

By adjusting the length of the support legs 118 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108, the height of the grate 100 can be adjusted for a variety of purposes. For example, the height of the grate 100 can be adjusted to conform or align the top surface 104 of the grate 100 with the ground level surface 208 having a range of tile thicknesses. The top surface 204 of the grate 100 can therefore be aligned or leveled with the ground level surface 208, e.g., a shower base, tile surrounding a swimming pool, and the like, to eliminate protrusions of the grate 100 or a surface lower than the ground level surface 208, thereby eliminating potential safety hazards in the shower or around the swimming pool. Adjusting the height of the grate 100 can also necessitate less time than to accurately level out the ground level surface 208, such as multiple tiles mastic and backer board (the stack of materials that form a shower pan). The grate 100 can further be adjusted to match or align with an uneven ground level surface 208 surrounding the channel drain 200, e.g., an uneven floor due to incorrect installation. The grate 100 can also be adjusted infinitely to eliminate rocking or a loose fit of the grate 100 within the channel drain 200 over time. For example, the drain base 202 can wear slightly over time, causing the drain base 202 to define an uneven surface which, in turn, can cause the grate 100 to rock or move within the channel drain 200. The height of the grate 100 can therefore be adjusted to conform to the drain base 202 over time.

FIGS. 9-13 illustrate a second embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate 300 (hereinafter “grate 300”) in accordance with the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the grate 300. FIG. 10 is a side view of the grate 300. FIG. 11 is a front view of the grate 300. FIG. 12 is a front cross-sectional view of the grate 300. FIG. 13 is a side view of the grate 300 within a channel drain 200.

The grate 300 includes a grate body 302. The grate body 302 can include side surfaces 304, front/back surfaces 306 and a bottom surface 308. The configuration of the side surfaces 304, the front/back surfaces 306 and the bottom surface 308 can define an elongated and rectangularly-shaped basin for capturing water. Although illustrated as a rectangularly-shaped grate 300, it should be understood that the grate 300 discussed herein can be configured as, e.g., circular, oval, triangular, square, and the like. The planar bottom surface 308 can slope from the side surfaces 304 and the front/back surfaces 306 towards a centrally positioned drain hole 310 such that water captured within the grate 100 can automatically drain towards and through the drain hole 310 due to gravity. Optionally, a plurality of drain holes 310 can be distributed along the bottom surface 308 and the bottom surface 308 can be separated into sloping portions surrounding each of the drain holes 310 (not shown). It should be understood that during installation into a channel drain 200, the distal portion 312 of the side surfaces 304 and the front/back surfaces 306 can be substantially aligned with a ground level surface 208 such that water can drain or pass into the grate 300, through the drain hole 310, into the channel drain 200, and further into a water piping system.

The bottom surface 308 includes a plurality of apertures 314 formed therein. Each of the plurality of apertures 314 can be configured and dimensioned to receive therein one of the plurality of support legs 316. Although illustrated with eight apertures 314 and eight support legs 316, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the grate 300 can include any number of apertures 314 and support legs 316. For example, for longer grates 300 or grates 300 requiring additional stability, a greater amount of apertures 314 and support legs 316 can be used. As a further example, for shorter grates 300 or grates 300 requiring less stability, a smaller amount of apertures 314 and support legs 316 can be used. Optionally, the support legs 316 can include a foot or base 318 attached on a distal end 320, i.e., the end of the support legs 316 which contacts the drain base 202 of the channel drain 200 (see, e.g., FIG. 13). The base 318 can be fabricated from, e.g., rubber, and the like, and can provide a rigid fit within a drain base 202 of a channel drain 200. The base 318 can also provide traction with the drain base 202 to prevent motion of the grate 300 within the channel drain 200. The base 318 can also dampen or eliminate any noise or rattle between the grate 300 and drain base 202 of the channel drain 200.

Interaction between the apertures 314 and the support legs 316 of the grate 300 can be substantially similar to the apertures 116 and the support legs 118 of the grate 100. In particular, the apertures 314 and the support legs 316 can include complementary threads thereon such that the support legs 316 can be threaded into, through, and out of the apertures 314. The threaded interaction between the support legs 316 and the apertures 314 can be such that a seal is created between the support legs 316 and the apertures 314 to prevent passage of water through the apertures 314. By threading the support legs 316 through the apertures 314, the support legs 316 can be connected to the grate body 302 and the length of the support legs 316 protruding from the bottom surface 308 can be adjusted. In some embodiments, the height H1 (see, e.g., FIG. 12) of the support legs 316 can be dimensioned substantially equal relative to each other. In some embodiments, the height H1 of some support legs 316 can be dimensioned longer than other support legs 316. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the two pairs of support legs 316 positioned near the center of the grate 300 can be dimensioned longer in height H1 than the two pairs of support legs 316 positioned near the front/back surfaces 306 of the grate 300. It should be understood that support legs 316 having different heights H1 can be interchanged as needed to conform the grate 300 to the channel drain 200 configuration, e.g., a channel drain 200 having a uniform depth, a channel drain 200 having an angled or varying depth, and the like.

With reference to FIG. 12 and as discussed above, the support legs 316 can define an overall height H1. However, the support legs 316 can be threaded into the apertures 314 to adjust the amount of the height H1 of the support legs 316 protruding from the bottom surface 308. The support legs 316 can be threaded into and through the apertures 314 until the distal end 320 of the support legs 316 is substantially aligned with the lower side of the bottom surface 308 or the base 318 of the support legs 316 abuts against the lower side of the bottom surface 308. However, it could be preferable to thread the support legs 316 into and through the apertures 314 up to, a point where a top portion 322 of the support legs 316 is aligned with the distal portion 312 of the side surfaces 304 and the front/back surfaces 306 to prevent protrusion of the support legs 316 above the grate 300 and/or the ground level surface 208. A height H2 between the inner surface of the bottom surface 308 and the distal portion 312 of the side surfaces 304 and the front/back surfaces 306 can therefore define the preferable range in which the support legs 316 can travel to adjust the amount of the height H1 of the support legs 316 protruding from the bottom surface 308.

The range in which the length of the support legs 316 can be adjusted can therefore be defined by a height H3. For example, the height H3 can vary between approximately 1.4 inches and 1.9 inches, although it should be understood that in some embodiments, the height H3 can be further varied by changing the height H2 between the inner surface of the bottom surface 308 and the distal portion 312 and/or changing the height H1 of the support legs 316. Thus, the potential maximum length of the support legs 316 protruding from the bottom surface 308 can be defined by the height H3 when the support legs 316 are initially threaded into the apertures 314. The potential minimum length of the support legs 316 protruding from the bottom surface 308 can be defined by the height H4 when the support legs 316 have been threaded through the apertures 314 such that the top portion 322 of the support legs 316 is aligned with the distal portion 312 of the side surfaces 304 and the front/back surfaces 306. It should be understood that each of the support legs 316 can be adjusted independently of the other support legs 316 to properly stabilize the grate 300 within the channel drain 200.

With reference to FIG. 13, the grate 300 is positioned within a channel drain 200. The channel drain 200 includes a drain base 202, side walls 204 and a drain outlet 206. The channel drain 200 can be formed below the ground level surface 208, e.g., a tile surface, and the like. The length L (see, e.g., FIG. 10) of the grate 300 can initially be dimensioned to fit between the side walls 204 of the channel drain 200. The grate 300 can further be fitted or inserted into the channel drain to determine if an adjustment of the height of the support legs 316 is desired. If an adjustment of the height of the support legs 316 is desired, the grate 300 can be removed from the channel drain 200, the height of one or more of the support legs 316 can be adjusted, and the grate 300 can be reinserted into the channel drain 200 to determine if the adjustment adequately stabilized the grate 300 within the channel drain 200. In particular, the support legs 316 can be adjusted such that when inserted into the channel drain 200, the distal ends 320 of the support legs 316 evenly or uniformly abut against the drain base 202 to maintain the grate 300 stabilized within the channel drain 200. In addition, the support legs 316 can be adjusted such that when inserted into the channel drain 200, the distal portion 312 of the side surfaces 304 and the front/back surfaces 306 of the grate 300 aligns with the ground level surface 208. It should be understood that this procedure can be repeated any number of times until the grate 300 is stabilized and/or properly aligned within the channel drain 200.

By adjusting the length of the support legs 316 protruding from the bottom surface 308, the height of the grate 300 can be adjusted for a variety of purposes. For example, the height of the grate 300 can be adjusted to conform or align the distal portion 312 of the side surfaces 304 and/or the front/back surfaces 306 of the grate 300 with the ground level surface 208 having a range of tile thicknesses. The distal portion 312 of the grate 300 can therefore be aligned or leveled with the ground level surface 208, e.g., a shower base, tile surrounding a swimming pool, and the like, to eliminate protrusions of the grate 300 or a surface lower than the ground level surface 208, thereby eliminating potential safety hazards in the shower or around the swimming pool. Adjusting the height of the grate 300 can also necessitate less time than to accurately level out the ground level surface 208, such as multiple tiles mastic and backer board (the stack of materials that form a shower pan). The grate 300 can further be adjusted to match or align with an uneven ground level surface 208 surrounding the channel drain 200, e.g., an uneven floor due to incorrect installation. The grate 300 can also be adjusted infinitely to eliminate rocking or a loose fit of the grate 300 within the channel drain 200 over time. For example, the drain base 202 can wear slightly over time, causing the drain base 202 to define an uneven surface which, in turn, can cause the grate 300 to rock or move within the channel drain 200. The height of the grate 300 can therefore be adjusted to conform to the drain base 202 over time.

FIG. 14 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate 400 (hereinafter “grate 400”) in accordance with the present disclosure. The grate 400 can be structurally and functionally similar to the grate 100, except for the features discussed herein. Therefore, like structures are marked with like reference characters.

Each of the bottom surfaces 108 of the grate 400 includes a plurality of apertures 402 formed therein. Each of the plurality of apertures 402 can be configured and dimensioned to receive therein one of the plurality of support legs 404. Optionally, the support legs 404 can include a foot or base (e.g., base 120 of FIG. 6) attached on a distal end 406, i.e., the end of the support legs 404 which contacts the drain base 202 of the channel drain 200. The apertures 402 and the support legs 404 can define unthreaded interacting surfaces such that the support legs 404 can be translated into, through and out of the apertures 402. By translating the support legs 404 through the apertures 402, the length of the support legs 404 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108 can be adjusted.

The bottom surfaces 108 can include a set screw mechanism 408 associated with each of the apertures 402 for detachably securing or connecting the support legs 404 in the desired position within the apertures 402. For example, the set screw mechanism 408 can include a threaded aperture 410 extending from an outer surface of the bottom surfaces 108 and connected to the inner passage of the aperture 402. A set screw 412 can thereby be threaded into the threaded aperture 410 and into the inner passage of the aperture 402 against the support leg 404 to detachably secure the support leg 404 within the inner passage of the aperture 402. In particular, the set screw 412 can be threaded into the threaded aperture 410 and against the support leg 404 until translation of the support leg 404 within the aperture 402 is prevented and the support leg 404 is fixedly positioned within the aperture 402.

As described above, the support legs 404 can be translated into and through the apertures 402 until a top portion 414 of the support legs 404 abuts the inner surface of the top surface 104 of the grate 400. A height H2 between the inner surfaces of the top surface 104 and the bottom surfaces 108 can therefore define the range in which the support legs 404 can travel to adjust the amount of the height H1 of the support legs 404 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108. The range in which the length of the support legs 404 can be adjusted can therefore be defined by the height H3. Thus, the potential maximum length of the support legs 404 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108 can be defined by the height H3 when the support legs 404 are initially inserted into the apertures 402. The potential minimum length of the support legs 404 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108 can be defined by the height H4 when the support legs 404 have been translated through the apertures 402 such that the top portion 414 of the support legs 404 abuts the inner surface of the top surface 104. It should be understood that each of the support legs 404 can be adjusted independently of the other support legs 404 to properly stabilize the grate 400 within the channel drain 200. Although illustrated herein as being implemented with the grate body 102, it should be understood that the unthreaded apertures 402, the support legs 404 and the set screw mechanisms 408 can also be implemented with the grate body 302.

FIG. 15 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate 500 (hereinafter “grate 500”) in accordance with the present disclosure. The grate 500 can be structurally and functionally similar to the grate 100, except for the features discussed herein. Therefore, like structures are marked with like reference characters.

Each of the bottom surfaces 108 of the grate 500 includes a plurality of support legs 502 connected or secured thereto. Each of the support legs 502 can be formed from a plurality of breakaway segments 504. The breakaway segments 504 can be connected relative to each other by perforated sections 506 such that each of the breakaway segments 504 can be independently separated from the remaining breakaway segments 504 to adjust the height H1 of the support legs 502. By removing one or more of the breakaway segments 504 from one or more of the support legs 502, the length of the support legs 502 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108 can be adjusted. Thus, the potential maximum length of the support legs 502 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108 can be defined by the overall height H1 of the support legs 502. The potential minimum length of the support legs 502 could be a full removal or detachment of all the breakaway segments 504 of a support leg 502, thereby leaving no support leg 502 at the particular location of the bottom surfaces 108.

Optionally, the support legs 502 can include a foot or base (e.g., base 102 of FIG. 6) attached on a distal end 508, i.e., the end of the support legs 502 which contacts the drain base 202 of the channel drain 200. For example, the foot or base can be removable such that one or more of the breakaway segments 504 can be removed and the foot or base can be repositioned onto the distal end 508 of the support legs 502. Although illustrated herein as being implemented with the grate body 102, it should be understood that the support legs 502 formed from the breakaway segments 504 can also be implemented with the grate body 302.

FIG. 16 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate 600 (hereinafter “grate 600”) in accordance with the present disclosure. The grate 600 can be structurally and functionally similar to the grate 100, except for the features discussed herein. Therefore, like structures are marked with like reference characters.

Each of the bottom surfaces 108 of the grate 600 includes a plurality of apertures 602 formed therein. Each of the plurality of apertures 602 can be configured and dimensioned to receive therein one of the plurality of support legs 604. Optionally, the support legs 604 can include a foot or base (e.g., base 120 of FIG. 6) attached on a distal end 606, i.e., the end of the support legs 604 which contacts the drain base 202 of the channel drain 200. The apertures 602 and the support legs 604 can define unthreaded interacting surfaces such that the support legs 604 can be translated into, through and out of the apertures 602. By translating the support legs 604 through the apertures 602, the length of the support legs 604 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108 can be adjusted.

Each of the support legs 604 can include a plurality of grooves 608 along the height H1 of the support legs 604 for detachable interaction relative to a locking mechanism 610. In particular, the bottom surfaces 108 can include a locking mechanism 610 associated with each of the apertures 602 for detachably securing or connecting the support legs 604 in the desired position within the apertures 602. For example, the locking mechanism 610 can include an aperture 612 extending from an outer surface of the bottom surfaces 108 and connected to the inner passage of the aperture 602. A locking pin or shaft 614 can be movably positioned within the aperture 612. The locking shaft 614 can translate through the aperture 612, into the aperture 602 and into one of the grooves 608 of the support leg 604 to detachably secure the support leg 604 within the inner passage of the aperture 602.

The locking mechanism 610 can include an internal spring 616 configured to provide a bias force against the locking shaft 614. For example, the spring 616 can impart a bias force against the locking shaft 614 to maintain the distal end of the locking shaft 614 within the groove 608 of the support leg 604 to prevent the support leg 604 from translating within the aperture 602. To adjust the length of the support leg 604 extending from the bottom surface 108, the locking shaft 614 can be pulled away from the support leg 604 to disengage the locking shaft 614 from the groove 608 and simultaneously compress the spring 616. The support leg 604 can further be translated within the aperture 602 until the expansion or bias force from the spring 616 drives or snaps the locking shaft 614 into the next groove 608 to fixedly position the support leg 604 within the aperture 602.

As described above, the support legs 604 can be translated into and through the apertures 602 until a top portion 618 of the support legs 604 abuts the inner surface of the top surface 104 of the grate 600. A height H2 between the inner surfaces of the top surface 104 and the bottom surfaces 108 can therefore define the range in which the support legs 604 can travel to adjust the amount of the height H1 of the support legs 604 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108. The range in which the length of the support legs 604 can be adjusted can therefore be defined by the height H3. Thus, the potential maximum length of the support legs 604 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108 can be defined by the height H3 when the support legs 604 are initially inserted into the apertures 602. The potential minimum length of the support legs 604 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108 can be defined by the height H4 when the support legs 604 have been translated through the apertures 602 such that the top portion 618 of the support legs 604 abuts the inner surface of the top surface 104. It should be understood that each of the support legs 604 can be adjusted independently of the other support legs 604 to properly stabilize the grate 600 within the channel drain 200. Although illustrated herein as being implemented with the grate body 102, it should be understood that the unthreaded apertures 602, the support legs 604 and the locking mechanisms 618 can also be implemented with the grate body 302.

FIG. 17 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate 700 (hereinafter “grate 700”) in accordance with the present disclosure. The grate 700 can be structurally and functionally similar to the grate 100, except for the features discussed herein. Therefore, like structures are marked with like reference characters.

Each of the bottom surfaces 108 of the grate 700 includes a plurality of apertures 702 formed therein. Each of the plurality of apertures 702 can be configured and dimensioned to receive therein one of the plurality of support legs 704. Optionally, the support legs 704 can include a foot or base (e.g., base 120 of FIG. 6) attached on a distal end 706, i.e., the end of the support legs 704 which contacts the drain base 202 of the channel drain 200. The apertures 702 and the support legs 704 can define unthreaded interacting surfaces such that the support. legs 704 can be translated into, through and out of the apertures 702. By translating the support legs 704 through the apertures 702, the length of the support legs 704 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108 can be adjusted.

Each of the support legs 704 can include a plurality of spring-actuated buttons 708 along the height H1 of the support legs 704 for detachable interaction relative to an aperture 710 on an outer surface of the bottom surfaces 108 which, in combination, form a locking mechanism 712. In particular, the bottom surfaces 108 can include a locking mechanism 712 associated with each of the apertures 702 for detachably securing or connecting the support legs 704 in the desired position within the apertures 702. For example, the locking mechanism 712 can include the aperture 710 extending from an outer surface of the bottom surfaces 108 and connected to the inner passage of the aperture 702. The spring-actuated buttons 708 along the height H1 of the support leg 704 can be depressed to translate the support leg 704 through the aperture 702 and, upon reaching the desired position of the support leg 704 relative to the aperture 704, the bias force from an internal spring within the spring-actuated button 708 can drive or snap a spring-actuated button into the aperture 710. The interlocking interaction between the spring-actuated button 708 and the aperture 710 can detachably secure the support leg 704 within the inner passage of the aperture 602. To adjust the length of the support leg 704 extending from the bottom surface 108, the spring-loaded button 708 within the aperture 710 can be depressed to disengage the spring-loaded button 708 from the aperture 710. The support leg 704 can further be translated within the aperture 702 until the bias force from the spring within a spring-loaded button 708 drives or snaps the spring-loaded button 708 into the aperture 710 to fixedly position the support leg 704 within the aperture 702.

As described above, the support legs 704 can be translated into and through the apertures 702 until a top portion 714 of the support legs 704 abuts the inner surface of the top surface 104 of the grate 700. A height H2 between the inner surfaces of the top surface 104 and the bottom surfaces 108 can therefore define the range in which the support legs 704 can travel to adjust the amount of the height H1 of the support legs 704 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108. The range in which the length of the support legs 704 can be adjusted can therefore be defined by the height H3. Thus, the potential maximum length of the support legs 704 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108 can be defined by the height H3 when the support legs 704 are initially inserted into the apertures 702. The potential minimum length of the support legs 704 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108 can be defined by the height H4 when the support legs 704 have been translated through the apertures 702 such that the top portion 714 of the support legs 704 abuts the inner surface of the top surface 104. It should be understood that each of the support legs 704 can be adjusted independently of the other support legs 704 to properly stabilize the grate 700 within the channel drain 200. Although illustrated herein as being implemented with the grate body 102, it should be understood that the unthreaded apertures 702, the support legs 704 and the locking mechanisms 712 can also be implemented with the grate body 302.

The adjustable grates described herein, e.g., the grates 100, 300, 400, 500, 600 and/or 700, can be advantageously implemented for a variety of purposes, such as aligning the grates with the ground level surface 208 of a channel drain 200, adjusting the height of the grates due to uneven construction of the ground level surface 208 surrounding the channel drain 200, adjusting the height of the grates due to uneven construction or wear of the drain base 202 of the channel drain 200, and the like. The grates can thereby be adjusted to be positioned in a stabilized manner within the channel drain 200.

Having thus described the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the foregoing description is not intended to limit the spirit or scope thereof. It will be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art could make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. All such variations and modifications, including those discussed above, are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. An adjustable channel drain grate, comprising:

a grate body, and
a plurality of support legs connected to the grate body,
wherein a height of each of the plurality of support legs is adjustable relative to the grate body.

2. The adjustable channel drain grate according to claim 1, wherein the height of each of the plurality of support legs is independently adjustable relative to the grate body.

3. The adjustable channel drain grate according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of support legs are connected to a bottom surface of the grate body.

4. The adjustable channel drain grate according to claim 1, wherein the grate body comprises a plurality of apertures configured to receive the plurality of support legs therethrough.

5. The adjustable channel drain grate according to claim 4, wherein adjustable passage of the plurality of support legs through the plurality of apertures adjusts the height of each of the plurality of support legs relative to the grate body.

6. The adjustable channel drain grate according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of apertures and the plurality of support legs comprise complementary threading to permit adjustable threading of the plurality of support legs through the plurality of apertures.

7. The adjustable channel drain grate according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of apertures comprises a set screw mechanism for adjustably securing the plurality of support legs therein.

8. The adjustable channel drain grate according to claim 4, comprising a spring-loaded locking mechanism for adjustably securing the plurality the plurality of support legs within the plurality of apertures.

9. The adjustable channel drain grate according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of support legs comprises a plurality of breakaway segments.

10. The adjustable channel drain grate according to claim 9, wherein removal of one or more of the plurality of breakaway segments adjusts the height of the plurality of support legs.

11. The adjustable channel drain grate according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of support legs is fixedly connected to the grate body.

12. The adjustable channel drain grate according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of support legs is movably connected to the grate body.

13. A method of adjusting a channel drain grate, comprising:

providing an adjustable channel drain grate, the adjustable channel drain grate including (i) a grate body, and (ii) a plurality of support legs connected to the grate body, and
adjusting a height of each of the plurality of support legs relative to the grate body.

14. The method according to claim 13, comprising independently adjusting the height of each of the plurality of support legs relative to the grate body.

15. The method according to claim 13, comprising passing the plurality of support legs through a plurality of apertures in the grate body to adjust the height of each of the plurality of support legs relative to the grate body.

16. The method according to claim 13, comprising threading the plurality of support legs into a plurality of apertures in the grate body to adjust the height of each of the plurality of support legs relative to the grate body.

17. The method according to claim 13, comprising adjustably securing each of the plurality of support legs in a plurality of apertures in the grate body with a set screw mechanism.

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of support legs comprises a plurality of breakaway segments.

19. The method according to claim 18, comprising removing one or more of the plurality of breakaway segments to adjust the height of the plurality of support legs relative to the grate body.

20. The method according to claim 13, comprising adjustably securing each of the plurality of support legs in a plurality of apertures in the grate body with a spring-loaded locking mechanism.

Patent History
Publication number: 20150247312
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 28, 2014
Publication Date: Sep 3, 2015
Applicant: Durst Corporation, Inc. (Cranford, NJ)
Inventors: Lawrence B. Brodey (South Orange, NJ), Christopher Pike (Princeton, NJ)
Application Number: 14/194,434
Classifications
International Classification: E03F 5/04 (20060101);