Drain With Concave Upper Surface

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a drain fixture having a first end and a second end. The first end has an annular flange portion and a concave outer surface. The second end is opposite the first end. The second end includes a tubular shape having a threaded portion. The concave outer surface includes a concave contour in a direction towards the threaded portion.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/732,589, filed Sep. 18, 2018 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to plumbing drains and drain assemblies, and more particularly, to a drain and assembly that has an outer fixture with a concave surface.

In typical plumbing drain installations, a number of elements are joined together, often coaxially with an opening in a tub, sink, basin or similar vessel. A fitting usually passes through the opening the vessel with an annular member (washer or similar) or putty between the surface of the vessel and a drain fixture on the front/outer side and other annular fittings on the rear/inner side of the vessel to help trap the vessel between them. The fitting connects to a pipe connected to the building's plumbing system on the rear side of the vessel. Typically, the drain element or fixture attaches to the fitting on the front side of the vessel and forms an annular abutment surface (inside the tub or the like). Some of these elements can be formed integrally with one another in drain installations, and additional washers and similar elements may be included as needed or desired for a given installation. The drain element/fixture can take on many different forms and be made from many different materials and colors for aesthetic and decorative reasons.

A common aesthetic and health-related drawback with known drain assemblies is caused by soapy and/or dirty water remaining stagnant on the flat surface of the drain fixture, in particular on the rim of the fixture. This leads to undesired build-up.

It would thus be useful to have a drain fixture that promotes drainage of water and reduces incidents of stagnant water, soap, detergent and the like on the surface.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a drain fixture is disclosed. The drain fixture has a first end and a second end. The first end has an annular flange portion and a concave outer surface. The second end is opposite the first end. The second end includes a tubular shape having a threaded portion. The concave outer surface includes a concave contour in a direction towards the threaded portion.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a drain fixture is disclosed. The drain fixture includes a first end and a second end. The first end has an annular flange portion and a plurality of openings. An outer edge of the annular flange portion forms a plane. The plurality of openings are spaced from the plane. The second end is opposite the first end. The second end has a tubular shape having a threaded portion. The plane of the annular flange portion is perpendicular to a center axis of the drain fixture. A first one of the plurality of openings is at a first distance from the plane. A second one of the plurality of openings is at a second different distance from the plane.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a drain assembly is disclosed. The drain assembly includes a drain fixture and a tailpiece. The drain fixture has a first end and an opposite second end. The tailpiece has a tubular shape. The tailpiece is configured to be connected to the second end of the drain fixture. The first end of the drain fixture has an annular flange portion and a drain portion. An exterior side of the drain portion has a concave surface. An interior side of the drain portion has a substantially flat surface. The drain portion has a plurality of openings extending between the concave surface and the substantially flat surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the preferred embodiment will be described in reference to the drawings, where like numerals reflect like elements:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosed drain assembly;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the drain assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is section view of the drain assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged section view of the drain fixture portion of the disclosed drain assembly; and

FIGS. 5 and 6 show further enlarged partial section views of the drain fixture portion of the disclosed drain assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the drawings wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the Figures, an embodiment of the disclosed drain assembly 10 is shown. The drain assembly 10 includes a drain fixture 12 that defines a centrally concave outer surface 14 that promotes water flow through the openings 16 toward approximate center of the fixture 12. The drain fixture 12 leads to a fitting (or threaded portion) 20 that passes through the opening of a tub or sink in an installation. As shown most clearly in FIG. 2, the assembly also includes further elements, such as a puddy-less washer 18 (or putty), basin washer 22 (which may be a red TPE basin washer, for example), fiber washer 24, and a nut 26 mounted on the fitting 20 substantially coaxial to the drain fixture 12. The fitting 20 connects to a tailpipe 28 (which may be a seamless brass tailpiece, for example) on its downstream end. The quantity and type of these further elements are exemplary and non-limiting.

As shown most clearly in FIGS. 1-3, the drain fixture 12 comprises a one-piece member having a first end 30 and an opposite second end 32, with a substantially tubular section therebetween. The first end 30 comprises an annular flange portion 34 which defines an upper surface 14 with a plurality of drain holes 16. The second end 32 comprises a tubular shape with the threaded portion 20 thereon which is configured to mate with the nut 26. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, an outer edge between the annular flange portion 34 and the upper surface 14 defines an end plane 36 for the drain fixture 12. The contour of the upper surface 14 is concave toward a center axis A of the fixture 12 (and also toward the threaded section 20). A central area of the contoured surface 14 having the plurality of openings 16 forms a drain portion 38 at the first end 30 of the drain fixture 12.

Referring now also to FIGS. 5 and 6, enlarged illustrations of a portion of the section view of FIG. 4 are shown. The concave surface 14 comprises substantially smooth transitions between the center (or central) axis A and the edge of the annular flange portion 34. The openings 16 extend through the drain portion 38 between the concave surface 14 and an interior surface 40 of the drain portion 38. The interior surface 40 comprises a substantially flat surface.

The configuration of the concave surface 14 provides for different axial distances between the openings 16 and the plane 36. For example, openings closer to the center axis A are farther away from the plane 36 than openings closer to the outer periphery of the surface 14. This can be seen in FIG. 5 where one of the openings 16 (closer to the center axis A) is at a first distance 42 from the plane 36, and where another opening 16 is at a second (smaller) distance 44 from the plane 36.

The configuration of the concave surface 14 at one end of the openings 16 and the substantially flat surface 40 at the other end of the openings provides for different wall thicknesses of the drain portion 38. For example, openings closer to the center axis A have a smaller wall thickness than openings closer to the outer periphery of the surface 14. This can be seen in FIG. 6 where one of the openings 16 (closer to the center axis A) has a first wall thickness 46, and where another opening 16 has a second (larger) wall thickness 48.

The disclosed fixture 12 has shown remarkable improvements from known drain fixtures that are substantially flat in that drain water with soap, detergent, dirt and/or similar is promoted, which thereby results in less undesirable build-up of soap scum and other contamination on the surface of the drain fixture 12 caused by stagnant drain water.

In a typical installation, the outer annular flange portion 34 of the drain fixture 12 sandwiches the putty-less washer 18 against the surface of the tub or sink to provide a fluid-tight seal around the drain hole. The contour of the concave surface 14 of the fixture 12 promotes drainage of fluid from the sink through the holes 16, and thus reduces the incidence of stagnant fluid which causes build-up of soap scum and similar contamination on the surface of the fixture. In preferred embodiments, the fixture is designed to cooperate with the contours on the inner surface of the sink to further promote drainage. The specific radius of concavity can be varied as desired for a given installation.

Various exemplary embodiments of the drain assembly include fixtures made from different materials with finishes for aesthetic purposes, as are widely-known in the plumbing industry. These include chrome and brushed metal finishes among others, in a variety of colors and shades. The disclosed embodiments with a drain fixture 12 with a concave upper surface 14 have shown to be effective at reducing the build-up of unwanted material on the surface of the fixture.

Below are provided further descriptions of various non-limiting, exemplary embodiments. The below-described exemplary embodiments may be practiced in conjunction with one or more other aspects or exemplary embodiments. That is, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, such as those described immediately below, may be implemented, practiced or utilized in any combination (e.g., any combination that is suitable, practicable and/or feasible) and are not limited only to those combinations described herein and/or included in the appended claims.

In one exemplary embodiment, a drain fixture comprising: a first end having an annular flange portion and a concave outer surface; and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the second end comprises a tubular shape having a threaded portion; wherein the concave outer surface comprises a concave contour in a direction towards the threaded portion.

A drain fixture as above, wherein the drain fixture is a one-piece member.

A drain fixture as above, wherein the drain fixture comprises a center axis, and wherein the concave contour is toward the center axis.

A drain fixture as above, wherein the concave outer surface comprises a plurality of openings.

A drain fixture as above, wherein a plane of the annular flange portion is perpendicular to a center axis of the drain fixture, wherein a first one of the plurality of openings is at a first distance from the plane, and wherein a second one of the plurality of openings is at a second different distance from the plane.

A drain fixture as above, wherein the first end further comprises a substantially flat surface and a plurality of openings, wherein the substantially flat surface is opposite the concave outer surface, and wherein the plurality of openings extend between the concave outer surface and the substantially flat surface.

A drain fixture as above, further comprising a tailpiece having a tubular shape, wherein the tailpiece is configured to be connected to the second end of the drain fixture, and wherein the drain fixture and the tailpiece form a drain assembly.

In another exemplary embodiment, a drain fixture comprising: a first end having an annular flange portion and a plurality of openings, wherein an outer edge of the annular flange portion forms a plane, and wherein the plurality of openings are spaced from the plane; and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the second end comprises a tubular shape having a threaded portion; wherein the plane of the annular flange portion is perpendicular to a center axis of the drain fixture, wherein a first one of the plurality of openings is at a first distance from the plane, and wherein a second one of the plurality of openings is at a second different distance from the plane.

A drain fixture as above, wherein the first and second distances are between the plane and the threaded portion.

A drain fixture as above, wherein the first end comprises a concave outer surface.

A drain fixture as above, wherein the plurality of openings are integrally formed at the concave outer surface of the first end.

A drain fixture as above, wherein the concave outer surface comprises a concave contour in a direction towards the threaded portion.

A drain fixture as above, wherein the first end further comprises a substantially flat surface, wherein the substantially flat surface is opposite the concave outer surface, and wherein the plurality of openings extend between the concave outer surface and the substantially flat surface.

A drain fixture as above, further comprising a tailpiece having a tubular shape, wherein the tailpiece is configured to be connected to the second end of the drain fixture, and wherein the drain fixture and the tailpiece form a drain assembly.

In another exemplary embodiment, a drain assembly comprising: a drain fixture comprising a first end and an opposite second end; and a tailpiece having a tubular shape, wherein the tailpiece is configured to be connected to the second end of the drain fixture; wherein the first end of the drain fixture has an annular flange portion and a drain portion, wherein an exterior side of the drain portion comprises a concave surface, wherein an interior side of the drain portion comprises a substantially flat surface, and wherein the drain portion comprises a plurality of openings extending between the concave surface and the substantially flat surface.

A drain assembly as above, wherein a first wall thickness between the concave and substantially flat surfaces proximate a first one of the plurality of openings comprises a first dimension, and wherein a second wall thickness between the concave and substantially flat surfaces proximate a second one of the plurality of openings comprises a second different dimension.

A drain assembly as above, wherein the opposite second end of the drain fixture comprises a threaded section, and wherein the concave surface comprises a concave contour in a direction towards the threaded portion.

A drain assembly as above, wherein a plane of the annular flange portion is perpendicular to a center axis of the drain fixture, wherein a first one of the plurality of openings is at a first distance from the plane, and wherein a second one of the plurality of openings is at a second different distance from the plane.

A drain assembly as above, wherein the drain fixture is configured to extend through a drain opening of a tub, a sink, a basin, or a vessel.

A drain assembly as above, further comprising a nut and at least one washer, wherein the nut is configured to be threadably engageable with the opposite second end of the drain fixture, and wherein the at least one washer is configured to be disposed between the first end of the drain fixture and the nut.

It should be understood that components of the invention can be operationally coupled or connected and that any number or combination of intervening elements can exist (including no intervening elements). The connections can be direct or indirect and additionally there can merely be a functional relationship between components.

Although the disclosure presents various exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A drain fixture comprising:

a first end having an annular flange portion and a concave outer surface; and

a second end opposite the first end, wherein the second end comprises a tubular shape having a threaded portion;

wherein the concave outer surface comprises a concave contour in a direction towards the threaded portion.

2. The drain fixture of claim 1, wherein the drain fixture is a one-piece member.

3. The drain fixture of claim 1, wherein the drain fixture comprises a center axis, and wherein the concave contour is toward the center axis.

4. The drain fixture of claim 1, wherein the concave outer surface comprises a plurality of openings.

5. The drain fixture of claim 4, wherein a plane of the annular flange portion is perpendicular to a center axis of the drain fixture, wherein a first one of the plurality of openings is at a first distance from the plane, and wherein a second one of the plurality of openings is at a second different distance from the plane.

6. The drain fixture of claim 1, wherein the first end further comprises a substantially flat surface and a plurality of openings, wherein the substantially flat surface is opposite the concave outer surface, and wherein the plurality of openings extend between the concave outer surface and the substantially flat surface.

7. The drain fixture of claim 1, further comprising a tailpiece having a tubular shape, wherein the tailpiece is configured to be connected to the second end of the drain fixture, and wherein the drain fixture and the tailpiece form a drain assembly.

8. A drain fixture comprising:

a first end having an annular flange portion and a plurality of openings, wherein an outer edge of the annular flange portion forms a plane, and wherein the plurality of openings are spaced from the plane; and

a second end opposite the first end, wherein the second end comprises a tubular shape having a threaded portion;

wherein the plane of the annular flange portion is perpendicular to a center axis of the drain fixture, wherein a first one of the plurality of openings is at a first distance from the plane, and wherein a second one of the plurality of openings is at a second different distance from the plane.

9. The drain fixture of claim 8, wherein the first and second distances are between the plane and the threaded portion.

10. The drain fixture of claim 8, wherein the first end comprises a concave outer surface.

11. The drain fixture of claim 10, wherein the plurality of openings are integrally formed at the concave outer surface of the first end.

12. The drain fixture of claim 10, wherein the concave outer surface comprises a concave contour in a direction towards the threaded portion.

13. The drain fixture of claim 10, wherein the first end further comprises a substantially flat surface, wherein the substantially flat surface is opposite the concave outer surface, and wherein the plurality of openings extend between the concave outer surface and the substantially flat surface.

14. The drain fixture of claim 10, further comprising a tailpiece having a tubular shape, wherein the tailpiece is configured to be connected to the second end of the drain fixture, and wherein the drain fixture and the tailpiece form a drain assembly.

15. A drain assembly comprising:

a drain fixture comprising a first end and an opposite second end; and

a tailpiece having a tubular shape, wherein the tailpiece is configured to be connected to the second end of the drain fixture;

wherein the first end of the drain fixture has an annular flange portion and a drain portion, wherein an exterior side of the drain portion comprises a concave surface, wherein an interior side of the drain portion comprises a substantially flat surface, and wherein the drain portion comprises a plurality of openings extending between the concave surface and the substantially flat surface.

16. The drain assembly of claim 15, wherein a first wall thickness between the concave and substantially flat surfaces proximate a first one of the plurality of openings comprises a first dimension, and wherein a second wall thickness between the concave and substantially flat surfaces proximate a second one of the plurality of openings comprises a second different dimension.

17. The drain assembly of claim 15, wherein the opposite second end of the drain fixture comprises a threaded section, and wherein the concave surface comprises a concave contour in a direction towards the threaded portion.

18. The drain assembly of claim 15, wherein a plane of the annular flange portion is perpendicular to a center axis of the drain fixture, wherein a first one of the plurality of openings is at a first distance from the plane, and wherein a second one of the plurality of openings is at a second different distance from the plane.

19. The drain assembly of claim 15, wherein the drain fixture is configured to extend through a drain opening of a tub, a sink, a basin, or a vessel.

20. The drain assembly of claim 15, further comprising a nut and at least one washer, wherein the nut is configured to be threadably engageable with the opposite second end of the drain fixture, and wherein the at least one washer is configured to be disposed between the first end of the drain fixture and the nut.