Abstract: A protective cover for swimming pools drains and the like. The cover is of a unitary construction and is preferably injection-molded from a flexible, tough, spring-like plastic. The cover includes an outer, annular rim designed to rest on a sub-main drain or the like. The main cover has no holes and features a generally sine wave or bellows spring design. The central portion is inwardly or downwardly curved, and forms a portion of a sphere having its center on a line normal to a plane passing through the main cover. The central portion is surrounded by another inwardly curved portion which preferably is provided on its underside with a circular projection extending normal to the plane of the cover to lend it mechanical rigidity. The outer main cover portion is upwardly curved and is connected to the ring portion through a plurality of stanchions in the form of vanes extending in radial directions.

Abstract: A sink strainer assembly includes a hollow strainer body, a molded hollow plastic nipple which is a force fit within a lower hub section of the strainer body and a filtering screen assembled to the nipple in the hub section of the strainer body to prevent oversized materials from passing into drainage conduits connected to the strainer assembly. In the method of this invention, the strainer body is formed from stainless strip by a deep drawing operation, and the filtering screen is cut, stamped or otherwise separated from the base of the lower hub section. This separation can occur as part of a progressive die or as a separate operation.

Abstract: A drain fitting for pre-formed or pre-assembled showers, etc. requiring drainage, having a flanged and internally threaded base connector for the reception of 3 or 4 inch solvent welded drain pipes and which is adapted to have a threaded or bolted connection with a depending strainer barrel having a peripheral flange for engagement with the shower, etc. receptor, the two units clamping a receptor membrane or washers on each edge surface of the receptor opening, and there being recessed channels or slots formed in the strainer barrel threads or clamping ring flange to drain off any leakage or seepage.

Abstract: A selectively sealing drain fitting includes a tubular drain body having a spider in the lower end thereof. An upwardly extending rectangular post is joined to the center of the spider, and is provided with a lateral slot in one face thereof and an oblique camming surface directly superjacent thereto. A drain sealing cover is provided with a downwardly depending hollow tubular portion which is received about the rectangular post and maintained in an eccentric disposition thereabout by an eccentric dog extending laterally from the upper end of the post. A compression spring disposed within the tubular portion of the drain cover biases the cover upwardly, and a latch pin extending laterally through the tubular portion of the cover engages the camming surfaces and the slot in the post in detent fashion.

Abstract: A drainage fitting comprising a hollow member with an inlet thereto and an outlet therefrom. A valve is positioned or positionable within the hollow member such that by operating the valve liquid flow through the hollow member can be substantially prevented or allowed. There is a second inlet to the hollow member which is positioned such that liquid entering the hollow member from the second inlet can be directed either through the outlet or through the first inlet by operation of the valve.

Abstract: A selectively sealing drain fitting includes a tubular drain body having a spider in the lower end thereof. An upwardly extending rectangular post is joined to the center of the spider, and is provided with a lateral slot in one face thereof and an oblique camming surface directly superjacent thereto. A drain sealing cover is provided with a downwardly depending hollow tubular portion which is received about the rectangular post and maintained in an eccentric disposition thereabout by an eccentric dog extending laterally from the upper end of the post. A compression spring disposed within the tubular portion of the drain cover biases the cover upwardly, and a latch pin extending laterally through the tubular portion of the cover engages the camming surfaces and the slot in the post in detent fashion.

Abstract: A drain plug for axial insertion into a conduit having an inner surface, including a cup-shaped resilient sealing member having a closed end and an open end and having a sidewall having an outer surface conforming to the inner surface of the conduit and with the cup-shaped member normally axially slideable into the conduit, first means intercoupling the closed and open ends of the cup-shaped member for axially compressing the cup-shaped member to flex the sidewall radially outward to engage and seal against the inner surface of the conduit, and second means coupled to the first means for moving between first and second positions for actuating the first means to compress the cup-shaped member with the second means moved from the first to the second position.

Abstract: A nut retaining formation is made in the wall of a thermoplastic (metal or plastic) article, such as the flange of a floor drain fitting, by a one step die forming operation. The formation has a cavity in the intermediate thickness of the flange, the height of the cavity being such that a screw threaded apertured nut is a close sliding fit therein. A runway formation provides access to the cavity from the top surface of the flange at one side thereof, the nut being slidable down the runway into the cavity. An aperture through the top surface provides access for a screw to be inserted into the cavity to engage a nut positioned therein. The top and bottom walls of the cavity are formed by discontinuous nut retaining formations in the top part and bottom part of the wall thickness, surrounding the screw receiving aperture.

Abstract: A trap for a drain has a housing with a sidewall forming a lateral exit port above its bottom. A tubular insert fitted to that sidewall forms a conduit with a bottom inlet beneath the level of the exit port and a side outlet registering with this port. The outlet is framed, along about a lower third of its periphery, by a generally spoon- or trough-shaped tongue extending inwardly therefrom while rising toward but terminating short of the horizontal midplane of the outlet; a ring-segmental clearance remaining between this tongue and the peripheral conduit wall has a cross-sectional area equal to or slightly larger than that of the outlet.

Abstract: A sink strainer for insertion into a sink drain having a vertical cylindrical member with vertical slots therein and a stopper at a top opening thereof with a lower portion being dimensioned for insertion into a sink drain. A funnel member is coupled to the vertical member for capturing solid objects and allowing liquid to pour through the vertical slots of the vertical member and into the drain.

Abstract: An adapter for installing a replacement drain valve in an existing drain comprises a cylindrical valve adapter insertable in the drain. The interior of the adapter is threaded, and the exterior is tapered upwardly. A similarly tapered split ring is disposed between the adapter and the drain. An externally threaded driving member is received in the adapter, and includes an outwardly extending flange which impinges on the upper end of the split ring. The drive member wedges the split ring between the drain and the adapter, securing the latter in the drain. The adapter includes a spider in the lower end thereof which receives and secures the replacement valve.

Abstract: A closure for a drain port in a receptacle such as a bath tub or sink. The closure includes a base member for attachment to the receptacle. It includes a fulcrum which engages one side of a bi-stable disc spring. A pair of actuators are situated on the opposite side of the spring, and contact it respectively radially inwardly and outwardly from the fulcrum. The spring can be moved by the actuators to assume a respective one of its two stable configurations. The spring, when in one configuration, permits a seal to bear against a peripheral surface around the drain port to close it. When in the other configuration, it causes the seal to move away from the peripheral surface and open the drain port.