Closure Patents (Class 4/293)
  • Patent number: 11505935
    Abstract: A urinal screen device includes a body portion having one or more fold lines to allow the urinal screen, or a base portion of the urinal screen that sits in the urinal basin, to bend so as allow maximal coverage of the basin without compromising functionality. The fold lines are created by regions that lack the protrusions formed on body of the urinal screen to break up fluid streams and prevent back splash. The regions lacking protrusion allow the body to bend easier because there are no protrusions being forced against each other along the fold line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventor: Jeffrey Scott Crevier
  • Patent number: 11445804
    Abstract: A hair storage system includes a base with a bottom side configured to attach to an external surface, the bottom side is configured to move when pressure is applied. A movable collection surface is provided with a plurality of holes formed therethrough. The movable collection surface is movable from a first location proximate to a top side of the base and a second location further away from the top side of the base and a plurality of protrusions. Each respective protrusion has a respective base end and a respective terminal end with the terminal ends extending through the plurality of holes of the movable collection surface. Once hair is stored within the plurality of protrusions, movement of the movable collection surface from the first location to the second location releases the hair from the plurality of protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: SHOWERBUN, LLC
    Inventor: Justin Heacock
  • Patent number: 11203861
    Abstract: A through-floor combination tub and surface drain includes an exterior tube having a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end of the exterior tube is to connect to a sewer pipe. The top end of the exterior tube has one or more openings to provide a floor drain. The drain also includes an interior tube situated within the exterior tube. The interior tube has a top end to receive a drain pipe and a bottom end that opens into a cavity within the exterior tube that extends from the top end of the exterior tube to the bottom end of the exterior tube. The drain further includes a flange, extending outward radially from the exterior tube, to connect to a substrate of a floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Inventor: Warren Bregman
  • Patent number: 10273671
    Abstract: A drain cover including a positioning member arranged to surround an opening of a pipe of a drain and fit within the pipe, the positioning member including a plurality of openings, and a resilient sealing member connected to the positioning member at a center point, the resilient sealing member including a rim arranged concentrically about the center point. The rim contacts the positioning member to prevent fluid from passing through the plurality of openings in a closed position. The rim does not contact the positioning member to allow fluid to pass through the plurality of openings in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Umbra LLC
    Inventors: Alan Wisniewski, Anthony Keeler
  • Patent number: 10272649
    Abstract: Protective drain covers, include stiffening members at one end or at opposing ends to increase rigidity in one direction while leaving the other direction flexible. The increased rigidity in the one direction improves the ability to handle and accurately position the protective drain cover for use, while the flexibility in the other direction allows the protective drain cover to be rolled up for storage and future use. The stiffening member(s) can be used as hand-holds to assist in the placement of the heavy protective drain cover and then removal of protective drain cover after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: New Pig Corporation
    Inventors: Dane R. Jackson, Daniel A. Silver
  • Patent number: 10082213
    Abstract: A system and method for inserting removable drain valve within an inlet opening of a drain basin and then sealing the drain valve within the drain basin. The removable drain valve has a cylindrical housing with a check valve disposed with an outlet of the drain basin to allow drain water to flow out from the outlet of the drain basin while blocking flow from the outlet of the drain basin to the inlet of the drain basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: Alvin J. Character
  • Patent number: 9706881
    Abstract: A planar ring for messages proximate a drain stopper decorative device has a flat, wide shape. The ring has a top surface and an opposite bottom surface. The visible top surface has an outer edge upon its perimeter. The outer edge spans from the top surface to the bottom surface. Inwardly from the outer edge, the ring has a band with a width. The band's width falls within from about 10/32 inch to about ½ inch. Inwardly from the band, the ring has its inner edge of a constant radius lesser than the outer edge. Within the inner edge, the ring has an aperture that admits a stopper. The two edges attain a perpendicular orientation to the two surfaces. The ring has a multiple layer construction with a smooth transparent layer at the top surface upon an ink layer upon a substrate with a releasable adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Ann B. Brannan
  • Patent number: 9598851
    Abstract: A lightweight watertight cover that is easily installed and positively secured in place, which provides a reliable seal to prevent flood water from entering openings such as subway ventilation shaft gratings and other porous openings that serve as entry point for flood water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ILC COVER LP
    Inventors: David Phillip Cadogan, Daniel James Gleeson, Jonathan Michael Hinkle, Jeffrey Lewis Roushey
  • Patent number: 9127469
    Abstract: A safety system includes a sleeve fitted within a pool's suction line at the inlet thereof. An open end of the sleeve is approximately aligned with the suction line's inlet. The sleeve terminates with a plate that resides within the suction line. The plate has holes formed therethrough. A housing defining a plurality of distinct channels is fitted in the sleeve so that the distinct channels lie within the sleeve. Each of the distinct channels has a first opening on one end thereof and a second opening on another end thereof. The second openings reside in the sleeve. Each of the distinct channels is at least approximately three feet in length. The first openings are in fluid communication with the water in the pool, and are distributed around a periphery of an area of the housing that prevents coverage of all the first openings when a human interacts therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: John Dwight England, Anthony R. Kelley, Raymond J. Cronise
  • Publication number: 20150000022
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a popup installation structure for a sink and to an installation method. The popup installation structure installed in a sink is configured such that an upper protrusion that tightly contacts a drain hole of the sink is formed on a top of the structure, drainpipes are arranged at both left and right sides of an intermediate portion of the structure such that each drain pipe is opened in a transverse direction and has a drain space in communication with an overflow passage formed from a bottom surface of the sink, and a sewer pipe is arranged in a lower portion of the structure such that the sewer pipe is coupled to a drain trap arranged below the basin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Daeuntech Inc.
    Inventor: Hyun Suk Cho
  • Publication number: 20140310863
    Abstract: The present invention provides a removable sealing member associated with a shower drain or bathtub overflow fitting having a grip positioned and contoured to facilitate handling during removal and to resist passage into and through any downstream drainage plumbing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Oakville Stamping & Bending Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher Adam McLeod
  • Publication number: 20140259380
    Abstract: One embodiment of the application relates to a sink assembly including a sink and a drain cover. The sink includes a basin and a projection provided in a bottom wall of the basin. The projection includes a first portion and a second portion that define a cavity and a drain opening. The first portion extends from the bottom wall at a first orientation and the second portion extends from the first portion at a second orientation that is different than the first orientation. The drain cover is installed into the cavity of the projection. The drain cover includes a base and at least one leg extending downward from a bottom surface of the base. The base has a top surface that is substantially coplanar with an upper surface of the bottom wall, and has an outer periphery that extends beyond an outer periphery of the drain opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Niels J. Eilmus, Jason R. Miller
  • Patent number: 8813273
    Abstract: A waste outlet unit cover for a waste water outlet unit for a shower tray, the cover comprising a non-screw threaded attachment arrangement by which the cover can be securely and releasably attached to the waste water outlet unit. A waste water outlet unit having such a cover is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: DLP Limited
    Inventor: Robert William Stimpson
  • Publication number: 20140165276
    Abstract: A dropping head for a wash basin or a bath basin includes a base which is installed with an upper and a lower filter disk which are detachable for cleaning or updating. Cleaning grains can be placed between the upper filter disk and the lower filter disk. Cleaning material in the cleaning grains is released with draining water so as to have the function of odor-proof and cleanness of the pipes. A periphery of the outer threads of the base is sequentially engaged with an upper, a lower and a hard plastic washer and a first nut for locking the base to a water drain hole of a basin. A rubber washer installed between the two second nuts and they further encircles a periphery of the base for adjusting the outer diameter of the base to tightly resist against an inner wall of a tube connect thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: YU-CHING HUANG
  • Patent number: 8539618
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a drain having an opening, the opening having an outboard edge, a cover having an underside having a portion including a downwardly extending curved section and an outer edge, wherein the portion extends a first distance beyond the outboard edge and wherein cover extends a second distance above the drain such that a ratio of the second distance to the first distance is about 1 or less and such that splash and aerosolization from under the cover beyond the cover is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Masco Canada Limited
    Inventors: Jeffrey John Gibson, Joe Malheiro, Frank A. Stauder
  • Patent number: 8528122
    Abstract: A drain closure device that allows a user to selectively open or close the drain closure device to permit or restrict the flow of water therethrough. The drain closure is comprised of a strainer body which houses an insert. The insert has a plurality of openings. A cap is mounted to the insert that has a plurality of openings, which upon rotation of the cap relative to the insert selectively align with the openings on the insert to allow fluid flow from a tub or sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
  • Publication number: 20130185856
    Abstract: Shapable protective covers for vertical drains and other holes to prevent spills and other liquids from flowing therein are disclosed. The shapable protective covers include a backing layer with a malleable shapable core and a pliable, tacky sealing layer. The pliable, tacky sealing layer may be secured to the other layers by a bonding layer adhered to or partially embedded in at least one of the layers. The shapable protective covers may be positioned over a vertical drain such that an exposed surface of a pliable, tacky sealing layer contacts a portion of the surface surrounding the vertical drain, thereby preventing liquids from passing through the drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: New Pig Corporation
    Inventor: New Pig Corporation
  • Patent number: 8347906
    Abstract: A floor drain installation system includes an adaptor attached to a drain pipe projecting from the ground, a coring sleeve having a bowl-shaped upper end attached to or integral with the adaptor, and a coring plug received within the bowl of the receiver to close off the drain pipe during pouring of a concrete floor and to create a space for subsequent reception of a drain head and grate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sioux Chief Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Ismert, Frank D. Julian
  • Patent number: 8230530
    Abstract: A protective cover for drains and other holes is provided which prevents spills and unwanted liquids from flowing therein. The protective cover includes a durable backing layer and a pliable, tacky sealing layer adjacent a portion of the durable backing layer which conforms and adheres to a surface surrounding the drain to reduce or eliminate the flow of liquids into the drain. The pliable, tacky sealing layer can have a periphery inside the periphery of the durable backing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: New Pig Corporation
    Inventors: R. Douglas Evans, Jr., Patrick E. Healy, Matthew J. Huff
  • Patent number: 8117686
    Abstract: Durable protective covers for drains and other holes are provided which prevent spills and unwanted liquids from flowing therein. The protective covers include a durable backing layer and a pliable, tacky sealing layer which conforms and adheres to a surface surrounding the drain to reduce or eliminate the flow of liquids into the drain. A low-density bonding layer is provided between the pliable, tacky sealing layer and the durable backing layer in order to provide significantly improved adherence between the layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: New Pig Corporation
    Inventors: Beth P. Powell, R. Douglas Evans, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110277229
    Abstract: A fume blocking drain cap could include a drain cap body having a top side and an underside defining at least one aperture extending therethrough and a dissolvable membrane attached to the underside of the drain cap body. The dissolvable membrane is arranged over the at least one aperture sealing the aperture from the underside of the drain cap body. A retainer ring may be provided that abuts the bottom surface of the dissolvable membrane to retain the dissolvable membrane against the underside of the drain cap body. The cap could also include a collar having an outside surface and inside surface. The collar is attached to and depends from the underside of the drain cap body and surrounds the dissolvable membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: Blayne A. Connor
  • Publication number: 20110219527
    Abstract: A protective cover for drains and other holes is provided which prevents spills and unwanted liquids from flowing therein. The protective cover includes a durable backing layer and a pliable, tacky sealing layer adjacent a portion of the durable backing layer which conforms and adheres to a surface surrounding the drain to reduce or eliminate the flow of liquids into the drain. The pliable, tacky sealing layer can have a periphery inside the periphery of the durable backing layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: NEW PIG CORPORATION
    Inventors: R. Douglas Evans, JR., Patrick E. Healy, Matthew J. Huff
  • Publication number: 20110154563
    Abstract: A drain closure device is provided that allows a user to selectively open or close the drain closure device to permit or restrict the flow of water therethrough. The drain closure is comprised of a strainer body which houses an insert. The insert has a plurality of openings. A cap is mounted to the insert that has a plurality of openings, which upon rotation of the cap relative to the insert selectively align with the openings on the insert to allow fluid flow from a tub or sink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
  • Patent number: 7950075
    Abstract: A protective cover for drains and other holes is provided which prevents spills and unwanted liquids from flowing therein. The protective cover includes a durable backing layer and a pliable, tacky sealing layer adjacent a portion of the durable backing layer which conforms and adheres to a surface surrounding the drain to reduce or eliminate the flow of liquids into the drain. The pliable, tacky sealing layer can have a periphery inside the periphery of the durable backing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: New Pig Corporation
    Inventors: R. Douglas Evans, Jr., Patrick E. Healy, Matthew J. Huff
  • Patent number: 7887257
    Abstract: A multiple layer drain seal device for rapidly sealing the apertures in a drain grate, the drain seal having a lower sealing layer and an upper protective cover layer, the lower sealing layer being separable from the upper protective cover layer except at discrete attachment points, wherein the lower sealing layer is softer, more flexible and has lower shear resistance than the upper protective cover layer, such that the lower sealing layer sags into the drain grate apertures but the upper protective cover layer does not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman
  • Publication number: 20110023221
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a drain having an opening, the opening having an outboard edge, a cover having an underside having a portion including a downwardly extending curved section and an outer edge, wherein the portion extends a first distance beyond the outboard edge and wherein cover extends a second distance above the drain such that a ratio of the second distance to the first distance is about 1 or less and such that splash and aerosolization from under the cover beyond the cover is minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Jeffrey John Gibson, Joe Malheiro, Frank A. Stauder
  • Publication number: 20100319115
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a valve assembly for selectively sealing a drainage aperture. The assembly is configured for seating within the drainage aperture such a flow of matter that would otherwise enter the drainage aperture passes through the valve assembly prior to release into a wider drainage network. The valve assembly includes a diffuser component for defining a primary chamber. The diffuser component includes one or more apertures formed therein for passing a portion of the flow from the primary chamber to a secondary chamber. The position of the one or more apertures defines a lower portion of the primary chamber in which sediments are collected. A body component defines the secondary chamber, the body component being positioned relative to the diffuser component to receive the portion of the flow from the primary chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Lloyd Childs
  • Publication number: 20100163131
    Abstract: A system for temporarily sealing bathtub overflow plumbing and waste water plumbing to provide for pressurized testing to locate leaks includes a rigid unitary stop for mating with a corresponding female coupler so as to sandwich therebetween a rim of a bathtub aperture. The female coupler has an internal thread in a cavity in the coupler. The female coupler is adapted for mounting into overflow and waste water plumbing for a bathtub. The female coupler is mountable so as to be adjacent the bathtub apertures. The stop includes an annular rigid sealing flange. An externally threaded cylindrical plug is mounted to the sealing flange. The plug is sized to snugly mate into the female coupler in threaded engagement therein. The threaded engagement draws the sealing flange towards the female coupler sandwiching the bathtub therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Jason Kyle Fehr, Shaine Courtney Fehr
  • Publication number: 20100050335
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cover and sump assembly for a main drain of a pool or spa that prevents suction entrapment, and specifically, to an assembly having a frame with openings, plates with openings positioned on the frame, and a sump for collecting water and receiving the frame. The assembly reduces the velocity of water flowing there through, uniformly distributes a suction force created by water flowing into the sump, prevents a vortex of flowing water above the assembly, and provides anti-entanglement features to minimize the likelihood of an individual becoming entrapped on the assembly by a suction force produced by a pump in the pool or spa filtering system. The assembly includes a conduit defining an opening along a lower portion thereof that reduces the velocity of flowing water at the suction opening in the sump by reorienting the suction port from a vertical to a horizontal orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Donald C. Baker
  • Publication number: 20100024107
    Abstract: A waste outlet unit cover for a waste water outlet unit (10) for a shower tray, the cover (20) comprising a non-screw threaded attachment arrangement (28, 72) by which the cover (20) can be securely and releasably attached to the waste water outlet unit (10). A waste water outlet unit having such a cover is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Robert William Stimpson
  • Patent number: 7624759
    Abstract: A test plug for a shower drain includes a threaded portion having external threads sized to be received in an threaded aperture of a drain. An extension extends downwardly from the threaded portion to a cylindrical sealing portion which is connected to the extension below the threaded portion. The sealing portion includes an elastomeric sealing ring extending circumferentially around the sealing portion. The test plug further includes a pair of alignment tabs which extending radially outward from the test plug above the elastomeric sealing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Sioux Chief Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Ismert, Frank D. Julian, Christopher J. Ismert
  • Publication number: 20090139025
    Abstract: A drain assembly for use with a faucet including a lift rod, a lever arm, and a coupler operably coupling the lift rod and the lever arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: John David Vogel
  • Publication number: 20090100584
    Abstract: Durable protective covers for drains and other holes are provided which prevent spills and unwanted liquids from flowing therein. The protective covers include a durable backing layer and a pliable, tacky sealing layer which conforms and adheres to a surface surrounding the drain to reduce or eliminate the flow of liquids into the drain. A low-density bonding layer is provided between the pliable, tacky sealing layer and the durable backing layer in order to provide significantly improved adherence between the layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: New Pig Corporation
    Inventors: Beth P. Powell, R. Douglas Evans, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090094732
    Abstract: A seal assembly for a drain vent is provided to direct the pressure exerted by a plunger to the face of a drain clog rather than escaping through the drain vent. The seal assembly of the invention comprises a tubular body having a first closed end and a second open end to define a substantially rigid a cup-like structure or cavity. A sealing member concentric with a longitudinal axis of the tubular body is attached to the second open end of the tubular body to form a seal against a surface containing the drain vent. A handle is attached to the closed end of the cup-like structure and extends away from the closed first end of the tubular body to provide a mechanism for the user to hold the sealing member against the surface containing the drain vent during the plunging process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Blu Mooney
  • Publication number: 20090007322
    Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of a closure system for a drain hole of a bath, sink or the like. The system comprises a closure means which is movable between an open drainage position and closed sealed position. The movement is controlled by a movement assembly mounted in connection with the closure means so as to allow the movement to be achieved without direct contact between the user and the closure means being required. Typically one or more user operable switches or remote control means are provided to allow the selective movement of the closure means by the movement assembly to be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: JACUZZI UK GROUP Plc
    Inventors: LEE TAYLOR, CHRIS SWAN
  • Patent number: 7367078
    Abstract: A “plunger-brush” is described and claimed. The plunger-brush includes a surface cleaning element at one end of a cylindrical member, which is used to sweep debris from a surface. The cylindrical member also bears a collar that closes a drain opening when the plunger-brush is placed in a drain, for example of a kitchen sink. A handle at the other end of the plunger-brush provides for easy handling of the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventors: John Mameletzi, Mark J. Nuell
  • Patent number: 6966077
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for opening and shutting a drain valve in a washstand, particularly, an apparatus for automatically opening and shutting a drain valve in a washstand, wherein an automatic opening and shutting means for automatically opening and shutting the drain valve is mounted. The apparatus for automatically opening and shutting the drain valve in the washstand, wherein a drain-pipe is connected to the bottom of a washstand, and the top of the drain-pipe, i.e., a drain-outlet is opened and shut by a drain valve built in the drain-pipe, including a deceleration motor formed at one side of the drain-pipe, a working cam closely contacting the bottom of the drain valve, wherein the working cam is disposed on the axis of the deceleration motor, and a touch button for turning on/off the deceleration motor, wherein the touch button is disposed at a predetermined portion of the washstand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Sang-Ik Cho
  • Publication number: 20040237180
    Abstract: A device for providing a temporary cover for drains and other holes is provided, according to the present invention, to prevent liquids from flowing therein. The inventive temporary covering device generally includes a sheet of flexible, liquid impermeable material having top and bottom surfaces. A pliable, liquid impermeable material is attached to the bottom surface of the sheet about a peripheral edge of the sheet. The pliable, liquid impermeable material includes an exposed surface that is tacky so that it may adhere to a surface surrounding the drain or other hole to prevent the flow of liquid therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: New Pig Corporation
    Inventors: R. Douglas Evans, Patrick E. Healy
  • Patent number: 6691411
    Abstract: A method of installing a wastewater drain assembly for a bathtub by inserting an L-shaped drain pipe into a drain hole of a bathtub such that an annular flange on the drain pipe rests on a bottom wall of the bathtub. Slideably mounting a lock washer over the drain pipe and threadably tightening the lock washer against a lower surface of the bottom wall of a bathtub. Connecting the drain pipe to a drain system. Testing the drain assembly for water leaks. Finally, installing a drain closure into the upper end of the drain pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 6601242
    Abstract: A combination flexible strainer and plug for use in conjunction with a drain opening of a plumbing fixture. The strainer comprising a substantially cylindrical portion constructed and arranged to extendingly engage the drain opening. The strainer having a bottom portion engaged to a lowermost portion of the substantially cylindrical portion, the bottom portion having a plurality of openings therethrough. The strainer having an annular ring engaged to an uppermost portion of the substantially cylindrical portion and outwardly extending therefrom, the annular ring constructed and arranged to form a seal with a portion of the plumbing fixture immediately adjacent to the drain opening. The plug comprising an upper surface, the upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface having at least one projection, the at least one projection providing a grasping surface by which the plug may inserted into and removed from within the substantially cylindrically shaped portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Gary H. Rebischke
  • Patent number: 6530722
    Abstract: A drain seal for rapidly sealing the apertures in a drain grate, the drain seal composed of a mat of polymeric material and having a pair of opposing sealing surfaces and internally disposed reinforcement members to increase structural integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce
  • Patent number: 6490739
    Abstract: A plug for a sink drain includes a body fitted to a sink, a connector with a spring and secured to the body, a cap mounted on the connector, and a knob mounted on the cap. The spring extends through the connector to urge against the cap whereby the plug has a raised mode in which water can drain from the sink and a lowered mode in which water is retained in the sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Princeton International Company
    Inventor: Leon Lee
  • Patent number: 6338168
    Abstract: A drain covering system for preventing water from going down the drain. The drain covering system includes a basin that has a drain and a drain covering member that includes an outer covering and a weighted core. The drain covering member is positionable over the drain such that the outer perimeter of the drain covering member contacts a portion of the basin around the drain. The drain covering member is adapted for preventing a liquid from passing through the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Carolyn E. Valentine
  • Patent number: 6138290
    Abstract: A movable fitting member for use with a drain fitting for controlling the discharging of fluid, comprises a drain fitting, a cylindrical guide post with an inserting plate, a lower bearing portion, and a fitting member. If the guide post is in a position that the inserting plate thereof is aligned with a deeper groove within fitting member, it will insert into the bore at its full length, so that the fitting member tightly covers the drain and thus, fluid is sealed and does not discharge out. However, if the guide post is aligned with a shallow groove formed by the second and fourth slots and the cylindrical bore, it will insert into the fitting member by only a part of its full length, so that the fitting member does not completely cover the drain fitting and thus a gap is formed therebetween. Therefore, water discharges therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Michael C. H. Lin
  • Patent number: 6092244
    Abstract: A locking grate for a floor sink includes a screen member having holes dimensioned to allow the passage of liquid but prevent the passage of solid waste and a mounting hole, a threaded member dimensioned to extend through the mounting hole, and a locking member which is adapted to be engaged by the threaded member. According to a presently preferred embodiment, the threaded member is a screw having a non-standard or atypical head which requires a non-standard or unusual screw driver. The locking member includes a tube which is orthogonally engaged by the screw and which has at least one rod slideably disposed therein. The tube and the rod are arranged such that when the screw engages the tube, the screw forces the rod to slide partially out of the tube. The end of the rod which extends out of the tube is preferably provided with a surface which frictionally engages the inner wall of the floor sink drain pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Perlucid Corporation
    Inventors: William D. Rizzardi, Guido Greco
  • Patent number: 5915847
    Abstract: A drain stopper having a lift mechanism or assembly and, optionally, a strainer assembly, is provided wherein a sealing member which may be a stopper plug or a flat disc is coupled to an elongate rod having a pair of legs extending in one direction and a handle extending in an opposite direction. The rod extends transversely across a top of the sealing member, and is coupled to the sealing member in a manner so as to permit rotation thereof. When the rod is rotated to urge the legs downwardly along the sides of the sealing member, the legs will engage the drain and, through lever or camming action, lift the sealing member upwardly from the drain. A strainer assembly includes a member extending downwardly from the underside of the sealing member which holds a screen at a lower extent of the extension member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Cecil J. Spears
  • Patent number: 5832544
    Abstract: A sink drain stopper has a main body provided therein with a cover body capable of rising and descending. The cover body is provided in the top thereof with a pull head. A center rod is located in the extension of the cover body by a bolt such that the center rod is fastened at the bottom end thereof with the main body. The cover body is raised or descended by rotating the cover body such that the bolt is moved on the center rod. The cover body is provided therein with a washer to avert the water leak. The cover body, the center rod and the main body can be easily dismantled for cleaning or replacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Chin-Chi Pan
  • Patent number: 5832545
    Abstract: A sink drain plug is composed of a main body, a cover body, a center rod, a pull head, and an elastic wire body. The main body is fastened with a sink or lavatory. The cover body is located on the top of the main body and is provided with a hollow column extending from the underside thereof. The center rod is fitted into the hollow column such that the center rod is fastened at the bottom end thereof with the bottom end of the main body. The pull head is fastened with the top of the cover body. The elastic wire body is engaged with the center rod such that two lugs of the elastic wire body are jutted out of the center rod to urge the inside of the hollow column so as to locate securely the cover body at a level at which the main body is opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Chin-Chi Pan
  • Patent number: 5758368
    Abstract: A waste water valve for use in the bottom of a bathtub or the like has a drain insert extending through an opening in the bottom end of the receptacle. A support member extends across the lower end of the drain inset and the vertical post is secured thereto and extends outwardly therefrom. The post has a flat planar surface thereon which intersects with an annular groove adjacent the top of the post. A closure member with a central bore is rotatably mounted on the post and is rotatable with the post when lifted to a position within the annular groove. A washer is secured within the center bore of the closure member and has a circular center bore with a flat segment adjacent thereto to permit the closure member to dwell within the annular groove when the flat segment is out of alignment with the planar surface of the post, but which will permit the closure member to slidably turn relative to the post when the flat surface is in alignment with the planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 5749561
    Abstract: A plug assembly (2) which can be used in a drain, sink or bath (5). The plug (2) is of the pop up type being spring biassed into an open position. The plug (2) includes inter-engaging means for engagement of the plug (2) with a waste pipe (3) and means to permit the movement of the plug (2) relative to the pipe (3), both of which are circumferentially situated so that there is no impediment to fluid moving through the plug (2) and into the pipe (3). The means to bias the plug (2) to the open position includes a spring (18) which is arranged between the exterior of the plug (2) side and the interior of the waste pipe (3), and shoulders (6, 19) formed in each, such that said fluid flowing through the pipe (3) does not contact the spring (18). The plug (2) can be manually operated or operated remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Wes Wastes Limited
    Inventor: Albert Edward Worthington