Drain And Overflow Patents (Class 4/680)
  • Publication number: 20040128757
    Abstract: An overflow system in the bathtub has an overflow port and has a drain pipe in connection with the overflow port. A threaded flange has a stub shoulder on one end which is fitted into a circular sleeve on the overflow port. The threaded flange has exterior threads on its outer surface and a thin diaphragm secured to the end thereof opposite to the stub shoulder. A large sealing washer embraces the outside of the circular flange on the overflow port and extends partially over the threads of the threaded flange. A large internally threaded nut is threadably mounted on the outer end of the threaded flange and compresses the sealing washer against a vertical flange on the port to seal the connection between the threaded flange and the port. A decorative cap is frictionally snapped into engagement with protrusions on the outer surface of the nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: WCM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Publication number: 20040117907
    Abstract: A bathtub drainage and overflow system assembly is a combination of a one-piece overflow pipe and a waste water drain assembly connected by a T-shaped elbow. The one-piece overflow pipe has an inverted L-shape having an elbow portion. A lip extends radially outwardly from an outer surface of the overflow pipe to engage an outer surface of the bathtub end wall around the bathtub overflow port. A thin diaphragm is used to close the inlet to fluid flow. The waste water drain has an L-shaped drain pipe having an annular flange resting on a bottom wall of the bathtub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: WCM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Publication number: 20040111797
    Abstract: An overflow system in the bathtub has an overflow port and has a drain pipe in connection with the overflow port. A threaded flange has a stub shoulder on one end which is fitted into a circular sleeve on the overflow port. The threaded flange has exterior threads on its outer surface and a thin diaphragm secured to the end thereof opposite to the stub shoulder. A large sealing washer embraces the outside of the circular flange on the overflow port and extends partially over the threads of the threaded flange. A large internally threaded nut is threadably mounted on the outer end of the threaded flange and compresses the sealing washer against a vertical flange on the port to seal the connection between the threaded flange and the port. A decorative cap is frictionally snapped into engagement with protrusions on the outer surface of the nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: WCM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Publication number: 20040103474
    Abstract: A temporary closure for a bathtub overflow port, comprising placing on the outer end of a drain pipe extending through the overflow port a solid cap threaded on the outer end and a cap with an outer face with an aperture thereon covered by a sealing diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: WCM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Publication number: 20040068793
    Abstract: An overflow system in the bathtub has an overflow port and has a drain pipe in connection with the overflow port. A threaded flange has a stub shoulder on one end which is fitted into a circular sleeve on the overflow port. The threaded flange has exterior threads on its outer surface and a thin diaphragm secured to the end thereof opposite to the stub shoulder. A large sealing washer embraces the outside of the circular flange on the overflow port and extends partially over the threads of the threaded flange. A large internally threaded nut is threadably mounted on the outer end of the threaded flange and compresses the sealing washer against a vertical flange on the port to seal the connection between the threaded flange and the port. A decorative cap is frictionally snapped into engagement with protrusions on the outer surface of the nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: WCM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Publication number: 20040068792
    Abstract: A temporary closure for a bathtub overflow port, comprising placing in the outer end of an internally threaded drain pipe extending through the overflow port a solid cap externally threaded on the inner end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: WCM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Publication number: 20040055084
    Abstract: A method of sealing an overflow fluid port of a bathtub against fluid flow for testing for leaks in the water system which includes the overflow fluid port, comprising, inserting into the overflow fluid port an expandable plug, mechanically expanding the expandable plug to engage an interior surface of the port to seal the port against fluid flow; thence conducting the water system for leaks; thence mechanically moving the expandable plug to a non-expanded condition, and removing the expandable plug from the port. The structure for sealing a bathtub overflow port for testing purposes, includes an expandable plug removably mounted in the overflow port of a bathtub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: WCM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Publication number: 20040055083
    Abstract: A temporary closure for a bathtub overflow port, comprising placing on the outer end of a drain pipe extending through the overflow port a solid cap threaded on the outer end, with or without a sealing element on its inner surface; a cap with an outer face with an aperture thereon covered by a sealing diaphragm, or a solid plug screwed into a threaded interior of the outer end of the drain pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: WCM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Publication number: 20040034926
    Abstract: A bathtub waste pipe assembly for draining fluid from a bathtub where the bathtub has an upper overflow drain and a lower drain. The bathtub waste pipe assembly includes a flexible hollow tube extending from the upper overflow drain to the lower drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: WCM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 6681420
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing a bathtub assembly where an overflow assembly secured to an overflow port of a bathtub and a drain assembly secured to a drain port of a bathtub are adhesively secured to a T-section by use of an overflow hub and drain hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 6637050
    Abstract: A one-piece overflow fitting is provided for a bathtub having a one piece overflow pipe. The one piece overflow pipe has an inverted L-shape having an elbow portion defining an upper end portion and a lower end portion. The upper end portion has an outer end defining an inlet adapted to fit through a bathtub overflow port. Threads are located on an outer surface of the upper end portion and surround the inlet. A lip extends radially outwardly from an outer surface of the overflow pipe between the elbow portion and the upper end portion to engage an outer surface of the bathtub end wall around the bathtub overflow port. A thin diaphragm is sealed to the outer end of the upper end portion to close the inlet to fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 6546573
    Abstract: A drain cover assembly with a hollow conduit member with an open end that penetrates and extends through a drain port of a bathtub, and a drain cover with a center opening, a horizontal flange, and an integral sleeve that extends into the open end of the conduit, the sleeve having protruding elements that are received by slots on the interior of the conduit to guide and releasably secure the drain cover to the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Publication number: 20030000012
    Abstract: An overflow system in the bathtub has an overflow port and has a drain pipe in connection with the overflow port. A threaded flange has a stub shoulder on one end which is forced-fitted into a circular sleeve on the overflow port. The threaded flange has exterior threads on its outer surface and a thin diaphragm secured to the end thereof opposite to the stub shoulder. A large sealing washer embraces the outside of the circular flange on the overflow port and extends partially over the threads of the threaded flange. A large internally threaded nut is threadably mounted on the outer end of the threaded flange and compresses the sealing washer against a vertical flange on the port to seal the connection between the threaded flange and the port. A decorative cap is frictionally snapped into engagement with protrusions on the outer surface of the nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 6467105
    Abstract: A drain stopper to soak feet in a tub and shower for soaking one's feet while taking a shower. The drain stopper to soak feet in a tub and shower includes a main tubular member having open top and bottom ends and a bore extending therethrough for removably mounting upon a drain of a tub and shower; and also includes an annular flange member securely attached at the bottom end of the main tubular member for plugging the drain about a perimeter of the main tubular member; and further includes a sieve member removably disposed in the bore of the main tubular member to effectively screen out particulate matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Edward C. Vanden Elzen
  • Publication number: 20020032926
    Abstract: A drain adapter assembly for joining an overflow pipe to a side wall of a bathtub for permanently sealing the overflow pipe to the tub prior to the installation of a suitable overflow trim plate. The present assembly is capable of compressing the overflow pipe to the side wall of the tub while compressibly capturing a foam gasket, thus effectively preventing water seepage between the bathtub side wall and gasket and thereby enabling the tub to be filled above its overflow opening for suitable water testing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventor: Stephen W. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6345398
    Abstract: A drain plug with a central drainage aperture for a bath tub including a plug insert dimensioned for positioning within the water drain of the bath tub. The plug insert has an conduit extending between its wide upper end and the narrow lower end. A plug cover is provided that is dimensioned for covering the water drain of the bath tub around the plug insert. The plug cover is integral with the plug insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Samuel Maxson
  • Patent number: 6295664
    Abstract: A tub waste overflow assembly that is attachable to a tub wall by means of a threaded retaining body insertable through an overflow drain aperture in a tub wall to engage a cooperatively threaded pipe fitting on the opposite side of the tub wall. The retaining body is provided with an annular flange larger than the aperture, a plurality of lugs circumferentially spaced around the tubular bore and extending forwardly of the flange, opposite the male threaded end, and a selectively removable test plug molded in place across the tubular bore at the flange end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: LSP Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Fritz, Jerry P. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6289532
    Abstract: A tub waste overflow assembly that is attachable to a tub wall by means of a threaded retaining body insertable through an overflow drain aperture in a tub wall to engage a cooperatively threaded pipe fitting on the opposite side of the tub wall. A chamfered washer is provided to cooperate with the retaining body and an annular sealing gasket to produce a fluid-tight seal on the interior surface of the tub wall. A forwardly projecting fulcrum member on the pipe fitting preferably contacts the exterior tub wall outwardly of the aperture to facilitate connection of a drain pipe to tub walls over a range of included angles, and no seal is required around the overflow drain aperture on the exterior tub wall. A unitarily molded, knock-out test plug is provided across the bore of the retaining body and a handle desirably attached to the test plug projects into the tub to facilitate installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: LSP Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt M. Fritz, Ted D. Deeds, Samuel H. Howe
  • Patent number: 6272699
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying a bathtub overflow drain to bypass potential leakage zones, i.e. between a bathtub liner and between connections of fittings through inserting a throat member from the innermost surface of the bathtub, which may be the innermost surface of a bathtub liner, to the interior of the standing portion of a drainpipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Aaron L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6216288
    Abstract: A sealing member is provided for a bathtub. A conventional plate is coupled to the wall of a bathtub and covers a drain opening formed therein. The plate is continuous except for an overflow opening which accommodates the free flow of water from the bathtub through the drain opening and down the overflow drain of the bathtub. The sealing member sealingly engages the plate and the bathtub wall to prevent water from flowing through the overflow opening of the plate and down the overflow drain of the bathtub. The sealing member includes an annular lip which fits snugly within the overflow opening of the plate. In an alternate embodiment, a bypass opening is formed in the sealing member at a height greater than that of the overflow opening of the plate. A channel formed within the sealing member extends between the bypass opening and the overflow drain. Water may then enter the sealing member at a height greater than the overflow opening and be channeled through the overflow drain and out of the bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Barry Bernau
  • Patent number: 6192531
    Abstract: A tub waste overflow assembly is provided that is attachable to a tub wall by means of a threaded retaining body insertable through an overflow drain aperture in a tub wall to engage a cooperatively threaded pipe fitting on the opposite side of the tub wall. A chamfered washer is provided to cooperate with the retaining body and an annular sealing gasket to produce a fluid-tight seal on the interior surface of the tub wall and provide frictional engagement with a cover member spanning the drain aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: LSP Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Fritz, Jerry P. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6173459
    Abstract: A control for a waste water drain in the bottom of a bathtub which has an overflow port above the drain in the end wall of the bathtub has a vertical drain pipe having upper and lower ends. A first fluid port is located at the upper end of the vertical drain pipe and a second fluid port is located below the first fluid port for connection to a bathtub waste water drain. A valve element is slidably mounted in the vertical drain pipe adjacent the second port and is movable between a lower position to close the second port to fluid flow, and an upper position which will open the second fluid port to fluid flow. An overflow cap is rotatably mounted adjacent the first port. An elongated linkage connects the valve element to the overflow cap so that the rotation of the cap in one direction will raise the valve element to the upper position, and rotation of the cap in the opposite direction will lower the valve element to the lower position. The vertical drain pipe is length adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 6058525
    Abstract: A multi-piece waste and overflow unit is used with a bathtub to remove waste water via the overflow drain hole, bottom drain hole, or both holes of the bathtub. The multi-piece waste and overflow unit includes a bottom connector and overflow connector. Both connectors comprise a tubular member, a flange extending radially outwardly with respect to the tubular member, and a frustoconical connector between and connecting the tubular member and the flange. The flanges have a channel formed thereon to receive leakproof adhesive for connecting the connectors to the bathtub respectively. The multi-piece waste and overflow unit also utilizes elbows, T-joints, and conventional pipes for connecting the bottom and overflow connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Plumbing Innovations, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kent Paden
  • Patent number: 5953772
    Abstract: A sink station system and method for accumulating and holding fluids and solid sediments. The sink station system incorporates a drain pipe serving to draw fluid out of a dental sink. The fluid flows down the drain pipe and into a fluid trap. As the sink is used, fluid accumulates in the fluid trap. As fluid accumulates in the trap beyond a predetermined level, the fluid rises upward through a water level pipe into a water level chamber wherein a float sensor is disposed. As the water rises to a predetermined level within the water level chamber, the float sensor is activated. Upon activation of the float sensor, a discharge pump is activated and accumulated fluid is pumped out of the system through a discharge pipe. The water level chamber and drain pipe fluidly communicate by means of an air vent that allows air accumulating above the fluid rising in the water level chamber out of the system to atmosphere through the drain pipe and sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Donald J. Morrissey
  • Patent number: 5771507
    Abstract: An extendible drain closure device has a plurality of telescoped hollow tubular members. The outermost hollow tubular member is a main body which has a base portion sized to seat down into a drain opening and an upper flange having a recessed portion. The main body is sized such that the upper flange is flush with the top of the drain opening. Multiple hollow tubular members are positioned within the main body in a telescopically operative manner with the innermost hollow tubular member having a stop ring which seats into the recessed portion of the flange. The top of the extendible drain closure device is thus flush with the top of the drain opening when the device is in a telescopically retracted position. A handle, which can be hinged so that it lies flat when not in use, is provided on the stop ring which may grasped and pulled upwardly to deploy the extendible drain closure device in a telescopically extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: New Pig Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick E. Healy, Brian Christopher Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5333327
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mechanism for remotely opening and closing a drain of a basin by means of a flexible rod moving through a non-linear tube. The rod connects a drive member, pushed or pulled by a user, with a member linked to a plug which opens and closes the drain. Within the bend of the tube, the flexible rod and/or tube are configured to leave a void between them in order to reduce friction. The configuration of the rod may include one or more bulbous ends or a lobed cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: John C. Redding, Douglas J. Brouwer
  • Patent number: 5179740
    Abstract: An encapsulated overflow system for use in a sink to interconnect the overflow opening and the drain opening. The system including a tube, an overflow opening adapter and a drain opening adapter. The tube includes an internal supporting rib which prevents collapse of the tube when a layer of plastic material is formed on the underside of the sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Marsilio, Karl G. Ohaus