U.S. patent application number 11/200682 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-15 for self-locking grate for deck drain fitting.
This patent application is currently assigned to Bestweld Inc.. Invention is credited to Rod Bayard, Charles R. Commo, Fulton D. JR. Oakes, William Oscar.
Application Number | 20070034577 11/200682 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37741634 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070034577 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bayard; Rod ; et
al. |
February 15, 2007 |
Self-locking grate for deck drain fitting
Abstract
A self-locking grate for a drain fitting body includes a plate
having strainer holes and arcuate elongated openings near the
periphery of the grate. Enlarged diameter portions of the elongated
openings fit over studs connected to a drain, and the grate can be
rotated to engage the studs, so that the grate is wedged to the
drain fitting body without the use of screws. An inclined ledge,
formed in the elongated openings, acts as a cam surface to wedge
against the grate as it is rotated into the locked position.
Despite the absence of screws, the grate is unlikely to loosen due
to vibration or shock. A tool capable of simultaneously engaging
distinct holes in the grate can be used to rotate the grate between
the locked and unlocked positions. The invention also includes a
kit for converting a conventional drain fitting and grate into a
drain fitting and grate of the present invention.
Inventors: |
Bayard; Rod; (Fort
Washington, PA) ; Oscar; William; (Perkiomenville,
PA) ; Commo; Charles R.; (Limerick, PA) ;
Oakes; Fulton D. JR.; (Bowdoinham, ME) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILLIAM H. EILBERG
THREE BALA PLAZA
SUITE 501 WEST
BALA CYNWYD
PA
19004
US
|
Assignee: |
Bestweld Inc.
|
Family ID: |
37741634 |
Appl. No.: |
11/200682 |
Filed: |
August 10, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
210/767 ;
210/163 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02A 30/68 20180101;
Y02A 30/60 20180101; E03F 2005/063 20130101; E03F 5/06
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/767 ;
210/163 |
International
Class: |
E03F 5/06 20060101
E03F005/06 |
Claims
1. A self-locking grate for a drain fitting, comprising: a plate
having a plurality of strainer holes, the plate further comprising
a plurality of elongated openings which are distinct from the
strainer holes, each elongated opening including a region of
enlarged diameter relative to other regions of said elongated
opening, the elongated openings defining at least a generally
circular arc.
2. The grate of claim 1, wherein at least one of said elongated
openings has a ledge having a depth which varies along said
opening.
3. The grate of claim 1, wherein the plate has a generally circular
shape, the plate having a periphery, and wherein the elongated
openings are located in a vicinity of the periphery of the
plate.
4. The grate of claim 2, wherein the plate has a generally circular
shape, the plate having a periphery, and wherein the elongated
openings are located in a vicinity of the periphery of the
plate.
5. The grate of claim 1, further comprising a tool having means for
supporting a pair of spaced-apart prongs, the prongs being sized to
fit simultaneously within at least two of said strainer holes and
said openings, wherein movement of the tool, when the prongs are
inserted into said holes or openings, causes rotation of the
grate.
6. The grate of claim 5, wherein at least one prong of the tool is
pivotable relative to another prong, wherein positions of the
prongs can be adjusted so that the prongs fit simultaneously into
holes and/or openings of the grate.
7. In combination, a self-locking grate and a drain fitting body,
the grate comprising a plate having a plurality of strainer holes,
the plate further comprising a plurality of elongated openings
which are distinct from the strainer holes, each elongated opening
including a region of enlarged diameter relative to other regions
of said elongated opening, the elongated openings defining at least
a generally circular arc, and wherein the drain fitting body
comprises means for supporting a plurality of studs, wherein the
studs are positioned to coincide with positions of said regions of
enlarged diameter of said elongated openings, and wherein the studs
are sized to pass through said regions of enlarged diameter but not
through other regions of said elongated openings, wherein the studs
can engage the grate when the grate has been rotated.
8. The combination of claim 7, wherein each stud has a head,
wherein at least one of said elongated openings has an inclined
ledge having a depth which varies along said opening, the inclined
ledge comprising a cam surface for wedging the grate against an
underside of the head of the stud.
9. The combination of claim 7, wherein the plate has a generally
circular shape, the plate having a periphery, and wherein the
elongated openings are located in a vicinity of the periphery of
the plate.
10. The combination of claim 8, wherein the plate has a generally
circular shape, the plate having a periphery, and wherein the
elongated openings are located in a vicinity of the periphery of
the plate.
11. The combination of claim 7, further comprising a tool having
means for supporting a pair of spaced-apart prongs, the prongs
being sized to fit simultaneously within at least two of said
strainer holes and said openings, wherein movement of the tool,
when the prongs are inserted into said holes or openings, causes
rotation of the grate relative to the drain fitting body.
12. The combination of claim 11, wherein at least one prong of the
tool is pivotable relative to another prong, wherein positions of
the prongs can be adjusted so that the prongs fit simultaneously
into holes and/or openings of the grate.
13. A method of installing a grate on a drain fitting body,
comprising: a) placing a grate onto a drain, wherein the drain
includes a plurality of studs, and wherein the grate includes a
plurality of elongated openings, each of the elongated openings
having an enlarged diameter portion sized to accommodate said
studs, the grate being placed such that the studs pass through the
enlarged diameter portions of said openings, and b) rotating the
grate so that the studs are no longer positioned within the
enlarged diameter portions, wherein the grate becomes locked onto
the drain fitting body.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the enlarged diameter portions
are located at one end of the elongated openings, and wherein the
elongated openings have an opposite end at which the opening has a
diameter smaller than that of the enlarged diameter portion, and
wherein step (b) includes rotating the grate until the studs are
located in a vicinity of said opposite end of the elongated
openings.
15. The method of claim 13, further comprising turning the grate
until the studs are positioned within the enlarged diameter
portions, and lifting the grate from the drain.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the rotating step comprises
applying force to a tool which is in engagement with the grate, the
tool having means for supporting a pair of spaced-apart prongs, the
prongs being sized to fit simultaneously within at least two holes
or openings in the grate, wherein movement of the tool, when the
prongs are inserted into said holes or openings, and torque is
applied, causes rotation of the grate relative to the drain.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein at least one prong of the tool
is pivotable relative to another prong, and wherein the method
includes the step of adjusting a position of said at least one
prong so that the prongs fit simultaneously into holes and/or
openings of the grate.
18. A kit for modifying a drain fitting so as to accommodate a
self-locking grate, the kit comprising: a) a plate having a
plurality of strainer holes, the plate further comprising a
plurality of elongated openings which are distinct from the
strainer holes, each elongated opening including a region of
enlarged diameter relative to other regions of said elongated
opening, the elongated openings defining at least a generally
circular arc, and b) means for providing studs in a drain fitting,
the studs having heads which are sized to engage at least a portion
of the elongated openings of the plate.
19. The kit of claim 18, further comprising at least one tap for
creating a threaded bore for receiving said studs in the drain
fitting.
20. The kit of claim 18, further comprising a tool having means for
supporting a pair of spaced-apart prongs, the prongs being sized to
fit simultaneously within at least two of said strainer holes and
said openings, wherein movement of the tool, when the prongs are
inserted into said holes or openings, applies a torque to the
grate.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to floor drain and deck drain
fittings, especially deck drain fittings used in marine
applications, including ships, boats, barges, and other vehicles
and structures such as drilling platforms. The invention provides a
method and apparatus for easily removing and replacing a grate for
a drain fitting, for the purposes of inspecting a drain body,
clearing an obstruction, and/or cleaning and repairing any of the
parts thereof.
[0002] It is known to provide drain pipes on ships, for removing
water that may accumulate on a deck or platform. Such drain pipes
typically terminate in a flared, generally conical structure, or
drain fitting, which is capped with a grate. The grate prevents
relatively large pieces of debris from falling into the drain
fitting and causing clogs, while allowing water, and solid material
having a relatively small size, to flow into the drain. The grate
and drain structures are usually arranged so that the grate is
essentially flush with the deck or platform. Thus, the drain pipe
itself is typically located below the deck or platform, and the
flared terminus of the drain is attached, typically by welding, to
the surface of the deck or platform.
[0003] In the deck drains of the prior art, the grate is usually
attached to the flared terminus by screws, which engage threads
formed in studs or bosses attached to the inner body of the drain.
Because drains need periodic cleaning and maintenance, these screws
must be frequently removed, so that the grate can be lifted from
the drain. When the maintenance operation is complete, the grate
must be reinstalled by reinstalling the screws and tightening
them.
[0004] The above design has several disadvantages, especially when
maintaining the drain fitting while the marine vehicle is in a
seaway. First, it is inconvenient to handle multiple screws while
removing and reattaching the grate. One or more screws can easily
become lost by rolling away, or they can even fall into the
drain.
[0005] Secondly, a more serious problem arises when the grate has
been removed and reattached many times. After many iterations, the
drain fitting body threads for the screws are likely to become
worn, and they eventually may become stripped. When the threads are
stripped, repair is often a major undertaking, as it is often done
by replacing the entire drain fitting. For drains that are welded
to a metal deck or platform, the only way to replace them is to cut
away portions of the surrounding deck. This is an operation that
usually cannot be either conveniently or safely performed while at
sea. To repair the drain adequately, it may be necessary to wait
until the marine vehicle is in port.
[0006] If the subject deck or platform is also the surface of a
tank, the replacement of a deck drain fitting is especially costly.
This is because a fuel tank will require cleaning and degassing,
with certification, before hot metal work is permitted.
[0007] The present invention provides a self-locking grate which
does not require the use of screws, and which therefore avoids the
problems described above. The grate of the present invention
fulfills all of the purposes of grates of the prior art, while
greatly simplifying the process for removal and replacement of the
grate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention, in one aspect, comprises a
self-locking grate for a drain fitting, the grate eliminating the
need for screws for attaching the grate to the drain fitting.
[0009] The grate of the invention comprises a plate having a
plurality of strainer holes, and a plurality of arcuate elongated
openings. The elongated openings are arranged in a circular arc
near the periphery of the plate. Each elongated opening includes an
enlarged diameter portion, as well as an inclined ledge having a
depth which varies along the length of the elongated opening.
[0010] The drain body includes a plurality of studs, of similar
number and arrangement as the screws securing the strainer plates
of the prior art. Each stud is sized to fit within the enlarged
diameter portions of the openings, but has a head which is large
enough to be caught within the elongated opening when the stud is
not aligned with the enlarged diameter portion. The drain fitting
also typically includes a flange for supporting the grate, so that
the grate can rest conveniently over the drain, and be positioned
such that the top surface of the grate is flush with the deck or
platform surface.
[0011] The grate is locked onto the drain fitting by simply placing
the grate on the drain fitting such that the studs pass through the
enlarged diameter portions, and rotating the grate so that the
studs become positioned near the opposite ends of the elongated
openings, relative to the enlarged diameter portions. As the grate
is so rotated, the inclined ledge acts as a cam surface, pressing
upon the grate, so that when the grate has been rotated to the
fullest extent permitted by the elongated openings, the grate
becomes firmly wedged between the underside of the stud head and
the ledge.
[0012] The grate can be rotated with the use of a tool which
includes a pair of spaced-apart prongs, the prongs being sized to
fit simultaneously within a pair of holes or openings in the grate.
In a preferred embodiment, one prong of the tool may be pivoted
relative to another prong, so that the positions of the prongs can
be adjusted to insure that the prongs fit simultaneously into holes
and/or openings in the grate. That is, the tool may take the form
of an adjustable spanner wrench. When the prongs are engaged in
this manner, the application of force to the tool produces the
necessary torque to rotate the grate in the desired direction.
[0013] The invention also includes a kit for converting a drain
fitting body and grate of the prior art into a drain fitting body
and grate of the present invention. The kit includes a grate
constructed according to the present invention, a plurality of
threaded inserts to define threaded receptacles for the studs, and
a plurality of screws which, when screwed into the inserts,
comprise the studs which engage the grate. The kit may also include
taps for threading holes to accommodate the inserts, and a tool for
installing the inserts. The kit may also include a spanner wrench,
or its equivalent, for use in locking and unlocking the grate from
the drain.
[0014] The invention therefore has the primary object of providing
a self-locking grate for a drain, the grate being especially useful
in marine environments and in other applications.
[0015] The invention has the further object of providing a grate
which can be attached to, and removed from, a drain fitting without
the use of screws.
[0016] The invention has the further object of reducing the cost of
maintenance of drains, by eliminating the need for screws in
attaching a grate to a drain fitting.
[0017] The invention has the further object of simplifying the
procedure for attaching and removing a grate from a drain, which is
especially valuable when the marine vehicle is moving in a
seaway.
[0018] The invention has the further object of reducing the cost of
maintaining deck and platform drain systems, especially on a marine
vessel.
[0019] The invention has the further object of providing a method
for attachment and removal of a grate from a drain or equivalent
component.
[0020] The invention has the further object of providing a kit for
converting a drain fitting of the prior art into one made according
to the present invention.
[0021] The reader skilled in the art will recognize other objects
and advantages of the invention, from a reading of the following
brief description of the drawings, the detailed description of the
invention, and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 provides an exploded perspective view of the grate
and drain fitting of the present invention, showing the grate
separately from the drain fitting.
[0023] FIG. 2 provides a fragmentary perspective view of the grate
and drain fitting of the present invention, showing the grate and
drain fitting installed on a deck of a vessel, and showing the
grate in an unlocked position.
[0024] FIG. 3 provides a fragmentary perspective view similar to
that of FIG. 2, but wherein the grate has been rotated into the
locked position.
[0025] FIG. 4 provides a plan view of a fragment of the grate of
the present invention, showing the shape of the opening that
receives studs positioned on the drain fitting.
[0026] FIG. 5 provides a cross-sectional view of the opening, taken
along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4.
[0027] FIG. 6 provides a fragmentary top view of a portion of the
grate of the present invention, showing its engagement with a stud,
in an unlocked position.
[0028] FIG. 7 provides a view similar to that of FIG. 6, but
showing the engagement of the stud in the locked position.
[0029] FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of the self-locking grate
of the present invention, and also showing a tool for locking and
unlocking the grate.
[0030] FIG. 9 provides a perspective view of the elements of a kit
which can be used to convert drain fittings of the prior art into a
drain fitting and grate of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] The present invention comprises a self-locking grate for a
drain fitting. The basic structure of the invention is shown in the
exploded perspective view of FIG. 1. Grate 1 comprises a cover for
drain fitting body 2, the grate being placed over the drain fitting
body as indicated by arrow 3. The drain fitting body includes a
flared, generally conical terminus 4, which connects to a drain
pipe 5. The drain fitting body includes a plurality of studs 6, the
studs being permanently mounted to the interior of the flared
terminus 4, as shown. A flange 7 provides a seat for the grate.
Each stud defines a stud head, as shown.
[0032] The grate includes a plurality of strainer holes, such as
those designated by reference numeral 8, the strainer holes
comprising means for preventing relatively large debris from
falling into the drain. The grate also includes arcuate elongated
openings 9, each elongated opening having a portion that is of
enlarged diameter relative to that of the remainder of the opening,
to allow passage of, and engagement with, the stud heads. In the
embodiment shown, there are four such elongated openings. The
elongated openings are distinct from the holes. The elongated
openings are arranged along a generally circular arc, near the
periphery of the grate.
[0033] FIG. 2 shows the drain fitting body installed in, and flush
with, deck 10, which may be the deck or platform of a marine vessel
or other structure. In FIG. 2, the grate has been installed in the
drain fitting, maintaining the relative rotational position of the
grate shown in FIG. 1. That is, in FIG. 1, the positions of the
enlarged diameter portions of the openings coincide with the
positions of the studs, and when the grate is set down over the
drain, as shown in FIG. 2, the studs easily pass through the
openings. FIG. 2 represents an unlocked position, because in the
position shown, the grate could simply be lifted away from the
drain.
[0034] To lock the grate, one rotates the grate as indicated by
arrow 11 of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 shows the grate in the locked position.
In this position, the undersides of the stud heads engage inclined
ledges 25 of the elongated openings (described below with respect
to FIGS. 4 and 5) at positions where the diameter of the opening is
smaller than that of the stud, so that the grate becomes wedged in
position.
[0035] FIGS. 4 and 5 provide more details of the elongated openings
9. In particular, FIG. 4 clearly shows the portion 20 having an
enlarged diameter, and the portion 21 having a reduced diameter.
The cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 shows that the elongated opening
includes an inclined ledge 25, which extends slightly upward as
viewed from left to right in the figure. That is, the ledge has a
depth which varies along the opening. Ledge 25 thus operates as a
cam surface, applying pressure to the grate as the grate is rotated
into the locked position. As the grate is rotated into the locked
position, the grate becomes increasingly wedged between the ledge
and the head of the stud. When the grate has been rotated to the
fullest extent permitted by the elongated openings 9, the grate is
not only prevented from being dislodged, vertically, from the drain
fitting, but it is also firmly held in place by this wedging
effect. Thus, the grate is unlikely to rotate spontaneously towards
the unlocked position as a result of mechanical shock or
vibration.
[0036] FIGS. 6 and 7 show the positions of one of the studs in the
fully unlocked and locked states, respectively. In FIG. 6, the
grate has been placed over the drain fitting body, but has not yet
been locked. FIG. 7 shows the position of the stud when the grate
has been rotated into the locked position. To unlock the grate, one
simply rotates the grate in the direction of the arrow shown in
FIG. 7.
[0037] FIG. 8 shows a tool 30 that can be used to lock and unlock
the grate. The tool shown in the figure comprises a handle portion
31 which branches into prongs 32 and 33. Pins 34 and 35 are affixed
to the ends of the prongs, and these pins fit within virtually any
of the holes formed in the grate, including the strainer holes and
the elongated openings. Prong 32 is connected to the handle portion
through pivot pin 37, which allows the angle of the prong 32,
relative to the handle, to be varied. Thus, the tool can be
adjusted to fit simultaneously in two of the strainer holes and/or
elongated openings. When the pins are inserted into the holes
and/or openings, the tool can be rotated in either direction, as
indicated by arrow 36, to lock or unlock the grate. Because the
tool is engaged with the grate at two positions, the tool converts
the force exerted by a user into the torque required to rotate the
grate.
[0038] The invention is not limited to use with the tool that is
shown and described. Many other equivalent tools could be used
instead, and the present invention is intended to cover such
variations. Such a tool should be capable of simultaneously
engaging the grate at two different locations, so as to produce the
desired torque. It may also be possible to lock or unlock the grate
manually.
[0039] The invention also includes a kit for converting a drain
fitting body and grate of the prior art into a drain fitting body
and grate of the present invention. An example of such a kit is
shown in FIG. 9.
[0040] The kit of FIG. 9 includes a strainer plate or grate,
constructed according to the present invention as described above.
A plurality of threaded inserts are provided, to be installed in
the locations of the former screw holes of the prior art drain
fitting. The threaded inserts are internally and externally
threaded, so that after the inserts have been tightly screwed into
their bores, the socket head screws shown in the figure can then be
screwed into the inserts. The socket head screws, when installed,
comprise the studs of the present invention, discussed above. The
threaded inserts and the head screws therefore comprise means for
providing studs in the drain fitting.
[0041] The kit may also include a tool for installing the threaded
insert. In the embodiment shown, the tool includes lugs which
enable the tool to engage a groove formed on the threaded insert,
such that rotation of the tool causes the threaded insert to be
screwed into its bore.
[0042] The kit may also include drill-taps for drilling out the
screws in the prior art fitting, and for creating the threads in
such bores that will engage the threaded inserts. The kit may also
include a spanner wrench, or equivalent, for rotating the grate or
strainer plate between the locked and unlocked positions.
[0043] While the assembly of components shown in FIG. 9 is
preferred, the exact contents of the kit can vary. At a minimum,
the kit should include the grate or strainer plate, and the screws
and threaded inserts which together create the studs necessary for
engagement of the grate or strainer plate. The taps, insertion
tool, and spanner wrench can be included for convenience. The
spanner wrench could have the form shown in FIG. 9, or it could be
similar to tool 30 of FIG. 8, or it could have some other
construction.
[0044] By creating threaded bores, and installing studs into these
threaded bores, one can retrofit an installed drain body fitting so
as to accommodate the grate of the present invention.
[0045] The invention may be modified in various ways. The invention
is not limited to use in marine environments, but can be used to
secure grates for drain fitting bodies, or valved drain fitting
bodies, in other applications. The specific configuration of the
holes in the grate can be changed to suit particular needs. The
number and position of the elongated openings could be varied, as
long as these openings define at least a generally circular arc so
that the grate can be rotated between a locked and an unlocked
position. While a preferred material for the components of the
present invention is metal, it will be apparent that the materials
used to make the drain fitting, the grate, the studs, and the other
components, can be changed to suit the drain application. These and
other modifications, which will be apparent to the reader skilled
in the art, should be considered within the spirit and scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *