U.S. patent application number 13/933759 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-08 for method and device for unclogging a drain assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mark A. Carlson. Invention is credited to Mark A. Carlson.
Application Number | 20150007384 13/933759 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52131807 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150007384 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carlson; Mark A. |
January 8, 2015 |
Method and Device for Unclogging a Drain Assembly
Abstract
A method and device for unclogging a drain assembly by creating
an airtight, watertight seal in the drain assembly. An overflow
cover device functions to form a complete seal in the drain
assembly, such that no air and water pressure is lost throughout
the drain assembly while a plunging device creates pressure and a
vacuum over a drain opening. The water pressure generated by the
plunging device is maximized to remove a clog in the drain
assembly. The overflow cover device includes a front surface, and a
mounting surface. The mounting surface includes a cover seal on the
peripheral edge for inhibiting the escape of air and water. The
mounting surface engages the overflow opening, and secures into
place through machine screws that pass through one or two holes in
the overflow cover device.
Inventors: |
Carlson; Mark A.;
(Jamestown, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Carlson; Mark A. |
Jamestown |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52131807 |
Appl. No.: |
13/933759 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/255.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/308 20130101;
E03C 1/244 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/255.11 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/308 20060101
E03C001/308; A47K 3/00 20060101 A47K003/00 |
Claims
1. A device for unclogging a drain assembly by creating an airtight
and watertight seal, the device comprising: an overflow cover
device, the overflow cover device being configured to cover an
overflow opening for inhibiting the escape of air and water from
the drain assembly, the overflow cover device comprising a front
surface, the overflow cover device further comprising a mounting
surface, the mounting surface being disposed to engage the overflow
opening, the mounting surface comprising a cover seal, the cover
seal being configured to form a seal between the mounting surface
and the overflow opening, wherein a plunging device is operable to
engage a drainage opening for forcing water pressure through the
drain assembly and/or creating a vacuum, or water surge, though the
drain assembly, wherein the overflow cover device inhibits the
escape of the forced water pressure and/or vacuum pressure
throughout the drain assembly.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the drain assembly comprises a
plumbing system for a bathtub.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the overflow cover device
comprises a substantially circular shape with a 33/4 inch
diameter.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the overflow cover device
comprises a metal composition.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the overflow cover device
comprises at least one aperture, the at least one aperture being
disposed to align with at least one overflow aperture, wherein at
least one fastener is operable to pass through the at least one
aperture and the at least one overflow aperture for attaching the
overflow cover device to the overflow opening.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover seal is disposed to
position on a peripheral portion of the mounting surface.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover seal comprises a
neoprene rubber, 30 durometer gasket.
8. A method for unclogging a drain assembly by creating an airtight
and watertight seal, the method comprising: removing an overflow
plate from an overflow opening; attaching an overflow cover device
to the overflow opening; forming a seal on the overflow opening;
creating water pressure and a vacuum pressure in the drain
assembly; and unclogging the drain assembly.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the drain assembly comprises a
plumbing system for a bathtub.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of attaching an
overflow cover device comprises screwing at least one fastener
though at least one aperture and at least one overflow
aperture.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of forming a seal on
the overflow opening comprises pressing the cover seal against the
overflow opening.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of creating water
pressure and vacuum pressure in the drain assembly comprises
manipulating a plunging device on a drain opening.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of unclogging the drain
assembly comprises forcing a clog through a drum trap and out a
drainage discharge tube.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a method and
device for unclogging plumbing fixtures. More so, the method and
device for unclogging plumbing fixtures forms a complete seal in an
entire drain assembly such that no pressure is lost, but rather
fully utilized to remove a clog in the drain assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The following background information may present examples of
specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation,
approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be
helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of
the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present
invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or
implied therein or inferred thereupon.
[0003] The following is an example of a specific aspect in the
prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the
reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be
construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments
thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred
thereupon. By way of educational background, another aspect of the
prior art generally useful to be aware of is that plumbing is the
system of pipes, drains fittings, valves, valve assemblies, and
devices installed in a building for the distribution of water for
drinking, heating, washing, and the removal of waterborne
wastes.
[0004] Typically, a bathtub is a large container for holding water
in which a person may bathe. Most modern bathtubs are made of
acrylic or fiberglass, but alternatives are available in enamel
over steel or cast iron, and occasionally waterproof finished wood.
A bathtub is usually placed in a bathroom either as a stand-alone
fixture or in conjunction with a shower.
[0005] In all instances, bathtubs have overflow and waste drains
and may have taps mounted on them. A drain is the primary vessel
for unwanted water to be flumed away, either to a more useful area,
funneled into a receptacle, or run into the sewers as waste.
Plunging the drain open is impossible with the overflow plate
attached to the drain assembly. Any water surge or pressure that is
needed to break apart a blockage is hindered because the surge and
pressure is released through the drainage openings in the overflow
plate. An overflow opening is in fluid communication with the drain
opening. The overflow opening is located on a vertical wall of the
bathtub and permits water to flow out to the drain in order to
prevent the bathtub from overflowing if the water level in the
bathtub rises above the rim of the bathtub.
[0006] Often, creating a seal in the drain assembly includes
removing the overflow plate and any linkage that is usually
attached to the overflow plate. A rolled up, wet rag is forced into
the overflow riser tube for creating a seal throughout the drain
assembly. This is done so as to inhibit the air and water pressure
created with the plunger from escaping.
[0007] In many instances, the wet rag method doesn't account for
numerous disadvantages. For example, without limitation, not only
does the wet rag not provide a full water and air seal, the person
doing the plunging has to hold the wet rag with one hand so as to
prevent that rag from either blowing out of the overflow riser
tube, or, being sucked down the tube and into the drain tee. When
this latter occurrence happens, it sometimes means cutting into
walls or ceilings, and dismantling the drain assembly. In yet
another drawback to this method is that there is an inherent risk
of breaking the rubber slip joint washers on the drain tee, which
are used on the slip joint fittings connecting the overflow riser
tube, and the drain boot, to the drain tee.
[0008] Even though the above cited methods for cutting and sealing
a fabric address some of the needs of the market, a method and
device for cutting and sealing a fabric to form at least one fused
edge, including a left and right edge of a shade fabric is still
desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] This invention is directed to a method and device for
unclogging a drain assembly by forming a complete seal in a drain
assembly such that no pressure is lost, but rather, the pressure is
fully utilized to remove a clog in the drain assembly. The device
comprises an overflow cover device disposed to position onto an
overflow opening. The overflow cover device forms a complete seal
on the overflow opening to inhibit the escape of water from a drain
assembly. In this manner, pressure or a vacuum produced by a
plunging device on a drain opening, is not lost through the
overflow opening, but rather fully directed towards a clog in the
drain assembly.
[0010] Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings,
will recognize that bathtubs have a drain opening at the bottom for
draining out water. The drain opening is located on a ground
surface of the bathtub. In some embodiments, a plunging device,
comprising a rubber cup, is pushed down against the drain opening,
and either pressed hard into the drain to force water in, or is
pushed down until the rubber cup is flattened, then pulled out,
causing a water surge. An overflow opening is in fluid
communication with the drain opening. The overflow opening is
located on a vertical wall of the bathtub and permits water to flow
out to the drain in order to prevent the bathtub from overflowing
if the water level in the bathtub rises above the rim of the
bathtub. In some embodiments, the overflow cover device restricts
the loss of air and water from the overflow opening by forming a
complete seal. The water pressure consequently maximized by fully
being transferred upon the clog in the drain assembly.
[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the overflow
cover device comprises a substantially circular plate sized and
dimensioned to cover industry standard overflow openings. The
overflow cover device comprises a front surface that is visible
when attached onto the overflow opening. The overflow cover device
further comprises a mounting surface that engages the overflow
opening, pressing flush against an overflow receiving fitting. The
mounting surface includes a cover seal on the perimeter of the
mounting surface. The cover seal serves to inhibit the escape of
water from the overflow opening. In this manner, water pressure
generated by the plunging device on the drainage opening is fully
directed upon the clog. The overflow cover device may further
include at least one aperture configured to align with at least one
overflow aperture. At least one fastener, such as a machine screw,
passes through both apertures for mounting the overflow cover
device over the overflow opening. At least one fastener helps press
the cover seal flush against the overflow opening on the bathtub
sidewall.
[0012] A method of the present invention is also presented for
unclogging a drain assembly. The method in the disclosed
embodiments substantially includes the steps necessary to carry out
the functions presented above with respect to the operation of the
described system. In one embodiment, the method includes an initial
Step of removing an overflow plate from the overflow opening. The
overflow plate may include one or two plate apertures where at
least one fastener passes through for securing the overflow plate
to the overflow opening. Each fastener may be unscrewed, whereby
the overflow plate detaches from the overflow receiver fitting.
[0013] The method may then proceed to a next Step of attaching the
overflow cover device to the overflow opening to replace the
overflow plate. The overflow cover device is sized and dimensioned
to substantially resemble the replaced overflow plate. The overflow
cover device includes at least one aperture that aligns with at
least one overflow aperture on the overflow receiver fitting. At
least one fastener passes through both sets of apertures to secure
the overflow cover device to the overflow opening. Consequently,
the cover seal presses flush against the overflow opening.
[0014] A next Step includes forming a seal in the drain assembly.
The cover seal serves to inhibit the escape of water pressure from
the overflow opening; thereby forming a complete seal within the
drain assembly when used in conjunction with a plunging device. In
this manner, water pressure or a vacuum produced by a plunging
device on a drain opening, is not lost through the overflow
opening, but rather fully directed towards a clog in the drain
assembly.
[0015] A next Step comprises creating water surge pressure and a
vacuum throughout the drain assembly. A plunging device, comprising
a rubber cup, is pushed down against the drain opening, and either
pressed hard into the drain to force water in, or is pushed down
until the rubber cup is flattened, then pulled out, causing a
vacuum. An overflow opening is in fluid communication with the
drain opening. The overflow cover device restricts the loss of
water pressure from the overflow opening by forming a complete
seal. The water pressure is consequently maximized by fully
transferring towards the clog in the drain assembly.
[0016] A final Step comprises unclogging the drain assembly. The
drain assembly comprises a series of tubes and junctions that carry
water and debris away from the bathtub. The overflow opening and
the drain opening are in fluid communication with each other
through an overflow riser tube. A drain tube caries the fluid from
this junction to a drum trap, where the clog is often stuck, and
finally out a drainage discharge tube. The water pressure generated
by the plunging device forces water through the drain assembly to
the drainage discharge tube, or creates a vacuum to pull the water
back, thus creating a "surging action." This agitation works to
release the clog from the drain assembly.
[0017] A first aspect of the present invention provides a method
for sealing an overflow opening to form an airtight and watertight
seal in a drain assembly comprising:
[0018] removing an overflow plate from an overflow opening;
[0019] attaching an overflow cover device to the overflow
opening;
[0020] forming a seal on the overflow opening;
[0021] creating water pressure and a vacuum in the drain assembly;
and
[0022] unclogging the drain assembly.
[0023] In a second aspect, the overflow cover device is configured
to fit on standard industry overflow receiver fittings, because the
at least one aperture is standardized throughout the industry at
17/8'' center to center on the two aperture overflow cover device,
or a single center aperture.
[0024] In another aspect, the at least one fastener is an industry
standard 1/4'' machine screw that interchangeably fits in the at
least one overflow aperture for attaching the overflow plate, and
the at least one aperture for attaching the overflow cover device
to the overflow opening.
[0025] In yet another aspect, the overflow cover device eliminates
the need to pull the overflow receiver fitting and the overflow
riser tube from their positions, since the overflow cover device
simply attaches in place of the overflow plate, thereby eliminating
the risk of dislodging the rubber gasket on the backside of the
tub.
[0026] In another aspect, in operation, the overflow plate is
removed from the overflow opening. Either one or two overflow
apertures align with the bathtub apertures, and 1/4'' stainless
steel machine screws are unscrewed to remove the overflow plate
from the overflow opening. After the overflow plate detaches, the
overflow cover device is aligned onto the overflow opening, whereby
the at least one aperture aligns with the bathtub aperture. The
cover seal positions flush against the overflow opening. The cover
seal is sized and dimensioned to fit along a peripheral portion of
the overflow opening. The seal is airtight and watertight, whereby
the complete drain assembly is sealed when a plunging device covers
the drain opening. In some embodiments, the plunging device pushes
down against the drain opening, and either presses hard into the
drain to force water in, or is pushed down until the rubber cup is
flattened, then pulled out, causing a vacuum, or water surge. The
forced water serves to unclog the drain assembly.
[0027] These and other advantages of the invention will be further
understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference
to the following written specification, claims and appended
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary drain
assembly with an exemplary clog, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0030] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate various views of an
exemplary overflow cover device, where 2A illustrates an exemplary
front surface with one aperture, FIG. 2B illustrates a side view,
and FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary mounting surface, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate various views of an
exemplary overflow cover device, where 3A illustrates an exemplary
front surface with two apertures, FIG. 3B illustrates a side view,
and FIG. 3C illustrates an exemplary mounting surface, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary
method for unclogging a drain assembly by creating a seal, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
various views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in
nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or
the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used
herein, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as an
example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described
herein as "exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be
construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.
All of the implementations described below are exemplary
implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to
make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended
to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the
claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "left," "rear," "right," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention
as oriented in FIGS. 1-3. Furthermore, there is no intention to be
bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding
technical field, background, brief summary or the following
detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific
devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and
described in the following specification, are simply exemplary
embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended
claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method and
device is utilized for unclogging a drain assembly 100, as
referenced in FIG. 1. The present invention comprises an overflow
cover device 200 that functions to form a complete seal in the
drain assembly 100, such that no air and water pressure is lost
throughout the drain assembly 100 while a plunging device 108
creates pressure and a vacuum over a drain opening 106. The water
pressure generated by the plunging device 108 is maximized to
remove a clog 118 in the drain assembly 100.
[0036] In some embodiments, the overflow cover device 200 is
disposed to position onto an overflow opening 102. The overflow
cover device 200 forms a complete seal on the overflow opening 102
to inhibit the escape of air and water from the drain assembly 100.
In this manner, water pressure or a water surge produced by a
plunging device 108 on a drain opening 106, is not lost through the
overflow opening 102, but rather fully directed towards a clog 118
in the drain assembly 100.
[0037] In one embodiment, the overflow cover device 200 comprises a
diameter of 33/4''. The overflow cover device 200 further comprises
a 1/8'' thick aluminum plate. The overflow cover device 200 may
also comprise a 5/16'' chamfered at least one aperture 208 for
alignment with at least one overflow aperture, whereby at least one
fastener, such as a 1/4'' stainless steel machine screw, passes
through both sets of apertures to secure the overflow cover device
200 to the overflow opening 102. (FIGS. 2 and 3) However, in other
embodiments, larger or smaller dimensions may be utilized depending
on the size of the overflow opening 102.
[0038] Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings,
will recognize that bathtubs have a drain opening 106 at the bottom
for draining out water. The drain opening 106 is located on a
ground surface of the bathtub. In some embodiments, a plunging
device 108, comprising a rubber cup, is pushed down against the
drain opening 106, and either pressed hard into the drain to force
water in, or is pushed down until the rubber cup is flattened, then
pulled out, causing a surging action. An overflow opening 102 is in
fluid communication with the drain opening 106 through an overflow
riser tube 110. The overflow opening 102 is located on a vertical
wall of the bathtub and permits water to flow out to the drain in
order to prevent the bathtub from overflowing if the water level in
the bathtub rises above the rim of the bathtub. In some
embodiments, the overflow cover device 200 restricts the loss of
air and water from the overflow opening 102 by forming a complete
seal. The water pressure is consequently maximized by fully being
transferred to the clog 118 in the drain assembly 100.
[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, the overflow
cover device 200 comprises a substantially circular plate sized and
dimensioned to cover an industry standard overflow opening 102.
However, in other embodiments, the overflow cover device 200 may
include, without limitation, a square shape, a rectangular shape,
and a triangle shape, depending on a correlating shape of the
overflow opening 102. The overflow cover device 200 comprises a
front surface 202 that is visible when attached onto the overflow
opening 102. The overflow cover device 200 further comprises a
mounting surface 204 that engages the overflow opening 102,
pressing flush against an overflow receiving fitting. The mounting
surface 204 includes a cover seal 206 on the perimeter of the
mounting surface 204. The cover seal 206 serves to inhibit the
escape of air and water from the overflow opening 102. In this
manner, water pressure generated by the plunging device 108 on the
drainage opening is fully directed towards the clog 118. Suitable
materials for the cover seal 206 may include, without limitation,
30 Durometer neoprene rubber, foam, cork, and synthetic
polymers.
[0040] The overflow cover device 200 may further include at least
one aperture 208 configured to align with at least one overflow
aperture. At least one fastener, such as a machine screw, passes
through both apertures for mounting the overflow cover device 200
over the overflow opening 102. The at least one fastener helps
press the cover seal 206 flush against the overflow opening 102 on
the bathtub sidewall.
[0041] FIG. 4 depicts a method 400 for unclogging a drain assembly
100 by creating a seal throughout the drain assembly 100. The
method 400 in the disclosed embodiments substantially includes the
steps necessary to carry out the functions presented above with
respect to the operation of the described overflow cover device
200. In one embodiment, the method 400 includes an initial Step 402
of removing an overflow plate 104 from the overflow opening 102.
The overflow plate 104 may include one or two plate apertures where
at least one fastener passes through for securing the overflow
plate 104 to the overflow opening 102. Each fastener may be
unscrewed , whereby the overflow plate 104 detaches from the
overflow receiver fitting.
[0042] The method may then proceed to a next Step 404 of attaching
the overflow cover device 200 to the overflow opening 102 to
replace the overflow plate 104. The overflow cover device 200 is
sized and dimensioned to substantially resemble the replaced
overflow plate 104. The overflow cover device 200 includes at least
one aperture 208 that aligns with at least one overflow aperture on
the overflow receiver fitting. At least one fastener passes through
both sets of apertures to secure the overflow cover device 200 to
the overflow opening 102. Consequently, the cover seal 206 presses
flush against the overflow opening 102.
[0043] A next Step 406 includes forming a seal in the drain
assembly 100. The cover seal 206 serves to inhibit the escape of
air and water from the overflow opening 102; thereby forming a
complete seal within the drain assembly 100 when used in
conjunction with the plunging device 108. In this manner, water
pressure or a water surge produced by the plunging device 108 on
the drain opening 106, is not lost through the overflow opening
102, but rather fully directed towards the clog 118 in the drain
assembly 100.
[0044] A next Step 408 comprises creating water pressure and a
water surge throughout the drain assembly 100. A plunging device
108, comprising a rubber cup, is pushed down against the drain
opening 106, and either pressed hard into the drain to force water
in, or is pushed down until the rubber cup is flattened, then
pulled out, causing a vacuum, thereby creating a surging action. An
overflow opening 102 is in fluid communication with the drain
opening 106. The overflow cover device 200 restricts the loss of
air and water from the overflow opening 102 by forming a complete
seal. The water pressure is consequently maximized by fully being
transferred to the clog 118 in the drain assembly 100.
[0045] A final Step 410 comprises unclogging the drain assembly
100. The drain assembly 100 comprises a series of tubes and
junctions that carry water and debris away from the bathtub. The
overflow opening 102 and the drain opening 106 are in fluid
communication with each other through an overflow riser tube 110. A
drain tube 112 carries the fluid from this junction to a drum trap
114, where the clog 118 is often stuck, and finally out a drainage
discharge tube 116. The water pressure generated by the plunging
device forces water pressure through the drain assembly 100 to the
drainage discharge tube 116, or creates a vacuum to pull the water
back. This agitation and washing action works to release the clog
118 from the drain assembly 100.
[0046] In operation, the overflow plate 104 is initially removed
from the overflow opening 102 to be replaced by the overflow cover
device 200. Either one or two overflow apertures align with the
bathtub apertures, and 1/4'' stainless steel machine screws are
unscrewed to remove the overflow plate 104 from the overflow
opening 102. After the overflow plate 104 detaches, the overflow
cover device 200 is aligned onto the overflow opening 102, whereby
the at least one aperture 208 aligns with the bathtub aperture. The
cover seal 206 positions flush against the overflow opening 102.
The cover seal 206 is sized and dimensioned to fit along a
peripheral portion of the overflow opening 102. The cover seal 206
forms a seal that is airtight and watertight, whereby the complete
drain assembly 100 is sealed when the plunging device 108 covers
the drain opening 106. In some embodiments, the plunging device 108
pushes down against the drain opening 106, and either presses hard
into the drain to force water in, or is pushed down until the
rubber cup is flattened, then pulled out, causing a vacuum. The
forced water pressure serves to unclog the drain assembly 100.
After the clog 118 is removed, the overflow plate 104 may replace
the overflow cover device 200.
[0047] Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail
can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the
invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing
description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted
as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the
invention should be determined by the appended claims and their
legal equivalence.
* * * * *