U.S. patent application number 14/194434 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-03 for adjustable channel drain grate and associated methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Durst Corporation, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Durst Corporation, Inc.. Invention is credited to Lawrence B. Brodey, Christopher Pike.
Application Number | 20150247312 14/194434 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54006512 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150247312 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brodey; Lawrence B. ; et
al. |
September 3, 2015 |
Adjustable Channel Drain Grate and Associated Methods
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to an adjustable channel drain
grate that includes a grate body and a plurality of support legs
connected to the grate body. A height of each of the plurality of
support legs can be adjustable relative to the grate body. In one
embodiment, a plurality of apertures in the grate body and the
plurality of support legs include complementary threads to permit
adjustable threading of the plurality of support legs through the
plurality of apertures. The present disclosure also relates to a
method of adjusting a height of a channel drain grate.
Inventors: |
Brodey; Lawrence B.; (South
Orange, NJ) ; Pike; Christopher; (Princeton,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Durst Corporation, Inc. |
Cranford |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Durst Corporation, Inc.
Cranford
NJ
|
Family ID: |
54006512 |
Appl. No.: |
14/194434 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
404/26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03F 2005/0413 20130101;
E03F 3/046 20130101; E03F 5/0407 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E03F 5/04 20060101
E03F005/04 |
Claims
1. An adjustable channel drain grate, comprising: a grate body, and
a plurality of support legs connected to the grate body, wherein a
height of each of the plurality of support legs is adjustable
relative to the grate body.
2. The adjustable channel drain grate according to claim 1, wherein
the height of each of the plurality of support legs is
independently adjustable relative to the grate body.
3. The adjustable channel drain grate according to claim 1, wherein
the plurality of support legs are connected to a bottom surface of
the grate body.
4. The adjustable channel drain grate according to claim 1, wherein
the grate body comprises a plurality of apertures configured to
receive the plurality of support legs therethrough.
5. The adjustable channel drain grate according to claim 4, wherein
adjustable passage of the plurality of support legs through the
plurality of apertures adjusts the height of each of the plurality
of support legs relative to the grate body.
6. The adjustable channel drain grate according to claim 4, wherein
the plurality of apertures and the plurality of support legs
comprise complementary threading to permit adjustable threading of
the plurality of support legs through the plurality of
apertures.
7. The adjustable channel drain grate according to claim 4, wherein
each of the plurality of apertures comprises a set screw mechanism
for adjustably securing the plurality of support legs therein.
8. The adjustable channel drain grate according to claim 4,
comprising a spring-loaded locking mechanism for adjustably
securing the plurality the plurality of support legs within the
plurality of apertures.
9. The adjustable channel drain grate according to claim 1, wherein
each of the plurality of support legs comprises a plurality of
breakaway segments.
10. The adjustable channel drain grate according to claim 9,
wherein removal of one or more of the plurality of breakaway
segments adjusts the height of the plurality of support legs.
11. The adjustable channel drain grate according to claim 1,
wherein each of the plurality of support legs is fixedly connected
to the grate body.
12. The adjustable channel drain grate according to claim 1,
wherein each of the plurality of support legs is movably connected
to the grate body.
13. A method of adjusting a channel drain grate, comprising:
providing an adjustable channel drain grate, the adjustable channel
drain grate including (i) a grate body, and (ii) a plurality of
support legs connected to the grate body, and adjusting a height of
each of the plurality of support legs relative to the grate
body.
14. The method according to claim 13, comprising independently
adjusting the height of each of the plurality of support legs
relative to the grate body.
15. The method according to claim 13, comprising passing the
plurality of support legs through a plurality of apertures in the
grate body to adjust the height of each of the plurality of support
legs relative to the grate body.
16. The method according to claim 13, comprising threading the
plurality of support legs into a plurality of apertures in the
grate body to adjust the height of each of the plurality of support
legs relative to the grate body.
17. The method according to claim 13, comprising adjustably
securing each of the plurality of support legs in a plurality of
apertures in the grate body with a set screw mechanism.
18. The method according to claim 13, wherein each of the plurality
of support legs comprises a plurality of breakaway segments.
19. The method according to claim 18, comprising removing one or
more of the plurality of breakaway segments to adjust the height of
the plurality of support legs relative to the grate body.
20. The method according to claim 13, comprising adjustably
securing each of the plurality of support legs in a plurality of
apertures in the grate body with a spring-loaded locking mechanism.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to adjustable channel drain
grates and associated methods and, in particular, to channel drain
grates including adjustable support legs for adjusting the height
of the channel drain grates.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Residential and commercial buildings or properties often
include channel drains that allow water to be transferred from a
surface to a water piping system. For example, a residential
building generally includes a channel drain around a swimming pool
or in a shower to capture water and transfer the water into the
piping system to prevent pooling of the water. As a further
example, commercial buildings generally include channel drains to
capture water runoff and transfer the water into the piping system,
such as a sewer. Grates having a number of apertures passing
therethrough are often used to cover channel drains to provide a
safe and solid surface onto which a person or a vehicle can impart
a force, while still permitting water drainage.
[0003] The configurations and dimensions of channel drains used in
residential and commercial buildings or properties can vary. For
example, the depths of channel drains can vary based on the
thickness of tile used and/or uneven floor construction. The
variability in channel drain configurations and/or dimensions can
result in, for example, grates extending above or below the floor
level, grates rocking within the channel drain, and the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present disclosure relates to an adjustable channel
drain grate that includes a grate body and a plurality of support
legs connected to the grate body. A height of each of the plurality
of support legs can be adjustable relative to the grate body. In
one embodiment, a plurality of apertures in the grate body and the
plurality of support legs include complementary threads to permit
adjustable threading of the plurality of support legs through the
plurality of apertures. In another embodiment, a plurality of
apertures in the grate body include a set screw mechanism for
adjustably securing a position of each of the plurality of support
legs. In still another embodiment, each of the plurality of support
legs includes a plurality of breakaway segments and removal of one
or more of the plurality of breakaway segments adjusts the height
of the plurality of support legs. In still another embodiment, the
grate includes a spring-loaded locking mechanism for adjustably
securing a position of each of the plurality of support legs
relative to the plurality of apertures.
[0005] The present disclosure also relates to a method of adjusting
a channel drain grate that includes providing an adjustable channel
drain grate. The adjustable channel drain grate includes a grate
body and a plurality of support legs connected to the grate body.
The method includes adjusting a height of each of the plurality of
support legs relative to the grate body. The method further
includes independently adjusting the height of each of the
plurality of support legs relative to the grate body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The foregoing features of the present disclosure will be
apparent form the following Detailed Description, taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an
adjustable channel drain grate according to the present
disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a side view of the first embodiment of an
adjustable channel drain grate of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a top view of the first embodiment of an
adjustable channel drain grate of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the first embodiment of an
adjustable channel drain grate of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a front view of the first embodiment of an
adjustable channel drain grate of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a front view of the first embodiment of an
adjustable channel drain grate of FIG. 1 including rubber bases
thereon;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a front cross-sectional view of the first
embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a side view of the first embodiment of an
adjustable channel drain grate of FIG. 1 positioned within a
channel drain;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an
adjustable channel drain grate according to the present
disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a side view of the second embodiment of an
adjustable channel drain grate of FIG. 9;
[0017] FIG. 11 is a front view of the second embodiment of an
adjustable channel drain grate of FIG. 9;
[0018] FIG. 12 is a front cross-sectional view of the second
embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate of FIG. 9;
[0019] FIG. 13 is a side view of the second embodiment of an
adjustable channel drain grate of FIG. 9 positioned within a
channel drain;
[0020] FIG. 14 is a front cross-sectional view of a third
embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate according to the
present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 15 is a front cross-sectional view of a fourth
embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate according to the
present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 16 is a front cross-sectional view of a fifth
embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate according to the
present disclosure; and
[0023] FIG. 17 is a front cross-sectional view of a sixth
embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate according to the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The present disclosure relates to adjustable channel drain
grates and associated methods, as discussed in detail below in
connection with FIGS. 1-15.
[0025] FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a first embodiment of an adjustable
channel drain grate 100 (hereinafter "grate 100") in accordance
with the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 1 is a perspective
view of the grate 100. FIG. 2 is a side view of the grate 100. FIG.
3 is a top view of the grate 100. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the
grate 100. FIGS. 5 and 6 are front views of the grate 100. FIG. 7
is a front cross-sectional view of the grate 100. FIG. 8 is a side
view of the grate 100 within a channel drain 200.
[0026] The grate 100 includes a grate body 102. The grate body 102
can include a top surface 104, side surfaces 106 and bottom
surfaces 108. The configuration of the top surface 104, the side
surfaces 106 and the bottom surfaces 108 can define a substantially
rectangular shape with an inner passage 110 extending therebetween.
Although illustrated as a rectangularly-shaped grate 100, it should
be understood that the grate 100 discussed herein can be configured
as, e.g., circular, oval, triangular, square, and the like. The top
surface 104 and the side surfaces 106 include a grid of bars 112
forming a plurality of holes 114, e.g., drain holes, passing
through the top surface 104 and the side surfaces 106.
[0027] The bottom surfaces 108 can be in the form of L-brackets
extending from the side surfaces 106 and partially extending along
the bottom side of the grate 100. In particular, the bottom
surfaces 108 can extend along the bottom side of the grate 100
parallel to the top surface 104, while maintaining a continuous gap
or separation between the bottom surfaces 108 along the length L of
the grate 100. It should be understood that during installation
into a channel drain 200, the top surface 104 of the grate 100 can
be substantially aligned with a ground level surface 208 such that
water can drain or pass through the plurality of holes 112, through
the inner passage 110, through the gap between the bottom surfaces
108, into the channel drain 200, and further into a water piping
system.
[0028] Each of the bottom surfaces 108 includes a plurality of
apertures 116 fowled therein. Each of the plurality of apertures
116 can be configured and dimensioned to receive therein one of the
plurality of support legs 118. Although illustrated with eight
apertures 116 and eight support legs 118, it should be understood
that in some embodiments, the grate 100 can include any number of
apertures 116 and support legs 118. For example, for longer grates
100 or grates 100 requiring additional stability, a greater amount
of apertures 116 and support legs 118 can be used. As a further
example, for shorter grates 100 or grates 100 requiring less
stability, a smaller amount of apertures 116 and support legs 118
can be used. Optionally, the support legs 118 can include a foot or
base 120 attached on a distal end 122, i.e., the end of the support
legs 118 which contacts the drain base 202 of the channel drain 200
(see, e.g., FIGS. 6 and 8). The base 120 can be fabricated from,
e.g., rubber, and the like, and can provide a rigid fit within a
drain base 202 of a channel drain 200. The base 120 can also
provide traction with the drain base 202 to prevent motion of the
grate 100 within the channel drain 200. The base 120 can also
dampen or eliminate any noise or rattle between the grate 100 and
drain base 202 of the channel drain 200.
[0029] The apertures 116 and the support legs 118 can include
complementary threads thereon such that the support legs 118 can be
threaded into, through, and out of the apertures 116. For example,
the apertures 116 can include female threads and the support legs
118 can include male threads along the outer surface of the
cylindrical post. By threading the support legs 118 through the
apertures 116, the support legs 118 can be connected to the grate
body 102 and the length of the support legs 118 can be adjusted. It
should be understood that any type or size of threads can be
implemented for adjustable interaction between the apertures 116
and the support legs 118. For example, small threads can be
implemented for fine adjustment of the length of the support legs
118 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108. As a further example,
larger threads can be implemented for coarse adjustment of the
length of the support legs 118 protruding from the bottom surfaces
108.
[0030] With reference to FIG. 5, the support legs 118 can define an
overall height H.sub.1. However, the support legs 118 can be
threaded into the apertures 116 to adjust the amount of the height
H.sub.1 of the support legs 118 protruding from the bottom surfaces
108. In particular, the support legs 118 can be threaded into and
through the apertures 116 until a top portion 124 of the support
legs 118 abuts the inner surface of the top surface 104 of the
grate 100. A height H.sub.2 between the inner surfaces of the top
surface 104 and the bottom surfaces 108 can therefore define the
range in which the support legs 118 can travel to adjust the amount
of the height H.sub.1 of the support legs 118 protruding from the
bottom surfaces 108.
[0031] The range in which the length of the support legs 118 can be
adjusted can therefore be defined by a height H.sub.3. For example,
the height H.sub.3 can be approximately 0.5 inches, although it
should be understood that in some embodiments, the height H.sub.3
can be varied by changing the height H.sub.2 between the top
surface 104 and the bottom surfaces 108 and/or changing the height
H.sub.1 of the support legs 118. Thus, the potential maximum length
of the support legs 118 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108 can
be defined by the height H.sub.3 when the support legs 118 are
initially threaded into the apertures 116. The potential minimum
length of the support legs 118 protruding from the bottom surfaces
108 can be defined by the height H.sub.4 when the support legs 118
have been threaded through the apertures 116 such that the top
portion 124 of the support legs 118 abuts the inner surface of the
top surface 104. It should be understood that each of the support
legs 118 can be adjusted independently of the other support legs
118 to properly stabilize the grate 100 within the channel drain
200.
[0032] In some embodiments, the height H.sub.1 of each of the
plurality of support legs 118 can be dimensioned substantially
equal relative to each other. A grate 100 with equally dimensioned
support legs 118 can be used with channel drains having a
substantially uniform depth. In some embodiments, the height
H.sub.1 of some support legs 118 can be dimensioned longer than
other support legs 118. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the
two pairs of support legs 118 positioned near the center of the
grate 100 can be dimensioned longer in height H.sub.1 than the two
pairs of support legs 118 positioned near the edges of the grate
100. A grate 100 with unequal support leg 118 heights H.sub.1 can
be used with channel drains 200 having an angled or varying depth
(see, e.g., FIG. 8). Additional height H.sub.1 of the support leg
118 can thereby be provided near the deeper portions of the channel
drain 200 to maintain the desired stability of the grate 100 within
the channel drain 200.
[0033] With reference to FIG. 8, the grate 100 is positioned within
a channel drain 200. The channel drain 200 includes a drain base
202, side walls 204 and a drain outlet 206. The channel drain 200
can be formed below the ground level surface 208, e.g., a tile
surface, and the like. The length L (see, e.g., FIG. 3) of the
grate 100 can initially be dimensioned to fit between the side
walls 204 of the channel drain 200. The grate 100 can further be
fitted or inserted into the channel drain to determine if an
adjustment of the height of the support legs 118 is desired. If an
adjustment of the height of the support legs 118 is desired, the
grate 100 can be removed from the channel drain 200, the height of
one or more of the support legs 118 can be adjusted, and the grate
100 can be reinserted into the channel drain 200 to determine if
the adjustment adequately stabilized the grate 100 within the
channel drain 200. In particular, the support legs 118 can be
adjusted such that when inserted into the channel drain 200, the
distal ends 122 of the support legs 118 evenly or uniformly abut
against the drain base 202 to maintain the grate 100 stabilized
within the channel drain 200. In addition, the support legs 118 can
be adjusted such that when inserted into the channel drain 200, the
top surface 104 of the grate 100 aligns with the ground level
surface 208. It should be understood that this procedure can be
repeated any number of times until the grate 100 is stabilized
and/or properly aligned within the channel drain 200.
[0034] By adjusting the length of the support legs 118 protruding
from the bottom surfaces 108, the height of the grate 100 can be
adjusted for a variety of purposes. For example, the height of the
grate 100 can be adjusted to conform or align the top surface 104
of the grate 100 with the ground level surface 208 having a range
of tile thicknesses. The top surface 204 of the grate 100 can
therefore be aligned or leveled with the ground level surface 208,
e.g., a shower base, tile surrounding a swimming pool, and the
like, to eliminate protrusions of the grate 100 or a surface lower
than the ground level surface 208, thereby eliminating potential
safety hazards in the shower or around the swimming pool. Adjusting
the height of the grate 100 can also necessitate less time than to
accurately level out the ground level surface 208, such as multiple
tiles mastic and backer board (the stack of materials that form a
shower pan). The grate 100 can further be adjusted to match or
align with an uneven ground level surface 208 surrounding the
channel drain 200, e.g., an uneven floor due to incorrect
installation. The grate 100 can also be adjusted infinitely to
eliminate rocking or a loose fit of the grate 100 within the
channel drain 200 over time. For example, the drain base 202 can
wear slightly over time, causing the drain base 202 to define an
uneven surface which, in turn, can cause the grate 100 to rock or
move within the channel drain 200. The height of the grate 100 can
therefore be adjusted to conform to the drain base 202 over
time.
[0035] FIGS. 9-13 illustrate a second embodiment of an adjustable
channel drain grate 300 (hereinafter "grate 300") in accordance
with the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 9 is a perspective
view of the grate 300. FIG. 10 is a side view of the grate 300.
FIG. 11 is a front view of the grate 300. FIG. 12 is a front
cross-sectional view of the grate 300. FIG. 13 is a side view of
the grate 300 within a channel drain 200.
[0036] The grate 300 includes a grate body 302. The grate body 302
can include side surfaces 304, front/back surfaces 306 and a bottom
surface 308. The configuration of the side surfaces 304, the
front/back surfaces 306 and the bottom surface 308 can define an
elongated and rectangularly-shaped basin for capturing water.
Although illustrated as a rectangularly-shaped grate 300, it should
be understood that the grate 300 discussed herein can be configured
as, e.g., circular, oval, triangular, square, and the like. The
planar bottom surface 308 can slope from the side surfaces 304 and
the front/back surfaces 306 towards a centrally positioned drain
hole 310 such that water captured within the grate 100 can
automatically drain towards and through the drain hole 310 due to
gravity. Optionally, a plurality of drain holes 310 can be
distributed along the bottom surface 308 and the bottom surface 308
can be separated into sloping portions surrounding each of the
drain holes 310 (not shown). It should be understood that during
installation into a channel drain 200, the distal portion 312 of
the side surfaces 304 and the front/back surfaces 306 can be
substantially aligned with a ground level surface 208 such that
water can drain or pass into the grate 300, through the drain hole
310, into the channel drain 200, and further into a water piping
system.
[0037] The bottom surface 308 includes a plurality of apertures 314
formed therein. Each of the plurality of apertures 314 can be
configured and dimensioned to receive therein one of the plurality
of support legs 316. Although illustrated with eight apertures 314
and eight support legs 316, it should be understood that in some
embodiments, the grate 300 can include any number of apertures 314
and support legs 316. For example, for longer grates 300 or grates
300 requiring additional stability, a greater amount of apertures
314 and support legs 316 can be used. As a further example, for
shorter grates 300 or grates 300 requiring less stability, a
smaller amount of apertures 314 and support legs 316 can be used.
Optionally, the support legs 316 can include a foot or base 318
attached on a distal end 320, i.e., the end of the support legs 316
which contacts the drain base 202 of the channel drain 200 (see,
e.g., FIG. 13). The base 318 can be fabricated from, e.g., rubber,
and the like, and can provide a rigid fit within a drain base 202
of a channel drain 200. The base 318 can also provide traction with
the drain base 202 to prevent motion of the grate 300 within the
channel drain 200. The base 318 can also dampen or eliminate any
noise or rattle between the grate 300 and drain base 202 of the
channel drain 200.
[0038] Interaction between the apertures 314 and the support legs
316 of the grate 300 can be substantially similar to the apertures
116 and the support legs 118 of the grate 100. In particular, the
apertures 314 and the support legs 316 can include complementary
threads thereon such that the support legs 316 can be threaded
into, through, and out of the apertures 314. The threaded
interaction between the support legs 316 and the apertures 314 can
be such that a seal is created between the support legs 316 and the
apertures 314 to prevent passage of water through the apertures
314. By threading the support legs 316 through the apertures 314,
the support legs 316 can be connected to the grate body 302 and the
length of the support legs 316 protruding from the bottom surface
308 can be adjusted. In some embodiments, the height H.sub.1 (see,
e.g., FIG. 12) of the support legs 316 can be dimensioned
substantially equal relative to each other. In some embodiments,
the height H.sub.1 of some support legs 316 can be dimensioned
longer than other support legs 316. For example, as illustrated in
FIG. 10, the two pairs of support legs 316 positioned near the
center of the grate 300 can be dimensioned longer in height H.sub.1
than the two pairs of support legs 316 positioned near the
front/back surfaces 306 of the grate 300. It should be understood
that support legs 316 having different heights H.sub.1 can be
interchanged as needed to conform the grate 300 to the channel
drain 200 configuration, e.g., a channel drain 200 having a uniform
depth, a channel drain 200 having an angled or varying depth, and
the like.
[0039] With reference to FIG. 12 and as discussed above, the
support legs 316 can define an overall height H.sub.1. However, the
support legs 316 can be threaded into the apertures 314 to adjust
the amount of the height H.sub.1 of the support legs 316 protruding
from the bottom surface 308. The support legs 316 can be threaded
into and through the apertures 314 until the distal end 320 of the
support legs 316 is substantially aligned with the lower side of
the bottom surface 308 or the base 318 of the support legs 316
abuts against the lower side of the bottom surface 308. However, it
could be preferable to thread the support legs 316 into and through
the apertures 314 up to, a point where a top portion 322 of the
support legs 316 is aligned with the distal portion 312 of the side
surfaces 304 and the front/back surfaces 306 to prevent protrusion
of the support legs 316 above the grate 300 and/or the ground level
surface 208. A height H.sub.2 between the inner surface of the
bottom surface 308 and the distal portion 312 of the side surfaces
304 and the front/back surfaces 306 can therefore define the
preferable range in which the support legs 316 can travel to adjust
the amount of the height H.sub.1 of the support legs 316 protruding
from the bottom surface 308.
[0040] The range in which the length of the support legs 316 can be
adjusted can therefore be defined by a height H.sub.3. For example,
the height H.sub.3 can vary between approximately 1.4 inches and
1.9 inches, although it should be understood that in some
embodiments, the height H.sub.3 can be further varied by changing
the height H.sub.2 between the inner surface of the bottom surface
308 and the distal portion 312 and/or changing the height H.sub.1
of the support legs 316. Thus, the potential maximum length of the
support legs 316 protruding from the bottom surface 308 can be
defined by the height H.sub.3 when the support legs 316 are
initially threaded into the apertures 314. The potential minimum
length of the support legs 316 protruding from the bottom surface
308 can be defined by the height H.sub.4 when the support legs 316
have been threaded through the apertures 314 such that the top
portion 322 of the support legs 316 is aligned with the distal
portion 312 of the side surfaces 304 and the front/back surfaces
306. It should be understood that each of the support legs 316 can
be adjusted independently of the other support legs 316 to properly
stabilize the grate 300 within the channel drain 200.
[0041] With reference to FIG. 13, the grate 300 is positioned
within a channel drain 200. The channel drain 200 includes a drain
base 202, side walls 204 and a drain outlet 206. The channel drain
200 can be formed below the ground level surface 208, e.g., a tile
surface, and the like. The length L (see, e.g., FIG. 10) of the
grate 300 can initially be dimensioned to fit between the side
walls 204 of the channel drain 200. The grate 300 can further be
fitted or inserted into the channel drain to determine if an
adjustment of the height of the support legs 316 is desired. If an
adjustment of the height of the support legs 316 is desired, the
grate 300 can be removed from the channel drain 200, the height of
one or more of the support legs 316 can be adjusted, and the grate
300 can be reinserted into the channel drain 200 to determine if
the adjustment adequately stabilized the grate 300 within the
channel drain 200. In particular, the support legs 316 can be
adjusted such that when inserted into the channel drain 200, the
distal ends 320 of the support legs 316 evenly or uniformly abut
against the drain base 202 to maintain the grate 300 stabilized
within the channel drain 200. In addition, the support legs 316 can
be adjusted such that when inserted into the channel drain 200, the
distal portion 312 of the side surfaces 304 and the front/back
surfaces 306 of the grate 300 aligns with the ground level surface
208. It should be understood that this procedure can be repeated
any number of times until the grate 300 is stabilized and/or
properly aligned within the channel drain 200.
[0042] By adjusting the length of the support legs 316 protruding
from the bottom surface 308, the height of the grate 300 can be
adjusted for a variety of purposes. For example, the height of the
grate 300 can be adjusted to conform or align the distal portion
312 of the side surfaces 304 and/or the front/back surfaces 306 of
the grate 300 with the ground level surface 208 having a range of
tile thicknesses. The distal portion 312 of the grate 300 can
therefore be aligned or leveled with the ground level surface 208,
e.g., a shower base, tile surrounding a swimming pool, and the
like, to eliminate protrusions of the grate 300 or a surface lower
than the ground level surface 208, thereby eliminating potential
safety hazards in the shower or around the swimming pool. Adjusting
the height of the grate 300 can also necessitate less time than to
accurately level out the ground level surface 208, such as multiple
tiles mastic and backer board (the stack of materials that form a
shower pan). The grate 300 can further be adjusted to match or
align with an uneven ground level surface 208 surrounding the
channel drain 200, e.g., an uneven floor due to incorrect
installation. The grate 300 can also be adjusted infinitely to
eliminate rocking or a loose fit of the grate 300 within the
channel drain 200 over time. For example, the drain base 202 can
wear slightly over time, causing the drain base 202 to define an
uneven surface which, in turn, can cause the grate 300 to rock or
move within the channel drain 200. The height of the grate 300 can
therefore be adjusted to conform to the drain base 202 over
time.
[0043] FIG. 14 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a third
embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate 400 (hereinafter
"grate 400") in accordance with the present disclosure. The grate
400 can be structurally and functionally similar to the grate 100,
except for the features discussed herein. Therefore, like
structures are marked with like reference characters.
[0044] Each of the bottom surfaces 108 of the grate 400 includes a
plurality of apertures 402 formed therein. Each of the plurality of
apertures 402 can be configured and dimensioned to receive therein
one of the plurality of support legs 404. Optionally, the support
legs 404 can include a foot or base (e.g., base 120 of FIG. 6)
attached on a distal end 406, i.e., the end of the support legs 404
which contacts the drain base 202 of the channel drain 200. The
apertures 402 and the support legs 404 can define unthreaded
interacting surfaces such that the support legs 404 can be
translated into, through and out of the apertures 402. By
translating the support legs 404 through the apertures 402, the
length of the support legs 404 protruding from the bottom surfaces
108 can be adjusted.
[0045] The bottom surfaces 108 can include a set screw mechanism
408 associated with each of the apertures 402 for detachably
securing or connecting the support legs 404 in the desired position
within the apertures 402. For example, the set screw mechanism 408
can include a threaded aperture 410 extending from an outer surface
of the bottom surfaces 108 and connected to the inner passage of
the aperture 402. A set screw 412 can thereby be threaded into the
threaded aperture 410 and into the inner passage of the aperture
402 against the support leg 404 to detachably secure the support
leg 404 within the inner passage of the aperture 402. In
particular, the set screw 412 can be threaded into the threaded
aperture 410 and against the support leg 404 until translation of
the support leg 404 within the aperture 402 is prevented and the
support leg 404 is fixedly positioned within the aperture 402.
[0046] As described above, the support legs 404 can be translated
into and through the apertures 402 until a top portion 414 of the
support legs 404 abuts the inner surface of the top surface 104 of
the grate 400. A height H.sub.2 between the inner surfaces of the
top surface 104 and the bottom surfaces 108 can therefore define
the range in which the support legs 404 can travel to adjust the
amount of the height H.sub.1 of the support legs 404 protruding
from the bottom surfaces 108. The range in which the length of the
support legs 404 can be adjusted can therefore be defined by the
height H.sub.3. Thus, the potential maximum length of the support
legs 404 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108 can be defined by
the height H.sub.3 when the support legs 404 are initially inserted
into the apertures 402. The potential minimum length of the support
legs 404 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108 can be defined by
the height H.sub.4 when the support legs 404 have been translated
through the apertures 402 such that the top portion 414 of the
support legs 404 abuts the inner surface of the top surface 104. It
should be understood that each of the support legs 404 can be
adjusted independently of the other support legs 404 to properly
stabilize the grate 400 within the channel drain 200. Although
illustrated herein as being implemented with the grate body 102, it
should be understood that the unthreaded apertures 402, the support
legs 404 and the set screw mechanisms 408 can also be implemented
with the grate body 302.
[0047] FIG. 15 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a fourth
embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate 500 (hereinafter
"grate 500") in accordance with the present disclosure. The grate
500 can be structurally and functionally similar to the grate 100,
except for the features discussed herein. Therefore, like
structures are marked with like reference characters.
[0048] Each of the bottom surfaces 108 of the grate 500 includes a
plurality of support legs 502 connected or secured thereto. Each of
the support legs 502 can be formed from a plurality of breakaway
segments 504. The breakaway segments 504 can be connected relative
to each other by perforated sections 506 such that each of the
breakaway segments 504 can be independently separated from the
remaining breakaway segments 504 to adjust the height H.sub.1 of
the support legs 502. By removing one or more of the breakaway
segments 504 from one or more of the support legs 502, the length
of the support legs 502 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108 can
be adjusted. Thus, the potential maximum length of the support legs
502 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108 can be defined by the
overall height H.sub.1 of the support legs 502. The potential
minimum length of the support legs 502 could be a full removal or
detachment of all the breakaway segments 504 of a support leg 502,
thereby leaving no support leg 502 at the particular location of
the bottom surfaces 108.
[0049] Optionally, the support legs 502 can include a foot or base
(e.g., base 102 of FIG. 6) attached on a distal end 508, i.e., the
end of the support legs 502 which contacts the drain base 202 of
the channel drain 200. For example, the foot or base can be
removable such that one or more of the breakaway segments 504 can
be removed and the foot or base can be repositioned onto the distal
end 508 of the support legs 502. Although illustrated herein as
being implemented with the grate body 102, it should be understood
that the support legs 502 formed from the breakaway segments 504
can also be implemented with the grate body 302.
[0050] FIG. 16 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a fifth
embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate 600 (hereinafter
"grate 600") in accordance with the present disclosure. The grate
600 can be structurally and functionally similar to the grate 100,
except for the features discussed herein. Therefore, like
structures are marked with like reference characters.
[0051] Each of the bottom surfaces 108 of the grate 600 includes a
plurality of apertures 602 formed therein. Each of the plurality of
apertures 602 can be configured and dimensioned to receive therein
one of the plurality of support legs 604. Optionally, the support
legs 604 can include a foot or base (e.g., base 120 of FIG. 6)
attached on a distal end 606, i.e., the end of the support legs 604
which contacts the drain base 202 of the channel drain 200. The
apertures 602 and the support legs 604 can define unthreaded
interacting surfaces such that the support legs 604 can be
translated into, through and out of the apertures 602. By
translating the support legs 604 through the apertures 602, the
length of the support legs 604 protruding from the bottom surfaces
108 can be adjusted.
[0052] Each of the support legs 604 can include a plurality of
grooves 608 along the height H.sub.1 of the support legs 604 for
detachable interaction relative to a locking mechanism 610. In
particular, the bottom surfaces 108 can include a locking mechanism
610 associated with each of the apertures 602 for detachably
securing or connecting the support legs 604 in the desired position
within the apertures 602. For example, the locking mechanism 610
can include an aperture 612 extending from an outer surface of the
bottom surfaces 108 and connected to the inner passage of the
aperture 602. A locking pin or shaft 614 can be movably positioned
within the aperture 612. The locking shaft 614 can translate
through the aperture 612, into the aperture 602 and into one of the
grooves 608 of the support leg 604 to detachably secure the support
leg 604 within the inner passage of the aperture 602.
[0053] The locking mechanism 610 can include an internal spring 616
configured to provide a bias force against the locking shaft 614.
For example, the spring 616 can impart a bias force against the
locking shaft 614 to maintain the distal end of the locking shaft
614 within the groove 608 of the support leg 604 to prevent the
support leg 604 from translating within the aperture 602. To adjust
the length of the support leg 604 extending from the bottom surface
108, the locking shaft 614 can be pulled away from the support leg
604 to disengage the locking shaft 614 from the groove 608 and
simultaneously compress the spring 616. The support leg 604 can
further be translated within the aperture 602 until the expansion
or bias force from the spring 616 drives or snaps the locking shaft
614 into the next groove 608 to fixedly position the support leg
604 within the aperture 602.
[0054] As described above, the support legs 604 can be translated
into and through the apertures 602 until a top portion 618 of the
support legs 604 abuts the inner surface of the top surface 104 of
the grate 600. A height H.sub.2 between the inner surfaces of the
top surface 104 and the bottom surfaces 108 can therefore define
the range in which the support legs 604 can travel to adjust the
amount of the height H.sub.1 of the support legs 604 protruding
from the bottom surfaces 108. The range in which the length of the
support legs 604 can be adjusted can therefore be defined by the
height H.sub.3. Thus, the potential maximum length of the support
legs 604 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108 can be defined by
the height H.sub.3 when the support legs 604 are initially inserted
into the apertures 602. The potential minimum length of the support
legs 604 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108 can be defined by
the height H.sub.4 when the support legs 604 have been translated
through the apertures 602 such that the top portion 618 of the
support legs 604 abuts the inner surface of the top surface 104. It
should be understood that each of the support legs 604 can be
adjusted independently of the other support legs 604 to properly
stabilize the grate 600 within the channel drain 200. Although
illustrated herein as being implemented with the grate body 102, it
should be understood that the unthreaded apertures 602, the support
legs 604 and the locking mechanisms 618 can also be implemented
with the grate body 302.
[0055] FIG. 17 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a sixth
embodiment of an adjustable channel drain grate 700 (hereinafter
"grate 700") in accordance with the present disclosure. The grate
700 can be structurally and functionally similar to the grate 100,
except for the features discussed herein. Therefore, like
structures are marked with like reference characters.
[0056] Each of the bottom surfaces 108 of the grate 700 includes a
plurality of apertures 702 formed therein. Each of the plurality of
apertures 702 can be configured and dimensioned to receive therein
one of the plurality of support legs 704. Optionally, the support
legs 704 can include a foot or base (e.g., base 120 of FIG. 6)
attached on a distal end 706, i.e., the end of the support legs 704
which contacts the drain base 202 of the channel drain 200. The
apertures 702 and the support legs 704 can define unthreaded
interacting surfaces such that the support. legs 704 can be
translated into, through and out of the apertures 702. By
translating the support legs 704 through the apertures 702, the
length of the support legs 704 protruding from the bottom surfaces
108 can be adjusted.
[0057] Each of the support legs 704 can include a plurality of
spring-actuated buttons 708 along the height H.sub.1 of the support
legs 704 for detachable interaction relative to an aperture 710 on
an outer surface of the bottom surfaces 108 which, in combination,
form a locking mechanism 712. In particular, the bottom surfaces
108 can include a locking mechanism 712 associated with each of the
apertures 702 for detachably securing or connecting the support
legs 704 in the desired position within the apertures 702. For
example, the locking mechanism 712 can include the aperture 710
extending from an outer surface of the bottom surfaces 108 and
connected to the inner passage of the aperture 702. The
spring-actuated buttons 708 along the height H.sub.1 of the support
leg 704 can be depressed to translate the support leg 704 through
the aperture 702 and, upon reaching the desired position of the
support leg 704 relative to the aperture 704, the bias force from
an internal spring within the spring-actuated button 708 can drive
or snap a spring-actuated button into the aperture 710. The
interlocking interaction between the spring-actuated button 708 and
the aperture 710 can detachably secure the support leg 704 within
the inner passage of the aperture 602. To adjust the length of the
support leg 704 extending from the bottom surface 108, the
spring-loaded button 708 within the aperture 710 can be depressed
to disengage the spring-loaded button 708 from the aperture 710.
The support leg 704 can further be translated within the aperture
702 until the bias force from the spring within a spring-loaded
button 708 drives or snaps the spring-loaded button 708 into the
aperture 710 to fixedly position the support leg 704 within the
aperture 702.
[0058] As described above, the support legs 704 can be translated
into and through the apertures 702 until a top portion 714 of the
support legs 704 abuts the inner surface of the top surface 104 of
the grate 700. A height H.sub.2 between the inner surfaces of the
top surface 104 and the bottom surfaces 108 can therefore define
the range in which the support legs 704 can travel to adjust the
amount of the height H.sub.1 of the support legs 704 protruding
from the bottom surfaces 108. The range in which the length of the
support legs 704 can be adjusted can therefore be defined by the
height H.sub.3. Thus, the potential maximum length of the support
legs 704 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108 can be defined by
the height H.sub.3 when the support legs 704 are initially inserted
into the apertures 702. The potential minimum length of the support
legs 704 protruding from the bottom surfaces 108 can be defined by
the height H.sub.4 when the support legs 704 have been translated
through the apertures 702 such that the top portion 714 of the
support legs 704 abuts the inner surface of the top surface 104. It
should be understood that each of the support legs 704 can be
adjusted independently of the other support legs 704 to properly
stabilize the grate 700 within the channel drain 200. Although
illustrated herein as being implemented with the grate body 102, it
should be understood that the unthreaded apertures 702, the support
legs 704 and the locking mechanisms 712 can also be implemented
with the grate body 302.
[0059] The adjustable grates described herein, e.g., the grates
100, 300, 400, 500, 600 and/or 700, can be advantageously
implemented for a variety of purposes, such as aligning the grates
with the ground level surface 208 of a channel drain 200, adjusting
the height of the grates due to uneven construction of the ground
level surface 208 surrounding the channel drain 200, adjusting the
height of the grates due to uneven construction or wear of the
drain base 202 of the channel drain 200, and the like. The grates
can thereby be adjusted to be positioned in a stabilized manner
within the channel drain 200.
[0060] Having thus described the disclosure in detail, it is to be
understood that the foregoing description is not intended to limit
the spirit or scope thereof. It will be understood that the
embodiments of the present disclosure described herein are merely
exemplary and that a person skilled in the art could make many
variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and
scope of the disclosure. All such variations and modifications,
including those discussed above, are intended to be included within
the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *