U.S. patent application number 15/373627 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-30 for connector for bathtub tailpipe to drain pipe.
The applicant listed for this patent is Oakville Stamping & Bending Ltd.. Invention is credited to Robert EVANS, Christopher Adam MCLEOD.
Application Number | 20170089050 15/373627 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51520466 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170089050 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MCLEOD; Christopher Adam ;
et al. |
March 30, 2017 |
CONNECTOR FOR BATHTUB TAILPIPE TO DRAIN PIPE
Abstract
A seal for a connector is provided for connecting a bathtub
tailpipe to a drain pipe. The connector has an inlet end to receive
the tailpipe and an outlet end that is mountable to the drain pipe,
and has a passage extending therebetween. A seal extends about the
passage for slidably engaging the tailpipe in a fluid sealing
manner.
Inventors: |
MCLEOD; Christopher Adam;
(Toronto, CA) ; EVANS; Robert; (London,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Oakville Stamping & Bending Ltd. |
Oakville |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
51520466 |
Appl. No.: |
15/373627 |
Filed: |
December 9, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13833791 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
9551138 |
|
|
15373627 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03F 5/0407 20130101;
E03C 1/22 20130101; F16L 17/025 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/22 20060101
E03C001/22 |
Claims
1. A seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe wherein the seal
forms part of a connector having a first part and a second part for
connecting the bathtub tailpipe to a drain pipe, comprising: an
annular body having a first end opposite a flanged end with a
passage extending therebetween wherein: the interior of the annular
body has at least one radially inwardly projecting rib for
sealingly engaging the tailpipe; the first end and the annular body
are insertable into one of the two parts of the connector; and the
flanged end interfaces with both the first part and second part of
the connector.
2. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of claim 1
wherein there are a plurality of ribs.
3. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of claim 2
wherein: at least two of the ribs extend inwardly by different
distances.
4. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of claim 3
wherein: an upper rib defines a larger opening in the annular body
than an adjacent lower rib.
5. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of claim 4
wherein there are at least three ribs that progressively extend an
increasing distance into the interior of the annular body.
6. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of claim 1
wherein: the flanged end is sandwiched between a portion of the
first part and a radially inwardly extending flange of the second
part.
7. A seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe comprising: an
annular body having a passage extending from a top end to a bottom
end; the bottom end having a radially outwardly extending flanged
configured to be sandwiched between two parts of a connector; and
the interior of the annular body has at least one radially inwardly
projecting rib for sealingly engaging the tailpipe.
8. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of claim 7
wherein there are a plurality of ribs.
9. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of claim 8
wherein: at least two of the ribs extend inwardly by different
distances.
10. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of claim 9
wherein: an upper rib defines a larger opening in the annular body
than an adjacent lower rib.
11. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of claim 10
wherein there are at least three ribs that progressively extend an
increasing distance into the interior of the annular body.
12. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of claim 7
wherein: the flanged end is sandwiched between a portion of the
first part and a radially inwardly extending flange of the second
part.
13. A seal for a connector for connecting a bathtub tailpipe to a
drain pipe, the connector including a tailpipe having an upper end
configured to be connected to a bottom portion of the bathtub and a
lower end of the tailpipe being configured to be placed through at
least a portion of a connector, with the seal serving to seal fluid
flow from the tailpipe to the drain pipe the tailpipe; the seal
comprising: an annular body having a passage extending from a top
end to a bottom end; the bottom end having a radially outwardly
extending flanged configured to be sandwiched between two parts of
the connector; and the interior of the annular body has at least
one radially inwardly projecting rib for sealingly engaging the
tailpipe.
14. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of claim 13
wherein there are a plurality of ribs.
15. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of claim 14
wherein: at least two of the ribs extend inwardly by different
distances.
16. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of claim 15
wherein: an upper rib defines a larger opening in the annular body
than an adjacent lower rib.
17. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of claim 16
wherein there are at least three ribs that progressively extend an
increasing distance into the interior of the annular body.
18. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of claim 17
wherein: the flanged end is sandwiched between a portion of the
first part and a radially inwardly extending flange of the second
part.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Divisional application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 13/833,791 filed on Mar. 15, 2013. The entire
disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to bathtub drain pipe
connectors and more particularly to connectors for sealingly
connecting tailpipes of free standing bathtubs to drain pipes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The drainage system for an island bathtub is supplied
beneath the bath in the floor. Generally, no lateral access is
provided necessitating connection of the bathtub to the drain pipe
either from above or below the floor. In an existing building,
connection from above the floor requires destruction of the
existing floor. Destruction creates new challenges including
refinishing the floor around a bathtub and providing proper support
for the bathtub.
[0004] In the construction process for a new building, access from
below the floor requires the bathtub be installed prior to
finishing the ceiling of the room beneath the bath. This early
installation of the bath subjects the bathtub to damage for the
duration of the construction process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides a connector for sealingly
connecting a bathtub tailpipe to a drain pipe. The connector
comprises a seal and a body wherein the body has an inlet end
opposite an outlet end with a passage extending therebetween. The
outlet end is mountable to one end of the drain pipe, and the inlet
end receives the tailpipe. The seal extends about the passage for
slidably engaging the tailpipe in a fluid sealing manner.
[0006] The connector may further comprise a first part extendably
retained to a second part wherein the first part and second part
are relatively axially moveable. The first part defines the inlet
end and receives the tailpipe, and the second part defines the
outlet end, and is mountable to one end of the drain pipe.
[0007] The seal extending about the passage may have a generally
annular body and comprise a first end opposite a flanged end. The
first end and the annular body are insertable into one of the two
parts of the connector, and the flanged end interfaces with both
the first part and the second part.
[0008] The first part of the connector may have an interior flange
for receiving the first end of the seal. The first part of the
connector may have an end opposite the interior flange that engages
the flanged end of the seal. The first part of the connector and
the second part of the connector may threadedly engage. The second
part of the connector may have an inner flange that registers with
the flanged end of the seal. The flanged end on the seal may be
compressed between the end of the first part and the inner flange
of the second part in response to the first part and the second
part being urged towards each other through the threaded
engagement.
[0009] The connector may further comprise a spacer having an
external flange for engaging a floor and an internal flange for
engaging the first part of the connector to limit lateral movement
of the connector.
[0010] The external flange may be integral with the first part of
the connector.
[0011] The connector may further comprise an adapter extending
between the outlet end of the passage and the drain pipe to adapt
the connector to fit over the drain pipe.
[0012] A seal is also provided for sealing against a bathtub
tailpipe wherein the seal forms part of a connector having a first
part and a second part for connecting the bathtub tailpipe to a
drain pipe. The seal comprises an annular body having a first end
opposite a flanged end with a passage extending therebetween. The
interior of the annular body has at least one radially inwardly
projecting rib for sealingly engaging the tailpipe. The first end
and the annular body are insertable into one of the two parts of
the connector. The flanged end of the seal interfaces with the
first part and the second part of the connector.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described
below with reference to the accompanying illustrations in
which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector for connecting a
bathtub tailpipe to a drain pipe;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the connector in FIG.
1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the connector preparing to
receive a bathtub tailpipe;
[0017] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the encircled area in FIG.
2;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of a seal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] A connector 10 sealingly connects a bathtub tailpipe 40 to a
drain pipe 42 as indicated in the accompanying illustrations. The
connector 10 has a body 12 having an inlet end 14 opposite an
outlet end 16 with a passage 18 extending therebetween. The inlet
end 14 receives the bathtub tailpipe 40, the outlet end 16 is
mountable to the drain pipe 42. In this way, the connector 10
connects the bathtub tailpipe 40 to the drain pipe 42. The passage
18 permits fluid such as bathwater to flow from the bathtub
tailpipe 40 to the drain pipe 42. To sealingly connect the bathtub
tailpipe 40 to the drain pipe 42, a seal 50 extends about the
passage 18 that slidably engages the tailpipe 40 in a fluid sealing
manner. The seal 50 inhibits the fluid such as bathwater from
flowing out of the passage 18 and into the periphery.
[0020] The connector 10 further comprises a first part 20 defining
the inlet end 14, and a second part 30 defining the outlet end 16.
The first part 20 and the second part 30 are extendably retained to
each other and are relatively axially moveable. In one embodiment,
the first part 20 and the second part 30 may threadedly engage. The
seal 50 extending about the passage 18 has a generally annular body
52 having a first end 54 and a flanged end 56. The first end 54 and
the annular body 52 are insertable into one of the two parts of the
connector 10. A portion of the flanged end 56 extends between the
first part 20 and second part 30. The first part 20 and the second
part 30 are urged toward each other, and the flanged end 56
interfaces with (sandwiched between) both the first part 20 and the
second part 30. This causes compression of the seal 50 between the
first part 20 and the second part 30 to effect the sealing
therebetween.
[0021] In one embodiment, the first end 54 and the annular body 52
of the seal are insertable into the first part 20 of the connector.
The first part 20 has an interior flange 22 for receiving the first
end 54 of the seal. The first part has an end 24 opposite the
interior flange 22 that engages the flanged end 56 of the seal
preventing it from inserting into the first part 20. The second
part 30 has an inner flange 32 that registers with the flanged end
56. Because the first part 20 and the second part 30 are urged
toward each other when threadedly engaged, the flanged end 56 of
the seal is compressed between the first part 20 and the second
part 30, that is, between the end 24 and the inner flange 32. This
compression of the seal 50 between the first part 20 and the second
part 30 effects the sealing feature of the connector 10.
[0022] In an alternative embodiment, the first end 54 and the
annular body 52 may be insertable into the second part 30 rather
than the first part 20. The flanged end 56 would still be
compressed between the first part 20 and the second part 30
effecting the sealing function.
[0023] The connector 10 further comprises a spacer 33 having an
external flange 34 for engaging a floor 38 and an internal flange
36 for engaging the first part of the connector 20 to limit lateral
movement of the connector 10. In one embodiment, this external
flange 34 and internal flange 36 may form part of an annular plate
as shown in FIG. 2. This annular plate may be externally round,
square, or any other suitable shape. The external flange 34 of the
spacer 33 engages the floor 38 to limit lateral movement, whereas
the internal flange 36 is held in place between the first part 20
and the second part 30. By being held in place and having the
external flange 34 engage the floor, the internal flange 36 limits
the lateral movement of the connector 10. The external flange 34
may be fixed to the floor which may be wood. FIGS. 1 and 2 shows
the external flange 34 with apertures 35 for receiving fasteners
such as screws. In other embodiments, the external flange 34 may be
secured using glue or other adhesive agents. Alternatively, the
external flange 34 could be secured by fitting into pre-cut
recesses in the floor. Fixing the external flange 34 to the floor
38 provides a secured connector 10 to which the remaining plumbing
can be attached. The depth of the spacer 33 is determined by the
height of the first part 20. The spacer 33 must be deep enough to
ensure the first part 20 does not protrude above the floor 38 in
order to provide clearance for the bathtub drain fitting underlying
and fixed to the bath that is placed upon the floor 38.
[0024] The external flange 34 may alternatively be integral with
the first part 20 obviating the need for an internal flange. In
this embodiment, the external flange 34 would be located on the
first part 20 such that sufficient clearance is provided for the
bathtub when placed on the floor 38.
[0025] The connector 10 may further comprise an adapter 44
extending between the outlet end 16 of the passage 18 and the drain
pipe 42 to adapt the connector 10 to fit over the drain pipe 42. In
one embodiment, this adapter 44 may increase the external diameter
of the drain pipe 42 so that the drain pipe 42 and the connector 10
fit more closely together. Alternatively, this adapter 44 may
decrease the internal diameter of the outlet end 16 to enable a
more snug fit between the connector 10 and the drain pipe 42. In
other embodiments, the adapter 44 may otherwise increase or
decrease the external or internal diameters of the drain pipe 42 or
outlet end 18 to enable a close fit. Adhesive agents may be placed
between the various elements to secure them in place.
[0026] Alternatively, an adapter 44 may be unnecessary and the
drain pipe 42 could fit directly within the second part 30. In
these cases, the drain pipe 42 may register directly with part of
the seal 50 or may instead register with the inner flange 32 of the
second part 30. In still other embodiments, the drain pipe 42 may
have a larger diameter than the outlet end 16 of the connector 10.
In these cases, the outer circumference of the second part 30 may
be modified to accommodate the attachment of a larger diameter
drain pipe 42.
[0027] As mentioned above, the seal 50 has an annular body 52
having a first upper end 54 opposite a flanged lower end 56. The
interior of the annular body 52 has at least one radially inwardly
projecting rib 58 for sealingly engaging the tailpipe. Additional
ribs such as the second rib 60, third rib 62, and fourth rib 64 may
also be provided. As can be seen best in FIG. 5, at least two of
the ribs extend into the interior of annular body 52 by a different
amount. For example, rib 58 defines a wider opening for receiving
the tailpipe 40 than rib 60. Similarly, rib 60 defines a wider
opening than rib 62. In other words, ribs 58, 60 and 62
progressively extend an increasing distance into the interior of
the annular body 52. On the other hand, the bottommost rib 64
extends a lesser distance into the interior of annular body 52 than
its immediately adjacent rib 62. This arrangement is designed to
readily accept the tailpipe 40 at the upper end of the seal yet
provide a reliable seal.
[0028] The scope of the claims should not be limited by the
embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the
broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a
whole.
TABLE-US-00001 PARTS LIST 10 connector 12 body 14 inlet end 16
outlet end 18 passage 20 first part 22 interior flange 24 end 30
second part 32 inner flange 33 spacer 34 external flange 35
apertures 36 internal flange 38 floor 40 bathtub tailpipe 42 drain
pipe 44 adapter 50 seal 52 annular body 54 first end 56 flanged end
58 radially projecting inward rib 60 second rib 62 third rib 64
fourth rib
* * * * *