U.S. patent application number 16/126971 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-12 for low-profile drain.
The applicant listed for this patent is Schluter Systems, L.P.. Invention is credited to Lonnie DeGooyer.
Application Number | 20200080292 16/126971 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69720640 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-12 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200080292 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DeGooyer; Lonnie |
March 12, 2020 |
Low-profile Drain
Abstract
A low-profile drain includes a drain body configured to direct
liquids into a drainage system, the drain body having an upper
barrel and a lower barrel. A flange extends outwardly from the
upper barrel of the drain body. A bondable waterproof membrane is
attached to an upper surface of the flange and extending outwardly
away from the flange. A bonding fleece is attached to a lower
surface of the flange.
Inventors: |
DeGooyer; Lonnie; (Herriman,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schluter Systems, L.P. |
Plattsburgh |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
69720640 |
Appl. No.: |
16/126971 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03F 5/0409 20130101;
E03F 5/0407 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E03F 5/04 20060101
E03F005/04 |
Claims
1. A low-profile drain, comprising: a drain body configured to
direct liquids into a drainage system, the drain body having an
upper barrel and a lower barrel; a flange extending outwardly from
the upper barrel of the drain body, the flange extending outwardly
from the drain body in a substantially flat plane so as to be
configured to lie flat against a surrounding flat subfloor surface;
and a bondable waterproof membrane attached to an upper surface of
the flange and extending outwardly away from the flange.
2. The drain of claim 1, further comprising a bonding fleece
attached to a lower surface of the flange.
3. The drain of claim 1, wherein each of the flange, the bondable
waterproof membrane and the bonding fleece having a thickness, and
wherein a combined thickness of the flange, the bondable waterproof
membrane and the bonding fleece is less than about 0.25 inches
above the surrounding flat subfloor.
4. The drain of claim 1, wherein the flange extends outwardly from
the upper barrel of the drain body in a first axis and a second
axis, the second axis orthogonal to the first axis, and wherein a
distance the flange extends in the first axis is substantially
equal to a distance the flange extends in the second axis.
5. The drain of claim 4, wherein the bondable waterproof membrane
extends outwardly from the flange in the first axis and the second
axis, and wherein a distance the bondable waterproof membrane
extends in the first axis is substantially equal to a distance the
bondable waterproof membrane extends in the second axis.
6. The drain of claim 1, wherein the flange terminates in at least
one flange edge, the at least one flange edge being planar.
7. The drain of claim 1, wherein the flange extends from the drain
body at an angle relative to a center vertical axis of the drain
body, the angle being between about 90 degrees and about 95
degrees.
8. The drain of claim 7, wherein angle is about 90 degrees.
9. The drain of claim 1, wherein the drain body and flange are
formed of a unitary piece of a polymeric material.
10. The drain of claim 1, wherein bonding fleece substantially
completely covers the lower surface of the flange.
11. A low-profile drain, comprising: a drain body configured to
direct liquids into a drainage system, the drain body having an
upper barrel and a lower barrel; a flange extending outwardly from
the upper barrel of the drain body; a bondable waterproof membrane
attached to an upper surface of the flange and extending outward
away from the flange, the bondable waterproof membrane being
foldable inwardly over the drain body; and a bonding fleece
attached to a lower surface of the flange; the flange extending
outwardly from the drain body in a substantially flat plane so as
to be configured to lie flat against a surrounding flat subfloor
surface.
12. The drain of claim 11, wherein the flange extends outwardly
from the upper barrel of the drain body in a first axis and a
second axis, the second axis orthogonal to the first axis, and
wherein a distance the flange extends in the first axis is
substantially equal to a distance the flange extends in the second
axis.
13. The drain of claim 11, wherein the bondable waterproof membrane
extends outwardly from the flange in the first axis and the second
axis, and wherein a distance the bondable waterproof membrane
extends in the first axis is substantially equal to a distance the
bondable waterproof membrane extends in the second axis.
14. The drain of claim 11, wherein the flange terminates in at
least one flange edge, the at least one flange edge being
planar.
15. The drain of claim 11, wherein the flange extends from the
drain body at an angle relative to a center vertical axis of the
drain body, the angle being between about 90 degrees and about 95
degrees.
16. The drain of claim 15, wherein angle is about 90 degrees.
17. The drain of claim 11, wherein the drain body and flange are
formed of a polymeric material.
18. A low-profile drain, comprising: a drain body configured to
direct liquids into a drainage system, the drain body having an
upper barrel and a lower barrel; a flange extending outwardly from
the upper barrel of the drain body; a bondable waterproof membrane
attached to an upper surface of the flange and extending outward
away from the flange; and a bonding fleece attached to a lower
surface of the flange; the flange terminating in four planar edges
and extending outwardly from the drain body in a substantially flat
plane so as to be configured to lie flat against a surrounding
subfloor surface.
19. The drain of claim 18, wherein the bondable waterproof membrane
terminates in four planar edges.
20. The drain of claim 18, wherein bonding fleece substantially
completely covers the lower surface of the flange.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates generally to floor drain
installations.
Related Art
[0002] Numerous drains have been developed for installation with
ceramic tile, stone and similar veneer flooring materials. While
such drains generally function well for the purpose for which they
were designed, they can often impose height limitations on the
surrounding installation. For example, the surrounding flooring
installation may have to be installed to an undesirable height in
order to sufficiently affix the drain in position, or the
surrounding subfloor may need to be modified to accommodate these
conventional drains.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a
low-profile drain is provided, including a drain body configured to
direct liquids into a drainage system. The drain body can have an
upper barrel and a lower barrel. A flange can extend outwardly from
the upper barrel of the drain body. A bondable waterproof membrane
can be attached to an upper surface of the flange and can extend
outwardly away from the flange. A bonding fleece can be attached to
a lower surface of the flange.
[0004] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a
low-profile drain is provided, including a drain body configured to
direct liquids into a drainage system, the drain body having an
upper barrel and a lower barrel. A flange can extend outwardly from
the upper barrel of the drain body. A bondable waterproof membrane
can be attached to an upper surface of the flange and can extend
outward away from the flange. A bonding fleece can be attached to a
lower surface of the flange. The flange can extend outwardly from
the drain body in a substantially flat plane so as to be configured
to lie flat against a surrounding subfloor surface.
[0005] In accordance another aspect of the invention, a low-profile
drain is provided, including a drain body configured to direct
liquids into a drainage system. The drain body can have an upper
barrel and a lower barrel. A flange can extend outwardly from the
upper barrel of the drain body. A bondable waterproof membrane can
be attached to an upper surface of the flange and can extend
outward away from the flange. A bonding fleece can be attached to a
lower surface of the flange. Each of the flange, the bondable
waterproof membrane and the bonding fleece can have a thickness.
The flange can terminate in four planar edges and can extend
outwardly from the drain body in a substantially flat plane so as
to be configured to lie flat against a surrounding subfloor
surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The following drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments for
carrying out the invention. Like reference numerals refer to like
parts in different views or embodiments of the present invention in
the drawings.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a low-profile drain
in accordance with an aspect of the present technology;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a top perspective of the drain of FIG. 1, shown
with portions of a bondable waterproof membrane folded inwardly
over a body of the drain;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the drain of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a top view of the drain of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a side view of a portion of the drain of FIG.
1;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a side view of the drain of FIG. 1 in a flooring
installation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments
illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used
herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood
that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby
intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive
features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the
principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would
occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of
this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the
invention.
Definitions
[0014] As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "the" can include
plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Thus, for example, reference to "a bondable waterproof membrane"
can include one or more of such membranes, if the context so
dictates.
[0015] As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to the
complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action,
characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. As an
arbitrary example, an object that is "substantially" enclosed is an
article that is either completely enclosed or nearly completely
enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute
completeness may in some cases depend upon the specific context.
However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so
as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total
completion were obtained. The use of "substantially" is equally
applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the
complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic,
property, state, structure, item, or result. As another arbitrary
example, a composition that is "substantially free of" an
ingredient or element may still actually contain such item so long
as there is no measurable effect as a result thereof.
[0016] As used herein, the term "bondable (or bonded) waterproof
membrane" refers to a membrane that typically bonds directly to a
mortar bed or shower tray (or a suitable equivalent) that protects
the mortar bed or shower tray (and any underlying structure such as
the subfloor) from contact with moisture from the shower. Such
membranes are well known, such as the version commercially sold
under the trademark "Kerdi.RTM.."
[0017] As used herein, the term "about" is used to provide
flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given
value may be "a little above" or "a little below" the endpoint.
[0018] Relative directional terms can sometimes be used herein to
describe and claim various components of the present invention.
Such terms include, without limitation, "upward," "downward,"
"horizontal," "vertical," etc. These terms are generally not
intended to be limiting, but are used to most clearly describe and
claim the various features of the invention. Where such terms must
carry some limitation, they are intended to be limited to usage
commonly known and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art
in the context of this disclosure.
[0019] While a good faith effort has been made to accurately depict
relative dimensions of various components in the figures, the
figures may present components in a manner that is slightly
enlarged or reduced in size to more accurately convey the
principals of the present technology.
[0020] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements,
compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a
common list for convenience. However, these lists should be
construed as though each member of the list is individually
identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual
member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of
any other member of the same list solely based on their
presentation in a common group without indications to the
contrary.
[0021] Numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a
range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is
used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be
interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values
explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include
all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed
within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is
explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of "about
1 to about 5" should be interpreted to include not only the
explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but also include
individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus,
included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2,
3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4, and from 3-5,
etc., as well as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, individually.
[0022] This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one
numerical value as a minimum or a maximum. Furthermore, such an
interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range
or the characteristics being described.
INVENTION
[0023] The present technology relates generally to low-profile
drains for use in veneer flooring installations such as ceramic
tile, stone and the like. The drains of the present technology
present a much lower profile than conventional drains, on the order
of an inch or more less height than some prior art drains. The
present drains can be set essentially flush with surrounding tile
installations such that a height of the surrounding floor need not
be altered to accommodate the drain.
[0024] As shown generally in the figures, the present technology
provides a drain 10 that can be used to provide a low-profile
drainage point in a variety of flooring installations. The drain
can include a drain body 12 configured to direct liquids into a
drainage system (not shown). The drain body can include an upper
barrel 14 and a lower barrel 16. A flange 18 can extend outwardly
from the upper barrel of the drain body. A bondable waterproof
membrane 20 can be attached to an upper surface of the flange and
can extend outwardly away from the flange. A bonding fleece 22 can
be attached to a lower surface of the flange. In the example shown,
the flange can extend outwardly from the drain body in a
substantially flat plane so as to be configured to lie flat against
a surrounding subfloor surface.
[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a nearly complete floor installation
incorporating the present drain 10. As is customary, a subfloor
structure 30, which can be a wooden structure, concrete structure,
etc., generally includes an opening 32 formed therethrough. The
drain body 12 is inserted through this opening as it is attached to
the overall drainage system (not shown) below. As liquids pass over
the floor, they are directed into the upper barrel 14 of the drain
body, eventually passing through the lower barrel 16 into the
drainage system below. Oftentimes, a membrane 34, such as that
commercially available as Schluter Kerdi.RTM. membrane, is applied
over the entirety of the subfloor prior to installation of any of
the veneer materials atop the subfloor.
[0026] As the drain is installed through the opening 32, the
bonding fleece 22 can be bonded to the membrane 34 (or to the
subfloor itself in the case a membrane is not utilized). The
bondable waterproof membrane 20 is then spread flat outwardly from
the drain and also bonded to the membrane 34 or to the subfloor.
Mortar or other adhesive 36 can be applied over the bondable
waterproof membrane so that tiles or other veneer materials 38 can
be bonded in place with the mortar. A grout or similar material can
be applied in spaces 40 between the veneer materials.
[0027] As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art
having possession of this disclosure, the low-profile design of the
present drain allows installation of the drain substantially flush
with the surrounding tile. Thus, the drains of the present
technology are well suited for use in flat areas where it is not
desired to either elevate the overall flooring installation, or to
lower the subfloor structure, which are otherwise necessary for
many conventional drain designs. The drains are particularly well
suited for secondary drains, which are often installed outside a
shower area, in a generally flat floor, to capture excess water
from the adjacent shower area.
[0028] The present design provides an overall height that is an
inch or more less than conventional designs. A diameter "D" of the
barrel of the drain body 12 can be limited in size such that the
opening 32 formed in the subfloor is as small as about 4.5 inches.
Thus, the drain can be installed in areas of limited space without
significantly affecting the surrounding floor area.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the bondable waterproof membrane is
typically a very flexible material that extends outwardly from the
flange 18. An installer will generally fold the membrane in on
itself, in the configuration shown in FIG. 2, during installation
of the drain within and on the subfloor. Once properly positioned,
the bondable waterproof membrane is typically laid flat in the
configuration shown in FIG. 3 (note that this is a bottom view,
showing the bonding fleece 22 which will be attached immediately
above the subfloor or subfloor membrane--FIG. 4 shows the same
layout from a top view). As will be appreciated from this view, the
flange 22 extends outwardly from the upper barrel of the drain body
in a first axis, marked as the "x" axis, and a second axis, marked
as the "y" axis. The second axis is generally orthogonal to the
first axis. In one exemplary embodiment, a distance that the flange
extends in the first axis is substantially equal to a distance the
flange extends in the second axis. Thus, the flange can extend
symmetrically outwardly from the drain body.
[0030] As will also be appreciated from FIG. 3, in one exemplary
embodiment, the bondable waterproof membrane 20 extends outwardly
from the flange in the first axis and the second axis. Similar to
the flange, a distance the bondable waterproof membrane extends in
the first axis is substantially equal to a distance the bondable
waterproof membrane extends in the second axis. Thus, the bondable
waterproof membrane can extend symmetrically outwardly from the
drain body. As will also be appreciated from this view, the flange
can terminate in at least one flange edge that is generally planar.
In the examples shown, all four flange edges are planar. This can
aid in installing the drain adjacent other structures, such as
walls, surrounds, etc.
[0031] As also shown most clearly in FIG. 3, in one embodiment of
the invention, the bonding fleece 22 can substantially completely
cover the lower surface of the flange. This can ensure that lower
portion of the flange, and thus the drain, is securely bonded to
the underlying subfloor or subfloor membrane.
[0032] In one aspect of the invention, the bottom of the flange 18
is substantially flat, and can thus lie flatly against the adjacent
subfloor, with a thin layer of mortar or other adhesive applied in
a layer having a uniform thickness. That is, the mortar or other
adhesive between the bonding fleece and the subfloor (or a membrane
applied over a subfloor) need not be built up or sloped--it is a
constant thickness as the flange extends from near the drain body
toward outer edges of the flange. This results in a top of the
flange being a uniform distance from the top of the subfloor,
across the installation. Contrast this aspect of the technology
with existing drains, which often require that an installer apply a
significant amount of mortar over the subfloor to ensure that a
drain can be fully set within the mortar and be thereby bonded in
place. Many times, this mortar bed was required to be sloped, as
the drain sloped from outer edges of the conventional drains toward
the throat of the drains.
[0033] The bonding fleece 22 and the bondable waterproof membrane
20 can be formed from similar, but differing materials. In one
non-limiting example, the bonding fleece is formed from
polypropylene. In one non-limiting example, the bondable waterproof
membrane is formed from a modified polyethylene (PEVA) core with
non-woven polypropylene on both sides. The bondable waterproof
membrane can be around 8 mils thick, with a water vapor permeance
of about 0.90 perms.
[0034] Turning now to FIG. 5, in one aspect of the invention, each
of the flange 18, the bondable waterproof membrane 20 and the
bonding fleece 22 have a thickness. The thickness of the flange is
shown at T.sub.18, the thickness of the bondable waterproof
membrane is shown at T.sub.20 and the thickness of the bonding
fleece is shown at T.sub.22. In this embodiment, a combined
thickness T.sub.O of the flange, the bondable waterproof membrane
and the bonding fleece is less than about 0.50 inches. In another
embodiment, the combined thickness is less than about 0.25 inches.
This can ensure that a low profile is maintained between the drain
components and the adjacent flooring materials.
[0035] As also shown in FIG. 6, the flange 18 can extend from the
drain body 12 at an angle relative to a center vertical axis of the
drain body; in this example, the vertical axis is shown as axis "z"
and the axis at which the flange extends is shown as axis "x." The
angle .alpha. between the two axis can be between about 90 degrees
and about 95 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle is about 90
degrees, representing zero slope from the outer edges of the flange
to the point where the flange extends from the drain body.
[0036] The various components of the drain can be formed from a
variety of materials. In one embodiment, the drain body and flange
are formed as a unitary piece of a polymeric material, such as ABS
(Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride).
[0037] It is to be understood that the above-referenced
arrangements are illustrative of the application for the principles
of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative
arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention while the present invention has been
shown in the drawings and described above in connection with the
exemplary embodiments(s) of the invention. It will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can
be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the
invention as set forth in the examples.
* * * * *