U.S. patent application number 16/573286 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-19 for drain with concave upper surface.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Keeney Manufacturing Company. Invention is credited to Chris W. Jeffers, Brian W. Suriner.
Application Number | 20200087906 16/573286 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69773794 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-19 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200087906 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Suriner; Brian W. ; et
al. |
March 19, 2020 |
Drain With Concave Upper Surface
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a drain fixture having a first end and a
second end. The first end has an annular flange portion and a
concave outer surface. The second end is opposite the first end.
The second end includes a tubular shape having a threaded portion.
The concave outer surface includes a concave contour in a direction
towards the threaded portion.
Inventors: |
Suriner; Brian W.;
(Glastonbury, CT) ; Jeffers; Chris W.; (Hebron,
CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Keeney Manufacturing Company |
Newington |
CT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
69773794 |
Appl. No.: |
16/573286 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62732589 |
Sep 18, 2018 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/22 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/22 20060101
E03C001/22 |
Claims
1. A drain fixture comprising: a first end having an annular flange
portion and a concave outer surface; and a second end opposite the
first end, wherein the second end comprises a tubular shape having
a threaded portion; wherein the concave outer surface comprises a
concave contour in a direction towards the threaded portion.
2. The drain fixture of claim 1, wherein the drain fixture is a
one-piece member.
3. The drain fixture of claim 1, wherein the drain fixture
comprises a center axis, and wherein the concave contour is toward
the center axis.
4. The drain fixture of claim 1, wherein the concave outer surface
comprises a plurality of openings.
5. The drain fixture of claim 4, wherein a plane of the annular
flange portion is perpendicular to a center axis of the drain
fixture, wherein a first one of the plurality of openings is at a
first distance from the plane, and wherein a second one of the
plurality of openings is at a second different distance from the
plane.
6. The drain fixture of claim 1, wherein the first end further
comprises a substantially flat surface and a plurality of openings,
wherein the substantially flat surface is opposite the concave
outer surface, and wherein the plurality of openings extend between
the concave outer surface and the substantially flat surface.
7. The drain fixture of claim 1, further comprising a tailpiece
having a tubular shape, wherein the tailpiece is configured to be
connected to the second end of the drain fixture, and wherein the
drain fixture and the tailpiece form a drain assembly.
8. A drain fixture comprising: a first end having an annular flange
portion and a plurality of openings, wherein an outer edge of the
annular flange portion forms a plane, and wherein the plurality of
openings are spaced from the plane; and a second end opposite the
first end, wherein the second end comprises a tubular shape having
a threaded portion; wherein the plane of the annular flange portion
is perpendicular to a center axis of the drain fixture, wherein a
first one of the plurality of openings is at a first distance from
the plane, and wherein a second one of the plurality of openings is
at a second different distance from the plane.
9. The drain fixture of claim 8, wherein the first and second
distances are between the plane and the threaded portion.
10. The drain fixture of claim 8, wherein the first end comprises a
concave outer surface.
11. The drain fixture of claim 10, wherein the plurality of
openings are integrally formed at the concave outer surface of the
first end.
12. The drain fixture of claim 10, wherein the concave outer
surface comprises a concave contour in a direction towards the
threaded portion.
13. The drain fixture of claim 10, wherein the first end further
comprises a substantially flat surface, wherein the substantially
flat surface is opposite the concave outer surface, and wherein the
plurality of openings extend between the concave outer surface and
the substantially flat surface.
14. The drain fixture of claim 10, further comprising a tailpiece
having a tubular shape, wherein the tailpiece is configured to be
connected to the second end of the drain fixture, and wherein the
drain fixture and the tailpiece form a drain assembly.
15. A drain assembly comprising: a drain fixture comprising a first
end and an opposite second end; and a tailpiece having a tubular
shape, wherein the tailpiece is configured to be connected to the
second end of the drain fixture; wherein the first end of the drain
fixture has an annular flange portion and a drain portion, wherein
an exterior side of the drain portion comprises a concave surface,
wherein an interior side of the drain portion comprises a
substantially flat surface, and wherein the drain portion comprises
a plurality of openings extending between the concave surface and
the substantially flat surface.
16. The drain assembly of claim 15, wherein a first wall thickness
between the concave and substantially flat surfaces proximate a
first one of the plurality of openings comprises a first dimension,
and wherein a second wall thickness between the concave and
substantially flat surfaces proximate a second one of the plurality
of openings comprises a second different dimension.
17. The drain assembly of claim 15, wherein the opposite second end
of the drain fixture comprises a threaded section, and wherein the
concave surface comprises a concave contour in a direction towards
the threaded portion.
18. The drain assembly of claim 15, wherein a plane of the annular
flange portion is perpendicular to a center axis of the drain
fixture, wherein a first one of the plurality of openings is at a
first distance from the plane, and wherein a second one of the
plurality of openings is at a second different distance from the
plane.
19. The drain assembly of claim 15, wherein the drain fixture is
configured to extend through a drain opening of a tub, a sink, a
basin, or a vessel.
20. The drain assembly of claim 15, further comprising a nut and at
least one washer, wherein the nut is configured to be threadably
engageable with the opposite second end of the drain fixture, and
wherein the at least one washer is configured to be disposed
between the first end of the drain fixture and the nut.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e) to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/732,589, filed
Sep. 18, 2018 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates to plumbing drains and drain
assemblies, and more particularly, to a drain and assembly that has
an outer fixture with a concave surface.
[0003] In typical plumbing drain installations, a number of
elements are joined together, often coaxially with an opening in a
tub, sink, basin or similar vessel. A fitting usually passes
through the opening the vessel with an annular member (washer or
similar) or putty between the surface of the vessel and a drain
fixture on the front/outer side and other annular fittings on the
rear/inner side of the vessel to help trap the vessel between them.
The fitting connects to a pipe connected to the building's plumbing
system on the rear side of the vessel. Typically, the drain element
or fixture attaches to the fitting on the front side of the vessel
and forms an annular abutment surface (inside the tub or the like).
Some of these elements can be formed integrally with one another in
drain installations, and additional washers and similar elements
may be included as needed or desired for a given installation. The
drain element/fixture can take on many different forms and be made
from many different materials and colors for aesthetic and
decorative reasons.
[0004] A common aesthetic and health-related drawback with known
drain assemblies is caused by soapy and/or dirty water remaining
stagnant on the flat surface of the drain fixture, in particular on
the rim of the fixture. This leads to undesired build-up.
[0005] It would thus be useful to have a drain fixture that
promotes drainage of water and reduces incidents of stagnant water,
soap, detergent and the like on the surface.
SUMMARY
[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a
drain fixture is disclosed. The drain fixture has a first end and a
second end. The first end has an annular flange portion and a
concave outer surface. The second end is opposite the first end.
The second end includes a tubular shape having a threaded portion.
The concave outer surface includes a concave contour in a direction
towards the threaded portion.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure,
a drain fixture is disclosed. The drain fixture includes a first
end and a second end. The first end has an annular flange portion
and a plurality of openings. An outer edge of the annular flange
portion forms a plane. The plurality of openings are spaced from
the plane. The second end is opposite the first end. The second end
has a tubular shape having a threaded portion. The plane of the
annular flange portion is perpendicular to a center axis of the
drain fixture. A first one of the plurality of openings is at a
first distance from the plane. A second one of the plurality of
openings is at a second different distance from the plane.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure,
a drain assembly is disclosed. The drain assembly includes a drain
fixture and a tailpiece. The drain fixture has a first end and an
opposite second end. The tailpiece has a tubular shape. The
tailpiece is configured to be connected to the second end of the
drain fixture. The first end of the drain fixture has an annular
flange portion and a drain portion. An exterior side of the drain
portion has a concave surface. An interior side of the drain
portion has a substantially flat surface. The drain portion has a
plurality of openings extending between the concave surface and the
substantially flat surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Aspects of the preferred embodiment will be described in
reference to the drawings, where like numerals reflect like
elements:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
disclosed drain assembly;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the drain assembly of FIG.
1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is section view of the drain assembly shown in FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged section view of the drain fixture
portion of the disclosed drain assembly; and
[0014] FIGS. 5 and 6 show further enlarged partial section views of
the drain fixture portion of the disclosed drain assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] With reference to the drawings wherein like numerals
represent like parts throughout the Figures, an embodiment of the
disclosed drain assembly 10 is shown. The drain assembly 10
includes a drain fixture 12 that defines a centrally concave outer
surface 14 that promotes water flow through the openings 16 toward
approximate center of the fixture 12. The drain fixture 12 leads to
a fitting (or threaded portion) 20 that passes through the opening
of a tub or sink in an installation. As shown most clearly in FIG.
2, the assembly also includes further elements, such as a
puddy-less washer 18 (or putty), basin washer 22 (which may be a
red TPE basin washer, for example), fiber washer 24, and a nut 26
mounted on the fitting 20 substantially coaxial to the drain
fixture 12. The fitting 20 connects to a tailpipe 28 (which may be
a seamless brass tailpiece, for example) on its downstream end. The
quantity and type of these further elements are exemplary and
non-limiting.
[0016] As shown most clearly in FIGS. 1-3, the drain fixture 12
comprises a one-piece member having a first end 30 and an opposite
second end 32, with a substantially tubular section therebetween.
The first end 30 comprises an annular flange portion 34 which
defines an upper surface 14 with a plurality of drain holes 16. The
second end 32 comprises a tubular shape with the threaded portion
20 thereon which is configured to mate with the nut 26. As shown in
FIGS. 2 and 4, an outer edge between the annular flange portion 34
and the upper surface 14 defines an end plane 36 for the drain
fixture 12. The contour of the upper surface 14 is concave toward a
center axis A of the fixture 12 (and also toward the threaded
section 20). A central area of the contoured surface 14 having the
plurality of openings 16 forms a drain portion 38 at the first end
30 of the drain fixture 12.
[0017] Referring now also to FIGS. 5 and 6, enlarged illustrations
of a portion of the section view of FIG. 4 are shown. The concave
surface 14 comprises substantially smooth transitions between the
center (or central) axis A and the edge of the annular flange
portion 34. The openings 16 extend through the drain portion 38
between the concave surface 14 and an interior surface 40 of the
drain portion 38. The interior surface 40 comprises a substantially
flat surface.
[0018] The configuration of the concave surface 14 provides for
different axial distances between the openings 16 and the plane 36.
For example, openings closer to the center axis A are farther away
from the plane 36 than openings closer to the outer periphery of
the surface 14. This can be seen in FIG. 5 where one of the
openings 16 (closer to the center axis A) is at a first distance 42
from the plane 36, and where another opening 16 is at a second
(smaller) distance 44 from the plane 36.
[0019] The configuration of the concave surface 14 at one end of
the openings 16 and the substantially flat surface 40 at the other
end of the openings provides for different wall thicknesses of the
drain portion 38. For example, openings closer to the center axis A
have a smaller wall thickness than openings closer to the outer
periphery of the surface 14. This can be seen in FIG. 6 where one
of the openings 16 (closer to the center axis A) has a first wall
thickness 46, and where another opening 16 has a second (larger)
wall thickness 48.
[0020] The disclosed fixture 12 has shown remarkable improvements
from known drain fixtures that are substantially flat in that drain
water with soap, detergent, dirt and/or similar is promoted, which
thereby results in less undesirable build-up of soap scum and other
contamination on the surface of the drain fixture 12 caused by
stagnant drain water.
[0021] In a typical installation, the outer annular flange portion
34 of the drain fixture 12 sandwiches the putty-less washer 18
against the surface of the tub or sink to provide a fluid-tight
seal around the drain hole. The contour of the concave surface 14
of the fixture 12 promotes drainage of fluid from the sink through
the holes 16, and thus reduces the incidence of stagnant fluid
which causes build-up of soap scum and similar contamination on the
surface of the fixture. In preferred embodiments, the fixture is
designed to cooperate with the contours on the inner surface of the
sink to further promote drainage. The specific radius of concavity
can be varied as desired for a given installation.
[0022] Various exemplary embodiments of the drain assembly include
fixtures made from different materials with finishes for aesthetic
purposes, as are widely-known in the plumbing industry. These
include chrome and brushed metal finishes among others, in a
variety of colors and shades. The disclosed embodiments with a
drain fixture 12 with a concave upper surface 14 have shown to be
effective at reducing the build-up of unwanted material on the
surface of the fixture.
[0023] Below are provided further descriptions of various
non-limiting, exemplary embodiments. The below-described exemplary
embodiments may be practiced in conjunction with one or more other
aspects or exemplary embodiments. That is, the exemplary
embodiments of the invention, such as those described immediately
below, may be implemented, practiced or utilized in any combination
(e.g., any combination that is suitable, practicable and/or
feasible) and are not limited only to those combinations described
herein and/or included in the appended claims.
[0024] In one exemplary embodiment, a drain fixture comprising: a
first end having an annular flange portion and a concave outer
surface; and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the
second end comprises a tubular shape having a threaded portion;
wherein the concave outer surface comprises a concave contour in a
direction towards the threaded portion.
[0025] A drain fixture as above, wherein the drain fixture is a
one-piece member.
[0026] A drain fixture as above, wherein the drain fixture
comprises a center axis, and wherein the concave contour is toward
the center axis.
[0027] A drain fixture as above, wherein the concave outer surface
comprises a plurality of openings.
[0028] A drain fixture as above, wherein a plane of the annular
flange portion is perpendicular to a center axis of the drain
fixture, wherein a first one of the plurality of openings is at a
first distance from the plane, and wherein a second one of the
plurality of openings is at a second different distance from the
plane.
[0029] A drain fixture as above, wherein the first end further
comprises a substantially flat surface and a plurality of openings,
wherein the substantially flat surface is opposite the concave
outer surface, and wherein the plurality of openings extend between
the concave outer surface and the substantially flat surface.
[0030] A drain fixture as above, further comprising a tailpiece
having a tubular shape, wherein the tailpiece is configured to be
connected to the second end of the drain fixture, and wherein the
drain fixture and the tailpiece form a drain assembly.
[0031] In another exemplary embodiment, a drain fixture comprising:
a first end having an annular flange portion and a plurality of
openings, wherein an outer edge of the annular flange portion forms
a plane, and wherein the plurality of openings are spaced from the
plane; and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the second
end comprises a tubular shape having a threaded portion; wherein
the plane of the annular flange portion is perpendicular to a
center axis of the drain fixture, wherein a first one of the
plurality of openings is at a first distance from the plane, and
wherein a second one of the plurality of openings is at a second
different distance from the plane.
[0032] A drain fixture as above, wherein the first and second
distances are between the plane and the threaded portion.
[0033] A drain fixture as above, wherein the first end comprises a
concave outer surface.
[0034] A drain fixture as above, wherein the plurality of openings
are integrally formed at the concave outer surface of the first
end.
[0035] A drain fixture as above, wherein the concave outer surface
comprises a concave contour in a direction towards the threaded
portion.
[0036] A drain fixture as above, wherein the first end further
comprises a substantially flat surface, wherein the substantially
flat surface is opposite the concave outer surface, and wherein the
plurality of openings extend between the concave outer surface and
the substantially flat surface.
[0037] A drain fixture as above, further comprising a tailpiece
having a tubular shape, wherein the tailpiece is configured to be
connected to the second end of the drain fixture, and wherein the
drain fixture and the tailpiece form a drain assembly.
[0038] In another exemplary embodiment, a drain assembly
comprising: a drain fixture comprising a first end and an opposite
second end; and a tailpiece having a tubular shape, wherein the
tailpiece is configured to be connected to the second end of the
drain fixture; wherein the first end of the drain fixture has an
annular flange portion and a drain portion, wherein an exterior
side of the drain portion comprises a concave surface, wherein an
interior side of the drain portion comprises a substantially flat
surface, and wherein the drain portion comprises a plurality of
openings extending between the concave surface and the
substantially flat surface.
[0039] A drain assembly as above, wherein a first wall thickness
between the concave and substantially flat surfaces proximate a
first one of the plurality of openings comprises a first dimension,
and wherein a second wall thickness between the concave and
substantially flat surfaces proximate a second one of the plurality
of openings comprises a second different dimension.
[0040] A drain assembly as above, wherein the opposite second end
of the drain fixture comprises a threaded section, and wherein the
concave surface comprises a concave contour in a direction towards
the threaded portion.
[0041] A drain assembly as above, wherein a plane of the annular
flange portion is perpendicular to a center axis of the drain
fixture, wherein a first one of the plurality of openings is at a
first distance from the plane, and wherein a second one of the
plurality of openings is at a second different distance from the
plane.
[0042] A drain assembly as above, wherein the drain fixture is
configured to extend through a drain opening of a tub, a sink, a
basin, or a vessel.
[0043] A drain assembly as above, further comprising a nut and at
least one washer, wherein the nut is configured to be threadably
engageable with the opposite second end of the drain fixture, and
wherein the at least one washer is configured to be disposed
between the first end of the drain fixture and the nut.
[0044] It should be understood that components of the invention can
be operationally coupled or connected and that any number or
combination of intervening elements can exist (including no
intervening elements). The connections can be direct or indirect
and additionally there can merely be a functional relationship
between components.
[0045] Although the disclosure presents various exemplary
embodiments, it should be understood that the invention can be
embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any
suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be
used.
[0046] It should be understood that the foregoing description is
only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and
modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without
departing from the invention. Accordingly, the invention is
intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and
variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *