Fluid handling – With repair – tapping – assembly – or disassembly means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-12
2001-04-03
Walton, George L. (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
With repair, tapping, assembly, or disassembly means
C004S286000, C004S288000, C004S290000, C052S127400, C052S127900, C052S127120, C210S165000, C210S232000, C210S460000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06209572
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improvement in the method employed to repair leaking shower and bathtub drains common in households today. More specifically, to a method of repairing such drains that does not require that the shower stall or bathtub be removed to allow for the removal and repair of a leaking drain.
In the past, the replacement of worn out and leaking shower and bathtub drains has posed significant problems for home and property owners. This problem primarily resulted from the design of these components, as they were typically made of a threaded tube with a flange at its upper most end. During the original installation process, this tube is passed down and through the drain opening of the shower or bathtub until the flange contacts the upper surface of the shower floor, prior to the installation of the shower or tub. The assembly is then held in place by threading a large nut onto the threaded pipe from the bottom side until it contacts the bottom surface of the shower or bathtub. Until recently, these components were also made entirely of common metals such as iron and steel that are prone to problems resulting from corrosion.
The problem with this design is a direct result of the constant presence of water on these components. This water exposure substantially increases the probability that they will eventually fail, causing the system to leak water into the structure of which they are a part. In the past, the only way to cure this common problem was to remove the entire shower stall or bathtub and replace the drain with similar components. Then place the shower or tub in its original position. Due to the complexities, specific tooling needed, and skill involved in replacing traditional drains, most home and property owners were forced to hire a contractor to handle the often expensive job.
The sole benefit of the old metallic drain components was that upon corroding to the point of leaking water, the components have rusted to the extent that they can easily be broken out of the drain hole without having to remove the complete shower stall or bathtub. Thus, if a device could allow for the replacement of the drain without the removal of the stall or bathtub to replace the retaining nut holding the drain assembly to the stall, it would be a much simpler and economical drain replacement process.
From this it can be seen that it would be desirable to provide a method of replacing corroded and leaking shower and bathtub drains that would not require the shower stall or tub to be removed. Such a device would allow a person of average mechanical abilities to quickly and inexpensively replace a leaking shower or bathtub drain without the expense and trouble of hiring a contractor. Additionally, it will also allow contractors to replace drains quickly, reducing the cost for individuals who need to hire a contractor to fix the drain problem.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is the primary objective of the present invention to provide a method of replacing corroded and leaking shower and bathtub drains.
It is an additional objective of the present invention to provide such a method which will not require the removal of the shower stall or bathtub to effect the replacement of these components.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide such a method that will allow persons of ordinary mechanical abilities to make this replacement without having to hire a contractor to do so.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide such a method that is substantially more economical than prior methods of drain replacement.
These objectives are accomplished by the use of a drain, coupling system that can be placed into the existing drain and over the existing drain pipe. The drain coupling system is self sealing and can be locked into place from above. The process of replacing an old, corroded and leaking drain coupler with the present invention is accomplished by removing the existing coupler from the drain pipe at the bottom of the shower stall or bathtub. As previously stated, this is normally a simple operation since the leaking drain coupler is so corroded that it is easily removed by applying upward pressure and pulling it free of the drain pipe.
After the old drain coupler has been removed, any remaining pieces of the old drain must be cleared from the drain hole and existing drain pipe. Removal is needed to verify that the present invention will seat properly within the drain hole and over the drain pipe. Once these procedures have been accomplished, the present invention is then fitted over the existing drain pipe. During this process, the installer must ensure that the two drain seal O-rings are properly seated between the body of the invention and the drain pipe. Proper fitting of these components is crucial so that all of the water passes down the drain pipe and does not escape into the floor space.
After ensuring that the proper seal is obtained between the invention and the drain pipe, the body of the invention is then pushed downward until the upper collar lip engages the floor surrounding the drain opening of the shower stall or bathtub. The collar lip is then sealed to the floor by the use of a special purpose adhesive, such as a silicone bath caulk, which should be used liberally during the installation to ensure that no water can pass between two surfaces.
After these installation steps have been accomplished, the installer then secures the invention in position with the plurality of hex head set screws provided. The hex head set screws extend downward from the upper most surface of the invention, where they are mounted within recesses below flush with the upper surface. The screws are advanced to the collar tab depression below where they are fixedly attached to the locking tabs. The locking tabs are generally winged-shaped apparatuses that can be pivoted to force their winged portions to extend laterally. This pivoting action is obtained by placing an appropriate tool into the head of the screw and rotating it in the proper direction. When the present invention is in the proper position within the drain opening, this rotation of the screws forces the wings of the locking tabs to rotate in a lateral fashion. The rotation of the locking tab continues until the wings contact the walls of the drain opening. The contact between the locking tabs and the drain walls serves to securely hold the invention in the proper orientation within the drain hole. Finally, the installation of the invention is completed by placing the provided drain cover over the top of the invention, thus covering the drain hole while allowing water to freely pass through it.
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference should be made to the drawings and the description in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the present invention.
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Harr Curtis V.
Walton George L.
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