Drain compression ring wrench

Details Drain compression ring wrench Drain compression ring wrench

2000-05-25

2001-08-21

Morgan, Eileen P. (Department: 3723)

Tools

Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor

Spanner

C081S119000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06276242

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a wrench for installing a compression ring in a drain such as those found in bathtub and shower fixtures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Plumbing fixtures, such as bathtubs, showers, and sinks, are commonly provided with a drain hole into which a drain assembly is positioned. The drain assembly is adapted to provide a watertight connection between the plumbing fixture and a waste water pipe. One type of drain assembly commonly utilized in bathtubs and showers is an assembly having three parts: a drain base, a deformable collar, and a compression ring. As can be seen in
FIG. 3
, the drain base comprises an internally threaded cylindrical member having an outwardly extending upper flange at its upper end and an inwardly extending lower flange at its lower end. The upper flange is adapted to rest on the floor of the bathtub or shower. The deformable collar is positioned within the cylindrical member on the lower flange. The deformable collar is designed to fit around the waste water pipe in a snug, but not watertight, connection. The compression ring is externally threaded and is adapted to be threadably connected to the interior of the cylindrical member. The lower end of the compression ring is adapted to engage the upper end of the deformable collar such that the threadable tightening of the compression ring within the cylindrical member compresses and deforms the collar to produce a watertight seal between the collar and the waste water pipe. Obviously, it is important to provide sufficient rotational torque to the compression ring so that the collar is properly compressed to prevent leakage within the drain assembly.
Such compression rings are commonly tightened by the prior art installation tool shown in FIG.
2
. The prior art installation tool is comprised of a thin, elongated metal plate having teeth extending from opposite ends thereof. The plate also commonly has an elongated slot in the center thereof for receiving a screwdriver or the like therein. The prior art installation tool is adapted to have its teeth fit in opposing indentations in the upper end of the compression ring. The installation tool may then be rotated to apply rotational torque to the compression ring with the aid of a screwdriver positioned in the slot of the plate.
The prior art installation tool has many shortcomings. First, the tool is usually made out of comparatively thin metal. Accordingly, the tool will often bend or break before sufficient rotational compression is applied to the deformable collar to create a watertight seal. Second, the tool is sufficiently small such that it will commonly dislocate from the compression ring and fall into the drain.
It is also common for an installer to use a hammer and screwdriver in the manner of a chisel to engage the indentations in the compression ring to rotate and tighten the compression ring thereby. This method of tightening the compression ring is awkward, however, and can result in damage to the compression ring, drain base, or floor of the plumbing fixture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A drain compression ring wrench is disclosed for installing a compression ring in a drain wherein the compression ring includes a plurality of indentations or notches formed in the upper end thereof.
The wrench of this invention comprises a base plate having a generally circular periphery. A plurality of spaced-apart teeth extend radially from the periphery of the base plate and are adapted to engage the indentations or notches in the upper end of the compression ring. The base plate has a shaft extending upwardly therefrom with the shaft including a handle portion which an installer may use to apply rotational torque to the tool and, thereby, to the compression ring. The shaft may, however, be adapted for engagement with another tool, such as a pipe wrench or electric drill.
The configuration and dimensions of the wrench are such that the wrench will not fall down the drain. Further, the wrench is adapted to apply torque evenly about the compression ring, minimizing possible damage to the ring.
It is accordingly an object of this invention to provide a wrench for use in installing a compression ring in a drain assembly in an efficient and reliable manner.
It is further an object of this invention to provide a wrench for the use of installing a compression ring that is durable and effective.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a wrench for use in installing a compression ring in a drain assembly that is not susceptible to falling into the drain.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a wrench for use in installing a compression ring in a drain assembly that minimizes the risk of damage to the plumbing fixture and the drain assembly.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art.


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