Seal for bathtub overflow drain

Details Seal for bathtub overflow drain Seal for bathtub overflow drain

1999-10-14

2001-04-17

Recla, Henry J. (Department: 3751)

Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons

Drain, overflow or trap for a sink or bath

Overflow opening attachment

C004S680000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06216288

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention generally relates to bathtubs and, more particularly, relates to an apparatus for increasing the capacity of a bathtub.
2. Discussion
The inner volume of a bathtub is defined by a plurality of vertical walls. One of these walls includes an overflow drain opening formed therein. The overflow drain prevents the bathtub from overflowing by providing an outlet for water at a level near the top of the inner tub area.
It is known in the art to utilize a metal plate or escutcheon to conceal the overflow drain without completely sealing it. These plates or escutcheons typically are designed to cover overflow drains virtually in their entirety, but include an opening in a lower portion. The opening enables water to exit the bathtub and enter the overflow drain.
As is generally known, when a person enters a partially filled bathtub, water is displaced and the water level rises. On occasion, this displacement causes the water to rise to a level higher than the overflow drain. When this occurs, water channels through the plate opening and exits the tub through the overflow drain. The water level is thereby maintained at a maximum level which is even with the lowest portion of the overflow drain. For many people, this water level undesirably leaves portions of the body uncovered.
Existing devices have been designed for the purpose of increasing the capacity of water that a bathtub can hold without losing any water through the overflow drain. However, these devices have certain disadvantages. In some cases, bulky fixtures must be attached to the bathtub with mechanical fasteners. These devices typically require tools to be engaged and disengaged and include large protrusions which protrude into the bathing area. In other cases, devices seal against the wall of the bath tub and completely surround the plate or escutcheon which conceals the overflow drain. These designs are excessively large and unnecessarily protrude into the bathing area.
In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus for increasing the capacity of water that a bathtub can hold without losing any water through the overflow drain that does not require tools for engagement or disengagement and only minimally protrudes into the bathing area of the bathtub.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above and other objects are provided by a sealing member for a bathtub. According to the invention, a conventional plate is coupled to the wall of a bathtub and covers a drain opening formed therein. The plate is continuous except for an overflow opening which accommodates the free flow of water from the bathtub through the drain opening and down the overflow drain of the bathtub. The sealing member sealingly engages the plate and the bathtub wall to prevent water from flowing through the overflow opening of the plate and down the overflow drain of the bathtub. The sealing member includes an annular lip which fits snugly within the overflow opening of the plate. This advantageously allows for engagement and disengagement of the sealing member without the need for tools. In an alternate embodiment, a magnet is used to enhance the attachment of the bypass member to the plate. In another alternate embodiment, a bypass opening is formed in the sealing member at a height greater than that of the overflow opening of the plate. A channel formed within the sealing member extends between the bypass opening and the overflow drain. Water may then enter the sealing member at a height greater than the overflow opening and be channeled through the overflow drain and out of the bathtub.


REFERENCES:
patent: D. 305455 (1990-01-01), Stairs, Jr.
patent: 379973 (1888-03-01), Moore
patent: 1235387 (1917-07-01), Serper
patent: 1598162 (1926-08-01), Solomon
patent: 2113043 (1938-04-01), Ehrhorn
patent: 2398921 (1946-04-01), Cook
patent: 3497878 (1970-03-01), Emery
patent: 3570020 (1971-03-01), Kato
patent: 3927428 (1975-12-01), Jette et al.
patent: 5025509 (1991-06-01), Holt et al.
patent: 5330811 (1994-07-01), Buchalter

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