The present application pertains generally to plumbing and drainage products and specifically to a floor sink frame and grate assembly.
A floor sink is a plumbing fixture that is installed in the floor of a structure which is mainly designed to remove any standing water near it. Floor sinks are typically installed in commercial basements, restrooms, kitchens, refrigerator areas, locker/shower rooms, laundry facilities, and near swimming pools. The sinks are typically round or square-shaped. A strainer or grate is typically secured over the floor sink to prevent injury or entry of foreign objects. Depending on the application, a floor sink may be provided with a whole grate, a one-half grate, or a three-quarter grate. For the partial grates, the remaining area of the drain is provided with a solid cover. As a result, standard floor sink designs require stocking of many different sizes of grates and covers to accommodate all of the variations. Accordingly, there is a need for a modular design for a floor sink frame and grate assembly.
The present invention meets the above-described need by providing an improved design for a floor sink frame and grate assembly. Instead of having separate grates for each of the configurations (one-half, three-quarter, and whole), the present invention provides a modular design where each of the above configurations can be constructed from two stock sizes. The improved design provides flexibility in manufacturing and installing the plumbing fixtures.
The invention is illustrated in the drawings in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures of which:
The present invention comprises a modular design for a floor sink frame and grate assembly. The standard floor grate sizes are whole, one half, and three-quarter. Instead of stocking each of these sizes, the present invention provides a modular system where individual pieces can be stocked and combined to form all of the above configurations.
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While the invention has been described in connection with certain embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth, but, on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.
The present application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/522,809 filed on Aug. 12, 2011, entitled “Floor Sink Frame and Grate Assembly,” which is incorporated herein by reference.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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