The present invention relates generally to plumbing fixture drainage systems, and more particularly to a drain nut, tool, and method for installing the drain nut onto a drain pipe, thereby securing the drain pipe to the plumbing fixture.
Conventionally, drain assemblies are secured to plumbing fixtures such as kitchen, bathroom and utility room lavatories or sinks, by means of a nut disposed on the underside of a sink. The drain nut is threadably engaged on a relatively large diameter, hollow tubular, externally threaded pipe that extends from the drain downwardly through an opening in the bottom of the sink.
The drain assembly typically includes an annular collar which surrounds the drain, resting atop and about the periphery of an opening through the bottom portion of the sink. The drain pipe extends downwardly through the opening past the underside surface of the sink. The drain assembly is secured by engaging the drain nut with the drain pipe and manually advancing the drain nut the full length of the drain pipe, until the drain nut resides in abutment against the undersurface of the sink
The drain nut is initially tightened by hand. However, in order to adequately secure the drain assembly to the sink a tool, such as a basin wrench or a channel lock wrench, is utilized to advance the drain nut to firmly secure the drain nut against the underside of the sink. However, due to the space limitations engaging the drain nut with the tool can be a difficult and time consuming process.
Thus, there exists a need for a system and method for attaching a drain assembly to a plumbing fixture.
The present invention provides a drain connection kit for connecting a drain pipe to a plumbing fixture. A drain nut is provided which includes first and second bores and an annular wall with a threading. The annular wall threading is configured and dimensioned to threadably engage the drain pipe exterior threading. A driver tool is provided for engaging the drain nut to rotate the drain nut onto the drain pipe. The driver tool has a first angular extension configured and dimensioned to removably engage the first bore and a second angular extension configured and dimensioned to removably engage the second bore, such that rotation of the driver tool about the drain pipe rotates the drain nut.
The present invention also provides a plumbing fixture, wherein the plumbing fixture can be a sink, lavatory, tub, shower, or any other receptacle or vessel having a drain. The plumbing fixture includes a drain port defining a passage extending through an upper surface to an underside surface of the plumbing fixture. A drain pipe having first and second ends and an exterior threading is included. The drain pipe is positionable through the passage, with the second end of the drain pipe extending past the underside surface of the plumbing fixture. A drain ring is affixed to the first end of the drain pipe, which is positionable about the upper surface of the plumbing fixture, surrounding the drain port. A drain nut is provided which includes first and second bores and an annular wall with a threading. The annular wall threading is configured and dimensioned to threadably engage the drain pipe exterior threading. A driver tool is provided for engaging the drain nut to rotate the drain nut onto the drain pipe. The driver tool has a first angular extension configured and dimensioned to removably engage the first bore and a second angular extension configured and dimensioned to removably engage the second bore such that rotation of the driver tool about the drain pipe rotates the drain nut.
A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
The present invention provides a drain connector kit including a drain nut and drain nut driver. The drain nut and drain nut driver are pairingly configured to allow installation of a drain assembly with a driver unit, such as a mechanical or electric driver.
Referring now to the drawings in which like reference designators refer to like elements, there is shown in
Referring to
Additionally, the bores 28 and 30 are depicted having a circular cross sectional area. However, it is contemplated that the cross sectional area of bores 28 and 30 can have other shapes, including, but not limited to, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, octagonal, hexagonal, diamond, star, etc, and combinations thereof.
Referring to
The extensions 36 and 38 are depicted having a circular cross sectional area. However, it is contemplated that the cross sectional area of a extensions 36 and 38 can have other shapes, including but not limited to, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, octagonal, hexagonal, diamond, star, etc., matching the cross sectional area of the bores 28 and 30. The present invention contemplates that extensions 36 and 38 can have a shape that is different than the shape of bores 28 and 30. In the instance where the drain nut 20 includes multiple pairs of bores, the extensions 36 and 38 may be selectively positioned in any one of the pairs of bores.
The drain nut engaging structure 34 is affixed to a drive shaft 40. The drive shaft 40 is configured for engagement by a driver unit (not shown), such as a mechanical or electric driver. For example, the drive shaft 40 may have substantially hexagonal cross section area for insertion into and engagement by a chuck of the electric drill. Upon securement of drive shaft 40 in the drill chuck, activation of the electric drill rotates the drain nut engaging structure 34. The electric driver can be used to rotate the drain nut engaging structure 34 in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. While the drain nut engaging structure 34 is shown having an opposing pair of extensions 36 and 38, it is contemplated that the drain nut engaging structure 34 can include any number of extensions, uniformly, symmetrically, or asymmetrically positioned about the drive shaft 40 for engagement with the bores of the drain nut 20.
Referring to
The drain nut driver 22 is attached to a driver unit, such as an electric drill, wherein the drive shaft 40 is inserted into and engaged by a drill chuck of the electric drill. Upon securement of drive shaft 40 in the chuck, activation of the electric drill rotates the drain nut driver 22. The electric drill can be used to rotate the drain nut engaging structure 34 in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.
The drain nut driver 22 engages the drain nut 20 by slideably inserting the opposing pair of extensions 36 and 38 of the drain nut engaging structure 34 into the drain nut bores 28 and 30, wherein the drive shaft 40 is substantially aligned along a central longitudinal axis “A” of the drain pipe 16. The electric drill is activated to rotate, thread, the drain nut 20 onto the drain pipe 16. To secure the drain assembly 12 in position, the drain nut 20 is threaded onto the drain pipe 16, wherein the flange portion 24 of the drain nut 20 abuts the underside surface 48 of the plumbing fixture 42. Sufficient torque is applied to the drain nut 20, securing the drain assembly 12 into position.
Similarly, to remove the drain assembly 12, the drain nut driver 22 engages the drain nut 20 by slideably inserting the opposing pair of extensions 36 and 38 of the drain nut engaging structure 34 into the drain nut bores 28 and 30. The electric drill is activated to rotate the drain nut 20 off the drain pipe 16. The drain nut 20 is removed from the drain pipe 16. The drain pipe 16 is then removed from the drain port 44.
Referring to
The angular extensions 56 and 58 are depicted having a circular cross sectional area. However, it is contemplated that the cross sectional area of a extensions 56 and 58 can have other shapes, including but not limited to, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, octagonal, hexagonal, diamond, star, etc., matching the cross sectional area of the bores 28 and 30. The present invention contemplates that extensions 56 and 58 can have a shape that is different than the shape of bores 28 and 30. In the instance where the drain nut 20 includes multiple pairs of bores, the extensions 56 and 58 may be selectively positioned in any one of the pairs of bores.
As best seen in
In use, the drain nut 20 is threaded onto the drain pipe 16 with the drain nut driver 50. The drain nut 20 is threaded onto the drain pipe 16, wherein the internal threads 32 of the drain nut 20 engage the threaded drain pipe 16. The drain nut 20 is positioned on the drain pipe 16, such that the flange portion 24 of the drain nut 20 would be proximal to the underside surface of the plumbing fixture.
The drain nut driver 50 engages the drain nut 20 by positioning the angular extensions 56 and 58 about the drain pipe. The engaging sections 56b and 58b of each of the angular extensions 56 and 58 are slidably inserted into the drain nut bores 28 and 30. The handle portion 54 is rotated around the drain pipe 16, threading the drain nut 20 onto the drain pipe 16. In comparison, the shaft 40 of drain nut driver 22 is rotated along a central longitudinal axis “A” of the drain pipe 16. To secure the drain assembly 10 in position, the drain nut 20 is threaded onto the drain pipe 16, wherein the flange portion 24 of the drain nut 20 abuts an underside surface of the plumbing fixture. Sufficient torque is applied to the drain nut 20, securing the drain assembly 10 into position.
Similarly, to remove the drain assembly 10, the drain nut driver 50 engages the drain nut 20 by positioning the angular extensions 56 and 58 about the drain pipe 16. The engaging sections 56b and 58b of each of the angular extensions 56 and 58 are slidably inserted into the drain nut bores 28 and 30. The handle portion 54 is rotated around the drain pipe 16, rotating the drain nut 20 off the drain pipe 16. The drain nut 20 is removed from the drain pipe 16.
Referring to
The extensions 76 and 78 are provided in a spaced apart relationship for positioning about the drain pipe 16 and alignment with the pair of bores 28 and 30 in the drain nut 20. The extensions 76 and 78 are provided in an offset relation to a central longitudinal axis “A” of the handle portion 74, such that a central axis “B” of the extensions 76 and 78 is offset from the central axis longitudinal axis “A” of the handle portion 74. To provide the extension offset a lever arm 80 is provided in extension 78. The extension offset provides leverage to a user of the drain nut driver 70 to aid in the tightening or removal of the drain nut 20. The tips 76c and 78c of the extensions 76 and 78 are shaped, sized, and dimensioned to one each slidingly engage the bores 28 and 30.
The tips 76c and 78c of the extensions 76 and 78 are depicted having a circular cross sectional area. However, it is contemplated that the cross sectional area of tips 76c and 78c of the extensions 76 and 78 can have other shapes, including but not limited to, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, octagonal, hexagonal, diamond, star, etc., matching the cross sectional area of the bores 28 and 30. The present invention contemplates that extensions 76 and 78 can have a shape that is different than the shape of bores 28 and 30. In the instance where the drain nut 20 includes multiple pairs of bores, the extensions 76 and 78 may be selectively positioned in any one of the pairs of bores.
As best seen in
Referring to
The outer handle portion 84 can further include a gripping element 94 positioned about the outer handle portion 84. The gripping element 94 can include a textured surface or coating about the outer handle portion 84, such that a user can more securely grip the drain nut driver 70, decreasing the likelihood of slipping.
Alternatively, the gripping element 94 can include an outer sleeve positioned about the outer handle portion 84. The outer sleeve can be made of a flexible material, which can be securely positioned about the outer handle portion 84, such that such that a user can more securely grip the drain nut driver 70, decreasing the likelihood of slipping. The outer sleeve can further include a textured surface, which can further decrease the likelihood of slipping.
Referring to
Referring to
The extensions 76 and 78 are provided in a spaced apart relationship for positioning about the drain pipe 16 and alignment with the pair of bores 28 and 30 in the drain nut 20. The extensions 76 and 78 are provided in an offset relation to a central longitudinal axis “A” of the of the elongated portion 100, where the central longitudinal axis “A” of the elongated portion 100 is the same as that for the handle portion 74, such that a central axis “B” of the extensions 76 and 78 is offset from the central axis longitudinal axis “A” of the handle portion 74.
The nut engaging structure 72 is made of a material of sufficient strength to allow for the installation and removal of the drain nut. For example, the nut engaging structure 72 can be made of a metal, hard plastic, composite material, and the like.
Referring to
In use, the drain nut 20 is threaded onto the drain pipe 16 with the drain nut driver 70. The drain nut 20 is threaded onto the drain pipe 16, wherein the internal threads 32 of the drain nut 20 engage the threaded drain pipe 16. The drain nut 20 is positioned on the drain pipe 16, such that the flange portion 24 of the drain nut 20 would be proximal to the underside surface of the plumbing fixture.
The drain nut driver 70 engages the drain nut 20 by positioning the angular extensions 76 and 78 about the drain pipe. The engaging sections 76b and 78b of each of the angular extensions 76 and 78 are slidably inserted into the drain nut bores 28 and 30. The light element 98 can be turned on to aid in the placement of the engaging sections 76b and 78b into the drain nut bores 28 and 30.
The handle portion 74 is rotated around the drain pipe 16, threading the drain nut 20 onto the drain pipe 16. To secure the drain assembly in position, the drain nut 20 is threaded onto the drain pipe 16, wherein the flange portion 24 of the drain nut 20 abuts an underside surface of the plumbing fixture. Sufficient torque is applied to the drain nut 20, securing the drain assembly 10 into position.
Similarly, to remove the drain assembly 10, the drain nut driver 70 engages the drain nut 20 by positioning the angular extensions 76 and 78 about the drain pipe 16. The engaging sections 76b and 78b of each of the angular extensions 76 and 78 are slidably inserted into the drain nut bores 28 and 30. The handle portion 74 is rotated around the drain pipe 16, rotating the drain nut 20 off the drain pipe 16. The drain nut 20 is removed from the drain pipe 16.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
PCT/US06/17251 | 5/5/2006 | WO | 00 | 11/1/2007 |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 11123493 | May 2005 | US |
Child | 11913374 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 11009565 | Dec 2004 | US |
Child | 11123493 | US |