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 put 20 includes multiple pairs of bores, the extensions 36 and 38 nay 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 t2, 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 extensions 56 and 58 can halve 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.
A crossbar 60 extends a length sufficient to accommodate the diameter of the drain pipe 16. The extending sections 56a and 58a each have a length such that when each of the engaging sections 56b and 58b are coupled to one of the drain nut bores 28 and 30, the drain nut driver 50 can rotate freely about the drain pipe 16 to selectively tighten or loosen the drain nut 20 regardless of the length of the drain pipe 16. Although the engaging sections 56b and 58b are shown being substantially perpendicular to the extending sections 56a and 58b, (i.e., substantially L-shaped as previous described) any suitable angular relationship could be used.
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 arc 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 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 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 die 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.
Referring to
The extensions 116 and 118 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 116 and 118 are provided in a horizontal offset relation to a central longitudinal axis “A” of the handle portion 114, such that a central axis “B” of the extensions 116 and 118 is offset from the central axis longitudinal axis “A” of the handle portion 114. To provide the extension offset, a lever ann 120 is provided in extension 115. The lever ann 120 extends a sufficient length to accommodate the diameter of the drain pipe 16, defining an inner width “W1.” The extension offset provides leverage to a user of the drain nut driver 110 to aid in the tightening or removal of the drain nut 20.
The tips 116c and 118c of the extensions 116 and 18 are shaped, sized, and dimensioned to one each slidingly engage one of the bores 28 and 30. The tips 116c and 118c of the extensions 116 and 118 are depicted having a circular cross sectional area. However, it is contemplated that the cross sectional area of tips 116c and 118c of the extensions 116 and 118 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 tips 116c and 118c 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 116 and 118 may be selectively positioned in any one of the pairs of bores. It is also noted that the tips 116c and 118c have a distinct structure compared to engaging sections 116b and 118b such that a shoulder is formed therebetween. This can provide tactile and/or audible feedback to the user that the tips 116c and 118c and securely engaged within bores 28 and 30.
Referring also to
The vertical extension member 122 is depicted as being substantially orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis “A” of the handle portion 114 and the drain nut engaging structure. However, it is contemplated that the vertical extension member 122 can be affixed at any number of suitable angles (obtuse or acute angles) to the drain nut engaging structure 112 and the handle portion 114, such that an offset distance “H” is provided between the drain nut engaging structure 112 and the central longitudinal axis “A” of the handle portion 114.
In a “forks up” position, the tips 116c and 118c of the extensions 116 and 18 are positioned in an “up” position to one each slidingly engage one of the bores 28 and 30 of the drain nut 20. The drain nut engaging structure 112 is offset “down” the distance “H” from the central longitudinal axis “A” of the handle portion 114, where the engaging sections 116b and 118b each have a length “L,” such that when the tips 116c and 118c are coupled to one of the drain nut bores 28 and 30, the drain nut driver 110 can rotate freely about the drain pipe 16 to selectively tighten or loosen the drain nut 20 regardless of the length of the drain pipe 16. The length “L” is selected to provide a clearance between a hand of a user grasping the handle portion 114 and an underside surface of a sink on which the drain nut 20 is being installed. It is noted that drain nut driver 110 can be used in the forks up position for any diameter of the drain nut 20 as long as the tips 116c and 118c are coupled to drain nut bores 28 and 30.
Referring to
In the “forks down” position, the drain nut engaging structure 112 is offset “up” the distance “H” from the central longitudinal axis “A” of the handle portion 114, where the engaging sections 116b and 118b extend “down” away from the drain nut 20. As previously noted, the offset distance “H” provides a clearance between a hand of a user grasping the handle portion 114 and an underside surface of a sink.
The extending section 116a and 118b can further include a second inner width “W2,” where the extending section 116a and 118b can each include a step section 124 providing a transition between the first inner width “W1” and the second inner width “W2.” The first inner width “W1” is less than the second inner width “W2,” such that two different sized drain nuts 20 can be individually engaged by the extending section 116a and 118b in the “fork down” position. For example, the first inner width “W1” can be sized to receive a 1⅝ inch drain nut, and the second inner width “W2” can be sized to receive a 1¾ inch drain nut.
The step sections 124 can be provided in an angular relation, thereby foiling a pseudo-polygon configuration, substantially matching the configuration of the drain nut 20, Such that the extending sections 116a and 118a and the step sections 124 can engage the angular outer surfaces of the drain nut 20.
Referring to
Referring also to
In an embodiment, the top surface 130 is configured to have a width dimensioned between the first inner width “W1” and the second inner width “W2” of the extending member 116a and 118a. The bottom surface is configured to have a width dimensioned greater than the first inner width “W1” and/or the second inner width “W2.” In this manner, the insert piece is insertable, between the engaging sections 116b and 118b, where the extending sections 116a and 118a are positioned in the channel 138, securing the insert piece 126 within drain nut engaging section 112.
In an embodiment, the channel 138 has a height “d” which is greater than the thicknesses of the extending, sections 116a and 118a, such that the insertion piece 126 can be readily slid on and off the extending sections 116a and 118a. Alternatively, the height “d” of the channel 138 is substantially equal to or less than the thicknesses of the extending sections 116a and 118a, such that when the insertion piece 126 is positioned on the extending sections 116a and 118a, the first and second edges 134 and 138 frictionally secure the insertion piece 126 to the drain nut engaging structure 112.
In a further embodiment, at least one of the insertion piece 126 and the drain nut engaging structure 112 can be made of or include a magnetic or magnetizable material, such that insertion piece 126 is magnetically secured to the drain nut engaging structure 112. The present invention also contemplates that handle 114 is provided with a recess such that insertion piece 126 can be secured to handle 114 when not in use. The insertion piece 126 could also be tethered to either handle 114 or drain nut engaging structure 112 to help prevent loss when not in use.
Referring to
Referring again to
Similar to drain nut driver 70, the outer handle portion 114 can further include a gripping element 144 positioned about the outer handle portion 146. The gripping element 144 can include a textured surface or coating about the outer handle portion 146, such that a user can more securely grip the drain nut driver 110, decreasing the likelihood of slipping.
Alternatively, the gripping element 144 can include an outer sleeve positioned about the outer handle portion 146. The outer sleeve can be made of a flexible material, which can be securely positioned about the outer handle portion 146, such that a user can more securely grip the drain nut driver 110, decreasing the likelihood of slipping. The outer sleeve can further include a textured surface, which can further decrease the likelihood of slipping.
Similar to drain nut driver 70, drain nut driver 110 can include a light element 148 positioned adjacent to extensions 116 and 118. The light element 148 can be selectively turned on and off, and used to illuminate the drain nut 20, thereby facilitating the drain nut driver 110 engagement of the drain nut 20. In an embodiment, the light element 148 of drain nut driver 110 is similar in configuration and operation to that of light clement 96 of drain nut driver 70, previously described herein. In another embodiment, light element 148 is configured and dimensioned such that the illumination is provided on the drain nut 20 in either the “forks up” or “forks down” position.
In use, the drain nut 20 is threaded onto the drain pipe 16 with the drain nut driver 110. 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.
In the “forks up” position, the drain nut driver 110 engages the drain nut 20 by positioning the angular extensions 116 and 118 about the drain pipe. The tips 116c and 118c of the engaging sections 116b and 118b of each of the angular extensions 116 and 118 are slidably inserted into the drain nut bores 28 and 30. The light element 148 can be turned on to aid in the placement of the engaging sections 116b and 118b into the drain nut bores 28 and 30.
The handle portion 114 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 110 engages the drain nut 20 by positioning the angular extensions 116 and 118 about the drain pipe 16. The tips 116c and 118c of the engaging sections 116b and 118b of each of the angular extensions 116 and 118 are slidably inserted into the drain nut bores 28 and 30. The handle portion 114 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.
In the “forks down” position, the drain nut driver 110 engages the drain nut 20 by positioning the angular extensions 116 and 118 about the drain pipe. The extending sections 116a and 118a are positioned about the drain nut 20, where the extending sections 116a and 118a and lever arm 120 engage the outer surface of the drain nut 20. Depending on the size of the drain nut 20, extending sections 116a and 118a engage the drain nut 20 either between the first inner width “W1” or the second inner width “W2”. Furthermore, if insertion piece 126 is in place, either first or second nut engaging sections 128 or 140 can be used to selectively loosen or tighten a nut.
The handle portion 114 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 110 engages the drain nut 20 by positioning the angular extensions 116 and 118 about the drain pipe 16. The extending sections 116a and 118a are positioned about the drain nut 20, where the extending sections 116a and 118a and lever arm 120 engage the outer surface of the drain nut 20. Again and depending on the size of the drain nut 20, extending sections 116a and 118a engage the drain nut 20 either between the first inner width “W1” or the second inner width “W2”. Furthermore, if insertion piece 126 is in place, either first or second nut engaging sections 128 or 140 call be used to selectively loosen or tighten a nut. The handle portion 114 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.
This application is a continuation-in-part of PCT International Application No. PCT/US2006/017251, entitled System and Method for Attaching a Drain Assembly to a Plumbing Fixture filed May 5, 2006. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/123,493 entitled System and Method for Attaching a Drain Assembly to a Plumbing Fixture filed May 5, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/009,565 entitled System and Method for Attaching a Drain Assembly to a Plumbing Fixture filed Dec. 10, 2004. The entirety of each of the above-identified patent applications is incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | PCT/US06/17251 | May 2006 | US |
Child | 11744414 | May 2007 | US |
Parent | 11123493 | May 2005 | US |
Child | 11744414 | May 2007 | US |
Parent | 11009565 | Dec 2004 | US |
Child | 11123493 | May 2005 | US |