Adjustable Height Bathtub and Shower Drain Assembly

The present invention relates to a bathtub/shower drain that can be adjusted during and after installation to match the height of surrounding flooring and/or fixtures. More specifically, the present invention provides a bathtub/shower drain that the user can adjust to match the height of floor tiling, shower pan, bathtub bottom, or the like.

Bathtubs and showers must include plumbing to collect and drain water after use. Such plumbing typically consists of piping extending from the bottom of the bathtub or shower, below the floorboards, and into the home or building plumbing system for removal. However, such plumbing requires a drain cover and assembly so that the bathtub or shower floor does not include an open hole.

Hence the need for bathtub and shower drain assemblies, which are well known in the construction/remodeling industries. Such drain assemblies typically include one or more parts and features that fit within and attach to the plumbing to provide a smooth, effective, and aesthetically pleasing drain appearance.

However, not all bathtub and shower floors are created equal. Variations in height, location, and floor material can cause difficulty in installing drain assemblies due to fit, function, and appearance. These problems can vary and/or compound when renovating or refitting bathtub and shower fixtures in particular. For example, a drain assembly may work effectively for a shower pan floor or a bathtub floor but may not be usable for tile flooring. So, an unusable drain assembly may be on hand during a renovation or refitting or may be obtained during construction of a new bathroom, causing frustration and annoyance among contractors and property owners alike.

There accordingly remains a need in the industry for a bathtub or shower drain assembly that is capable of adjustment both at the time of and after installation. There also remains a need for a drain assembly that can provide a smooth, effective, and aesthetically pleasing appearance no matter the type of bathtub or shower floor the property owner chooses.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable bathtub/shower drain assembly usable in connection with various bathtub/shower flooring materials and style. It is further an object of the present invention to permit adjustment to the height of the drain assembly to match the thickness/height of whatever flooring materials and style are used in the subject bathtub/shower. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable bathtub/shower drain assembly that can be installed at the time of construction/renovation or retrofitted to existing bathtub/shower installation. Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide adjustable bathtub/shower drain assembly usable in connection with various bathtub/shower flooring materials and style, whether installed at the time of construction/renovation or retrofitted to existing bathtub/shower installation.

To accomplish these and other objectives of the present invention, the adjustable bathtub/shower drain assembly of the present invention includes a bonding flange component with a substantially flat, centripetal flange portion and a central bore portion, the central bore portion including one or more centripetal contact surfaces associated with one or more centripetal shelves at depths below that of the centripetal flange portion, the one or more centripetal shelves being sized and arranged to receive other components of preferable embodiments of the drain assembly. The bonding flange component is preferably installed between and connects the lower surface of the shower pan/bathtub floor to the drainage pipe to ensure water flowing through the drain assembly enters the drainage pipe rather than flowing horizontally below the shower pan/bathtub floor.

In some preferable embodiments, the drain assembly may include more than one bonding flange components, each with a varying diameter to facilitate attachment to varying bathtub-shower drainage pipe sizes and/or bathtub/shower flooring. The varying diameter bonding flange components also facilitate use of the drain assembly when retrofitting with previously installed bathroom fixtures.

The bonding flange component preferably includes an adhesive material on upper and/or lower surfaces to facilitate connection with the drainage pipe, the lower surface of the shower pan/bathtub floor, and/or the other components of the drain assembly. In some preferable embodiments, the bonding flange component may also or alternatively include course or irregular surfaces on top and bottom to discourage rotational movement of the bonding flange component relative to the drain pipe, the lower surface of the shower pan/bathtub floor, and/or other drain assembly components.

The drain assembly further includes a grate leveler component comprising a central bore portion and a centripetal flange portion, each sized and oriented to fit within the one or more of the bonding flange component's centripetal shelves and rest upon the one or more associated centripetal resting surfaces. The grate leveler component preferable adheres to or otherwise sticks to the bonding flange component such that rotation of one component relative to the other is discouraged, and preferably impossible once the drain assembly is fully installed. Meanwhile the inner surface of the grate leveler component's central bore is preferably smooth facilitating relatively free rotation of other components of the drain assembly therein.

A grate-height adjustor component is preferably installed within the grate leveler component's central bore. The grate-height adjustor component preferably includes an upper shoulder that extends centripetally outwardly from the upper end of the grate-height adjustor component and fits within a centripetal shelf at the upper end of the inner surface of the grate leveler component's central bore, providing a smoot resting surface upon which the upper shoulder of the grate-height adjustor component can rest. The inner surface, including the centripetal shelf, of the grate leveler component being smooth to facilitate rotation of the grate-height adjustor component relative to the stationary grate leveler component.

The grate-height adjustor component preferably includes a smooth outer surface, including that of the centripetal shoulder, to permit free rotation relative to the grate leveler component. The inner surface of the grate-height adjustor component is preferably threaded for threaded connection to other components of the drain assembly, namely the grate holder component. The lower edge of the grate-height adjustor component preferably comprises a series of peeks and valleys forming a series of teeth extending down from the lower edge. The series of peaks and valleys, along with the threaded inner surface, help facilitate adjusting and locking the drain assembly's height, and specifically the height of the grate holder component, to match the tile or other flooring of the associated bathtub/shower.

The grate-height adjustor component also preferably includes one or more tabs extending inwardly from the threaded inner surface at or near the lower edge of the grate-height adjustor component. The one or more tabs operate in connection with the grate-height adjustment tool to assist the user in adjusting the drain assembly's height even after the drain assembly is fully assembled and installed within the bathtub/shower floor.

The grate holder component of the drain assembly of the present invention preferably includes a floor-level flange extending centripetally around a central bore. The floor-level flange may be provided forming various shapes, such as square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, circular, etc. to help match the tiling shape or other shower/bathtub flooring. The central bore extends below the floor-level flange and preferably includes a threaded outer surface to facilitate rotational attachment to the grate-height adjustor component.

The top surface of the floor-level flange, whatever its shape, is preferably tapered at the edges to facilitate grouting and connection with the tiling or other flooring materials. The centripetal edges of the floor-level flange include a groove, in some preferable embodiments, further assisting with connecting the grate holder component with the surrounding flooring materials and matching the height of the grate holder component to the surrounding flooring materials. In some preferable embodiments, a ridge may extrude outwardly from the edges of the top surface of the floor-level flange creating a holding space for the drain grate. In such embodiments, the ridge may be tapered to help match the surrounding flooring.

Preferable embodiments of the drain assembly of the present invention also preferably include a grate-height adjustment tool with a handle portion for gripping and one or more tab receptacles on its lower edge, sized and oriented to connect with the tabs extending inwardly from the grate-height adjustor component's inner surface. When the drain assembly is fully assembled and installed, the grate-height adjustment tool can be inserted into the central bore of the grate holder component until it reaches the tabs of grate-height adjustor component and then rotated causing the threaded inner surface of the grate-height adjustor component and matching threaded outer surface of the grate holder component's central bore and raising or lowering the grate holder component to reach the desired height.

In some preferable embodiments, the drain assembly of the present invention further includes a drain adaptor component for retrofitting the drain assembly to a previously installed drain. In such applications, the drain adaptor component is connected to the legacy drain components and the bonding flange component is affixed to the drain adaptor component, rendering the drain assembly of the present invention usable with most any legacy drain and bathtub/shower floor.

The drain adaptor component includes a central bore portion extending below a substantially flat disk portion, the central bore being positioned within the legacy drainage system to direct the water into the legacy piping. The legacy components can be drilled to match the diameter of the central bore of the drain adaptor component, if need be. The drain adaptor component's central bore portion is also tapered, in preferable embodiments, to assist in its insertion into the legacy drainage system.

The upper edge of the central bore portion of the drain adaptor component preferably extends above the top surface of its substantially flat disk portion, in preferable embodiments. A centripetal trench is also provided in the central bore portion extending from its upper edge and substantially though its height, the centripetal trench being sized and shaped to receive the lower edge and height of the central bore of the bonding flange component such that the drain adaptor component can be installed into the legacy drainage system and the remaining components of the drain assembly of the present invention connected thereto.

Preferable embodiments of the drain assembly of the present invention include components with consistent cross-sectional shapes, although one or more of the components may differ from the others. Circular cross-sectional shapes for the components is often preferable to match drainage pipes or legacy drainage systems, but other cross-sectional shapes are available as well, as those of skill in the art will recognize. The grate holder component specifically preferably has a cross-sectional shape matching the shape of tiling or other flooring materials or otherwise providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance therewith, even if the remaining components of the drain assembly of the present invention have a different cross-sectional shape, as will often be the case.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and arrangements described above. Other objects of the present invention and its particular features and advantages will become more apparent from consideration of the following drawings and detailed description of the invention.

The following detailed description illustrates the technology by way of example, not by way of limitation of the principles of the invention. This description will enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. One skilled in the art will recognize alternative variations and arrangements, and the present technology is not limited to those embodiments described hereafter.

Referring first to, preferable embodiments of the drain assemblyof the present invention are depicted, including bonding flange component, grate leveler component, grate-height adjustor component, and grate holder component, particularly visible in the exploded view of the drain assemblydepicted in. Also shown are the grate-height adjustment tooland the optional drain adaptor component, which is preferably used to connect the drain assemblycomponents to legacy drainage systems when retrofitting a bathtub/shower with the drain assemblyof the present invention.

When installing the drain assemblyof the present invention, the bonding flange component, which preferably includes adhesive and/or textured materialon top and/or bottom surfaces to facilitate the connection of the bonding flange componentwith the drainage pipe or drain adaptor component, when retrofitting the drain assembly, and with the remaining components of the drain assemblyand to prevent rotational movement therebetween.

Within the one or more centripetal shelvesprovided in the bonding flange componentis inserted the grate leveler component, as depicted in. The grate leveler component'scentral bore portionhas a maximum diameter that fits within one of the bonding flange component'sone or more centripetal shelves, and the grate leveler component'scentripetal flange portionhas a maximum diameter that preferably fits within another of the bonding flange component'sone or more centripetal shelves, with each resting upon, and preferably adhering to, the associated centripetal resting surfacesof the bonding flange component'sone or more centripetal shelves.

Within the central bore portionof the grate leveler componentis inserted the grate-height adjustor component, as depicted in the preferable embodiments represented in. As depicted, the grate-height adjustor componentis preferably provided with an upper shoulderextending centripetally outwardly from its upper endand is formed to fit within the centripetal shelfat the upper end of the inner surfaceof the grate leveler component'scentral bore, providing a smoot resting surface upon which the upper shoulderof the grate-height adjustor componentcan rest.

While the respective centripetal shoulderand centripetal shelfmaintain the vertical location of each component relative to the other, the grate-height adjustor componentpreferably includes a smooth outer surface, including that of its centripetal shoulder, to permit its free rotation relative to the grate leveler component. Meanwhile, the inner surfaceof the grate-height adjustor component'scentral boreis preferably threaded and connects with the threaded outer surfaceof the grate holder component'scentral bore, as depicted in.

The threaded connection between the grate-height adjustor componentand the grate holder componentfacilitates the vertical adjustment between the two, providing the ability to raise/lower the grate holder component. Because the grate-height adjustor componentcan freely rotate relative to the grate leveler componentbut maintain constant elevation, the grate holder componentcan be raised/lowered without its rotation relative to the flooring materials, facilitating the adjustment of the grate holder componentto match the height of the flooring materials and accomplishing certain objectives of the present invention.

As shown, the grate-height adjustment toolincludes one or more notchesin its lower edge, which align with and can be connected to the one or more tabsextending inwardly from the threaded inner surfaceof the grate-height adjustor component. This permits a user to adjust the drain assembly, and specifically the height of the grate holder componentrelative to the surrounding flooring materials, without uninstalling or disassembling the drain assemblyor surrounding flooring, accomplishing certain objectives of the present invention.

As depicted in, the grate-height adjustment toolpreferably includes a gripping handle portionon its upper endand is sized and oriented to fit within, and therefore be inserted into and removed from, the central boreof the grate holder component. Accordingly, the grate-height adjustment toolis inserted into the grate holder component'scentral bore, connected to the grate-height adjustor component'sone or more tabs, and rotated in either direction to raise or lower the grate holder componentrelative to the other components of the drain assemblysuch that the grate holder component'sfloor-level flangeis set to match the height of the surrounding flooring materials.

Referring now to, the drain assemblyof the present invention is depicted as it appears when fully installed. As shown, the various centripetal flanges of the various components of the drain assemblyall preferably collapse together, making the overall profile of those components relatively flat, as will be understood to those of skill in the art. As depicted, the cross-sectional shape of the drain assemblycomponents is preferably consistent and preferably circular, with the possible exception of the grate holder component'sfloor-level flange, which is preferably shaped to match the associated flooring material, such as tiling, and can accordingly be square, rectangular, octagonal, hexagonal, circular, or most any other shape, as will be understood to those of skill in the art.

Referring now to, the optional drain adaptor componentis depicted from various viewpoints. The drain adaptor componentpreferably includes a substantially flat disk portionand a central boreportion extending vertically down from the lower surfaceof the disk portion. The disk portionhas a diameter large enough to encompass any legacy drainage system components to facilitate the use of the drain assemblyof the present invention in connection with, and retrofitted to, previously installed drainage systems.

The drain adaptor componentcentral bore portionpreferably tapers as it extends downwardly, helping to connect it with the legacy drainage system and to ensure water drained through the drain assemblyof the present invention reaches the drainage pipe of the legacy drainage system even with the legacy components still in place. The top surfaceof the central bore portionmay extend above the top surfaceof the disk portionin some preferable embodiments, as depicted in. The drain adaptor componentis also preferably provided with a centripetal trenchin its central bore portion, which is sized and oriented to receive the lower extremity of the bonding flange component'scentral bore portion.

Referring next to, a preferable embodiment of a bonding flange componentof the drain assemblyof the present invention is depicted in various views. The bonding flange componentpreferably includes a substantially flat, centripetal flange portionand a central bore portion. The central bore portionhas one or more centripetal contact surfacesassociated with one or more centripetal shelvesat depths below that of the centripetal flange portion, in preferable embodiments, as depicted in. The one or more centripetal shelvesare sized and arranged to receive other components of the drain assembly, primarily including the grate leveler componentdepicted in detail in.

The centripetal flange portionof the bonding flange componentpreferably extends to a significant centripetal radius, helping to ensure a strong connection to both the bathtub/shower flooring, shower pan, etc. as well as the drainage pipe associated with the bathtub/shower. The bonding flange componentmay be connected directly to the drainage pipe, when the drain assemblyof the present invention is installed at the time of construction or remodeling or may be connected to the drain adaptor component, when the drain assemblyis retrofitted to the legacy drainage system already present in the case of a remodel or refitting of a bathroom.

As depicted in, and particularly in, a substantial portion of the upper surfaceof the bonding flange component'scentripetal flange portionis provided with an adhesive or otherwise abrasive material/surface. This adhesive/abrasive surfacehelps to ensure connection with the surrounding flooring material, such as shower pan or the like, and prevent water from entering the drain assemblyand leaking out horizontally into the flooring instead of flowing into the drainage pipe. In some preferably embodiments, a similar adhesive/abrasive surfaceis provided on the lower surfaceof the bonding flange component, at least at certain positions, helping to facilitate the bonding flange component'sconnection with the drainage pipe or the drain adaptor component, where used.

Some preferable embodiments of the bonding flange component'scentripetal flange portionemploy a series of apertures, preferably adjacent to an outer edgeof the centripetal flange portion. The one or more aperturesare preferably uniform in shape and size and may be circular or other shapes but are preferably oblong, as depicted in. The one or more aperturesassist in connecting the bonding flange componentwith the surrounding flooring materials and provide additional gripping to prevent slippage related thereto, where applicable. Some preferable embodiments of the bonding flange componentdo not employ such apertures, such as those preferable embodiments depicted in.

Referring next to, a grate leveler componentof the drain assemblyaccording to preferable embodiments of the present invention is depicted in various views. The grate leveler componentpreferably includes a central bore portionand a centripetal flange portion, each sized and oriented to fit within the one or more of the bonding flange component'scentripetal shelvesand rest upon the one or more associated centripetal resting surfaces. The grate leveler component'scentripetal flange portionis preferably provided with a series of concentric cutouts, as depicted in, which provide stability of the grate leveler componentrelative to the bonding flange component.

As depicted, the inner surfaceof the grate leveler component'scentral boreis preferably smooth to facilitate free rotational movement of the grate-height adjustor componentwhen the drain assemblyis fully installed. The grate leveler component'scentral borealso preferably includes a centripetal shelfat its upper end, which is sized and oriented to receive and provide free rotational movement relative to the grate-height adjustor component'scentripetal shoulder.

When fully installed, the grate-height adjustor component, depicted inin various views, rests rotationally free within the central bore portionof the grate leveler component. Preferable embodiments of the grate-height adjustor component'scentral boreinclude a lower edgeprovided with a series of peaks and valleys forming a series of teethextending down from the lower edge. These teethhelp the grate-height adjustor componentto remain at a consistent height once the user has adjusted the drain assemblyto ensure the grate holder componentis even with the height of the surrounding tiling or other bathtub/shower flooring.

As noted, the grate-height adjustor componentpreferably includes an upper shoulderthat extends centripetally outwardly from its upper endand rests within the centripetal shelfof the grate leveler component'scentral borewhen the drain assemblyis assembled and installed. As likewise depicted in, the grate-height adjustor component'sinner surfaceis preferably threaded to provide for a threaded attachment to the threaded outer surfaceof the central bore portionof the grate holder component, depicted in significant detail in. The threaded and counter-threaded components allow the vertical translation of one component relative to the other, and the grate-height adjustor component'ssmooth outer surfacefacilitates its free rotation within the grate leveler component.

As depicted in, the grate-height adjustor componentis also preferably provided with one or more tabsextending inwardly from its threaded inner surface. As those of skill in the art will recognize, the vertical location of the tabsis variable so long as they remain accessible within the drain assemblyusing the grate-height adjustment tool, depicted in detail in, or in other manner, and so long as the tabs'vertical location does not interfere with the vertical translation provided by the counter-threaded surfaces of the grate-height adjustor componentand the grate holder component. In the preferable embodiment depicted in, the tabsare located adjacent to the grate-height adjustor component'slower edge.

The one or more tabseach must extend far enough toward the center of the grate-height adjustor componentto allow access to them even when the grate holder componentis threadedly connected to the grate-height adjustor component. Accordingly, the grate-height adjustment tool(or the user's fingers or other tools) can be inserted into the central bore portionof the grate holder componentreaching the one or more tabsof the grate-height adjustor component, the grate-height adjustor componentcan be rotated thereby relative to the grate leveler componentand the grate holder component, causing the grate holder componentto raise or lower, without rotating relative to the surrounding flooring, to match the height/thickness of the same. The teethat the lower edgeof the grate-height adjustor componentensure the rotation is somewhat rigid to avoid unintended rotation after the drain assemblyis fully installed and the grate holder componenthas been adjusted to match the height of the surrounding flooring.

Referring now to, the grate holder componentaccording to preferable embodiments of the drain assemblyof the present invention is depicted in various views. As seen, the grate holder componentpreferably includes a central boreand a floor-level flangeextending centripetally therearound. The floor-level flangeis preferably shaped to match the surrounding flooring or provide for a pleasing aesthetic in light thereof, and can accordingly take on various cross-sectional shapes, including square, rectangular, octagonal, hexagonal, circular, or the like. While the preferable embodiment depicted inhas a square cross-sectional shape, the present invention is not limited thereto, as will be understood to those of skill in the art.

As shown, the outer surfaceof the central boreof the grate holder component, which extends below the lower surfaceof its floor-level flange, is counter-threaded to connect with the threaded inner surfaceof the grate-height adjustor component. When these components are rotated relative to one another, the threaded portions allow the grate holder componentto raise and lower without rotating relative to the surrounding flooring.

As depicted in, and particularly visible in, the centripetal edgeof the grate holder component'sfloor-level flangeis preferably tapered, which helps facilitate bonding the floor-level flangewith the surrounding flooring materials using grout or other known bonding materials and techniques. Also preferably included on the centripetal edgeof the floor-level flange is a grooveextending along at least a portion or portions of the centripetal edge; in the preferable embodiment depicted in, the grooveextends along the entire centripetal edge. The groovefacilitates connection of the grate holder componentwith the surrounding flooring material, particularly in the case of the use of tiling as bathtub/shower flooring, as portions of the tiling edges can be introduced into the groove, at least in part, to hold the various pieces in place.

The preferable embodiment of the grate holder componentdepicted inalso includes a lipextending upwardly from the top surfaceof the centripetal edgeof the floor-level flange, creating a holding space for the drain grate. As depicted, the lipis preferably tapered in connection with the tapered centripetal edgeof the grate holder component'sfloor-level flange, forming a consistent surface for application of bonding materials.

Referring next to, preferable embodiments of the drain assemblyof the present invention include a grate-height adjustment tool, which can be used to adjust the grate holder component'sheight to match the surrounding flooring materials after both the drain assemblyand flooring are fully installed. The grate-height adjustment toolaccordingly has a maximum diameter at least slightly smaller than the minimum diameter of the central boreof the grate holder component. Thereby, the grate-height adjustment toolcan be inserted within the grate holder component'scentral boreto reach the grate-height adjustor component.

The grate-height adjustment toolis preferably provided with one or more notchesin its lower edge, which are located to match the locations of the one or more tabsextending inwardly from the inner surfaceof the grate-height adjustor component. Thereby, when the grate-height adjustment toolis inserted within the grate holder component'scentral bore, it can removably connect to the grate-height adjustor componentand rotate the grate-height adjustor componentrelative to the other components of the drain assembly, including the grate holder component, and adjust the height of the grate holder componentto match the height/thickness of the surrounding flooring materials. As depicted in, preferable embodiments of the grate-height adjustment toolinclude a handle portionat or near its upper endto assist the user in gripping and turning the grate-height adjustment toolduring use.

The grate-height adjustment tool'shandle portionpreferably includes tapered edgesto facilitate a comfortable grip for the user. Some preferable embodiments of the grate-height adjustment tool'shandle portioninclude other features to provide for additional comfort and confidence in keeping a firm grip on the grate-height adjustment tool, which may often be used in wet, dirty, and other non-ideal conditions. Such features may include ridges to avoid slippage, a cutout area to comfortably fit fingers/thumb, and the like, as will be recognized by those of skill in the art, rendering the grate-height adjustment toolmore convenience and effective for its intended purposes.