Cover Assembly and Methods

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/387,773, filed on Jul. 28, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/380,039, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,078,658, filed on Apr. 10, 2019, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/659,103 filed on Apr. 17, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Not Applicable.

The present disclosure relates, in general, to systems and methods for installing fixtures in a material. More particularly, this disclosure relates to systems and methods of installing fixtures, such as plumbing and electrical fixtures, that are at least partially encased into a material, such as concrete and potting compound.

Building foundations, floors, ceilings, beams, and walls are often formed by poured concrete slabs or forms that transition from flowable to compliant or more viscous during the installation process. Generally, various fixtures are installed into and secured within the concrete, including conduits, plumbing fixtures, and other building reinforcement and infrastructure elements. The fixtures to be installed into the concrete can be first located at a desired, finished location relative to the anticipated finished surface. Concrete can then be poured around the fixtures, which cures (and may dimensionally change) to secure the fixtures in place relative to the cured concrete.

It may be advantageous to preserve the adjustability of some fixtures after concrete has been poured and set around the fixture. For example, drain and cleanout assemblies may need to be vertically adjusted once the concrete floor has set to position a grate or other fixture head approximately level with a top surface of the finished concrete slab. Additionally, concrete and other debris should be prevented from entering into a drain or conduit during the concrete pour and from hindering the adjustability of the fixture (e.g., by fouling threaded components).

Covers have been provided to drain and cleanout assemblies. The covers can be coupled to the fixture initially when the fixture is installed into the floor. Once concrete has been poured and set around the fixture, the cover can be removed. Depending on the positioning of the cover relative to the body of the fixture, the cover can become stuck within the concrete, and can be difficult to remove, potentially making the fixture inaccessible. Therefore, a need exists for improved systems and methods for installing fixtures in a material.

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for installing fixtures into materials, such as concrete surfaces. The fixtures include a body and a cover assembly that includes a component that can generally move, for instance, collapse, transform, deform, bow, bend, flex, shear, or fracture away from (e.g., tangentially, inwardly, or radially inwardly) a material (e.g., finished concrete) to aid in the removal of the cover assembly. The component can preserve the adjustability of other features positioned beneath the cover assembly, such as a drain, for example. Benefits of using the systems and methods disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, establishing and achieving a fast, easy, and effective fixture installation process.

In some embodiments, a drain assembly is disclosed. The drain assembly includes a coring sleeve including a stem and a bowl. The bowl extends radially outward and upward from the stem to define a bowl cavity. A drain is received within the coring sleeve. The drain has a drain head received within the bowl cavity, as well as a drain stem adjustably coupled to the coring sleeve stem. A cover assembly is removably coupled to the drain head, and extends over the bowl cavity. The cover assembly includes a cover and a ring received around a portion of the cover. The cover is received within the bowl cavity and is releasably coupled to the drain head.

In another embodiment, a method of installing a fixture into a material, such as concrete, is disclosed. The method includes first positioning a fixture at a desired level relative to an intended finished concrete surface (e.g., level with the intended finished concrete surface). The fixture has a body and a cover assembly removably coupled to the body. The method next includes pouring concrete around the fixture to secure the body with the concrete. Once the concrete hardens around the body, the cover assembly is moved relative to the body to move an outer surface of the cover assembly away from the concrete. The cover assembly can then be removed from the body, if desired.

In some embodiments, a fixture assembly is provided. The fixture assembly includes a body defining an interior and a cover assembly extending above the interior. The cover assembly is removably coupled to the body and is configured to move relative to the body. The cover assembly has a cover and a movable outer component removably coupled to the cover and configured to move with the cover. The outer component has a discontinuity.

These and still other advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the detailed description and drawings. What follows is merely a description of some preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. To assess the full scope of the disclosure, the claims should be looked to as these preferred embodiments are not intended to be the only embodiments within the scope of the claims.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the embodiments of the present disclosure.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments shown in the attached drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.

illustrates a drain assemblyaccording to the present disclosure. The drain assemblycan be installed into a concrete floor or other structure, and can be placed in fluid communication with a conduit or a drain pipe (not shown) to operate as a floor drain or cleanout assembly, for example. The drain assemblyis an example of a fixture that can benefit from the present disclosure. Other fixtures include, for instance, electrical housings and anchor pots. The fixtures can be installed or at least partially surrounded by a variety of materials, such as resin, potting compound, stucco, and plaster, as required to accommodate a particular application. The drain assemblycan include threaded or otherwise movable components that allow the drain assemblyto be adjusted relative to the conduit or concrete both before and after concrete has been installed into the floor to secure the drain assembly. The drain assemblycan be formed of polymeric materials or metallic components, for example.

With additional reference to, the drain assemblycomponents are illustrated. The drain assemblyincludes a coring sleevehaving a stemand a bowlextending outwardly and upwardly away from the stem. A drainhaving a threaded drain stemand a drain headis threadably coupled to interior threadsformed in the coring sleeve, according to some embodiments. A strainercoupled to a strainer support ringcan be coupled to the drain headusing fasteners, for example. A membrane, such as a protective sticker, film, sheet, layer, or other barrier, can be coupled to the strainerand can extend above and across the strainerto prevent debris or concrete from contacting the strainer. A cover assemblycan be at least partially received within the bowlof the coring sleeveand can extend above and across the drain. In one preferred form, the cover assembly includes a peripheral edge that is 0.25 inch or greater above the upper surface of the coring sleeve (e.g., as generally illustrated in). The cover assemblycan provide additional protection to the straineragainst concrete or other debris that could otherwise damage the drain assemblyduring the drain assembly installation method, as explained in detail below. Shimscan be received within the bowl of the coring sleeveto help position the strainerrelative to a finished concrete surface formed around the drain assembly. For example, the shimscan be placed between the strainer support ringand the drain headto adjust the angular relationship between the strainerand the drain head. In one example, an additional membrane, such as a protective stickeradhesively coupled to the cover assembly, can extend across the bowlof the coring sleeve.

With specific reference to, the coring sleeveis shown. As indicated above, the coring sleevecan include a stemand a bowlextending away from the stem. The stemhas a cylindrical shape defined by an external cylindrical walland an internal cylindrical wall. The internal cylindrical walldefines a borethat can receive the drain, for example. In some embodiments, the internal cylindrical wallof the stemincludes threadsthat can threadably receive the drain stem, for example. The external cylindrical wallof the stemcan also include threads, which can threadably and adjustably couple the coring sleeveto a drain body (not shown), an adaptor (not shown), or directly to a drain pipe or conduit (conduit C, shown in), for example. Using the external threadsof the stem, the borecan be placed in fluid communication with the drain pipe or conduit C.

The bowlof the coring sleeveis formed above the stem, according to some embodiments. In some examples, the bowlis partially formed from an annular base wallextending radially outward from the stemto define a seat. A generally vertical upper wallextends away from the base wall. The upper walland the seattogether define a bowl cavity. As shown in, an outer surfaceof the upper wall can taper radially inwardly as it extends upwardly away from the base wall. Projectionscan extend away from the outer surfaceof the upper wallto help concrete bond with and secure the coring sleevewithin a poured floor or wall.

Referring to, the drain, of some embodiments, is shown in more detail. Like the coring sleeve, the drainincludes a cylindrical stem. The cylindrical stemcan include an inner surfaceand an outer surfacethat includes threadsconfigured to couple with the internal threadsformed in the coring sleeve. The threaded connection between the coring sleeveand the stemof the drainallows the drainto be axially adjustable relative to the coring sleeve. The inner surfacecan be smooth, for example, to minimize surface frictional losses while the drainis handling liquids.

The drainincludes a drain headformed at an end portion of the drain stem. The drain headextends outwardly away from the drain stemto provide a mounting flange. The mounting flangeprovides a generally flat surface that can receive and secure a strainer support ring. A straineris received within the strainer support ring, and can extend across the drain headto cover the stem, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the strainerand the strainer support ringare each coupled to the drain headusing fasteners. Threaded mounting holescan be positioned about the mounting flangeto removably receive the fasteners. In some embodiments, the undersideof the mounting flangeis reinforced with bracesextending between the stemand an outer surfaceof the mounting flange. The spacing between braceson the undersideof the mounting flangecan be varied. For example, spacing between the bracesmay be approximately equal throughout the drain head, except near the threaded mounting holesand hook ledgesspaced about the drain headto receive and secure the cover assembly, as explained below. A protective membrane, such as the sticker, can also be initially coupled to the strainer support ringand/or the strainerto protect the strainerand drain, generally, from concrete or debris that could contact or damage the drain assemblycomponents. The example stickercan be adhesively applied to the strainer support ringand/or strainer, and can include a company logo or instructions on how to properly install the drain assembly, for example.

illustrate a cover assemblythat can be removably received within the bowl cavityof the coring sleeveto protect the drainfrom debris during drain assemblyinstallation. The cover assemblycan include a coverand a movable ringreceived around the cover. While an example of the movable ringis described herein as being generally collapsible, given the benefit of this disclosure one skilled in the art will appreciate that the movable ringis but one example of a component that can generally move, for instance, collapse, transform, deform, bow, bend, flex, shear, or fracture away from (e.g., tangentially, inwardly, or radially inwardly) a material (e.g., finished concrete) to aid in the removal of the cover assembly. The exemplary collapsibility of the ringis not to be unduly limiting of the various alternative constructions and operations that are within the contemplation of one skilled in the art in view of and consistent with this disclosure

The cover assemblycan be positioned over the drain, and can include hooksthat removably attach to the hook ledgesformed on the undersideof the drain head(shown in). When the hooksare engaged with the hook ledges, the cover assemblyand the drainrotate in concert with one another. Accordingly, the cover assemblyand the draincan each be installed into the coring sleevesimultaneously to prepare the entirely self-contained drain assemblyfor shipping and installation. In some embodiments, ring shimscan be received between the coverand the movable annular ring. The ring shimscan be compressed radially inward and partially restrained by ribs(discussed below) that extend from the annular ringtoward the adjacent cover, such that the ring shimsare generally captured between the annular ringand the cover.

Looking specifically at, the shape of the coveris explained. The coverincludes a generally cylindrical outer shape that includes a base sectionand a raised sectionextending upwardly away from the base section. In some embodiments, the raised sectionhas a generally flat upper surface. Hookscan extend downwardly away from the base sectionto engage the hook ledgesof the drain, as explained above. The radial outer surfaceof the base sectioncan include dimplesspaced apart from one another and projecting outwardly from the radial outer surface, which can help support the hooksthat extend away from the base sectionnearby. In some embodiments, slotscan be formed through the base sectionto receive and secure fingers(see) of the annular ring. The fingerscan be snapped into the slots, which couples the annular ringto the coverto form the cover assembly. The slotscan be radially aligned with the dimplesand the hooks, for example.

The raised sectionof the coveris formed radially inward from the base sectionand extends axially away from the base section, according to some embodiments. The raised sectionis defined by a generally cylindrical wall, and can include one or more notchesformed therein, according to some embodiments. The notchesextend radially inward from the cylindrical wallto receive tabs(see) of the annular ring, which can help transmit rotational force from the coverto the annular ring.

Rotational force can be imparted on the coverthrough one or more recesses,formed in the raised sectionof the cover. The recesses,can be designed to receive tools such as pliers, and can provide an easy clamping location which provides the leverage necessary to rotate the cover assemblyand drainrelative to the coring sleeve. In some embodiments, a rectangular box-shaped recessis approximately centered in the raised sectionof the cover. One or more partially annular recessescan be spaced apart and positioned opposite one another. In some embodiments, the box-shaped recessis formed between two opposing partially annular recesses. Optionally, the box-shaped recessor annular recessescan also be used as a storage location, such as for other hardware that may be necessary during the drain assembly installation method. For example, longer screws can be stored within the recesses,, which can be used to couple the strainerand strainer support ringto the mounting flangeof the drain headwhen shimsare installed between the strainer support ringand the mounting flange.

An example movable (e.g., collapsible) annular ringaccording to the disclosure is shown in. The annular ringcan be generally cylindrical in shape, and can include an inner ringand an outer ringspaced apart from one another and positioned approximately concentrically with one another. Reinforcing ribscan extend between the inner ringand the outer ring. In some embodiments, the inner ringis defined by a continuous cylindrical walldefined by a constant or nearly constant radius. It will be appreciated, however, that the inner ring and/or outer ring may be of any compliant geometry without departing from the teachings provided herein. Tabscan extend radially inward from the inner ringof the ring, and can be positioned within the notchesformed in the cover. The tabscan include a partially annular shape, and can each include fingersextending away from a lower surfacethat can be snap fit into the slotsformed in the cover.

The ribsextend from the inner ringtoward the outer ringto couple the rings,to one another. The ribscan extend angularly away from the inner ringtoward the outer ring, and can have a variety of different shapes and orientations. For example, the ribscan have an arcuate shape having a concave sectionand a seatformed adjacent the outer ring. The seatcan extend upward from the concave section, and can be positioned to extend approximately level (e.g., along the same plane) to a bottom surfaceof the inner ring. In some embodiments, the inner ringis defined by a height greater than the outer ring.

In some embodiments, the outer ringextends concentrically around the inner ring. In some embodiments, like the inner ring, the outer ringhas a generally cylindrical shape. The outer ringincludes discontinuities, which can help collapse or otherwise move the outer ringwhen removing the cover assemblyfrom the drain assembly. As explained below, the discontinuitiesin the outer ringmay come in a variety of different shapes and orientations. As shown in, the discontinuitiescan be notches formed in the outer ring, which weaken portions of the structure of the outer ringand define a “crumple zone”. A projectioncan protrude outwardly from the outer ringnear the crumple zone, which can further help initiate the example collapsing process of the outer ring. When the annular ringis rotated (e.g., counterclockwise, to remove the cover assemblyfrom the drain assembly) after concrete has been set around the drain assembly, the concrete slab imparts a force on the projections, according to some embodiments. The force imparted on the projectionsis transferred to the discontinuous sections of the outer ring, which are weakened by the notches (or other type of discontinuity) formed therein. The forces transferred to the outer ringwithin the crumple zonecause the outer ringto buckle and deform inwardly at the discontinuous, weakened locations formed in the outer ring. The outer ringthen releases inwardly away from the cured concrete, which allows the entire cover assemblyto be removed from the coring sleeve.

With reference now to, various alternative embodiments of the cover assembly are provided. Similar to the cover assembly, each of the cover assemblies,,,,,include a cover and a movable ring (i.e., an example component that can be configured to, for instance, collapse, transform, deform, bow, bend, flex, shear, or fracture) removably coupled to the cover. The covers include base sections and raised sections, and can be releasably coupled to the drain head, for example. The annular ring can include an inner ring and an outer ring positioned concentrically with the inner ring. Ribs extend between the inner ring and the outer ring to couple the inner ring to the outer ring, as well as to provide structural support to the collapsible annular ring. Tabs can extend inwardly away from the inner ring to couple the ring to the cover. Discontinuities can be formed in the outer ring of the example collapsible annular ring. Rectangular box-shaped recesses and partially-annular recesses can be formed within the raised section of the cover.

Looking specifically at, an example cover assemblyis shown. The cover assemblyincludes a coverand an annular ringconfigured to be movable (e.g., collapsible) and removably coupled to the cover. The coverhas a base sectionand a raised section, each of which have notches,formed therein. The annular ringincluding tabscan be received around the raised sectionof the cover. Hooksextend away from an outer surfaceof the annular ringto engage the hook ledgesformed on the underside of the drain head. Ribsextend generally perpendicularly between an inner ringand an outer ringof the annular ring, and can be used to seat the annular ringon the base sectionof the cover. The inner ringand the outer ringare each defined by an approximately equal height. The crumple zoneof the outer ringis located radially outward from the tabs, where there is an extended segment of the outer ringthat is not supported by a rib, according to some embodiments. When the cover assemblyis rotated, the crumple zoneof the outer ringmoves (e.g., bows or flexes) inwardly, releasing the annular ringand coverfrom the surrounding concrete. Although not shown in, the outer ringcan also include projections similar to projections, which extend outwardly away from the outer ringand help to initiate the collapsing process of the crumple zone. In addition, the outer surfaceof the annular ringcan be tapered radially inward such that the outer ringhas a larger outer diameter at top face relative to the outer diameter at a bottom face (as depicted, for example, in). In one example, the top and bottom diameters differ by about 0.5%, but may differ more or less to accommodate specific application requirements. This frustoconical form factor can further aid upward disengagement and removal of the ring.

With reference now to, another example cover assemblythat can be present in the drain assemblyis shown. The cover assemblyincludes a coverand a movable component in the form of a ringreceived around and coupled to the cover. The coverincludes a flat base sectionhaving openingsformed therein, along with hooksextending away from the base sectionto engage the hook ledgeson the drain head. A generally cylindrical raised sectionextends away from the base sectionthat has notchesformed therein to receive tabsextending inwardly away from an inner ringof the annular ring. Ribsextend outwardly away from the inner ringto the outer ringpositioned concentrically about the inner ring. The ribsextend in respective planes that are skewed and nonintersecting with a rotational axis of the cover. The outer ringincludes discontinuitiesin the form of gaps. That is, the outer ringis divided into three segments separated by the gap discontinuities, which allow the outer ringto move by deforming, such as by collapsing radially inward, during rotation as a result of the rotational drag between the outer ringand an adjacent concrete surface, according to some embodiments. The inner ringhas a height greater than the outer ring. In some embodiments, labels (not shown) can be placed around the outer ring, which can extend across and cover the discontinuitiesto prevent poured material from entering the cover assembly.

Looking now at, another example cover assemblythat can be present in the drain assemblyis shown. The cover assemblyincludes a coverand a movable annular ring. The ring(i.e., an example movable component) is configured to move, in this instance to collapse radially inward away from a material (e.g., finished concrete) to aid in the removal of the cover assembly. As understood by one skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure, the movable component (in this or any other general embodiment) can be configured to, for instance, collapse, transform, deform, bow, bend, flex, shear, or fracture away from (e.g., tangentially, inwardly, or radially inwardly) a material (e.g., finished concrete) to aid in the removal of the cover assembly. The coverincludes a base sectionand a raised sectionthat includes notchesformed therein to receive tabsextending inwardly from the annular ring. Fingersextend upwardly from the base sectionwithin the notchesto engage and snap into the tabsof the annular ring. Hooksextend downward from the base sectionto engage the hook ledgesof the drain head. The annular ringincludes an inner ringconcentrically positioned with an outer ring, which are coupled together by skewed ribs. Discontinuitiesin the form of gaps are formed in the outer ringof the annular ring. A variety of structures can be implemented to effect the movement, such as collapsing, transforming, deforming, bowing, bending, flexing, shearing, and/or fracturing. Optionally, labels, stickers, films, sheets, or other coverings can extend across the gapsto prevent concrete or debris from entering the cover assembly. When the cover assemblyis rotated to remove the cover assemblyfrom the coring sleeve, the radial friction between the concrete and the outer ringcauses the ribs to buckle inwardly and loosens the outer ringfrom the surrounding concrete, according to some embodiments.

demonstrate still other example embodiments of cover assemblies,,that can be present in the drain assembly. Each cover assembly,,includes a cover,,and a movable component in the form of a ring,,(e.g., a collapsible annular ring) received around a raised section,,of the cover,,. Again, as understood by one skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure, the movable component can be configured to, for instance, collapse, transform, deform, bow, bend, flex, shear, or fracture away from (e.g., tangentially, inwardly, or radially inwardly) a material (e.g., finished concrete) to aid in the removal of the cover assembly. The cover,,has a base section,,having an outer lip,,extending circumferentially around the base section,,of the cover,,. Hooks,,extend downwardly away from the base section,,to engage the hook ledgesof the drain head. The raised section,,of the cover,,includes a convex surface,,having a radius of curvature. As shown, for instance, in, the cover,,can define an arcuate dome shape that extends upwardly away from the annular ring,,. The curvature of the dome may be uniform, non-uniform, continuous, and/or include discontinuous geometry (e.g., flat spots). The height or relative protrusion of the dome can vary from relatively minimal (i.e., nearly planar) to a bulge defining half or more of the overall height of the cover (as viewed in profile). The example collapsible annular ring,,includes an inner ring,,and an outer ring,,positioned concentrically around the inner ring,,and coupled to the inner ring by ribs,,at various orientations relative to the inner ring,,and the outer ring,,. Discontinuities,,in the form of gaps are formed in the outer ring,,, which can help to, for example, collapse, deform, and transform the outer ring,,as described above. The ring,,can be tailored for application-specific requirements such that a desired relative torque between the inner and outer rings results in a reduction in the overall diameter or form factor of the ring,,. Tabs,can extend inwardly away from the inner ring,,to engage notches,,formed in the raised section,,of the cover,,. Optionally, the inner ringcan omit tabs, and can rotate freely relative to the cover. Instead of rotating the coverto remove the cover assemblyfrom the drain assembly, the covercan be lifted vertically away from the coring sleeve. The friction between the outer ringand the concrete causes the outer ringto move (e.g., deform axially and radially) while being lifted, which releases the outer ringfrom the concrete and allows for removal of the entire cover assembly.

Turning now to, a methodof installing the drain assembly,into, for instance, a concrete floor or wall is detailed. At block, the drain assemblyis coupled to a conduit C, as shown in. The drain assemblycan be coupled to the conduit C in a variety of ways, including through the use of an adaptor (not shown) or a drain body (not shown). The coring sleeveof the drain assemblycan be threaded into or otherwise coupled to the conduit C to place the internal boreof the coring sleeveinto fluid communication with the conduit C. Due to the positioning of the components within the coring sleeve, positioning the coring sleevein fluid communication with the conduit C also places the drainin fluid communication with the conduit C. The external threadson the coring sleeve stemallow the coring sleeveto be adjusted axially relative to the conduit C to a position where a top surfaceof the cover assemblyis approximately level with an intended finished height of the poured concrete surface, according to some embodiments.

At block, concrete is poured around the drain assemblyto secure the drain assemblywithin the concrete. Concrete can be poured and finished to form a surface approximately level with the cover assembly, as shown in. The concrete can be allowed to harden around the drain assembly, where it may shrink slightly while securing the coring sleevewithin the concrete slab.

Once the concrete has been set, the cover assemblycan be removed from the drain assemblyat block. To remove the cover assembly, the example membrane in the form of the protective stickercan first be removed. To remove the protective stickerfrom the cover assembly, the stickercan be punctured using pliers or other suitable puncturing tools. The recesses,formed within the raised sectionof the coverprovide unsupported regions of the stickerthat can be easily punctured. Once the stickerhas been punctured, it can be readily peeled off to expose the top surfaces of the coverand the collapsible annular ring, as shown in.

Pliers or other suitable gripping tools can then be inserted into one or more of the recesses,to securely grip and rotate the cover. The rotational force imparted on the coveris translated to the collapsible annular ringthrough the tabswhich are securely received within the notchesof the cover assembly, according to some embodiments. The rotational force translated to the tabscauses the inner ringto rotate, which forces the projectionsof the outer ringinto contact with the surrounding hardened concrete. The concrete resists the rotation of the outer ring, and imparts a force onto the projections, which in turn causes the example discontinuitiesin the outer ringto move (e.g., buckle) within the crumple zoneand effectively collapse (e.g., deform or transform) inwardly. The reduced diameter of the outer ringcaused by the buckled regions breaks the outer ringfree from the surrounding concrete, and allows the cover assemblyto rotate freely relative to the coring sleeveand the surrounding concrete.

The hooksextending downwardly from the cover assemblyare coupled to the hook ledgesbelow the drain head, which cause the drainto rotate in concert with the cover assembly. The cover assemblycan be rotated counterclockwise until the drain headis positioned above the bowlof the coring sleeve, where the cover assemblycan be removed from the drain head, according to some embodiments. The hookscan be bent outward to release from the hook ledges, which uncouples the cover assemblyfrom the drain. In some embodiments, one or more ring shimsare received below the cover assembly, and are exposed when the cover assemblyis removed from the drain head, as shown in. The protective stickerextending across the strainercan then be removed, as shown in. Once the protective stickeris removed, the straineris exposed, and places the finished concrete floor surface in fluid communication with the conduit C through the drain assembly, according to some embodiments.

Finally, the drainposition can be adjusted at block. The draincan be threadably adjusted within the coring sleeveupward until the straineris positioned approximately level with the finished concrete surface nearby. If angular adjustment is needed, ring shimscan be positioned beneath the drain headto adjust an angle of the drain headrelative to the coring sleeve, according to some embodiments.

Referring now to, another example drain assemblyis shown. Like the drain assembly, the drain assemblyincludes a coring sleevehaving a stemand a bowlthat can be placed into fluid communication with a conduit and/or installed into a poured surface. The bowlof the coring sleevecan be formed of flat, radially outward tapering, and/or radially inward tapering walls that collectively define a bowl cavity. A draincan be adjustably received (e.g., threadably received) within the stemand bowl cavityof the coring sleeve. The drainincludes a drain headand a threaded stemthat can be coupled to the stemof the coring sleeve. A strainer supportand a strainercan be removably coupled to the drain headusing fasteners, for example. A cover assemblyincluding a coverand a movable component in the form of an example collapsible annular ringcan also be at least partially received within the bowl cavity, and can extend across the bowlto protect the drainpositioned beneath. As understood by one skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure, the movable component (in this or any other general embodiment) can be configured to, for instance, collapse, transform, deform, bow, bend, flex, shear, or fracture away from (e.g., tangentially, inwardly, or radially inwardly) a material (e.g., finished concrete) to aid in the removal of the cover assembly. The cover assemblycan be removably coupled to the strainer support. Protective membranes,(e.g., stickers, films, sheets, layers, barriers) can be coupled to and extend across the strainerand the annular ring, respectively, to provide additional protection from debris during drain assemblyinstallation. Shimscan be received within the cover assembly, as explained in more detail below.

The drain assemblycan also be installed using the methoddescribed above. Once the coring sleevehas been set at a desired height and the concrete cured, the top protective membranecan be removed from the cover assembly. Pliers or other tools can be used to puncture the protective membrane, which then can be peeled away from the cover assemblyto expose the cover assembly, as shown in. Again using pliers or another tool, the cover assembly can be rotated relative to the set concrete, which causes the example collapsible annular ringto buckle inwardly and release from the concrete. Once the annular ringhas released from the concrete, the cover assemblycan be removed from the drain assembly, exposing the protective membranepositioned atop the strainer, as shown in. The protective membranecan then be peeled off or otherwise removed from the strainerto expose the strainerand place the drainand underlying conduit in fluid communication with the external environment, as shown in.

With reference specifically to, the drainand strainer supportare shown in further detail. The drainincludes a threaded stemthat can be axially adjustable within the coring sleeve stem. The drain headextends away from the drain stemto provide a flat, mounting surface to receive the strainer support. The strainer supportcan sit flat upon the drain head, and can be removably coupled to the drain headby passing fastenersthrough the strainer supportand into holesformed in the drain head. In some examples, the fastenersand the holesare threaded. In other embodiments, the fastenerscan be dowel pins that are sized to form an interference fit with the holes, which couple the components to one another.

The strainer supportcan have a generally rectangular perimeter (e.g., square) defined by rectangular walls. One or more sunken surfaces can be formed about the outer perimeter of the strainer supportto define hook ledges. In some examples, a hook ledgeis formed at each corner of the strainer support. A generally circular channelcan extend through the strainer support, which can be aligned concentrically above the drain stemand drain head. The strainercan then be coupled to the strainer supportusing fasteners(e.g., screws or dowel pins). In some embodiments, a raised lip(shown in) is used to help position the strainerwithin the strainer support.

Referring now specifically to, the cover assemblyis shown in additional detail. The cover assemblyincludes a coverand another example ringreceived around and removably coupled to the cover, and shares many common features with the cover assemblies,,,,,,described above. The coverincludes a generally cylindrical shape and has a base sectionand a raised sectionextending away from the base section. One or more hooksextend downwardly away from the base section, where they can engage and releasably couple to the hook ledgesformed in the strainer support. One or more positioning armscan extend downward from the base sectionas well. The positioning armscan be oriented to engage the rectangular wallsof the strainer support(as shown in), and can be used to translate rotational force imparted on the cover assemblyto the strainer supportand drainbelow. Accordingly, when the cover assemblyis rotated, the drainrotates within the coring sleeve, which adjusts the vertical position of the strainerrelative to the coring sleeve, according to some embodiments.

The raised sectionof the covercan include several segments. Similar to the covers,,,,,,described above, the raised sectioncan have a generally cylindrical shape having recesses,formed therein. A central segmenthas a generally cylindrical shape, and is surrounded by a plurality of partially annular segmentsspaced apart from and concentrically positioned about the central segment. In some examples, bracesextend between the central segmentand the partially annular segmentsto provide support for one or more shimsthat can be used to later position the strainer, for example. The partially annular segmentscan be spaced apart from one another, such that a tabformed on the collapsible annular ringcan be received between two partially annular segments. The partially annular segmentscan translate rotational force from the coverthrough to the ringthrough engagement between the tabsand the partially annular segments. Slotscan be formed through the base sectionto receive fingersthat removably couple the annular ringto the cover.

The movable component in the form of an example ringcan have many of the same features described above with references to the other cover assemblies,,,,,,and is again configured to generally be a collapsible annual ring. The example collapsible annular ringcan include a continuous inner ringand an outer ringpositioned concentrically about the inner ring. Ribsextend between and couple the rings,to one another. Tabsextend radially inward from the inner ring, and can be positioned between partially annular segmentsformed in the cover. Fingersextend downwardly away from the tabsto snap into place within the slotsformed through the base sectionof the cover. The outer ringincludes discontinuitiesin the form of slots, as discussed above with reference to the collapsible annular ring. In some embodiments, projectionsextend outwardly away from the outer ringto help deform or collapse the crumple zone in the collapsible annular ringthat is created by the discontinuitiesformed in the outer ring, as explained above.

Using the fully self-contained drain assemblies,described above, a floor drain or cleanout can be quickly and easily installed (i.e., placed into fluid communication with a conduit) into a concrete floor or wall. Although the cover assembly has been described as having an example annular ring assembly and a generally cylindrical structure, the concept of movable cover assemblies can be applied to linear drains and other floor or wall fixtures as well. Multicomponent cover assemblies having a cover part and a movable part can be designed to operate in a manner similar to the cover assemblies described above. Again, as understood by one skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure, the movable component can be configured to, for instance, collapse, transform, deform, bow, bend, flex, shear, or fracture away from (e.g., tangentially, inwardly, or radially inwardly) a material (e.g., finished concrete) to aid in the removal of the cover assembly. For instance, the movable component can be configured to include crumple zones that are generally weakened and can move inwardly, for instance, by deforming, bowing, bending, flexing, shearing, and/or fracturing when they are subjected to forces caused by moving the component relative to poured concrete. Using such structures, post-pour fixture adjustability that may not otherwise exist is preserved. Similar covers can also be useful in the installation of fire stops and nearly any other fixture type into concrete walls and floors.

Referring now to, a linear drain assemblyaccording to the disclosure is provided. The linear drain assemblycan be a trench drain having a channel-shaped body, for example. Mounting flangescan be formed atop the body, which can receive a cover assembly. The cover assemblycan include a coverand a movable component—such as structures—that can be removably received on the coverand the bodyto help protect the channel-shaped bodyfrom concrete and other debris during installation of the drain assemblyinto a concrete surface, for example.

Looking specifically at, the structure of the cover assemblyand the interplay between the coverand the movable component in the form of example collapsible structuresis shown. The coverincludes a generally flat, rectangular upper surface. Legsextend downwardly (e.g., approximately perpendicularly) away from the upper surfacetoward mounting feet. The mounting feetcan extend away from the legsapproximately parallel to the upper surface, for example. Bracescan extend between the mounting feetand the legsto support the mounting feetwhen the cover assemblyis removed from the bodyafter the surrounding floor has been set.

In some embodiments, a channelis formed through the upper surfaceand extends generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis X-X of the cover(shown as a dash-dot-dash line in). When the collapsible structuresare coupled to the cover, a lifting armof the collapsible structurecan extend inwardly into the channel. Box-shaped notchescan be formed through the upper surfaceas well, which can receive tabsformed in and extending inwardly away from the collapsible structure. The box-shaped notchescan include slotsthat can receive fingersformed on the tabsof the collapsible structure. As shown in, the underside of the covercan include a plurality of reinforcing wallsextending beneath the upper surface.

Looking specifically at, the example collapsible structuresare shown. The collapsible structurescan include an inner walland an outer wallseparated by and coupled to ribs. The ribscan have a generally L-shape, for example, as the outer wallmay be defined by a height that is larger than a height of the inner wall. In some embodiments, the ribsangle outwardly away from the lifting armas the ribs extend from the outer wallto the inner wall. Tabsextend away from the inner wall, and can have a rectangular box-like shape. The tabscan each include a fingerextending away from the tab, which can be snap-fit into the slotsformed in the cover. A lifting armcan extend inwardly away from the outer wallbeyond the inner wall.