Shower Drain Assemblies

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/497,583, filed Oct. 30, 2023, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/587,279, filed Oct. 2, 2023, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above-referenced applications.

Water receptacles, such as shower pans, generally include a drain port located at their lowermost point. The drain port is interconnected to a drain pipe through which wastewater flows. Drain components connect the drain pipe with aesthetic fixtures that contribute to the look and feel of a bathroom. After installation of drain components, a pressure test is performed to determine if the components have formed a proper seal about the drain pipe.

It is with respect to this general technical environment that aspects of the present technology disclosed herein have been contemplated. Furthermore, although a general environment is discussed, it should be understood that the examples described herein should not be limited to the general environment identified herein.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In an aspect, the present application relates to a shower drain assembly, comprising: a shower drain comprising: an upper opening; a lower opening; a ledge having an upper surface and being substantially concentric with the upper opening and the lower opening of the shower drain; and inside threading; a retaining ring comprising a plurality of angled teeth, and wherein the retaining ring is configured to rest on the upper surface of the ledge of the shower drain; and a sealing ring assembly, the sealing ring assembly comprising: a test membrane; outside threading configured to couple to the inside threading of the shower drain; a plurality of grooves substantially concentric with the upper opening and the lower opening of the shower drain, each configured to receive an O-ring; an inside cylindrical surface; an outside cylindrical surface; and an opening through the sealing ring assembly extending radially from the inside cylindrical surface to the outside cylindrical surface, wherein a lower surface of the sealing ring assembly is configured to contact the retaining ring when the sealing ring assembly is threadingly mated to the shower drain.

In some examples, the sealing ring assembly further comprises a lower opening configured to receive a pipe, and wherein when the sealing ring assembly is threadingly mated with the shower drain, there is a first gap between the top of the pipe and the test membrane of the sealing ring assembly.

In some examples, the pipe comprises a cylindrical outside surface, and wherein when the sealing ring assembly is threadingly mated with the shower drain, there is a second gap between the cylindrical outside surface of the pipe and at least a portion of the inside cylindrical surface of the sealing ring assembly.

In some examples, the inside cylindrical surface of the sealing ring assembly is divided into a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is radially offset from the second surface, and wherein the second gap is between the cylindrical outside surface of the pipe and the first surface of the inside cylindrical surface of the sealing ring assembly.

In some examples, the shower drain assembly further comprises a plurality of O-rings, wherein the plurality of O-rings comprises a first-O-ring configured to contact the shower drain and the sealing ring assembly to create a first seal, and a second O-ring configured to contact the pipe and the sealing ring assembly to create a second seal.

In some examples, the pipe comprises a cylindrical outside surface, and wherein the opening, at the inside cylindrical surface of the sealing ring assembly, is fluidly coupled with an inside of the pipe via the first gap and via a second gap between the cylindrical outside surface of the pipe and at least a portion of the inside cylindrical surface of the sealing ring assembly.

In some examples, the opening, at the outside cylindrical surface of the sealing ring assembly, is located between two of the grooves, including at least one outwardly facing groove and at least one inwardly facing groove.

In some examples, the sealing ring assembly comprises one or more holds.

In some examples, the sealing ring assembly has a lower surface at an angle that is substantially a same angle as the plurality of angled teeth.

In another aspect, the present application relates to a sealing ring assembly for a shower drain, the sealing ring assembly comprising: a test membrane covering an upper opening of the sealing ring assembly; a plurality of grooves, each substantially concentric with the upper opening of the sealing ring, and each configured to receive an O-ring; an inside cylindrical surface; an outside cylindrical surface; and an opening through the sealing ring extending radially from the inside cylindrical surface to the outside cylindrical surface, wherein the opening fluidly connects the inside cylindrical surface to the outside cylindrical surface.

In some examples, the inside cylindrical surface of the sealing ring assembly is divided into a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the first surface is radially offset from the second surface.

In some examples, the opening, at the outside cylindrical surface of the sealing ring assembly, is located between two of the grooves, including at least one outwardly facing groove and at least one inwardly facing groove.

In some examples, the sealing ring assembly comprises one or more holds.

In some examples, the sealing ring assembly comprises outside threading.

In some examples, the sealing ring assembly further comprises a lower surface at an angle configured to frictionally contact a plurality of angled teeth of a retaining ring, the angle of the lower surface having substantially a same angle as the plurality of angled teeth.

In another aspect, the present application relates to a shower drain assembly, comprising: a shower drain comprising: an inside lower cylindrical surface; and inside threading adjacent to the inside lower cylindrical surface; a gasket having a substantially cylindrical shape, the gasket configured to fit inside the shower drain and configured to contact the inside lower cylindrical surface of the shower drain, and the gasket comprising an upper surface; and a compression ring assembly configured to fit inside the shower drain, the compression ring assembly comprising: a test membrane covering an upper opening of the compression ring assembly, wherein the test membrane is longitudinally offset from the gasket; and outside threading configured to couple to the inside threading of the shower drain, wherein when the outside threading is coupled to the inside threading of the shower drain, a lower surface of the compression ring assembly is configured to contact the upper surface of the gasket.

In some examples, the shower drain further comprises a lower opening, wherein a top of a pipe is configured to fit inside the lower opening of the shower drain and through the gasket, and wherein when the outside threading is coupled to the inside threading of the shower drain, the test membrane is longitudinally offset from the top of the pipe.

In some examples, the gasket comprises an inside surface, and wherein the inside surface of the gasket comprises a plurality of concentric grooves, wherein each groove is longitudinally offset from one another.

In some examples, the compression ring assembly comprises one or more holds.

In some examples, the lower surface of the compression ring assembly is configured to contact the upper surface of the gasket at an angle so that, when the compression ring assembly is threadingly mated to the shower drain, the upper surface of the gasket is deflected radially inward.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following Detailed Description are explanatory and are intended to provide further aspects and examples of the disclosure as claimed.

While examples of the disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific aspects have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention is not to limit the scope of the disclosure to the particular aspects described. On the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure and the appended claims.

As discussed briefly above, water receptacles, such as showers, generally include a drain port located at their lowermost point. The drain port is interconnected to a drain pipe or piping through which wastewater flows. During installation of drain components, a pressure test is performed to determine if the components have formed a proper seal about the drain pipe.

In particular, after a drain assembly is installed, the drain assembly may be pressure-tested to determine if the components of the drain assembly are properly sealed. In some situations, a membrane is used to perform this test. A fluid (e.g., water, air) may be forced through a pipe to the drain assembly for contact with the test membrane. Seals at different parts of the drain assembly are tested for fluid leaks. However, some parts of the drain assembly are not currently tested, or are not sufficiently tested, for sealing. Additionally, some drain assemblies may require caulking, which may introduce blockages, unsightly appearances, difficulty of removal, potential health risks, and may be a temporary solution, among other issues.

According to examples described herein, a shower drain assembly may include a shower drain, a retaining ring, and a sealing ring assembly. The retaining ring may fit inside the shower drain, and the sealing ring assembly may fit inside the shower drain and on top of the retaining ring. A test membrane may cover the top of the sealing ring assembly for fluid pressure testing of the shower drain assembly. The sealing ring assembly may receive O-rings designed to create seals between the sealing ring assembly and the shower drain, and between the sealing ring assembly and a pipe fitted inside the shower drain assembly. An opening (e.g., a duct) may provide a pathway for fluid provided to an outside surface of the sealing ring assembly to test seals (e.g., O-ring seals) between the shower drain and the sealing ring assembly.

In some other examples, a shower drain assembly may include a shower drain, a gasket, and a compression ring assembly. The gasket may fit inside the shower drain, and the compression ring assembly may fit inside the shower drain and on top of the gasket. A test membrane may cover the top of the sealing ring assembly for fluid pressure testing of the shower drain assembly.

The shower drain assemblies described herein may allow for fluid pressure testing of shower drain and pipe assemblies. Some shower drain assemblies described herein may allow for fluid pressure testing of areas of the shower drain assembly not previously tested. Some shower drain assemblies described herein may not require caulking, mitigating the negative effects of caulking previously discussed.

show diagrams illustrating shower drain assemblywith multiple components.illustrates shower drain assemblysecured about a shower panand with the test membrane removed. Shower panmay be composed of a variety of materials, such as plastic, ceramic, or metal. Design modifications to the disclosed systems may also be made to adapt the drain assemblyto be secured about a tile shower or other securing surface other than shower pan. With regard toand, repeated discussion of similar features will be omitted for brevity.

shows an exploded view of one or more components for the drain assemblies of.show components of the exploded view of. Repeated discussion of similar features will be omitted for brevity.

Referring concurrently to, shower drain assemblymay include shower drain. When the shower drainis secured about a shower pan, the securing surfacecomprising the underside of the flangemay be positioned to exert a force downward onto a top surface of the shower pan. The top surfaceof the flangemay be exposed above the shower pan. As shown, the top surfacecomprises a ring with an exterior diameter and an interior diameter. A threaded portionof the shower drainextends below the securing surfacedownward opposite the top surfaceof the flange. The threaded portionis sized and shaped (e.g., having an appropriate external thread diameter of the threaded portion) to extend through a hole in the shower pan (e.g., a drain port) and thread into the internal threadsof the receptor. The internal diameter of the internal threadsof the receptorare configured to cooperate with the external threads of the threaded portionto secure the shower drainto the shower pan. The shower drainmay include an upper openingand a lower opening. The cavity formed through shower drainmay be substantially cylindrical. Shower drainmay also include internal threading. Shower drainmay include an internal cylindrical surfaceadjacent to threading. The cross section of cylindrical surfacemay be substantially concentric with the upper openingand/or lower opening. Shower drainmay include a ledgeprotruding inwards of the cylindrical surface. Ledgemay be adjacent to cylindrical surface. Ledgemay include a surfacesubstantially perpendicular to cylindrical surface. Surfacemay be adjacent to cylindrical surface. Ledgemay include an internal diameter equal to or greater than an outside diameterof pipe. The ledgemay be configured to frictionally contact pipe. Pipemay be constructed from a material such as plastics polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

Shower drain assemblymay include a retaining ring. Retaining ringmay include a substantially flat portion, which may include a top surfaceand a bottom surface. In some examples, a diameter of retaining ring(e.g., any diameter of retaining ring, for example, an outside diameter of retaining ring, or an inside diameter of retaining ring) may be greater than outside diameterof pipe. Retaining ringmay include one or more angled teeth. Angled teethmay be at an angle (e.g., an obtuse angle) to flat portion. In some examples, angled teethmay face substantially inwards of the retaining ring. In some other examples, retaining ringmay include one or more grooves (e.g., defining the negative space of the angled teeth). Each of the one or more grooves may begin from the inside diameter of the retaining ringand extend outward to the outside diameter of the retaining ring. Each of the grooves may include a circular groove at the termination point of the groove. When the retaining ringis installed in the shower drain assembly, and the shower drain assembly is installed about a pipe, angled teethmay be in contact with pipe. For example, angled teethmay restrict longitudinal movement of pipeby frictionally gripping onto pipe. Retaining ringmay be in contact with ledgeof shower drain. For example, when installed, bottom surfaceof retaining ringmay be in contact with surfaceof ledge.

Shower drain assemblymay include a scaling ring assembly. Scaling ring assemblymay include a membraneto prevent fluid flow through the shower drain assembly. The membranemay be coupled (e.g., removably coupled) to the sealing ring assemblyto facilitate pressure testing of the shower drain assemblyafter installation about the shower pan. The membranemay be composed of a flexible or elastomeric material, such as PVC, ABS, or the like. In some examples, the membranemay have a thickness less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, or less than 1 mm. Membranemay couple to sealing ring assemblyto cover an upper opening of the sealing ring assembly, as shown. The coupling may secure the membraneto the sealing ring assemblyuntil removal of the membraneis required or desired (e.g., after pressure testing). In some examples, the membranemay be coupled to the sealing ring assemblyvia a variety of mechanisms, such as with friction, with an adhesive, using sonic welding, or other mechanism or combination of mechanisms for coupling the membranewith the sealing ring assembly. In some examples, sealing ring assemblyand membranemay be made from a same material, may form a single integrated part (e.g., may be made as one piece), or both. For example, sealing ring assemblyand membranemay be plastic molded as a single integrated part (e.g., with a groove/break line) to be broken apart once a pressure test is complete.

Describing an example where a membraneis frictionally coupled to the sealing ring assembly, the frictional coupling may be based on a thickness of the membrane. For instance, a membraneof greater thickness may frictionally engage with the sealing ring assemblyif the thickness of the membraneprovides stiffness sufficient to prevent the membranefrom being pushed through the sealing ring assemblyduring a pressure test.

In a different example, a membranemay be coupled to the sealing ring assemblywith an adhesive (e.g., liquid, paste, film, tape, etc.). The adhesive may allow for the membraneto decouple from the sealing ring assemblyunder certain strain. For instance, an adhesive bond between the membraneand the sealing ring assemblymay break when a force exceeding a threshold (e.g., a force greater than that applied during a pressure test) is applied to the membrane. In another instance, an adhesive bond between the membraneand the sealing ring assemblymay weaken or release under a change in temperature (e.g., applying heat). Other strains may be applied to an adhesive to otherwise allow the membraneto be decoupled from the sealing ring assembly.

Alternatively, the membranemay be coupled to the sealing ring assemblyvia sonic welding. During sonic welding, the material of the membraneis solid-state welded with a high-frequency vibratory energy while the welded pieces are held together under pressure. Sonic welding produces a bond between the materials of the two welded components without melting the base material. In some examples, the membraneis sonically welded to the scaling ring assemblywith a horn applying a physical force and energy in the form of high-frequency vibrations to the membrane. Under the physical force (e.g., pressure) and energy exerted by the horn, the membraneforms a removable weld sealing ring assembly. Aspects of securing a membrane to an overflow system are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,241, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Regarding pressure testing of the membrane, a different force is applied to the membranedepending on the surface area of the membrane. For example, a pressure test of 22 pounds per square inch (PSI) on a 2-inch diameter membraneexerts approximately 69 pounds of force on the membrane. Alternatively, the same pressure test of 22 PSI on a 2.5-inch diameter membraneexerts approximatelypounds of force on the membrane. To sustain greater forces, the membranemay be required or desired to be coupled to the scaling ring assemblyon an underside of a lipof the sealing ring assembly, during a pressure test. In an example, membranestested at approximately 22 PSI with thicknesses less than 1 mm may be coupled to the underside of the lipwhen the diameter of the membraneis greater than 2 inches, greater than 2.1 inches, greater than 2.2 inches, greater than 2.3 inches, greater than 2.4 inches, etc.

The membranecan be removed from the sealing ring assembly(e.g., after pressure testing the installed drain assembly) with a force opposite the direction of the coupling (e.g., friction, adhesive, sonic weld, etc.). In the example shown, the membranemay be removed with a force in a downward direction toward the interior cavity of the sealing ring assembly(e.g., a force opposite in direction of the top surfaceof the shower drain). If the membraneis removed when the shower drain assemblyis installed, a downward force onto the membranemay release the coupling (e.g., friction, adhesive, sonic weld, etc.) and the membranemay fall into the interior cavity of the sealing ring assembly. A membranethat is no longer coupled to the sealing ring assemblymay be grasped and removed from the drain assembly with a tool, such as pliers, or by hand.

Scaling ring assemblymay include one or more groovesconfigured to receive one or more corresponding O-rings. O-ringsmay create a seal between adjacent or nearly adjacent surfaces. For example, O-ring-may create a seal between cylindrical surfaceof the shower drainand the surface(s) of groove-, and thus a seal between shower drainand sealing ring assembly. In some other examples, O-ring-may create a seal between outside surfaceof pipeand the surface(s) of groove-, and thus a seal between pipeand sealing ring assembly. Three total O-rings, with two disposed on the outside of sealing ring assemblyand one disposed on the inside of sealing ring assembly, are illustrated, but other configurations may be contemplated with various numbers of O-ringsand various placement configurations of the O-rings. For example, four total O-ringsmay be used, with two outside and two inside for sealing ring assembly. It should be noted that inside cylindrical surfaceand outside cylindrical surfaceof sealing ring assemblymay be interrupted by one or more O-rings, but such surfaces may still be referred to as cylindrical.

Scaling ring assemblymay facilitate fluid leakage testing in various areas of the shower drain assembly. In examples an openingis provided in sealing ring assemblyto fluidly couple the inside cylindrical surfaceto the outside cylindrical surfaceof the sealing ring assembly. The openingmay comprise a through slot (or duct) formed in the scaling ring assemblybetween grooves-and-to facilitate leakage testing. For example, opening, at the inside cylindrical surface(e.g.,-or-, or both) of the scaling ring assembly, may be fluidly coupled with an inside of the pipevia a gapbetween the top of the pipeand the membraneand via a gapbetween the cylindrical outside surfaceof the pipeand at least a portion of the inside cylindrical surface-of the scaling ring assembly. For example, during pressure testing, fluid (such as air) may flow from pipethrough gapbetween membraneand the edge of pipe. Fluid may flow through gapbetween inside cylindrical surface-and the outside cylindrical surfaceof pipe. Fluid may flow from inside cylindrical surface-of the scaling ring assemblythrough openingto outside cylindrical surfaceof the sealing ring assembly. In this way, the seals of O-ringsmay be tested, including O-rings on the exterior of sealing ring assembly(such as O-rings-and-) and O-rings on the interior of sealing ring assembly(such as O-ring-). When outside threadingof sealing ring assemblyis fully coupled with inside threadingof shower drainsuch that the sealing ring assemblypresses against retaining ringon ledge), there may be gapbetween test membraneand pipe. That is, the test membranemay be longitudinally offset from the top of the pipe.

In some examples, inside cylindrical surface-of sealing ring assemblymay be offset from inside cylindrical surface-of sealing ring assemblyby the distance of gapor by some other distance, allowing for fluid to flow through gap(e.g., when the outside threadingof the sealing ring assemblyis coupled with the inside threadingof the shower drain). Inside cylindrical surface-may be radially offset outwardly from inside cylindrical surface-. That is, the diameter of a cross section of inside cylindrical surface-may be greater than the diameter of a cross section of inside cylindrical surface-. In some other examples, inside cylindrical surfaces-and-may not be radially offset (e.g., their cross sections may have the same diameter), and gapmay still exist between outside surfaceof pipeand inside cylindrical surface-. In other examples, the inside cylindrical surface-of sealing ring assemblyis of substantially the same diameter as the inside cylindrical surface-of sealing ring assembly, and the gapis maintained by the amount the O-ring-protrudes out of groove-

Sealing ring assemblymay include a lower surface. At least a portion of the lower surfacemay be angled, for example, at substantially the same angle as that of the angled teethof retaining ring. Lower surfacemay be configured to frictionally contact retaining ring(e.g., the flat portion of the lower surfacemay contact the top surfaceof the flat portionof the retaining ring, and the angled portion of the lower surfacemay contact the one or more angled teeth). For example, when outside threadingof the sealing ring assemblyis coupled with the inside threadingof shower drain, the lower surfaceof the scaling ring assemblymay be configured to contact the top surfaceof the retaining ring.

Scaling ring assemblymay include one or more additional features. For example, scaling ring assembly may include external threading, which may couple with internal threadingof shower drain. In some other examples, sealing ring assemblymay include one or more tabs(e.g., holds). Tab(s)may function as a grip for use by a tool or hands to screw sealing ring assemblyinto or out of shower drain. The tab(s)may facilitate rotation of the sealing ring assemblyto secure to the shower drainand thus may facilitate installation of the shower drain assembly. Tab(s)may be configured to engage a variety of tools readily available to drain installers. For example, tab(s)may be configured to engage handles of a pliers wrench, pliers, or any tool that includes two handles. A tool may be rotated to exert force on the tabsto cause rotation of the sealing ring assembly. Additional torque may be provided to rotate the tool by using a second tool, such as a screwdriver, as a lever to rotate the tool. Although two tabs are shown, any number of tabsis appreciated. Example tabs, among other components, are discussed in U.S. Patent Pub. No. US-2023-0122714 entitled “Shower Drain and Protective Cover,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Compressible sealmay be constructed of a compressible material, such as rubber. The material of compressible sealprovides a water-tight seal between receptorand shower panwhen the drain assemblyis secured to shower pan. The compression of the material of compressible seal, when compressed against shower pan, also provides a frictional force to secure drain assemblyabout shower pan.

The friction gasketis composed of an elastomeric material, such as PVC and/or ABS. In an example, the friction gasketmay have a thickness less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, or less than 1 mm. In a specific example, the friction gasketmay have a thickness of approximately 0.020 inches +/−0.003 inches. The friction gasketmay provide a friction barrier between the receptorand the compressible sealto mitigate friction on the friction gasketwhen the receptormoves or rotates. For example, the friction gasketmay be rotatable relative to the receptor. Continuing this example, when tightening or securing components of the drain assemblyabout shower pan, the friction gasketmay reduce bunching and/or pinching of the compressible sealby reducing friction between the receptorand the compressible seal. Thus, the friction gasketaids in maintaining the integrity of the compressible sealfor proper sealing of the drain assembly about a shower pan.

In examples, during assembly, pipeis set into the floor, and a user may put shower drainon the shower panand screw in receptor(and compressible sealand friction gasketwith receptor) up to clamp onto shower pan. The user may then drop shower pandown onto pipeso that shower drainfits over pipe, place retaining ringbetween pipeand shower drain, and screw in sealing ring assemblybetween shower drainand pipe.

It should be noted that separate, discrete components described herein may be combined to form one or more integrated components, or integrated components may be manufactured as separate components. For example, retaining ringand sealing ring assemblymay be manufactured as one integrated component. In another example, gasketand compression ring assemblymay be manufactured as one integrated component. Many various combinations of combined and discrete components are contemplated and possible.