Method and Associated Apparatus for Assembling and Testing a Plumbing System
First Claim
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1. A plumbing system for interconnection with a bathtub that has an overflow port and a drain port, comprising:
- an overflow assembly for interconnection with the overflow port that includes;
an overflow pipe including an upper and a lower end;
an elbow between said upper end and said lower end, said upper end being adapted to fit completely through the overflow port and having threads;
a lip extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the overflow pipe between said elbow and said upper end that is adapted to engage an outer surface of the bathtub adjacent to the overflow port;
a nut element associated with said overflow pipe adapted to secure said overflow pipe to the end of the bathtub wherein a wall of the bathtub is positioned between said lip and said nut element, said nut element comprising threads compatible with said threads of said upper end and said nut element having a plurality of lugs extending radially from said nut element;
a cap selectively interconnected to said nut element; and
a waste water insert for selective engagement with a strainer that is associated with a wastewater drain assembly.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system is provided for enhancing the interconnectability of a bathtub to a plumbing system. More specifically, provided is a flexible conduit and an overflow assembly that allows for a portion of the overflow assembly to be easily located with the wall of a bathtub. The flexible conduit provided allows for adjustability of the conduit to the openings of the bathtub. In addition, provided are methods and apparatus that facilitate testing of a plumbing assembly. Finally, an apparatus and methods are provided that protect portions of the finished bathtub assembly to decrease in the need for replacing said hardware. It is envisioned that aspects and inventions disclosed herein can be used in conjunction to facilitate the interconnection and protection of hardware associated with a bathtub.
23 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A plumbing system for interconnection with a bathtub that has an overflow port and a drain port, comprising:
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an overflow assembly for interconnection with the overflow port that includes; an overflow pipe including an upper and a lower end; an elbow between said upper end and said lower end, said upper end being adapted to fit completely through the overflow port and having threads; a lip extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the overflow pipe between said elbow and said upper end that is adapted to engage an outer surface of the bathtub adjacent to the overflow port; a nut element associated with said overflow pipe adapted to secure said overflow pipe to the end of the bathtub wherein a wall of the bathtub is positioned between said lip and said nut element, said nut element comprising threads compatible with said threads of said upper end and said nut element having a plurality of lugs extending radially from said nut element; a cap selectively interconnected to said nut element; and a waste water insert for selective engagement with a strainer that is associated with a wastewater drain assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A plumbing system for interconnection with a bathtub that has an overflow port and a drain port, comprising:
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an overflow assembly for interconnection with the overflow port, said overflow assembly comprising; an overflow port having a flange, said overflow port associated with a threaded portion extending from said flange, said threaded portion adapted to pass through a wall of the bathtub and to be at least partially positioned within the bathtub; a means for preventing fluid flow through said overflow port that is associated with said threaded portion, said means for preventing fluid flow sealing an outer end of said threaded portion; a nut, having a threaded center opening, threadably mounted on said threaded portion of said overflow port, said nut being adapted to secure said flange to the wall of the bathtub by exerting pressure towards said flange; and said nut having an outer periphery with a series of radially extending lugs which detachably engage an inner surface of a cap which fits over said nut; and a wastewater drain assembly for interconnection to the drain port. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A plumbing system for interconnection with a bathtub that has an overflow port and a drain port, comprising:
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an overflow pipe comprising; an upper end portion and a lower end portion with an elbow portion positioned therebetween, said upper end portion having threads and defining a fluid inlet; wherein said overflow pipe further comprises a lip that extends radially outwardly from an outer surface of said overflow pipe, said lip spaced from said fluid inlet and positioned between said elbow portion and said upper end portion; a sealing element associated with said upper end portion that closes said fluid inlet to fluid flow; a nut element having threads compatible with said threads of said overflow pipe, said nut element having a series of retention lugs spaced about a longitudinal axis defined by said nut element, there being gaps between successive lugsat least one lug extending radially therefrom; and a cap detachably associated with said series of retention lugs at least one lug and covering at least a portion of said nut a wastewater drain assembly for interconnection to the drain port, said drain assembly including a drain pipe having an upper end with an annular flange that rests on a bottom wall of the bathtub, and a means for locking slidingly mounted over said drain pipe that is adapted to be tightened to secure said means for locking against a lower surface of the bottom wall of the bathtub. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification
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Current AssigneeWCM Industries Incorporated
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Original AssigneeWCM Industries Incorporated
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InventorsBall, William T.
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Granted Patent
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Time in Patent OfficeDays
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Field of Search
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US Class Current4/680
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CPC Class CodesE03C 1/24 Overflow devices for basins...
