NZ732779B - Overflow cap and assembly - Google Patents
Overflow cap and assemblyInfo
- Publication number
- NZ732779B NZ732779B NZ732779A NZ73277917A NZ732779B NZ 732779 B NZ732779 B NZ 732779B NZ 732779 A NZ732779 A NZ 732779A NZ 73277917 A NZ73277917 A NZ 73277917A NZ 732779 B NZ732779 B NZ 732779B
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- overflow
- overflow pipe
- cap
- main portion
- threaded end
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000002093 peripheral Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 61
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 22
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 30
- 238000009428 plumbing Methods 0.000 abstract description 13
- 238000003287 bathing Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000037250 Clearance Effects 0.000 description 1
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004676 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003466 anti-cipated Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035512 clearance Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001808 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002351 wastewater Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/12—Plumbing installations for waste water; Basins or fountains connected thereto; Sinks
- E03C1/24—Overflow devices for basins or baths
- E03C1/244—Separate devices to be placed on the outlet opening
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/12—Plumbing installations for waste water; Basins or fountains connected thereto; Sinks
- E03C1/26—Object-catching inserts or similar devices for waste pipes or outlets
Abstract
Modern residential, commercial, and industrial buildings often have plumbing fixtures that are intended to receive and/or hold water for washing or bathing. Pipes that are connected to the drain of the fixture may be fully or partially plugged, either intentionally (for bathing purposes) or accidentally (such as due to a plumbing blockage). In such cases, the water being dispensed may be flowing at a rate that is faster than the rate at which the water is draining through the primary drain, or is filling beyond a desired level. This problematic scenario may cause the fixture to overflow. Additionally, overflow holes in walls of fixtures can be unsightly. In accordance with the present invention, an overflow assembly is configured to engage an overflow pipe, and includes an overflow cap. The overflow cap has a main portion defining an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the outer surface is configured to be visible to a user in an installed position in which the overflow cap is engaged with an overflow pipe. The overflow cap also has a peripheral extension extending transversely from a periphery of the main portion and configured to extend towards a wall through which the overflow pipe is engaged, wherein the peripheral extension defines at least one opening configured to receive overflow liquid. At least one engagement tab extends from the inner surface of the main portion of the overflow cap and away from the inner and outer surfaces, wherein the at least one engagement tab is spaced inwardly from the peripheral extension. A locking ring is also provided that has a threaded inner surface configured to be threaded onto an externally threaded end of the overflow pipe, wherein the locking ring is configured to secure the overflow pipe with respect to the wall. The overflow cap is configured to be pressed onto the externally threaded end of the overflow pipe following engagement of the locking ring with the overflow pipe, and wherein the overflow cap is configured to engage the externally threaded end of the overflow pipe via the at least one engagement tab. ally (such as due to a plumbing blockage). In such cases, the water being dispensed may be flowing at a rate that is faster than the rate at which the water is draining through the primary drain, or is filling beyond a desired level. This problematic scenario may cause the fixture to overflow. Additionally, overflow holes in walls of fixtures can be unsightly. In accordance with the present invention, an overflow assembly is configured to engage an overflow pipe, and includes an overflow cap. The overflow cap has a main portion defining an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the outer surface is configured to be visible to a user in an installed position in which the overflow cap is engaged with an overflow pipe. The overflow cap also has a peripheral extension extending transversely from a periphery of the main portion and configured to extend towards a wall through which the overflow pipe is engaged, wherein the peripheral extension defines at least one opening configured to receive overflow liquid. At least one engagement tab extends from the inner surface of the main portion of the overflow cap and away from the inner and outer surfaces, wherein the at least one engagement tab is spaced inwardly from the peripheral extension. A locking ring is also provided that has a threaded inner surface configured to be threaded onto an externally threaded end of the overflow pipe, wherein the locking ring is configured to secure the overflow pipe with respect to the wall. The overflow cap is configured to be pressed onto the externally threaded end of the overflow pipe following engagement of the locking ring with the overflow pipe, and wherein the overflow cap is configured to engage the externally threaded end of the overflow pipe via the at least one engagement tab.
Description
OVERFLOW CAP AND ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to overflow assemblies, such as
assemblies that are coupled to overflow pipes for preventing overflow of plumbing
fixtures such as bathtubs and sinks.
BACKGROUND
Modern residential, commercial, and industrial buildings often have plumbing
fixtures that are intended to receive and/or hold water for washing or bathing various
objects, people, and/or animals. Such fixtures include bathtubs, sinks, basins, and others.
In some cases, such a fixture may be intended to hold a certain amount of water for a
length of time to allow a user to immerse an object in the water. In other cases, the
fixture serves as an area for receiving the water as it passes from a faucet or other water
dispensing fixture to a drain, so as to prevent the water and/or the waste water that is
produced as the user makes use of the water from reaching the surroundings.
In some cases, pipes that are connected to the drain of the fixture may be fully
or partially plugged, either intentionally (such as through the use of a stopper when the
user wishes to take a bath) or accidentally (such as due to a plumbing blockage). In such
cases, the water being dispensed may be flowing at a rate that is faster than the rate at
which the water is draining through the primary drain. This scenario may cause the
fixture (e.g., the bathtub, sink, etc.) to overflow.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
Thus, there is a need for improved devices and assemblies for preventing
overflow in an easy-to-install, effective, cost-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing manner.
Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide an overflow
assembly configured to engage an overflow pipe, where the overflow assembly includes
an overflow cap and a locking ring. The overflow cap includes a main portion defining
an outer surface and an inner surface, where the outer surface is configured to be visible
to a user in an installed position in which the overflow cap is engaged with an overflow
pipe. The overflow cap further includes a peripheral extension extending transversely
from a periphery of the main portion and configured to extend towards a wall through
which the overflow pipe is engaged, and at least one engagement tab extending from the
inner surface of the main portion and away from the inner and outer surfaces, where the
at least one engagement tab is spaced inwardly from the peripheral extension. The
peripheral extension defines at least one opening configured to be in fluid communication
with the overflow pipe for receiving overflow liquid therethrough. The locking ring
comprises a threaded inner surface configured to be threaded onto an externally threaded
end of the overflow pipe, and the locking ring is configured to secure the overflow pipe
with respect to the wall. The overflow cap is configured to be pressed onto the externally
threaded end of the overflow pipe following engagement of the locking ring with the
overflow pipe, and the overflow cap is further configured to engage the externally
threaded end of the overflow pipe via the at least one engagement tab.
In some cases, the at least one engagement tab of the overflow cap may define
an outward-facing surface facing the peripheral extension and an inward-facing surface
facing away from the peripheral extension, where the inward-facing surface defines a
plurality of teeth configured to slidingly engage the externally threaded end of the
overflow pipe. Moreover, the overflow cap may be configured to be disengaged from the
externally threaded end of the overflow pipe via rotation of the overflow cap with respect
to the overflow pipe. The at least one engagement tab, in some embodiments, may
comprise a plurality of engagement tabs. In some embodiments, the peripheral extension
may define at least two openings configured to be in fluid communication with the
overflow pipe for receiving overflow liquid therethrough.
Additionally or alternatively, the overflow cap may further comprise at least
one spacer extending from the inner surface of the main portion and away from the inner
and outer surfaces, where the spacer is configured to abut an edge of the externally
threaded end of the overflow pipe in the installed position so as to maintain a space
between the inner surface of the main portion and the edge of the externally threaded end
of the overflow pipe. In some cases, the main portion of the overflow cap may further
define at least one slot extending between the inner and outer surfaces of the main
portion, wherein the at least one slot is in fluid communication with the overflow pipe.
Moreover, the locking ring may comprise an outer surface defining a plurality of grooves
configured to provide a gripping surface to the user for installing the locking ring onto
the overflow pipe.
In other embodiments, an overflow cap is provided that configured to engage
an overflow pipe. The overflow cap comprises a main portion defining an outer surface
and an inner surface, wherein the outer surface is configured to be visible to a user in an
installed position in which the overflow cap is engaged with an overflow pipe; a
peripheral extension extending transversely from a periphery of the main portion and
configured to extend towards a wall through which the overflow pipe is engaged, wherein
the peripheral extension defines at least one opening configured to be in fluid
communication with the overflow pipe for receiving overflow liquid therethrough; and at
least one engagement tab extending from the inner surface of the main portion and away
from the inner and outer surfaces, wherein the at least one engagement tab is spaced
inwardly from the peripheral extension. The overflow cap is configured to be pressed
onto a threaded end of the overflow pipe and is configured to engage the threaded end of
the overflow pipe via the at least one engagement tab.
In some cases, the at least one engagement tab may define an outward-facing
surface facing the peripheral extension and an inward-facing surface facing away from
the peripheral extension, wherein the inward-facing surface defines a plurality of teeth
configured to slidingly engage the threaded end of the overflow pipe. The overflow cap
may be configured to be disengaged from the threaded end of the overflow pipe via
rotation of the overflow cap with respect to the overflow pipe. In some cases, the at least
one engagement tab may comprise a plurality of engagement tabs.
The peripheral extension may, in some embodiments, define at least two
openings configured to be in fluid communication with the overflow pipe for receiving
overflow liquid therethrough. Additionally or alternatively, the overflow cap may further
comprise at least one spacer extending from the inner surface of the main portion and
away from the inner and outer surfaces, wherein the spacer is configured to abut an edge
of the threaded end of the overflow pipe in the installed position so as to maintain a space
between the inner surface of the main portion and the edge of the threaded end of the
overflow pipe. The main portion may, in some cases, further define at least one slot
extending between the inner and outer surfaces of the main portion in fluid
communication with the overflow pipe.
In still other embodiments, a method of manufacturing an overflow cap is
provided that comprises forming a main portion defining an outer surface and an inner
surface, wherein the outer surface is configured to be visible to a user in an installed
position in which the overflow cap is engaged with an overflow pipe; providing a
peripheral extension extending transversely from a periphery of the main portion and
configured to extend towards a wall through which the overflow pipe is engaged, wherein
the peripheral extension defines at least one opening configured to be in fluid
communication with the overflow pipe for receiving overflow liquid therethrough; and
defining at least one engagement tab extending from the inner surface of the main portion
and away from the inner and outer surfaces, wherein the at least one engagement tab is
spaced inwardly from the peripheral extension. The overflow cap is configured to be
pressed onto a threaded end of the overflow pipe and is configured to engage the threaded
end of the overflow pipe via the at least one engagement tab.
In some embodiments, defining the at least one engagement tab comprises
defining an outward-facing surface facing the peripheral extension and an inward-facing
surface facing away from the peripheral extension. The method may further comprise
forming a plurality of teeth in the inward-facing surface that are configured to slidingly
engage the threaded end of the overflow pipe. The overflow cap may be configured to be
disengaged from the threaded end of the overflow pipe via rotation of the overflow cap
with respect to the overflow pipe. In some cases, defining the at least one engagement
tab may comprise defining a plurality of engagement tabs.
The method may further comprise forming at least one spacer extending from
the inner surface of the main portion and away from the inner and outer surfaces, wherein
the spacer is configured to abut an edge of the threaded end of the overflow pipe in the
installed position so as to maintain a space between the inner surface of the main portion
and the edge of the threaded end of the overflow pipe. Additionally or alternatively, the
method may further comprise defining at least one slot in the main portion extending
between the inner and outer surfaces, wherein the at least one slot is in fluid
communication with the overflow pipe in the installed position
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be
made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and
wherein:
is a perspective view of the outer surface of an overflow cap in the
installed position according to an embodiment of the present invention;
is a perspective view of the outer surface of an overflow cap in the
installed position according to another embodiment of the present invention;
is a schematic cross-sectional view of an overflow assembly with an
overflow cap and a locking ring installed on an overflow pipe according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
is a perspective bottom view of the outer surface of an overflow cap
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
is a perspective view of the inner surface of an overflow cap according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
is a close-up view of an engagement tab and spacer of the overflow cap
according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
is a perspective view of a locking ring according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all,
embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, various embodiments of the invention
may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the
embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to
like elements throughout. Some components of the fixtures, couplings, piping,
surroundings, and associated systems are not shown in one or more of the figures for
clarity and to facilitate explanation of embodiments of the present invention.
As used herein, the terms “bottom,” “top,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,”
“exterior,” and/or similar terms are used for ease of explanation and refer generally to the
position of certain components or portions of the components of embodiments of the
described invention in the installed configuration (e.g., in an operational configuration,
such as installed in a plumbing fixture). It is understood that such terms are not used in
any absolute sense. Moreover, although the examples used below refer primarily to
overflow devices and assemblies for use in bathtubs, embodiments of the present
invention may further be applicable for preventing overflow of various other plumbing
fixtures (e.g., sinks, basins, etc.) and in other contexts.
Plumbing fixtures, such as bathtubs, that are configured to receive and/or hold
an amount of liquid (e.g., water) often include a primary drain and an overflow drain.
Using the example of bathtubs, the primary drain may be, for example, an opening in the
bottom or lowest point of the bathtub that is in fluid communication with a drainpipe,
through which the water is designed to flow out of the bathtub. The primary drain may
be designed to be plugged or stopped in some cases, such as by applying a cover onto the
drain or actuating a toggle or lever proximate the drain that closes the drain and precludes
or at least substantially limits the flow of water through the primary drain. The primary
drain may be plugged in this manner intentionally by the user, such as when the user
wishes to fill the bathtub up with water. In some cases, however, the primary drain
and/or drainpipe may become plugged unintentionally over time, such as due to an
accumulation of debris in the drain or drainpipe.
In either case, to prevent overflow of the water in the bathtub or other
plumbing fixture, an overflow pipe may be installed that is in fluid communication with
the drainpipe and with bathtub, such that if the water level in the bathtub reaches a certain
point, the water will no longer accumulate in the bathtub, but rather will be
communicated out of the bathtub via the overflow pipe.
Rather than provide an uncovered hole in the wall of the bathtub or other
plumbing fixture through which the water may pass once it reaches a certain level for
avoiding further accumulation of the water, through applied effort and ingenuity the
inventors have designed an aesthetically appealing and effective overflow cap and
assembly that is configured to fit over and engage an overflow pipe installed in the wall
of a bathtub or other plumbing fixture, as described in greater detail below with reference
to the figures.
Turning now to Fig. 1, for example, an overflow cap 10 is shown that is
installed on an overflow pipe 55 (shown in Fig. 3) through a wall 15 of the bathtub or
other plumbing fixture. In this regard, the overflow cap 10 includes a main portion 20
that is configured to cover the hole in the wall 15, such as for aesthetic reasons, once the
overflow cap is installed, as shown. The overflow cap 10 may further include a
peripheral extension 25 that extends transversely (e.g., in a perpendicular or nearly
perpendicular direction with respect to the main portion) from a periphery (e.g., an outer
edge) of the main portion 20. The peripheral extension 25 may be configured to extend
towards the wall 15 through which the overflow pipe is engaged, such that an edge 27 of
the peripheral extension 25 may come into abutting contact with, nearly abutting contact
with, or spaced from the wall 15.
As shown in Fig. 1, the main portion 10 may be configured to have a smooth,
sleek look, with a solid main portion structure, such that no water can pass through the
main portion. Rather, the peripheral extension 25 may be configured such that it defines
at least one opening 30 that is configured to be in fluid communication with the overflow
pipe for receiving overflow water therethrough. For example, in the depicted
embodiment as more clearly shown in Fig. 4, which provides a perspective bottom view
of the overflow cap 10, two openings 30 are defined in the peripheral extension 25. In
other embodiments, however, additional openings 30 may be defined in the peripheral
extension 25, such as three openings or four openings or more, and the openings may
have various shapes (e.g., rectangular, square, oval, circular, etc.) and sizes. Moreover,
although the openings 30 are shown as being provided in a bottom part of the peripheral
extension 25, in other cases the openings 30 may be on the sides, at the top, or at multiple
locations around the peripheral extension, depending on the application and/or the user’s
preferences.
Although in the embodiment depicted in Fig. 1 the main portion 20 is solid
and does not allow water to pass through, in other embodiments, such as the
embodiments depicted in Figs. 2 and 4-6, the main portion may define one or more slots
. For example, the main portion 20 may define an outer surface 21 (shown in Figs. 1
and 4) and an inner surface 22 (shown in Fig. 5). The outer surface 21 may be configured
to be visible to a user in an installed position (e.g., as shown in Figs. 1-2), in which the
overflow cap 10 is engaged with an overflow pipe, and the inner surface 22 may be
configured to be disposed proximate the overflow pipe in the installed position. In some
embodiments, at least one slot 35 may extend between the inner 22 and outer 21 surfaces
of the main portion 20, and, as such, the at least one slot 35 may be in fluid
communication with the overflow pipe in the installed position. Therefore, embodiments
of the overflow cap 10 that include one or more slots 35 in the main portion 20 may, for
example, be used in “high-flow” applications, in which a higher flow of water through
the overflow cap 10 is anticipated in an overflow scenario.
Regardless of the particular configuration of the main portion 20 (e.g.,
unslotted as shown in Fig. 1 or slotted as shown in Figs. 2 and 4-6), the overflow cap 10
may further include at least one engagement tab 40 extending from the inner surface 22
of the main portion 20 and away from the inner 22 and outer 21 surfaces, as shown in
Fig. 5. In this regard, the at least one engagement tab 40 may be spaced inwardly from
the peripheral extension 25, such that the at least one engagement tab 40 is positioned to
allow the overflow cap 10 to engage an externally threaded end of the overflow pipe via
the at least one engagement tab, such as through the user pressing the overflow cap 10
onto the externally threaded end of the overflow pipe.
With reference to Fig. 3, for example, which depicts a partial cross-sectional
view of an overflow assembly 50 with the overflow cap 10 in the installed position, the
overflow pipe 55 may be inserted through a hole 17 in the wall 15 during installation of
the assembly, such that the externally threaded end 60 of the overflow pipe extends
through the wall 15 and is able to be received by and engage the overflow assembly 50.
The overflow assembly 50 may thus include a locking ring 65 (also shown in Fig. 7) that
has a threaded inner surface 67 and is configured to be threaded onto the externally
threaded end 60 of the overflow pipe 55. Threading of the locking ring 65 onto the
threaded end 60 of the overflow pipe 55 is thus configured to secure the overflow pipe 55
with respect to the wall 15, such that the overflow cap 10 may be pressed onto the
threaded end 60 of the overflow pipe following engagement of the locking ring 65 with
the overflow pipe, and the overflow cap 10 may be engaged with the overflow pipe via
engagement of the engagement tabs 40 with the threaded end. For example, as illustrated
in Fig. 7, in some cases the locking ring 65 may comprise an outer surface 68 that defines
a plurality of grooves 69 configured to provide a gripping surface to the user for
installing the locking ring onto the overflow pipe. Moreover, in some embodiments, the
locking ring 65 may further define one or more transverse holes 70 that are configured to
receive one or more features of a tool that may be used to facilitate attachment or removal
of the locking ring 65.
In some embodiments, the at least one engagement tab 40 may comprise a
plurality of engagement tabs. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the overflow
cap 10 includes four discrete engagement tabs 40 spaced around an inner circumference
of the main portion 20 of the overflow cap. The distance between opposite engagement
tabs 40 (e.g., a diameter of the inner circumference formed by the engagement tabs) may
be sized to correspond to the diameter of the externally threaded end 60. For example,
the distance between opposite engagement tabs 40 may be sized about the same or
slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the externally threaded end 60 of the overflow
pipe 55, and the material and design of the engagement tabs 40 may be such that the
engagement tabs are configured to flex outwardly (e.g., towards the peripheral extension
) to allow engagement of the teeth 47 with the external threads of the overflow pipe
when the overflow cap 10 is pushed onto the end, while not allowing the teeth to
disengage from the threads when the user attempts to pull the overflow cap off the end of
the overflow pipe.
For example, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the at least one engagement tab 40 of
the overflow cap 10 may define an outward-facing surface 42 facing the peripheral
extension 25 (best seen in Fig. 5 with regard to the two engagement tabs 40 at the bottom
of the figure) and an inward-facing surface 44 facing away from the peripheral extension
(shown in Fig. 5 with regard to the two engagement tabs 40 at the top of the figure and in
the larger view of Fig. 6). The inward-facing surface 44 may define a plurality of teeth
47 (Fig. 6) that are configured to slidingly engage the externally threaded end 60 of the
overflow pipe 55, such as when the user pushes the overflow cap 10 into engagement
with the end of the overflow pipe, after the locking ring 65 is threaded in place, as shown
in Fig. 3.
In some embodiments, however, the overflow cap 10 is configured (e.g., due
to the configuration of the teeth 47) such that the overflow cap can be disengaged from
the externally threaded end 60 of the overflow pipe 55 when the user rotates the overflow
cap with respect to the overflow pipe. In other words, the teeth 47 may, in some cases, be
configured (e.g., sized and shaped) such that although the overflow cap 10 can be pressed
on or pushed into engagement with the threaded end 60 of the overflow pipe 55, the
overflow cap can only be removed from the overflow pipe by twisting the cap off to
unthread it.
With reference to Figs. 5 and 6, in some embodiments the overflow cap 10
may comprise at least one spacer 75 extending from the inner surface 22 of the main
portion 20 and away from the inner and outer surfaces 21, 22. The spacer 75 may be
configured to abut an edge 61 of the externally threaded end 60 of the overflow pipe 55
in the installed position (Fig. 3) so as to maintain a space between the inner surface 22 of
the main portion 20 and the edge 61 of the externally threaded end of the overflow pipe
55. In this way, the spacer(s) 75 may prevent the inner surface 22 of the overflow cap 10
from being pressed tightly against the edge 61 of the overflow pipe 55, which could result
in restricted water flow.
Accordingly, with reference to Fig. 3 and as described above, which shows
the overflow assembly in the installed position, embodiments of the present invention
provide an overflow assembly 50 that is configured to engage an overflow pipe 55 and
includes an overflow cap 10 and a locking ring 65. The locking ring 65 may comprise a
threaded inner surface 67 (Fig. 7) that is configured to be threaded onto an externally
threaded end 60 of the overflow pipe 55. A user may thus initially thread the locking ring
65 onto the threaded end 60 of the overflow pipe 55 to secure the overflow pipe with
respect to the wall 15.
Once the locking ring 65 is in place, the overflow cap 10 may be pressed onto
the externally threaded end 60 of the overflow pipe 55, such that the overflow cap 10
engages the externally threaded end 60 of the overflow pipe 55 via the engagement tabs
40 described above and shown in Figs. 5 and 6. In some embodiments, the overflow cap
is configured such that, in the installed position shown in Fig. 3, the peripheral
extension 25 of the overflow cap surrounds the locking ring 65, but is spaced from the
outer diameter of the locking ring 65, such that the peripheral extension of the overflow
cap does not come into contact with the locking ring. For example, the inner diameter of
the peripheral extension 25 of the overflow cap 10 may be sized larger than the outer
diameter of the locking ring 65. In some cases, for example, the clearance between the
peripheral extension 25 of the overflow cap 10 and the locking ring 65 in the installed
position shown in Fig. 3 may be approximately 0.070 inches.
In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing an overflow cap is
provided. The method may include forming a main portion defining an outer surface and
an inner surface, wherein the outer surface is configured to be visible to a user in an
installed position in which the overflow cap is engaged with an overflow pipe, and
wherein the inner surface is configured to be disposed proximate the overflow pipe in the
installed position. The method may further include providing a peripheral extension
extending transversely from a periphery of the main portion and configured to extend
towards a wall through which the overflow pipe is engaged. As described above with
reference to the figures, the peripheral extension may define at least one opening
configured to be in fluid communication with the overflow pipe for receiving overflow
water therethrough. The method may further include defining at least one engagement
tab extending from the inner surface of the main portion and away from the inner and
outer surfaces. The at least one engagement tab may be spaced inwardly from the
peripheral extension. Thus, as described above, the overflow cap may be configured to
be pressed onto a threaded end of the overflow pipe and may be configured to engage the
threaded end of the overflow pipe via the at least one engagement tab.
In some cases, defining the at least one engagement tab may comprise
defining an outward-facing surface facing the peripheral extension and an inward-facing
surface facing away from the peripheral extension. In this regard, the method may
further comprise forming a plurality of teeth in the inward-facing surface that are
configured to slidingly engage the threaded end of the overflow pipe, as described above.
Moreover, in some embodiments, the overflow cap may be configured to be disengaged
from the threaded end of the overflow pipe via rotation of the overflow cap with respect
to the overflow pipe. Defining the at least one engagement tab may comprise defining a
plurality of engagement tabs, such as two, three, or four engagement tabs, or more than
four engagement tabs in some cases.
In some embodiments, the method may comprise forming at least one spacer
extending from the inner surface of the main portion and away from the inner and outer
surfaces. The spacer may be configured to abut an edge of the threaded end of the
overflow pipe in the installed position so as to maintain a space between the inner surface
of the main portion and the edge of the threaded end of the overflow pipe, as described
above. In still other embodiments, such as for making an overflow cap for use in high-
flow applications, the method may further comprise defining at least one slot in the main
portion of the overflow cap extending between the inner and outer surfaces. The at least
one slot may thus be in fluid communication with the overflow pipe in the installed
position to allow more water to flow into the overflow pipe.
The overflow cap 10 and its components and/or the locking ring 65 may be
made in various ways using different manufacturing processes, as appropriate. In some
cases, for example, the overflow cap 10 may molded out of various materials, including
rigid Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), PVC, or other materials.
As noted above, the structures and components depicted in the figures have
been simplified for clarity and ease of explanation. For example, features may be
included in some embodiments of the overflow assembly and its surroundings that are not
described above and/or not shown in the figures for ease of explanation, but which may
facilitate manufacture, installation, sale, or practicability of use. In addition, many other
modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in
the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in
the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood
that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that
modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the
appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a
generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Moreover, steps in
the methods described above may occur in any order and are not limited to the order
described above.
Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context
requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and
"comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or
group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of
integers or steps.
Claims (21)
1. An overflow assembly configured to engage an overflow pipe, the overflow assembly comprising: an overflow cap including: a main portion defining an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the outer surface is configured to be visible to a user in an installed position in which the overflow cap is engaged with an overflow pipe; a peripheral extension extending transversely from a periphery of the main portion and configured to extend towards a wall through which the overflow pipe is engaged, wherein the peripheral extension defines at least one opening configured to be in fluid communication with the overflow pipe for receiving overflow liquid therethrough; and at least one engagement tab extending from the inner surface of the main portion and away from the inner and outer surfaces, wherein the at least one engagement tab is spaced inwardly from the peripheral extension; and a locking ring comprising a threaded inner surface configured to be threaded onto an externally threaded end of the overflow pipe, wherein the locking ring is configured to secure the overflow pipe with respect to the wall, wherein the overflow cap is configured to be pressed onto the externally threaded end of the overflow pipe following engagement of the locking ring with the overflow pipe, and wherein the overflow cap is configured to engage the externally threaded end of the overflow pipe via the at least one engagement tab.
2. The overflow assembly of Claim 1, wherein the at least one engagement tab of the overflow cap defines an outward-facing surface facing the peripheral extension and an inward-facing surface facing away from the peripheral extension, wherein the inward- facing surface defines a plurality of teeth configured to slidingly engage the externally threaded end of the overflow pipe.
3. The overflow assembly of Claim 2, wherein the overflow cap is configured to be disengaged from the externally threaded end of the overflow pipe via rotation of the overflow cap with respect to the overflow pipe.
4. The overflow assembly of Claim 1, wherein the at least one engagement tab comprises a plurality of engagement tabs.
5. The overflow assembly of Claim 1, wherein the peripheral extension defines at least two openings configured to be in fluid communication with the overflow pipe for receiving overflow liquid therethrough.
6. The overflow assembly of Claim 1, wherein the overflow cap further comprises at least one spacer extending from the inner surface of the main portion and away from the inner and outer surfaces, wherein the spacer is configured to abut an edge of the externally threaded end of the overflow pipe in the installed position so as to maintain a space between the inner surface of the main portion and the edge of the externally threaded end of the overflow pipe.
7. The overflow assembly of Claim 1, wherein the main portion further defines at least one slot extending between the inner and outer surfaces of the main portion, wherein the at least one slot is in fluid communication with the overflow pipe.
8. The overflow assembly of Claim 1, wherein the locking ring comprises an outer surface defining a plurality of grooves configured to provide a gripping surface to the user for installing the locking ring onto the overflow pipe.
9. An overflow cap configured to engage an overflow pipe, the overflow cap comprising: a main portion defining an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the outer surface is configured to be visible to a user in an installed position in which the overflow cap is engaged with an overflow pipe; a peripheral extension extending transversely from a periphery of the main portion and configured to extend towards a wall through which the overflow pipe is engaged, wherein the peripheral extension defines at least one opening configured to be in fluid communication with the overflow pipe for receiving overflow liquid therethrough; and at least one engagement tab extending from the inner surface of the main portion and away from the inner and outer surfaces, wherein the at least one engagement tab is spaced inwardly from the peripheral extension, wherein the overflow cap is configured to be pressed onto an externally threaded end of the overflow pipe and is configured to engage the threaded end of the overflow pipe via the at least one engagement tab.
10. The overflow cap of Claim 9, wherein the at least one engagement tab defines an outward-facing surface facing the peripheral extension and an inward-facing surface facing away from the peripheral extension, wherein the inward-facing surface defines a plurality of teeth configured to slidingly engage the threaded end of the overflow pipe.
11. The overflow cap of Claim 10, wherein the overflow cap is configured to be disengaged from the threaded end of the overflow pipe via rotation of the overflow cap with respect to the overflow pipe.
12. The overflow cap of Claim 9, wherein the at least one engagement tab comprises a plurality of engagement tabs.
13. The overflow cap of Claim 9, wherein the peripheral extension defines at least two openings configured to be in fluid communication with the overflow pipe for receiving overflow liquid therethrough.
14. The overflow cap of Claim 9 further comprising at least one spacer extending from the inner surface of the main portion and away from the inner and outer surfaces, wherein the spacer is configured to abut an edge of the threaded end of the overflow pipe in the installed position so as to maintain a space between the inner surface of the main portion and the edge of the threaded end of the overflow pipe.
15. The overflow cap of Claim 9, wherein the main portion further defines at least one slot extending between the inner and outer surfaces of the main portion in fluid communication with the overflow pipe.
16. A method of manufacturing an overflow cap comprising: forming a main portion defining an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the outer surface is configured to be visible to a user in an installed position in which the overflow cap is engaged with an overflow pipe; providing a peripheral extension extending transversely from a periphery of the main portion and configured to extend towards a wall through which the overflow pipe is engaged, wherein the peripheral extension defines at least one opening configured to be in fluid communication with the overflow pipe for receiving overflow liquid therethrough; and defining at least one engagement tab extending from the inner surface of the main portion and away from the inner and outer surfaces, wherein the at least one engagement tab is spaced inwardly from the peripheral extension, wherein the overflow cap is configured to be pressed onto an externally threaded end of the overflow pipe and is configured to engage the threaded end of the overflow pipe via the at least one engagement tab.
17. The method of Claim 16, wherein defining the at least one engagement tab comprises defining an outward-facing surface facing the peripheral extension and an inward-facing surface facing away from the peripheral extension, the method further comprising forming a plurality of teeth in the inward-facing surface that are configured to slidingly engage the threaded end of the overflow pipe.
18. The method of Claim 16, wherein the overflow cap is configured to be disengaged from the threaded end of the overflow pipe via rotation of the overflow cap with respect to the overflow pipe.
19. The method of Claim 16, wherein defining the at least one engagement tab comprises defining a plurality of engagement tabs.
20. The method of Claim 16 further comprising forming at least one spacer extending from the inner surface of the main portion and away from the inner and outer surfaces, wherein the spacer is configured to abut an edge of the threaded end of the overflow pipe in the installed position so as to maintain a space between the inner surface of the main portion and the edge of the threaded end of the overflow pipe.
21. The method of Claim 16 further comprising defining at least one slot in the main portion extending between the inner and outer surfaces, wherein the at least one slot is in fluid communication with the overflow pipe in the installed position.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/179,355 | 2016-06-10 | ||
US15/179,355 US10544572B2 (en) | 2016-06-10 | 2016-06-10 | Overflow cap and assembly |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ732779A NZ732779A (en) | 2018-11-30 |
NZ732779B true NZ732779B (en) | 2019-03-01 |
Family
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