US20060253975A1 - Self-adhesive washer for a bathtub or shower - Google Patents
Self-adhesive washer for a bathtub or shower Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060253975A1 US20060253975A1 US11/126,457 US12645705A US2006253975A1 US 20060253975 A1 US20060253975 A1 US 20060253975A1 US 12645705 A US12645705 A US 12645705A US 2006253975 A1 US2006253975 A1 US 2006253975A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- drain
- bathtub
- washer
- adhesive
- shoe
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 47
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 claims description 35
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims description 29
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims description 29
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000004820 Pressure-sensitive adhesive Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 16
- 238000009428 plumbing Methods 0.000 description 9
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 8
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 241001510071 Pyrrhocoridae Species 0.000 description 3
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000009408 flooring Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002390 adhesive tape Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011900 installation process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
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
- E03C1/20—Connecting baths or bidets to the wastepipe
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to washers and more particularly to self-adhesive washers for use in plumbing.
- Standard waste assemblies usually include a waste arm, a drain shoe attached to the waste arm, and possibly a rubber gasket.
- a standard bathtub or shower drain comprises the drain shoe and the strainer.
- Standard overflow assemblies usually include an overflow pipe attached to the waste arm, one or more conventional rubber gaskets, and an overflow cover plate.
- Standard bathtubs require less effort to install the waste and overflow assemblies because the plumber is able to reach the upper surface and the bottom surface of the bathtub at the same time by reaching over the end of the bathtub where the drain is installed and screwing in the strainer with one hand while holding the drain shoe against the underside of the bathtub with the other hand.
- the more modern combined bathtub and shower units are manufactured to be integral or one-piece units; therefore, they require a second plumber to assemble the drain, due to the shower wall blocking the way for the plumber to reach over the end of the bathtub where the drain is installed. Further, it is too difficult for the plumber to reach around the side of the shower portion to reach the inside of the bathtub. Therefore, one person must be at the end of the bathtub and shower unit “behind” the shower wall holding the waste and overflow assemblies in place between the floor joists while another person is in the bathtub to screw in the strainer. As a result, the process of assembling the drain becomes less efficient due to the need for an additional person. Additionally, it is difficult for the plumber holding the waste and overflow assemblies to align the drain shoe with the drain hole in the bottom of the bathtub because they cannot see the drain hole due to the shower wall blocking their view.
- Rubber gaskets have been used between two plumbing flanges.
- the rubber gaskets are loosely placed on flanges and tend to move around as the items to be joined are pulled together. Further, these gaskets are not intended to hold a flange in place, but are intended only to improve a fluid seal.
- a rubber gasket is sometimes supplied with a standard bathtub waste and overflow drain assembly for sealing the drain shoe to the bathtub; however, as in the case of a gasket sealing two flanges, the gasket tends to move around on, or fall off of, the drain shoe.
- the gasket When successfully installed, the gasket is compressed between the drain shoe and the bathtub and serves as a liquid seal, but does not support or hold the drain shoe in place during any part of the process.
- silicone may be applied to the drain shoe instead of a rubber gasket, but the silicone is not adhesive enough when wet to hold the drain shoe against the bathtub on its own and it takes too long to dry.
- Provencher U.S. Pat. No. 6,736,406 discloses a gasket having an adhesive layer on a first side and a release layer covering the adhesive layer. The installer removes the release layer and secures the gasket to the bottom surface of the sink strainer. The installer inserts the strainer with the gasket in an opening in a tub or shower floor from the inside of the bathtub or shower and then threads the strainer into the threaded portion of the drain shoe. Since the strainer needs to rotate relative to the surface of the tub or shower floor, no adhesive is applied to the lower surface of the gasket. The adhesive on the gasket is intended to hold the gasket secure relative to the strainer not to hold the strainer secure against the bathtub or shower. Further, Provencher still requires an additional person to hold the waste and overflow assemblies in place while the strainer is being threaded into the drain shoe because there is nothing to hold the drain shoe against the bathtub.
- the present invention relates to a self-adhesive washer and more specifically, a self-adhesive washer for securing a plumbing flange relative to a bathtub or shower.
- the invention further relates to a self-adhesive washer for joining a drain shoe to the bottom surface of a bathtub, shower, or a combined bathtub and shower unit.
- the washer is adhesively connected to a surface of the drain shoe and the drain shoe is in turn adhesively connected to a bottom surface of the bathtub.
- the self-adhesive washer may be as simple as a sheet having two sides with adhesive properties.
- the washer comprises a center layer of plastic, foam, or other material having some compressibility, an adhesive layer on a first side of the center layer, a first release liner covering the first adhesive layer, an adhesive layer on a second side of the center layer, and a second release liner covering the second adhesive layer.
- the washer is preferably adapted to fit the shape of the drain shoe.
- the self-adhesive washer may be used in combination with a centering tool.
- the preferred centering tool comprises a smooth portion and a threaded portion.
- the threaded portion is adapted to threadably engage threads on the inside of the drain shoe.
- the centering tool allows easy alignment of the drain shoe and washer with the drain hole.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a waste and overflow assembly with one embodiment of the invented self-adhesive washer, in combination with a bathtub and shower unit.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded, partial of the embodiment of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view one embodiment of the preferred self-adhesive washer shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , wherein the release liners are partially removed.
- FIG. 4 is a side view of the preferred self-adhesive washer without release liners.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invented centering tool.
- FIG. 6 is a side view of the centering tool shown in FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the centering tool shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 in combination with the preferred washer and drain shoe.
- FIG. 8 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 installed in a bathtub.
- FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 10 with the centering tool being removed.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a combined bathtub 101 and shower 201 unit with waste and overflow assemblies 100 .
- FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded detail view of the waste and overflow assemblies 100 in combination with the preferred self-adhesive washer 108 .
- the bathtub 101 comprises a bottom surface 101 ′ and a top surface 101 ′′.
- the shower 201 comprises a sidewall 201 ′. As shown in FIGS.
- the waste and overflow assemblies 100 comprises a drain stopper 102 , a strainer 104 , an aperture or drain hole 106 for receiving the strainer 104 , a washer 108 , a drain shoe 110 with a top surface 111 , a waste arm 112 , an overflow pipe 114 , a second aperture 115 for receiving the overflow pipe, and a overflow cover plate 116 .
- the inner surface of the drain shoe 110 is threaded to match the threads of the strainer 104 .
- the external surface of the top of the overflow pipe 114 is threaded to match the internal threads of the overflow cover plate 116 .
- the preferred washer 108 is a self-adhesive foam washer comprising a layer of flexible foam 120 ; an adhesive layer 122 on a first side of the flexible foam 120 ; a release liner 124 covering the adhesive 122 to protect the adhesive layer and prevent two washers from sticking together; a second adhesive layer 126 on a second side of the flexible foam 120 ; and, a second release liner 128 applied to the second layer of adhesive 126 .
- the flexible foam 120 is compressible cellular plastic.
- the washer 108 is shown as circular (see FIG.
- the release liners 124 , 128 may be material commonly known as “release liner” (comprising release paper having a release coating, preferably silicone, which provides the release surface), or may be other material that allows the adhesive layers to be covered during storage and transport, but easily exposed for use.
- release liner comprising release paper having a release coating, preferably silicone, which provides the release surface
- the pressure sensitive adhesive is selected so that it can preferably withstand heat and effectively bond the top surface 111 of the drain shoe 110 to the bottom surface 101 ′ of the bathtub or shower long enough for a single plumber to install the strainer 104 in the drain shoe 110 .
- the preferred washer 108 may be made of the same material used to make Scotch® Double-Sided Mounting Tape.
- the two release liners 124 , 128 , two adhesive layers 122 , 126 and the foam layer 120 may be made as a single sheet, and then cut in the preferred shape.
- the length and the thickness of the sheet may be suitable for die-cutting a plurality of self-adhesive washers 108 therefrom.
- the preferred washer 108 has a circular inner and outer diameter. The thickness of the washer 108 and the inner and outer diameter may be modified to fit a specific device.
- release liners adhesive, foam or other compressible or flexible materials may be used, so long as the washer is able to adhere to the plumbing surfaces and hold the plumbing flange for a period of at least 1 minute, and more preferably, at least three minutes. While adhesive is desired that will hold the weight of the drain shoe for several minutes, the adhesive need not be a “permanent” or “semipermanent” adhesive that holds the drain shoe for hours or days. Additionally, the washer may be manufactured without a foam or other compressible layer, for example, a substantially non-compressible, thin sheet with adhesive on both sides.
- the self-adhesive washer may be manufactured without release liners that are cut to the size of the washer, and instead the adhesive washer may be “stuck” to a larger piece of release liner and the washer may be peeled off when ready for use.
- the release liner either cut to the size of the washer or as a larger sheet, may be made of the material commonly known in the tape and adhesives art as “release liner” or may be other material that allows for easy removal of the washer.
- the preferred method of installing the washer 108 is to temporarily ‘hang’ the top of the overflow pipe 114 on the aperture 115 . Then, or alternatively before hanging the overflow pipe on the aperture, the installer removes a first release liner 124 from the washer 108 and places the exposed adhesive surface 126 on the top surface 111 of the drain shoe 110 . The second release liner 128 is removed from the washer 108 , exposing the second adhesive layer 126 . The drain shoe 110 with the exposed adhesive layer 126 is then adhered to the bottom surface 101 ′ of the bathtub 101 around the drain hole 106 .
- One advantage of the self-adhesive washer 108 is that it will not move around relative to the drain shoe 110 as the installer is trying to attach the drain shoe 110 to the bathtub 101 . Once the drain shoe 110 is adhered to the bathtub 101 , the single installer can crawl into the bathtub 101 to mate the strainer 104 with the threads on the inside of the drain shoe 110 .
- the act of screwing the strainer 104 into the drain shoe 110 puts downward force on the drain shoe 110 and so, the adhesive must be strong enough to hold the drain shoe 110 against the bathtub surface 101 ′ in spite of this force. Because the washer 108 holds the drain shoe 110 against the bottom surface 101 ′ of the bathtub, the task of screwing in the strainer is easier, as the drain shoe 110 stays properly aligned with the drain hole 106 . Conventional gaskets or silicone on top of the drain shoe surface 111 would play no role in holding the drain shoe 110 against the bathtub surface 101 ′ or in making the strainer 104 installation process easier. The washer 108 therefore, suspends the drain shoe 110 from the bottom surface of the bathtub 101 ′, by supporting part or all of the weight of both the waste and overflow assemblies 100 .
- the washer 108 need support only part of the weight of the assembly 100 in order to hold the drain shoe 110 against the bathtub and prevent if from pivoting away from the drain hole 106 and falling into the floor space below the bathtub.
- the drain stopper 102 is then placed over the stainer 104 . Further, the installer can then finish installing the overflow pipe 114 in the second aperture 115 by threading the overflow cover plate 116 on the end of the overflow pipe 114 .
- the shower 201 sidewall 201 ′ prevents the installer from reaching over the end of the bathtub 101 where the drain is and screwing in the stainer 104 . Additionally, the installer cannot reach around the side of the of the shower 201 sidewall 201 ′ to reach both the bottom surface 101 ′ and the inside or top surface 101 ′′ of the bathtub 101 at the same time, because the shower 201 sidewall 201 ′ is blocking the way.
- An advantage of the self-adhesive washer 108 is that it allows the installer to secure the waste and overflow assemblies 100 to the bottom surface 101 ′ of the bathtub 101 , without requiring an additional person to hold the waste and overflow assemblies 100 while the installer screws in the strainer 104 and the overflow pipe 114 .
- the self-adhesive washer 108 holds the drain shoe 110 against the bathtub 101 long enough for the same installer to crawl in the bathtub and screw in the stainer 104 and attach the overflow pipe 114 .
- the unit sits about 2′′ above the flooring.
- a hole is cut in the flooring between the floor joists underneath the drain hole 106 for the drain shoe 110 to gain access to the drain hole 106 without abutting against the flooring.
- an opening S is provided between the wall studs at the end of the bathtub where the drain is installed in order to maneuver the waste and overflow assemblies 100 for attachment to the bathtub 100 .
- the plumber In bathtub units without a shower, the plumber is able to view the drain hole 106 , by looking over the end of the bathtub 101 where the drain is to be installed, in order to see the drain shoe 110 through the drain hole 106 , allowing the plumber to better align the drain shoe 110 with the drain hole 106 .
- the shower side wall 201 ′ prevents the plumber from viewing the drain hole 106 and the drain shoe 110 through the drain hole.
- the shower side wall 201 ′ makes it difficult for the plumber to accurately position the washer 108 and drain shoe 110 around the drain hole 106 , which can cause the plumber to accidentally stick the washer 108 and drain shoe 110 in the wrong place on the bottom surface 101 ′ of the bathtub 101 .
- a centering tool 300 is used to accurately center the drain shoe 110 and washer 108 around the drain hole 106 on the bottom surface 101 ′ of the bathtub 101 .
- the centering tool 300 is generally cylindrical and comprises a threaded portion 305 and a smooth portion 310 (see FIG. 7 ).
- the threaded portion 305 is adapted to threadably engage the threads on the inside of the drain shoe 310
- the smooth portion 310 is sized to fit through the drain hole 106 .
- the centering tool 300 is shown as hollow, however, it may also be solid or semi-solid depending on which is easier to manufacture, as the interior of the preferred tool 300 serves no role in the process.
- the especially preferred method of installing the waste and overflow assemblies 100 is to remove the first release liner 124 from the washer 108 and place the exposed adhesive surface 126 on the top surface 111 of the drain shoe 110 .
- the plumber then threads the centering tool 300 into the drain shoe 110 .
- the second release liner 128 is then removed from the washer 108 , exposing the second adhesive layer 126 .
- the drain shoe 110 with the exposed adhesive layer 126 with the centering tool 300 attached to the drain shoe 110 are then lined up with the drain hole 106 by moving the waste portion of the assemblies 100 around until the centering tool 300 “snaps” or slides into the drain hole 106 , in turn adhering the washer 108 and drain shoe 110 to the bottom surface 101 ′ of the bathtub 101 around the drain hole 106 (see FIG. 10 ).
- the plumber will move the drain assembly and centering tool combination underneath the bathtub, pushing the centering tool along the bottom surface of the bathtub “tying to find” the drain hole, without being able to see the drain shoe, the centering tool, or the drain hole.
- the centering tool When the plumber is successful in moving the centering tool and drain shoe to the drain hole, the centering tool will quickly “snap” up into the drain hole and allow the washer to contact and stick to the bottom of the bathtub. Therefore, the term “snap” is used herein, but the centering tool preferably does not frictionally bind on, or fit tightly in, the drain hole, and the centering tool may also be said “to be inserted into,” “to slide into,” “to be received in, “to engage,” or “lifted into” the drain hole, for example.
- the centering tool preferably has an upper portion with an outer diameter that is close to, but smaller than the drain hole diameter, for example, a diameter about 1 ⁇ 8-1 ⁇ 4 inch smaller than the drain hole.
- the top of the overflow pipe 114 is then “hung” from the aperture 115 .
- the installer can crawl into the bathtub 101 and unthread the centering tool 300 with the drain shoe 110 (see FIG. 11 ), and then mate the strainer 104 with the threads on the inside of the drain shoe 110 .
- the plumber installs the strainer he may optionally apply silicone or plumbers putty to the bottom side of the strainer lip to create a water tight seal between the strainer 104 and the top surface 101 ′′ of the bathtub 101 .
- the rest of the overflow assembly may be installed.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Sink And Installation For Waste Water (AREA)
Abstract
A self-adhesive washer including a pressure sensitive adhesive on both sides of a center layer. The washer is preferably used to attach a drain shoe to a bathtub in combined bathtub and shower units to eliminate the need for more than one installer. The washer may be adapted to fit the shape of the drain shoe. Washers having both adhesive layers and a center layer, preferably cellular plastic, may serve both to adhere the drain shoe to the bathtub, and after completion of the drain assembly installation, to seal the drain shoe to the bathtub.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to washers and more particularly to self-adhesive washers for use in plumbing.
- 2. Related Art
- When a bathtub or shower is shipped from a factory, it is shipped without the waste and overflow plumbing assemblies directly attached. Therefore, it is the plumbers' responsibility to assemble the waste and overflow assembly once the bathtub or shower is in place. Standard waste assemblies usually include a waste arm, a drain shoe attached to the waste arm, and possibly a rubber gasket. A standard bathtub or shower drain comprises the drain shoe and the strainer. Standard overflow assemblies usually include an overflow pipe attached to the waste arm, one or more conventional rubber gaskets, and an overflow cover plate. Standard bathtubs require less effort to install the waste and overflow assemblies because the plumber is able to reach the upper surface and the bottom surface of the bathtub at the same time by reaching over the end of the bathtub where the drain is installed and screwing in the strainer with one hand while holding the drain shoe against the underside of the bathtub with the other hand.
- However, the more modern combined bathtub and shower units are manufactured to be integral or one-piece units; therefore, they require a second plumber to assemble the drain, due to the shower wall blocking the way for the plumber to reach over the end of the bathtub where the drain is installed. Further, it is too difficult for the plumber to reach around the side of the shower portion to reach the inside of the bathtub. Therefore, one person must be at the end of the bathtub and shower unit “behind” the shower wall holding the waste and overflow assemblies in place between the floor joists while another person is in the bathtub to screw in the strainer. As a result, the process of assembling the drain becomes less efficient due to the need for an additional person. Additionally, it is difficult for the plumber holding the waste and overflow assemblies to align the drain shoe with the drain hole in the bottom of the bathtub because they cannot see the drain hole due to the shower wall blocking their view.
- Rubber gaskets have been used between two plumbing flanges. The rubber gaskets are loosely placed on flanges and tend to move around as the items to be joined are pulled together. Further, these gaskets are not intended to hold a flange in place, but are intended only to improve a fluid seal. Likewise, a rubber gasket is sometimes supplied with a standard bathtub waste and overflow drain assembly for sealing the drain shoe to the bathtub; however, as in the case of a gasket sealing two flanges, the gasket tends to move around on, or fall off of, the drain shoe. When successfully installed, the gasket is compressed between the drain shoe and the bathtub and serves as a liquid seal, but does not support or hold the drain shoe in place during any part of the process. Rarely, silicone may be applied to the drain shoe instead of a rubber gasket, but the silicone is not adhesive enough when wet to hold the drain shoe against the bathtub on its own and it takes too long to dry.
- Provencher (U.S. Pat. No. 6,736,406) discloses a gasket having an adhesive layer on a first side and a release layer covering the adhesive layer. The installer removes the release layer and secures the gasket to the bottom surface of the sink strainer. The installer inserts the strainer with the gasket in an opening in a tub or shower floor from the inside of the bathtub or shower and then threads the strainer into the threaded portion of the drain shoe. Since the strainer needs to rotate relative to the surface of the tub or shower floor, no adhesive is applied to the lower surface of the gasket. The adhesive on the gasket is intended to hold the gasket secure relative to the strainer not to hold the strainer secure against the bathtub or shower. Further, Provencher still requires an additional person to hold the waste and overflow assemblies in place while the strainer is being threaded into the drain shoe because there is nothing to hold the drain shoe against the bathtub.
- Therefore, there is still a need for a self-adhesive washer to join plumbing components together, especially the drain shoe and the bathtub, as well as a way to align the drain shoe with the drain hole without the need for an additional person.
- Other issued patents relating to self-adhesive plumbing members for making a joints fluid-tight are as follows: Sylvester (U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,751) and Teranishi et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,313).
- The present invention relates to a self-adhesive washer and more specifically, a self-adhesive washer for securing a plumbing flange relative to a bathtub or shower. The invention further relates to a self-adhesive washer for joining a drain shoe to the bottom surface of a bathtub, shower, or a combined bathtub and shower unit. The washer is adhesively connected to a surface of the drain shoe and the drain shoe is in turn adhesively connected to a bottom surface of the bathtub. The self-adhesive washer may be as simple as a sheet having two sides with adhesive properties. More preferably, the washer comprises a center layer of plastic, foam, or other material having some compressibility, an adhesive layer on a first side of the center layer, a first release liner covering the first adhesive layer, an adhesive layer on a second side of the center layer, and a second release liner covering the second adhesive layer. The washer is preferably adapted to fit the shape of the drain shoe.
- Optionally, the self-adhesive washer may be used in combination with a centering tool. The preferred centering tool comprises a smooth portion and a threaded portion. The threaded portion is adapted to threadably engage threads on the inside of the drain shoe. The centering tool allows easy alignment of the drain shoe and washer with the drain hole.
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a waste and overflow assembly with one embodiment of the invented self-adhesive washer, in combination with a bathtub and shower unit. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded, partial of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view one embodiment of the preferred self-adhesive washer shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , wherein the release liners are partially removed. -
FIG. 4 is a side view of the preferred self-adhesive washer without release liners. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invented centering tool. -
FIG. 6 is a side view of the centering tool shown inFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the centering tool shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 in combination with the preferred washer and drain shoe. -
FIG. 8 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG. 7 installed in a bathtub. -
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the embodiment ofFIGS. 8 and 10 with the centering tool being removed. - Referring to the Figures, there is shown one, but not the only embodiment of the self-
adhesive washer 108.FIG. 1 illustrates a combinedbathtub 101 andshower 201 unit with waste andoverflow assemblies 100.FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded detail view of the waste andoverflow assemblies 100 in combination with the preferred self-adhesive washer 108. Thebathtub 101 comprises abottom surface 101′ and atop surface 101″. Theshower 201 comprises asidewall 201′. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , the waste andoverflow assemblies 100 comprises adrain stopper 102, astrainer 104, an aperture ordrain hole 106 for receiving thestrainer 104, awasher 108, adrain shoe 110 with atop surface 111, awaste arm 112, anoverflow pipe 114, asecond aperture 115 for receiving the overflow pipe, and aoverflow cover plate 116. The inner surface of thedrain shoe 110 is threaded to match the threads of thestrainer 104. The external surface of the top of theoverflow pipe 114 is threaded to match the internal threads of theoverflow cover plate 116. - As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thepreferred washer 108 is a self-adhesive foam washer comprising a layer offlexible foam 120; anadhesive layer 122 on a first side of theflexible foam 120; arelease liner 124 covering the adhesive 122 to protect the adhesive layer and prevent two washers from sticking together; a secondadhesive layer 126 on a second side of theflexible foam 120; and, asecond release liner 128 applied to the second layer ofadhesive 126. Preferably, theflexible foam 120 is compressible cellular plastic. Thewasher 108 is shown as circular (seeFIG. 3 ), but it may other shapes or sections of self-adhesive tape that can adhere to the top surface of a plumbing flange, especially thedrain shoe 110 and securely hold thedrain shoe 110 against thebottom surface 101′ of thebathtub 101. Therelease liners top surface 111 of thedrain shoe 110 to thebottom surface 101′ of the bathtub or shower long enough for a single plumber to install thestrainer 104 in thedrain shoe 110. Thepreferred washer 108 may be made of the same material used to make Scotch® Double-Sided Mounting Tape. - The two
release liners adhesive layers foam layer 120 may be made as a single sheet, and then cut in the preferred shape. The length and the thickness of the sheet may be suitable for die-cutting a plurality of self-adhesive washers 108 therefrom. Thepreferred washer 108 has a circular inner and outer diameter. The thickness of thewasher 108 and the inner and outer diameter may be modified to fit a specific device. - Other release liners, adhesive, foam or other compressible or flexible materials may be used, so long as the washer is able to adhere to the plumbing surfaces and hold the plumbing flange for a period of at least 1 minute, and more preferably, at least three minutes. While adhesive is desired that will hold the weight of the drain shoe for several minutes, the adhesive need not be a “permanent” or “semipermanent” adhesive that holds the drain shoe for hours or days. Additionally, the washer may be manufactured without a foam or other compressible layer, for example, a substantially non-compressible, thin sheet with adhesive on both sides. Additionally, the self-adhesive washer may be manufactured without release liners that are cut to the size of the washer, and instead the adhesive washer may be “stuck” to a larger piece of release liner and the washer may be peeled off when ready for use. As discussed above, the release liner, either cut to the size of the washer or as a larger sheet, may be made of the material commonly known in the tape and adhesives art as “release liner” or may be other material that allows for easy removal of the washer.
- The preferred method of installing the
washer 108 is to temporarily ‘hang’ the top of theoverflow pipe 114 on theaperture 115. Then, or alternatively before hanging the overflow pipe on the aperture, the installer removes afirst release liner 124 from thewasher 108 and places the exposedadhesive surface 126 on thetop surface 111 of thedrain shoe 110. Thesecond release liner 128 is removed from thewasher 108, exposing the secondadhesive layer 126. Thedrain shoe 110 with the exposedadhesive layer 126 is then adhered to thebottom surface 101′ of thebathtub 101 around thedrain hole 106. One advantage of the self-adhesive washer 108 is that it will not move around relative to thedrain shoe 110 as the installer is trying to attach thedrain shoe 110 to thebathtub 101. Once thedrain shoe 110 is adhered to thebathtub 101, the single installer can crawl into thebathtub 101 to mate thestrainer 104 with the threads on the inside of thedrain shoe 110. - The act of screwing the
strainer 104 into thedrain shoe 110 puts downward force on thedrain shoe 110 and so, the adhesive must be strong enough to hold thedrain shoe 110 against thebathtub surface 101′ in spite of this force. Because thewasher 108 holds thedrain shoe 110 against thebottom surface 101′ of the bathtub, the task of screwing in the strainer is easier, as thedrain shoe 110 stays properly aligned with thedrain hole 106. Conventional gaskets or silicone on top of thedrain shoe surface 111 would play no role in holding thedrain shoe 110 against thebathtub surface 101′ or in making thestrainer 104 installation process easier. Thewasher 108 therefore, suspends thedrain shoe 110 from the bottom surface of thebathtub 101′, by supporting part or all of the weight of both the waste andoverflow assemblies 100. If the waste andoverflow assemblies 100 have been temporarily hung at the upper end of theoverflow pipe 114 from theaperture 115, thewasher 108 need support only part of the weight of theassembly 100 in order to hold thedrain shoe 110 against the bathtub and prevent if from pivoting away from thedrain hole 106 and falling into the floor space below the bathtub. - After the drain is assembled, the
drain stopper 102 is then placed over thestainer 104. Further, the installer can then finish installing theoverflow pipe 114 in thesecond aperture 115 by threading theoverflow cover plate 116 on the end of theoverflow pipe 114. Theshower 201sidewall 201′ prevents the installer from reaching over the end of thebathtub 101 where the drain is and screwing in thestainer 104. Additionally, the installer cannot reach around the side of the of theshower 201sidewall 201′ to reach both thebottom surface 101′ and the inside ortop surface 101″ of thebathtub 101 at the same time, because theshower 201sidewall 201′ is blocking the way. An advantage of the self-adhesive washer 108 is that it allows the installer to secure the waste andoverflow assemblies 100 to thebottom surface 101′ of thebathtub 101, without requiring an additional person to hold the waste andoverflow assemblies 100 while the installer screws in thestrainer 104 and theoverflow pipe 114. The self-adhesive washer 108 holds thedrain shoe 110 against thebathtub 101 long enough for the same installer to crawl in the bathtub and screw in thestainer 104 and attach theoverflow pipe 114. - An Especially Preferred Embodiment
- In modern combined bathtub and shower units, the unit sits about 2″ above the flooring. Typically, a hole is cut in the flooring between the floor joists underneath the
drain hole 106 for thedrain shoe 110 to gain access to thedrain hole 106 without abutting against the flooring. Additionally, an opening S is provided between the wall studs at the end of the bathtub where the drain is installed in order to maneuver the waste andoverflow assemblies 100 for attachment to thebathtub 100. - In bathtub units without a shower, the plumber is able to view the
drain hole 106, by looking over the end of thebathtub 101 where the drain is to be installed, in order to see thedrain shoe 110 through thedrain hole 106, allowing the plumber to better align thedrain shoe 110 with thedrain hole 106. However, in the combinedbathtub 101 and shower 201 units, theshower side wall 201′ prevents the plumber from viewing thedrain hole 106 and thedrain shoe 110 through the drain hole. When using the inventedwasher 108, theshower side wall 201′ makes it difficult for the plumber to accurately position thewasher 108 anddrain shoe 110 around thedrain hole 106, which can cause the plumber to accidentally stick thewasher 108 anddrain shoe 110 in the wrong place on thebottom surface 101′ of thebathtub 101. - As shown in
FIGS. 5-8 , a centeringtool 300 is used to accurately center thedrain shoe 110 andwasher 108 around thedrain hole 106 on thebottom surface 101′ of thebathtub 101. The centeringtool 300 is generally cylindrical and comprises a threadedportion 305 and a smooth portion 310 (seeFIG. 7 ). Preferably, the threadedportion 305 is adapted to threadably engage the threads on the inside of thedrain shoe 310, and thesmooth portion 310 is sized to fit through thedrain hole 106. The centeringtool 300 is shown as hollow, however, it may also be solid or semi-solid depending on which is easier to manufacture, as the interior of thepreferred tool 300 serves no role in the process. - As shown in
FIGS. 9-11 , the especially preferred method of installing the waste andoverflow assemblies 100, is to remove thefirst release liner 124 from thewasher 108 and place the exposedadhesive surface 126 on thetop surface 111 of thedrain shoe 110. The plumber then threads the centeringtool 300 into thedrain shoe 110. Thesecond release liner 128 is then removed from thewasher 108, exposing the secondadhesive layer 126. Thedrain shoe 110 with the exposedadhesive layer 126 with the centeringtool 300 attached to thedrain shoe 110 are then lined up with thedrain hole 106 by moving the waste portion of theassemblies 100 around until the centeringtool 300 “snaps” or slides into thedrain hole 106, in turn adhering thewasher 108 anddrain shoe 110 to thebottom surface 101′ of thebathtub 101 around the drain hole 106 (seeFIG. 10 ). During this process, the plumber will move the drain assembly and centering tool combination underneath the bathtub, pushing the centering tool along the bottom surface of the bathtub “tying to find” the drain hole, without being able to see the drain shoe, the centering tool, or the drain hole. When the plumber is successful in moving the centering tool and drain shoe to the drain hole, the centering tool will quickly “snap” up into the drain hole and allow the washer to contact and stick to the bottom of the bathtub. Therefore, the term “snap” is used herein, but the centering tool preferably does not frictionally bind on, or fit tightly in, the drain hole, and the centering tool may also be said “to be inserted into,” “to slide into,” “to be received in, “to engage,” or “lifted into” the drain hole, for example. The centering tool preferably has an upper portion with an outer diameter that is close to, but smaller than the drain hole diameter, for example, a diameter about ⅛-¼ inch smaller than the drain hole. - The top of the
overflow pipe 114 is then “hung” from theaperture 115. Once thedrain shoe 110 is adhered to thebathtub 101, the installer can crawl into thebathtub 101 and unthread the centeringtool 300 with the drain shoe 110 (seeFIG. 11 ), and then mate thestrainer 104 with the threads on the inside of thedrain shoe 110. Before the plumber installs the strainer, he may optionally apply silicone or plumbers putty to the bottom side of the strainer lip to create a water tight seal between thestrainer 104 and thetop surface 101″ of thebathtub 101. After the drain is installed the rest of the overflow assembly may be installed. - Although this invention has been described above with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed particulars, but extends instead to all equivalents within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (19)
1. A drain assembly combination comprising:
a drain shoe adapted for placement underneath a bathtub drain hole; and
a self-adhesive washer comprising:
a flexible layer having a first side and a second side;
a first adhesive layer on said first side of the flexible layer;
a second adhesive layer on said second side of the flexible layer;
wherein said first adhesive layer is stuck to a top surface of a drain shoe; and wherein said second adhesive layer is adapted to be stuck to a bottom surface of a bathtub to secure the drain shoe up against said bottom surface.
2. A drain assembly combination as in claim 1 , wherein said self-adhesive washer comprises a first release liner on said first adhesive layer, and wherein said first release liner is removably secured to said first adhesive layer and adapted to be removed prior to attachment of the washer to the drain shoe.
3. A drain assembly combination as in claim 1 , wherein said self-adhesive washer comprises a second release liner on said second adhesive layer, and wherein said second release liner is removably secured to said second adhesive layer and adapted to be removed prior to attachment of the washer and drain shoe to the bottom surface of the bathtub.
4. A drain assembly combination as in claim 1 , wherein said self-adhesive washer is a circular shape.
5. A drain assembly combination as in claim 4 , wherein said self-adhesive washer has a circular inner diameter and a circular outer diameter.
6. A combination of a bathtub and a drain assembly, wherein the bathtub has a bottom wall with a bottom surface, a top surface, and a drain hole through the bottom wall; and
wherein the drain assembly comprises:
a drain shoe underneath the bathtub drain hole and having a top surface; and
a self-adhesive washer comprising:
a flexible layer having a first side and a second side;
a first adhesive layer on said first side of the flexible layer;
a second adhesive layer on said second side of the flexible layer;
wherein said first adhesive layer is stuck to the top surface of a drain shoe; and wherein said second adhesive layer is stuck to the bottom surface of the bathtub to secure the drain shoe up against said bottom surface, so that a plumber can release the drain assembly and the drain assembly will remain affixed to the bottom surface of the bathtub.
7. A combination as in claim 6 , wherein said bathtub is a portion of a combined bathtub and shower unit.
8. A method of installing waste and overflow assemblies on a combined bathtub and shower unit, comprising the following steps of:
using a self-adhesive washer having a flexible layer having a first side and a second side;
a first adhesive layer on said first side of the flexible layer;
a second adhesive layer on said second side of the flexible layer;
attaching said drain shoe with said second adhesive layer to a bottom surface of a bathtub by means of the second adhesive layer sticking to the bottom surface of the bathtub; and
installing a strainer from a top surface of said bathtub.
9. A method of installing waste and overflow assemblies as in claim 8 , wherein said self-adhesive washer comprises a first release liner on said first adhesive layer, and wherein said first release liner is removably secured to said first adhesive layer and after removing said first release liner said first adhesive layer is secured to a top surface of said drain shoe.
10. A method of installing waste and overflow assemblies as in claim 8 , wherein said self-adhesive washer comprises a second release liner on said second adhesive layer, and wherein said second release liner is removably secured to said second adhesive layer and after removing said second release liner, said drain shoe and washer are attached to said bottom surface of the bathtub.
11. A method of installing waste and overflow assemblies as in claim 8 , wherein said self-adhesive washer is a circular shape.
12. A method of installing waste and overflow assemblies as in claim 11 , wherein said self-adhesive washer has a circular inner diameter and a circular outer diameter.
13. A method of installing waste and overflow assemblies as in claim 8 , wherein said bathtub is a portion of a combined bathtub and shower unit.
14. A method of installing waste and overflow assemblies as in claim 8 , wherein said flexible layer is compressible foam.
15. A method of installing waste and overflow assemblies as in claim 8 , wherein said flexible layer is cellular plastic.
16. A method of installing waste and overflow assemblies as in claim 8 , further comprising providing a centering tool releasably and threadably engaging said drain shoe and extending up from the drain shoe to align the drain shoe and washer around a drain hole.
17. A method of installing waste and overflow assemblies as in claim 16 , wherein said centering tool is inserted into said drain hole from the bottom of the bathtub, and, upon lifting the drain shoe up toward the drain hole with the centering tool inside the drain hole, said washer affixes the drain shoe to the bottom surface of the bathtub.
18. A method of installing waste and overflow assemblies as in claim 16 , wherein said centering tool is cylindrical.
19. A method of installing waste and overflow assemblies as in claim 18 , wherein said centering tool comprises a threaded lower portion for threadably engaging the drain shoe and a non-threaded upper portion for being inserted into the drain hole.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/126,457 US20060253975A1 (en) | 2005-05-10 | 2005-05-10 | Self-adhesive washer for a bathtub or shower |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/126,457 US20060253975A1 (en) | 2005-05-10 | 2005-05-10 | Self-adhesive washer for a bathtub or shower |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060253975A1 true US20060253975A1 (en) | 2006-11-16 |
Family
ID=37417617
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/126,457 Abandoned US20060253975A1 (en) | 2005-05-10 | 2005-05-10 | Self-adhesive washer for a bathtub or shower |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060253975A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070175170A1 (en) * | 2006-01-17 | 2007-08-02 | Building Materials Investment Corporation | Self-stick metal plate and method of applying the same |
US20070199276A1 (en) * | 2006-02-28 | 2007-08-30 | Building Materials Investment Corporation | Self-seal ring for roofing nail |
US20070292241A1 (en) * | 2006-06-06 | 2007-12-20 | Snow Gerald F | Fibrous microencapsulated washer for fasteners |
DE102017102167A1 (en) | 2017-02-03 | 2018-08-09 | Blanco Gmbh + Co Kg | Overflow or drain assembly and method of mounting an overflow or drain assembly to a pool |
US20180325259A1 (en) * | 2017-05-12 | 2018-11-15 | Carpin Manufacturing, Inc. | Self-Adjustment Restrictor |
US10428501B2 (en) * | 2017-07-10 | 2019-10-01 | Kuang-Ming Kuo | Drainage assembly for a bathtub |
Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4701169A (en) * | 1983-12-19 | 1987-10-20 | Craig Medical Products | Ostomy appliance with improved attachment means |
US4757560A (en) * | 1985-01-08 | 1988-07-19 | Kohler Co. | Toilet tank gasket |
US5335849A (en) * | 1991-06-24 | 1994-08-09 | Forbes Christopher B | Closet ring used in a repair flange assembly |
US5421594A (en) * | 1991-02-14 | 1995-06-06 | Marine & Petroleum Mfg., Inc. | Gasket |
US6092811A (en) * | 1996-04-30 | 2000-07-25 | Jamco Products, Llc | Hybrid gasket |
US6190751B1 (en) * | 1998-11-24 | 2001-02-20 | Michael S. Sylvester | Self-adhesive reinforced foam gasket |
US20010002494A1 (en) * | 1999-12-01 | 2001-06-07 | Kurt Fritz | Tub overflow waste assembly |
US6328313B1 (en) * | 1998-11-13 | 2001-12-11 | Nippon Gasket Co., Ltd. | Gaskets |
US20030019032A1 (en) * | 2001-02-22 | 2003-01-30 | Minnick Michael W. | Waste and overflow system for a bathtub |
US20040055084A1 (en) * | 2002-09-19 | 2004-03-25 | Wcm Industries, Inc. | Method and apparatus for sealing a bathtub overflow port for testing purposes |
US6736406B1 (en) * | 2001-05-04 | 2004-05-18 | Brian G. Provencher | Self-adhesive gasket |
US7229516B2 (en) * | 2000-05-12 | 2007-06-12 | Aviation Devices & Electronic Components, Llc | Foam bodied gasket and gasket tape and method of making and using the same |
-
2005
- 2005-05-10 US US11/126,457 patent/US20060253975A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4701169A (en) * | 1983-12-19 | 1987-10-20 | Craig Medical Products | Ostomy appliance with improved attachment means |
US4757560A (en) * | 1985-01-08 | 1988-07-19 | Kohler Co. | Toilet tank gasket |
US5421594A (en) * | 1991-02-14 | 1995-06-06 | Marine & Petroleum Mfg., Inc. | Gasket |
US5335849A (en) * | 1991-06-24 | 1994-08-09 | Forbes Christopher B | Closet ring used in a repair flange assembly |
US6092811A (en) * | 1996-04-30 | 2000-07-25 | Jamco Products, Llc | Hybrid gasket |
US6328313B1 (en) * | 1998-11-13 | 2001-12-11 | Nippon Gasket Co., Ltd. | Gaskets |
US6190751B1 (en) * | 1998-11-24 | 2001-02-20 | Michael S. Sylvester | Self-adhesive reinforced foam gasket |
US20010002494A1 (en) * | 1999-12-01 | 2001-06-07 | Kurt Fritz | Tub overflow waste assembly |
US7229516B2 (en) * | 2000-05-12 | 2007-06-12 | Aviation Devices & Electronic Components, Llc | Foam bodied gasket and gasket tape and method of making and using the same |
US20030019032A1 (en) * | 2001-02-22 | 2003-01-30 | Minnick Michael W. | Waste and overflow system for a bathtub |
US6736406B1 (en) * | 2001-05-04 | 2004-05-18 | Brian G. Provencher | Self-adhesive gasket |
US20040055084A1 (en) * | 2002-09-19 | 2004-03-25 | Wcm Industries, Inc. | Method and apparatus for sealing a bathtub overflow port for testing purposes |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070175170A1 (en) * | 2006-01-17 | 2007-08-02 | Building Materials Investment Corporation | Self-stick metal plate and method of applying the same |
US20070199276A1 (en) * | 2006-02-28 | 2007-08-30 | Building Materials Investment Corporation | Self-seal ring for roofing nail |
US20070292241A1 (en) * | 2006-06-06 | 2007-12-20 | Snow Gerald F | Fibrous microencapsulated washer for fasteners |
US7878744B2 (en) * | 2006-06-06 | 2011-02-01 | Nd Industries, Inc. | Fibrous microencapsulated washer for fasteners |
DE102017102167A1 (en) | 2017-02-03 | 2018-08-09 | Blanco Gmbh + Co Kg | Overflow or drain assembly and method of mounting an overflow or drain assembly to a pool |
US20180325259A1 (en) * | 2017-05-12 | 2018-11-15 | Carpin Manufacturing, Inc. | Self-Adjustment Restrictor |
US10945525B2 (en) * | 2017-05-12 | 2021-03-16 | Carpin Manufacturing, Inc. | Self-adjustment restrictor |
US10428501B2 (en) * | 2017-07-10 | 2019-10-01 | Kuang-Ming Kuo | Drainage assembly for a bathtub |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11220810B2 (en) | Device and method for concealing a flange of a waste water strainer | |
US5185890A (en) | Toilet bowl sealing assembly | |
US20060253975A1 (en) | Self-adhesive washer for a bathtub or shower | |
US4694513A (en) | Drain | |
CA2480298C (en) | Method and apparatus for installing a bathtub assembly | |
US6128947A (en) | Leak indicating apron for a toilet | |
CN102725456A (en) | Water closet flange seal | |
US20220136226A1 (en) | Joint device for drain pipes | |
CA2298921A1 (en) | Shower drain | |
US20050108814A1 (en) | Water closet connector seal | |
CA2753509A1 (en) | Device for concealing a plate associated with overflow plumbing | |
CZ369797A3 (en) | Assembly boxes for sanitary fittings intended for location under plaster | |
CA2419028C (en) | Toilet flange assembly | |
US20070033728A1 (en) | Snap fit access panel for tub | |
JP2018159457A (en) | Exhaust valve device and valve body installation device | |
CA2976189C (en) | Plumbing apparatus for connecting a tail piece to a waste pipe | |
EP1295997B1 (en) | Water-closet gasket | |
JPH08232454A (en) | Structure for preventing a lid for inspection hole on ceiling of bathroom unit from dropping | |
JP2011157813A (en) | Repair method and drainage structure of drainage hardware | |
KR20080006584U (en) | Soap holder | |
JPH0874306A (en) | Drain fitting for bath room | |
JP2007170421A (en) | Bolt, opening closing tool and method for mounting cover plate | |
US20030141203A1 (en) | Replacement soap dish | |
JP2008297795A (en) | Bath room unit | |
JP2007132042A (en) | Floor finishing structure and floor finishing method for sanitary room |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |