US20160265203A1

US20160265203A1 - Shower receptacle adapters

Info

Publication number: US20160265203A1
Application number: US15/067,956
Authority: US
Inventors: Scott R. Knapp; John K. Adams
Original assignee: Kohler Co
Current assignee: Kohler Co
Priority date: 2015-03-13
Filing date: 2016-03-11
Publication date: 2016-09-15

Abstract

An adapter assembly for coupling a shower receptacle to a drain includes a base and an upper member. The base includes a bottom wall, a sidewall, and a first aperture. The sidewall extends upward from an outer periphery of the bottom wall. The first aperture is disposed in the bottom wall. The upper member is adjustably coupled to the base and has a second aperture disposed therein. The upper member is configured to be selectively moved relative to the base to adjust a relative position between the first and second apertures. A portion of the base and a portion of the upper member cooperatively define an internal cavity for receiving a fluid therein.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/132,791 filed Mar. 13, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates generally to the field of bases or receptacles for baths (e.g., showers, bath tubs, etc.). More specifically, the present application relates to adapters for mounting a shower base or receptacle to an existing drain pipe or drain opening in a floor (e.g., a drain, a sewage pipe, etc.).

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to an adapter assembly for coupling a shower receptacle to a drain. The adapter assembly includes a base and an upper member. The base includes a bottom wall, a sidewall, and a first aperture. The sidewall extends upward from an outer periphery of the bottom wall. The first aperture is disposed in the bottom wall. The upper member is adjustably coupled to the base and has a second aperture disposed therein. The upper member is configured to be selectively moved relative to the base to adjust a relative position between the first and second apertures. A portion of the base and a portion of the upper member cooperatively define an internal cavity for receiving a fluid therein.
Another embodiment relates to an adapter assembly for fluidly coupling a shower receptacle to a drain. The adapter assembly includes a base and an upper member. The base includes a bottom wall, a sidewall, and a first flange. The sidewall extends upward from a periphery of the bottom wall. The first flange extends from the bottom wall and defines a first aperture. The upper member is adjustably coupled to the base, and includes a second flange extending from the upper member and defining by a second aperture. The upper member is configured to be selectively moved relative to the base to adjust a relative position between the first and second apertures. The base is configured to be coupled to the drain at the first aperture and the upper member is configured to be coupled to the shower receptacle at the second aperture.
Another embodiment relates to an adapter for fluidly coupling a shower receptacle to a drain. The adapter includes a generally planar bottom wall and a seal. The seal extends upwardly from the bottom wall and along an outer periphery of the bottom wall. The seal includes an inner surface and a top surface. The inner surface of the seal and an upper surface of the generally planar bottom wall collectively define an internal cavity for receiving a fluid therein. The top surface of the seal is configured to engage a bottom surface of the shower receptacle to form a water-tight seal therebetween.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial exploded view of a receptacle adapter assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a detail view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a receptacle adapter assembly according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an adapter according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the adapter of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally speaking, conventional shower receptacles have generally been made having a size of 60×30 inches or smaller, and typically include a drain opening having a fixed location within the receptacle. The receptacle is typically installed onto a drain pipe located in an opening of a floor of a building to fix the relative position of the receptacle. More recently, shower receptacles have been made having a size of 60×32 inches or larger due to a need for more usable space in showers and baths. The shower receptacles having the larger 60×32 inch footprint typically include a drain opening having a fixed location that is different from the location of the drain opening in conventional receptacles having the smaller 60×30 inch footprint. This is undesirable, because when a conventional shower receptacle or bathtub is replaced with a new receptacle having a different drain location (such as during remodeling), significant modifications must be made to the existing drain pipe/floor to accommodate the new drain location, such as removing the old drain pipe from a cement subfloor.
For example, recently across the country there have been significant remodeling efforts in the hospitality industry (i.e., hotels and the like), which have included replacing bathtubs with showers. Typically, the bathtubs include a receptacle that has a 60×30 inch footprint with a drain location that is different than the drain location of a shower receptacle having a 60×32 inch footprint. This is problematic, because the opening in the subfloor of most hotel buildings for an existing drain pipe/drain must be enlarged. Thus, to replace the 60×30 inch bathtub with a larger shower, an installer/builder must enlarge the subfloor opening in, for example, a cement subfloor, to accommodate the new drain location of the shower receptacle. This requires significant modifications including removal of the old drain pipe from the cement subfloor, drilling/cutting a new drain opening in the subfloor, and providing a new, larger drain pipe in the new location of the subfloor. These modifications are both time consuming and expensive.
Accordingly, referring generally to the FIGURES, disclosed herein are adapter assemblies and adapters for mounting a shower or bath receptacle to an existing drain pipe or drain opening without having to modify the existing drain location and/or floor structure.
According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a receptacle assembly includes a receptacle 20 (e.g., a receptacle, a base, etc.) and an adapter 10 (e.g., an adapter assembly, etc.). The adapter 10 is configured to fluidly couple (e.g., mount, couple, removably couple, etc.) the receptacle 20 to a drain pipe 30 a located within a subfloor 30 (e.g., a floor, the ground, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1, the drain pipe 30 a has a fixed location in the subfloor that is different from the location of a drain opening 20 a (e.g., a drain, an aperture, a hole, etc.) located in the receptacle 20. The adapter 10, advantageously, fluidly connects/couples the receptacle 20 to the drain pipe 30 a, such that fluid (e.g., water) flowing into the receptacle 20 can be communicated and directed to the drain pipe 30 a without the need for modifying/changing the location of the drain pipe 30 a in the subfloor 30, and/or the location of the drain opening 20 a in the receptacle 20.
According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the adapter assembly 10 is usable for mounting or fluidly coupling a receptacle (e.g., receptacle 20) to a drain pipe (e.g., drain pipe 30 a), and includes a base 12 (e.g., a lower member, a bottom member, etc.) and an upper member 11 (e.g., an upper panel, a top member, etc.). The upper member 11 is removably coupled to the base 12, and is configured to be adjusted (e.g., moved, translated, rotated, etc.) relative to the base 12. The base 12 is configured to be coupled (e.g., press-fit, inserted, threadably coupled, removably coupled, connected, etc.) to a drain pipe or drain opening (e.g., drain pipe 30 a, etc.) having a first location in, for example, a sub floor of a building. The upper member 11 can be coupled (e.g., inserted, press-fit, threadably coupled, removably coupled, connected, etc.) to a drain opening of a receptacle (e.g., receptacle 20, etc.) having a second location that may be different from (e.g., offset from) the first location of the drain pipe or drain opening. In this manner, the adapter assembly 10 can efficiently communicate and direct fluid flowing from the receptacle to the drain pipe without having to modify the receptacle and/or the drain pipe location.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the base 12 includes a bottom wall 12 a (e.g., a lower surface, a bottom panel, a lower panel, etc.), a sidewall 12 b (e.g., a sleeve, a flange, etc.) extending upwardly from and circumferentially along a periphery of the bottom wall 12 a, and a first aperture (e.g., a hole, an opening, a drain, etc.) defined by a flange 12 d disposed in the bottom wall 12 a. The first aperture is located at a position that is offset from the center of the bottom wall 12 a, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2A, the bottom wall 12 a is generally planar and has a generally circular shape, however, the bottom wall 12 a may be configured to be any number of shapes such as oval, square, rectangular, or the like. Additionally, the bottom wall 12 a may be configured to be planar or non-planar. The flange 12 d (e.g., a sleeve, a shoulder, etc.) extends downward from a bottom surface of the bottom wall 12 a and surrounds the first aperture. According to various exemplary embodiments, the flange 12 d can be coupled (e.g., via threads, press fit features, or other suitable connection means) to a drain pipe or drain opening having a fixed location in a floor, such as a drain pipe located in a cement sub-floor. The base 12 can be rotated (e.g., moved, adjusted, etc.) relative to the drain pipe before being fixed in position. According to other exemplary embodiments, the base 12 can include one or more support feet 12 c (e.g., pegs, supports, grommets, etc.) located on a bottom surface of the bottom wall 12 a to provide support for the base 12 relative to a floor or the ground when the base 12 is installed onto a drain pipe or drain opening.
Still referring to FIG. 2A, the sidewall 12 b of the base 12 generally extends upward from an outer periphery (e.g., a peripheral edge, a perimeter, etc.) of the bottom wall 12 a. The sidewall 12 b is shown in a generally upright (e.g., vertical) configuration, however, the sidewall 12 b can be configured differently. For example, the sidewall 12 b can have a tapered, angled, or arcuate (e.g., curved) shape, according to other exemplary embodiments. At least a portion of the sidewall 12 b, the bottom wall 12 a, and the upper member 11 collectively define an internal cavity for fluid (e.g., water, etc.) to flow through when the adapter assembly 10 is installed between a receptacle and a drain pipe. Generally speaking, the height of the sidewall 12 b should be minimized, so as to maintain a shorter overall receptacle height depending on the particular application of the adapter assembly 10.
According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the upper member 11 is generally planar and includes a second aperture (e.g., a hole, an opening, etc.) defined by a flange 11 a. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the second aperture is located at a position that is offset from the center of the upper member 11. The upper member 11 can be removably and rotatably coupled to the base 12, and can be moved or adjusted (e.g., rotate, etc.) relative to the base 12. For example, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the upper member 11 is removably coupled to the base 12 via a collar 13 (e.g., a ring, a coupler, etc.). The collar 13 includes a shoulder 13 a that sandwiches and seals the upper member 11 to the base 12 when the collar 13 is coupled (e.g., threaded, press fit, snap fit, locked, etc.) to a portion of the sidewall 12 a. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the collar 13 further includes a threaded portion 13 b that threadably engages an upper portion of the sidewall 12 a of the base. According to other exemplary embodiments (not shown), the upper member 11 may be configured to couple directly to the base without the need for the collar 13 via threads, press fit features, snaps, locking features, or the like. A water tight seal can also achieved between the upper member 11 and the base 12, such as by using thread sealant and/or a seal (e.g., a gasket, an O ring seal, etc.). According to other exemplary embodiments (not shown), the upper member 11 and the collar 13 may be integrally formed as a unitary structure.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the upper member 11 is generally planar and has a generally circular shape, however, the upper member 11 may be configured to be any number of shapes such as oval, square, rectangular, or the like. Additionally, the upper member 11 may be configured to be planar or non-planar. As shown in FIG. 2A, the upper member 11 includes a flange 11 a that is a standard sized drain flange disposed around the second aperture, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to various exemplary embodiments, the flange 11 a can be coupled (e.g., threadably coupled, removably coupled, connected, etc.) to a drain opening of a receptacle (e.g., receptacle 20, etc.).
According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the collar 13 can include markings 13 c (e.g., tick marks, angle marks, dimensional marks, etc.) arranged concentrically along a periphery of the shoulder 13 a of the collar. The markings 13 c can, advantageously, assist an installer with positioning of the upper member 11 relative to the base 12 for installation of a shower receptacle.
For example, the upper member 11 can include an indicator 11 b (e.g., a projection, a line, a mark, etc.) located on a top surface of the upper member. After the base 12 is installed onto a drain pipe or drain opening in, for example, a subfloor of a building via the first aperture and/or the flange 12 d, an installer can determine the distance between the center of the drain pipe and the center of the drain opening in the receptacle at the installed position of the receptacle (i.e., the position of the receptacle drain opening relative to the drain pipe). This is the offset distance that the installer can use to position the second aperture of the upper member 11 (which is associated with the drain opening of the receptacle) relative to the first aperture of the base 12 (which is associated with the drain pipe in the floor).
Next, the upper member 11 and the collar 13 can be loosely coupled to the base 12 to allow for adjusting the position of the upper member relative to the base. According to other exemplary embodiments, the upper member 11 and the collar 13 are pre-installed onto the base 12 before the installer receives the adapter assembly 10 for installation. The installer can then move (e.g., rotate, etc.) the upper member 11 relative to the base 12 until the distance between the center of the second aperture and the center of the first aperture is the same as the distance between the center of the drain pipe in the floor and the center of the drain opening in the receptacle at the installed position (e.g., by using the markings 13 c on the collar 13 and the indicator 11 b on the upper member 11 as a guide). The installer can also move/adjust (e.g., rotate, etc.) the base 12 relative to the drain pipe in the floor, to further adjust the adapter assembly 10 position before installation of the receptacle.
According to an exemplary installation shown in FIG. 1, the adapter assembly 10 is configured to couple a receptacle to a drain pipe located in a sub-floor. First, an installer determines the offset distance between the drain opening of the receptacle and the drain pipe at the installed position of the receptacle. Next, the base is coupled to the drain pipe at the first aperture and/or the flange 12 a of the bottom wall of the base (e.g., via threads, press fit features, locking features, or other suitable connection means). The bottom wall 12 a may also contact (e.g., engage, abut, etc.) the sub-floor at a bottom surface of the wall and/or at the one or more support feet 12 c located on the bottom surface. The base 12 can be adjusted (e.g., rotated, etc.) relative to the drain pipe in a direction indicated generally by arrow “A” about an axis A′ defined by the first aperture to properly position the adapter assembly 10 for installation of the receptacle. Next, the upper member 11 is loosely coupled to the base 12 via the collar 13 such that the upper member is can be moved/adjusted (e.g., rotated, etc.) within the collar relative to the base. According to an exemplary embodiment, the upper member 11 can be rotated in a direction indicated by arrow “B” about an axis B′ defined by the sidewall 12 b. According to other exemplary embodiments, the collar 13 and upper member 11 are pre-installed onto the base 12 before the installer receives the assembly for installation. The installer can then adjust (e.g., rotate, move, etc.) the upper member 11 relative to the base 12 until the second aperture of the upper member is at the same position/distance as the drain opening of the receptacle at the installed position of the receptacle.
Once the upper member 11 is at the desired position, the collar 13 can then be securely fastened (e.g., coupled, threadably coupled, etc.) to the base 12, such that the upper member 11 is fixed relative to the base 12 (i.e., sandwiched between the collar 13 and the base 12). Lastly, the drain opening of the receptacle is fluidly coupled to the second aperture via the flange 11 a of the upper member 11, such that fluid (e.g., water) flowing into the receptacle can be communicated/directed from the receptacle 11 to the drain pipe via the adapter assembly 10. According to other exemplary embodiments, the adapter assembly 10 is pre-installed onto the drain opening of the receptacle before the installer receives the assembly for installation onto the drain pipe.
According to another exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, an adapter assembly 40 for fluidly coupling a receptacle (e.g., a shower receptacle, a sink receptacle, a bathtub receptacle, etc.) to a drain pipe is shown. The adapter assembly 40 includes a base 42 and an upper member 41 slidably coupled to the base 42. The upper member 41 can be moved (e.g., translate, slide, etc.) relative to the base 42 in a direction indicated generally by arrows “B” and “C” in FIG. 3A. The base 42 can be rotated relative to a drain pipe in a direction indicated generally by arrow “D” in FIG. 3A. The base 42 can be coupled to a drain pipe or drain opening (e.g., a drain, a sewage pipe, etc.) having a first location in, for example, a sub-floor. The upper member 41 can be coupled to a drain opening of a receptacle (e.g., a shower receptacle, a bath receptacle, a sink receptacle, etc.) having a second location that is different from (e.g., offset from) the first location, such that fluid (e.g., water) flowing into the receptacle can be efficiently communicated/directed from the receptacle to the drain pipe.
As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the base 42 includes a bottom wall 42 a (e.g., a lower surface, a bottom panel, etc.), sidewalls 42 b, end walls 42 c extending upwardly from and along a periphery of the bottom wall 42 a, and a first aperture (e.g., a hole, an opening, a drain, etc.) defined by a flange 42 d. The first aperture is located at a position that is offset from the center of the bottom wall 42 a, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3A, the bottom wall 42 a is generally planar and has a generally rectangular shape, however, the bottom wall 42 a may be configured to be any number of shapes such as hexagonal, octagonal, or the like. Additionally, the bottom wall 42 a may be configured to be planar or non-planar. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the bottom wall includes a flange 42 d (e.g., a sleeve, a shoulder, etc.) extending downward a distance from a bottom surface of the bottom wall 42 a (e.g., 2 inches, etc.) and surrounding the first aperture. According to various exemplary embodiments, the flange 42 d can be coupled (e.g., via threads, press fit features, locking features, or other suitable connection means) to a drain pipe having a fixed location in a floor (e.g., a drain pipe in a cement sub-floor). According to other exemplary embodiments, the base 42 can include one or more support feet 42 f (e.g., pegs, supports, grommets, etc.) located on a bottom surface of the bottom wall 42 a to provide support to the assembly when the base is installed onto a drain pipe or drain opening.
FIG. 3B illustrates the assembly 42 installed between a drain opening in a sub-floor 30 and a drain opening in a receptacle 20. As shown in FIG. 3B, the sidewalls 42 b and the end walls 42 c generally extend upwardly a distance from a periphery (e.g., a peripheral edge, a perimeter, etc.) of the bottom wall 42 a (e.g., 0.5 inches, etc.). The sidewalls 42 b and end walls 42 c are shown in a generally upright (e.g., vertical) configuration, however, the sidewalls and end walls can each be configured differently. For example, the sidewalls 42 b and/or the end walls 42 c can have a tapered, angled, or arcuate (e.g., curved) shape. The sidewalls 42 b further include a shoulder 42 e (e.g., a flange, a retaining edge, etc.) extending inwardly from an upper portion thereof. The shoulder 42 e and an upper portion of each of the sidewalls 42 b define a generally horizontal channel (e.g., a slot, etc.) extending in a longitudinal direction along each of the sidewalls 42 b. The shoulder 42 e, advantageously, can receive a portion of the upper member 41 therein to allow for relative translational movement between the upper member and the base 42. The shoulder 42 e is further configured to retain the upper member 41 relative to the base 42. At least a portion of the sidewalls 42 b, the end walls 42 c, the bottom wall 42 a, and the upper member 41 collectively define an internal cavity for fluid (e.g., water, etc.) to flow through (indicated generally by the dotted line and arrow “E” shown in FIG. 3B) when the adapter assembly 40 is installed between, for example, the receptacle 20 and the drain pipe/opening in the sub-floor 30.
According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the upper member 41 is generally planar and includes a second aperture (e.g., a hole, an opening, etc.) defined by a flange 41 a. The second aperture is located at a position that is offset from the center of the upper member 41, according to an exemplary embodiment. The upper member 41 is slidably disposed within the channel defined by the shoulders 42 e of the base 42, and can be selectively moved or adjusted (e.g., translate, slide, etc.) by a user or an installer relative to the base 42.
As shown in FIG. 3A, the upper member 41 is generally planar and has a generally rectangular shape, however, the upper member 41 may be configured to be any number of shapes that are complementary to the shape of the base 42. Additionally, the upper member 41 may be configured to be planar or non-planar. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the upper member 41 may include a flange 41 a (e.g., a sleeve, a shoulder, etc.) extending upwardly a distance from a top surface of the upper member 41 (e.g., about 2 inches), and surrounding the second aperture. According to various exemplary embodiments, the flange 41 a can be coupled (e.g., via threads, press fit features, locking features, or other suitable connection means) to a receptacle (e.g., a shower receptacle, a sink receptacle, a bath receptacle, etc.) at a drain opening of the receptacle.
According to an exemplary installation shown in FIG. 3B, the adapter assembly 40 of FIG. 3A is configured to fluidly couple a receptacle to a drain pipe located in, for example, a sub-floor. First, an installer determines the offset distance between the drain opening of the receptacle and the drain pipe at the installed position of the receptacle. Next, the base 42 is coupled (e.g., threadably coupled, removably coupled, etc.) to the drain pipe at the first aperture and/or at the flange 42 d. The bottom wall 42 a may also contact (e.g., engage, abut, etc.) the subfloor at a bottom surface of the bottom wall 42 a and/or at the one or more support feet 42 f located on a bottom surface of the bottom wall. The base 42 can then be adjusted (e.g., rotated) relative to the drain pipe about an axis defined by the first aperture (indicated generally by arrow “D” in FIG. 3A) to position the adapter assembly 40 for installation of the receptacle.
Next, the upper member 41 is slidably disposed (e.g., inserted, etc.) within the channels or slots of the base 42 defined by the shoulders 42 e, such that the upper member 41 can be selectively moved/adjusted (e.g., translated, slid, etc.) along the channels relative to the base 42. According to other exemplary embodiments, the upper member 41 is pre-installed onto the base 42 before the installer receives the assembly for installation. The installer can then adjust (e.g., move, slide, translate, etc.) the upper member 41 relative to the base 42 (indicated by arrows “B” and “C” in FIGS. 3A-3B) until the second aperture of the upper member 41 is at the same position/distance as the drain opening of the receptacle at the installed position of the receptacle. Once the upper member 41 is at the desired position, the upper member can be coupled (e.g., locked, fastened, secured, etc.) to the base 42 to fix the position of the upper member relative to the base. Lastly, the drain opening of the receptacle is fluidly coupled to the second aperture and/or the flange 41 a of the upper member 41, such that fluid (e.g., water) can be communicated/directed from the receptacle to the drain pipe through the internal cavity of the adapter assembly 40. According to other exemplary embodiments, the adapter assembly 40 is pre-installed (e.g., coupled) onto the receptacle drain opening before the installer receives the assembly for installation.
According to another exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, an adapter 50 (e.g., a membrane) for installing a receptacle to a drain pipe is shown. The adapter 50 includes a bottom wall 51 and a seal 52 (e.g., a gasket, a protrusion, etc.) extending along a periphery (e.g., a peripheral edge, a perimeter, etc.) of the bottom wall 51. A portion of the bottom wall 51 and a portion of the seal 52 collectively define an internal cavity for fluid to flow through when the adapter 50 is installed between a receptacle 20 and a drain pipe 31 (see FIG. 5). The bottom wall 51 is configured for an installer to cut (e.g., insert, punch, drill, etc.) a drain hole at a desired position within the bottom wall at an installation site. According to other exemplary embodiments, the bottom wall 51 can include a pre-cut drain hole 52 c (e.g., an aperture, a drain opening, etc.) (see FIG. 5) before the installer receives the adapter 50 for installation. The drain hole 52 c of the bottom wall 51 receive at least a portion of a drain pipe 31 (e.g., a drain, a sewage pipe, etc.) therein, and having a first location. The seal 52 can engage (e.g., mate, contact, etc.) a lower surface of a receptacle 20 (e.g., a shower receptacle, a bath receptacle, a sink receptacle, etc.), such that the receptacle drain opening 20 a directs fluid into the internal cavity of the adapter 50, and fluid (e.g., water, etc.) flowing into the receptacle 20 can be efficiently communicated and directed from the receptacle to the drain pipe 31 through the internal cavity of the adapter 50.
As shown in FIG. 4, the bottom wall 51 of the adapter 50 is generally planar and has a generally rectangular shape, however, the bottom wall may be configured to be any number of shapes such as oval, square, circular, or the like. Additionally, the bottom wall 51 may be configured to be planar or non-planar. The bottom wall 51 can be made from various materials or combinations of materials that are suitable for modification (e.g., cutting, removing material, etc.) by an installer at an installation site, such as, for example, plastic, rubber, aluminum, or any other suitable material or combinations of materials. The bottom wall 51 is configured for an installer to locate and cut a drain hole (e.g., a drain opening, a drain, an aperture, etc.) of a desired size at a desired position within the bottom wall 51. The drain hole 52 c is configured to receive at least a portion of the drain pipe 31 therein to fluidly couple the adapter 50 to the drain pipe 31 located within a sub-floor 30 (e.g., a floor, the ground, a cement sub-floor, etc.).
As shown in FIG. 4, the seal 52 is located along a periphery (e.g., a peripheral edge, a perimeter, etc.) of the bottom wall 51. The seal 52 extends generally upward from the bottom wall 51 and includes an inner surface 52 b extending along an inside perimeter of the seal 52. The inner surface 52 b and the bottom wall 51 collectively define the internal cavity of the adapter 50, which is suitable for fluid (e.g., water) to flow through when the adapter is installed between the receptacle 20 and the drain pipe 31. The seal 52 further includes a top surface 52 a that can engage (e.g., mate, contact, etc.) a bottom surface of the receptacle 20. According to an exemplary embodiment, the top surface 52 a can form a seal with a bottom surface of the receptacle 20 and around the receptacle drain opening 20 a, such that fluid flowing through the internal cavity will not leak outside the adapter 50 (i.e., water is contained within the internal cavity of the adapter). The seal 52 may be made out of various materials or combinations of materials suitable for creating a water-tight seal with the receptacle 20, such as, for example, rubber, foam, plastic, or other suitable materials.
According to an exemplary installation sequence shown in FIG. 5, the adapter 50 of FIG. 4 is shown installed between a receptacle 20 (e.g., a shower receptacle, a sink receptacle, a bath receptacle, etc.) and a drain pipe 31 (e.g., a drain, a sewage pipe, etc.) located within a sub-floor 30 (e.g., a floor, the ground, etc.). First, an installer determines the offset distance between the drain opening 20 a of the receptacle 20 and the drain pipe 31 at the installed position of the receptacle. Next, the installer cuts (e.g., drills, presses, forms, etc.) a drain hole 52 c (e.g., an aperture, an opening, etc.) in the bottom wall 51 of the adapter. According to another exemplary embodiment, the drain hole 52 c is a pre-drilled or cut hole. According to various exemplary embodiments, the size and location of the drain hole 52 c may vary based on the size and location of the drain pipe 41 located within the sub-floor 30. The adapter 50 is then coupled to the drain pipe 31 at the drain hole 52 c. The bottom wall 51 may also contact (e.g., engage, abut, etc.) the sub-floor 30 at a bottom surface thereof when the adapter 50 is installed thereto. The adapter 50 can be adjusted (e.g., moved, rotated, etc.) relative to the drain pipe 31 to position the adapter for installation of the receptacle 20.
Next, the receptacle 20 is installed onto a top surface 52 a of the seal 52 with the drain opening 20 a of the receptacle 20 positioned above or within the internal cavity of the adapter 50. The top surface 52 a of the seal 52 and a bottom surface of the receptacle 20 form a water-tight seal, such that fluid (e.g., water) flowing through the internal cavity will not leak outside the adapter 50 (e.g., such that water can be contained within the internal cavity). According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5, a cover 60 may be installed over at least a portion of the receptacle 20 to hide/conceal the drain opening 20 a of the receptacle. The cover 60 can, advantageously, provide for better aesthetics, while simultaneously prevent the drain opening 20 a from getting clogged.
According to the various exemplary embodiments described herein, the adapter assembly components, such as the base and the upper panel, may be made out of various materials or combinations of materials that exhibit anti-corrosive properties, such as, for example, plastic, treated metal, composite, ceramic, rubber, or other materials suitable for plumbing applications. Additionally, the various adapters and adapter assemblies may include additional elements such as gaskets (e.g., gasket 22 shown in FIG. 1), seals, fasteners, and the like for installing the receptacles.
The adapters/adapter assemblies described herein are particularly advantageous in that they allow for the installation of receptacles having drain locations that are different from the fixed locations of drain pipes without requiring an installer to perform substantial modifications at the installation site (e.g., moving drain pipes from there fixed locations). Additionally, the aforementioned assemblies are easy to install and allow for the effective and efficient draining of water.
As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.
It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.
References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the adapter assemblies and membranes/adapters as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.
Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, any element (e.g., base, upper panel, lower panel, seal/gasket, etc.) disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An adapter assembly for coupling a shower receptacle to a drain, comprising:

a base comprising:

a bottom wall,

a sidewall extending upward from an outer periphery of the bottom wall, and

a first aperture disposed in the bottom wall; and

an upper member adjustably coupled to the base, the upper member having a second aperture disposed therein;

wherein the upper member is configured to be selectively moved relative to the base to adjust a relative position between the first and second apertures; and

wherein a portion of the base and a portion of the upper member cooperatively define an internal cavity for receiving a fluid therein.

2. The adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the first aperture is located offset from a center of the bottom wall, and wherein the second aperture is located offset from a center of the upper member.

3. The adapter assembly of claim 2, wherein the upper member is configured to be rotated relative to the base.

4. The adapter assembly of claim 2, wherein the upper member is configured to be translated relative to the base.

5. The adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the base is configured to be coupled to the drain at the first aperture.

6. The adapter assembly of claim 5, wherein the upper member is configured to be coupled to the shower receptacle at the second aperture.

7. The adapter assembly of claim 1, further comprising a first flange extending downward from a bottom surface of the base and surrounding the first aperture.

8. The adapter assembly of claim 7, further comprising a second flange extending upward from a top surface of the upper member and surrounding the second aperture.

9. The adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper member is removably coupled to the base.

10. The adapter assembly of claim 8, further comprising a collar rotatably coupled to the base and configured to sandwich the upper member to the base between a portion of the collar and a portion of the base.

11. The adapter assembly of claim 10, wherein the collar is threadably coupled to the base.

12. An adapter assembly for fluidly coupling a shower receptacle to a drain, comprising:

a base comprising:

a bottom wall,

a sidewall extending upward from a periphery of the bottom wall, and

a first flange extending from the bottom wall and defining a first aperture; and

an upper member adjustably coupled to the base; and

a second flange extending from the upper member and defining a second aperture;

wherein the base is configured to be coupled to the drain at the first aperture and the upper member is configured to be coupled to the shower receptacle at the second aperture.

13. The adapter assembly of claim 12, wherein a portion of the base and a portion of the upper member cooperatively define an internal cavity for receiving a fluid therein.

14. The adapter assembly of claim 12, wherein the first aperture is located offset from the center of the bottom wall, and wherein the second aperture is located offset from the center of the upper member.

15. The adapter assembly of claim 12, wherein the upper member is rotatably coupled to the base.

16. The adapter assembly of claim 12, wherein the upper member is slidably coupled to the base.

17. An adapter for fluidly coupling a shower receptacle to a drain, comprising:

a generally planar bottom wall; and

a seal extending upwardly from the bottom wall and along an outer periphery of the bottom wall, wherein the seal includes an inner surface and a top surface;

wherein the inner surface of the seal and an upper surface of the generally planar bottom wall collectively define an internal cavity for receiving a fluid therein; and

wherein the top surface of the seal is configured to engage a bottom surface of the shower receptacle to form a water-tight seal therebetween.

18. The adapter of claim 17, wherein the generally planar bottom wall further includes a drain hole disposed therein.

19. The adapter of claim 17, wherein the generally planar bottom wall is configured to have a drain hole selectively cut therein.

20. The adapter of claim 19, wherein the drain hole is configured to receive a drain pipe of a building therethrough.