US3129436A - Utility tub construction - Google Patents

Description

April 21, 1964 B. E. Musl-Ela 3,129,436

UTILITY TUB CONSTRUCTION Filed DeG. 7, 1962 FIG.-

BY milf/7M ATTORNEY United States Patent O 3,129,436 UTILITY TUB CONSTRUCTION Bernard E. Mustee, Cleveland, Ohio, assigner to E. L. Mustee & Sons, Inc. Filed Dec. 7, 1962, Ser. No. 243,012 7 Claims. (Cl. 4-183) The present invention relates to utility tub constructions, and more specifically to double utility tub assemblies using lightweight molded plastic tubs.

In utility tub constructions of the type described, the tubs are customarily molded as separate units and mounted on a tub base which supports the tubs at a convenient working height. As compared to the formerly used concrete utility tubs, molded plastic tubs oder many advantages. For example, molded tubs are lightweight and thus are easier to handle, ship and install. However, heretofore, there has 4been a need for an effective and inexpensive manner of securing the tubs to the tub base. Because the plastic tubs are lightweight, they rnust be secured in such a way as to prevent their being dislodged or accidentally moved. Further, since the lightweight molded tub constructions are relatively resilient, they must -be mounted so as to prevent exing of their bottom walls which, in the past, has led to the development of leaks around the drain connections.

Prior art attempts to use bolts and other conventional fasteners to connect molded plastic tubs to their bases have not been successful for several reasons. The plastic material from which the tubs are formed does not lend itself to the molding of bolt holes. AIn addition, the relatively thin tub walls have been found to require pads or bosses in the areas where the bolt holes are to be formed. Although it is possible to mold in varying thicknesses to form pads and bosses, such a molding operation is diflicult and economically impractical. The bonding of bolt heads to the outside of the tub walls is also costly and, hence, impractical. Furthermore, it is difficult to prevent leakage around conventional fasteners.

Prior laundry tub constructions wherein the utility tubs are secured to the tub stand without the use of conventional fasteners have been relatively expensive and often have not provided the rigidity necessary to withstand normal home use. 'In one such prior double tub const-ruction, a conventional drain plug and lock nut assembly is used to secure each individual tub to the tub base. The drain plugs extend down through openings in the center of the bottom walls of the tubs and through corresponding holes in two support straps that form a part of the base. The lock nuts are threaded on the extending ends of the drain plugs to secure the `tubs to the supporting straps. Slip nuts also thread on the extending ends of the drain plug to connect tailpipes and other drain pieces between the drain pipe and the drain plugs. Although eliminating many of the problems associated with conventional fastening means, the use of the several slip nuts, washers and other plumbing pieces unduly adds to the cost of installation.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved plural utility tub assembly wherein molded plastic utility tubs are securely held to the tub base Without bolts or similar conventional fasteners and with a minimum number of parts forming the tubdrain assembly.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved plural utility tub assembly which permits the use of identically molded tubs having uniform wall thicknesses.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved twin utility tub construction wherein the tubs are molded from a plastic material and are secured to a tub base so as to prevent flexing of the tub walls and movement of the tubs relative to the base.

According to the preferred construction contemplated by the invention, a pair of identical utility tubs are molded to have a uniform wall thickness throughout and a drain outlet opening adjacent one wall. The utility tubs are arranged on -a tub base having a single center support so that the drain outlet openings are adjacent and aligned with the hold-down openings in the center support. In order to secure the tubs in an assembled position, a twin waste fitting is disposed under the support member of the base and ldrain plugs are inserted through the drain outlet openings and threaded into corresponding openings in the twin waste iitting. Preferably, a divider strip is inserted between flanges formed on the uppermost portions of the adjacent tub walls so as to be compressed slightly as the -drain plugs are threaded into the twin waste member.

Among other advantages, the preferred assembly eliminates the use of slip nuts, washers and expensive drain iittings which have been required in prior art arrangements. The cost of the assembly is further reduced because of the simplified tub base construction which includes only a single support member for both tubs. At the same time, the novel `assembly achieves a. rigid connection of the tubs which eliminates any tendency of the tubs to rock on the stand or to move relative to each other.

It will also be seen that the invention facilitates economical molding operations, since there is no need to mold the tubs with bosses or pads. Further, it is not necessary to provide right and left hand tubs such as required in many prior art constructions. As noted above, the tubs can be iden-tically formed and interchangeably secured on either side of the tub base.

Other objects and advantages of the Iinvention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

' lFIGURE. l is a partially exploded, perspective view of the utility tub assembly of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is an elevation View of the assembly shown in cross-section;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarger, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a portion of the assembly; and

FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 4 4 of FIGURE 2.

Referring now to the drawing which illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention, the twin utility tub assembly is indicated generally by the reference character i0. As shown, the twin utility tub assembly includes tubs 11, 11 and a tub base or stand 13.

The tub base 13` is preferably fabricated to include two separately formed end sections 14, 15 and a center connecting section 16. The end sections vv14, 15 each include several angle pieces joined at their ends to cooperatively define a support surface 21 upon which the tubs 11, 11 rest. Legs 22 are provided at the corners of the end sections 14, 15 and are joined to the angle pieces by conventional metal fasteners. The center section lo is formed by a center hold-down and support plate 24 and by channel members 2S, 26 which are connected to the ends of the plate. The legs of the U- shaped end sections 14, 15 slide Within the channel members 25, 26 so that the base can be easily assembled. The hold-down and support plate 24 includes openings 27, 28 which are used both for a drain system and in a hold-down assembly for the utility tubs 11, 11' as will be more fully explained below.

The utility tubs 11, $11 are identical and are prefera- -bly molded from liber-reinforced plastic material or the like. The tubs 11, 11 respectively include side Walls l cost of manufacture.

Bil- 34, 31-34, bottom walls 35, 35', and rim portions 36, 36' formed around the top edges of the side Walls 31-34 and 31-34. Each tub structure further includes a drain outlet opening 38 and 38' formed in the bottom walls 35, 35', respectively near the side Walls 34, 34'. When the tubs 11, 11 are assembled on the tub stand 13, the tubs are placed so that the walls 34, 34 are adjacent each other. in this assembled position, peripheral portions of the bottom walls 35, 35 of the tubs 11, 11 rest on the support surfaces 21 and the drain outlet openings 38, 38 are aligned with the openings 27, 28, respectively.

The tubs 11, 11 are held to the tub stand 13 by the fittings 40, 46 and a single drain casting or waste fitting 41. The drain fittings 4G, 40" are preferably conventional drain plugs having a threaded pipe portion and an upper collar portion. The casting 41 includes two internally threaded inlets 42, 43 and a single outlet 44. As shown in FIGURE 2, the drain plugs 40, 4%' extend through the drain outlet openings 3S, 3S and the plate openings 27, 28 and are threaded into the inlets 42, 43 of the casting 41. The threaded connections of the plugs 4G, 40 to the casting or fitting 41 serve to clamp the bottom tub walls 35, 35 to the hold-down and support plate 24. A slip nut 49 and a slip washer 50 are provided to secure the outlet 44 of the casting 41 directly to the drain pipe 51.

A resilient divider strip 45 is provided between the adjacent rim portions 36, 36 of the tubs 11, 11'. The divider strip 45 preferably includes oppositely opening grooves 46, 47 which receive the rim portions to form a tight sealed lconnection between the tubs. The divider strip 45 serves to maintain horizontal alignment of the adjacent portions of the rims 36, 35 and also aids in securing the tubs in their assembled positions, as will be discussed hereinafter.

A combination soap dish and faucet block 54 is provided and serves as a clip between the adjacent portions of the rims 36, 36. The combination soap dish and faucet block 54 includes an upper dish plate 55, a lower clamping plate 56 and a faucet mounting block 57. Conventional fasteners 5S are inserted through holes in the soap dish plate 55 and the clamping plate 56 to clamp the portions of the rims 36, 36r therebetween. It will be seen that the clamping function of the combination soap dish and faucet block provides additional stability and rigidity to the utility tub assembly.

As discussed above, the minimum number of parts required in the present twin utility tub assembly adds to the simplicity of the structure as well as lowering its The provision of the twin waste fitting 41 as part of the twin utility tub assembly greatly simplifies `final installation of the twin tub assembly 10. The additional tail pipes, slip nuts and slip washers normally required to connect the individual tub outlets to a twin waste drain assembly are eliminated, as are the lock nuts normally used to secure the drain fittings to the hold-down plates. In addition, the end support of the bottom walls of the individual tubs plus the abutting relationship of their adjacent-most rim portions serve to stabilize the tubs against any tendency to rock or move on the tub stand and increase the tubs resistance to deformation.

Another feature of the invention resides in the unique arrangement of the tubs and the cooperating position of the waste fitting 41 which together produce stability in the simplified tub assembly. It will be seen that the openings 38, 38' which receive the threaded drain plug connections for the Waste fitting are next to the adjacent tub Walls 34, 34. When the drain plugs 4t), 40' are threaded into the waste fitting, the tub walls 34, 34 are krigidly positioned so as to tightly compress the divider strip 45( between the tub flanges 36, 36. As a result, the tubs 11, 1i are effectively secured together to form a rigid -unit which cannot rock or move on the base 13.

Further, if an upward force is exerted on an end of one tub, as by attempting to pick up the assembly by the flange of the tub wall 32, the effective abutting relationship of the adjacent flanges 36, 36 serves to prevent any movement of one tub relative to the other.

It will also lbe seen that the rigid, simplified structure of the invention is achieved without the use of the fastening devices which heretofore have precluded economical molding operations and have led to the development of leaks and other defects. Because of this feature of the invention, the tubs can be identically molded and advantageously can be formed to have uniform wall thicknesses. As has been previously pointed out, the tub base 13 also facilitates economical manufacture and convenient assembly, since it includes only a single center support member 24.

Many modifications and variations of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing detailed description. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically shown and described.

What is claimed is:

l. A plural utility tub assembly comprising:

(a) a base;

(b) a plurality of tubs disposed on said base;

(c) each of said tubs including side and bottom walls;

(d) said tubs being identical and of a moldable material;

(e) each of said bottom walls having a drain outlet formed adjacent one side wall;

(f) said tubs arranged so that said drain outlet openings are closely adjacent;

(g) said base including a hold-down portion disposed beneath at least portions of all such bottom walls, said hold-down portion including openings aligned with each of said drain outlets;

(k) drain fittings disposed in said drain outlets;

(i) a single piece multiple waste fitting having inlets in alignment with said drain fittings; and,

(j) said drain fittings connecting with said multiple waste fitting at said inlets to securely fix said bottom Walls to said hold-down portion and to provide waste drainage for all said utility tubs.

2. A twin utility tub assembly, comprising:

(a) a base;

(b) first and second preformed plastic tubs of a uniform thickness disposed on said base;

(c) each of said tubs including side and bottom Walls;

(d) each of said bottom walls having a drain outlet formed adjacent a side wall;

(e) said tubs arranged in a back-to-back relation so that said drain outlets are closely adjacent;

(f) said base including a hold-down portion disposed beneath at least portions of all said bottom walls, said hold-down portion including openings for alignment with each of said drain outlets;

(g) drain fittings disposed in said drain outlets;

(h) a twin waste fitting having twin inlets in alignment with said drain fittings and positioned against said hold-down portion on a side opposite said bottom walls; and

(i) said drain fittings being connectable to said twin waste fitting to securely clamp said bottom walls to said hold-down portion and to provide waste drainage for all said tubs.

3. A utility tub assembly comprising:

(a) a base;

(b) a plurality of identical tubs disposed on said base;

(c) each of said tubs including side and bottom walls defining an article holding compartment having an upper article-receiving opening, and a rim extending outwardly from the uppermost portions of said side walls;

(d) each of said bottom walls sloped in relation to a plane defined by said article-receiving opening;

(e) each of said bottom walls having a drain outlet in a portion lowermost to said plane and adjacent a side wall;

(f) said tubs arranged together on said base with their drain outlets in an adjacent relation and with portions of the rims extending from adjacent walls toward one another;

(g) a resilient divider strip between said rim portions, said divider strip including grooves each receiving one of said rim portions;

(h) a hold-down member fixed to said base and disposed beneath the lowermost portion of all such sloping bottom walls, said hold-down member including openings aligned with each of said drain outlets;

(i) drain fittings disposed in said drain outlets;

(j) a single piece waste fitting having inlets in alignment with said drain fittings and positioned against said hold-down member on a side opposite the bottom walls; and

(k) said drain fittings connecting with said Waste fitting to securely fix said bottom walls to said hold-down member and to maintain the rim portions tightly in the grooves of said divider strip.

4. A utility tub assembly comprising:

(a) a base;

(b) a plurality of tubs disposed on said base;

(c) each of said tubs including side walls and a bottom wall;

(d) each of said bottom walls having a drain outlet formed adjacent one side wall;

(e) said tubs being arranged on said base so that said drain outlets are closely adjacent;

(f) a waste iitting having portions defining a plurality of drain inlets;

(g) drain plugs in said drain outlets, said drain plugs connecting with the portions defining said inlets so that said outlets and inlets are aligned; and

(h) said base including a hold-down portion having openings receiving said drain plugs, and the hold down openings being aligned with said outlets when said drain plugs connect with said waste fitting to securely lock said tubs to said base.

5. The utility tub assembly of claim 4 wherein each of said tubs are identical and are molded of a synthetic plastic material in a uniform thickness throughout their entire extents.

6. The utility tub assembly of claim 4 including, in combination adjacent side walls of said tubs including rim portions extending outwardly frorn the tubs to an abutting position when the tubs are secured on said base; and

(j) means maintaining said rim portions in said abutting position.

7. A utility tub assembly comprising:

(a) a base;

(b) a plurality of tubs disposed on said base;

(c) each of said tubs including side and bottom walls and a rim extending outwardly from the uppermost portions of said side walls;

(d) each bottom wall having a drain outlet oi-center near one side wall;

(e) said tubs arranged together on said base with their drain outlets in a closely adjacent relation and with adjacent portions of the rims extending toward one another;

(f) a resilient divider strip including grooves receiving said adjacent rim portions;

(g) a single piece multiple waste fitting having inlets in alignment with said drain outlets;

(h) said base including a hold-down portion having openings aligned with said drain outlets; and,

(i) drain fittings disposed in said drain outlets and in said hold-down openings, said drain fittings connecting with the inlets of said multiple waste fitting to securely fix said tubs to said base and to maintain said adjacent rim portions tightly in the grooves of said divider strip.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 799,951 Thourot Sept. 19, 1905 1,112,790 Hansen Oct. 6, 1914 1,369,902 Miller et al. Mar. 1, 1921 2,053,830 Hunker Sept. 8, 1936 2,588,464 Bargman Mar. 11, 1952

Claims (1)

1. 4. A UTILITY TUB ASSEMBLY COMPRISING: (A) A BASE; (B) A PLURALITY OF TUBS DISPOSED ON SAID BASE; (C) EACH OF SAID TUBS INCLUDING SIDE WALLS AND A BOTTOM WALL; (D) EACH OF SAID BOTTOM WALLS HAVING A DRAIN OUTLET FORMED ADJACENT ONE SIDE WALL; (E) SAID TUBS BEING ARRANGED ON SAID BASE SO THAT SAID DRAIN OUTLETS ARE CLOSELY ADJACENT; (F) A WASTE FITTING HAVING PORTIONS DEFINING A PLURALITY OF DRAIN INLETS; (G) DRAIN PLUGS IN SAID DRAIN OUTLETS, SAID DRAIN PLUGS CONNECTING WITH THE PORTIONS DEFINING SAID INLETS SO THAT SAID OUTLETS AND INLETS ARE ALIGNED; AND (H) SAID BASE INCLUDING A HOLD-DOWN PORTION HAVING OPENINGS RECEIVING SAID DRAIN PLUGS, AND THE HOLD DOWN OPENINGS BEING ALIGNED WITH SAID OUTLETS WHEN SAID DRAIN PLUGS CONNECT WITH SAID WASTE FITTING TO SECURELY LOCK SAID TUBS TO SAID BASE.

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