Patent ID: 6795987
Filing Date: 2004-09-28
Classification: E03F

Abstract:
A floor drain used in a drain system, the floor drain having a drain insert with a center bore and a strainer top for mounting on one end of the drain insert, the improvement which comprises:a valve mounted in the center bore of the floor drain to prevent fluids in the drain system from escaping the drain system through the floor drain, the valve including: (a) a collar having a first end and a second end with an inner passageway extending between the ends and having a first portion and a second portion, wherein an outer diameter of the first portion is greater than an outer diameter of the second portion; (b) a valve member having a first end and a second end with a flexible sidewall extending between the ends and forming an inner passageway, wherein the first end of the valve member is mounted over the second portion of the collar; and (c) an o-ring positioned between the first end of the valve member and the first portion of the collar, wherein an outer diameter of the o-ring is slightly greater than a diameter of the center bore of the drain insert such that the o-ring forms a seal between the center bore of the drain insert and the collar, wherein in a normal position, the inner passageway of the valve member tapers in cross-section from the first end toward the second end of the valve member and the flexible sidewall adjacent the second end of the valve member is curled and wherein when fluid is introduced into the inner passageway of the valve member at the first end, the flexible sidewall uncurls and the inner passageway of the valve member expands adjacent the second end such as to allow fluid to exit the valve member through the second end of the valve member.