Device for providing improved drainage

An overflow assembly for a bathtub includes an elbow having a first threaded section and a retainer nut having a second corresponding threaded section. The retainer nut is configured to threadably mount onto the elbow. The overflow assembly further includes an overflow cover including at least one overflow opening and at least one vent opening defined therein. The overflow cover is configured to engage with the retainer nut and substantially cover the first threaded section and the retainer nut.

INTRODUCTION

A bathtub generally has a drain system positioned in a bottom of the bathtub that allows for selective opening and closing so that the bathtub can retain water. Additionally, an overflow system is provided so that once the water within the bathtub reaches a predetermined height the water can drain from the bathtub and reduce or prevent water from overflowing the bathtub and flowing onto the floor. The overflow system interconnects the bathtub's overflow port to a wastewater system and includes an opening that enables water to flow from the bathtub to the wastewater system. In some known overflow systems exit flow from the opening can be reduced or completely restricted because air pressure within the overflow system restricts or even prevents the water from entering the opening.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the technology relates to an overflow assembly for a bathtub including: an elbow including a first threaded section; a retainer nut including a second corresponding threaded section, wherein the retainer nut is configured to threadably mount onto the elbow; and an overflow cover including at least one overflow opening and at least one vent opening defined therein, wherein the overflow cover is configured to engage with the retainer nut and substantially cover the first threaded section and the retainer nut.

In an example, the at least one vent opening is configured to equalize air pressure inside the elbow with air pressure outside of the overflow assembly and increase a flow rate of a liquid through the at least one overflow opening. In another example, the overflow cover includes: a face; and an exterior wall extending from the face, wherein the exterior wall is sized and shaped to receive the retainer nut, and wherein an end of the exterior wall defines a mounting surface that is positionable at least partially against the bathtub when the overflow cover is engaged with the retainer nut. In yet another example, the at least one vent opening is at least partially defined by the exterior wall. In still another example, the at least one vent opening is only partially defined by the exterior wall. In an example, the at least one vent opening is completely defined by the exterior wall. In another example, the retainer nut further includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced and radially extending lugs, wherein the exterior wall has a projection configured to frictionally engage with the plurality of lugs, and wherein the at least one vent opening has a length greater than a length of a lug of the plurality of lugs. In yet another example, the overflow cover includes an interior surface having at least one surface feature configured to increase a flow rate of a liquid through the overflow assembly.

In another aspect, the technology relates to an overflow assembly for a bathtub including: an elbow; a retainer nut; a bracket configured to secure the retainer nut to the elbow; and an overflow cover including at least one overflow opening and at least one vent opening defined therein, wherein the overflow cover is configured to engage with the retainer nut and substantially cover the bracket and the retainer nut.

In another aspect, the technology relates to an overflow cover including: a face; and an exterior wall extending from the face, wherein the exterior wall is sized and shaped to receive and engage a retainer nut of an overflow assembly, wherein an end of the exterior wall defines a mounting surface that is configured to be positioned against a bathtub when the overflow cover is mounted over an overflow port, and wherein at least one overflow opening and at least one vent opening are at least partially defined by the exterior wall.

In an example, the at least one vent opening is only partially defined by the exterior wall. In another example, the exterior wall includes an interior surface having a projection extending therefrom, the projection is offset from the mounting surface and configured to frictionally engage a retainer nut, and wherein the at least one vent opening extends from the mounting surface to a depth that is less than or equal to the offset distance. In yet another example, the at least one vent opening is completely defined by the exterior wall. In still another example, the exterior wall includes an interior surface having a projection extending therefrom, the projection is offset a distance from the mounting surface and configured to frictionally engage a retainer nut, and wherein the at least one vent opening is positioned between the projection and the face. In an example, the face includes an interior surface having at least one surface feature configured to increase a flow rate of a liquid through the overflow assembly. In another example, the at least one surface feature includes at least one fin extending from the interior surface. In yet another example, the at least one surface features includes a textured surface. In still another example, the exterior wall defines a length, and wherein the at least one overflow opening is offset along the length from the at least one vent opening. In an example, the at least one overflow opening is positioned below a horizontal centerline of the overflow cover, and wherein the at least one vent opening is positioned above the horizontal centerline. In another example, the at least one vent opening is substantially disposed opposite the at least one overflow opening.

These and various other features as well as advantages which characterize the overflow assembly and overflow cover described herein will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the associated drawings. Additional features are set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the technology. The benefits and features of the technology will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing introduction and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the overflow assembly and overflow cover that are the subject of this disclosure are described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but is extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

This disclosure describes overflow covers for use in an overflow assembly of a bathtub. The overflow covers enable a flow rate of water exiting from the bathtub to be increased and to reduce flow rate restriction due to the buildup of air pressure within the overflow assembly. The overflow covers include an overflow opening and a vent opening so that the air pressure from inside the overflow assembly is allowed to equalize with the air pressure outside of the overflow assembly without having to escape from the overflow opening. Additionally, the overflow cover may include an interior surface feature that further increases the flow rate of the water exiting from the bathtub.

FIG. 1is a partial perspective view of an exemplary bathroom structure100.FIG. 2is a cross-sectional view of the bathroom structure100taken along line2-2(shown inFIG. 1). Referring concurrently toFIGS. 1 and 2, the bathroom structure100includes a floor102and at least one wall104with a bathtub106positioned therein and supported on the floor102. The bathtub106includes a bottom108with side walls110and end walls112extending upwardly therefrom and which form an open basin114that may retain liquid, such as water, therein. A drain system116couples the bathtub106in flow communication with a wastewater plumbing system118to enable the water to be drained from the bathtub106and channeled out of the bathroom structure100. The drain system116may include a drain elbow120that is attached at a first end to the bottom108of the bathtub106at a drain port122. A tub closure assembly124is coupled to the first end of the drain elbow120and enables the drain port122to be selectively opened and closed. From the bathtub106, the drain elbow120extends to a T-connector126which couples the drain elbow120to the plumbing system118.

In addition to the drain system116, an overflow system128also couples the bathtub106in flow communication with the plumbing system118to enable water to be drained from the bathtub106at a second location within the bathtub and channeled out of the bathroom structure100. The overflow system128may be positioned within a wall opening130defined in the wall104and include an overflow pipe132that is attached at a first end, via an overflow elbow134, to the end wall112at an overflow port136. An overflow assembly138is coupled to the first end of the overflow elbow134and provides a covering for the overflow port136. From the bathtub106, the overflow pipe132extends to the T-connector126which couples the overflow pipe132to the plumbing system118. The overflow pipe132can be either a rigid pipe member, with or without fittings, or a flexible pipe member. A vent pipe140runs within the wall104and is open to exterior ambient air at one end to provide venting of the plumbing system118. Additionally, one or more water supply lines144run within the wall104and are in flow communication with a faucet146positioned proximate the bathtub106and/or a shower head (not shown) positioned above the bathtub106. A control assembly148mounted on the wall104includes one or more control valves150that are used to control the flow and/or temperature of the water from the valves150to the faucet146and/or shower head.

In operation, a flow of water, for example, from the faucet146, may be used to fill the bathtub106. Water flow out of the bathtub106may be impeded for a number of reasons. For example, the tub closure assembly124may be closed to prevent water from draining out of the bathtub106through the drain system116. Also, at times the drain elbow120may be clogged, preventing water from draining out of the bathtub106. Regardless, to reduce or eliminate overflow from the bathtub106, the overflow system128is used to enable the water to flow out of the open basin114and into the plumbing system118once the water reaches the installation height of the overflow assembly138. The exit flow rate of the overflow system128in relation to the inlet flow rate from the faucet146determines how long it takes to overflow the bathtub106. In examples, the overflow system128may be sized and shaped to have an exit flow rate less than, equal to, or greater than the inlet flow from the faucet146.

When the water reaches the level of the overflow assembly and/or submerges the overflow assembly, the upstream water within the bathtub may cavitate and/or form a funnel flow such that the air pressure from inside the overflow assembly is allowed to equalize with the air pressure outside of the overflow assembly and allow the exit flow from the bathtub through at least one overflow opening180(shown inFIG. 3). However, in some known systems, when water reaches the level of the overflow assembly and/or submerges the overflow assembly, upstream water cavitation and/or funnel flow is reduced and/or restricted, thereby reducing or completely restricting the exit flow because downstream air pressure within the overflow elbow is not allowed to equalize. This cavitation may create a boundary that prevents water from entering the overflow assembly. As such, water can more quickly overflow the bathtub. In examples, if the upstream water within the bathtub has a more turbulent flow proximate to the overflow assembly, cavitation and/or funnel flow formation within the water is reduced. The turbulent flow may be induced within the upstream bathtub water by the inlet flow rate from the faucet, pressure of the inlet flow, distance (height and length) from the faucet to the overflow assembly, and/or distance from the faucet to the water level in the bathtub.

Accordingly, the overflow assembly138includes at least one vent opening182(shown inFIG. 3) so that the air pressure from inside the overflow assembly can equalize with the air pressure outside of the overflow assembly without having to escape from the overflow opening. As such, the exit flow rate through the overflow assembly138may be increased during overflow conditions. Additionally, exit flow through the overflow assembly138during upstream turbulent flow of the bathtub water is enabled and increased. In the example, the overflow assembly138includes the overflow elbow134, a seal152, a retainer nut154, and an overflow cover156that is also sometimes referred to as a face plate, a cap, a plate, and/or an overflow plate. The overflow assembly138is described further below in reference toFIGS. 3-5F. Additionally, components of the bathroom structure100are further described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,321,970 entitled “METHOD AND ASSOCIATED APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLY AND TESTING A PLUMBING SYSTEM,” and U.S. Pat. No. 9,200,436 entitled “OVERFLOW ASSEMBLY FOR BATHTUBS AND THE LIKE,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIG. 3is an exploded perspective view of the overflow assembly138. The overflow assembly138includes the overflow elbow134that acts as an inlet fitting for the overflow pipe132(shown inFIG. 2). The elbow134includes an inlet end158having a threaded outer surface160and an outlet end162having a collar164so that the elbow134may be coupled to the overflow pipe as described above. The inlet end158is disposed at an angle in relation to the inlet end158and is sized and shaped to extend through the overflow port of the bathtub. A radial flange166is adjacent to the threaded outer surface160at the inlet end158so that only the threaded outer surface160of the inlet end158extends through the overflow port. In some examples, a thin membrane168may cover the inlet end158of the elbow134to facilitate bathtub leak testing as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,200,436 entitled “OVERFLOW ASSEMBLY FOR BATHTUBS AND THE LIKE.” Once testing is completed, the membrane168may be removed to enable operation of the overflow assembly as described above.

The overflow assembly138also includes the seal152which can be formed out of a foam or rubber compound. The seal152is positioned between the radial flange166of the elbow134and the outside of the bathtub end wall (depicted schematically at line L) and is flexible to facilitate alignment and securement of the overflow assembly138. The retainer nut154includes a threaded inner surface170that corresponds to and is compatible with the threaded outer surface160of the elbow134so that the retainer nut154may threadably mount onto the elbow134. A plurality of circumferentially spaced and radially extending lugs172extend from an outer surface174of the retainer nut154. Each lug172has a circumferential length176and is separated from one another by a gap178. When the retainer nut154engages the overflow elbow134, the bathtub wall and the seal152are compressed between the radial flange166and the retainer nut154so as to secure the overflow assembly138within the overflow port. In alternative examples, the retainer nut154may be any other type of fastener, for example, a slip nut that enables the overflow assembly138to be secured within the bathtub as described herein.

The overflow cover156is configured to selectively engage with the retainer nut154and conceal the inlet end158of the elbow134and the retainer nut154such that a finish is provided with no visible fastening hardware. The overflow cover156includes at least one overflow opening180and at least one vent opening182at least partially defined therein. The overflow opening180enables water to flow into the overflow elbow134from the bathtub. The vent opening182enables the air pressure inside the elbow134to equalize with the air pressure outside of the overflow assembly138so that the flow rate of water through the overflow opening180is increased, thereby reducing water overflowing the bathtub and onto the floor. The overflow cover156is described further below in reference toFIGS. 5A-5F.

FIG. 4Ais a cross-sectional view of the overflow assembly138installed within the bathtub overflow port136.FIG. 4Bis a detail view of the overflow assembly138taken at4B (shown inFIG. 4A). Referring concurrently toFIGS. 4A and 4B, the inlet end158of the overflow elbow134extends through the overflow port136defined in the end wall112of the bathtub106. The retainer nut154may threadingly engage with the inlet end158so that the seal152and the bathtub106are compressed between the retainer nut154and the radial flange166of the elbow134and the overflow assembly138is secured to the bathtub106. Once the retainer nut154secures the elbow134to the bathtub, the overflow cover156may be selectively engaged onto the retainer nut154so as secure the overflow cover156around the overflow port136and the inlet end158with no visible mounting fastening hardware.

The overflow cover156defines an interior chamber184that is sized and shaped so a first channel186may be defined between the elbow134and the overflow cover156. The first channel186extends from the overflow opening180, which is positioned at the bottom of the cover156when it is engaged with the retainer nut154, to the inlet end158so that water may flow (illustrated with arrow188) from the bathtub106and into the overflow assembly138thereby reducing or eliminating bathtub overflow. Additionally, the interior chamber184of the overflow cover156is sized and shaped so a second channel190may be defined between the elbow134and the overflow cover156. The second channel190extends from the vent opening182, which is positioned at the top of the cover156when it is engaged with the retainer nut154, to the inlet end158so that air may flow (illustrated with arrow192) out of the overflow assembly138. As such, during water inflow188, the air pressure from inside the overflow system128is allowed to equalize with the air pressure outside of the overflow system128, thereby increasing the exit flow rate of the water through the overflow opening180.

In the example, the overflow cover156has at least one recess194defined therein so that the vent opening182is formed between the bathtub106and the overflow cover156when the overflow cover156is engaged with the retainer nut154. The recess194has a depth196that is less than a thickness198of the retainer nut154such that at least one lug172of the retainer nut154is positioned within the vent opening182. However, the recess194has a circumferential length217(shown inFIG. 5B) that is greater than the circumferential length176(shown inFIG. 3) of each lug172, so that air can flow192through the vent opening182and within the gaps between each lug172. As such, the vent opening182cannot be fully blocked no matter what position the retainer nut154is in when the overflow cover156is engaged. Additionally, the lugs172are partially spaced apart from the outer surface of the retainer nut so that air flow may flow around the lugs.

FIGS. 5A-5Fare perspective, top, bottom, side, cross-sectional, and interior views, respectively, of an exemplary overflow cover156. In general, orientations of the overflow cover156are described as depicted in the figures (e.g., top, bottom, interior, etc.). These general terms are utilized for clarity only to distinguish the various orientations from each other with respect to the intended installation orientation of the overflow cover156within the bathtub as shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B. In the example, the overflow cover156is formed from a cylindrical body200that includes a first end202, an opposite second end204, with an exterior wall206axially extending between the first end202and the second end204. The first end202is enclosed with a face208and the exterior wall206extends from the face208. In the example, the face208does not have any mounting holes defined therein. As such, the overflow cover156frictionally engages with the lugs on the retainer nut so as to mount within the bathtub. In other examples, the face may include at least one mounting hole so that the overflow cover156may mount to the overflow elbow with one or more fasteners. As used herein the vent opening180is distinct and different from the mounting holes that may be used to fasten an overflow cover to the overflow elbow and that, when installed, would be filled with a screw or other fastener. The vent opening180is configured to be left substantially open when installed to provide the venting described herein.

The second end204is defined at the end of the exterior wall208. At the second end204the exterior wall208open and is sized and shaped to receive the retainer nut as described above. A perimeter210of the exterior wall208defines a mounting surface212that is positionable at least partially against the bathtub when the overflow cover156engages with the retainer nut. In some embodiments, the body200may be formed as any other shape as required or desired such as square, rectangular, triangular, and cowbell-shaped. In other embodiments, the face208may extend radially outward from the exterior wall206such that a lip is formed at the first end202.

The at least one overflow opening180is completely defined by the exterior wall206between the first end202and the second end204. In the example, the overflow opening180is a single opening positioned at the bottom of the overflow cover156so that as the water rises within the bathtub, the overflow opening180enables the water to exit out of the bathtub and reduce overflowing the bathtub. The overflow cover156may be defined by a horizontal centerline211that substantially divides the body200between an upper half and a lower half of the body in its intended installation position. AlthoughFIG. 5Fillustrates a substantially circular profile of the body200in an exemplary installed position, as discussed, the shape of the body200can take many forms. As used herein, regardless of the shape of the body200, the horizontal centerline211is located approximately at the mid-point between the top most surface of the body200and the bottom most surface of the body200in its intended installation position. The overflow cover156may also define a vertical centerline213that divides the body200between a right side and a left side of the body in its intended installation position. The vertical centerline213is located approximately at the mid-point between the right most surface of the body200and the left most surface of the body200. The overflow opening180may be positioned below the horizontal centerline211and centered about the vertical centerline213at the bottom most surface of the body, which may be referred to as a 6 o'clock position. In examples, the overflow opening180is so positioned when installed so that the rising water in a bathtub reaches the overflow opening180most quickly; however, the overflow opening180can be configured in a variety of positions about the body. For example, the overflow opening180may be positioned at any location below the horizontal centerline211and offset from the vertical centerline213. For example, the overflow opening position may be between a 3 o'clock position and a 9 o'clock position. In yet other examples, the overflow opening may include a plurality of discrete openings all completely defined by the exterior wall. In alternative examples, the overflow opening may be only partially defined by the exterior wall, such as by a recess and the bathtub wall and similar to the vent opening182as described herein.

In the example, the at least one vent opening182is at least partially defined by the exterior wall206. For example, the at least one vent opening is only partially defined by the exterior wall206, such as by the recess194that is defined at the second end204. The recess194is formed on the mounting surface212and extends from the second end204towards the first end202within the exterior wall206and with a substantially arcuate shape extending for a circumferential length217around the perimeter210. The recess194is positioned adjacent to the bathtub when in the intended installation position which forms the other boundary of the vent opening182as described above. In examples, the vent opening182is a single opening that may be positioned above the horizontal centerline211and centered about the vertical centerline213at the top of the overflow cover156so that air pressure may equalize and increase the flow of water through the overflow opening180. In this example, the vent opening position may be referred to as a 12 o'clock position, and disposed opposite the overflow opening180. In other examples, the vent opening182may be positioned within the body200anywhere above the overflow opening180in its intended installation position. In yet other examples, the vent opening182may be positioned at any location above the horizontal centerline211and may be offset from the vertical centerline213. In examples, the vent opening position may be above the horizontal centerline211and between a 9 o'clock position and a 3 o'clock position. In still other examples, in its intended installation position, the vent opening182may be positioned above a three-quarter horizontal line215(defined as a line parallel to the horizontal centerline211and positioned three quarters of the distance between the top-most surface on the body200and the horizontal centerline211), or above a half horizontal line219(defined as a line parallel to the horizontal centerline211and positioned three quarters of the distance between the top-most surface on the body200and the horizontal centerline211), or above a one-quarter horizontal line221(defined as a line parallel to the horizontal centerline211and positioned one quarter of the distance between the top-most surface on the body200and the horizontal centerline211). In further examples, the vent opening182may include a plurality of discrete openings and as shown inFIGS. 6 and 8, any one or all of which may be positioned in the manners described above. In still further examples, the vent opening may be completely defined by the exterior wall and similar to the overflow opening180as described herein. In alternative examples, the vent opening may be formed at the first end202of the body200between the exterior wall206and the face208.

The exterior wall206includes an interior surface214that partially defines the interior chamber184of the body200. The interior surface214has a projection216extending inwards within the interior chamber184and around the perimeter210of the second end204. The projection216is offset218from the mounting surface212and is configured to frictionally engage with the lugs on the retainer nut so that the overflow cover156may be removably secured to the overflow assembly. In the example, the vent opening182extends from the mounting surface212to the depth196that is less than or equal to the offset distance218. In other examples, the vent opening182may extend from the mounting surface212towards the face208and past the projection216. Additionally, the exterior wall206may extend for a length219from the face208. In the example, the overflow opening180is offset220along the length219from the vent opening182. In alternative examples, the overflow opening180may be inline along the length219with the vent opening182.

The face208includes an interior surface222that partially defines the interior chamber184of the body200. The interior surface222forms a wall of the first channel186and the second channel190(both shown inFIG. 4A), and as such, water and/or air flows past the interior surface222. In some examples, the interior surface222may be a substantially smooth surface. In other embodiments, the interior surface222may include at least one surface feature224as shown inFIG. 5F. The at least one surface feature224may influence water and/or air flow through the overflow assembly. More specifically, as the water flows past the at least one surface feature224, the at least one surface feature224is sized and shaped to break a pressure lock within the overflow assembly so that water flow rate through the overflow assembly is increased. In the example, the at least one surface feature224includes at least one fin226. For example, three fins226are curved and extend within the overflow cover156. One fin may be curved upward and the other fin may be curved downward with different curvatures. In other examples, the fins may have similar curvatures. In yet other examples, the fins may have a constant and similar height and/or length, or a variable height and/or length. In yet further examples, the fins may start at an offset position from the exterior wall. Surface features224are described further below in reference toFIGS. 9A-15.

FIG. 6is a top view of another overflow cover300. In this example, the overflow cover300is formed from a body302that includes a first end304having a face306and a second end308having a mounting surface310with an exterior wall312extending therebetween as described above. Additionally, at least one overflow opening (not shown) is defined within the exterior wall312and at the bottom of the body302. However, in this example, a vent opening314is only partially defined by the exterior wall312. The other portion of the vent openings314may be defined by the bathtub wall as described above. More specifically, the vent opening314may be a plurality of recesses316circumferentially spaced at the top of the body302. The vent openings314are substantially arcuate shaped with ends that coincide with the mounting surface310. In one example, three vent openings314are defined with one opening at the apex of the top of the body302and two openings equally spaced to either side so as to enable air pressure to equalize within the overflow assembly leading to an increase of water flow through the overflow opening. In other examples, any other size, shape, spacing, and/or number of recesses may form the vent opening314.

FIG. 7is a top view of another overflow cover400. In this example, the overflow cover400is formed from a body402that includes a first end404having a face406and a second end408having a mounting surface410with an exterior wall412extending therebetween as described above. Additionally, at least one overflow opening (not shown) is defined within the exterior wall412and at the bottom of the body402. However, in this example, a vent opening414is completely defined by the exterior wall412. The vent opening414is a single opening and may be substantially circular and positioned between the second end projection (shown inFIG. 5E) and the face406. In one example, the vent opening414is at the apex of the top of the body302so as to enable air pressure to equalize within the overflow assembly leading to an increase water flow through the overflow opening. In other examples, any other size, shape, spacing, and/or number of openings may form the vent opening414.

FIG. 8is a top view of another overflow cover500. In this example, the overflow cover500is formed from a body502that includes a first end504having a face506and a second end508having a mounting surface510with an exterior wall512extending therebetween as described above. Additionally, at least one overflow opening (not shown) is defined within the exterior wall512and at the bottom of the body502. However, in this example, a vent opening514is completely defined by the exterior wall512. The vent opening514may be a plurality of openings and circumferentially spaced at the top of the body502. The vent openings514are substantially circular and positioned between the second end projection (shown inFIG. 5E) and the first end504. In one example, the vent openings514are defined by eight openings spaced about the apex of the top of the body502so as to enable air pressure to equalize within the overflow assembly leading to an increase water flow through the overflow opening. In other examples, any other size, shape, spacing, and/or number of openings may form the vent opening514.

FIGS. 9A and 9Bare interior and cross-sectional views, respectively, of another overflow cover600. In this example, the overflow cover600is formed from a body602that includes a first end604having a face606and a second end608having a mounting surface610with an exterior wall612extending therebetween as described above. Additionally, at least one overflow opening614is completely defined by the exterior wall612and at the bottom of the body602and at least one vent opening616is only partially defined by the exterior wall612and at the top of the body602. However, in this example, an interior surface618includes a surface feature620that has a first fin622extending from the exterior wall612into the center of the overflow cover600, terminating at a curved tip624and a second fin626extending from the exterior wall612into the center of the overflow cover600, terminating at a curved tip628. The first fin622may be a smaller height630that a height632of the second fin626. In alternative examples, the fins622,626may have substantially equal heights. In other examples, the fins may be offset from the exterior walls.

FIG. 10is an interior view of another overflow cover700. In this example, the overflow cover700is formed from a body702that includes a second end704having a mounting surface706, an exterior wall708, and at least one vent opening710that is only partially defined by the exterior wall708and at the top of the body702as described above. However, in this example, an interior surface712includes a surface feature714that has four fins with curved tips circumferentially spaced within the body702. In other examples, each fin may have different shapes and/or the surface feature may have a lower or higher number of fins.

FIG. 11is an interior view of another overflow cover800. In this example, the overflow cover800is formed from a body802that includes a second end804having a mounting surface806, an exterior wall808, and at least one vent opening810that is only partially defined by the exterior wall808and at the top of the body802as described above. However, in this example, an interior surface812includes a surface feature814that has four fins with straight tips circumferentially spaced within the body802. In other examples, each fin may have different shapes and/or the surface feature may have a lower or higher number of fins.

FIG. 12is an interior view of another overflow cover900. In this example, the overflow cover900is formed from a body902that includes a second end904having a mounting surface906, an exterior wall908, and at least one vent opening910that is only partially defined by the exterior wall908and at the top of the body902as described above. However, in this example, an interior surface912includes a surface feature914that has a textured surface. For example, the textured surface may be similar to that of golf ball dimples. The textured surface may be included over the entire interior surface912or may be included on only a portion as required or desired. In other examples, the textured surface has any other configuration that enables the overflow cover to function as described herein.

FIG. 13is an interior view of another overflow cover1000. In this example, the overflow cover1000is formed from a body1002that includes a second end1004having a mounting surface1006, an exterior wall1008, and at least one vent opening1010that is only partially defined by the exterior wall1008and at the top of the body1002as described above. However, in this example, an interior surface1012has a surface feature that includes a textured surface1014as described above and at least one fin1016also as described above. In other examples, the fins1018may have any other configuration that enables the overflow cover to function as described herein.

FIG. 14is an interior view of another overflow cover1100. In this example, the overflow cover1100is formed from a body1102that includes a second end1104having a mounting surface1106, an exterior wall1108, and at least one vent opening1110that is only partially defined by the exterior wall1108and at the top of the body1102as described above. However, in this example, an interior surface1112includes a surface feature1114that has a textured surface that has at least one dimple1116that is larger than the surface feature shown inFIG. 12.

FIG. 15is an interior view of another overflow cover1200. In this example, the overflow cover1200is formed from a body1002that includes a second end1204having a mounting surface1206, an exterior wall1208, and at least one vent opening1210that is only partially defined by the exterior wall1208and at the top of the body1202as described above. However, in this example, an interior surface1212has a surface feature that includes a textured surface1214covering only a lower portion of the interior surface1212and a pair of fins1216. In other examples, the textured surface may cover any other portion of the interior surface, such as an upper portion, a center portion, a left portion, or a right portion, when the overflow cover is in its intended installed position.

FIG. 16is an exploded perspective view of another overflow assembly1300. The overflow assembly1300includes an overflow elbow1302, a seal1304, a retainer nut1306, and an overflow cover1308as described above. However, in this example, an inlet end1310of the elbow1302includes a receiver1312disposed therein. The receiver1312is configured to receive a fastener1314so that a bracket1316may compress the retainer nut1306, the seal1304, and a bathtub wall (not shown) into the elbow1302and the retainer nut1306is secured in relation to the elbow1302. The bracket1316enables the retainer nut1306and the overflow cover1308to be retrofitted onto other overflow systems, which are not threaded and which typically attach the cover via a fastener on the front, without having to replace the entire overflow system and open up the wall behind the bathtub. The bracket1316also includes two channels1318on either end so that the bracket1316may secure to a receiver1312that is configured for two fasteners.

The materials utilized in the manufacture of the overflow assembly and overflow covers described herein may be those typically utilized for plumbing and trim kits, e.g., brass, chrome, zinc, steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, etc. Molded plastics, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), flexible PVC, polyethylene, etc., may be utilized for various components as well. Material selection for most of the components may be based on the proposed use and desired finish of the overflow assembly and overflow covers.

It will be clear that the systems and methods described herein are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods and systems within this specification may be implemented in many manners and as such is not to be limited by the foregoing exemplified embodiments and examples. In this regard, any number of the features of the different embodiments described herein may be combined into one single embodiment and alternate embodiments having fewer than or more than all of the features herein described are possible. While various embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, various changes and modifications may be made which are well within the scope contemplated by the present disclosure.