Abstract:
The present invention provides a kit for affixing a drain assembly in a drain port in plumbing fixture. The drain assembly includes a drain ring affixed to a drain pipe. The drain pipe is positionable through the drain port in a bottom surface of the plumbing fixture, such that the drain sink abuts the upper surface of the plumbing fixture. The drain pipe extends through the drain port, past an underside surface of the plumbing fixture surrounding the drain port. A drain nut is rotatably fastened onto the drain pipe. The drain nut includes a first and second of bore therein. A drain nut driver tool is provided, which includes first and second angular extensions for engaging the drain nut. The drain nut driver tool engages the drain nut by removably positioning the first and second angular extensions about the drain pipe into the first and second of bores of the drain nut. The drain nut driver tool is rotated about the drain pipe to secure the drain nut onto the drain pipe.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to plumbing fixture drainage systems, and more particularly to a drain nut, tool, and method for installing the drain nut onto a drain pipe, thereby securing the drain pipe to the plumbing fixture. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Conventionally, drain assemblies are secured to plumbing fixtures such as kitchen, bathroom and utility room lavatories or sinks, by means of a nut disposed on the underside of a sink. The drain nut is threadably engaged on a relatively large diameter, hollow tubular, externally threaded pipe that extends from the drain downwardly through an opening in the bottom of the sink. 
         [0003]    The drain assembly typically includes an annular collar which surrounds the drain, resting atop and about the periphery of an opening through the bottom portion of the sink. The drain pipe extends downwardly through the opening past the underside surface of the sink. The drain assembly is secured by engaging the drain nut with the drain pipe and manually advancing the drain nut the full length of the drain pipe, until the drain nut resides in abutment against the undersurface of the sink 
         [0004]    The drain nut is initially tightened by hand. However, in order to adequately secure the drain assembly to the sink a tool, such as a basin wrench or a channel lock wrench, is utilized to advance the drain nut to firmly secure the drain nut against the underside of the sink. However, due to the space limitations engaging the drain nut with the tool can be a difficult and time consuming process. 
         [0005]    Thus, there exists a need for a system and method for attaching a drain assembly to a plumbing fixture. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention provides a drain connection kit for connecting a drain pipe to a plumbing fixture. A drain nut is provided which includes first and second bores and an annular wall with a threading. The annular wall threading is configured and dimensioned to threadably engage the drain pipe exterior threading. A driver tool is provided for engaging the drain nut to rotate the drain nut onto the drain pipe. The driver tool has a first angular extension configured and dimensioned to removably engage the first bore and a second angular extension configured and dimensioned to removably engage the second bore, such that rotation of the driver tool about the drain pipe rotates the drain nut. 
         [0007]    The present invention also provides a plumbing fixture, wherein the plumbing fixture can be a sink, lavatory, tub, shower, or any other receptacle or vessel having a drain. The plumbing fixture includes a drain port defining a passage extending through an upper surface to an underside surface of the plumbing fixture. A drain pipe having first and second ends and an exterior threading is included. The drain pipe is positionable through the passage, with the second end of the drain pipe extending past the underside surface of the plumbing fixture. A drain ring is affixed to the first end of the drain pipe, which is positionable about the upper surface of the plumbing fixture, surrounding the drain port. A drain nut is provided which includes first and second bores and an annular wall with a threading. The annular wall threading is configured and dimensioned to threadably engage the drain pipe exterior threading. A driver tool is provided for engaging the drain nut to rotate the drain nut onto the drain pipe. The driver tool has a first angular extension configured and dimensioned to removably engage the first bore and a second angular extension configured and dimensioned to removably engage the second bore such that rotation of the driver tool about the drain pipe rotates the drain nut. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of the drain connector kit of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  depicts the drain connector kit of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the drain nut shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a drain nut with several pairs of bores; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  depicts the drain nut driver shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the drain connector kit of  FIG. 1  installing a drain assembly into a drain port in a bottom portion of a sink; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  depicts another embodiment of a drain nut driver of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of the drain nut driver of  FIG. 7  installing a drain nut onto a threaded drain pipe; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a drain nut driver of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a top view of the drain nut driver of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is an exploded view of the drain nut driver of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is a bottom perspective view of the drain nut driver of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is a top view of the drain nut engaging structure of the drain nut driver of  FIG. 9 ; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is a bottom view of the drain nut engaging structure of the drain nut driver of  FIG. 9 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    The present invention provides a drain connector kit including a drain nut and drain nut driver. The drain nut and drain nut driver are pairingly configured to allow installation of a drain assembly with a driver unit, such as a mechanical or electric driver. 
         [0024]    Referring now to the drawings in which like reference designators refer to like elements, there is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  a drain connector kit  10  of the present invention, including a drain assembly  12 . The drain assembly  12  includes a drain ring  14  connected to an externally threaded drain pipe  16 . The drain connector kit  10  includes a drain nut  20  to threadably engage the drain pipe  16 . A drain nut driver  22  is utilized to drive and thread the drain nut  20  onto the threaded drain pipe  16 . 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the drain nut  20  includes a flange portion  24  and a nut portion  26 . The flange portion  24  includes a pair of bores  28  and  30  configured and dimensioned to be engaged by the drain nut driver  22 . The drain nut  20  is internally threaded  32  for engagement to the drain pipe  16 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , while the drain nut  20  is shown having a pair of bores  28  and  30 , it is contemplated that the drain nut  20  can include any number of bores  28 ,  30 ,  28   a - b  and  30   a - b.  These bores  28 ,  30 ,  28   a - b  and  30   a - b  can be opposingly, uniformly, symmetrically, or asymmetrically positioned about the flange portion  24  of the drain nut  20 . 
         [0026]    Additionally, the bores  28  and  30  are depicted having a circular cross sectional area. However, it is contemplated that the cross sectional area of bores  28  and  30  can have other shapes, including, but not limited to, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, octagonal, hexagonal, diamond, star, etc, and combinations thereof. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the drain nut driver  22  includes a drain nut engaging structure  34 . The drain nut engaging structure  34  is substantially U-shaped, having a pair of extensions  36  and  38 . The extensions  36  and  38  are provided in a spaced apart relationship for alignment with the pair of bores  28  and  30  in the drain nut  20 . The extensions  36  and  38  are shaped, sized, and dimensioned to one each slidingly engage the bores  28  and  30 . 
         [0028]    The extensions  36  and  38  are depicted having a circular cross sectional area. However, it is contemplated that the cross sectional area of a extensions  36  and  38  can have other shapes, including but not limited to, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, octagonal, hexagonal, diamond, star, etc., matching the cross sectional area of the bores  28  and  30 . The present invention contemplates that extensions  36  and  38  can have a shape that is different than the shape of bores  28  and  30 . In the instance where the drain nut  20  includes multiple pairs of bores, the extensions  36  and  38  may be selectively positioned in any one of the pairs of bores. 
         [0029]    The drain nut engaging structure  34  is affixed to a drive shaft  40 . The drive shaft  40  is configured for engagement by a driver unit (not shown), such as a mechanical or electric driver. For example, the drive shaft  40  may have substantially hexagonal cross section area for insertion into and engagement by a chuck of the electric drill. Upon securement of drive shaft  40  in the drill chuck, activation of the electric drill rotates the drain nut engaging structure  34 . The electric driver can be used to rotate the drain nut engaging structure  34  in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. While the drain nut engaging structure  34  is shown having an opposing pair of extensions  36  and  38 , it is contemplated that the drain nut engaging structure  34  can include any number of extensions, uniformly, symmetrically, or asymmetrically positioned about the drive shaft  40  for engagement with the bores of the drain nut  20 . 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , the drain assembly  12  is installed into a plumbing fixture  42 . The plumbing fixture  42  can be a sink, lavatory, tub, shower, or any other receptacle or vessel having a drain. The drain pipe  16  is positioned through a drain port  44  in an upper surface  46  of the plumbing fixture  42 , such that the drain ring  14  is positioned on the upper surface  46  of the plumbing fixture  42 . The drain pipe  16  is of sufficient length such that the drain pipe  16  extends through the drain port  44 , beyond an underside surface  48  of the plumbing fixture  42 . The drain nut  20  is threaded onto the drain pipe  16 , wherein the internal threads  32  of the drain nut  20  engage the threaded drain pipe  16 . The drain nut  20  is positioned on the drain pipe  16 , such that the flange portion  24  of the drain nut  20  is proximal to the underside surface  48  of the plumbing fixture  42 . 
         [0031]    The drain nut driver  22  is attached to a driver unit, such as an electric drill, wherein the drive shaft  40  is inserted into and engaged by a drill chuck of the electric drill. Upon securement of drive shaft  40  in the chuck, activation of the electric drill rotates the drain nut driver  22 . The electric drill can be used to rotate the drain nut engaging structure  34  in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. 
         [0032]    The drain nut driver  22  engages the drain nut  20  by slideably inserting the opposing pair of extensions  36  and  38  of the drain nut engaging structure  34  into the drain nut bores  28  and  30 , wherein the drive shaft  40  is substantially aligned along a central longitudinal axis “A” of the drain pipe  16 . The electric drill is activated to rotate, thread, the drain nut  20  onto the drain pipe  16 . To secure the drain assembly  12  in position, the drain nut  20  is threaded onto the drain pipe  16 , wherein the flange portion  24  of the drain nut  20  abuts the underside surface  48  of the plumbing fixture  42 . Sufficient torque is applied to the drain nut  20 , securing the drain assembly  12  into position. 
         [0033]    Similarly, to remove the drain assembly  12 , the drain nut driver  22  engages the drain nut  20  by slideably inserting the opposing pair of extensions  36  and  38  of the drain nut engaging structure  34  into the drain nut bores  28  and  30 . The electric drill is activated to rotate the drain nut  20  off the drain pipe  16 . The drain nut  20  is removed from the drain pipe  16 . The drain pipe  16  is then removed from the drain port  44 . 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , another embodiment of a drain nut driver  50  includes a drain nut engaging structure  52  affixed to a handle portion  54 . The drain nut engaging structure  52  includes a pair of angular extensions  56  and  58 . The extensions  56  and  58  each include extending sections  56   a  and  58   a  and engaging sections  56   b  and  58   b.  The engaging sections  56   b  and  58   b  are positioned at an angle “α” with respect to the extending section  56   a  and  58   a.  For example, the angular extension  56  and  58  can be substantially L-shaped, having an angle “α” of about 90°. The extensions  56  and  58  are provided in a spaced apart relationship for positioning about the drain pipe  16  and alignment with the pair of bores  28  and  30  in the drain nut  20 . The extensions  56  and  58  are shaped, sized, and dimensioned to one each slidingly engage the bores  28  and  30 . 
         [0035]    The angular extensions  56  and  58  are depicted having a circular cross sectional area. However, it is contemplated that the cross sectional area of a extensions  56  and  58  can have other shapes, including but not limited to, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, octagonal, hexagonal, diamond, star, etc., matching the cross sectional area of the bores  28  and  30 . The present invention contemplates that extensions  56  and  58  can have a shape that is different than the shape of bores  28  and  30 . In the instance where the drain nut  20  includes multiple pairs of bores, the extensions  56  and  58  may be selectively positioned in any one of the pairs of bores. 
         [0036]    As best seen in  FIG. 8 , a crossbar  60  extends a length sufficient to accommodate the diameter of the drain pipe  16 . The extending sections  56   a  and  58   a  each have a length such that when each of the engaging sections  56   b  and  58   b  are coupled to one of the drain nut bores  28  and  30 , the drain nut driver  50  can rotate freely about the drain pipe  16  to selectively tighten or loosen the drain nut  20  regardless of the length of the drain pipe  16 . Although the engaging sections  56   b  and  58   b  are shown being substantially perpendicular to the extending sections  56   a  and  58   b,  (i.e., substantially L-shaped as previous described) any suitable angular relationship could be used. 
         [0037]    In use, the drain nut  20  is threaded onto the drain pipe  16  with the drain nut driver  50 . The drain nut  20  is threaded onto the drain pipe  16 , wherein the internal threads  32  of the drain nut  20  engage the threaded drain pipe  16 . The drain nut  20  is positioned on the drain pipe  16 , such that the flange portion  24  of the drain nut  20  would be proximal to the underside surface of the plumbing fixture. 
         [0038]    The drain nut driver  50  engages the drain nut  20  by positioning the angular extensions  56  and  58  about the drain pipe. The engaging sections  56   b  and  58   b  of each of the angular extensions  56  and  58  are slidably inserted into the drain nut bores  28  and  30 . The handle portion  54  is rotated around the drain pipe  16 , threading the drain nut  20  onto the drain pipe  16 . In comparison, the shaft  40  of drain nut driver  22  is rotated along a central longitudinal axis “A” of the drain pipe  16 . To secure the drain assembly  10  in position, the drain nut  20  is threaded onto the drain pipe  16 , wherein the flange portion  24  of the drain nut  20  abuts an underside surface of the plumbing fixture. Sufficient torque is applied to the drain nut  20 , securing the drain assembly  10  into position. 
         [0039]    Similarly, to remove the drain assembly  10 , the drain nut driver  50  engages the drain nut  20  by positioning the angular extensions  56  and  58  about the drain pipe  16 . The engaging sections  56   b  and  58   b  of each of the angular extensions  56  and  58  are slidably inserted into the drain nut bores  28  and  30 . The handle portion  54  is rotated around the drain pipe  16 , rotating the drain nut  20  off the drain pipe  16 . The drain nut  20  is removed from the drain pipe  16 . 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , another embodiment of a drain nut driver  70  includes a drain nut engaging structure  72  affixed to a handle portion  74 . The drain nut engaging structure  72  includes a pair of angular extensions  76  and  78 . The extensions  76  and  78  each include extending sections  76   a  and  78   a  and engaging sections  76   b  and  78   b.  The engaging sections  76   b  and  78   b  are positioned at an angle “α” with respect to the extending section  76   a  and  78   a.  For example, the angular extension  76  and  78  can be substantially L-shaped, having an angle “α” of about 90°. 
         [0041]    The extensions  76  and  78  are provided in a spaced apart relationship for positioning about the drain pipe  16  and alignment with the pair of bores  28  and  30  in the drain nut  20 . The extensions  76  and  78  are provided in an offset relation to a central longitudinal axis “A” of the handle portion  74 , such that a central axis “B” of the extensions  76  and  78  is offset from the central axis longitudinal axis “A” of the handle portion  74 . To provide the extension offset a lever arm  80  is provided in extension  78 . The extension offset provides leverage to a user of the drain nut driver  70  to aid in the tightening or removal of the drain nut  20 . The tips  76   c  and  78   c  of the extensions  76  and  78  are shaped, sized, and dimensioned to one each slidingly engage the bores  28  and  30 . 
         [0042]    The tips  76   c  and  78   c  of the extensions  76  and  78  are depicted having a circular cross sectional area. However, it is contemplated that the cross sectional area of tips  76   c  and  78   c  of the extensions  76  and  78  can have other shapes, including but not limited to, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, octagonal, hexagonal, diamond, star, etc., matching the cross sectional area of the bores  28  and  30 . The present invention contemplates that extensions  76  and  78  can have a shape that is different than the shape of bores  28  and  30 . In the instance where the drain nut  20  includes multiple pairs of bores, the extensions  76  and  78  may be selectively positioned in any one of the pairs of bores. 
         [0043]    As best seen in  FIG. 10 , the lever arm  80  extends a length sufficient to accommodate the diameter of the drain pipe  16 . The extending sections  76   a  and  78   a  each have a length such that when each of the engaging sections  76   b  and  78   b  are coupled to one of the drain nut bores  28  and  30 , the drain nut driver  70  can rotate freely about the drain pipe  16  to selectively tighten or loosen the drain nut  20  regardless of the length of the drain pipe  16 . Although the engaging sections  76   b  and  78   b  are shown being substantially perpendicular to the extending sections  76   a  and  78   b,  (i.e., substantially L-shaped as previous described) any suitable angular relationship could be used. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the length of the handle portion  74  is adjustable. The handle portion  74  includes an inner handle portion  82 , affixed to the drain nut engaging structure  72 , and a hollow outer handle portion  84  slidingly positioned onto the inner handle portion  84 . A threaded member  86  is affixed to an end  88  of the inner handle portion  82 , where an adjustment control member  90  can be threadably positioned on the threaded member  86 . When assembled, the outer handle portion  84  is slidingly positioned on the inner handle portion  82 , where the adjustment control member  90  is rotatably positioned in a slotted section  92  of the outer handle portion  84  and threaded onto the threaded member  86 . A rotation of the adjustment control member  90  on the threaded member  86 , moves the adjustment control member  90  along the threaded member  86  such that the outer handle portion  84  is moved along the inner handle portion  82 . In this manner, the length of the handle portion  74  can be adjusted. 
         [0045]    The outer handle portion  84  can further include a gripping element  94  positioned about the outer handle portion  84 . The gripping element  94  can include a textured surface or coating about the outer handle portion  84 , such that a user can more securely grip the drain nut driver  70 , decreasing the likelihood of slipping. 
         [0046]    Alternatively, the gripping element  94  can include an outer sleeve positioned about the outer handle portion  84 . The outer sleeve can be made of a flexible material, which can be securely positioned about the outer handle portion  84 , such that such that a user can more securely grip the drain nut driver  70 , decreasing the likelihood of slipping. The outer sleeve can further include a textured surface, which can further decrease the likelihood of slipping. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 12 , the drain nut driver  70  can include a light element  96  positioned adjacent to the extensions  76  and  78 . The light element can be turn on and off by a switch  98  positioned in the handle portion  74 . The light element  98  can be used to illuminate the drain nut  20 , thereby facilitating the drain nut driver  70  engagement of the drain nut  20 . 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , the drain nut engaging structure  72  is formed of a unitary construction having an elongated portion  100  extending into the extensions  76  and  78 . As previously discussed, the extensions  76  and  78  each include extending sections  76   a  and  78   a  and engaging sections  76   b  and  78   b.  The engaging sections  76   b  and  78   b  are positioned at an angle “α” with respect to the extending section  76   a  and  78   a.  For example, the angular extension  76  and  78  can be substantially L-shaped, having an angle “α” of about 90°. 
         [0049]    The extensions  76  and  78  are provided in a spaced apart relationship for positioning about the drain pipe  16  and alignment with the pair of bores  28  and  30  in the drain nut  20 . The extensions  76  and  78  are provided in an offset relation to a central longitudinal axis “A” of the of the elongated portion  100 , where the central longitudinal axis “A” of the elongated portion  100  is the same as that for the handle portion  74 , such that a central axis “B” of the extensions  76  and  78  is offset from the central axis longitudinal axis “A” of the handle portion  74 . 
         [0050]    The nut engaging structure  72  is made of a material of sufficient strength to allow for the installation and removal of the drain nut. For example, the nut engaging structure  72  can be made of a metal, hard plastic, composite material, and the like. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the light element is positioned on the elongated portion  100  of the drain nut engaging structure  72 , proximal to the extensions  76  and  78 , where at least a portion of the light element extends thought the handle portion  74 . Similarly, the switch  98  is positioned on the elongated portion  100  of the drain nut engaging structure  72 , where the switch  98  can be positioned on the opposite side or the same side on the elongated portion  100  of the drain nut engaging structure  72 . A power supply  102 , is position on/in the elongated portion  100  of the drain nut engaging structure  72  and operably connected to the switch  98  and the light element, such that an actuation of the switch  98  can optionally turn the light element on and off. The power supply  102  can take the form of at least one battery, where the battery is of sufficient size to fit within the handle portion  74 . 
         [0052]    In use, the drain nut  20  is threaded onto the drain pipe  16  with the drain nut driver  70 . The drain nut  20  is threaded onto the drain pipe  16 , wherein the internal threads  32  of the drain nut  20  engage the threaded drain pipe  16 . The drain nut  20  is positioned on the drain pipe  16 , such that the flange portion  24  of the drain nut  20  would be proximal to the underside surface of the plumbing fixture. 
         [0053]    The drain nut driver  70  engages the drain nut  20  by positioning the angular extensions  76  and  78  about the drain pipe. The engaging sections  76   b  and  78   b  of each of the angular extensions  76  and  78  are slidably inserted into the drain nut bores  28  and  30 . The light element  98  can be turned on to aid in the placement of the engaging sections  76   b  and  78   b  into the drain nut bores  28  and  30 . 
         [0054]    The handle portion  74  is rotated around the drain pipe  16 , threading the drain nut  20  onto the drain pipe  16 . To secure the drain assembly in position, the drain nut  20  is threaded onto the drain pipe  16 , wherein the flange portion  24  of the drain nut  20  abuts an underside surface of the plumbing fixture. Sufficient torque is applied to the drain nut  20 , securing the drain assembly  10  into position. 
         [0055]    Similarly, to remove the drain assembly  10 , the drain nut driver  70  engages the drain nut  20  by positioning the angular extensions  76  and  78  about the drain pipe  16 . The engaging sections  76   b  and  78   b  of each of the angular extensions  76  and  78  are slidably inserted into the drain nut bores  28  and  30 . The handle portion  74  is rotated around the drain pipe  16 , rotating the drain nut  20  off the drain pipe  16 . The drain nut  20  is removed from the drain pipe  16 . 
         [0056]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.