Patent Publication Number: US-9890522-B2

Title: Adjustable overflow closure device with cable drain

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This non-provisional application claims priority to provisional application 61/942,607 filed on Feb. 20, 2014. Also, this non-provisional application also claims priority to application Ser. No. 14/137,958 filed on Dec. 20, 2013, which itself was a continuation application claiming priority to application Ser. No. 13/563,666 filed on Jul. 31, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,635,719 which also claimed priority to provisional application 61/514,340 filed on Aug. 2, 2011. The contents of all applications reference above are fully incorporated herein with these references. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to overflow closure devices and overflow drains. More particularly, the present invention relates to an adjustable overflow drain that can vary the water level within a tub or sink. 
     Background of the Invention 
     A typical bathtub has a lower drain at the lowest part of the tub and an upper overflow drain mounted on a side wall near the front of the tub. The lower drain is typically used to control the amount of water located within the tub. When the lower drain is open, water can quickly exit out the lower drain. The overflow drain facilitates the water quickly leaving through the lower drain by allowing air to vent through. 
     When the lower drain is closed, water fills within the tub. If one was to leave the water on, the water would fill the tub and overflow the tub. To prevent this, the typical overflow drain has an opening which allows water to escape through the drainage/plumbing. 
     The typical overflow device is generally circular and has a water opening located at its lower most portion. A problem arises when a person wants to use the tub and allow water to fill within. It is very common for the overflow drain to prevent the water level rising to a sufficient level to make the bathing experience enjoyable. The overflow drain decreases the height of water available in the bath tub or sink. As many common tubs are as little as fourteen inches high, the amount of usable water in the tub can be as little as seven inches due to the overflow drain. 
     Others have attempted to solve this problem by creating plugs that can be inserted into existing overflow drains. These plugs are cumbersome, are easily lost or fall out from within the overflow drain making loud noises and risk being stepped on by the user. Also, they prevent air from escaping through the overflow device when draining a tub or sink. 
     Others have attempted to create cumbersome and complicated devices that allow one to control the level of water with floats, automatic switches and electronics. However, these devices are not easily incorporated into existing tub designs and are impractical for normal usage. 
     Others have attempted to attach snorkels to the overflow drains. The snorkels may be positioned to control the height of the water within the tub. However, these snorkels are odd in appearance and detract from the aesthetics of the tub&#39;s appearance. Also, the snorkels cannot completely seal the overflow drain completely allowing water to rise well above the snorkel. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a novel adjustable overflow closure device that allows one to vary the height of the water level and even to seal the overflow completely while remaining aesthetically pleasing and functionally easy to use. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An exemplary embodiment discloses an overflow drain for a tub. A bracket is longer in dimension in a horizontal direction as compared to a vertical direction. The bracket is configured to be located against an inside surface of the tub and connected to an overflow elbow on an outside surface of the tub. A first elongated slot is disposed through the bracket along the horizontal direction. At least two fastener holes are disposed within the bracket. A faceplate is longer in dimension in the horizontal direction as compared to the vertical direction, wherein the faceplate is configured to be attached to the bracket. A second elongated slot is disposed through the faceplate along the horizontal direction. A first knob is movably connected to the faceplate disposed on the outside of the faceplate. An elongated seal plate is disposed on the inside of the faceplate. The seal plate is connected to the first knob. The seal plate is configured to move between an open position and a closed position by a movement of the first knob, wherein in the closed position the seal plate is configured to create a watertight seal around either the first or second elongated slots, and wherein in the open position the seal plate is configured to drain a fluid through the first and second elongated slots. 
     In other embodiments, the bracket and/or faceplate may be rectangular-shaped. The fastener holes may be countersunk. 
     The first knob may be either pivotably connected to the faceplate or translatably connected to the faceplate. 
     The first knob may be circular-shaped, square-shaped, rectangular-shaped or triangular-shaped. 
     A second knob may be connected to the faceplate disposed on the outside of the faceplate, wherein the second knob is either behind or ahead of the first knob. The second knob may be connected to a movable cable at a first cable end, wherein a second cable end is connected to a bottom drain. The bottom drain is configured to move between an open position and a closed position by movement of the second knob, wherein in the closed position the bottom drain is configured to create a watertight seal, and wherein in the open position the bottom drain is configured to drain the fluid. 
     A first seal or gasket may be disposed between the bracket and the inside surface of the tub. The first seal or gasket may include an adhesive backing. 
     A second seal or gasket may be attached to the elongated seal plate. The second seal or gasket may be configured to seal either the first or second elongated slot when the seal plate is in the closed position. 
     Another exemplary embodiment discloses an overflow drain for a tub. A bracket is longer in dimension in a horizontal direction as compared to a vertical direction, wherein the bracket is configured to be located against an inside surface of the tub and connected to an overflow elbow on an outside surface of the tub. A first elongated slot is disposed through the bracket along the horizontal direction. At least two fastener holes are disposed within the bracket. A faceplate is longer in dimension in the horizontal direction as compared to the vertical direction, wherein the faceplate is configured to be attached to the bracket. A second elongated slot is disposed through the faceplate along the horizontal direction. A first knob is pivotably connected to the faceplate disposed on the outside of the faceplate. An elongated seal plate is disposed on the inside of the faceplate, the seal plate connected to the first knob. The seal plate is configured to move between an open position and a closed position by a movement of the first knob, wherein in the closed position the seal plate is configured to create a watertight seal around either the first or second elongated slots, and wherein in the open position the seal plate is configured to not drain a fluid through the first and second elongated slots. A second knob is pivotably connected to the faceplate disposed on the outside of the faceplate, wherein the second knob is either behind or ahead of the first knob. The second knob is connected to a movable cable at a first cable end, wherein a second cable end is connected to a bottom drain in a bottom of the tub. The bottom drain is configured to move between an open position and a closed position by movement of the second knob, wherein in the closed position the bottom drain is configured to create a watertight seal, and wherein in the open position the bottom drain is configured to drain the fluid. 
     Another exemplary embodiment discloses a water-level adjustable overflow drain. A first outer dial is cylindrical in shape and includes a circular center plate disposed inside the first outer dial and includes an overflow aperture in the circular center plate. A circular back plate includes a lower and upper aperture, the circular back plate configured to be attachable to an inside surface of a tub or sink. The circular center plate is sealed and rotatable relative to the circular back plate, where the overflow aperture can be rotated to align with either the lower aperture, the upper aperture or neither aperture. A stationary circular cover plate is disposed within the first outer dial and attached to the circular back plate forming an annular gap between the circular cover plate and the outer dial. A second outer dial is cylindrical in shape, the second outer dial disposed either ahead of or behind the first outer dial, wherein the second outer dial is pivotable relative to the circular back plate. An overflow elbow is configured to be disposed on an outside surface of the tub or sink connectable to the circular back plate. The second outer dial is connectable to a movable cable at a first cable end, wherein a second cable end is connectable to a bottom drain disposed in a bottom of the tub or sink. The bottom drain is configured to move between an open position and a closed position by rotation of the second outer dial, wherein in the closed position the bottom drain is configured to create a watertight seal, and wherein in the open position the bottom drain is configured to drain a fluid in the tub or sink. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary adjustable overflow closure device; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the structure shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  2 A- 2 A from the structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 1  now showing an overflow with an integrated knob for a bottom drain control; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of an exemplary overflow closure device; 
         FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  4 A- 4 A from the structure of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 4B  is similar to  FIG. 4A  but now the seal plate seals against the front surface of the bracket; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the exemplary overflow closure device of  FIG. 4  now in the open position; 
         FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  5 A- 5 A from the structure of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of another exemplary overflow closure device; 
         FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  6 A- 6 A from the structure of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of another exemplary overflow closure device similar to  FIG. 4  now showing a round knob; 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of another exemplary overflow closure device now showing two knobs for controlling separate features; 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of the structure of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of an exemplary drain closure device; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an exemplary adjustable overflow closure device now showing two knobs; and 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another exemplary adjustable overflow closure device similar to  FIG. 10  but now showing two knobs in a different size and orientation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary adjustable overflow closure device  10 .  FIG. 1  of the present invention is very similar to FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,635,719 where the overflow drain  10  was mounted to an inside surface of a tub  12  and the overflow elbow  14  was shown in dashed lines on the outside surface of the tub  12 . In contrast to FIG. 1 of the &#39;719 patent, here the overflow closure device  10  takes on a rectangular-shaped faceplate  100  with a horizontal slot  102 . The industry has moved towards a very sleek and simplistic design for the various faucets and drains. Here, a rectangular-shaped faceplate  100  provides an aesthetically pleasing shape and design. The faceplate  100  and bracket  112  are longer in dimension  144  in a horizontal direction as compared to a dimension  146  in a vertical direction. 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the structure  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . The overflow elbow  14  has a seal/gasket  104  that is used to create a watertight seal between the overflow elbow  14  and the outside surface  150  of the tub  12 . The overflow elbow  14  has a flange  106  that extends outward along the surface of the wall of the tub  12 . The large flange  106  helps to create a large surface area to mate up against the outside of the tub  12 . The seal/gasket  102  has an aperture  108  and fits onto a perimeter riser  110  of the elbow  14 . In this way the seal  104  nests onto the elbow in a secure manner. 
     On the inside surface  152  of the tub  12  is installed a bracket  112 . The bracket  112  has as a slot opening  114  and two countersunk holes  116   a  and  116   b . Screws  118   a  and  118   b  are designed to nest within the bracket  112  such that the heads of the screws are at or below the top surface of the bracket  112 . The screws  118  are then able to pass through the bracket, pass through holes drilled into the tub  12  and engage into holes  120   a  and  120   b  of the elbow  14 . 
     Another seal/gasket  122  is formed that matches the backside of the bracket  112 . The seal  122  also has a slot  124  and matching holes  126   a  and  126   b . The seal  122  could be a separate part or could be made with adhesive backing. For instance the seal  122  could be preinstalled onto the gasket  112 . Then the installer would simply have to peal off a backing layer and then push the bracket  112  and seal  122  onto the appropriate location. 
     One will notice that the bracket  112  has a plurality of compressible nubs  128  disposed about the perimeter  130  of the bracket  112 . When the faceplate  100  is pressed onto the bracket  112 , the nubs compress a slight amount and hold the faceplate  100  in place.  FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  2 A- 2 A from the structure of  FIG. 1 . Here, one can see that the faceplate  100  is shaped to overlap the bracket  112  such that the faceplate  100  is the only part visible once the installation is complete. This facilitates a simple and sleek appearance to the end user. 
     One of the disadvantages of the embodiment described so far is that there is no longer a provision for closing the overflow closure device  10  as was taught in the &#39;719 patent.  FIG. 3  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 1  now showing an overflow device  10  with an integrated knob  136  for closing the slot  102 . Closing of the slot  102  may be accomplished in many ways taught herein or combinations thereof. 
       FIG. 4  is a front view of an exemplary overflow closure device  10  and  FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  4 A- 4 A from the structure of  FIG. 4 . The knob  136  is connected to a seal plate  138 . The seal plate  138  extends along the entire length of the slot  102 . Optionally the seal plate  138  may have a seal/gasket  140  attached to its surface that touches the backside of the faceplate  100 . The gasket  140  or the seal plate  138  presses up against the backside  141  of the faceplate  100 . When the seal plate  138  is disposed overtop the slot  102  it seals the slot  102  such that water cannot pass through. The seal plate  138  is shown in dashed lines because it is behind the faceplate  100 . The centerline  121  to the left is also shown in dashed lines. 
       FIG. 4B  is similar to  FIG. 4A  but now the seal plate  138  seals against the front surface  143  of the bracket  112 . As can be seen, there are many ways to seal or close either the slot  102  in the faceplate  100 , the slot  114  in the bracket  112  or both at the same time. 
       FIG. 5  is a front view of the exemplary overflow closure device of  FIG. 4  now in the open position and  FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  5 A- 5 A from the structure of  FIG. 5 . When the knob  136  is rotated, it causes the seal plate  138  to pivot away from the slot  102  at an angle  123 . Then the slot  102  is open such that water can flow therethrough. 
       FIG. 6  is a front view of another exemplary overflow closure device and  FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  6 A- 6 A from the structure of  FIG. 6 . In this embodiment, the knob  136  is configured not to pivot (as in  FIG. 5 ) but now to translate upwards or downwards. A small movement  125  of the knob  136  completely allows the face plate  138  to slide above or below the slot  102  such that the slot  102  is completely open. 
       FIG. 7  is a front view of another exemplary overflow closure device  10  similar to  FIG. 4  now showing a round knob  136 . In the embodiments shown herein the knob  136  can be round, square, rectangular, triangular or any other geometric shape which one can grasp and turn or slide. 
     One of the disadvantages of the embodiments described so far is that there is not a provision for also controlling the bottom drain  132 . Skipping ahead to  FIG. 9 , once can see that a bottom drain  132  can be controlled manually through a cable  134 . The cable  134  is then attached to a point at or near the overflow device  10 . This allows a user to open or close the drain  132  without having to bend further over into the tub  12  or reach down into hot or cold water that may already be present in the tub. 
       FIGS. 8, 8A and 9  show an overflow device  10  with an integrated knob  136  for closing the slots and now another knob  142  for controlling the bottom drain  134 . The knob  142  is coupled to the cable  134  that then leads to the bottom drain  132 . A user can then rotate/turn the knob  142  and activate the bottom drain  132 . Here, the knobs  136  and  142  are aligned along the same axis. This means the knobs are concentric with one another or are aligned with one another along the same axis of rotation or pivot. It is also apparent that the functionality of the knobs can also be reversed where the front knob closes the slot  102  and the rear knob opens or closes the bottom drain  132 . Furthermore, the knobs may take any shape or design as earlier discussed. With this embodiment, the sleek and simplistic design aesthetics are kept while providing advanced functionality of closing the upper drain slot  102  and now the lower drain  132 . 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an exemplary adjustable overflow closure device  10  from the &#39;719 patent now with the drain closure knob  142 . All of the features of the &#39;719 patent are incorporated herein, but now the second knob  142  can open or close the bottom drain  132  through the cable  134 . In this embodiment the second knob  142  is behind the first knob  38  from the &#39;719 patent. Alternatively,  FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another exemplary adjustable overflow closure device  10  similar to  FIG. 10  but now showing the second knob  142  ahead of the knob  38 . While the knobs  38  and  142  are concentric and rotate about a common axis, either can be configured to reside ahead of or behind the other. In this way, the structure of the &#39;719 patent can have added functionality while still keeping its simplistic and sleek design. 
     Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made to each without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.