Patent Publication Number: US-2023135546-A1

Title: Universal and height adustable drain adaptor

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to drains, more particularly to universal and height adjustable drain adaptors for drains. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the tile industry, the traditional drain is the three-piece, clamping ring drain. The traditional drain is typically installed by a plumber without regard to the type of waterproofing membrane the subsequent contractor will need to adapt the traditional drain to. The traditional drain is designed to be used with the older shower pan liner and not the topical, bonded waterproofing membranes in use today. The topical, bonded waterproofing membranes are typically a liquid or fluid applied membrane or a topical sheet type membrane. The subsequent contractor is limited to the types of membranes that can be used with the traditional drain and would be required to manipulate a mortar bed to provide the necessary adaption. 
     The traditional approach, however, is laborious, only works for fifty percent of the newer waterproofing membranes on the market, and have problems including proper bonding of the membrane and difficulty accommodating height variations. The traditional drain requires a membrane to be clamped between a drain base and a clamping ring. A mortar bed is formed above the membrane. Alternatively, the mortar bed is formed and manipulated to accommodate the topical, bonded waterproofing membranes that need to be applied over the mortar bed but still tied into the bottom base of the traditional drain. The traditional drain allows for height adjustment in the drain grate only while the bonding surface for the water proofing membrane remains in a fixed position at the bottom of the traditional drain. 
     The manufacturers of the membranes that do not work for this adaptation of the mortar bed have developed a flashing collar to make the connection between the traditional drain base and a membrane; however, these collars provide only a single height with no adjustment options and still require a laborious manipulation of the mortar bed. If different heights are desired a different membrane must be used. 
     Other solutions include bonding flange drains utilizing topical waterproof membranes. In these flange drains, a waterproof membrane is incorporated on a top surface of the flange. The flange drains can eliminate weep holes and provide a topical bonding surface rather than the traditional, bonding underneath a mortar bed. 
     Utilizing a flange drain requires the flange drain to be tied directly to the pluming waste pipe of the traditional drain. One solution is to use a fixed metal, silicone, plastic, or rubber flange which bolts onto the traditional drain base, to which it provides a seal and further contacts the flange drain. 
     One problem with this type of flange drain is that the flange drain requires a different grate and the traditional drain hardware cannot be used. This increases costs and restricts the options available during a project. 
     These previous solutions are typically designed and manufactured to work with specific types of shower pans. The drains are generally not cross-compatible between shower pans whether the traditional drain or the flange drain. 
     Solutions have been long sought but prior developments have not taught or suggested any complete solutions, and solutions to these problems have long eluded those skilled in the art. Thus, there remains a considerable need for devices and methods that can provide a height adjustable topical seal. 
     SUMMARY 
     A universal and height adjustable drain adaptor and methods of manufacturing, providing a height adjustable topical seal, are disclosed. The universal drain adaptor and methods can include: a bonding flange; and a collapsible base coupled to the bonding flange, the collapsible base including folds and a bottom portion, the collapsible base configured to collapse about the folds to provide an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration, the extended configuration includes the bonding flange being further from the bottom portion than the collapsed configuration, and the bonding flange and the collapsible base create a universal drain adaptor with the bottom portion configured to be clamped between a drain base and a clamping ring. 
     Other contemplated embodiments can include objects, features, aspects, and advantages in addition to or in place of those mentioned above. These objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description, along with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The universal drain adaptor is illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, in which like reference numerals are intended to refer to like components, and in which: 
         FIG.  1    is an exploded cross-sectional view of the universal drain adaptor in a first embodiment and in an extended configuration. 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded cross-sectional view of the universal drain adaptor of  FIG.  1    in a collapsed configuration. 
         FIG.  3    is a front isometric view of the universal drain adaptor of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a top isometric view of the universal drain adaptor of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  5    is a top view of the universal drain adaptor of  FIG.  1    in a bolting phase of installation. 
         FIG.  6    is a top view of the universal drain adaptor of  FIG.  1    in a locking phase of installation. 
         FIG.  7    is a side view of the universal drain adaptor of  FIG.  1    in a collapsed configuration. 
         FIG.  8    is a top view of the universal drain adaptor of  FIG.  1    in a grate adjustment phase of installation. 
         FIG.  9    is a top view of a universal drain adaptor of the universal drain adaptor in a second embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-sectional view of the universal drain adaptor of  FIG.  9    in a locking phase of installation. 
         FIG.  11    is a cross-sectional view of the universal drain adaptor of  FIG.  9    in an extended configuration. 
         FIG.  12    is a cross-sectional view of the universal drain adaptor of  FIG.  9    in a collapsed configuration. 
         FIG.  13    is an isometric view of the universal drain adaptor in a collapsed configuration and in a third embodiment. 
         FIG.  14    is an isometric view of the universal drain adaptor of  FIG.  13    in an extended configuration. 
         FIG.  15    is an isometric view of the universal drain adaptor of  FIG.  13    in a partially extended configuration. 
         FIG.  16    is an isometric view of the universal drain adaptor of  FIG.  13    in a collapsed configuration. 
         FIG.  17    is a bottom view of the universal drain adaptor of  FIG.  13    in a collapsed configuration. 
         FIG.  18    is a method for manufacturing a universal drain adaptor of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration, embodiments in which the universal and height adjustable drain adaptor may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the universal drain adaptor. 
     When features, aspects, or embodiments of the universal drain adaptor are described in terms of steps of a process, an operation, a control flow, or a flow chart, it is to be understood that the steps can be combined, performed in a different order, deleted, or include additional steps without departing from the universal drain adaptor as described herein. 
     The universal drain adaptor is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the universal drain adaptor and provide numerous specific details to give a thorough understanding of the universal drain adaptor; however, it will be apparent that the universal drain adaptor may be practiced without these specific details. As used herein the term “couple” as in coupled or coupling means a direct or indirect physical contact between components. The term “universal” as in “universal drain adaptor” or “universal and height adjustable drain adaptor” means that a collapsible base of the universal component can allow for bolt through holes to be cut therethrough and in different locations in order to accommodate a bolt pattern of a drain base. 
     In order to avoid obscuring the universal drain adaptor, some well-known system configurations and descriptions are not disclosed in detail. Likewise, the drawings showing embodiments of the system are semi-diagrammatic and not to scale and, particularly, some of the dimensions are for the clarity of presentation and are shown greatly exaggerated in the drawing FIGs. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1   , therein is shown an exploded cross-sectional view of the universal drain adaptor  100  in a first embodiment and in an extended configuration. The universal drain adaptor  100  is shown coupled to a drain base  102 . 
     The drain base  102  can include a drain base flange  104  having drain base threads  106 . The drain base  102  can be coupled to a clamping ring  108 . 
     The clamping ring  108  can include barrel receiving threads  110  and bolt through holes  112 . The clamping ring  108  can be affixed to the drain base  102  with bolts  114  extending through the bolt through holes  112  and mated with the drain base threads  106  within the drain base  102 . 
     The clamping ring  108  can be coupled to a head adapter  116 . The head adapter  116  can include a grate  120  a grate platform  122  and an adjustment barrel  124 . 
     The adjustment barrel  124  can include adjustment threads  126 . The adjustment threads  126  can couple with the barrel receiving threads  110  for providing adjustment through rotation of the adjustment barrel  124 . The head adapter  116  can be adjusted up or down relative to the drain base  102 . 
     The drain base  102  can be coupled to the clamping ring  108  with the universal drain adaptor  100 , sandwiched therebetween. The universal drain adaptor  100  can create a watertight seal between the drain base  102  and the clamping ring  108 . 
     The universal drain adaptor  100  can include a collapsible base  132  and a bonding flange  134 . The collapsible base  132  can be flexible and compressible. The collapsible base  132  can be formed of silicone, rubber, or plastic. The bonding flange  134  can be formed of ABS plastic and can include a bonding flange liner  136  covering a top surface of the bonding flange  134 . The bonding flange liner  136  can be a polyethylene fleece adhered to the top surface of the bonding flange  134 . When referring to “ABS plastic,” it is understood that any similarly situated material can be used as well. 
     The collapsible base  132  can provide a low cost and flexible height adjustment between the drain base  102  and the bonding flange  134 . The bonding flange  134  further provides a large topical seal for a topical waterproofing membrane, whether it is liquid or sheet. 
     The collapsible base  132  can further accommodate the bolt through holes  112  and a barrel through hole  138  where needed based on the specific drain manufacturers drain design. The bolt through holes  112  can allow the bolts  114  to extend through the collapsible base  132  and into the drain base threads  106 . The barrel through hole  138  can allow the adjustment barrel  124  to extend through the collapsible base  132  and mate with the barrel threads  110  within the drain base  102 . This connection and accommodation is performed in the field as needed by cutting the bolt through holes  112  and the barrel through hole  138  into the collapsible base  132 . 
     The bonding flange  134  can extend with an angled extension  140 , away from the collapsible base  132 . For example, the angled extension  140  can extend level near the collapsible base  132  and then angle up to extend at a forty-five degree angle toward a flange  142  of the bonding flange  134 . 
     The flange  142  can be substantially flat but should also be angled slightly toward the head adapter  116 . The bonding flange liner  136  can contact the angled extension  140  and most of the flange  142  leaving only a small periphery of the bonding flange  134  exposed from the bonding flange liner  136 . 
     Some contemplated embodiments can include an additional sealant  144  for sealing the bonding flange  134  of the universal drain adaptor  100 . Other embodiments contemplate the collapsible base  132  and the bonding flange  134  being formed integrally with the collapsible base  132  being molded to the bonding flange  134  and without the sealant  144 . 
     The universal drain adaptor  100  can collapse or fold along folds  146  within the collapsible base  132 . The folds  146  can allow the collapsible base  132  to fold into itself, collapsing the collapsible base  132  and decreasing the distance between the bonding flange  134  and the drain base  102 . 
     It is contemplated that the folds  146  could be configured to provide quarter inch increments. That is, the folds  146  can be spaced so as to allow the collapsible base  132  to fold or collapse a quarter inch at a time, which provides a high degree of flexibility in vertical placement and provides the easy ability to follow shower pan minimum slope guidelines and requirements. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   , therein is shown an exploded cross-sectional view of the universal drain adaptor  100  of  FIG.  1    in a collapsed configuration. The universal drain adaptor  100  is shown collapsed about the folds  146 . The folds  146  allow the collapsible base  132  to fold into itself, collapsing the collapsible base  132  and decreasing the distance between the bonding flange  134  and the drain base  102 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3   , therein is shown a front isometric view of the universal drain adaptor  100  of  FIG.  1   . The universal drain adaptor  100  is depicted having the collapsible base  132  and the bonding flange  134  coupled thereto. The collapsible base  132  can be flexible and compressible. The collapsible base  132  can be formed of silicone, rubber, or plastic. The bonding flange  134  can be formed of ABS plastic or any similarly-like material. 
     The collapsible base  132  can provide a low cost and flexible height adjustment between the drain base  102  and the bonding flange  134  both of  FIG.  1   . The bonding flange  134  further provides a large topical seal. 
     The collapsible base  132  can further include the bolt through holes  112  of  FIG.  1    and the barrel through hole  138 . The bolt through holes  112  can be formed with a punch or can be cut on site during an installation. 
     The bonding flange  134  can extend with the angled extension  140 , away from the collapsible base  132 . For example, the angled extension  140  can extend at a forty-five degree angle from the collapsible base  132 . 
     The angled extension  140  can extend to the flange  142 . The flange  142  can be substantially flat but should also be angled slightly toward the head adapter  116  of  FIG.  1   . The sealant  144  is depicted and, in some embodiments, can provide a seal between the collapsible base  132  and the bonding flange  134 . Other embodiments contemplate the collapsible base  132  and the bonding flange  134  being formed integrally with the collapsible base  132  being molded to the bonding flange  134 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  4   , therein is shown a top isometric view of the universal drain adaptor  100  of  FIG.  1   . The bonding flange  134  of the universal drain adaptor  100  is shown having the angled extension  140  between the flange  142  and the collapsible base  132 . 
     The angled extension  140  can include an angled extension base  402  and an angled extension wall  404 . The angled extension base can be substantially co-planar with the flange  142 . The angled extension wall  404  can extend between the angled extension base  402  and the flange  142 . The angled extension wall  404  can extend in an angle less than ninety degrees and is contemplated to be closer to forty-five degrees. 
     The folds  146  are shown forming rings around a bottom portion  406 . The bottom portion is depicted having space for bolt through holes to be cut therethrough and in different locations in order to accommodate a bolt pattern of a drain base. Furthermore, space is depicted for cutting the barrel through hole, which is depicted cut out of the space of the bottom portion. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  5   , therein is shown a top view of the universal drain adaptor  100  of  FIG.  1    in a bolting phase of installation. The universal drain adaptor  100  is shown having the bolt through holes  112  of  FIG.  1    formed within the collapsible base  132 . 
     The bolts  114  have been threaded through the bolt through holes  112  and into the drain base threads  106  of the drain base  102 , both of  FIG.  1   . The bolt through holes  112  can be formed or cut within a bottom portion  406  of the collapsible base  132 . The bottom portion  406  of the collapsible base  132  can be substantially co-planar with the drain base flange  104  and the clamping ring  108 , both of  FIG.  1   , for providing a watertight seal between the universal drain adaptor  100  and the drain base  102 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  6   , therein is shown a top view of the universal drain adaptor  100  of  FIG.  1    in a locking phase of installation. The clamping ring  108  is depicted as installed on the bolts  114  and sandwiching the collapsible base  132  between the clamping ring  108  and the drain base  102  of  FIG.  1   . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  7   , therein is shown a side view of the universal drain adaptor  100  of  FIG.  1    in a collapsed configuration. The universal drain adaptor  100  can be seen collapsed about the folds  146 . The folds  146  allow the collapsible base  132  to fold into itself, collapsing the collapsible base  132  and decreasing the distance between the bonding flange  134  and the drain base  102 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  8   , therein is shown a top view of the universal drain adaptor  100  of  FIG.  1    in a grate adjustment phase of installation. The head adapter  116  is depicted as centered in the universal drain adaptor  100  with the grate  120  between the angled extension  140  and substantially flush with the flange  142 . Alternatively, it is contemplated that the grate  120  of the head adapter  116  could be positioned slightly above or below the flange  142  while fitting in-between the angled extension  140 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  9   , therein is shown a top view of a universal drain adaptor  900  in a second embodiment. The universal drain adaptor  900  can include a collapsible base  904  and a bonding flange  906 . The collapsible base  904  can be flexible and compressible. The collapsible base  904  can be formed of silicone, rubber, or plastic. The bonding flange  906  can be formed of ABS plastic and can include a bonding flange liner  908  covering a top surface of the bonding flange  906 . The bonding flange liner  908  can be a polyethylene fleece adhered to the top surface of the bonding flange  906 . 
     The diameter of the bonding flange  906  can be ten and a half inches in a first size and eight and a half inches in a second size. The width of the top surface of the bonding flange  906 , to which the bonding flange liner  908  is adhered, can be  2  inches in both the first and second sizes. 
     The collapsible base  904  can further include bolt through holes  912  and a barrel through hole  914  formed in a bottom portion  916 . 
     The top surface of the bonding flange  906  can be a tray and formed substantially flat. The bonding flange liner  908  can contact the bonding flange  906  leaving only a small periphery of the bonding flange  906  exposed from the bonding flange liner  908 . The small periphery may also include a mortar locking design integrated into the edge of the bonding flange  906 . 
     The universal drain adaptor  900  can collapse or fold along folds  918  within the collapsible base  904 . The folds  918  can allow the collapsible base  904  to fold into itself, collapsing the collapsible base  904  and decreasing the distance between the bonding flange  906  and the bottom portion  916 . 
     It is contemplated that the folds  918  could be configured to provide quarter inch increments. That is, the folds  918  can be spaced so as to allow the collapsible base  904  to fold or collapse a quarter inch at a time, which provides a high degree of flexibility in vertical placement. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  10   , therein is shown a cross-sectional view of the universal drain adaptor  900  of  FIG.  9    in a locking phase of installation. The universal drain adaptor  900  is shown coupled to a drain base  1002 , which can be coupled to a clamping ring  1004  with the universal drain adaptor  900  sandwiched therebetween. The universal drain adaptor  900  can create a watertight seal between the drain base  1002  and the clamping ring  1004 . 
     The collapsible base  904  can provide a low cost and flexible height adjustment between the drain base  1002  and the bonding flange  906 . The bonding flange  906  further provides a large topical seal. 
     The clamping ring  1004  can be held to the drain base  1002  with bolts  1006  extended through the clamping ring  1004 , through the bottom portion  916  of the collapsible base  904 , and into the drain base threads. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  11   , therein is shown a cross-sectional view of the universal drain adaptor  900  of  FIG.  9    in an extended configuration. The universal drain adaptor  900  is depicted having the collapsible base  904  and the bonding flange  906  coupled thereto. The collapsible base  904  can be flexible and compressible. The collapsible base  904  can be formed of silicone, rubber, or plastic. The bonding flange  906  can be formed of ABS plastic. 
     The collapsible base  904  can provide a low cost and flexible height adjustment between the bottom portion  916  near the drain base  1002 , of  FIG.  10   , and the bonding flange  906 . The bonding flange  906  further provides a large topical seal. 
     The collapsible base  904  can have the bottom portion  916  without the bolt through holes  912  and the barrel through hole  914 , both of  FIG.  9   , so that they can be cut out on the job site to the exact dimensions needed. 
     The bottom portion  916  can measure six and seven eighths inches in the first size of  FIG.  9    and four and seven eighths inches in the second size of  FIG.  9   . When in the fully extended configuration the bottom portion  916  can be three inches from the bonding flange  906 . The collapsible base  904  can collapse about the folds  918  in quarter inch increments. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  12   , therein is shown a cross-sectional view of the universal drain adaptor  900  of  FIG.  9    in a collapsed configuration. The universal drain adaptor  900  is depicted having the collapsible base  904  and the bonding flange  906  coupled thereto. The collapsible base  904  can provide a low cost and flexible height adjustment between the bottom portion  916  near the drain base  1002 , of  FIG.  10   , and the bonding flange  906 . When in the fully retracted configuration the bottom portion  916  can be one half an inch from the bonding flange  906 . 
     The collapsible base  904  can collapse about the folds  918  in quarter inch increments. The folds  918  can be seen collapsed and folded in rings around the bottom portion  916 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  13   , therein is shown an isometric view of the universal drain adaptor  1300  in a collapsed configuration and in a third embodiment. The universal drain adaptor  1300  is shown coupled a drain base  1302 . 
     The drain base  1302  can include a drain base flange  1304  and can be coupled to a clamping ring  1308 , a head adapter including a grate, and an adjustment barrel having adjustment threads. The adjustment threads allowing the head adapter to be adjusted up or down relative to the drain base in a way similar to that of the first embodiment of  FIG.  1   . 
     The drain base  1302  can be coupled to the clamping ring  1308  with the universal drain adaptor  1300  sandwiched therebetween. The universal drain adaptor  1300  can create a watertight seal between the drain base  1302  and the clamping ring  1308 . 
     The universal drain adaptor  1300  can include a collapsible base  1332 , and a bonding flange  1334 . The collapsible base  1332  can be flexible and compressible. The collapsible base  1332  can be formed of silicone, rubber, or plastic. The bonding flange  1334  can be formed of ABS plastic and can include a bonding flange liner  1336  covering a top surface of the bonding flange  1334 . The bonding flange liner  1336  can be a polyethylene fleece adhered to the top surface of the bonding flange  1334 . 
     The collapsible base  1332  can provide a low cost and flexible height adjustment between the drain base  1302  and the bonding flange  1334 . The bonding flange  1334  further provides a large topical seal for a topical waterproofing membrane, whether it is liquid or sheet. 
     The collapsible base  1332  can further accommodate the bolt through holes  1602  and a barrel through hole  1604 , both more clearly shown in  FIG.  16   . The bolt through holes  1602  and the barrel through hole  1604  can be cut into the collapsible base  1332  where needed, based on the specific drain manufacturers drain design. The bolt through holes can allow bolts to extend through the collapsible base  1332  and into threads of the drain base  1302 . The bolt through holes can be cut into the collapsible base  1332  during installation in the field as needed in order to adapt to any drain base  1302 . 
     The third embodiment of  FIGS.  13 - 17    depict the bonding flange  1334  being formed integrally as a single molded piece and without sealant, for example the additional sealant  144  of  FIG.  1   . Furthermore the bonding flange  1334  can be integrally formed with the collapsible base  1332  being molded to the bonding flange  1334 . 
     The universal drain adaptor  1300  can collapse or fold along folds  1346  within the collapsible base  1332 . The folds  1346  can allow the collapsible base  1332  to fold into itself, collapsing the collapsible base  1332  and decreasing the distance between the bonding flange  1334  and the drain base  1302 . 
     It is contemplated that the folds  1346  could be configured to provide quarter inch increments. That is, the folds  1346  can be spaced so as to allow the collapsible base  1332  to fold or collapse a quarter inch at a time, which provides a high degree of flexibility in vertical placement and provides the easy ability to follow shower pan minimum slope guidelines and requirements. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  14   , therein is shown an isometric view of the universal drain adaptor  1300  of  FIG.  13    in an extended configuration. The universal drain adaptor  1300  is shown coupled a drain base  1302 . 
     The drain base flange  1304  of the drain base  1302  is more clearly shown in the extended configuration in  FIG.  14   . The universal drain adaptor  1300  can extend when the folds  1346  of the collapsible base  1332  are unfolded. The extended configuration provides the most distance between the bonding flange  1334  and the drain base  1302  that is provided by the universal drain adaptor  1300  of the universal drain adaptor  1300 . Thus, the collapsible base  1332  and the bonding flange  1334  of the universal drain adaptor  1300  provide a universal height adjustment for the drain base  1302 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  15   , therein is shown an isometric view of the universal drain adaptor  1300  of  FIG.  13    in a partially extended configuration. The universal drain adaptor  1300  is shown coupled a drain base  1302 . The universal drain adaptor  1300  can extend when the folds  1346  of the collapsible base  1332  are unfolded and collapse when the folds  1346  are folded providing an intermediate distance between the bonding flange  1334  and the drain base  1302 . Thus, the collapsible base  1332  and the bonding flange  1334  of the universal drain adaptor  1300  provide a universal height adjustment for the drain base  1302 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  16   , therein is shown an isometric view of the universal drain adaptor  1300  of  FIG.  13    in a collapsed configuration. The universal drain adaptor  1300  is depicted to include the collapsible base  1332  and the bonding flange  1334 , which are further depicted as formed as a single integral component. 
     The collapsible base  1332  can accommodate bolt through holes  1602  and a barrel through hole  1604  where needed based on the specific drain manufacturers drain design. The bolt through holes  1602  and the barrel through hole  1604  of the third embodiment are substantially similar to the bolt through holes  112  and the barrel through hole  138  of the first embodiment of  FIG.  1   . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  17   , therein is shown a bottom view of the universal drain adaptor  1300  of  FIG.  13    in a collapsed configuration. The universal drain adaptor  1300  is depicted to include the collapsible base  1332  and the bonding flange  1334 , which are further depicted as formed as a single integral component. The collapsible base  1332  can accommodate bolt through holes  1602  and a barrel through hole  1604  where needed based on the specific drain manufacturers drain design. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  18   , therein is shown a method for manufacturing a universal and height adjustable drain adaptor of the present disclosure. The method can include forming a bonding flange in a block  1302 ; affixing a bonding flange liner to a top surface of the bonding flange in a block  1304 ; and coupling a collapsible base to the bonding flange, the collapsible base including folds and a bottom portion, the collapsible base configured to collapse about the folds to provide an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration, the extended configuration includes the bonding flange being further from the bottom portion than the collapsed configuration, and the bonding flange and the collapsible base create a universal drain adaptor with the bottom portion configured to be clamped between a drain base and a clamping ring in a block  1306 . 
     Thus, it has been discovered that the universal drain adaptor furnishes important and heretofore unknown and unavailable solutions, capabilities, and functional aspects. The resulting configurations are straightforward, cost-effective, uncomplicated, highly versatile, accurate, sensitive, and effective, and can be implemented by adapting known components for ready, efficient, and economical manufacturing, application, and utilization. 
     While the universal drain adaptor has been described in conjunction with a specific best mode, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the preceding description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations, which fall within the scope of the included claims. All matters set forth herein or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted in an illustrative and non-limiting sense.