Patent Abstract:
An overflow plate concealing device for bathtubs that is associated with a plate of an overflow system of the bathtub. This aspect of the invention allows the overflow plate to be concealed to allow the user to alter the aesthetic appearance of their bathtub or repair the same.

Full Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/456,017, filed Apr. 25, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/896,137, filed Oct. 1, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/479,063, filed Apr. 26, 2011, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     This application is also related to various applications and patents related to overflow systems associated with bathtubs or other basins, such as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/593,724, filed Jun. 13, 2000, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2004/0068793, filed Sep. 30, 2003, 2004/0117907, filed Dec. 10, 2003, 2004/0111797, filed Dec. 17, 2003, 2008/0235866, filed Mar. 28, 2008 and 2004/0103474 filed Nov. 25, 2003. In addition, this application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,411, filed Sep. 17, 2001, U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,406, filed Aug. 28, 2002, U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,050, filed Aug. 16, 2002, U.S. Pat. No. 7,127,752, filed Dec. 17, 2003 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,241, filed Feb. 4, 1998. The entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to devices for concealing a portion of a bathtub&#39;s overflow plumbing. One embodiment of the present invention, employs a cover that conceals an existing overflow plate, which allows selective alterations or repairs to the overflow plumbing. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Overflow plumbing is commonly associated with basins for holding fluids. Overflow systems provide an access point for drain clean out and may help address substantial overfilling of the basin. Bathtubs, for example, employ overflow assemblies comprised of an overflow pipe that is associated with an outlet port of the bathtub and that is interconnected to a sidewall of the bathtub. An overflow plate conceals the outlet port. The overflow plate includes at least one fluid flow opening that allows water to flow from the bathtub to the overflow pipe if the need arises. 
     Often, it is desirous to change the look and feel of a bathroom. One way to accomplish this is to change plumbing fixtures associated with the bathtub, sink, etc. For example, one may want to replace an existing faucet and related plumbing components from a nickel-plated finish to a chrome plated finish, or vice versa. This task may seem simple, but it is often laborious and may require that all or portions of the plumbing system associated with the bathtub, sink, etc. be re-tested. For example, attention is directed to U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,241 to Ball (“Ball I”), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. Ball I provides an overflow plumbing system having an overflow pipe that is associated with a bathtub having a cover plate interconnected to the overflow pipe by way of at least one fastener. The fasteners cooperate with bosses associated with the overflow pipe to hold the cover in place. The overflow system of Ball I is primarily aligned with the outer portion surface of the bathtub and requires an interconnected sleeve to engage an inner surface of the bathtub to secure the overflow pipe to the bathtub. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the aligning of the sleeve and the overflow pipe is difficult as the overflow pipe is located behind the bathtub wall and is, thus, out of view and difficult to access. Furthermore, interconnection of the screw to the bosses of the overflow pipe is difficult. These factors make replacing overflow plates commonly found in many bathrooms difficult, time consuming, and expensive. 
     This difficulty of replacing existing cover plates has been addressed by leaving it in place and concealing the same with a supplemental cover. For example, attention is directed to U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,298 to Ball (“Ball II”), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. Ball II discloses a cover having a clip integrated on an interior surface thereof. To install, the clip is at least partially slid into a fluid opening associated with the existing overflow plate. The clip holds the replacement cover in place and conceals the existing plate while maintaining an opening that allows fluid to flow from the bathtub to the overflow pipe. One drawback with Ball II is that the clip may fail or the replacement cover may loosen over time, thereby allowing the cover to slip relative to the overflow plate which could mar the inner surface of the bathtub. Furthermore, the clip obstructs the fluid opening provided by the existing overflow plate, which may decrease fluid flow rate into the overflow pipe. Finally, the device of Ball II may not fit accommodate many overflow plates. 
     Thus, it is a long felt need to provide a device for concealing an existing overflow plate that is easy to install, does not interfere with the flow characteristics of the overflow system, and is universal in nature, i.e., concealing overflow plates of various shapes, sizes, and styles. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a device for concealing a cover plate of an overflow system. More specifically, overflow systems of some bathtubs are comprised of an overflow pipe having a plate for association with an outer surface of a bathtub. A sleeve is interconnected to the overflow pipe wherein an inner surface of the sleeve and the plate firmly engage the bathtub to secure the overflow pipe. That is, the bathtub wall is positioned between the inner surface of the sleeve and the plate, thereby securing the overflow pipe to the bathtub. To conceal the opening associated with the overflow pipe, an overflow plate is included that is interconnected to the sleeve and/or overflow pipe by way of at least one screw or other fastening mechanism. Embodiments of the present invention can be used in conjunction with many overflow systems. The overflow plate includes at least one opening that allows a fluid from inside the bathtub to enter into the sleeve and overflow pipe when the liquid level in the bathtub reaches a predetermined level. One embodiment of the present invention is an overflow plate cover having an outer surface with a wall extending therefrom. The wall includes an aperture that aligns with the fluid opening of the overflow plate to maintain a fluid passage from inside the bathtub to the overflow pipe. The contemplated cover is associated with the overflow plate by way of a retention plate, which will be described in further detail below. In operation, fasteners, which interconnect the overflow plate to the overflow pipe, are loosened to allow the overflow plate to be separated from the bathtub wall. Next, the retention plate is positioned between the overflow plate and the bathtub wall. The fasteners are tightened to affix the retention plate between the overflow plate and the bathtub wall. 
     One embodiment of the present invention includes a retention plate with a lip that selectively receives at least one protrusion associated with the wall of the overflow plate cover to secure the overflow plate cover. The overflow plate cover is able to rotate, i.e., about a normal axis thereof, relative to the retention plate. To ensure the fluid passage is unobstructed, an aperture or cut out in the overflow plate cover wall is rotated and positioned generally in line with the fluid opening of the overflow plate. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the overflow plate cover is glued or otherwise bonded to the bathtub wall. The overflow plate cover of this embodiment of the present invention would also include an outer surface and an inner surface with a wall depending therefrom. The inner surface is spaced from an outer surface of the overflow plate. In one embodiment, the wall also includes an outwardly or inwardly extending lip to receive the bonding material and is associated with the bathtub wall. 
     It is another aspect of the present invention to provide an overflow plate cover that will conceal overflow plates of various styles, sizes, and shapes. Those of skill in the art appreciate that overflow plates are not standard. One embodiment of the present invention is thus of such size and shape to accommodate most, if not all, of the overflow plates on the market. 
     It is another aspect that the present invention provide an overflow plate cover that accommodates overflow plates of various designs. More specifically, when installed, overflow plates used in some parts of the world, such as Europe, are spaced from the inner surface and extend into the bathtub. These overflow plates include a sidewall with an interconnected flange that abuts the inner surface of the bathtub, a plurality of holes that allows water to enter the overflow pipe, and an anchor for securing a drain stopper chain. As these types of overflow plates are very difficult to remove, one embodiment of the present invention provides an adapter that interfaces with the overflow port flange. The adapter also includes an outer edge that selectively receives the internal surface of the overflow plate cover similar to the embodiment described above. 
     It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a system for concealing a plate of an overflow system, the overflow system comprised of an overflow plate spaced from a flange by way of a sidewall, the flange being engaged on an inner surface of a fluid basin, the overflow plate having a fluid opening that allows fluid to pass from the basin, comprising: an adapter which has an outer edge and an inner edge adapted to be engaged on the flange of the overflow system wherein the sidewall of the overflow system is positioned within the inner edge of the adapter; and an overflow plate cover for selective interconnection to the adapter, the overflow plate cover having an outer surface with a wall extending therefrom wherein the wall selectively engages the outer edge of the adapter, the overflow plate cover also having an opening that provides a continuous fluid flow path from inside the basin to the overflow system. 
     It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a device that receives a cover for concealing a plate of an overflow system, the overflow system comprised of the overflow plate spaced from a flange by way of a sidewall, the flange being engaged on an inner surface of a fluid basin, the overflow plate having a fluid opening that allows fluid to pass from the basin, comprising: an outer edge and an inner edge that is adapted to receive the sidewall of the overflow system. 
     The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. Moreover, references made herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the Detail Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these inventions. 
         FIG. 1  is a partial perspective view of a typical bathtub; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial sectional view of  FIG. 1  showing an overflow system; 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed view of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an elevation view showing another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention that employs an upper retention plate and a lower retention plate; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of  FIG. 6  associated with an overflow plate; 
         FIG. 8  is a side elevation view of an adapter that interfaces with an overflow plate; 
         FIG. 9  is a front elevation view of the adapter of  FIG. 8  shown interconnected to an overflow plate; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial side elevation view showing an overflow plate cover associated with the adapter; 
         FIG. 11  is a side elevation view of an adapter of another embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of the adapter of  FIG. 11  interconnected to an overflow plate; 
         FIG. 13  is a side elevation view of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial side elevation view of  FIG. 12  additionally showing the interconnected overflow plate cover; 
         FIG. 15  is a front elevation view of another embodiment of the present invention that employs a retaining member that secures the adapter onto the overflow plate; 
         FIG. 16  is an adapter similar to that shown in  FIG. 15  that further includes fingers for holding the retaining member; 
         FIG. 17  is a side elevation view of an adapter that may be used with a retaining member similar to that shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a side elevation view showing the adapter of  FIG. 17  associated with an overflow plate and an overflow plate cover; 
         FIG. 19  is a side elevation view of an adapter similar to that of  FIG. 17  wherein portions have been removed to provide gaps; 
         FIG. 20  is a front elevation view of an adapter associated with an overflow plate with a spring member; 
         FIG. 21  is a front elevation view of an overflow plate with an adhesive strip incorporated on a sidewall thereof; 
         FIG. 22  shows the overflow plate of  FIG. 21  with a corresponding adapter spaced therefrom; and 
         FIG. 23  is a side elevation view similar to that of  FIG. 22  additionally showing the overflow plate associated with the adapter. 
     
    
    
     To assist in the understanding of the present invention the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein: 
     
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 # 
                 Component 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 2 
                 Overflow pipe 
               
               
                 6 
                 Sidewall 
               
               
                 10 
                 Bathtub 
               
               
                 14  
                 Plate 
               
               
                 22  
                 Sleeve 
               
               
                 26 
                 Inner surface 
               
               
                 30  
                 Inner surface 
               
               
                 34  
                 Screw 
               
               
                 38  
                 Outlet port 
               
               
                 42  
                 Overflow plate 
               
               
                 46  
                 Outer surface 
               
               
                 50  
                 Opening 
               
               
                 54  
                 Overflow plate cover 
               
               
                 58  
                 Outer surface 
               
               
                 62  
                 Wall 
               
               
                 66  
                 Opening 
               
               
                 70  
                 Retention plate 
               
               
                 74  
                 Lip 
               
               
                 154 
                 Overflow plate cover 
               
               
                 162 
                 Wall 
               
               
                 166 
                 Opening 
               
               
                 170 
                 Lip 
               
               
                 174 
                 Inner surface 
               
               
                 178 
                 Upper retention plate 
               
               
                 182 
                 Lower retention plate 
               
               
                 186 
                 Lug 
               
               
                 190 
                 Tab 
               
               
                 200 
                 Overflow plate cover 
               
               
                 204 
                 Overflow plate 
               
               
                 208 
                 Flange 
               
               
                 212 
                 Sidewall 
               
               
                 216 
                 Holes 
               
               
                 220 
                 Anchor 
               
               
                 224 
                 Adapter 
               
               
                 228 
                 Outer edge 
               
               
                 232 
                 Adhesive strip 
               
               
                 236 
                 Sidewall 
               
               
                 240 
                 Opening 
               
               
                 244 
                 Plate 
               
               
                 248 
                 Front surface 
               
               
                 252 
                 Connector 
               
               
                 256 
                 Hole 
               
               
                 260 
                 Retaining member 
               
               
                 264 
                 Hole 
               
               
                 268 
                 End 
               
               
                 272 
                 Finger 
               
               
                 276 
                 Sidewall 
               
               
                 280 
                 Spring 
               
               
                 284 
                 Ledge 
               
               
                 288 
                 Adhesive 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 , an overflow system of the prior art is shown that employs an overflow pipe  2  is associated with a sidewall  6  of a bathtub  10 . The overflow pipe  2  includes a plate  14  that is abutted against an outer surface of the bathtub  10 . A sleeve  22  having an inner surface  26  is abutted against an inner surface  30  of the bathtub wall  6  to secure the overflow pipe  2  to the bathtub  10 . The sleeve  22  is associated with the overflow pipe  2  by a threaded interconnection, a friction fit, or any other common attachment scheme. To conceal an outlet port  38  that accommodates the overflow pipe  2 , an overflow plate  42  is employed that utilizes the screw  34  to interconnect to the sleeve  22  and/or overflow pipe  2 . The overflow plate  42  includes an outer surface  46  that conceals the outlet port  38  of the bathtub  10  and a fluid opening  50  that allows fluid to flow within the bathtub  10  and into the overflow pipe  2 . 
     Referring now specifically to  FIG. 4 , an overflow plate cover  54  is employed to conceal the overflow plate  42 . One of skill in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention described below are not limited to incorporation onto the overflow system shown in  FIG. 1  and can be used in conjunction with many overflow systems. One embodiment of overflow plate cover  54  of the present invention includes an outer surface  58  having a wall  62  depending therefrom. Although shown as cylindrical, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the overflow plate cover  54  may be of any shape and be made of any material or finish. The wall  62  includes at least one opening  66  therethrough that is aligned with a fluid opening  50  of the overflow plate  42 . One skilled in the art will appreciate that the opening  66  may also be an enlarged cut out similar to that of the existing overflow plate opening  50  shown, thereby increasing the fluid flow capacity of the overflow plate cover. 
     In operation, the screw  34  or screws associated with the overflow plate  42  are loosened, but not completely removed, to allow the overflow plate  42  to be separated from the bathtub wall  6  and a retention plate  70  to be inserted between the overflow plate  4  and the bathtub well  6 . Of course, the screw  34  may be removed completely, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that doing so would make it difficult to reconnect the overflow plate  42 . Once the retention plate  70  is in place, the screw  34  is tightened, thereby securing the retention plate  70  between the overflow plate  42  and the tub wall  6 . Next, the overflow plate cover  54  is associated with the retention plate  70  to conceal the overflow plate  42 . In one embodiment, the overflow plate cover  54  detachably engages the outer edge of the retention plate  70 . The retention plate  70  may include a lip  74 , hooks, lugs, or other mechanisms that cooperate with protrusions (now shown) integrated into the inner portion of the wall  62 . Such interconnection scheme is similar to that shown in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0117907, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. The lip  74  also maintains the retention plate  70  in place so that it will not fall behind the loosen overflow plate  42 . One skilled in the art will appreciate that the overflow plate cover  54  may be interconnected to the retention plate  70  in other ways, such as bonding or with other types of interference fit. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an overflow plate cover  154  of another embodiment of the present invention is shown that includes a wall  162  with a lip  170 . The lip  170  receives a sealant or an adhesive and directly bonds to the bathtub wall  6 . One drawback of this system compared to the embodiment of  FIG. 4  is that the interconnection is permanent or semi-permanent and may mar the inner surface  30  of the bathtub. Alternatively, an inner surface  174  of the overflow plate cover  154  may include inner-extending protrusions that interface with the outer surface  46  of the overflow plate  42 . The overflow plate cover includes an opening  166  that communicates with the opening  50  of the overflow plate  42 , as does the overflow plate cover. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7  another embodiment of the present invention is shown that employs an upper retention plate  178  and a lower retention plate  182  that work in conjunction to receive and secure the overflow plate cover  54 . The upper retention plate  178  is selectively interconnected to the lower retention plate  182  wherein both the upper retention plate  178  and the lower retention plate  182  employ a series of lugs  186  that interface with an inner surface of the overflow plate cover  54 . This interconnection scheme is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0117907. 
     In operation, the overflow plate screw  34  is loosened, thereby allowing the overflow plate  42  to be moved away from the bathtub sidewall  6 . The upper retention plate  178  and the lower retention plate  182  are then positioned between the sidewall  6  and the overflow plate  42 . The lower retention plate  182  is then interconnected to the upper retention plate  178 . To facilitate positioning the upper retention plate  178  and the lower retention plate  182 , each plate may include at least one tab  190 . One of the tabs  190  may also receive a chain of a chain/stopper drain closure system by way of a hole or a slot. The upper retention plate  178  and the lower retention plate  182  may interconnect in various ways. Here, a key and slot configuration is provided. One of skill in the art will appreciate that although lugs  186  are shown on both the upper retention plate  178  and the lower retention plate  182  only one of those members may contain lugs  186  to secure the overflow plate cover. Once the upper retention plate  178  and the lower retention plate  182  are in place, the screw is re-tightened which firmly secures the upper retention plate  178  and the lower retention plate  182  between the overflow plate  42  and the sidewall  6 . Finally, the overflow plate cover  54  is selectively and detachably interconnected to the retention plates such that the opening  66  thereof is aligned with the opening  50  of the overflow plate. 
       FIGS. 8-10  illustrate another method of associating an overflow plate cover to an overflow plate  204 . More specifically, the overflow plates  204  of some designs are spaced from a flange  208  by a sidewall  212 . Thus, when incorporated into a bathtub, the overflow plate  204  is separated from the inner surface of the bathtub by the sidewall  212 . (See  FIG. 10 ). The overflow plate  204  includes a plurality of holes  216  that allow the ingress of fluid into an overflow pipe (not shown). The overflow plate  204  also includes an anchor  220  that receives a chain that is also associated with a drain stopper. As this type of overflow plate is often difficult to remove without damaging the bathtub or plumbing, it is desirable to conceal the same when it becomes marred, damaged, or the bathroom décor is changed. Unfortunately, because the flange  208  is bonded to the sidewall  6  and not easily separated therefrom, the methods described above may not be suited for this type of overflow plate. Thus embodiments of the present invention contemplate an alternate way of concealing the overflow plate. 
     For example,  FIGS. 8-10  show an adapter  224  that accommodates the sidewall  212  of the overflow plate  204 . The adapter  224  also includes an outer edge  228  that receives and secures the overflow plate cover. The adapter  224  also includes an adhesive strip  232  that is removed which allows the adapter  224  to be adhered to the flange  208 . Alternatively, an adhesive putty may be used to bond the adapter to the flange. The overflow plate cover  200  is then interconnected to the adapter  224  similar to that shown and described above wherein at least a portion of the outer edge  228  selectively receives the sidewall  236  of the overflow plate cover  200 . An opening  240  in the overflow plate cover  200  allows water to reach the holes  216  of the overflow plate  204 . The opening  240  may also be made larger to accommodate a drain stopper chain, if necessary. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the outer edge  228  may include a plurality of outwardly-extending lugs, similar to the retention plates shown in  FIGS. 6 &amp; 7 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11-14 , an adapter  224  of another embodiment that includes a plate  244  that is spaced from a front surface  248  of the adapter  224 . The plate  244  engages the overflow plate  204  as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . The plate  244  is interconnected to the overflow plate  204  with a connector  252  that is fed through a hole  256  in the plate  244  and inserted into one of the holes  216  of the overflow plate  204 . One of skill in the art will also appreciate that adhesives may alternatively be applied to join the plate  244  to the overflow plate. The angular orientation of the adapter  224  relative to the overflow plate is irrelevant. That is, the connector  252  and associated plate  244  may be associated with any of the holes  216  provided by the overflow plate  204 . Referring specifically to  FIG. 14 , one of skill in the art will appreciate that the connector  252  and the plate  244  may be integral. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  show another embodiment of the adapter  224  that is associated with the overflow plate  204  with a retaining member  260 . The retaining member  206  is threaded through a hole  264  provided by the anchor  220 . The outer ends  268  of the retaining member  260  contact the adapter  224  to secure the adapter to the overflow plate. As shown in  FIG. 16 , to further ensure that the retaining member  260  maintains its engagement with the adapter  224 , fingers  272  are employed that hold the ends  268  of the retaining member  260 . In addition, to accommodate the end of the stopper chain, the retaining member  260  may include a hole. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , an adapter  224  similar to that of  FIGS. 15 and 16  is provided. Here, the adapter  224  includes an extended sidewall  276 . The distance between the overflow plate  204  and the flange  208  will dictate the width of the adapter sidewall  276 . It is contemplated that the extended sidewall  276  may be comprised of a plurality of selectively interconnected pieces such that the sidewall  276  depth may be selectively altered to accommodate overflow systems of various manufacture. 
     In operation, the adapter  224  is abutted against the flange  208  wherein the front surface  248  of the adapter  224  is coincident or spaced somewhat from the overflow plate  204 . The retaining member  260  is then interconnected to the anchor  220  wherein the ends  268  of the retaining member  260  contact the front surface  248  of the adapter  224 . As shown, the ends  268  of the resilient retaining member  260  are deflected outwardly, the recoil thereof acts as a spring that helps securely associate the adapter to the overflow plate  204 . Again, the adapter  224  includes an outer edge  228  that is associated with a portion of the overflow plate cover  200 . 
       FIG. 19  shows an adapter similar to that of  FIG. 17  where portions of the sidewall have been removed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 20  another method of associating the adapter  224  with the overflow plate  204  is shown. Here, a spring  280 , or other resilient member, is wrapped around the sidewall of the overflow assembly which maintains the relationship between the adapter  224  and the overflow plate  204 . 
       FIGS. 21-23  show yet another method of interconnecting the adapter  224  to an overflow assembly. Here, the adapter  224  includes a ledge  284  that is interconnected to the sidewall  212  of the overflow port via adhesive  288 . 
     The embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein may be incorporated with the inventions described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,931, entitled “Method and Means for Covering the Flange of a Waste Water Strainer”, U.S. Pat. No. 5,758,368, entitled “Waste Water Valves For Bathtubs and the Like”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,119, entitled “Waste Water Strainer and Valve, U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,454, entitled “A Solenoid Control for a Bathtub Waste Water Drain, U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,459, entitled “A Control For a Bathtub Waste Water Drain, U.S. Pat. No. 6,226,806, entitled “Waste Water Strainer and the Like, U.S. Pat. No. 6,317,906, entitled “Strainer Assembly for Bathtub Drains and the Like, U.S. Pat. No. 6,418,570, entitled “Drain Closure, U.S. Pat. No. 6,546,573, entitled “Drain Cover Assembly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,631,623, entitled “Condensate Drain Attachments and Method of Use Thereof, U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,050, entitled “Overflow Assembly for Bathtubs and the Like, U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,358, entitled “Strainer Assembly for Bathtub Drains and the Like, U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,406, entitled “Overflow Assembly for Bathtubs and the Like, U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,407, entitled “Solenoid Activated Bathtub Drain Closure, U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,420, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Installing a Bathtub Assembly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,411, entitled “Method of Installing a Waste Water Drain Assembly for a Bathtub, U.S. Pat. No. 7,127,752, entitled “Overflow Assembly for Bathtubs and The Like, U.S. Pat. No. 7,451,502, entitled “Bath Drain Closure Assembly, U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,083, entitled U.S. Pat. “Means for Covering the Flange of a Waste Water Strainer”, 2004-0103474, entitled “Cap for Sealing a Bathtub Overflow Port for Testing Purposes, 2004-0117907, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Assembling and Sealing Bathtub Overflow and Waste Water Ports, 2007-0130689, entitled “Tub Box and Method of Using Same, 2008-0047060, entitled “Control for a Bathtub Waste Water Drain, 2007-0039098, entitled “Bath Drain Closure Assembly, 2008-0196161, entitled U.S. CIP Pat.” Flexible Bathtub Waste Pipe Assembly for Bathtubs and the Like“, 2008-0235866, entitled “U.S. CIP Pat.” Overflow Assembly for Bathtubs and the Like” 
     This application is also related to various patents and patent publications related to drain systems for tubs and other basins. More specifically, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2007/0039098, filed Aug. 19, 2005 and 2008/0047060, filed Aug. 22, 2006, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/089,692, filed Aug. 18, 2008. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,931, filed Feb. 9, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,758,368 filed May 21, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,454, filed Mar. 4, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 6,154,898, filed May 19, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 6,317,906, filed Mar. 10, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,459, filed May 26, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 6,226,806, filed Aug. 2, 2000; U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,358, filed Feb. 6, 2001; U.S. Pat. No. 6,418,570, filed Apr. 4, 2001; U.S. Pat. No. 6,546,573, filed Jul. 17, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,420, filed Dec. 3, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,407, filed Nov. 8, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 7,451,502, filed Aug. 23, 2005 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,083, filed Aug. 23, 2005, are also related to the inventions described herein. The entire disclosures of each of the prior art references listed above are incorporated by reference herein. 
     This application is also related to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0196161, filed Apr. 10, 2008, which is related to a flexible waste water pipe, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Moreover, references made herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4