Abstract:
A cement forming plate includes a concave drain plate having a lower surface and an upper surface, wherein the lower surface is configured to mate with a hub drain and provide a cement forming barrier for forming a fanned draining slope

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/843,747 filed Sep. 11, 2006 titled “Hub Drain Plate for Concrete Finishing”, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The general field of the present system and method relate to static structures, i.e., buildings, and to pipes and tubular conduits; more particularly the present exemplary system and method provide the end of a pipe with a plug or end protector; most specifically to such a form preserving space about a hub type drain in the pouring of a concrete slab floor. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Hub type drains typically possess a drain collar seated in the open top end of the drain and secured to the same with a plurality of bolts arranged concentrically about a central threaded bore into which an adjustable strainer may be threaded. When a concrete slab floor is poured it is desirable to preserve not only (a) the internal threading of the drain collar but also (b) free access to the entire drain collar for the purpose of shimming the same in order to level the drain collar after the floor is poured. It is also desirable to provide for (c) proper sloping of the finished floor proximate the drain strainer in order to achieve desired drainage characteristics and to (d) avoid a plethora of problems commonly encountered during drain installation. 
         [0004]    Provision for slope in a finished floor is often wholly neglected in pouring a concrete slab. Furthermore, burying of the drain during the pouring of a concrete slab is also known to occur on occasion. Another problem associated with the preparation and pouring of a concrete slab is the often collision of equipment with the drain, thereby displacing the drain from level. Another prevalent problem with the finishing of a concrete slab around a desired drain is that cement finishers often do not finish the slab about a drain to accommodate the finished floor, resulting in a lack of necessary slope. 
         [0005]    It is considered, upon a basis of over thirty-five years experience, that the installation of hub drains during construction involving the pouring of a concrete slab floor is ineluctably and consistently plagued by the problems mentioned above. 
         [0006]    It is noted that it is a practice of some builders to use forming lumber to block an area about the drain leaving a rather large hole the entire depth of the slab. This practice adversely affects the integrity of the slab especially below grade. It is also noted that it is a common practice to use foam or insulation wrapped around a drain strainer threaded into the collar in order to enable adjustment of the same after the slab hardens. While preserving the ability to adjust the elevation of the drain strainer this practice provides neither access to the drain collar nor addresses the issue of sloping about the drain. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    In one of many possible exemplary embodiments, the present system and method provides for a cement forming plate that includes a concave drain plate having a lower surface and an upper surface, wherein the lower surface is configured to mate with a hub drain and provide a cement forming barrier for forming a fanned draining slope. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present system and method and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present system and method and do not limit the scope thereof. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary hub drain, according to one exemplary embodiment. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a side view of an hub drain plate for concrete finishing according to one exemplary embodiment. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a top view of an exemplary upper surface of a hub drain plate for concrete finishing, according to one exemplary embodiment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a side view of an exemplary hub drain plate, according to one exemplary embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a side view of an exemplary plate system and placement method according to one exemplary embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a hub drain and the surrounding concrete layer which has been finished and formed by a plate, according to one exemplary embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a flow chart illustrating a method for forming concrete around a drain with a pre-form plate, according to one exemplary embodiment. 
       
    
    
       [0016]    Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    A system and method of creating a hub drain plate for concrete finishing is disclosed herein. Specifically, the present exemplary system and method is useful for protecting a drain from being covered during a concrete pour while simultaneously finishing the texture, slope, and depth of the concrete proximately positioned around the drain. 
         [0018]    In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present system and method for creating a hub drain plate for concrete finishing. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present system and method may be practiced without these specific details. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an exemplary hub drain. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a hub drain ( 100 ) is generally connected to a drain pipe ( 110 ), which allows liquids, sewage, and other refuse to flow into a sewage system or septic tank (not shown). While many hub drain configurations are commercially available, for ease of explanation only, the present exemplary hub drain ( 100 ) will be described as having a drainage grill ( 120 ) or lattice work which strains out larger pieces of sewage that may cause a blockage in the drain pipe ( 110 ). According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the drain pipe ( 110 ) is placed beneath an earth layer ( 130 ), and is alternately covered by a concrete layer ( 140 ). According to one exemplary embodiment, the concrete layer ( 140 ), once set, firmly holds and steadies the embedded hub drain ( 100 ). As is known by concrete contractors, it is desirable to have the top surface of the hub drain ( 100 ) at a lower elevation than the upper surface of the concrete layer ( 140 ), thereby facilitating the drainage of any undesirable liquid or sewage. Consequently, many concrete contractors aim to form a gradient or a slope around the immediate perimeter of the drain ( 100 ). The formation of a gradient or slope should be done while the concrete is still not set. However, hub drains ( 100 ) are often placed in a middle of a floor or in a mechanical room that is rarely at an accessible location. As a result, many of the above-mentioned issues arise. A system and method to form this gradient without the use of manual means would be advantageous. 
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment according to the principles disclosed herein. Accordingly there is a plate ( 200 ) having an upper ( 210 ) and lower ( 220 ) surface, having an upwards concavity. The plate ( 200 ) as depicted is circular, but is not limited by such a shape. Plate ( 200 ) may be alternatively in the form of a square, rectangle, ellipse, triangle, polygon, or any other non-uniform shape. Plate ( 200 ) may be manufactured out of, but is not limited to, plastics, ceramics, glasses, metals, and alloys. Upper surface ( 210 ) may have a substantially level base portion ( 230 ), as indicated by the dotted line, which is defined by the circumference of the head of the hub drain ( 100 ). Alternatively, any number of fastener access ports, such as slits or holes may be formed in the upper surface ( 210 ) of the plate ( 200 ). Defined within the surface of the base portion ( 230 ) is at least one hole ( 240 ), which may be alternately threaded or not as best suits the purpose. Each hole ( 240 ) corresponds to a threaded hole (not shown) disposed along the circumferential edge of a standard hub drain ( 100 ). Hub drain ( 100 ) may alternately be configured to attach drainage grill ( 120 ) via screws, bolts, fasteners and the like, that are not disposed along the circumferential edge. For example, one screw may be placed in the center of the drainage grill ( 120 ). According to on exemplary embodiment, a fastener ( 250 ) may be placed through each hole ( 240 ) and may be inserted to a mating orifice to secure the exemplary plate ( 200 ) to the hub drain ( 100 ). Particularly, according to one exemplary embodiment, the fasteners ( 250 ) may be the fasteners used to secure the grate of the hub drain ( 100 ) to the hub drain. According to this exemplary embodiment, the fasteners ( 240 ) pass through the plate and are secured to their original holes in the hub drain ( 100 ). Alternatively, any number of fasteners may be provided with and/or used with the present exemplary plate ( 200 ). As shown, the lower surface ( 220 ) of the plate ( 200 ) is configured to rest on top of the drain grill ( 120 ) of the hub drain ( 100 ), and provide a covering against concrete entering the interior of the hub drain. It is therefore desirable, according to one exemplary embodiment, that plate ( 200 ) use the same fasteners ( 250 ) as those that secure drain grill ( 120 ) in place. 
         [0021]      FIG. 3  is a top or bird&#39;s eye view of an exemplary upper surface ( 210 ) of the exemplary plate ( 200 ), according to the principles disclosed herein. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a gradient ( 310 ) is formed between the base portion ( 230 ) and the circumferential edge of the upper surface ( 210 ) of the plate ( 200 ). In other words, a slope is present from the base portion ( 230 ) of the plate ( 200 ) up to the circumferential edge of the plate. This gradient ( 310 ) may be constant, i.e., straight, or variable, i.e., curved, or a combination of constant and variable gradients. During formation of the cement, the gradient ( 310 ) defines the slope of the finished cement leading to the hub drain ( 100 ). 
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is a side view of an exemplary plate ( 200 ) according to the principles disclosed herein. Particularly,  FIG. 4  illustrates the gradient ( 310 ) formed on the lower surface ( 220 ) of the exemplary plate. Additionally, according to one exemplary embodiment, a texture or surface finish may be formed on the lower surface ( 220 ) of the exemplary plate ( 220 ). In many circumstances it is desirable to have texturing around the hub drain ( 100 ) to prevent slippery surfaces or to match or complement a pattern formed on the finished cement surface. According to one exemplary embodiment, the present system and method can further place a texture on the lower surface ( 220 ) thereof, such as straight lines, brush strokes, squiggles, rock textures, brick patter, or any other desired or commonly used pattern. Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIG. 4  a texture pattern ( 410 ) including protrusions and/or selectively placed recesses is formed on the lower surface ( 220 ) of the plate ( 200 ) such that when the lower surface of the plate is placed in contact with cement, the impression of the texture pattern ( 410 ) is transferred to the abutting cement. 
         [0023]      FIG. 5  is a side view of an exemplary system and method for forming a slope around a hub drain ( 100 ), according to the exemplary principles disclosed herein. Specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the plate ( 200 ) is coupled to hub drain ( 100 ) via the fasteners ( 250 ). According to one exemplary embodiment, the drainage grill ( 120 ) remains coupled to the hub drain ( 100 ). Alternatively, the drainage grill ( 120 ) may be removed prior to installation of the present exemplary plate ( 200 ). According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the fasteners ( 250 ) are passed through the exemplary plate ( 200 ) and coupled to their original holes in the hub drain ( 100 ). Once correctly fastened to the hub drain ( 100 ), the cement ( 140 ) may be poured around the hub drain and the exemplary plate ( 200 ). As can be seen in the figure, when the concrete layer ( 140 ) is poured around the hub drain ( 100 ) and the exemplary plate ( 200 ), the concrete layer conforms to the shape of the lower surface ( 220 ) of the plate, as defined by the gradient ( 310 ). According to one exemplary embodiment, the plate ( 200 ) is constructed of a material sufficiently resistant to bending that the inclusion of the cement layer ( 140 ) does not distort the shape or the gradient ( 310 ) of the exemplary plate ( 200 ). Alternatively, any number of ribs or structural stiffeners may be added to reinforce the exemplary plate ( 200 ). Once the concrete layer ( 140 ) has sufficiently cured to substantially maintain its form and shape, the exemplary plate ( 200 ) can be removed. According to one exemplary embodiment, the plate ( 200 ) is removed by removing the fasteners ( 250 ) and removing the plate ( 200 ). According to one exemplary embodiment, the plate may be removed by twisting or rotating the plate ( 200 ). According to this exemplary embodiment, the twisting of the plate ( 200 ) releases the plate ( 200 ) from any frictional forces present between the cement and the plate. According to on exemplary embodiment, no further finishing is needed on the exemplary concrete layer ( 140 ). Alternatively, light finishing may be performed to achieve a desired surface finish. 
         [0024]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a hub drain ( 100 ) and the surrounding concrete layer which has been finished and formed by plate ( 200 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the concrete layer ( 140 ) is sloped according to the gradient ( 310 ) of the exemplary plate ( 200 ) thereby forming a downward slope toward the top of the hub drain ( 100 ). As shown, the top of the concrete layer ( 140 ) is directly to the top of the drainage grill ( 120 ), thereby eliminating any lip or depression that may cause an undesired collection of water or sewage. 
         [0025]      FIG. 7  is an exemplary method of using a hub drain plate for concrete finishing. Once the hub drain ( 100 ) has been positioned within the area of the concrete pour, an exemplary plate ( 200 ) may be fastened to the top of the hub drain ( 100 ) (step  700 ). As mentioned, according to one exemplary embodiment, the exemplary plate ( 200 ) is coupled to the hub drain ( 100 ) by removing the exemplary fasteners ( 250 ) that secure the drainage grill ( 120 ) to the hub drain ( 100 ). Once the exemplary fasteners are removed, the exemplary plate ( 200 ) may be placed over the hub drain ( 100 ) and the same fasteners ( 250 ) may then be passed through the plate ( 200 ) and fastened to their original holes in the hub drain ( 100 ). 
         [0026]    After the plate ( 200 ) has been fastened to the hub drain ( 100 ), the concrete layer ( 140 ) may be poured (step  710 ) and finished around the plate. Once the concrete layer ( 140 ) is poured, the flow of the concrete will mold around the base of the plate ( 200 ), and set in the desired finished form. The top surface may be independently floated and finished as desired by the individual contractor. Specifically, the surface of the concrete may be finished right up to the edge of the plate ( 200 ) without regard to the slope of the plate. Once the concrete layer ( 140 ) is set, the plate ( 200 ) may be unfastened from the hub drain (step  720 ) by removing the fasteners and removing the plate ( 200 ) from the top of the hub drain ( 100 ). Once the plate is removed, the fasteners may be re-installed into the hub drain ( 100 ) to fasten the drainage grill ( 120 ) to the hub drain once more. 
         [0027]    The simplicity of the present method is one of the many advantages provided. By finishing the concrete using the present system and method, alternative manual methods can be replaced or discarded. Additionally, the cost of producing the present system would be a boon to the concrete industry. 
         [0028]    The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe exemplary embodiments of the present system and method. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the system and method to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the system and method be defined by the following claims.