Abstract:
A bathtub waste pipe assembly for draining fluid from a bathtub where the bathtub has an upper overflow drain and a lower drain. The bathtub waste pipe assembly includes a flexible hollow pipe extending from the upper overflow drain to the lower drain.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a Continuation-In-Part of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/971,895, filed Oct. 22, 2004, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0002]    This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/732,726, filed Dec. 10, 2003, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0117907, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/954,420, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,411, filed Sep. 17, 2001 and a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/229,533, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,406, filed Aug. 28, 2002, the latter being a Continuation of abandoned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/953,724, filed Jun. 13, 2000, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0003]    This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/674,862, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0068793, filed Sep. 30, 2003, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/229,533, filed Aug. 28, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,406 and a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/222,062, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,050, filed Aug. 16, 2002, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to waste water plumbing assemblies for interconnection to a bathtub, shower, sink, etc. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention employs a flexible pipe, thereby accommodating plumbing and bathtub misalignments. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In plumbing of bathtubs, existing rigid waste pipe assemblies are used to receive the effluent or overflow fluid from the bathtub. Rigid pipes are often difficult to install in the tight spaces about a bathtub. Further, rigid pipes need to either be properly sized in length, or retrimmed to a proper length prior to installation to the bathtub. Additionally, plumbing assemblies comprising rigid pipes include a multiplicity of pieces, which adds to the cost and complexity of assembly. More specifically, often misalignments exist between bathtubs and the existing plumbing systems of a house. These anomalies are discovered during installation and increase the difficulty of interconnecting a bathtub drain port and bathtub overflow port to an inlet of the main waste water drainpipe of a plumbing system. Accordingly, contractors must accommodate misalignments by adding elbows or other devices to connect the bathtub to the plumbing system. The attachment of elbows is not only difficult, due to confined working spaces, but also increases the likelihood of leaks. More specifically, the more joints in a plumbing system, the higher the probability leaks may occur in one or more of the joints. If a leak is found during testing, for example, it is difficult to regain access to the overflow and drain assemblies to make repairs. 
         [0006]    Thus, there is a long felt need in the field of plumbing to provide an assembly and method for accommodating misalignments between the bathtub and the plumbing system of a dwelling that takes into account misalignments often found between the plumbing system and the bathtub. The following disclosure describes an improved system and method that utilizes flexible hoses for interconnecting drain assemblies and overflow assemblies of a bathtub to the plumbing system of a house. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a system that facilitates the installation of a bathtub to a plumbing system. More specifically, instead of utilizing rigid pipes to direct fluid from an overflow assembly and/or the drain assembly of a bathtub, embodiments of the present invention employ flexible pipes. One embodiment of the present invention, preferably employs a flexible pipe that connects the overflow assembly of a bathtub to a tee connector. Yet another flexible pipe is employed between the drain and the tee connector. The tee connector is also interconnected to a rigid main waste pipe of the plumbing system. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a single flexible hose wherein the tee connector is directly interconnected to the drain assembly of a bathtub, for example. In such embodiment, the tee connector is also interconnected to the main drain pipe of the plumbing assembly. 
         [0008]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a system and method that can be selectively customized during installation. More specifically, it is contemplated that the flexible portions of the pipes described herein may be cut to length as needed. Often, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, plumbing systems are not perfectly aligned with the overflow and/or drain ports of a bathtub. In the past, a plumbing contractor would be required to alter the plumbing system to account for the misalignment, an expensive and time consuming undertaking. Alternatively, expensive modifications related to the installation of the bathtub, sink, etc. would have to be performed. Some plumbing contractors simply exert undesired force to move parts into alignment, which stresses the rigid pipes and makes them susceptible to leaking, breakage, etc. Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide a system wherein flexible pipes are provided that may be adjusted to a preferred size (e.g. by cutting) and selectively bent to accommodate misalignments. This aspect of the present invention is desirable because the addition of multiple elbows is not required. The addition of multiple elbows not only increases the chances for leaks, but also creates a complicated flow path for drainage water that can add to the instances of clogging. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, the robustness offered by the present invention enables vertical and/or horizontal adjustments in a superior manner, as compared to prior art systems and methods. 
         [0009]    Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a system and method that can be installed on virtually any type of bathtub. More specifically, the horizontal and/or vertical distances between the drain port and the overflow port can vary from bathtub to bathtub. The robustness provided by the flexible overflow and/or drain pipes of the present invention, and the ability to customize the same, allows for desired accommodation for bathtubs of various type/design. Thus, contractors no longer need to customize a plurality of rigid tubes since embodiments of the present invention allow for easy cutting and modifying of flexible tubes to meet their requirements. 
         [0010]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a system and method that can be used with common overflow and drain assemblies. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is used in conjunction with the overflow assembly described in the U.S. patents and patent applications listed herein. The flexible pipes described herein are also adapted to be used with drain assemblies provided in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 20070044230, 2006009019, and 20060096018 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,317,906, 6,173,459, 6,640,358, 6,418,570, 6,691,411 and 6,546,573, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. Embodiments of the present invention have the ability to be bonded or otherwise interconnected easily to overflow assemblies and drain assemblies shown and referred to herein, or to other commonly used overflow and/or drain assemblies. 
         [0011]    Thus, it is a related aspect of the present invention to provide a kit to be used by plumbing contractors. More specifically, it is contemplated that a kit containing overflow assemblies, drain assemblies, finishing hardware, etc. may be supplied in a single package that includes flexible pipes. Further, it is contemplated that such flexible pipes may be provided in lengths that are purposely longer than required to enable a contractor the ability to trim the flexible pipes as needed or desired. 
         [0012]    It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide flexible pipe sections that employs a generally smooth inner surface. More specifically, although certain types of flexible pipes are generally well known, flexible pipes of the prior art often employ bellows that have internally and externally disposed corrugations. Although such a configuration is acceptable in some arenas, in the plumbing art it often is not. More specifically, internally disposed corrugations are apt to retain fluids and/or debris from the bathtub, such as hair, dirt, skin etc. This debris and related fluid may be a breeding ground for germs, bacteria and mold. Thus building codes often require that drain pipes must be generally smooth to provide laminar flow that facilitates the drainage of all fluid from the bathtub and associated pipes. 
         [0013]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a flexible pipe of various lengths, diameters and wall thicknesses that may be used in various other applications. More specifically, many non-plumbing related applications use flexible tubes, pipes, conduits. For example, in aerospace, flexible tubes are used to provide purge gases and fluids. Thus, the flexible pipes described herein may be scaled in size to accommodate such applications as found in aerospace, or applications directed to HVAC, wherein such flexibility, absence of rough surfaces, etc. is useful and long sought. 
         [0014]    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. 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 
         [0015]    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. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a side cross-sectional view of a bathtub of the prior art employing a rigid waste pipe assembly; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention associated with a bathtub; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 3  associated with a bathtub; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of another embodiment of the invention associated with a bathtub; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a partial cross-section of a flexible pipe of one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0022]    To assist in the understanding of the present invention the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 # 
                 Components 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                  2 
                 Plumbing system 
               
               
                   
                  6 
                 Bathtub 
               
               
                   
                 10 
                 Overflow assembly 
               
               
                   
                 14 
                 Flange 
               
               
                   
                 18 
                 Overflow port 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 Overflow elbow 
               
               
                   
                 26 
                 Vertical drain pipe 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 Drain assembly 
               
               
                   
                 34 
                 Drain elbow 
               
               
                   
                 38 
                 Flange 
               
               
                   
                 42 
                 Outer surface 
               
               
                   
                 46 
                 Drain port 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 Horizontal drain pipe 
               
               
                   
                 54 
                 Tee connector 
               
               
                   
                 58 
                 Main drain pipe 
               
               
                   
                 62 
                 Flexible pipe 
               
               
                   
                 62V 
                 Vertical flexible waste water pipe 
               
               
                   
                 62H 
                 Horizontal flexible waste water pipe 
               
               
                   
                 66 
                 Coil 
               
               
                   
                 72 
                 Flexible material 
               
               
                   
                 76 
                 Flexible waste water pipe assembly 
               
               
                   
                 80 
                 Diaphragm 
               
               
                   
                 84 
                 Web 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0023]    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 
       [0024]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a prior art method of interconnecting a plumbing system  2  to a bathtub  6  is shown. Here, an overflow assembly  10  having a flange  14  is shown interconnected to the bathtub  6  and placed in fluidic communication with an overflow port  18  of the bathtub  6 . The overflow assembly  10  includes an overflow pipe  22  that is interconnected to a rigid vertical pipe  26 . Similarly, the drain assembly  30 , which includes a drain elbow  34  with a flange  38  that places the drain assembly  30  adjacent to the outer surface  42  of the bathtub  6 , is placed in fluidic communication with a drainport  46  of a bathtub  6 . The drain assembly  30  is interconnected to a rigid horizontal pipe  50 . The rigid vertical pipe  26  and the rigid horizontal pipe  50  are interconnected to a tee connector  54  that is also interconnected to a main drain pipe  58  of the plumbing system  2 . As it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art upon review of  FIG. 1 , vertical and horizontal misalignments parallel with the page and perpendicular to the page, will require adjustments in the location of a tee connector  54  and/or the main drain pipe  58 . Alternatively, additional pipes and elbows will be required to accommodate the misalignment or to assemble around house framing, support, and/or other necessary building structures. 
         [0025]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2-6 , embodiments of the present invention are provided that employ a bendable fluid conduit, such as a flexible waste water pipe  62 . One embodiment of the present invention employs a single flexible waste water pipe  62  that interconnects the overflow assembly  10  to the tee connector  54 . The tee connector  54 , in turn, is interconnected directly to the drain assembly  30  and the main drain pipe  58  of the plumbing system. Another embodiment of the present invention utilizes two flexible pipes, the first being interconnected from the overflow assembly  10  to the tee connector  54  and the second being interconnected from the drain assembly  30  to the tee connector  54 . Again, the tee connector  54  is placed in fluidic communication with a main drain pipe  58  of the plumbing system. Both of such embodiments of the present invention, and those similar thereto, employ a flexible pipe having a generally smooth inner surface. More specifically, the flexible pipe  62  of one embodiment employs a coiled member  66  that is enveloped by a layer of flexible material  72 , such as rubber. This construction provides a generally smooth inner surface and the ability to flex within a given range, without undesired crimping or other deformities that cause structural integrity issues. 
         [0026]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2-4 , one embodiment of the present invention is shown that employs a single flexible waste water pipe  62  that is interconnected between the overflow assembly  10  to the tee connector  54 . The tee connector  54  is also associated with the bathtub  6 , for example with the drain assembly  30 . Here, overflow water is able to transition from the overflow port  18  of the bathtub  6  through the flexible waste water pipe  62  into the tee connector  54  and to the main drain  58 . Similarly, drain water from the bathtub  6  flows through the drain port  46  into the tee connector  54  and out the main drain  58 .  FIG. 4 , which is similar to  FIG. 2 , illustrates that the flexible waste water pipe  62  may be fabricated in a single assembly  76  as opposed to a flexible waste water pipe that is interconnected to an existing tee and overflow port. Here, the assembly  76  may be customized for a specific bathtub, and main drain pipe combination. The overflow assembly  10  employed may have a diaphragm  80  to facilitate testing. 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , yet another embodiment of the present invention is provided wherein two waste water pipes  62  are used. Here a vertical flexible waste water pipe  62 V interconnects the overflow assembly  10  to the tee connector  54 . In addition, a horizontal flexible waste water pipe  62 H is interconnected between the drain assembly  30  to tee connector  54 . The tee connector  54  is also interconnected to the main drain  58 . As in other embodiments, this embodiment may include a diaphragm  80  interconnected to the overflow assembly  10  as succinctly described in some of the above-identified U.S. patents incorporated for such purposes by this reference. The vertical flexible waste water pipe  62 V and the horizontal flexible waste water pipe  62 H of this embodiment of the present invention may be interconnected rigidly to at least one of the drain assembly  30 , overflow assembly  10  and/or the tee connector  54 . However, it is also contemplated that the vertical flexible waste water pipe  62 V and the horizontal flexible waste water pipe  62 H be such that they can be selectively altered and customized (e.g. cut to a desired length, angle, associated with other components, etc.) and then interconnected to the overflow assembly  10 , the drain assembly  30 , the tee connector  54 , for example. 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the flexible pipe  62  of one embodiment of the present invention is provided. Embodiments of the present invention employ a ribbed, bellowed, or coiled  66  structure of rigid material that is apt to bend due to its coiled arrangement. In one embodiment the ribbed or coiled material is sufficiently rigid to retain a substantially circular cross section, thus providing a substantially uniform flow path for liquid transportation through the interior of such ribbed, bellowed or coiled structure. In certain embodiments the ribbed/bellowed/coiled material employed is different that the material comprising the remainder of the conduit/pipe formed. For example, a more pliable material may be to coat the ribbed/bellowed/coiled material. 
         [0029]    In order to provide a flow path for fluid, the rigid material is coated with a flexible material  72  that is, preferably, substantially kink resistant. Thus between portions of the coil a web  84  will exist. In one embodiment such web material, when combined with the coiled substructure is not completely smooth. In other embodiments, this web/coil combination provides a substantially smooth flowpath that is not apt to trap debris or water. In addition, the coil/flexible material combination is tightly bonded yet easy to cut, thereby facilitating customization of embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that instead of a coil  66 , a plurality of spaced rings may be employed that are also coated with a flexible material  72 . Other methods for making the structure as disclosed will be obvious to one skilled in the art. Certain embodiments of the present invention employ plastic (such as PVC) as the flexible material  72  and plastic (such as PVC) as the material for the coil  66 . However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other flexible materials such as rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, polypropylene, and nylons, to name a few, may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. The coil system may be made of a metallic material, PVC, carbon fiber, reinforced nylons, hard durometer rubbers, to name a few, without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2-6 , a method of installing the embodiments of the present invention is provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, a single flexible waste water pipe  62  is employed. As such, an installer interconnects one end of the flexible waste water pipe  62  to the overflow assembly  10  and then interconnects the overflow assembly  10  to the bathtub  6 . The other end of the flexible waste water pipe  62  is interconnected to the tee connector  54  that interconnects the drain assembly  30  to the main drain  58 . 
         [0031]    Alternatively, with reference to  FIG. 3 , the flexible assembly waste water pipe  62  may be provided with a rigidly interconnected overflow assembly  60  and tee connector  54 . This method of interconnection allows for quick installation of the overflow assembly  10  and the tee connector  54  to the drain assembly  30  of the bathtub  6 , while providing flexibility to accommodate misalignments. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , another embodiment of the present invention as described above, employs a vertical flexible waste water pipe  62 V and a horizontal flexible waste water pipe  62 H. Again, the flexible waste water pipes may be separate such that they are interconnected to overflow  10  and drain assemblies  30  prior to interconnection to a tee connector  54  that is interconnected to the main drain pipe  58 . Alternatively, the vertical waste water pipe  62 V may be interconnected to an overflow assembly  10 , and the drain assembly  30  may be separately interconnected to a horizontal flexible pipe  62 H. Any excess may be cut from the other ends of the flexible waste water pipes prior to interconnection to the tee connector  54 . 
         [0033]    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. 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.