US20210395985A1

US20210395985A1 - Overflow valve cover

Info

Publication number: US20210395985A1
Application number: US17/352,157
Authority: US
Inventors: Sijiao Hsu; Mei-Na Fen Huang; Shao-Ting Huang; Montu Raval; Benny Chiang
Original assignee: Pioneer Industries Inc
Current assignee: Pioneer Industries Inc
Priority date: 2020-06-19
Filing date: 2021-06-18
Publication date: 2021-12-23

Abstract

An overflow valve cover includes a planar surface having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The planar surface includes a plurality of openings spaced apart along on the planar surface. An angled slat is positioned within each of the plurality of openings. A top edge of a collar is affixed to the circumference of the planar surface. A connector is positioned on the inner surface of the planar surface and extending away from the second surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/041,749 filed on Jun. 19, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD

This disclosure herein generally relates to an overflow valve cover that is affixed to an overflow pipe for a bathtub or other water basin.

BACKGROUND

Bathtubs and other water basins include a faucet or water source to fill the basin, a main drain at the bottom or base of the basin remove water from the basin, and an overflow drain. The overflow drain is typically positioned on a vertical wall of the basin and provides another means to permit the removal of water from the basin when the main drain is clogged or closed.

SUMMARY

Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments are directed to overflow valve cover assemblies that are affixed to an overflow drain without the use of any screws or fasteners. In one embodiment, an overflow valve cover includes a planar surface having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The planar surface includes a plurality of openings spaced apart along on the planar surface. An angled slat is positioned within each of the plurality of openings. A top edge of a collar is affixed to the circumference of the planar surface. A connector is positioned on the inner surface of the planar surface and extending away from the second surface.
In another embodiment, the overflow valve cover includes a circular, planar surface having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The overflow valve cover includes a plurality of openings spaced apart on the planar surface. An angled slat is attached to a bottom edge of each of the plurality of openings. A collar is affixed about a circumference of a planar surface, and an opening positioned on at least a portion of the collar. The overflow valve over includes a coupling positioned on the inner surface of the planar surface.
In yet another embodiment, an overflow valve system includes an overflow valve cover comprising: a planar surface having a first surface and an opposing second surface; a plurality of openings spaced apart along on the planar surface; an angled slat positioned within each of the plurality of openings; a top edge of a collar affixed to the circumference of the planar surface; and a first connector positioned on the inner surface of the planar surface and extending away from the second surface. The overflow valve system includes an adapter bar affixable to an overflow drain, the adapter bar including a second connector extending from the adapter bar. The first connector of the overflow valve cover engages the second connector of the adapter bar to secure the overflow valve cover over the overflow drain.
Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the features of the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the overflow valve cover.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the overflow valve cover from FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a side view of the overflow valve cover from FIG.1.

FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the overflow valve cover from FIG.1.

FIG. 4 is a back, perspective view of the overflow valve cover from FIG.1.

FIG. 5 is a back view of the overflow valve cover from FIG.1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an adapter bar.

FIG. 7 is a perspective environmental view of the overflow valve cover affixed to a bathtub.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Briefly, and in general terms, various overflow valve cover assemblies that are affixed to an overflow drain typically found in bathtubs without the use of any screws or fasteners are disclosed herein. The overflow assembly includes an overflow drain cover and an adapter. In one embodiment, the overflow drain cover is snapped onto a corresponding adapter that spans the overflow drain opening. The overflow drain cover includes a front face having a plurality of openings, a drain opening on the bottom portion of the rim of the overflow drain cover, and the inner surface of the overflow drain cover includes a socket to engage the corresponding stud on the adapter of the overflow drain. In the other aspect of the overflow valve drain assembly, an adapter is a generally planar bar that includes a first opening on a first end and a second opening on the second end, which is opposite the first end. The adapter includes a stud that is positioned approximately at the center of the bar that engages the socket on the overflow valve cover. The adapter is screwed onto the overflow drain opening at the standard openings of the overflow drain.
In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, the overflow drain cover 10 has a circular face 12 and a rim 14. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, there is a beveled edge 13 as the face 12 transitions into the rim 14. In another embodiment (not shown), the top edge of the rim is affixed to the circumference of the face. The rim 14 is an annular structure with a flat wall.
As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the circular face 12 includes a plurality of openings 16. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the openings 16 are rectangular openings that extend across the circular face 12. The openings 16 are generally centered on the front face 12 of the cover 10, approximately equally-spaced apart, and approximately equal-length.
As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the openings may have any shape or length. For example, the openings may be shaped as circles, polygons, triangles, squares, rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, or any combination thereof. For example, a single opening may be replaced with more than one opening (e.g., two or three openings). In alternate embodiments, the ends of the openings may be rounded. In other embodiments, the openings are spaced apart at different distances. For example, there are more openings on the lower portion of the face as compared to the top of the face. In other embodiments, the openings may have varying lengths. For example, in one embodiment (not shown), the openings near the center of the circular face have a longer length as compared to the openings at the top and bottom of the circular face.
As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the openings 16 include louvers 18. The louver 18 is a flat strip of material is positioned along the bottom edge of the opening. The louver 18 is angled away from the face 12 of the drain cover 10. In one embodiment, the louver 18 is positioned approximately 45° (relative to face 12) and located within the opening 16. When looking down on the drain cover 10 or directly at the drain cover (i.e., front elevation view), the louver 18 minimizes the size and appearance of the openings 16 thereby providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the louvers 18 minimize the size of the openings. Nevertheless, the openings 16 are still large enough openings to permit a higher flow of water through the valve cover 10. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the size, length, and angle of the louver relative to the bottom edge of the opening may be varied from opening to opening on the front face. In one embodiment, the louver (not shown) has a width so it visually appears that there is no opening (i.e., no gap between the top of the louver and the top of the opening). In an alternate embodiment, the louver (not shown) may be attached to the top edge of the opening.
As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the drain cover 10 also include a drain opening 20 on the bottom portion of the rim 14. The drain opening 20 is generally rectangular in shape. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the drain opening may be any shape or size. In some embodiment, the drain opening 20 includes one or more bars (not shown) or a wire mesh to prevent small items or objects (e.g., jewelry or rings) from being lost via the overflow drain or getting stuck in the drain opening (e.g., children's fingers). The drain opening 20 and the openings 16 on the front face permit a higher flow of fluid out of the overflow drain as compared to traditional overflow drain covers.
FIGS. 4-5 illustrates one embodiment the back surface 22 of the overflow drain cover 10. As shown in FIG. 4, a connector or coupling such as, but not limited to, a socket 24 extends away from the back surface 22. In FIG. 4, the socket 24 comprised of two walls 26, 28 extending away from the back surface 22 of the drain cover 10. The two walls 26, 28 are curved and shaped to engage the outer circumference of a corresponding stud located on the overflow drain adapter (shown in FIG. 6). In another embodiment, the socket (not shown) may be composed of more than 2 curved walls. In yet another embodiment, the socket (not shown) may be a cylindrical structure (i.e., a unitary wall). As shown in FIG. 4, the inner surface of the walls 26, 28 that comprise the socket 24 includes threads 25 or otherwise includes ridges or other protuberances to engage the corresponding stud on the overflow drain adapter. In another embodiment, the inner surface of the walls may be threaded. Additionally, the back surface 22 includes anti-rotating stops 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d that prevent the rotation of the cover 10 relative to the adapter (shown in FIG. 6).
As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the stops 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d are walls that extend from the rim 14 and back side 22 of the face 12. The stops 30 a, 30 b on one side of the cover and the stops 30 b, 30 d on the opposite side of the cover 10 and are spaced apart at a distance corresponding to the size of the adapter (not shown). As shown in FIG. 5, the stops 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d are flat walls. In other embodiments, the stops (not shown) may be one or more project parts/supports that extend away from the back side 22 of the face and/or rim 14 such as, but not limited to, posts, brackets, pins, flanges, braces, bars, rods, or tabs.
FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the adapter 32. The adapter 32 is a flat bar that extends across the opening of the overflow drain opening. The adapter 32 includes openings 33 on the opposite sides of the bar. The adapter is attached to the overflow drain by securing the adapter to the standard openings provided on a overflow drain. The adapter 32 may be screwed or otherwise attached to the opening of the overflow drain. The adapter 32 includes a stud 34 that extends away from the surface of the adapter. As shown in FIG. 6, the outer surface of the stud 34 includes threads 35. In alternate embodiments, the stud (not shown) may have ridges, protuberances, or surfaces that engage the surface of the inner surface of the socket. In another embodiment (not shown), the locations of the stud and the socket are reversed (i.e., the socket is attached to the adapter and the stud is attached to the inner surface 22 of the overflow cover).
FIG. 7 shows the overflow drain cover 10 attached to the overflow drain in a bathtub 40. As shown in FIG. 7, the openings 16 on the front face 12 are horizontally oriented. In an alternate embodiment, the openings (not shown) may be vertically oriented. In yet another embodiment, the openings (not shown) may have varying widths. For example, in a vertically oriented opening, the base of the opening is wider as compared to the top of the opening.
Although an embodiment has been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The accompanying drawings that form a part hereof show by way of illustration, and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. The embodiments illustrated are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed herein. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.
It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.

Claims

1. An overflow valve cover, comprising:

a planar surface having a first surface and an opposing second surface;

a plurality of openings spaced apart along on the planar surface;

an angled slat positioned within each of the plurality of openings;

a top edge of a collar affixed to the circumference of the planar surface; and

a connector positioned on the inner surface of the planar surface and extending away from the second surface.

2. The cover of claim 1, further comprising at least one opening on at least a portion of the collar.

3. The cover of claim 1, wherein the openings are generally rectangularly-shaped.

4. The cover of claim 3, wherein the openings are of equal lengths.

5. The cover of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a first curved wall and a second curved wall, wherein the first and second curved walls mirror one another to define a socket.

6. The cover of claim 1, further comprising at least 2 opposing walls extending from the second surface, wherein the opposing walls prevent the rotation of the overflow valve cover when coupled to an outflow valve.

7. An overflow valve cover, comprising:

a circular, planar surface having a first surface and an opposing second surface;

a plurality of openings spaced apart on the planar surface;

an angled slat attached to a bottom edge of each of the plurality of openings;

a collar affixed about a circumference of a planar surface;

an opening positioned on at least a portion of the collar; and

a coupling positioned on the inner surface of the planar surface.

8. The cover of claim 7, wherein the openings are generally rectangularly-shaped.

9. The cover of claim 8, wherein the openings are of equal lengths.

10. The cover of claim 7, wherein the coupling comprises a first curved wall and a second curved wall, wherein the first and second curved walls mirror one another to define a socket.

11. The cover of claim 7, further comprising at least 2 opposing walls extending from the second surface, wherein the opposing walls prevent the rotation of the overflow valve cover.

12. An overflow valve system, comprising:

an overflow valve cover comprising: a planar surface having a first surface and an opposing second surface; a plurality of openings spaced apart along on the planar surface; an angled slat positioned within each of the plurality of openings; a top edge of a collar affixed to the circumference of the planar surface; and a first connector positioned on the inner surface of the planar surface and extending away from the second surface;

an adapter bar affixable to an overflow drain, the adapter bar including a second connector extending from the adapter bar; and

wherein the first connector of the overflow valve cover engages the second connector of the adapter bar to secure the overflow valve cover over the overflow drain.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the overflow valve cover further comprises at least one opening on at least a portion of the collar.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the openings of the overflow valve cover are generally rectangularly-shaped.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the openings of the overflow valve cover are of equal lengths.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the first connector comprises a first curved wall and a second curved wall, wherein the first and second curved walls mirror one another to define a socket.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the second connector comprises a stud insertable into the socket of the first connector.

18. The system of claim 12, wherein the second connector comprises a first curved wall and a second curved wall, wherein the first and second curved walls mirror one another to define a socket.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the first connector comprises a stud insertable into the socket of the second connector.

20. The system of claim 12, wherein the overflow valve cover further comprises at least 2 opposing walls extending from the second surface, wherein the opposing walls engage the opposing edges of the adapter bar, and wherein the opposing walls prevent the rotation of the overflow valve cover when coupled to an outflow valve.