Floor drain

Abstract

A floor drain system includes a generally rectangular drain grate having a plurality of drain apertures, and a drain body, having a circular lower portion defining an outlet and configured to mate with an underdrain structure, and an upper portion defining an inlet configured to receive the drain grate in a frictional fit. The drain body includes an integral grout rim surrounding the inlet, having a knife-tapered top edge, configured to reduce the visibility of the grout rim between the surrounding material and the grate.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM[0001]The present application claims priority from United States non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 11 / 716,851, filed Mar. 12, 2007, which claims priority from United States provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 781,512, filed on Mar. 10, 2006, both entitled FLOOR DRAIN.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to floor drains for tiled showers and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a rectangular floor drain with a flush-fit drain grate and a knife edge rim.[0004]2. Related Art[0005]Floor drains for showers and the like are most commonly circular in shape. Floor drain styles generally fall into two broad categories. The first category is drains that have grates fabricated from thin metals. These can be referred to as “top-mounted” strainers. The thin top-mounted strainers allow these to be set over top of the surrounding finished floor material. Finished flooring materials are grouted...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a floor drain having a grate that is simpler to remove and maintain.

[0012]It has also been recognized that it would be advantageous to have a floor drain which is easy to set and does not include an unsightly grout rim.

[0013]It has also been recognized that it would be advantageous to have a floor drain with a drain grate that is easily removable and can be constructed of a greater variety of materials for allowing a wider range of decorative appearance.

[0014]In accordance with one embodiment thereof, the present invention provides a floor drain, including a drain body, a generally rectangular drain grate supported by the drain body and having a plurality of drain openings, and a grout rim supported by the drain body and surrounding the drain grate. The drain body includes a generally rectangular upper portion defining an inlet aperture, and a circular lower portion defining an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet aperture, the lower portion being configured to interconnect to an underdrain structure. The grout rim has an outside surface having interlocking structure configured to interlock with surrounding materials, and a sharply tapered top edge, configured to reduce the visibility of the grout rim between the surrounding material and the grate.

Problems solved by technology

These may appear to be easy to remove without tools, but are often quite difficult to remove.

Commonly available tools, i.e. a screw driver, do not adequately function as a removal tool.

Due to their thin cross-sectional thickness, top-mounted drain grates are often not capable of supporting a substantial amount of weight, and are often observed having been deformed as a result.

This style is not a good candidate for a square configuration because exposed corners are likely to become a hazard to bare feet.

Should the grate become deformed, this problem becomes worse.

Both of these approaches have inherent design problems.

Those designs that allow the drain body to be exposed are limited to having an aesthetically incompatible visual element surrounding the grate.

The nature of grout rims is that they are a portion of the drain structure that are designed to be bonded into the finished floor installation, and cannot be removed.

This greater variety of colors and finishes raises maintenance concerns.

Because of the harsh nature of chemicals that are used to remove water deposits, mold and other common conditions, delicate patina surfaces cannot be exposed to such substances without becoming visually altered.

Additionally, because of their delicate surface finish, such drains cannot incorporate a matching grout rim that has any kind of delicate surface patina without a substantial risk of damage from maintenance procedures and chemicals.

The likelihood that these would exhibit any durability is questionable.

Additionally, screws that are frequently used to secure the grate are difficult and time consuming to remove.

Moreover, sharp burrs can easily form on brass and stainless screw heads from repeated use, and screws can be dropped and become lost down the drain if care is not taken.

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