Drain insert

Abstract

The present disclosure is generally directed towards a drain insert. The drain insert includes a body extending between a first end and a second end. The body includes an inner surface. The drain insert includes a fin extending from the inner surface of the body. The fin extends at a downward sloping angle along the inner surface in an axial direction between the first end and the second end of the body.

Description

DRAIN INSERTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS(0001 ] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 498,183, filed on April 25, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND100021 The present disclosure relates generally to an insert for use in various bathing components such as a drain, valve, and / or pipe. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to drain or pipe insert including mechanisms to increase a flow rate of fluid and / or make a flow of fluid turbulent.(0003] Various types of drains, such as a shower drain, bathtub drain, sink drain, and other drains, may facilitate draining fluid out of a vessel or basin connected to the drain. In some instances, the vessel or basin may be capable of holding a large volume of fluid in comparison to the size of the drain. Therefore, it may take a long amount of time for the drain to fully drain the fluid, which may be an inconvenience to a user. Conventional means of increasing a speed at which a drain can drain a volume of fluid typically require substantial reconstruction of the drain and other plumbing components.

[0004] Various types of fluid supply pipes, such as a hot water supply and a cold water supply, may facilitate providing fluid for mixing upstream of an outlet of a bathtub spout, faucet, showerhead, or other bathing component. In some instances, the fluid provided from one or more supply pipes into a common pipe through, for example, a diverter valve, may be substantially laminar in flow. Therefore, it may take a long amount of time for the one or more fluids to mix.

[0005] Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a drain or pipe insert that addresses one or more of the aforementioned issues.SUMMARY

[0006] At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a drain insert. The drain insert may include a body extending between a first end and a second end. The body may include an inner surface. The drain insert may include a fin extending from the inner surface of the body. The fin may extend at a downward sloping angle along the inner surface in an axial direction between the first end and the second end of the body.

[0007] At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a pipe insert. The pipe insert may include a body extending axially between a first end and a second end. The pipe insert may include a plurality of fins each extending outward from an inner surface of the body and axially between the first end and the second end of the body. Each of the plurality of fins may extend at an angle relative to a central axis of the body.

[0008] At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method. The method may include providing an insert for use in a drain or pipe. The insert may include a body extending axially between a first end and a second end. The insert may include a plurality of fins each extending outward from an inner surface of the body and axially between the first end and the second end of the body. Each of the plurality of fins may extend at an angle relative to a central axis of the body. The method may include causing fluid to flow through the insert.

[0009] At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system. The system may include a drain and an insert that may be placed into the drain. The insert may include a body extending between a first end and a second end. The body may include an inner surface. The insert may include a plurality of fins extending from the inner surface of the body. Each of the plurality of fins may extend at an angle along the inner surface in an axial direction between the first end and the second end of the body.

[0010] At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method. The method may include inserting a drain insert into a portion of a drain. The drain insert may include a body extending axially between a first end and a second end. The drain insert may include a pluralityof fins each extending outward from an inner surface of the body and axially between the first end and the second end of the body. Each of the plurality of fins may extend at an angle relative to a central axis of the body. The method may include placing a stopper within a portion of the drain insert.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS100111 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drain insert, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a top view of the drain insert of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the drain insert of FIG, 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a side view of the drain insert of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the drain insert of FIG. 1 installed in a drain, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6 is another side cross-sectional view of the drain insert of FIG. 1 installed in a drain, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a water supply assembly with at least one pipe insert, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 7B is a top view of a pipe insert of FIG. 7A, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a process of installing a drain insert, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a process of using an insert, according to an exemplary embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION(0021 ] A drain insert provides a way to increase the speed at which a vessel or basin (e.g., a bathtub, a sink, a shower, etc.) may drain. For example, vessels or basins may be capable of holding a large volume of fluid as compared to the size of a respective drain. Such geometric limitations of the drain may result in long drain times. In the instance of a walk-in bathtub, the tub may need to fully drain prior to a door of the tub opening. Therefore, means to increase the speed at which a walk-in tub drains may be desirable.

[0022] Moreover, a pipe or valve insert provides a way to increase the speed at which one or more fluids may mix. For example, bathing components, such as a bathtub or showerhead, may include one or more fluid supplies (e.g., a hot water supply and a cold water supply) fluidly coupled to an outlet of the bathing components. Such fluid supplies may be configured to cause multiple fluids to mix upstream of the outlet through, for example, a diverter valve coupled with an inlet pipe. Because the fluid supply pipes may be configured to supply fluid at a substantially laminar flow, it may take time to sufficiently mix the streams of fluid through the diverter valve and / or the inlet pipe. Therefore, means to make the flow turbulent to increase the speed at which the fluids may mix may be desirable.

[0023] Referring generally to the FIGURES, disclosed herein is a drain insert and a pipe or valve insert according to various embodiments that each generally includes a body having one or more fins that extend at a downward sloping angle from a first end of the body towards a second end of the body. The one or more fins may extend in a direction of a flow of fluid flowing through the insert such that the fins cause the flow of fluid to be directed at an angle. The change in angle of the flow of fluid may create a spinning vortex in the flow of fluid. For example, the body may include a plurality of downward sloping fins that create a region in the flow of fluid in which the flow revolves around an axis (e.g., a vertical axis extending from a first end of thebody to a second end). The fluid motion in the vortex may create a dynamic pressure that may cause the speed of water flow at the center of the vortex to increase and / or may cause the flow of water to become at least partially turbulent. Thus, the insert may facilitate increasing the speed at which water flows through a drain as compared to conventional techniques and / or increase the speed at which water may mix in a pipe or valve as compared to conventional techniques.

[0024] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a drain insert 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the drain insert 100 can include a body 102. The body 102 can be or can include a variety of shapes including, but not limited to, cylindrical, to substantially match an inner profile of a drain. For example, the body 102 can extend circumferentially around a central axis 122. The axis 122 can include a vertical axis that extends between a first end 118 of the body 102 and a second end 120 of the body 102. The body 102 can include an inner surface 114 and an outer surface 116 that each define a diameter (e.g., an inner diameter and outer diameter). Each of the inner surface 114 and the outer surface 116 can extend axially between the first end 118 and the second end 120.

[0025] The body 102 can include at least one fin 104. For example, the body 102 can include at least one fin 104 that extends at a downward sloping angle axially along the inner surface 114 from the first end 118 of the body 102 towards the second end 120. The one or more fins 104 can protrude from the inner surface 114 towards a center of the body 102, as shown throughout the figures. The body 102 can include one fin 104, two fins 104, three fins 104, four fins 104, five fins 104, six fins 104, seven fins 104, eight fins 104, or more fins 104. In some embodiments, the fins 104 extend angularly relative to the axis 122 of the body 102 (e.g., relative to a plane extending through the axis 122, such that at least one fin 104 contacts or intersects the plane). For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the fins 104 can extend at an angle 112 from the topmost portion of the fin 104 (e.g., closest to the first end 118 of the body 102) to the bottommost portion of the fin 104 (e g., closest to the second end 120) relative to the axis 122. The angle 112 (e.g., relative to the topmost portion of the fin 104) can be in the range between 1 degree and 45 degrees, and more specifically within the range of 5 degrees and 25 degrees. For example, the angle 112 can be 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, orgreater than 25 degrees. In some embodiments, each fin 104 can extend at the same angle 112.In some embodiments, each fin 104 may extend at various angles 112 (e.g., such that at least one fin 104 extends at a different angle 112 from another fin 104).

[0026] In some embodiments, the fins 104 can extend in a straight direction from a topmost portion of the fin 104 towards the bottommost portion of the fin 104 (e.g., such that the fins 104 are planar). In some embodiments, at least one fin 104 can include a curved surface, a bent surface, a discontinuity, or another feature, such that at least one fin 104 does not extend in a continuously straight direction. In these embodiments, the angle 112 of the fin 104 relative to the axis 122 may vary over the axial length of the fin 104. In such embodiments, at least one portion of the fin 104 may extend relative to the axis 122 at an angle 112 in the range of 1 degree to 45 degrees.[0027| The fins 104 can each have the same axial length (e.g., from the first end 118 of the body 102 towards the second end 120), or the fins 104 can have different lengths. In some embodiments, a plurality of fins 104 can each extend equidistant from one another in a circumferential direction about the axis 122, as shown throughout the figures. In some embodiments, one or more of a plurality of fins 104 can be positioned at different distances in the circumferential direction. As described in greater detail herein, each of the fins 104 can extend such that a flow of fluid through the drain insert 100 can at least partially contact one or more of the fins 104. For example, when fluid flows in the axial direction from the first end 118 of the body 102 towards the second end 120, one or more of the fins 104 may include at least one surface that the fluid engages.

[0028] In some embodiments, at least one fin 104 can include a notch 106. For example, at least a portion of the fin 104 (e.g., a topmost portion in an axial direction) can include a notch 106 (e.g., cutout, divot, etc.) such that the fin 104 at least partially varies in length in the axial direction. As described herein, the notch 106 may facilitate coupling the drain insert 100 with a portion of a drain or drain assembly. In some embodiments, the body 102 can include at least one cutout or other feature at the second end 120 of the body 102 to facilitate coupling the draininsert 100 with a drain. For example, the body 102 can include at least one cutout 110 and / or at least one protrusion 108. The cutout 110 can include an opening, notch, or other open space in the body 102 that can receive various components of a drain. The protrusion 108 can include at least one portion of material extending from the body 102 (e.g., at least partially surrounded by a cutout, as shown in FIG. 1) that can at least partially receive and / or protrude into a portion of a drain assembly. The protrusion 108 can facilitate rotationally fixing the drain body 102 in place relative to a drain, as described in greater detail herein.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows a top-down view of the drain insert 100 and FIG. 3 shows a bottom-up view of the drain insert 100. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, one or more fins 104 can extend towards the center of the body 102 a distance that is less than or equal to a radius of the body 102 (e.g., half the inner diameter of the body 102). For example, the fins 104 can extend towards the center of the body 102 a distance in the range of 1% to 100% of a radius of the body 102. In some embodiments, the fins 104 can extend a distance that is less than the radius (e.g., about 75%) such that the fins 104 facilitate defining an orifice 202 at a center of the body 102, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. As described in greater detail herein, the orifice 202 can receive a portion of a drain assembly, such as a stopper (e.g., plug, toe tap, drain cover, etc ). The orifice 202 can include a generally circular and / or cylindrical shape that extends about the center axis 122 of the body 102 and that extends axially along the length of the fins 104.|0030| As shown in FIG. 3, the body 102 can include two protrusions 108 that oppose one another relative to the center of the body 102. In some embodiments, the body 102 may include more or less protrusions 108 (e.g., no protrusions 108, one protrusion 108, three protrusions 108, more than three protrusions 108) at various positions relative to the center of the body 102 (e.g., equidistantly positioned in a circumferential direction). In some embodiments, the one or more protrusions 108 can include at least one extension 302. The extension 302 can include a portion of material that extends outward from the protrusion at least partially in a direction away from the body 102. The extension 302 can include various shapes or sizes including spherical, rectangular, or another shape. The extension 302 can facilitate fixing the drain insert 100 relative to a drain. For example, the protrusion 108 and / or the extension 302 can engage with aportion of a drain when the drain insert 100 is disposed within the drain to fix the drain insert 100 relative to the drain and / or lock the drain insert 100 in place (e.g., by the extension 302 engaging a portion of the drain).

[0031] FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the drain insert 100. The body 102 can include a various amount of cutouts 110 (e.g., two cutouts 110, three cutouts 110, more than three cutouts 110). In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 108 and / or cutouts 110 can be equidistantly spaced about a circumferential direction of the body 102. In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 108 and / or cutouts 110 can be unequally spaced about a circumferential direction of the body 102. The cutouts 110 can facilitate fixing the drain insert 100 rotationally relative to the drain.[00321 The body 102 of the drain insert 100 can be made from a variety of materials. In some embodiments, the body 102 can be made from one or more non-metallic materials including, but not limited to, plastics. In some embodiments, the body 102 can be made from one or more metallic materials including, but not limited to, aluminum. In some embodiments, the body 102 can be made from a combination of metallic or non-metallic materials. The drain insert 100 can vary in size. For example, the drain insert 100 can be formed (e g., manufactured) in a variety of ways to fit within variously sized and / or shaped drains. In some embodiments, the drain insert 100 can be formed via additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing) using one or more non-metallic materials to substantially match an inner profile of a drain. In some embodiments, the drain insert 100 can be formed via subtractive manufacturing. In some embodiments, the body 102 of the drain insert 100 can be formed such that the outer diameter of the body 102 substantially matches an inner diameter of the drain.

[0033] FIGS. 5 and 6 depict a side cross-sectional view of a system 500. The system 500 can include the drain insert 100 disposed within a drain. The drain insert 100 can be positioned in various drains including a drain of a bathtub (e.g., a walk-in bath), a sink, a washing machine unit, a shower, or various other types of devices. The drain insert 100 can be placed within a drain such that the body 102 of the drain insert 100 can be at least partially enclosed by a drainwall 510 of the drain and / or other components of the drain. In some embodiments, the drain body 102 can couple to the drain wall 510 and / or another portion of the drain using various means including but not limited to, an adhesive, one or more fasteners, and / or without any threads, fasteners, or adhesives (e.g., by dropping or placing the drain body within the drain). As described herein, the body 102 of the drain insert 100 can be formed such that an outer diameter of the body 102 substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the drain. In other words, the drain insert 100 can be formed such that no portion of the drain may need modification (e.g., the drain insert 100 can fit within the drain without having to modify, reconstruct, or adjust various components of the drain). Thus, a user can place the drain insert 100 within the drain from a topside of the drain (e.g., a vessel or basin side) of various existing drains without having to access the bottom-side of the drain. In some embodiments, a user can place the drain insert 100 into the drain without the use of specific tools or appliances (e.g., insert the body 102 by hand).

[0034] In some embodiments, although not explicitly shown, the one or more protrusions 108 and / or cutouts 110 of the drain body 102 can engage with one or more components of the drain to facilitate fixing the body 102 rotationally and / or prevent the body 102 from being pulled or pushed out vertically within the drain (e.g., such that the body 102 does not rotate relative to the drain wall 510).(0035] The system 500 can include at least one stopper 502 of the drain. The stopper 502 can be or include a toe tap, cover, or other stopper for the drain. The body 102 can receive at least a portion of the stopper 502. For example, the orifice 202 of the body 102 can receive a stem 504 of the stopper 502. The stopper 502 can facilitate coupling the drain insert 100 with the drain. In some embodiments, to install the drain insert 100, a user can take out a conventional stopper 502 of the drain, place the insert 100 within the drain, and replace the stopper 502 within the drain.|0036| In some embodiments, the stopper 502 or another portion of the system 500 can include a protrusion 506 that extends at least partially into a portion of the drain body 102. In these embodiments, the notch 106 of the fins 104 can correspond to a portion of the protrusion 506.For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the fin 104 can include a first axial length that extends at least partially above the notch 106. The fin 104 can include a second axial length that is less than the first axial length at the notch 106 such that at least a portion of the protrusion 506 can protrude into a portion of the fin 104 at or near the notch 106 (e.g., such that a portion of the fin 104 does not interfere with the positioning of the protrusion 506).

[0037] Referring to FIG. 6, the system 500 may include a drain pipe 602 fluidly coupled to the drain and structured to receive fluid from the drain. For example, the drain pipe 602 may be positioned at a bottom end of the drain opposite the vessel or basin. In some embodiments, the system 500 can include a second insert that can be placed within an inner surface of the drain pipe 602 and can include one or more fins. For example, the fins of the second insert placed within the drain pipe 602 can be similar in size, shape, and / or configuration as the fins 104 of the drain insert 100. The fins of the second insert can extend in a direction of a flow of fluid (e.g., in a direction from right to left referring to FIG. 6). The fins can extend at least partially in a circumferential direction about an axial direction of the second insert within drain pipe 602 (e.g., the direction of a flow of fluid). Therefore, fluid can flow from a topmost portion of the drain system 500 (e.g., at or near the drain wall 510), through the body 102 of the drain insert 100, enter the drain pipe 602, and flow through the second insert within drain pipe 602.(0038] In some embodiments, the second insert can couple to the drain pipe 602 through one or more bonding techniques (e.g., cementing). The second insert within the drain pipe 602 can be disposed in various positions relative to the system 500. For example, the second insert can be disposed at a position downstream of a P-trap, upstream of a P-trap, and / or at the P-trap. For example, the system 500 can include one insert within the drain pipe 602 on each side of the P- trap.|0039] The drain insert 100 and / or the additional inserts within the drain pipe 602 having a similar or identical configuration can facilitate significantly increasing a speed at which a drain is capable of draining fluid. The fins 104 of the body 102 of the drain insert 100 can facilitate increasing a flow rate of fluid flowing through the drain insert 100, thus facilitating increasingthe speed at which the drain is capable of draining fluid. For example, the shape and configuration of the fins 104 (e.g., the angle 112 at which each fin 104 extends in the direction of the flow of fluid) can cause at least a portion of a flow of fluid to change direction responsive to the fluid at least partially contacting the fins 104. The fins 104 can cause the flow of fluid through the drain insert 100 to form a vortex. For example, the fins 104 can cause the fluid to create a region in which the flow revolves around the axis 122 of the body 102. The vortex in the fluid flow can cause the flow velocity at the center of the vortex (e.g., at the center of the body 102) to increase as compared to the flow velocity of fluid without the vortex.

[0040] The drain insert 100 includes various benefits and improvements over conventional drains. For example, the vortex-like fluid flow caused by the fins 104 can facilitate decreasing an amount of time it takes for a predetermined volume of fluid to flow through the drain having the drain insert 100 as compared to the same drain not having the insert 100. As an illustrative non-limiting example, a standard bathtub may be filled with about 28 gallons of fluid. Draining such fluid with a standard drain (e.g., without the insert 100) may generally take 6-7 minutes of time, whereas draining the same volume of fluid with the drain insert 100 disposed within the drain can reduce the amount of time by at least 10-50% (e.g., such that draining the fluid takes about 4 minutes of time or less). Therefore, the geometry of the fins 104 of the drain insert 100 can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to drain fluid.[00411 Placing one or more additional inserts within the drain pipe 602 can further facilitate decreasing the amount of time it takes to drain fluid from a vessel or basin. For example, one or more inserts disposed within the drain pipe 602 can facilitate reducing the amount of time it takes to drain a fluid more than 50% as compared to conventional drains.

[0042] Furthermore, the drain insert 100 can be placed into an existing drain with no or minimal changes to plumbing. In other words, the drain insert 100 can be retrofittable. Additionally, the drain insert 100 can facilitate replacing or reducing a need for any pumps to facilitate decreasing the amount of time it takes to drain a fluid.-l i

[0043] The insert 100 can be implemented into various other bathing and / or plumbing components. For example, FIG. 7A depicts a fluid supply assembly 700 that utilizes one or more pipe inserts 702. The fluid supply assembly 700 can be used, for example, to supply water or other fluids to bathing components such as bath spouts and / or showerheads. For example, the fluid supply assembly 700 may be at least partially or entirely disposed behind a wall of a bathing environment. One or more components of the fluid supply assembly 700 may be coupled to a municipal water supply.

[0044] The fluid supply assembly 700 can include one or more fluid supply pipes. For example, the fluid supply assembly 700 can include a first fluid supply pipe 704 (e.g., a hot water supply pipe) and a second fluid supply pipe 706 (e.g., a cold water supply pipe). The fluid supply assembly 700 can include at least one diverter valve 708. The diverter valve 708 may include, for example, a Y-valve or various other types of diverter valves. The diverter valve 708 may be fluidly coupled to the first fluid supply pipe 704 and / or the second fluid supply pipe 706 such that the diverter valve 708 can receive one or more fluids via the first fluid supply pipe 704 and the second fluid supply pipe 706 and can deliver the fluids to a main fluid supply pipe 710. For example, the fluids from the first fluid supply pipe 704 and the second fluid supply pipe 706 can mix within the main fluid supply pipe 710 and be delivered to an outlet of a bathtub spout, showerhead, or other component in a bathing environment.| 0045| At least one of the first fluid supply pipe 704 or the second fluid supply pipe 706 can include or be coupled with a pipe insert 702. For example, the first fluid supply pipe 704 can couple with a first pipe insert 702 and the second fluid supply pipe 706 can couple with a second pipe insert 702. The pipe insert 702 may be identical in shape, size, design, and / or configuration as the drain insert 100. In some implementations, the pipe insert 702 may be substantially similar to the drain insert 100. For example, as depicted in FIG. 7B, the pipe insert 702 can include a body 718 having an outer surface 716 and an inner surface 714 that each define a diameter (e.g., an inner diameter and outer diameter). Each of the inner surface 714 and the outer surface 716 can extend axially between a first end and the second end of the pipe insert 702 as in the drain insert 100.

[0046] The pipe insert 702 can include at least one fin 712. For example, the pipe insert 702 can include at least one fin 712 that extends at a sloping angle at least partially along the inner surface 714. The one or more fins 712 can protrude from the inner surface 714 towards a center of the pipe insert 702. The fins 712 of the pipe insert 702 may be identical in at least one way to the fins 104 of the drain insert 100. For example, the fins 712 can extend at an angle from a topmost portion of the fin 712 to a bottommost portion of the fin 712 relative to a center axis of the insert 702. The pipe insert 702 may include any number of fins 712 (e.g., one fin 712, two fins 712, three fins 712, four fins 712, five fins 712, or more fins 712).

[0047] The pipe insert 702 may differ from the drain insert 100 in some ways. For example, the body 718 of the pipe insert 702 may have a greater thickness (e.g., the dimension extending between the inner surface 714 and the outer surface 716) than the body 102 of the drain insert 100. The fins 712 may extend such that the fins 712 partially overlap one another in an axial direction, for example. With this configuration, the fluid flowing through the pipe insert 702 may transition from being at least partially or substantially laminar flow from the first or second fluid supply pipes 704, 706 to being at least partially or substantially turbulent based on the irregular fluid fluctuation (e.g., at least partial vortex) that is created by the fins 712. For example, the fins 712 can cause the fluid to create a region in which the flow at least partially revolves around a center axis of the body 718 of the pipe insert 702.

[0048] In some implementations, one or more of the fluid supply pipes 704, 706, the diverter valve 708, and / or the main fluid supply pipe 710 may include or may be coupled with a pipe insert 702. For example, in some implementations, the pipe insert 702 can include or can couple with at least one threaded inlet or outlet that can be threadably coupled with one or more components to fluidly couple the pipe insert 702 to the fluid supply pipes 704, 706, the diverter valve 708, and / or the main fluid supply pipe 710. In some implementations, the pipe insert 702 can be molded or welded with the fluid supply pipes 704, 706, the diverter valve 708, and / or the main fluid supply pipe 710. In some implementations, the pipe insert 702 can couple with the fluid supply pipes 704, 706, the diverter valve 708, and / or the main fluid supply pipe 710 in various other ways including, but not limited to, the use of adhesives, clamps, fasteners, orvarious other methods. In some implementations, for example, the body 718 of the pipe insert 702 or the fins 712 of the pipe insert 702 may be disposed within the fluid supply pipes 704, 706, the diverter valve 708, and / or the main fluid supply pipe 710.

[0049] The pipe insert 702 includes various benefits and improvements over conventional supply pipes. For example, the turbulent fluid flow caused by the fins 712 can facilitate decreasing an amount of time it takes for a predetermined volume of fluid from the first fluid supply pipe 704 to mix with the second fluid supply pipe 706 within the diverter valve 708 and / or within the main fluid supply pipe 710 as compared to a fluid supply assembly 700 without the pipe insert(s) 702.

[0050] As an illustrative non-limiting example, the diverter valve 708 may initially be configured such that fluid is only flowing out of the first fluid supply pipe 704. Then, the diverter valve 708 may be configured to allow fluid from the second fluid supply pipe 706 to additionally enter the main fluid supply pipe 710. With the flow from both the first fluid supply pipe 704 and the second fluid supply pipe 706 being substantially laminar, and without any pipe inserts 702, the fluid from each pipe may not sufficiently mix within the diverter valve 708 and / or within main fluid supply pipe 710. In contrast, when the first fluid supply pipe 704, the second fluid supply pipe 706, and / or the diverter valve 708 include or are coupled with at least one pipe insert 702, the fluid can enter the diverter valve 708 and / or the main fluid supply pipe 710 with a substantially turbulent flow of fluid. This change from laminar to turbulent fluid flow substantially increases the speed at which the two flows of fluid mix together within the diverter valve 708 and / or within main fluid supply pipe 710. By way of non-limiting example, adding two pipe inserts 702 as shown in FIG. 7A may reduce the mixing time of fluid at a pressure between 45-50 PSI (-310-345 kPa) by about five minutes. Therefore, implementing one or more pipe inserts 702 within the fluid supply assembly 700 can increase the speed at which the fluid supplies mix responsive to a change in the diverter valve 708, thus enhancing an overall user experience. In other words, the pipe inserts 702 facilitate providing a desired temperature change of water to a user responsive to a user input to the diverter valve 708 within a short amount of time.[00511 FIG. 8 depicts an example illustration of a method 800 of installing and using the drain insert 100. The method 800 may include disposing the drain insert 100 within a portion of a drain, as depicted at act 802. For example, as described herein, the body 102 can couple with the drain by placing the drain insert 100 into the drain. In some embodiments, the drain insert 100 can couple with the drain using one or more adhesives or other bonding components. In some embodiments, the drain insert 100 can couple with the drain from a top-side portion of the drain (e.g., adjacent the vessel or basin) such that plumbing components of the drain can stay intact.

[0052] The method 800 can include placing the stopper 502 into a portion of the insert 100, as depicted in act 804. For example, the orifice 202 (e.g., depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3) of the body 102 of the drain insert 100 can receive a portion of the stopper 502 to at least partially cover a portion of the drain insert 100. With this configuration, the drain insert 100 can increase a speed at which water flows through the drain while eliminating the need to reconstruct one or more plumbing components of the drain. While the method 800 is described with reference to the drain insert 100, one or more steps of the method 800 can be implemented with the pipe insert 702.

[0053] FIG. 9 depicts an example illustration of a method 900 of using the drain insert 100 and / or the pipe insert 702 within a bathing environment. The method 900 may include providing an insert (e.g., the drain insert 100 and / or the pipe insert 702), as depicted in act 902. Providing the insert 100, 702 may include coupling the insert 100, 702 with a drain and / or with a pipe or diverter valve as described herein.

[0054] The method 900 may include causing a flow of fluid to flow through the insert 100, 702, as depicted in act 904. For example, causing fluid to flow through the pipe insert 702 may include turning on a fluid supply and / or using a diverter valve. Causing fluid to flow through the drain insert 100 may include causing fluid to drain from a bathing environment. The insert 100, 702 can cause the fluid flowing through the insert 100, 702 to change characteristics including, but not limited to, a change in flow rate, a change in a direction of flow, and / or a change in fluid motion (e.g., laminar to turbulent), as described herein.

[0055] As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

[0056] The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

[0057] References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items.

[0058] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0059] The construction and arrangement of the elements of the inserts as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied.

[0069] Additionally, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). Rather, use of the word “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.[0061| Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included to increase the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements.

[0062] Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, any element (e.g., fins 104) disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodimentdisclosed herein. Also, for example, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A drain insert, comprising: a body extending between a first end and a second end, the body having an inner surface; and a fin extending from the inner surface of the body; wherein the fin extends at a downward sloping angle along the inner surface in an axial direction between the first end and the second end of the body.

2. The drain insert of claim 1, wherein the downward sloping angle of the fin relative to a central axis of the body is in the range of 5 degrees to 25 degrees.

3. The drain insert of claim 1, wherein the fin extends substantially perpendicularly from the inner surface towards a center of the body.

4. The drain insert of claim 1, further comprising: a cutout at the second end of the body; wherein the cutout is configured to prevent rotation of the body when the second end of the body is inserted into a drain.

5. The drain insert of claim 1, wherein the body includes an orifice to receive a portion of a drain stopper.

6. The drain insert of claim 1, wherein: the fin is a first fin of a plurality of fins that extend circumferentially about a vertical axis of the body; and each of the plurality of fins extends at the same angle relative to a central axis of the body.

7. The drain insert of claim 6, wherein the plurality of fins comprises at least four fins.

8. A pipe insert, comprising: a body extending axially between a first end and a second end; and a plurality of fins each extending outward from an inner surface of the body and axially between the first end and the second end of the body; wherein each of the plurality of fins extends at an angle relative to a central axis of the body.

9. The pipe insert of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of fins are spaced equidistant from one another in a circumferential direction of the inner surface of the body.

10. The pipe insert of claim 8, wherein: the body comprises a cylindrical shape; and at least one fin of the plurality of fins extends outward from the inner surface a distance that is less than or equal to a radius of the body.

11. The pipe insert of claim 8, wherein the plurality of fins are configured to at least partially alter a flow of fluid through the body.

12. The pipe insert of claim 11, wherein the plurality of fins are configured to alter the flow of fluid upstream of a diverter valve.

13. The pipe insert of claim 11, wherein the plurality of fins are configured to alter the flow of fluid upstream of an outlet of at least one of a showerhead or a bath spout.

14. The pipe insert of claim 8, wherein the plurality of fins comprises at least five fins.

15. The pipe insert of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the pipe insert is configured to couple to a fluid supply pipe.

16. A method, comprising: providing an insert for use in a drain or pipe, the insert comprising: a body extending axially between a first end and a second end; and a plurality of fins each extending outward from an inner surface of the body and axially between the first end and the second end of the body; wherein each of the plurality of fins extends at an angle relative to a central axis of the body; and causing fluid to flow through the insert.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising altering, via at least one of the plurality of fins, a characteristic of the flow of fluid through the insert.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the characteristic comprises at least one of a flow rate or a fluid motion of the fluid.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein causing fluid to flow through the insert comprises draining fluid of a bathtub.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein causing fluid to flow through the insert comprises receiving fluid from a fluid supply pipe.

Images