PLUMBING TOOLS AND METHODS FOR DISASSEMBLING DRAINAGE SYSTEMS USING PLUMBING TOOLS

Abstract

The invention relates to a plumbing repair tool and a method for removing a drain assembly using a plumbing repair tool. The plumbing repair tool may consist of a cylindrical body with upper and lower ends facing the upper end, a threaded section, and a truncated cone adjacent to the lower end. The truncated cone has the largest diameter furthest from the upper end. Clamps are held flexibly around the cylindrical body by at least one expansion ring. Flanges are positioned around the cylindrical body above the clamps. A threaded part rotates with the threaded part to selectively apply a compressive force between the threaded part and the truncated cone such that the truncated cone pushes the clamps outward in a radial direction to engage the inner wall of the drain assembly with the outer clamping surfaces of each clamp, and selectively releases the compressive force to allow the clamps to retract and detach from the attachment to the drain assembly.

Description

TUB DRAIN TOOLCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 526,096, filed July 11 , 2023, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUNDField

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a plumbing tool, and more specifically, a tub drain tool.Description of the Related Art

[0003] In U.S. Patent No. 6,343,411 B1 issued to Sigman, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference, an extractor tool for removing and replacing plumbing fixtures is disclosed. The tool includes a shaft having a thread, a frustoconical wedge near the end of the shaft, and a plurality of axial lugs forming a castle at the end of the shaft. A plurality of shoes are positioned around the threaded portion of the shaft maintained by a singular o-ring and made out of aluminum. A washer and nut are assembled on the shaft at the opposing end of the castle.

[0004] In U.S. Patent No. 6,282,999 B1 issued to Hite et al., the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference, a plumbing tool for removing and installing plumbing parts is disclosed. The tool has an elongated core member with a stud at one end, a cylindrical right-hand threaded section, and an outwardly flared frustoconical section at the end opposite the stud. The channel is bounded by a radially inwardly directed annular lip at its lower extremity. Wedge members with hooks or tangs at their upper proximal ends are between the barrel member and the core member.

[0005] However, there is a need for improvements in plumbing tools for removal and replacement of plumbing parts.SUMMARY

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a plumbing tool.

[0007] A plumbing tool according to embodiments includes a cylindrical member having a threaded section and a flat section coaxial with the threaded section. The cylindrical member further includes a smooth section immediately adjacent the threaded and flat sections, and a frustoconical section having a smallest diameter immediately adjacent the smooth section and a largest diameter opposite the smallest diameter. The cylindrical member further includes a castle section immediately adjacent the largest diameter of the frustoconical section. The castle section is configured to engage a crossbar of a drain. A plurality of collets flexibly surrounds the smooth section and frustoconical section of the cylindrical member. The collets each have an outer gripping surface. A flange surrounds the cylindrical member. The flange is configured to slide axially along the threaded and flat sections of the cylindrical member. An internally threaded member rotationally engages with the threaded section to selectively force the flange against the plurality of collets so that the frustoconical section forces the collets radially outward to engage a drain with the outer gripping surfaces of each collet. The internally threaded member is further configured to selectively release the flange away from the collets to allow the collets to retract from engagement with the drain.

[0008] According to an aspect of the embodiment, the flange is rotationally fixed relative the cylindrical member.

[0009] According to another aspect of the embodiment, the flange includes a plastic outer portion and an inner portion comprised of a material having a higher compression durability compared to the plastic outer portion.

[0010] According to another aspect of the embodiment, the inner portion of the flange is a metal bushing.

[0011] According to another aspect of the embodiment, at least one expandable ring is positioned to expandably secure the collets around the cylindrical member.

[0012] According to another aspect of the embodiment, the plurality of collets each include at least one channel, and at least one expandable ring is positioned in at least one channel of each collet.

[0013] According to another aspect of the embodiment, each collet includes an inner surface having a first smooth surface having a first profile matching the smooth section of the cylindrical member. The collet further includes a second smooth chamfered surface having a second profile matching the frustoconical section of the cylindrical member.

[0014] According to another aspect of the embodiment, a first washer is positioned between the internally threaded member, and the flange and a second washer is positioned between the flange and the plurality of collets.

[0015] According to another aspect of the embodiment, the internally threaded member is a nut.

[0016] According to another aspect of the embodiment, a frustoconical wedge surrounding the cylindrical member positioned between the flange and the plurality of collets. The frustoconical wedge is configured to engage an upper portion of the collets. The upper portion of the collets being opposite a portion of the collets engaged by the frustoconical section of the cylindrical member. The frustoconical section wedge is further configured so that when the internally threaded member rotates, the frustoconical wedge and the frustoconical section of the cylindrical member cooperatively expand the collets so that the respective gripping surfaces are substantially parallel to an inner wall of the drain.

[0017] According to other embodiments, a method of removing a drain with a plumbing tool is disclosed. The method may include the steps of placing the plumbing tool in the drain. A flange on the plumbing tool supports the plumbing tool from falling down the drain. The flange being rotationally fixed relative to a cylindrical member of the plumbing tool and axially slidable along the cylindrical member. The method may further include the step of rotating an internally threaded member in threaded engagement with the cylindrical member to push the flange against a plurality of collets of the plumbing tool so that the collets expand to engage a side of the drain with respective gripping surfaces of each of the collets. Further rotating the internally threaded member while the collets are engaged with the side of the drain to remove the drain from a drain fixture.

[0018] According to another alternative embodiment, the plumbing tool may include a cylindrical member having a threaded section and a flat section coaxial with the threaded section. The cylindrical member further includes a smooth section immediately adjacent the threaded and flat sections, and a frustoconical section having a smallest diameter immediately adjacent the smooth section and a largest diameter opposite the smallest diameter. A plurality of collets flexibly surrounds the smooth section and frustoconical section of the cylindrical member. The collets each have an outer gripping surface. A flange surrounds the cylindrical member. The flange is rotationally fixed relative to the cylindrical member. The flange is also configured to slide axially along the threaded and flat sections of the cylindrical member. An internally threaded member rotationally engages with the threaded section to selectively force the flange against the plurality of collets so that the frustoconical section forces the collets radially outward to engage a drain with the outer gripping surfaces of each collet. The internally threaded member is further configured to selectively release the flange away from the collets to allow the collets to retract from engagement with the drain.

[0019] According to one or more embodiments, a plumbing tool may include a cylindrical member having: an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end, a threaded section, and a frustoconical section adjacent to the lower end, the frustoconical section having a largest diameter furthest from the upper end. A plurality of collets may be flexibly secured around the cylindrical member with at least one expandable ring, the collets each having an outer gripping surface. A flange may be positioned around the cylindrical member above the plurality of collets. An internally threaded member may rotationally engage the threaded section to selectively apply a compression force between the internally threaded member and the frustoconical section so that the frustoconical section forces the collets radially outward to engage an inner wall of a drain with the outer gripping surfaces of each collet, and to selectively release the compression force to allow the collets to retract from engagement with the drain.

[0020] According to another aspect of the embodiments, the plumbing tool may include a bushing positioned around the cylindrical member between the internally threaded member and the frustoconical member.

[0021] According to another aspect of the embodiments, the flange may be positioned radially around the bushing.

[0022] According to another aspect of the embodiments, the internally threaded member selectively applies the compression force through the bushing.

[0023] According to another aspect of the embodiments, the frustoconical section of the cylindrical member is a first frustoconical member that engages a lower inner surface of each of the plurality of collets. The plumbing tool may further include a second frustoconical member positioned around the cylindrical member between the flange and the collets. The second frustoconical member may engage an upper inner surface of each of the plurality of collets. The compression force may cause the first and second frustoconical members to force the collets radially outward so that outer gripping surfaces thereof remain substantially parallel to an inner wall of the drain.

[0024] According to another aspect of the embodiments, the plumbing tool may include a bushing positioned around the cylindrical member between the internally threaded member and the frustoconical member. The second frustoconical member may be integrally formed with the bushing.

[0025] According to another aspect of the embodiments, the plurality of collets each include at least one channel, and the at least one expandable ring is positioned in the at least one channel of each collet.

[0026] According to another aspect of the embodiments, the plumbing tool may include a first washer positioned between the internally threaded member and the flange, and a second washer positioned between the flange and the plurality of collets.

[0027] According to another aspect of the embodiments, the second washer may be sized and shaped to contact a top of the drain and provide clearance between the flange and the top of the drain.

[0028] According to other embodiments a method of removing a drain with a plumbing tool is disclosed. The method may include the step(s) of placing the plumbing tool in the drain, wherein a flange on the plumbing tool supports the plumbing tool from falling down the drain, the flange being axially slidable along acylindrical member of the plumbing tool. The method may further include the step(s) of rotating an internally threaded member in threaded engagement with the cylindrical member to apply a compressive force between the internally threaded member and a frustoconical portion of the cylindrical member, the compressive force causing the frustoconical portion to push against a plurality of collets of the plumbing tool so that the collets expand to engage a side of the drain with respective gripping surfaces of each of the collets. The method may further include the step(s) of rotating the cylindrical member while the collets are engaged with the side of the drain to remove the drain from a drain fixture.

[0029] According to other aspect of the embodiments, rotating the cylindrical member may include rotating the cylindrical member with a wrench engaged with a flat surface of the cylindrical member.

[0030] According to other aspect of the embodiments, rotating the cylindrical member may include rotating the cylindrical member with an elongated member extending through a hole on an upper portion of the cylindrical member.

[0031] According to other aspect of the embodiments, the plurality of collets may be secured around the cylindrical member with an expandable ring.

[0032] According to other aspect of the embodiments, the method may further include the step(s) of engaging a crossbar of the drain with axially extending lugs on a lower portion of the cylindrical member prior to removing the drain with the plumbing tool.

[0033] According to one or more additional embodiments, a plumbing tool may include a cylindrical member having: an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end, a threaded section, a frustoconical section adjacent to the lower end, the frustoconical section having a largest diameter furthest from the upper end, and a plurality of axially extending lugs on the lower end immediately below the largest diameter of the frustoconical section, the axially extending lugs being configured to engage a crossbar of a drain. The plumbing tool may further include a plurality of collets flexibly secured around the cylindrical member with at least one expandable ring, the collets each having an outer gripping surface. The plumbing tool may furtherinclude flange positioned around the cylindrical member above the plurality of collets. The plumbing tool may further include an internally threaded member configured to rotationally engage the threaded section to selectively apply a compression force between the internally threaded member and the frustoconical section so that the frustoconical section forces the collets radially outward to engage an inner wall of a drain with the outer gripping surfaces of each collet, and to selectively release the compression force to allow the collets to retract from engagement with the drain.

[0034] According to additional aspects of the embodiments, the plumbing tool may include a bushing positioned around the cylindrical member between the internally threaded member and the frustoconical member.

[0035] According to additional aspects of the embodiments, the flange is positioned radially around the bushing.

[0036] According to additional aspects of the embodiments, the internally threaded member selectively applies the compression force through the bushing.

[0037] According to additional aspects of the embodiments, the frustoconical section of the cylindrical member comprises a first frustoconical member that engages a lower inner surface of each of the plurality of collets. The plumbing tool may further include a second frustoconical member positioned around the cylindrical member between the flange and the collets. The second frustoconical member may engage an upper inner surface of each of the plurality of collets. The compression force may cause the first and second frustoconical members to force the collets radially outward so that outer gripping surfaces thereof remain substantially parallel to an inner wall of the drain.

[0038] According to additional aspects of the embodiments, the plumbing tool further includes a bushing positioned around the cylindrical member between the internally threaded member and the frustoconical member. The second frustoconical member may be integrally formed with the bushing.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] So that the manner in which the above-recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of their scope, may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0040] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a plumbing tool according to a first embodiment;

[0041] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the plumbing tool;

[0042] Figure 3 is a top view of the plumbing tool;

[0043] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the plumbing tool;

[0044] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the plumbing tool along the line indicated in Figure 3;

[0045] Figure 6A is a bottom perspective view of the plumbing tool and a drain;

[0046] Figure 6B is a bottom perspective view of the plumbing tool within the drain;

[0047] Figure 7A is a cross-sectional view of the plumbing tool within a drain;

[0048] Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of the plumbing tool within a drain where the tools collets are engaged with the side of the drain;

[0049] Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view of a first alternative embodiment of the plumbing tool within a drain;

[0050] Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of the first alternative embodiment of the plumbing tool within a drain where the tools collets are engaged with the side of the drain;

[0051] Figure 9A is an exploded perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of the plumbing tool; and

[0052] Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view of the second alternative embodiment of the plumbing tool.

[0053] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation.DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0054] 100 - plumbing tool

[0055] 102 - cylindrical member

[0056] 102a - threaded section

[0057] 102b - flat section

[0058] 102c - smooth section

[0059] 102d - frustoconical section

[0060] 102e - axially extending lugs (“castle”)

[0061] 102f - frustoconical section (second alternative embodiment)

[0062] 102g - through-hole

[0063] 104 - collets

[0064] 104a - gripping surface

[0065] 104b - smooth surface

[0066] 104c - smooth chamfered surface

[0067] 104d - channel

[0068] 105 - collets (second alternative embodiment)

[0069] 105a - gripping surface

[0070] 105b - upper smooth chamfered surface

[0071] 105c - lower smooth chamfered surface

[0072] 105d - channel

[0073] 106 - expandable ring

[0074] 106a - expandable ring (second alternative embodiment)

[0075] 107 - frustoconical wedge (first alternative embodiment)

[0076] 108 - bushing

[0077] 108a - curved portion

[0078] 108b - flat portion

[0079] 108c - flat portion

[0080] 109 - washer

[0081] 109a - upper washer (second alternative embodiment)

[0082] 109b - lower washer (second alternative embodiment)

[0083] 110 - flange

[0084] 110a - flange protrusions

[0085] 110b - recessed portion

[0086] 110c - keyed cut out

[0087] 110d - flange protrusions (second alternative embodiment)

[0088] 112 - nut

[0089] 118 - bushing (second alternative embodiment)

[0090] 118a - interior surface

[0091] 118b - flanged surface

[0092] 118c - flat portion

[0093] 118d - frustoconical portion

[0094] 200 - first alternative embodiment plumbing tool

[0095] 250 - second alternative embodiment plumbing tool

[0096] 300 - drain

[0097] 302 - crossbarsDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0098] Embodiments described herein generally relate to a plumbing tool, more particularly, embodiments relating to a plumbing tool that has radially expanding collets to grip sides of tub drains, a castle for installation and extraction, and a flange separating the nut from the collet and castle system.

[0099] Figures 1-3 illustrate an example of plumbing tool 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of plumbing tool 100. Plumbing tool 100 includes a cylindrical member 102, a plurality of collets 104, two expandable rings 106, a bushing 108, two washers 109, a flange 110, and a nut 112. The cylindrical member 102, plurality of collets 102, washers 109, bushing 108, and nut 112, are preferably made out of a hard, durable material such as a metal alloy. According to some embodiments, one or more of the cylindrical member 102, plurality of collets 102, washers 109, bushing 108, and nut 112 are made out of steel.

[0100] As best shown in Figure 4, the cylindrical member 102 includes an externally threaded section 102a on the upper end and two opposing flat sections 102b along the same axial length as the externally threaded section 102a on the upper end. The lower end of the cylindrical member 102 includes axially extending lugs 102e, which may be referred to as a “castle.” As illustrated, the castle 102e includes four axially extending lugs arranged so as to engage a crossbar of a drain. However, it is contemplated that the castle 102e includes any suitable number of axiallyextending lugs for engaging a crossbar of a drain. For example, the castle 102e may include two axially extending lugs.

[0101] The cylindrical member 102 section includes frustoconical shape 102d immediately above the castle 102e. The frustoconical shape 102d has a smooth tapered surface, with its largest diameter directly above the castle base and tapering upward to its smallest diameter. The cylindrical member 102 also includes a smooth section 102c between the top, smallest end of the frustoconical shape 102d and the bottom end of the threaded section 102a. According to embodiments, the cylindrical member 102 — including threaded section 102a and co-axial flat section 102b, smooth section 102c, frustoconical section 102d and castle 102e — is formed as a single piece.

[0102] The plurality of collets 104 surrounds the cylindrical member’s frustoconical section 102d and smooth section 102c. The exterior face of each of the collets 104 includes a gripping surface 104a. The exterior face of each collet 104 includes one or more channels 104d, allowing for each expandable ring 106 to sit within a channel 104d. The plurality of collets 104 are held around the cylindrical member 102 by the one or more expandable rings 106 respectively positioned within the one or more channels 104d. For example, the illustrated embodiments depict two expandable rings 106 respectively positioned within two channels 104d.

[0103] The flange 110 includes flange protrusions 110a and recessed portions 110b between the flange protrusions 110a. Centered in the flange 110 is a keyed cutout 110c. The shape of the keyed cut out 110c matches the exterior of bushing 108. For example, the exterior of bushing 108 includes flat sides 108c matching the shape of the keyed cut-out 110c. Although the illustrated embodiments depict the keyed cutout 110c of the flange 110 and the flat sides 108c of the bushing 108 as having matching hexagonal shapes, a person skilled in the art can appreciate other matching shapes would be similarly suitable so long as the flange 110 and the bushing 108 are rotationally fixed relative to one another.

[0104] The interior of the bushing 108 includes two flat portions 108b parallel to each other and two curved portions 108a parallel to each other. The flat portions 108b and curved portions 108a match the profile of the cylindrical member 102, specifically with respect to the threaded section 102a and the flat section 102b so that the bushing108 is rotationally fixed relative to the cylindrical member 102. That is, the bushing 108 is positioned within flange 110, with the cylindrical member 102 extending through the interior of the bushing 108. Thus, bushing 108 and the flange 110 are co-axially arranged around and rotationally fixed relative to cylindrical member 102. The bushing 108 (and the flange 110 with it) is free to slide axially along the threaded and flat sections 102a, 102b of the cylindrical member 102 because, for example, the bushing 108 does not engage the threads of the threaded section 102a.

[0105] It can be appreciated (from the description below) that, during operation of the plumbing tool 100, the bushing 108 will be subject to a compression force in the axial direction, while the flange will likely be primarily subject to torque applied by a user’s hand. Accordingly, the illustrated embodiments depict the bushing 108 and the flange 110 as separate components. This arrangement may allow the bushing 108 to be formed of a highly durable material such as steel or other metal alloy suitable for withstanding the expected compression force, while the flange 108 can be formed of a more lightweight material, such as injection-molded plastic or the like.

[0106] However, the present disclosure is not so limited, and embodiments are contemplated in which the bushing 108 and flange 110 are integrally formed as a single component. In instances where the bushing 108 and flange 110 are integrally formed as a single component, the material used should be selected so as to be suitable for withstanding the compression force in the axial direction that is to be expected during operation of the plumbing tool 100.

[0107] Washers 109 are positioned, respectively, on the top and bottom of flange 110 and bushing 108. Nut 112 is in threaded engagement with threaded section 102a above the top washer 109 (and above flange 110 and bushing 108).

[0108] Figure 5 illustrates a cross-section view of plumbing tool 100 along the line indicated by Figure 3, specifically detailing the interaction between the cylindrical member 102 and collets 104. The interior face of each collet 104 includes a smooth surface section 104b having a profile that is parallel to a corresponding profile of the smooth section 102c. The interior face of each collet 104 also includes a smooth chamfered section 104c having an angled profile that is parallel to a correspondingprofile of the frustoconical section 102d of the cylindrical member (as shown in Figure 4).

[0109] Figures 6A and 67B illustrate the plumbing tool 100 being positioned into (Figure 6A) and engaging with drain 300 (Figure 6B) according to certain operations of the plumbing tool 100. For example, plumbing tool 100 can be inserted into drain 300, with the collets 104 disengaged, with the castle 102e engaged with a crossbar 302 of the drain 300. The cylindrical member 102 can then turned by either the flange 110 with the user’s hand, as the flange 110 is rotationally fixed to the cylindrical member 102, or by applying torque to the cylindrical member itself with, for example, a wrench engaged with flat sections 102b. In this manner, rotation of the plumbing tool 100 causes the drain 300 to rotate due to the castle 102e being engaged with the crossbar 302 of the drain 300. Thus, according to one application of the plumbing tool 100, sufficient torque can be applied to the drain 300, via engagement of the castle 102e to the crossbar 302, to break any sealed engagement (e.g., plumber’s putty, not shown) of the drain 300 with a plumbing drain pipe (also not shown) so that the drain 300 can be unthreaded from the plumbing drain pipe using the plumbing tool 100 for removal of the drain 300. Similarly, according to another application of the plumbing tool 100, a new or replacement drain 300 can be threaded to the plumbing drain pipe using the plumbing tool 100 and then set and sealed into place with plumber’s putty for installation of the drain 300.

[0110] As shown in, for example, Figures 1 , 3, 4 and 9A, the top surface of the flange 110 may include guidance for operation in the form of, for example, pictogram(s) and / or text. For example, the guidance may indicate with text and / or arrows a direction of rotation to install the plumbing tool 100, 200 or 250 into the drain 300 and an opposite direction of rotation to (once the plumbing tool 100, 200 or 250 is secured within the drain 300) remove the drain 300. Alternatively, instead of, or in addition to, pictogragrams and / or text, the plumbing tool 100, 200 or 250 may include one or more scannable images such as a QR code, which when scanned by a portable device such as a smart phone, may cause retrieval of instructions for operation. Such instructions may include video instructions. The one or more scannable images may be positioned on any suitable surface of the plumbing tool 100, 200 or 250 such as, for example, a side of the nut 112 or a top surface of the cylindrical member 102.

[0111] In some applications requiring removal of the drain 300, the crossbars 302 may be missing (or unable to withstand the torque necessary for removal) due to age and / or corrosion. If the crossbars 302 are no longer present, then the plumbing tool 100 can be used in accordance with a second application for removal of the drain 300. The plumbing tool 100 is placed into the drain 300; flange 110 will keep the plumbing tool 100 from falling into the drain 300 (and into the plumbing drain pipe below). Flange 110 also allows the user to see into the drain 300 while using the tool. Once the plumbing tool 100 is placed into the drain 300, the nut 112 is turned counterclockwise (with, for example, a wrench), moving the frustoconical section 102d of the cylindrical member 102 toward the flange 110, making the collets 104 expand against the resilient force of the expandable rings 106. In this manner, the collets 104 expand towards the interior of the drain 300 until gripping surface 104a of each collet 104 engages with the interior of the drain 300. As further counterclockwise torque is applied to the nut 112 (with a wrench or other tool), the collets 104 will continue to engage the interior of the drain 300 until the force of the torque will unseat the drain 300 from the plumbing drain pipe and allow the drain 300 to be unscrewed.

[0112] That is, as increased torque is applied to the nut 112, the frictional force between the gripping surface 104a of each collet 104 and the interior of the drain 300 increases. Therefore, the user can continue to apply increasing torque without slippage of the collets 104 relative to the interior of the drain 300, until the applied torque exceeds the breakage force required to unseat the drain, e.g., breaking the seal of plumber’s putty between the drain 300 and the plumbing drain pipe.

[0113] According to some embodiments, in order to ensure no slipping between the collets 104 and the drain 300, the collets 104 — and particularly the gripping surface 104a of the collets 104 — may be made of steel. Additionally, the gripping surface 104a may have a rough, sharp texture so as to have a high coefficient of friction when contacting the interior of the drain 300. As engagement of the collets 104 with the interior of the drain 300 is contemplated primarily in the case of removal of the (presumably old) drain 300, secure engagement of the collets 104 with the interior of the drain 300 is important, and scratches or other marring of the interior of the drain 300 may be considered acceptable. A suitable material may be selected accordingly for the collets 104 and for the texture of the gripping surface 104a.

[0114] While some discussions herein contemplate that the drain 300 is installed in a tub, i.e. , a bathtub, the present disclosure is not so limited. That is, the drain 300 may be any similarly configured drain or other plumbing fixture that is to be removed from or installed into a plumbing appliance. For example, the drain 300 may be a sink drain.

[0115] A first alternate embodiment of the present disclosure is plumbing tool 200, depicted in Figures 8A and 8B. Where plumbing tool 200 has similar (but not necessarily identical) features to plumbing tool 100 as described above, the same reference numbers are used in the figures, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted. The primary difference between plumbing tool 200 and plumbing tool 100 is that 200 includes a frustoconical wedge 107 between bushing 108 and collets 104. Frustoconical wedge 107 includes an opening for cylindrical member 102 to move vertically within during operation. The frustoconical wedge 107 may apply an expansion force on the upper ends of the collets 104 — in addition to the expansion force applied by the frustoconical section 102d on the lower ends of the collets — so that expansion of the collets 104 is substantially parallel to the sides of the drain 300.

[0116] Figure 8A illustrates plumbing tool 200 being placed in drain 300 and Figure 8b shows the collets of tool 200 engaging with the sides of drain 300. Similar to the first removal operation described above, plumbing tool 200 can be used to remove or replace drain 300 by using the castle 102e to engage with the drains’ crossbars 302 and applying torque to the cylindrical member 102 to unscrew or screw the drain 300 relative to the plumbing drain pipe. If the crossbars 302 are no longer present, then the plumbing tool 200 can be placed into the drain 300 as flange 110 will keep the plumbing tool 200 from falling into the drain 300 (and the plumbing drain pipe below). Flange 110 allows the user to see into the drain while using the tool.

[0117] Once the plumbing tool 200 is placed in the drain 300, the nut 112 is turned counterclockwise (by, for example, a user with a wrench), moving the frustoconical section 102d of the cylindrical member 102 toward the frustoconical wedge 107. As can be appreciated, as the frustoconical section 102d moves towards the frustoconical wedge 107, the collets 104 are subject to expansion force on the upper ends (due to frustoconical wedge 107) and the lower ends (due to frustoconical section 102d) toengage with the surface of the drain 300 for parallel engagement of the gripping surfaces 104a with the inner walls of the drain 300. Continuing to apply counterclockwise torque to the nut 112 with a wrench or other tool, the collets 104 will continue to engage until the force of the torque will release the flange and allow it to be unscrewed.

[0118] A second alternate embodiment of the present disclosure is plumbing tool 250, depicted in Figures 9A and 9B. Where plumbing tool 250 has similar (but not necessarily identical) features to plumbing tool 100 (and plumbing tool 200) as described above, the same reference numbers are used in the figures, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted. Figure 9A is an exploded perspective view of the second alternative embodiment of the plumbing tool; and Figure 9B is a cross- sectional view of the second alternative embodiment of the plumbing tool. Plumbing tool 250 includes cylindrical member 102, a plurality of collets 105, an expandable ring 106a, a bushing 118, a lower washer 109b, flange 110, an upper washer 109a, and nut 112.

[0119] According to some aspects, the cylindrical member 102 may include a through-hole 102g at an upper portion thereof. The through-hole 102g may accommodate a screwdriver shaft or other elongated member, so as to apply torque to the plumbing tool 250 when engaged with the crossbars 302 of drain 300 for removal. That is, a user may rotate the plumbing tool 100, 200 or 250 using either a wrench engaged with flat section 102b (as suggested above) or an elongated member extending through the through-hole 102g.

[0120] According to additional aspects, the second alternative embodiment plumbing tool 250 differs from the plumbing tools 100 and 200 in that plumbing tool 250 includes upper washer 109a and lower washer 109b, instead of the pair of washers 109 (which may or may not be substantially similar and / or comprised of off- the-shelf commodity-type washers). Upper washer 109a may be relatively thick (as selected from available commodity-type washers or specifically manufactured for use in the plumbing tool 250) so as to provide substantial clearance between the bottom of nut 112 and the top surface of the flange 110. As noted above, the top surface of the flange 110 may include instructive pictograms and / or text; the substantialclearance between the bottom of nut 110 and the top surface of the flange 110 provided by the upper washer 109a may help prevent marring or destruction of such instructions due to the wrench scratching the top surface of the flange 110.

[0121] Lower washer 109b may have a frustoconical shape, i.e. , have a trapezoidal cross-section as shown in Figure 9B. As can be appreciated from Figure 9B, the angled lower surface of the lower washer 109b will directly contact the top surface of the drain 300 being worked on. Thus, the lower washer 109b may prevent the flange 110 from contacting the drain 300.

[0122] Additionally, the shape of the lower washer 109b provides an increased stand-off between the flange 110 and the surface of the drain 300 (and corresponding tub) being worked on. This clearance between the flange 110 and the surface of the drain 300 may provide easier access to and manipulation of the plumbing tool 250 by the user.

[0123] According to further aspects, the second alternative embodiment plumbing tool 250, the flange 110 includes flange protrusions 110d which extend only to a selected radius from the center of the plumbing tool 250. For example, the radius of the flange protrusions 110d may be selected to be smaller than a radius of the largest standard drains 300 available in a selected market in which the plumbing tool 250 is to be sold. In other words, the outer diameter of the plumbing tool 250 — and more specifically, the length of each of the flange protrusions 110d — is smaller than the radius of any drain 300 that the plumbing tool 250 would reasonably be expected to be used on. Thus, the plumbing tool 250 may be easily used without ever contacting the surface of the tub or sink that the drain 300 is attached to. Accordingly, scratching and / or marring of the tub or sink due to use of the plumbing tool 250 may be avoided.

[0124] According to some embodiments, the axially extending lugs 102e may be comprised of two such lugs 102e. That is, some drains 300 may have only two crossbars 302 extending across as a single diameter; in such a case, the crossbars will generally have substantial thickness. Thus, the two lugs 102e can correspondingly be substantially spaced with a sufficient “gap” so as to be suitable for engagement with the two crossbars 302. For such applications, four lugs 102e may be lessdesirable than two lugs 102e, because the two lugs 102e may be comprised of enough material to provide sufficient and / or improved structural strength.

[0125] According to additional aspects, the second alternative embodiment plumbing tool 250 includes a plurality of collets 105 that each include: a gripping surface 105a (functionally similar to gripping surface 104a), upper smooth chamfered surface 105b, lower smooth chamfered surface 105c, and channel 105d.

[0126] The plumbing tool 250 may utilize a single expandable ring 106a that secures the plurality of collets 105 around the cylindrical member 102. The single expandable ring 106a may be thicker and stronger compared to, for example, embodiments using two or more expandable rings such as expandable rings 106 that may be used in the embodiments of Figures 1 -8B. The expandable ring 106a may, for example, have sufficient gauge and durability for heavy duty use throughout the expected usable life of the plumbing tool 250. Further, channel 105d in each of the collets 105 may be sufficiently deep so as to fully accommodate the thickness of the expandable ring 106a, so that the expandable ring 106a is fully nested within each channel 105d. According to certain aspects, the channels 105d are deep enough so that expandable ring 106a does not interfere in engagement of the gripping surface 105c with the drain 300.

[0127] The second alternative embodiment plumbing tool 250 may also include bushing 118 (instead of bushing 108 shown in the other embodiments). Bushing 118 may include: interior surface 118a, flanged surface 118b, flat portion 118c, and frustoconical portion 118d. The cylindrical member 102 extends through the hole in bushing 118 defined by interior surface 118a. The flanged surface 118b provides support for the bottom surface of washer 109b. The flat portion 118c defines an exterior shape of the outer surface of bushing 118 that corresponds with keyed cutout 110c of the flange 110, similar to the embodiments described above.

[0128] Use of the second alternative embodiment plumbing tool 250 proceeds in similar fashion as described above. The frustoconical portion 118d of the bushing 118 may apply an expansion force on the upper smooth chamfered surface 105b of the collets 105. At the same time, an expansion force is applied by the frustoconical section 102f of the cylindrical member 102 on the lower smooth chamfered surface105c of the collets 105. Thus, similar to the first alternative embodiment plumbing tool 200 described above, expansion of the collets 105 is substantially parallel to the sides of the drain 300. The configuration and arrangement of components of plumbing tool 250 — including but not limited to lower washer 109b, bushing 118, collets 105 with smooth chamfered surfaces 105b and 105c, frustoconical section 102f of cylindrical member 102, and expandable ring 106a — may provide for approximately top / bottom symmetrical expansion of the collets 105 towards engagement with the drain 300.

[0129] Those skilled in the art may appreciate that features of the plumbing tools 100, 200 and 250 may provide for improved usability and removal of tub drains. As the foregoing illustrates, the disclosure includes a tub drain tool having improved features that result in an easy-to-use tool with ergonomic and convenient features.

[0130] It is contemplated that one or more of these aspects disclosed herein may be combined. Moreover, it is contemplated that one or more of these aspects may include some or all of the aforementioned benefits.

[0131] As an example, the present disclosure contemplates that one or more of the aspects, features, components, operations, and / or properties described herein may be included in the plumbing tools 100, 200 and 250, and / or methods of using the plumbing tools 100, 200 and 250.

[0132] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the preceding embodiments are exemplary and not limiting. It is intended that all modifications, permutations, enhancements, equivalents, and improvements thereto that are apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings are included within the scope of the disclosure. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims may include all such modifications, permutations, enhancements, equivalents, and improvements. The present disclosure also contemplates that one or more aspects of the embodiments described herein may be substituted in for one or more of the other aspects described. The scope of the disclosure is determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

What is claimed is:1 . A plumbing tool compromising: a cylindrical member having: an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end, a threaded section, and a frustoconical section adjacent to the lower end, the frustoconical section having a largest diameter furthest from the upper end; a plurality of collets flexibly secured around the cylindrical member with at least one expandable ring, the collets each having an outer gripping surface; a flange positioned around the cylindrical member above the plurality of collets; and an internally threaded member configured to rotationally engage the threaded section to selectively apply a compression force between the internally threaded member and the frustoconical section so that the frustoconical section forces the collets radially outward to engage an inner wall of a drain with the outer gripping surfaces of each collet, and to selectively release the compression force to allow the collets to retract from engagement with the drain.

2. The plumbing tool according to claim 1 , further comprising a bushing positioned around the cylindrical member between the internally threaded member and the frustoconical member.

3. The plumbing tool according to claim 2, wherein the flange is positioned radially around the bushing.

4. The plumbing tool according to claim 3, wherein the internally threaded member selectively applies the compression force through the bushing.

5. The plumbing tool according to claim 1 , wherein: the frustoconical section of the cylindrical member comprises a first frustoconical member that engages a lower inner surface of each of the plurality of collets,the plumbing tool further comprises a second frustoconical member positioned around the cylindrical member between the flange and the collets, the second frustoconical member engages an upper inner surface of each of the plurality of collets, and the compression force causes the first and second frustoconical members to force the collets radially outward so that outer gripping surfaces thereof remain substantially parallel to an inner wall of the drain.

6. The plumbing tool according to claim 5, further comprising a bushing positioned around the cylindrical member between the internally threaded member and the frustoconical member, wherein the second frustoconical member is integrally formed with the bushing.

7. The plumbing tool according to claim 1 , wherein: the plurality of collets each include at least one channel, and the at least one expandable ring is positioned in the at least one channel of each collet.

8. The plumbing tool according to claim 1 , further comprising: a first washer positioned between the internally threaded member and the flange; and a second washer positioned between the flange and the plurality of collets.

9. The plumbing tool according to claim 8, wherein the second washer is sized and shaped to contact a top of the drain and provide clearance between the flange and the top of the drain.

10. A method of removing a drain with a plumbing tool, the method comprising: placing the plumbing tool in the drain, wherein a flange on the plumbing tool supports the plumbing tool from falling down the drain, the flange being axially slidable along a cylindrical member of the plumbing tool; rotating an internally threaded member in threaded engagement with the cylindrical member to apply a compressive force between the internally threadedmember and a frustoconical portion of the cylindrical member, the compressive force causing the frustoconical portion to push against a plurality of collets of the plumbing tool so that the collets expand to engage a side of the drain with respective gripping surfaces of each of the collets; and rotating the cylindrical member while the collets are engaged with the side of the drain to remove the drain from a drain fixture.11 . The method according to claim 10, wherein rotating the cylindrical member comprises rotating the cylindrical member with a wrench engaged with a flat surface of the cylindrical member.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein rotating the cylindrical member comprises rotating the cylindrical member with an elongated member extending through a hole on an upper portion of the cylindrical member.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of collets are secured around the cylindrical member with an expandable ring.

14. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: engaging a crossbar of the drain with axially extending lugs on a lower portion of the cylindrical member prior to removing the drain with the plumbing tool.

15. A plumbing tool compromising: a cylindrical member having: an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end, a threaded section, a frustoconical section adjacent to the lower end, the frustoconical section having a largest diameter furthest from the upper end, and a plurality of axially extending lugs on the lower end immediately below the largest diameter of the frustoconical section, the axially extending lugs being configured to engage a crossbar of a drain; a plurality of collets flexibly secured around the cylindrical member with at least one expandable ring, the collets each having an outer gripping surface;a flange positioned around the cylindrical member above the plurality of collets; and an internally threaded member configured to rotationally engage the threaded section to selectively apply a compression force between the internally threaded member and the frustoconical section so that the frustoconical section forces the collets radially outward to engage an inner wall of a drain with the outer gripping surfaces of each collet, and to selectively release the compression force to allow the collets to retract from engagement with the drain.

16. The plumbing tool according to claim 15, further comprising a bushing positioned around the cylindrical member between the internally threaded member and the frustoconical member.

17. The plumbing tool according to claim 16, wherein the flange is positioned radially around the bushing.

18. The plumbing tool according to claim 17, wherein the internally threaded member selectively applies the compression force through the bushing.

19. The plumbing tool according to claim 15, wherein: the frustoconical section of the cylindrical member comprises a first frustoconical member that engages a lower inner surface of each of the plurality of collets, the plumbing tool further comprises a second frustoconical member positioned around the cylindrical member between the flange and the collets, the second frustoconical member engages an upper inner surface of each of the plurality of collets, and the compression force causes the first and second frustoconical members to force the collets radially outward so that outer gripping surfaces thereof remain substantially parallel to an inner wall of the drain.

20. The plumbing tool according to claim 19, further comprising a bushing positioned around the cylindrical member between the internally threaded memberand the frustoconical member, wherein the second frustoconical member is integrally formed with the bushing.

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