Drainage system

Abstract

A coupling system for securing a sink to a drain pipe includes a flange connector having a drainage channel and a peripheral flange. A support member for supporting the sink has a drainage channel. Engagement structure secures the flange connector to the support member such that the drainage channel of the flange connector communicates with the drainage channel of the support member. A sink system and method for installing a sink are also provided.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A coupling system for securing a sink to a drain pipe, comprising: 
 a flange connector having a drainage channel and a peripheral flange;    a support member for supporting a sink and having a drainage channel and connection structure for connecting to a drain pipe;    engagement structure for securing the flange connector to the support member such that the drainage channel of the flange connector communicates with the drainage channel of the support member.    
     
     
         2 . The coupling system of  claim 1 , wherein said engagement structure comprises cooperating threads on said flange connector and said support member.  
     
     
         3 . The coupling system of  claim 1 , further comprising a gasket for sealing said support member to a sink.  
     
     
         4 . The coupling system of  claim 3 , wherein said support member comprises a seat for said gasket.  
     
     
         5 . The coupling of  claim 1 , wherein said support member comprises a main body portion having a shoulder for engaging a sink and an extension comprising said structure for engaging a drain pipe.  
     
     
         6 . The coupling system of  claim 1 , wherein said support member comprises a main body portion having a shoulder for engaging a sink, and a seat for a gasket, said coupling system further comprising an annular gasket.  
     
     
         7 . The coupling system of  claim 6 , wherein said gasket seat comprises a recess in said main body portion, said gasket being dimensioned to fit within said recess.  
     
     
         8 . The coupling system of  claim 1 , wherein said flange connector comprises a structure for engaging a drain device.  
     
     
         9 . The coupling system of  claim 1 , further comprising a gasket for positioning between said flange and the sink.  
     
     
         10 . The coupling system of  claim 1 , further comprising a mounting ring, wherein said mounting ring is used to secure said support member to a countertop.  
     
     
         11 . The coupling system of  claim 1 , wherein said flange connector comprises male threads, said flange connector dimensioned to at least in part fit within said drainage channel of said support member, said male threads of said flange connector engaging cooperating female threads on said support member.  
     
     
         12 . A method for installing a sink, comprising: 
 providing a support member having a drainage channel    connecting said support member to a drain pipe;    positioning a sink on said support member;    connecting a flange connector having a drainage channel and a peripheral flange to said support member, said drainage channel of said flange connector communicating with said drainage channel of said support member, said peripheral flange abutting said sink so as to secure said sink against said support member.    
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising the step of attaching a drain device to said flange connector.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising the step of positioning a gasket between said support member and said sink.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising the step of positioning a gasket between said peripheral flange of said flange connector and said sink.  
     
     
         16 . A sink system, comprising: 
 a sink having a drain opening;    a support member for supporting said sink and having a drainage channel;    a flange connector having a drainage channel and a peripheral flange;    said flange connector further comprising engagement structure for securing the flange connector through the drain opening of the sink to the support member such that the drainage channel of the flange connector communicates with the drainage channel of the support member.