Method and means for an overflow assembly to bathtubs and the like

Abstract

An overflow system in the bathtub has an overflow port and has a drain pipe in connection with the overflow port. A threaded flange has a stub shoulder on one end which is fitted into a circular sleeve on the overflow port. The threaded flange has exterior threads on its outer surface and a thin diaphragm secured to the end thereof opposite to the stub shoulder. A large sealing washer embraces the outside of the circular flange on the overflow port and extends partially over the threads of the threaded flange. A large internally threaded nut is threadably mounted on the outer end of the threaded flange and compresses the sealing washer against a vertical flange on the port to seal the connection between the threaded flange and the port. A decorative cap is frictionally snapped into engagement with protrusions on the outer surface of the nut. The cap can be removed when needed to permit the plumber to gain access to the diaphragm to cut it open for fluid flow after the system has been tested for leaks, or put in place after the cut takes place.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An overflow fitting for a bathtub which has a bottom and adjacent side and end walls, and an overflow port in an end wall, comprising: 
 an overflow pipe with an inverted L-shape having an elbow portion defining an upper end portion and a lower end portion, the upper end portion having an outer end defining an inlet being adapted to fit through the bathtub overflow port;    threads on an outer surface of the upper end portion and surrounding the inlet and normally extending through the bathtub overflow port;    a lip extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the overflow pipe between the elbow portion and the upper end portion and being spaced from the inlet to engage an outer surface of the bathtub end wall around the bathtub overflow port;    a thin diaphragm sealed to the outer end of the upper end portion to close the inlet to fluid flow;    a nut element compatible with the threads wherein the nut element has a threaded portion for threadably mounting the nut to the upper end portion to clamp the overflow fitting to the end of the bathtub between the lip and the nut element, and at least one lug extending radially from the nut;    the overflow port having a flange and a sleeve that extends outwardly from the flange for receiving an inner end of a hollow fitting having an outer end and threads on an outer surface;    a sealing ring that fits over the sleeve and the hollow fitting; and    a cap detachably mounted on the fitting to exert sealing pressure on the sealing ring against the radial flange, and to permit access to the diaphragm to be manually cut for fluid flow therethrough when detached from the fitting.    
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the nut has a threaded center opening threadably mounted on the fitting to exert pressure on the sealing ring against the flange; and the nut having lugs thereon to detachably receive a cap thereupon.  
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the diaphragm is of plastic material.  
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the diaphragm is integral with said fitting and is held to the fitting only through having been integrally formed therewith.  
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the nut element forms a part of the cap means and has threads compatible with the threads on the fitting.  
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the overflow port has a flange and a sleeve that extends outwardly from the flange for receiving an inner end of a hollow fitting having an outer end and threads on an outer surface; the thin diaphragm sealing the outer end of the fitting; and a sealing ring that fits over the sleeve and the hollow fitting.  
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the diaphragm is integral with said fitting and is held to the fitting only through having been integrally formed therewith.  
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the diaphragm is a circular membrane and has a diameter equal to an outer peripheral edge of the fitting, and is connected only to the fitting and only to the outer peripheral edge of the outer end of the fitting.  
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the diaphragm is a circular membrane and has a diameter equal to an outer peripheral edge of the fitting, and is connected only to the fitting and only to the outer peripheral edge of the outer end of the fitting.  
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 1  whereby the diaphragm is hermetically sealed to the peripheral edge of the fitting.  
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the sealing element has a longitudinal thickness that is less than a longitudinal thickness of the hollow fitting.