ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT BATHTUB AND SHOWER DRAIN ASSEMBLY

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a bathtub/shower drain that can be adjusted during and after installation to match the height of surrounding flooring and/or fixtures. More specifically, the present invention provides a bathtub/shower drain that the user can adjust to match the height of floor tiling, shower pan, bathtub bottom, or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bathtubs and showers must include plumbing to collect and drain water after use. Such plumbing typically consists of piping extending from the bottom of the bathtub or shower, below the floorboards, and into the home or building plumbing system for removal. However, such plumbing requires a drain cover and assembly so that the bathtub or shower floor does not include an open hole.

Hence the need for bathtub and shower drain assemblies, which are well known in the construction/remodeling industries. Such drain assemblies typically include one or more parts and features that fit within and attach to the plumbing to provide a smooth, effective, and aesthetically pleasing drain appearance.

However, not all bathtub and shower floors are created equal. Variations in height, location, and floor material can cause difficulty in installing drain assemblies due to fit, function, and appearance. These problems can vary and/or compound when renovating or refitting bathtub and shower fixtures in particular. For example, a drain assembly may work effectively for a shower pan floor or a bathtub floor but may not be usable for tile flooring. So, an unusable drain assembly may be on hand during a renovation or refitting or may be obtained during construction of a new bathroom, causing frustration and annoyance among contractors and property owners alike.

There accordingly remains a need in the industry for a bathtub or shower drain assembly that is capable of adjustment both at the time of and after installation. There also remains a need for a drain assembly that can provide a smooth, effective, and aesthetically pleasing appearance no matter the type of bathtub or shower floor the property owner chooses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable bathtub/shower drain assembly usable in connection with various bathtub/shower flooring materials and style. It is further an object of the present invention to permit adjustment to the height of the drain assembly to match the thickness/height of whatever flooring materials and style are used in the subject bathtub/shower. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable bathtub/shower drain assembly that can be installed at the time of construction/renovation or retrofitted to existing bathtub/shower installation. Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide adjustable bathtub/shower drain assembly usable in connection with various bathtub/shower flooring materials and style, whether installed at the time of construction/renovation or retrofitted to existing bathtub/shower installation.

To accomplish these and other objectives of the present invention, the adjustable bathtub/shower drain assembly of the present invention includes a bonding flange component with a substantially flat, centripetal flange portion and a central bore portion, the central bore portion including one or more centripetal contact surfaces associated with one or more centripetal shelves at depths below that of the centripetal flange portion, the one or more centripetal shelves being sized and arranged to receive other components of preferable embodiments of the drain assembly. The bonding flange component is preferably installed between and connects the lower surface of the shower pan/bathtub floor to the drainage pipe to ensure water flowing through the drain assembly enters the drainage pipe rather than flowing horizontally below the shower pan/bathtub floor.

In some preferable embodiments, the drain assembly may include more than one bonding flange components, each with a varying diameter to facilitate attachment to varying bathtub-shower drainage pipe sizes and/or bathtub/shower flooring. The varying diameter bonding flange components also facilitate use of the drain assembly when retrofitting with previously installed bathroom fixtures.

The bonding flange component preferably includes an adhesive material on upper and/or lower surfaces to facilitate connection with the drainage pipe, the lower surface of the shower pan/bathtub floor, and/or the other components of the drain assembly. In some preferable embodiments, the bonding flange component may also or alternatively include course or irregular surfaces on top and bottom to discourage rotational movement of the bonding flange component relative to the drain pipe, the lower surface of the shower pan/bathtub floor, and/or other drain assembly components.

The drain assembly further includes a grate leveler component comprising a central bore portion and a centripetal flange portion, each sized and oriented to fit within the one or more of the bonding flange component's centripetal shelves and rest upon the one or more associated centripetal resting surfaces. The grate leveler component preferable adheres to or otherwise sticks to the bonding flange component such that rotation of one component relative to the other is discouraged, and preferably impossible once the drain assembly is fully installed. Meanwhile the inner surface of the grate leveler component's central bore is preferably smooth facilitating relatively free rotation of other components of the drain assembly therein.

A grate-height adjustor component is preferably installed within the grate leveler component's central bore. The grate-height adjustor component preferably includes an upper shoulder that extends centripetally outwardly from the upper end of the grate-height adjustor component and fits within a centripetal shelf at the upper end of the inner surface of the grate leveler component's central bore, providing a smoot resting surface upon which the upper shoulder of the grate-height adjustor component can rest. The inner surface, including the centripetal shelf, of the grate leveler component being smooth to facilitate rotation of the grate-height adjustor component relative to the stationary grate leveler component.

The grate-height adjustor component preferably includes a smooth outer surface, including that of the centripetal shoulder, to permit free rotation relative to the grate leveler component. The inner surface of the grate-height adjustor component is preferably threaded for threaded connection to other components of the drain assembly, namely the grate holder component. The lower edge of the grate-height adjustor component preferably comprises a series of peeks and valleys forming a series of teeth extending down from the lower edge. The series of peaks and valleys, along with the threaded inner surface, help facilitate adjusting and locking the drain assembly's height, and specifically the height of the grate holder component, to match the tile or other flooring of the associated bathtub/shower.

The grate-height adjustor component also preferably includes one or more tabs extending inwardly from the threaded inner surface at or near the lower edge of the grate-height adjustor component. The one or more tabs operate in connection with the grate-height adjustment tool to assist the user in adjusting the drain assembly's height even after the drain assembly is fully assembled and installed within the bathtub/shower floor.

The grate holder component of the drain assembly of the present invention preferably includes a floor-level flange extending centripetally around a central bore. The floor-level flange may be provided forming various shapes, such as square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, circular, etc. to help match the tiling shape or other shower/bathtub flooring. The central bore extends below the floor-level flange and preferably includes a threaded outer surface to facilitate rotational attachment to the grate-height adjustor component.

The top surface of the floor-level flange, whatever its shape, is preferably tapered at the edges to facilitate grouting and connection with the tiling or other flooring materials. The centripetal edges of the floor-level flange include a groove, in some preferable embodiments, further assisting with connecting the grate holder component with the surrounding flooring materials and matching the height of the grate holder component to the surrounding flooring materials. In some preferable embodiments, a ridge may extrude outwardly from the edges of the top surface of the floor-level flange creating a holding space for the drain grate. In such embodiments, the ridge may be tapered to help match the surrounding flooring.

Preferable embodiments of the drain assembly of the present invention also preferably include a grate-height adjustment tool with a handle portion for gripping and one or more tab receptacles on its lower edge, sized and oriented to connect with the tabs extending inwardly from the grate-height adjustor component's inner surface. When the drain assembly is fully assembled and installed, the grate-height adjustment tool can be inserted into the central bore of the grate holder component until it reaches the tabs of grate-height adjustor component and then rotated causing the threaded inner surface of the grate-height adjustor component and matching threaded outer surface of the grate holder component's central bore and raising or lowering the grate holder component to reach the desired height.

In some preferable embodiments, the drain assembly of the present invention further includes a drain adaptor component for retrofitting the drain assembly to a previously installed drain. In such applications, the drain adaptor component is connected to the legacy drain components and the bonding flange component is affixed to the drain adaptor component, rendering the drain assembly of the present invention usable with most any legacy drain and bathtub/shower floor.

The drain adaptor component includes a central bore portion extending below a substantially flat disk portion, the central bore being positioned within the legacy drainage system to direct the water into the legacy piping. The legacy components can be drilled to match the diameter of the central bore of the drain adaptor component, if need be. The drain adaptor component's central bore portion is also tapered, in preferable embodiments, to assist in its insertion into the legacy drainage system.

The upper edge of the central bore portion of the drain adaptor component preferably extends above the top surface of its substantially flat disk portion, in preferable embodiments. A centripetal trench is also provided in the central bore portion extending from its upper edge and substantially though its height, the centripetal trench being sized and shaped to receive the lower edge and height of the central bore of the bonding flange component such that the drain adaptor component can be installed into the legacy drainage system and the remaining components of the drain assembly of the present invention connected thereto.

Preferable embodiments of the drain assembly of the present invention include components with consistent cross-sectional shapes, although one or more of the components may differ from the others. Circular cross-sectional shapes for the components is often preferable to match drainage pipes or legacy drainage systems, but other cross-sectional shapes are available as well, as those of skill in the art will recognize. The grate holder component specifically preferably has a cross-sectional shape matching the shape of tiling or other flooring materials or otherwise providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance therewith, even if the remaining components of the drain assembly of the present invention have a different cross-sectional shape, as will often be the case.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and arrangements described above. Other objects of the present invention and its particular features and advantages will become more apparent from consideration of the following drawings and detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts an explosion view of the drain assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1B depicts an assembly view of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C depicts an assembly view of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1A-B.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view from above of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view from below of a drain adaptor component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 3B depicts a perspective view from above of a drain adaptor component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-2 and 3A.

FIG. 3C depicts an orthogonal view from below of a drain adaptor component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-2 and 3A-B.

FIG. 3D depicts an orthogonal view from above of a drain adaptor component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-2 and 3A-C.

FIG. 3E depicts an orthogonal view from the side of a drain adaptor component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-2 and 3A-D.

FIG. 4A depicts a perspective view from below of a bonding flange component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 4B depicts a perspective view from above of a bonding flange component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-3 and 4A.

FIG. 4C depicts an orthogonal view from below of a bonding flange component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-3 and 4A-B.

FIG. 4D depicts an orthogonal view from above of a bonding flange component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-3 and 4A-C.

FIG. 4E depicts an orthogonal view from the side of a bonding flange component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-3 and 4A-D.

FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view from below of a bonding flange component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 5B depicts a perspective view from above of a bonding flange component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-4 and 5A.

FIG. 5C depicts an orthogonal view from below of a bonding flange component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-4 and 5A-B.

FIG. 5D depicts an orthogonal view from above of a bonding flange component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-4 and 5A-C.

FIG. 5E depicts an orthogonal view from the side of a bonding flange component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-4 and 5A-D.

FIG. 6A depicts a perspective view from below of a grate leveler component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 6B depicts a perspective view from above of a grate leveler component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-5 and 6A.

FIG. 6C depicts an orthogonal view from below of a grate leveler component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-5 and 6A-B.

FIG. 6D depicts an orthogonal view from above of a grate leveler component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-5 and 6A-C.

FIG. 6E depicts an orthogonal view from the side of a grate leveler component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-5 and 6A-D.

FIG. 7A depicts a perspective view from below of a grate-height adjustor component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-6.

FIG. 7B depicts a perspective view from above of a grate-height adjustor component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-6 and 7A.

FIG. 7C depicts an orthogonal view from below of a grate-height adjustor component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-6 and 7A-B.

FIG. 7D depicts an orthogonal view from above of a grate-height adjustor component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-6 and 7A-C.

FIG. 7E depicts an orthogonal view from the side of a grate-height adjustor component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-6 and 7A-D.

FIG. 8A depicts a perspective view from below of a grate holder component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-7.

FIG. 8B depicts a perspective view from above of a grate holder component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-7 and 8A.

FIG. 8C depicts an orthogonal view from below of a grate holder component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-7 and 8A-B.

FIG. 8D depicts an orthogonal view from above of a grate holder component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-7 and 8A-C.

FIG. 8E depicts an orthogonal view from the side of a grate holder component of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-7 and 8A-D.

FIG. 9A depicts a perspective view from below of a grate-height adjustment tool of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-8.

FIG. 9B depicts a perspective view from above of a grate-height adjustment tool of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-8 and 9A.

FIG. 9C depicts an orthogonal view from below of a grate-height adjustment tool of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-8 and 9A-B.

FIG. 9D depicts an orthogonal view from above of a grate-height adjustment tool of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-8 and 9A-C.

FIG. 9E depicts an orthogonal view from the side of a grate-height adjustment tool of the drain assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-8 and 9A-D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description illustrates the technology by way of example, not by way of limitation of the principles of the invention. This description will enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. One skilled in the art will recognize alternative variations and arrangements, and the present technology is not limited to those embodiments described hereafter.

Referring first to FIGS. 1A-C, preferable embodiments of the drain assembly 10 of the present invention are depicted, including bonding flange component 100, grate leveler component 80, grate-height adjustor component 60, and grate holder component 40, particularly visible in the exploded view of the drain assembly 10 depicted in FIG. 1A. Also shown are the grate-height adjustment tool 20 and the optional drain adaptor component 120, which is preferably used to connect the drain assembly 10 components to legacy drainage systems when retrofitting a bathtub/shower with the drain assembly 10 of the present invention.

When installing the drain assembly 10 of the present invention, the bonding flange component 100, which preferably includes adhesive and/or textured material 118 on top and/or bottom surfaces to facilitate the connection of the bonding flange component 100 with the drainage pipe or drain adaptor component 120, when retrofitting the drain assembly 10, and with the remaining components of the drain assembly 10 and to prevent rotational movement therebetween.

Within the one or more centripetal shelves 104 provided in the bonding flange component 100 is inserted the grate leveler component 80, as depicted in FIG. 1A-C. The grate leveler component's 80 central bore portion 82 has a maximum diameter that fits within one of the bonding flange component's 100 one or more centripetal shelves 104, and the grate leveler component's 80 centripetal flange portion 84 has a maximum diameter that preferably fits within another of the bonding flange component's 100 one or more centripetal shelves 104, with each resting upon, and preferably adhering to, the associated centripetal resting surfaces 106 of the bonding flange component's 100 one or more centripetal shelves 104.

Within the central bore portion 82 of the grate leveler component 80 is inserted the grate-height adjustor component 60, as depicted in the preferable embodiments represented in FIG. 1A. As depicted, the grate-height adjustor component 60 is preferably provided with an upper shoulder 64 extending centripetally outwardly from its upper end 62 and is formed to fit within the centripetal shelf 88 at the upper end of the inner surface 86 of the grate leveler component's 80 central bore 82, providing a smoot resting surface upon which the upper shoulder 64 of the grate-height adjustor component 60 can rest.

While the respective centripetal shoulder 64 and centripetal shelf 88 maintain the vertical location of each component relative to the other, the grate-height adjustor component 60 preferably includes a smooth outer surface 66, including that of its centripetal shoulder 64, to permit its free rotation relative to the grate leveler component 80. Meanwhile, the inner surface 68 of the grate-height adjustor component's 60 central bore 70 is preferably threaded and connects with the threaded outer surface 44 of the grate holder component's 40 central bore 42, as depicted in FIGS. 1, 7 and 8.

The threaded connection between the grate-height adjustor component 60 and the grate holder component 40 facilitates the vertical adjustment between the two, providing the ability to raise/lower the grate holder component 40. Because the grate-height adjustor component 60 can freely rotate relative to the grate leveler component 80 but maintain constant elevation, the grate holder component 40 can be raised/lowered without its rotation relative to the flooring materials, facilitating the adjustment of the grate holder component 40 to match the height of the flooring materials and accomplishing certain objectives of the present invention.

As shown, the grate-height adjustment tool 20 includes one or more notches 24 in its lower edge 22, which align with and can be connected to the one or more tabs 76 extending inwardly from the threaded inner surface 68 of the grate-height adjustor component 60. This permits a user to adjust the drain assembly 10, and specifically the height of the grate holder component 40 relative to the surrounding flooring materials, without uninstalling or disassembling the drain assembly 10 or surrounding flooring, accomplishing certain objectives of the present invention.

As depicted in FIGS. 1A-C, the grate-height adjustment tool 20 preferably includes a gripping handle portion 28 on its upper end 26 and is sized and oriented to fit within, and therefore be inserted into and removed from, the central bore 42 of the grate holder component 40. Accordingly, the grate-height adjustment tool 20 is inserted into the grate holder component's 40 central bore 42, connected to the grate-height adjustor component's 60 one or more tabs 76, and rotated in either direction to raise or lower the grate holder component 40 relative to the other components of the drain assembly 10 such that the grate holder component's 40 floor-level flange 46 is set to match the height of the surrounding flooring materials.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the drain assembly 10 of the present invention is depicted as it appears when fully installed. As shown, the various centripetal flanges of the various components of the drain assembly 10 all preferably collapse together, making the overall profile of those components relatively flat, as will be understood to those of skill in the art. As depicted, the cross-sectional shape of the drain assembly 10 components is preferably consistent and preferably circular, with the possible exception of the grate holder component's 40 floor-level flange 46, which is preferably shaped to match the associated flooring material, such as tiling, and can accordingly be square, rectangular, octagonal, hexagonal, circular, or most any other shape, as will be understood to those of skill in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the optional drain adaptor component 120 is depicted from various viewpoints. The drain adaptor component 120 preferably includes a substantially flat disk portion 122 and a central bore 130 portion extending vertically down from the lower surface 124 of the disk portion 122. The disk portion 122 has a diameter large enough to encompass any legacy drainage system components to facilitate the use of the drain assembly 10 of the present invention in connection with, and retrofitted to, previously installed drainage systems.

The drain adaptor component 120 central bore portion 130 preferably tapers as it extends downwardly, helping to connect it with the legacy drainage system and to ensure water drained through the drain assembly 10 of the present invention reaches the drainage pipe of the legacy drainage system even with the legacy components still in place. The top surface 132 of the central bore portion 130 may extend above the top surface 126 of the disk portion 122 in some preferable embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 3. The drain adaptor component 120 is also preferably provided with a centripetal trench 128 in its central bore portion, which is sized and oriented to receive the lower extremity of the bonding flange component's 100 central bore portion 102.

Referring next to FIG. 4, a preferable embodiment of a bonding flange component 100 of the drain assembly 10 of the present invention is depicted in various views. The bonding flange component 100 preferably includes a substantially flat, centripetal flange portion 110 and a central bore portion 102. The central bore portion 102 has one or more centripetal contact surfaces 106 associated with one or more centripetal shelves 104 at depths below that of the centripetal flange portion 110, in preferable embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 4. The one or more centripetal shelves 104 are sized and arranged to receive other components of the drain assembly, primarily including the grate leveler component 80 depicted in detail in FIG. 6.

The centripetal flange portion 110 of the bonding flange component 100 preferably extends to a significant centripetal radius, helping to ensure a strong connection to both the bathtub/shower flooring, shower pan, etc. as well as the drainage pipe associated with the bathtub/shower. The bonding flange component 100 may be connected directly to the drainage pipe, when the drain assembly 10 of the present invention is installed at the time of construction or remodeling or may be connected to the drain adaptor component 120, when the drain assembly 10 is retrofitted to the legacy drainage system already present in the case of a remodel or refitting of a bathroom.

As depicted in FIG. 4, and particularly in FIGS. 4B and 4D, a substantial portion of the upper surface 112 of the bonding flange component's 100 centripetal flange portion 110 is provided with an adhesive or otherwise abrasive material/surface 118. This adhesive/abrasive surface 118 helps to ensure connection with the surrounding flooring material, such as shower pan or the like, and prevent water from entering the drain assembly 10 and leaking out horizontally into the flooring instead of flowing into the drainage pipe. In some preferably embodiments, a similar adhesive/abrasive surface 118 is provided on the lower surface 108 of the bonding flange component 100, at least at certain positions, helping to facilitate the bonding flange component's 100 connection with the drainage pipe or the drain adaptor component 120, where used.

Some preferable embodiments of the bonding flange component's 100 centripetal flange portion 110 employ a series of apertures 114, preferably adjacent to an outer edge 116 of the centripetal flange portion 110. The one or more apertures 114 are preferably uniform in shape and size and may be circular or other shapes but are preferably oblong, as depicted in FIG. 4. The one or more apertures 114 assist in connecting the bonding flange component 100 with the surrounding flooring materials and provide additional gripping to prevent slippage related thereto, where applicable. Some preferable embodiments of the bonding flange component 100 do not employ such apertures 114, such as those preferable embodiments depicted in FIG. 5.

Referring next to FIG. 6, a grate leveler component 80 of the drain assembly 10 according to preferable embodiments of the present invention is depicted in various views. The grate leveler component 80 preferably includes a central bore portion 82 and a centripetal flange portion 84, each sized and oriented to fit within the one or more of the bonding flange component's 100 centripetal shelves 104 and rest upon the one or more associated centripetal resting surfaces 106. The grate leveler component's 80 centripetal flange portion 84 is preferably provided with a series of concentric cutouts 90, as depicted in FIG. 6, which provide stability of the grate leveler component 80 relative to the bonding flange component 100.

As depicted, the inner surface 86 of the grate leveler component's 80 central bore 82 is preferably smooth to facilitate free rotational movement of the grate-height adjustor component 60 when the drain assembly 10 is fully installed. The grate leveler component's 80 central bore 82 also preferably includes a centripetal shelf 88 at its upper end, which is sized and oriented to receive and provide free rotational movement relative to the grate-height adjustor component's 60 centripetal shoulder 64.

When fully installed, the grate-height adjustor component 60, depicted in FIG. 7 in various views, rests rotationally free within the central bore portion 82 of the grate leveler component 80. Preferable embodiments of the grate-height adjustor component's 60 central bore 70 include a lower edge 72 provided with a series of peaks and valleys forming a series of teeth 74 extending down from the lower edge 72. These teeth 74 help the grate-height adjustor component 60 to remain at a consistent height once the user has adjusted the drain assembly 10 to ensure the grate holder component 40 is even with the height of the surrounding tiling or other bathtub/shower flooring.

As noted, the grate-height adjustor component 60 preferably includes an upper shoulder 64 that extends centripetally outwardly from its upper end 62 and rests within the centripetal shelf 88 of the grate leveler component's 80 central bore 82 when the drain assembly 10 is assembled and installed. As likewise depicted in FIG. 7, the grate-height adjustor component's 60 inner surface 68 is preferably threaded to provide for a threaded attachment to the threaded outer surface 44 of the central bore portion 42 of the grate holder component 40, depicted in significant detail in FIG. 8. The threaded and counter-threaded components allow the vertical translation of one component relative to the other, and the grate-height adjustor component's 60 smooth outer surface 66 facilitates its free rotation within the grate leveler component 80.

As depicted in FIG. 7, the grate-height adjustor component 60 is also preferably provided with one or more tabs 76 extending inwardly from its threaded inner surface 68. As those of skill in the art will recognize, the vertical location of the tabs 76 is variable so long as they remain accessible within the drain assembly 10 using the grate-height adjustment tool 20, depicted in detail in FIG. 9, or in other manner, and so long as the tabs' 76 vertical location does not interfere with the vertical translation provided by the counter-threaded surfaces of the grate-height adjustor component 60 and the grate holder component 40. In the preferable embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, the tabs 76 are located adjacent to the grate-height adjustor component's 60 lower edge 72.

The one or more tabs 76 each must extend far enough toward the center of the grate-height adjustor component 60 to allow access to them even when the grate holder component 40 is threadedly connected to the grate-height adjustor component 60. Accordingly, the grate-height adjustment tool 20 (or the user's fingers or other tools) can be inserted into the central bore portion 42 of the grate holder component 40 reaching the one or more tabs 76 of the grate-height adjustor component 60, the grate-height adjustor component 60 can be rotated thereby relative to the grate leveler component 80 and the grate holder component 40, causing the grate holder component 40 to raise or lower, without rotating relative to the surrounding flooring, to match the height/thickness of the same. The teeth 74 at the lower edge 72 of the grate-height adjustor component 60 ensure the rotation is somewhat rigid to avoid unintended rotation after the drain assembly 10 is fully installed and the grate holder component 40 has been adjusted to match the height of the surrounding flooring.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the grate holder component 40 according to preferable embodiments of the drain assembly 10 of the present invention is depicted in various views. As seen, the grate holder component 40 preferably includes a central bore 42 and a floor-level flange 46 extending centripetally therearound. The floor-level flange 46 is preferably shaped to match the surrounding flooring or provide for a pleasing aesthetic in light thereof, and can accordingly take on various cross-sectional shapes, including square, rectangular, octagonal, hexagonal, circular, or the like. While the preferable embodiment depicted in FIG. 8 has a square cross-sectional shape, the present invention is not limited thereto, as will be understood to those of skill in the art.

As shown, the outer surface 44 of the central bore 42 of the grate holder component 40, which extends below the lower surface 48 of its floor-level flange 46, is counter-threaded to connect with the threaded inner surface 68 of the grate-height adjustor component 60. When these components are rotated relative to one another, the threaded portions allow the grate holder component 40 to raise and lower without rotating relative to the surrounding flooring.

As depicted in FIG. 8, and particularly visible in FIG. 8B, the centripetal edge 50 of the grate holder component's 40 floor-level flange 46 is preferably tapered, which helps facilitate bonding the floor-level flange 46 with the surrounding flooring materials using grout or other known bonding materials and techniques. Also preferably included on the centripetal edge 50 of the floor-level flange is a groove 52 extending along at least a portion or portions of the centripetal edge 50; in the preferable embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, the groove 52 extends along the entire centripetal edge 50. The groove 52 facilitates connection of the grate holder component 40 with the surrounding flooring material, particularly in the case of the use of tiling as bathtub/shower flooring, as portions of the tiling edges can be introduced into the groove 52, at least in part, to hold the various pieces in place.

The preferable embodiment of the grate holder component 40 depicted in FIG. 8 also includes a lip 58 extending upwardly from the top surface 54 of the centripetal edge 50 of the floor-level flange 46, creating a holding space for the drain grate. As depicted, the lip 58 is preferably tapered in connection with the tapered centripetal edge 50 of the grate holder component's 40 floor-level flange 46, forming a consistent surface for application of bonding materials.

Referring next to FIG. 9, preferable embodiments of the drain assembly 10 of the present invention include a grate-height adjustment tool 20, which can be used to adjust the grate holder component's 40 height to match the surrounding flooring materials after both the drain assembly 10 and flooring are fully installed. The grate-height adjustment tool 20 accordingly has a maximum diameter at least slightly smaller than the minimum diameter of the central bore 42 of the grate holder component 40. Thereby, the grate-height adjustment tool 20 can be inserted within the grate holder component's 40 central bore 42 to reach the grate-height adjustor component 60.

The grate-height adjustment tool 20 is preferably provided with one or more notches 24 in its lower edge 22, which are located to match the locations of the one or more tabs 76 extending inwardly from the inner surface 68 of the grate-height adjustor component 60. Thereby, when the grate-height adjustment tool 20 is inserted within the grate holder component's 40 central bore 42, it can removably connect to the grate-height adjustor component 60 and rotate the grate-height adjustor component 60 relative to the other components of the drain assembly 10, including the grate holder component 40, and adjust the height of the grate holder component 40 to match the height/thickness of the surrounding flooring materials. As depicted in FIG. 9, preferable embodiments of the grate-height adjustment tool 20 include a handle portion 28 at or near its upper end 26 to assist the user in gripping and turning the grate-height adjustment tool 20 during use.

The grate-height adjustment tool's 20 handle portion 28 preferably includes tapered edges 30 to facilitate a comfortable grip for the user. Some preferable embodiments of the grate-height adjustment tool's 20 handle portion 28 include other features to provide for additional comfort and confidence in keeping a firm grip on the grate-height adjustment tool 20, which may often be used in wet, dirty, and other non-ideal conditions. Such features may include ridges to avoid slippage, a cutout area to comfortably fit fingers/thumb, and the like, as will be recognized by those of skill in the art, rendering the grate-height adjustment tool 20 more convenience and effective for its intended purposes.

As those of skill in the art will appreciate, the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments and arrangements of parts, features, and the like, and it is not limited to these embodiments or arrangements. Indeed, modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art, all of which are inferentially and inherently included in these teachings.