Biodegradable Shower Weep Hole Gasket

• US 20100229297A1
• Filed: 03/10/2009
• Published: 09/16/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/10/2009
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Leonard Eriksson
• Original Assignee: Leonard Eriksson
• Inventors: Eriksson, Leonard
• Application Number:
  US12/401,544
• Publication Number:
  US 20100229297A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 4/679
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 1/264 Separate sieves or similar object-catching inserts

Abstract

A ring-shaped biodegradable shower drain weep holes gasket is disclosed that slips over the top of the shower drain. The gasket fits tightly over the top of the drain to solve the problem of material clogging the shower drain weep holes and additionally preventing any deck mud or debris from entering and clogging the weep holes during installation. Approximately ⅞^ths high by 5/2^ths inch wide at a diameter of 31/5^ths, the biodegradable shower gasket then surrounds the shower drains top flange and weep holes. Over a short period of time, the moisture in the cement along with any moisture that seeps through the tile or grout will dissolve the biodegradable gasket creating a permanent opening for water to drain out through the weep holes.

Claims

1. A method of preventing material from clogging drain gasket weep holes, comprising covering the holes with a dissolving porous gasket during floor installation, wherein the gasket decomposes by action of moisture seeping through the adjacent floor covering once the drain is in use.

2. A gasket for preventing material from clogging drain gasket weep holes, comprising a dissolving porous gasket that covers the shower drain weep holes with nipples during floor installation, and wherein the gasket decomposes by action of moisture seeping through the adjacent floor covering once the drain is in use.

3. The gasket of claim 2, wherein the gasket is ring-shaped.

4. The gasket of claim 3, wherein the material volume is that of a concaved curved bounded by substantially perpendicular sides and encircling the shower drain.

5. The gasket of claim 2, wherein the approximate dimensions of the gasket are ⅞

^ths high by 5/2^ths inch wide at a diameter of 31/5^ths.

6. The gasket of claim 2, wherein notches are disposed on the bottom surface of the gasket to accommodate fixed drain bolts.

7. The gasket of claim 2, wherein a biodegradable material is utilized.

8. The gasket of claim 7, wherein the materials comprising the gasket may be chosen from any biodegradable dissolvable material.

9. The gasket of claim 2, wherein the gasket is resilient to moisture introduced as material is floated during floor installation, but eventually disintegrates due to the introduction of moisture coming through the adjacent floor covering once the drain is in use.

10. The gasket of claim 2, wherein the disintegrated components of the gasket pass through drain weep holes.

11. The gasket of claim 2, wherein the drain wall and flange surface maintain substantial uniform contact with the gasket.