Connector for bathtub tailpipe to drain pipe

Abstract

A seal for a connector is provided for connecting a bathtub tailpipe to a drain pipe. The connector has an inlet end to receive the tailpipe and an outlet end that is mountable to the drain pipe, and has a passage extending therebetween. A seal extends about the passage for slidably engaging the tailpipe in a fluid sealing manner.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe wherein the seal forms part of a connector having a first part and a second part for connecting the bathtub tailpipe to a drain pipe, the seal comprising:
 an annular elastomeric body having a first end opposite a flanged end with a passage extending therebetween wherein: 
 the interior of the annular body has at least two radially inwardly projecting ribs for sealingly engaging the tailpipe in an adjustable manner; 
 the first end and the annular body are insertable into one of the two parts of the connector; and 
 the flanged end is configured to interface with both the first part and second part of the connector. 
 
     
     
       2. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of  claim 1  wherein the at least two radially inwardly projecting ribs extend radially inwardly by different distances. 
     
     
       3. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of  claim 1  wherein:
 the at least two radially inwardly projecting ribs comprising an upper radially inwardly extending rib and a lower radially inwardly extending rib, said upper rib defining a larger opening in the annular body than the lower rib. 
 
     
     
       4. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of  claim 1  wherein:
 the at least two radially inwardly projecting ribs comprising at least three radially inwardly extending ribs that progressively extend an increasing distance into the interior of the annular body. 
 
     
     
       5. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of  claim 1  wherein:
 the flanged end is interfaced by being configured to be sandwiched between a portion of the first part and a radially inwardly extending flange of the second part. 
 
     
     
       6. A seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe, the seal comprising:
 an elastomeric annular body having an interior passage extending from a top end to a bottom end; 
 the bottom end having a radially outwardly extending flange configured to be sandwiched between two parts of a connector for connecting the bathtub tailpipe to a drain pipe; and 
 the interior of the annular body has at least two radially inwardly projecting rib for sealingly engaging the tailpipe in an adjustable manner. 
 
     
     
       7. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of  claim 6  wherein the at least two radially inwardly projecting ribs extend radially inwardly by different distances. 
     
     
       8. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of  claim 6  further comprising an upper radially inwardly extending rib and a lower radially inwardly extending rib, said upper rib defining a larger opening in the annular body than the lower rib. 
     
     
       9. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of  claim 6  further comprising at least three radially inwardly extending ribs that progressively extend an increasing distance into the interior of the annular body. 
     
     
       10. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of  claim 6  wherein:
 the radially outwardly extending flange is sandwiched between a portion of the first part of the connector and a radially inwardly extending flange of the second part of the connector. 
 
     
     
       11. A seal for a connector for connecting a bathtub tailpipe to a drain pipe, the connector including a tailpipe having an upper end configured to be connected to a bottom portion of the bathtub and a lower end of the tailpipe being configured to be placed through at least a portion of a connector, with the seal serving to seal fluid flow from the tailpipe to the drain pipe the tailpipe; the seal comprising:
 an elastomeric annular body having an interior passage extending from a top end to a bottom end; 
 the bottom end having a radially outwardly extending flange configured to be sandwiched between two parts of the connector; and 
 the interior of the annular body has at least two radially inwardly projecting rib configured to sealingly engage the tailpipe in an adjustable manner. 
 
     
     
       12. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of  claim 11  wherein the at least two radially inwardly projecting ribs extend radially inwardly by different distances. 
     
     
       13. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of  claim 11  wherein the at least two radially inwardly projecting ribs comprising an upper radially inwardly extending rib and a lower radially inwardly extending rib, said upper rib defining a larger opening in the annular body than the lower rib. 
     
     
       14. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of  claim 11  wherein:
 the at least two radially inwardly projecting ribs comprising at least three radially inwardly extending ribs that progressively extend an increasing distance into the interior of the annular body. 
 
     
     
       15. The seal for sealing against a bathtub tailpipe of  claim 11  wherein:
 the flange is configured to be sandwiched between a portion of the first part of the connector and a radially inwardly extending flange of the second part of the connector.