Flexible flange apparatus for connecting conduits and methods for connecting same

A flange apparatus for connecting between a plumbing fixture discharge and waste drainpipe outlet, comprising:

• an outer flange for seating against a surface disposed substantially between the plumbing fixture discharge and the waste drainpipe outlet;
• and
• a sleeve connected to the outer flange, the sleeve including:
• a first end having a first longitudinal axis;
• a second end having a second longitudinal axis, the sleeve being unitarily formed of a flexible material such that the second end of the sleeve can be distorted relative to the first end of the sleeve, whereby the sleeve is capable of at least 10 degrees of deflection measured by the angular displacement of the second longitudinal axis relative to the first longitudinal axis;
• an inward lip extending from an outer, top surface of the first end, the lip being sufficiently flexible to deflect downward when engaged by the plumbing fixture discharge;
• an outward flange extending from the outer, top surface of the first end, the outward flange of the sleeve being seated on the outer flange;
• and
• one or more sealing elements disposed about a lower portion of the second end of the sleeve opposite the first end, wherein the sealing element comprises a maximum outside diameter of the lower portion and is sized to directly engage an inside diameter of the waste drainpipe outlet.

An apparatus for connecting between a plumbing fixture discharge and waste drainpipe outlet, comprising:

• a sleeve unitarily formed of a flexible material, the sleeve having upper and lower portions, the upper portion comprising:
• an inward lip extending from an outer, top surface of the upper portion, the lip being sufficiently flexible to deflect downward when engaged by the plumbing fixture discharge;
• and
• an outward flange extending from the outer, top surface of the upper portion, the flange being operable to be seated on a surface disposed between the plumbing fixture discharge and waste drainpipe outlet;
• and
• wherein the sleeve further comprises one or more sealing elements disposed about the lower portion of the sleeve, wherein the sealing element comprises a maximum outside diameter of the lower portion and is sized to directly engage an inside diameter of the waste drainpipe outlet.