Lavatory stopper

Abstract

A drain stopping apparatus for the cylindrical drain of a lavatory or sink basin having a faucet provided thereover, the stopping apparatus comprising: a round plastic plug, adapted to seat in the drain, with a vinyl sealing ring around the perimeter and weighted lower portion; and, a chain fastened at its proximate end to the center of the plug to allow the plug to be extracted from the basin without placing one's hand below the waterline in the basin, the chain being secured its other or distal end to the faucet.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/213,421, filed Jun. 22, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] I. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to lavatory or sink drain stoppers and, more particularly, to a secured drain stopper device.

[0004] II. Motivation for the Invention

[0005] While modern technology has given us many advances and improvements in our lives, there are those advances which sometimes are a setback to what was previously used. An example of this is the common lavatory or sink drain. Years ago, the common way of holding water in a bowl with a drain was the rubber stopper. Advances in plumbing technology, metal and plastics led to the development and common use of the integral drain mechanism which used a lever to seal the drain from above the waterline. While this has generally worked, there are those instances where the integral drain commonly leaks water into the drain or leaks water on the floor through the lever attachment seal. Often replacement parts are no longer available for older drain mechanisms and the entire lavatory or sink must be replaced. Also, there are those users who may be looking for a retro lifestyle look and are unable to find it amongst current plumbing fixture offerings.

[0006] Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which the drain stopper mechanism of lavatories, sinks, tubs and the like can be replaced and/or repaired in a simple, straightforward manner.

[0007] Several patents disclose a pop-up lavatory plug or drain stopper:

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,143, issued to Lordahl, et al.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,363,518, issued to Mowery.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 3,646,619, issued to Rokitenetz; and,

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 3,366,980, issued to Petursson, et al.

[0012] Several patents disclose a drain assembly for a lavatory basin:

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,832,545, issued to Pan.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,218,785, issued to Crawford, et al; and,

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 2,915,762, issued to Kivela.

[0016] Several patents disclose a magnetically-actuated lavatory drain plug:

[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,724, issued to Holmes; and,

[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,363,519, issued to Husting.

[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 4,841,581, issued to Russell discloses a drain plug assembly for a dishwasher, and the like.

[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 4,381,569, issued to Ingram discloses an adjustable drain plug, especially to replace a broken or lost drain plug.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0021] For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts are given like reference numerals and, wherein:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a lavatory stopper according to the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the lavatory stopper of FIG. 1 being inserted in the drain of a lavatory basin; and,

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the lavatory stopper of FIG. 1 fully inserted in the drain of a lavatory basin partially filled with water to waterline WL.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a stopper-type apparatus 10 for use in the cylindrical drains of lavatories, kitchen sinks, utility tubs and the like is provided. The unit 10 consists of a round plastic plug or drain stopper 12, adapted to seat in a cylindrical drain, with a vinyl sealing ring 14 around its perimeter and a weighted lower or bottom portion 13. It is intended for use primarily in the drains of bathroom lavatories, but can be made in varying sizes for use in the drains of kitchen sinks, utility tubs, and other similar sinks. A chain 20 is fastened at its proximate end 21 to a chain securement means or bracket 16 mounted to the center 18 of the upper surface 11 of plastic plug 12 to allow plug 12 to be extracted from the drain 42 of a lavatory or sink basin 40 without placing one's hand in the water in basin 40 defined by waterline WL. This chain 20 would be secured to the faucet 30 over basin 40 at its other or distal or faucet securing end 23 by an integral ring 22.

[0026] ARROWS A of FIG. 2 depict the operational stages of insertion and sealing in drain 42; and, FIG. 3 illustrates a sealed drain 42 and basin 40 partially filled with water to waterline WL.

[0027] This invention 10 is intended to be used in a manner similar to a rubber stopper, but would allow for better sealing. It is envisioned that the present invention 10 would be supplied as new equipment on new sinks with integral drain mechanisms, or could be supplied through the do-it-yourself market as a replacement product for those sinks that have integral drain mechanism that do not seal or otherwise work properly. The use of the present invention allows for a continued use of older sinks with inoperable drain stopper mechanisms as well as providing an interesting means for holding water on newer sinks as well.

[0028] Because many varying and differing embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept herein taught and because many modifications may be made in the embodiment herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirement of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A drain stopping apparatus for the cylindrical drain of a lavatory or sink basin having a faucet provided thereover, said stopping apparatus comprising:

(a) a round plug, adapted to seat in said drain, with a sealing ring around the perimeter; and,

(b) a chain fastened at its proximate end to said plug to allow said plug to be extracted from said basin without placing one's hand below the waterline in said basin, said chain being secured its other or distal end to said faucet.

2. The apparatus of

claim 1, wherein said plug has a sealing ring around the perimeter and weighted lower portion.

3. The apparatus of

claim 1, wherein said chain is fastened at its proximate end to the center of said plug.

4. The apparatus of

claim 1, wherein said plug is plastic.

5. The apparatus of

claim 1, wherein said sealing ring is vinyl.

6. A drain stopping apparatus for the cylindrical drain of a lavatory or sink basin having a faucet provided thereover, said stopping apparatus comprising:

(a) a round plug, adapted to seat in said drain, with a sealing ring around the perimeter and weighted lower portion; and,

(b) a chain fastened at its proximate end to the center of said plug to allow said plug to be extracted from said basin without placing one's hand below the waterline in said basin, said chain being secured its other or distal end to said faucet.

7. The apparatus of

claim 6, wherein said plug is plastic.

8. The apparatus of

claim 6, wherein said sealing ring is vinyl.

9. A drain stopping apparatus for the cylindrical drain of a lavatory or sink basin having a faucet provided thereover, said stopping apparatus comprising:

(a) a round plastic plug, adapted to seat in said drain, with a vinyl sealing ring around the perimeter and weighted lower portion; and,

(b) a chain fastened at its proximate end to the center of said plug to allow said plug to be extracted from said basin without placing one's hand below the waterline in said basin, said chain being secured its other or distal end to said faucet.