Sink disposal tool

Abstract

In accordance with at least one embodiment, a sink disposal tool is provided for use with a sink having a drain opening and a disposal, wherein the sink disposal tool comprises: an upper portion comprising an outer lower peripheral portion fluted around an outside diameter to facilitate drainage from the sink into the disposal; a push portion extending from the upper portion and configured to push food through the drain opening and into the disposal; and a lower portion extending from the push portion. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the outside diameter of the outer lower peripheral portion of the upper portion increases with decreasing distance from the push portion until the outside diameter achieves a maximum diameter. At least one embodiment comprises a circular portion, the circular portion defining radially disposed channels.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/069,850, entitled “Sink Disposal Multipurpose Tool,” filed on Feb. 13, 2008, and issued on Jul. 5, 2011, as U.S. Pat. No. 7,971,309, which is specifically incorporated herein by reference for all that it discloses and teaches and which is continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/824,733, entitled “Sink Disposer Stuffer and Scraper Tool,” filed on Jul. 3, 2007, and issued on Jan. 27, 2009, as U.S. Pat. No. 7,480,954, which is specifically incorporated herein by reference for all that it discloses and teaches.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1). Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to the plumbing fixtures industry and more particularly to a kitchen tool for sink garbage disposal units.

(2). Description of the Related Art

In-sink garbage disposal units have been in existence for the better part of a century. However, many localities were quick to outlaw their use for fear of placing too much strain on the local sewer system. In recent years, many such prohibitions have been lifted and the popularity of garbage disposals has grown dramatically. Nevertheless, as the number of installed disposals continues to grow, a few obvious deficiencies in the general design and usage have become apparent.

Disposals are normally installed under the kitchen sink. The top opening in a disposal is called a “disposal well” and is fitted into the drain opening in the bottom of a sink. The remainder of the disposal unit resides in the cabinet or cupboard below the sink. This lower portion of the disposal includes the blades or other means for chopping or shredding waste food. After the waste food is reduced in size, the disposal pushes it out into an effluent disposal system (i.e., a sewer system).

Garbage disposals provide for a simple and clean method of ridding a house of kitchen waste food materials, including: produce trimmings such as the ends of carrots, after-dinner plate scraps, eggshells, etc. To utilize a garbage disposal, a cook simply places waste food materials into the sink, turns on the tap so that water is flowing into the disposal and pushes the waste food into the disposal well. The cook then turns the disposal unit on and continues to feed the waste food into the disposal well. When the disposal has sufficiently chopped or shredded the waste food, the cook then shuts the disposal off and turns off the flow of tap water. The processed waste food is flushed out of the disposal and into the drain system by the flow of water.

One common problem with disposals is that the opening in the disposal well is usually large enough to allow non-waste food items to enter the disposal. Items such as eating utensils, kitchen knives, etc. often fall into the disposal well and can cause both significant damage to the disposal and can be damaged by the disposal when the unit is turned on. Placing a rubber stopper or other device over the disposal well can reduce such accidents, but stopper devices also can impede the flow of water and waste food into the disposal well. Although some stopper devices attempt to address this problem by providing drainage holes or waste food openings, the design of such devices often allows non-waste food items to enter the disposal well.

Additionally, current sink disposal stoppers can be difficult to insert and remove from the disposal well and are most often completely useless for otherwise assisting a cook in his or her food-preparation and kitchen cleaning tasks. Therefore, there is a need for a sink disposal tool that allows waste food and water to enter a disposal well while denying entry to utensils and other similar items; that is easy to install and remove from a disposal well; and that can be utilized by a cook or other person to assist him or her with other kitchen tasks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a sink disposal multipurpose tool including a scraper and stuffer attachment blade.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a sink disposal multipurpose tool.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a sink disposal multipurpose tool including a scraper and stuffer attachment blade in an exemplary rest position on and above a sink drain collar.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a sink disposal multipurpose tool including an unattached scraper and stuffer attachment blade.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a brush attachment for a sink disposal multipurpose tool.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a peeler attachment for a sink disposal multipurpose tool.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a scrub pad attachment for a sink disposal multipurpose tool.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a sink disposer scraper and stuffer tool in accordance with at least one embodiment. The tool is shown in a storage position within a disposer well in a sink, carried on the split rubber entry portion of the disposer.

The following is a discussion and description of the preferred specific embodiments of this invention, such being made with reference to the drawings, wherein the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts and/or structure. It should be noted that such discussion and description is not meant to unduly limit the scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments described and claimed herein address the foregoing problems by providing a sink disposal multipurpose tool. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the tool has an upper portion having an outer diameter that allows it to be stored, and be carried, on and above the inside lip on the sink collar where the sink drain meets the disposal well on a garbage disposal unit. Alternatively, in accordance with at least one other embodiment, the tool is carried and stored on the split rubber entry portion of the disposal well. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the outer lower peripheral portion of the upper portion of the tool can be fluted or otherwise shaped so as to facilitate drainage and funnel smaller pieces of food from the sink into the disposal while the tool is in the storage position. Because, in at least one embodiment, the surrounding space between the large outer diameter of the tool and the disposal well is not appropriately sized or shaped to comfortably contain a cook's fingers, in accordance with such at least one embodiment, the tool includes a top knob so that it may be conveniently lifted from within the disposal well.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the central portion of the tool is shaped so as to fit within the well of a disposal. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the shape allows a cook to push waste food down into the disposal well without risking injury to his or her fingers. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the tool can be manufactured such that its surface is non-slip to enhance its usability and it can be made dishwasher safe. Furthermore, in accordance with at least one embodiment, the surface will not allow build up of bacteria or grease.

Additionally, in accordance with at least one embodiment, the tool can be configured with a number of attachments that fit onto the lower portion of the tool. For example, a blade-shaped device can be affixed to the tool to assist a cook in scraping waste food off of dishes and into the disposal well. Numerous other attachments are contemplated, including, but not limited to: a brush, a peeler, and a scrub pad, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, a sink disposal multipurpose tool is configured with a scraper and stuffer blade attachment so that a cook or other user of the tool can efficiently scrape food waste materials from dishes, pans, etc. into a sink. The tool can then be used to gather the food waste materials from the bottom of the sink and push them into a drain opening in the sink. As food waste material is pushed through the sink drain opening, it enters the disposal well. The tool helps the cook to push food waste materials through the split rubber entry portion of the disposal. The disposal is then activated and the food waste materials are shredded and flushed out of the disposal into the waste water handling system. The sink disposal multipurpose tool can then be returned to its rest position in and above the disposal well where it effectively stops utensils, etc. from entering the disposal unit.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a sink disposal multipurpose tool 100. This particular embodiment includes a scraper and stuffer attachment blade 150. The body of the tool as illustrated in FIG. 1 includes an upper portion 122 having a bottom portion sized to generally extend beyond the diameter of the drain opening in the bottom of a sink so that the tool 100 can be carried/ stored on and above the sink collar or drain opening in a sink. In other embodiments, other storage locations and means are contemplated.

The body of the tool 100 also has a push portion 124 extending centrally beneath the upper portion 122, configured to push food through the sink collar and into the disposal. The lower body of the tool 100 can be configured with a myriad of attachments. The attachment shown in FIG. 1 is a singular blade portion 150 extending across and beneath the push portion 124 for scraping food from dishes and sinks into the disposal. Other attachments are contemplated.

Additionally, FIG. 1 illustrates a top lift means 128 extending centrally above the upper portion 122 so that the tool 100 can be lifted up and out of a storage position in the sink drain. The top lift means 128 displayed in FIG. 1 utilizes a knob 130. Other means of lifting the tool 100 are contemplated in other embodiments.

The push portion 124 can be generally cylindrical in shape so that it loosely fills the sink drain and the disposal well. In other embodiments, various shapes and sizes are contemplated for the push portion 124 so that it loosely fits variously shaped and sized sink drains and disposal wells.

In one embodiment, the blade portion 150 is manufactured from a flexible rubber or plastic to better facilitate scraping of waste food from curved portions of dishes and sinks. In another embodiment, the blade portion 150 is made using some other material(s). It is also contemplated that the size and shape of the blade portion 150 may vary without departing from the scope of the invention.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the outer lower peripheral portion of the upper portion 122 is fluted 138 there-around to facilitate drainage and funnel smaller pieces of waste food material from the sink into the disposal. In other embodiments, other shapes may be utilized besides fluting to direct waste material into the disposal.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a sink disposal multipurpose tool 200. In the view shown in FIG. 2, the top lift means is a knob 230 extending centrally above the upper portion 222 so that the tool 200 can be lifted up and out of a storage position in the sink drain. Other means of lifting the tool 200 are contemplated in other embodiments.

In the top view illustrated in FIG. 2, the fluting 238 of the upper portion can be clearly seen. The fluting 238 is designed to facilitate drainage and funnel smaller pieces of waste food material from the sink into the disposal. In other embodiments, other shapes may be utilized besides fluting to direct waste material into the disposal.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a sink disposal multipurpose tool 300 including a scraper and stuffer attachment blade 350 in an exemplary rest position on and above a sink drain collar 317. This particular embodiment includes a scraper and stuffer attachment blade 350. The body of the tool as illustrated in FIG. 3 includes an upper portion 322 having a bottom portion sized to generally extend beyond the diameter of the drain opening in the bottom of a sink 316 so that the tool 300 can be carried/ stored on and above the sink collar 317 or drain opening in a sink 316. The body of the tool 300 also has a push portion 324 extending beneath the upper portion 322, configured to push waste food 310 through the sink collar 317 and into the disposal 312.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the lower body of the tool 300 can be configured with a myriad of attachments. The attachment shown in FIG. 3 is a singular blade portion 350 extending across and beneath the push portion 324 for scraping food 310 from dishes and sinks 316 into the disposal 312. Additionally, in accordance with at least one embodiment, FIG. 3 illustrates a top lift means 328 extending centrally above the upper portion 322 so that the tool 300 can be lifted up and out of a storage position in the disposal well 318. The top lift means 328 displayed in FIG. 3 utilizes a knob 330. Other means of lifting the tool 300 are contemplated in other embodiments.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the push portion 324 can be generally cylindrical in shape so that it loosely fills the sink drain and the disposal well 318. In other embodiments, various shapes and sizes are contemplated to loosely fit variously shaped and sized sink drains and disposal wells.

In one embodiment, the blade portion 350 is manufactured from a flexible rubber or plastic to facilitate better scraping of waste food from curved portions of dishes and sinks. In another embodiment, the blade portion 350 is made using some other material(s). It is also contemplated that the size and shape of the blade portion 350 may vary without departing from the scope of the invention.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the outer lower peripheral portion of the upper portion 322 is fluted 338 there-around to facilitate drainage and funnel smaller pieces of waste food material 310 from the sink 316 into the disposal 312. In other embodiments, other shapes may be utilized besides fluting to direct waste material into the disposal 312.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a detached sink disposal multipurpose tool 401 and an unattached scraper and stuffier attachment blade 450. In accordance with such an exemplary embodiment, the blade 450 can be pushed in the direction indicated by the up arrow 470 onto the tool 401 to snap the blade attachment means 460 onto the tool 401. The manner of attaching the blade 450 to the tool 401 can vary from that shown in FIG. 4 without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in an alternate embodiment, the blade 450 could screw onto the tool 401.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a brush attachment 553 for a sink disposal multipurpose tool. The brush 553 has a brush attachment means 560 that allows the brush 553 to attach to the tool. In other embodiments, the size and shape of the brush attachment means 560 varies from that shown in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the means 560 can vary functionally as well, e.g., the brush 553 could be attached to the tool by screwing it onto the base of the tool instead of by using the snap-on attachment means 560 illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a peeler attachment 657 for a sink disposal multipurpose tool. The peeler 657 has a peeler attachment means 660 that allows the peeler 657 to attach to the tool. In other embodiments, the size and shape of the peeler attachment means 660 varies from that shown in FIG. 6. Furthermore, the means 660 can vary functionally as well, e.g., the peeler 657 could be attached to the tool by screwing it onto the base of the tool instead of by using the snap-on attachment means 660 illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a scrub pad attachment 759 for a sink disposal multipurpose tool. The scrub pad 759 has a scrub pad attachment means 760 that allows the scrub pad 759 to attach to the tool. In other embodiments, the size and shape of the scrub pad attachment means 760 varies from that shown in FIG. 7. Furthermore, the means 760 can vary functionally as well, e.g., the scrub pad 759 could be attached to the tool by screwing it onto the base of the tool instead of by using the snap-on attachment means 760 illustrated in FIG. 7.

In other embodiments, the tool could be configured with other attachments, either detachable or permanently attached.

Referring to FIG. 1, in accordance with at least one embodiment, a sink disposal tool 100 is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool 100 comprises an upper portion 122 comprising an outer lower peripheral portion 123 fluted 138 around an outside diameter 160. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool 100 further comprises a push portion 124 extending from the upper portion 122, wherein the outside diameter 160 of the outer lower peripheral portion 123 of the upper portion 122 increases with decreasing distance 164 from the push portion 124 until the outside diameter 160 achieves a maximum diameter 162 then decreases with decreasing distance 164 from the push portion 124. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool 100 further comprises a lower portion extending from the push portion 124.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the outside diameter 160 of the outer lower peripheral portion 123 of the upper portion 122 of the sink disposal tool 100 increases linearly with decreasing distance 164 from the push portion 124 until the outside diameter 160 achieves the maximum diameter 162. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper portion 122 of the sink disposal tool 100 further comprises a circular portion 170, the circular portion 170 defining radially disposed channels 180. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a number of the radially disposed channels 180 is equal to a number of flutes 138 of the outer lower peripheral portion 123. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the circular portion 170 comprises an upper surface 190. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper surface 190 is a convex surface. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the radially disposed channels 180 are concavely defined in the upper surface 190. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper portion 122 of the sink disposal tool 100 comprises an upper surface 190. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper surface 190 defines radially disposed concave channels 180.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool 100 comprises an upper portion 122 comprising an outer lower peripheral portion 123 fluted 138 around an outside diameter 160 and a circular portion 170, the circular portion 170 defining radially disposed channels 180. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool 100 further comprises a push portion 124 extending from the upper portion 122. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool 100 further comprises a lower portion extending from the push portion 124. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a number of the radially disposed channels 180 is equal to a number of flutes 138 of the outer lower peripheral portion 123. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the circular portion 170 comprises an upper surface 190. In accordance with at least one embodiment, upper surface 190 is a convex surface. In accordance with at least one embodiment, radially disposed channels 180 are concavely defined in upper surface 190.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool 100 comprises a circular portion 170 comprising an upper surface 190 and a periphery 192, said circular portion 170 coupled to a top lift means 128. The sink disposal tool further comprises a fluted portion 138 disposed below the circular portion 170, the fluted portion 138 defining a plurality of flutes disposed below the periphery 192 of the circular portion 170, the fluted portion 138 extending from the circular portion 170 such that the fluted portion 138 increases in outside diameter 160 farther from the circular portion 170 to a maximum diameter 162, the fluted portion 138 then decreasing in outside diameter 160 from the maximum diameter 162 in a direction away from the circular portion 170. The sink disposal tool 100 further comprises a push portion 124 disposed below the fluted portion 138.

Referring to FIG. 2, in accordance with at least one embodiment, a sink disposal tool 200 is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool 200 comprises an upper portion 222 comprising an outer lower peripheral portion 223 fluted 238 around an outside diameter 260. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool 200 further comprises a push portion extending from the upper portion 222, wherein the outside diameter 260 of the outer lower peripheral portion 223 of the upper portion 222 increases with decreasing distance from the push portion until the outside diameter 260 achieves a maximum diameter 262 then decreases with decreasing distance from the push portion. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool 200 further comprises a lower portion extending from the push portion.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the outside diameter 260 of the outer lower peripheral portion 223 of the upper portion 222 of the sink disposal tool 200 increases linearly with decreasing distance from the push portion until the outside diameter achieves the maximum diameter 262. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper portion 222 of the sink disposal tool 200 further comprises a circular portion 270, the circular portion 270 defining radially disposed channels 280. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a number of the radially disposed channels 280 is equal to a number of flutes of the outer lower peripheral portion. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the circular portion 270 comprises an upper surface 290. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper surface 290 is a convex surface. In accordance with at least one embodiment, radially disposed channels 280 are concavely defined in upper surface 290. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper portion 222 of the sink disposal tool 200 comprises an upper surface 290.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool 200 comprises an upper portion 222 comprising an outer lower peripheral portion 223 fluted 238 around an outside diameter 260 and a circular portion 270, the circular portion 270 defining radially disposed channels 280. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool 200 further comprises a push portion extending from the upper portion 222. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool 200 further comprises a lower portion extending from the push portion. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a number of the radially disposed channels 280 is equal to a number of flutes of the outer lower peripheral portion 223. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the circular portion 270 comprises an upper surface 290. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper surface 290 is a convex surface. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the radially disposed channels 280 are concavely defined in upper surface 290.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool 200 comprises a circular portion 270 comprising an upper surface 290 and a periphery 292, said circular portion 270 coupled to a top lift means comprising a knob 230. The sink disposal tool further comprises a fluted portion 238 disposed below the circular portion 270, the fluted portion 238 defining a plurality of flutes disposed below the periphery 292 of the circular portion 270, the fluted portion 238 extending from the circular portion 270 such that the fluted portion 238 increases in outside diameter 260 farther from the circular portion 270 to a maximum diameter 262, the fluted portion 238 then decreasing in outside diameter 260 from the maximum diameter 262 in a direction away from the circular portion 270.

Referring to FIG. 3, in accordance with at least one embodiment, a sink disposal tool 300 is provided for use with a sink 316 having a drain opening 317 and a disposal 312. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool 300 comprises an upper portion 322 comprising an outer lower peripheral portion 323 fluted 338 around an outside diameter 360 to facilitate drainage from the sink 316 into the disposal 312. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool 300 further comprises a push portion 324 extending from the upper portion 322 and configured to push food 310 through the drain opening 317 and into the disposal 312, wherein the outside diameter 360 of the outer lower peripheral portion 323 of the upper portion 322 increases with decreasing distance 364 from the push portion 324 until the outside diameter 360 achieves a maximum diameter 362 then decreases with decreasing distance 364 from the push portion 324. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool 300 further comprises a lower portion extending from the push portion 324.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the outside diameter 360 of the outer lower peripheral portion 323 of the upper portion 322 of the sink disposal tool 300 increases linearly with decreasing distance 364 from the push portion 324 until the outside diameter 360 achieves the maximum diameter 362. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper portion 322 of the sink disposal tool 300 further comprises a circular portion 370, the circular portion 370 defining radially disposed channels 380. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a number of the radially disposed channels 380 is equal to a number of flutes 338 of the outer lower peripheral portion 323. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the circular portion 370 comprises an upper surface 390. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper surface 390 is a convex surface. In accordance with at least one embodiment, radially disposed channels 380 are concavely defined in the upper surface 390. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper portion 322 of the sink disposal tool 300 comprises an upper surface 390 defining radially disposed concave channels 380.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool 300 comprises an upper portion 322 comprising an outer lower peripheral portion 323 fluted 338 around an outside diameter 360 to facilitate drainage from the sink 316 into the disposal 312 and a circular portion 370, the circular portion 370 defining radially disposed channels 380. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool 300 further comprises a push portion 324 extending from the upper portion 322 and configured to push food 310 through the drain opening 317 and into the disposal 312. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool 300 further comprises a lower portion extending from the push portion 324. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a number of the radially disposed channels 380 is equal to a number of flutes 338 of the outer lower peripheral portion 323. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the circular portion 370 comprises an upper surface 390. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper surface 390 is a convex surface. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the radially disposed channels 380 are concavely defined in upper surface 390.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool 300 comprises a circular portion 370 comprising an upper surface 390 and a periphery 392, said circular portion 370 coupled to a top lift means 328. The sink disposal tool 300 further comprises a fluted portion 338 disposed below the circular portion 370, the fluted portion 338 defining a plurality of flutes disposed below the periphery 392 of the circular portion 370, the fluted portion 338 extending from the circular portion 370 such that the fluted portion 338 increases in outside diameter 360 farther from the circular portion 370 to a maximum diameter 362, the fluted portion 338 then decreasing in diameter 360 from the maximum diameter 362 in a direction away from the circular portion 370. The sink disposal tool 300 further comprises a push portion 324 disposed below the fluted portion 338.

The inventor herein enjoys cooking and food preparation. She appreciates the best culinary tools. At least one embodiment of the tool disclosed herein was developed and manufactured to more efficiently and effectively scrape left-over food from dishes. After the left-over food is scraped from the dishes into the sink, the left-over food may be then be pushed and scraped through the disposer well in the sink into the disposer. One problem with disposers generally is that silverware and small utensils invariably occasionally slip into the garbage disposal unnoticed. These are then mangled when the disposer is turned on. At least one embodiment of the tool has an upper portion having a maximally sized outer diameter which allows it to be stored, and be carried, on and above the split rubber entry portion of the disposer. In accordance with at least one embodiment, an outer lower peripheral portion of the upper portion of the tool is also symmetrically fluted therearound to facilitate drainage and funnel smaller pieces of food from the sink into the disposer while the tool is in the storage position. Because, in accordance with at least one embodiment, the surrounding space between the large outer diameter of the tool and the disposer well is insufficient to contain one's fingers, the tool includes a top knob so that it may be conveniently lifted from within the disposer well in the sink.

At least one embodiment relates to the use of sink mounted garbage disposers. At least one embodiment relates to a tool with which left-over food on dishes can be first scraped into the sink, and then with which the food in the sink can be stuffed into and through the well on the disposer. At least one embodiment of the tool is configured so that it can be carried and stored seated, on the flexible split rubber entry portion on a bottom portion of the disposer well in the sink. When seated in the storage position water and small food scrapings may drain through and around it.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, a very convenient and effective sink disposer, scraper and stuffer tool is disclosed. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a tool which because of its maximally sized outer diameter, and fluting, may be stored and carried on the split rubber entry portion of the disposer is disclosed. At least one embodiment prevents silverware and small utensils from inconspicuously slipping into, and becoming mangled in the garbage disposal. In accordance with at least one embodiment, storing the tool in the garbage disposal prevents this from happening. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a sink disposer scraper and stuffer tool which may be conveniently lifted from a storage position within the disposer well in the sink, by a top knob which may be conveniently grasped, is provided.

One aspect of at least one embodiment provides for a scraper and stuffer tool for a sink disposer having a split rubber entry portion in a bottom portion of a sink well comprising: a) an upper portion having a bottom portion sized to generally extend around a peripheral portion of the split rubber entry portion so that the tool can be carried/stored on and above the split rubber entry portion of the disposer; b) a central push portion extending centrally beneath the upper portion, configured to push food centrally through the split rubber entry portion into the disposer; c) a singular blade portion extending centrally across and beneath the push portion for scraping food off dishes and the sink into the disposer well; and, d) a top lift means extending centrally above the upper portion so that the tool can be lifted up and out of a storage/drain position in the well.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper portion is generally cylindrical and loosely fills the sink well, and wherein the lift means comprises a knob extending centrally thereabove so that the tool may be lifted from the sink well without extending one's fingers around the upper portion, between the upper portion and the sink well.

Turning now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 8 we have a perspective view of a sink disposer scraper and stuffer tool 20 in accordance with at least one embodiment. The tool 20 is shown in a storage position within a disposer well 18 in a sink 16, carried on the split rubber entry portion 14 of the disposer 12. Most generally, in accordance with at least one embodiment, a scraper and stuffer tool 20 for a sink disposer 12 having a split rubber entry portion 14 in a bottom portion of a disposer well 18 comprises: a) an upper portion 22 having a bottom portion sized to generally extend around a peripheral portion of the split rubber entry portion 14 so that the tool 20 can be carried/stored on and above the split rubber entry portion 14 of the disposer 12; b) a central push portion 24 extending centrally beneath the upper portion, configured to push food 10 centrally through the split rubber entry portion 14 into the disposer 12; c) a singular blade portion 26 extending centrally across and beneath the push portion 24 for scraping food 10 off dishes 8 and the sink 16 into the disposer well 18; and, d) a top lift means 28, 30 extending centrally above the upper portion 22 so that the tool 20 can be lifted up and out of a storage/drain position in the disposer well 18.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper portion 22 is generally cylindrical and loosely fills the disposer well 18, and wherein the lift means 28 comprises a knob 30 extending centrally thereabove so that the tool 20 may be lifted from the disposer well 18 without extending one's fingers around the upper portion 22, between the upper portion 22 and the disposer well 18.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the central portion 24 is generally cylindrical. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the blade portion 26 comprises a flexible rubber/plastic to facilitate better scraping of curved portions on dishes 8. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a lower portion of the central portion 24 comprises a central lateral slot 32 thereacross for lateral reception of an upper portion of the flexible blade portion 26 mated for lateral, but not vertical sliding reception therein. In accordance with at least one embodiment, if a peripheral sidewall 34 of the push portion 24 extends across one end portion of the lateral slot 32, the blade portion 26 is thereby positioned and stopped from sliding therethrough.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the outer lower peripheral portion of the upper portion 22 is symmetrically fluted 38 therearound to facilitate drainage and funnel smaller pieces of food from the sink 16 into the disposer 12.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, a sink disposal multipurpose tool, comprises an upper portion having a bottom portion sized to generally extend beyond an inside diameter of a drain opening in a sink; a push portion extending beneath the upper portion and configured to push food through the drain opening and into a disposal; and a lower portion extending beneath the push portion and configured to accept a plurality of attachments. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper portion has an outer lower peripheral portion that is fluted around an outside diameter to facilitate drainage and funnel smaller pieces of waste food material from the sink into the disposal. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the lower portion is configured to accept a flexible scraper and stuffer blade attachment. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the tool further comprises a top lift means extending above the upper portion so that the tool can be lifted up and out of a storage position in the drain opening. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the push portion is generally cylindrical in shape so that it loosely fills the drain opening. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the lower portion is also configured to accept a brush attachment, a peeler attachment, or a scrub pad attachment. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the tool further comprises a top lift means extending above the upper portion so that the tool can be lifted up and out of a storage position in the drain opening.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, a sink disposal multipurpose tool for a garbage disposal in a sink, the disposal having a disposal well attached below a drain opening in the sink, comprises: an upper portion having a bottom portion sized to generally extend beyond an inside diameter of the drain opening in the sink, such that the upper portion can rest on the drain opening; a push portion extending beneath the upper portion and configured to push food through the drain opening and into the disposal, and wherein the push portion rests below the drain opening and inside the disposal well when the tool is in a storage position; and a lower portion extending beneath the push portion and configured to accept a plurality of attachments. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper portion has an outer lower peripheral portion that is fluted around an outside diameter to facilitate drainage and funnel smaller pieces of waste food material from the sink into the disposal. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the lower portion is configured to accept a flexible scraper and stuffer blade attachment. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the tool further comprises a top lift means extending above the upper portion so that the tool can be lifted up and out of the storage position in the drain opening. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the push portion is generally cylindrical in shape so that it loosely fills the drain opening. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the lower portion is also configured to accept a brush attachment, a peeler attachment, or a scrub pad attachment. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the tool further comprises a top lift means extending above the upper portion so that the tool can be lifted up and out of the storage position in the drain opening.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, a sink disposal multipurpose tool for a garbage disposal in a sink, the disposal having a disposal well attached below a drain opening in the sink, comprises: an upper portion having a bottom portion sized to generally extend beyond an inside diameter of the drain opening in the sink, such that the upper portion can rest on the drain opening in a storage position, and wherein the upper portion has an outer lower peripheral portion that is fluted around an outside diameter to facilitate drainage and funnel smaller pieces of waste food material from the sink into the disposal; a top lift means extending above the upper portion so that the tool can be lifted up and out of the storage position in the drain opening; a push portion extending beneath the upper portion and configured to push food through the drain opening and into the disposal, and wherein the push portion rests below the drain opening and inside the disposal well when the tool is in the storage position; a lower portion extending beneath the push portion and configured to accept a plurality of attachments; and a set of attachments including at least a flexible scraper and stuffer blade attachment. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the push portion is generally cylindrical in shape so that it loosely fills the drain opening. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the set of attachments also includes at least a brush attachment, a peeler attachment, and a scrub pad attachment.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, a scraper and stuffer tool for a sink disposer, the sink disposer having a split rubber entry portion fitted within a bottom portion of a sink well, comprises: an upper portion having a bottom portion sized to generally extend around a peripheral portion of the split rubber entry portion so that the tool can be carried/stored on and above the split rubber entry portion of the disposer; the upper portion having an outer lower peripheral portion that is fluted therearound to facilitate drainage of water and waste food into the disposer; a central push portion extending centrally beneath the upper portion, configured to push food centrally through the split rubber entry portion into the disposer; a singular blade portion extending centrally across and beneath the push portion for scraping food into the disposer, the blade portion being tapered such that the blade portion has a greater width where the blade portion meets the push portion and a lesser width where the blade portion terminates, wherein a lower portion of the central push portion comprises a lateral slot across a lower end of the central push portion for lateral reception of an upper portion of the blade portion mated for lateral, but not vertical, sliding reception therein; and, a top lift means extending centrally above the upper portion so that the tool can be lifted up and out of a storage/drain position in the disposer.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper portion is both generally cylindrical and loosely fills the sink well, and wherein the lift means comprises a knob extending centrally above the upper portion so that the tool may be lifted from the disposer without extending one's fingers around the upper portion, between the upper portion and the disposer. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the blade portion comprises a flexible rubber/plastic to facilitate better scraping of curved portions on dishes. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a peripheral sidewall of the central push portion extends across one end portion of the lateral slot, thereby positioning and stopping the flexible blade portion from sliding completely through the lateral slot. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a peripheral sidewall of the central push portion extends across one end portion of the lateral slot, thereby positioning and stopping the flexible blade portion from sliding completely through the lateral slot. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the blade portion comprises a flexible rubber/plastic to facilitate better scraping of curved portions on dishes. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a peripheral sidewall of the central push portion extends across one end portion of the lateral slot, thereby positioning and stopping the flexible blade portion from sliding completely through the lateral slot.

A sink disposal tool is described. Disposals can be damaged by non-food items that are inadvertently dropped therein. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a sink disposal multipurpose tool is configured so that it rests within and above a disposal in such a way as to block non-food items from entering a disposal while allowing water and food-waste items entrance. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the tool is configured with a plurality of attachments, including a scraper and stuffer blade attachment so that a cook can efficiently scrape food waste materials from dishes, pans, etc. into a sink. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the tool can be used to gather the food waste materials from the sink and push them into a disposal. In accordance with at least one embodiment, other attachments include a scrub pad, a brush, and a peeler. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal multipurpose tool can be returned to its storage position in and above the disposal well where it effectively stops utensils, etc. from entering the disposal unit.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, a scraper and stuffer tool for a sink disposer having a split rubber entry portion in a bottom portion of a sink well comprises: a) an upper portion having a bottom portion sized to generally extend around a peripheral portion of the split rubber entry portion so that the tool can be carried/stored on and above the split rubber entry portion of the disposer; b) a central push portion extending centrally beneath the upper portion, configured to push food centrally through the split rubber entry portion into the disposer; c) a singular blade portion extending centrally across and beneath the push portion for scraping food off dishes and the sink into the disposer well; and, d) a top lift means extending centrally above the upper portion so that the tool can be lifted up and out of a storage/drain position in the well.

The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the described articles of manufacture and methods. Many embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. While specific embodiments have been described, it will be understood that this description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A sink disposal tool for use with a sink having a drain opening and a disposal, comprising:

an upper portion comprising an outer lower peripheral portion fluted around an outside diameter to facilitate drainage from the sink into the disposal;

a push portion extending from the upper portion and configured to push food through the drain opening and into the disposal, wherein the outside diameter of the outer lower peripheral portion of the upper portion increases with decreasing distance from the push portion until the outside diameter achieves a maximum diameter; and

a lower portion extending from the push portion.

2. The sink disposal tool of claim 1, wherein the outside diameter decreases from the maximum diameter with decreasing distance from the push portion.

3. The sink disposal tool of claim 1, wherein the outside diameter of the outer lower peripheral portion of the upper portion increases linearly with decreasing distance from the push portion until the outside diameter achieves the maximum diameter.

4. The sink disposal tool of claim 3, wherein the upper portion further comprises a circular portion, the circular portion defining radially disposed channels.

5. The sink disposal tool of claim 4, wherein a number of the radially disposed channels is equal to a number of flutes of the outer lower peripheral portion.

6. The sink disposal tool of claim 5, wherein the circular portion comprises a convex surface in which the radially disposed channels are concavely defined.

7. The sink disposal tool of claim 1, wherein the upper portion further comprises a circular portion, the circular portion defining radially disposed channels.

8. The sink disposal tool of claim 7, wherein a number of the radially disposed channels is equal to a number of flutes of the outer lower peripheral portion.

9. The sink disposal tool of claim 1, wherein the upper portion further comprises a convex surface defining radially disposed concave channels.

10. A sink disposal tool for use with a sink having a drain opening and a disposal, comprising:

an upper portion comprising an outer lower peripheral portion fluted around an outside diameter to facilitate drainage from the sink into the disposal and a circular portion, the circular portion defining radially disposed channels;

a push portion extending from the upper portion and configured to push food through the drain opening and into the disposal; and

a lower portion extending from the push portion.

11. The sink disposal tool of claim 10, wherein a number of the radially disposed channels is equal to a number of flutes of the outer lower peripheral portion.

12. The sink disposal tool of claim 11, wherein the circular portion comprises a convex surface in which the radially disposed channels are concavely defined.