Drain Cover Assembly

Abstract

A pop-up drain assembly for a basin, comprising a stopper apparatus comprising a push cap coupled to an upper end of a post, and a sealing diaphragm coupled to a lower portion of the post, and a drain sieve configured to prevent hair from passing through the drain, wherein the stopper apparatus is configured to be reversibly moved between an extended open position and an inserted closed position, and wherein the drain sieve reversibly moves together with the push cap, or is static and does not substantially move together with the push cap.

Description

The disclosure relates to drain cover assemblies configured to allow water to pass through while catching debris such as hair, soap, and the like.

BACKGROUND

A variety of mechanisms for controlling drain passages in plumbing fixtures exist, for example simple stops and plugs, drain plugs linked to a pull-up lever, and pop-up, or toe-push type drain plugs. Pop-up drain plugs are advantageous as the mechanism for opening and closing a drain is contained in a compact package set within or beneath the drain, without linkages, levers or other components that need to be concealed and routed through walls, under-spaces and the like. Pop-up drain plugs are also advantageous because push-button type movement required by an operator for actuation is simple and intuitive. An operator need to merely press down on a drain plug or cap, such as by stepping on it or using one's hand, to alternately toggle between open and closed positions, not unlike a click pen mechanism. Another advantage of pop-up drain plugs is that they typically can be installed from above a basin, rather than a cramped, dark space beneath a basin.

Hair, soap particles, and other debris may clog a valve apparatus and/or a trapway beneath a sink, bathtub, or shower. Desired is a pop-up drain assembly that also prevents debris from clogging a valve apparatus and/or from passing through to the trapway.

SUMMARY

A pop-up drain assembly for a basin, comprising a stopper apparatus comprising a push cap coupled to an upper end of a post, and a sealing diaphragm coupled to a lower portion of the post, and a drain sieve configured to prevent hair from passing through the drain, wherein the stopper apparatus is configured to be reversibly moved between an extended open position and an inserted closed position, in the extended open position, the sealing diaphragm is positioned above a sealing surface to allow water to pass through the drain, and in the inserted closed position, the sealing diaphragm is in contact with the sealing surface to prevent water from passing through the drain, and wherein the drain sieve is flexible, is coupled to the push cap, reversibly moves together with the push cap, and is in contact with the basin when the stopper apparatus is in the closed and the open position, or the drain sieve encircles the push cap, does not substantially move together with the push cap, and is in contact with the basin, or the drain sieve encircles the push cap and/or post, does not substantially move together with the push cap, and is in contact with a drain sleeve surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure described herein is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, features illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some features may be exaggerated relative to other features for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B show a pop-up drain assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D provide cross-section views of a pop-up drain assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1E provides a view of a cap/flexible sieve overmolding connection, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1F shows a flexible sieve with a stopper apparatus in a closed and open position, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1G provides a cross-section view of a pop-up drain assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B provide cross-section views of a pop-up drain assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show views of a pop-up drain assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3C shows a pop-up drain assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3D and FIG. 3E show cross-section views of a pop-up drain assembly in a closed and open position, respectively, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B provide views of a pop-up drain assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4C shows a pop-up drain assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4D and FIG. 4E provide cross-section views of a pop-up drain assembly in a closed and open position, respectively, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4F and FIG. 4G show partial views of a pop-up drain assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B provide cross-section views of a pop-up drain assembly in a closed and in an open position, respectively, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D show partial views of a pop-up drain assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B provide cross-section views of a pop-up drain assembly in a closed and in an open position, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6C shows a partial view of a pop-up drain assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6D provides an underside view of a pop-up drain assembly cap, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A shows a bathtub comprising pop-up drain assembly 100, according to an embodiment. Assembly 100 comprises push cap 101 coupled to flexible dome-shaped sieve 102. Push cap 101 is shown in an extended open position. Sieve 102 is in contact with basin 103. FIG. 1B provides a view of drain assembly 100 in an open position, according to an embodiment. Sieve 102 encircles and is coupled to push cap 101, and is in contact with basin 103. Dome-shaped sieve 102 is flexible and configured to flex upon extension and insertion of the push cap. Sieve 102 comprises annular rounded edge 104 configured to form a seal with basin 103. Flexible dome-shaped sieve 102 may comprise an elastomer, for example acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

FIG. 1C provides a perspective cross-section view of drain assembly 100 in an open position, according to an embodiment. Cap 101 is coupled to sieve 102 via overmolding connection 105. In some embodiments, sieve 102 comprises an elastomer and cap 101 comprises brass or a plastic. Visible is a stopper apparatus comprising cap 101, post 106, and sealing diaphragm 107. Upon closing the stopper apparatus, annular sealing diaphragm 107 will be seated on annular sealing surface 108. Sealing diaphragm 107 comprises a substantially flat surface configured to mate with and seat on sealing surface 108. Annular sealing surface 108 is positioned at an upper end of threaded drain sleeve 109. The stopper apparatus is coupled to click mechanism 110 via threaded connection 111. Raised gripping features 112 provide a mechanism to “unthread” and remove the stopper apparatus from click mechanism 110.

FIG. 1D provides another cross-section view of drain assembly 100 in an open position, according to an embodiment. Shown is dome-shaped flexible sieve 102 coupled to cap 101 via annular overmolding connection 105. Visible is post 106 coupled to click mechanism 110 via threaded connection 111. Sealing surface 108 is positioned at an upper end of threaded drain sleeve 109.

FIG. 1E provides a view of overmolding connection 105, according to an embodiment. Flexible elastomer dome-shaped sieve 102 is overmolded on cap 101. Features including L-shaped extended arm 113 on cap, pores 114, and grooves 115 may provide for both a chemical and physical overmolding connection.

FIG. 1F shows flexible sieve 102 “in motion” from an open position to a closed position with cap 101 pushed down and sealing diaphragm 107 positioned on sealing surface 108 to not allow water to pass through the drain. Sieve 102 flexes and extends radially outward (arrow) when the stopper apparatus is moved from an open to a closed position. Rounded edge 104 remains in contact with basin 103.

FIG. 1G provides a cross-section view of pop-up drain assembly 100, according to another embodiment. Cap 101 is connected to flexible sieve 102 with “snap-fit” connection 116. In this embodiment, sieve 102 may be easily installed and replaced.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B provide cross-section views of pop-up drain assembly 200, according to an embodiment. Drain assembly 200 is similar to drain assembly 100, but having a different click mechanism 210 and post 206. A click mechanism may be similar to a click pen mechanism, and may comprise one or more springs, a plunger, and a cam surface.

FIG. 3A shows pop-up drain assembly 300a positioned in/on bathtub basin 103, according to an embodiment. Visible are push cap 301a and rigid sieve 302a. The term “rigid” may mean a sieve does not substantially move or distort upon operation of a pop-up drain assembly. FIG. 3B provides a close-up view of drain assembly 300a, according to an embodiment. Drain assembly 300a is in an open position, with cap 301a extended. Rigid sieve 302a encircles cap 301a and is positioned on basin 103. Cap 301a is not coupled to sieve 302a and moves longitudinally relative to it as it is toggled from an open to a closed to open position. In this embodiment, cap side-wall 325a comprises a sieve portion. Cap 301a and sieve 302a may comprise for example stainless steel, stainless steel plated elastomer, or an elastomer.

FIG. 3C shows pop-up drain assembly 300b, according to an embodiment. Assembly 300b is shown in a closed position and comprises cap 301b encircled by rigid sieve 302b, positioned on basin 103. FIG. 3D and FIG. 3E show cross-section views of drain assembly 300b in a closed and open position, respectively. In a closed position, cap 301b is inserted such that sealing diaphragm 307 is placed in sealing contact with sealing surface 308, preventing passage of water through assembly 300b. Upon pushing cap 301b to activate click mechanism 110, cap 301b will be extended to an open position as shown in FIG. 3E. Sealing diaphragm 307 is now positioned above sealing surface 308 to allow water to pass through assembly 300b. In this embodiment, cap 301b is coupled to an upper end of post 306, and sealing diaphragm 307 is coupled to a lower portion of post 306. An upper inner end of drain sleeve 309 comprises sealing surface 308.

FIG. 4A shows pop-up drain assembly 400a positioned in bathtub basin 103, according to an embodiment. Shown are push cap 401a and rigid sieve 402. FIG. 4B provides a close-up view of drain assembly 400a, according to an embodiment. Drain assembly 400a is in an open position, with cap 401a extended. Rigid sieve 402 encircles cap 401a. Cap 401a is not coupled to sieve 402 and moves longitudinally relative to it as it is toggled from an open to a closed to open position.

FIG. 4C shows pop-up drain assembly 400b, according to an embodiment. Assembly 400b is shown in an open position and comprises cap 401b encircled by rigid sieve 402. Cap 401b comprises a downwardly-curved edge, creating a softer surface for hand or foot contact. FIG. 4D and FIG. 4E show cross-section views of drain assembly 400b in a closed and open position, respectively. In a closed position, cap 401b is inserted such that sealing diaphragm 407 is placed in sealing contact with sealing surface 408, preventing passage of water through assembly 400b. Sealing diaphragm 407 is a C-shaped gasket having a first end that extends further than a second end. Upon pushing cap 401b to activate click mechanism 110, cap 401b will be extended to an open position as shown in FIG. 4E. Cap 401b is not coupled to sieve 402 and moves longitudinally (up-and-down) relative to it as it is toggled from an open to a closed to an open position. In FIG. 4E, sealing diaphragm 407 is positioned above sealing surface 408 to allow water to pass through assembly 400b. In this embodiment, cap 401b is coupled to an upper end of post 406, and sealing diaphragm 407 is coupled to a lower portion of post 406. An upper inner end of drain sleeve 409 comprises sealing surface 408. Rigid sieve 402 is positioned on drain sleeve upper-facing surface 417 and encircles cap 401b in a closed position and post 406 in an open position. Sieve 402 comprises substantially perpendicular walls having a plurality of holes. In other embodiments a sieve may have a rounded edge, may be arc-shaped, or may have a single angled wall. Cap 401b is removably coupled to post 406 with C-shaped gasket feature 418a. Cap 401b may conveniently be removed and replaced in order to clean strainer 402 outer surface. Strainer 402 is coupled to sleeve 409 via one or more fasteners 419.

FIG. 4F provides a close-up view of part of pop-up drain assembly 400c, according to an embodiment. Cap 401b is removably coupled to post 406 with O-ring gasket feature 418b. In this embodiment, assembly 400c comprises anti-rotation feature 420, an elastomeric ring having groove 421 to removably receive strainer 402. FIG. 4G provides a partial view of pop-up drain assembly 400d, with cap 401b removed, according to an embodiment. Visible are O-ring 418b, post 406, and sieve 402. Post 406 in this embodiment comprises anti-rotation features 422. Sieve 402 contains notches 423 to receive tab features 422. Cap 401b of FIG. 4E, FIG. 4F, and FIG. 4G may be removed in order to easily clean sieve 402. Sieve 402 of FIG. 4F and FIG. 4G comprises anti-rotation features 422 and 423 so that sieve 402 does not rotate while cleaning. Sieve 402 of FIG. 4F and FIG. 4G may also be removed and replaced (removably coupled) from drain sleeve 409.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show cross-section views of drain assembly 500, in a closed an open position, respectively, according to an embodiment. In a closed position, cap 501 is “down” such that sealing diaphragm 507 is positioned in sealing contact with sealing surface 508, preventing passage of water through assembly 500. Sealing diaphragm 507 is a C-shaped gasket. Pushing cap 501 to activate click mechanism 510 will result in cap 501 being extended to place assembly 500 in an open position as seen in FIG. 5B. Cap 501 and post 506 move longitudinally relative to sieve 502 and sleeve upper-facing surface 517 as it is toggled between an open and a closed position. In an open position, sealing diaphragm 507 is positioned above sealing surface 508 to allow water to pass through assembly 500. Cap 501 is coupled to an upper end of post 506 and sealing diaphragm 507 is coupled to a lower end of post 506. An upper end of drain sleeve 509 comprises sealing surface 508. Rigid sieve 502 is positioned on drain sleeve upper-facing surface 517 and encircles cap 501 and post 506. Sieve 502 comprises beveled walls having a plurality of holes.

FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D provide partial views of assembly 500, according to an embodiment, with cap 501 removed from post 506. Cap 500 is removably coupled to post 506 with C-shaped gasket 518, providing greater access to sieve 502. Sieve 502 is removably coupled to drain sleeve upper-facing surface 517 via corresponding notch 530a and tab 530b features. Notch 530a and tab 530b features are anti-rotation features allowing sieve 502 to be cleaned without it rotating.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B show cross-section views of drain assembly 600, in a closed an open position, respectively, according to an embodiment. In a closed position, cap 601 is “down” such that sealing diaphragm 607 is positioned in sealing contact with sealing surface 608, preventing passage of water through assembly 600. Sealing diaphragm 607 is a C-shaped gasket. Pushing cap 601 to activate click mechanism 610 will result in cap being extended to place assembly 600 in an open position as shown in FIG. 6B. Cap 601 and post 606 move longitudinally relative to sieve 602 and sleeve upper-facing surface 617 as it is toggled between an open and a closed position. In an open position, sealing diaphragm 607 is positioned above sealing surface 608 to allow water to pass through assembly 600. Cap 601 is coupled to an upper end of post 606 and sealing diaphragm 607 is coupled to a lower end of post 606. An upper end of drain sleeve 609 comprises sealing surface 608. Rigid sieve 602 is positioned on drain sleeve upper-facing surface 617 and encircles cap 601 and post 606. Sieve 602 comprises beveled walls having a plurality of holes.

FIG. 6C provides a partial view of assembly 600, according to an embodiment, with cap 601 removed from post 606. FIG. 6D provides a view of cap 601 from an underside. Cap 601 is removably coupled to post 606 via notches 635a of cap 601 and tabs 635b of post 606. Post 606 and sieve 602 comprise anti-rotation features, tabs 621 and notches 622.

In some embodiments, a pop-up drain assembly is configured to be in an open position or in a closed position. In a closed position, a basin may be filled with water. In an open position, water may flow through a drain assembly to a waste line, while debris such as hair, soap particles, and the like may be prevented from entering a waste line by a sieve or strainer.

In some embodiments, a basin may be a basin of a sink, lavatory, bathtub, shower base, etc. A pop-up drain assembly may comprise components of a click mechanism, not unlike a click-pen mechanism. In some embodiments, a pop-up drain assembly is configured to be pressed/released via a push cap to be toggled between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, a pop-up drain assembly may be termed a “toe-push drain assembly” or a “push drain assembly”.

In some embodiments, a cap may comprise a downwardly-curved edge, creating a softer surface for hand or foot contact.

A click mechanism may comprise components typical of various types of click-pen mechanisms, for instance a sleeve, a plunger, a cam body, and/or one or more springs. In some embodiments, a stopper assembly may be coupled to a click mechanism, for example via a threaded connection.

In some embodiments, a cap and post may be a unitary part. In other embodiments, a cap may be coupled to a post, for example via a snap-fit, overmolding, threaded connection, or via an O-ring or a gasket, for instance a C-shaped gasket. In some embodiments, a post may have a groove to receive a sealing diaphragm. In some embodiments, a push cap may comprise one or more gripping features like dimples, notches, raised features, or other features like grips 112 of FIG. 1C and scallops of FIG. 4B configured to allow an operator to unthread and remove a stopper assembly.

In some embodiments, a pop-up drain assembly comprises a stopper apparatus, which may comprise a push cap coupled to an upper end of a post, and a sealing diaphragm coupled to a lower end of the post. In some embodiments, a sealing diaphragm may comprise a flexible material, for example an elastomer or silicone. A sealing diaphragm may be an annular feature coupled to and encircling a post. In some embodiments, a sealing diaphragm may comprise a substantially flat surface that may mate with an upward-facing surface positioned at an upper end of a drain sleeve when in a closed position. In other embodiments, a sealing diaphragm may be a C-shaped gasket-type feature. A C-shaped gasket type feature may fit into and mate with an upper inner surface of a drain sleeve (a sealing surface) when in a closed position. In some embodiments, a C-shaped gasket may have a first end that extends horizontally a first distance, and a second end that extends a second distance, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. One or more ends of a C-shaped gasket may mate with and form a seal with a sealing surface.

In certain embodiments, an assembly may comprise both a sealing diaphragm having a substantially flat surface and a sealing diaphragm having a C-shaped gasket, or a sealing diaphragm having both a substantially flat surface and a C-shaped gasket.

In some embodiments, a stopper apparatus may be extended, wherein a push cap is positioned above a basin surface when in an open position. In some embodiments, a stopper apparatus may be inserted into a drain, wherein a push cap is positioned at, near, or nearer a basin surface.

A drain sieve, or strainer, may be flexible or rigid. Flexible materials include for instance elastomers, such as ABS, or silicone. Rigid materials include metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass, etc. A drain sieve may include a plurality of holes designed to allow water flow and prohibit passage of hair and other debris. A drain sieve may generally be an annular body encircling a push cap or a post.

In some embodiments, a cap, a post, or a drain sleeve may comprise brass, stainless steel, or a plastic.

In some embodiments, a drain sieve may be flexible and may move with a push cap when it is toggled between an open and a closed position. In some embodiments a drain sieve may be coupled to and encircle a push cap. In some embodiments, a flexible drain sieve may flex or distort (move) when a push cap is toggled between an open and a closed position. In some embodiments, a drain sieve may be overmolded onto a push cap. In other embodiments, a drain sieve may be coupled to a push cap with a “snap-fit” feature.

The phrase “toggled between an open and a closed position” means for example from an open to a closed position and vice-versa, like a click-pen.

In some embodiments, a drain sieve may remain in contact with a basin surface when a push cap is toggled between an open and a closed position, if a drain sieve is flexible or rigid. A drain sieve may have an outer annular edge configured to form a seal with a basin surface.

In some embodiments, a drain sieve may be substantially static, meaning it will not substantially move or distort when a stopper apparatus is toggled between an open and a closed position. In some embodiments, a drain sieve may comprise an annular body encircling a post, and having an annular edge seated on a drain sleeve surface, for instance a drain sleeve upper-facing surface.

In some embodiments, a push cap may be configured to be removed and replaced (removably coupled). A push cap may have a threaded connection to a post. In another embodiment, a push cap may be coupled to a post via an O-ring, or gasket, for example a C-shaped gasket.

In some embodiments, a drain sieve may be configured to be removably coupled to a post and/or to a drain sleeve surface, such that a sieve may be removed for cleaning and replaced. In some embodiments, a drain sieve may simply “sit” or rest on a drain sleeve upper-facing surface. In some embodiments, a drain sleeve upper-facing surface may comprise a feature to receive and reversibly mate with a drain sieve. In some embodiments, a drain sleeve may be coupled to a plastic, for example elastomeric, ring having a feature to removably receive a drain sieve. A receiving feature may for example be a groove to receive a drain sieve. A receiving feature may also be configured to prevent a sieve from rotating when a person wipes it clean without removing it (an anti-rotation feature).

In some embodiments, a push cap may be configured so that if/when it is removed, the sieve is removed together with the cap.

In some embodiments, a post may comprise one or more anti-rotation features configured to receive and mate with a sieve, while at the same time preventing its rotation when a person wipes it clean. Anti-rotation features may comprise one or more tabs to mate with one or more notches of a sieve, or notches to mate with tabs of a sieve. In other embodiments, a drain sleeve may comprise one or more tabs to mate with one or more notches of a sieve, or vice-versa.

Following are some non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure.

In a first embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly for a basin, comprising a stopper apparatus comprising a push cap coupled to an upper end of a post, and a sealing diaphragm coupled to a lower portion of the post, and a drain sieve configured to prevent hair from passing through the drain, wherein the stopper apparatus is configured to reversibly move between an extended open position and an inserted closed position, in the extended open position, the sealing diaphragm is positioned above a sealing surface to allow water to pass through the drain, and in the inserted closed position, the sealing diaphragm is in contact with the sealing surface to prevent water from passing through the drain, and wherein the drain sieve is flexible, is coupled to the push cap, reversibly moves together with the push cap, and is in contact with the basin when the stopper apparatus is in the closed and the open position, or the drain sieve encircles the push cap, is rigid, and is in contact with the basin, or the drain sieve encircles the push cap and/or post, is rigid, and is in contact with a drain sleeve surface.

In a second embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to the first embodiment, comprising a drain sleeve. In a third embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to embodiments 1 or 2, comprising a click mechanism.

In a fourth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the drain sieve is flexible is coupled to the push cap, reversibly moves together with the push cap, and is in contact with the basin when the stopper apparatus is in the closed and in the open position.

In a fifth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the drain sieve is rigid and in contact with the basin.

In a sixth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the drain sieve is rigid and in contact with a drain sleeve surface. In a seventh embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to embodiment 6, wherein the drain sieve is in contact with a drain sleeve upper-facing surface.

In an eighth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sealing diaphragm comprises a C-shaped gasket. In a ninth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sealing diaphragm comprises a substantially flat surface. In a tenth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sealing diaphragm is configured to mate with and seat on a drain sleeve upper-facing surface. In an eleventh embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sealing diaphragm is configured to mate with an upper, inner surface of the drain sleeve.

In a twelfth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the push cap comprises a gripping feature. In a thirteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the push cap is removably coupled to the post. In a fourteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the push cap is removably coupled to the post with a feature comprising a C-shaped gasket or an O-ring gasket.

In a fifteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the push cap is removably coupled to the post via a threaded connection. In a sixteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the push cap is removably coupled to the post via one or more notches and one or more tabs, wherein the tabs are configured to mate with the notches.

In a seventeenth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the drain sieve is removably coupled to a drain sleeve surface.

In an eighteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising an anti-rotation feature configured to prevent the drain sieve from rotating. In a nineteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the post comprises one or more anti-rotation features configured to prevent the drain sieve from rotating. In a twentieth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the post comprises one or more tabs and the drain sieve comprises one or more notches, wherein the tabs are configured to mate with the notches and to prevent rotation of the sieve.

In a twenty-first embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the basin is a basin of a sink, lavatory, bathtub, or shower base. In a twenty-second embodiment, disclosed is a sink, lavatory, bathtub, or shower base comprising a pop-up drain according to any of the preceding embodiments. In a twenty-third embodiment, disclosed is a bathtub comprising a pop-up drain according to any of embodiments 1 to 21.

The term “adjacent” may mean “near” or “close-by” or “next to”.

The term “coupled” means that an element is “attached to” or “associated with” another element. Coupled may mean directly coupled or coupled through one or more other elements. An element may be coupled to an element through two or more other elements in a sequential manner or a non-sequential manner. The term “via” in reference to “via an element” may mean “through” or “by” an element. Coupled or “associated with” may also mean elements not directly or indirectly attached, but that they “go together” in that one may function together with the other.

The term “towards” in reference to a of point of attachment, may mean at exactly that location or point or, alternatively, may mean closer to that point than to another distinct point, for example “towards a center” means closer to a center than to an edge.

The term “like” means similar and not necessarily exactly like. For instance “ring-like” means generally shaped like a ring, but not necessarily perfectly circular.

The articles “a” and “an” herein refer to one or to more than one (e.g. at least one) of the grammatical object. Any ranges cited herein are inclusive. The term “about” used throughout is used to describe and account for small fluctuations. For instance, “about” may mean the numeric value may be modified by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, ±10% or more. All numeric values are modified by the term “about” whether or not explicitly indicated. Numeric values modified by the term “about” include the specific identified value. For example “about 5.0” includes 5.0.

The term “substantially” is similar to “about” in that the defined term may vary from for example by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, ±10% or more of the definition; for example the term “substantially perpendicular” may mean the 90° perpendicular angle may mean “about 90°”. The term “generally” may be equivalent to “substantially”.

Features described in connection with one embodiment of the disclosure may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated.

Embodiments of the disclosure include any and all parts and/or portions of the embodiments, claims, description and figures. Embodiments of the disclosure also include any and all combinations and/or sub-combinations of embodiments.

Claims

1. A pop-up drain assembly for a basin, comprising

a stopper apparatus comprising a push cap coupled to an upper end of a post, and a sealing diaphragm coupled to a lower portion of the post, and

a drain sieve configured to prevent hair from passing through the drain,

wherein

the stopper apparatus is configured to reversibly move between an extended open position and an inserted closed position,

in the extended open position, the sealing diaphragm is positioned above a sealing surface to allow water to pass through the drain, and

in the inserted closed position, the sealing diaphragm is in contact with the sealing surface to prevent water from passing through the drain, and

wherein

the drain sieve is flexible, is coupled to the push cap, reversibly moves together with the push cap, and is in contact with the basin when the stopper apparatus is in the closed and the open position, or

the drain sieve encircles the push cap, is rigid, and is in contact with the basin, or

the drain sieve encircles the push cap and/or post, is rigid, and is in contact with a drain sleeve surface.

2. The pop-up drain assembly according to claim 1, comprising a drain sleeve.

3. The pop-up drain assembly according to claim 1, comprising a click mechanism.

4. The pop-up drain assembly according to claim 1, wherein the drain sieve is flexible, is coupled to the push cap, reversibly moves together with the push cap, and is in contact with the basin when the stopper apparatus is in the closed and the open position.

5. The pop-up drain assembly according to claim 1, wherein the drain sieve is rigid and in contact with the basin.

6. The pop-up drain assembly according to claim 1, wherein the drain sieve is rigid and in contact with a drain sleeve surface.

7. The pop-up drain assembly according to claim 6, wherein the drain sieve is in contact with a drain sleeve upper-facing surface.

8. The pop-up drain assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sealing diaphragm comprises a C-shaped gasket.

9. The pop-up drain assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sealing diaphragm is configured to mate with and seat on a drain sleeve upper-facing surface.

10. The pop-up drain assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sealing diaphragm is configured to mate with an upper, inner surface of the drain sleeve.

11. The pop-up drain assembly according to claim 1, wherein the push cap comprises a gripping feature.

12. The pop-up drain assembly according to claim 1, wherein the push cap is removably coupled to the post.

13. The pop-up drain assembly according to claim 1, wherein the push cap is removably coupled to the post with a feature comprising a C-shaped gasket or an O-ring gasket.

14. The pop-up drain assembly according to claim 1, wherein the push cap is removably coupled to the post via a threaded connection.

15. The pop-up drain assembly according to claim 1, wherein the push cap is removably coupled to the post via one or more notches and one or more tabs, wherein the tabs are configured to mate with the notches.

16. The pop-up drain assembly according to claim 1, wherein the drain sieve is removably coupled to a drain sleeve surface.

17. The pop-up drain assembly according to claim 1, comprising an anti-rotation feature configured to prevent the drain sieve from rotating.

18. The pop-up drain assembly according to claim 1, wherein the post comprises one or more anti-rotation features configured to prevent the drain sieve from rotating.

19. The pop-up drain assembly according to claim 1, wherein the post comprises one or more tabs and the drain sieve comprises one or more notches, wherein the tabs are configured to mate with the notches and to prevent rotation of the sieve.

20. A sink, lavatory, bathtub, or shower base comprising a pop-up drain assembly according to claim 1.