Sink drain extension

Abstract

A sink drain extension for allowing the use of the drain or for a connected disposal to disperse water or other liquids and solid waste material when the sink within which the disposal and drain are disposed is filled with a usable quantity of water or other liquid without commingling the waste material with the usable water or other liquid. The extension is formed from an upstanding hollow member having one end engaging the sink drain and a second free end. A stabilizing member connects with the drain engaging end of the hollow member to secure that end and the hollow member in a substantially fixed position with the drain and prevent relative movement between the hollow member and the sink drain. Appropriate supporting elements are used to seal the drain opening with respect to the extension and to further restrain the tubular member from movement. A strainer may be employed with the extension, and an alternative location for the extension may be utilized along the sink periphery.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of my pending application Ser. No. 09/929,950 filed Aug. 15, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to sink drains and more particularly to an apparatus for utilizing the sink, the sink drain and, if present, the connected disposal, for the disposal of waste while a quantity of usable water or other liquid is contemporaneously contained in the sink.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Various kinds of sink drainer assemblies are well known and are usually associated with the operation of a disposal into which waste is transferred through the sink drain. Various features associated with sink drains are known to prevent debris carried by dispensed fluid from clogging or jamming the faucet assembly.

[0006] When a disposal is involved so that there is not normally a concern of separating a liquid from solid debris as is the case with disposalless sinks, because the mixture of fluid and solid waste flows through the sink drain and into the disposal for treatment. In that operation, it is not possible to use the sink in any other manner except for the disposal of waste through the drain and disposal while that operation is ongoing. Thus the sink is otherwise immobilized for any other use unless a separate isolated section of the sink or a second portioned sink is available. Even in this case, a sink normally carries only one disposal so that the isolated sink portion has to be carefully used to assure that no solid debris is passed into the drain which has no disposal.

[0007] In many instances and for many reasons, there is often a desire to utilize the sink in some other manner even when the disposal is needed. Unfortunately, the conventional procedure requires first the use of the disposal utilizing the entire sink and next utilizing the entire sink without the disposal for whatever other use is needed.

[0008] From the foregoing, it can be seen that there is a need for the ability to utilize a disposal equipped sink in more than one way simultaneously, and it is to that need that the present invention is directed.

BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention is a sink drain extension for introducing food and solid debris into the sink drain while the sink retains a usable quantity of water or other liquid without the introduced debris engaging and spoiling the retained usable water or other liquid. The extension includes an upstanding substantial hollow member having a first sink drain engaging end and a second free end, the first sink drain engaging end having first and second perimeter edges to cooperatively engage a stabilizing member having first and second cooperatively receiving openings. The stabilizing member fixes the hollow member and prevents relative movement between the hollow member and the sink drain in a sealable fashion. The hollow member can be of a height less than the depth of the sink so that water overflow is prevented in the event sink water flow is overlooked. The hollow member can also be adjustable vertically by the use of an extension member having securing means to accommodate sinks of different depths. Appropriate sealing and securing elements are applied to make certain that a sealed drain occurs and that the hollow member is secured so as to prevent relative movement between the member and the sink drain.

[0010] To aid in the disposal of solid and fluid debris, the free end of the hollow member can be flared outwardly so that introduction of waste into the hollow member is easily permitted.

[0011] The extension may be located along the periphery of the sink and away from the regular sink drain and connected to the drain under the sink thus freeing the sink and regular drain for independent use.

[0012] From the forgoing, it is apparent that a primary objective of the present invention is to develop an apparatus for utilizing a sink and the sink drain simultaneously to make the use of these fixtures more efficiently.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device of the type described that is simple in operation, uncomplicated in design and construction, and relatively inexpensive.

[0014] A further objective of the present invention is to provide a device of the type described which can be utilized on existing sinks without any modification or which can be provided as an accessory to a new sink to be installed.

[0015] Thus there has been outlined the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In that respect, before explaining at least on embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its arrangement of the components set forth in the following description and illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.

[0016] It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting in any respect. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of this development. It is important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent methods and products resulting therefrom that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The application is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by its claims, nor to limit its scope in any way.

[0017] Thus, the objects of the invention set forth above, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are noted with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific results obtained by its use, reference should be made to the following detailed specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like characters of reference designate like parts throughout the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 is a side elevational sectional view of an upstanding tubular member cooperatively received by the stabilizing member communicating with the drain of a sink;

[0019] FIG. 2 is top plan view of the stabilizing member shown in FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 2a is a top plan view of a strainer that may be used with the tubular and stabilizing members shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a side elevational, sectional view of the stabilizing member shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the stabilizing member;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the stabilizing member;

[0024] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the sealing gasket utilized to seal the drain and communicating member;

[0025] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the gasket shown in FIG. 6;

[0026] FIG. 7a is another embodiment of the gasket shown in FIG. 7;

[0027] FIG. 8 is a side elevational and perspective view of another embodiment of the upstanding tubular member and a cooperating stabilizing member for communication with the drain of the sink;

[0028] FIG. 9 is a side elevational sectional and perspective view of another embodiment of the upstanding tubular member and a cooperating stabilizing member for communication with the drain of the sink;

[0029] FIG. 9a is a top plan view of a strainer that may be used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 9;

[0030] FIG. 10 is a side elevational sectional and perspective view of another embodiment of the upstanding tubular member and a cooperating stabilizing member for communication with the drain of the sink;

[0031] FIG. 10a is a top plan view of a strainer that may be used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 10;

[0032] FIG. 11 is a side elevational sectional and perspective view of another embodiment of the upstanding tubular member and a cooperating stabilizing member for communication with the drain of the sink;

[0033] FIG. 11a is a top plan view of a strainer that may be used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 11;

[0034] FIG. 12 is a side elevational sectional and perspective view of another embodiment of the upstanding tubular member and a cooperating stabilizing member for communication with the drain of the sink;

[0035] FIG. 12a is a top plan view of a strainer that may be used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 12;

[0036] FIG. 13 is a side elevational schematic view of another embodiment of an upstanding tubular member positioned along the periphery of the sink and connecting beneath the sink with the drain;

[0037] FIG. 14 is a side elevational schematic view of another embodiment of an upstanding tubular member and cooperating stabilizing structure for communication with the drain of a sink;

[0038] FIG. 14a is a side elevational general outline view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 with the tubular member and supporting structure in the lowest position for communicating with the drain of the sink;

[0039] FIG. 14b is a side elevational schematic view with tubular member and supporting structure in the raised position;

[0040] FIG. 14c is a side elevational schematic and disassembled view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14a and 14b;

[0041] FIG. 14d is a side elevational and schematic view of another variation of the present invention wherein the lower end of the tubular member is threaded and cooperatively by a threaded sink drain;

[0042] FIG. 15 is a side elevational schematic view of another embodiment of an upstanding tubular member formed of accordion-like tubing with a selectively positionable free end and cooperating stabilizing structure for communication with the drain of a sink; and

[0043] FIG. 16 is a side elevational schematic view of yet another embodiment of an upstanding tubular member and cooperating stabilizing structure for communication with the drain of a sink.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0044] The preferred and alternative embodiments illustrated herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention, its application and its practical use to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention.

[0045] Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, an upstanding hollow member shown generally as lo has a first end 12 which engages and communicates with the sink drain 14. A second end 16 is open and free so that a non-obstructive passageway 18 is created through member lo directly into drain 14. First and second perimeter edges 20, 22 are formed in first end 12 and will be described in greater detail subsequently.

[0046] A stabilizer 24 generally encircles end 12 and the connecting part of hollow member 10 in the manner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Stabilizer 24 has an upper first circular opening 26 cooperatively receiving lower portion 28 of hollow member lo and a second lower opening 30 cooperatively receiving the hollow member first end first perimeter edge 20. First cylindrical opening 26 may be of any convenient form with a preferred construction like that shown in FIG. 2. Second circular opening is formed by a plurality of segments 32 molded and shaped to resiliently engage the outer surface 34 of hollow member end 12 each of which are provided with a hollow member engaging element 36 which grips the outer surface of first circular opening 26 as best shown in FIG. 2.

[0047] A sealing element shown generally as 38 (FIGS. 6 and 7) engages second perimeter edge 22 in the manner shown in FIG. 1. Gasket 38 has upper and lower portions 40, 42 which grip second perimeter edge 22 to hold gasket 38 in place, and an extending oppositely directed tab 44 that cooperatively functions with upper and lower portions, 40, 42 to form a seal at drain 14 with first end 12 of hollow member 10.

[0048] Thus hollow member lo is held securely in position over drain 14 by stabilizing member 24, the lower portion of which forms the first circular opening extended downwardly between end 12 and sink structure 46 to tightly fix end 12 on member 10 in position and to enable gasket 38 to form an appropriate seal. Engaging elements 36 secure member lo within circular opening 26. The sink drain extension formed by member lo and stabilizer 24 functions to permit the introduction of food and solid debris into the sink drain or disposal while maintaining the sink in an otherwise usable condition by enabling the retention of a usable unaltered quantity of water. Thus a separate and perhaps more precise washing activity can take place in the sink while the disposal is being used to receive and move away fluid and solid debris simultaneously.

[0049] A removable strainer 35 can be positioned within drain 14 which is configured with shoulders 37 to thus retain some solid debris within the sink trap while allowing fluid and finer debris to pass through openings 39 positioned therein. Strainer 35 can be removed by merely lifting upwardly and out of drain 14 when desired.

[0050] The height of tube lo can be slightly less than the height of the sink well so that the inadvertent introduction of a large quantity of water into the sink will overflow into end 16 of member 10 and pass through chamber 18 into drain 4 without overflowing the sink. Additionally, the sink drain extension can be removed by gripping member lo and urging it upwardly without immersing the operator's hand into the retained water.

[0051] Hollow member 10 can be of any suitable material and can be circular, funnel-shaped, oval, or any other shape in cross-section. It can be rigid or flexible and may be formed from plastic, metal or other appropriate materials that will withstand a constant exposure to water. It can be straight or angled.

[0052] Stabilizer 14 can be formed of any resilient moldable material having sufficient strength and durability to perform the gripping action needed to maintain member 16 in a proper sealed position.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 8, an upstanding hollow member shown generally as 48 communicates with a stabilizing assembly shown generally as 50, the base 52 of which sits in drain 14 to provide a seal therefor. Member 48 is threaded along first end 54 so that it can be rotated on threads 56 provided in member 55 to move holding gasket 58 outwardly thus engaging the interior of drain 14 and holding upstanding member 48 and drain assembly 50 firmly in place.

[0054] Another alternative embodiment is shown generally as 123 in FIG. 14 which includes a short drain engaging member 124 covering the sink drain 126. Member 124 extends slightly above the sink bottom 128 and cooperatively nests within an upstanding hollow member 130 to maintain member 130 within the sink drain cavity. Members 124 and 130 can be positively secured to each other by one or more screws 132, with cement or by the provision of a threaded or they may formed together as a single piece connection. A flexible sleeve 134 is positioned around hollow member 130 and against drain engaging member 124.

[0055] An annular sleeve 136 is positioned around hollow member 130 and against flexible sleeve 134, and an outer tubular member 138 is threadably connected to hollow member 130 so that when it rotates and moves downwardly, it engages annular sleeve 136 which engages flexible sleeve 134 compressing it to further enhance the sealing of the drain. A finishing molding 140 may be added to dress and protect annular sleeve 136. Flexible sleeve 134 can be of different sizes depending upon the size of the sink drain.

[0056] Hollow member 130 can be vertically adjusted by the use of a tubular insert 139. Insert 139 telescopically joins member 130 as shown in FIG. 14b. Tubular insert 139 has a plurality of adjustment steps 144 formed along its length, and hollow member 130 has a plurality of upwardly extending engaging fingers 146 each finger having a step engaging protrusion 148 as shown in FIG. 14c. An adjusting ring 150 telescopically and threadably engages the threaded top of hollow member 130 to tighten the fingers 146 against tubular insert 139 with protrusions 148 being selectively positioned within adjustment steps 144 to achieve a more secure connection. To change the position of tubular insert 139 with respect to hollow member 130, adjusting ring 150 is loosened and protrusions 148 move away from adjustment steps 144 so that tubular insert 139 can be moved to a different selected location. Tubular insert 139 can be flared at its upper end 142 for convenient access.

[0057] Another variation of this embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 14d in which a threaded hollow member bottom 152 is threadably received by the threaded opening 154 of sink 128 and can be tightened so that seal 156 closes opening 154 without additional members.

[0058] Another embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 9 wherein a tubular member 68 secured to a sink drain insert 64 is mounted within drain 14 in a position to cooperatively receive gripping elements 62 mounted to insert 64 that sits within drain 14. A plurality of apertures 66 permits fluid and solid waste to pass on to the disposal or drain, and upstanding member 68 is held firmly in position with respect to member 64 by the tension of gripping elements 62 as they are squeezed inwardly to fit within the interior of tubular member 69. A strainer 65 may be utilized if desired.

[0059] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 10 with an upstanding member 70 threadably mounted on a stabilizing assembly 72 having spreadable components moved as a result of the threaded connection 74 actuated when upstanding member 70 is rotated. Gripping members 76 move outwardly to grip the interior of the sink drain and hold the upstanding member 70 and stabilizing assembly 72 in a substantially rigid position. Again, a strainer 75 may be utilized if desired.

[0060] Still another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 11 wherein an upstanding member 78 is threadably mated with extendable elements 80 carrying gripping elements 82 that move outwardly against the interior of drain 14 when upstanding member 78 is rotated to hold upstanding member 78 and the stabilizing assembly made up of elements 80 and 82 firmly in place. A strainer 81 may also be utilized.

[0061] A further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 12 wherein an upstanding offset member 84 whose first end 86 communicates with a sink drain insert 88 is threadably received by a threaded member go which is held rigidly within the interior of the sink drain. Apertures 92 connect the interior of sink drain insert 88 with the sink drain for the passage of fluid and solid waste, and the threaded connection shown generally as 94 between a segment 96 affixed to insert 88 and threaded member 90. Threaded connection 94 is inclined so that rotating upstanding offset upstanding member 84 with respect to segment 96 will cause gripping members 96, 98 to move outwardly and engage the interior of drain 14. An optimal strainer 97 is shown in FIGS. 12 and 12a.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the second free end 100 of member 84 is flared so that the disposal of liquid through member 84 while the sink is being used for other matters in a sealed condition is easier. Obviously flared end 100 of FIG. 12 can be utilized in all of the other embodiments of the present invention and any others arising therefrom.

[0063] A variation of a number of the embodiments described is shown in FIG. 15 wherein a length of somewhat flexible accordion shaped tubing 144 has an annular member 146 providing a drain seal for the sink 150 which is secured by a gasket 152 sealably engaging the wall 154 of sink 150. Tubing length 144 is then shaped to follow the contour of the sink bottom 155 and wall 154 and extend slightly above the sink rim 156. If it is desired that tubing length 144 function as an overflow device, it can be formed to terminate below sink rim 156.

[0064] An additional feature of the present invention for a sink drain extension is shown in FIG. 13 wherein a hollow member 102 having flared upper end 102a is positioned within an opening in the periphery ledge 103 of sink 104 rather than directly within the open portion 106 of sink drain 105. A lower connecting hollow member 108 communicates with the lower portion 110 of hollow member 102 beneath periphery ledge 103 of sink 104 and extends downwardly into the plumbing system to an intersecting location 109 with the lower part of the drain underneath the sink and just prior to engagement with a disposal (not shown). A threaded nut 112 connects hollow member 108 with lower portion 110, and a gasket 114 seals the opening in periphery ledge 103 where it engages lower portion 110 of hollow member 102. Hose segments 116, 118 and 120 connect drain conduit 122 with lower portion 110 as shown. Thus, the sink drain extension can be utilized simultaneously with the sink in a manner similar to the other embodiments extending directly into the sink drain opening of the sink.

[0065] A final embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 16 wherein an upstanding hollow member 160 having a free end 162 and a sink-engaging end shown generally as 164 seals the drain 166 to retain a usable fluid and allow waste to be exhausted simultaneously. Sink-engaging end 164 has an enlarged portion 168 provided either by a telescopically connected larger ring or short tube or formed integrally with hollow member 160. The larger ring or tube has an extended rim 170 about which is secured a flexible gasket 172 which functions to seal the drain and frictionally maintain hollow member 160 within drain 166 when hollow member 160 is urged against the sink drain.

[0066] With respect to the present inventive concept and the embodiments described, it is to be realized and has been shown that the techniques involved in providing the drain extension set forth herein and the components associated therewith are numerous. All equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed herein. The following is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, there is no intention to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. All suitable modifications and equivalents that fall within the scope of the appended claims are deemed within the present inventive concept.

Claims

1. A sink drain extension for introducing substances into the sink drain while the sink retains a usable quantity of water comprising: an upstanding hollow member having a first sink drain engaging end and a second free end; a drain engaging member having a first end covering the sink drain and a second end cooperatively nesting within the hollow member sink drain engaging end; an annular sleeve encircling the upstanding hollow member and engaging the sink drain along the sink ledge; a flexible sleeve encircling and engaging the hollow member sink drain engaging end and contiguous with the drain engaging member first end; an outer tubular member engaging the upstanding hollow member and moveable with respect thereto to urge the annular sleeve against the flexible sleeve and sink drain to enhance the seal and support of the sink drain extension against the sink drain and hold the drain extension in a substantially fixed position:

2. The extension as claimed in claim 1 wherein the upstanding hollow member first sink drain engaging end and the drain engaging member are fixedly secured to each other.

3. The extension as claimed in claim 1 wherein the upstanding hollow member and the outer tubular member are secured one to the other.

4. The extension as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: a tubular insert connected with the hollow upstanding member free end.

5. The extension as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: means for fixedly securing the hollow member sink engaging end to the drain engaging member.

6. The extension as claimed in claimed in claim 2 wherein the upstanding hollow member and the outer tubular member are threadably secured one to the other.

7. The extension as claimed in claim 2 further comprising: a tubular insert slidably connected with the hollow upstanding member free end.

8. The extension as claimed in claim 7 wherein the tubular insert has a plurality of adjustment steps formed therein and the upstanding hollow member has a plurality of engaging fingers cooperatively engaging with the adjustment steps to secure the tubular insert to the hollow member.

9. The extension as claimed in claim 8 wherein the adjustment steps are a plurality of grooves formed in the tubular insert.

10. The extension as claimed in claim 8 wherein the engaging fingers are a plurality of upwardly extending members formed in the hollow upstanding member free end.

11. The extension as claimed in claim 9 wherein the engaging fingers are a plurality of upwardly extending members formed in the hollow upstanding member free end.

12. The extension as claimed in claim 8 further comprising: an adjusting ring cooperatively associated with the engaging fingers and the adjustment steps to releasably secure the hollow member to the tubular insert.

13. The extension as claimed in claim 7 wherein the adjustment ring engages the upstanding hollow member when the upstanding member is connected to the tubular insert.

14. The extension as claimed in claim 8 further comprising: an adjusting ring cooperatively associated with the engaging fingers and the adjustment steps to releasably secure the hollow member to the tubular insert wherein the adjustment steps are a plurality of grooves formed in the tubular insert and the engaging fingers are a plurality of upwardly extending members formed in the hollow upstanding member second free end.

15. The extension as claimed in claim 14 wherein the adjusting ring has a threaded interior surface and the hollow member has a threaded exterior surface in the second free end.

16. The extension as claimed in claim 15 wherein the adjusting ring is a ring encircling the location where the hollow upstanding member joins the tubular insert.

17. The extension as claimed in claim 16 wherein the adjustment steps and the engaging fingers are further secured to each other by the adjusting ring encircling the location where the adjusting steps meet the engaging fingers.