Combined strainer and stopper for basin drain

Abstract

A combined strainer and stopper device for basins and sinks has a perforated cylindrical housing with an open lower end and a top wall at its upper end. A valve disc is carried by a lower end of an actuator stem reciprocable in the housing for movement into and out of sealing engagement with a seat in a drain opening independently of movement of the perforated housing. In a preferred form of the invention, the top wall is integral with the side wall and is perforate, and a spring is engaged between the top wall and the stem to urge the valve disc in a direction to seat it. The stem extends through the top wall and through a spaced handle on the upper end of the housing, and the spaced relationship of the handle and top wall guides the stem. Outwardly projecting retaining lugs on the stem cooperate with the handle to retain the valve disc in an open position, and an annular shoulder formed on the housing limits the extent of insertion of the housing into a drain opening. In an alternate form of the invention, the housing is open ended, and the top wall comprises a first plastic cap fitted to the open upper end. A second plastic cap or skirt fitted to the lower end is adapted to engage in the drain opening to support the device in an upright position, and a stop on the second plastic cap limits insertion.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to devices for preventing clogging of sink or basin drains. More particularly, this invention relates to a combined strainer and stopper for basin drains.

[0003] 2. Prior Art

[0004] The cleaning of cooking and eating utensils, and the preparation of food, e.g., the cleaning and trimming of vegetables and other food products, normally entail the use of a sink or basin in which the items are rinsed with water. This activity results in the accumulation of debris which can clog drains, and this, in turn, frequently leads to the employment of a plumber and the attendant cost associated with unclogging the drain or drains. Moreover, a clogged drain can lead to overflow of soiled water, and damage to other equipment and structure, or at a minimum the need to clean up a mess.

[0005] Most sinks have a stopper to close the drain from the sink so that a quantity of water can be accumulated in the sink, and some type of strainer associated with the drain to prevent debris from entering the plumbing and possibly clogging it. In residential environments, these strainers are usually flat or shallow cup shapes, and frequently have a stopper or plug associated with them. While these devices are satisfactory for the intended purpose, they do not have the capacity or functionality to handle large amounts of debris without being cleaned frequently. This is particularly true in commercial environments, i.e., restaurants, where the amount of debris can be quite large. Strainers suitable for residential use are usually not satisfactory for use in these commercial environments.

[0006] Moreover, a relatively flat or short strainer and/or stopper which is located wholly within or at the drain from a basin is not accessible without immersing one's hand in the water. Further, in order to effect drainage of the water from the basin, it may be necessary to remove the strainer and stopper. This defeats the strainer function of the device and enables debris to enter the drain.

[0007] Strainers and combined strainers and stoppers have been developed in the art to eliminate some of the problems noted above. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 1,835,447 discloses an elongate strainer and stopper combination wherein an upper end of the device, and particularly the stopper actuator, is accessible above the level of water in the basin. U.S. Pat. No. 1,596,893 also discloses in FIG. 1 a combined strainer and stopper of elongate configuration. The device shown in this patent is invertible so that it performs a straining function in one position, and a stopper function in an inverted position. To convert from one use to the other, it is necessary to remove the device from the drain.

[0008] None of these prior combined strainer and stopper devices have an elongate strainer structure which is adapted to rest at one end in a drain opening and extend at its other end a substantial distance above the opening, with a stopper valve reciprocable in the strainer to cooperate with a valve seat in said one end of the strainer to selectively open and close the drain from the basin, whereby the device presents a large strainer area in the basin, and has a stopper which is actuatable to any position while the strainer remains in place in the drain opening.

[0009] Applicant's prior patent 6,276,000 provides such a device, but as noted, the stopper seats on a seat in the strainer itself. Applicant is not aware of any prior combined strainer and stopper device wherein an elongate perforated strainer rests at one end in a drain opening from a sink or basin and extends at its other end a substantial distance above the opening, and a separately movable stopper carried by the strainer seats against a seat in the drain opening from the basin or sink.

[0010] Accordingly, there is need for such a device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A combined strainer and stopper is provided by the present invention, wherein the device has an elongate strainer structure which is adapted to rest at one end in a drain opening and extend at its other end a substantial distance above the opening, with a stopper valve reciprocable in the strainer to cooperate with a valve seat in the drain opening to selectively open and close the drain from the basin, whereby the device presents a large strainer area in the basin, and has a stopper which is actuatable between open and closed positions while the strainer remains in place in the drain opening, with the stopper having a latched open position and means yieldably biasing it toward a closed position when unlatched.

[0012] The combined strainer and stopper of the invention comprises an elongate, perforated tubular housing with an open lower end and a top wall. A stopper is carried by the housing and is reciprocable independently of the housing toward and away from a seat in the drain opening. The stopper comprises a valve disc and an elongate actuator connected at one end with the valve disc and extending at an upper end through the upper end of the housing and accessible above the top wall of the housing. Detent means are on the actuator lock the stopper valve in a raised, open position spaced from the valve seat.

[0013] The lower end of the housing is adapted to fit snugly in a drain opening so that the housing is supported in an upright position above the drain opening, and stop means on the housing limits the extent of insertion of the housing into the drain opening. When the stopper valve is in a raised position, a large perforated area is available for maximum flow of water while straining debris from the water without becoming clogged. With the stopper valve in a lowered position, the drain is closed so that water is retained in the basin.

[0014] In a first and preferred embodiment, the top wall is perforated and is integrally formed with the tubular housing. A handle is on the upper end of the housing, and includes a central portion spaced above the top wall. The actuator extends through the top wall and through the handle, and the detent means cooperates with the handle to lock the actuator in a raised position. The stop means comprises an annular shoulder formed integrally in the side wall of the housing. Spring means is engaged between the housing and actuator to yieldably urge the valve disc toward closed position against the seat when the combined strainer and stopper is in operative position in a drain opening, assuring that the stopper does not become inadvertently unseated.

[0015] In a second form of the invention, the top wall comprises a first plastic cap fitted to the upper end of the perforated housing, and the stop means comprises a second plastic cap or skirt fitted to the lower end of the housing. The second cap comprises a skirt or sleeve that fits in the drain opening, and an annular shoulder that rests against the bottom of the basin or sink around the opening to limit insertion of the housing into the drain opening. The stopper actuator is guided in a sleeve carried by the first cap, and a pull ring is carried by the upper end of the actuator above the first cap to enable the actuator to be grasped and reciprocated to move the valve disc between open and closed positions.

[0016] In both forms of the invention, the housing preferably is formed of stainless steel, and the valve disc is formed of rubber or other suitable flexible material. The spring means may comprise a coil spring concentric with the actuator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The foregoing, as well as other objects and advantages of the invention, will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a preferred form of combined strainer and stopper according to the invention, shown in exploded relationship to the drain opening from a basin, sink, tub or other structure.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the combined strainer and stopper of FIG. 1, shown inserted into a drain opening, and showing the valve stopper in a closed position.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view similar to FIG. 2, but showing the valve actuator raised to unseat the valve stopper, with the retaining lugs on the actuator moved through cooperating slots in the handle and rotated out of alignment with the slots whereby the lugs rest on top of the handle to retain the actuator and valve stopper in their raised, open position.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the invention wherein plastic caps are on the ends of the perforated housing, and the handle and spring are omitted.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0023] Referring more specifically to the drawings, a combined strainer and stopper device in accordance with the invention is indicated generally at 10 in FIGS. 1-6. The device comprises an elongate, perforated cylindrical housing 11 having an open lower end 12 and a perforated top wall 13. An outwardly deformed annular bead 14 is formed in the side wall nearer the lower end thereof, defining a stop means to limit insertion of the device in a drain opening. The lower end 15 of the side wall that extends below the bead 14 is imperforate over most or all of its length.

[0024] A handle 16 is affixed to the top wall, and includes a raised midportion 17 spaced from the top wall 13, that may be grasped by a person to lift and position the device in a drain opening D of a basin or sink S or the like.

[0025] A valve disc 20 is reciprocable relative to the housing into and out of sealing engagement with a seat 21 at the bottom of the drain opening, and an actuator stem 22 is connected at its lower end with the valve disc, and extends at its upper end through an opening 23 in the top wall 13 of the housing, and then through an opening 24 in the raised midportion 17 of the handle. The spaced relationship of the openings 23 and 24 serves to guide the actuator stem and maintain it in a vertically oriented, centered position relative to the housing.

[0026] A spring 25 is engaged between the valve disc 20 and the underside of the top wall 13 to yieldably urge the actuator stem and valve disc in a downward direction relative to the housing, whereby when the device is operatively seated in a drain opening the valve disc is resiliently urged into seating relationship with seat 21.

[0027] A pair of retaining lugs 26 project outwardly from diametrically opposite sides of the stem, and a pair of slots 27 are formed on opposite sides of the opening 24 for cooperation with the lugs. That is, when the stem is rotated to align the lugs with the slots, the stem may be moved axially through the opening, and when the stem is raised to move the lugs upwardly through the slots and then rotated, the lugs rest on top of the midportion of the handle to retain the stem and valve disc in a raised, open position as depicted in FIG. 3. The lugs also engage on the top of wall 13 when the actuator stem is lowered, to limit downward movement of the stem and valve disc to the extent shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0028] A knob 28 may be provided on the upper end of the actuator stem to facilitate raising and lowering it, and rotating it to position the retaining lugs as desired. In this regard, a suitable roughened surface or depressions, not shown, may be provided on the outer surface of the knob to prevent the fingers from slipping on it during use.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in use the combined strainer and stopper 10 is inserted at its lower end in the drain opening D so that the strainer extends upwardly into the basin or sink. If the knob 28 and actuator stem 22 are in their lowered position, the valve disc 20 seats against the annular valve seat 21. Water W may be introduced into the basin, where it will be retained. The large area of the strainer located within the water enables a substantial amount of debris 30 to collect without obstructing the strainer. Subsequently, when the actuator is moved upwardly to move the valve disc away from the seat, water is enabled to flow from the basin through the strainer and into the drain, while the debris is retained in the basin.

[0030] In one specific construction, the housing is made of stainless steel and has a diameter of approximately three and one-fourth inches and a length of approximately three inches, not counting the handle, which is spaced about one inch from the top wall of the housing. Uniformly spaced circular openings of approximately one-eighth inch diameter are distributed throughout the top and side walls of the housing, except for the lower end portion. The imperforate lower end has a length of approximately three-quarters of an inch.

[0031] A modification of the invention is indicated generally at 40 in FIGS. 4 and 5. In this form of the invention, the handle and spring are omitted, and a plastic cap 41 is fitted in the open upper end 42 of the perforated cylindrical side wall 43, and a plastic cap or skirt 44 is fitted in the open lower end 45 of the side wall.

[0032] The cap 41 is generally cup shaped, and defines an end wall 46 that is recessed into the open upper end of the housing side wall, a short cylindrical wall 47 that fits in the upper end of the side wall, and an annular collar 48 that overlies the upper end of the side wall.

[0033] An elongate sleeve bushing or guide 49 is fitted in an opening 50 in the center of end wall 46 and serves to guide actuator stem 51 which extends at its upper end through the bushing. A valve disc 52 is carried by the lower end of the stem for seating engagement against a seat 53 in the drain opening D.

[0034] The skirt 44 has a first short cylindrical section 54 fitted tightly around the open lower end of the housing 43, and a slightly longer, smaller diameter section 55 extending downwardly from the lower end of the housing and adapted to fit in the drain opening. Sections 54 and 55 define between them an annular shoulder 56 that defines a stop to limit the extent of insertion of the device into the drain opening.

[0035] A pull ring 57 or other suitable means may be associated with the actuator stem 51 to facilitate manipulation of the actuator.

[0036] The actuator stem may have a slight friction fit in the guide bushing so that the actuator will remain in place once manually positioned, or it may utilize detents, and/or springs, and the like, as described in connection with the first embodiment, for example.

[0037] Although specific dimensions have been given above for a particular embodiment of the invention, it should be understood that the invention can have other shapes and sizes. Further, the housing may be made of any suitable material, with stainless steel being preferred.

[0038] While particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail herein, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and intent of the invention as defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A combined strainer and stopper, comprising:

an elongate, tubular, perforate housing having a side wall with an open lower end and a top wall, said lower end being adapted to be inserted into a drain opening from a basin or sink or the like to support the combined strainer and stopper in an upright position extending upwardly from the drain opening into the basin;

a stopper valve carried by the housing and reciprocable relative to the housing into and out of sealing engagement with a seat in the drain opening when the combined strainer and stopper is in operative position in the drain opening; and

a valve actuator stem connected at a lower end with the stopper valve and extending at an upper end through an opening in the top wall for moving the stopper valve into and out of engagement with the valve seat while the perforate housing remains in place in the drain opening.

2. A combined strainer and stopper as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the top wall is perforate and is integral with the side wall.

3. A combined strainer and stopper as claimed in claim 2, wherein:

a handle is on the upper end of the housing for use in manipulating the combined strainer and stopper, said handle including a midportion spaced away from the top wall.

4. A combined strainer and stopper as claimed in claim 3, wherein:

an opening is formed centrally through the perforate top wall and a spaced opening is formed through the handle midportion, and said actuator stem is slidable through said spaced openings so that it is guided and maintained in a centered position relative to the housing.

5. A combined strainer and stopper as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

a spring is engaged between the housing top wall and the actuator stem to yieldably urge the actuator stem and stopper valve in a direction to close the stopper valve against the seat in the drain opening when the combined strainer and stopper are in operative position in the drain opening.

6. A combined strainer and stopper as claimed in claim 4, wherein:

a spring is engaged between the housing top wall and the actuator stem to yieldably urge the actuator stem and stopper valve in a direction to close the stopper valve against the seat in the drain opening when the combined strainer and stopper are in operative position in the drain opening.

7. A combined strainer and stopper as claimed in claim 6, wherein:

detents are on the actuator stem for cooperation with the housing top wall to limit movement of the actuator stem and stopper valve in the direction urged by the spring, and for cooperation with the handle to hold the actuator stem and stopper valve in an open position against the bias of the spring.

8. A combined strainer and stopper as claimed in claim 2, wherein:

the stopper valve comprises a circular disc of resilient material

9. A combined strainer and stopper as claimed in claim 4, wherein:

at least one outwardly projecting retaining lug is formed on an outer surface of the actuator stem; and

at least one slot extends outwardly from an edge of said opening through the handle, said lug adapted to pass through the slot when the actuator stein is in one rotational position, and to lie on top of the handle to retain the actuating stem and stopper valve in an upward open position when the lug is moved upwardly through the slot and the actuator stein is rotated to a second rotational position.

10. A combined strainer and stopper as claimed in claim 6, wherein:

at least one outwardly projecting retaining lug is formed on an outer surface of the actuator stem; and

at least one slot extends outwardly from an edge of said opening through the handle, said lug adapted to pass through the slot when the actuator stem is in one rotational position, and to lie on top of the handle to retain the actuating stem and stopper valve in an upward open position when the lug is moved upwardly through the slot and the actuator stem is rotated to a second rotational position.

11. A combined strainer and stopper as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

an annular shoulder is on an outer surface of the housing to limit the extent of insertion of the housing into a drain opening.

12. A combined strainer and stopper as claimed in claim 10, wherein:

an annular shoulder is on an outer surface of the housing to limit the extent of insertion of the housing into a drain opening.

13. A combined strainer and stopper as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said housing side wall has an open upper end, and the top wall comprises a first plastic cap fitted to the open upper end.

14. A combined strainer and stopper as claimed in claim 13, wherein:

a second plastic cap is fitted to the open lower end of the housing side wall, said second plastic cap having a depending cylindrical skirt adapted to fit into a drain opening to support the combined strainer and stopper in an upright position.

15. A combined strainer and stopper as claimed in claim 14, wherein:

an elongate guide bushing is fitted to a central portion of the end wall, and the actuator stem is reciprocable in and guided by the bushing.

16. A combined strainer and stopper as claimed in claim 15, wherein:

an annular shoulder is formed on an outer surface of the second plastic cap to define a stop that limits the extent of insertion of the combined strainer and stopper into a drain opening.