PLUMBING APPARATUS ADAPTED WITH REMOVABLE FILTERING CONTAINER

Abstract

The invention is a plumbing apparatus adapted with a removable filter container, which minimizes clogging and enables ease of maintenance by implementing a stopper without a guide but with a filtering container coupled to a pivot rod configured to regulate fluid flow. In one embodiment, the plumbing apparatus comprises of a stopper, a flange and filtering container, coupled to a horizontal pivot that regulates drainage of a basin, for example a sink or a bathtub. The plumbing apparatus minimizes clogging by catching the debris in the filter container. Furthermore the plumbing apparatus minimizes costs by enabling ease of replacement and maintenance. The top may be simply removed from a support member, which enables the removal of the filtering container, allowing for simple maintenance or replacement.

Description

PRIORITY NOTICE

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/078,305 filed on Jul. 3, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to a plumbing apparatus adapted with a removable filtering container, and more specifically, to a device that minimizes clogging and enables ease of maintenance by implementing a stopper without a guide but with a filtering container, which is coupled to a pivot rod configured to regulate fluid flow.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typical problems of plumbing apparatus often result from the accumulation of debris in stopper, specifically around the support member that extends downward from the top portion of stopper and often referred to as a stopper guide; said accumulation leading to the malfunction of stopper.

Basins typically have an outlet containing a plumbing apparatus to regulate flow of liquids through the outlet. Common problems with these plumbing apparatus are the clogging of stopper, inability for stopper to fully close, or the inability for stopper to easily open. When stopper is not functioning properly, other problems may arise. For example, when a clogged stopper does not close properly, water is wasted when filling the sink. Also, when drainage is not functioning properly, water drains from the basin sluggishly or worse, soiled water may overflow leading to damages of other fixtures or creating an environment for mold to grow. All these problems ultimately lead to an increase in costs especially if a plumber is required.

A clogged stopper is often caused by the accumulation of debris around the guide of stopper. Common types of debris found in clogged plumbing apparatus are hair, lint, and other fibrous material caught in the plumbing, which obstructs the flow of discharge from a basin.

Typically, the plumbing apparatus comprises of a stopper with a guide. The guide often extends the length of stopper from the cap to the base where it connects to a horizontal pivot rod. The width of the guide spans the diameter of the top and functions as a support for stopper as it is raised and lowered to regulate liquid discharge from said basin.

To clear the debris, stopper needs to be disassembled either from the top or may require one to disassemble the horizontal pivot rod from the drain body under the sink. Under some circumstances, the severity of the problem may require the entire plumbing fixture to be replaced.

Another common problem with existing plumbing apparatus is the mold that forms around the flange. The flange is permanently affixed to the sink and replacement may be complex, require a substantial amount of time, or may require the assistance of a plumber.

To replace the flange, the portion of the plumbing apparatus located under the sink needs to be disassembled. This usually requires disassembling the different parts of the plumbing apparatus including the horizontal pivot rod, drain body and tail piece before the flange could be replaced.

Again, under certain circumstances, replacement of these parts may be needed as well. The complexity and difficulty of this procedure may require a plumber.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a plumbing apparatus that minimizes clogging and enables one to easily clean accumulated debris, eliminating common problems with existing sink stopper devices and decreasing overall costs. The present invention overcomes the above described disadvantages of presently existing pluming systems. It is to these ends that the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations found in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon the reading of the specification, the present invention provides a plumbing apparatus adapted with a filter container configured to catch debris and minimize clogging. The individual units of the plumbing apparatus may be easily disassembled for ease of maintenance or replacement, thereby decreasing overall costs.

A plumbing apparatus, in accordance with the present invention, comprises of a removable filter that is securely coupled to the outlet of a basin to collect debris and a stopper that is directed vertically and extends through the center of said filter.

A method of installing a filtering system, in accordance with the present invention, comprises of coupling a removable filter to the top of an outlet of a basin for collecting debris and directing a stopper with a removable top vertically and extending through a center of said filter.

A filtering system for collecting debris to prevent clogging of a basin, in accordance with the present invention, comprises of a basin, faucet to provide a water flow within said basin, drain outlet used to discharge said water flow from said basin; and a plumbing apparatus coupled to said drain outlet. The plumbing apparatus further comprises of a removable filter securely coupled to an outlet of a basin for collecting debris and a stopper directed vertically and extending through a center of said filter.

It is an objective of the present invention to reduce common problems resulting from clogged drains due to the accumulation of debris through the use of a filter container.

It is an objective of the present invention to simplify maintenance and minimize the work necessary to de-clog a drain.

Finally, it is an objective of the present invention to reduce plumbing costs through minimizing debris clogged in a drain.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described herein with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, wherein a basin with a plumbing apparatus comprises of a stopper, a flange-filter container unit that is adapted and securely fitted to the outlet of the basin and is coupled to a horizontal rod that regulates discharge from the basin.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention comprising of the different components of the plumbing apparatus, which includes: a stopper, a flange-filter container unit, a support member, a drain body, an extension unit, and a horizontal pivot.

FIG. 3(a) illustrates one embodiment of the present invention showing the top of a stopper in a closed position, and corresponding positioning of the flange-filter container unit and support member.

FIG. 3(b) illustrates the embodiment shown in FIG. 3(a), wherein the stopper is in an open position, thereby releasing any fluid from the basin while filtering or preventing debris from entering and ultimately clogging the drain body.

FIG. 3(c) illustrates the embodiment shown in FIG. 3(a), wherein the stopper and the flange-filter container unit are detached for cleaning.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a plumbing apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, installed in the outlet of a basin.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein a flange-filter container unit adapted with springs to be universally coupled with most commonly used drain bodies. The end of the support member is attached to an extension unit with multiple slots incrementally spaced along its length to interface with a horizontal pivot rod.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention wherein the entire length of the support member is threaded so as to allow universal implementation with existing plumbing systems.

FIG. 7(a) through FIG. 7(d) show other alternative embodiments of a filter container in accordance with the present invention, wherein different types of sizes, shape configurations, and types of openings may be used without limiting the scope of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an overview diagram of a system comprising a plumbing apparatus, in accordance with the present invention, which minimizes the accumulation of debris in a plumbing system by implementing a filter container that regulates the quality of fluid flow of a basin's output. Specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention, wherein a basin is retrofitted with a plumbing apparatus comprising of a stopper, a filter container unit, which is adapted and securely fitted to the outlet of the basin, and a vertical support member coupled to a horizontal rod that regulates discharge from the basin by pivoting the stopper between opened and closed positions.

The plumbing system shown comprises of basin 100, faucet 102, stopper 101, filter container 103, which is adapted and fitted securely to the outlet of basin 100, support member 103a, drain body 104, extension interface 104a, horizontal pivot rod 105, clevis 106, and lift rod 107.

Basin 100 is generally a substantially circular vessel with slopping or curving sides for holding water for washing, or a bowl for washing, often affixed to a wall. Basin 100 may be washbasin, for example a basin in a bathroom sink that is permanently installed and connected to a water supply and drain pipe—where you can wash your hands and face, or a large basin such as a bathtub, or any other type of basin or container that includes some type of plumbing, such as an outlet that allows liquid or fluid to pass through, accumulate, and drain. In the shown embodiment, basin 100 is a sink with a faucet 102 that regulates the flow of liquid into basin 100.

Stopper 101 may be any type of stopper known in the art, configured to retain water or prevent fluid from entering or exiting a particular outlet. Stopper 101 may be constructed of any rigid material, such as any type of metal, or may be constructed of a resilient material such as a flexible plastic or rubber material, without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Nevertheless, stopper 101 must be designed so as to prevent fluid flow from exiting basin 100 when in a closed position, thereby retaining water in basin 100, when for example a user decides to turn on faucet 102 and fill basin 100.

Stopper 101 is coupled to support member 103a, which also supports filter container 103 and may be detachably coupled together in a variety of ways without limiting the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, stopper 101 may be coupled via a snap-on mechanism; in another embodiment, stopper 101 may be screwed onto support member 103a; or stopper 101 may be detachably coupled in any other manner that allows stopper 101 to be removed from support member 103a and be placed back again upon selection by a user. This is desirable so that a user may have access to filter container 103 without having to remove the interior assembly between the internal components of basin 100 such as pivot rod 105, extension interface 104a, and drain body 104; a procedure that is typically time consuming an requires significant assembly and disassembly in order to execute properly.

Filter 103 is typically constructed of a light, durable, preferably stainless metal. However, other materials such as PVC, plastics, acrylics, or any other type of material may be used without deviating from the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, filter container 103 is made of a light aluminum alloy that does not rust when in constant contact with water. In another embodiment, filter container 103 is constructed of a light durable plastic. Furthermore, filter container 103 may be shaped in a variety of forms so long as it fits properly inside drain body 104. Several different embodiments of a filter container in accordance with the present invention are further discussed in reference to FIGS. 7(a)-7(e).

Support member 103a may be a vertically oriented rod or cylindrically shaped that bar that extends downward and is detachable coupled to both stopper 101 and filter container 103. Typically support member 103a has threading so as to be screwed on to stopper 101; however, as discussed above, this coupling may be achieved in any other manner without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

For example, and in no way limiting the scope of the present invention, support member 103a may have a threaded body or a threaded top that couples with stopper 101, or may have a magnetized top portion to magnetically couple with stopper 101.

Support member 103a is also detachably coupled with filter container 103. Typically, filter container 103 includes a base with an opening for threading support member 103a through so that support member 103a can make contact and be coupled to stopper 101.

Filter container 103 stays secured at a top portion of drain body 104 (i.e. does not fall into the plumbing). In one embodiment, filter container 103 is permanently connected to basin 100's flange 108. In another embodiment, filter container 103 is detachably coupled to flange 107 by including a top outer rim comprising a wider circumference that an opening of drain body 104, so that filter container 103 is securely stabilized and held from falling through drain body 104. In an exemplary embodiment, filter container 103 is attached to a second flange designed to be placed over basin 100's flange 108 in a manner that both holds filter container 103 in place, and protects flange 108 from wear and tear, mold, dirt, or other debris that may later require more maintenance to basin 100; such embodiment is described in greater detail in reference to FIG. 2.

Drain body 104 may be any type of drain body known in the art. Drain body 104 contains all the internal components of the plumbing for basin 100, including filter container 103, support member 103a, extension interface 104a, and a portion of horizontal pivot rod 105.

Extension interface 104a is designed to receive or be adjustably coupled to support member 103a. Again, this may be through a threading configuration such as a screw like connection, may be permanently glued, attached, or may in fact be part of support member 103a (see FIG. 2 for such embodiment), without limiting the scope of the present invention.

In the shown embodiment, extension interface 104a is an extension of support member 103a configured so that extension interface 103a is mechanically coupled to horizontal pivot rod 105, in a manner such that movement of horizontal pivot rod 105 mechanically moves support member 103a in a vertical or upwards and downwards motion, which causes stopper 101 to move to and from open and closed positions.

Every time stopper 101 is in an open position a user may access filter container and remove any caught debris from filter container 103 to clean and prevent clogging of drain body 104.

In an exemplary embodiment, this motion not only exposes filter container 103, but also raises filter container 103 through an opening of drain body 104 and over flange 108, in a manner so that filter 103 may too be removed along with stopper 101 for better cleaning or for replacement of filter container 103. This is desirable so that instead of reaching inside filter 103 for cleaning, filter 103 may be removed and cleaned more thoroughly outside drain body 104. Notice that removal of stopper 101 and/or filter container 103 will not affect support member 103a since being supported by extension interface 104a and horizontal pivot rod 105.

Horizontal pivot 105 is controlled by a known mechanism comprising of clevis 107 attached to a rod 106, which moves horizontal pivot 105 upward or downward thereby raising or lowering the stopper 101 to regulate drainage and filling of the basin. When lowered, the stopper 101 rests flushed to the outlet and against flange 108 to prevent water leakage; when raised, stopper 101 is too raised to permit drainage through the outlet and allow access to filter container 103—again, in alternative embodiments, filter container 103 may too be raised upon rising of support member 103a.

Turning to the next figure, FIG. 2 is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention depicting the different components of a plumbing apparatus, which includes: a stopper, a flange-filter container unit, a support member, a drain body, an extension unit, and a horizontal pivot.

Specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates several components that make up an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, including stopper 201, flange-filter container unit 202, flange 204, support member extension unit 203, drain body 205, pivot rod retaining member 206, horizontal pivot 207, pivot ball 208, clevis 209, a lift rod 210, and lever 211.

Like stopper 101, stopper 201 may be any type of stopper known in the art configured to retain water or prevent fluid from entering or exiting a particular outlet. Stopper 201 may be constructed of any rigid material, such as any type of metal, or may be constructed of a resilient material such as a flexible plastic or rubber material, without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Nevertheless, stopper 201 should be designed so as to prevent fluid flow from exiting basin 100 when in a closed position, thereby retaining water when desired to contain said water in any given basin that incorporates a plumbing device in accordance with the present invention.

Stopper 201 is detachably coupled to support member extension unit 203, which also supports flange-filter container unit 202, and may be detachably coupled together in a variety of ways without limiting the scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, stopper 201 may be coupled via a snap-on mechanism; in another embodiment, stopper 201 may be screwed onto support member extension unit 203; or stopper 201 may be detachably coupled in any other manner that allows stopper 201 to be removed from support member extension unit 203 and be placed back again upon selection by a user.

Again, this configuration may be desirable so that a user may have access to flange-filter container unit 202 without having to remove the interior assembly between the internal components of drain body 205, such as support member extension unit 203, pivot rod retaining member 206, horizontal pivot 207, and pivot ball 208; a procedure that is typically time consuming an requires significant assembly and disassembly in order to execute properly.

This undesirable procedure is often due to clogging that occurs inside drain body 205, which requires disassembly of said drain body 205 in order to disassemble the typical support members and pivoting mechanisms that actuate a stopper between closed and open positions. By implementing a removable stopper, such as stopper 201 in combination with removable flange-filter container 202, maintenance of drain body 205 (e.g. when clogged) will only require removal of exterior components, thereby circumventing any messy and more time consuming disassembly of drain body 205 and its interior components.

Flange-filter container unit 202 is typically cylindrical with an opening at the top where it makes contact with stopper 201, and may be closed on its bottom portion to catch debris, allowing a flow of fluid to run through holes in its cylindrical perimeter walls.

Flange-filter container unit 202 includes perforations that may be evenly spaced to separate debris that may clog drain body 205 with particles that can otherwise pass through. Therefore, flange-filter container unit 202's openings or perforations should be configured so that only fluids such as water are able to pass through, yet small enough to catch any undesirable debris. However, said perforations should also be sized so that a fluid flow is not significantly restricted in a manner that adds undesirable pressure or create a backflow into a basin which incorporates said flange-filter container unit 202.

In the shown embodiment, flange-filter container unit 202 includes both a filter component and a flange component and each component is permanently attached together. This is desirable so that flange-filter container unit 202 can be self-supported when placed on flange 204 of drain body 205. As explained above, an extra flange is desirable to protect flange 204.

Typically, in the event that dirt debris or mold affects the usage or aesthetics of flange 204, a complicated procedure, including removal of drain body 205 is often required; by implementing a protective flange component with a filter component as with flange-filter container unit 202, flange-filter container unit 202 can be replaced and save valuable time and resources. For example, typically drain bodies may include several sections that are connected together by screwing several components of piping or plumbing, or are sometimes one long singular component. Thus, replacing flange 204 often requires replacing drain body 205, which is naturally undesirable—therefore, it is desirable to incorporate a protective flange such as that incorporated in flange-filter container unit 202, which is adapted to protect flange 104.

Furthermore, and in no way limiting the scope of the present invention, flange-filter container unit 202 may be constructed of a variety of colors and materials so as to match a variety of basin designs.

Thus, several embodiments of flange-filter container unit 202 may be incorporated in a plumbing device in accordance with the present invention without limiting the scope herein. In one embodiment, the flange-filter container unit 202 is wide at the top and tapers near the bottom to further allow water to flow. In another embodiment the flange-filter container unit 202 is cylindrically shaped and contains perforations throughout its entire body (except the top opening). In yet another embodiment flange-filter container unit 202 comprises wire mesh walls and base rather than individual perforations, and in yet another embodiment, flange-filter container unit 202 comprises a solid cylindrical wall with a wired mesh or netted bottom to catch debris; these and other embodiments are possible and in no way limit the scope of the present invention.

At the bottom of flange-filter container unit 202 an opening is typically formed, adapted to receive support member extension unit 203 in a manner so that support member extension 203 is able to pass through and be detachable coupled with stopper 201.

Support member extension unit 203 not only supports and mechanically opens and closes stopper 201 (thereby allowing access to flange-filter container unit 202) but also acts as a guide stopper 201 and replaces commonly used guides, which are typically wide and take up a large portion of the interior circumference of a drain body—further allowing debris such as hair or other fibrillose materials to get caught in said guides. Because flange-filter container unit 202 is adapted with an opening at its base, flange-filter container unit 202 acts as stopper 201's guide, thereby eliminating the need for an extra component and allowing better fluid flow. By eliminating such guiding mechanisms often used with stoppers, stopper 201 and flange-filter container unit 202 minimize maintenance and help reduce clogging of drain body 205.

In the shown embodiment, support member extension unit 203 includes several openings adapted to receive horizontal pivot 207, which typically moves in an up and down motion, using pivot ball 208 as its pivoting mechanism. As horizontal pivot 207 moves up and down, support member extension unit 203 also moves up and down thereby actuating stopper 201 between open and closed positions.

Pivot rod retaining member 206 extend from drain body 205 to house pivot ball 208 and a partial portion of horizontal pivot 207. A description of the internal workings of such known mechanisms is very briefly discussed with referenced to FIG. 4. Outside pivot rod retaining member 206, horizontal pivot 207 is coupled with clevis 207, which is connected to rod 210 and lever 211—the remainder components of the mechanism which regulates fluid flow through drain body 205.

Now turning to the next three figures, FIG. 3(a) illustrates one embodiment of the present invention showing the top of a stopper in a closed position, and the corresponding positioning of the flange-filter container unit and support member; FIG. 3(b) illustrates the embodiment shown in FIG. 3(a), wherein the stopper is in an open position, thereby releasing any fluid from the basin while filtering or preventing debris from entering and ultimately clogging the drain body; and FIG. 3(c) illustrates the embodiment shown in FIG. 3(a), wherein the stopper and the flange-filter container unit are detached for cleaning.

In FIG. 3(a), stopper 300 is closed thereby preventing any fluid from draining from basin 305. Support member 304 extends downward through the base of flange-filter container unit 301. In the presently shown embodiment, flange-filter container 301 comprises two components (see FIG. 3(c)); mainly flange 302 and filter 303, which contains a plurality of openings 310 adapted to allow fluid flow through said filter 303 when stopper 300 is in an open position, but are small enough to prevent debris from passing through filter 303.

FIG. 3(b) illustrates stopper 300 in an open position. Although stopper 300 has been lifted from basin outlet or drain body 306, support member 304 stays in its original vertical position, kept in place by flange-filter container unit 301. With stopper 300 lifted away from basin 305, debris may be collected in filter 303 and any fluid in basin 300 may be disposed.

FIG. 3(c) illustrates the several components of flange-filter container unit 301 detached from support member 304 exposing drain body 306. Once stopper 300 is detached from support member 304, filter-flange container unit 301 may also be detached from the plumbing apparatus. The bottom flange 307 is permanently affixed to basin 305. Therefore flange 302 serves as a protective cover for flange 307 in that removal and/or replacement of flange 302 facilitates maintenance and preserves basin 305's original flange 307 for an extended period of time.

Flange-filter container unit 301 sits securely on top of the permanent flange 307. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, stopper 300 and flange-filter container unit 301 may be styled so that a user may choose any style to match the existing basin or other styled components. Again, this simplifies flange replacement since only flange-filter container unit 301 may be detached, instead, thereby circumventing any disassembling of the drainage system, which often requires the assistance of a plumber.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a plumbing apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, installed in the outlet of a basin.

Specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates the cross section of a plumbing apparatus, shown in a closed position installed in an outlet of basin 400. Stopper 401 rests on flange 409 at the bottom of basin 400. Support member 403 is coupled to stopper 401, filter 402 and extension unit 404. Support member 403 extends vertically upward through a base portion of filter 402 so as to detachably connect with stopper 401, and extends vertically downward through the base portion of filter 402 so as to detachably connect with extension unit 404, which interfaces with horizontal rod 405 for regulating drainage from basin 400 by raising or lowering stopper 401 via vertical pivoting movement of horizontal rod 405.

In the shown embodiment a support member 403a helps stabilize a position of filter 402 against support member 403 so that as support member 403 moves vertically, filter 403 is also exposed through basin 400's outlet, providing easy access for a user to either remove filter 402 or easily clean any caught debris contained therein.

Briefly, the entire plumbing apparatus is housed in the interior of drain body 407 which includes a gasket 406 to prevent any leakage of fluids running down basin 400's plumbing. Again, horizontal rod 405 pivots inside drain body 407 and its movement affects the open and closed positions of stopper 401 to provide access to filter 402; such mechanism in accordance with the present invention thereby prevents any need to, for example as is often required otherwise, remove piping 408 from drain body 407 in order to disassemble horizontal pivot 405 from extension unit 404 and support member 403 in order to completely pull out or remove stopper 401.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein a flange-filter container unit adapted with springs to be universally coupled with most commonly used drain bodies. The end of the support member is attached to an extension unit with multiple slots incrementally spaced along its length to interface with a horizontal pivot rod.

FIG. 5 shows plumbing device 500 comprising filter container 505 as a separate piece (but detachably coupled to) flange 503. Filter container 505 is adapted with a series of springs 504 that are configured to produce a resistant force so as to secularly fit in a plurality of different drain body sizes. Springs 504 extend from filter 505 and are typically made of the same material used to construct filter 505; nevertheless, other materials may be used without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

In the shown embodiment, support member 502 is threaded on both ends so it may be attached to stopper 501 at one end and to extension unit 506 at the other. Extension unit 506 includes threaded openings adapted to receive support member 502. Extension unit 506 also includes multiple slots 507 along its length to interface with a horizontal pivot (not pictured) for opening or closing stopper 501. The size of extension unit 506 varies depending on measurements of a basin and plumbing to which plumbing device 500 has been implemented, thus the threading is desirable so as to adjust a positioning of extension unit 506 to match the necessary specifications of a particular basin and plumbing system.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention wherein the entire length of the support member is threaded so as to allow universal implementation with existing plumbing systems.

FIG. 6 shows plumbing device 600 comprising of stopper 601, support member 602, flange 603, filter container 604, and extension unit 605. In this embodiment, the entire length of support member 602 is threaded. This enables flexibility regarding the distance of extension unit 605 and filter 604. Additionally, plumbing device 600 does not include springs on filter 604, which may be more economical and thus desirable in that respect.

Finally, FIG. 7(a) through FIG. 7(d) show other alternative embodiments of a filter container in accordance with the present invention, wherein different types of sizes, shape configurations, and types of openings may be used without limiting the scope of the present invention.

A plumbing apparatus adapted with removable filter container. The foregoing description of the various exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims.

Claims

1. A drain filter, comprising:

a housing comprising a filter material for allowing liquids to flow through, and particles to be trapped,

wherein said housing includes lower and upper openings to receive there through a support member for a stopper.

2. The drain filter of claim 1, further comprising a flange coupled to a perimeter of said upper opening of said housing, wherein said flange extends outwardly from the perimeter of said housing.

3. The drain filter of claim 1, wherein said upper opening is adapted to receive said stopper for occluding liquids from going through said filter.

4. The drain filter of claim 1, wherein the size of said lower opening is substantially equal to the width of said support member in order to allow said support member to pass through said lower opening.

5. The drain filter of claim 1, wherein the width of said housing is less than the width of a drain pipe so as to allow liquid to flow through a wall of said housing into said drain pipe.

6. A method of installing a drain filter, comprising the steps of:

inserting within a drain pipe a housing comprising a filtering material for allowing liquids to flow through, and particles to be trapped; and

connecting a stopper to a support member via lower and upper openings of said housing.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of placing around an opening of said drain pipe a flange that is coupled to a perimeter of said upper opening of said housing, wherein said flange extends outwardly from said housing.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of occluding liquids from passing through said filter via said upper opening, which is adapted to receive said stopper.

9. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of passing said support member through said lower opening as a result of the size of said lower opening being substantially equal to the width of said support member.

10. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of allowing liquid to pass through a wall of said housing as a result of the width of said housing being less than the width of said drain pipe.

11. A system for a drain filter, comprising:

a drain pipe;

a housing comprising a filter material for allowing liquids to flow through, and particles to be trapped;

wherein said housing includes lower and upper openings to receive there through a support member for a stopper.

12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a flange coupled to a perimeter of said upper opening of said housing, wherein said flange extends outwardly from the perimeter of said housing.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein said upper opening is adapted to receive said stopper for occluding liquids from going through said filter.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the size of said lower opening is substantially equal to the width of said support member in order to allow said support member to pass through said lower opening.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein the width of said housing is less than the width of said drain pipe so as to allow liquid to flow through a wall of said housing.