SINK INSERT WITH CLEANING SURFACE

Abstract

Methods and systems for a sink insert are described. The sink insert is comprised of an outer wall, a bottom portion and a cleaning surface. The outer wall is positioned to engage a sink at its drain. The bottom portion is fixed to the outer wall and extends radially inwardly from the outer wall toward a centerline of the drain, wherein the bottom portion defines an aperture through which fluids and, if present, solids flow from a sink basin to the sink drain. A cleaning surface is affixed to a top surface of the bottom portion such that the cleaning surface faces upwardly toward the sink basin.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 61/925,147, filed on 8 Jan. 2014, titled “SINK INSERT WITH CLEANING SURFACE”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

This application relates to an insert for a sink that includes a cleaning surface, for example, a splash guard with a cleaning surface or a drain insert with a cleaning surface.

BACKGROUND

Inserts are placed in sinks to either prevent back splashes from the trap or a garbage disposal or to prevent large particles from going down the drain. These inserts have smooth surfaces to allow the ready flow of liquid thereon.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,774,890 describes a sink drain insert for use with a sink equipped with a powered garbage disposal unit. This insert consists of a cylindrical base having debris dislodging means which may be one of brushes, a scraper or some combination thereof, wherein food debris that are adhered to utensils may be scrubbed or scraped to dislodged the debris, allowing the debris to fall into the garbage disposal. The outer wall of the sink drain insert further comprises a circular sealing member for affixing and restraining the insert into the sink drain at the user's discretion.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2009/0126091 describes a utensil scrubber apparatus for use with a sink drain comprises an insert sized to tightly fit within a sink drain and having first and second portions. The first portion provides a circular peripheral flange and a medial opening for allowing both liquids and solids to pass down through the insert and into the sink drain. The second portion is axially concentric with the first portion and extends downwardly, providing a tapered circular outer surface for tightly fitting within the sink drain. A plurality of resilient bristles upwardly extend from the top surface of the first portion in a position adjacent to the opening. The bristles are sized and arranged in such a way as to allow for a relatively easy means of dislodging food from a utensil. In the preferred embodiment, the insert contains a scenting agent for masking potentially unpleasant odors emanating from the sink drain.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,362 describes a combined sink strainer and scrub brush unit with or without a sink stopper disc which seats into a garbage disposal inlet depending from a sink bottom. A horizontal strainer base has a series of drain apertures therein and a series of spaced brush elements either molded with the base or attached to the base and depending from the base. A handle is attached to the base for manual removal of the unit from the disposal inlet and for hand-manipulating the unit to scrape/scrub foodstuff and other debris from dish plates, cooking pots, and sink surfaces into the sink and disposal inlet. A rubber stopper disc is mounted on top of base for rotational and sliding movement thereon. Radial drain holes in the disc are alignable with the base drain apertures in a drain “open” position and are offset therefrom in a drain “closed” sealing position.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In an example, an insert can include a body, which extends into a sink drain, and a cleaning part on the body. The cleaning part can be engaged by a user through the sink at a top surface of the body.

In an example, a sink insert includes an outer flange to engage a sink at its drain; an inwardly extending part fixed to the outer member and extending inwardly from the outer member toward a centerline of the drain, the inwardly extending part defining an aperture through which fluids and, if present, solids flow from a sink basin to the sink drain; and a scrubber surface affixed to the inwardly extending part such that the scrubber surface faces upwardly toward the sink basin.

In an example, the scrubber surface includes a plurality of scrubber surfaces positioned on inwardly extending part. In an example, the inwardly extending part is a flexible, resilient polymer. In an example, the inwardly extending part includes a first level and a second level, with the first level being above the second level, and wherein the scrubber surface is on the first level. In an example, the scrubber surface is on the second level. In an example, the second level is connected to the first level by a wall extending downwardly, and wherein the wall is resilient and flexible.

In an example, the inwardly extending part includes a concave base, and wherein a group of the plurality of scrubber surfaces are discrete and positioned around the concave base. In an example, the group of scrubber surfaces are spaced substantially uniformly on the base. In an example, the scrubber surfaces includes a second group of scrubber surfaces that are of a different dimension relative to the first-mentioned group of scrubber surfaces.

In an example, the outer member of the sink insert includes a vertical wall to engage an inner diameter of a sink drain. In an example, the vertical wall includes a lower portion that extends the height of the inwardly extending part and includes a recess in an outer surface thereof. In an example, the vertical wall comprises an upper portion that extends above the inwardly extending part and is cyclindrical.

In conjunction with any other example, the scrubber surface includes an abrasive layer. The scrubber surface can be a woven pad. The scrubber surface can include a non-woven pad. The scrubber surface can be a non-woven pad.

In conjunction with any example herein, the sink insert can be part of a sink assembly. A sink assembly can include a basin with a drain hole; a sink insert (as described herein) secured in the drain hole or basin; and a drain pipe. In some examples, a disposal is fixed to the sink after the sink insert. A disposal is a device fitted to the waste pipe of a sink for grinding up solids being disposed of from the sink. Typically, a disposal is mounted to a kitchen sink to grind up food from the sink or dish washer. In an example, the scrubber surface includes a non-woven pad that completely covers the inwardly extending part. In an example, the scrubber surface is a layer with a uniform thickness extending above the inwardly extending part.

In further examples, the body of the insert is a flexible polymer, rubber or other yieldable material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an insert according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the insert according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the insert according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a top view of an insert according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a view of the insert according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a view of an insert according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an insert according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a sink assembly with an insert according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a partial, cross sectional view of the insert according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a top view of an insert according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the insert according to an example embodiment; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the insert according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example methods and systems for sink inserts are described. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of example embodiments. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art after review of this disclosure that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

In some example embodiments, sink inserts include cleaning surfaces, e.g., scrubbing surfaces, abrasive surfaces, roughened surfaces, that can aid in the removal, debris, grime, foodstuffs and the like from the surfaces of utensils and cookware.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate sink insert 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a top, plan view of the sink insert 100, FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the insert 100 taken generally along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of sink insert 100 according to embodiments of the present invention.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, sink insert 100 includes outer wall 101, cleaning surfaces 110 and bottom portion 112. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, wall 101 is annular, such that an outer surface of outer wall 101 is adapted to engage an inner diameter of a drain hole or aperture of a sink. In one example, outer wall 101 is made of a resilient, water proof material, e.g., rubber, plastic or other polymer. In addition, outer wall 101 may be deformable to allow sink insert 100 to be placed into the sink drain hole with some force. The resilient properties of the outer wall 101 will force itself against the drain hole and secure itself in the sink drain hole. In other embodiments, the shape of outer wall 101 may be modified to accommodate various drain hole aperture shapes and sizes.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, outer wall 101 is comprised of upper wall portion 103 and lower wall portion 105. The upper wall portion 103 is annular, thereby defining an open interior 106 (e.g., hollow cylinder) through which water, solids and utensils may move. The water and solids can flow out of the sink and into subsequent plumbing. The lower wall portion 105 is located adjacent the upper wall portion, and may be formed integrally with upper wall portion 103. Lower wall portion is similarly annular, but instead of being hollow supports bottom portion 112, which extends radially inward from lower wall portion 105. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, to support splashguard 112, lower wall portion 105 is thicker than upper wall portion 103. However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, both upper wall portion 103 and lower wall portion 105 have the same or similar circumferences, such that both portions may engage the inner diameter of the sink drain or other structure in the sink drain to secure the sink insert 100 within the drain.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a recess 107 is positioned in the lower wall 105 and extends around the outer circumference of the lower wall 105. The recess 107 assists in securing the insert 100 in a sink drain. The recess 107 defines a gradually, inwardly sloping top surface and a more abrupt, bottom outwardly extending surface. Inwardly and outwardly are determined when looking at FIG. 2 from top to bottom. The bottom surface of lower wall 105 defines a foot portion 108 that securely grips an inner part of a sink drain or sink assembly. In one embodiment, foot portion 108 extends radially outward beyond the upper wall 103. Due to the dimensions of foot portion 108 and the resiliency of the wall material, the foot portion 108 provides the most radially outward force at the installation point. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, foot portion 108 is annular, extending circumferentially around the sink insert 100.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, a bottom of sink insert 100 is defined by a portion that extends radially inward from lower wall portion 105 toward a center-point of sink insert 100. The bottom portion 112 may sometimes be referred to as “splash guard”, because it acts to prevent material that has exited the sink from returning to the sink. Bottom portion 112 can be integrally formed with the wall 101 (and in particular, with lower wall portion 105) in an example. Accordingly, the bottom portion 112 can be reliantly deformable with the remainder of sink insert 100. In the illustrated example, the outer circumferential edge of bottom portion 112 is fixed to the top of bottom wall portion 105, and extends inwardly from the bottom wall 105 and defines a medial aperture 115. Medial aperture 115 is the hole through which liquids and solids, if present, can travel from the sink's interior to the subsequent plumbing. In an example, the aperture 115 is co-axial with the drain of the sink and immediately subsequent plumbing. In one example, the aperture 115 has a dimension, e.g., diameter, that is 1/3 or less than a dimension, e.g., diameter, of the outer wall 101 or the dimension or the sink drain hole. In the illustrated example, the bottom portion 112 has a concave shape when viewed from the sink. However, in other embodiments it may be desirable that the bottom portion have a convex shape in which case bottom portion 112 would extend upward into the open interior 106 defined by upper wall portion 103. Bottom portion 112 includes a top, outer periphery at the top of the bottom wall portion 105 and an inner, free, lower edge (which defines the aperture 115) that is essentially at the bottom of bottom wall 105. In one example, the bottom portion 112 has an inner edge that is below the bottom of bottom wall 105.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, cleaning surface 110 is positioned on the top surface of bottom portion 112. Cleaning surface 110 can include a non-uniform scrubbing surface. Various nodules can be upstanding from other areas of the surface. In an example, the cleaning layer includes non-woven fibers that are hydrophobic. In one example, the cleaning layer includes woven fibers that are hydrophobic. In another example, a plurality of grains is embedded in the surface. Cleaning surface 110 can include a plurality of discrete areas located on a top surface of bottom portion 112. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a first group of cleaning surfaces 110A are provided adjacent the aperture 115, and a second group of cleaning surfaces 110B are positioned outwardly of the first group of cleaning areas 110A. The groups of cleaning areas can have different dimensions, as shown in FIG. 1, and may be comprised of different materials. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, first group of cleaning areas 110A have a larger diameter than the second group of cleaning areas 110B. However, the smaller cleaning areas 110B are more numerous than the larger cleaning areas 110A. In other embodiments, cleaning surfaces 110 are positioned on only one part of bottom portion 112, e.g., 1/3 of the top surface of the bottom portion 112 or ½ of the top surface of the bottom portion 112. While cleaning surfaces 110 are shown as cylindrical, it will be recognized that other shapes or volumes may be used for the cleaning layer. It will also be noted that the cleaning locations of the plurality of cleaning surfaces 110 extend upwardly toward or into the interior 116 of the insert 100. The cleaning layer 110 does not extend into the aperture 115 defined by the inner diameter of the body 112.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a sink insert 100′ that includes outer wall 101, bottom portion 112′ extending radially inward from outer wall 101, and a plurality of cleaning surfaces 110′ located on a top surface of bottom portion 112′ according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, bottom portion 112′ include a first, upper level 142, and a second, lower level 143 joined together by vertical walls 144. The upper and lower levels alternate around the bottom portion 112′. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, each upper and lower level 142, 143 is triangular or frustum shaped. This structure allows bottom portion 112′ to provide a smaller aperture 115 while allowing larger materials to flow through the bottom portion when the bottom portion is deformed by pressing downward on the bottom portion 112′. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, cleaning surfaces 110′ are positioned on one or more (here, shown as the two top parts) of the upper level portions 142 of bottom portion 112′. It is within the scope of the present invention to position the cleaning surfaces 110′ on each of the upper level portions 142. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the cleaning surfaces 110′ cover the entire surface of select upper level portions 142, but in other embodiments may cover only a portion of the surface of upper level portions 142. In one example, cleaning surfaces 110′ include a plurality of discrete cleaning pads positioned on the upper level portions 142, e.g., one or more than one to each level 142. In another embodiment, cleaning surfaces 110′ are also positioned on the lower level portions 143 in addition to placement on upper level portions 142.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of sink insert 100″ having a first plurality of cleaning surfaces 110″ affixed to the top surface of bottom portion 112″. FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of sink insert 100″ having additional cleaning surfaces 110″ affixed to the top surface of bottom portion 112″. Once again, sink insert 100″ is comprised of an outer wall 101″, a bottom portion 112″ extending radially inward from outer wall 101″, and a plurality of cleaning surfaces 110″ affixed to the top surface or surfaces of bottom portion 112″. In contrast with the embodiment described with respect to FIGS. 1-3, the bottom portion 112″ includes a plurality of boundaries or cuts 150 extending radially outward from aperture 115, such that bottom portion 112″ is divided into a plurality of components 113″ separated from adjacent components by boundaries 150. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 removes several of the plurality of cleaning surfaces 110″ affixed to bottom portion 112″ in order to better illustrate the plurality of components 113″ making up the bottom portion. FIG. 6 illustrates sink insert 100″ when all cleaning surfaces 110″ have been affixed to a top surface of the plurality of components 113″.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, boundaries 150 extend from aperture 115 to a point 152 radially inward of outer wall 101″. The location of point 152 may be located at any radius between aperture 115 and outer wall 101″, and in one embodiment may be located to allow boundaries 150 to extend all the way to outer wall 101″. The addition of boundaries 150 between components 113″ of bottom portion 112″ allows the components to move or “flex” relative to one another. In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, each component 113″ includes a drain hole 154 that provides an additional path for water and or particles to flow to sink drain.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, cleaning surfaces 110″ have a hollow cylindrical shape such that it extends from outer wall 101″ to the aperture 115 and completely covers the top surfaces of the plurality of components 113″ making up bottom portion 112″. However, in other embodiments the cleaning surfaces 110″ may include a plurality of discrete parts that have an outline that matches the geometry of each individual component 113″ from outer wall 101 to aperture 115. For example, in one embodiment the cleaning surface 110″ includes slits that match the length of the boundaries located between individual components 113″ making up bottom portion 112″.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a sink insert 700 that includes locating cleaning surfaces on the top surface of bottom portion 702 as well as on inner surface 712 of outer wall 714. The insert may once again be a sink-drain insert.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, sink insert 700 includes an annular outer wall 710, which is adapted to fit into a sink drain outlet (not shown in FIG. 7). Outer wall 710 has an inner surface 712, an edge 714 and an outer surface 716. The bottom portion 718 extends radially inward from the inner surface 712 of outer flange 710, and defines a drain aperture 713, by which solid debris and liquid may pass there through.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, outer wall 710 further includes cleaning surfaces 711 located on the inner surface 712 of outer wall 710. Although cleaning surfaces 711 may utilize the same material/shape, etc. associated with cleaning surfaces located on the top surface of bottom portion 718, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 cleaning surfaces 711 utilize different material/shape combinations to provide a different function from that of cleaning surfaces located on bottom portion 718. For example, cleaning surfaces 711 may include brushes, scrapers, etc., or a combination thereof to assist in dislodging/removing food, debris, dirt, grime, and the like from utensils or cookware. The plurality of cleaning surfaces structures 711 are fixedly attached to a first portion of inner surface 712, and extend perpendicularly away from inner surface 712. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, cleaning surfaces 711 are sufficiently stiff so as to brush and scrub food debris from utensils. Cleaning surfaces 711 may comprise a series of brush tufts of one-piece construction having a first connecting end fixed to the inner surface 712 and a distal end having a series of resilient fingers for scrubbing utensils or other cookware. The brush elements can be metal strands, e.g., copper, or polymer strands. The art of attaching brush elements to a base is already known in the art and is discussed generally in Jackson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,362, which is incorporated herein for any purpose. However, if the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,362 conflicts with the present, explicit disclosure the present disclosure controls interpretation.

A scraper may also be incorporated into sink insert 700 by extending a sloping/scraper surface from edge 714. The scraping edge may be formed annularly along the entire length of edge 714, wherein a utensil can be scraped along the portion to dislodge debris. The scraping edge is adapted to be sufficiently rigid to dislodge debris adhered on utensils while being sufficiently resilient to resist breaking during the scraping action. In another embodiment, the scraping edge extends along only half of the circumferential length of edge 714. The scraping edge may be utilized independently or in conjunction with cleaning surfaces 711 shown in FIG. 7.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, sink insert 700 is restrained within a sink drain outlet by an annular sealing member 715 that is affixed and restrained to outer wall 716. Annular sealing member 715 may be constructed from any durable elastomer or rubber. A common example would be O-rings or resilient washers. Annular sealing member 715 restrains sink insert 700 within the drain outlet, but is sufficiently resilient to allow the user to install and remove insert 700 at will.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating placement of sink insert 100 within a sink assembly 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Sink assembly 800 includes a sink wall 801 that defines a basin 802 to hold, capture or drain liquids. At the bottom of the basin 802 is a sink drain 803. A sink insert 100, 100′, 100″ or 700 can be positioned in or at the sink drain 803. The sink insert can include a bottom portion 812, which acts to support and provide the radial force necessary to hold sink insert in place, and on which a cleaning surface 810 (or additional cleaning surfaces) may be located. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, cleaning surface 810 extends toward the aperture 815 and faces upwardly toward the sink basin 802. In an example, the cleaning surface 810 is free from upstanding bristles or filaments. Additional plumbing 805 is downstream of the sink drain 803 and the sink insert. A disposal 807 may be positioned downstream of the sink drain 803 and the sink insert. Plumbing 805 can extend subsequent (downstream) from the disposal 807.

FIG. 9 illustrates a partial, cross sectional view of sink insert 900 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numbers may be used as described elsewhere to designate similar elements and structures. A bottom portion 912 extends radially inwardly toward the centerline of the drain. A first, upstream cleaning surface 910a is located on a top surface of bottom portion 112. Cleaning surface 910a would be visible to a user when looking into the sink. A second, downstream cleaning surface 910b is located on a bottom surface of bottom portion 912, and as a result would not be visible by a user when looking down into the sink as cleaning surface 910b faces the drain or disposal, if present. In one example, the cleaning surface 910b may be visible from above by the user if the bottom portion 112 can flex or bend enough, for example, 90 degrees or more. In one embodiment, a benefit of cleaning surface 910b is that sink insert 900 may be removed from the drain and utilized by a user to manually scrub utensils and/or other items.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate sink insert 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows a top, plan view of the sink insert 1000, FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the insert 1000 taken generally along line 11-11 of FIG. 10, and FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of sink insert 1000 according to embodiments of the present invention.

As compared with embodiments described with respect to FIGS. 1-3, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-12 is similar in many respects. The sink insert 1000 includes outer wall 1001, bottom portion 1012, and cleaning surfaces 1010. As illustrated in FIG. 11, outer wall 1001 includes upper wall portion 1003 and lower wall portion 1005, which further includes recess portion 1007 and foot portion 1008.

In contrast, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-12 cleaning surfaces 1010 comprised of long bristles/cylinders extending away from bottom portion 1012. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the distal end of cleaning surface 1010 extend nearly to the top of upper wall portion 1003. In other embodiments, the distal end of cleaning surface 1010 may extend beyond the upper wall portion 1003.

In addition, as illustrated in the perspective view of sink insert 1000 shown in FIG. 12, bottom portion 1012 includes a plurality of components 1013 each separated by boundaries or gaps 1016 extending radially outward from aperture 1015. In the view shown in FIG. 12, the length of each of the plurality of cleaning surfaces 1010 can be appreciated

While described herein as a sink insert that may clean utensils, it will be understood that other structures that can be moved into contact with the scrubber sink insert as described herein are within the scope of the present disclosure. Examples of other structures include cooking device, cooking utensils, forks, knives, spoons, spatulas, brushes, rods, rollers, and the like.

It will be understood that the use of prime designations (e.g., ′ or ″) on reference numbers indicates that the element so designated is substantially similar to those described elsewhere with the same reference number but have some difference in the embodiment being presently described.

It will also be understood to be in the scope of the present disclosure to place a scrubbing surface on the bottom of the sink insert. For example, the downstream side of the flexible body extending into the drain aperture may have a scrubbing surface thereon. This second scrubbing surface faces the drain and the disposal, if present.

The sink insert can also include a biasing member, a coil spring or c-ring, or combinations thereof, to provide a force sufficient to hold the sink insert in place within the drain hole of a sink while in use. In an example, the biasing member is positioned in the wall 101 to force the wall into contact with the drain hole. The biasing member may provide a force of a few pounds or more, five pounds or more, or ten pounds or more to secure the sink insert 100 in the sink. In an example, the biasing member may be co-formed in the wall 101 of the sink insert 100. In another example, the biasing member can be adhered to the wall 101. In another example, the biasing member can be threaded into the wall after forming the wall. In other examples, an adhesive, preferably, water insoluble, can fix the wall 101 to the sink drain hole. Such structures to hold the sink insert in the drain hole while a user contacts the insert with a utensil or other helps keep the insert in place in the drain.

The sink insert can also include a removal means such as a string, chain, handle, tab, or the like for the purpose of removing the sink insert from a sink drain hole.

The present disclosure uses the phrase “scrubber surface” that, in some embodiments, represents a surface structure with more surface features than other areas or parts of the sink insert. The scrubber surface may be designed to engage and dislodge particles from utensils or other structures at the sink insert while allowing fluid flow therethrough, there around or thereover.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

1. A sink insert comprising:

an outer wall to engage a sink at its drain;

a bottom portion fixed to the outer wall and extending radially inwardly from the outer wall toward a centerline of the drain, the bottom portion defining an aperture through which fluids and, if present, solids flow from a sink basin to the sink drain; and

a cleaning surface affixed to a top surface of the bottom portion such that the cleaning surface faces upwardly toward the sink basin.

2. The sink insert of claim 1, wherein the cleaning surface includes a plurality of cleaning surfaces positioned on a top surface of the bottom portion.

3. The sink insert of claim 2, wherein the bottom portion is a flexible, resilient polymer.

4. The sink insert of claim 3, wherein the bottom portion includes a first level and a second level, with the first level being above the second level, and wherein the cleaning surface is affixed to a top surface of the first level.

5. The sink insert of claim 4, wherein the cleaning surface is affixed to a top surface of the second level.

6. The sink insert of claim 5, wherein the second level is connected to the first level by a wall extending therebetween, and wherein the wall is resilient and flexible.

7. The sink insert of claim 3, wherein the bottom portion includes a concave base, and wherein a first group of cleaning surfaces is discrete and positioned around the concave base.

8. The sink insert of claim 7, wherein the first group of cleaning surfaces are spaced substantially uniformly around the top surface of the bottom portion.

9. The sink insert of claim 8, wherein the cleaning surfaces include a second group of cleaning surfaces that are of a different dimension relative to the first group of cleaning surfaces.

10. The sink insert of claim 7, where the outer wall includes a lower portion that extends the height of the bottom portion and includes a recess in an outer surface thereof.

11. The sink insert of claim 10, where the outer wall includes an upper portion that extends above the bottom portion and is cyclindrical.

12. The sink insert of claim 1, wherein the cleaning surface includes an abrasive layer.

13. The sink insert of claim 1, wherein the cleaning surface includes a woven pad.

14. The sink insert of claim 1, wherein the cleaning surface includes a non-woven pad.

15. A sink assembly comprising:

a basin with a drain hole;

a sink insert secured in the drain hole;

a drain pipe connected to the drain hole; and

wherein the sink insert includes: an outer wall to engage the basin at the drain hole; a bottom portion fixed to the outer wall and extending inwardly from the outer wall toward a centerline of the drain hole, the bottom portion defining an aperture through which fluids and, if present, solids flow from the basin to the drain pipe; and a cleaning surface affixed to the bottom portion such that the scrubber surface faces upwardly toward the basin.

16. The sink assembly of claim 15, wherein the cleaning surface includes a non-woven pad that completely covers the bottom portion.

17. The sink assembly of claim 15, wherein the cleaning surface is a layer with a uniform thickness extending above the bottom portion.

18. The sink assembly of claim 15, wherein the bottom portion is divided into a plurality of portions separated from adjacent portions by boundaries that extend radially outward from the aperture defined in the bottom portion.

19. The sink assembly of claim 18, wherein apertures are formed in one or more of the plurality of portions making up the bottom portion.

20. The sink assembly of claim 18, wherein separate cleaning surfaces are affixed to each of the plurality of portions making up the bottom portion.