Pop-up Drain Valve Patents (Class 4/684)
  • Patent number: 9435109
    Abstract: A drain actuation system that includes a cable to actuate a drain head or stopper is provided. More specifically, one end of the cable is associated with the drain without additional moving parts and another end of the cable associated with an overflow cap of an overflow system wherein rotation of the overflow cap selectively moves the cable to move the head of the drain. The internal components associated with the overflow end of the cable that allow it to actuate the drain are fully accessible through the overflow port of the plumbing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk, Kevin Hogan, Carl Riesco, William L. Carlson
  • Patent number: 8739328
    Abstract: A drain stopper assembly for selectively opening and closing a drain located within a basin, tub or sink, the drain having an opening within said basin, tub or sink for facilitating the selective passage of water there through and past its drain collar and drain body. A stopper is provided being selectively sealable on said drain collar allowing selective passage of water. The stopper is mechanically positioned within the drain body by a scooper end in mechanical communication with a lifting rod being actable from a position exterior to the drain body for selective raising and lowering of the scooper end wherein lowering the scooper end causes the stopper to seat upon the drain collar and raising the scooper causes the stopper to separate from the drain collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Scott E Duncan
  • Patent number: 8701224
    Abstract: A press touch pop-up stopper is used in a basin and contains a pipe set fixed in an opening of a bottom end of the basin and including a hole disposed therein and having an outlet fixed on a top end of the hole; a stopper assembly received in the pipe set and including a plug, after the plug is pressed, it bounces automatically to turn on the outlet so as to flow water, after the plug is pressed again, it closing the outlet to stop flowing the water; a vertical connecting structure defined between the pipe set and the stopper assembly so that when the stopper assembly is pulled upward, it disengages from the pipe set, and when the stopper assembly is pressed downward to be received in the pipe set, it is connected with the pipe set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Chunhung Li, Weimien Hsu, Juntao Xia
  • Patent number: 8370970
    Abstract: This device incorporates a new method for attachment of a pop-up drain stopper to the pivot rod which controls its mechanical motion as is typical in bathroom sinks, thereby providing the consumer with a simple and convenient method of removing and installing the stopper as is needed for extraction of drain clogs. As shown in FIG. 5, the stopper is inserted into the drain with the connecting journal channel opening (6) positioned over the pivot rod (8). Downward pressure is applied (FIG. 6) forcing the pivot rod to pass through the channel and snap into the connecting journal (FIG. 7). Transversely, by pulling upward, the stopper disengages from the pivot rod and is removed from the drain opening. By incorporating two or more conjoined connecting journals in an elongated connecting bracket (FIG. 8), the stopper can accommodate a wider range of pivot rod placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Martin Reavis
  • Patent number: 7984521
    Abstract: The device has a housing (5) which can be fastened on the sanitary article (2) and in which is mounted a pushbutton (7) for actuating the drainage valve (A). A pulling element (16) connects the pushbutton (7) to a closure body (33) which is mounted in a displaceable manner in a housing (22) of the drainage valve (A). A changeover device (26) is mounted on the housing (22) of the drainage valve (A) and can be changed over under tension in each case for opening and closing the drainage valve (A). By virtue of the changeover device (26) being arranged on the housing (22) of the drainage valve (A), the actuating part which contains the pushbutton (7) can be designed in a more space-saving and compact manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Geberit Technik AG
    Inventors: Michael Schintler, Martin RĂ¼disser
  • Publication number: 20080104748
    Abstract: A sink is a block has a shallow basin. A drainer of the sink has a big cover to buffer an impact of water on the drainer. The sink is installed easily and has a strong structure to avoid being broken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: Hocheng Corporation
    Inventor: Chun-Hui Lin
  • Patent number: 6782564
    Abstract: A water-saving toilet includes a two-stage flush button, a water-storing area and a drain way formed in the interior of a toilet bowl and a valve control device positioned in the bowl and consisting of a valve, a valve cap, a drive rod, and an operating rod. The valve is positioned in water-storing area, having a passageway, with the valve cap deposited on the valve to close and open the valve. A push rod is connected under the valve cap, extending in the valve. In using, first, pressing the operating rod pushes up the valve cap to open the valve so urine with water remaining in the water-storing area flows into the drain way. Then press the flush button for a low volume of water to be flushed out in the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Shiang-Sheng Cheng
  • Publication number: 20040154095
    Abstract: A pop-up drain assembly that opens and closes via a spring-biased mechanism. To close the drain, the user presses down on the stopper, forcing teeth on an actuator to engage with teeth inside a pop-up body to hold the actuator in a lowered position. Pressing the stopper down again causes the actuator to rotate until the actuator teeth are aligned with spaces between the pop-up body teeth, allowing the actuator to be pushed upward by the spring-biasing force. The upward movement of the actuator pushes the stem and stopper upward to open the drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen Miles Rhodes
  • Patent number: 6725472
    Abstract: A combined faucet and drain system can be installed primarily from above the basin. The faucet includes a quick-connect fastening assembly with a threaded sleeve bolt that also doubles as a life rod guide. A spring-biased toggle fastener threads onto the sleeve bolt and collapses when inserted through an installation opening from above the basin. It then automatically unfolds and engages an undersurface when the sleeve bolt is turned. The drain assembly is mounted in a drain opening of the basin and includes a movable stopper guide that can be used during installation to align the drain flange to the drain body from above the sink. A method of installing a combined faucet and drain assembly to a plumbing fixture is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Ricardo O. Gray, Jeffrey L. Mueller, Perry D. Erickson, Mark F. McMullen
  • Patent number: 6691411
    Abstract: A method of installing a wastewater drain assembly for a bathtub by inserting an L-shaped drain pipe into a drain hole of a bathtub such that an annular flange on the drain pipe rests on a bottom wall of the bathtub. Slideably mounting a lock washer over the drain pipe and threadably tightening the lock washer against a lower surface of the bottom wall of a bathtub. Connecting the drain pipe to a drain system. Testing the drain assembly for water leaks. Finally, installing a drain closure into the upper end of the drain pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Publication number: 20030070223
    Abstract: A combined faucet and drain system can be installed primarily from above the basin. The faucet includes a quick-connect fastening assembly with a threaded sleeve bolt that also doubles as a life rod guide. A spring-biased toggle fastener threads onto the sleeve bolt and collapses when inserted through an installation opening from above the basin. It then automatically unfolds and engages an undersurface when the sleeve bolt is turned. The drain assembly is mounted in a drain opening of the basin and includes a movable stopper guide that can be used during installation to align the drain flange to the drain body from above the sink. A method of installing a combined faucet and drain assembly to a plumbing fixture is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Ricardo O. Gray, Jeffrey L. Mueller, Perry D. Erickson, Mark F. McMullen
  • Patent number: 6484330
    Abstract: A combined faucet and drain system can be installed primarily from above the basin. The faucet includes a quick-connect fastening assembly with a threaded sleeve bolt that also doubles as a life rod guide. A spring-biased toggle fastener threads onto the sleeve bolt and collapses when inserted through an installation opening from above the basin. It then automatically unfolds and engages an undersurface when the sleeve bolt is turned. The drain assembly is mounted in a drain opening of the basin and includes a movable stopper guide that can be used during installation to align the drain flange to the drain body from above the sink. A method of installing a combined faucet and drain assembly to a plumbing fixture is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Ricardo O. Gray, Jeffrey L. Mueller, Perry D. Erickson, Mark F. McMullen
  • Publication number: 20020120984
    Abstract: A combined faucet and drain system can be installed primarily from above the basin. The faucet includes a quick-connect fastening assembly with a threaded sleeve bolt that also doubles as a life rod guide. A spring-biased toggle fastener threads onto the sleeve bolt and collapses when inserted through an installation opening from above the basin. It then automatically unfolds and engages an undersurface when the sleeve bolt is turned. The drain assembly is mounted in a drain opening of the basin and includes a movable stopper guide that can be used during installation to align the drain flange to the drain body from above the sink. A method of installing a combined faucet and drain assembly to a plumbing fixture is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Ricardo O. Gray, Jeffrey L. Mueller, Perry D. Erickson, Mark F. McMullen
  • Patent number: 6367102
    Abstract: A drain assembly mountable in a drain opening of a wash basin includes a movable stopper guide that can be used during installation to align the drain flange to the drain body from above the sink. The stopper guide supports at an upper end a stopper for closing the drain opening. The stopper guide has an axial opening accommodating an axial fastener joining the drain flange and drain body to the basin. The stopper guide also has downwardly extending legs defining an axial slot extending from the axial opening for accommodating cross-members extending laterally between each of the drain flange and drain body. The drain flange can be aligned to the drain body by engaging the drain flange cross-member and rotating it as needed. A method of installing a drain assembly to a basin is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Mark F. McMullen
  • Patent number: 6185760
    Abstract: A tap used for controlling the flow of liquid, such as water, oil, or gas, is disclosed. The liquid control tap of this invention has a valve capable of being effectively operated using inexhaustible energy, such as gravity, hydraulic pressure, buoyancy, magnetic force, frictional force, or elasticity. In the tap, a connection pipe, used for the purpose of connecting the tap body to a separate device such as a shower device, is integrated with the rear portion of the tap body into a single structure. The tap is also provided with an eccentric union for controlling the vertical position of the outlet port of the tap. Therefore, the present invention reduces the number of parts, the manufacturing process, improves productivity, and reduces the manufacturing cost of taps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Yeon-soo Park
  • Patent number: 6154898
    Abstract: A wastewater drain control for fluid compartments has a waste water discharge port in the bottom thereof and in communication with a vertical drain pipe. A valve seat element is in the pipe below the port and has an inclined annular valve seat surface and a center opening. A spherical valve element has a diameter greater than the center opening in the valve seat surface and is adapted to close the center opening to fluid flow when dwelling on the valve seat element above the center opening. A valve stem is rigidly secured by an upper end to the spherical valve element. The lower end extends downwardly through the center opening and terminates in a lower end. This lower end is connected to a linkage assembly which extends through a seal element in the vertical pipe and extends to a remote location accessible in the environment of the fluid compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 6061847
    Abstract: An improved linkage assembly for a pop-up drain stopper assembly includes an elongated connector bar having a plurality of apertures adjacent both its upper and lower ends. The assembly also includes a stem having a J-shaped portion of its lower end that is received within a select aperture. A lever arm is received within an aperture adjacent the lower end of the connector bar, the opposing end of which is attached to a drain stopper. The linkage assembly may be quickly and conveniently adjusted or dismantled with minimal effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Stanley A. Jourdan
  • Patent number: 5946747
    Abstract: A two flush modality toilet composed of a bowl, a tank connected with the bowl wherein the tank is connected to a water supply, a conventional flush modality for flushing solid waste from the bowl, and a urinal flush modality for flushing liquid only waste from the bowl, wherein the urinal flush modality includes: a bowl valve in the form of a pop-up stopper, pop-up seat and pivot ball assembly at the low point of the bowl; a bowl valve control for selecting between open and closed states of the bowl valve, a passageway for directing liquid waste from the bowl into the sanitary drain; and an auxiliary flush control for supplying a limited quantity of flush water from the tank into the bowl to provide restoration of the trap water in the bowl after a urinal flush modality liquid drainage of the bowl has occurred. A foot pedal selectively operates the bowl valve, wherein when in an open state all the liquid in the bowl is drained. Upon release of the foot pedal, the bowl valve is returned to the closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Calvin T. Geeham
  • Patent number: 5873136
    Abstract: A two flush modality toilet composed of a bowl, a tank connected with the bowl wherein the tank is connected to a water supply, a conventional flush modality for flushing solid waste from the bowl, and a urinal flush modality for flushing liquid only waste from the bowl, wherein the urinal flush modality includes: a bowl valve in the form of a pop-up stopper, pop-up seat and pivot ball assembly at the low point of the bowl; a bowl valve control for selecting between open and closed states of the bowl valve, a passageway for directing liquid waste from the bowl into the sanitary drain; and an auxiliary flush control for supplying a limited quantity of flush water from the tank into the bowl to provide restoration of the trap water in the bowl after a urinal flush modality liquid drainage of the bowl has occurred. A foot pedal selectively operates the bowl valve, wherein when in an open state all the liquid in the bowl is drained. Upon release of the foot pedal, the bowl valve is returned to the closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventor: Calvin T. Geeham
  • Patent number: 5819337
    Abstract: The object of reducing the assembly costs in the course of producing an adjusted, angularly movable coupling between a pull rod and a plunger rod by means of a constructively further improved link joint, as well as the production costs for the connecting element itself, is attained in that the has a connecting element formed as a one-piece shaped body, which encloses the pull rod and the plunger rod in the manner of a cage and is made of plastic, in which the passages for receiving the pull rod and the plunger rod are arranged in such a way that both rods rest against each other with their external surfaces. The pull rod and the plunger rod are clamped together at their intersecting point by a clamping screw and the plunger rod is additionally clamped with the shaped body in a manner which assures their position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Ideal-Standard GmbH
    Inventor: Konrad Bergmann
  • Patent number: 5333327
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mechanism for remotely opening and closing a drain of a basin by means of a flexible rod moving through a non-linear tube. The rod connects a drive member, pushed or pulled by a user, with a member linked to a plug which opens and closes the drain. Within the bend of the tube, the flexible rod and/or tube are configured to leave a void between them in order to reduce friction. The configuration of the rod may include one or more bulbous ends or a lobed cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: John C. Redding, Douglas J. Brouwer
  • Patent number: 5123123
    Abstract: A control mechanism for use with a bathtub having a drain opening and an overflow opening, with the drain opening having a stopper moveable between open and closed positions. The control mechanism includes a pipe for coupling the bathtub drain opening to the overflow opening and a T-shaped bracket rotatably supported in the overflow opening having a projection extending outwardly from the opening and having first and second opposing legs extending radially therefrom. A handle is releasably supported on the T-shaped bracket for rotating the bracket. The handle includes a front decorative and an opposing rear surface which includes rearwardly extending tongues having flanges for releasably capturing the first and second opposing legs. A linkage mechanism couples the T-shaped bracket to the stopper to control movement of the stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hart, Peter Hladik