Device for cleaning, disinfecting and unblocking drains of kitchen and bathroom sinks, waste disposal units and other uses

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 11618061
  • Patent Number
    11,618,061
  • Date Filed
    Tuesday, March 26, 2019
    5 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, April 4, 2023
    a year ago
  • Inventors
    • Campos Hernandez; Fernando
  • Original Assignees
    • Cinteria Hispano Italo-American S.A.
  • Examiners
    • Osterhout; Benjamin L
    Agents
    • MaxGoLaw PLLC
Abstract
A device is provided to clean, disinfect, and unclog a plumbing outlet. The device includes a cylindrical body (2) defining a fluid conduit between a first end configured to fit to a tap of pressurized fluid outlet (3). The cylindrical body has a diameter reducer (21) that narrows in diameter from the first end to a second end and forms an internal housing (22). The diameter reducer (22) induces a Venturi effect in water passing therethrough from the tap of pressurized fluid outlet (3). The device further includes a tube in fluid communication with the second end, a dome receiving an end of the tube and configured to surround the plumbing outlet and through which the water passes to clean, disinfect and unclog the plumbing outlet. A bar (5) of detergent or another chemical operative to clean, disinfect or unclog is configured to reside in the internal housing (22).
Description
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention, as stated in the title of this specification, refers to a device for cleaning, disinfecting and unblocking drains of kitchen and bathroom sinks, waste disposal units and other uses providing the function to which it is designed with advantages and characteristics, that are disclosed in detail thereafter and which means a significant novelty in the current state-of-the-art.


The object of this invention is a device that is fixed at the outlet of the standard tap of the kitchen sink, that of the washbasin, that of the bathtub or that of the bathroom bidet, of the tap of the laundry sink or of the sink tap of any other use and that, essentially, comprises a diameter reducer that, thanks to the Venturi effect, increases the water exit pressure through a flexible pipe connected next and at the distal end of which the pressurized water can be applied to clean the sink and to clean or unclog even within the drain and the rest of the hardly accessible areas of the sink, for example the overflow duct, where the dirt is incrusted that, in turn, generates bad smells, with the advantage that, although optionally the use of chemicals, can be added, in principles this cleaning and unclogging can be achieved with only the water pressure, which is cheaper and avoid harming the environment. All these applications of the invention are possible without having to dismount any part of the sink or any drain or garbage disposal.


FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

The field of application of this invention is within the sector of the industry engaged in manufacturing cleaning apparatuses and devices, mainly focusing in the scope of those designed to clean and disinfect kitchens and bathrooms, as well within the domestic as the professional scope, encompassing at the same time the scope of the devices and systems to unclog drains.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As reference to the current state-of-the-art, it shall be stated that, although multiple products and means are known for cleaning kitchen and bathroom sinks as well as different products or mechanical means to clean and unclog them, at least this applicant is not aware of the existence of any device capable to achieve both things at the same time, that means cleaning and unclogging, as it occurs with the device claimed herein, as well as of any other invention having a similar application possessing technical and structural characteristics equal or similar to those that the said device possesses, thanks to which, cleaning and unclogging drains can be even carried out only with water.


EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The device for cleaning, disinfecting and unblocking drains of kitchen and bathroom sinks, waste disposal units and other uses that the invention proposes, is therefore configured as a significant novelty within its field of application, the characterizing details that distinguish it duly appearing in the final claims attached to this description.


Concretely, what this invention proposes, as it was said above, is a device designed to be fixed, in an easily removable manner, at the outlet of the standard tap of a sanitary sink, for example the kitchen sink, the washbasin sink, the bathtub sink of that of the bathroom bidet, the laundry sink or any other sink it is sought to be cleaned, as well at its surface as its drain, for which it comprises a diameter reducer that, thanks to the Venturi effect, increases the water exit pressure and, through a flexible pipe that it comprises connected next to the said diameter reducer, allows to apply the pressurized water on the surface of the sink to clean it but also in the areas having hardly accessible dirt, such as within the drain or the overflow duct, in which the dirt is encrusted which, in turn, generate bad smells.


Preferably, the final length of this pipe is narrower and of a semi-rigid material to penetrate through the drain or overflow holes and fit itself to the pipe elbows.


Anyways, optionally, the distal end of the pipe can be blind and incorporate a series of side holes in order to radially distribute the pressurized water and thus clean the internal part of the drain duct.


Optionally, the final end of the pipe can have a round or rectangular section in order to be able to be inserted through the grooves of the overflow that are usually elongated (not round).


Preferably, the pipe possesses a dismountable final length in order it can be interchanged and, having different models available, round, square, with side holes or without them, to be able to place it where it is best fit in each case.


According to an option of embodiment, the body of the device in which the diameter reducer is located defines an internal housing adapted to incorporate a detergent bar or another cleaning chemical, disinfectant and/or perfuming agent. In this case, this device not only cleans but it can also disinfect.


This bar, preferably, possesses one or more holes that cross it in order that the water does not remain blocked by its presence but flows through it and is being diluting the product of which it is made poured in the water.


In addition, the body of the device that comprises the reducer also incorporate an aerator filter in order that the said reducer device can replace the aerator usually installed at the outlet of the taps to reduce the flow, having to mention that in the preferred embodiment, the said body of the device is cylindrical and is configured to be fixed screwed on the thread of the outlet of the tap with which the standard taps use to be provided with, precisely, for incorporating the said aerator.


Thus, the reducer device can be dismounted simply the part of the aerator remaining in a dismounted position.


Last, it shall be mentioned that, in order that the water, that is coming out under pressure by the end of the pipe, does not splash out, especially when it is applied within the drain, it was provided that the device also comprises a protection such as a dome, preferably transparent, with a hole through which the pipe is inserted, in such a manner that, if splashes are generated, they are interrupted by the protection.


The device disclosed to clean, disinfect and unclog kitchen, bathroom sinks drains, garbage disposal and other uses, consists, therefore, in an innovating structure having characteristics unknown up to now for the object to which it is designed, reasons that, jointly with its practical utility, provide it with sufficient ground to obtain the privilege of exclusivity that is applied for.





DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being carried out, and in order to assist to a best understanding of the characteristics of the invention, attached to this specification, as an integral part thereof, there is a drawing in which, with illustrative and no limiting nature, the following has been represented:



FIG. 1.—It shows a schematic view in perspective of an example of embodiment of the device to clean, disinfect and unclog kitchen, bathroom sinks drains, garbage disposals or other uses, object of the invention, the main parts and elements it comprises can be seen as well as their arrangement and configuration;



FIG. 2.—It shows a section schematic view of the device main body that is screwed on the tap and that comprises the diameter reducer, its configurations and other eventual elements can be seen; and



FIGS. 3 and 4.—They show respective views in perspective of two possible examples of the bar that, the device body optionally incorporates.





PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

At the light of these figures, and according to the numerals adopted, a non-limiting example of embodiment of the device to clean, disinfect and unclog kitchen, bathroom sinks drains, garbage disposals and other uses of the invention, which comprises the parts and elements indicated and disclosed in detail thereafter.


Thus, as it can be seen in the said figures, the device (1) of the invention is essentially constituted by a cylindrical body (2) that, open at its two ends and provided with means for its tight fitting to the outlet (3) of a tap, comprises a reducer length (21), of the diameter of the said outlet that provokes a Venturi effect in the water that is passing through it when opening the tap, the said body (2) being connected, in turn, to a flexible pipe (4), also open at its ends, so that, by its distal end (41), the water is expelled under pressure and can be oriented to carry out cleaning the sink where the tap is located in the non-accessible areas such as the overflow or the drain.


Preferably, the pipe (4) offers a final length (42) even narrower and of a semi-rigid material.


Optionally, the distal end (41) of the pipe (4), whether it possesses or not such final length (42), is blind but incorporates several side holes (43) that radially distribute the pressurized water.


Optionally, the final length (42) of the pipe (4) has a round section or a rectangular section, in order that it can be inserted through round holes or elongated grooves of the overflow.


Preferably, the final length (42) is of a dismountable and interchangeable nature.


As for the FIG. 2, it can be seen how, in the preferred embodiment, the body (2) of the device (1), that comprises the diameter reducer (21) defines an internal housing (22) adapted to incorporate a bar (5) of detergent or another chemical.


The bar (5), as shown in the FIGS. 3 and 4, possesses one or more through holes (51) that allow the passage of the water through them.


In the said FIG. 2, in addition, it can be seen how, in the said preferred embodiment, the body (2) also incorporates an aerator filter (6).


More concretely, the said preferred embodiment of the device (1) comprises a cylindrical body (2) and is configured to be fixed by screwing it on the outlet thread (3) of the standard tap, and it shows two independent parts, also couplable to each other by means of a thread, one upper (2a) with the aerator filter (6), that can be left permanently stationary at the outlet of the tap (3), and a lower (2b) with the diameter reducer (21), and the internal housing (22) for the bar (5), and in which the pipe (4) is coupled, that can be mounted and dismounted, at the moment of cleaning or unclogging, by screwing it on the upper part (2a).


Preferably, the coupling of the body (2) with the outlet (3) of the tap (3), in addition, comprises a sealing O-ring (7).


Last, the preferred embodiment of the device (1) in addition possesses a protection such as a dome (8), preferably transparent, with an upper hole (81) adapted to insert the pipe (4) through it and a lower opening (82) having a larger diameter, preferably equal or larger than that of the drain outlet, so that, splashes generated by the pressured water exit through the distal end (41) of the said pipe (4) when cleaning or unclogging are stopped by the said protection (8).


The nature of this invention having been sufficiently disclosed, as well as the manner to implement it, it is not deemed necessary to extend its explanation any longer in order that any man skilled in the art comprises its extent and the advantages arising from it, and it is stated that within its essence, it can be implemented in other embodiments that differ in detail of that indicated for example purpose, and to which shall also apply the protection that is sought, provided that its main principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims
  • 1. A device to clean, disinfect, and unclog a plumbing outlet comprising: a cylindrical body (2) defining a fluid conduit between a first end configured to fit to a tap of pressurized fluid outlet (3), the cylindrical body having a diameter reducer (21) that narrows in diameter from the first end to a second end and forms an internal housing (22), the diameter reducer (21) configured to induce a Venturi effect in water passing therethrough from the tap of pressurized fluid outlet (3);a pipe (4) in fluid communication with the second end;a dome receiving an end of the pipe (4) and configured to surround the plumbing outlet and through which the water passes to clean, disinfect, and unclog the plumbing outlet.
  • 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the end of the pipe (4) has a round cross-section.
  • 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the end of the pipe (4) has a rectangular cross-section.
  • 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the end (41) of the pipe (4) is blind but incorporates radial side holes (43).
  • 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical body (2) incorporates an aerator filter (6).
  • 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical body (2) has threads configured to be fixed to threads on the tap of pressurized fluid outlet (3) and comprises two independent parts, also couplable to each other by means of a thread, one upper (2a) with an aerator filter (6), that can be left permanently fixed at the outlet of the tap (3), and a lower (2b) with the diameter reducer (21).
  • 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical body (2) is coupled with the outlet (3) of the tap of the outlet (3) with a sealing O-ring (7).
  • 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the dome has an upper hole (81) configured to receive the pipe (4) therethrough.
  • 9. The device according to the claim 8, wherein the dome is transparent.
  • 10. A device to clean, disinfect, and unclog a plumbing outlet comprising: a cylindrical body (2) defining a fluid conduit between a first end configured to fit to a tap of pressurized fluid outlet (3), the cylindrical body having a diameter reducer (21) that narrows in diameter from the first end to a second end and forms an internal housing (22), the diameter reducer (22) configured to induce a Venturi effect in water passing therethrough from the tap of pressurized fluid outlet (3);a bar (5) of detergent or another chemical operative to clean, disinfect or unclog configured to reside in the internal housing (22); anda pipe (4) in fluid communication with the second end through which the water passes to clean, disinfect and unclog the plumbing outlet.
  • 11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the bar (5) possesses one or more through holes (51) that allow the passage of the water through them.
  • 12. The device according to claim 10, wherein the pipe (4) has a round or rectangular cross-section.
  • 13. The device according to claim 10, wherein an end (41) of the pipe (4) is blind but incorporates radial side holes (43).
  • 14. The device according to claim 10, wherein the cylindrical body (2) incorporates an aerator filter (6).
  • 15. The device according to claim 10, wherein the cylindrical body (2) has threads configured to be fixed to threads on the tap of pressurized fluid outlet (3), and comprises two independent parts, also couplable to each other by means of a thread, one upper (2a) with an aerator filter (6), that can be left permanently fixed at the outlet of the tap (3), and a lower (2b) with the diameter reducer (21).
  • 16. The device according to claim 10, wherein the cylindrical body (2) is coupled with the tap of the outlet (3) with a sealing O-ring (7).
  • 17. The device according to claim 10, further comprising a dome with an upper hole (81) configured to receive the pipe (4) therethrough.
  • 18. The device according to the claim 17, wherein the dome is transparent.
Priority Claims (1)
Number Date Country Kind
ES201830421U Mar 2018 ES national
PCT Information
Filing Document Filing Date Country Kind
PCT/ES2019/070198 3/26/2019 WO
Publishing Document Publishing Date Country Kind
WO2019/185962 10/3/2019 WO A
US Referenced Citations (27)
Number Name Date Kind
1925359 Alonso Sep 1933 A
2050365 Moss Aug 1936 A
2273984 Osborn Feb 1942 A
2315673 Taylor Apr 1943 A
3513025 Gutrich May 1970 A
3937404 Johnson Feb 1976 A
4238860 Dixon Dec 1980 A
4447917 Walter May 1984 A
4756480 Fish Jul 1988 A
5249311 Rau Oct 1993 A
5497514 Miller Mar 1996 A
5682620 Stoltz Nov 1997 A
5941273 Petrovich Aug 1999 A
6206980 Robinson Mar 2001 B1
6775857 Hughes, Jr. Aug 2004 B2
9051721 Paulsen et al. Jun 2015 B2
9322154 Beaumont Apr 2016 B2
9359751 Beaumont Jun 2016 B2
9708804 Palmer, II Jul 2017 B2
20030028956 Pangramuyen Feb 2003 A1
20050050624 Pangramuyen Mar 2005 A1
20080022487 Young Jan 2008 A1
20080276392 Schultz Nov 2008 A1
20100132101 Bates Jun 2010 A1
20110056007 Caywood Mar 2011 A1
20110219526 Keegan Sep 2011 A1
20160325242 Stevens Nov 2016 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (8)
Number Date Country
8906138 Jul 1989 DE
2002901 Dec 2008 EP
1025683 Jan 1994 ES
2584067 Sep 2016 ES
832906 Oct 1938 FR
543303 Feb 1942 GB
2452865 Mar 2009 GB
20160042806 Apr 2016 KR
Non-Patent Literature Citations (2)
Entry
Int'l. Search Report for PCT/ES2019/070198, dated Jun. 17, 2019.
Extended search report issued in corresponding European Patent Appln. No. 19776715.5, dated May 18, 2021.
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20210078054 A1 Mar 2021 US