Patent Application
20240052617
The disclosure relates to drain cover assemblies configured to allow water to pass through while catching debris such as hair, soap, and the like.
A variety of mechanisms for controlling drain passages in plumbing fixtures exist, for example simple stops and plugs, drain plugs linked to a pull-up lever, and pop-up, or toe-push type drain plugs. Pop-up drain plugs are advantageous as the mechanism for opening and closing a drain is contained in a compact package set within or beneath the drain, without linkages, levers or other components that need to be concealed and routed through walls, under-spaces and the like. Pop-up drain plugs are also advantageous because push-button type movement required by an operator for actuation is simple and intuitive. An operator need to merely press down on a drain plug or cap, such as by stepping on it or using one's hand, to alternately toggle between open and closed positions, not unlike a click pen mechanism. Another advantage of pop-up drain plugs is that they typically can be installed from above a basin, rather than a cramped, dark space beneath a basin.
Hair, soap particles, and other debris may clog a valve apparatus and/or a trapway beneath a sink, bathtub, or shower. Desired is a pop-up drain assembly that also prevents debris from clogging a valve apparatus and/or from passing through to the trapway.
A pop-up drain assembly for a basin, comprising a stopper apparatus comprising a push cap coupled to an upper end of a post, and a sealing diaphragm coupled to a lower portion of the post, and a drain sieve configured to prevent hair from passing through the drain, wherein the stopper apparatus is configured to be reversibly moved between an extended open position and an inserted closed position, in the extended open position, the sealing diaphragm is positioned above a sealing surface to allow water to pass through the drain, and in the inserted closed position, the sealing diaphragm is in contact with the sealing surface to prevent water from passing through the drain, and wherein the drain sieve is flexible, is coupled to the push cap, reversibly moves together with the push cap, and is in contact with the basin when the stopper apparatus is in the closed and the open position, or the drain sieve encircles the push cap, does not substantially move together with the push cap, and is in contact with the basin, or the drain sieve encircles the push cap and/or post, does not substantially move together with the push cap, and is in contact with a drain sleeve surface.
The disclosure described herein is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, features illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some features may be exaggerated relative to other features for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.
In some embodiments, a pop-up drain assembly is configured to be in an open position or in a closed position. In a closed position, a basin may be filled with water. In an open position, water may flow through a drain assembly to a waste line, while debris such as hair, soap particles, and the like may be prevented from entering a waste line by a sieve or strainer.
In some embodiments, a basin may be a basin of a sink, lavatory, bathtub, shower base, etc. A pop-up drain assembly may comprise components of a click mechanism, not unlike a click-pen mechanism. In some embodiments, a pop-up drain assembly is configured to be pressed/released via a push cap to be toggled between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, a pop-up drain assembly may be termed a “toe-push drain assembly” or a “push drain assembly”.
In some embodiments, a cap may comprise a downwardly-curved edge, creating a softer surface for hand or foot contact.
A click mechanism may comprise components typical of various types of click-pen mechanisms, for instance a sleeve, a plunger, a cam body, and/or one or more springs. In some embodiments, a stopper assembly may be coupled to a click mechanism, for example via a threaded connection.
In some embodiments, a cap and post may be a unitary part. In other embodiments, a cap may be coupled to a post, for example via a snap-fit, overmolding, threaded connection, or via an O-ring or a gasket, for instance a C-shaped gasket. In some embodiments, a post may have a groove to receive a sealing diaphragm. In some embodiments, a push cap may comprise one or more gripping features like dimples, notches, raised features, or other features like grips 112 of
In some embodiments, a pop-up drain assembly comprises a stopper apparatus, which may comprise a push cap coupled to an upper end of a post, and a sealing diaphragm coupled to a lower end of the post. In some embodiments, a sealing diaphragm may comprise a flexible material, for example an elastomer or silicone. A sealing diaphragm may be an annular feature coupled to and encircling a post. In some embodiments, a sealing diaphragm may comprise a substantially flat surface that may mate with an upward-facing surface positioned at an upper end of a drain sleeve when in a closed position. In other embodiments, a sealing diaphragm may be a C-shaped gasket-type feature. A C-shaped gasket type feature may fit into and mate with an upper inner surface of a drain sleeve (a sealing surface) when in a closed position. In some embodiments, a C-shaped gasket may have a first end that extends horizontally a first distance, and a second end that extends a second distance, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. One or more ends of a C-shaped gasket may mate with and form a seal with a sealing surface.
In certain embodiments, an assembly may comprise both a sealing diaphragm having a substantially flat surface and a sealing diaphragm having a C-shaped gasket, or a sealing diaphragm having both a substantially flat surface and a C-shaped gasket.
In some embodiments, a stopper apparatus may be extended, wherein a push cap is positioned above a basin surface when in an open position. In some embodiments, a stopper apparatus may be inserted into a drain, wherein a push cap is positioned at, near, or nearer a basin surface.
A drain sieve, or strainer, may be flexible or rigid. Flexible materials include for instance elastomers, such as ABS, or silicone. Rigid materials include metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass, etc. A drain sieve may include a plurality of holes designed to allow water flow and prohibit passage of hair and other debris. A drain sieve may generally be an annular body encircling a push cap or a post.
In some embodiments, a cap, a post, or a drain sleeve may comprise brass, stainless steel, or a plastic.
In some embodiments, a drain sieve may be flexible and may move with a push cap when it is toggled between an open and a closed position. In some embodiments a drain sieve may be coupled to and encircle a push cap. In some embodiments, a flexible drain sieve may flex or distort (move) when a push cap is toggled between an open and a closed position. In some embodiments, a drain sieve may be overmolded onto a push cap. In other embodiments, a drain sieve may be coupled to a push cap with a “snap-fit” feature.
The phrase “toggled between an open and a closed position” means for example from an open to a closed position and vice-versa, like a click-pen.
In some embodiments, a drain sieve may remain in contact with a basin surface when a push cap is toggled between an open and a closed position, if a drain sieve is flexible or rigid. A drain sieve may have an outer annular edge configured to form a seal with a basin surface.
In some embodiments, a drain sieve may be substantially static, meaning it will not substantially move or distort when a stopper apparatus is toggled between an open and a closed position. In some embodiments, a drain sieve may comprise an annular body encircling a post, and having an annular edge seated on a drain sleeve surface, for instance a drain sleeve upper-facing surface.
In some embodiments, a push cap may be configured to be removed and replaced (removably coupled). A push cap may have a threaded connection to a post. In another embodiment, a push cap may be coupled to a post via an O-ring, or gasket, for example a C-shaped gasket.
In some embodiments, a drain sieve may be configured to be removably coupled to a post and/or to a drain sleeve surface, such that a sieve may be removed for cleaning and replaced. In some embodiments, a drain sieve may simply “sit” or rest on a drain sleeve upper-facing surface. In some embodiments, a drain sleeve upper-facing surface may comprise a feature to receive and reversibly mate with a drain sieve. In some embodiments, a drain sleeve may be coupled to a plastic, for example elastomeric, ring having a feature to removably receive a drain sieve. A receiving feature may for example be a groove to receive a drain sieve. A receiving feature may also be configured to prevent a sieve from rotating when a person wipes it clean without removing it (an anti-rotation feature).
In some embodiments, a push cap may be configured so that if/when it is removed, the sieve is removed together with the cap.
In some embodiments, a post may comprise one or more anti-rotation features configured to receive and mate with a sieve, while at the same time preventing its rotation when a person wipes it clean. Anti-rotation features may comprise one or more tabs to mate with one or more notches of a sieve, or notches to mate with tabs of a sieve. In other embodiments, a drain sleeve may comprise one or more tabs to mate with one or more notches of a sieve, or vice-versa.
Following are some non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure.
In a first embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly for a basin, comprising a stopper apparatus comprising a push cap coupled to an upper end of a post, and a sealing diaphragm coupled to a lower portion of the post, and a drain sieve configured to prevent hair from passing through the drain, wherein the stopper apparatus is configured to reversibly move between an extended open position and an inserted closed position, in the extended open position, the sealing diaphragm is positioned above a sealing surface to allow water to pass through the drain, and in the inserted closed position, the sealing diaphragm is in contact with the sealing surface to prevent water from passing through the drain, and wherein the drain sieve is flexible, is coupled to the push cap, reversibly moves together with the push cap, and is in contact with the basin when the stopper apparatus is in the closed and the open position, or the drain sieve encircles the push cap, is rigid, and is in contact with the basin, or the drain sieve encircles the push cap and/or post, is rigid, and is in contact with a drain sleeve surface.
In a second embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to the first embodiment, comprising a drain sleeve. In a third embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to embodiments 1 or 2, comprising a click mechanism.
In a fourth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the drain sieve is flexible is coupled to the push cap, reversibly moves together with the push cap, and is in contact with the basin when the stopper apparatus is in the closed and in the open position.
In a fifth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the drain sieve is rigid and in contact with the basin.
In a sixth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the drain sieve is rigid and in contact with a drain sleeve surface. In a seventh embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to embodiment 6, wherein the drain sieve is in contact with a drain sleeve upper-facing surface.
In an eighth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sealing diaphragm comprises a C-shaped gasket. In a ninth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sealing diaphragm comprises a substantially flat surface. In a tenth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sealing diaphragm is configured to mate with and seat on a drain sleeve upper-facing surface. In an eleventh embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sealing diaphragm is configured to mate with an upper, inner surface of the drain sleeve.
In a twelfth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the push cap comprises a gripping feature. In a thirteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the push cap is removably coupled to the post. In a fourteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the push cap is removably coupled to the post with a feature comprising a C-shaped gasket or an O-ring gasket.
In a fifteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the push cap is removably coupled to the post via a threaded connection. In a sixteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the push cap is removably coupled to the post via one or more notches and one or more tabs, wherein the tabs are configured to mate with the notches.
In a seventeenth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the drain sieve is removably coupled to a drain sleeve surface.
In an eighteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising an anti-rotation feature configured to prevent the drain sieve from rotating. In a nineteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the post comprises one or more anti-rotation features configured to prevent the drain sieve from rotating. In a twentieth embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the post comprises one or more tabs and the drain sieve comprises one or more notches, wherein the tabs are configured to mate with the notches and to prevent rotation of the sieve.
In a twenty-first embodiment, disclosed is a pop-up drain assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the basin is a basin of a sink, lavatory, bathtub, or shower base. In a twenty-second embodiment, disclosed is a sink, lavatory, bathtub, or shower base comprising a pop-up drain according to any of the preceding embodiments. In a twenty-third embodiment, disclosed is a bathtub comprising a pop-up drain according to any of embodiments 1 to 21.
The term “adjacent” may mean “near” or “close-by” or “next to”.
The term “coupled” means that an element is “attached to” or “associated with” another element. Coupled may mean directly coupled or coupled through one or more other elements. An element may be coupled to an element through two or more other elements in a sequential manner or a non-sequential manner. The term “via” in reference to “via an element” may mean “through” or “by” an element. Coupled or “associated with” may also mean elements not directly or indirectly attached, but that they “go together” in that one may function together with the other.
The term “towards” in reference to a of point of attachment, may mean at exactly that location or point or, alternatively, may mean closer to that point than to another distinct point, for example “towards a center” means closer to a center than to an edge.
The term “like” means similar and not necessarily exactly like. For instance “ring-like” means generally shaped like a ring, but not necessarily perfectly circular.
The articles “a” and “an” herein refer to one or to more than one (e.g. at least one) of the grammatical object. Any ranges cited herein are inclusive. The term “about” used throughout is used to describe and account for small fluctuations. For instance, “about” may mean the numeric value may be modified by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, ±10% or more. All numeric values are modified by the term “about” whether or not explicitly indicated. Numeric values modified by the term “about” include the specific identified value. For example “about 5.0” includes 5.0.
The term “substantially” is similar to “about” in that the defined term may vary from for example by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, ±10% or more of the definition; for example the term “substantially perpendicular” may mean the 90° perpendicular angle may mean “about 90°”. The term “generally” may be equivalent to “substantially”.
Features described in connection with one embodiment of the disclosure may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated.
Embodiments of the disclosure include any and all parts and/or portions of the embodiments, claims, description and figures. Embodiments of the disclosure also include any and all combinations and/or sub-combinations of embodiments.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2022/013220 | 1/21/2022 | WO |
