Overflow Switch

Abstract

A system for activating or deactivating a device comprising: a sink having a sink drain and an overflow opening; an overflow switch housing secured within the overflow opening where the overflow switch housing includes an inlet to allow fluid to enter a chamber within the overflow switch housing and an outlet to allow fluid to exit the chamber within the overflow switch housing; an overflow drain conduit secured by its proximal end to the overflow switch housing and secured by its distal end to the sink drain wherein fluid may exit the overflow switch housing and enter the overflow drain conduit to flow through and into the sink drain; and an overflow switch secured to the overflow switch housing where the overflow switch is operatively associated with one or more devices which allow a user to activate and/or deactivate the device and the switch being either electronic or pneumatic.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A switch to activate and/or deactivate one or more devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Switches for activating and deactivating a device within a lavatory or kitchen are known, the most common being a wall switch. However, these switches can be placed in inconvenient and unsightly locations. The unfortunate or unavoidable placement of a switch appears to occur most often when a room is being remodeled or when a sink or bathroom fixture is being replaced.

The vast majority of sinks, regardless of the type or style, include an overflow opening. This feature prevents a sink from overflowing and causing damage if an individual either purposefully or accidentally blocks or closes the sink drain while the water is running. The overflow opening is associated with the sink drain in some fashion to direct the water or other liquid from the sink into the drain pipe.

The overflow opening is generally not utilized by any other device, and yet provides a very convenient location to install a device or switch. Hence, a need exists for a safe, convenient and concealed switch which may be used to activate and deactivate one or more devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for activating or deactivating a device comprising: a sink having a sink drain and an overflow opening; an overflow switch housing secured within the overflow opening where the overflow switch housing includes an inlet to allow fluid to enter a chamber within the overflow switch housing and an outlet to allow fluid to exit the chamber within the overflow switch housing; an overflow drain conduit secured by its proximal end to the overflow switch housing and secured by its distal end to the sink drain wherein fluid may exit the overflow switch housing and enter the overflow drain conduit to flow through and into the sink drain; and an overflow switch secured to the overflow switch housing where the overflow switch is operatively associated with one or more devices which allow a user to activate and/or deactivate the device and the switch being either electronic or pneumatic.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form that is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical bathroom lavatory.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along section lines 1-1 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary embodiment of an overflow switch and drain of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is front view of an exemplary embodiment of an overflow switch of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an overflow switch of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the figures, where like numerals refer to like elements, there is shown in FIGS. 1-5 an embodiment of a system 1 for activating or deactivating a device 75 which includes a sink 2 having a sink drain 10 and an overflow opening 15. An overflow switch housing 20 is secured within the overflow opening 15. The overflow switch housing includes an inlet 22 to allow fluid to enter a chamber 26 within the overflow switch housing 20 and an outlet 24 to allow fluid to exit the chamber 26 within the overflow switch housing 20. The system 1 also includes an overflow drain conduit 30 secured at its proximal end 32 to the overflow switch housing 20 and secured by its distal end 34 to the sink drain 10. The overflow drain conduit 30 allows fluid to exit the chamber 26 of the overflow switch housing 20 and enter the lumen 35 of the overflow drain conduit 30 to flow through the lumen 35 and enter into the sink drain 10. An overflow switch 40 which is either electronic, pneumatic, or a combination of both, is secured within said overflow switch housing 20 and the overflow switch 40 is operatively associated with one or more devices 75 which allow a user to activate and/or deactivate the devices.

The sink 2 may be any conventional lavatory or kitchen sink known in the art. The sink 2 may be constructed of any material known in the art including, but not limited to, stone, metal, glass, composite material, wood, plastic, ceramic, granite, marble, concrete, copper, stainless steel, cast iron, enameled steel, terrazzo, soapstone, cultured marble, fiberglass, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the sink 2 includes a sink bottom 4, a sink wall 5 which emanates up from the sink bottom 4, a sink drain 10 located somewhere within the sink and also must have an overflow opening 15 or its equivalent. The sink drain 10 may be any conventional or non-conventional sink drain known in the art. FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a sink drain. In another embodiment of the system 1, the sink 2 includes a sink drain 10 and a location for the mounting of an overflow switch housing 20 and an overflow switch 20 whose location may not be obvious to the casual observer.

An overflow opening 15 (see FIG. 1) is simply an opening, generally in the sink wall 5, which aid in the prevention of a sink overflowing if a user plugs the sink's drain and leaves the water running out of the faucet 6. Without an overflow opening 15, water would spill out over the top of the sink wall after the basin of the sink filled with water or some other fluid resulting in a potential mess or damage to items and fixtures located within a room or building. In one embodiment of the present invention, an overflow opening 15 is large enough to accommodate an overflow switch housing 20 and an overflow switch 40. In another embodiment, an overflow opening is large enough to accommodate an overflow switch housing 20, an overflow switch 40, and their associated components described herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-7, there is illustrated an overflow switch housing 20 which includes an inlet 22 to allow water or fluid to enter into a chamber 26 within the overflow switch housing 20 and an outlet 24 to allow water or fluid to exit the chamber 26 and proceed onto an overflow drain conduit 30. The overflow switch housing 20 also includes an overflow switch 40 which may be an integral part of the overflow switch housing 20 or may be removeably detached from the same. In one embodiment of the present invention, the overflow switch housing 20 is comprised of a material selected from the group including plastic, metal, ceramic, stone, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment of the present invention, the overflow switch housing 20 is comprised of a material which is not electrically conductive. In yet another embodiment, the overflow switch housing 20 includes a material which is an electrical insulating material such as rubber, plastic, glass, paper, PTFE, composite polymer materials, porcelain, ceramic or a combination thereof.

The present invention also includes an overflow drain conduit 30 which has a proximal end 32, a distal end 34 and a lumen 35. In one embodiment of the present invention, an overflow drain conduit 30 also includes one or more fittings 36 on the proximal end 32, the distal end 34, or both. In one embodiment of the present invention, the overflow drain conduit 30 is comprised of a material selected from the group including plastic, metal, ceramic, stone, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment of the present invention, the overflow drain conduit 30 is comprised of a material which is not electrically conductive. In yet another embodiment, the overflow drain conduit 30 includes a material which is an electrical insulating material such as rubber, plastic, glass, paper, PTFE, composite polymer materials, porcelain, ceramic or a combination thereof. In still another embodiment of the present invention, an overflow drain conduit 30 is secured by its proximal end 32 to an overflow switch housing 20 and secured by its distal end 34 to a sink drain 10 allowing fluid to exit the overflow switch housing 20 and enter the lumen 35 within the overflow drain conduit 30 to flow through the lumen 35 and into the sink drain 10.

The present invention also includes an overflow switch 40 which is secured within the overflow switch housing 20. The overflow switch 40 is operatively associated with one or more devices 75 which allow a user to activate and/or deactivate the device(s) 75. In one embodiment of the present invention, the overflow switch 40 is electronic. In another embodiment of the present invention, the overflow switch 40 is pneumatic. In still another embodiment, the overflow switch 40 is a push button switch.

Looking now to FIGS. 4-6 there is illustrated one embodiment of the present invention in which the overflow switch 40 is a pneumatic switch which includes an overflow switch cover 25 secured to the top of a push button 41 having a top 42 and a bottom 43. The bottom 43 of the push button 41 is secured to the proximal end 45 of a stem 44 and the distal end 46 of the stem 44 is secured to a base 47. The embodiment further includes a bladder 49 operatively associated with the base 47 of the push button 41, the bladder 49 contains a compressed gas or fluid. A spring 48 is operatively associated with the push button 41 and the bladder 49 and permits the push button to be actuated by a user to compress and release the bladder 49. The embodiment also includes a pneumatic fitting 50 operatively associated with the bladder 49 onto which a pneumatic air conduit 55 is secured. The pneumatic air conduit 55 is connected to a pneumatic switch 58 which is connected to an electrical switch. A pair of electrical leads 65 emanates from and is operatively associated with the electrical switch 60. A pair of connectors 66 is engaged to a pair of wires 68 and the pair of electrical leads 65 to create an electrical circuit 70 and the device 75 is connected to the electrical circuit 70 to permit a user to activate and/or deactivate said device 75 by actuating the push button 41. In one embodiment of the present invention, the compressed gas is selected from the group comprising oxygen, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, or a combination thereof.

Looking to FIGS. 4 and 7 there is illustrated one embodiment of the present invention in which the overflow switch 40 is an electric switch which includes an overflow switch cover 25 secured to the top of a push button 41 having a top 42 and a bottom 43. The bottom 43 of the push button 41 is secured to the proximal end 45 of a stem 44 and the distal end 46 of the stem 44 is secured to a base 47. A spring 48 is operatively associated with the push button 41 to facilitate the actuation of the push button 41 by a user. A movable contact 62 is secured to the opposite side of the base 47 and two stationary contacts 64 are secured to the inside wall of the overflow switch housing 20. A pair of electrical leads 65 emanates from and is operatively associated with the push button switch 60. A pair of connectors 66 is engaged to a pair of wires 68 and the pair of electrical leads 65 to create an electrical circuit 70 and the device 75 is connected to the electrical circuit 70 to permit a user to activate and/or deactivate said device 75. When a user actuates the push button 41, the movable contact 62 is brought into contact with the stationary contacts 64 thereby completing the electrical circuit.

Looking now to FIGS. 4 and 8 there is illustrated one embodiment of the present invention in which the overflow switch 40 is an electric switch which includes an overflow switch cover 25 secured to the top of a push button 41 having a top 42 and a bottom 43. The bottom 43 of the push button 41 is secured to the proximal end 45 of a stem 44 and the distal end 46 of the stem 44 is secured to a base 47. A spring 48 is operatively associated with the push button 41 to facilitate the actuation of the push button 41 by a user. The embodiment further includes a push button switch 60 operatively associated with the base 47. A pair of electrical leads 65 emanates from and is operatively associated with the push button switch 60. A pair of connectors 66 are engaged to a pair of wires 68 and the pair of electrical leads 65 to create an electrical circuit 70 and the device 75 is connected to the electrical circuit 70 to permit a user to activate and/or deactivate the device 75. In one embodiment of the present invention, the push button switch 60 is a waterproof push button switch in the line of switches available from www.alibaba.com.

The device 75 may be any device commonly used within a kitchen or bathroom. A list of potential devices includes, but is not limited to, a garbage disposer, a soap dispenser, a light, a filtered water dispenser, a hot water dispenser, a cold water dispenser, a hair dryer, a curling iron, hot rollers, or the like.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a system 1 for activating or deactivating a device 75 comprising a sink 2 having a sink drain 10 and an overflow opening 15, an overflow switch housing 20 secured within the overflow opening 15 where the overflow switch housing 20 includes an inlet 22 to allow fluid to enter a chamber 26 within the overflow switch housing 20 and an outlet 24 to allow fluid to exit the chamber 26 within the overflow switch housing 20 and wherein the overflow switch housing 20 is comprised of a material which is not electrically conductive. The embodiment includes an overflow drain conduit 30 which is secured by its proximal end 32 to the overflow switch housing 20 and which is secured by its distal end 34 to the sink drain 10 thereby allowing fluid to exit the overflow switch housing 20 and enter a lumen 35 within the overflow drain conduit 30 to flow through the lumen 35 and into the sink drain 10, where the overflow drain conduit 30 is comprised a material which is not electrically conductive. The embodiment also includes an overflow switch 40 secured to or within the overflow switch housing 30 where the overflow switch 40 is a push button switch 60 and the overflow switch 40 is operatively associated with one or more devices 75 which allow a user to activate and/or deactivate the device(s) 75 and the push button switch 60 is either an electronic switch or pneumatic switch 58.

The above embodiment may further include that the device 75 being activated or deactivated may be selected from the group comprising: a garbage disposer, a soap dispenser, a light, a filtered water dispenser, a hot water dispenser, a cold water dispenser, a hair dryer, a curling iron, hot rollers, or the like.

The above embodiment may be further defined wherein the overflow switch 40 is a pneumatic switch 58 (See FIGS. 5 and 6) which includes an overflow switch cover 25 secured to a push button 41 which is secured to a stem 44 at its proximal end 45. A base 47 is secured to the stem 44 at its distal end 46 and a bladder 49 is operatively associated with the base 47, wherein the bladder 49 contains a compressed gas or fluid. A spring 48 is operatively associated with the base 47 and the bladder 49 and a pneumatic fitting 50 is operatively associated with the bladder 49 and with a pneumatic air conduit 55. Looking to FIG. 6 there is shown an embodiment in which the pneumatic air conduit 55 is connected to a pneumatic switch 58. The pneumatic switch 58 includes a pair of electrical leads 65 emanating from its body. A pair of wires 68 having a pair of connectors 66 on each of its ends (illustrated in FIGS. 6-8) are attached to the electrical leads emanating from the pneumatic switch 58 on one end and to the electrical leads operatively associated with one or more devices 75 on its opposite end to create an electrical circuit 70. In one embodiment of the present invention, the compressed gas is selected from the group comprising oxygen, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, or a combination thereof.

The above embodiment may be further defined wherein the overflow switch 40 is an electric switch (See FIGS. 7 and 8) which includes an overflow switch cover 25 secured to a push button which is secured to a stem 44 at its proximal end 45. A water proof push button switch 60 is operatively associated with the base 47. A pair of electrical leads 65 emanate from the body of the water proof push button switch 60. A pair of wires 68 having a pair of connectors 66 on each of its ends (illustrated in FIGS. 6-8) are attached to the electrical leads emanating from the water proof push button switch 60 on one end and to the electrical leads operatively associated with one or more devices 75 on its opposite end. The device 75 is connected to the electrical circuit 70 to permit a user to activate and/or deactivate the device 75.

The present invention further includes a method for activating and/or deactivating a device 75. In one embodiment, the method is comprised of the steps of providing a sink 2 having a sink drain 10 and an overflow opening 15 followed by securing an overflow switch housing 20 within the overflow opening 15, where the overflow switch housing 20 includes an inlet 22 to allow fluid to enter a chamber 26 within the overflow switch housing 20 and an outlet 24 to allow fluid to exit the chamber 26 within the overflow switch housing 20. Securing an overflow drain conduit 30 by its proximal end 32 to the overflow switch housing 20 and securing the overflow drain conduit 30 by its distal end 34 to the sink drain 10 wherein fluid may exit the overflow switch housing 20 and enter a lumen 35 within the overflow drain conduit 30 to flow through the lumen 35 and into the sink drain 10. Securing an overflow switch 40 within the overflow switch housing 20, the overflow switch 40 being operatively associated with one or more devices 75, the switch being either electronic or pneumatic; and actuating the overflow switch 40 thereby activating and/or deactivating the device 75.

In one embodiment of the above method, the overflow switch 40 is a push button switch 60. In another embodiment of the above method, the device 75 may be selected from the group comprising: a garbage disposer, a soap dispenser, a light, a filtered water dispenser, a hot water dispenser, a cold water dispenser, a hair dryer, a curling iron, hot rollers, or the like. In yet another embodiment of the above method, the overflow switch housing 20 is comprised of a material selected from the group including a plastic, a metal, a ceramic, a stone, or a combination thereof. In still another embodiment of the above method, the overflow drain conduit 30 is comprised of a material selected from the group including a plastic, a metal, a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment of the above method, the overflow switch 40 is a pneumatic switch 58 which includes an overflow switch cover 25 secured to a push button 41 which is secured to a stem 44 at its proximal end 45. A base 47 is secured to the stem 44 at its distal end 46 and a bladder 49 is operatively associated with the base 47 where the bladder contains a compressed gas or fluid. A spring 48 is operatively associated with the base 47 and the bladder 49 and a pneumatic fitting 50 is operatively associated with the bladder 49 and with a pneumatic air conduit 55. Looking to FIG. 6 there is shown an embodiment in which the pneumatic air conduit 55 is connected to a pneumatic switch 58. The pneumatic switch 58 includes a pair of electrical leads 65 emanating from its body. A pair of wires 68 having a pair of connectors 66 on each of its ends (illustrated in FIGS. 6-8) are attached to the electrical leads emanating from the pneumatic switch 58 on one end and to the electrical leads operatively associated with one or more devices 75 on its opposite end to create an electrical circuit 70. In one embodiment of the present invention, the compressed gas is selected from the group comprising oxygen, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment of the above method, the overflow switch housing 20 and the overflow drain conduit 30 are comprised of a material which is not electrically conductive.

In another embodiment of the above method, the overflow switch 40 is an electric switch (See FIGS. 7 and 8) which includes an overflow switch cover 25 secured to a push button which is secured to a stem 44 at its proximal end 45. A push button switch 60 is operatively associated with the base 47. A pair of electrical leads 65 emanate from the body of the water proof push button switch 60. A pair of wires 68 having a pair of connectors 66 on each of its ends (illustrated in FIGS. 6-8) are attached to the electrical leads emanating from the water proof push button switch 60 on one end and to the electrical leads operatively associated with one or more devices 75 on its opposite end. The device 75 is connected to the electrical circuit 70 to permit a user to activate and/or deactivate the device 75. In another embodiment of the above method, the push button switch 60 is a water proof push button switch.

The present invention further includes an additional method for activating and/or deactivating a device 75 comprising the steps of providing a sink 2 having a sink drain 10 and an overflow opening 15 followed by securing an overflow switch housing 20 within the overflow opening 15 where the overflow switch housing 20 includes an inlet 22 to allow fluid to enter a chamber 26 within the overflow switch housing 20 and an outlet 24 to allow fluid to exit the chamber 26 within the overflow switch housing 20 and where the overflow switch housing 20 is comprised of a material which is not electrically conductive. Securing an overflow drain conduit 30 by its proximal end 32 to the overflow switch housing 20 and securing the overflow drain conduit 30 by its distal end 34 to the sink drain 10 permitting fluid to exit the overflow switch housing 20 and enter the overflow drain conduit 30 to flow through and into the sink drain 10 and where the overflow drain conduit 30 is comprised of a material which is not electrically conductive. The next step is securing an overflow switch 40 to the overflow switch housing 20, the overflow switch 40 being a push button switch 60 and the overflow switch 40 being operatively associated with one or more devices 75 with the switch being either electronic or pneumatic. The final step is actuating the overflow switch 40 thereby activating and/or deactivating the device 75.

In one embodiment of the above method, the device 75 may be selected from the group comprising: a garbage disposer, a soap dispenser, a light, a filtered water dispenser, a hot water dispenser, a cold water dispenser, a hair dryer, a curling iron, hot rollers, or the like. In yet another embodiment of the above method, the overflow switch housing 20 is comprised of a material selected from the group including a plastic, a metal, a ceramic, a stone, or a combination thereof. In still another embodiment of the above method, the overflow drain conduit 30 is comprised of a material selected from the group including a plastic, a metal, a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment of the above method, the overflow switch 40 is a pneumatic switch 58 which includes an overflow switch cover 25 secured to a push button 41 which is secured to a stem 44 at its proximal end 45. A base 47 is secured to the stem 44 at its distal end 46 and a bladder 49 is operatively associated with the base 47 where the bladder contains a compressed gas or fluid. A spring 48 is operatively associated with the base 47 and the bladder 49 and a pneumatic fitting 50 is operatively associated with the bladder 49 and with a pneumatic air conduit 55. Looking to FIG. 6 there is shown an embodiment in which the pneumatic air conduit 55 is connected to a pneumatic switch 58. The pneumatic switch 58 includes a pair of electrical leads 65 emanating from its body. A pair of wires 68 having a pair of connectors 66 on each of its ends (illustrated in FIGS. 6-8) are attached to the electrical leads emanating from the pneumatic switch 58 on one end and to the electrical leads operatively associated with one or more devices 75 on its opposite end to create an electrical circuit 70. In one embodiment of the present invention, the compressed gas is selected from the group comprising oxygen, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment of the above method, the overflow switch housing 20 and the overflow drain conduit 30 are comprised of a material which is not electrically conductive.

In another embodiment of the above method, the overflow switch 40 is an electric switch (See FIGS. 7 and 8) which includes an overflow switch cover 25 secured to a push button which is secured to a stem 44 at its proximal end 45. A push button switch 60 is operatively associated with the base 47. A pair of electrical leads 65 emanate from the body of the water proof push button switch 60. A pair of wires 68 having a pair of connectors 66 on each of its ends (illustrated in FIGS. 6-8) are attached to the electrical leads emanating from the water proof push button switch 60 on one end and to the electrical leads operatively associated with one or more devices 75 on its opposite end. The device 75 is connected to the electrical circuit 70 to permit a user to activate and/or deactivate the device 75. In another embodiment of the above method, the push button switch 60 is a water proof push button switch.

The present invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit and the essential attributes thereof, and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention. The invention illustratively discloses herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A system for activating or deactivating a device comprising: a sink having a sink drain and an overflow opening;an overflow switch housing secured within said overflow opening; said overflow switch housing including an inlet to allow fluid to enter a chamber within said overflow switch housing and an outlet to allow fluid to exit said chamber within said overflow switch housing;an overflow drain conduit secured by its proximal end to said overflow switch housing and secured by its distal end to said sink drain wherein fluid may exit said overflow switch housing and enter a lumen within said overflow drain conduit to flow through said lumen and into said sink drain; andan overflow switch secured within said overflow switch housing; said overflow switch being operatively associated with one or more devices which allow a user to activate and/or deactivate said device and said switch being either electronic or pneumatic.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said overflow switch being a push button switch.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said device being selected from the group comprising: a garbage disposer, a soap dispenser, a light, a filtered water dispenser, a hot water dispenser, a cold water dispenser, a hair dryer, a curling iron, hot rollers, or the like.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said overflow switch housing being comprised of a material selected from the group including a plastic, a metal, a ceramic, a stone, or a combination thereof.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said overflow drain conduit being comprised of a material selected from the group including a plastic, a metal, a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, or a combination thereof.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said overflow switch being a pneumatic switch which comprises: an overflow switch cover secured to a push button, said push button being secured to a stem at its proximal end;a base secured to said stem at its distal end;a bladder operatively associated with said base, said bladder containing a compressed gas;a spring operatively associated with said base and said bladder; anda pneumatic fitting operatively associated with said bladder and with a pneumatic air conduit.

7. The system of claim 7 wherein said compressed gas being selected from the group comprising: oxygen, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, or a combination thereof.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein said overflow switch housing and said overflow drain conduit being comprised of a material which is not electrically conductive.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein said overflow switch being an electric switch which comprises: an overflow switch cover secured to a push button, said push button being secured to a stem at its proximal end;a base secured to said stem at its distal end and a coiled spring surrounding said stem to facilitate the actuation of said push button;a push button switch operatively associated with said base;a pair of electrical leads emanating from and operatively associated with said push button switch;a pair of wires connected to said pair of electrical leads to create an electrical circuit; andsaid device being connected to said electrical circuit to permit a user to activate and/or deactivate said device.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the push button switch being a water proof push button switch.

11. A system for activating or deactivating a device comprising: a sink having a sink drain and an overflow opening;an overflow switch housing secured within said overflow opening; said overflow switch housing including an inlet to allow fluid to enter a chamber within said overflow switch housing and an outlet to allow fluid to exit said chamber within said overflow switch housing and wherein said overflow switch housing comprising a material which is not electrically conductive;an overflow drain conduit secured by its proximal end to said overflow switch housing and secured by its distal end to said sink drain wherein fluid may exit said overflow switch housing and enter said overflow drain conduit to flow through and into said sink drain and wherein said overflow drain conduit comprising a material which is not electrically conductive; andan overflow switch secured to said overflow switch housing, said overflow switch being a push button switch and said overflow switch being operatively associated with one or more devices which allow a user to activate and/or deactivate said device and said switch being either electronic or pneumatic.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein said device being selected from the group comprising: a garbage disposer, a soap dispenser, a light, a filtered water dispenser, a hot water dispenser, a cold water dispenser, a hair dryer, a curling iron, hot rollers, or the like.

13. The system of claim 11 wherein said overflow switch being a pneumatic switch which comprises: an overflow switch cover secured to a push button, said push button being secured to a stem at its proximal end;a base secured to said stem at its distal end;a bladder operatively associated with said base, said bladder containing a compressed gas;a spring operatively associated with said base and said bladder; anda pneumatic fitting operatively associated with said bladder and with a pneumatic air conduit.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein said compressed gas being selected from the group comprising: oxygen, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, or a combination thereof.

15. The system of claim 11 wherein said overflow switch being an electric switch which comprises: an overflow switch cover secured to a push button, said push button being secured to a stem at its proximal end;a base secured to said stem at its distal end;a water proof push button switch operatively associated with said base;a pair of electrical leads connected to said water proof push button switch;a pair of wires connected to said pair of electrical leads to create an electrical circuit; and

16. A method for activating or deactivating a device comprising the steps of: providing a sink having a sink drain and an overflow opening;securing an overflow switch housing within said overflow opening; said overflow switch housing including an inlet to allow fluid to enter a chamber within said overflow switch housing and an outlet to allow fluid to exit said chamber within said overflow switch housing and wherein said overflow switch housing comprising a material which is not electrically conductive;securing an overflow drain conduit by its proximal end to said overflow switch housing and securing said overflow drain conduit by its distal end to said sink drain wherein fluid may exit said overflow switch housing and enter said overflow drain conduit to flow through and into said sink drain and wherein said overflow drain conduit comprising a material which is not electrically conductive;securing an overflow switch to said overflow switch housing, said overflow switch being a push button switch and said overflow switch being operatively associated with one or more devices, said switch being either electronic or pneumatic; andactuating said overflow switch thereby activating and/or deactivating said device.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein said device being selected from the group comprising: a garbage disposer, a soap dispenser, a light, a filtered water dispenser, a hot water dispenser, a cold water dispenser, a hair dryer, a curling iron, hot rollers, or the like.

18. The system of claim 16 wherein said overflow switch being a pneumatic switch which comprises: an overflow switch cover secured to a push button, said push button being secured to a stem at its proximal end;a base secured to said stem at its distal end;a bladder operatively associated with said base, said bladder containing a compressed gas;a spring operatively associated with said base and said bladder; anda pneumatic fitting operatively associated with said bladder and with a pneumatic air conduit.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein said compressed gas being selected from the group comprising: oxygen, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, or a combination thereof.

20. The system of claim 16 wherein said overflow switch being an electric switch which comprises: an overflow switch cover secured to a push button, said push button being secured to a stem at its proximal end;a base secured to said stem at its distal end;a water proof push button switch operatively associated with said base;a pair of electrical leads connected to said water proof push button switch;a pair of wires connected to said pair of electrical leads to create an electrical circuit; and said device being connected to said electrical circuit to permit a user to activate and/or deactivate said device.