BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to pop-up drains and, more particularly, to a pop-up drain configured to reduce clogging.
Pop-up drains configured for use in basins or sinks are known. Conventional designs often operate with two rotational series of ramps fashioned with a cam profile on telescoping parts. Generally, the telescoping parts are keyed together and biased with a spring, such that a plug or cap supported by one of the telescoping parts is positioned at a first axial height. User input, which may be embodied by a pressing force, causes axial movement between the telescoping parts. The relative movement of the telescoping parts causes a slow disengagement of the keyed features. Once the keyed features have disengaged, the telescoping parts rotate relative to each other as defined by the cam profile. Following the rotation, the spring may bias the plug to a second axial height, which is defined by the cam profile.
In the prior art, the support structure, including telescoping parts and ramps, is generally positioned at the center of the drain. Accordingly, the support structure often bridges the flow path of the drain. Unfortunately, due to this bridging, the structure provides a common place for items to be suspended while fluid is passing through the drain.
Accordingly, a need exists for a pop-up drain that minimizes the clogging of the drain, while still allowing for the push click activation and deactivation of the pop-up drain.
The present invention provides for pop-up drain includes a stopper assembly, a spring and cooperating camming members. The camming members include multiple camming surfaces. The stopper assembly, the spring and the camming members are arranged within a pipe assembly. The spring biases the interaction of the camming surfaces so that depression of the stopper assembly results in the stopper assembly sealing the pipe assembly. A second depression of the stopper assembly results in the stopper assembly moving into a position that unseals the drain.
In one illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a pop-up stopper assembly configured to prevent the flow of a liquid through a drain pipe including a first bore. The pop-up assembly may include a first member including a second bore and a first set of camming members. The pop-up stopper assembly may include a second member at least partially located in the second bore. The second member may include a third bore, a second set of camming members and a third set of camming members. The third set of camming members may engage the first set of camming members. The pop-up stopper assembly may include a stopper assembly. The stopper assembly may include at least one member configured to traverse one of the sets of camming surfaces. In embodiments, a majority of the liquid travels through at least one of said second bore or said third bore.
In a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a pop-up assembly is configured for use in a basin having an opening with an outer pipe including an inner surface defining a first passageway for draining a liquid from the basin. The pop-up drain assembly may include a first set of camming members located interior to the inner surface of the pipe. The drain assembly may include an actuator member. The actuator member may include a second set of camming members, a third set of camming members and a second passageway. At least a portion of the actuator member may be located within the first passageway. The pop-up drain assembly may further include a stopper assembly. The stopper assembly may be configured to selectively close the opening of the basin. At least a portion of the stopper assembly may be located within the first passageway of the outer pipe. In embodiments, a majority of the liquid traverses the second passageway as the liquid is drained from the basin.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pop-up drain device in accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the drain device illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an outer pipe assembly utilized in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 4-4 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a member utilized in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 6-6 in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a member utilized in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a side view of a stopper assembly utilized in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the stopper assembly illustrated in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a partial detailed exploded perspective view of the pop-up drain device illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 11-11 in FIG. 10, with the spring and the washer assembled;
FIG. 12 is a partial detailed exploded perspective view of the pop-up drain device illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 13-13 in FIG. 12, with receiving member and actuating member assembled;
FIG. 14 is a partial detailed exploded perspective view of the pop-up drain device illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 15-15 in FIG. 14, with stopper assembly inserted into receiving member;
FIGS. 16A-16D are partial views illustrating the functionality of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a pop-up drain device in accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the drain device illustrated in FIG. 17;
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a member utilized in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18; and
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 19-19 in FIG. 19.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates an embodiment of the invention, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
The embodiments of the invention described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to precise forms disclosed. Rather, the embodiment selected for description have been chosen to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention. Although the disclosure is described in connection with water, it should be understood that additional types of fluids may be used.
Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, numeral 10 generally indicates a pop-up drain assembly illustrative of an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrative embodiment, drain assembly 10 includes an outer pipe assembly, generally indicated by numeral 12, a first or receiving member 14, a second or actuating member 16, a spring 18, a washer 20 and a stopper assembly 22.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of outer pipe assembly 12. In the depicted embodiment, outer pipe assembly 12 includes an outer pipe 30, a gasket 32, a washer 34 and a nut 36.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of outer pipe 30 taken along section line 4-4 of FIG. 3. With reference to both FIGS. 3 and 4, outer pipe 30 may be formed from any suitable material and includes a first portion 40 and a second portion 42. First portion 40 may be attached to second portion 42 in any suitable fashion. For example, in certain embodiments, the portions 40 and 42 may be integrally formed from a single piece of material. In other embodiments, the portions 40 and 42 may be formed separately and affixed to each other in a suitable fashion, such as by welding or through the utilization of some type of known component, such as a sleeve.
With reference still to FIGS. 3 and 4, in the embodiment depicted, the first and second portions 40, 42 each have substantially cylindrical shapes. The cylindrical shapes of portions 40, 42 define a central bore or passageway, generally indicated by numeral 44 that extends through the outer pipe 30. In the depicted embodiment, first portion 40 has a larger diameter than second portion 42, and the interconnection of the portions 40, 42 defines a land, generally indicated by numeral 46.
Referring further to FIGS. 3 and 4, first portion 40 includes a plurality of apertures 48 and a flange 50. In the illustrative embodiment, first portion 40 includes four apertures 48 each having a rectangular shape. However, the number and shapes of apertures 48 may vary. The apertures 48 are positioned proximate the flange 50 and extend through the cylindrical side wall 49 of the first portion 40. Apertures 48 may be formed within first portion 40 in any suitable manner.
In the illustrative embodiment, flange 50 encompasses an edge of first portion 40. Flange 50 may be integrally formed in first portion 40 or may be a separate component connected to first portion 40 in a known manner. The outer diameter of flange 50 is larger than the diameter of side wall 49, and thus, flange 50 extends beyond the lateral boundaries defined by side wall 49. As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, flange 50 defines an opening 52 at an end of first portion 40.
With reference again to FIG. 3, gasket 32 may be formed from any suitable material such as rubber or soft plastic, for example. In the depicted embodiment, gasket 32 includes an opening indicated by numeral 54. Opening 54 may be sized and configured to receive the first portion 40 of outer pipe 30. Opening 54 may include a plurality of annular ribs 56 configured to retain second portion 42 within gasket 32 after second portion 42 has been inserted into opening 54. In embodiments, ribs 56 may be replaced with any suitable configuration capable of achieving similar goals.
Referring still to FIG. 3, washer 34 may be formed from any suitable material. In the depicted embodiment, washer 34 is sized and configured to receive first portion 40 of outer tube 30. Nut 36 may also be formed from any suitable material. In addition, nut 36 may engage first portion 40 in a suitable manner. For example, the outer surface of first portion 40 may include threads (not shown) configured to mate with threads (not shown) formed on the inner surface of nut 36 in a known manner. In one illustrative embodiment, washer 34 and nut 36 may be received on outer pipe 30 for securing the drain assembly 10 to a sink basin (not shown).
FIGS. 5 and 6 show additional details of first or receiving member 14. In the illustrative embodiment, receiving member 14 has a substantially cylindrical wall 59 extending between a first end 60 and a second end 62. Receiving member 14 includes an outer surface 64 and an inner surface 66. The cylindrical wall 59 of receiving member 14 defines a bore or passageway 68 extending axially from first end 60 to second end 62.
In the illustrative embodiment, receiving member 14 includes a plurality of apertures, each indicated by numeral 70. Apertures 70 illustratively have shapes similar to that of apertures 48 in outer pipe 30. In addition, the apertures 70 are illustratively spaced about receiving member 14 at positions complementary to the positions of the apertures 48 in outer pipe 30.
With reference still to FIGS. 5 and 6, a plurality of protrusions, each indicated by numeral 72, extend outwardly from outer surface 64 of the receiving member 14. In the illustrative embodiment, a pair of protrusions 72 are positioned proximate each aperture 70, with one protrusion 72 of the pair located above the aperture 70, and the other protrusion 72 of the pair located below the aperture 70. Each protrusion 72 includes a flat portion 74 opposite aperture 70. The distance separating the flat portions 74 of each set of protrusions 72 positioned adjacent any given aperture 70 is approximately equal to the height of the apertures 48 present within the outer pipe 30. More particularly, flat portions 74 are illustratively configured to be received within respective apertures 48 for retaining receiving member 14 within outer pipe 30.
With further reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, inner surface 66 includes a plurality of axially extending tracks or traces, each indicated by numeral 76. In the depicted embodiment, the traces 76 begin at first end 60 and traverse inner surface 66 toward second end 62. In the depicted embodiment, the traces 76 are positioned intermediate the apertures 70, and thus inner surface 66 includes four traces 76.
With reference to FIG. 6, inner surface 66 of receiving member 14 includes a plurality of camming members generally indicated by numeral 78. In the depicted embodiment, the camming members 78 are formed proximate second end 62. For exemplary purposes, camming members 78 may be considered a plurality of repeatable sections, one of which is indicated by the letter “A” for exemplary purposes. Each repeatable section, including section A, has a first ramp portion 80, a second ramp portion 82 and a stop 84. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second ramp portions 80 and 82 are integrally formed within inner surface 66. First ramp portion 80 is located closer to first end 60 than is second ramp portion 82. In the illustrative embodiment, stop 84 is positioned at an end of second ramp portion 82 opposite first ramp portion 80. Stop 84 generally defines the boundary of the repeatable sections.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of second or actuating member 16. In the illustrative embodiment, actuating member 16 has a substantially cylindrical wall 89 extending between a first end 90 and a second end 92. Actuating member 16 includes an outer surface 94 and an inner surface 96. Inner surface 96 defines a bore or a passageway 98. In the illustrative embodiment, bore 98 extends axially through member 16 from first end 90 to second end 92.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, actuating member 16 includes a second set of camming members, generally indicated by numeral 100. Camming members 100 are formed in the edge of wall 89 proximate first end 90. Actuating member 16 further includes a third set of camming members, generally indicated by numeral 102. In the illustrative embodiment, camming members 102 are located intermediate first end 90 and second end 92.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, camming members 100 include a plurality of peaks 104 and valleys 106. Camming members 100 include a plurality of repeatable sections, one of which is identified by the letter “B,” with each section including a pair of adjacent peaks 104 separated by a valley 106.
Referring still to FIG. 7, camming members 102 include a plurality of raised ramp portions 110 flanked by lower portions 112. For exemplary purposes, similar to members 78, 100, described above, camming members 102 may be considered as including repeatable sections, one of which is indicated by letter “C.” It should be noted that in the illustrative embodiment, the repeatable sections includes gaps each indicated by numeral 114. The underside of the camming members 102 each form a land 116.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 13, spring 18 may be formed from any suitable material. In the illustrative embodiment, spring 18 has an inner diameter sized to allow spring 18 to receive second end 92 of actuating member 16. In addition, spring 18 has an outer diameter sized to allow spring 18 to fit within first portion 40 of outer pipe 12.
Washer 20 may be formed from any suitable material. Washer 20 may have an inner diameter approximately equivalent to that of spring 18. Accordingly, washer 20 is sized to receive at least a portion of second end 92 of second camming member 90. In addition, washer 20 may have an outer diameter sized to allow washer 18 to be received within first portion 40 of outer pipe 12.
Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, in the illustrative embodiment, stopper assembly 22 includes a stopper member 120 and a gasket 122. Stopper member 120 includes a head portion 124, a body portion 126 and a neck portion 128 located intermediate the head portion 124 and body portion 126. In the depicted embodiment, head portion 124 includes an arcuate top surface 130.
In the illustrative embodiment, body portion 126 includes a plurality of axially extending vanes, each indicated by numeral 132. Vanes 132 all extend radially outward from a single nexus 134. In the illustrative embodiment, body portion 126 includes four vanes 132. The vanes 132 are arranged at right angles with respect to each adjacent vane 132. It should be noted that the number of vanes may be altered as desired, and may be less than or equal to the number of traces 76 formed in inner surface 66. In the depicted embodiment, each vane 132 includes a lower surface 136.
With further reference to FIG. 9, gasket 122 may be manufactured from any suitable material, such as rubber. Gasket 122 includes a central aperture, indicated by numeral 138. Central aperture 138 is sized to receive neck portion 128 of stopper member 120, as depicted in FIG. 8.
Now that the components of the drain assembly 10 have been described, an exemplary assembly of drain assembly 10 will be described with respect to FIGS. 10-15. It should be noted that the following description of the assembly process is being provided for exemplary purposes only and is not intended to limit or define the subject matter of the invention in any manner.
With respect first to FIG. 10, washer 20 and spring 18 may be inserted into outer pipe assembly 12 through opening 52 in the direction identified by the arrow indicated by the letters “AA.” FIG. 11 depicts a section view taken along section line 11-11 in FIG. 10. In FIG. 11, however, the spring 18 and washer 20 have been properly inserted into outer pipe 30. With respect to FIG. 11, it can be seen that the washer 20 and spring 18 traverse bore 44 of outer pipe assembly 12 until washer 20 reaches land 46. Similarly, spring 18 traverses bore 44 during insertion of spring 18 contacts washer 20. When arranged properly in the depicted embodiment, washer 20 is located intermediate spring 18 and land 46. It should be noted that in the depicted embodiment, spring 18 and washer 20 are arranged proximate the inner surface of first portion 40. In addition, spring 18 and washer 20 limit the amount of the components located proximate the center of bore 44.
Referring now to FIG. 12, a portion of second or actuating member 16 may be inserted into first or receiving member 14. Specifically, first end 90 of actuating member 16 may be inserted into bore 68 through second end 62 of receiving member 14. Upon full insertion, camming members 102 of actuating member 16 engages camming members 78 (FIG. 6) of receiving member 14.
Once actuating member 16 has been inserted into receiving member 14, together the members 14 and 16 may be inserted into bore 44 of first portion 40 of outer tube 30 along the path indicated by arrow CC through opening 52. FIG. 13 depicts a section view taken along the section line 13-13 in FIG. 12 allowing the proper insertion of members 14 and 16 into outer pipe 30. As shown in FIG. 13, the proper insertion of the members 14 and 16 into pipe 30 ensures that the apertures 70 align with the apertures 48. In the depicted embodiment, proper alignment between the apertures 70 and the apertures 48 results in the flat surfaces 74 of the protrusions 72 engaging the apertures 48 as depicted. In addition, it should be noted that the upper portion of spring 18 contacts lands 116 of actuating member 16 when actuating member 16 is fully inserted into outer pipe 30.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of stopper assembly 22 prior to insertion into outer pipe 30 following insertion of members 14 and 16. Stopper assembly 22 may be inserted into bore 44 of outer piped 30 and bore 68 of first member 14 through opening 52 in the direction of the arrow labeled as DD. In the depicted embodiment, vanes 132 must be located within trace 76 of first member 14 as stopper assembly 22 is inserted into first member 14. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 15-15 following insertion of stopper assembly 22 into receiving member 14.
FIG. 15 illustrates that the head portion 124, including arcuate surface 130, of stopper assembly 22 has a diameter greater than that of flange 50. Similarly, gasket 122 has an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of outer pipe 30.
In the embodiment depicted, stopper assembly 22 is fully inserted when lower surfaces 136 contact camming surfaces 100 of actuating member 16. Once the stopper assembly 22 has been inserted into receiving member 14, the assembly of drain assembly 10 is complete.
Now that an exemplary description of assembly has been provided, an exemplary description of the operation of drain assembly 10 will now be set forth with reference to FIG. 16A. It should be noted that in FIG. 16A certain components have been omitted for the sake of clarity of the following description and other components have been simplified. As shown in FIG. 16A, stopper assembly 22 is in a raised position in which gasket 122 is separated from flange 50 of outer pipe 30. The distance separating the stopper assembly 22 and the flange 50 allows a liquid (not shown) to flow through opening 52, through bores 68, 98 (FIG. 15) members 14, 16, and into bore 44 (FIG. 15) of the outer pipe 30. When the drain assembly 10 is installed in a sink or basin in a conventional manner, the liquid may then be allowed to exit the drain assembly 10 through bore 44 and into a drain pipe (not shown) connected thereto.
If one desires to seal the drain assembly 10 in order to prevent the flow of liquid through opening 52, one need only depress the stopper assembly 22 in the direction indicated by Arrow A in FIG. 16A. Depressing stopper assembly 22 causes vanes 132 to traverse the traces 76 (FIG. 6) of the first member 14. As the stopper assembly 22 travels along the traces 76, the lower surface 136 of the vanes 132 will force actuating member 16 against the force provided by spring 18. It should be noted that as stopper assembly 22 is being depressed and actuating member 16 travels against spring 18, the camming members 102 of actuating member 16 separates from the camming members 78 of the receiving member 14. The separation of the camming members 78, 102, described previously, permits for the rotation of the actuating member 16 with respect to the receiving member 14. It should be noted that the stopper assembly 22 is prevented from rotating due to the interaction between the vanes 132 and the traces 76. In addition, receiving member 14 is prevented from rotating due to the interaction of the protrusions 72 and apertures 48 (FIG. 15).
As shown in FIG. 16B, actuating member 16 is configured so that full depression of stopper assembly 22 will require a slight rotation of member 16. The rotation of member 16 results in the valleys 106 moving into a position to receive lower surfaces 136 of vanes 132.
With reference to FIG. 16B, the rotation of actuating member 16 is sufficient to ensure the point indicated by numeral 150 of raised portions 110 of camming member 102 travels beyond the point indicated by numeral 152 of second portion 82 of camming members 78.
Once stopper assembly 22 has been fully depressed such that actuating member 16 rotates into the position depicted in FIG. 16B, stopper assembly 22 may be released. The release of stopper assembly 22 allows spring 18 to move the actuating member 16 in the direction of the receiving member 14. Since point 150 has rotated past point 152, as depicted in FIG. 16B, raised portion 110 engages second portion 82 once spring 18 forces actuating member 16 in the direction of receiving member 14.
As shown in FIG. 16C, spring 18 forces actuating member 16 into a position in which raised portion 110 engages stop 84. The engagement between raised portion 110 and stop 84 prevents further rotation and movement of actuating member 16 with respect to receiving member 14. It should be noted that when raised portion 110 is located proximate actuating portion 82 and stop 84 raised portion 110 is at a height less than that depicted in FIG. 16A. Accordingly, actuating member 16, including camming members 100, do not reach the height second member 16 achieves when positioned as depicted in FIG. 16A. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 16C, the position of the actuating member 16 permits gasket 122 to contact flange 50, thereby sealing opening 52 of pipe assembly 12. The sealing of opening 52 by gasket 122 prevents the flow of liquid through the drain assembly 10. Thus, by depressing stopper member 22, one is able to seal the drain assembly 10 and prevent flow of a liquid therethrough.
When one desires to again permit liquid flow through drain assembly 10, one need only depress stopper member 22. The engagement between the lower surfaces 136 of stopper member 22 and camming members 100 of actuating member 16 will again cause actuating member 16 to move against spring 18 and in the direction away from receiving member 14. Accordingly, raised portion 110 will move away from the second portion 82 of camming members 78. Again, once spring 18 becomes fully compressed, actuating member 16 may no longer move vertically, and accordingly continued depression of assembly 22 will cause rotation of actuating member 16 so that valleys 106 may receive the lower surfaces 136 of vanes 132, as shown in FIG. 16D. Once the lower surfaces 136 reach the valleys 106, actuating member 16 will have rotated a sufficient distance to ensure point 150 of camming members 102 travels beyond point 154 of camming members 78.
The release of the stopper assembly 22 allows spring 18 to act upon actuating member 16 thereby moving the member 16 in the direction of receiving member 14. As spring 18 drives actuating member 16 in the direction of receiving member 14, raised portions 110 will engage first portion 80 of camming members 78. Accordingly, actuating member 16 will again be positioned as depicted in FIG. 16A. Thus, camming portions 100 will force stopper assembly 22 upwards, away from opening 52 of outer pipe assembly 12, again permitting liquid to flow into opening 54, through bores 44, 68, 98 and into a drain pipe (not shown).
It should be noted that, as illustrated in FIG. 15, camming members 78, 102 are arranged exterior to the bores 68, 98, these members 78, 102 and consequently, the camming members 78, 102 do not interfere with any liquid traveling through the bores 68, 98, as illustrated by FIG. 15. Moreover, the exterior location of the camming members 78, 102 also removes obstructions to which particulates or debris, such as hair, for example, may cling. In addition, it should be noted that in the embodiment depicted, substantially no structure exists within the bores 68, 98 below the lower surface 136 of stopper assembly 22. Thus, the flow of liquid through the bores 68, 98 is substantially unobstructed.
Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, numeral 210 generally indicates a pop-up drain assembly illustrative of an embodiment of the invention of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the depicted embodiment, drain assembly 210 may utilize some components similar to components utilized within previously described drain assembly 10. Accordingly, for the sake of brevity, components of the present embodiment of drain assembly 210, similar to those described previously with respect to drain assembly 10, will be indicated with like reference numerals and will not be described further again.
In the depicted embodiment, drain assembly 210 includes an outer pipe 212, a first or receiving member 214, a second or actuating member 16, a spring 18, a washer 20, and a stopper assembly 22. In drain assembly 210, actuating member 16, spring 18, washer 20 and stopper assembly 22 may be similar to the components described previously with respect to drain assembly 10.
Referring still to FIGS. 17 and 18, outer pipe 212 may be formed from any suitable material, such as plastic, for example, and includes a first portion 240 and a second portion 242. The portions 240, 242 each have substantially cylindrical shapes and define a central bore or passageway 244 extending through the center of outer pipe 212. In the depicted embodiment, first portion 240 has an outer diameter that is sized smaller than the outer diameter of second portion 242. The difference in the outer diameters of the portions 240, 242 creates a step, indicated by numeral 241. It should be noted that in the depicted embodiment, the inner diameters of the portions 240, 242 are substantially equivalent, and thus, the central bore 244 is substantially smooth and does not include a step.
With reference now to FIGS. 19 and 20, an embodiment of receiving member 214 is depicted. In the depicted embodiment, receiving member 214 includes a substantially cylindrical wall 259 extending between a first end 260 and a second end 262. Receiving member 214 further includes an outer surface 264 and an inner surface 266. The inner surface 266 of receiving member 214 defines a bore or a passageway 268 extending axially from first end 260 to second end 262. Receiving member 214 further includes a flange, indicated by numeral 261, located proximate first end 260. In addition, in the depicted embodiment, cylindrical wall 259 includes threads 263 formed in a suitable manner proximate second end 262.
In the depicted embodiment, receiving member 214 further includes a plurality of apertures, each generally indicated by numeral 270. Apertures 270 have a rectangular shape and are formed at ninety degree intervals within cylindrical wall 259.
With reference still to FIGS. 19 and 20, inner surface 266 includes a plurality of axially extending tracks or traces, each indicated by numeral 276. In the depicted embodiment, the traces 276 begin at first end 260 and traverse inner surface 266 in the direction of second end 262. In the depicted embodiment, the traces 276 are positioned intermediate the apertures 270, and thus, inner surface 266 includes four traces 276.
With reference to FIG. 20, inner surface 266 of receiving member 214 includes a plurality of camming members generally indicated by numeral 278. In the depicted embodiment, camming members are formed intermediate first end 260 and second end 262. For exemplary purposes, camming members 278 may be considered a plurality of repeatable sections, one of which is indicated by the letter “A” for exemplary purposes. Each repeatable section, including section A, has a first portion 280, a second portion 282 and a stop 284. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second portions 280 and 282 are integrally formed within inner surface 266. First portion 280 is located closer to first end 260 than is second portion 282. In the depicted embodiment, stop 284 is positioned proximate the an end of second portion 282 opposite first portion 280. Stop 284 generally defines the boundary of a repeatable section.
All components comprising drain assembly 210, other than outer pipe 212 and receiving member 214, are substantially similar to those described previously with respect to drain assembly 10. With reference again to FIG. 18, an exemplary description of assembling drain assembly 210 will now be described. It should be noted that the following description relates to the depicted embodiment and is for exemplary purposes only. In addition, the order of steps may be altered when suitable.
Referring now to FIG. 18, actuating member 16, spring 18 and washer 20 may be inserted into second end 262 of receiving member 214. In the depicted embodiment, the camming members 102 of actuating member 16 are sized and configured to engage the camming surfaces 278 of receiving member 214 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to camming members 78 of drain assembly 10.
In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 18, first portion 240 of outer pipe 212 is sized to be received by the second end 262 of receiving member 214, and second portion 242 is sized too large to be received by receiving member 214. First portion 240 of outer pipe 212 may be then inserted into second end 262. Outer pipe 212 is inserted into receiving member 214 until step 241 contacts receiving member 214. The contact of step 241 and receiving member 214 prevents further insertion of outer pipe 212 into receiving member 214. Once fully inserted, outer pipe 212 may then be affixed to receiving member 214 in any suitable manner, such as by way of any suitable welding process, for example. It should be noted that first portion 240 includes a top surface 243. In the depicted embodiment, once outer pipe 212 is inserted into receiving member 214, top surface 243 functions as a land configured to engage washer 20 and prevent undesired movement of washer 20, spring 18 and actuating member 16 through second end 262 of receiving member 214.
Referring still to FIG. 18, stopper assembly 22 may be inserted into first end 260 of receiving member 214. In a manner similar to that described above, the vanes 132 of stopper assembly 22 are located within the tracks 276 of receiving member 214. Stopper assembly 22 will travel through receiving member 214 until the lower surfaces 136 of the vanes 132 contact the camming members 100 of actuating member 16. The insertion of stopper assembly 22 completes the assembly of drain assembly 210.
As should be understood by one with ordinary skill in the art, once drain assembly 210 has been assembled, drain assembly 210 will function in a manner similar to drain assembly 10 wherein receiving member 214 will interact with actuating member 16 in order to allow stopper assembly 22 to seal against flange 261 when stopper assembly 22 is depressed.
While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains including variations and modifications existing within the spirit and scope of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.
Patent Application
20080178382
