U.S. patent application number 10/832568 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-23 for filter guard for sink drain pop-up plunger.
Invention is credited to Tracy, Anthony S..
Application Number | 20040255378 10/832568 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33519429 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040255378 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tracy, Anthony S. |
December 23, 2004 |
FILTER GUARD FOR SINK DRAIN POP-UP PLUNGER
Abstract
A filter guard for a pop-up plunger for the drain of a sink or
the like which comprises a thin sheet of springy metal having an
array of openings therethrough. The sheet is rolled into a
cylindrical shape and fitted over the radially extending vanes of a
conventional pop-up plunger. The springiness of the sheet causes it
to grip the plunger vanes and keep it in place. The openings in the
filter guard allow liquid waste to exit the sink but block the
passage of discrete articles, such as rings or contact lenses,
which may inadvertently fall into the sink.
Inventors: |
Tracy, Anthony S.; (New
York, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVID L. DAVIS, ESQ.
90 WASHINGTON VALLEY ROAD
BEDMINSTER
NJ
07921
US
|
Family ID: |
33519429 |
Appl. No.: |
10/832568 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60479922 |
Jun 19, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/689 ;
4/287 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/23 20130101; E03C
1/2302 20130101; E03C 1/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/689 ;
004/287 |
International
Class: |
A47K 001/14; E03C
001/26; E03C 001/23 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A filter guard for use with a waste drain pipe pop-up plunger
having a head portion and a stem portion, wherein the stem portion
includes a plurality of vanes extending radially outwardly from a
central portion of the stem portion, the filter guard comprising: a
piece of sheet material provided with a plurality of openings
therethrough, wherein the piece of sheet material is formed into a
cylindrical shape with overlapping ends, the cylindrical shape
having a diameter less than the diameter of an imaginary cylinder
surrounding and contacting the vanes of the stem portion of the
plunger.
2. The filter guard according to claim 1 wherein the sheet material
is metal.
3. The filter guard according to claim 2 wherein the metal is
stainless steel.
4. The filter guard according to claim 1 wherein the piece of sheet
material is substantially rectangular.
5. The filter guard according to claim 4 wherein the piece of sheet
material is approximately 4.0 inches by approximately 1.125
inches.
6. The filter guard according to claim 1 wherein the piece of sheet
material has a thickness of approximately 0.005 inches.
7. The filter guard according to claim 1 wherein each of the
openings is circular.
8. The filter guard according to claim 7 wherein each of the
openings has a diameter of approximately 0.10 inches.
9. In combination: a pop-up plunger for a sink or the like having a
head portion and a stem portion with a plurality of vanes extending
radially outward from a central portion of the stem portion; and a
filter guard surrounding the plunger stem portion, wherein the
filter guard comprises a piece of sheet material provided with a
plurality of openings therethrough, and wherein the piece of sheet
material is formed into a cylindrical shape with overlapping ends,
the cylindrical shape having a diameter less than the diameter of
an imaginary cylinder surrounding and contacting the vanes of the
stem portion of the plunger.
10. The combination according to claim 9 wherein the sheet material
is metal.
11. The combination according to claim 10 wherein the metal is
stainless steel.
12. The combination according to claim 11 wherein the piece of
sheet material is substantially rectangular.
13. The combination according to claim 12 wherein the piece of
sheet material is approximately 4.0 inches by approximately 1.125
inches.
14. The combination according to claim 9 wherein the piece of sheet
material has a thickness of approximately 0.005 inches.
15. The combination according to claim 9 wherein each of the
openings is circular.
16. The combination according to claim 15 wherein each of the
openings has a diameter of approximately 0.10 inches.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/479,922, filed Jun. 19, 2003, and entitled
"FILTER GUARD FOR SINK DRAIN POP-UP PLUNGER". The contents of that
application are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to pop-up plungers for waste drain
pipes and, more particularly, to a filter guard for such a plunger
to prevent large objects from entering the drain pipe while
allowing water and waste material to enter the drain pipe.
[0003] Pop-up plungers, in general, are well known for use in
selectively closing a waste drain pipe, e.g., in a bathroom
lavatory, tub or sink. A conventional pop-up plunger includes a
generally circular head portion having a diameter slightly larger
than that of the drain pipe and includes a sealing element, e.g.,
an O-ring, mounted on its undersurface to engage the annular seat
at the upper end of the drain pipe. Depending downwardly from the
head portion, the plunger is usually formed with a stem having a
plurality of equiangularly spaced vanes which project radially
outwardly from a central portion of the stem into close proximity
with the interior wall of the drain pipe in order to guide the
plunger as it moves up and down within the drain pipe. Typically,
there are four such vanes which provide relatively large drain
passages between adjacent vanes. As a result, when the plunger is
in the up, or open, position, in addition to passing water and
other waste material, it also passes small objects, such as contact
lenses or small pieces of jewelry, which are accidentally dropped
into the lavatory, much to the distress of the owner of the object.
Once such objects, especially contact lenses, have passed into the
waste drain pipe, recovery is extremely doubtful and can be
difficult and expensive. While the loss of such objects can be
avoided by simply placing the plunger in the down, or closed,
position to seal off the drain, such action is rarely contemplated
prior to the loss of such an object down the drain.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,380,834 to Wentz contemplates preventing the
loss of discrete objects down the drain by providing a pop-up
plunger with an apertured cylindrical sleeve member surrounding the
vanes immediately below the head portion of the plunger. The sleeve
member is captured between the head portion and shoulders formed on
the distal edges of the vanes. While effective, the Wentz device
requires a specially designed plunger and is not retrofittable onto
existing pop-up plungers.
[0005] It would therefore be desirable to have a filter guard which
can be installed on a conventional sink drain pop-up plunger.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to the present invention, there is provided a
filter guard for a conventional vaned pop-up plunger which
comprises an apertured sheet formed into a cylindrical shape, with
overlapped ends, of diameter less than the outer diameter of the
vaned stem of the plunger.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view, partially in section, of
a lavatory waste drain system including an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the plunger shown
in FIG. 1 with the filter guard according to this invention
installed thereon, and wherein the filter guard is only partially
shown; and
[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a filter
guard constructed according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a portion of a waste
drain system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 10, of
the type commonly installed in a typical bathroom lavatory, tub or
sink (not shown), and which includes an embodiment of the present
invention. The waste drain system 10 includes a generally
cylindrical waste drain pipe 12. One end of the waste drain pipe 12
is conventionally connected as a drain through a suitable trap and
additional piping (both not shown) to a waste disposal system,
e.g., a septic or sewer system. The other end of the waste drain
pipe 12 is adapted for installation within a suitable opening in a
lavatory (not shown) and includes a generally enlarged diameter
flange which establishes an annular seat 14. The waste drain pipe
12 further includes a suitable closure actuator, e.g., a lever-type
actuator 16 pivoted within suitable bushings 17 within the waste
drain pipe 12, for selectively opening and closing the waste drain
pipe 12 in a manner hereinafter to be described.
[0011] In order to provide for controlling the lavatory end of the
waste drain pipe 12, e.g., to close the drain in order to retain
water in the lavatory for washing, a pop-up plunger 18 is installed
therein as shown. The plunger 18 includes a generally circular head
portion 20 having a diameter slightly larger than that of the waste
drain pipe 12. The head portion 20 includes a sealing element,
e.g., an O-ring 22, mounted on its undersurface to engage the
annular seat 14 of the drain pipe 12 and operate as a valve
element, providing a watertight seal. In FIG. 1, the plunger 18 is
in the "up" or open position. By pivoting the actuator 16 upwardly,
or counterclockwise, in the bushing 17, the plunger 18 moves
axially downwardly into the waste drain pipe 12 until the sealing
element 22 engages the waste drain pipe annular seat 14 to provide
a positive drain pipe seal. To open the drain pipe, downward, or
clockwise, pivotal movement of the actuator 16 raises the plunger
18 to the position shown in FIG. 1, thereby disengaging the sealing
element 22 from the waste drain pipe annular seat 14.
[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the plunger 18 has a support
portion, or stem, 24 which extends, as shown, from the underside of
the head portion 20 and into the waste drain pipe 12. The lower end
of the stem 24 includes a suitable connecting element having, for
example, an eye 26 for connecting the plunger 18 with the actuator
16, as shown. As is apparent from FIG. 1, pivotal movement of the
actuator 16 results in axial movement of the plunger 18 within the
waste drain pipe 12.
[0013] The plunger stem 24 also includes guide elements, e.g., four
vanes, or fins, 28, which may be tapered and project radially
outwardly from a central portion of the stem 24 into close
proximity with the interior wall of the waste drain pipe 12 for the
purpose of guiding the plunger 18 as it is displaced axially with
respect to the waste drain pipe 12. The four vanes 28 are separated
radially from one another to provide four separate drain passages
within the waste drain pipe 12 past the plunger 18. The four vanes
28 are typically equiangularly spaced from each other. Each of the
drain passages affords fluid communication from the annular seat 14
past the plunger 18 and the waste drain pipe 12 to the
above-described waste disposal system. To the extent described
above, the plunger construction is substantially in accordance with
a conventional pop-up plunger.
[0014] In accordance with the present invention, a filter guard 32
is provided to prevent passage of discrete objects through the
drain passages between the vanes 28 and into the waste disposal
system. As shown in FIG. 3, the inventive filter guard 32 is formed
from a sheet of material, preferably stainless steel, which is
provided with a plurality of openings 34. Preferably, the openings
34 are circular and are arrayed in a regular pattern, although
other shapes of openings can be utilized with other spacing. The
openings 34 in the filter guard 32 are large enough so that when
the plunger 18 is in the "up" position, a continuous flow of waste
liquid may flow therethrough to the drain passages between the
vanes 28. However, the openings 34 are small enough to effectively
prevent the entry of any discrete objects, e.g., a contact lens or
a small piece of jewelry, into a drain passage. It will be
appreciated that the pattern, number, size and/or the shape of the
openings 34 may be varied to accommodate the flow desired and the
size of the object which is to be excluded. Illustratively, each of
the openings 34 is circular with a diameter of approximately 0.10
inches.
[0015] The filter guard 32 is formed from metal sheet stock which
is cut into a flat substantially rectangular piece, illustratively
4.0 inches by 1.125 inches, and formed with the openings 34. The
rectangular piece is then formed, as by rolling for example, into a
cylindrical shape with its ends 36,38 overlapping, as shown in FIG.
3. The unstressed diameter of the rolled cylindrical filter guard
32 is less than the distance between the distal edges 30 of
diametrically opposed vanes 28 of the plunger 18. (In the case
where there is an odd number of vanes 28, the unstressed diameter
of the filter guard 32 would be less than the diameter of an
imaginary cylinder surrounding and contacting the vanes 28.)
Accordingly, when the filter guard 32 is installed on the plunger
18, its diameter is expanded so that it slips over the distal edges
30 of the vanes 28. The material of the filter guard 32 has
"memory", i.e., is springy, so that it tries to contract. In this
way, it grips the distal edges 30 of the vanes 28, and friction
between the filter guard 32 and the vanes 28 maintains the filter
guard 32 in place.
[0016] The thickness of the filter guard 32 is important for the
proper functioning of the invention. If the filter guard 32 is too
thick, the plunger 18 with the filter guard 32 attached fits too
tightly within the waste drain pipe 12 and the plunger 18 does not
move freely to properly open and close the waste drain pipe 12.
Normally, the plunger 18 moves "sloppily" within the drain pipe 12.
It has been found that a filter guard 32 made of stainless steel of
thickness 0.005 inches performs satisfactorily on a conventional
pop-up plunger installed in a conventional drain pipe.
[0017] The filter guard 32 cooperates with the head portion 20, the
seat 14, and the drain pipe 12 adjacent the seat 14 to provide an
effective barrier against the passage of discrete objects which
have a size greater than the size of the openings 34 in the filter
guard 32. After normal use of the drain, it is a simple procedure
to wipe around the filter guard 32 and thereby remove any objects
or any debris such as hair, dirt particles and the like which are
prevented from being discharged with the waste liquid through the
drain. In the event that a more thorough cleaning of the filter
guard 32 is required, e.g., when hair or other debris entwines
itself in the openings 34 and resists normal removal, it is a
simple matter to remove the plunger 18 from the drain pipe 12 and
slide the filter guard 32 over the eye 26 end of the plunger 18.
After the filter guard 32 is cleaned, it is slid back onto the
plunger 18 and the plunger 18 is then reinstalled in the drain pipe
12.
[0018] As described, the present invention provides a simple
retrofittable solution to the problem of preventing discrete
objects from inadvertently passing down the drain pipe of a bathtub
or sink. The disclosed filter guard can be sold either as a
separate item which a customer can install on an existing
conventional pop-up plunger, or as part of a pop-up plunger set
provided by a manufacturer. While a preferred embodiment of the
present invention has been disclosed, it will be apparent to one of
skill in the art that various modifications and adaptations to the
disclosed embodiment are possible without departing from the spirit
and scope of this invention. It is therefore intended that this
invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *