U.S. patent application number 10/556716 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-07 for waste outlet plug.
Invention is credited to James Kenneth McAlpine.
Application Number | 20060195976 10/556716 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 9958019 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060195976 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McAlpine; James Kenneth |
September 7, 2006 |
Waste outlet plug
Abstract
A mechanically-actuable combined seal and strainer plug (10) is
provided. The plug (10) includes a length-adjustable stem (20a),
(20b), which carries a seal (28) and a strainer (30). In use the
strainer (30) is located above the seal (28), to permit easy access
and cleaning. The stem (20a), (20b) is received in a waste outlet.
The length of the stem may be adjusted by exertion of force on a
knob (32) on the upper surface of the strainer (30); as the stem
changes in length, the seal (28) engages and disengages with a
surface of a waste outlet. When the seal (28) is disengaged, waste
water can flow through the outlet passing first through the
strainer (30) to remove solid particles.
Inventors: |
McAlpine; James Kenneth;
(Barrhead, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICES OF CHRISTOPHER L. MAKAY
1634 MILAM BUILDING
115 EAST TRAVIS STREET
SAN ANTONIO
TX
78205-1763
US
|
Family ID: |
9958019 |
Appl. No.: |
10/556716 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
May 14, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB04/02063 |
371 Date: |
February 21, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/287 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/2306 20130101;
E03C 1/23 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/287 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/26 20060101
E03C001/26; A47K 1/14 20060101 A47K001/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 14, 2003 |
GB |
0311036.8 |
Claims
1. A plug for cooperating with a waste outlets comprising. a seal;
a stem for being received in an outlet waste and coupled to the
seal, the stem being selectively adjustable in length for
selectively engaging the seal with a portion of an outlet waste to
open and seal the outlet waste; and a strainer member operatively
associated with one of the seal and the stem, wherein the stem is
adjustable in length in response to a compressive force exerted on
the stem.
2. The plug of claim 1, wherein the stem defines a vertical axis,
and extends axially downwardly of the seal, with the strainer being
located axially upwardly of the seal.
3. The plug of claim 1, wherein the strainer is adapted for
location at an uppermost portion of the plug, with the seal being
adapted for location below the strainer within the waste
outlet.
4. The plug of claim 3, wherein the strainer is adapted for
location flush with a waste outlet.
5. The plug of claim 1, wherein in use the seal is located on an
upper portion of the plug, with the strainer being located below
the seal within the waste outlet.
6. The plug of claim 1, wherein the plug is for a sink.
7. The plug of claim 1, wherein the strainer is removable from the
stem or the seal to which it is coupled.
8. The plug of claim 1, wherein the strainer has a shape
corresponding to the shape of an opening of a waste outlet.
9. The plug of claim 1, wherein the plug further comprises a
surface for contact with a user's hand.
10. The plug of claim 9, wherein the surface is in the form of a
button.
11. The plug of claim 9, wherein the surface is provided on a
portion of the plug formed to permit grasping thereof
12. The plug of claim 9 wherein the surface is provided on a
portion of the plug adapted to retain one of the strainer and the
seal on the stem.
13. The plug of claim 12, wherein the portion of the plug is
removable from the plug to permit disassembly of the plug.
14. The plug of claim 1, wherein the surface is dimensioned to
substantially conceal a waste outlet opening in use.
15. The plug of claim 1, wherein the stem comprises two
substantially concentric portions biased to a first length.
16. The plug of claim 15, wherein the stem further comprises a
latch means arranged to hold the portions in a second length
against the bias.
17. The plug of claim 1, wherein the stem may be extended and
contracted by the application and release of a force in a single
direction.
18. The plug of claim 17, wherein the stem length may be varied by
the application of less than around 5 lbs (2.2 kg) of force.
19. The plug of claim 1, wherein the seal comprises a resilient
material.
20. The plug of claim 1, wherein the stem is adapted to be secured
to an outlet waste.
21. The plug of claim 20, wherein the stem comprises a threaded
member for engaging with a correspondingly-threaded member provided
on a waste outlet.
22. The plug of claim 21, further comprising a non-threaded sleeve
for engaging with the threaded stem member to allow the stem to be
freely received in a waste outlet.
23. The plug of claim 1, wherein the stem is adapted to be freely
received in an outlet waste.
24. The plug of claim 1, wherein the strainer is a basket
strainer.
25. The plug of claim 1, provided in combination with a waste
outlet.
26. The combination of claim 25, wherein the stem is located in the
centre of the waste outlet.
27. The combination of claim 26, wherein the waste outlet has an
inner portion and an outer portion are centrally secured relative
to each other.
28. The combination of claim 27, wherein the strainer and the waste
outlet define a flow gap therebetween when the seal is in the open
position.
29. The combination of claim 28, wherein the flow gap is annular
and defined by an outer circumference of the strainer and a
surrounding inner surface of the waste outlet.
30. The plug of claim 1, wherein the strainer is fixed relative to
the seal.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a combined plug and
strainer for use in a waste, such as a sink or bath waste.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] It is known to use strainer members in combination with
plugs in sink wastes, to prevent the entry of solid matter into the
sink waste, which may otherwise block the waste outflow pipe. Such
strainers are of particular use in kitchen sinks, which are likely
to have food particles and the like falling into the waste.
Conventional strainers are typically in the form of a disc formed
with a number of holes therethrough which is placed over the
waste.
[0003] In certain variants of conventional strainers, the disc is
cupped in form, and includes upwardly extending peripheral walls.
The shape of the strainer allows it to fit snugly into the opening
of the waste outlet, and so improves the straining capability of
the strainer.
[0004] The cupped form of strainer may also be provided in
combination with a plug. The plug is typically in the form of an
elastomer body or ring which is mounted on the underside of the
strainer. The plug and strainer normally are placed within the
waste outlet such that the plug closes the outlet. Partial lifting
of the strainer and plug upwards separates the plug from the waste
outlet and allows waste water to flow through the strainer to the
waste outlet, so capturing any solid matter in the strainer. The
strainer and plug may then be simply lifted further from the waste
outlet to remove the strainer and plug altogether, and to permit
cleaning of the strainer.
[0005] However, such combined strainers and plugs suffer from a
number of disadvantages. Chief among these is that the plug and
strainer must be manually lifted and removed from the waste. This
can prove difficult for many users, and in particular for users of
restricted dexterity, who may not be able to grasp the plug and
strainer securely to permit removal; this may require considerable
force, due to the weight of water tending to maintain the plug
closed and the difficulty in separating the close fitting sealing
surfaces.
[0006] Plugs which can be operated mechanically, for example lever
operated or `pop-up` plugs, which are more suitable for such users,
are known; however it has not hitherto been possible to provide a
mechanically operated plug in combination with a strainer which is
suitable for operation by persons of reduced dexterity. It is among
the objects of embodiments of the present invention to provide such
an arrangement.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided a plug
comprising a seal; a stem for being received in an outlet waste and
coupled to the seal, the stem being selectively adjustable in
length for selectively engaging the seal with a portion of an
outlet waste to open and seal an outlet waste; and a strainer
member coupled to one of the seal and the stem.
[0008] Thus, the present invention provides a plug which may be
opened and closed simply by varying the length of the stem, and
which is provided with a strainer member. In certain embodiments of
the invention, the stem is arranged to be variable in length in
response to an axial force exerted on the stem; this allows the
plug to be opened or closed simply with a downwards push on the
plug, such that the plug is suitable for use by persons of
restricted dexterity.
[0009] A plug according to certain embodiments of the present
invention may in use define three working positions--closed; open
and straining; and fully removed. Further, the manner of opening
the plug by means of the stem provides a system whereby a user does
not need to exert undue force against the weight of water to open
the plug. This provides a range of working conditions which has not
hitherto been possible with conventional strainer plugs, and makes
the plug more suitable for use by persons of restricted
dexterity.
[0010] Preferably the stem defines a vertical axis, and extends
axially downwardly of the seal, with the strainer being located
axially upwardly of the seal. Thus, in use the strainer will be
located uppermost in the plug assembly, with the seal being located
below the strainer within the waste outlet. This configuration
allows the user to obtain ready access to the strainer portion of
the plug for cleaning and maintenance. This arrangement has not
hitherto been possible with conventional mechanically actuated
plugs. Preferably the strainer in use in a closed position is
located flush with or below a waste outlet; this provides an
aesthetically-pleasing arrangement as well as avoiding obstructing
use of the sink or receptacle in which the plug is located.
[0011] In alternative embodiments, the seal may be located axially
upwardly of the strainer, such that the strainer is located in use
below the seal. This allows the seal to be made larger to fully
seal a waste opening, while the strainer may be located within the
waste.
[0012] Preferably the strainer is removable from the stem or the
seal to which it is attached. This allows the strainer to be
removed for cleaning or maintenance while still permitting regular
use of the seal arrangement.
[0013] Preferably the strainer is configured to conform to the
shape of an opening of a waste outlet; the strainer will thus be
received snugly within the waste outlet.
[0014] Preferably the plug further comprises a surface for contact
with a user's hand. The surface is conveniently in the form of a
pad or button, and provides a portion of the plug which a user may
depress in order to selectively alter the length of the stem. The
surface may be provided on a portion of the plug which is formed to
permit grasping thereof; this allows a user to grip or grasp the
surface for removal of the plug from a waste or the like. The
surface may also or instead be provided on a portion of the plug
which is arranged to retain the strainer and/or the seal on the
stem; in such embodiments, the surface may be removable from the
plug to permit disassembly of the plug. In further embodiments of
the invention, the surface may be in the form of a pad dimensioned
to substantially cover a waste outlet opening; this serves to
conceal the strainer and seal and allows for decorative finishes to
be applied if desired.
[0015] Preferably the stem comprises two substantially concentric
portions biased to a first length by means of a spring or the like.
The stem may further comprise a latch means arranged to hold the
portions in a second length against the spring bias. Application of
a force to the plug may cause the latch to engage or disengage, so
altering the length of the stem. Preferably the stem may be either
extended or contracted by the application and release of a force in
a single direction. That is, the plug may be switched from open to
closed positions, and vice versa, by for example pushing down on
and then releasing the plug. Thus, no complex movements are
necessary to operate the plug.
[0016] Preferably the stem length may be varied by the application
of less than around 5 lbs (2.2 kg) of force; this level of force
may be exerted by a substantial majority of users, even those of
restricted dexterity, and so presents little difficulty in the
operation of the plug.
[0017] Preferably the seal is resilient, and preferably comprises a
resilient material; conveniently elastomer. The seal preferably
comprises a circular flange which in use engages with a portion of
a waste outlet.
[0018] Preferably the stem is adapted to be secured to an outlet
waste; alternatively the stem may be freely received in an outlet
waste. This second arrangement permits the entire plug assembly to
be easily removed for cleaning or maintenance. In certain
embodiments the stem comprise means for selectively securing the
stem to an outlet waste; for example, the stem may include a
threaded member normally covered with a non-threaded sleeve; the
stem will normally be freely received within the outlet waste.
Removal of the non-threaded sleeve exposes a threaded member
allowing the stem to be secured to a threaded portion of a
waste.
[0019] The plug may be provided in combination with a waste
outlet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0020] These and other aspects of the present invention will now be
described by way of example only and with reference to the
accompanying Figures, in which
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a plug in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention in combination with a
waste;
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a sectional side view of the plug and waste of
FIG. 1; and
[0023] FIG. 3 shows a sectional side view of an alternate
embodiment of a plug in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, these show a combination
strainer and seal plug 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. The plug 10 is shown in combination with a waste outlet
12, which includes an interior surface portion 14 and an exterior
shell 16. The shell 16 includes a threaded portion 18 for
connection to a waste pipe system.
[0025] The plug 10 itself includes a two-part plastics stem 20a,
20b, the lower portion of which carries a protrusion 22 which is
received within an externally threaded sleeve 24 coupled to the
portion 14. The threaded sleeve 24 passes through a corresponding
opening in the shell 16, and a nut 39 secures the interior surface
portion 14 to the exterior shell 16, thereby trapping a sink or the
like between upper flange portions of the interior surface portion
14 and the exterior shell 16.
[0026] On the upper portion 20a of the plastic stem is threadedly
mounted a ring 26 which carries an elastomer seal member 28 and a
strainer member 30. The strainer member is generally circular and
cup-shaped, and includes a peripheral wall 34 and a number of
openings 36. The cup shape of the strainer 30 allows it to sit
flush with the waste opening 12, as can be best seen in FIG. 2.
[0027] Above the ring 26 and also threadedly mounted to the plastic
stem 20a is a knob 32. The knob is of relatively large diameter
compared with conventional plugs, and so is easier to grip for
users. The knob may be removed from the stem to permit removal of
the ring 26 and either or both of the strainer 30 and seal 28, for
maintenance and cleaning.
[0028] In use, the plug 10 may be operated as follows. The plastic
stem 20a, 20b includes a compression spring and a cam track and
stop member (not shown). The lower portion of the stem 20b is
telescopically received within the upper portion 20a, and the
compression spring biases the lower portion 20b towards an extended
position.
[0029] Exertion of pressure on the stem 20a, 20b by means of a user
pressing down on the knob 32 compresses the stem and allows the
stop member to engage with the cam track in a first stop position.
This retains the stem in a compressed position against the bias of
the spring. In this position the seal 28 is in engagement with the
inner portion of the waste outlet 14, such that the outlet is
sealed.
[0030] To separate the seal from the outlet 14 and to allow water
to drain through the waste, the user presses on the knob 32 once
more. The stem is compressed again, and the stop member is released
from the first stop position. The spring pushes the stem to an
extended position, and the stop member moves along the cam track to
engage in a second stop position. The seal 28 is thus spaced from
the outlet surface (in the position shown in FIG. 2) to permit
water to drain through the waste; the presence of the strainer 30
ensures that water first has to pass through the strainer which
removes large particles such as food from the draining water.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3, this shows a sectional side view of
an alternate embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment, the seal 128 is located above the strainer 130. The
seal 128 will thus engage in use with an upper flange of a waste
outlet (not shown) to seal the plug. The knob 132 is sized to
conform with a waste outlet opening, and will in use conceal the
seal 128 and strainer 130 from a user's view. The knob 132 may be
made of a decorative material, to provide an improved aesthetic
appeal for the plug. This larger size of knob may of course be used
with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 if desired.
[0032] The plastics stem 120a, 120b of this embodiment carries a
protrusion 122 which in normal use is slidably received into a
sleeve of the waste outlet (not shown), to locate the plug within
the waste outlet. The protrusion 122 is threadedly attached to a
threaded lower portion 140 of the stem 120b; the protrusion may
thereby be removed if desired to expose the threaded portion 140.
This threaded portion 140 may then be threadedly engaged with a
correspondingly-threaded sleeve (not shown) provided on a waste
outlet to secure the plug in the waste outlet. This is of benefit
if a user wishes the plug to be non-removable from the waste
outlet. Again, this variant may be used with the embodiment of
FIGS. 1 and 2 if desired.
[0033] It can be seen that the present invention provides a
mechanically-operable plug arrangement which includes a strainer
and which can be operated by persons of reduced dexterity, since
limited force and simple movements are required to open or close
the plug, even when the plug must be opened against the weight of
water. The plug may also in certain embodiments be removed
altogether from the waste; the knob on the upper surface of the
plug allows this to be accomplished relatively easily. The location
of the strainer on an upper portion of the plug in certain
embodiments allows for ready access to the strainer for cleaning,
while the seal and/or the strainer may be disassembled from the
plug in certain embodiments if desired.
[0034] The plug may be so constructed as to have the strainer lie
flush with or below the waste outlet in the open and closed
positions.
[0035] It will be understood that the foregoing is for illustrative
purposes only, and that the skilled person will be able to conceive
of variations which may be made to the described embodiment,
without departing from the invention. For this reason, the scope of
the invention should be determined with reference to the appended
claims.
* * * * *