U.S. patent application number 11/700478 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-31 for pop-up drain.
Invention is credited to Derek A. Brown, Thomas C. Pinette.
Application Number | 20080178382 11/700478 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39666274 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080178382 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pinette; Thomas C. ; et
al. |
July 31, 2008 |
Pop-up drain
Abstract
A pop-up drain includes a stopper assembly, a spring and camming
members. The stopper assembly, the spring and the camming members
are arranged within a pipe assembly. The spring biases the
interaction of the camming members 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 pipe
assembly.
Inventors: |
Pinette; Thomas C.;
(Indianapolis, IN) ; Brown; Derek A.; (Lizton,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER & DANIELS LLP
300 NORTH MERIDIAN STREET, SUITE 2700
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204
US
|
Family ID: |
39666274 |
Appl. No.: |
11/700478 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/689 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/2306 20130101;
E03C 1/23 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/689 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/23 20060101
E03C001/23 |
Claims
1. A pop-up drain assembly configured to selectively prevent the
flow of a liquid through a drain pipe including a first bore and
the pop-up drain assembly including: a first member including a
second bore and a first set of camming members; a second member at
least partially located in the second bore and including a third
bore, a second set of camming members and a third set of camming
members, said third set of camming members configured to engage
said first set of camming members of said first member; and a
stopper assembly including at least one member configured to engage
said third set of camming members; wherein a majority of the liquid
travels through at least one of said second bore or said third
bore.
2. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
first member includes a flange and receives a portion of the drain
pipe.
3. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
first member includes at least one trace, said at least one member
of said stopper assembly is supported for movement within said at
least one trace.
4. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said
first set of camming members are formed in an inner surface of said
first member.
5. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 4, wherein said
third set of camming members are formed in an outer surface of said
second member.
6. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said
first member is at least partially located in said first bore, said
first member including an outer surface configured complementary to
an inner surface of the drain pipe and wherein a majority of the
liquid traverses said second bore as the liquid travels through the
assembly.
7. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein at
least a majority of an outer surface of said first member contacts
an inner surface of the drain pipe.
8. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein at
least a portion of an outer surface of said second member contacts
an inner surface of said first member.
9. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein a
majority of the liquid traverses said third bore as the liquid
travels through the assembly.
10. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein at
least a portion of said stopper assembly is located within said
second bore.
11. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 1 further
including a spring configured to bias said second member in the
direction of said first member.
12. A pop-up drain assembly configured for use in a basin having an
opening with an outer pipe including an inner surface defining a
first passageway for the draining of a liquid from the basin, the
pop-up drain assembly including: a first set of camming members
located interior to the inner surface; an actuator member including
a second set of camming members, a third set of camming members and
a second passageway; at least a portion of said actuator member
being located within said first passageway of the outer pipe; a
stopper assembly configured to selectively close the opening of the
basin, at least a portion of said stopper assembly being located
within said first passageway of the outer pipe; wherein a majority
of the liquid traverses said second passageway as the liquid is
drained from the basin.
13. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 12 further
including a receiving member, said first set of camming members
integrally formed in said receiving member.
14. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein said
receiving member includes an inner surface defining a third
passageway.
15. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein said
first set of camming members engage said third set of camming
members, and at least a portion of said stopper assembly engages
said second set of camming members.
16. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 15 wherein said
stopper assembly includes at least one extended portion configured
to engage said second set of camming members.
17. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 16 further
including at least one trace located exterior of an outer surface
of said actuating member, wherein said trace is configured to
receive at least a portion of said extended portion.
18. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein said
first set of camming members are formed in an inner surface of said
receiving member.
19. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 18 wherein said
third set of camming members are formed in an outer surface of said
actuating member.
20. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 19 wherein said
second set of camming members are formed in an upper surface of
said actuating member.
21. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 20 further
including a spring, wherein said spring abuts a portion of said
actuating member and said spring extends in a direction opposite
said third set of camming members.
22. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein said
receiving member receives at least a portion of the outer pipe.
23. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 12 further
including a spring positioned between said actuating member and the
outer pipe.
24. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 23 wherein said
actuating member includes a landing and the outer pipe includes a
landing, said spring extending between said landing of said
actuating member and the landing of the outer pipe.
25. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein said
first set of camming members are integrally formed in the inner
surface of the outer pipe.
26. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 25 wherein said
actuating member includes an outer surface, at least a portion of
said outer surface of said actuating member being in contact with
at least a portion of the inner surface of the outer pipe.
27. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 26 wherein at
least a portion of said stopper assembly is in contact with the
inner surface of the outer pipe.
28. The pop-up drain assembly as set forth in claim 25 wherein said
first set of camming members are configured to engage said third
set of camming members.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to pop-up drains and, more
particularly, to a pop-up drain configured to reduce clogging.
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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
[0009] 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:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pop-up drain device in
accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the drain device
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of
an outer pipe assembly utilized in the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line
4-4 in FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a member utilized in the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line
6-6 in FIG. 5;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a member utilized in the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a side view of a stopper assembly utilized in the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the stopper
assembly illustrated in FIG. 8;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a partial detailed exploded perspective view of
the pop-up drain device illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line
11-11 in FIG. 10, with the spring and the washer assembled;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a partial detailed exploded perspective view of
the pop-up drain device illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line
13-13 in FIG. 12, with receiving member and actuating member
assembled;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a partial detailed exploded perspective view of
the pop-up drain device illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line
15-15 in FIG. 14, with stopper assembly inserted into receiving
member;
[0025] FIGS. 16A-16D are partial views illustrating the
functionality of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a pop-up drain device in
accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the drain device
illustrated in FIG. 17;
[0028] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a member utilized in the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18; and
[0029] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line
19-19 in FIG. 19.
[0030] 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
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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).
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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).
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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.
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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).
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] 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.
[0072] 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.
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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.
[0075] 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.
[0076] 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.
[0077] 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.
[0078] 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.
[0079] 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.
[0080] 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.
[0081] 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.
[0082] 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.
* * * * *