U.S. patent application number 15/012705 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-01 for drain strainer.
The applicant listed for this patent is Naushad Ali. Invention is credited to Naushad Ali.
Application Number | 20160251839 15/012705 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56798179 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160251839 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ali; Naushad |
September 1, 2016 |
DRAIN STRAINER
Abstract
A stopper assembly for a drain system of a fluid basin,
components thereof and related methods are provided. The stopper
head assembly includes a stopper head and a strainer to strain
fluid passing through the drain system when the stopper head is in
a drain position. The stopper head and the strainer may be
selectively removable from the drain system as a strainer cartridge
or unit by manipulating the stopper head relative to the drain
system or a component installed in the drain system.
Inventors: |
Ali; Naushad; (Woodinville,
WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ali; Naushad |
Woodinville |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56798179 |
Appl. No.: |
15/012705 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62110364 |
Jan 30, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/287 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/2302 20130101;
E03C 1/262 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/262 20060101
E03C001/262; E03C 1/23 20060101 E03C001/23 |
Claims
1-23. (canceled)
24. A stopper assembly for a drain system of a fluid basin having a
drain body with an internally threaded hub, the stopper assembly
comprising: a stopper head to sealingly engage the drain system of
the fluid basin when the stopper assembly is moved from a drain
position to a plug position; a strainer detachably coupled to the
stopper head to strain at least a portion of a flow of fluid
passing through the drain system of the fluid basin when the
stopper assembly is installed and the stopper head is in the drain
position; and an adapter coupled to the drain body and detachably
coupleable to a portion of the stopper head to enable selective
removal of the stopper head and the strainer as a unit from the
adapter while the adapter remains installed for use and coupled to
the drain body.
25. The stopper assembly of claim 24 wherein the strainer is
detachably coupled to the stopper head via a user actuatable
release mechanism to facilitate replacement of the strainer with a
replacement strainer.
26. The stopper assembly of claim 24 wherein the stopper head and
the strainer form a strainer cartridge that is selectively
detachable from the adapter coupled to the threaded hub of the
drain body.
27. The stopper assembly of claim 26 wherein the strainer cartridge
is detachable from the adapter by rotating the strainer cartridge
about a central axis such that a coupling member of the strainer
cartridge is released from the adapter.
28. The stopper assembly of claim 24 wherein the stopper head
includes a pair of actuatable elements to selectively release the
strainer from the stopper head, the actuatable elements including
strainer engagement portions biased outwardly away from each
other.
29. The stopper assembly of claim 28 wherein the actuatable
elements of the stopper head are configured to move in in response
to insertion of an upper end of the strainer into the stopper
head.
30. The stopper assembly of claim 24 wherein a stem portion of the
stopper head includes an adapter coupling member to detachably
couple the stopper head to the adapter, the adapter coupling member
configured to enable selective detachment of the stopper head and
the strainer as a unit from the adapter while the adapter remains
installed in the drain system.
31. The stopper assembly of claim 24 wherein the stopper head
comprises a telescoping shaft assembly.
32. The stopper assembly of claim 31 wherein the telescoping shaft
assembly includes an inner shaft, an outer shaft and a friction
member provided therebetween to assist in holding an upper portion
of the stopper head in a desired position.
33. The stopper assembly of claim 24 wherein the adapter comprises
a telescoping shaft assembly that enables movement of the stopper
head between the drain position and the plug position while the
stopper head is attached to the adapter.
34. The stopper assembly of claim 33 wherein the adapter further
comprises a compression spring positioned around the telescoping
shaft assembly to bias the strainer cartridge upward.
35. A method of using a stopper assembly to remove debris from a
drain system of a fluid basin having a drain body with an
internally threaded hub, the method comprising: coupling an adapter
to the internally threaded hub of the drain body; detaching a
strainer cartridge having a stopper head and a strainer holding the
debris from the adapter within the drain system of the fluid basin
by rotating the stopper head to detach the strainer cartridge from
engagement with the adapter; actuating a release mechanism on the
stopper head of the strainer cartridge to release the strainer and
the debris from the stopper head; attaching a replacement strainer
to the stopper head to form a replacement strainer cartridge by
inserting a stem portion of the strainer into the stopper head; and
attaching the replacement strainer cartridge to the adapter
installed within the drain system of the fluid basin.
36. The method of claim 35 wherein detaching the strainer cartridge
from the adapter installed within the drain system of the fluid
basin includes rotating the stopper head of the strainer cartridge
about a central axis until a coupling device of the stopper head is
freely withdrawable from the adapter.
37. The method of claim 35 wherein attaching the replacement
strainer cartridge to the adapter installed within the drain system
of the fluid basin includes rotating the replacement strainer
cartridge about a central axis until a coupling device of the
stopper head is locked together with a corresponding coupling
device of the adapter.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a stopper assembly for a
drain system of a fluid basin, and in particular, a stopper
assembly with a replaceable strainer element.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Conventional bathroom sinks typically include a stopper that
serves to selectively seal or open a drain in a sink basin. The
stopper is mounted to the top of a plunger seated in a drain pipe
that extends below the sink basin. The stopper can be moved between
open and closed positions by actuating a lever located near the
sink faucet. The lever is typically mechanically linked to a
horizontal rod that extends below the sink and transmits motion
imparted on the lever to the plunger. The horizontal rod typically
extends through a pivot seat in the drain pipe to achieve the
desired lifting and lowering motion of the plunger. By actuating
the lever, a user is able to raise and lower the stopper, and
thereby select whether to open or close the sink drain.
[0005] The conventional drain and stopper mechanisms described
above, however, can be problematic. For example, the horizontal rod
tends to become misaligned relative to the plunger or the lever
after a relatively short period of use, resulting in the stopper
sagging or tilting in the open position or failing to close
properly. In addition, hair and foreign objects that pass through
the drain can clog up the sink, making it necessary to either
disassemble the pipes located beneath the sink in order to unclog
the drain, or to call a plumber. There is also a risk that valuable
items, such as rings and contact lenses, can fall into the sink
drain and potentially be lost. It is known to include a strainer
beneath a stopper in a bathroom sink, tub or other fluid basin.
However, conventional strainer assemblies for bathroom sinks, tubs
or other fluid basins can be difficult to access for cleaning and
replacement.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods
that enable a strainer element to be installed in a drain of a
fluid basin and selectively replaced as desired in a particularly
efficient and sanitary manner. Systems include, for example, a
stopper assembly with a removable strainer cartridge having a
replaceable strainer element. In some instances, the replaceable
strainer element can be released from the strainer cartridge
without contacting the strainer element, which may be full of
collected debris.
[0007] According to one embodiment, a stopper assembly for a drain
system of a fluid basin may be summarized as including a stopper
head having a seal to sealingly engage a drain system of the fluid
basin when the stopper assembly is moved from a drain position to a
plug position; a strainer coupled to the stopper head to strain at
least a portion of a flow of fluid passing through the drain system
of the fluid basin when the stopper assembly is installed and the
stopper head is in the drain position; and a stopper body operably
coupleable to a control element of the drain system and detachably
coupleable to a portion of the strainer to enable selective removal
of the stopper head and the strainer as a unit from the stopper
body while the stopper body remains installed for use and coupled
to the control element. The strainer may be detachably coupled to
the stopper head via a user actuatable release mechanism to
facilitate replacement of the strainer with a replacement strainer.
The stopper head may be coupled to the stopper body via the
intermediary of the strainer. The stopper head and the strainer may
form a strainer cartridge that may be detachable from the stopper
body. The strainer cartridge may be detachable from the stopper
body by rotating the strainer cartridge about a central axis such
that resilient coupling members of the stopper body are released
from apertures in a stem portion of the strainer. The stopper head
may include a pair of actuatable elements to selectively release
the strainer from the stopper head, the actuatable elements
including strainer engagement portions biased inwardly toward each
other. The actuatable elements of the stopper head may be
configured to move in in response to insertion of an upper end of
the strainer into a cavity of the stopper head. A stem portion of
the strainer may include a stopper body engagement feature to
detachably couple the strainer to the stopper body, the engagement
feature configured to enable selective detachment of the strainer
and the stopper head as a unit from the stopper body while the
stopper body remains installed in the drain system. The stopper
body may include a strainer platform portion to serve as a stop for
the strainer when installed onto the stopper body. The strainer
platform portion of the stopper body may include a key feature to
engage a correspondingly sized notch in the strainer when the
strainer is moved into an engaged position with the stopper body.
The key feature may include a ramp portion to assist in slightly
lifting the strainer as the strainer is moved from the engaged
position with the stopper body to a disengaged position. The
stopper body may include a slender, elongated shaft extending along
a central axis of the stopper assembly to receive the strainer. The
slender, elongated shaft may include resilient coupling members at
an upper end thereof for selectively engaging apertures in a stem
portion of the strainer. The resilient coupling members may include
cam portions configured to interact with the stem portion of the
strainer to assist in transitioning the strainer from an engaged
position with the stopper body to a disengaged position.
[0008] According to one embodiment, a strainer cartridge for a
drain system may be summarized as including a stopper head having a
seal device to sealingly engage the drain system when the strainer
cartridge is moved from a drain position to a plug position and a
strainer to strain at least a portion of a flow of fluid passing
through the drain system when the strainer cartridge is installed
and the stopper head is in the drain position, the strainer having
an elongated stem portion that extends into a cavity of the stopper
head and is detachably coupled to the stopper head to facilitate
replacement of the strainer with a replacement strainer. The
stopper head may include a pair of actuatable elements to
selectively release the strainer from the stopper head, the
actuatable elements including strainer engagement portions biased
inwardly toward each other. The actuatable elements of the stopper
head may be configured to move in in response to insertion of an
upper end of the strainer into the cavity of the stopper head.
[0009] According to one embodiment, a replaceable strainer of a
strainer cartridge for a drain system may be summarized as
including: a body portion defining a receptacle, the receptacle
including a base and a sidewall extending from a periphery of the
base, each of the base and the sidewall including a plurality of
apertures to form a strainer structure to strain a flow of fluid
passing through the receptacle during operation of the drain
system; and a stem portion extending beyond an end of the
receptacle and including a stopper head engagement feature to
detachably couple the replaceable strainer to a stopper head to
form the strainer cartridge, and including at least one aperture in
an upper end of the stem portion to receive resilient coupling
members of a stopper body when the replaceable strainer is
installed for use. The receptacle may include one or more notches
at a lower peripheral edge thereof for engaging a corresponding
portion of the stopper body when the replaceable strainer is
installed for use. The stem portion may include an upstream end and
a downstream end, the upstream end resembling an arch or bridge
structure.
[0010] According to one embodiment, a method of using a stopper
assembly to remove debris from a drain system of a fluid basin may
be summarized as including: detaching a strainer cartridge having a
stopper head and a strainer holding the debris from a stopper body
installed within the drain system of the fluid basin by rotating
the stopper head to detach the strainer from engagement with the
stopper body; actuating a release mechanism on the stopper head of
the strainer cartridge to release the strainer and the debris from
the stopper head; attaching a replacement strainer to the stopper
head to form a replacement strainer cartridge by inserting a stem
portion of the strainer into a cavity of the stopper head; and
attaching the replacement strainer cartridge to the stopper body
installed within the drain system of the fluid basin. Detaching the
strainer cartridge from the stopper body installed within the drain
system of the fluid basin may include rotating the stopper head of
the strainer cartridge about a central axis until resilient
coupling members of the stopper body are withdrawn from apertures
in the stem portion of the strainer. Attaching the replacement
strainer cartridge to the stopper body installed within the drain
system of the fluid basin may include rotating the replacement
strainer cartridge about a central axis until resilient coupling
members of the stopper body at least partially protrude into
apertures in the stem portion of the strainer. Attaching the
replacement strainer cartridge to the stopper body installed within
the drain system of the fluid basin may include rotating the
replacement strainer cartridge about a central axis until a notch
in a lower edge of the strainer engages a corresponding portion of
the stopper body.
[0011] According to one embodiment, a stopper assembly for a drain
system of a fluid basin having a drain body with an internally
threaded hub may be summarized as including: a stopper head to
sealingly engage the drain system of the fluid basin when the
stopper assembly is moved from a drain position to a plug position;
a strainer detachably coupled to the stopper head to strain at
least a portion of a flow of fluid passing through the drain system
of the fluid basin when the stopper assembly is installed and the
stopper head is in the drain position; and an adapter coupled to
the drain body and detachably coupleable to a portion of the
stopper head to enable selective removal of the stopper head and
the strainer as a unit from the adapter while the adapter remains
installed for use and coupled to the drain body. The strainer may
be detachably coupled to the stopper head via a user actuatable
release mechanism to facilitate replacement of the strainer with a
replacement strainer. The stopper head and the strainer may form a
strainer cartridge that may be selectively detachable from the
adapter coupled to the threaded hub of the drain body. The strainer
cartridge may be detachable from the adapter by rotating the
strainer cartridge about a central axis such that a coupling member
of the strainer cartridge may be released from the adapter. The
stopper head may include a pair of actuatable elements to
selectively release the strainer from the stopper head, the
actuatable elements including strainer engagement portions biased
outwardly away from each other. The actuatable elements of the
stopper head may be configured to move in in response to insertion
of an upper end of the strainer into the stopper head. A stem
portion of the stopper head may include an adapter coupling member
to detachably couple the stopper head to the adapter, and the
adapter coupling member may be configured to enable selective
detachment of the stopper head and the strainer as a unit from the
adapter while the adapter remains installed in the drain system.
The stopper head may include a telescoping shaft assembly. The
telescoping shaft assembly may include an inner shaft, an outer
shaft and a friction member provided therebetween to assist in
holding an upper portion of the stopper head in a desired position.
The adapter may comprise a telescoping shaft assembly that enables
movement of the stopper head between the drain position and the
plug position while the stopper head is attached to the adapter.
The adapter may further comprise a compression spring positioned
around the telescoping shaft assembly to bias the strainer
cartridge upward.
[0012] According to one embodiment, a method of using a stopper
assembly to remove debris from a drain system of a fluid basin
having a drain body with an internally threaded hub may be
summarized as including: coupling an adapter to the internally
threaded hub of the drain body; detaching a strainer cartridge
having a stopper head and a strainer holding the debris from the
adapter within the drain system of the fluid basin by rotating the
stopper head to detach the strainer cartridge from engagement with
the adapter; actuating a release mechanism on the stopper head of
the strainer cartridge to release the strainer and the debris from
the stopper head; attaching a replacement strainer to the stopper
head to form a replacement strainer cartridge by inserting a stem
portion of the strainer into the stopper head; and attaching the
replacement strainer cartridge to the adapter installed within the
drain system of the fluid basin. Detaching the strainer cartridge
from the adapter installed within the drain system of the fluid
basin may include rotating the stopper head of the strainer
cartridge about a central axis until a coupling member of the
stopper head is freely withdrawable from the adapter. Attaching the
replacement strainer cartridge to the adapter installed within the
drain system of the fluid basin may include rotating the
replacement strainer cartridge about a central axis until a
coupling device of the stopper head is locked together with a
corresponding coupling device of the adapter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a stopper assembly, according
to an example embodiment, shown with a strainer cartridge thereof
in an engaged configuration with a stopper body.
[0014] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the stopper assembly of FIG.
1 shown with the strainer cartridge in a disengaged
configuration.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the stopper assembly of FIG.
1 shown with the strainer cartridge separated from the stopper
body.
[0016] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the strainer cartridge of the
stopper assembly of FIG. 1 shown with a stopper head thereof
separated from a strainer thereof.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded isometric view of the stopper
head of the stopper assembly of FIG. 1 showing internal components
thereof.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the strainer cartridge
of the stopper assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line 6-6 of FIG.
1.
[0019] FIG. 7 is an isometric cross-sectional view of a portion of
a stopper assembly, according to another embodiment, having a
stopper head coupled to a strainer with a seal positioned
therebetween.
[0020] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the seal of the stopper
assembly of FIG. 7.
[0021] FIG. 9 provides comprehensive views of the strainer of the
stopper assembly of FIG. 7.
[0022] FIG. 10 is an exploded isometric view of a stopper assembly,
according to another embodiment, with a stopper head thereof shown
in cross-section.
[0023] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a stopper assembly,
according to an example embodiment, shown with a strainer cartridge
thereof in an engaged configuration with a tub drain assembly and
in a plug position.
[0024] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the stopper assembly of FIG.
11 shown with the strainer cartridge thereof in the engaged
configuration and in an unplugged or drain position.
[0025] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the stopper assembly of FIG.
11 shown with the strainer cartridge in a disengaged
configuration.
[0026] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the stopper assembly of FIG.
11 shown with the strainer cartridge separated from the tub drain
assembly.
[0027] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the strainer cartridge of
the stopper assembly of FIG. 11 shown with a stopper head thereof
separated from a strainer thereof.
[0028] FIG. 16 is a view of the strainer cartridge of the stopper
assembly of FIG. 11 shown with a stopper head thereof separated
from a strainer thereof, and with a cap of the stopper head removed
to reveal internal components thereof.
[0029] FIG. 17 is a view of latch members of the stopper head of
the stopper assembly of FIG. 11.
[0030] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the stopper assembly
taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 11.
[0031] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the stopper assembly
taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 12.
[0032] FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of a stopper
assembly, according to another example embodiment, shown with a
strainer cartridge thereof in an engaged configuration with a tub
drain assembly and in a plug position.
[0033] FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the stopper
assembly of FIG. 20, shown with a strainer cartridge thereof in an
engaged configuration with the tub drain assembly and in unplugged
or drain position.
[0034] FIG. 22 is a skewed isometric view of the tub drain assembly
with the strainer cartridge removed and with a drain body thereof
shown transparent to provide visibility of other components.
[0035] FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of a stopper head portion
of the strainer cartridge attached to an upper end of the tub drain
assembly with the strainer removed to provide visibility of the
connection.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] In the following description, certain specific details are
set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various
disclosed embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the
relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced
without one or more of these specific details. In other instances,
well-known features or structures associated with fluid basins,
drain systems, drain stoppers and strainers may not be shown or
described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions
of the embodiments.
[0037] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the
specification and claims which follow, the word "comprise" and
variations thereof, such as, "comprises" and "comprising" are to be
construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is as "including, but
not limited to."
[0038] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the
phrases "in one embodiment" or in an "embodiment" in various places
throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to
the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,
structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments.
[0039] FIGS. 1 through 6 show a stopper assembly 10 for a drain
system of a fluid basin according to one example embodiment. The
stopper assembly 10 is configured to be installed in a fluid basin
(e.g., a sink basin) with the stopper assembly 10 movable between
an unplugged or drain position and a plug position. In the
unplugged or drain position, fluid (e.g., water) may drain out of
the fluid basin via the drain system. The drain system may include
a drain pipe that extends below the fluid basin and that includes
an upper portion having a sink flange that is received within a
drain opening of the basin. The upper end of the drain system may
be shaped to closely receive an upper end 30 of the stopper
assembly 10 when the stopper assembly 10 is moved downward from the
drain position to the plug position. The upper end 30 of the
stopper assembly 10 may include a seal device 32 (FIG. 6), such as,
for example, a gasket or an o-ring to sealingly engage the drain
system when the stopper assembly 10 is moved into the plug position
to prevent fluid (e.g., water) from draining out of the basin. In
other instances, a seal device 32, such as a bead or lip, may be
formed integrally with the upper end 30 of the stopper assembly 10.
The stopper assembly 10 may be conveniently moved between the drain
position and the plug position by a conventional control rod which
transmits motion imparted by a user on a lever located remotely
from the drain system to a lower end 34 of the stopper assembly 10.
For this purpose, the lower end 34 of the stopper assembly 10 may
include one or more control apertures 36 or other feature for
coupling to the control rod.
[0040] With reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, the stopper assembly 10
comprises a stopper head 40, a strainer 44 and a stopper body 42.
The stopper head 40 is provided at the upper end 30 of the stopper
assembly 10 and is selectively attachable to the stopper body 42
via the intermediary of the strainer 44. The strainer 44 is coupled
beneath the stopper head 40 and to the stopper body 42 to trap
debris or other matter as fluid passes through the strainer 44
during use. In some embodiments, the strainer 44 may be detachably
coupled to the stopper head 40, as discussed in further detail
below. In other embodiments, the strainer 44 may be fixedly
attached or permanently attached to the stopper head 40 or
integrally formed therewith. Advantageously, when the strainer 44
is detachably coupled to the stopper head 40, the strainer 44 may
be removed with the stopper head 40 and selectively replaced with a
replacement strainer 44 in a particularly convenient manner. In
other instances, the strainer 44 may be removed with the stopper
head 40 and cleaned for reuse in the drain system. In some
embodiments, the strainer 44 may be held or otherwise provided
between a portion of the stopper body 42 and the stopper head 40
without fixedly attaching to either component. In this case, the
strainer 44 may be withdrawn from the drain system separately from
the stopper head 40.
[0041] The stopper head 40 may have a generally circular profile
similar to conventional stoppers, or may have other shapes. As
shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, the stopper head 40 may have a general
mushroom shape with an enlarged head portion 50 and a reduced neck
portion 52 (FIG. 6). The seal device 32 described above may be
positioned around the reduced neck portion 52.
[0042] The stopper head 40 may further include features for
selectively engaging the strainer 44, as discussed in greater
detail elsewhere, and the strainer 44 may also include features for
selectively engaging the stopper body 42 such that the stopper head
40 and the strainer 44 may be selectively secured as a unit or
cartridge 46 to the stopper body 42. In some instances, for
example, the strainer 44 may include an upper portion 82 having a
stopper body engagement feature 87, such as an aperture, notch,
ledge, detent, or latch recess or receptacle, which is engageable
by or with a portion of the stopper body 42. For example, the upper
portion 82 of the strainer 44 may include a central stem or
elongated member 86 that extends in the direction of the central
axis A from a bottom end of the strainer to an upper end of the
strainer 44. The stem or elongated member 86 may partially or
completely surround a shaft 90 of the stopper body 42 when the
strainer cartridge 46 is attached to the stopper body 42. In this
manner, the stem or elongated member 86 may have a central cavity
or passage 88 through which the shaft 90 of the stopper body 42 may
be insertably received during use. The shaft 90 of the stopper body
42 may be slender and extend along the central axis A of the
stopper assembly 10 to receive the strainer 44 thereabout. The
shaft 90 may further include resilient coupling members 92 or other
coupling devices that are configured to mate with the stopper body
engagement feature 87 to temporarily secure the stopper head 40 and
strainer 44 to the stopper body 42. For instance, according to the
example embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, the upper end of the
shaft 90 of the stopper body 42 includes a pair of resilient
coupling members 92 that are shaped to engage corresponding
apertures 87 in the upper end of the stem 86 of the strainer 44
when the strainer 44 and stopper body 42 are rotated into the
position shown in FIG. 1. The resilient coupling members 92 may
further include one or more cam portions 93 that serve to direct
the resilient coupling members 92 inwardly as the stopper head 40
and the strainer 44 are rotated as a unit in the direction
indicated by the arrow labeled 110 in FIG. 2 so as to unlock the
stopper head 40 and the strainer 44 from the stopper body 42.
[0043] Rotating the stopper head 40 and strainer 44 about ninety
degrees or more may transition the stopper head 40 and strainer 44
from an engaged position, as shown in FIG. 1, in which the stopper
head 40 and the strainer 44 are securely attached to the stopper
body 42, to a disengaged position, as shown in FIG. 2, in which the
stopper head 40 and the strainer 44 are detached or freely
separable as a unit from the stopper body 42. To further facilitate
transitioning the stopper head 40 and the strainer 44 between the
engaged position, as shown in FIG. 1, and the disengaged position,
as shown in FIG. 2, the strainer 44 may include one or more notches
78 to engage a correspondingly shaped key 98, tab or other
structure of the stopper body 42 which serves as a stop when the
strainer 44 and the stopper head 40 are rotated into the engaged
position shown in FIG. 1. The key 98, tab or other structure may be
part of a platform portion 94 of the stopper body 42 which supports
the strainer cartridge 46 when installed. Moreover, the key 98, tab
or other structure may include a ramp or cam portion that
cooperates with the corresponding notch 78 of the strainer to
slightly lift the strainer 44 and the stopper head 40 as a unit as
they are rotated from the engaged position to the disengaged
position, which can also serve to move the resilient coupling
members 92 of the stopper body 42 partially into the cavity 88 of
the stem 86 of the strainer 44 to assist in maintaining the
strainer 44 and stopper head 40 combination in a condition in which
it is freely separable from the stopper body 42. The key 98, notch
78, cam portions 93 of the resilient coupling members 92, and the
stopper body engagement feature 87 made be configured to
temporarily lock the strainer 44 and the stopper head 40 in the
engaged position in a coordinated manner, and to release the
strainer 44 and the stopper head 40 from the engaged position in a
coordinated manner.
[0044] In other embodiments, the stopper head 40, the strainer 44
and/or the stopper body 42 may include other features for
facilitating selective engagement and disengagement of the stopper
head 40 and the strainer 44 as a unit with the stopper body 42,
such as, for example, a detent mechanism, clips, snaps or other
fasteners. Irrespective of the particular fastening device, the
stopper head 40, the strainer 44 and/or the stopper body 42 are
configured to enable separation of the stopper head 40 and the
strainer 44 as a unit from the stopper body 42 while the stopper
body 42 remains installed in the drain system by twisting, pulling,
manipulating or otherwise interacting with the stopper head 40 from
within the interior of the fluid basin. Advantageously, the stopper
head 40 and the strainer 44 attached thereto can therefore be
removed from the drain system without removing or disengaging the
control rod from the stopper body 42.
[0045] As previously indicated, the stopper head 40 may include
coupling devices for selectively engaging the strainer 44. For
instance, the example embodiment includes a release mechanism 60
that may be actuated to release a pair of spring-biased latch
members 62 from engagement with a stopper head engagement feature
84 of the strainer 44. The strainer 44 may be released, separated
or detached from the stopper head 40 by actuating the release
mechanism 60 toward the central axis A.
[0046] In some embodiments, the release mechanism 60 may be
substantially contained within the stopper head 40, as shown best
in the partially exploded view of the stopper head 40 of FIG. 5 and
the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, with ends of the spring-biased
latch members 62 being accessible to a user at the periphery of the
stopper head 40. The spring-biased latch members 62 may be
configured relative to a spring element 64 such that latching ends
63 of the latch members 62 are biased inwardly toward the central
axis A. A user may actuate the latch members 62 by pressing exposed
portions of the latch members 62 inwardly against the bias of the
spring element 64 to release the stopper head engagement feature 84
of the strainer 44 from the latch members 62 as the latching ends
63 of the latch members 62 move away from the central axis A. The
stopper head engagement feature 84 may comprise a bridge structure
or platform supported by opposing ears or supports 89. The latching
ends 63 may include sloped or ramped surfaces such that the stopper
head engagement feature 84 may be pressed into a cavity of the
stopper head 40 and cause the latching ends of the latch members 62
to move outwardly and then back inwardly to retain the stopper head
engagement feature 84 without use of the user-manipulable portions
of the latch members 62. Advantageously, a user can quickly snap
the stopper head 40 onto a replacement strainer 44 as needed. The
release mechanism 60 may be substantially contained within the
stopper head 40 between a cap portion 43 and a bottom housing
member 41, a portion of which may define the reduced neck portion
52 and provide a mounting arrangement for the seal device 32. The
cap portion 43 may include recesses 45 for providing access to the
user-manipulable portions of the release mechanism 60. Although the
user-manipulable portions of the release mechanism 60 are shown as
extending through the periphery of the cap portion 43, in some
embodiments, the user-manipulable portions of the release mechanism
60 may be concealed beneath a cap or cover that reflects those of
conventional drain stoppers.
[0047] In other embodiments, the stopper head 40 and the strainer
44 may include other features for facilitating selective engagement
and disengagement of the same, such as, for example, a detent
mechanism, clips, snaps or other fasteners. Irrespective of the
particular release mechanism 60, in some embodiments, the stopper
head 40 and the strainer 44 are configured to enable separation of
the stopper head 40 from the strainer 44 after the stopper head 40
and strainer 44 are removed as a cartridge 46 from the drain
system. For example, in accordance with the example embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, the strainer 44 is selectively
detachable from the stopper head 40 without requiring a user to
touch or otherwise contact the strainer 44. This may be
particularly advantageous when replacing a strainer 44 that is
soiled with debris, such as, for example, hair and other matter
that collects in the strainer 44 during use.
[0048] In some embodiments, the strainer 44 may include a body
portion defining a receptacle 70. The receptacle 70 may include a
sidewall 72 extending from a periphery of a base 74. Each of the
sidewall 72 and the base 74 may include a plurality of apertures 76
to form a strainer structure to strain fluid passing through the
receptacle 70 during operation of the drain system. The receptacle
70 may be generally cylindrical and may encircle a portion of the
stopper body 42 when installed for use. In some embodiments, the
strainer 44 may taper in a downstream direction such that, when the
strainer 44 is in position for use within the drain system and a
lower portion of the strainer 44 is blocked with collected debris,
fluid can bypass the debris in the strainer 44 via the apertures in
the sidewall 72 and a gap between the strainer 44 and the drain
pipe of the drain system.
[0049] An upstream end of the strainer 44 may include a plurality
of flexible fingers 80 that splay outward from the central axis A
of the strainer 44. The fingers 80 may flex in response to contact
with the drain pipe as the stopper assembly 10 is drawn into the
plug position. In the drain position, the fingers 80 may extend
near or in close proximity to the drain pipe or may contact the
drain pipe. In this manner, most of the fluid and any matter
passing into the drain system inevitably passes through the
receptacle 70 of the strainer 44.
[0050] The strainer 44 may include an upper portion 82 having a
stopper head engagement feature 84 to detachably couple the
strainer 44 to the stopper head 40 to form the strainer cartridge
46. The stopper head engagement feature 84 may include, for
example, a structure engageable by the spring-biased latch members
62 of the stopper head 40. In other embodiments, the engagement
feature may include a detent mechanism, clips, snaps or other
fastener devices. The upper portion 82 may be part of a central
stem or elongated member 86 that extends in the direction of the
central axis A from a bottom end of the strainer to an upper end of
the strainer 44. The stem or elongated member 86 may partially or
completely surround a shaft 90 of the stopper body 42 when the
strainer cartridge 46 is attached to the stopper body 42. The stem
or elongated member 86 may have a central cavity or passage 88
through which the shaft 90 of the stopper body 42 may be insertably
received during use. The shaft 90 of the stopper body 42 may be
slender and extend along the central axis A of the stopper assembly
10 to receive the strainer 44 thereabout.
[0051] With reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, a method of using the
stopper assembly 10 to remove debris from a drain system of a fluid
basin will now be described. The method may begin with installing
the stopper assembly 10 in the drain system and coupling the
stopper body to a control rod so that the stopper body 42 may be
selectively moved between an unplugged or drain position and a plug
position. Coupling the stopper body 42 to the control rod may
include, for example, passing the control rod through a control
aperture 36 or other coupling feature of the stopper body 42.
[0052] Fluid and debris may then be intermittently passed through
the drain system as the fluid basin is used on a daily or periodic
basis. As the fluid and debris flows through the drain system, a
substantial portion passes through the strainer 44 of the stopper
assembly 10 and at least some or a significant portion of the
debris will become trapped in the strainer 44. Debris may therefore
accumulate in the strainer 44 over time. The strainer 44 may then
be removed and cleaned or replaced as desired to clear the drain
system of the collected debris.
[0053] In particular, and with reference to FIG. 2, the strainer
cartridge 46, which comprises the stopper head 40 and the strainer
44 holding the debris, may be detached from the stopper body 42,
which remains installed within the drain system of the fluid basin.
Detaching the strainer cartridge 46 may include, for example,
rotating the strainer cartridge 46 about the central axis A, as
represented by the arrow labeled 110, such that corresponding
engagement features 87, 90 provided between the strainer cartridge
46 and the stopper body 42 disengage. For instance, the strainer
cartridge 46 may be rotated about ninety degrees or more relative
to the stopper body 42 such that the engagement between apertures
87 in the stem 86 of the strainer 44 and the resilient coupling
members 92 at an upper end of the shaft 90 disengage. In other
instances, the strainer cartridge 46 and the stopper body 42 may be
provided with a detent mechanism, a clip, a snap or other fastener
device, such that the strainer cartridge 46 may be released after
overcoming a threshold force, such as by pulling the strainer
cartridge 46 upwardly with sufficient force to overcome the
threshold force provided by the detent mechanism, clip, snap or
other fastener device.
[0054] With reference to FIG. 3, after detaching the strainer
cartridge 46, the strainer cartridge 46 may be removed from the
drain system and separated from the stopper body 42 in the
direction indicated by the arrow labeled 112, while the stopper
body 42 remains conveniently installed in the drain system. In this
manner, the strainer cartridge 46 can be quickly removed from the
drain system with minimal effort and without disassembling the
drain system.
[0055] With reference to FIG. 4, after removing the strainer
cartridge 46 from the drain system, the strainer 44 and the debris
collected therein can be released from the stopper head 40 by
actuating a release mechanism 60 on the stopper head 40 of the
strainer cartridge 46. Actuating the release mechanism may include,
for example, actuating a pair of opposing spring-biased latch
members 62 to release the strainer 44, as indicated by the arrows
labeled 114. Once released, the strainer 44 may fall under the
influence of gravity into a waste or compost receptacle, as
represented by the arrow labeled 116. Next, a replacement strainer
44 may be attached to the stopper head 40 to form a replacement
strainer cartridge 46, and the replacement strainer cartridge 46
may be attached to the stopper body 42 in the drain system.
Alternatively, the debris collected in the strainer 44 may be
emptied into a waste or compost receptacle and the strainer 44
reattached to the stopper head 40 for reuse.
[0056] Other methods of removing debris or otherwise reducing
clogging of a drain system of a fluid basin may be provided in view
of the stopper assemblies 10, components and systems described
herein. For example, a method of reducing clogging may include
installing a strainer cartridge 46, comprising a stopper head 40
and a strainer 44 coupled to the stopper head 40, into the drain
system of the fluid basin; operating the drain system with the
strainer cartridge 46 in position; removing the strainer cartridge
46 from the drain system after the strainer 44 has captured debris;
operating a release mechanism 60 of the strainer cartridge 46 to
release the strainer 44 and debris from the stopper head 40;
attaching a replacement strainer 44 to the stopper head 40 to form
a replacement strainer cartridge 46; and installing the replacement
strainer cartridge 46 into the drain system of the fluid basin.
[0057] In addition, it is appreciated that some methods may include
detaching the stopper head 40 from the strainer 44 while the
strainer 44 is still securely attached to the stopper body 42
within the drain, such as by actuating the release mechanism 60
while the strainer 44 remains engaged with the stopper body 42. The
user may then grab and manipulate the upper portion 82 of the
strainer 44 to disengage it from the stopper body 42 separately of
the stopper head 40, such as by twisting or rotating the strainer
44 to disengage it from the stopper body 42, and remove the
strainer 44 from within the drain. The user may then dispose of the
strainer 44 or clean the strainer 44 to be used in the drain again.
The strainer 44 or a replacement strainer 44 may then be positioned
back into the drain and moved into engagement with the stopper body
42. Finally, the stopper head 40 can be reconnected to the strainer
44 such as by pressing the stopper head 40 into engagement with the
upper portion 82 of the strainer 44 until the stopper head
engagement feature 84 of the strainer 44 is securely received by
the spring-biased latch members 62 of the release mechanism 60. In
other instances, the release mechanism 60 may be omitted and the
stopper head 40 may be attached to the strainer 44 by other
devices, such as, for example, threading the stopper head 40 onto a
threaded stem of the strainer 44.
[0058] FIG. 7 shows an isometric cross-sectional view of a portion
of a stopper assembly, according to another embodiment, having a
strainer detachably coupled to a stopper head with a seal
positioned therebetween. Further details of the seal are shown in
FIG. 8. Advantageously, the seal is coupled to the stopper head and
sized and shaped to interface with corresponding features (e.g.,
shoulder, shelf, or other sealing surface or feature) of the
strainer when the strainer is attached to the stopper head. This
provides additional assistance in sealing water within the basin in
which the stopper assembly is installed.
[0059] FIG. 9 provides comprehensive views of the strainer of the
stopper assembly of FIG. 7. Notably, the stem of the strainer
includes an upper end that is sized and shaped to be detachably
received by the stopper head and a shoulder to engage the seal that
is coupled to the stopper head. The receptacle portion of the
strainer includes a plurality of elongated relief features in a
sidewall thereof to enable the receptacle to flex and conform to
the shape of a drain within which the stopper assembly is
installed.
[0060] FIG. 10 shows a stopper assembly 110 for a drain system of a
fluid basin according to another example embodiment. The stopper
assembly 110 comprises a stopper head 140, a strainer 144 and a
stopper body 142. The stopper head 140 is provided at an upper end
of the stopper assembly 110 and is selectively attachable to the
stopper body 142 with the strainer 144 positioned therebetween to
trap debris or other matter as fluid passes through the strainer
144 during use. In some embodiments, the strainer 144 may be
trapped or sandwiched between the stopper head 140 and a portion of
the stopper body 142. The strainer 144 may include an upper stem
end 184 that is insertably receivable in a corresponding aperture
185 of the stopper head 140, such as a slot-shaped aperture. In
this manner, rotation of the stopper head 140 may be imparted to
the strainer 144 when the stopper head 140 is positioned thereon.
Accordingly, the strainer 144 may be rotated with the stopper head
140 similar to the aforementioned example stopper assembly 10 to
move the stopper head 140 and strainer 144 from an engaged position
with the stopper body 142 (which may be the same or similar to
stopper body 42 described earlier) to a disengaged positioned in
which the stopper head 140 and the strainer 144 may be removed
separately from the drain. For this purpose, the upper stem end 184
of a stem portion 186 of the strainer 144 may include an arch or
bridge or other structure that extends significantly beyond an
upper end of a receptacle portion 170 of the strainer 144 to serve
as a grip for removing the strainer 144 from within the drain.
[0061] After replacing the strainer 144 or otherwise cleaning it,
the replacement strainer 144 or cleaned strainer 144 may be
positioned onto a shaft 190 of the stopper body 142 to be supported
by a platform portion 194 thereof or other stop. The stopper head
140 may then be placed back onto the upper stem end 184 of the
strainer 144 and used to turn the strainer 144 and stopper head 140
together as a unit until resilient coupling members 192 at the end
of the shaft 190 engage corresponding coupling structures, such as
recesses 187, in a base of the stopper head 140. In this way, the
upper end of the stopper body 142 may snap into or otherwise engage
the stopper head 140 to temporarily lock the strainer 144 in a
position between the stopper head 140 and the platform portion 194
of the stopper body 142. Other features and structures of the
stopper assembly 110 may include those that are the same or similar
to aspects and features of the aforementioned example embodiment of
the stopper assembly 10.
[0062] Although the stopper assemblies 10, 110 and components
thereof described herein are described as interfacing with a
conventional sink arrangement with a control rod for moving the
stopper assemblies between an unplugged or drain position and a
plug position, it is appreciated that the stopper assemblies 10,
110, components thereof and aspects of the same may be used with a
variety of different fluid basins and control elements to provide
the various functionalities described herein. For example, the
stopper assemblies 10, 110, components thereof and aspects of the
same may be used with a tub or other fluid basin other than a
sink.
[0063] FIGS. 11 through 19 show a stopper assembly 210 for a drain
system 200 of a fluid basin according to another example
embodiment. The stopper assembly 210 is configured to be installed
in a fluid basin (e.g., a bathtub) with the stopper assembly 210
movable between an unplugged or drain position, such as shown in
FIGS. 12 and 19, and a plug position, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 18.
In the unplugged or drain position, fluid (e.g., water) may drain
out of the fluid basin via the drain system 200. The drain system
200 may include a drain body 202 that extends below the fluid basin
and that includes an upper portion having a flange 204 that is
received within a drain opening of the basin. The drain body 202
may include a lower grate structure 206 that supports a central hub
208 having internal threads to receive various drain stoppers. The
upper end of the drain system 200 may be shaped to closely receive
or nest with an upper end 230 of the stopper assembly 210 when the
stopper assembly 210 is moved downward from the drain position
shown in FIGS. 13 and 19 to the plug position shown in FIGS. 11 and
18. The upper end 230 of the stopper assembly 210 may include a
seal device 232, such as, for example, a gasket or an o-ring to
sealingly engage the drain system 200 when the stopper assembly 210
is moved into the plug position to prevent fluid (e.g., water) from
draining out of the basin. In other instances, a seal device 232,
such as a bead or lip, may be formed integrally with the upper end
230 of the stopper assembly 210. The stopper assembly 210 may be
conveniently moved between the drain position and the plug position
by a user, such as by pulling on the upper end 230 as indicated by
the arrow labeled 231 in FIG. 12.
[0064] With reference to FIGS. 11 through 15, the stopper assembly
210 comprises a stopper head 240, a strainer 244 and an adapter
body 242. The stopper head 240 is provided at the upper end 230 of
the stopper assembly 210 and is selectively attachable to the
adapter body 242 with the intermediary of the strainer 244
positioned therebetween. The strainer 244 is detachably coupled
beneath the stopper head 240 to trap debris or other matter as
fluid passes through the strainer 244 during use. In other
embodiments, the strainer 244 may be fixedly attached or
permanently attached to the stopper head 240 or integrally formed
therewith. Advantageously, when the strainer 244 is detachably
coupled to the stopper head 240, the strainer 244 may be removed
with the stopper head 240 and selectively replaced with a
replacement strainer 244 in a particularly convenient manner. In
other instances, the strainer 244 may be removed with the stopper
head 240 and cleaned for reuse in the drain system. In some
embodiments, the strainer 244 may be held or otherwise provided
between the adapter body 242 and the stopper head 240 without
fixedly attaching to either component. In this case, the strainer
244 may be withdrawn from the drain system 200 separately from the
stopper head 240.
[0065] The stopper head 240 may have a generally circular profile
similar to conventional stoppers, or may have other shapes. As
shown in FIGS. 13 through 15, 18 and 19, the stopper head 240 may
have a general mushroom shape with an enlarged head portion 250 and
a reduced neck or stem portion 252. The seal device 232 described
above may be positioned around the reduced neck or stem portion
252. The stopper head 240 may further include features for
selectively engaging the strainer 244, as discussed in greater
detail elsewhere, and may also include features for selectively
engaging the adapter body 242 such that the stopper head 240 and
the strainer 244 may be selectively secured as a unit or cartridge
246 to the adapter body 242.
[0066] In some instances, the stopper head 240 may include features
for selectively engaging the adapter body 242 such that the stopper
head 240 and the strainer 244 may be selectively secured as a unit
or cartridge 246 to the adapter body 242. For example, the stopper
head 240 may include a shaft assembly 253, 254 have a coupling
member 255 (e.g., pin, rod, key) for engaging a corresponding
coupling feature of the adapter body 242, such as, for example, a
coupling passage or keyway 256 provided in the adapter body 242 for
receiving the coupling member 255. The coupling passage or keyway
256 may be shaped to receive the coupling member 255 in a vertical
direction aligned with the central axis A.sub.2 and to enable the
stopper head 240 to rotate about the central axis A.sub.2 (e.g.,
about 90 degrees) until the coupling member 255 is restrained from
being withdrawn vertically from the adapter body 242, as can be
appreciated best from
[0067] FIGS. 14 and 15 wherein the coupling passage or keyway 256
(FIG. 14) and the coupling member 255 (FIG. 15) are visible. In
this manner, the stopper head 240 can be selectively detached and
reattached to the adapter body 242 as desired to gain access to the
strainer 244 and/or the drain system 200. More particularly,
rotating the stopper head 240 and strainer 244 about ninety degrees
or more may transition the stopper head 240 and strainer 244 from
an engaged position, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in which the
stopper head 240 and the strainer 244 are securely attached to the
adapter body 242, to a disengaged position, as shown in FIG. 13, in
which the stopper head 240 and the strainer 244 are detached or
freely separable as a unit from the adapter body 242.
[0068] In other embodiments, the stopper head 240, the strainer 244
and/or the adapter body 242 may include other features for
facilitating selective engagement and disengagement of the stopper
head 240 and the strainer 244 as a unit with the adapter body 242,
such as, for example, a detent mechanism, clips, snaps or other
fasteners. Irrespective of the particular fastening device, the
stopper head 240, the strainer 244 and/or the adapter body 242 are
configured to enable separation of the stopper head 240 and the
strainer 244 as a unit from the adapter body 242 while the adapter
body 242 remains installed in the drain system by twisting,
pulling, manipulating or otherwise interacting with the stopper
head 240 from within the interior of the fluid basin.
Advantageously, the stopper head 240 and the strainer 244 attached
thereto can therefore be removed as a unit by a user for cleaning
or servicing as desired, as illustrated by the arrow labeled 212 in
FIG. 14.
[0069] As previously indicated, the stopper head 240 may include
coupling devices for selectively engaging the strainer 244. For
instance, the example embodiment includes a release mechanism 260
that may be actuated to release a pair of spring-biased latch
members 262 from engagement with a stopper head engagement feature
284 of the strainer 244. The strainer 244 may be released,
separated or detached from the stopper head 240 by actuating the
release mechanism 260 toward the central axis A.sub.2, for example,
as represented by the arrows labeled 261 in FIG. 15.
[0070] In some embodiments, the release mechanism 260 may be
substantially contained within the stopper head 240, as shown best
in FIG. 16 and the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 18 and 19, with
ends of the spring-biased latch members 262 being accessible to a
user at the periphery of the stopper head 240. The spring-biased
latch members 262 may be configured relative to a spring element
264 such that latching ends 263 of the latch members 262 are biased
outwardly away from the central axis A.sub.2. A user may actuate
the latch members 262 by pressing exposed portions of the latch
members 262 inwardly against the bias of the spring element 264 to
release the stopper head engagement feature 284 of the strainer 244
from the latch members 262 as the latching ends 263 of the latch
members 262 move toward the central axis A.sub.2. The latching ends
263 may include sloped or ramped surfaces such that the stopper
head engagement feature 284 may be pressed into the stopper head
240 and cause the latching ends 263 of the latch members 262 to
move inwardly and then back outwardly to retain the stopper head
engagement feature 284 without use of the user-manipulable portions
of the latch members 262. Advantageously, a user can quickly snap
the stopper head 240 onto a replacement strainer 244 as needed. The
release mechanism 260 may be substantially contained within the
stopper head 240 between a cap portion 243 and a bottom housing
member 241. The cap portion 243 may include recesses for providing
access to the user-manipulable portions of the release mechanism
260. Although the user-manipulable portions of the release
mechanism 260 are shown as extending through the periphery of the
cap portion 243, in some embodiments, the user-manipulable portions
of the release mechanism 260 may be concealed beneath a cap or
cover that reflects those of conventional drain stoppers.
[0071] In other embodiments, the stopper head 240 and the strainer
244 may include other features for facilitating selective
engagement and disengagement of the same, such as, for example, a
detent mechanism, clips, snaps or other fasteners. Irrespective of
the particular release mechanism 260, in some embodiments, the
stopper head 240 and the strainer 244 are configured to enable
separation of the stopper head 240 from the strainer 244 after the
stopper head 240 and strainer 244 are removed as a cartridge 246
from the drain system. For example, in accordance with the example
embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 through 16, the strainer 244 is
selectively detachable from the stopper head 240 without requiring
a user to touch or otherwise contact the strainer 244. This may be
particularly advantageous when replacing a strainer 244 that is
soiled with debris, such as, for example, hair and other matter
that collects in the strainer 244 during use.
[0072] In some embodiments, the strainer 244 may include a body
portion defining a receptacle 270. The receptacle 270 may include a
sidewall 272 extending from a periphery of a base 274. Each of the
sidewall 272 and the base 274 may include a plurality of apertures
276 to form a strainer structure to strain fluid passing through
the receptacle 270 during operation of the drain system 200. The
receptacle 270 may be generally cylindrical and may encircle a
portion of the stopper head 240 and/or adapter body 242 when
installed for use. In some embodiments, the strainer 244 may taper
in a downstream direction such that, when the strainer 244 is in
position for use within the drain system 200 and a lower portion of
the strainer 244 is blocked with collected debris, fluid can bypass
the debris in the strainer 244 via the apertures in the sidewall
272 and a gap between the strainer 244 and the drain body 202 of
the drain system 200.
[0073] An upstream end of the strainer 244 may include a plurality
of flexible fingers 280 that splay outward from the central axis
A.sub.2 of the strainer 244. The fingers 280 may flex in response
to contact with the drain body 202 as the stopper assembly 210 is
drawn into the plug position. In the drain position, the fingers
280 may extend near or in close proximity to the drain body 202 or
may contact the drain body 202. In this manner, most of the fluid
and any matter passing into the drain system 200 inevitably passes
through the receptacle 270 of the strainer 244.
[0074] The strainer 244 may include a stem 283 having a stopper
head engagement feature 284 at an upper end thereof to detachably
couple the strainer 244 to the stopper head 240 to form the
strainer cartridge 246. The stopper head engagement feature 284 may
include, for example, a structure engageable by the spring-biased
latch members 262 of the stopper head 240, such as, for example,
opposing ear members with coupling apertures 285 provided therein
to receive latching ends 263 of the spring-biased latch members
262. In other embodiments, the engagement feature may include a
detent mechanism, clips, snaps or other fastener devices. The stem
283 may extend in the direction of the central axis A.sub.2 from a
bottom end of the strainer 244 to an upper end of the strainer 244.
The stem or elongated member 283 may partially or completely
surround the shaft assembly 253, 254 of the stopper head 240 when
the strainer cartridge 246 is attached to the adapter body 242. The
stem or elongated member 283 may have a central cavity or passage
288 through which the shaft assembly 253, 254 of the stopper head
240 may be insertably received during use. The shaft assembly 253,
254 of the stopper head 240 may be slender and extend along the
central axis A.sub.2 of the stopper assembly 210 to receive the
strainer 244 thereabout.
[0075] With reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, the shaft assembly 253,
254 of the stopper head 240 may be configured to telescope between
the plug position shown in FIG. 18 and the unplugged or drain
position shown in FIG. 19. For example, the shaft assembly 253, 254
may include an inner shaft 253 and an outer shaft 254 wherein the
inner shaft 253 is extendable from the outer shaft 254 to
facilitate movement between the plug position shown in FIG. 18 and
the unplugged or drain position shown in FIG. 19. The outer shaft
254 may include a stop member 257 or other stop feature that rides
in a slot or aperture 258 in the inner shaft 253 to limit the
travel of the inner shaft 253 relative to the outer shaft 254, or
vice versa. A friction member 259 may also be provided between the
inner shaft 253 and the outer shaft 254 to assist in holding the
upper end of the stopper head 240 at a desired position. As an
example, the friction member 259 may comprise an annular spring
clip that is coupled to the inner shaft 253 and applies a bias to
the outer shaft 254.
[0076] With reference now to FIGS. 11 through 15, a method of using
the stopper assembly 210 to remove debris from a drain system of a
fluid basin will now be described. The method may begin with
installing the stopper assembly 210 in the drain system 200. Fluid
and debris may then be intermittently passed through the drain
system 200 as the fluid basin is used on a daily or periodic basis.
As the fluid and debris flows through the drain system 200, a
substantial portion passes through the strainer 244 of the stopper
assembly 210 and at least some or a significant portion of the
debris will become trapped in the strainer 244. Debris may
therefore accumulate in the strainer 244 over time. The strainer
244 may then be removed and cleaned or replaced as desired to clear
the drain system 200 of the collected debris.
[0077] In particular, and with reference to FIG. 13, the strainer
cartridge 246, which comprises the stopper head 240 and the
strainer 244 holding the debris, may be detached from the adapter
body 242, which remains installed within the drain system 200 of
the fluid basin. Detaching the strainer cartridge 246 may include,
for example, rotating the strainer cartridge 246 about the central
axis A.sub.2, as represented by the arrow labeled 211, such that
corresponding engagement features provided between the strainer
cartridge 246 and the adapter body 242 disengage. For instance, the
strainer cartridge 246 may be rotated about ninety degrees or more
relative to the adapter body 242 such that the engagement between
the coupling member 255 of the shaft assembly 253, 254 of the
stopper head 240 and the coupling passage or keyway 256 of the
adapter body 242 is released. In other instances, the strainer
cartridge 246 and the adapter body 242 may be provided with a
detent mechanism, a clip, a snap or other fastener device, such
that the strainer cartridge 246 may be released after overcoming a
threshold force, such as by pulling the strainer cartridge 246
upwardly with sufficient force to overcome the threshold force
provided by the detent mechanism, clip, snap or other fastener
device.
[0078] With reference to FIG. 14, after detaching the strainer
cartridge 246, the strainer cartridge 246 may be removed from the
drain system 200 and separated from the adapter body 242 in the
direction indicated by the arrow labeled 212, while the adapter
body 242 remains conveniently installed in the drain system 200. In
this manner, the strainer cartridge 246 can be quickly removed from
the drain system 200 with minimal effort and without disassembling
the drain system 200.
[0079] With reference to FIG. 15, after removing the strainer
cartridge 246 from the drain system 200, the strainer 244 and the
debris collected therein can be released from the stopper head 240
by actuating a release mechanism 260 on the stopper head 240 of the
strainer cartridge 246. Actuating the release mechanism 260 may
include, for example, actuating a pair of opposing spring-biased
latch members 262 to release the strainer 244, as indicated by the
arrows labeled 261. Once released, the strainer 244 may fall under
the influence of gravity into a waste or compost receptacle, as
represented by the arrow labeled 265. Next, a replacement strainer
244 may be attached to the stopper head 240 to form a replacement
strainer cartridge 246, and the replacement strainer cartridge 246
may be attached to the adapter body 242 in the drain system 200.
Alternatively, the debris collected in the strainer 244 may be
emptied into a waste or compost receptacle and the strainer 244
reattached to the stopper head 240 for reuse.
[0080] Other methods of removing debris or otherwise reducing
clogging of a drain system of a fluid basin may be provided in view
of the stopper assemblies, components and systems described herein.
For example, a method of reducing clogging may include installing a
strainer cartridge 246, comprising a stopper head 240 and a
strainer 244 coupled to the stopper head 240, into the drain system
200 of the fluid basin; operating the drain system with the
strainer cartridge 246 in position; removing the strainer cartridge
246 from the drain system after the strainer 244 has captured
debris; operating a release mechanism 260 of the strainer cartridge
246 to release the strainer 244 and debris from the stopper head
240; attaching a replacement strainer 244 to the stopper head 240
to form a replacement strainer cartridge 246; and installing the
replacement strainer cartridge 246 into the drain system 200 of the
fluid basin.
[0081] FIGS. 20 through 23 show a stopper assembly 310 for a drain
system 300 of a fluid basin according to another example
embodiment. The stopper assembly 310 is configured to be installed
in a fluid basin (e.g., a bathtub) with the stopper assembly 310
movable between an unplugged or drain position, such as shown in
FIG. 21, and a plug position, as shown in FIG. 20. In the unplugged
or drain position, fluid (e.g., water) may drain out of the fluid
basin via the drain system 300. The drain system 300 may include a
drain body 302 that extends below the fluid basin and that includes
an upper portion having a flange 304 that is received within a
drain opening of the basin. The drain body 302 may include a lower
grate structure 306 that supports a central hub 308 having internal
threads to receive various drain stoppers or other components. The
upper end of the drain system 300 may be shaped to closely receive
or nest with an upper end 330 of the stopper assembly 310 when the
stopper assembly 310 is moved downward from the drain position
shown in FIG. 21 to the plug position shown in FIG. 20. The upper
end 330 of the stopper assembly 310 may include a seal device 332,
such as, for example, a gasket or an o-ring to sealingly engage the
drain system 300 when the stopper assembly 310 is moved into the
plug position to prevent fluid (e.g., water) from draining out of
the basin. In other instances, a seal device 332, such as a bead or
lip, may be formed integrally with the upper end 330 of the stopper
assembly 310. The stopper assembly 310 may be conveniently moved
between the drain position and the plug position by a user, such as
by pulling on the upper end 330.
[0082] With reference to FIGS. 20 through 23, the stopper assembly
310 comprises a stopper head 340, a strainer 344 and an adapter
assembly 342. The stopper head 340 is provided at the upper end 330
of the stopper assembly 310 and is selectively attachable to the
adapter assembly 342 with the intermediary of the strainer 344
positioned therebetween. The strainer 344 is detachably coupled
beneath the stopper head 340 to trap debris or other matter as
fluid passes through the strainer 344 during use. In other
embodiments, the strainer 344 may be fixedly attached or
permanently attached to the stopper head 340 or integrally formed
therewith. Advantageously, when the strainer 344 is detachably
coupled to the stopper head 340, the strainer 344 may be removed
with the stopper head 340 and selectively replaced with a
replacement strainer 344 in a particularly convenient manner. In
other instances, the strainer 344 may be removed with the stopper
head 340 and cleaned for reuse in the drain system. In some
embodiments, the strainer 344 may be held or otherwise provided
between the adapter assembly 342 and the stopper head 340 without
fixedly attaching to either component. In this case, the strainer
344 may be withdrawn from the drain system 300 separately from the
stopper head 340.
[0083] The stopper head 340 may have a generally circular profile
similar to conventional stoppers, or may have other shapes. As
shown in FIGS. 13 through 15, 18 and 19, the stopper head 340 may
comprise a general mushroom shape with an enlarged head portion 350
and a reduced neck or stem portion 352. The seal device 332
described above may be positioned around the reduced neck or stem
portion 352. The stopper head 340 may further include features for
selectively engaging the strainer 344, as discussed in greater
detail elsewhere, and may also include features for selectively
engaging the adapter assembly 342 such that the stopper head 340
and the strainer 344 may be selectively secured as a unit or
cartridge 346 to the adapter assembly 342.
[0084] In some instances, the stopper head 340 may include features
for selectively engaging the adapter assembly 342 such that the
stopper head 340 and the strainer 344 may be selectively secured as
a unit or cartridge 346 to the adapter assembly 342. For example,
the stem portion 352 of the stopper head 340 may comprise a
coupling device or feature (e.g., keyway, aperture) for engaging
with a corresponding coupling device or feature of the adapter
assembly 342, such as, for example, a coupling members 356 provided
at an upper end of the adapter assembly 342 for engaging the
coupling device or feature of the stem portion 352 of the stopper
head 340. The coupling device or feature of the stem portion 352 of
the stopper head 340 may be shaped to receive the coupling members
356 of the adapter assembly 342 in a vertical direction aligned
with the central axis A.sub.3 and to enable the stopper head 340 to
rotate about the central axis A.sub.3 (e.g., about 90 degrees)
until the coupling members 356 engage the stem portion 352 of the
stopper head 340 and restrain it from being withdrawn vertically
from the adapter assembly 342, as can be appreciated best from
[0085] FIG. 22 wherein the coupling members 356 of the adapter
assembly 342 are most visible. In this manner, the stopper head 340
can be selectively detached and reattached to the adapter assembly
342 as desired to gain access to the strainer 344 and/or the drain
system 300. More particularly, rotating the stopper head 340 and
strainer 344 about ninety degrees or more may transition the
stopper head 340 and strainer 344 from an engaged position, as
shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, in which the stopper head 340 and the
strainer 344 are securely attached to the adapter assembly 342, to
a disengaged position in which the stopper head 340 and the
strainer 344 are detached or freely separable as a unit from the
adapter assembly 342.
[0086] In other embodiments, the stopper head 340, the strainer 344
and/or the adapter assembly 342 may include other features for
facilitating selective engagement and disengagement of the stopper
head 340 and the strainer 344 as a unit with the adapter assembly
342, such as, for example, a detent mechanism, clips, snaps or
other fasteners. Irrespective of the particular fastening device,
the stopper head 340, the strainer 344 and/or the adapter assembly
342 are configured to enable separation of the stopper head 340 and
the strainer 344 as a unit from the adapter assembly 342 while the
adapter assembly 342 remains installed in the drain system 300 by
twisting, pulling, manipulating or otherwise interacting with the
stopper head 340 from within the interior of the fluid basin.
Advantageously, the stopper head 340 and the strainer 344 attached
thereto can therefore be removed as a unit by a user for cleaning
or servicing as desired.
[0087] As previously indicated, the stopper head 340 may include
coupling devices for selectively engaging the strainer 344. For
instance, the example embodiment includes a release mechanism 360
that may be actuated to release a pair of spring-biased latch
members 362 from engagement with a stopper head engagement feature
384 of the strainer 344. The strainer 344 may be released,
separated or detached from the stopper head 340 by actuating the
release mechanism 360 toward the central axis A.sub.3, for
example.
[0088] In some embodiments, the release mechanism 360 may be
substantially contained within the stopper head 340, as shown in
the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 20 and 21, with ends of the
spring-biased latch members 362 being accessible to a user at the
periphery of the stopper head 340. The spring-biased latch members
362 may be configured relative to a spring element (not visible)
such that latching ends (not visible) of the latch members 362 are
biased outwardly away from the central axis A.sub.3. A user may
actuate the latch members 362 by pressing exposed portions of the
latch members 362 inwardly against the bias of the spring element
to release the stopper head engagement feature 384 of the strainer
344 from the latch members 362 as the latching ends of the latch
members 362 move toward the central axis A.sub.3. The latching ends
may include sloped or ramped surfaces such that the stopper head
engagement feature 384 may be pressed into the stopper head 340 and
cause the latching ends of the latch members 362 to move inwardly
and then back outwardly to retain the stopper head engagement
feature 384 without use of the user-manipulable portions of the
latch members 362. Advantageously, a user can quickly snap the
stopper head 340 onto a replacement strainer 344 as needed. The
release mechanism 360 may be substantially contained within the
stopper head 340 between a cap portion 343 and a bottom housing
member 341. The cap portion 343 may include recesses for providing
access to the user-manipulable portions of the release mechanism
360. Although the user-manipulable portions of the release
mechanism 360 are shown as extending through the periphery of the
cap portion 343, in some embodiments, the user-manipulable portions
of the release mechanism 360 may be concealed beneath a cap or
cover that reflects those of conventional drain stoppers.
[0089] In other embodiments, the stopper head 340 and the strainer
344 may include other features for facilitating selective
engagement and disengagement of the same, such as, for example, a
detent mechanism, clips, snaps or other fasteners. Irrespective of
the particular release mechanism 360, in some embodiments, the
stopper head 340 and the strainer 344 are configured to enable
separation of the stopper head 340 from the strainer 344 after the
stopper head 340 and strainer 344 are removed as a cartridge 346
from the drain system 300. For example, in accordance with the
example embodiment shown in FIGS. 20 through 23, the strainer 344
is selectively detachable from the stopper head 340 without
requiring a user to touch or otherwise contact the strainer 344.
This may be particularly advantageous when replacing a strainer 344
that is soiled with debris, such as, for example, hair and other
matter that collects in the strainer 344 during use.
[0090] In some embodiments, the strainer 344 may include a body
portion defining a receptacle 370. The receptacle 370 may include a
sidewall 372 extending from a periphery of a base 374. Each of the
sidewall 372 and the base 374 may include a plurality of apertures
376 to form a strainer structure to strain fluid passing through
the receptacle 370 during operation of the drain system 300. The
receptacle 370 may be generally cylindrical and may encircle a
portion of the stopper head 340 and/or adapter body 342 when
installed for use. In some embodiments, the strainer 344 may taper
in a downstream direction such that, when the strainer 344 is in
position for use within the drain system 300 and a lower portion of
the strainer 344 is blocked with collected debris, fluid can bypass
the debris in the strainer 344 via the apertures in the sidewall
372 and a gap between the strainer 344 and the drain body 302 of
the drain system 300.
[0091] An upstream end of the strainer 344 may include a plurality
of flexible fingers 380 that splay outward from the central axis
A.sub.3 of the strainer 344. The fingers 380 may flex in response
to contact with the drain body 302 as the stopper assembly 310 is
drawn into the plug position. In the drain position, the fingers
380 may extend near or in close proximity to the drain body 302 or
may contact the drain body 302. In this manner, most of the fluid
and any matter passing into the drain system 300 inevitably passes
through the receptacle 370 of the strainer 344. The strainer 344
may include a stem 383 having a stopper head engagement feature 384
at an upper end thereof to detachably couple the strainer 344 to
the stopper head 340 to form the strainer cartridge 346. The
stopper head engagement feature 384 may include, for example, a
structure engageable by the spring-biased latch members 362 of the
stopper head 340, such as, for example, opposing ear members with
coupling apertures provided therein to receive latching ends of the
spring-biased latch members 362. In other embodiments, the
engagement feature may include a detent mechanism, clips, snaps or
other fastener devices. The stem 383 may extend in the direction of
the central axis A.sub.3 from a bottom end of the strainer 344 to
an upper end of the strainer 344. The stem or elongated member 383
may partially or completely surround an elongated portion of the
adapter assembly 342 when the strainer cartridge 346 is attached to
the adapter assembly 342. The stem or elongated member 383 may have
a central cavity or passage 388 through which the elongated portion
of the adapter assembly 342 may be insertably received during use.
The elongated portion of the adapter assembly 342 may be slender
and extend along the central axis A.sub.3 of the stopper assembly
310 to receive the strainer 344 thereabout.
[0092] With reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, the adapter assembly 342
may comprise a telescoping shaft assembly 353, 354 having a
threaded end 351 to engage the internal threaded hub 308 of the
drain body 302. The telescoping shaft assembly 353, 354 of the
adapter assembly 342 may be configured to telescope between the
plug position shown in FIG. 20 and the unplugged or drain position
shown in FIG. 21. For example, the shaft assembly 353, 354 may
include an inner shaft 353 and an outer shaft 354 wherein the inner
shaft 353 is extendable from the outer shaft 354 to facilitate
movement between the plug position shown in FIG. 20 and the
unplugged or drain position shown in FIG. 21. The outer shaft 354
may include a stop member 357 or other stop feature that rides in a
slot or aperture 358 in the inner shaft 353 to limit the travel of
the inner shaft 353 relative to the outer shaft 354, or vice versa.
A friction member 359 may also be provided between the inner shaft
353 and the outer shaft 354 to assist in holding the upper end of
the stopper head 340 at a desired position. As an example, the
friction member 359 may comprise an annular spring clip that is
coupled to the inner shaft 353 and applies a bias to the outer
shaft 354. In other instances, the friction member 359 may be an
o-ring or other device. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 the adapter
assembly 342 may further include a compression spring 364 or other
spring element positioned around the telescoping shaft assembly
353, 354 to bias the strainer 344 and hence strainer cartridge 346
upward to provide tension in the assembly.
[0093] With reference now to FIGS. 20 through 23, a method of using
the stopper assembly 310 to remove debris from a drain system of a
fluid basin will now be described. The method may begin with
installing the stopper assembly 310 in the drain system 300. Fluid
and debris may then be intermittently passed through the drain
system 300 as the fluid basin is used on a daily or periodic basis.
As the fluid and debris flows through the drain system 300, a
substantial portion passes through the strainer 344 of the stopper
assembly 310 and at least some or a significant portion of the
debris will become trapped in the strainer 344. Debris may
therefore accumulate in the strainer 344 over time. The strainer
344 may then be removed and cleaned or replaced as desired to clear
the drain system 300 of the collected debris.
[0094] In particular, and with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, the
strainer cartridge 346, which comprises the stopper head 340 and
the strainer 344 holding the debris, may be detached from the
adapter assembly 342, which remains installed within the drain
system 300 of the fluid basin. Detaching the strainer cartridge 346
may include, for example, rotating the strainer cartridge 346 about
the central axis A.sub.3 such that corresponding engagement
features provided between the strainer cartridge 346 and the
adapter assembly 342 disengage. For instance, the strainer
cartridge 346 may be rotated about ninety degrees or more relative
to the adapter assembly 342 such that the engagement between the
coupling members 356 of the adapter assembly 342 and the
corresponding coupling device or feature of the stem portion 352 of
the stopper head 340 is released. In other instances, the strainer
cartridge 346 and the adapter assembly 342 may be provided with a
detent mechanism, a clip, a snap or other fastener device, such
that the strainer cartridge 346 may be released after overcoming a
threshold force, such as by pulling the strainer cartridge 346
upwardly with sufficient force to overcome the threshold force
provided by the detent mechanism, clip, snap or other fastener
device.
[0095] After detaching the strainer cartridge 346, the strainer
cartridge 346 may be removed from the drain system 300 and
separated from the adapter assembly 342, while the adapter assembly
342 remains conveniently installed in the drain system 300. In this
manner, the strainer cartridge 346 can be quickly removed from the
drain system 300 with minimal effort and without disassembling the
drain system 300.
[0096] After removing the strainer cartridge 346 from the drain
system 300, the strainer 344 and the debris collected therein can
be released from the stopper head 340 by actuating the release
mechanism 360 on the stopper head 340 of the strainer cartridge
346. Actuating the release mechanism 360 may include, for example,
actuating a pair of opposing spring-biased latch members 362 to
release the strainer 344. Once released, the strainer 344 may fall
under the influence of gravity into a waste or compost receptacle.
Next, a replacement strainer 344 may be attached to the stopper
head 340 to form a replacement strainer cartridge 346, and the
replacement strainer cartridge 346 may be attached to the adapter
assembly 342 in the drain system 300. Alternatively, the debris
collected in the strainer 344 may be emptied into a waste or
compost receptacle and the strainer 344 reattached to the stopper
head 340 for reuse.
[0097] Other methods of removing debris or otherwise reducing
clogging of a drain system of a fluid basin may be provided in view
of the stopper assemblies, components and systems described herein.
For example, a method of reducing clogging may include installing a
strainer cartridge 346, comprising a stopper head 340 and a
strainer 344 coupled to the stopper head 340, into the drain system
300 of the fluid basin; operating the drain system with the
strainer cartridge 346 in position; removing the strainer cartridge
346 from the drain system after the strainer 344 has captured
debris; operating a release mechanism 360 of the strainer cartridge
346 to release the strainer 344 and debris from the stopper head
340; attaching a replacement strainer 344 to the stopper head 340
to form a replacement strainer cartridge 346; and installing the
replacement strainer cartridge 346 into the drain system 300 of the
fluid basin.
[0098] Moreover, aspects and features of the various embodiments
described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All
of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S.
patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications
and non-patent publications referred to in this specification
and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, including U.S.
provisional patent application No. 62/110,364, filed Jan. 30, 2015,
are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of
the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of
the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet
further embodiments.
[0099] These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in
light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the
following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit
the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the
specification and the claims, but should be construed to include
all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents
to which such claims are entitled.
* * * * *