Basket Assemblies For Sink Strainers

Abstract

A basket assembly for a sink strainer characterized in that the lower end of the stem of the basket constitutes a pilot element to project through a slot or opening in the partition in the strainer body and the stem is provided with thread means above the pilot element, the root diameter of the thread means being less and the maximum diameter being greater than the minimum dimension or width of the partition opening or slot and the axial spacing of adjoining thread portions being greater than the thickness of the partition, the arrangement being such that the thread means constitutes on the one hand, a ledge formation adapted to support the basket assembly on the partition in its open position clear of its seat and on the other hand a screw feed means co-operating with the partition to positively advance the basket assembly to a closed position against its seat.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to improvements in sink strainers and more particularly to basket assemblies therefor.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The usual sink strainer comprises a body which is mounted in the sink drain opening and this body is in the form of a well at the bottom of which is a seat against which the basket assembly is adapted to seat. Below the basket seat there is a partition which is normally provided centrally with an elongated slot surrounded by a plurality of drain openings. The basket assembly is usually provided with a stem the lower end of which is shaped to correspond to the slot so that when it is in registration with the slot it will drop therethrough allowing the basket assembly to drop down against the strainer body.

In any other relative orientation of the stem and the slot the basket assembly will be prevented from dropping down on its seat and will allow water to freely drain away through the drain openings in the partition.

With such conventional basket assembly arrangements the operator must hunt blindly to register the stem with the slot in order to enable the basket to drop down on the strainer body in order to close the drain opening. This operation is particularly difficult if the hands of the operator are wet or soapy as the means of manipulating the basket assembly is simply a small diameter head on the stem. Also manipulation is rendered difficult if there are any obstructions in the sink such as dishes or the like.

Even a more serious disadvantage of the present basket assemblies is that the sealing of the sink is at best minimal because reliance is simply made on the weight of the basket resting on the body seat with the result that invariably drainage occurs and over a period of time the sink will usually completely drain. Occasionally also when water is being run into the sink the basket stem will inadvertently be placed in registration with the slot and the basket will drop on its seat. If the person at the sink should then leave the sink the sink will overflow with the consequent water damage.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

An important object of the present invention is to provide a basket assembly which can be used with the standard strainer body without modification thereof and which will eliminate the above recited disadvantages of the present conventional basket assemblies. More particularly it is an object of the invention to provide a basket assembly which can be operated to seal or drain the sink without the blind hunting operation presently required in attempting to orient the stem with the slot.

Another and important object is to enable a positive seal to be achieved between the basket assembly and the strainer body to preclude undesired loss of water from the sink while at the same time requiring a positive action of the operator to effect such seal so that the sink is not inadvertently prevented from draining.

Still another object is to provide a basket assembly which can be much more conveniently and securely gripped than existing basket assemblies. Again it is an object to provide a basket assembly as aforesaid which will be of economical construction.

According to the invention the basket assembly is provided with a stem having thread means formed thereon the inner or root diameter of which is less than the smallest dimension of the partition opening, i.e. the width of the partition slot and the outer diameter of which is greater than such dimension and the axial spacing of adjoining threads is greater than the thickness of the partition. Further, the stem is provided with a pilot extension below the thread adapted to project through such partition opening, the thread means constituting on the one hand a ledge formation adapted to support the basket assembly on the partition in its open position and on the other hand a screw feed means to cooperate with opposing edges of the partition opening to enable the basket assembly to be positively advanced on rotation thereof to its closed position against the body seat.

Further according to the invention the basket assembly is provided with a compressible ring on the underside thereof adapted to be positively drawn into seating engagement by the thread means and placed under compression to effect a complete sink seal regardless of any play between the thread means and the co-operating edges of the partition opening or any off-center relationship of the stem in the partition slot.

Further according to the preferred form of the invention the stem is provided with a double thread with the diametrically opposed portions of the opposing threads forming ledge means on opposite sides of the stem axis lying generally in a plane prependicular to the stem axis.

Further according to the invention to facilitate rotation of the threaded stem and basket assembly the stem is provided with a winged handle of a very simple form attached to the spindle in a very simple manner.

These and other objects and features of the invention will be understood with reference to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a basket assembly embodying the invention ready to be assembled into a conventional strainer body partly broken away.

FIG. 2 is a mid vertical sectional view of the basket assembly of FIG. 1 showing its stem spigot projected through the slot in the strainer body and the thread ledges resting on the partition at each side of the slot holding the basket assembly in its upper sink draining position.

FIG. 3 is a broken away part vertical sectional part elevation view showing the basket assembly clamped in sink sealing position under a positive seal applied by threading the spindle down through the slot in the body partition.

FIG. 4 is a broken away underside plan view of the basket assembly illustrating the double thread arrangement on the stem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1 there is shown the usual strainer body 1 commonly found in existing sink installations. Such strainer body comprises a well 2 depending from a flange 3, the well terminating in a seat 4 at the entrance to a cylindrical extension 5 at the lower end of which is a partition 6 having a centrally disposed elongated slot 7 surrounded by a series of enlarged drain openings 8. The partition body is adapted to be mounted in a sink (not shown) being supported by the flange 3 from the bottom wall of the sink and with the well 2 projecting through the sink drain opening. The connection between the strainer body 1 and the drainpipe (not shown) is accomplished by a suitable fitting such as the sleeve 9 which may, if desired, be threaded in the usual manner.

The basket assembly of the invention generally designated as at 10 has the usual basket 11 which is adapted to fit down into the well 2 in the strainer body. This basket is provided with the usual perforations 12 and the function of the basket is to collect waste in the sink while allowing the water to drain through the perforations 12 and through the partition openings 8.

Extending through the centre of the basket 11 is a stem generally designated at 13 having an enlarged upper end 14 forming a shoulder 15 to seat against the bottom of the basket. The reduced lower end 16 extends through a central opening in the basket indicated at 17 and sleeved on the stem end 16 is an inverted cup shaped washer 18 having an outwardly extending flange 19, beneath which is clamped an annular resilient sealing washer or gasket 20 formed of neoprene or similar material, the members 18 and 20 being secured on the stem by a flange 20' formed on the stem 16.

The lower end of the stem portion 16 is provided with a thread formation generally designated at 21 in the form of a double thread comprising thread form 22a commencing at one side of the axis of the stem as indicated in FIG. 4 and a corresponding thread form 22b starting at a point diametrically opposite to the thread 22a with corresponding portions of the threads lying generally in a plane perpendicular to the stem axis. The terminii 23a and 23b of the threads 22a and 22b may be bevelled as illustrated at FIG. 4 to assist downward starting movement of the basket assembly in the sealing of the sink as hereinafter more fully described.

The upper end 14 of the stem 13 is provided with a transverse bore 24 therethrough, through which is projected a round bar 25 which has its ends flattened as at 26 to form a wing-shaped handle, the flattened ends 26 providing convenient gripping members and additionally anchoring the bar 25 in the bore 24. It is understood that a further example of a gripping means is provided by flattening the upper end 14 of the stem. This flattening of the upper end results in two flat surfaces which are substantially broader than the diameter of the stem 13 thereby providing suitable gripping means to which sufficient force may be applied to turn the basket assembly 10.

In the operation of the strainer body the terminii 23a and 23b of the threads 22a and 22b form ledge means lying generally in a common plane perpendicular to and on opposite sides of the stem axis to engage the sides of the slot 7 in the partition 6. It will be understood that in addition to such terminii 23a and 23b, all similarly corresponding thread portions will constitute ledge means as the stem is advanced through the slot. It will also be noted that the threads 22a and 22b terminate short of the lower end of the stem and this lower end constitutes a pilot extension 28 of a diameter less than the width of the slot 7 so that it can project through the slot.

The diameter of this pilot extension 28 corresponds to the root diameter of the threads 22a and 22b which root diameter is of a dimension less than the minimum dimension of the partition opening, i.e. less than the width of the slot 7, so that the threaded portion of the stem can be advanced through the slot on rotation thereof. On the other hand the outside diameter of the threads 22a and 22b is greater than such minimum partition opening dimension, i.e. greater than the width of the slot 7, so that the threads form ledge means blocking advance of the stem axially through the slot unless the stem is rotated. The pitch of the threads 22a and 22b of course is such that the axial separation of adjacent thread portions is sufficient to accommodate the thickness of the partition 6 with sufficient clearance to allow limited tilting of the stem relative to the slot.

With the basket assembly resting on the ledge formation presented by the thread terminii 23a and 23b, the basket is held in an upright position with the annular washer or gasket 20 clear of the strainer body seat 4. In this position the water can run down beneath the basket and through the cylindrical extension 5 of the strainer body and out the drain openings 8. Larger pieces of waste will at the same time be collected in the basket, but the basket can drain through the perforations 12.

The basket assembly is at this point free to be lifted out of the well and dumped. When it is desired to seal off the sink, the operator simply grips the handle end 26, rotates the stem to cause the thread formation 21 to advance the basket assembly downwardly until the sealing ring formed by the washer or gasket 20 is drawn into firm compressed seating relation on the strainer body seat 4 as seen in FIG. 3. The net result is that a completely positive seal is achieved which precludes any unwanted drainage of the sink.

The basket assembly can be released at any time simply by reversing the direction of rotation of the stem 13 to move it to or toward its position illustrated in FIG. 2.

It may be that the basket assembly after having been removed to discard the collected waste is placed back in the well 2 off centre so that the pilot 28 is towards one end of the slot with the basket assembly slightly tilted. Rotation of the stem however will still cause the basket assembly to be advanced downwardly with its start facilitated by the bevelled ends 23a and 23b of the threads 22a and 22b, and the compressibility of the gasket 20 will accommodate any off centre relationship by displacing under compression to snugly fit completely around the seat 4.

While the basket assembly of the invention has been shown used in association with a strainer body having a slot in the bottom partitions, the invention will be equally applicable where the partition has a central circular or other shaped opening. In each case the root diameter of the thread will be such as to be less than the minimum dimension of the partition opening while the threads themselves will have a diameter greater than such dimension and the clearance between adjoining threads will be such as to accommodate the partition thickness with sufficient clearance to allow for any slight deviation of the stem from a vertical position as it is advanced through the central opening.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown, it will be understood that a single thread could be used or for that matter, three threads could be used and other variations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention or scope of the appended claims.

Claims

I claim:

1. A basket assembly comprising a basket for a sink strainer wherein the basket assembly is adapted to be received in a well in a strainer body member mounted in the bottom of a sink and in communication with a substantially vertical sink drain sleeve, the basket assembly having a downwardly extending stem adapted for co-operation with a perforated substantially horizontal partition adjacent the bottom of the strainer body wherein in one relationship the stem supports the basket assembly on the partition in an open position clear of a seat provided in the body for draining of the sink and in another position the stem projects through a slot in the partition to cause the basket assembly to seat against the body seat to prevent draining of the sink, characterized in that the stem of said basket assembly is provided with thread means thereon terminating short of the lower end of said stem, the lower end of said stem forming a pilot adapted to extend through the partition opening with said basket assembly in its open position, said thread means having an outer thread diameter greater and a root diameter less than the width of the partition slot and a pitch such that the spacing of adjoining threads is greater than the thickness of the partition, and said thread means comprising a double thread, said double thread presenting thread portions lying generally in a plane substantially perpendicular to the stem axis and on opposite sides thereof, said thread portions constituting on the one hand a ledge formation adapted to support said basket assembly on the partition in its open position with said pilot projecting through said partition slot and on the other hand a screw feed means to co-operate with opposing edges of the partition slot to enable said basket assembly to be positively advanced on rotation thereof to its closed position against the body seat, a portion of said double thread extending beyond said partition where said thread portions which are adjacent the underside of said partition are in contact therewith when said basket assembly is in said closed position.

2. A basket assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which said basket assembly is provided with a compressible gasket on the underside thereof adapted to engage the seat formed on a strainer body member and to be compressed into intimate sealing contact therewith under positive advance of said basket assembly by said screw thread means regardless of any play between said thread means and said slot edge and of any displacement of said stem relative to the center of the length of said slot.

3. A basket assembly as claimed in claim 2 in which said stem projects upwardly to adjacent the upper surface of said basket assembly and is provided with a handle thereon.

4. A basket assembly as claimed in claim 2 in which said thread means comprises a pair of threads disposed in 180.degree. relation, the axial separation of adjoining thread portions being greater than the thickness of the partition, said pair of threads presenting on opposite sides of the stem axis thread portions lying generally in a plane perpendicular to the stem axis, said thread portions constituting said ledge means.

5. A basket assembly for co-operation with a sink strainer having a slotted partition comprising a basket, a longitudinal stem projecting downwardly from said basket, said stem having double threads formed thereon, said threads terminating at substantially diametrically opposed points adjacent the lower end of said stem, the terminal portions of said threads projecting outwardly from said stem to provide support ledges disposed on opposite sides of and lying generally in a common plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stem, said stem extending as an unthreaded pilot projection below said support ledges and adapted to project through a slot in a strainer body partition with said support ledges resting on opposed sides of the width of the slot, said threads having a root diameter less and an outer diameter greater than the width of the slot of a strainer body partition with which it is adapted to co-operate and an axial spacing of adjoining thread portions greater than the thickness of such partition and when said basket assembly is in closed position in said sink strainer, a portion of said double thread extends beyond said partition where diametrically opposed portions of said double thread which are adjacent the underside of said partition are in contact therewith.

6. A basket assembly as claimed in claim 5 in which said basket assembly is provided with a compressible seat on the underside thereof adapted to engage the seat formed on a strainer body member and to be compressed into intimate sealing contact therewith under positive advance of said basket assembly by said double threads.

7. A basket assembly as claimed in claim 6 in which said stem projects upwardly to adjacent the upper surface of said basket assembly and is provided with a handle thereon.

8. A basket assembly as claimed in claim 7 in which said handle comprises a bar projecting through a bore extending through said stem adjacent the upper end thereof and perpendicular to the stem axis, said bar having flattened ends on opposite sides of said stem bore.