Not Applicable
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to drain strainers and stoppers. More particularly the present invention is directed to a combination flexible drain strainer and stopper which may be inserted into a drain opening and utilized to collect particulate matter while provide a plumbing fixture, such as a kitchen sink, with one or more drainage rates. The present invention is also directed to drain strainer capable of completely stopping drainage as desired.
2. Description of the Related Art
Strainers for use in sinks and other plumbing fixtures are common place in many homes and businesses. Such strainers are typically found in sinks, tubs, and other fixtures where they are utilized to prevent particulate matter such as food, hair and other potentially plumbing unfriendly items form passing out of the fixture and down the drain.
Most strainers are somewhat permanently affixed above or within the drain opening of a plumbing fixture. While many strainers may be removed from the drain, removal may require that the strainer be pried out using a screw driver or other tool, or otherwise be removed with some difficulty. Where a sink includes a recessed or built in strainer, supplemental strainers have been developed to prevent particulate accumulation on such built in strainers, as such build up may accumulate and impede water flow.
An example of such a supplemental strainer is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,134,162 wherein a supplemental and disposable strainer is shown which has a conical straining surface which is secured over the drain opening and which projects upwardly above the bottom of the sink. While such a strainer is easily removed from the drain opening, the inherent shape, of the strainer makes it difficult to collect and dispose of particulate which may have accumulated thereabout. In addition, the strainer described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,134,162 does not disclose a means for adjusting the flow rate through the strainer or provide a plug which could be used to readily stop drainage through the strainer.
While many sinks do not have a built in strainer within or over there drain openings. However, there are examples of upwardly projecting strainers for use with such drains. For example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,724,684 to Paar describes a raised strainer having a threaded region with a straining region mounted thereon. In Paar the threaded region may be threaded into a drain opening to allow the straining region to protrude upward into a sink. Paar also indicates that the use of a putty such as plumber""s putty is needed to provide a water tight seal between the straining region and the sink surface. Again such a strainer does not provide for ready cessation of drain flow and does not provide for the ability to easily remove particulate which may accumulate thereon.
Some other strainers have been developed which may be inserted into a drain basket so as to provide a removable strainer which may collect particulate therein. For example U.S. Pat. No. 3,982,289 to Robbins describes a disposable sink strainer which is shaped to fit complimentarily into a conventional sink strainer. While the Robbins sink strainer may easily be removed so as to dispose of particles which have accumulated therein, Robbins does not provide a strainer having more than one flow rate, or a means of stopping flow as is desired.
The present invention provides for a drain strainer that is removably securable to the bottom of a plumbing fixture, such as a sink, and which is constructed and arranged so as to encircle the drain opening therein. The present invention provides a fixture with a strainer capable of straining particulate matter out of a fluid flowing therethrough and which may be removed for cleaning and easy disposal of the particulate accumulated therein. As indicated, the present strainer may be provided with unique plug assembly which may be used to partially restrict the flow of fluid therethrough and which may be adjusted within the strainer to prevent flow altogether.
The present invention is made of a flexible material or materials such as rubber, polymer and/or polymer-like materials. The present strainer and plug are of relatively low cost and may easily be replaced if needed. In addition, the present strainer and plug may be installed and removed from a drain opening without the use of tools or sealants.
In light of the above, the present invention provides for a low cost sink strainer and an optional plug which may be inserted into a drain opening of any open plumbing fixture.
In at least one embodiment of the invention, the strainer may include an annular ring which provides the strainer with the ability to be self supporting within an open drain and form a seal around the drain to ensure that water flows through the strainer surface. Additionally, the annular ring provides for improved strainer capacity.
In at least one embodiment of the invention, the strainer may be utilized in conjunction with a plug to restrict or prevent water flow.
In at least one embodiment of the invention, the material is flexible and resistant to cutting, tearing, scratching and heat.