Drain structure
United States Patent 3895401
A drain structure connecting a sink with a waste line. The entire drain structure is outside the horizontally projected extent of the sink so as to optimize the capacity of the sink. A vertically extending screen extending upwardly from the bottom of the sink is substantially coplanar with one sidewall of the sink so as to enhance drainage. A vertically extending tubular valve member outside of the confines of the sink is used to open and close the drain line and is actuatable from above the sink top. Said valve member acts as an indicator of whether the drain is open or closed and also provides an overflow. The valve member may be readily removed for cleaning or replacement.
US Patent References:
Valve
Rost - April 1928 - 1666583
Demountable drain strainer
Alland - December 1931 - 1835447
Valve
Rost - April 1928 - 1666583
Demountable drain strainer
Alland - December 1931 - 1835447
Application Number:
05/462998
Publication Date:
07/22/1975
Filing Date:
04/22/1974
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
4/653, 4/652
International Classes:
E03C1/232; E03C1/26; E03C1/22; E03C1/232
Field of Search:
4/187R,189,190,198-204,287
Primary Examiner:
Smith, Robert I.
Claims:
I claim
1. A drain structure for a sink having sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom wall comprising:
2. A drain structure according to claim 1 wherein an elongated valve member is positioned in said housing extending upwardly from said drain conduit and terminating adjacent said top wall, said member being formed at its lower end to close said drain conduit.
3. A drain structure according to claim 2 wherein said housing is formed with guide means for slidably receiving said valve member, means adjacent said top wall for holding said valve member in an elevated position with said lower end spaced upwardly from said drain conduit for opening said drain conduit.
4. A drain structure according to claim 3 wherein said valve member is tubular and is provided with an overflow opening in its sidewalls spaced substantially above said lower end.
5. A drain structure according to claim 4 wherein said valve member is removable through said top wall to permit cleaning and replacing the same.
6. A drain structure according to claim 1 wherein said quick release means comprises hook portions on said screen and ears on said housing.
7. A drain structure according to claim 6 wherein said hook portions and ears are at the upper portion only of said screen.
8. A drain structure for a sink having sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom wall comprising:
9. A drain structure according to claim 8 wherein said housing is formed with guide means for slidably receiving said valve member, means adjacent said top wall for holding said valve member in an elevated position with said lower end spaced upwardly from said drain conduit for opening said drain conduit.
10. A drain structure according to claim 8 wherein said valve member is tubular and is provided with an overflow opening in its sidewalls spaced substantially above said lower end.
1. A drain structure for a sink having sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom wall comprising:
2. A drain structure according to claim 1 wherein an elongated valve member is positioned in said housing extending upwardly from said drain conduit and terminating adjacent said top wall, said member being formed at its lower end to close said drain conduit.
3. A drain structure according to claim 2 wherein said housing is formed with guide means for slidably receiving said valve member, means adjacent said top wall for holding said valve member in an elevated position with said lower end spaced upwardly from said drain conduit for opening said drain conduit.
4. A drain structure according to claim 3 wherein said valve member is tubular and is provided with an overflow opening in its sidewalls spaced substantially above said lower end.
5. A drain structure according to claim 4 wherein said valve member is removable through said top wall to permit cleaning and replacing the same.
6. A drain structure according to claim 1 wherein said quick release means comprises hook portions on said screen and ears on said housing.
7. A drain structure according to claim 6 wherein said hook portions and ears are at the upper portion only of said screen.
8. A drain structure for a sink having sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom wall comprising:
9. A drain structure according to claim 8 wherein said housing is formed with guide means for slidably receiving said valve member, means adjacent said top wall for holding said valve member in an elevated position with said lower end spaced upwardly from said drain conduit for opening said drain conduit.
10. A drain structure according to claim 8 wherein said valve member is tubular and is provided with an overflow opening in its sidewalls spaced substantially above said lower end.
Description:
This invention relates to a drain structure for a sink and is particularly applicable to those applications wherein it is desirable to provide optimum screening of the waste water to prevent the debris in the waste water from reaching the drain line.
The main object of the present invention is the provision of a drain structure for a sink which permits the sink to be used to its optimum capacity.
Another object of the invention is the provision of a drain structure which does not include any projections projecting into the sink space and at the same time permits opening and closing of the drain in a simple and convenient manner.
Still another object of the invention is a drain structure wherein the valve member is employed as an overflow and also provides a visual indication of whether the drain is open or closed.
Other objects and advantages will be seen from the following specification and from the drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a side elevation of one of the sidewalls of a sink showing a preferred form of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a vertical cross section of the sidewall of FIG. 1 and through the drain structure.
FIGS. 3-5 are horizontal cross sections of the invention taken in planes indicated in FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but with the screen removed.
FIG. 7 is a vertical section taken in a plane indicated by lines 7--7 of FIG. 6 and showing the screen and housing in exploded relation.
FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 but with the screen secured to the housing and with the valve member in open position.
A preferred form of the invention is shown in association with a sink structure which includes a sidewall 1, a bottom wall 2, and a top wall 3. Only one sidewall 1 is shown in the drawings and it will be understood that additional sidewalls are provided to define the sink space. The drainboard or top wall 3 of the sink structure is shown in FIGS. 1-2 and it will be seen that the entire drain structure is completely outside of the horizontally projected area of the sink structure. This is an important feature of the invention as will be seen later on.
As best seen in FIG. 2, the sidewall 1 of the sink is provided with a generally rectangular vertically elongated opening 4 which extends from the bottom 2 of the sink to a point closely adjacent the top wall 3. Around the exterior side of opening 4, sidewall 1 is provided with a channel structure generally designated 5 extending around the entire periphery of the rectangular opening 4. Secured to said channel member is a housing generally designated 8, the shape of which is best seen in FIGS. 3,4,5. This housing is formed with a flange which is generally rectangular in configuration and adapted to be received within the rectangular channel member 5. Preferably a strong water-tight adhesive indicated at 10 is provided in the channel member 5 and the housing 8 is pressed against said adhesive with the flange 9 entering the rectangular opening defined by the channel 5.
As best seen in FIG. 2, the housing 8 is formed at its lower end to provide a drain conduit generally designated 11. This drain conduit is of course secured to a drain line (not shown) and is formed at its upper end to provide a frustoconical portion 12 which acts as a seat for a valve element 13 secured to the lower end of an elongated pipe 14.
The pipe 14 extends at its upper end through a sleeve 17 which is fixedly secured to the sink top 3. The upper extremity of pipe 14 is fixedly secured to a head 18 which is preferably provided with a central aperture 19 so that the discharge end of a swingable faucet may be positioned above the head 18 in registration with the hole 19 in the event such faucet is dripping and it is desired not to permit it to drip into the sink or onto other articles.
As best seen in FIG. 1 the head 18 is provided with a downwardly extending projection 21 which is received in an upwardly opening recess 22 formed on the sleeve 17. When the head 18 is in the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the valve element 13 at the lower end of pipe 14 is in engagement with the seat 12 thus closing the valve. When it is desired to open the valve it is merely necessary to raise the head 18 and rotate the same about its axis to bring the downwardly directed projection 21 out of registration with the slot 22 and to a position resting on top of sleeve 17 as seen in FIG. 8. It will be noted that the position of the head 18 provides a visual indication of whether the drain valve is open or closed.
An important feature of the present invention is that the sink space may be used to an optimum degree without interference by either the drain or the screen that is used to prevent debris from being carried to the drain in the waste water. The screen of the present invention is generally designated 26 and is best seen in FIG. 1. This screen 26 is preferably cast to provide a plurality of rows of holes 27 which, for optimum efficiency, should be vertically elongated as shown in FIG. 1. The screen 26 is provided adjacent its upper end with a pair of finger holes by which the user may apply and remove the screen when desired. As best seen in FIG. 7 the screen 26 is formed at its upper end with a pair of inwardly and downwardly directed hook portions 30, 31 (see also FIG. 3) and which hook portions are adapted to engage ears 32, 33 (FIG. 6) formed on the housing 8. Similarly a second pair of hook portions 38, 39 are formed on the screen 26 about centrally between the upper and lower ends of the latter and these hook portions engage a pair of ears 40, 41 formed on the housing 8.
By the above described structure it will be noted that it is a simple matter for the user to apply and remove the screen without the necessity of loosening or tightening any fasteners. The screen is removed by a simple upward and inward movement relative to the sink space and is simply applied in the reverse manner. It will be noted that by applying the ears 32, 33, 40, 41 above the center of gravity of the screen 26, that the latter swings naturally into its proper position when applied to the housing.
As best seen in FIG. 6, the housing 8 is formed to provide an upper cylindrical bearing portion 45 which carries the ears 32, 33, 40, 41. This bearing portion also slidably receives therethrough the pipe 14 which also acts as an elongated valve member. The bearing portion 45 is formed with a relatively large aperture 46 spaced upwardly a considerable distance from the bottom 2 of the sink, and the pipe 14, at a point registering with aperture 46, is formed with a smaller aperture 47 which acts as an overflow for the sink. The invention contemplates the provision of interchangeable pipes 14 of different length to suit different depths of sinks and also contemplates the provision of overflow holes 47 at different elevations from the drain so as to give the user the option of selecting whatever water level is desired.
The above described invention has numerous advantages over conventional drain structures. First it will be noted that there is no drain opening in the sink proper to be obstructed by articles in the sink. In addition, the drainage from the sink takes place along a substantial depth of the sink sidewall in which the screen is placed, thereby permitting the draining of the sink to be carried out more efficiently. Furthermore, the pipe 14 may be readily removed for cleaning or replacement by simply lifting it through the sleeve 14 and the screen 26 is also readily replaceable for cleaning.
Although the quick release means on the screen 26 is one of the important advantages of the present invention, it may be that in certain applications it is desirable to prevent release of the screen, as by a child. In such a case the invention contemplates the provision of a clip or a locking screw to prevent the screen from being readily released. For the same reason, locking means may be provided on the valve member 14 to prevent actuation of the same. Such means for preventing removal of the screen 26 and actuation of valve member 14 may be particularly applicable when the drain structure is employed in a bathtub.
The main object of the present invention is the provision of a drain structure for a sink which permits the sink to be used to its optimum capacity.
Another object of the invention is the provision of a drain structure which does not include any projections projecting into the sink space and at the same time permits opening and closing of the drain in a simple and convenient manner.
Still another object of the invention is a drain structure wherein the valve member is employed as an overflow and also provides a visual indication of whether the drain is open or closed.
Other objects and advantages will be seen from the following specification and from the drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a side elevation of one of the sidewalls of a sink showing a preferred form of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a vertical cross section of the sidewall of FIG. 1 and through the drain structure.
FIGS. 3-5 are horizontal cross sections of the invention taken in planes indicated in FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but with the screen removed.
FIG. 7 is a vertical section taken in a plane indicated by lines 7--7 of FIG. 6 and showing the screen and housing in exploded relation.
FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 but with the screen secured to the housing and with the valve member in open position.
A preferred form of the invention is shown in association with a sink structure which includes a sidewall 1, a bottom wall 2, and a top wall 3. Only one sidewall 1 is shown in the drawings and it will be understood that additional sidewalls are provided to define the sink space. The drainboard or top wall 3 of the sink structure is shown in FIGS. 1-2 and it will be seen that the entire drain structure is completely outside of the horizontally projected area of the sink structure. This is an important feature of the invention as will be seen later on.
As best seen in FIG. 2, the sidewall 1 of the sink is provided with a generally rectangular vertically elongated opening 4 which extends from the bottom 2 of the sink to a point closely adjacent the top wall 3. Around the exterior side of opening 4, sidewall 1 is provided with a channel structure generally designated 5 extending around the entire periphery of the rectangular opening 4. Secured to said channel member is a housing generally designated 8, the shape of which is best seen in FIGS. 3,4,5. This housing is formed with a flange which is generally rectangular in configuration and adapted to be received within the rectangular channel member 5. Preferably a strong water-tight adhesive indicated at 10 is provided in the channel member 5 and the housing 8 is pressed against said adhesive with the flange 9 entering the rectangular opening defined by the channel 5.
As best seen in FIG. 2, the housing 8 is formed at its lower end to provide a drain conduit generally designated 11. This drain conduit is of course secured to a drain line (not shown) and is formed at its upper end to provide a frustoconical portion 12 which acts as a seat for a valve element 13 secured to the lower end of an elongated pipe 14.
The pipe 14 extends at its upper end through a sleeve 17 which is fixedly secured to the sink top 3. The upper extremity of pipe 14 is fixedly secured to a head 18 which is preferably provided with a central aperture 19 so that the discharge end of a swingable faucet may be positioned above the head 18 in registration with the hole 19 in the event such faucet is dripping and it is desired not to permit it to drip into the sink or onto other articles.
As best seen in FIG. 1 the head 18 is provided with a downwardly extending projection 21 which is received in an upwardly opening recess 22 formed on the sleeve 17. When the head 18 is in the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the valve element 13 at the lower end of pipe 14 is in engagement with the seat 12 thus closing the valve. When it is desired to open the valve it is merely necessary to raise the head 18 and rotate the same about its axis to bring the downwardly directed projection 21 out of registration with the slot 22 and to a position resting on top of sleeve 17 as seen in FIG. 8. It will be noted that the position of the head 18 provides a visual indication of whether the drain valve is open or closed.
An important feature of the present invention is that the sink space may be used to an optimum degree without interference by either the drain or the screen that is used to prevent debris from being carried to the drain in the waste water. The screen of the present invention is generally designated 26 and is best seen in FIG. 1. This screen 26 is preferably cast to provide a plurality of rows of holes 27 which, for optimum efficiency, should be vertically elongated as shown in FIG. 1. The screen 26 is provided adjacent its upper end with a pair of finger holes by which the user may apply and remove the screen when desired. As best seen in FIG. 7 the screen 26 is formed at its upper end with a pair of inwardly and downwardly directed hook portions 30, 31 (see also FIG. 3) and which hook portions are adapted to engage ears 32, 33 (FIG. 6) formed on the housing 8. Similarly a second pair of hook portions 38, 39 are formed on the screen 26 about centrally between the upper and lower ends of the latter and these hook portions engage a pair of ears 40, 41 formed on the housing 8.
By the above described structure it will be noted that it is a simple matter for the user to apply and remove the screen without the necessity of loosening or tightening any fasteners. The screen is removed by a simple upward and inward movement relative to the sink space and is simply applied in the reverse manner. It will be noted that by applying the ears 32, 33, 40, 41 above the center of gravity of the screen 26, that the latter swings naturally into its proper position when applied to the housing.
As best seen in FIG. 6, the housing 8 is formed to provide an upper cylindrical bearing portion 45 which carries the ears 32, 33, 40, 41. This bearing portion also slidably receives therethrough the pipe 14 which also acts as an elongated valve member. The bearing portion 45 is formed with a relatively large aperture 46 spaced upwardly a considerable distance from the bottom 2 of the sink, and the pipe 14, at a point registering with aperture 46, is formed with a smaller aperture 47 which acts as an overflow for the sink. The invention contemplates the provision of interchangeable pipes 14 of different length to suit different depths of sinks and also contemplates the provision of overflow holes 47 at different elevations from the drain so as to give the user the option of selecting whatever water level is desired.
The above described invention has numerous advantages over conventional drain structures. First it will be noted that there is no drain opening in the sink proper to be obstructed by articles in the sink. In addition, the drainage from the sink takes place along a substantial depth of the sink sidewall in which the screen is placed, thereby permitting the draining of the sink to be carried out more efficiently. Furthermore, the pipe 14 may be readily removed for cleaning or replacement by simply lifting it through the sleeve 14 and the screen 26 is also readily replaceable for cleaning.
Although the quick release means on the screen 26 is one of the important advantages of the present invention, it may be that in certain applications it is desirable to prevent release of the screen, as by a child. In such a case the invention contemplates the provision of a clip or a locking screw to prevent the screen from being readily released. For the same reason, locking means may be provided on the valve member 14 to prevent actuation of the same. Such means for preventing removal of the screen 26 and actuation of valve member 14 may be particularly applicable when the drain structure is employed in a bathtub.