UNIVERSAL DRAIN STOPPER AND CLEANING SYSTEM

Abstract

A drain stopper assembly to reduce the growth of microbes within a drain is disclosed, including a support rod extending between a cap and a bottom portion. A pivot rod holder is positioned at an end of the bottom portion. A water separator is positioned at a top portion of the support rod, and a screen slidingly engaged between the support rod and the water separator. The drain stopper is removably insertable into a drain to extend between the drain opening and a waterline at the drain trap.

Claims

1. A drain stopper assembly to reduce the growth of microbes within a drain, comprising: a support rod extending between a cap and a bottom portion; a pivot rod holder positioned at an end of the bottom portion; a water separator positioned at a top portion of the support rod; and a screen slidingly engaged between the support rod and the water separator, wherein the drain stopper is removably insertable into a drain to extend between the drain opening and a waterline at a drain trap.

2. The drain stopper assembly of claim 1, wherein the cap is threadingly engaged with a receiver positioned at a top of the water separator.

3. The drain stopper assembly of claim 1, wherein one or more of the cap, the support rod and the water separator are constructed of anti-microbial plastic.

4. The drain stopper assembly of claim 1, wherein the support rod is constructed of stainless steel or zinc-coated metal.

5. The drain stopper assembly of claim 1, wherein the pivot rod holder includes a plurality of slots to attach to a pivot rod.

6. The drain stopper assembly of claim 4, wherein the pivot rod holder is comprised of one or more recessed sections to enable the breakaway and shortening of the pivot rod holder.

7. The drain stopper assembly of claim 1, further comprising a two-prong bristle brush to facilitate cleaning of the drain upon removal of the drain stopper assembly.

8. The drain stopper assembly of claim 1, wherein the screen is configured to catch foreign objects entering the drain.

9. The drain stopper assembly of claim 1, wherein a top end of the support rod is threaded to threadingly engage with a bottom of the water separator.

10. The drain stopper assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of washers to enable the universal fit between the cap and the drain opening.

11. The drain stopper assembly of claim 1, wherein the cap is provided in a set or a kit having a plurality of caps each having a finish applied thereto, wherein the finish enable a user to match the finish of the cap with the finish of the drain opening.

12. A drain stopper assembly to reduce the growth of microbes within a drain, comprising: a support rod extending between an interchangeable cap and a bottom portion, the bottom portion including a pivot rod holder to attach to a pivot rod, the pivot rod to operate a pop-up stopper configured to selectively open and close a drain opening; a water separator attached at a top portion of the support rod; and a screen attached between the support rod and the water separator; one or more spacers to selectively lengthen the support rod to enable the bottom portion to extend to the waterline at a drain trap. wherein the drain stopper is removably insertable into a drain opening to enable the efficient cleaning and replacement of the drain stopper assembly.

13. The drain stopper assembly of claim 12, wherein the cap is threadingly engaged with a receiver positioned at a top of the water separator.

14. The drain stopper assembly of claim 12, wherein one or more of the cap, the support rod and the water separator are constructed of anti-microbial plastic.

15. The drain stopper assembly of claim 12, wherein the support rod is constructed of stainless steel or zinc-coated metal.

16. The drain stopper assembly of claim 12, wherein the screen is constructed of stainless steel or zinc-coated metal.

17. The drain stopper assembly of claim 12, wherein the screen is configured to catch foreign objects entering the drain.

18. The drain stopper assembly of claim 12, wherein the interchangeable cap is threadingly engaged to the water separator via a screw.

19. The drain stopper assembly of claim 12, further comprising a two-prong bristle brush to facilitate cleaning of the drain upon removal of the drain stopper assembly.

20. The drain stopper assembly of claim 12, further comprising a drain nut removal tool to loosen a drain nut to remove a plunger rod from the drain.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the drain stopper assembly, according to some embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the drain stopper assembly, according to some embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates perspective views of the drain stopper assembly and interchangeable caps, according to some embodiments;

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates perspective views of a disassembled drain stopper assembly in an alternative configuration, according to some embodiments;

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates perspective views of the bristle brush, according to some embodiments; and

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a sink having the drain stopper assembly positioned within the drain, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments described herein are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation(s) or inference(s) are to be understood or imputed therefrom.

[0024] Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related to particular devices and systems. Accordingly, the device components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0025] In general, the embodiments described herein relate to a drain stopper which is constructed to reduce and/or inhibit the growth of microbes including bacteria, fungus, mold, etc. The drain stopper can be easily inserted into and removed from a sink. The drain stopper benefits, in particular, individuals having a compromised immune system, individuals with allergies, individuals with breathing difficulties, as well as the general population.

[0026] The drain stopper is designed having a universal fit, such that it can be slidingly engaged into most drains. To provide a universal fit, the drain stopper is provided as a set or kit including a plurality of caps constructed in various finishes, sizes, and/or configurations to adapt to various drain configurations. For example, providing caps in various finishes allows the user to match the finish of the cap to the existing drain finish. Spacers are provided which enable the lengthening of the drain stopper if needed, depending on the length of the drain. Washers are provided which seal the drain opening if the opening is larger than a standard 1.25 inch drain opening.

[0027] The drain stopper includes a two-prong bristle brush which can be used to clean the drain, the drain stoppers, etc. The drain stopper is designed for cleaning the mold or other contaminants off of the walls of the drain down to the waterline in the trap of the drain.

[0028] In some embodiments, a drain guard may be installed to prevent small objects from entering the drain. The drain guard may aid in preventing clogs as well as reducing the potential for losing items down the drain. The drain guard may be provided as a set or a kit which includes different colors, finishes, and materials to allow the user to match the drain guard to other fixtures of the sink.

[0029] In some embodiments, the screen provides a barrier to catch hair, valuable items, and other materials which may fall down the drain. The screen can then be easily removed and cleaned periodically.

[0030] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate the drain stopper assembly 100 according to a first embodiment. The drain stopper assembly 100 includes a support rod 101 which extends between a cap 103 and a bottom portion 105. A pivot rod holder 107 is positioned at an end 109 of the bottom portion 111. A water separator 113 is positioned at a top portion 115 of the support rod 101. A screen 117 slidingly engages between the support rod 101 and the water separator 113. The pivot rod holder 107 is constructed of one or more recessed portions 114 to enable the breakaway and shortening of the pivot rod holder 107. This allows the pivot rod holder 107 to be adjusted to attach to the pivot rod of the sink such that the drain stopper can be raised and lowered as needed.

[0031] In some embodiments, the cap 103 is threadingly engaged with a receiver 119 positioned at a top 121 of the water separator 113.

[0032] In some embodiments, the drain stopper assembly 100 is constructed of stainless steel and/or a zinc-coated material. For example, the cap 103, the support rod 101 and the water separator 113 are constructed of stainless steel or a zinc-coated material.

[0033] The drain stopper assembly 100 is removably insertable into a drain to extend between the drain opening and a waterline at a drain trap, as is shown in FIG. 6.

[0034] In specific reference to FIG. 2, the cap 103 is threadingly engaged to the support rod 101 which is inserted into a nut positioned on the bottom of the cap 103. This allows the cap 103 to be interchangeable. For example, a plurality of caps 103 may be provided as a set or a kit which includes caps having different finishes, colors, configurations, etc. This enables the user to select a cap 103 which matches the other fixtures of the sink or select a cap 103 which they believe looks best aesthetically. The support rod 101 is threadingly engaged to the water separator 113 while the screen 117 receives the threading 123 through an opening 125 such that the screen 117 is retained between a protrusion 127 and the water separator 113.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates perspective views of the drain stopper assembly and interchangeable caps 103a,103b, and 103c which can be easily attached and removed by unscrewing the cap from the water separator 113.

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a disassembled drain stopper assembly 100 according to a second embodiment. The second embodiment includes the support rod 101 which connects to the water separator 113 and cap 103 via an attachment screw 400. The attachment screw 400 is inserted at the top of the cap 103 and threadingly engages downward into the water separator 113 and support rod 101. The screen 117 is positioned below the water separator 113. One or more spacers 401a,401b are provided to enable a user to selectively extend or shorten the length of the support rod 101. To accomplish this, the spacers 401a,401b,401c may be threadingly engaged at the top of the support rod 101 via the attachment screw 400.

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates the bristle brush 500 which is included with the drain stopper assembly 100. The bristle brush 500 includes a bristle portion 501, central portion 503, and handle 505. The central portion 503 is long enough to allow the bristle portion 501 to be inserted into the drain to aid in cleaning the drain. The handle 505 allows the user to easily hold the bristle brush 500 while they are cleaning the drain. The bristle brush 500 includes a two-prong bristle brush having a first prong 507 and a second prong 509 to increase its ability to scrub and clean the drain. The bristle brush 500 is used to clean the support rod of the drain stopper assembly. The central portion 503 is constructed of a bendable material to provide flexibility to its design.

[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a sink 600 having the drain stopper assembly 100 positioned within the drain 601. The drain stopper assembly 100 is inserted into the drain 601 such that the cap can sealingly engage with the sink drain to prevent the flow of fluid therein. The pivot rod 603 is connected to the pivot rod holder to allow the user to raise and lower the drain stopper assembly 100 to seal or open the drain 601. The two-prong design allows the bristle brush to clean both sides of the drain after the stopper is removed. The support rod extends to about 1-2 inches above the waterline 605 of the sink trap 607 and may be adjusted in length to not overextend into the curve of the sink trap 607 via the spacers, or the perforated sections (as illustrated in the first and second embodiments).

[0039] In some embodiments, the drain stopper assembly 100 is attached to the pivot rod 603 via a fastener which allows its removal and/or replacement. The fastener may be a nut which can be removed using the tool 411 (see FIG. 4).

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

[0041] Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

[0042] The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of this disclosure. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure.

[0043] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0044] It should be noted that all features, elements, components, functions, and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein are intended to be freely combinable and substitutable with those from any other embodiment. If a certain feature, element, component, function, or step is described with respect to only one embodiment, then it should be understood that that feature, element, component, function, or step can be used with every other embodiment described herein unless explicitly stated otherwise. This paragraph therefore serves as antecedent basis and written support for the introduction of claims, at any time, that combine features, elements, components, functions, and steps from different embodiments, or that substitute features, elements, components, functions, and steps from one embodiment with those of another, even if the description does not explicitly state, in a particular instance, that such combinations or substitutions are possible. It is explicitly acknowledged that express recitation of every possible combination and substitution is overly burdensome, especially given that the permissibility of each and every such combination and substitution will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0045] In many instances entities are described herein as being coupled to other entities. It should be understood that the terms coupled and connected (or any of their forms) are used interchangeably herein and, in both cases, are generic to the direct coupling of two entities (without any non-negligible (e.g., parasitic intervening entities) and the indirect coupling of two entities (with one or more non-negligible intervening entities). Where entities are shown as being directly coupled together or described as coupled together without description of any intervening entity, it should be understood that those entities can be indirectly coupled together as well unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0046] While the embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that these embodiments are not to be limited to the particular form disclosed, but to the contrary, these embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, any features, functions, steps, or elements of the embodiments may be recited in or added to the claims, as well as negative limitations that define the inventive scope of the claims by features, functions, steps, or elements that are not within that scope.

[0047] An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0048] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.