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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to a corresponding provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 60/531,057, filed Dec. 18, 2003 in the names of the applicants of this application. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     This invention relates generally to sink drains and, more specifically, to a device capable of deodorizing a sink drain area and/or removing clogs inside the sink drain.  
         [0004]     2. Description of Prior Art  
         [0005]     Many sinks have been equipped with a garbage disposal unit. The garbage disposal unit grinds large food and waste particles into smaller particles that are then diverted into the drain pipe. The garbage disposal unit, however, may not be able to divert all of the waste particles, dirt, oil, and grease into the drain pipe. Build-up of bacteria, foul odors, and clogs may then begin to develop in the sink drain due to the dirt, oil, grease, and food particles that may have become trapped within it. Additionally, sink drains without a garbage disposal unit also tend to accumulate food particles which can cause a build-up of bacteria, causing both a foul odor as well as drain clogs.  
         [0006]     One way by which people have attempted to combat the development of bacterial build-up and odors is by using antibacterial and deodorizing sprays. Although the sprays may eliminate some of the bacteria and the odors, they are easily washed away with the liquids poured into the drain.  
         [0007]     Another way that people, especially those within the food process industry, have attempted to combat bacterial build-up and odors is to insert a drain sanitizing article into the drain. U.S. Pat. No. 6,197,321 issued to Richter et al. discloses a sanitizing article housing preferably molded with a handle as a one piece unit. The handle traverses and partially obstructs the inner opening of the housing so as to allow the handle to rest on a stand pipe which projects from a drain.  
         [0008]     A problem arises, however, when this sanitizing article is placed within a sink equipped with a garbage disposal unit. Because the handle traverses the inner opening of the housing, a user is limited to the size and the type of debris that he/she wishes to place into the garbage disposal unit. The user would only be able to place debris capable of passing through the spaces unimpeded by the handle into the garbage disposal unit. And if the user were to wash a long pasta noodle or other similarly shaped debris down the drain opening, the noodle could get caught on the handle.  
         [0009]     Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 4,318,193 issued to Bayer et al. discloses a flexible deodorant ring holder. The Bayer et al. device comprises a flexible arcuate shaped holder formed by a flexible arcuate outer rim, a plurality of radially extending rib members, and a flexible arcuate inner rim. The device therefore has an adjustable outside diameter for holding a rigid deodorant ring having a fixed outside diameter.  
         [0010]     The configuration of the Bayer et al. device, however, would actually contribute to the problem of odors rather than solve it. Particularly, food particles and other debris may become lodged between or within the rib members of the flexible holder. Not only will the trapped food particles and debris cause odors, but they are also unpleasant to the eye. Furthermore, the flexible holder obstructs a substantial portion of the sink opening, thereby limiting the size and the type of debris that a user may wish to place into the underlying garbage disposal unit. Again, the user would only be able to place debris capable of passing through the spaces unimpeded by the rib members of the flexible holder into the garbage disposal unit. And if the user were to wash a long pasta noodle or other similarly shaped debris down the drain opening, the noodle could get caught on the flexible rib members of the flexible holder.  
         [0011]     Therefore a need existed to provide a device for deodorizing a sink drain that allows the sink drain to remain substantially entirely open. Preferably, the device would remove sink drain clogs. Further preferably, the device would both deodorize the sink drain and remove sink drain clogs. Still further preferably, the device would have a wear indicator to signal the user when a new device is needed.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for deodorizing a sink drain and method therefor that allows the sink drain to remain substantially entirely open.  
         [0013]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device for deodorizing a sink drain and method therefor that removes sink drain clogs.  
         [0014]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device for deodorizing a sink drain and method therefor that both deodorizes the sink drain and removes sink drain clogs.  
         [0015]     It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a device for deodorizing a sink drain and method therefor that employs a wear indicator to signal a user when a new device is needed.  
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0016]     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a device for deodorizing a sink drain is disclosed. The device for deodorizing a sink drain comprises at least one deodorizing ring, the at least one deodorizing ring being dimensioned to be substantially flush with an interior wall of the sink drain while at the same time defining an aperture dimensioned to allow the sink drain to remain substantially entirely open.  
         [0017]     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a device for deodorizing a sink drain is disclosed. The device for deodorizing a sink drain comprises at least one deodorizing ring, the at least one deodorizing ring being dimensioned to be coupled proximate an exterior portion of the sink drain while at the same time defining an aperture dimensioned to allow the sink drain to remain substantially entirely open.  
         [0018]     In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, a method for deodorizing a sink drain is disclosed. The method for deodorizing a sink drain comprises, in combination, the steps of providing at least one deodorizing ring, the at least one deodorizing ring having a deodorizing agent and defining an aperture dimensioned to allow the sink drain to remain substantially entirely open, and positioning the at least one deodorizing ring such that the at least one deodorizing ring is substantially flush with an interior wall of the sink drain.  
         [0019]     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method for removing clogs from a sink drain is disclosed. The method for removing clogs from a sink drain comprises, in combination, the steps of providing at least one deodorizing ring, the at least one deodorizing ring having a clog removing agent and defining an aperture dimensioned to allow the sink drain to remain substantially entirely open, and positioning the at least one deodorizing ring such that the at least one deodorizing ring is substantially flush with an interior wall of the sink drain.  
         [0020]     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method for deodorizing a sink drain is disclosed. The method for deodorizing a sink drain comprises, in combination, the steps of providing at least one deodorizing ring, the at least one deodorizing ring containing a deodorizing agent being dimensioned to be coupled proximate an exterior portion of the sink drain while at the same time defining an aperture dimensioned to allow the sink drain to remain substantially entirely open, providing a refillable tray, the at least one refillable tray being dimensioned to house the at least one deodorizing ring, providing a plurality of legs having a first end and a second end, the first end of each leg being coupled to a portion of the refillable tray and the second end of each leg extending substantially downwardly from the at least one refillable tray, inserting the at least one deodorizing ring into the at least one refillable tray, and coupling the second end of each leg of the refillable tray to the sink drain so that the at least one deodorizing ring is supported above the sink drain.  
         [0021]     The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the device for deodorizing a sink drain consistent with the present invention. The first embodiment comprises a deodorizing ring.  
         [0023]      FIG. 2  is a perspective cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 1  being placed into a sink drain such that an outer surface of the device directly abuts an interior wall of the sink drain.  
         [0024]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the device of  FIG. 1  shown in use with the sink drain.  
         [0025]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a device for deodorizing a sink drain consistent with the present invention. The second embodiment comprises a refillable tray dimensioned to house at least one deodorizing ring.  
         [0026]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 4  having three deodorizing rings.  
         [0027]      FIG. 6  is a perspective cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 4  being placed into a sink drain such that an outer surface of the device directly abuts the interior wall of the sink drain.  
         [0028]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a device for deodorizing a sink drain consistent with the present invention. The third embodiment comprises a flexible crescent-shaped deodorizing ring. The flexible crescent-shaped deodorizing ring is shown in a contracted position.  
         [0029]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a device consistent with the present invention. The fourth embodiment comprises a hinged crescent-shaped deodorizing ring. The hinged crescent-shaped deodorizing ring is shown in a contracted position.  
         [0030]      FIG. 9  is a perspective cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a device for deodorizing a sink drain consistent with the present invention. The fifth embodiment comprises a flexible crescent-shaped refillable tray dimensioned to house at least one deodorizing ring. The device is shown as being squeezed and placed into a sink drain such that an outer surface of the device directly abuts the interior wall of the sink drain. A deodorizing ring is also shown being placed within the flexible crescent-shaped refillable tray.  
         [0031]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a device for deodorizing a sink drain consistent with the present invention. The sixth embodiment comprises a hinged crescent-shaped refillable tray dimensioned to house at least one deodorizing ring. The device is shown in a contracted position and three deodorizing rings are shown being placed within the hinged crescent-shaped refillable tray.  
         [0032]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the hinged crescent-shaped deodorizing ring of  FIG. 8  being placed within the hinged crescent-shaped refillable tray of  FIG. 10 . Both the hinged crescent-shaped deodorizing ring and the hinged crescent-shaped refillable tray are shown in a contracted position.  
         [0033]      FIG. 12  is a top view of the device of  FIG. 7  in use with a sink drain.  
         [0034]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a device for deodorizing a sink drain consistent with the present invention. The seventh embodiment comprises a deodorizing ring having legs dimensioned to support the deodorizing ring above the sink drain.  
         [0035]      FIG. 14  is a top view of the device of  FIG. 13  shown in use with a sink drain.  
         [0036]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of a device for deodorizing a sink drain consistent with the present invention. The eighth embodiment comprises a refillable tray dimensioned to house at least one deodorizing ring and having legs dimensioned to support the refillable tray above the sink drain. A deodorizing ring is also shown being placed within the refillable tray.  
         [0037]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 15  being placed above the sink drain. A deodorizing ring is also shown being placed within the refillable tray.  
         [0038]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a wear indicator shown integrally coupled to a deodorizing ring. The wear indicator is shown as being a color that fades as the deodorizing ring is diminished by use.  
         [0039]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a wear indicator shown integrally coupled to a refillable tray. The wear indicator is shown as being a color that fades as the deodorizing ring is diminished by use.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0040]     The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals and symbols represent like elements.  
         [0041]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-16 , a device for deodorizing a sink drain, hereinafter device for deodorizing a sink drain  10 , is disclosed. The device for deodorizing a sink drain  10  comprises at least one deodorizing ring  20 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 ,  7 ,  8 , and  12 - 14 , the device for deodorizing a sink drain  10  may comprise at least one deodorizing ring  20 , or as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 ,  9 - 11 ,  15 , and  16 , the device for deodorizing a sink drain  10  may further comprise a refillable tray  40  dimensioned to house the at least one deodorizing ring  20 . Although  FIGS. 4-6  and  FIG. 10  show the refillable tray  40  as housing up to three deodorizing rings  20 , it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from the refillable tray  40  being dimensioned to house any number of deodorizing rings  20  so long as the refillable tray  40  is dimensioned to fit the sink drain  12 .  
         [0042]     Preferably, the device for deodorizing a sink drain  10  will have an outer diameter of between 8 cm and 10 cm, an inner diameter of between 7 cm and 9 cm, and a width of between 0.5 cm and 2.5 cm. Although these dimensions are preferred, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from alternate dimensions, provided that the device for deodorizing a sink drain  10  is dimensioned to fit a sink drain  12  and is dimensioned to allow the sink drain  12  to remain substantially entirely open. It should also be understood that although it is preferable that the device for deodorizing a sink drain  10  be used with a standard-sized kitchen sink drain  12 , substantial benefit could be derived from alternative dimensions, even those that deviate substantially from the preferred dimensions in either direction, in order to use the device for deodorizing a sink drain  10  in sink drains  12  of varying sizes (e.g., bathroom sink drains, large industrial kitchen sink drains, etc.).  
         [0043]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-12 , the device for deodorizing a sink drain  10  may be dimensioned to be substantially flush with an interior wall  14  of the sink drain  12 . Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 ,  7 ,  8 , and  12 , the deodorizing ring  20  may be dimensioned such that an outer surface  39  (see  FIGS. 1, 7 , and  8 ) of the deodorizing ring  20  directly abuts the interior wall  14  of the sink drain  12 . Similarly, as shown in  FIGS. 4-6  and  9 - 11 , the deodorizing ring  20  may be housed within a refillable tray  40  dimensioned such that an outer surface  59  of the refillable tray  40  directly abuts the interior wall  14  of the sink drain  12 .  
         [0044]     The deodorizing ring  20   a  (referred to generically as deodorizing ring  20 ) shown in  FIGS. 1-5 ,  9 , and  15  and the refillable tray  40   a  shown in  FIGS. 4-6  (referred to generically as refillable tray  40 ) may have a substantially circular configuration. Alternatively,  FIGS. 7-12  show deodorizing rings  20  and refillable trays  40  that are substantially crescent-shaped and that have outer diameters substantially larger than the inner diameter of the sink drain  12 .  
         [0045]     For example,  FIGS. 7 and 12  disclose a substantially flexible crescent-shaped deodorizing ring  20   b  having a first grip end  22   a  (referred to generically as grip end  22 ) and a second grip end  22   b  (referred to generically as grip end  22 ). Similarly,  FIG. 9  discloses a substantially flexible crescent-shaped refillable tray  40   b  having a first grip end  42   a  (referred to generically as grip end  42 )(not shown) and a second grip end  42   b  (referred to generically as grip end  42 )(not shown). When inserting the deodorizing ring  20   b  or the refillable tray  40   b  into the sink drain  12 , the grip ends  22  of the deodorizing ring  20   b  or the grip ends  42  of the refillable tray  40   b  may be squeezed together, thereby causing the deodorizing ring  20   b  or the refillable tray  40   b  to contract. And by releasing the grip ends  22  of the deodorizing ring  20   b  or the grip ends  42  of the refillable tray  40   b , the deodorizing ring  20   b  or the refillable tray  40   b  will expand and will be held in place within the sink drain  12 .  
         [0046]     As a further example,  FIG. 8  discloses a hinged crescent-shaped deodorizing ring  20   c  having a first portion  26  and a second portion  30 . Both the first portion  26  and the second portion  30  have a hinge end  28  coupled to a hinge  24 . Both the first portion  26  and the second portion  30  also have a grip end  22  which, when squeezed together, cause the deodorizing ring  20   c  to contract. While contracted, the deodorizing ring  20   c  may be inserted into the sink drain  12 . Upon spreading apart or releasing the grip ends  22 , the deodorizing ring  20   c  will expand and be held in place within the sink drain  12 .  
         [0047]     Similarly,  FIGS. 10 and 11  disclose a hinged crescent-shaped refillable tray  40   c  having a first portion  46  and a second portion  50 . Both the first portion  46  and the second portion  50  have a hinge end  48  coupled to a hinge  44 . Both the first portion  46  and the second portion  50  also have a grip end  42  which, when squeezed together, cause the refillable tray  40   c  to contract. While contracted, the refillable tray  40   c  may be inserted into the sink drain  12 . Upon spreading apart or releasing the grip ends  42 , the refillable tray  40   c  will expand and be held in place within the sink drain  12 .  
         [0048]     Although it is preferred that the hinge  24  of the deodorizing ring  20   c  and the hinge  44  of the refillable tray  40   c  be one of a living hinge and a locking hinge, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from the use of a spring hinge.  
         [0049]     Referring now to  FIGS. 13-16 , the device for deodorizing a sink drain  10  may also be dimensioned to be coupled proximate an exterior portion  16  of the sink drain  12 .  FIGS. 13 and 14  show a deodorizing ring  20   d  having a plurality of legs  32 . Each leg  32  has a first end  34  coupled to a portion of the deodorizing ring  20   d  and each leg  32  also has a second end  36  extending substantially downwardly from the deodorizing ring  20   d . Each second end  36  is also dimensioned to couple the deodorizing ring  20   d  to the sink drain  12  so as to support the deodorizing ring  20   d  above the sink drain  12 .  
         [0050]     Similarly,  FIGS. 15 and 16  show a refillable tray  40   d  having a plurality of legs  52 . Each leg  52  has a first end  54  coupled to a portion of the refillable tray  40   d  and each leg  52  also has a second end  56  extending substantially downwardly from the refillable tray  40   d . Each second end  56  is also dimensioned to couple the refillable tray  40   d  to the sink drain  12  so as to support the refillable tray  40   d  above the sink drain  12 .  
         [0051]     Although, in the embodiments of the device for deodorizing a sink drain  10  shown in  FIGS. 13-16 , it is preferred that deodorizing ring  20   d  have a plurality of legs  32  or that the refillable tray  40   d  have a plurality of legs  52 , it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from alternate configurations of the deodorizing ring  20   d  or the refillable tray  40   d , so long as the deodorizing ring  20   d  or the refillable tray  40   d  is supported above the sink drain  12 .  
         [0052]     In order to combat odors, it is preferred that the device for deodorizing a sink drain  10  contain a deodorizing agent, such as a surfactant or caustic soda. In order to remove drain clogs, it is preferred that the device for deodorizing a sink drain  10  contain a clog removing agent, such as an enzyme or bleach.  
         [0053]     It should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from: 1) a device for deodorizing a sink drain  10  directed to deodorizing drains in which each deodorizing ring  20  contains only a deodorizing agent; 2) a device for deodorizing a sink drain  10  directed to treating drain clogs in which each deodorizing ring  20  contains only a clog removing agent; or 3) a device for deodorizing a sink drain  10  directed to both deodorizing and treating clogs in which some deodorizing rings  20  contain a deodorizing agent while others contain a clog treating agent or in which each deodorizing ring  20  contains both a deodorizing agent and a clog treating agent.  
         [0054]     It is also preferred that the device for deodorizing a sink drain  10  contain a fragrance.  
         [0055]     As shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , it is further preferable that the device for deodorizing a sink drain  10  have a wear indicator  60  integrally coupled to at least one of the deodorizing ring  20  (see  FIG. 17 ) and the refillable tray  40  (see  FIG. 18 ). Preferably, the wear indicator  60  is integral to the deodorizing ring  20 . The wear indicator  60  is adapted to signal a user to replace the device for deodorizing a sink drain  10  after an amount of wear on the device for deodorizing a sink drain  10 . Presumably, the flow of water through the sink drain  10  will activate the wear indicator  60 , although it should be understood that substantial benefit could be derived from a wear indicator  60  that utilizes alternative means for identifying the amount of wear.  
         [0056]     As shown in  FIG. 17 , the wear indicator  60  may be a color that fades as the at least one deodorizing ring  20  is diminished by use. Alternatively, the wear indicator  60  may be a color that gradually changes to another color as the at least one deodorizing ring  20  is diminished by use. Instead of a color indicator, each deodorizing ring  20  may also be comprised of a material adapted to dissolve after an amount of wear of the deodorizing ring  20 . While, in the preferred embodiment, the device for deodorizing a sink drain  10  comprises a wear indicator  60 , it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the device for deodorizing a sink drain  10  in which there is no wear indicator  60 .  
       STATEMENT OF OPERATION  
       [0057]     In order to operate the device for deodorizing a sink drain  10 , one places it either directly into the sink drain  12  such that it is directly abutting an interior wall of the sink drain  12 , or places it proximate an exterior portion of the sink drain  12 . After an amount of use of the device for deodorizing a sink drain  10 , the user removes the deodorizing ring  20  or removes the refillable tray  40  in order to replace the deodorizing ring  20 .  
         [0058]     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, although the device for deodorizing a sink drain is shown to be retained by frictional engagement with the interior wall of the drain (see  FIGS. 1-12 ), substantial benefit may be obtained from the device merely resting upon the bottom portion of the sink drain or upon the rubber splash guards found over the garbage disposal. It should also be understood that substantial benefit may be derived from the device being retained above, as well as below, the rubber splash guards. It should be further understood that although the device is shown as being used with a sink drain having a garbage disposal unit, substantial benefit may be obtained from using the device with a sink drain that is not equipped with a garbage disposal unit.

Summary:
A device for deodorizing a sink drain that allows the sink drain to remain substantially entirely open. Preferably, the device would deodorize sink drains. Further preferably, the device would treat sink drain clogs. Further preferably, the device would both deodorize the sink drain and treat sink drain clogs. Still further preferably, the device would have a wear indicator to signal the user when a new device is needed.