Abstract:
A sink drain extension for allowing the use of the drain or for a connected disposal to disperse water or other liquids and solid waste material when the sink within which the disposal and drain are disposed is filled with a usable quantity of water or other liquid without commingling the waste material with the usable water or other liquid. The extension is formed from an upstanding hollow member having one end engaging the sink drain and a second free end. A stabilizing member connects with the drain engaging end of the hollow member to secure that end and the hollow member in a substantially fixed position with the drain and prevent relative movement between the hollow member and the sink drain. Appropriate supporting elements are used to seal the drain opening with respect to the extension and to further restrain the tubular member from movement. A strainer may be employed with the extension, and an alternative location for the extension may be utilized along the sink periphery.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part application of my pending application Ser. No. 09/929,950 filed Aug. 15, 2001. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates to sink drains and more particularly to an apparatus for utilizing the sink, the sink drain and, if present, the connected disposal, for the disposal of waste while a quantity of usable water or other liquid is contemporaneously contained in the sink.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art  
           [0005]    Various kinds of sink drainer assemblies are well known and are usually associated with the operation of a disposal into which waste is transferred through the sink drain. Various features associated with sink drains are known to prevent debris carried by dispensed fluid from clogging or jamming the faucet assembly.  
           [0006]    When a disposal is involved so that there is not normally a concern of separating a liquid from solid debris as is the case with disposalless sinks, because the mixture of fluid and solid waste flows through the sink drain and into the disposal for treatment. In that operation, it is not possible to use the sink in any other manner except for the disposal of waste through the drain and disposal while that operation is ongoing. Thus the sink is otherwise immobilized for any other use unless a separate isolated section of the sink or a second portioned sink is available. Even in this case, a sink normally carries only one disposal so that the isolated sink portion has to be carefully used to assure that no solid debris is passed into the drain which has no disposal.  
           [0007]    In many instances and for many reasons, there is often a desire to utilize the sink in some other manner even when the disposal is needed. Unfortunately, the conventional procedure requires first the use of the disposal utilizing the entire sink and next utilizing the entire sink without the disposal for whatever other use is needed.  
           [0008]    From the foregoing, it can be seen that there is a need for the ability to utilize a disposal equipped sink in more than one way simultaneously, and it is to that need that the present invention is directed.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    The invention is a sink drain extension for introducing food and solid debris into the sink drain while the sink retains a usable quantity of water or other liquid without the introduced debris engaging and spoiling the retained usable water or other liquid. The extension includes an upstanding substantial hollow member having a first sink drain engaging end and a second free end, the first sink drain engaging end having first and second perimeter edges to cooperatively engage a stabilizing member having first and second cooperatively receiving openings. The stabilizing member fixes the hollow member and prevents relative movement between the hollow member and the sink drain in a sealable fashion. The hollow member can be of a height less than the depth of the sink so that water overflow is prevented in the event sink water flow is overlooked. The hollow member can also be adjustable vertically by the use of an extension member having securing means to accommodate sinks of different depths. Appropriate sealing and securing elements are applied to make certain that a sealed drain occurs and that the hollow member is secured so as to prevent relative movement between the member and the sink drain.  
           [0010]    To aid in the disposal of solid and fluid debris, the free end of the hollow member can be flared outwardly so that introduction of waste into the hollow member is easily permitted.  
           [0011]    The extension may be located along the periphery of the sink and away from the regular sink drain and connected to the drain under the sink thus freeing the sink and regular drain for independent use.  
           [0012]    From the forgoing, it is apparent that a primary objective of the present invention is to develop an apparatus for utilizing a sink and the sink drain simultaneously to make the use of these fixtures more efficiently.  
           [0013]    Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device of the type described that is simple in operation, uncomplicated in design and construction, and relatively inexpensive.  
           [0014]    A further objective of the present invention is to provide a device of the type described which can be utilized on existing sinks without any modification or which can be provided as an accessory to a new sink to be installed.  
           [0015]    Thus there has been outlined the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In that respect, before explaining at least on embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its arrangement of the components set forth in the following description and illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.  
           [0016]    It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting in any respect. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of this development. It is important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent methods and products resulting therefrom that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The application is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by its claims, nor to limit its scope in any way.  
           [0017]    Thus, the objects of the invention set forth above, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are noted with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific results obtained by its use, reference should be made to the following detailed specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like characters of reference designate like parts throughout the several views.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 is a side elevational sectional view of an upstanding tubular member cooperatively received by the stabilizing member communicating with the drain of a sink;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2 is top plan view of the stabilizing member shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 2 a  is a top plan view of a strainer that may be used with the tubular and stabilizing members shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 3 is a side elevational, sectional view of the stabilizing member shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the stabilizing member;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the stabilizing member;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the sealing gasket utilized to seal the drain and communicating member;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the gasket shown in FIG. 6;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 7 a  is another embodiment of the gasket shown in FIG. 7;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 8 is a side elevational and perspective view of another embodiment of the upstanding tubular member and a cooperating stabilizing member for communication with the drain of the sink;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 9 is a side elevational sectional and perspective view of another embodiment of the upstanding tubular member and a cooperating stabilizing member for communication with the drain of the sink;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 9 a  is a top plan view of a strainer that may be used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 9;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 10 is a side elevational sectional and perspective view of another embodiment of the upstanding tubular member and a cooperating stabilizing member for communication with the drain of the sink;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 10 a  is a top plan view of a strainer that may be used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 10;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 11 is a side elevational sectional and perspective view of another embodiment of the upstanding tubular member and a cooperating stabilizing member for communication with the drain of the sink;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 11 a  is a top plan view of a strainer that may be used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 11;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 12 is a side elevational sectional and perspective view of another embodiment of the upstanding tubular member and a cooperating stabilizing member for communication with the drain of the sink;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 12 a  is a top plan view of a strainer that may be used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 12;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 13 is a side elevational schematic view of another embodiment of an upstanding tubular member positioned along the periphery of the sink and connecting beneath the sink with the drain;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 14 is a side elevational schematic view of another embodiment of an upstanding tubular member and cooperating stabilizing structure for communication with the drain of a sink;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 14 a  is a side elevational general outline view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 with the tubular member and supporting structure in the lowest position for communicating with the drain of the sink;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 14 b  is a side elevational schematic view with tubular member and supporting structure in the raised position;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 14 c  is a side elevational schematic and disassembled view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 a  and  14   b;    
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 14 d  is a side elevational and schematic view of another variation of the present invention wherein the lower end of the tubular member is threaded and cooperatively by a threaded sink drain;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 15 is a side elevational schematic view of another embodiment of an upstanding tubular member formed of accordion-like tubing with a selectively positionable free end and cooperating stabilizing structure for communication with the drain of a sink; and  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 16 is a side elevational schematic view of yet another embodiment of an upstanding tubular member and cooperating stabilizing structure for communication with the drain of a sink. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0044]    The preferred and alternative embodiments illustrated herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention, its application and its practical use to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention.  
         [0045]    Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, an upstanding hollow member shown generally as lo has a first end  12  which engages and communicates with the sink drain  14 . A second end  16  is open and free so that a non-obstructive passageway  18  is created through member lo directly into drain  14 . First and second perimeter edges  20 ,  22  are formed in first end  12  and will be described in greater detail subsequently.  
         [0046]    A stabilizer  24  generally encircles end  12  and the connecting part of hollow member  10  in the manner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Stabilizer  24  has an upper first circular opening  26  cooperatively receiving lower portion  28  of hollow member lo and a second lower opening  30  cooperatively receiving the hollow member first end first perimeter edge  20 . First cylindrical opening  26  may be of any convenient form with a preferred construction like that shown in FIG. 2. Second circular opening is formed by a plurality of segments  32  molded and shaped to resiliently engage the outer surface  34  of hollow member end  12  each of which are provided with a hollow member engaging element  36  which grips the outer surface of first circular opening  26  as best shown in FIG. 2.  
         [0047]    A sealing element shown generally as  38  (FIGS. 6 and 7) engages second perimeter edge  22  in the manner shown in FIG. 1. Gasket  38  has upper and lower portions  40 ,  42  which grip second perimeter edge  22  to hold gasket  38  in place, and an extending oppositely directed tab  44  that cooperatively functions with upper and lower portions,  40 ,  42  to form a seal at drain  14  with first end  12  of hollow member  10 .  
         [0048]    Thus hollow member lo is held securely in position over drain  14  by stabilizing member  24 , the lower portion of which forms the first circular opening extended downwardly between end  12  and sink structure  46  to tightly fix end  12  on member  10  in position and to enable gasket  38  to form an appropriate seal. Engaging elements  36  secure member lo within circular opening  26 . The sink drain extension formed by member lo and stabilizer  24  functions to permit the introduction of food and solid debris into the sink drain or disposal while maintaining the sink in an otherwise usable condition by enabling the retention of a usable unaltered quantity of water. Thus a separate and perhaps more precise washing activity can take place in the sink while the disposal is being used to receive and move away fluid and solid debris simultaneously.  
         [0049]    A removable strainer  35  can be positioned within drain  14  which is configured with shoulders  37  to thus retain some solid debris within the sink trap while allowing fluid and finer debris to pass through openings  39  positioned therein. Strainer  35  can be removed by merely lifting upwardly and out of drain  14  when desired.  
         [0050]    The height of tube lo can be slightly less than the height of the sink well so that the inadvertent introduction of a large quantity of water into the sink will overflow into end  16  of member  10  and pass through chamber  18  into drain  4  without overflowing the sink. Additionally, the sink drain extension can be removed by gripping member lo and urging it upwardly without immersing the operator&#39;s hand into the retained water.  
         [0051]    Hollow member  10  can be of any suitable material and can be circular, funnel-shaped, oval, or any other shape in cross-section. It can be rigid or flexible and may be formed from plastic, metal or other appropriate materials that will withstand a constant exposure to water. It can be straight or angled.  
         [0052]    Stabilizer  14  can be formed of any resilient moldable material having sufficient strength and durability to perform the gripping action needed to maintain member  16  in a proper sealed position.  
         [0053]    In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 8, an upstanding hollow member shown generally as  48  communicates with a stabilizing assembly shown generally as  50 , the base  52  of which sits in drain  14  to provide a seal therefor. Member  48  is threaded along first end  54  so that it can be rotated on threads  56  provided in member  55  to move holding gasket  58  outwardly thus engaging the interior of drain  14  and holding upstanding member  48  and drain assembly  50  firmly in place.  
         [0054]    Another alternative embodiment is shown generally as  123  in FIG. 14 which includes a short drain engaging member  124  covering the sink drain  126 . Member  124  extends slightly above the sink bottom  128  and cooperatively nests within an upstanding hollow member  130  to maintain member  130  within the sink drain cavity. Members  124  and  130  can be positively secured to each other by one or more screws  132 , with cement or by the provision of a threaded or they may formed together as a single piece connection. A flexible sleeve  134  is positioned around hollow member  130  and against drain engaging member  124 .  
         [0055]    An annular sleeve  136  is positioned around hollow member  130  and against flexible sleeve  134 , and an outer tubular member  138  is threadably connected to hollow member  130  so that when it rotates and moves downwardly, it engages annular sleeve  136  which engages flexible sleeve  134  compressing it to further enhance the sealing of the drain. A finishing molding  140  may be added to dress and protect annular sleeve  136 . Flexible sleeve  134  can be of different sizes depending upon the size of the sink drain.  
         [0056]    Hollow member  130  can be vertically adjusted by the use of a tubular insert  139 . Insert  139  telescopically joins member  130  as shown in FIG. 14 b.  Tubular insert  139  has a plurality of adjustment steps  144  formed along its length, and hollow member  130  has a plurality of upwardly extending engaging fingers  146  each finger having a step engaging protrusion  148  as shown in FIG. 14 c.  An adjusting ring  150  telescopically and threadably engages the threaded top of hollow member  130  to tighten the fingers  146  against tubular insert  139  with protrusions  148  being selectively positioned within adjustment steps  144  to achieve a more secure connection. To change the position of tubular insert  139  with respect to hollow member  130 , adjusting ring  150  is loosened and protrusions  148  move away from adjustment steps  144  so that tubular insert  139  can be moved to a different selected location. Tubular insert  139  can be flared at its upper end  142  for convenient access.  
         [0057]    Another variation of this embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 14 d  in which a threaded hollow member bottom  152  is threadably received by the threaded opening  154  of sink  128  and can be tightened so that seal  156  closes opening  154  without additional members.  
         [0058]    Another embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 9 wherein a tubular member  68  secured to a sink drain insert  64  is mounted within drain  14  in a position to cooperatively receive gripping elements  62  mounted to insert  64  that sits within drain  14 . A plurality of apertures  66  permits fluid and solid waste to pass on to the disposal or drain, and upstanding member  68  is held firmly in position with respect to member  64  by the tension of gripping elements  62  as they are squeezed inwardly to fit within the interior of tubular member  69 . A strainer  65  may be utilized if desired.  
         [0059]    Yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 10 with an upstanding member  70  threadably mounted on a stabilizing assembly  72  having spreadable components moved as a result of the threaded connection  74  actuated when upstanding member  70  is rotated. Gripping members  76  move outwardly to grip the interior of the sink drain and hold the upstanding member  70  and stabilizing assembly  72  in a substantially rigid position. Again, a strainer  75  may be utilized if desired.  
         [0060]    Still another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 11 wherein an upstanding member  78  is threadably mated with extendable elements  80  carrying gripping elements  82  that move outwardly against the interior of drain  14  when upstanding member  78  is rotated to hold upstanding member  78  and the stabilizing assembly made up of elements  80  and  82  firmly in place. A strainer  81  may also be utilized.  
         [0061]    A further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 12 wherein an upstanding offset member  84  whose first end  86  communicates with a sink drain insert  88  is threadably received by a threaded member go which is held rigidly within the interior of the sink drain. Apertures  92  connect the interior of sink drain insert  88  with the sink drain for the passage of fluid and solid waste, and the threaded connection shown generally as  94  between a segment  96  affixed to insert  88  and threaded member  90 . Threaded connection  94  is inclined so that rotating upstanding offset upstanding member  84  with respect to segment  96  will cause gripping members  96 ,  98  to move outwardly and engage the interior of drain  14 . An optimal strainer  97  is shown in FIGS. 12 and 12 a.    
         [0062]    In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the second free end  100  of member  84  is flared so that the disposal of liquid through member  84  while the sink is being used for other matters in a sealed condition is easier. Obviously flared end  100  of FIG. 12 can be utilized in all of the other embodiments of the present invention and any others arising therefrom.  
         [0063]    A variation of a number of the embodiments described is shown in FIG. 15 wherein a length of somewhat flexible accordion shaped tubing  144  has an annular member  146  providing a drain seal for the sink  150  which is secured by a gasket  152  sealably engaging the wall  154  of sink  150 . Tubing length  144  is then shaped to follow the contour of the sink bottom  155  and wall  154  and extend slightly above the sink rim  156 . If it is desired that tubing length  144  function as an overflow device, it can be formed to terminate below sink rim  156 .  
         [0064]    An additional feature of the present invention for a sink drain extension is shown in FIG. 13 wherein a hollow member  102  having flared upper end  102   a  is positioned within an opening in the periphery ledge  103  of sink  104  rather than directly within the open portion  106  of sink drain  105 . A lower connecting hollow member  108  communicates with the lower portion  110  of hollow member  102  beneath periphery ledge  103  of sink  104  and extends downwardly into the plumbing system to an intersecting location  109  with the lower part of the drain underneath the sink and just prior to engagement with a disposal (not shown). A threaded nut  112  connects hollow member  108  with lower portion  110 , and a gasket  114  seals the opening in periphery ledge  103  where it engages lower portion  110  of hollow member  102 . Hose segments  116 ,  118  and  120  connect drain conduit  122  with lower portion  110  as shown. Thus, the sink drain extension can be utilized simultaneously with the sink in a manner similar to the other embodiments extending directly into the sink drain opening of the sink.  
         [0065]    A final embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 16 wherein an upstanding hollow member  160  having a free end  162  and a sink-engaging end shown generally as  164  seals the drain  166  to retain a usable fluid and allow waste to be exhausted simultaneously. Sink-engaging end  164  has an enlarged portion  168  provided either by a telescopically connected larger ring or short tube or formed integrally with hollow member  160 . The larger ring or tube has an extended rim  170  about which is secured a flexible gasket  172  which functions to seal the drain and frictionally maintain hollow member  160  within drain  166  when hollow member  160  is urged against the sink drain.  
         [0066]    With respect to the present inventive concept and the embodiments described, it is to be realized and has been shown that the techniques involved in providing the drain extension set forth herein and the components associated therewith are numerous. All equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed herein. The following is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, there is no intention to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. All suitable modifications and equivalents that fall within the scope of the appended claims are deemed within the present inventive concept.