Abstract:
A device for extracting a drain assembly from a basin, or for extracting joined pipes where there is not an adequate surface to attach a device to disengage the pipes. The device has a shaft with two or more insert pins, a top ring encasing the shaft, a bottom ring encasing the shaft, two or more dowel pins, and two or more wing segments.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application 60/483,453, titled “Basket Strainer Extractor Device,” filed Jun. 26, 2003; the contents of which are incorporated in this disclosure by reference in their entirety. 

   BACKGROUND 
   Water basins, such as sinks and bath tubs typically include a basin and a drain opening formed at the lower portion of the basin. The drain opening connects the basin to disposal lines. The basin can include a drain assembly that includes a basket strainer and an integrally attached drain flange. The basket strainer provides a barrier to prevent items such as food, hair, utensils, brushes, sponges, and other items typically found around kitchens and bathrooms from entering and obstructing the disposal lines. The drain flange has a ring that rests on top of the drain opening and is nearly flush with the bottom of the basin. The drain assembly is semi-permanently secured to the drain opening by application of an adhesive such as plumbers putty to the underside of the drain flange. 
   Occasionally, the basket strainer and attached drain flange must be removed from the basin for replacement, refurbishing, or for maintenance purposes. A drain assembly that is installed within a drain opening of a basin is nearly flush with the basin. Thus, there is no convenient means of attaching a wrench to the top of the drain assembly for removal. Additionally, since the drain flange is semi-permanently attached to the basin with adhesive, and corrosion can further bind the drain assembly to the drain opening, removal of the drain assembly is further complicated. Often, drain assemblies have to be forcibly removed by cutting the drain assembly away from the basin or physically forcing the drain assembly from the basin by use of a drain key. This can result in damage to the basin and destruction of the drain assembly. 
   Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a device that allows a drain assembly to be extracted from the top side of a basin, without the application of vertical force from the underside. 
   Also, pipes joined to other pipes, such as with a threaded nipple configuration, can be difficult to remove if there is not an adequate surface to attach a device, such as a wrench to unscrew the pipes. This can occur when the pipe has been sheared or cut too close to the threads. 
   Tools for removing drain basket strainers are known, such as the device described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,636. However, such devices suffer from the disadvantages that they are not readily expandable to accommodate a wide range of drain sizes, require different feet for different drain baskets, and/or require multiple wrenches to operate. 
   Therefore, it would also be desirable to provide a device that can be adapted to a variety of drain assembly and pipe configurations, thereby providing a convenient means for extraction of drain assemblies and pipes of various shapes and sizes. 
   SUMMARY 
   According to the present invention, there is provided a device for extracting a drain assembly from a basin, or The device comprises a shaft having two or more insert pins, a top ring encasing the shaft, a bottom ring encasing the shaft, two or more dowel pins, and two or more wing segments. In one embodiment, the wing segments have serrations for engaging the drain assembly. Each wing segment is positioned between the top ring and the bottom ring and is rotationally connected to the top ring and the bottom ring by a dowel pin. Each wing segment can expand from a first retracted position to a second extended position by rotation of the shaft and insert pins relative to the top and bottom rings. In one preferred embodiment, the shaft has a notch and more preferably, the notch is sized to fit a socket drive. In another preferred embodiment, the bottom ring has two or more tip portions. In another preferred embodiment, the shaft is a steel extension shank, and more preferably, the steel extension shank is formed from an impact or hardened steel. In another preferred embodiment, one or more of the top ring, the bottom ring, and the wing segments are fabricated from a powdered steel alloy. In another embodiment according to the present invention, there is provided a method of removing a drain assembly from a basin. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a device having a shaft with two or more insert pins, a top ring and a bottom ring encasing the shaft, two or more dowel pins, and two or more opposing wing segments, where the wing segments are rotationally connected to the top ring and the bottom ring by the dowel pins. The device is inserted into the drain assembly in a first retracted position. Then, the shaft of the device is connected to a rotation tool such as a wrench or a socket drive. The tool is rotated such that the shaft and insert pins are rotated around a vertical axis of the device. The rotation of the shaft and insert pins moves the wing segments of the device to a second extended position. In the second extended position, the wing segments of the device engage the drain assembly and further rotation of the shaft and insert pins around the vertical axis of the device will disengage the drain assembly from the basin and the drain assembly can be removed. The shaft and the insert pins can be rotated in an opposite direction around the vertical axis of the shaft to move the wing segments back to the first retracted position of the device to remove the device from the drain assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom ring of the device has at least two tip portions and the tip portions of the bottom ring are positioned between cross bars of the drain assembly, which provides leverage for rotation of the shaft. 

   
     FIGURES 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying figures where: 
       FIG. 1  is a partial cut away top perspective view of a basket strainer extraction device, shown in an extended position, appendant within a basin and drain assembly; 
       FIG. 2A  a side perspective view of one embodiment of a basket strainer extraction device, shown in an extended configuration; 
       FIG. 2B  is a bottom side perspective view of the basket strainer extraction device shown in  FIG. 2A , in a retracted configuration; 
       FIG. 2C  is a partial cut away side perspective view of the embodiment of the basket strainer extraction device shown in  FIG. 2A , in a closed configuration; 
       FIG. 3A  is a partial cut away side perspective view of one embodiment of the bottom ring of the basket strainer extraction device; 
       FIG. 3B  is a bottom perspective view of the bottom ring of the basket strainer extraction device shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
       FIG. 3C  is a partial cut away top side perspective view of the bottom ring of the basket strainer extraction device shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
       FIG. 4A  is a side perspective view of the shaft and top ring of one embodiment of the basket strainer extraction device; 
       FIG. 4B  is a partial cut away side perspective view of the shaft and top ring of the basket strainer extraction device shown in  FIG. 4A ; 
       FIG. 4C  is a top side perspective view of the shaft and top ring of the basket strainer extraction device shown in  FIG. 4A ; 
       FIG. 4D  is a bottom perspective view of shaft and top ring of the basket strainer extraction device shown in  FIG. 4A ; 
       FIG. 5A  is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a wing segment of the basket strainer extraction device; 
       FIG. 5B  is a top side perspective view of the wing segment of the basket strainer extraction device shown in  FIG. 5A ; 
       FIG. 5C  is a top perspective view of the wing segment of the basket strainer extraction device shown in  FIG. 5A ; 
       FIG. 6A  is a partial cut away side perspective view of a first side of one embodiment of the shaft of the basket strainer extraction device; 
       FIG. 6B  is partial cut away side perspective view of a second side of the shaft of the basket strainer extraction device shown in  FIG. 6A ; 
       FIG. 6C  is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a shaft of the basket strainer extraction device. 
   

   DESCRIPTION 
   According to the present invention, there is provided a device for extracting a drain assembly from a basin. Drain assemblies and pipes of varying sizes and shapes can be extracted from drain openings of various shapes and sizes with one device according to the invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for extracting a drain assembly from a basin. In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a device according to the present invention that can be used with the methods of the present invention for extracting a drain assembly from a basin. 
   Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the invention as illustrated in the drawings with like numerals indicating like parts throughout the several views. 
   As used in this disclosure, the term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. 
   All dimensions specified in this disclosure are by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting. Further, the proportions shown in these Figures are not necessarily to scale. As will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure, the actual dimensions of any device or part of a device disclosed in this disclosure will be determined by intended use. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a partial cut away top perspective view of a basket strainer extraction device  10 . In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the device  10  is used for extracting a drain assembly  18  from a basin  12 . However, the device of the present invention can be used for other extracting purposes, such as extracting pipes joined with a threaded nipple configuration, as will be understood by those of skill in the art with reference to this disclosure. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , there is shown a side perspective view and a bottom side perspective view, respectively of the basket strainer extractor device  10 .  FIG. 2A  shows the device in an extended, or open configuration.  FIG. 2B  shows the device in a retracted, or closed configuration. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the device  10  comprises a shaft  21  that is encased by top ring  22  and bottom ring  25 . The opposing wing segment  23  and  24  are positioned between the top ring  22  and the bottom ring  25 . As shown in  FIG. 2C , a partial cut away side perspective view of the device shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the opposing wing segment  23  and  24  are rotationally connected to the top ring  22  and the bottom ring  25  by dowel pins  26  and  27 . 
   The device  10  can be sized to fit into various drain assemblies, which can be from about 1 inch to 2 inches in diameter. However, the device can also be configured to fit into smaller sized pipes, such as a ½ inch diameter pipe, and also can be configured to fit into larger sized pipes, such as a 3 inch diameter pipe. 
   The device  10 , with the opposing wing segment  23  and  24 , is configured such that the opposing wing segment  23  and  24  can be opened to varying degrees depending on the inner diameter of the drain or pipe assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the device is used to extract a drain basket assembly, and the opposing wing segment  23  and  24  can expand from an outer diameter of about 1.3 inches in the retracted position to an outer diameter of about 2.1 inches in the extended position, which is also the inner diameter of a typical drain assembly. More preferably, the opposing wing segment  23  and  24  can expand from an outer diameter of about 1.3 inches to about 1.4 inches in the retracted position to an outer diameter of about 1.9 to about 2.1 inches in the extended position. However, other outer diameters of the opposing wing segment  23  and  24 , in both the retracted and extended positions, can be used to extract drain assemblies and pipes of other inner diameters as will be understood by those of skill in the art with reference to this disclosure. In a more preferred embodiment, the length and arc of the opposing wing segment  23  and  24  is such that when the opposing wing segment  23  and  24  are fully closed, as shown in  FIG. 2B , the opposing wing segments do not tightly close, which prevents accidental finger injury. However, other lengths and arcs of the opposing wing segment  23  and  24  can also be used, as will be understood by those of skill in the art with reference to this disclosure. 
   Referring again to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , shaft  21 , top ring  22 , bottom ring  25 , and the opposing wing segment  23  and  24  can comprise a conventional metal, such as steel, and can be formed by machining or other suitable methods for shaping metals, such as powdered steel casting, as will be understood by those of skill in the art with reference to this disclosure. 
   In another preferred embodiment of the invention, shaft  21  is machined from a preformed steel extension shank. Preferred extension shanks include NAPA™ and Craftsman™ impact and hardened shanks. However, other extension shanks can be used in the present invention as will be understood by those of skill in the art with reference to this disclosure. 
   In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the bottom ring  25  and the top ring  22  are cast from powdered steel. In a more preferred embodiment, the powdered steel used for casting the bottom ring  25  and the top ring  22  comprises chromium (from about 16% minimum to about 18% maximum), nickel (from about 10% minimum to about 14% maximum), manganese (from about 0% minimum to about 2% maximum), silicon (from about 0% minimum to about 1% maximum), sulphur (from about 0% minimum to about 0.03% maximum), carbon (from about 0% minimum to about 0.03% maximum), phosphorous (from about 0% minimum to about 0.045% maximum), molybdenum (from about 0% minimum to about 3% maximum), and nitrogen (from about 0% minimum to about 0.03% maximum) with a balance of iron. In a most preferred embodiment, the powdered steel used for casting the bottom ring  25  and the top ring  22  is stainless steel No. SS-316L, obtained from Metal Powder Products Company, Anaheim, Calif., US. However, other compositions of powdered steel and other types of metals can be used in the present invention as will be understood by those of skill in the art with reference to this disclosure. 
   In a preferred but not required embodiment of the present invention, the opposing wing segment  23  and  24  are cast from powdered steel. In a more preferred embodiment, the powdered steel used for casting the opposing wing segment  23  and  24  comprises chromium (from about 11.5% minimum to about 13.5% maximum), manganese (from about 0% minimum to about 1% maximum), silicon (from about 0% minimum to about 1% maximum), sulphur (from about 0% minimum to about 0.03% maximum), carbon (from about 0% minimum about 0.25% maximum), phosphorous (from about 0% minimum to about 0.04% maximum), and nitrogen (from about 0.2% minimum to about 0.6% maximum) with a balance of iron, impregnated with copper, and heat treated. In a most preferred embodiment, the powdered steel used for casting the opposing wing segment  23  and  24  is stainless steel No. SS-410, obtained from Metal Powder Products Company, Anaheim, Calif., US. However, other compositions of powdered steel and other types of metals can be used in the present invention, as will be understood by those of skill in the art with reference to this disclosure. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  3 C, there are shown a partial cut away side perspective view, a bottom perspective view, and a partial cut away top side perspective view, respectively, of the bottom ring  25  of the device  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  3 C, the bottom ring  25  is preferably notched with tip portions  31 ,  32 ,  33 , and  34 . As further shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  3 C, the bottom ring  25  contains the dowel pin hole  36  and  37 . Preferably, the outer diameter of the bottom ring  25  is about 1.4 inches in diameter, which is sized to fit within a standard 1.5 inch drain basket assembly, and the tip portions  31 ,  32 ,  33 , and  34  are sized such that the notches between the tip portions have about a 0.3 inch diameter. As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2B , and the tip portions  31 ,  32 ,  33 , and  34  are preferably sized to fit between the cross bars of the basket strainer  17  and the notches between the tip portions fit over the cross bars of the basket strainer  17 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , there is shown a side perspective view and a partial cut away side perspective view, respectively, of the shaft  21  and top ring  22  of the device  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the top ring  22  encases the shaft  21 .  FIGS. 4A and 4B  also show the insert pin  42 , extending from the shaft  21 .  FIGS. 4C and 4D  show a top side perspective view and a bottom perspective view, respectively, of the shaft  21  and top ring  22  shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the top ring  22  contains the dowel pin holes  46  and  47 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C, there is shown a side perspective view, a top side perspective view, and a top perspective view, respectively, of the opposing wing segment  23  of the device  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C, in a preferred but not required embodiment, the opposing wing segment  23  and  24  contain serrations  51 , which are about 0.01 inches in depth, and the dowel pin hole  56  and  57 . Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 5C , the angles α and β of the wing segments  23  and  24  are 5° and 120°, respectively. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , there is shown a partial cut away side perspective view of a first side, and a partial cut away side perspective view of a second side, respectively, of the shaft  21  of the device  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the shaft  21  contains the insert pin hole  62 . Referring now to  FIG. 6C , there is shown a top perspective view of the shaft  21  of the device  10 .  FIG. 6C  shows an embodiment of the invention where the shaft  21  contains a notch  61 . The notch  61  can be sized to fit a ½ inch socket drive or impact wrench. Alternately, the shaft  21  can have a lug extending from the shaft to receive a wrench or other tool to manipulate the device. 
   In another embodiment, the present invention is a method of using a basket strainer extractor device for extracting a drain assembly from a basin. Now referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 C,  3 B,  3 C, and  5 A, one embodiment of the method of the invention comprises providing a strainer extractor device  10 . The device  10  comprises a shaft  21 , a top ring  22 , a bottom ring  25 , having tip portions  31 ,  32 ,  33 , and  34 , opposing wing segment  23  and  24 , that are positioned between the top ring  22  and the bottom ring  25 , and rotationally connected to the top ring  22  and the bottom ring  25  by the dowel pins  26  and  27 . The device  10  is inserted into a basin  12  in a first retracted position. The basin has interior side walls  13 , an interior bottom  14 , a drain opening  15 , a drain flange  16 , and basket strainer  17 . The interior bottom  14  cooperates with drain flange  16  and basket strainer  17  to form drain assembly  18 . The tip portions  31 ,  32 ,  33 , and  34  of the device  10  are positioned within the basket strainer  17  such that the tip portions engage the basket strainer  17 . Then, a tool, such as a socket drive or a wrench is connected to the shaft  21  of the device  10 . Then, the tool is used to rotate the shaft  21  around the vertical axis of the shaft  21 . The movement of the shaft  21  and corresponding movement of the insert pin  42  moves the opposing wing segment  23  and  24  to a second extended position, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The bottom ring  25  remains in a fixed position relative to the shaft  21 , thereby engaging the basket strainer  17  and providing leverage for rotation of the shaft  21 . The shaft  21  is further rotated around the vertical axis of the shaft  21 , thereby engaging the extended opposing wing segment  23  and  24 , which include serrations  51 , with the inner sides of the drain flange  16  and extracting the drain flange  16  and the basket strainer  17  from the drain hole  16 . Rotating the shaft  21  and the insert pin  42  clockwise around the vertical axis of the shaft  21  moves the opposing wing segment  23  and  24  back to the first retracted position of the device. In a preferred, but not required embodiment of invention, a wrench  19 , such as a torque wrench, is inserted into the shaft  21  and turned to rotate the shaft  21 . However, the shaft  21  can be rotated by other means, such as with a drill assembly or hammer drive, as will be understood by those of skill in the art with reference to this disclosure. 
   Although the present invention has been discussed in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of preferred embodiments contained in this disclosure.