Patent Publication Number: US-4727604-A

Title: Waste stopper arrangement

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is directed to a waste stopper arrangement, and in particular a waste stopper arrangement possessing certain vandalization resistant characteristics. 
     The satisfactory maintenance of public and semi-public washing facilities, such as the hand basins in public lavatories and restaurants is greatly impeded by the occurrence of vandalism, both gross and petty. 
     One area of petty vandalism which diminishes the effective use of this type of facility is the theft of the waste stoppers. The loss of the stopper greatly reduces the contribution that a properly functioning hand basin can make to public health, besides being a nuisance and an annoyance. Such vandalization occurs even with built-in remote stopper mechanisms. 
     One known earlier fixture having a number of structural and functional characteristics in common with the present invention is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 1,311,241, Newton, July 29, 1919. This earlier construction shares certain superficial characteristics with the present invention, being rod actuated, and having a locking mechanism in close proximity beneath the stopper disc. However, the stopper of Newton can be readily removed from the associated fixture, merely by manipulating the stopper disc about its axis in association with the actuating mechanism to release the stopper from its actuating rod, and does not require the utilization of any tools to effect such removal. Accordingly, the noted prior arrangement presents little obstacle to vandaliziation by theft of the stopper. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention there is provided an improved waste stopper for use in a waste outlet such as that of a bath or wash hand basin, the waste stopper having a circular stopper disc, a central post to which the disc is attached, for attachment of the stopper in use to a waste actuating post, stopper guide means interposed between the stopper disc and the actuating post comprising a central boss portion having a plurality of guide vanes extending outwardly therefrom in centering relation of the boss within the waste, substantially vandal proof locking means closely underlying the stopper disc and securing the guide means in assembled relation with the actuating post, in combination with simple hand tools of modified form to afford access to the locking means when the stopper is in a normal, raised position. 
     In one embodiment the locking means comprises a threaded grub screw extending radially through the wall of the boss portion of the guide means to make securing contacting engagement with the adjoining radially outer surface of the stopper central post. The associated tool is an allen key having the longer end thereof provided with a tip portion inclined at a slight angle. 
     In an alternative embodiment there is provided a locking nut crowning a central portion of the boss and threadedly engaging the stopper central post in jamming engagement therewith when installed. The associated open end wrench has the head end cranked at a slight angle, in the plane of the head. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Certain embodiments of the invention are disclosed, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, wherein; 
     FIG. 1 is diametrical section side view of a waste system incorporating the subject improved waste stopper including a first embodiment of stopper locking means, and the associated tool; 
     FIG. 2 is a like view, including a second embodiment of stopper locking means, excluding certain extraneous portions, and including the associated allen key; 
     FIG. 3 is a plan view of the subject stopper guide means of the FIG. 1 embodiment, and 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic diametrical section of the subject stopper guide means of the FIG. 2 embodiment. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 a plumbing fixture 12 such as a bath or wash hand basin is provided with a drain having an elbow 14 depending from the fixture 12 connecting with a drain pipe 16 leading to a down pipe 18. The illustrated actuating mechanism comprises a pivot beam 20 having a lifting post 22 secured in pivotal relation to beam 20 by way of pin 24. The post 22 is threaded internally to receive the central post 30 in axially adjustable threaded engagement therein. The central post 30 carries a stopper disc 28 in attached relation therewith. 
     The relative elevation of the disc 28 in relation to the post 22, and hence with the drain outlet 26 may be readily adjusted by rotation of the disc 28 in an opening or closing sense. 
     Stopper guide means 32 is mounted by way of its boss portion 38 on the post 22. The guide means 32 has a plurality of guide vanes 36. A locking nut 34 threadedly mounted on the central post 30 engages against the top of the stopper guide means 32 and secures it in sandwiched relation with the actuating post 22, to thereby lock the whole assembly in secured relation for upward and downward displacment, along with stopper disc 28, on actuation of the pivot beam 20. A special cranked open end wrench 27 permits selective loosening or tightening of the nut 34 when the disc 28 is in a fully raised position. 
     The tops of guide vanes 36 are spaced beneath the stopper disc 28, providing a hair trap therebetween. 
     Turning to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 embodiments, while the same general arrangement is followed, with like components being similarly numbered, the locking means comprises a grub screw 42 set in a threaded passage 44 in the wall of boss portion 39 of the guide means 33. A special cranked-end allen key 29 permits selective loosening or tightening of the set screw 42 when the disc 28 is in a fully raised position. 
     The guide vanes 37 are shown part way down the boss 39, thereby permitting a range of axial positions for the guide means 33 beneath the stopper. 
     The extended boss 39 affords protection to the threads of the post 31, by its lower extended end. 
     It will be understood that certain of the physical characteristics of one embodiment may be incorporated in the other embodiment. 
     The location of the locking means, manely the grub screw 42 and the locking nut 34 respectively, which are concealed beneath the stopper disc 28 provide a considerable degree of tamper proofing. The nut 34 requires a special flat wrench preferably having the head end thereof cranked in order to effect a satisfactory grip on the nut 34, while the grub screw 42 normally requires the use of an allen key, having an inclined end. Being positively locked, the subject stopper assembly is substantially vandal proofed, against normal extents of tampering or petty theft. 
     Reverting to the FIG. 1 embodiment, an increase or decrease in the number of spacer washers 35 located on top of actuating post 22 will control the relative vertical location of the stopper guide means 32, serving as variable spacer means therefor, in accordance with the requirements of the fixture. 
     By providing the lifting post 22 with an hexagonal cross-section, and having the recess of guide means 32, within which the post 22 extends correspondingly shaped, relative rotation of the guide means 32 is positively precluded.