Abstract:
A sink disposal multipurpose tool is described. Disposals can be damaged by non-food items that are inadvertently dropped therein. A sink disposal multipurpose tool is configured so that it rests within and above a disposal in such a way as to block non-food items from entering a disposal while allowing water and food-waste items entrance. The tool is configured with a plurality of attachments, including a scraper and stuffer blade attachment so that a cook can efficiently scrape food waste materials from dishes, pans, etc. into a sink. The tool can be used to gather the food waste materials from the sink and push them into a disposal. Other attachments include a scrub pad, a brush, and a peeler. The sink disposal multipurpose tool can be returned to its storage position in and above the disposal well where it effectively stops utensils, etc. from entering the disposal unit.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/824,733 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,480,954, entitled “Sink Disposer Stuffer and Scraper Tool” and filed on Jul. 3, 2007, which is specifically incorporated herein by reference for all that it discloses and teaches. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates generally to the plumbing fixtures industry and more particularly to a multipurpose kitchen tool for sink garbage disposal units. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In-sink garbage disposal units have been in existence for the better part of a century. However, many localities were quick to outlaw their use for fear of placing too much strain on the local sewer system. In recent years, many such prohibitions have been lifted and the popularity of garbage disposals has grown dramatically. Nevertheless, as the number of installed disposals continues to grow, a few obvious deficiencies in the general design and usage have become apparent. 
     Disposals are normally installed under the kitchen sink. The top opening in a disposal is called a “disposal well” and is fitted into the drain opening in the bottom of a sink. The remainder of the disposal unit resides in the cabinet or cupboard below the sink. This lower portion of the disposal includes the blades or other means for chopping or shredding waste food. After the waste food is reduced in size, the disposal pushes it out into an effluent disposal system (i.e., a sewer system). 
     Garbage disposals provide for a simple and clean method of ridding a house of kitchen waste food materials, including: produce trimmings such as the ends of carrots, after-dinner plate scraps, eggshells, etc. To utilize a garbage disposal, a cook simply places waste food materials into the sink, turns on the tap so that water is flowing into the disposal and pushes the waste food into the disposal well. The cook then turns the disposal unit on and continues to feed the waste food into the disposal well. When the disposal has sufficiently chopped or shredded the waste food, the cook then shuts the disposal off and turns off the flow of tap water. The processed waste food is flushed out of the disposal and into the drain system by the flow of water. 
     One common problem with disposals is that the opening in the disposal well is usually large enough to allow non-waste food items to enter the disposal. Items such as eating utensils, kitchen knives, etc. often fall into the disposal well and can cause both significant damage to the disposal and can be damaged by the disposal when the unit is turned on. Placing a rubber stopper or other device over the disposal well can reduce such accidents, but stopper devices also can impede the flow of water and waste food into the disposal well. Although some stopper devices attempt to address this problem by providing drainage holes or waste food openings, the design of such devices often allows non-waste food items to enter the disposal well. 
     Additionally, current sink disposal stoppers can be difficult to insert and remove from the disposal well and are most often completely useless for otherwise assisting a cook in his or her food-preparation and kitchen cleaning tasks. Therefore, there is a need for a sink disposal tool that allows waste food and water to enter a disposal well while denying entry to utensils and other similar items; that is easy to install and remove from a disposal well; and that can be utilized by a cook or other person to assist him or her with other kitchen tasks. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments described and claimed herein address the foregoing problems by providing a sink disposal multipurpose tool. The tool has an upper portion having an outer diameter that allows it to be stored, and be carried, on and above the inside lip on the sink collar where the sink drain meets the disposal well on a garbage disposal unit. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the tool is carried and stored on the split rubber entry portion of the disposal well. The outer lower peripheral portion of the upper portion of the tool can be fluted or otherwise shaped so as to facilitate drainage and funnel smaller pieces of food from the sink into the disposal while the tool is in the storage position. Because the surrounding space between the large outer diameter of the tool and the disposal well is not appropriately sized or shaped to comfortably contain a cook&#39;s fingers, the tool includes a top knob so that it may be conveniently lifted from within the disposal well. 
     The central portion of the tool is shaped so as to fit within the well of a disposal. The shape allows a cook to push waste food down into the disposal well without risking injury to his or her fingers. The tool can be manufactured such that its surface is non-slip to enhance its usability and it can be made dishwasher safe. Furthermore, the surface will not allow build up of bacteria or grease. 
     Additionally, the tool can be configured with a number of attachments that fit onto the lower portion of the tool. For example, a blade-shaped device can be affixed to the tool to assist a cook in scraping waste food off of dishes and into the disposal well. Numerous other attachments are contemplated, including, but not limited to: a brush, a peeler, and a scrub pad. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The aforementioned and other features and objects of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following description of a preferred embodiment and other embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a sink disposal multipurpose tool including a scraper and stuffer attachment blade. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a sink disposal multipurpose tool. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a sink disposal multipurpose tool including a scraper and stuffer attachment blade in an exemplary rest position on and above a sink drain collar. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a sink disposal multipurpose tool including an unattached scraper and stuffer attachment blade. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a brush attachment for a sink disposal multipurpose tool. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a peeler attachment for a sink disposal multipurpose tool. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a scrub pad attachment for a sink disposal multipurpose tool. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In one embodiment, a sink disposal multipurpose tool is configured with a scraper and stuffer blade attachment so that a cook or other user of the tool can efficiently scrape food waste materials from dishes, pans, etc. into a sink. The tool can then be used to gather the food waste materials from the bottom of the sink and push them into a drain opening in the sink. As food waste material is pushed through the sink drain opening, it enters the disposal well. The tool helps the cook to push food waste materials through the split rubber entry portion of the disposal. The disposal is then activated and the food waste materials are shredded and flushed out of the disposal into the waste water handling system. The sink disposal multipurpose tool can then be returned to its rest position in and above the disposal well where it effectively stops utensils, etc. from entering the disposal unit. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a sink disposal multipurpose tool  100 . This particular embodiment includes a scraper and stuffer attachment blade  150 . The body of the tool as illustrated in  FIG. 1  includes an upper portion  122  having a bottom portion sized to generally extend beyond the diameter of the drain opening in the bottom of a sink so that the tool  100  can be carried/ stored on and above the sink collar or drain opening in a sink. In other embodiments, other storage locations and means are contemplated. 
     The body of the tool  100  also has a push portion  124  extending centrally beneath the upper portion  122 , configured to push food through the sink collar and into the disposal. The lower body of the tool  100  can be configured with a myriad of attachments. The attachment shown in  FIG. 1  is a singular blade portion  150  extending across and beneath the push portion  124  for scraping food from dishes and sinks into the disposal. Other attachments are contemplated. 
     Additionally,  FIG. 1  illustrates a top lift means  128  extending centrally above the upper portion  122  so that the tool  100  can be lifted up and out of a storage position in the sink drain. The top lift means  128  displayed in  FIG. 1  utilizes a knob  130 . Other means of lifting the tool  100  are contemplated in other embodiments. 
     The push portion  124  can be generally cylindrical in shape so that it loosely fills the sink drain and the disposal well. In other embodiments, various shapes and sizes are contemplated for the push portion  124  so that it loosely fits variously shaped and sized sink drains and disposal wells. 
     In one embodiment, the blade portion  150  is manufactured from a flexible rubber or plastic to better facilitate scraping of waste food from curved portions of dishes and sinks. In another embodiment, the blade portion  150  is made using some other material(s). It is also contemplated that the size and shape of the blade portion  150  may vary without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the outer lower peripheral portion of the upper portion  122  is fluted  138  there-around to facilitate drainage and funnel smaller pieces of waste food material from the sink into the disposal. In other embodiments, other shapes may be utilized besides fluting to direct waste material into the disposal. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a sink disposal multipurpose tool  200 . In the view shown in  FIG. 2 , the top lift means is a knob  230  extending centrally above the upper portion  222  so that the tool  200  can be lifted up and out of a storage position in the sink drain. Other means of lifting the tool  200  are contemplated in other embodiments. 
     In the top view illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the fluting  238  of the upper portion can be clearly seen. The fluting  238  is designed to facilitate drainage and funnel smaller pieces of waste food material from the sink into the disposal. In other embodiments, other shapes may be utilized besides fluting to direct waste material into the disposal. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a sink disposal multipurpose tool  300  including a scraper and stuffer attachment blade  350  in an exemplary rest position on and above a sink drain collar  317 . This particular embodiment includes a scraper and stuffer attachment blade  350 . The body of the tool as illustrated in  FIG. 3  includes an upper portion  322  having a bottom portion sized to generally extend beyond the diameter of the drain opening in the bottom of a sink  316  so that the tool  300  can be carried/stored on and above the sink collar  317  or drain opening in a sink  316 . The body of the tool  300  also has a push portion  324  extending beneath the upper portion  322 , configured to push waste food  310  through the sink collar  317  and into the disposal  312 . 
     The lower body of the tool  300  can be configured with a myriad of attachments. The attachment shown in  FIG. 3  is a singular blade portion  350  extending across and beneath the push portion  324  for scraping food  310  from dishes and sinks  316  into the disposal  312 . Additionally,  FIG. 3  illustrates a top lift means  328  extending centrally above the upper portion  322  so that the tool  300  can be lifted up and out of a storage position in the disposal well  318 . The top lift means  328  displayed in  FIG. 3  utilizes a knob  330 . Other means of lifting the tool  300  are contemplated in other embodiments. 
     The push portion  324  can be generally cylindrical in shape so that it loosely fills the sink drain and the disposal well  318 . In other embodiments, various shapes and sizes are contemplated to loosely fit variously shaped and sized sink drains and disposal wells. 
     In one embodiment, the blade portion  350  is manufactured from a flexible rubber or plastic to facilitate better scraping of waste food from curved portions of dishes and sinks. In another embodiment, the blade portion  350  is made using some other material(s). It is also contemplated that the size and shape of the blade portion  350  may vary without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the outer lower peripheral portion of the upper portion  322  is fluted  338  there-around to facilitate drainage and funnel smaller pieces of waste food material  310  from the sink  316  into the disposal  312 . In other embodiments, other shapes may be utilized besides fluting to direct waste material into the disposal  312 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a detached sink disposal multipurpose tool  401  and an unattached scraper and stuffer attachment blade  450 . The blade  450  can be pushed in the direction indicated by the up arrow  470  onto the tool  401  to snap the blade attachment means  460  onto the tool  401 . The manner of attaching the blade  450  to the tool  401  can vary from that shown in  FIG. 4  without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in an alternate embodiment, the blade  450  could screw onto the tool  401 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a brush attachment  553  for a sink disposal multipurpose tool. The brush  553  has a brush attachment means  560  that allows the brush  553  to attach to the tool. In other embodiments, the size and shape of the brush attachment means  560  varies from that shown in  FIG. 5 . Furthermore, the means  560  can vary functionally as well, e.g., the brush  553  could be attached to the tool by screwing it onto the base of the tool instead of by using the snap-on attachment means  560  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a peeler attachment  657  for a sink disposal multipurpose tool. The peeler  657  has a peeler attachment means  660  that allows the peeler  657  to attach to the tool. In other embodiments, the size and shape of the peeler attachment means  660  varies from that shown in  FIG. 6 . Furthermore, the means  660  can vary functionally as well, e.g., the peeler  657  could be attached to the tool by screwing it onto the base of the tool instead of by using the snap-on attachment means  660  illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a scrub pad attachment  759  for a sink disposal multipurpose tool. The scrub pad  759  has a scrub pad attachment means  760  that allows the scrub pad  759  to attach to the tool. In other embodiments, the size and shape of the scrub pad attachment means  760  varies from that shown in  FIG. 7 . Furthermore, the means  760  can vary functionally as well, e.g., the scrub pad  759  could be attached to the tool by screwing it onto the base of the tool instead of by using the snap-on attachment means  760  illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
     In other embodiments, the tool could be configured with other attachments, either detachable or permanently attached. 
     The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the described articles of manufacture and methods. Many embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , in accordance with at least one embodiment, a sink disposal tool  100  is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool  100  comprises an upper portion  122  comprising an outer lower peripheral portion  123  fluted  138  around an outside diameter  160 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool  100  further comprises a push portion  124  extending from the upper portion  122 , wherein the outside diameter  160  of the outer lower peripheral portion  123  of the upper portion  122  increases with decreasing distance  164  from the push portion  124  until the outside diameter  160  achieves a maximum diameter  162  then decreases with decreasing distance  164  from the push portion  124 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool  100  further comprises a lower portion extending from the push portion  124 . 
     In accordance with at least one embodiment, the outside diameter  160  of the outer lower peripheral portion  123  of the upper portion  122  of the sink disposal tool  100  increases linearly with decreasing distance  164  from the push portion  124  until the outside diameter  160  achieves the maximum diameter  162 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper portion  122  of the sink disposal tool  100  further comprises a circular portion  170 , the circular portion  170  defining radially disposed channels  180 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, a number of the radially disposed channels  180  is equal to a number of flutes  138  of the outer lower peripheral portion  123 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the circular portion  170  comprises an upper surface  190 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper surface  190  is a convex surface. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the radially disposed channels  180  are concavely defined in the upper surface  190 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper portion  122  of the sink disposal tool  100  comprises an upper surface  190 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper surface  190  defines radially disposed concave channels  180 . 
     In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool  100  comprises an upper portion  122  comprising an outer lower peripheral portion  123  fluted  138  around an outside diameter  160  and a circular portion  170 , the circular portion  170  defining radially disposed channels  180 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool  100  further comprises a push portion  124  extending from the upper portion  122 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool  100  further comprises a lower portion extending from the push portion  124 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, a number of the radially disposed channels  180  is equal to a number of flutes  138  of the outer lower peripheral portion  123 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the circular portion  170  comprises an upper surface  190 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, upper surface  190  is a convex surface. In accordance with at least one embodiment, radially disposed channels  180  are concavely defined in upper surface  190 . 
     In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool  100  comprises a circular portion  170  comprising an upper surface  190  and a periphery  192 , said circular portion  170  coupled to a top lift means  128 . The sink disposal tool further comprises a fluted portion  138  disposed below the circular portion  170 , the fluted portion  138  defining a plurality of flutes disposed below the periphery  192  of the circular portion  170 , the fluted portion  138  extending from the circular portion  170  such that the fluted portion  138  increases in outside diameter  160  farther from the circular portion  170  to a maximum diameter  162 , the fluted portion  138  then decreasing in outside diameter  160  from the maximum diameter  162  in a direction away from the circular portion  170 . The sink disposal tool  100  further comprises a push portion  124  disposed below the fluted portion  138 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , in accordance with at least one embodiment, a sink disposal tool  200  is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool  200  comprises an upper portion  222  comprising an outer lower peripheral portion  223  fluted  238  around an outside diameter  260 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool  200  further comprises a push portion extending from the upper portion  222 , wherein the outside diameter  260  of the outer lower peripheral portion  223  of the upper portion  222  increases with decreasing distance from the push portion until the outside diameter  260  achieves a maximum diameter  262  then decreases with decreasing distance from the push portion. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool  200  further comprises a lower portion extending from the push portion. 
     In accordance with at least one embodiment, the outside diameter  260  of the outer lower peripheral portion  223  of the upper portion  222  of the sink disposal tool  200  increases linearly with decreasing distance from the push portion until the outside diameter achieves the maximum diameter  262 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper portion  222  of the sink disposal tool  200  further comprises a circular portion  270 , the circular portion  270  defining radially disposed channels  280 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, a number of the radially disposed channels  280  is equal to a number of flutes of the outer lower peripheral portion. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the circular portion  270  comprises an upper surface  290 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper surface  290  is a convex surface. In accordance with at least one embodiment, radially disposed channels  280  are concavely defined in upper surface  290 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper portion  222  of the sink disposal tool  200  comprises an upper surface  290 . 
     In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool  200  comprises an upper portion  222  comprising an outer lower peripheral portion  223  fluted  238  around an outside diameter  260  and a circular portion  270 , the circular portion  270  defining radially disposed channels  280 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool  200  further comprises a push portion extending from the upper portion  222 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool  200  further comprises a lower portion extending from the push portion. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a number of the radially disposed channels  280  is equal to a number of flutes of the outer lower peripheral portion  223 . In accordance with at least ones embodiment, the circular portion  270  comprises an upper surface  290 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper surface  290  is a convex surface. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the radially disposed channels  280  are concavely defined in upper surface  290 . 
     In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool  200  comprises a circular portion  270  comprising an upper surface  290  and a periphery  292 , said circular portion  270  coupled to a top lift means comprising a knob  230 . The sink disposal tool further comprises a fluted portion  238  disposed below the circular portion  270 , the fluted portion  238  defining a plurality of flutes disposed below the periphery  292  of the circular portion  270 , the fluted portion  238  extending from the circular portion  270  such that the fluted portion  238  increases in outside diameter  260  farther from the circular portion  270  to a maximum diameter  262 , the fluted portion  238  then decreasing in outside diameter  260  from the maximum diameter  262  in a direction away from the circular portion  270 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , in accordance with at least one embodiment, a sink disposal tool  300  is provided for use with a sink  316  having a drain opening  317  and a disposal  312 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool  300  comprises an upper portion  322  comprising an outer lower peripheral portion  323  fluted  338  around an outside diameter  360  to facilitate drainage from the sink  316  into the disposal  312 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool  300  further comprises a push portion  324  extending from the upper portion  322  and configured to push food  310  through the drain opening  317  and into the disposal  312 , wherein the outside diameter  360  of the outer lower peripheral portion  323  of the upper portion  322  increases with decreasing distance  364  from the push portion  324  until the outside diameter  360  achieves a maximum diameter  362  then decreases with decreasing distance  364  from the push portion  324 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool  300  further comprises a lower portion extending from the push portion  324 . 
     In accordance with at least one embodiment, the outside diameter  360  of the outer lower peripheral portion  323  of the upper portion  322  of the sink disposal tool  300  increases linearly with decreasing distance  364  from the push portion  324  until the outside diameter  360  achieves the maximum diameter  362 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper portion  322  of the sink disposal tool  300  further comprises a circular portion  370 , the circular portion  370  defining radially disposed channels  380 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, a number of the radially disposed channels  380  is equal to a number of flutes  338  of the outer lower peripheral portion  323 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the circular portion  370  comprises an upper surface  390 . accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper surface  390  is a convex surface. In accordance with at least one embodiment, radially disposed channels  380  are concavely defined in the upper surface  390 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper portion  322  of the sink disposal tool  300  comprises an upper surface  390  defining radially disposed concave channels  380 . 
     In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool  300  comprises an upper portion  322  comprising an outer lower peripheral portion  323  fluted  338  around an outside diameter  360  to facilitate drainage from the sink  316  into the disposal  312  and a circular portion  370 , the circular portion  370  defining radially disposed channels  380 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool  300  further comprises a push portion  324  extending from the upper portion  322  and configured to push food  310  through the drain opening  317  and into the disposal  312 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool  300  further comprises a lower portion extending from the push portion  324 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, a number of the radially disposed channels  380  is equal to a number of flutes  338  of the outer lower peripheral portion  323 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the circular portion  370  comprises an upper surface  390 . In accordance with at least one embodiment, the upper surface  390  is a convex surface. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the radially disposed channels  380  are concavely defined in upper surface  390 . 
     In accordance with at least one embodiment, the sink disposal tool  300  comprises a circular portion  370  comprising an upper surface  390  and a periphery  392 , said circular portion  370  coupled to a top lift means  328 . The sink disposal tool  300  further comprises a fluted portion  338  disposed below the circular portion  370 , the fluted portion  338  defining a plurality of flutes disposed below the periphery  392  of the circular portion  370 , the fluted portion  338  extending from the circular portion  370  such that the fluted portion  338  increases in outside diameter  360  farther from the circular portion  370  to a maximum diameter  362 , the fluted portion  338  then decreasing in diameter  360  from the maximum diameter  362  in a direction away from the circular portion  370 . The sink disposal tool  300  further comprises a push portion  324  disposed below the fluted portion  338 .