Abstract:
A portable sink drain water diverter for residential and commercial use, which is installable into a sink drain, enabling a user to be more efficient by filling a sink with water, without having to be concerned about water overflowing the sink and removing or doing multiple sink plug repositioning while washing. A portable sink water diverter enables people in the household and in commercial environments to wash dishes conveniently and efficiently. Such technique promotes ease of use by eliminating hard scrubbing, reduction of bacterial growth, and removing the source of contamination in and around the sink basin by employing a systematically faster cleaning technique to complete the dishwashing task.

Description:
[0001]    This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/690,023, “Portable Sink Water Diverter” (Malaguit, Jr.), filed Jun. 18, 2012; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/849,709, “Portable Sink Diverter” (Malaguit, Jr.), filed Feb. 1, 2013. 
     
    
     FIELD OF USE 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a device, which prevents a sink from overflowing while the sink drain is plugged with a device which has an extended drain spout, and more particularly, for a device that facilitates dishwashing in an easy-to-follow and systematic manner either with or without a dishwasher. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Most homes in first-world countries are equipped with dishwashers. In addition, heavy-duty dishwashers are available for use commercially (e.g. in hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and rest homes) where a large number of dishes must be cleaned and sanitation is the primary concern. Unlike a home dishwasher, commercial dishwashers do not use a drying cycle and thus are significantly faster than their residential counterparts. Washing is conducted with 150-160° F. temperatures and sanitation is achieved by either the use of a booster heater that will provide the machine 180° F. “final rinse” temperature or through the use of a chemical sanitizer. This distinction labels the machines as either “high-temp” or “low-temp”. Some commercial dishwashers work similar to a commercial car wash, with a pulley system that pulls the rack through a small chamber (known widely as a “rack conveyor” systems). Single-rack washers require an operator to push the rack into the washer, close the doors, start the cycle, and then open the doors to pull out the cleaned rack, possibly through a second opening into an unloading area. They use much water, much energy, and oftentimes do a mediocre job of not removing small crusted-on food residues on soiled dishwares. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,922,733 (Lyon, et al.) discloses a portable sink over-flow device comprising an elbow duct with the end of the horizontal leg closed off. A bottom opening adjacent that end is adapted to register with the sink drain, and a resilient stopper pad sealed around the lateral opening, enables the sink to be filled to the level of the vertically disposed leg of the elbow. Telescopic joints in both legs of the elbow duct enable positioning of the vertical leg against the sink wall and adjustment for water depth. Means are provided to anchor the device against flotation. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,370,762 (Heil) discloses a portable sink attachment comprising a hollow elbow-shaped member having an opening at either end. The opening at the upper end is adapted to receive the hollow extension projecting from the bottom of a curved receptacle having a wide mouth and tapering down to this extension. The lower end of the elbow-shaped member is connected to a sealing member which is provided with a seat and a vertically descending section. The vertically descending section fits snugly within the opening of a gasket which is attached to the sealing member, with the gasket resting firmly against the seat provided on the sealing member. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,446,280 (Moore, Jr) discloses a sink attachment having a basin, a drain tube, and a sealing member is disclosed. The sink attachment provides for simultaneously draining tap water or other liquids and sealing the sink. The attachment may be relocated without having to remove the sealing member from the sink drain. 
         [0007]    Currently, with a weak economy many people are working more than one job to make ends meet. In addition, there is a dwindling supply of drinking water available to a global population now exceeding seven billion. Many new dishwashers are now equipped with sensors that detect the dirtiness of the water coming off the dishes. When the water is clear enough, the dishwasher knows the dishes are clean. While these dishwashers provide a cleaner rack of dishes, much water can be wasted if several cycles are required to remove debris from the dishes that has been allowed to harden. 
         [0008]    What is needed is a product that improves sink cleanliness, is adaptable and is capable with essentially all conventional sinks, retards the growth of bacteria (by dilution or water replenishment), and reduces unwanted food spoilage (exposure to air), and contamination around the sink basin (by small crawling insects and animal vectors). What is needed is a new technique that will ensure a major reduction of kitchen-based germs proliferation and also hasten the final dishwashing cleaning process. 
         [0009]    What is needed is to provide an alternative to the automatic dishwasher and is compatible with an automatic dishwasher, by an inexpensive and portable device that greatly reduces the time to clean dirty dishes and aids in sanitizing the dishes to eliminate the spread of bacteria. 
         [0010]    What is needed is a device that can save each user at least 40 gallons of water per day, and that will collectively save several hundred million dollars or more, and preserve our dwindling supply of drinking water. 
         [0011]    What is needed is a new technique that will eliminate hard plate residue-scrubbing, hasten the final dishwashing cleaning process, and ensure a major reduction of bacterial proliferation. What is needed is a device that enables people to wash dishes each day at their convenience rather than immediately after using the dishes. What is needed is a device that enables said debris from said dirty dishes to loosen, and eliminate hard scrubbing of plate residues, and reducing unwanted food spoilage, reducing the growth of bacteria, and contamination around the sink basin. 
         [0012]    What is needed is a device that enables people to soak dirty plates and softens the food debris remaining on the dishes in the sink basin during the day, and removed for fast and easy cleaning later that day or evening, whenever one has the time to do it. What is needed is portable sink drain diverter device, which fits into the drain of a sink, and has a modular construction with an adjustable tube. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    The portable sink drain diverter comprises three main components: a plug housing, accordion, and intake. When the three are assembled into the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device is inserted into the drain of a sink and the intake positioned against the either side or any corner of the sink to prevent said sink from over flowing during use, or when the user leaves the water running. This allows the user to prefill the sink and then leave, if necessary, and then return and use the faucet while preventing the sink from overflowing. 
         [0014]    This application is ideal for washing dishes as it allows the user to prefill the sink and walk away to do other tasks, while all the while, letting the dishes soak and prevent any food from drying and adhering to said plates, making it more difficult to clean said items. This also allows the user to use less water when cleaning said items, which happened to be soaking in the sink at the same time, while also allowing one to use the faucet without fear of the sink overflowing. 
         [0015]    By utilizing the invention in this manner, it is possible for a user to reduce their water consumption, saving money, while also saving time, and in this case, cleaning dishes with food adhered to them. By soaking said dirty dishes, the food is prevented from drying and adhering to said plates, forcing the user to use more water, and time to clean said dishes. It is estimated, a person will use approximately 40 gallons less water per day. 
         [0016]    For a complete understanding of portable sink drain diverter prevention device of the present invention, reference is made to the following summary of the invention detailed description and accompanying drawings in which the presently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown by way of example. As the invention may be embodied in many forms without departing from spirit of essential characteristics thereof, it is expressly understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  depicts a pair of the first preferred embodiment of the portable sink drain diverters of the present invention, each of the diverters being disposed in one of two residential sinks located side-by-side, the portable sink drain diverter comprising a plug housing, attached to an accordion-like section, and an intake. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2A  depicts the rear view of the first preferred embodiment of the portable sink drain diverter of  FIG. 1  with the accordion section expanded; and  FIG. 2B  depicts the rear view of the preferred embodiment of the portable sink drain diverter of  FIG. 1  with the accordion section retracted. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  depicts the front view of the first preferred embodiment of the portable sink drain diverter of  FIG. 2A , with the accordion section expanded. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  depicts a pair of the first preferred embodiment of the portable sink drain diverters of  FIG. 1 , each of the diverters being disposed in one of two residential sinks located side-by-side, with the two residential sinks filled with the water level at the level of the water intake passages and the air intake passages positioned above the water level of the portable sink drain diverters of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 5A  depicts an exploded view of the first preferred embodiment of the portable sink drain diverter of  FIG. 2A , detailing the intake connected to the plug housing. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5B  depicts an exploded detail of the plug housing of the portable sink drain diverter of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0023]      FIG. 5C  depicts an exploded detail of the intake of the portable sink drain diverter of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0024]      FIG. 5D  depicts an exploded detail of the O-ring of the portable sink drain diverter of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0025]      FIG. 6A  depicts a second preferred embodiment of the portable sink drain diverter of the present invention for use in commercial applications. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6B  depicts an intake extension tube for the commercial portable sink drain diverter of  FIG. 6A . 
           [0027]      FIG. 6C  depicts an plug extension tube for the commercial portable sink drain diverter of  FIG. 6A . 
           [0028]      FIG. 6D  depicts another view of the preferred embodiment of the commercial portable sink drain diverter of  FIG. 6A . 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  depicts an environmental view of the commercial portable sink drain diverter of  FIG. 6A  positioned in a sink, said commercial portable sink drain diverter positioned in the corner of the sink. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0030]    Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  depicts the portable sink drain diverter of the present invention [ 10 ] comprising a plug housing [ 20 ], attached to an accordion-like section [ 30 ], which is attached to the intake [ 40 ]. Upon receipt of the portable sink drain diverter of the present invention [ 10 ], the user will see the unit disassembled into three components, the intake [ 40 ] (water [ 42 ] and air [ 44 ]), accordion section [ 30 ], and the plug housing [ 20 ] with attached plug housing seal [ 22 ]. 
         [0031]    The plug housing [ 20 ] is compatible with essentially all conventional sinks and provides a seal in the sink drain. The plug housing [ 20 ] is preferably made of a durable polypropylene material. The attached plug housing seal [ 22 ] is preferably made of TPE (thermoplastic elastomeric) synthetic rubber, silicone or other material that creates an air or liquid tight flexible seal when the lower end of the plug housing [ 20 ] is attached to the plug sealing member [ 22 ]. Also, referring to  FIG. 5A  depicts to make the present invention [ 10 ] air and liquid tight, both rectangular tube grooves seen in the intake [ 40 ] and the plug housing [ 20 ] each having a corresponding intake rectangular groove [ 45 ] and plug housing rectangular groove [ 46 ] to accommodate a sealing O-ring [ 50 ]. 
         [0032]    The accordion section [ 30 ] is preferably made of a durable polypropylene material that is fatigue resistant to constant bending is flexible. The accordion section [ 30 ] enables the user to position the device [ 10 ] inside of a sink based on need and customized configuration. The accordion connection [ 30 ] has a pair of ends [ 31  and  32 ] specially designed of different length to be reversible. Accordion connector end [ 31 ] can be attached to either the plug housing [ 20 ] or the intake section [ 40 ]. Similarly, accordion connector end [ 32 ] is compatible with both the plug housing [ 20 ] and the intake section [ 40 ]. Some sinks have the drain located in the center of thereof, while other sinks have the drain located offset from the center thereof. Hence, the accordion-like section [ 30 ] which provides a user with flexibility for establishing the intake level that is compatible with either type of sink. 
         [0033]    For purposes of water conservation, it is preferred not to have a sink full of water if only a few dishes are soaking. The number of dishes soaking determines the amount of water needed in the sink. For example, if the water level in the sink does not need to be so high, the user may position the portable sink drain diverter of the present invention [ 10 ] such that water intake passages [ 42 ] will lay semi-flat, or somewhat semi-elevated against the bottom and side wall of the sink. Or, if the user so chooses, the portable sink drain diverter of the present invention [ 10 ] may be positioned such that the accordion [ 30 ] is bent and resting against the side corner of the sink, with the water intake passages [ 42 ] at its maximum height. Once the orientation has been decided, the user then turns on the sink faucet at half or minimal setting, and wets the plug housing seal [ 22 ], which will allow easy insertion into the drain of the sink. Once this is done, the portable sink drain diverter of the present invention [ 10 ] is ready to use. The water is then turned on and the water level in the sink will only rise until it reaches the water intake passages [ 42 ], at which point the water will then be diverted down the accordion section [ 30 ] through the plug housing [ 20 ] and into the drain, preventing the sink from overflowing. 
         [0034]      FIG. 2A  depicts the rear view of the preferred embodiment of the portable sink drain diverter of the present invention with the flexible connector section expanded; and  FIG. 2B  depicts the rear view of the preferred embodiment of the portable sink drain diverter of the present invention with the flexible connector section compressed. One may also adjust the length of the device [ 10 ] by reversing around the accordion section [ 30 ] during assembly and inserting the long end [ 32 ] onto the plug housing [ 20 ] and the intake [ 40 ] into the shorter end [ 31 ] of the accordion [ 30 ] or vise versa. 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  depicts an environmental view of the portable sink drain diverter of the present invention as it would be used in a standard double sink, with the both of the units positioned for maximum water level. The intake [ 40 ] is clearly visible in the right and the left side. By having multiple water intake passages [ 42 ] and air intake passages [ 44 ], it is highly unlikely that either will become plugged with debris from the soaking dishes. Also, the air intake passage [ 44 ] serves to enhance fluid flow through the residential portable sink drain diverter of the present invention [ 10 ] much like an open container is needed for drawing a fluid through a straw. 
         [0036]    The portable sink drain diverter of the present invention provides the following benefits: it shortens dishwashing without compromising cleanliness; hard scrubbing of plates and wares are eliminated; dishwashing can be delayed until later in the day or night; unsightly piles of dirty dishes on top of the counter are eliminated; simple and easy to use to complete the dishwashing chore; sink plug removal and multiple repositioning during cleaning is eliminated; large kitchen wares, pots, and pans can be easily cleaned; keeps the rinsing water cleaner than the conventional way of dishwashing; after the dishes are cleaned, sink clean-up is fast and easy; reduces dishwashing anxiety; and saves each user up to one hour of free time for you each day. And, one of the most pronounced benefit of the portable sink drain diverter of the present invention [ 10 ] is that it enables a parent to greatly simplify teaching a child how to properly wash dishes, by reducing the many steps involved into 3 simple steps, and a more manageable way like soaping, and rinsing the plates (eliminating the step of removing or repositioning the usual old plug through the gross sink water, multiple times, and possibly containing sharp objects), and stacking away. 
         [0037]    At times, the portable sink drain diverter&#39;s accordion section [ 30 ] of the present invention [ 10 ] may become dented and to fix the problem, said component can be compressed and then extended once, or a few times, and if this does not work, the accordion section [ 30 ] of the portable sink drain diverter of the present invention [ 10 ] may need to be boiled to soften, automatically removing any dents which may affect aesthetic and usability of the portable sink drain diverter of the present invention [ 10 ]. Another method of semi-permanently shortening the accordion section [ 30 ] (to fit shallower kitchen sinks) is to immerse said section in a pot of boiling water for thirty to sixty seconds, then lift it up from the boiling water in safety. Using a thong grabber and oven gloves, compressed both ends [ 31 ] and [ 32 ] to a desired length, and run it in cold water to semi-permanently set the accordion section [ 30 ]. To restore to original length, simply boil it again, and it will auto-expand. Then pick the unit up and immerse it in cool water to set. 
         [0038]    The plug housing [ 20 ] is compatible with essentially all conventional sink and provides a plug housing seal [ 22 ] in the sink drain. The plug housing [ 20 ], the plug extension tube [ 47 ], the accordion section [ 30 ], the intake extension tube [ 48 ], and the intake [ 40 ], are all made of durable polypropylene material in varying thickness and hardness. The attached plug housing seal [ 22 ] is preferably made of TPE (thermoplastic elastomeric) synthetic rubber, silicone or other material that creates an air or liquid tight flexible seal when the lower end of the plug housing [ 20 ] and plug sealing member [ 22 ] in place into the sink drain. Also, referring to  FIG. 5A ,  5 B,  5 C,  5 D, to make the portable sink drain diverter [ 10 ] of the present invention [ 110 ] air and liquid tight, both rectangular tube grooves seen in the intake rectangular groove [ 46 ] and the plug housing rectangular groove [ 45 ] each accommodates a rectangular sealing O-ring [ 50 ]. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 6A ,  6 D, and  7  depict a second preferred embodiment of the commercial portable sink drain diverter of the present invention [ 110 ] for large sinks being used in many commercial establishments such as restaurants, hospital cafeterias, lodges, rest homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities, which is the commercial version of the portable sink drain diverter of the present invention [ 110 ]. 
         [0040]    The commercial portable sink drain diverter of the present invention [ 110 ] includes a plug housing [ 20 ], a plug housing extension tube [ 47 ], an accordion-like section [ 30 ], an intake extension tube [ 48 ], and an intake [ 40 ]. These may be the same plug housing [ 20 ], accordion-like section [ 30 ], and intake [ 40 ] used in the residential portable sink drain diverter of the present invention [ 10 ] or said components may be made of heavier duty materials and scaled-up dimensions, to accommodate more liquid flow-rate volumes. If they are the same components, a user may buy the larger commercial unit [ 110 ] and be acquiring the residential unit [ 10 ] inherent with the purchase. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 6B and 6C  depict the two extension tubes [ 47  and  48 ] that are needed for the larger unit [ 110 ]. Depending upon the size of the sink basin and the number of dishes that need to be cleaned, either an intake extension tube [ 48 ] positioned between the intake [ 40 ] and the accordion section [ 30 ], or a plug housing extension tube [ 47 ] positioned between the plug housing [ 20 ] and the accordion section [ 30 ]. In most applications both extension tubes [ 47  and  48 ] may be needed. 
         [0042]    The larger unit [ 110 ] may tend to be buoyant and need to be secured to the sink basin. This may be accomplished in any of a number of ways; (1) by use of magnets secured to the accordion section [ 30 ] or the plug housing extension tube [ 47 ], (2) by use of weights secured to the accordion section [ 30 ] or the plug extension tube [ 47 ] or (3) by means of heavier materials for the accordion section [ 30 ] or the plug extension tube [ 47 ]. 
         [0043]    Upon receipt of the commercial version of portable sink drain diverter of the present invention [ 110 ], the user will see the unit disassembled into five separate and distinct parts seen in  FIG. 7 , the intake [ 40 ] (including passages for liquid [ 42 ] and air [ 44 ]), the intake extension tube [ 48 ], the accordion section [ 30 ], the plug extension tube [ 47 ], and the plug housing [ 20 ] with attached plug housing seal [ 22 ]. 
         [0044]    The portable sink drain diverters [ 10  and  110 ] of the present invention are preferably made of the highest quality plastic or rust-proof metal materials to withstand high boiling temperatures that may be wanted for cleaning or sanitizing the device. The current materials of choice are heavy-duty polypropylene and TPE which are high-end materials engineered for long-lasting durability. The current residential and commercial version portable sink drain diverter of the present invention is made of a high temperature-resistant polypropylene and TPE material (thermoplastic, polymer elastomer), can withstand boiling water and machine dishwasher temperature (used during optional unit sanitation). The material is recyclable and BPA-Free. 
         [0045]    BPA stands for “bisphenol A”. BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s. In particular, BPA is found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. The National Toxicology Program at the Department of Health and Human Services says it has “some concern” about the possible health effects of BPA on the brain, behavior and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children. 
         [0046]    Seeking out BPA-free products may not always be easy to do, of course. Some manufacturers label their products as BPA-free. If a product isn&#39;t labeled, keep in mind that most aluminum cans or bottles have linings that contain BPA, while steel bottles or cans don&#39;t. Polycarbonate plastic is generally hard, clear, lightweight plastic. It often has the No. 7 recycling symbol on the bottom. 
         [0047]    The polypropylene of choice also has a memory behavior when it was given a pressure perturbation. The necked material may also be treated while necked to instill a memory into the material to cause the material to retract (see for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,122 (Morman). 
         [0048]    Throughout this application, various patents and Provisional Applications are referenced by number and inventor. The disclosures of these documents in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this specification in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains. 
         [0049]    It is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations of the portable sink drain diverter of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the disclosure herein. It is intended that the metes and bounds of the present invention be determined by the appended claims rather than by the language of the above specification, and that all such alternatives, modifications, and variations which form a conjointly cooperative equivalent are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of these claims. 
       PARTS LIST 
       [0000]    
       
           10 . Residential Portable Sink Drain Diverter 
           20 . Plug Housing 
           22 . Plug Housing Seal 
           30 . Accordion 
           31 . 1 st  Accordion Long Connector End 
           32 . 2 nd  Accordion Short Connector End 
           40 . Intake 
           42 . Water Intake Passages 
           44 . Air Intake Passages 
           45 . Plug Housing Rectangular Groove 
           46 . Intake Rectangular Groove 
           47 . Plug Housing Extension Tube 
           48 . Intake Extension Tube 
           50 . Rectangular O-Ring 
           110 . Commercial Portable Sink Drain Diverter